Analysis of meiotic recombination in Drosophila simulans shows no evidence of an interchromosomal effect

Chromosome inversions are of unique importance in the evolution of genomes and species because when heterozygous with a standard arrangement chromosome, they suppress meiotic crossovers within the inversion. In Drosophila species, heterozygous inversions also cause the interchromosomal effect, whereby the presence of a heterozygous inversion induces a dramatic increase in crossover frequencies in the remainder of the genome within a single meiosis. To date, the interchromosomal effect has been studied exclusively in species that also have high frequencies of inversions in wild populations. We took advantage of a recently developed approach for generating inversions in Drosophila simulans, a species that does not have inversions in wild populations, to ask if there is an interchromosomal effect. We used the existing chromosome 3R balancer and generated a new chromosome 2L balancer to assay for the interchromosomal effect genetically and cytologically. We found no evidence of an interchromosomal effect in D. simulans. To gain insight into the underlying mechanistic reasons, we qualitatively analyzed the relationship between meiotic double-strand break formation and synaptonemal complex assembly. We find that the synaptonemal complex is assembled prior to double-strand break formation as in D. melanogaster; however, we show that the synaptonemal complex is assembled prior to localization of the oocyte determination factor Orb, whereas in D. melanogaster, synaptonemal complex formation does not begin until Orb is localized. Together, our data show no evidence that heterozygous inversions in D. simulans induce an interchromosomal effect and that there are differences in the developmental programming of the early stages of meiosis.

DFMO inhibition of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis

BACKGROUND

Most high-risk neuroblastoma patients who relapse succumb to disease despite the existing therapy. We recently reported increased event-free and overall survival in neuroblastoma patients receiving difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) during maintenance therapy. The effect of DFMO on cellular processes associated with neuroblastoma tumorigenesis needs further elucidation. Previous studies have shown cytotoxicity with IC50 values >5-15 mM, these doses are physiologically unattainable in patients, prompting further mechanistic studies at therapeutic doses.

METHODS

We characterized the effect of DFMO on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, neurosphere formation, and protein expression in vitro using five established neuroblastoma cell lines (BE2C, CHLA-90, SHSY5Y, SMS-KCNR, and NGP) at clinically relevant doses of 0, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 2500 μM. Limiting Dilution studies of tumor formation in murine models were performed. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad and the level of significance set at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

There was not a significant loss of cell viability or gain of apoptotic activity in the in vitro assays (p > 0.05). DFMO treatment initiated G1 to S phase cell cycle arrest. There was a dose-dependent decrease in frequency and size of neurospheres and a dose-dependent increase in beta-galactosidase activity in all cell lines. Tumor formation was decreased in xenografts both with DFMO-pretreated cells and in mice treated with DFMO.

CONCLUSION

DFMO treatment is cytostatic at physiologically relevant doses and inhibits tumor initiation and progression in mice. This study suggests that DFMO, inhibits neuroblastoma by targeting cellular processes integral to neuroblastoma tumorigenesis at clinically relevant doses.

Large Clusters of Invasive emm49 Group A Streptococcus Identified within and across Arizona Healthcare Facilities through Statewide Genomic Surveillance System, 2019-2021

A statewide genomic surveillance system for invasive Group A Streptococcus was implemented in Arizona in June 2019, resulting in 1,046 isolates being submitted for genomic analysis to characterize emm-types and identify transmission clusters. Eleven of the 32 identified distinct emm-types comprised >80% of samples, with 29.7% of all isolates being typed as emm49 (and its genetic derivative emm151). Phylogenetic analysis initially identified an emm49 genomic cluster of four isolates that rapidly expanded over subsequent months (June 2019-February 2020). Public health investigations identified epidemiologic links with three different long-term care facilities, resulting in specific interventions. Unbiased genomic surveillance allowed for identification and response to clusters that would have otherwise remained undetected.

Retaining Interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Among General Residency Trainees

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify factors affecting current general psychiatry residents' interest in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). Furthermore, it aimed to identify areas for improvement in clinical education to address the shortage of child psychiatrists at the institution at the time of this study.

METHODS

An electronic anonymous pre-implementation survey was sent to all the current general psychiatry residents at LVHN. It assessed the most important factors for trainees in deciding their career paths into CAP, their comfort level with children and families, and overall CAP and related systems-based knowledge. Interventions based on the survey results were implemented in the LVHN psychiatry residency program. The residents then completed a post-intervention survey to assess the impact of these interventions on their perspectives toward CAP.

RESULTS

CAP rotation experience and work with families were strong influencers for general psychiatry residents at LVHN in pursing CAP. Systems-based knowledge was particularly lacking compared to overall CAP knowledge. Educational interventions that were implemented at LVHN led to improvements in residents' sense of competence working with children and families with no net loss of interest in CAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational modifications enhanced attitudes toward CAP among LVHN general psychiatry residents. Implementing such modifications at other residency programs may be likewise effective in retaining interest in CAP among their general psychiatry residents.

