Search for Baryon Number Violation in Top Quark Production and Decay Using Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV.

A search is presented for baryon number violating interactions in top quark production and decay. The analysis uses data from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC with an integrated luminosity of 138 fb^{-1}. Candidate events are selected by requiring two oppositely charged leptons (electrons or muons) and exactly one jet identified as originating from a bottom quark. Multivariate discriminants are used to separate the signal from the background. No significant deviation from the standard model prediction is observed. Upper limits are placed on the strength of baryon number violating couplings. For the first time the production of single top quarks via baryon number violating interactions is studied. This allows the search to set the most stringent constraints to date on the branching fraction of the top quark decay to a lepton, an up-type quark (u or c), and a down-type quark (d, s, or b). The results improve the previous bounds by 3 to 6 orders of magnitude based on the fermion flavor combination of the baryon number violating interactions.

Symptoms and management of cow's milk allergy: perception and evidence.

Introduction: The diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a topic of debate and controversy. Our aim was to compare the opinions of expert groups from the Middle East (n = 14) and the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) (n = 13). Methods: These Expert groups voted on statements that were developed by the ESPGHAN group and published in a recent position paper. The voting outcome was compared. Results: Overall, there was consensus amongst both groups of experts. Experts agreed that symptoms of crying, irritability and colic, as single manifestation, are not suggestive of CMA. They agreed that amino-acid based formula (AAF) should be reserved for severe cases (e.g., malnutrition and anaphylaxis) and that there is insufficient evidence to recommend a step-down approach. There was no unanimous consensus on the statement that a cow's milk based extensively hydrolysed formula (eHF) should be the first choice as a diagnostic elimination diet in mild/moderate cases. Although the statements regarding the role for hydrolysed rice formula as a diagnostic and therapeutic elimination diet were accepted, 3/27 disagreed. The votes regarding soy formula highlight the differences in opinion in the role of soy protein in CMA dietary treatment. Generally, soy-based formula is seldom available in the Middle-East region. All ESPGHAN experts agreed that there is insufficient evidence that the addition of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics increase the efficacy of elimination diets regarding CMA symptoms (despite other benefits such as decrease of infections and antibiotic intake), whereas 3/14 of the Middle East group thought there was sufficient evidence. Discussion: Differences in voting are related to geographical, cultural and other conditions, such as cost and availability. This emphasizes the need to develop region-specific guidelines considering social and cultural conditions, and to perform further research in this area.

