bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting galaxy tidal features using self-supervised representation learning
Authors: Desmons Alice , Brough Sarah , Lanusse Francois
Published: June 2024

Low surface brightness substructures around galaxies, known as tidal features, are a valuable tool in the detection of past or ongoing galaxy mergers, and their properties can answer questions about the progenitor galaxies involved in the interactions. The assembly of current tidal feature samples is primarily achieved using visual classification, making it difficult to construct large samples and draw accurate and statistically robust conclusions about the galaxy evolution process. With upcoming large optical imaging surveys such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time, predicted to observe billions of galaxies, it is imperative that we refine our methods of detecting and classifying samples of merging galaxies. This paper presents promising results from a self-supervised machine learning model, trained on data from the Ultradeep layer of the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program optical imaging survey, designed to automate the detection of tidal features. We find that self-supervised models are capable of detecting tidal features, and that our model outperforms previous automated tidal feature detection methods, including a fully supervised model. An earlier method applied to real galaxy images achieved 76 per cent completeness for 22 per cent contamination, while our model achieves considerably higher (96 per cent) completeness for the same level of contamination. We emphasize a number of advantages of self-supervised models over fully supervised models including maintaining excellent performance when using only 50 labelled examples for training, and the ability to perform similarity searches using a single example of a galaxy with tidal features.
Widespread AGN feedback in a forming brightest cluster galaxy at z = 4.1, unveiled by JWST
Authors: Saxena Aayush , Overzier Roderik A , Villar-Martín Montserrat , Heckman Tim , Roy Namrata , Duncan Kenneth J , Röttgering Huub , Miley George , Aydar Catarina , Best Philip , Bosman Sarah E I , Cameron Alex J , Gabányi Krisztina Éva , Humphrey Andrew , Morais Sandy , Onoue Masafusa , Pentericci Laura , Reynaldi Victoria , Venemans Bram
Published: June 2024

We present rest-frame optical JWST Near-infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy of TN J1338−1942 at z = 4.1, one of the most luminous galaxies in the early universe with powerful extended radio jets. Previous observations showed evidence for strong, large-scale outflows based on its large (∼150 kpc) halo detected in Ly α, and high-velocity [O ii] emission features detected in ground-based spectroscopy. Our NIRSpec/IFU observations spatially resolve the emission line properties across the host galaxy. We find at least five concentrations of strong line emission, coinciding with discrete continuum features previously detected in imaging from Hubble Space Telescope and JWST, over an extent of ∼2 arcsec (∼15 kpc). The spectral diagnostics unambiguously trace active galactic nuclei (AGN) activity plus interaction between the interstellar medium and the radio jet as the dominant mechanisms for the ionization state and kinematics of the gas in the system. A secondary region of very high ionization lies at roughly 5 kpc away from the nucleus, and within the context of an expanding cocoon enveloping the radio lobe, this may be explained by strong shock-ionization of the entrained gas. However, it could also signal the presence of a second obscured AGN, which may offer an explanation for an intriguing outflow feature seen perpendicular to the radio axis. The presence of a dual supermassive black holes system in this galaxy would support that large galaxies in the early Universe quickly accumulated their mass through the merging of smaller units, at the centres of large overdensities. The inferred black hole mass to stellar mass ratio of 0.01−0.1 for TNJ1338 points to a more rapid assembly of black holes compared to the stellar mass of galaxies at high redshifts, consistent with other recent observations.
Replication protein A dynamically re-organizes on primer/template junctions to permit DNA polymerase δ holoenzyme assembly and initiation of DNA synthesis
Authors: Norris Jessica L , Rogers Lindsey O , Pytko Kara G , Dannenberg Rachel L , Perreault Samuel , Kaushik Vikas , Kuppa Sahiti , Antony Edwin , Hedglin Mark
Published: June 2024

DNA polymerase δ (pol δ) holoenzymes, comprised of pol δ and the processivity sliding clamp, PCNA, carry out DNA synthesis during lagging strand replication, initiation of leading strand replication, and the major DNA damage repair and tolerance pathways. Pol δ holoenzymes are assembled at primer/template (P/T) junctions and initiate DNA synthesis in a stepwise process involving the major single strand DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein complex, RPA, the processivity sliding clamp loader, RFC, PCNA and pol δ. During this process, the interactions of RPA, RFC and pol δ with a P/T junction all significantly overlap. A burning issue that has yet to be resolved is how these overlapping interactions are accommodated during this process. To address this, we design and utilize novel, ensemble FRET assays that continuously monitor the interactions of RPA, RFC, PCNA and pol δ with DNA as pol δ holoenzymes are assembled and initiate DNA synthesis. Results from the present study reveal that RPA remains engaged with P/T junctions throughout this process and the RPA•DNA complexes dynamically re-organize to allow successive binding of RFC and pol δ. These results have broad implications as they highlight and distinguish the functional consequences of dynamic RPA•DNA interactions in RPA-dependent DNA metabolic processes.
Plectic Jacobians
Authors: Fornea Michele
Published: June 2024