Holo-analysis of the effects of xylo-oligosaccharides on broiler chicken performance

1. Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) stimulate proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens. This results in enhanced utilisation of dietary non-starch polysaccharides and increased production of valuable short-chain fatty acids. However, these positive effects do not always translate into improved bird productive performance, with inconsistent performance responses observed between bird trials.2. A holo-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing XOS into broiler diets on bird feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion and mortality. This was done by comparing the XOS supplemented treatment to the control treatment. A total of 53 studies which met the criteria for inclusion were used in the analysis.3. The results showed that XOS had a notable positive impact on bird mortality; XOS reduced mortality by 0.69% for every 1% increment in the control group. XOS supplementation induced a positive effect on the feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the efficacy of XOS at improving FCR was dependent on the efficiency of the control group (performance of the flock), and the concentration of total arabinoxylan, protein and phytase in the diet. There were insufficient data points to predict the effect of XOS on body weight and feed intake.4. In conclusion, the holo-analysis revealed that supplementing XOS to broiler chicken diets reduces bird mortality. XOS can also improve FCR, but the scale of response is dependent on the diet composition and control flock performance. Additional studies are required to confirm the effects of XOS on body weight and feed intake.

Improved diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted imaging with compressed sensing-sensitivity encoding and neuromelanin-sensitive MRI for Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinsonism

AIM

To verify the diagnostic performance of the loss of nigrosome-1 on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) with compressed sensing-sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) and neuromelanin on neuromelanin-sensitive (NM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical Parkinsonism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 195 patients who underwent MRI between October 2019 and February 2020, including SWI, with or without CS-SENSE, and NM-MRI, were reviewed retrospectively. Two neuroradiologists assessed the loss of nigrosome-1 on SWI and neuromelanin on the NM-MRI. The result of N-3-fluoropropyl-2-beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane positron-emission tomography (PET) was set as the reference standard.

RESULTS

When CS-SENSE was applied for nigrosome-1 imaging on SWI, the non-diagnostic scan rate was lowered significantly from 19.3% (17/88) to 5.6% (6/107; p=0.004). Diagnosis of PD and atypical Parkinsonism based on the loss of nigrosome-1 on SWI and based on NM-MRI showed good diagnostic value (area under the curve [AUC] 0.821, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.755-0.875: AUC 0.832, 95% CI = 0.771-0.882, respectively) with a substantial inter-reader agreement (κ = 0.791 and 0.681, respectively). Combined SWI and neuromelanin had a similar discriminatory ability (AUC 0.830, 95% CI = 0.770-0.880). Similarly, the diagnosis of PD was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

CS-SENSE may add value to the diagnostic capability of nigrosome-1 on SWI to reduce the nondiagnostic scan rates. Furthermore, loss of nigrosome-1 on SWI or volume loss of neuromelanin on NM-MRI may be helpful for diagnosing PD.

Risk Factors for Enteric Pathogen Exposure among Children in Black Belt Region of Alabama, USA

We collected stool from school-age children from 352 households living in the Black Belt region of Alabama, USA, where sanitation infrastructure is lacking. We used quantitative reverse transcription PCR to measure key pathogens in stool that may be associated with water and sanitation, as an indicator of exposure. We detected genes associated with > 1 targets in 26% of specimens, most frequently Clostridioides difficile (6.6%), atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (6.1%), and enteroaggregative E. coli (3.9%). We used generalized estimating equations to assess reported risk factors for detecting > 1 pathogen in stool. We found no association between lack of sanitation and pathogen detection (adjusted risk ratio 0.95 [95% CI 0.55–1.7]) compared with specimens from children served by sewerage. However, we did observe an increased risk for pathogen detection among children living in homes with well water (adjusted risk ratio 1.7 [95% CI 1.1–2.5]) over those reporting water utility service.

Observation of Single-Top-Quark Production in Association with a Photon Using the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of single top quarks produced together with a photon, which directly probes the electroweak coupling of the top quark. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Requiring a photon with transverse momentum larger than 20 GeV and within the detector acceptance, the fiducial cross section is measured to be 688±23(stat) _{-71}^{+75}(syst)  fb, to be compared with the standard model prediction of 515_{-42}^{+36}  fb at next-to-leading order in QCD.

Observation of the γγ→ττ Process in Pb+Pb Collisions and Constraints on the τ-Lepton Anomalous Magnetic Moment with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of τ-lepton-pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions Pb+Pb→Pb(γγ→ττ)Pb and constraints on the τ-lepton anomalous magnetic moment a_{τ}. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.44  nb^{-1} of LHC Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment in 2018. Selected events contain one muon from a τ-lepton decay, an electron or charged-particle track(s) from the other τ-lepton decay, little additional central-detector activity, and no forward neutrons. The γγ→ττ process is observed in Pb+Pb collisions with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations and a signal strength of μ_{ττ}=1.03_{-0.05}^{+0.06} assuming the standard model value for a_{τ}. To measure a_{τ}, a template fit to the muon transverse-momentum distribution from τ-lepton candidates is performed, using a dimuon (γγ→μμ) control sample to constrain systematic uncertainties. The observed 95% confidence-level interval for a_{τ} is -0.057 Collapse

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Effectiveness of simplified dose estimation equations for triage after criticality accident-a case study of dose assessment in the JCO criticality accident

The dosimetry for the triage of personnel encountering a criticality accident was investigated. The JCO criticality accident of 1999 was selected as a case study, and attention was paid to the identification and the segregation of severely exposed personnel. A series of Monte Carlo calculations revealed that simplified equations proposed by ANSI to estimate dose with respect to distance work well to determine the region of interest for triage.

