bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confinement and moduli locking of Alice strings and monopoles
Authors: Nitta Muneto
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We argue that strings (vortices) and monopoles are confined, when fields receiving nontrivial Aharonov-Bohm (AB) phases around a string develop vacuum expectation values (VEVs). We illustrate this in an SU(2)×U(1) gauge theory with charged triplet complex scalar fields admitting Alice strings and monopoles, by introducing charged doublet scalar fields receiving nontrivial AB phases around the Alice string. The Alice string carries a half U(1) magnetic flux and 1/4 SU(2) magnetic flux taking a value in two of the SU(2) generators characterizing the U(1) modulus. This string is not confined in the absence of a doublet VEV in the sense that the SU(2) magnetic flux can be detected at large distance by an AB phase around the string. When the doublet field develops VEVs, there appear two kinds of phases that we call deconfined and confined phases. When a single Alice string is present in the deconfined phase, the U(1) modulus of the string and the vacuum moduli are locked (the bulk-soliton moduli locking). In the confined phase, the Alice string is inevitably attached by a domain wall that we call an AB defect and is confined with an anti-Alice string or another Alice string with the same SU(2) flux. Depending on the partner, the pair annihilates or forms a stable doubly-wound Alice string having an SU(2) magnetic flux inside the core, whose color cannot be detected at large distance by AB phases, implying the “color” confinement. The theory also admits stable Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen string and a ℤ2 string in the absence of the doublet VEVs, and each decays into two Alice strings in the presence of the doublet VEVs. A monopole in this theory can be constructed as a closed Alice string with the U(1) modulus twisted once, and we show that with the doublet VEVs, monopoles are also confined to monopole mesons of the monopole charge two.
Cosmological solutions, a new wick-rotation, and the first law of thermodynamics
Authors: Gutowski J. , Mohaupt T. , Pope G.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We present a modified implementation of the Euclidean action formalism suitable for studying the thermodynamics of a class of cosmological solutions containing Killing horizons. To obtain a real metric of definite signature, we perform a “triple Wick-rotation” by analytically continuing all spacelike directions. The resulting Euclidean geometry is used to calculate the Euclidean on-shell action, which defines a thermodynamic potential. We show that for the vacuum de Sitter solution, planar solutions of Einstein-Maxwell theory and a previously found class of cosmological solutions of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supergravity, this thermodynamic potential can be used to define an internal energy which obeys the first law of thermodynamics. Our approach is complementary to, but consistent with the isolated horizon formalism. For planar Einstein-Maxwell solutions, we find dual solutions in Einstein-anti-Maxwell theory where the sign of the Maxwell term is reversed. These solutions are planar black holes, rather than cosmological solutions, but give rise, upon a standard Wick-rotation to the same Euclidean action and thermodynamic relations.
Causes, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Patients Readmitted to the Intensive Care Unit After Esophageal Cancer Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tong Chaoyang , Cao Hui , Xu Yuanyuan , Li Deyuan , Zhang Hui , Xu Meiying , Luo Yan , Wu Jingxiang
Published: March 2021

Background

Readmission to intensive care unit (ICU) after esophageal cancer surgery is a major concern and can be associated with increased adverse outcomes. This study aims to explore causes, risk factors and early outcomes.

Methods

We performed a monocentric retrospective analysis in 1140 patients who received esophageal cancer surgery in a higher volume surgeon group between January 2016 and December 2019, at Shanghai Chest Hospital. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify risk factors, and 1:4 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to compare early outcomes.

Results

The incidence of ICU readmission was about 3.8% (43 of 1140). The most common cause was respiratory failure, found in 30 patients (70%). ICU readmission mainly occurred within 3 days after surgery, accounting for 46.5% (20 of 43), with the median length of stay was 3 days. Multivariate analysis identified heavy smoking (odds ratio[OR] = 2.445, 95% CI = 1.128 to 5.301, P = 0.024), intraoperative hypoxemia (OR = 2.461, 95% CI = 1.078 to 5.621, P = 0.033), mechanical ventilation during initial ICU stay (OR = 16.036, 95% CI = 7.332 to 35.074, P < 0.001), postoperative anemia (OR = 3.993, 95% CI = 1.893 to 8.420, P < 0.001) and unplanned reoperation (OR = 45.378, 95% CI = 13.023 to 158.122, P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for ICU readmission. Compared with no‐readmitted patients, patients readmitted to ICU were associated with increased postoperative pulmonary complications (44.2% vs 97.7%, P < 0.001), prolonged median length of hospital stay (9[7–11] vs 19[13–30], P < 0.001) and ICU stay (1[1–3] vs 7[4–11], P < 0.001), higher hospitalization expenses (14,916 ± 3483 vs 19,850 ± 7595 dollars, P < 0.001) and 30‐day readmission rates (1.8% vs 9.3%, P = 0.011). After 1:4 PSM, the baseline characteristics were comparable and the matched results were similar.

