Exceptional anticancer photodynamic properties of [1,4-Bis(3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatridec-1-yloxy)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II)

Phthalocyanines have been described as effective photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and are therefore, being studied for their biomedical applications. The metalation of photosensitizers can improve their photodynamic therapy potential. Here, we focus on the biological properties of [1,4-Bis(3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatridec-1-yloxy)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II) (ZnPc(αEG4)2) and demonstrate its exceptional anticancer activity upon light stimulation to kill preferentially cancer cells with a start of efficiency at 10 pM. Indeed, in this work we highlighted the high selectivity of ZnPc(αEG4)2 for cancer cells compared with healthy ones and we establish its mechanism of action, enabling us to conclude that ZnPc(αEG4)2 could be a powerful tool for cancer therapy.

How exogenous ligand enhances the efficiency of cadmium phytoextraction from soils?

Many experiments showed that exogenous ligands could enhance cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction efficiency in soils. Previous studies suggested that the dissociation and the apoplastic uptake of Cd complex could not fully explain the increase of root Cd uptake. Two hypotheses are evaluated to explain enhanced Cd uptake in the presence of ligand: i) enhanced apoplastic uptake of complex due to reduced apoplastic resistance and ii) complex internalization by membrane transporters. RESULTS: show that the ligand affinity for Cd is a key characteristic determining the potential mechanism for enhanced Cd uptake. When low molecular weight organic acids are applied, the complex dissociation could generally be fast (> 10-3.3 s-1) and result in the increased Cd uptake. When hydrophilic aminopolycarboxylic acids (APCAs) are applied in experiments without water or temperature stresses to the plant, the root water uptake flux could very likely be high (> 10-7.8 dm s-1), and the strong apoplastic complex uptake could enhance the root Cd uptake. When lipophilic APCAs are applied, the strong internalization of the complex by membrane transporters could result in the increased Cd uptake if the maximum internalization rate is high (> 10-12 mol dm-2 s-1). However, the complex internalization by membrane transporters must be experimentally confirmed.

Alkali to alkaline earth metals: a DFT study of monolayer TiSi2N4 for metal ion batteries

A significant problem in the area of rechargeable alkali ion battery technologies is the exploration of anode materials with overall high specific capacities and superior physical properties. By using first-principles calculations, we have determined that monolayer TiSi2N4 is precisely such a potential anode candidate. Its demonstrated dynamic, thermal, mechanical, and energetic stabilities make it feasible for experimental realization. An important benefit of the electrode conductivity is that the electronic structure reveals that the pristine system experiences a change from a semiconductor to a metal throughout the entire alkali adsorption process. What's more interesting is that monolayer TiSi2N4 can support up to double-sided 3-layer ad-atoms, resulting in extremely high theoretical capacities for Li, Na, Mg, and K of 1004, 854, 492 and 531 mA h g-1 and low average open-circuit voltages of 0.55, 0.25, 0.55, and -1.3 V, respectively. Alkali diffusion on the surface has been demonstrated to occur extremely quickly, with migration energy barriers for Li, Na, Mg, and K as low as 0.25, 0.14, 0.10, and 0.07 eV, respectively. The results reveal that the migration barrier energy is the lowest for Li and Mg from path-2 and Na and K from path-1. Overall, these findings suggest that monolayer TiSi2N4 is a suitable anode candidate for use in high-performance and low-cost metal-ion batteries.

Cadmium partitioning between hulls and kernels in three sunflower varieties: consequences for food/feed chain safety

Contamination of sunflower seeds with soil Cd is an important issue for food and feed because this species strongly accumulates this metal. The present work reports that seeds from three sunflower varieties (ES Biba, Extrasol, Vellox) cultivated in the field in a calcareous agricultural soil having a moderately high Cd content (1 mg Cd/kg) had Cd contents of 0.84, 0.88 and 0.76 mg Cd/kg, respectively, all exceeding the regulation limit of 0.5 mg Cd/kg seeds for human food. On average, for the three varieties, washing seeds did not affect their total Cd contents but slightly increased the Cd in the kernels at the expense of that in hulls. Despite the Cd content of the whole seeds not differing between the varieties, the Cd fraction in the edible kernel differed significantly between varieties from 78 to 87% of the total seed Cd. The results of this study suggest that (i) the size of the kernel, relative to that of the hull, may affect the dilution of Cd in kernel tissues and (ii) there might be genetic variability for the capacity of transfer of Cd from the hull to the kernel. This opens the perspective to increase food safety by selecting sunflower genotypes that retain more Cd into the hull and transfer less of it to the edible kernel.

Two-Photon Light Trigger siRNA Transfection of Cancer Cells Using Non-Toxic Porous Silicon Nanoparticles

The concept of using two-photon excitation in the NIR for the spatiotemporal control of biological processes holds great promise. However, its use for the delivery of nucleic acids has been very scarcely described and the reported procedures are not optimal as they often involve potentially toxic materials and irradiation conditions. This work prepares a simple system made of biocompatible porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNP) for the safe siRNA photocontrolled delivery and gene silencing in cells upon two-photon excitation. PSiNP are linked to an azobenzene moiety, which possesses a lysine group (pSiNP@ICPES-azo@Lys) to efficiently complex siRNA. Non-linear excitation of the two-photon absorber system (pSiNP) followed by intermolecular energy transfer (FRET) to trans azobenzene moiety, result in the photoisomerization of the azobenzene from trans to cis and in the destabilization of the azobenzene-siRNA complex, thus inducing the delivery of the cargo siRNA to the cytoplasm of cells. Efficient silencing in MCF-7 expressing stable firefly luciferase with siRNAluc against luciferase is observed. Furthermore, siRNA against inhibitory apoptotic protein (IAP) leads to over 70% of MCF-7 cancer cell death. The developed technique using two-photon light allows a unique high spatiotemporally controlled and safe siRNA delivery in cells in few seconds of irradiation.