External dose measurements to investigate the body-size dependence of personal dosemeter responses in areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident

To formulate necessary protective measures after a large-scale nuclear accident, it is crucial to understand the levels of radiation to which persons living in radionuclide-contaminated areas are exposed. Individual monitoring using personal dosemeters (PDs) plays a role in this, although PDs were not originally intended to be used by members of the public. The present study investigated PD responses in areas highly affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, as well as the dependence of those measurements on body size. Three types of commercially available electronic PDs, including D-shuttle, which has often been used in Fukushima, were placed on the front surfaces of three age-specific anthropometric phantoms imitating a 5-y-old, a 10-y-old and an adult male, and these phantoms were then exposed to radiation in an open field in the affected area. In the case of D-shuttle, the ratios of PD readings to the ambient dose rate for the 5-y-old phantom and the adult male phantom were 0.79 and 0.72, respectively. The ratios were somewhat higher for the other PDs; any PDs showed higher readings than the effective doses estimated by simulations based on the assumed ground deposition of 134Cs and/or 137Cs over the affected areas.

Source efficiency of alpha-emitters applied to the skin surface

Skin surface contamination by alpha-emitters is in itself not hazardous, but it would cause significant internal exposure in the case of injured skin as well as misjudgment in direct in vivo measurements (e.g. lung counting). The present study determined the source efficiency of alpha-emitters (241Am) applied to swine skin samples by analysing the observed alpha-particle energy spectra using advanced alpha-spectrometric simulation. Based on our results, the source efficiency was determined to be 0.365 (alpha-particle s-1 per Bq) on average (c.f. 0.5 in the case of no self-absorption in the source). The decrease in source efficiency would be attributed primarily to the radionuclide entering hair follicles or deep wrinkles. The degradation of the measured spectra from the skin samples indicates the penetration of some radionuclides into the upper layers of the stratum corneum. Although this study was limited to results obtained from swine skin samples, it suggests that irregularities in the skin surface may affect direct alpha measurements.

ARTIA-Bladder: Daily Online Adaptive Short-Course Radiation Therapy (RT) and Concurrent Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC): A Prospective Trial of an Individualized Approach for Reducing Bowel and Bladder Toxicity

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy is commonly prescribed for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Post hoc analysis of two large, randomized trials found that hypofractionation improves loco-regional control (LRC) vs. standard fractionation in this population. A challenge in traditional image-guided radiotherapy of the bladder is that daily changes in bladder position and size requires large margins to ensure target coverage. This makes it difficult to spare uninvolved bladder from high-dose treatment, increases the risk of bowel toxicity, and results in historical rates of acute G3+ toxicity exceeding 20-30%. Daily online adaptive RT (ART) may enable reduced, personalized margins that maintain target coverage while reducing dose to OARs. This prospective clinical trial will test whether: 1) participants undergoing ART for MIBC have a lower rate of acute G3+ GI/GU toxicity compared with the 31% historical control rate (Stage III BC2001 trial), and 2) 2-year LRC with ART will be non-inferior to historical controls (75%).

MATERIALS/METHODS

This multi-national trial will enroll 165 adult subjects with stage cT2-T4aN0M0 urothelial MIBC. Subjects will have undergone an attempt at maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Patients with clinically involved nodes or G2+ GI or G3+ GU symptoms/conditions at baseline are ineligible. Concurrent with chemotherapy, participants will receive (at the discretion of the investigator) either 55 Gy in 20 fx to whole-bladder or 46 Gy in 20 fx to whole-bladder plus simultaneous in-field boost of 55 Gy in 20 fx to tumor bed. A personalized ITV will be derived for each subject based on bladder expansion, as assessed on two CT simulations separated by 30 min. Daily ART will be attempted for all subjects. The primary endpoint is acute G3+ GI/GU toxicity. Secondary endpoints are LRC; quality of life (EORTC QLQ-BLM30, EPIC 26 bowel and urinary); global function (EQ-5D-5L ); 2-year disease-free, bladder intact event-free, and overall survival; 2-year bladder cancer-specific mortality; NTCP model of acute GI toxicity for hypofractionated bladder RT; workflow feasibility of ART; improved target coverage ± reduced dose to critical OARs vs. non-ART dosimetry; acute G3+ GI/GU toxicity rate in subjects with ≥75% of their treatments as ART; and acute G3+ GI/GU toxicity in the cohort treated with partial bladder boost. Exploratory translational and correlative endpoints will also be examined.

RESULTS

This trial opened to enrollment on Feb 2, 2023; the study duration is expected to be 4-5 years.

CONCLUSION

This prospective clinical trial will provide robust clinical data to inform healthcare providers' decisions on the use of daily online ART and hypofractionation as a bladder preservation strategy for this population.

Treatment Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Pulmonary Metastasis from Sarcoma: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and potential dose-response relationship of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for pulmonary metastasis of sarcoma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective review of 39 patients and 71 lesions treated with SBRT from two institutions was performed. The patients had oligometastatic or oligoprogressive disease, or were receiving palliation. Doses of 20-60 Gy were delivered in 1-5 fractions. The local control per tumor (LCpT) was evaluated according to the biologically effective dose with an α/β ratio of 10 (BED10) of the prescribed dose (BED10 ≥ 100 Gy vs. BED10 < 100 Gy). Clinical outcomes per patient, including local control per patient (LCpP), pulmonary progression-free rate (PPFR), any progression-free rate (APFR), and overall survival (OS) were investigated.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 27.2 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year LCpT rates for the entire cohort were 100.0%, 88.3%, and 73.6%, respectively. There was no observed difference in LCpT between the two BED10 groups (p = 0.180). The 3-year LCpP, PPFR, APFR, and OS rates were 78.1%, 22.7%, 12.9%, and 83.7%, respectively. Five (12.8%) patients with oligometastasis had long-term disease-free intervals, with a median survival period of 40.7 months. Factors that were associated with a worse prognosis were oligoprogression (vs. oligometastasis), multiple pulmonary metastases, and simultaneous extrathoracic metastasis.