Conclusions

This study identified five independent risk factors for ICU readmission, which were associated with adverse early outcomes. Preemptive attention given to pulmonary complications within three days after surgery may be important to prevent patients from ICU readmission.
Reconstruction of the 3D pressure field and energy dissipation of a Taylor droplet from a $$\upmu$$PIV measurement
Authors: Mießner Ulrich , Helmers Thorben , Lindken Ralph , Westerweel Jerry
Published: March 2021

In this study, we reconstruct the 3D pressure field and derive the 3D contributions of the energy dissipation from a 3D3C velocity field measurement of Taylor droplets moving in a horizontal microchannel ($$\rm Ca_c=0.0050$$

Ca
c

=
0.0050

, $$\rm Re_c=0.0519$$

Re
c

=
0.0519

, $$\rm Bo=0.0043$$

Bo
=
0.0043

, $$\lambda =\tfrac{\eta _{d}}{\eta _{c}}=2.625$$

λ
=

η
d

η
c

=
2.625

). We divide the pressure field in a wall-proximate part and a core-flow to describe the phenomenology. At the wall, the pressure decreases expectedly in downstream direction. In contrast, we find a reversed pressure gradient in the core of the flow that drives the bypass flow of continuous phase through the corners (gutters) and causes the Taylor droplet’s relative velocity between the faster droplet flow and the slower mean flow. Based on the pressure field, we quantify the driving pressure gradient of the bypass flow and verify a simple estimation method: the geometry of the gutter entrances delivers a Laplace pressure difference. As a direct measure for the viscous dissipation, we calculate the 3D distribution of work done on the flow elements, that is necessary to maintain the stationarity of the Taylor flow. The spatial integration of this distribution provides the overall dissipated energy and allows to identify and quantify different contributions from the individual fluid phases, from the wall-proximate layer and from the flow redirection due to presence of the droplet interface. For the first time, we provide deep insight into the 3D pressure field and the distribution of the energy dissipation in the Taylor flow based on experimentally acquired 3D3C velocity data. We provide the 3D pressure field of and the 3D distribution of work as supplementary material to enable a benchmark for CFD and numerical simulations.

Graphical abstract
Comparison of two disease‑specific instruments assessing health-related quality of life in patients with chronic otitis media
Authors: Mlynski Robert , Bächinger David , Langanke Theresa , Lailach Susen , Neudert Marcus , Weiss Nora M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Evaluating the current health state in chronic otitis media (COM), audiologic results are complemented by subjective outcomes, such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Two disease-specific instruments assessing HRQoL in COM in German-speaking patients exist, i.e., the chronic otitis media outcome test (COMOT-15) and the Zurich chronic middle ear inventory (ZCMEI-21). Since the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in a concurrent application are unknown, the aim of this study was to compare the COMOT-15 and the ZCMEI-21.

Methods

HRQoL was assessed in adult COM patients using the COMOT-15 and the ZCMEI-21. Psychometric properties were determined, including response distribution, concurrent validity, internal consistency, correlation to hearing and gender differences.

Results

In 173 patients (mean age 51.5 years), both questionnaires showed normally distributed scores without strong floor and ceiling effects. The total scores and subscores of both questionnaires exhibited satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.7–0.9) with the exception of the COMOT-15 hearing subscore (α = 0.94) and the ZCMEI-21 medical resource subscore (α = 0.66). Fair correlations between the air conduction pure-tone average and the total scores were found (COMOT-15: r = 0.36, p < 0.0001; ZCMEI-21: r = 0.34, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In the first study comparing the COMOT-15 and the ZCMEI-21, both questionnaires exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties with several subtle differences. The COMOT-15 has a strong focus on hearing with a probably redundant content of the hearing subscore and may be suited for hearing-focused research questions. The ZCMEI-21 provides a comprehensive assessment of the COM symptom complex and may therefore also be used in research settings, where ear discharge, vertigo or pain should be covered.
Ticks on game animals in the fragmented agricultural landscape of western Poland
Authors: Ciebiera Olaf , Łopińska Andżelina , Gabryś Grzegorz
Published: March 2021

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are well known external parasites of game animals that cause serious veterinary and medical problems. The occurrence and geographical distribution of different species of ticks in Western Poland have changed over the last decades. The purpose of the present study was to determine the species spectrum and prevalence of ticks parasitizing three species of game animals, the Eurasian wild boar Sus scrofa L., red deer Cervus elaphus L., and roe deer Capreolus capreolus (L.) in two hunting districts in Lubuskie Province. In addition, the distribution of ticks on the host’s body and the intensity of infestation were determined. Ticks were collected from dead animals during the hunting seasons in 2013 and 2014, over the periods from May to June and from August to December. In total, 286 specimens were examined: 138 Eurasian wild boars, 8 red deers, and 140 roe deers. Altogether, 1891 ticks were collected. Three species of ticks were determined: Ixodes ricinus (L.), Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794), and Haemaphysalis concinna (C.L. Koch, 1844). H. concinna was recorded for the first time in Lubuskie Province.
The Multi-Cover Persistence of Euclidean Balls
Authors: Edelsbrunner Herbert , Osang Georg
Published: March 2021