Use of Radiomics to Predict Treatment Response in CNS, Head, Neck and Lung Tumors

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The ability to predict treatment response and local tumor control in cancers treated with radiation might allow for treatment de-escalation in responsive tumors and treatment escalation in non-responsive tumors. The past decade has seen substantial developments in radiomic technology, with some investigators finding radiomic models that predict treatment response and toxicities. While it is standard of care to adapt treatment volumes in the setting of significant tumor shrinkage, it is unclear if deescalating their overall treatment might jeopardize their treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the radiomic features in patients receiving definitive treatment that were re-simulated for significant tumor shrinkage.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We looked for radiomic features correlating with tumor response in 12 female and 16 male patients with a median age of 64 and ECOG status between 0-2. These patients received radiation with curative intent in the CNS, head, neck, or lungs. These patients were re-simulated during the course of their treatment for significant tumor shrinkage to optimize their treatment volumes and minimize radiation dose to organs at risk. Of the 28, 1 patient had CNS cancer, 22 had head or neck cancers, and 15 had lung cancer. Pre- and post- radiation CT planning scans were assessed after the initial gross tumor volume (GTV) was shrunk by 3mm to avoid interface effects of proximal structures. Slope for a straight-line fit was computed between each potential radiomic feature and post-treatment tumor reduction (as calculated using GTV - 3mm) to identify radiomic features that correlate with treatment response. We used the criteria slope >0.5, and slope > 0.6 cut offs to determine the highly predictive radiomic features.

RESULTS

First order mean, which is a surrogate for CT density or the HU value showed a slope of 0 indicating HU as a poor predictor of treatment response. This radiomic feature was deemed stable between patients and between scans. 17 radiomic features showed a slope >0.5 and 5 features demonstrated a slope > 0.6. The 5 most promising included: original_firstorder_minimum, original_glcm_joint average, original_glcm_SumAverage, original_gldm_LargeDependenceHighGrayLevelEmphasis and original_glxzm_LargeAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis. Of the patients within this group of predictive radiomic features, none had recurrence at the treated disease site.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified 22 radiomic features that might be used to predict treatment response in malignant tumors of the CNS, head, neck and lung. Current tools we use in the clinic, including density and HU values, showed no predictive power for tumor progression but remained stable between patients and between scans. Further research is necessary to determine if these 22 unique radiomic features can be utilized in predicting patient outcomes.

Initial Report of a Randomized Trial Comparing Conventional vs. Novel Treatment Planning Technique to Ameliorate Immunosuppression from Lung SBRT

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

SBRT is highly effective against early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation Therapy (RT) is known to modulate the immune system and contribute to the generation of anti-tumor T cells and stimulate T cell infiltration into tumors. However, this anti-tumor activity is offset by radiation-induced immunosuppression (RIIS) which results in lower tumor control and survival. Lymphocytes are highly radiosensitive and RIIS means destroying existing as well as newly created cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes. We hypothesized that optimizing RT treatment planning by considering circulating blood and lymphatics as a critical Organ at Risk (OAR) may mitigate RIIS.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted an IRB approved NCI funded clinical trial for 50 early-stage lung cancer patients treated with SBRT alone, from 2020 to 2023, to investigate the ability to reduce RIIS by reducing dose to circulating blood and lymphatics with the aid of a predictive algorithm. All SBRT plans adhered to treatment parameters from RTOG 0813 (central) or RTOG 0915 (peripheral). Patients were randomized to two arms: experimental optimization for RIIS (to reduce dose to blood and lymphatic rich organs) versus standard SBRT planning (without optimization for RIIS). Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline, end of Tx, 4 weeks and 6 months post Tx. Patients with baseline absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) less than 0.5x109 cells/L were ineligible for the trial. Data acquired for all blood cell types as well as lymphocyte sub populations CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD56+. Two sample t-test was used to determine the statistical significance between the cohorts at the time points.

RESULTS

The standard arm had an ALC reduction of 28% at one week post Tx and a nadir at 4 weeks with a 34% reduction. Absolute percentage reductions in ALC from baseline in the optimized arm compared to the standard arm are: end of treatment point (13%, p = 0.03), 4 weeks (12%, p = 0.08), 6 months (15%, p = 0.1), and all three time points together 13% (p = 0.001). ALC recovery appears to be faster in the optimized arm. Radiation induced suppression of all blood cell types are also reduced in the optimized arm with respect to standard arm (relative percentages): ALC (34%), WBC (47%), RBC (46%), platelets (40%), monocytes (100%), and neutrophils (62%) at 4-week mark. Average percentage reductions on integral doses, and V5 (volume receiving a 5 Gy dose) of optimized compared to standard plans are: aorta: 26%, 41% heart: 8%, 33%, vena cava: 32%, 52%, T spine: 51%, 81%, lymph nodes: 35%, 57%, total lung- ITV: 1.6%, 1%, body: 10%, 14%.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, we have shown that it is possible to reduce RIIS in a statistically significant manner, compared to standard of care, via optimized RT planning using a predictive model. This has implications in increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy by preserving the existing tumor reactive T cells in the immune system to enhance anti-tumor activity, and in reducing hospitalizations and improving survival.