CONCLUSION

SBRT for pulmonary metastasis of sarcoma is effective. Some selected patients may achieve durable response. Considerations of SBRT indication and disease extent may be needed as they may influence the prognosis.

Patient Education Practices and Preferences of Interprofessional Radiation Oncology Providers

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patient understanding of radiotherapy (RT) processes and data regarding optimal approaches to patient education (PE) within radiation oncology (RO) are limited. Our objective was to evaluate PE practices and preferences of interprofessional RO providers to inform recommendations for delivering inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered education.

MATERIALS/METHODS

An anonymous 17-item online survey, approved by an ethics review board, was administered to all members of the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group (ROECSG) between 10/5/22 to 11/23/22. Respondent demographics, provider practices/preferences, and institutional practices were collected. Qualitative items explored key strategies, challenges, and desired resources for PE. Descriptive statistics summarized survey responses. Fisher's exact test compared PE practices by provider role and PE timing. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative responses.

RESULTS

A total of 123 ROECSG members, including RO attendings (64%), RO trainees (21%), medical physicists (7%), physician assistants/nurses (2%), and radiation therapists (2%), completed the survey (31% response rate). Most practiced in an academic setting (86%) in North America (82%). The most common PE resources used were custom created institution-specific (61%) and electronic health system generated materials (38%). PE was delivered primarily by one-on-one teaching (72%), paper handouts (69%), and organizational websites (21%) (e.g., RTanswers.org). Almost half (41%) reported that PE practices differed based on type of clinical encounter, for example paper handouts for in-person visits and multimedia for virtual visits. The majority (86%) stated that their institution has disease site-specific PE materials, with nearly all having breast cancer materials (91%). Only 58% reported access to non-English PE materials. RO attendings/trainees were more likely than other team members to deliver PE at consultation (98% vs 71%, p = 0.03). PE practices amongst radiation oncologists differed according to the timing along the RT care path (consultation vs simulation vs first fraction, respectively): one-on-one teaching: 89% vs 49% vs 56%, p<0.01 and paper handouts: 69% vs 28% vs 16%, p<0.01. Key PE strategies included incorporating multimedia resources, personalizing delivery, and repetition at multiple timepoints by the interprofessional team. Limited time, inadequate administrative support, and lack of customized resources were identified as challenges in PE delivery.

CONCLUSION

Interprofessional RO providers engage in PE, with most utilizing institution-specific materials. PE practices differ according to the type of clinical encounter and timing in the RT care path. Increased adoption of multimedia materials and partnerships with patients to tailor PE resources based on language, learning styles, and cultural preferences are needed to foster high-quality, patient-centered PE delivery.

Auditory cortex hyperconnectivity before rTMS is correlated with tinnitus improvement

INTRODUCTION

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used as a potential treatment for tinnitus; however, its effectiveness is variable and unpredictable. We hypothesized that resting-state functional connectivity before rTMS may be correlated with rTMS treatment effectiveness.

METHODS

We applied 1-Hz rTMS to the left primary auditory (A1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) of 10 individuals with tinnitus and 10 age-matched controls. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were performed approximately one week before rTMS. Seed-based connectivity analyses were conducted for each individual, with seed regions as rTMS target areas.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the left superior temporal areas showed significantly increased positive connectivity with the left A1 and negative connectivity with the left DLPFC in the tinnitus group. The left frontoparietal and right cerebellar areas showed significantly increased negative connectivity with the left A1 and positive connectivity with the left DLPFC. Seed-based hyperconnectivity was correlated with tinnitus improvement (pre-rTMS vs. 2-week post-rTMS Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores). Tinnitus improvement was significantly correlated with left A1 hyperconnectivity; however, no correlation was observed with left DLPFC connectivity. Positive rTMS outcomes were associated with significantly increased positive connectivity in bilateral superior temporal areas and significantly increased negative connectivity in bilateral frontal areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that oversynchronisation of left A1 connectivity before rTMS of the left A1 and DLPFC is associated with treatment effectiveness.

Inflammatory response and odontogenic differentiation of inflamed dental pulp treated with different pulp capping materials: An in vivo study

AIM

Previous studies have evaluated the pulpal responses to calcium silicate cements (CSCs) on normal dental pulp, but investigations on the effects of CSCs on inflamed pulp are limited. This study aimed to test the inflammatory response and odontogenic differentiation of inflamed rat dental pulp after direct pulp capping with CSCs.

METHODOLOGY

Wistar rat molars pulps were exposed for 48 h to induce inflammation and then capped with ProRoot MTA (Dentsply), Biodentine (Septodont), RetroMTA (Bio MTA) and Dycal (Dentsply Caulk). The degree of pulpal inflammation and hard tissue formation was evaluated by histological analysis. Immunofluorescence staining for interleukin (IL)-6, osteocalcin (OCN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was also performed.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks, complete recovery from inflammation was evident in 22%, 37.5%, 10% and none of the ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, RetroMTA and Dycal samples, respectively. Heavy hard tissue deposition as a continuous hard tissue bridge was observed in 77.8%, 75%, 70% and 60% of the ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, RetroMTA and Dycal samples, respectively. IL-6, OCN and RUNX2 were detected in all materials, mainly adjacent to areas of inflammation and reparative dentine formation. At one, two and 4 weeks, significant differences were not observed between the inflammation and hard tissue formation scores of the four material groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, pulpal inflammation was still present in most specimens at 4 weeks after pulp capping and a significant number of samples showed incomplete and discontinuous dentine bridge formation. The results of this study suggest that initial inflammatory conditions of the pulp may risk the prognosis of teeth treated with CSCs.