Looking for a geometric framework to study plectic Heegner points, we define a collection of abelian varieties – called plectic Jacobians—using the middle-degree cohomology of quaternionic Shimura varieties (QSVs). The construction is inspired by the definition of Griffiths’ intermediate Jacobians and rests on Nekovář–Scholl’s notion of plectic Hodge structures. Moreover, we construct exotic Abel–Jacobi maps sending certain zero cycles on QSVs to plectic Jacobians.
Aligning antimicrobial resistance surveillance with schistosomiasis research: an interlinked One Health approach
Authors: O'Ferrall Angus M , Musaya Janelisa , Stothard J Russell , Roberts Adam P
Published: June 2024

One Health surveillance involves the analysis of human, animal and environmental samples, recognising their interconnectedness in health systems. Such considerations are crucial to investigate the transmission of many pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria and parasites. The highest rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-associated deaths are observed in sub-Saharan Africa, where concurrently the waterborne parasitic disease schistosomiasis can be highly endemic in both humans and animals. Although there is growing acknowledgment of significant interactions between bacteria and parasites, knowledge of relationships between schistosomes, microbes and AMR remains inadequate. In addition, newly emergent research has revealed the previously underappreciated roles of animals and the environment in both AMR and schistosomiasis transmission. We consider shared environmental drivers and colonisation linkage in this narrative review, with a focus on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-mediated resistance among bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family, which is exceedingly prevalent and responsible for a high burden of AMR-associated deaths. Then we examine novel findings from Malawi, where the landscapes of AMR and schistosomiasis are rapidly evolving, and make comparisons to other geographic areas with similar co-infection epidemiology. We identify several knowledge gaps that could be addressed in future research, including the need to characterise the impact of intestinal schistosomiasis and freshwater contact on intestinal AMR colonisation, before proposing a rationale for connecting AMR surveillance and schistosomiasis research within a One Health framework.
XVAmerican Literature to 1900
Authors: White Rebecca
Published: June 2024

This chapter has two sections: 1. Periodicals; 2. Books. Due to unforeseen circumstances, there was no coverage of American literature to 1900 in YWES last year. Consequently, this chapter includes work published in 2021 and 2022.
Long-term intravenous devices: a narrative review of their placement
Authors: Roche Sabine
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

This review summarizes the latest findings and recommendations about the characteristics, indications and use of peripheral and central long-term venous access devices.

The various complications inherent in these devices are becoming better known, and their contributing factors determined, which could make it possible to reduce their incidence.

Recent findings

Some measures are integrated into recommendations for good practice, such as appropriate selection of devices, the preferential use of the thinnest catheters, and cyanoacrylate glue and dressings impregnated with chlorhexidine.

Improving understanding of the phenomena leading to infectious and thrombotic complications, as well as better knowing the differences between intravenous devices and their respective indications, should lead to improvement of in-hospital and out-of-hospital care.
Progress in the validation of nociception monitoring in guiding intraoperative analgesic therapy
Authors: Van Santvliet Hendrik , Vereecke Hugo E.M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

This article summarizes the current level of validation for several nociception monitors using a categorized validation process to facilitate the comparison of performance.

Recent findings

Nociception monitors improve the detection of a shift in the nociception and antinociception balance during anesthesia, guiding perioperative analgesic therapy. A clear overview and comparison of the validation process for these monitors is missing.

Results

Within a 2-year time-frame, we identified validation studies for four monitors [analgesia nociception index (ANI), nociception level monitor (NOL), surgical pleth index (SPI), and pupillometry]. We categorized these studies in one out of six mandatory validation steps: developmental studies, clinical validation studies, pharmacological validation studies, clinical utility studies, outcome improvement studies and economical evaluation studies. The current level of validation for most monitors is mainly focused on the first three categories, whereas ANI, NOL, and SPI advanced most in the availability of clinical utility studies and provide confirmation of a clinical outcome improvement. Analysis of economical value for public health effects is not yet publicly available for the studied monitors.

This review proposes a stepwise structure for validation of new monitoring technology, which facilitates comparison between the level of validation of different devices and identifies the need for future research questions.
Environmental impact of anesthetic drugs
Authors: Gordon Diane W.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

The environmental impact of anesthesia far exceeds that of other medical specialties due to our use of inhaled anesthetic agents (which are potent greenhouse gases) and many intravenous medications.

Recent findings

Calls for reducing the carbon footprint of anesthesia are ubiquitous in the anesthesia societies of developed nations and are appearing in proposed changes for hospital accreditation and funding in the United States. The body of research on atmospheric, land and water impacts of anesthetic pharmaceuticals is growing and generally reinforces existing recommendations to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of anesthesia care.