Novel Biocompatible Trianglamine Networks for Efficient Iodine Capture

Herein, we report for the first time a biocompatible cross-linked trianglamine (Δ) network for the efficient iodine removal from the vapor phase, water, and seawater. In the vapor phase, the cross-linked network could capture 6 g g-1 of iodine, ranking among the most performant materials for iodine vapor capture. In the liquid phase, this cross-linked network is also capable of capturing iodine at high rates from aqueous media (water and seawater). This network displayed fast adsorption kinetics, and they are fully recyclable. This study reveals the high affinity of iodine for the intrinsic cavity of the trianglamine. The synthesized materials are extremely interesting since they are environmentally friendly and inexpensive and the synthesis could easily be scaled up to be used as the material of choice in response to accidents in the nuclear industry.

Development of targeted photodynamic therapy drugs by combining a zinc phthalocyanine sensitizer with TSPO or EGFR binding groups: the impact of the number of targeting agents on biological activity

Drug-targeted delivery has become a top priority in the world of medicine in order to develop more efficient therapeutic agents. This is important as a critical underlying problem in cancer therapy stems from the inability to deliver active therapeutic substances directly to tumor cells without causing collateral damage. In this work, zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was selected as a sensitizer and was linked to different targeting agents, which would be recognized by overexpressed proteins in cancer cells. As targeting agents, we first selected the two ligands (DAA1106, PK11195) of the translocator protein (TSPO) and then Erlotinib a binding group of the ATP domain of tyrosine kinase in epidermal growth factor (EGFR). ZnPc was connected via an ethylene glycol chain to either one (n = 1) or four (n = 4) targeting agents. The biological activity of these conjugates ZnPc(ligand)n was investigated on MDA-MB-231 breast human cancer cells and human hepatoma HepG2 cells, first in the dark (cytotoxicity) and then under irradiation (photodynamic therapy). The dark cytotoxicity was extremely low (IC50 ≥ 50 μM) for all of these compounds, which is a required criterion for further photodynamic application. After irradiation at 650 nm, only the conjugates bearing one targeting ligand such as ZnPc-[DAA1106]1, ZnPc-[PK11195]1, and ZnPc-[Erlo]1 showed photodynamic activity, while those linked to 4 targeting agents were inactive. Importantly, fluorescence imaging microscopy showed the colocalization of ZnPc-[DAA1106]1, ZnPc-[PK11195]1 and ZnPc-[erlo]1, at mitochondria, a result that justifies the observed photodynamic activity of these conjugates. This study first shows the impact of the number and the mode of organization of targeting agents on the ability of the sensitizer to cross the cell membrane. When zinc(II) phthalocyanine carries a single targeting agent, a significant photodynamic activity on MDA-MB-231 breast human cancer cells was measured and localization at the mitochondria was demonstrated by fluorescence imaging, thus proving the potential of the sensitizer linked to a targeting agent to improve selectivity. Another important conclusion from this study for the design of future effective PDT drugs using multivalence effects is to control the arrangement of the targeting agents in order to design molecules that will be able to pass the cell membrane barriers.

Neutrino-Induced Coherent π^{+} Production in C, CH, Fe, and Pb at ⟨E_{ν}⟩∼6 GeV

MINERvA has measured the ν_{μ}-induced coherent π^{+} cross section simultaneously in hydrocarbon (CH), graphite (C), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) targets using neutrinos from 2 to 20 GeV. The measurements exceed the predictions of the Rein-Sehgal and Berger-Sehgal PCAC based models at multi-GeV ν_{μ} energies and at produced π^{+} energies and angles, E_{π}>1  GeV and θ_{π}<10°. Measurements of the cross-section ratios of Fe and Pb relative to CH reveal the effective A scaling to increase from an approximate A^{1/3} scaling at few GeV to an A^{2/3} scaling for E_{ν}>10  GeV.

Frequency-Dependent Squeezed Vacuum Source for the Advanced Virgo Gravitational-Wave Detector

In this Letter, we present the design and performance of the frequency-dependent squeezed vacuum source that will be used for the broadband quantum noise reduction of the Advanced Virgo Plus gravitational-wave detector in the upcoming observation run. The frequency-dependent squeezed field is generated by a phase rotation of a frequency-independent squeezed state through a 285 m long, high-finesse, near-detuned optical resonator. With about 8.5 dB of generated squeezing, up to 5.6 dB of quantum noise suppression has been measured at high frequency while close to the filter cavity resonance frequency, the intracavity losses limit this value to about 2 dB. Frequency-dependent squeezing is produced with a rotation frequency stability of about 6 Hz rms, which is maintained over the long term. The achieved results fulfill the frequency dependent squeezed vacuum source requirements for Advanced Virgo Plus. With the current squeezing source, considering also the estimated squeezing degradation induced by the interferometer, we expect a reduction of the quantum shot noise and radiation pressure noise of up to 4.5 dB and 2 dB, respectively.