Imbalance in the vWF - ADAMTS13 axis exists early in acute pancreatitis and predicts persistent organ failure and pancreatic necrosis-a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of Acute Pancreatitis (AP) may be complicated by endothelial activation. von Willebrand Factor (vWF)- ADAMTS13 axis is a marker of endothelial activation. The study aimed to investigate the axis in AP, comparing it in patients with and without persistent organ failure (OF), with and without pancreatic necrosis, and correlating it with the standard severity scores (CRP, APACHE II, BISAP, SOFA, and qSOFA) METHODS: vWF-Antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF-Collagen-Binding-Assay (vWF:CBA), and ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:act) levels were measured within 5 days of symptom onset in consecutive patients (n = 98), who were admitted with a first episode of AP (Dec 2021-May 2023). RESULTS: Of the 98 patients admitted with AP, 78(79.6 %) had no or transient OF; 20(20.4 %) had persistent OF. Age was comparable (43.73 ± 15.36 vs 38.65 ± 13.69) [mean ± SD](years), and males were predominant in both groups (70.5 % vs 80 %). Patientswith persistent OF had higher vWF:CBA(%)[323(279-486.5) vs 199.5(159.1-295.75)] and lower ADAMTS13:act(%)[35.4(23.8-56.85) vs 56.35(44.1-71.9)][median (25th - 75th percentile)](P = 0.001) than those with no or transient OF. Patients with pancreatic necrosis (n = 19) had lower ADAMTS13:act(%)[42.79 ± 18.69] than those without pancreatic necrosis (n = 18) [62.49 ± 22.64] (P < 0.01). ADAMTS13:act had a negative correlation(r = -0.2), whereas vWF:Ag and vWF:CBA had a positive correlation (r = 0.2) with the standard severity scores (P < 0.05). ADAMTS13:act could predict pancreatic necrosis [AUROC-0.737, P < 0.05] and persistent OF [AUROC-0.746, P < 0.001], while vWF:CBA could predict persistent OF [AUROC- 0.73, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: vWF-ADAMTS13 axis helps to predict severe disease and is associated with poor outcomes in acute pancreatitis.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Disease burden and initiation of ambulatory thromboprophylaxis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ambulatory thromboprophylaxis (AT) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) reduces venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk and is recommended for patients receiving systemic chemotherapy. We evaluated VTE rates, severity, timing, and risk factors in PAC patients as well as AT rates and initiation times. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PAC were included. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, PAC diagnosis, development of VTE, AT, and bleeding episodes. VTE was defined as a DVT or a PE. Patients were classified as receiving AT for VTE prevention if they received a prescription for outpatient anticoagulation. RESULTS: The cohort included 243 PAC patients. VTE occurred in 24 %. Overall, 52 % developing VTE were hospitalized and 5 % died as a result of the VTE. Of those who developed VTE 50 % were diagnosed within the first 2 months of PAC diagnosis. Univariate predictors of elevated VTE risk included an elevated Onkotev score, metastasis at diagnosis, male gender and not receiving AT. Multivariate predictors of elevated VTE risk included male gender (P = 0.014) and not receiving AT (P = 0.001). Overall, 30 % of patients received AT. The median time from diagnosis to initiation of AT was 43 days. Major bleeding occurred in 5.8 %. Patients receiving AT were not at a significantly increased risk of major bleeding (p = 0.5). Patients with intestinal tumor invasion were at significantly increased risk of major bleeding (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: VTE risk is significant and morbid in PAC patients. AT rates are low, and initiation is often delayed. Therapeutic endoscopists diagnosing PAC may be helpful in AT initiation.

The evaluation of kidney function estimation during lifestyle intervention in children with overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Children with overweight and obesity are at risk for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). During lifestyle adjustment, the first step in the treatment of childhood obesity, body proportions are likely to change. The aim of this study was to examine how lifestyle intervention affects creatinine-based kidney function estimation in children with overweight and obesity. METHODS: This longitudinal lifestyle intervention study included 614 children with overweight and obesity (mean age 12.17 ± 3.28 years, 53.6% female, mean BMI z-score 3.32 ± 0.75). Loss to follow-up was present: 305, 146, 70, 26, and 10 children were included after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (about yearly) follow-up visits, respectively. Serum creatinine (SCr) was rescaled using Q-age and Q-height polynomials. RESULTS: At baseline, 95-97% of the children had a SCr/Q-height and SCr/Q-age in the normal reference range [0.67-1.33]. SCr/Q significantly increased each (about yearly) follow-up visit, and linear mixed regression analyses demonstrated slopes between 0.01 and 0.04 (corresponding with eGFR FAS reduction of 1.1-4.1 mL/min/1.73 m2) per visit. BMI z-score reduced in both sexes and this reduction was significantly higher in males. No correlation between change in rescaled SCr and BMI z-score reduction could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Rescaled serum creatinine (SCr/Q) slightly increases during multidiscipline lifestyle intervention in this cohort of children with overweight and obesity. This effect seems to be independent from change in BMI z-score. Whether this minor decrease in estimated kidney function has clinical consequences in the long term remains to be seen in trials with a longer follow-up period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov; Registration Number: NCT02091544.

Effects of protein and forage source on performance, and splanchnic and mammary net fluxes of nutrients in lactating dairy cows.