The environmental impact of anesthesia care should factor into our clinical decisions. The onus is on clinicians to safely care for our patients in ways that contribute the least harm to the environment. Intravenous anesthesia and regional techniques have less environmental impact than the use of inhaled agents; efforts to reduce and properly dispose of pharmaceutical waste are central to reducing environmental burden; desflurane should not be used; nitrous oxide should be avoided except where clinically necessary; central nitrous pipelines should be abandoned; low fresh gas flows should be utilized whenever inhaled agents are used.
Remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia: the current state of affairs
Authors: Vitin Alexander A. , Egan Talmage D.
Published: June 2024

Remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) is a part of a general opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) syndrome, seemingly resulting from abrupt cessation of continuous remifentanil infusion at rates equal or exceeding 0.3 mcg/kg/min. The intricate mechanisms of its development are still not completely understood. However, hyperactivation of the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor system, descending spinal facilitation and increased concentration of dynorphin (a κ-opioid ligand) are commonly proposed as possible mechanisms. Several ways of prevention and management have been suggested, such as slow withdrawal of remifentanil infusion, the addition of propofol, pretreatment with or concomitant administration of ketamine, buprenorphine, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (NSAIDs), methadone, dexmedetomidine. In clinical and animal studies, these strategies exhibited varying success, and many are still being investigated.
Quality and Readability of Online Educational Mohs Micrographic Surgery Resources
Authors: Nigro Alexandra R. , Osman Alim , Nanda Sonali , Collins Lindsey K.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

As internet access continues to expand, online health care information is increasingly influencing patient decisions. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is commonly used in the field of dermatology but may be unfamiliar to many patients.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze online educational resources regarding MMS and learn how to optimize the understanding and informational content of MMS for patients and their families.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two websites were evaluated for authorship, quality, and readability using DISCERN, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, and Flesch–Kincaid tests.

RESULTS

Physician-authored content showed a trend toward higher quality (p= .058). Google scored higher in specific DISCERN questions when overlapping websites were excluded. Bing scored higher in JAMA criteria (p= .03) in criteria such as authorship and currency. Higher DISCERN scores correlated with lower readability.

CONCLUSION

Physician involvement improves content quality, raising questions about physicians' responsibility in online resource creation. Correlations between content quality and readability highlight potential challenges for certain demographics. Balancing medical accuracy with comprehensibility is crucial for equitable patient education. This study underscores the need to refine online resources, ensuring accurate, transparent, and accessible health care information.
Blood pressure variability at rest and during pressor challenges in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Roy Sankanika , Lam Man Y. , Panerai Ronney B. , Robinson Thompson G. , Minhas Jatinder S.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have elevated blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) and reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) at rest for several days after initial stroke symptoms. We aimed to assess BPV and BRS in AIS patients during pressor challenge maneuvers in the acute and subacute phases of stroke. Pressor challenge maneuvers simulate day-to-day activities and can predict the quality of life.

Methods

Continuous beat-to-beat BP and ECG in 15 AIS patients (mean age 69 ± 7.5 years) and 15 healthy controls (57 ± 16 years) were recorded at rest and during a 5-min rapid head positioning (RHP) paradigm. Patients were assessed within 24 h (acute phase) and 7 days (subacute phase) of stroke onset. Low frequency (LF) SBP power (measure of BPV), LF-α, and combined α-index (measure of BRS) were calculated from the recordings.

Results

In the acute phase, at rest, LF-SBP power was higher (P = 0.024) and α-index was lower (P = 0.006) in AIS patients than in healthy controls. There was no change in LF-SBP during RHP in the patients but in healthy controls, it increased significantly (P = 0.018). In the subacute phase, at rest, the alpha-index increased (P = 0.037) and LF-SBP decreased (P = 0.029) significantly in the AIS patients, however, there was still no rise in the LF-SBP power during RHP (P = 0.240).

Conclusion

AIS patients have a high resting BPV. High resting BPV may be responsible for blunted BPV responses during pressor challenge maneuvers such as RHP, suggesting ongoing autonomic dysfunction and compromised quality of life.
Future for cardiogenic shock research
Authors: Møller Jacob Eifer , Thiele Holger , Hassager Christian
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

To discuss future research themes and study design in cardiogenic shock.

Recent findings

Cardiogenic shock research faces multiple challenges, hindering progress in understanding and treating this life-threatening condition. Cardiogenic shock's heterogeneous nature poses challenges in patient selection for clinical trials, potentially leading to variability in treatment responses and outcomes. Ethical considerations arise due to the acuity and severity of the condition, posing challenges in obtaining informed consent and conducting randomized controlled trials where time to treatment is pivotal.