Simultaneous Measurement of Muon Neutrino ν_{μ} Charged-Current Single π^{+} Production in CH, C, H_{2}O, Fe, and Pb Targets in MINERvA

Neutrino-induced charged-current single π^{+} production in the Δ(1232) resonance region is of considerable interest to accelerator-based neutrino oscillation experiments. In this Letter, high statistic differential cross sections are reported for the semiexclusive reaction ν_{μ}A→μ^{-}π^{+}+ nucleon(s) on scintillator, carbon, water, iron, and lead targets recorded by MINERvA using a wideband ν_{μ} beam with ⟨E_{ν}⟩≈6  GeV. Suppression of the cross section at low Q^{2} and enhancement of low T_{π} are observed in both light and heavy nuclear targets compared with phenomenological models used in current neutrino interaction generators. The cross sections per nucleon for iron and lead compared with CH across the kinematic variables probed are 0.8 and 0.5 respectively, a scaling which is also not predicted by current generators.

Simultaneous Measurement of ν_{μ} Quasielasticlike Cross Sections on CH, C, H_{2}O, Fe, and Pb as a Function of Muon Kinematics at MINERvA

This Letter presents the first simultaneous measurement of the quasielasticlike neutrino-nucleus cross sections on C, water, Fe, Pb, and scintillator (hydrocarbon or CH) as a function of longitudinal and transverse muon momentum. The ratio of cross sections per nucleon between Pb and CH is always above unity and has a characteristic shape as a function of transverse muon momentum that evolves slowly as a function of longitudinal muon momentum. The ratio is constant versus longitudinal momentum within uncertainties above a longitudinal momentum of 4.5  GeV/c. The cross section ratios to CH for C, water, and Fe remain roughly constant with increasing longitudinal momentum, and the ratios between water or C to CH do not have any significant deviation from unity. Both the overall cross section level and the shape for Pb and Fe as a function of transverse muon momentum are not reproduced by current neutrino event generators. These measurements provide a direct test of nuclear effects in quasielasticlike interactions, which are major contributors to long-baseline neutrino oscillation data samples.

Variation in Pyrethroid Resistance Phenotypes in Anopheles darlingi in an Area with Residual Malaria Transmission: Warning of Suspected Resistance in French Guiana

Anopheles darlingi is the main vector of malaria in South America. In French Guiana, malaria transmission occurs inland and along the rivers with a regular reemergence in the lower Oyapock area. Control against malaria vectors includes indoor residual spraying of deltamethrin and the distribution of long-lasting impregnated bednets. In this context, the level of resistance to pyrethroids was monitored for 4 years using CDC bottle tests in An. darlingi populations. A loss of susceptibility to pyrethroids was recorded with 30-minute knock-down measured as low as 81%. However, no pyrethroid molecular resistance was found by sequencing a 170 base pair fragment of the S6 segment of domain II of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene. Fluctuation of resistance phenotypes may be influenced by the reintroduction of susceptible alleles from sylvatic populations or by other mechanisms of metabolic resistance.

Response of soil and vegetation in a warm-temperate Pine forest to intensive biomass harvests, phosphorus fertilisation, and wood ash application

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of different intensities of biomass harvesting, and the possible effects of compensation methods, on forest functioning. To do so, we carried out a split-plot experiment (SW France) crossing four different intensities of biomass harvesting (Stem-Only Harvest [SOH], Aboveground Additional Harvest [AAH], Belowground Additional Harvest [BAH], and Whole-Tree Harvest [WTH]) and three compensation methods (control [C], wood ash application [A] and phosphorus fertilisation [P]). The experimental treatments were followed by the plantation of pines (Pinus pinaster). The environmental consequences of treatments on soil and vegetation were evaluated 11 years after the tree plantation. Despite their low additional biomass exports (+10 % for AAH to +34 % for WTH), the non-conventional harvest practices exported much higher quantities of nutrients than the conventional SOH technique (+145 % of exported N in WTH). Additional biomass harvests impacted the soil organic matter content, with negative effects on P_-organic, soil cation exchange capacity, exchangeable Ca, and most extractible nutrients. However, tree nutritional status was improved by P-fertiliser or wood ash. We observed a positive effect of wood ash application on soil pH and nutrient content but, like additional harvests, wood ash application decreased the pool of soil organic carbon (~10 %). Overall, the experiment showed that exporting more forest biomass due to the additional harvesting of biomass had negative consequences on the ecosystem biogeochemistry. Additional harvests have impoverished the soil, and decreased the soil organic carbon content. Importantly, applying nutrients as fertiliser or wood ash did not compensate for all the negative impacts of biomass exports and the method of wood ash recycling in forests could even decrease the soil organic carbon.

Psychological distress and post-traumatic growth in France during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mediation model of psychosocial safety climate as a determinant of work performance

The psychosocial safety climate (PSC) reflects workers’ perceptions of senior management’s concern for mental health. Because the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated organizational issues, PSC could be a target for interventions attempting to preserve both the psychological health of employees and the economic health of companies. This study examines the direct and indirect relationships between PSC and work performance through two indicators of psychological health, psychological distress and post-traumatic growth, during a health crisis, i.e., prior to the second confinement in France. To this end, 2,004 participants from the French workforce completed a survey in October 2020. The results of mediation analyses indicate that PSC has a direct and positive influence on post-traumatic growth (PTG) and performance, as well as a direct negative influence on psychological distress. PSC also has an indirect positive influence on performance via psychological distress. Organizations that wish to jointly address mental health and performance at work would benefit from optimizing PSC.