Given a locally finite $$X \subseteq {{{\mathbb {R}}}}^d$$

X
⊆

R

d

and a radius $$r \ge 0$$

r
≥
0

, the k-fold cover of X and r consists of all points in $${{{\mathbb {R}}}}^d$$

R

d

that have k or more points of X within distance r. We consider two filtrations—one in scale obtained by fixing k and increasing r, and the other in depth obtained by fixing r and decreasing k—and we compute the persistence diagrams of both. While standard methods suffice for the filtration in scale, we need novel geometric and topological concepts for the filtration in depth. In particular, we introduce a rhomboid tiling in $${{{\mathbb {R}}}}^{d+1}$$

R

d
+
1

whose horizontal integer slices are the order-k Delaunay mosaics of X, and construct a zigzag module of Delaunay mosaics that is isomorphic to the persistence module of the multi-covers.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on suicide attempts
Authors: Carlin Greta L. , Baumgartner Josef S. , Moftakhar Timon , König Daniel , Negrin Lukas L.
Published: March 2021

Background

In response to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic the Austrian government issued a lockdown from 16 March to 15 May 2020. As periods of economic and emotional burden have proven to detrimentally affect people’s psychological health, healthcare officials warned that the strict measures could have a serious impact on psychological health, leading to an increase in suicide attempts. Thus, the objective was to provide evidence for this assumption.

Methods

All adult patients admitted to the trauma resuscitation room of the Medical University of Vienna during the lockdown period following a suicide attempt were included in this analysis, forming the study group. Suicidal patients treated during the same period in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 were pooled to create the control group. The year 2017 was excluded because another major hospital in Vienna was partially closed due to a change in infrastructure, resulting in an increased number of severely injured patients treated at our department. As the lockdown caused a markedly decreased number of patients admitted due to other reasons than suicide the actual number was replaced with the average number of patients admitted in the relevant previous 4 years.

Results

By comparing the study and the control group based on this realistic estimate we revealed an increase in attempted suicides during the lockdown period (p = 0.001). Demographic, mental health-related, and injury specific patient data did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

The results strongly urge for an improvement in crisis intervention and suicide prevention measures in the event of a future lockdown.
Alterations in Rev-ERBα/BMAL1 ratio and glycated hemoglobin in rotating shift workers: the EuRhythDia study
Authors: Rizza Stefano , Luzi Alessio , Mavilio Maria , Ballanti Marta , Massimi Arianna , Porzio Ottavia , Magrini Andrea , Hannemann Juliane , Menghini Rossella , Lehrke Michael , Staels Bart , Grant Peter J. , Boger Rainer H. , Marx Nikolaus , Federici Massimo
Published: March 2021

Objective

To detect premature gluco-metabolic defects among night shift workers with disturbances in circadian rhythms.

Design and methods

We performed a hypothesis-generating, cross-sectional analysis of anthropometric, metabolic, lipid, and inflammation parameters, comparing active (a-NSW, n = 111) and former (f-NSW, n = 98) rotating night shift workers with diurnal workers (controls, n = 69). All participants were hospital nurses. We also evaluated the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and assessed expression of transcription factors REV-ERBα and BMAL1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as indicators of the molecular clock.

Results

Both a-NSW and f-NSW participants had significantly higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and white blood cell counts (WBC) (p < 0.001 for both), PSQI global score (p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure levels (p = 0.024) compared with controls. Expression of REV-ERBα/BMAL1 RNA in PBMC was significantly higher in a-NSW (p = 0.05) than in f-NSW or control participants. Multivariate regression analysis showed that working status and PSQI were independent determinants of higher HbA1c levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that young, healthy night shift workers show subclinical abnormalities in HbA1c and changes in peripheral clock gene expression.
How I do it—the posterior question mark incision for decompressive hemicraniectomy
Authors: Veldeman Michael , Geiger Mathias , Clusmann Hans
Published: March 2021

Background

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a lifesaving procedure which every neurosurgeon should master early on. As indications for the procedure are growing, the number of patients eventually requiring skull reconstruction via cranioplasty also increases. The posterior question mark incision is a straightforward alternative to the classic trauma-flap and can easily be adopted. Some particularities exist one should consider beforehand and are discussed here in detail.

Methods

Surgical steps, aids, and pitfalls are comprehensively discussed to prepare surgeons who wish to gain experience with this type of incision.

Conclusion

Due to the lower complication rate after cranioplasty, the posterior question mark incision has superseded the traditional pre-auricular starting anterior question mark incisions, in our department for the performance of decompressive hemicraniectomies.
International ECOpreneurship: Environmental commitment and international partner selection of Finnish firms from the energy sector
Authors: Galkina Tamara
Published: March 2021

Although numerous scholars recognize that entrepreneurial firms and their environmental innovations play a key role in global environmental progress, the topic of ecopreneurial internationalization has received only scant research attention. This article explores how the environmental commitment of ecopreneurs influences partner selection during the internationalization of their ventures. It does so by following a multiple-case study strategy and examining ecopreneurial small- and medium-size firms from Finland’s energy sector. The study proposes that, depending on a dominating type of environmental commitment—affective, continuance, or normative—these ventures should favor partner-related and task-related criteria in different ways when selecting international partners. This article contributes to ecopreneurship and to the literature on partner selection in international entrepreneurship.
The logical foundations of constitutional democracy between legal positivism and natural law theory
Authors: Kliemt Hartmut
Published: March 2021