Bilateral nephrolithiasis following ingestion of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan

Both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are routinely available nonprescription medications that are also common drugs of abuse amongst young adults. We describe a presentation of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan misuse resulting in acute renal failure due to bilateral nephrolithiasis. The patient underwent placement of bilateral ureteral stents but again formed small renal stones bilaterally. While most renal calculi are not drug-induced, this case highlights the potential for nephrolithiasis after guaifenesin and dextromethorphan ingestion. It suggests that in this combination ingestion multiple mechanisms lead to a prolonged period of nephrolith formation.

Strong Constraints on Jet Quenching in Centrality-Dependent p+Pb Collisions at 5.02 TeV from ATLAS

Jet quenching is the process of color-charged partons losing energy via interactions with quark-gluon plasma droplets created in heavy-ion collisions. The collective expansion of such droplets is well described by viscous hydrodynamics. Similar evidence of collectivity is consistently observed in smaller collision systems, including pp and p+Pb collisions. In contrast, while jet quenching is observed in Pb+Pb collisions, no evidence has been found in these small systems to date, raising fundamental questions about the nature of the system created in these collisions. The ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider has measured the yield of charged hadrons correlated with reconstructed jets in 0.36  nb^{-1} of p+Pb and 3.6  pb^{-1} of pp collisions at 5.02 TeV. The yields of charged hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>0.5  GeV near and opposite in azimuth to jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30 or 60 GeV, and the ratios of these yields between p+Pb and pp collisions, I_{pPb}, are reported. The collision centrality of p+Pb events is categorized by the energy deposited by forward neutrons from the struck nucleus. The I_{pPb} values are consistent with unity within a few percent for hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>4  GeV at all centralities. These data provide new, strong constraints that preclude almost any parton energy loss in central p+Pb collisions.

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Decays of W Bosons Using a Dilepton Displaced Vertex in sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

A search for a long-lived, heavy neutral lepton (N) in 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is reported. The N is produced via W→Nμ or W→Ne and decays into two charged leptons and a neutrino, forming a displaced vertex. The N mass is used to discriminate between signal and background. No signal is observed, and limits are set on the squared mixing parameters of the N with the left-handed neutrino states for the N mass range 3  GeV Collapse

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Test of CP Invariance in Higgs Boson Vector-Boson-Fusion Production Using the H→γγ Channel with the ATLAS Detector

A test of CP invariance in Higgs boson production via vector-boson fusion has been performed in the H→γγ channel using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The optimal observable method is used to probe the CP structure of interactions between the Higgs boson and electroweak gauge bosons, as described by an effective field theory. No sign of CP violation is observed in the data. Constraints are set on the parameters describing the strength of the CP-odd component in the coupling between the Higgs boson and the electroweak gauge bosons in two effective field theory bases: d[over ˜] in the HISZ basis and c_{HW[over ˜]} in the Warsaw basis. The results presented are the most stringent constraints on CP violation in the coupling between Higgs and weak bosons. The 95% C.L. constraint on d[over ˜] is derived for the first time and the 95% C.L. constraint on c_{HW[over ˜]} has been improved by a factor of 5 compared to the previous measurement.

Development and evaluation of photon-counting Cd0.875Zn0.125Te0.98Se0.02 detector for measuring bone mineral density

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) has been actively researched and developed by researchers in various fields. In medical applications, especially photon-counting, CZT enables improved image quality, multi-material decomposition, and improved dose efficiency. Moreover, band gap engineering and selenium addition on CZT improved electrical, spectroscopic and structural properties, thereby supporting performance of CZT as a photon-counting detector. In this study, it is shown that Cd_0.875Zn_0.125Te_0.98Se_0.02 (CZTS) shows sufficient performance without loss of detection efficiency. We carried out a study involving the application of this CZTS on calculating bone mineral density (BMD) values, because this application has a novelty of new material for BMD sensor which follows the CdTe- or CdZnTe- based BMD detector. Anatomical images from different energy bins contained different information of attenuation although the images were taken in the same region at the same time. Moreover, calculated BMD values had a proper tendency depending on the amount of bone in that region. The final BMD value was 1.1972 g/cm², which is close to the real value of 1.2 g/cm². The introduction with a bone filter and a smaller pixel size will improve the accuracy and precision of photon-counting CZTS detectors for measuring BMD values. However, in this study the CZTS showed the feasibility that a photon-counting CZTS detector can help the measurement of BMD values and the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Underreporting and Underrepresentation of Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients in Lymphedema Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

The generalizability of findings from Clinical Trials (CTs) investigating lymphedema treatment modalities requires an accurate representation of the target population. This study aims to evaluate racial and ethnic reporting and representation in lymphedema CTs. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted during May 2023 using multiple databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. All CTs published from 2018 to 2023 were included. A total of 84 articles were included in this review, from which 6,546 participants were included in the analysis. Seventy-four (88.1%) articles addressed secondary lymphedema, of which 60 (81.1%) were related to breast cancer. Only 12 (13%) of CTs reported at some extend race or ethnicity. Of these, five (41.6%) reported race and two (16.6%) reported ethnicity according to FDA guidelines. White race had the highest pooled prevalence (80%; 95% CI 72-86%; I2=90%), followed by Black (7%; 95% CI 2- 15%; I2= 94.3%) and Asian (4%; 95% CI 1-8%; I2= 89.9%). In studies reporting ethnicity, participants were predominantly non-Hispanic (92.1%; 95% CI 90 - 94%). There is an underreporting and underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities among lymphedema CTs, limiting their generalizability. It is imperative to future development of strategies to enhance diversity in the study sample.