Advanced microstructural substrate detection in pre-hypertrophic HCM and its relationship to arrhythmogenesis; a hybrid CMR-ECG-Imaging study

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is defined in three domains; clinically by unexplained hypertrophy, genetically by sarcomeric gene mutations and histologically by disarray, small vessel disease and fibrosis. Both ischaemia and myocyte disarray have been implicated in arrhythmogenesis and sudden cardiac death but whether disarray occurs before hypertrophy and its relationship to ischaemia is unknown.

Diffusion-tensor CMR, perfusion mapping & ECG Imaging (ECGI) can measure disarray, ischaemia and electrical aberrance respectively in vivo. We aimed to investigate these in genotype positive (G+) subjects without hypertrophy (LVH−) to identify further subclinical manifestations of gene expression and whether these relate to ventricular arrhythmia formation.

Methods

Diffusion-tensor CMR (3-Tesla) using a motion-compensated spin-echo sequence was acquired in 3 short-axis slices. Quantitative adenosine stress perfusion mapping was performed using standard clinical protocols. A novel ECGI vest, containing 256 unipolar electrodes acquired a 5-minute recording of body-surface potentials to quantify conduction and repolarisation dynamics intervals.

Results

ECGI/CMR was performed on 68 mutation carriers from 64 families and 24 age sex and ethnicity matched healthy controls. Of the mutation carriers, median age was 33 (24–41 years), 57% (39) were female, and 79% (54) were white. Mutations were 39 (57%) MYBPC3, 19 (28%) MYH7, 1 (1%) MYL2 and 9 (12%) were thin filament/non-sarcomeric mutations. There was no significant difference in ejection fraction or LV mass, however G+LVH− had a higher maximum wall thickness (9 (9–10) vs 8 (7–9) mm p=0.003).

Compared to healthy volunteers, G+LVH− individuals had more perfusion defects (18/64 (30%) vs 0, p=0.004), lower Fractional Anisotropy (FA) (suggestive of more disarray) (0.32±0.02 vs 0.34±0.02, p&lt;0.0001) and more prolonged Activation–Recovery Intervals (ARI, a surrogate for action potential duration (259±40 vs 240±31 ms, p=0.03).

In G+LVH−, patients with perfusion defects had more prolonged ARI (263 (248 vs 292) vs 246 (225–283) ms, p=0.03) and lower FA suggestive of more disarray (0.32±0.2 vs 0.31±0.1, p=0.04).

Conclusion

Ischaemia, myocyte disarray and electrical abnormalities occur even in the absence of hypertrophy in HCM. These abnormalities associate to form a complex a clinical phenotype.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): British Heart FoundationBarts Charity

Search for Subsolar-Mass Binaries in the First Half of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's Third Observing Run

We report on a search for compact binary coalescences where at least one binary component has a mass between 0.2  M_{⊙} and 1.0  M_{⊙} in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 April 2019 1500 UTC and 1 October 2019 1500 UTC. We extend our previous analyses in two main ways: we include data from the Virgo detector and we allow for more unequal mass systems, with mass ratio q≥0.1. We do not report any gravitational-wave candidates. The most significant trigger has a false alarm rate of 0.14  yr^{-1}. This implies an upper limit on the merger rate of subsolar binaries in the range [220-24200]  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}, depending on the chirp mass of the binary. We use this upper limit to derive astrophysical constraints on two phenomenological models that could produce subsolar-mass compact objects. One is an isotropic distribution of equal-mass primordial black holes. Using this model, we find that the fraction of dark matter in primordial black holes in the mass range 0.2  M_{⊙}<m_{PBH}<1.0  M_{⊙} is f_{PBH}≡Ω_{PBH}/Ω_{DM}≲6%. This improves existing constraints on primordial black hole abundance by a factor of ∼3. The other is a dissipative dark matter model, in which fermionic dark matter can collapse and form black holes. The upper limit on the fraction of dark matter black holes depends on the minimum mass of the black holes that can be formed: the most constraining result is obtained at M_{min}=1  M_{⊙}, where f_{DBH}≡Ω_{DBH}/Ω_{DM}≲0.003%. These are the first constraints placed on dissipative dark models by subsolar-mass analyses.

Toxicity Profiles and Protective Effects of Antifreeze Proteins From Insect in Mammalian Models

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), found in many cold-adapted organisms, can protect them from cold and freezing damages and have thus been considered as additional protectants in current cold tissue preservation solutions that generally include electrolytes, osmotic agents, colloids and antioxidants, to reduce the loss of tissue viability associated with cold-preservation. Due to the lack of toxicity profile studies on AFPs, their inclusion in cold preservation solutions has been a trial-and-error process limiting the development of AFPs' application in cold preservation. To assess the feasibility of translating the technology of AFPs for mammalian cell cold or cryopreservation, we determined the toxicity profile of two highly active beetle AFPs, DAFP1 and TmAFP, from Dendroides canadensis and Tenebrio molitor in this study. Toxicity was examined on a panel of representative mammalian cell lines including testicular spermatogonial stem cells and Leydig cells, macrophages, and hepatocytes. Treatments with DAFP1 and TmAFP at up to 500μg/mL for 48 and 72hours were safe in three of the cell lines, except for a 20% decrease in spermatogonia treated with TmAFP. However, both AFPs at 500μg/mL or below reduced hepatocyte viability by 20 to 40% at 48 and 72h. At 1000μg/mL, DAFP1 and TmAFP reduced viability in most cell lines. While spermatogonia and Leydig cell functions were not affected by 1000μg/mL DAFP1, this treatment induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. Adding 1000μg/ml DAFP1 to rat kidneys stored at 4°C for 48hours protected the tissues from cold-related damage, based on tissue morphology and gene and protein expression of two markers of kidney function. However, DAFP1 and TmAFP did not prevent the adverse effects of cold on kidneys over 72hours. Overall, DAFP1 is less toxic at high dose than TmAFP, and has potential for use in tissue preservation at doses up to 500μg/mL. However, careful consideration must be taken due to the proinflammatory potential of DAFP1 on macrophages at higher doses and the heighten susceptibility of hepatocytes to both AFPs.