This review discusses research in this area focusing on the importance of phenotyping patients with cardiogenic shock, based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and unravel new molecular mechanisms using proteomics and metabolomics. Further, the future research focus in mechanical circulatory support and targeting inflammation is reviewed. Finally, newer trial designs including adaptive platform trials are discussed.
How preclinical models help to improve outcome in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Moiroux-Sahraoui Alexander , Manicone Francesca , Herpain Antoine
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Preclinical experimentation of cardiogenic shock resuscitation on large animal models represents a powerful tool to decipher its complexity and improve its poor outcome, when small animal models are lacking external validation, and clinical investigation are limited due to technical and ethical constraints. This review illustrates the currently available preclinical models addressing reliably the physiopathology and hemodynamic phenotype of cardiogenic shock, highlighting on the opposite questionable translation based on low severity acute myocardial infarction (AMI) models.

Recent findings

Three types of preclinical models replicate reliably AMI-related cardiogenic shock, either with coronary microembolization, coronary deoxygenated blood perfusion or double critical coronary sub-occlusion. These models overcame the pitfall of frequent periprocedural cardiac arrest and offer, to different extents, robust opportunities to investigate pharmacological and/or mechanical circulatory support therapeutic strategies, cardioprotective approaches improving heart recovery and mitigation of the systemic inflammatory reaction. They all came with their respective strengths and weaknesses, allowing the researcher to select the right preclinical model for the right clinical question.

AMI-related cardiogenic shock preclinical models are now well established and should replace low severity AMI models. Technical and ethical constraints are not trivial, but this translational research is a key asset to build up meaningful future clinical investigations.
What is cardiogenic shock? New clinical criteria urgently needed
Authors: Ostadal Petr , Belohlavek Jan
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Cardiogenic shock is a clinical syndrome with different causes and a complex pathophysiology. Recent evidence from clinical trials evokes the urgent need for redefining clinical diagnostic criteria to be compliant with the definition of cardiogenic shock and current diagnostic methods.

Recent findings

Conflicting results from randomized clinical trials investigating mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock have elicited several extremely important questions. At minimum, it is questionable whether survivors of cardiac arrest should be included in trials focused on cardiogenic shock. Moreover, considering the wide availability of ultrasound and hemodynamic monitors capable of arterial pressure analysis, the current clinical diagnostic criteria based on the presence of hypotension and hypoperfusion have become insufficient. As such, new clinical criteria for the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock should include evidence of low cardiac output and appropriate ventricular filling pressure.

Clinical diagnostic criteria for cardiogenic shock should be revised to better define cardiac pump failure as a primary cause of hemodynamic compromise.
Exercise training in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients
Authors: Bourgeois Nicholas , Tansey Catherine M. , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Exercise training programs are an integral part of the management of solid organ transplantation (SOT) candidates and recipients. Despite this, they are not widely available and specific guidelines on exercise parameters for each type of organ are not currently provided. A review of this topic could help clinicians to prescribe appropriate exercise regimens for their patients.

Recent findings

In this narrative review, we discuss the physical impairments of SOT candidates and recipients and how these affect their physical function and transplant outcomes. We examine recent systematic reviews, statements, and randomized controlled trials on exercise training in SOT candidates and recipients and present the current available evidence while providing some practical recommendations for clinicians based on the frequency, intensity, time, and type principle.

While randomized controlled trials of better methodology quality are needed to strengthen the evidence for the effects of exercise training and for the optimal training characteristics, the available evidence points to beneficial effects of many different types of exercise. The current evidence can provide some guidance for clinicians on the prescription of exercise training for transplant candidates and recipients.
Five-Year Procedure Volume Outcomes From a Dedicated Obstetrics and Gynecology Rural-Track Residency
Authors: Urban Charlotte , Hawes Emily , Page Cristen P. , Rodefeld Lori , Klein Alison , Spencer Ryan
Published: June 2024

One reason for the alarming closure of rural obstetric units is a shortage of rural obstetrician–gynecologists (ob-gyns). Given that rural training influences future practice location, our institution initiated the first rural track for obstetrics and gynecology residents in 2017 to create a pathway for rural ob-gyns. The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education procedure volume outcomes for the initial 5 years of the rural track were compared with the traditional main track. All residents exceeded required procedure minimums in each year. Compared with the main track, the rural track demonstrated lower numbers of operative deliveries, abortion procedures, and transvaginal ultrasonograms but higher vaginal hysterectomy numbers. These data provide evidence that rural tracks in obstetrics and gynecology can maintain procedure volumes while offering critical structured rural exposure for residents.
In vivo study of the effect of anlotinib on the stemness of the lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Zhan Jing , Huang Shu , Wei Bai , Huang Zao-Zao , Yang Sheng-Li
Published: June 2024

Background

In vivo experiments were conducted to examine the effects of the targeted drug anlotinib on the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and lenvatinib-resistant liver cancer cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

A subcutaneous xenograft model of Hep3B-derived HCC was established in nude mice, which were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 5 males per group): (1) intragastric administration of anlotinib (0.4 mg/kg) and (2) intragastric administration of normal saline. We constructed lenvatinib-resistant cell lines and randomly divided the mice into 3 groups (n = 5 males per group): (1) intragastric administration of anlotinib, (2) intragastric administration of lenvatinib, and (3) intragastric administration of normal saline. After 2 weeks of treatment, tumor tissues were harvested, and mRNA and proteins were isolated from the tissues. Changes in the expression of cancer stemness markers (epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM], CD13, CD90, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 [ALDH1], CD44, and CD45), totipotency factors (sex-determining region Y-box 2 [Sox2], Nanog, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 [Oct4]), and genes related to the Notch signaling pathway were examined.