Persistent Ascaris Transmission Is Possible in Urban Areas Even Where Sanitation Coverage Is High

In low-income, urban, informal communities lacking sewerage and solid waste services, onsite sanitation (sludges, aqueous effluent) and child feces are potential sources of human fecal contamination in living environments. Working in informal communities of urban Maputo, Mozambique, we developed a quantitative, stochastic, mass-balance approach to evaluate plausible scenarios of localized contamination that could explain why the soil-transmitted helminth Ascaris remains endemic despite nearly universal coverage of latrines that sequester most fecal wastes. We used microscopy to enumerate presumptively viable Ascaris ova in feces, fecal sludges, and soils from compounds (i.e., household clusters) and then constructed a steady-state mass-balance model to evaluate possible contamination scenarios capable of explaining observed ova counts in soils. Observed Ascaris counts (mean = -0.01 log₁₀ ova per wet gram of soil, sd = 0.71 log₁₀) could be explained by deposits of 1.9 grams per day (10th percentile 0.04 grams, 90th percentile 84 grams) of child feces on average, rare fecal sludge contamination events that transport 17 kg every three years (10th percentile 1.0 kg, 90th percentile 260 kg), or a daily discharge of 2.7 kg aqueous effluent from an onsite system (10th percentile 0.09 kg, 90th percentile 82 kg). Results suggest that even limited intermittent flows of fecal wastes in this setting can result in a steady-state density of Ascaris ova in soils capable of sustaining transmission, given the high prevalence of Ascaris shedding by children (prevalence = 25%; mean = 3.7 log₁₀ per wet gram, sd = 1.1 log₁₀), the high Ascaris ova counts in fecal sludges (prevalence = 88%; mean = 1.8 log₁₀ per wet gram, sd = 0.95 log₁₀), and the extended persistence and viability of Ascaris ova in soils. Even near-universal coverage of onsite sanitation may allow for sustained transmission of Ascaris under these conditions.

Accelerated Synthetic MRI with Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction for Pediatric Neuroimaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Synthetic MR imaging is a time-efficient technique. However, its rather long scan time can be challenging for children. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility of accelerated synthetic MR imaging with deep learning-based reconstruction in pediatric neuroimaging and to investigate the impact of deep learning-based reconstruction on image quality and quantitative values in synthetic MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 47 children 2.3-14.7 years of age who underwent both standard and accelerated synthetic MR imaging at 3T. The accelerated synthetic MR imaging was reconstructed using a deep learning pipeline. The image quality, lesion detectability, tissue values, and brain volumetry were compared among accelerated deep learning and accelerated and standard synthetic data sets.

RESULTS

The use of deep learning-based reconstruction in the accelerated synthetic scans significantly improved image quality for all contrast weightings (P < .001), resulting in image quality comparable with or superior to that of standard scans. There was no significant difference in lesion detectability between the accelerated deep learning and standard scans (P > .05). The tissue values and brain tissue volumes obtained with accelerated deep learning and the other 2 scans showed excellent agreement and a strong linear relationship (all, R 2 > 0.9). The difference in quantitative values of accelerated scans versus accelerated deep learning scans was very small (tissue values, <0.5%; volumetry, -1.46%-0.83%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of deep learning-based reconstruction in synthetic MR imaging can reduce scan time by 42% while maintaining image quality and lesion detectability and providing consistent quantitative values. The accelerated deep learning synthetic MR imaging can replace standard synthetic MR imaging in both contrast-weighted and quantitative imaging.

Translation suppression underlies the restrained COVID-19 mRNA vaccine response in the high-risk immunocompromised group

Background

Immunocompromised (IC) patients show diminished immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Co-mV). To date, there is no ‘empirical’ evidence to link the perturbation of translation, a rate-limiting step for mRNA vaccine efficiency (VE), to the dampened response of Co-mV.

Materials and methods

Impact of immunosuppressants (ISs), tacrolimus (T), mycophenolate (M), rapamycin/sirolimus (S), and their combinations on Pfizer Co-mV translation were determined by the Spike (Sp) protein expression following Co-mV transfection in HEK293 cells. In vivo impact of ISs on SARS-CoV-2 spike specific antigen (SpAg) and associated antibody levels (IgGSp) in serum were assessed in Balb/c mice after two doses (2D) of the Pfizer vaccine. Spike Ag and IgGSp levels were assessed in 259 IC patients and 50 healthy controls (HC) who received 2D of Pfizer or Moderna Co-mV as well as in 67 immunosuppressed solid organ transplant (SOT) patients and 843 non-transplanted (NT) subjects following three doses (3D) of Co-mV. Higher Co-mV concentrations and transient drug holidays were evaluated.

Results

We observed significantly lower IgGSP response in IC patients (p&lt;0.0001) compared to their matched controls in 2D and 3D Co-mV groups. IC patients on M or S showed a profound dampening of IgGSP response relative to those that were not on these drugs. M and S, when used individually or in combination, significantly attenuated the Co-mV-induced Sp expression, whereas T did not exert significant influence. Sirolimus combo pretreatment in vivo significantly attenuated the Co-mV induced IgMSp and IgGSp production, which correlated with a decreasing trend in the early levels (after day 1) of Co-mV induced Sp immunogen levels. Neither higher Co-mV concentrations (6μg) nor withholding S for 1-day could overcome the inhibition of Sp protein levels. Interestingly, 3-days S holiday or using T alone rescued Sp levels in vitro.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that ISs, sirolimus and mycophenolate inhibited Co-mV-induced Sp protein synthesis via translation repression. Selective use of tacrolimus or drug holiday of sirolimus can be a potential means to rescue translation-dependent Sp protein production. These findings lay a strong foundation for guiding future studies aimed at improving Co-mV responses in high-risk IC patients.