Simultaneous Measurement of Proton and Lepton Kinematics in Quasielasticlike ν_{μ}-Hydrocarbon Interactions from 2 to 20 GeV

Neutrino charged-current quasielastic-like scattering, a reaction category extensively used in neutrino oscillation measurements, probes nuclear effects that govern neutrino-nucleus interactions. This Letter reports the first measurement of the triple-differential cross section for ν_{μ} quasielastic-like reactions using the hydrocarbon medium of the MINERvA detector exposed to a wideband beam spanning 2≤E_{ν}≤20  GeV. The measurement maps the correlations among transverse and longitudinal muon momenta and summed proton kinetic energies, and compares them to predictions from a state-of-art simulation. Discrepancies are observed that likely reflect shortfalls with modeling of pion and nucleon intranuclear scattering and/or spectator nucleon ejection from struck nuclei. The separate determination of leptonic and hadronic variables can inform experimental approaches to neutrino-energy estimation.

Interaction between the Accumulation of Cadmium and Deoxynivalenol Mycotoxin Produced by Fusarium graminearum in Durum Wheat Grains

Durum wheat is one of the cereal crops that accumulates the highest concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin in its grains, thereby affecting the safety of products made of durum wheat grains (pasta and semolina). This study investigates in planta the interaction between Cd and Fusarium graminearum, the main causal agent of DON accumulation in grains. A pot experiment was designed to characterize the response of durum wheat to F. graminearum infection at three levels of Cd exposure: 0.1, 2, and 10 mg Cd kg^-1 soil, which showed that the accumulation of Cd and DON resulted from interacting processes. On the one hand, plant exposure to Cd reduced the concentration of DON in grains. The mitigating effect of Cd on DON accumulation was attributed to the restricted growth of F. graminearum, which could result from enhanced plant resistance to the fungal pathogen induced by Cd exposure. On the other hand, F. graminearum infection of durum wheat increased the Cd concentration in the grains. The promoting effect of Fusarium infection on Cd accumulation was attributed to decoupling of the allocation of Cd and photoassimilates to the grains and to the reduced strength of the grain sink for photoassimilates caused by the fungus. Provided that this result is confirmed in field conditions, it suggests that in Cd-contaminated soils, particular attention should be paid to agronomic practices that affect Fusarium head blight disease to avoid further increase in the risk of exceeding the regulatory limit set by the European Union for Cd in durum wheat.

Thermally controlled optical resonator for vacuum squeezed states separation

Future gravitational-wave detectors will use frequency-dependent squeezed vacuum states to obtain broadband reduction of quantum noise. Quantum noise is one of the major limitations to the sensitivity of these detectors. Advanced LIGO+, Advanced Virgo+, and KAGRA plan to generate frequency-dependent squeezed states by coupling a frequency-independent squeezed light state with a filter cavity. An alternative technique is under consideration, based on conditional squeezing with quantum entanglement: Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) squeezing. In the EPR scheme, two vacuum entangled states, the signal field at ω₀ and the idler field at ω₀+Δ, must be spatially separated with an optical resonator and sent to two separate homodyne detectors. In this framework, we have designed and tested a solid Fabry-Perot etalon, to be used in an EPR table-top experiment prototype, thermally controlled without the use of a control probe optical beam. This device can also be used in optical experiments where the use of a bright beam to control an optical resonator is not possible, or where a simpler optical device is preferred.

AB1570-PARE PROFILING LOW BACK PAIN PATIENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PERSONALIZED COACHING APPLICATION

Background

Low back pain is a major public health problem that is increasing with the aging of the population. It is the leading cause of disability in most countries [1]. The recommendations of Inserm (2019) include personalized physical activity programs according to the individual characteristics (motivation, preferences, attitude towards physical activity) and life context of each patient (family and professional load, socioeconomic level, living place) [2]. However, the current management of chronic low back pain includes rehabilitation programs that are costly and/or not always personalized, which reduces their effectiveness.

Objectives

The objective of this research is to better understand the characteristics of people with chronic low back pain to identify main motivational profiles that will allow us to offer personalized coaching via a mobile application.

Methods

After a review of the literature and following advice from experts in the management of chronic low back pain, we selected 8 scales to characterize patients: General Health Status (MYMOP), Treatment Burden (TBQ), Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L), Level (IPAQ), Fears and Beliefs (FABQ-AP), and Motivation (EMAPS) for physical activity, Emotional Status (PHQ-9), and Sense of Self-Efficacy (FC-CPSES). These questionnaires were administered online to participants in the ComPaRe (Community of Patients for Research) chronic low back pain cohort. An initial descriptive analysis of the results allowed us to describe our sample. In order to distinguish different motivational profiles of patients towards physical activity, we performed a Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) and a principal component analysis (PCA) of the results of the EMAPS, PHQ-9, FABQ-AP and FC-CPSES scales.