This study was conducted to determine if the decreased MP supply predicted by the NRC (2001) when canola meal (CM) substitutes soybean meal (SBM) was supported by direct measurement of net portal absorption of AA or energy-yielding nutrients, plus the impact of the type of forage in CM-based rations. Nine Holstein cows with indwelling catheters in splanchnic blood vessels, 8 also with a ruminal cannula were used to examine the effects of protein source in corn silage-based diets, comparing SBM versus CM, and forage source in CM-based diets, comparing corn versus grass silage. The cows were allocated to a triple 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The 3 experimental diets, formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, were based on: 1) SBM and corn silage (SoyCorn); 2) CM and corn silage (CanCorn) and 3) CM and cool-season grass silage (CanGrass). Averages of intake, milk yield and milk composition of the last 3 d of each period were used for statistical analyses. On d 21 of each period, 6 sets of arterial, portal, hepatic and mammary blood samples and 2 ruminal fluid samples were collected. On d 12 of period 2, the protein sources were incubated in nylon bags to determine 16h-ruminal disappearance of DM and N and to obtain 16-h residues. Finally, 5 d after the completion of the Latin square design, the mobile bag technique was used to determine DM and N intestinal disappearance of the 16-h residues of SBM and CM. Pre-planned contrasts were used to compare the effect of the protein source in cows fed corn silage, i.e., SoyCorn versus CanCorn, and the effect of forage in cows fed CM, i.e., CanCorn versus CanGrass. Data of the cow without a rumen canula could not be used because of health problem. In corn silage-based diets, substitution of SBM by CM tended to increase milk (6%) and milk fat (7%) yields. The 8% higher ruminal N disappearance and the 19% decreased MP supply from RUP predicted by NRC (2001) were not supported by the 25% decrease in ruminal ammonia concentration, similar net portal absorption of AA (except 22% higher for Met), and the 14% decrease in urea hepatic removal when CM substituted SBM. Ruminal incubation of CM in nylon bags does not appear suitable for adequate determination of the rumen by-pass of a protein source like CM. Inclusion of grass silage rather than corn silage in CM-based diets tended to increase milk (6%) and increased milk lactose (8%) yields. Neither protein nor forage source resulted in variations of metabolism of energy-yielding nutrients that could explain observed increments in cow performance. The present study indicates no decreased AA availability when CM substitutes SBM. Therefore, substitution of SBM by CM in diets based on corn silage and CM in corn- or grass silage-diets can be used successfully in high producing dairy cows.

Characterizing hepatitis B virus infection in children in the Democratic Republic of Congo to inform elimination efforts.

Objective: Despite global reductions in hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, an estimated 6.2 million children are infected, two-thirds of whom live in the WHO Africa region. We sought to characterize childhood HBV to inform elimination efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the largest and most populous African countries. Methods: Using the most recent (2013-14) nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey in the DRC, we analyzed HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) on dried blood spots and associated survey data from children aged 6-59 months. We estimated HBsAg-positivity prevalence nationally, regionally, and by potential correlates of infection. We evaluated spatial variation in HBsAg-positivity prevalence, overall and by age, sex, and vaccination status. Findings: Using data from 5,679 children, we found national HBsAg-positivity prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.9%-1.7%), but ranged from 0.0% in DRC's capital city province, Kinshasa, to 5.6% in northwestern Sud-Ubangi Province. Prevalence among boys (1.8%, 95% CI: 1.2%-2.7%) was double that among girls (0.7%, 95%CI: 0.4%-1.3%). Tetanus antibody-negativity, rurality, and lower household wealth were also significantly associated with higher HBsAg-positivity prevalence. We observed no difference in prevalence by age. Children had higher HBsAg-positivity odds if living with ≥1 HBsAg-positive adult household member (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 0.7-7.8), particularly an HBsAg-positive mother (OR: 7.2, 95%CI:1.6-32.2). Conclusion: In the largest national survey of HBV among children and household contacts in the DRC, we found that childhood HBV prevalence was 10-60 times the global target of 0.1%. We highlight specific regions and populations for further investigation and focused prevention efforts.