Associations of segment-specific pulse wave velocity with vascular calcification: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a non-invasive measure of arterial stiffness and a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular calcification, especially coronary artery calcium (CAC) measured by computed tomography (CT), is one of the strongest predictors of CVD but requires radiation for measurement. PWV may be helpful to identify persons with vascular calcification who may benefit from formal assessment of vascular calcification with CT. However, the associations between PWV and vascular calcification across different vascular beds have not been fully investigated.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to quantify the association between PWV and calcification at different segments and to explore whether PWV can identify individuals with vascular calcification beyond traditional risk factors.

Methods

Among 1486 ARIC Study participants (mean age 79.3 [SD 4.2] years), we measured PWV by OMRON VP1000plus at the following segments: heart-carotid (hcPWV), heart-femoral (hfPWV), carotid-femoral (cfPWV), heart-ankle (haPWV), brachial-ankle (baPWV) and femoral-ankle (faPWV). Participants were stratified into four groups based on quartiles of each PWV measure. Dependent (i.e., outcome) variables were high calcium score (≥75th percentile of Agatston score by CT) of the following vascular beds (including valves): coronary arteries, aortic valve ring, aortic valve, mitral valve, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. We ran multivariable logistic regression models and assessed c-statistics as a measure of prediction discrimination.

Results

Only cfPWV was significantly positively associated with high CAC (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for the highest vs. lowest quartile: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.17–2.55]) (green dot in figure). The associations were overall most evident for descending aorta calcification, with significantly positive results for hfPWV (gold dot in figure), cfPWV (green dot), haPWV (emerald dot), and baPWV (blue dot). For example, adjusted OR for the highest vs. lowest quartile of cfPWV was 4.08 (2.70–6.24). hfPWV and cfPWV were significantly associated with mitral valve calcification as well. In contrast, faPWV (purple dots) was inversely associated with calcification of aortic valve ring, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. For descending aorta calcification, even the second highest quartile of the following measures demonstrated significant adjusted OR: hfPWV (3.21 [2.11–4.95]), cfPWV (2.11 [1.40–3.20]), and baPWV (1.75 [1.14–2.69]). Simultaneously adding cfPWV and hfPWV improved c-statistic for CAC (Δc-statistic 0.011 [0.0007–0.022]) and descending aorta calcification (0.035 [0.017–0.053]).

Conclusions

The associations of PWV with vascular calcification varied substantially across segments, with descending aorta calcification most closely linked to PWV measures and cfPWV most robustly associated with calcification of multiple vascular beds. cfPWV and hfPWV, together, improved discrimination of high CAC beyond traditional risk factors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health

Does altitude increase the risk of traumatic aortic injuries? A retrospective cohort study among six level I trauma centers in the United States

Background

Traumatic aortic injuries (TAIs) are rare but are associated with a high mortality. Prior studies have shown skiers and pilots, whose injuries occur at high altitudes, are at an increased risk for a TAI. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altitude on the incidence of TAIs across all causes of injury.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study at six Level I trauma centers (8/1/2016–1/1/2020) included adult blunt trauma patients with a chest or abdomen injury. High altitude injuries (> 5000 ft.) were compared to low altitude injuries (≤ 5000 ft.). The primary outcome was incidence of TAI.

Results

There were 8562 patients, 37% were at high altitude and 63% at low altitude. High altitude patients were older (p < 0.01), more often Caucasian (p < 0.01) and had a higher ISS (p < 0.01). There was a significantly greater incidence of TAI at high altitude than low altitude (1.5% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.01). The median altitude was significantly higher for patients with a TAI than for patients without a TAI (5100 ft. vs. 1400 ft., p = 0.01). After adjustment, high altitude patients had 2-fold [OR: 2.4 (1.6, 3.7)] greater odds of having a TAI than low altitude patients.

Conclusion

TAIs were more prevalent among high altitude injuries. Providers should be aware of the increased incidence of TAIs at high altitudes particularly when there is a delay in diagnosis and transfer to a trauma center with appropriate resources to manage these critical injuries. TAI screening at high altitude trauma centers may improve survival rates.

OS10.6.A What is the initial cell in the subventricular zone for human glioblastoma genesis?

Background

We all have a fundamental question about why glioblastoma (GBM) develops. In order to find the answer to this fundamental question, if you find out what the first cell is, you will get closer to the answer. GBM arises from the subventricular zone (SVZ). GBM is one of the most devastating tumour of human brain as the most optimal treatment barely prolongs the survival, and it does not cure the disease. As the majority of GBM tissues show copy number variations (CNV) of co-altered chromosomal 7 gain and 10 loss, we hypothesized the origin cell (Oc) of SVZ may be traced back with these markers. The cellular identity of the Oc is still unknown and it is different from the tumour-derived progenitor-like cells. We aimed to define these cells from the SVZ that have a potential to get activated into GBM.