Results

A total of 193 patients with chronic low back pain were included (m ≃ 54years, s ≃ 13years; majority women (74%); duration of low back pain: m ≃ 15years, s ≃ 12years; occupational status: 44% employed, 22% on disability, 19% retired). Clustering analysis allowed us to distinguish 4 main profiles that we named as follows: (1) “Amotivated,” characterized by the lowest motivation and highest amotivation toward physical activity (i.e. they do not understand why it is useful), (2) “Cautious” with low motivation and having the highest fears and beliefs toward physical activity, (3) “Depressed” with good intrinsic motivation but also a significant level of depressive symptoms, and (4) “Confident” also showing good intrinsic motivation and having the highest sense of self-efficacy.

Conclusion

The main novelty of this research is a new classification of 4 motivational profiles in the low back pain population determined by a clustering method. This typology is in line with the HAPA model of behavior change [3]. It will allow us to make recommendations for the design of a personalized mobile coaching application. Future work will aim to test and evaluate the personalization of e-coaching according to these profiles.

References

[1]Hurwitz, E.L., Randhawa, K., Yu, H. et al. Initiative mondiale de soins de la colonne vertébrale: un résumé du fardeau mondial des études sur les douleurs lombaires et cervicales. Eur Spine J 27, 796–801 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5432-9

[2]Julie Boiche, Béatrice Fervers, Damien Freyssenet, Isabelle Gremy, Thibaut Guiraud, et al. Activité physique: Prévention et traitement des maladies chroniques. [Rapport de recherche] Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale(INSERM). 2019, Paris: Inserm: Éditions EDP Sciences (ISSN: 0990-7440) / 824 p.〈inserm-02102457〉

[3]Schwarzer, R. (2016). Health action process approach (HAPA) as a theoretical framework to understand behavior change. Actualidades en Psicología, 30(121), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.15517/ap.v30i121.23458

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Taux de couverture vaccinale (CV) contre la grippe, le pneumocoque et le Covid-19 en 2021 comparé à 2012 dans une population traitée par immunosuppresseurs pour un rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique (RIC)

Introduction

La vaccination contre le pneumocoque, la grippe saisonnière et récemment le Covid-19 est recommandée par les sociétés savantes chez les patients immunodéprimés.

L'objectif de l'étude est d'évaluer la CV pour ces 3 vaccins sur un échantillon de patients suivis sous immunosuppresseurs pour un RIC.

Matériels et méthodes

Etude transversale et multicentrique réalisée sur 3 sites hospitaliers entre mai et août 2021. Les données ont été recueillies sous la forme d'un questionnaire lors du suivi ambulatoire auprès de 207 patients atteints de RIC dont 127 sous biothérapie et 80 sous DMARD (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug). Les paramètres étudiés étaient le statut vaccinal et les raisons de non vaccination. Ces données ont pu être comparée avec celles d'une étude de la même équipe en 2012 concernant 51 patients sous biothérapie.

Résultats

Avec 100 % de réponses au questionnaire, le taux de CV était de 81 % contre le pneumocoque, de 84 % contre le Covid-19 (atteignant 87,9 % en comptant les intentions de vaccination) et de 78 % contre la grippe saisonnière 2020/21, soit 3 points de plus par rapport à l'hiver 2019/20 .

Par rapport à 2012, les patients sous biothérapie en 2021 présentaient un taux de vaccination contre le pneumocoque plus faible, passant de 88 % à 82,7 %. En ce qui concerne la CV anti-grippale, le taux était meilleur en 2021, passant de 72 % à 77 %.

Les raisons de non vaccination en 2021 contre la grippe étaient représentées en pourcentage sur l'ensemble des 207 patients étudiés, par la non proposition /non indication par un médecin pour 7,2 %, la crainte des effets secondaires pour 5,3 %, le refus par manque de confiance pour 5,3 % et la non disponibilité pour 4,3 %. Les raisons de non vaccination pour le covid étaient la crainte d'un nouveau vaccin dans 9,2 %, la non disponibilité dans 3,9 % et la non proposition par un médecin dans 1,9 %. Les raisons de non vaccination grippale en 2012 étaient le refus par manque de confiance (27 % des 51 patients) ou la non prescription par le médecin.

Le fait d'avoir été vacciné contre le pneumocoque (p<0,001), la grippe en 2019/20 (p<0.001) et la covid 19 (p=0,004) sont associées à une meilleure adhésion à la vaccination contre la grippe en 2020/21. Pour la vaccination contre la covid-19, les facteurs associés à une meilleure CV sont l'âge (p<0,001), le fait d'avoir été vacciné contre la grippe en 2019/20 (p=0.0027) et en 2020/21 (p=0,004).

Conclusion

La CV contre le pneumocoque et la grippe des patients sous biothérapies dans notre étude est plus élevée que celle de l'étude de Fernandez-Prada et al. * (respectivement 75,2 % et 78,8 %). Il existe une baisse modérée de la CV contre le pneumocoque en 2021 pour nos patients, peut-être en raison du schéma de vaccination désormais à 2 doses (conjugué puis non conjugué) ? En revanche, la CV contre la grippe saisonnière s'améliore, évoquant une meilleure confiance et probablement une meilleure accessibilité et offre vaccinale (pharmacien, infirmier, ..) La meilleure adhésion concernait en aout 2021 la vaccination contre la covid19, en lien avec une meilleure information et communication auprès des personnes fragiles.