Rejecting all knowledge claims concerning right and wrong in matters practical James Buchanan concurred with legal positivism that invalid law cannot be identified by its substantive content but only by an inherited defect in its factual creation. Beyond correct creation Buchanan proposed as a quasi-natural law constraint that unanimity in the shadow of individual veto power must at least be conceivable if a norm is to be law. The emerging hybrid conception of constitutional law is symptomatic for Buchanan’s never-ending but ultimately futile efforts to incorporate Kantian ideals of interpersonal respect into constitutional economics without imposing them as personal values.
Parameter estimation in kinetic models of complex heterogeneous catalytic reactions using Bayesian statistics
Authors: Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Wärnå Johan , Haario Heikki , Salmi Tapio
Published: March 2021

Kinetic analysis of the gas-phase and liquid phase hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane on Ni catalysts was performed. For complex reaction mechanisms comprising several kinetically significant steps, nonlinear regression, while giving an adequate description of experimental data, leads to kinetic parameters which are poorly defined. The approach based on Bayesian statistics allows identification of the values of such parameters which are the most statistically probable.
The Global Registry for Hereditary Angioedema due to C1-Inhibitor Deficiency
Authors: Zanichelli Andrea , Farkas Henriette , Bouillet Laurance , Bara Noemi , Germenis Anastasios E. , Psarros Fotis , Varga Lilian , Andrási Noemi , Boccon-Gibod Isabelle , Castiglioni Roffia Marco , Rutkowski Michal , Cancian Mauro
Published: March 2021

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare condition, mostly due to genetic deficiency of complement C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). The rarity of HAE impedes extensive data collection and assessment of the impact of certain factors known to affect the course of this disabling and life-threatening disease. Establishing a global registry could assist to overcome such issues and provides valuable patient data from different countries. The HAE Global Registry is a disease-specific registry, with web-based electronic support, where data are provided by physicians and patients through a dedicated application. We collected data between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2020. Data on 1297 patients from 29 centers in 5 European countries were collected. At least one attack was recorded for 497 patients during the study period. Overall, 1182 patients were diagnosed with HAE type 1 and 115 with type 2. At the time of database lock, 389 patients were taking long-term prophylactic medication, 217 of which were on danazol. Most recorded attacks affected the abdomen, were generally moderate in severity, and occurred in patients who were not on prophylactic treatment (70.6%, 6244/8848). The median duration of attacks was 780 min (IQR 290–1740) in patients on prophylactic medication and 780 min (IQR 300–1920) in patients not on continuous prophylactic medication. In conclusion, the establishment of a registry for C1-INH-HAE allowed collection of a large amount of data that may help to better understand the clinical characteristics of this disease. This information may enhance patient care and guide future therapeutic decisions.
Restrictive measures - sanctions compliance, implementation and judicial review challenges in the common foreign and security policy of the European Union
Authors: Zelyova Nadia
Published: March 2021

This article provides a comprehensive overview of EU restrictive measures applicable within the EU, the competences and legal evolution which lead to the implementation of Common Foreign and Security Policy restrictive measures (CFSP sanctions), and considers procedural issues, developments in the latest case law, and the challenges of securing compliance with EU sanctions, which reach beyond the territory of the EU.
Aggregative games
Authors: Corchón Luis C.
Published: March 2021

This survey presents in a historical way the main contributions to the hardcore theory of aggregative games and the applications of this model to several fields of economics, other social sciences and engineering.
Targeting Hypoxic Tumors with Hybrid Nanobullets for Oxygen-Independent Synergistic Photothermal and Thermodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gao Di , Chen Ting , Chen Shuojia , Ren Xuechun , Han Yulong , Li Yiwei , Wang Ying , Guo Xiaoqing , Wang Hao , Chen Xing , Guo Ming , Zhang Yu Shrike , Hong Guosong , Zhang Xingcai , Tian Zhongmin , Yang Zhe
Published: March 2021

Hypoxia is a feature of solid tumors and it hinders the therapeutic efficacy of oxygen-dependent cancer treatment. Herein, we have developed all-organic oxygen-independent hybrid nanobullets ZPA@HA-ACVA-AZ for the “precise strike” of hypoxic tumors through the dual-targeting effects from surface-modified hyaluronic acid (HA) and hypoxia-dependent factor carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX)-inhibitor acetazolamide (AZ). The core of nanobullets is the special zinc (II) phthalocyanine aggregates (ZPA) which could heat the tumor tissues upon 808-nm laser irradiation for photothermal therapy (PTT), along with the alkyl chain-functionalized thermally decomposable radical initiator ACVA-HDA on the side chain of HA for providing oxygen-independent alkyl radicals for ablating hypoxic cancer cells by thermodynamic therapy (TDT). The results provide important evidence that the combination of reverse hypoxia hallmarks CA IX as targets for inhibition by AZ and synergistic PTT/TDT possess incomparable therapeutic advantages over traditional (reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated) cancer treatment for suppressing the growth of both hypoxic tumors and their metastasis.
Unethical practices within medical research and publication – An exploratory study
Authors: Sivasubramaniam S. D. , Cosentino M. , Ribeiro L. , Marino F.
Published: March 2021