Andean Crops Germination: Changes in the Nutritional Profile, Physical and Sensory Characteristics. A Review.

Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.

Long-term oncological outcomes of follicular thyroid cancer in adolescents and young adults: A nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is rare and data on long-term oncological outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to describe the long-term recurrence and survival rates of AYAs with FTC, and identify risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study combining two national databases, including all patients aged 15-39 years, diagnosed with FTC in The Netherlands between 2000 and 2016. Age, sex, tumor size, focality, positive margins, angioinvasion, pT-stage, and pN-stage were included in a Cox proportional hazard model to identify risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: We included 192 patients. Median age was 31.0 years (IQR 24.7-36.3) and the male to female ratio was 1:4.1. Most patients presented with a minimally invasive FTC (MI-FTC) (95%). Five patients presented with synchronous metastases (2.6%), including two with locoregional metastases (1%) and three with distant metastases (1.6%). During a median follow-up of 12.0 years, three patients developed a recurrence (1.6%), of which one patient developed a local recurrence (33%), and two patients a distant recurrence (67%). Five patients died during follow-up (2.6%). Cause of death was not captured. A Cox proportional hazard model could not be performed due to the low number of recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: FTC in AYAs is generally characterized as a low-risk tumor, as it exhibits a very low recurrence rate, a high overall survival, and it typically presents as MI-FTC without synchronous metastases. These findings underscore the favorable long-term oncological prognosis of FTC in AYAs.

Building living systematic reviews and reporting standards for comparative microscopic analysis of white diseases in hard corals.

Over the last 4 decades, coral disease research has continued to provide reports of diseases, the occurrence and severity of disease outbreaks and associated disease signs. Histology using systematic protocols is a gold standard for the microscopic assessment of diseases in veterinary and medical research, while also providing valuable information on host condition. However, uptake of histological analysis for coral disease remains limited. Increasing disease outbreaks on coral reefs as human impacts intensify highlights a need to understand the use of histology to date in coral disease research. Here, we apply a systematic approach to collating, mapping and reviewing histological methods used to study coral diseases with 'white' signs (i.e., white diseases) in hard coral taxa and map research effort in this field spanning study design, sample processing and analysis in the 33 publications identified between 1984 and 2022. We find that studies to date have not uniformly detailed methodologies, and terminology associated with reporting and disease description is inconsistent between studies. Combined these limitations reduce study repeatability, limiting the capacity for researchers to compare disease reports. A primary outcome of this study is the provision of transparent and repeatable protocols for systematically reviewing literature associated with white diseases of hard coral taxa, and development of recommendations for standardised reporting procedures with the aim of increasing uptake of histology in addition to allowing for ongoing comparative analysis through living systematic reviews for the coral disease field.

Interactions of Fatty Acid and Cholesterol Metabolism with Cellular Stress Response Pathways in Cancer.

Lipids have essential functions as structural components of cellular membranes, as efficient energy storage molecules, and as precursors of signaling mediators. While deregulated glucose and amino acid metabolism in cancer have received substantial attention, the roles of lipids in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells are less well understood. However, since the first description of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in cancer tissues almost 70 years ago, numerous studies have investigated the complex functions of altered lipid metabolism in cancer. Here, we will summarize the mechanisms by which oncogenic signaling pathways regulate fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism to drive rapid proliferation and protect cancer cells from environmental stress. The review also discusses the role of fatty acid metabolism in metabolic plasticity required for the adaptation to changing microenvironments during cancer progression and the connections between fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism and ferroptosis.