Results

Compared with that in the control group, tumor size and weight were reduced in nude mice treated with anlotinib. These differences were statistically significant in both the types of nude mice. Anlotinib affected stemness markers and totipotency factors by downregulating the expression of CD133, CD90, and G-protein–coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) and upregulating the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and Sox2. In addition, lenvatinib-resistant cell lines increased Notch signaling pathway, whereas anlotinib inhibited Notch signaling pathway.

Conclusions

The antitumor effect of anlotinib on HCC and lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells may occur through inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway. Anlotinib may be the drug of choice for sequential therapy in lenvatinib-resistant liver cancer.
Downregulation of the circadian clock gene period 2 aggravates prognosis in breast cancer patients with obesity
Authors: Wu Ru-Xing , Hu Dan , Zhang Han-Wang , Huang Xiao-Yuan , Zhuang Liang
Published: June 2024

Background

Obese individuals diagnosed with breast cancer often experience a less favorable prognosis; however, the underlying mechanisms linking obesity to breast cancer outcomes remain elusive. This study aimed to identify and validate novel prognostic markers associated with breast cancer in patients with obesity.

Methods

We conducted a reanalysis of gene expression profiles from normal-weight, overweight, and obese breast cancer patients to identify candidate genes. Subsequently, we validated the protein levels of these candidates using immunohistochemistry. Finally, we investigated the association between candidate genes and breast cancer prognosis at Tongji Hospital, utilizing data from an 8-year follow-up through the Kaplan-Meier method and univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

The fold change of the circadian clock gene period 2 (PER2), which exhibited a declining trend with increasing body mass index, was 0.76 in obese patients compared with normal-weight patients. The expression rates of PER2 protein were 44.7%, 51.5%, and 61.3% in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively. The 8-year recurrence-free survival rates were 75.9%, 69.6%, and 64.1%, whereas the 8-year overall survival rates were 86.8%, 83.0%, and 76.1% in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 8-year recurrence-free survival rates were 66.2% and 76.4%, and the 8-year overall survival rates were 79.9% and 86.3% in the low and high PER2 expression groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The unadjusted hazard ratio for PER2 was 1.550 (95% confidence interval, 1.029–2.335), and the adjusted hazard ratio was 3.003 (95% confidence interval, 1.838–4.907).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that low PER2 expression serves as an independent risk factor for breast cancer prognosis and may contribute to the unfavorable outcomes observed in obese patients.
Massive bleeding in small intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma associated with COVID-19 infection: a case report
Authors: Huang Meiling , Wu Xiaowei , Wang Ji
Published: June 2024

The increased risk of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is closely associated with chronic antigenic stimulation, with infection being the most common cause of recurrence. Lesions are usually associated with the gastrointestinal tract, and the involvement of small intestinal is rare. Recent studies have established a close relationship between novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and the occurrence and progression of various diseases. This article presents a rare case of a small intestinal MALT lymphoma. The patient was initially admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequently developed gastrointestinal bleeding during hospitalization. Medical and endoscopic treatments were ineffective, and an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. The affected segment of the small intestine was excised, and a pathological biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. This case underscores the significance of raising clinical awareness of this condition among health care professionals.
Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Reveals High Rates of Suicidality in 602 Patients With Cleft and Craniofacial Conditions
Authors: Romeo Dominic J. , Le Thalia , Massenburg Benjamin B. , Wu Meagan , Ng Jinggang J. , Salinero Lauren K. , Akarapimand Patrick , Liao Eric C. , Rudofker Adam , Taylor Jesse A. , Magee Leanne
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Little is known about rates of suicidal ideation and behavior among youth with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and other craniofacial conditions.

Methods:

Records of patients ages 6 and older who were administered the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Lifetime Version during routine multidisciplinary cleft or craniofacial team visits between 2019 and 2023 were examined. Demographics information, C-SSRS data, and diagnoses were assessed with statistics including t tests, the Fisher exact test, and odds ratios.