The data produced by the scientific community impacts on academia, clinicians, and the general public; therefore, the scientific community and other regulatory bodies have been focussing on ethical codes of conduct. Despite the measures taken by several research councils, unethical research, publishing and/or reviewing behaviours still take place. This exploratory study considers some of the current unethical practices and the reasons behind them and explores the ways to discourage these within research and other professional disciplinary bodies. These interviews/discussions with PhD students, technicians, and academics/principal investigators (PIs) (N=110) were conducted mostly in European higher education institutions including UK, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Czech Republic and Netherlands.

Through collegiate discussions, sharing experiences and by examining previously published/reported information, authors have identified several less reported behaviours. Some of these practices are mainly influenced either by the undue institutional expectations of research esteem or by changes in the journal review process. These malpractices can be divided in two categories relating to (a) methodological malpractices including data management, and (b) those that contravene publishing ethics. The former is mostly related to “committed bias”, by which the author selectively uses the data to suit their own hypothesis, methodological malpractice relates to selection of out-dated protocols that are not suited to the intended work. Although these are usually unintentional, incidences of intentional manipulations have been reported to authors of this study. For example, carrying out investigations without positive (or negative) controls; but including these from a previous study. Other methodological malpractices include unfair repetitions to gain statistical significance, or retrospective ethical approvals. In contrast, the publication related malpractices such as authorship malpractices, ethical clearance irregularities have also been reported. The findings also suggest a globalised approach with clear punitive measures for offenders is needed to tackle this problem.
49502 CHANGES IN DEPENDENCE, WITHDRAWAL, AND CRAVING AMONG ADULT SMOKERS WHO SWITCH TO NICOTINE SALT POD-BASED E-CIGARETTES
Authors: Leavens Eleanor , Nollen Nicole , Ahluwalia Jasjit , Mayo Matthew , Rice Myra , Brett Emma , Pulvers Kim
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This research suggests that African American and Latinx smokers who bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related harms are able to switch to e-cigarettes that present reduced harm to the user due to their similar reinforcement profile to cigarettes. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Complete switching from combustible to electronic cigarettes (ECs) reduces harm to the user. For ECs to be a viable substitute, they need to be rewarding enough for regular use, indicated by factors such as craving and dependence (reinforcement value). Little is known about short-term changes in reinforcement value across trajectories of EC use. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Participants were randomized 2:1 to switch to a nicotine salt pod system EC or continue smoking (assessment-only control) in a 6-week trial. 114 African American (n=60) and Latinx (n=54) smokers were randomized to receive ECs and are included in the current investigation. At week 6, participants were classified by use trajectory: exclusive smokers (n=16), exclusive EC users (n=32), or dual users (n=66). Participants reported on their EC, cigarette, and total nicotine dependence (cigarette + EC dependence), cigarette and EC use, and nicotine craving and withdrawal at baseline and week 6. Cotinine and exhaled carbon monoxide were assessed at baseline and week 6. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Participants who completely switched from smoking to ECs (exclusive EC users) and those that partially switched (dual users), maintained cotinine levels (ps>.05) and showed reductions in cigarette dependence and withdrawal (ps<.01). However, exclusive EC users showed no significant changes in total nicotine dependence from baseline to week 6 (p=.123), while dual users showed increased total nicotine dependence (p<.001). Dual users displayed similar levels of EC dependence as exclusive EC users but a lesser reduction in cigarette dependence. Exclusive EC users and dual users showed reductions in craving and withdrawal from baseline to week 6. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This study is among the first to prospectively examine changes in dependence, craving, and withdrawal among an understudied sample of smokers making a switch attempt. Smokers who completely switch to ECs maintain nicotine levels and dependence, suggesting that they have a similar reinforcement profile to cigarettes and facilitate switching.
92741 Racial differences in patient-reported distress among women with endometrial cancer
Authors: Reid Hadley , de Oca Mary Katherine Montes , Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Davidson Brittany A.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This work will inform and improve the way we assess and treat distress in women with endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Distress from cancer is associated with worse processes of care. Differences in outcomes by race/ethnicity in endometrial cancer (EC) are well documented, but differences in distress have not been previously explored. Here we characterize the association between race/ethnicity, distress scores, and stressors reported by patients with EC. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Patients presenting to a single academic outpatient gynecologic oncology practice for initial evaluation of known EC from January 2013-May 2020 were included. The electronic health record was used to abstract demographics, National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List (NCCN DT) scores and stressor categories (physical, emotional, spiritual, practical, and family) from the initial encounter. Referral to support services occurs at NCCN DT score ≥4. We excluded women who received prior cancer-directed therapy and those without an initial NCCN DT score. Summary statistics were tabulated for demographics. Mann-Whitney U tests were used for inter-group difference on continuous variables and 2-sample tests for equality of proportions were used for binary variables. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 412 non-Hispanic White (NHW, mean age 63) and 149 non-Hispanic Black (NHB, mean age 65) women were included in our analysis. More NHB women presented with high-grade EC (53.7%) vs NHW women (21.9%) and fewer NHB women were privately insured (32% vs 52%). Median distress scores were higher in NHW women compared to their NHB counterparts (4 vs. 2, p<0.001) and NHB women were more likely to report a distress score of 0 compared to their NHW counterparts (32% vs 19%, p=0.001). 50.5% NHW women had a score ≥4 and thus qualified for referral to services compared to 20.7% of NHB women (p=0.02). Of those referred, NHB and NHW women declined referral to support services at similar rates (35.1% vs 34.5%; NS). There was a significant difference in the median number of stressors reported by NHW and NHB women, (4 vs 3 stressors; p=0.02). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The NCCN DT, a widely used tool in cancer clinics, may fail to adequately measure distress in NHB women presenting with a diagnosis of EC, despite >30% more high-risk histology cancers in this cohort. This difference leads to disparities in referral to additional support services, which may affect quality of care and quality of life.
24435 Pathogen-specific metabolic pathways and innate immune responses associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection and other STIs