Upper Limb Function in People With Upper and Lower Limb Loss 8 Years Postinjury: The Armed Services Trauma Outcome Study (ADVANCE) Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Upper limb (UL) disability in people with UL amputation/s is well reported in the literature, less so for people with lower limb amputation/s. This study aimed to compare UL disability in injured (major trauma) and uninjured UK military personnel, with particular focus on people with upper and lower limb amputation/s. METHODS: A volunteer sample of injured (n = 579) and uninjured (n = 566) UK military personnel who served in a combat role in the Afghanistan war were frequency matched on age, sex, service, rank, regiment, role, and deployment period and recruited to the Armed Services Trauma Rehabilitation Outcome (ADVANCE) longitudinal cohort study. Participants completed the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, scored from 0 (no disability) to 100 (maximum disability) 8 years postinjury. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compared DASH scores between groups. An ordinal model was used to assess the effect of injury and amputation on DASH scores. RESULTS: DASH scores were higher in the group with injuries compared to the group without injuries (3.33 vs 0.00) and higher in people with lower limb loss compared to the group without injuries (0.83 vs 0.00), although this was not statistically significant. In the adjusted ordinal model, the odds of having a higher DASH score was 1.70 (95% CI = 1.18-2.47) times higher for people with lower limb loss compared to the group without injuries. DASH score was not significantly different between people with major and partial UL loss (15.42 vs 12.92). The odds of having a higher DASH score was 8.30 (95% CI = 5.07-13.60) times higher for people with UL loss compared to the uninjured group. CONCLUSION: People with lower limb loss have increased odds of having more UL disability than the uninjured population 8 years postinjury. People with major and partial UL loss have similar UL disability. The ADVANCE study will continue to follow this population for the next 20 years. IMPACT: For the first time, potential for greater upper limb disability has been shown in people with lower limb loss long-term, likely resulting from daily biomechanical compensations such as weight-bearing, balance, and power generation. This population may benefit from prophylactic upper limb rehabilitation, strength, and technique.

Tonabersat suppresses priming/activation of the NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and decreases renal tubular epithelial-to-macrophage crosstalk in a model of diabetic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Accompanied by activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, aberrant connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannel-mediated ATP release is situated upstream of inflammasome assembly and inflammation and contributes to multiple secondary complications of diabetes and associated cardiometabolic comorbidities. Evidence suggests there may be a link between Cx43 hemichannel activity and inflammation in the diabetic kidney. The consequences of blocking tubular Cx43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release in priming/activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in a model of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) was investigated. We examined downstream markers of inflammation and the proinflammatory and chemoattractant role of the tubular secretome on macrophage recruitment and activation. METHODS: Analysis of human transcriptomic data from the Nephroseq repository correlated gene expression to renal function in DKD. Primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were cultured in high glucose and inflammatory cytokines as a model of DKD to assess Cx43 hemichannel activity, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and epithelial-to-macrophage paracrine-mediated crosstalk. Tonabersat assessed a role for Cx43 hemichannels. RESULTS: Transcriptomic analysis from renal biopsies of patients with DKD showed that increased Cx43 and NLRP3 expression correlated with declining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased proteinuria. In vitro, Tonabersat blocked glucose/cytokine-dependant increases in Cx43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release and reduced expression of inflammatory markers and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in RPTECs. We observed a reciprocal relationship in which NLRP3 activity exacerbated increased Cx43 expression and hemichannel-mediated ATP release, events driven by nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)-mediated priming and Cx43 hemichannel opening, changes blocked by Tonabersat. Conditioned media (CM) from RPTECs treated with high glucose/cytokines increased expression of inflammatory markers in MDMs, an effect reduced when macrophages were pre-treated with Tonabersat. Co-culture using conditioned media from Tonabersat-treated RPTECs dampened macrophage inflammatory marker expression and reduced macrophage migration. CONCLUSION: Using a model of DKD, we report for the first time that high glucose and inflammatory cytokines trigger aberrant Cx43 hemichannel activity, events that instigate NLRP3-induced inflammation in RPTECs and epithelial-to-macrophage crosstalk. Recapitulating observations previously reported in diabetic retinopathy, these data suggest that Cx43 hemichannel blockers (i.e., Tonabersat) may dampen multi-system damage observed in secondary complications of diabetes.