Results:

A total of 1140 C-SSRS questionnaires across 602 (433 CLP and 169 craniofacial) patients with an average age of 11.2±3.7 years were included. Eighty-four (13.6%) patients endorsed lifetime suicidal ideation, 9 (1.5%) had at least one instance of suicidal behavior, 30 (5.0%) endorsed nonsuicidal self-injury, and 2 (0.3%) engaged in self-injurious behavior. Compared with CLP, those with other craniofacial conditions had similar odds of endorsing suicidal ideation and behavior (P≥0.05). Compared with those with isolated cleft palates, CLP had greater odds of endorsing suicidal ideation and behavior, though those differences were not significant (P≥0.05). Incidence of suicidality was unchanged before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic (P≥0.05). Dividing patients by sex or insurance type revealed no difference in suicidality (P≥0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with CLP and craniofacial conditions have a high incidence of suicidal ideation and behavior, though levels are similar between these groups. Suicidality in these patients was not negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early identification of safety risks and psychosocial challenges through regular screening can facilitate connection with appropriate clinical interventions.
Consequences of a Surveillance Strategy for Side-branch Intraductal Pancreatic Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Wehrle Chase J. , Hossain Mir Shanaz , Perlmutter Breanna , Chang Jenny H. , Joyce Daniel , Simon Robert , Augustin Toms , Walsh R. Matthew
Published: June 2024

Objective:

To quantify the rate of progression in surveilled cysts and assess what factors should indicate delayed resection.

Background:

Side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (SB-IPMNs) are increasingly discovered, making it challenging to identify which patients require resection, thus avoiding inappropriate treatment. Most incidental lesions are surveyed, yet the consequences of that decision remain uncertain.

Methods:

A prospectively maintained database of pancreatic cystic neoplasms was queried for patients with SB-IPMN. Patients with ≥2 imaging studies >6 months apart were included. Clinically relevant progression (CR-progression) was defined by symptoms, worrisome/high-risk stigmata, or invasive cancer (IC). Growth ≥5 mm in 2 years is considered CR-progression; size ≥3 cm alone is not.

Results:

Between 1997 and 2023, 1337 patients were diagnosed with SB-IPMN. Thirty-seven (2.7%) underwent up-front surgery; 1000 (75.0%) had >6 months of surveillance.

The rate of CR-progression was 15.3% (n = 153) based on size increase (n = 63, 6.3%), main-duct involvement (n = 48, 4.8%), symptoms (n = 8, 5.0%), or other criteria (n = 34, 3.4%). At a median follow-up of 6.6 years (interquartile range: 3.0–10.26), 17 patients (1.7%) developed IC. Those with CR-progression developed IC in 11.1% (n = 17) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in 6.5% (n = 10). Nearly half of the cancers were not contiguous with the surveyed SB-IPMN.

Size ≥3 cm was not associated with HGD/IC (P = 0.232). HGD/IC was least common in CR-progression determined by size growth (6.3%) versus main-duct involvement (24%) or other (43%, P < 0.001)

Patients with CR-progression demonstrated improved survival (overall survival) with resection on time-to-event (P < 0.001) and multivariate Cox regression (hazard ratio = 0.205, 0.096–0.439, P < 0.001) analyses. Overall survival was not improved with resection in all patients (P = 0.244).

Conclusions:

CR-progression for SB-IPMNs is uncommon, with the development of cancer anywhere in the pancreas being rare. Initial size should not drive resection. Long-term and consistent nonoperative surveillance is warranted, with surgery currently reserved for CR-progression, knowing that the majority of these still harbor low-grade pathology.
Assessing friction and damage of cell monolayers on soft substrates
in vitro
Authors: Wagner Rasmus , Carré Matt J. , Perrault Cecile M. , Evans Paul C. , Lewis Roger
Published: June 2024

In the area of surgical applications, understanding the interaction between medical device materials and tissue is important since this interaction may cause complications. The interaction often consists of a cell monolayer touching the medical device that can be mimicked
in vitro
. Prominent examples of this are contact lenses, where epithelial cells interact with the contact lens, or stents and catheters, which are in contact with endothelial cells. To investigate those interactions, in previous studies, expensive microtribometers were used to avoid pressures in the contact area far beyond physiologically relevant levels. Here, we aim to present a new methodology that is cost- and time-efficient, more accessible than those used previously and allows for the application of more realistic pressures, while permitting a quantification of the damage caused to the monolayer. For this, a soft polydimethylsiloxane is employed that better mimics the mechanical properties of blood vessels than materials used in other studies. Furthermore, a technique to account for misalignments within the experiment set-up is presented. This is carried out using the raw spatial and force data recorded by the tribometer and adjusting for misalignments. The methodology is demonstrated using an endothelial cell (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) monolayer.
Phenotypic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Presumptive Tuberculosis Patient across One Health Interface
Authors: OJO Abidemi Esther , OJO Olugbenga A , ADEBAJO SEUN O. , Oloyede Adejare Rasaq , Ajibola Abiola T , adebanjo omolade D , ojo David A
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Globally, Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries highly burdened with tuberculosis (TB), TB/Human immunodeficiency virus and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Objective

This study aimed to characterize carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in presumptive tuberculosis patients across one health interface.