Authors: Ryan John D. , Toh Evelyn , Brothwell Julie A. , Sun Yuan , Jordan Stephen J. , Nelson David E.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This project seeks to identify unique host responses that are biomarkers for specific urethral pathogens, and which can be used in the development of point-of-care (POC) STI diagnostics. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: How Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and other common STIs, e.g. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, evade immunity and elicit pathology in the male urethra is poorly understood. Our objective is to determine how STI-infected urethral epithelial cells, as well as the uninfected ‘bystander’ cells with which infected cells communicate, respond to CT and other STIs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We evaluated how immortalized urethral cell lines - including transduced human urethral epithelial cells (THUECs) - respond to increasing doses of CT infectious particles using in vitro one-step progeny assays performed in the presence or absence of cycloheximide, a drug that inhibits eukaryotic protein synthesis. We will perform concurrent single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and multiplex cytokine analyses to determine how different CT doses impact the transcriptomes of infected and bystander urethral epithelial cells and modulate cytokine production of the overall monolayer. Results of these experiments will inform the feasibility of performing similar analyses in situ using urethral swabs from men with clinically diagnosed urethritis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that immune-competent urethral cell monolayers strongly resist CT infection, unless most of the cells are simultaneously infected. This suggests that uninfected bystander cells sense CT-infected cells and secrete soluble factors that may act to limit CT proliferation in infected cells and to inform remaining uninfected cells that a potential pathogen is present. We anticipate that our scRNA-seq and cytokine analyses will identify both specific effector pathways that protect against CT and intracellular signals that modulate them. We speculate that these pathways and signals may differ during infection with CT and other STIs. Importantly, we anticipate that our in vitro model of CT infection will be highly representative of in situ immune responses observed in urethras of infected men. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: In men, common STIs including CT are usually managed syndromically due to a lack of POC diagnostics. By determining how STIs elicit urethral inflammation and identifying countermeasures that STIs use to evade urethral immunity, we can identify host responses that serve as biomarkers for urethritis, generally, and for specific urethral pathogens.
30580 A TL1 Approach to Assessing Peripheral Immune Changes in PTSD
Authors: Mackie P. M. , Wilkinson C. , Gopinath A. , Knackstedt L. , Khoshbouei H.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: We present preliminary data and an outlined approach to assess peripheral immune changes associated with PTSD in a clinical setting and in a pre-clinical rat model of PTSD. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We report our methodology and findings indicating a relationship between CNS dopamine signaling and peripheral immune cell populations and propose to extend this methodology to a PTSD patient population to elucidate immune-brain connections in this disorder. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using an IRB-approved protocol in collaboration with a board-certified psychiatrist, we will recruit PTSD patients undergoing treatment, newly diagnosed drug-naiive PTSD patients, and age-matched healthy controls. Flow cytometry will be used for immunophenotyping on blood samples from each group. To complement this data, we will also measure serum cytokine levels in each group. In order to elucidate the connection between the observed immunophenotypes in the PTSD population and CNS neurotransmitters levels, we will employ a rodent model of PTSD and high-pressure liquid chromatography to measure dopamine levels in tandem with peripheral immune changes. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In both humans and rodents with low CNS dopamine, an expansion of monocyte-derived suppressor cells was observed via flow cytometry. We anticipate that human PTSD patients will exhibit a similar expansion in suppressive immune cells’‘ in agreement with existing literature suggesting a chronic inflammatory state in PTSD. Moreover, in an animal model of PTSD we anticipate an inverse correlation between the CNS dopamine levels and the size of the immune suppressor cell population. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Our findings will indicate whether altered dopamine neurotransmission underlies peripheral immune system changes in the context of PTSD models and human patients. Thus, these findings will provide an alternative avenue for future investigations on the role of the immune system in PTSD.
22732 Impact of Type-I Interferon Manipulation During Embryo Implantation and Placentation
Authors: Simoni Michael K. , Swanson Sydnie , Mainigi Monica , Jurado Kellie
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This research will promote understanding the role of the Type-I Interferon signaling pathway during embryo implantation, potentially leading to a new diagnostic or treatment target in early pregnancy failure. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Studies suggest interferon signaling regulation is tightly balanced between physiologic and pathophysiologic growth in early pregnancy. We propose to determine the impact of interferon-mediated inflammation on embryo implantation and early pregnancy failure in normal conditions and chronic inflammatory diseases in a novel mixed-mouse model. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: To probe the role of type-I interferons (IFNs) in implantation, we will utilize a mouse model and non-surgically transfer both Ifnar1-/- and Ifnar1-/+ embryos into an immune-competent pseudopregnant wild-type female recipient. This will allow analysis of a litter with distinct genotypes within the same, immune-competent, uterine environment. Type-I IFN stimulation will be systemically induced with Poly-(I:C) at various time points around implantation. A similar approach will be used in mouse models of chronic inflammatory disease states associated with early pregnancy loss (e.g. systemic lupous erythematous). With this model, we will be able to control for deficiencies in maternal immune response to specifically determine the embryonic response to inflammation during implantation and development. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate the Ifnar1-/+ embryos - those able to respond to Type-I IFN - and their surrounding implantation sites will exhibit more maternal-fetal barrier dysfunction in the form of impaired trophoblast fusion, improper formation of the microvascular architecture, and increased permeability of the maternal-fetal barrier, compared to embryos unable to respond to IFN. We will also conduct similar analyses in mouse models of chronic inflammatory diseases. We hypothesize these mice to have baseline endometrial inflammation that stimulated the IFN-pathway in IFN-capable embryos, producing breakdown of the maternal-fetal barrier. In these mice, we predict Ifnar1-/- embryos will show improved molecular outcomes when compared to Ifnar1-/+ embryos, and thus improved associated pregnancy outcomes. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This work can insight into the immunological mechanisms that govern embryo implantation and early placentation. This could provide more pointed means for management and intervention of early pregnancy failure and/or disease states that are commonly associated with poor reproductive outcomes.
Plague and the Fall of Baghdad (1258)
Authors: Fancy Nahyan , Green Monica H.
Published: March 2021