Distribution changes of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A postulated risk of disease transmission in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Leishmaniasis is caused by various species of parasite Leishmania. Approximately twenty of them are pathogenic to mammals. In Sri Lanka, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an established vector-borne disease. CL originates and spreads mainly through sandfly bite in many endemic countries. The aim of the present study was to compare the geographical distribution and demographic features of CL cases in Hambantota district, Sri Lanka in 2014 and 2016. METHODS: The patients who were presented to the Tangalle Base Hospital from June to December in 2014 and 2016 were examined and a descriptive study was carried out using a structured-questionnaire. Slit-skin smears were collected from each patient, Giemsa-stained and examined under the light microscope to identify Leishmania amastigotes. RESULTS: Out of 256 and 314 suspected CL patients, 156 and 155 were identified positive for the year 2014 and 2016, respectively. Out of 12 District Secretary Divisions (DSD) in Hambantota district, the highest number of CL cases, 85 and 86 was reported from Tangalle DSD in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Number of identified CL patients in Beliatta DSD had increased from 50 to 67 during the study period. In both years, majority of CL patients were ≥50 years old with males more infected than females. Although CL association with occupations were insignificant, housewives were the highly (23%) infected occupants in this area. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, geographical distribution within DSDs in Hambantota district had changed. This emphasizes the importance of CL as a health problem in Hambantota district.

Whole blood transcriptome in long-COVID patients reveals association with lung function and immune response.

BACKGROUND: Months after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, at least 10% of patients still experience complaints. Long-COVID (coronavirus disease 2019) is a heterogeneous disease, and clustering efforts revealed multiple phenotypes on a clinical level. However, the molecular pathways underlying long-COVID phenotypes are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: We sought to cluster patients according to their blood transcriptomes and uncover the pathways underlying their disease. METHODS: Blood was collected from 77 patients with long-COVID from the Precision Medicine for more Oxygen (P4O2) COVID-19 study. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed on the whole blood transcriptome. These clusters were analyzed for differences in clinical features, pulmonary function tests, and gene ontology term enrichment. RESULTS: Clustering revealed 2 distinct clusters on a transcriptome level. Compared with cluster 2 (n = 65), patients in cluster 1 (n = 12) showed a higher rate of preexisting cardiovascular disease (58% vs 22%), higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms (58% vs 29%), shorter hospital duration during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (median, 3 vs 8 days), lower FEV1/forced vital capacity (72% vs 81%), and lower diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (68% vs 85% predicted). Gene ontology term enrichment analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in the antiviral innate immune response in cluster 1, whereas genes involved with the adaptive immune response were upregulated in cluster 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a start in uncovering the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying long-COVID. Further research is required to unravel why the immune response is different in these clusters, and to identify potential therapeutic targets to create an optimized treatment or monitoring strategy for the individual long-COVID patient.

Physical model of neutron scattering by clathrate hydrate and C60hosting paramagnetic oxygen molecules.

This paper describes the physical modelling of neutron scattering in two polycrystalline inclusion compounds, fully deuterated clathrate hydrate andC60, each with paramagnetic oxygen as guest molecules. For studying the suitability of these materials for neutron moderation to very low energies, the model includes, in addition to the magnetic neutron scattering by the oxygen, the nuclear scattering by all constituents. The theoretical total cross sections are calculated based on the phonon density of states obtained by density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. At low temperatures, the developed scattering kernels are in good agreement with experimental neutron scattering data reported in the literature. At 20 K and above, a Lorentzian distribution for the zero-field splitting of the magnetic substates of the spin triplet of the oxygen molecules helps to reproduce magnetic peaks observed in inelastic neutron scattering experiments better than the original theory based on a single-valued splitting constant. Neutron spectra obtained by Monte Carlo simulations in infinite media are presented, highlighting the potential use ofO2-containing fully deuterated clathrate hydrate as a neutron moderator for the production of very cold neutrons.