Methods

Sixty-six sputum samples from presumptive tuberculosis patients, fecal samples of animals loitering the hospital and environmental soil samples were collected and characterized. Isolated Enterobacteriaceae were screened for multidrug resistance and characterized for carbapenemase production.

Result

Fifty-seven enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 66 samples of sputum, fecal and soil samples. The frequency of occurrence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was 66.7% and 100% in sputum and fecal samples, respectively, while 60% of the soil sample was Proteus mirabilis. Multidrug resistance was exhibited, with ceftizidime showing the highest resistance of 100%, augumentin (95.7%), and nitrofurantoin (59.6%) in sputum samples. Animal and fecal samples showed similar resistance patterns to antibiotics with gentamicin, cefixime augementin and nitrofurantin. Majority (70.2%) were carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, while only 34% were producing metallo-beta lactamase from sputum samples. Conclusions: The interconnectivity and frequency of CRE occurrence was found to be high in this study across the three pillars of One Health.
First radial excitations of mesons and diquarks in a contact interaction
Authors: Paredes-Torres G. , Gutiérrez-Guerrero L. X. , Bashir A. , Miramontes Ángel S.
Published: June 2024

We present a calculation for the masses of the first radially excited states of 40 mesons and diquarks made up of u, d, s, c, and b quarks, including states that contain one or both heavy quarks. To this end, we employ a combined analysis of the Bethe-Salpeter and Schwinger-Dyson equations within a self-consistent and symmetry-preserving vector-vector contact interaction. The same set of parameters describes ground and excited states of mesons and their diquark partners. The wave function of the first radial excitation contains a zero whose location is correlated with an additional parameter dF which is a function of dressed quark masses. Our results satisfy the equal spacing rules given by the Gell-Mann Okubo mass relations. Wherever possible, we make comparisons of our findings with known experimental observations as well as theoretical predictions of several other models and approaches including lattice quantum chromodynamics, finding a very good agreement. We report predictions for a multitude of radial excitations not yet observed in experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Collider imprints of a right handed neutrino magnetic moment operator
Authors: Chun Eung Jin , Mandal Sanjoy , Padhan Rojalin
Published: June 2024

We consider the most general effective Lagrangian up to dimension five, built with Standard Model fields and right-handed neutrinos (RHNs) Ni. Assuming that the RHNs are present near the electroweak scale, we study the phenomenology of the RHNs and highlight the differences that arise due to the inclusion of dimension five operators. We specifically focus on the production process e+e−/pp→NiNj, which comes from the dimension five magnetic moment operator. We find that this production process followed by the decay chains such as Ni→Njγ, Ni→νjγ, and Ni→ℓ±jj leads to striking collider signatures, which might help to probe the Majorana nature of neutrinos. We discuss the current collider constraints on this operator, as well as projected limit at future colliders. In addition, we discuss the stellar-cooling bounds applicable to the RHN mass below 0.1 GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Moduli axions, stabilizing moduli, and the large field swampland conjecture in heterotic M-theory
Authors: Deffayet Cédric , Ovrut Burt A. , Steinhardt Paul J.
Published: June 2024

We compute the F- and D-term potential energy for the dilaton, complex structure, and Kähler moduli of realistic vacua of heterotic M-theory compactified on Calabi-Yau threefolds where, for simplicity, we choose h1,1=h2,1=1. However, the formalism is immediately applicable to the “universal” moduli of Calabi-Yau threefolds with h1,1=h1,2>1 as well. The F-term potential is computed using the nonperturbative complex structure, gaugino condensate and “world sheet instanton” superpotentials in theories in which the hidden sector contains an anomalous U(1) structure group. The Green-Schwarz anomaly cancellation induces inhomogeneous “axion” transformations for the imaginary components of the dilaton and Kähler modulus—which then produce a D-term potential. VD is a function of the real components of the dilaton and Kähler modulus (s and t) that is minimized and precisely vanishes along a unique line in the s−t plane. Excitations transverse to this line have a mass manom which is an explicit function of t. The F-term potential energy is then evaluated along the VD=0 line. For values of t small enough that manom≳MU—where MU is the compactification scale—we plot VF for a realistic choice of coefficients as a function of the Pfaffian parameter p. We find values of p for which VF has a global minimum at negative or zero vacuum density or a metastable minimum with positive vacuum density. In all three cases, the s, t, and associated “axion” moduli are completely stabilized. Finally, we show that, for any of these vacua, the large t behavior of the potential energy satisfies the “large scalar field” Swampland conjecture.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Neural-shadow quantum state tomography
Authors: Wei Victor , Coish W. A. , Ronagh Pooya , Muschik Christine A.
Published: June 2024