The recent suggestion that the late medieval Eurasian plague pandemic, the Black Death, had its origins in the thirteenth century rather than the fourteenth century has brought new scrutiny to texts reporting ‘epidemics’ in the earlier period. Evidence both from Song China and Iran suggests that plague was involved in major sieges laid by the Mongols between the 1210s and the 1250s, including the siege of Baghdad in 1258 which resulted in the fall of the Abbasid caliphate. In fact, re-examination of multiple historical accounts in the two centuries after the siege of Baghdad shows that the role of epidemic disease in the Mongol attacks was commonly known among chroniclers in Syria and Egypt, raising the question why these outbreaks have been overlooked in modern historiography of plague. The present study looks in detail at the evidence in Arabic sources for disease outbreaks after the siege of Baghdad in Iraq and its surrounding regions. We find subtle factors in the documentary record to explain why, even though plague received new scrutiny from physicians in the period, it remained a minor feature in stories about the Mongol invasion of western Asia. In contemporary understandings of the genesis of epidemics, the Mongols were not seen to have brought plague to Baghdad; theycausedplague to arise by their rampant destruction. When an even bigger wave of plague struck the Islamic world in the fourteenth century, no association was made with the thirteenth-century episode. Rather, plague was now associated with the Mongol world as a whole.
Sex- and weight-specific changes in the frequency of sweet treat consumption during early adolescence: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lommi Sohvi , Engberg Elina , Tuorila Hely , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Viljakainen Heli
Published: March 2021

The transition from childhood to adolescence is a sensitive period, triggering changes in health- and weight-related behaviours including eating habits which likely vary between girls and boys. We aimed to characterise the changes in the frequency of consumption of select sugary foods and drinks (‘sweet treats’) among 4237 Finnish girls and boys during a 2-year follow-up period. Additionally, we examined four subgroups: children whose weight or waist normalised as well as children whose weight or waist circumference increased during follow-up. An FFQ was completed at 11·1 (sd 0·9) and again at 13·4 (sd 1·1) years of age. A sum variable sweet treat index (STI, range 0–84) captured the weekly consumption frequencies of sweet treats. From baseline to follow-up, the mean STI decreased among girls from 7·1 (95 % CI 6·9, 7·3) to 6·0 (95 % CI 5·9, 6·2) (P < 0·001) and boys from 8·5 (95 % CI 8·3, 8·8) to 7·8 (95 % CI 7·6, 7·8) (P < 0·001), although both sexes increased their chocolate/sweets consumption: girls from 1·3 (95 % CI 1·3, 1·4) to 1·6 (95 % CI 1·5, 1·6) (P < 0·001) and boys from 1·4 (95 % CI 1·3, 1·4) to 1·6 (95 % CI 1·6, 1·7) (P < 0·001), and boys increased their soft drink consumption from 1·4 (95 % CI 1·3, 1·4) to 1·5 (95 % CI 1·4, 1·5) (P = 0·020). We found similar decreases in both the weight and waist subgroups. To conclude, the total frequency of consumption of sweet treats decreased during early adolescence. A similar trend across subgroups suggests that the frequency of consumption of sweet treats is unrelated to becoming overweight.
Physico-chemical and sensory interactions of arabica coffee genotypes in different water regimes
Authors: Ferreira D. S. , do Amaral J. F. T. , Pereira L. L. , Ferreira J. M. S. , Guarçoni R. C. , Moreira T. R. , de Oliveira A. C. , Rodrigues W. N. , de Almeida S. L. H. , Ribeiro W. R. , Tomaz M. A. , Castanheira D. T. , Lima Filho T.
Published: March 2021