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Cross-Sectional Characteristics of Pediatric-Onset Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: Results of a Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study

• Discoid lupus may be associated with SLE. In this study, most children with discoid lupus did not have systemic disease. Concurrent SLE was highest in female adolescents (>10 years of age) with generalized discoid lupus, who had clinically aggressive disease. • Discoid lupus in adolescence should prompt thorough evaluation for SLE.

Do DOM optical parameters improve the prediction of copper availability in vineyard soils?

Accumulation of copper (Cu) in soils due to the application of fungicides may be toxic for organisms and hence affect winegrowing sustainability. Soil parameters such as pH and dissolved organic matter (DOM) are known to affect the availability of Cu. In this study, we investigated the contribution of chromophoric and fluorescent DOM properties to the prediction of Cu availability in 18 organic vineyard soils in the Bordeaux winegrowing area (France). The DOM parameters, assessed through absorbance and fluorescence analyses, and proxies for Cu availability (total soluble Cu and free ionic Cu²⁺) were measured in 0.01 M KCl extracts. Total soluble Cu (Cu_KCl) varied 23-fold while free ionic Cu²⁺ varied by a factor of 4600 among the soils. DOC concentrations were similar among the soils, but the samples differed in the quality of DOM as assessed by optical spectroscopy. Multilinear regression models with and without DOM quality parameters were investigated to predict Cu availability. The best model for Cu_KCl successfully explained 83% of variance and included pH, Cu_T, and two DOM fluorescence quality indices, the FI fluorescence index, which distinguishes between microbial and higher plant origins, and the HIX humification index. For the prediction of Cu²⁺, pH alone explained 88% of variance and adding DOM parameters did not improve modelling. The two Cu availability proxies were related to pH. This study confirms the prominent role of pH in Cu availability and underlines the importance of DOM quality to better predict Cu solubility.

Cognitive dysfunction and adverse events during oral anticoagulant: a prospective cohort study

Background

Oral anticoagulants (AC), represent the leading cause of iatrogenic morbimortality in France. AC are widely prescribed among the elderly. The assessment of the cognitive dysfunction (CD) is not included within the common thrombotic and bleeding risk scores.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine an association between CD and adverse events (AE) in patients receiving oral AC.

Methods

A prospective monocentric cohort study was conducted in patients (≥60 years-old) on oral AC. Death, hemorrhages, falls, hospital readmission, thromboembolic events were collected over 6 months follow-up. Patients were included during an hospitalization for any medical or surgical condition and divided in three groups, according to their Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE): Group 1 (absence of CD) MMSE ≥27, Group 2 (mild CD) 24&lt;mmse&lt;26, &gt;≤MMSE≤26, Group 3 (significant CD) MMSE ≤23.

Results

Among 120 patients (mean age: 82,2±8,8 years), the all-causes mortality (n=25) was significantly higher in the Group 3 (n=17, p=0,006); this also applies to the incidence of falls (n=34, p=0,009) or major hemorrhages (n=10, p=0,023). There was no thromboembolic event. Minor hemorrhages and hospital readmissions were not different in the 3 groups. Multivariate analysis shows a significant risk of mortality (OR 4.3, (p=0,025, IC [1,20–15,42]) in group 3.

Conclusion

After 6 months of follow up, the cognitive dysfunction was associated with mortality, major hemorrhages and falls among the elderly receiving oral AC. A systematic assessment of cognitive functions of these patients seems to be essential to analyze the global risk and the risks related to the AC treatment.&lt;/mmse&lt;26,&gt;

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Simple models efficiently predict free cadmium Cd2+ in the solutions of low-contaminated agricultural soils

Speciation of Cd in soil solutions strongly determines the fate of this toxic metal in the environment. Generally, in soil solutions, Cd predominantly binds to the dissolved organic matter (DOM). The determination of the quantity and reactivity of DOM that actually complexes Cd in soil solutions is challenging for operational purposes. Therefore, this study tested whether Cd²⁺ concentration in soil solutions could effectively be predicted by considering complexation with a single mean organic ligand assumed to be a fraction of DOM of unspecified nature or assumed to be purely fulvic acids (FA) with reactivity as described in WHAM VII. The reactivity of the unspecified ligand and the concentration of FA were modelled and fitted to experimental data from 76 agricultural soils with low Cd contents. The optimal reactivity and FA concentration that minimized the relative error (RE) of predictions of the concentration of Cd²⁺ in soil solutions were either considered constant across soils or modelled from soil properties by multiple linear regressions (MLR) or random forests (RF), giving 6 models, the predictive value of which was assessed by 10-folds cross-validation. When the reactivity of the mean ligand and the optimal FA concentration were considered constant across soils, the models were biased and 66.9% of predictions had relative errors below a factor of 2. By contrast, if the reactivity of the mean ligand or the optimal FA concentration were allowed to vary with soil characteristics, these performances increased to 95.5%, soil pH being the main predictor and RF being slightly more efficient than MLR. With more than 95% of the relative errors of prediction below a factor of 2, the models developed in this work could be valuable for assessing Cd speciation in the solution of soils having a low Cd content.