Quantum state tomography (QST) is the art of reconstructing an unknown quantum state through measurements. It is a key primitive for developing quantum technologies. Neural network quantum state tomography (NNQST), which aims to reconstruct the quantum state via a neural network ansatz, is often implemented via a basis-dependent cross-entropy loss function. State-of-the-art implementations of NNQST are often restricted to characterizing a particular subclass of states, to avoid an exponential growth in the number of required measurement settings. To provide a more broadly applicable method for efficient state reconstruction, we present “neural-shadow quantum state tomography” (NSQST)—an alternative neural network-based QST protocol that uses infidelity as the loss function. The infidelity is estimated using the classical shadows of the target state. Infidelity is a natural choice for training loss, benefiting from the proven measurement sample efficiency of the classical shadow formalism. Furthermore, NSQST is robust against various types of noise without any error mitigation. We numerically demonstrate the advantage of NSQST over NNQST at learning the relative phases of three target quantum states of practical interest, as well as the advantage over direct shadow estimation. NSQST greatly extends the practical reach of NNQST and provides a novel route to effective quantum state tomography.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lindblad dynamics from spatio-temporal correlation functions in nonintegrable spin-
1/2
chains with different boundary conditions
Authors: Kraft Markus , Richter Jonas , Jin Fengping , Nandy Sourav , Herbrych Jacek , Michielsen Kristel , De Raedt Hans , Gemmer Jochen , Steinigeweg Robin
Published: June 2024

We investigate the Lindblad equation in the context of boundary-driven magnetization transport in spin-1/2 chains. Our central question is whether the nonequilibrium steady state of the open system, including its buildup in time, can be described on the basis of the dynamics in the closed system. To this end, we rely on a previous study [Heitmann , ], in which a description in terms of spatio-temporal correlation functions was suggested in the case of weak driving and small system-bath coupling. Because this work focused on integrable systems and periodic boundary conditions, we here extend the analysis in three directions: (1) We consider nonintegrable systems, (2) we take into account open boundary conditions and other bath-coupling geometries, and (3) we provide a comparison to time-evolving block decimation. While we find that nonintegrability plays a minor role, the choice of the specific boundary conditions can be crucial due to potentially nondecaying edge modes. Our large-scale numerical simulations suggest that a description based on closed-system correlation functions is a useful alternative to already existing state-of-the-art approaches.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Environmental memory facilitates search with home returns
Authors: Altshuler Amy , Bonomo Ofek Lauber , Gorohovsky Nicole , Marchini Shany , Rosen Eran , Tal-Friedman Ofir , Reuveni Shlomi , Roichman Yael
Published: June 2024

Search processes in the natural world are often punctuated by home returns that reset the position of foraging animals, birds, and insects. Many theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies have now demonstrated that this strategy can drastically facilitate search, which could explain its prevalence. To further facilitate search, foragers also work as a group: modifying their surroundings in highly sophisticated ways, e.g., by leaving chemical scent trails that imprint the memory of previous excursions. Here, we design a controlled experiment to show that the benefit coming from such environmental memory is significant even for a single, nonintelligent searcher that is limited to simple physical interactions with its surroundings. To this end, we employ a self-propelled bristle robot that moves randomly within an arena filled with obstacles that the robot can push around. To mimic home returns, we reset the bristle robot's position at constant time intervals. We show that trails created by the robot give rise to a form of environmental memory that facilitates search by increasing the effective diffusion coefficient. Numerical simulations and theoretical estimates designed to capture the essential physics of the experiment support our conclusions and indicate that these are not limited to the particular system studied herein.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topological superfluid responses of superconducting Dirac semimetals
Authors: Wang Jun-Ang , Assili Mohamed , Kotetes Panagiotis
Published: June 2024

We demonstrate that topological constraints do not only dictate the geometric part of the superfluid stiffness, but can also govern the superfluid stiffness. By introducing a general adiabatic approach for superfluid responses, we showcase such a possibility by proving that the stiffness of a superconducting Dirac cone in two dimensions (2D) is proportional to its topological charge. By relying on the emergent Lorentz invariance of Dirac electrons, we unify the superfluid stiffness and quantum capacitance in these systems. Based on this connection, we further predict a topological origin for the quantum capacitance of a Josephson junction where 2D massless Dirac electrons are sandwiched between two conventional superconductors. We show that the topological responses persist upon effecting strain, are resilient against weak disorder, and can be experimentally controlled via a Zeeman field. Remarkably, the nonuniversal topological quantization of the two superfluid responses, yet implies the universal topological quantization of the admittance modulus of the superconducting Dirac system in units of conductance. The quantum admittance effect arises when embedding the superconducting Dirac system in an ac electrical circuit with a frequency tuned at the absorption edge. These findings are in principle experimentally observable in graphene-superconductor hybrids.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024