Ocular Tuberculosis Diagnosis Through Biomarkers: Clinical Relevance of Serum C1q and Whole Blood Interferon Gene Signature Score.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical relevance of pathophysiology-based biomarkers, specifically serum C1q and whole blood interferon gene signature score (IGSS), in ocular tuberculosis (OTB) diagnosis by conducting an integrative analysis of clinical presentations and treatment response. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analysed data from 70 patients with suspected OTB at a tertiary care uveitis practice in Indonesia. Serum C1q levels and whole blood IGSS were quantified. Patients were categorized into four quadrants based on their biomarker profiles: quadrant 1 (high C1q & low IGSS), quadrant 2 (high C1q & high IGSS), quadrant 3 (low C1q & high IGSS), and quadrant 4 (low C1q & low IGSS). Characteristics of clinical presentations, work-up results, and treatment outcomes were explored according to the predefined quadrants. RESULTS: We identified that the majority of OTB patients diagnosed with concurrent active pulmonary TB were in quadrant 1, 2, or 3 (20/23, 87.0%). Twenty-seven patients (27/47, 57.4%) with clinically undifferentiated uveitis were in quadrant 4 (p < 0.001). Among patients in quadrants 1, 2, and 3, completion of a full course of antitubercular treatment (ATT) was associated with a lower number of patients showing persistence or recurrence of ocular inflammation compared to those who were not fully treated with ATT (14.3% vs 85.7%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the analysis of clinical features and treatment outcomes, patients with elevated levels of either or both serum C1q and whole blood IGSS may reflect active TB disease in the eye, necessitating full ATT management.

Charting achievements: a two-year retrospective of the society for environmental geochemistry and health (SEGH) and the evolving strategies.

Emerging from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to ground ourselves and retrospectively assess the recent achievements of SEGH over the past years. This editorial serves as a comprehensive report on the progress made in comparison to the aspirations and goals set by the society's board in 2019 (Watts et al., Environ Geochem Health 42:343-347, 2019) (Fig. 1) and reflects on the state of the SEGH community as it reached its 50th anniversary at the close of 2021 (Watts et al. Environ Geochem Health 45:1165-1171, 2023). The focus lies on how the SEGH community navigated through the extraordinary challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020, and to what extent the 2023 targets have been met.

Non-motor symptoms in PD evaluated during pharmacological ON state by a new tool: The NoMoS-ON scale. Is always the "ON" state beneficial?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate non-motor symptoms (NMS) occurring during ON pharmacological state and validate a new questionnaire, the Non-motor symptoms-ON scale (NoMoS-ON), exploring ON NMS in Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with PD were evaluated by a new questionnaire, the NoMoS-ON scale, evaluating 17 items related to the main symptoms experienced during the ON state. PD patients who experienced at least one symptom in ON were defined ON-NMS+. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of NoMoS-ON scale were also assessed. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty-seven PD patients were consecutively enrolled (79 men and 58 women, age 69.4 ± 9.5 years (mean ± SD)). Seventy-seven patients were ON-NMS+ (56.6 %). PD patients with short disease duration (<7 years) showed the presence of unpleasant NMS: "sleepiness", "light-headedness", "nausea/vomiting". PD patients with longer disease duration experienced pleasant non-motor features including "feel lot of energy", "feel physical well-being". ON-NMS+ were also associated with female gender (OR 2.81, 95%CI 1.37-5.77, p-value 0.005) and with motor fluctuations (OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.20-4.83, p-value 0.013). Cronbach's alpha was 0.61 and 5 items had adequate item-to-total correlations (r ≥ 0.40). Test-retest reliability was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: The NoMoS-ON scale is a valid, reproducible and reliable questionnaire capturing the ON NMS in PD. PD patients with disease duration shorter than 7 years showed the presence of unpleasant NMS whereas those with longer disease duration experienced pleasant non-motor features. This could help the physician in the therapy management of PD patients in different phases of their disease.