The production of specialty coffee has several factors and parameters that are added up in the course of production, so that the quality is expressed in the act of consumption. Based on this scenario, this study included the analysis of ten genotypes of arabica coffee, the materials being subjected to irrigated and rainfed water regimes, in a low altitude region, to identify responses for sensory and physical–chemical quality. The genotypes were evaluated in a split-plot scheme with a randomized block design, with three replications. Arabica coffee fruits were harvested with 80% cherry seeds and processed by the wet method. Subsequently, the characteristics related to physical–chemical and sensory analyses were evaluated. The genotypes of the Paraíso group showed great variability for the physical–chemical and sensory variables for rainfed and irrigated regimes. The genotypes of the Catuaí group, however, showed less variability for sensory characteristics in both cultivation environments and for physical–chemical characteristics in the irrigated regime. In the sensorial data set, the genotypes Catuaí 144 CCF and Catuaí 144 SFC (when irrigated) and Paraíso H 419-3-3-7-16-2, Paraíso H 419-3-3-7-16-11 and Catucaí 24-137 (rainfed cultivation), are more favourable to the production of specialty coffee at low altitude.
Amphipathic environments for determining the structure of membrane proteins by single-particle electron cryo-microscopy
Authors: Le Bon Christel , Michon Baptiste , Popot Jean-Luc , Zoonens Manuela
Published: March 2021

Over the past decade, the structural biology of membrane proteins (MPs) has taken a new turn thanks to epoch-making technical progress in single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) as well as to improvements in sample preparation. The present analysis provides an overview of the extent and modes of usage of the various types of surfactants for cryo-EM studies. Digitonin, dodecylmaltoside, protein-based nanodiscs, lauryl maltoside-neopentyl glycol, glyco-diosgenin, and amphipols (APols) are the most popular surfactants at the vitrification step. Surfactant exchange is frequently used between MP purification and grid preparation, requiring extensive optimization each time the study of a new MP is undertaken. The variety of both the surfactants and experimental approaches used over the past few years bears witness to the need to continue developing innovative surfactants and optimizing conditions for sample preparation. The possibilities offered by novel APols for EM applications are discussed.
Subvalvular mitral aneurysm a rare pathology
Authors: Mingas Odete R. , Fortunato Ondina , Gamboa Sebastiana
Published: March 2021

We present a rare and challenging case of left ventricular aneurysm in an African child with no history of previous infection or trauma, admitted for surgical treatment, who presented non reversible cardiorespiratory arrest with cardiorespiratory resuscitation before surgery.
All in This Together? A Preregistered Report on Deservingness of Government Aid During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bridgman Aengus , Merkley Eric , Loewen Peter John , Owen Taylor , Ruths Derek
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressure on governments to engage in widespread cash transfers directly to citizens to help mitigate economic losses. Major and near-universal redistribution efforts have been deployed, but there is remarkably little understanding of where the mass public believes financial support is warranted. Using experimental evidence, we evaluate whether considerations related to deservingness, similarity, and prejudicial attitudes structure support for these transfers. A preregistered experiment found broad, generous, and nondiscriminatory support for direct cash transfers related to COVID-19 in Canada. The second study, accepted as a preregistered report, further probes these dynamics by comparing COVID-19-related outlays with nonemergency ones. We find that COVID-19-related spending was more universal as compared to a more generic cash allocation program. Given that the results were driven by the income of hypothetical recipients, we find broad support for disaster relief that is not means-tested or otherwise constrained by pre-disaster income.
Personality Disorders in Late Life
Authors: Wu Ashley , Francois Dimitry
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Personality disorders (PDs) affect a significant portion of older adults and hinder their physical and mental health. This narrative review (1) reviews the literature on PDs in older adults and (2) presents guidelines for clinicians in recognizing and managing this population. The presentation of Cluster A or C patients may remain stable or intensify, while Cluster B patients may shift to subtler presentations. Among assessment instruments, the Hetero-Anamnestic Personality Questionnaire is most promising, as it is age-specific and dimensional. Psychotherapies such as dialectical behavior therapy and schema-based therapy may be effective treatments. However, there remains a pressing need to conduct more comprehensive and focused research on PDs in older adults.