Material and Methods

We compared bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data of IDHwt GBM tumor tissue (n=122), tumor free SVZ from GBM patients (n=40), tumor-free control SVZ of non-glial tumor (n=9). Pared single nucleus RNAseq (snRNAseq) or single cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) samples of tumor free SVZ (n=11) and GBM tumor (n=8), were done to see cell specific CNVs. We developed genetically engineered mouse models for GBM genesis introducing three driver mutations (TP53, PTEN, and EGFRviii) into SVZ to isolate mouse Oc (mOc) and mouse cancer cells (mCc). The biological characteristics of separated mOc and mCc were compared. Bulk RNAseq and scRNAseq were performed on these cells (mOc, mCc), and their cellular state was compared with the human gene set.

Results

In this work, we found two types of the Oc in the RNA sequencing of 60 human tumour free-SVZ samples. Furthermore, single-cell level analysis revealed that two Oc types in SVZ harbor ongoing patterns of CNV co-alterations from Oc1 to Oc2, and finally to GBM. The Oc1 type cells contained the CNV signature of Oc2 ancestor with neural progenitor cell (NPC) signature. Oc2 type cells expressed a high level of EGFR than other cells with astrocyte-like cell signature. Both of these cells expressed oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC)-like signatures in the SVZ. We validated the human-based findings by using the P53/PTEN/EGFR-mutant mouse model with EGFR/tdTomato overexpression and P53/PTEN knockout in the SVZ cells. As a result, non-tumourigenic and highly motile Oc-like cell-states are found in the mouse models, supporting the firework-like migration pattern from the SVZ.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate how members of Oc preoccupy the SVZ, known as the stem cell niche and give rise to the tumour. We anticipate that a new therapy may emerge by targeting the Oc in the SVZ.

P10.07.B Differential YAP activity in human glioblastoma tumorspheres

Background

Although glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, the best available treatment options are still associated with poor prognosis. Recently, the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway has been emerged as an important driver of GBM. Nevertheless, extensive studies have not yet been focused on the importance of phosphorylation event in regulating endogenous YAP activity in GBM. Here, we sought to elucidate that the modulation and stabilization of YAP/TAZ in Hippo pathway promotes GBM progression.

Material and Methods

Expression patterns of YAP1, TAZ, CTGF, TEAD4 and LATS1 mRNA were confirmed in human normal and GBM tissue, and patient survival according to YAP1 expression was confirmed in TCGA and Severance cohort. The YAP1 expression patterns in several TSs were classified into SOH and AH according to transcriptome analysis and western blot. For each classified TSs, the characteristics of SOH and AH were comparatively analyzed through immunoprecipitation, nucleus fraction, TEAD4 luciferase assay, and confocal analysis. The effect of YAP1 knockdown/out and overexpression in SOH and AH TSs were measured by WST/ATP analysis, 3D invasion and neurosphere formation, and western blot. In addition, the drug reactivity of SOH and AH TSs was examined by treatment with the YAP1 inhibitors Peptide17 and verteporfin, and the effects of Peptide17, verteporfin and YAP1-shRNA were examined in in-vivo xenograft model.

Results

YAP1 mRNA levels including TAZ, CTGF, TEAD4 and LATS1 were higher in GBM than in normal tissues. Through transcriptome analysis and western blot, TS can be divided into SOH and AH groups according to the expression level of CTGF, but not YAP1 level. In the case of SOH TS, the binding of TEAD4 was strong in immunoprecipitation, the ratio of YAP1 was higher in the nucleus in the nucleus fractionation and confocal analysis, and the luciferase activity of TEAD4 was high in the TEAD4 luciferase assay. On the other hand, in the case of TS of AH, the opposite trend was observed. When YAP1 was knocked down or out, the proliferation, invasion, and stemness of TS tended to be decrease more in SOH TS than in AH TS, and SOH TS showed more sensitive drug response even in Peptide17 and Verteporfin treatment. In the case of YAP1 overexpression, the opposite trend was observed in SOH TS. In the in-vivo xenograft model, injection of Peptide17, verteporfin, and YAP1-shRNA showed a tendency to increase the survival rate of mice.

Conclusion

The association of YAP has been described in several cancers, but there has been no study comparing GBM TS by YAP expression and classifying it at the functional level. Now, for the first time, we show that the characteristics of GBM TS can be predicted according to the expression value of YAP, respectively, and YAP is expected to be applied as an important prognostic factor for GBM treatment in the future.

Observation of WWW Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WWW production and a measurement of its cross section using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with two same-sign leptons (electrons or muons) and at least two jets, as well as events with three charged leptons, are selected. A multivariate technique is then used to discriminate between signal and background events. Events from WWW production are observed with a significance of 8.0 standard deviations, where the expectation is 5.4 standard deviations. The inclusive WWW production cross section is measured to be 820±100 (stat)±80 (syst)  fb, approximately 2.6 standard deviations from the predicted cross section of 511±18  fb calculated at next-to-leading-order QCD and leading-order electroweak accuracy.

Brainstem activation of GABAB receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius increases gastric motility

Background and aim

Local GABAergic signaling in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) is essential to control gastric function. While the inhibitory GABA_A receptor action on motility in the DVC is well-documented, the role of the GABA_B receptor on gastric function is less well-established. Microinjection of baclofen, a selective GABA_B receptor agonist, in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) increases gastric tone and motility, while the effect on motility in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) needs to be investigated. Previous in vitro studies showed that GABA_B receptors exert a local inhibitory effect in unidentified NTS neurons. Since the NTS and DMV nuclei have differential control of gastric motility, we compared GABA_B receptor activation in the NTS to that reported in the DMV. We microinjected baclofen unilaterally in the NTS while monitoring intragastric pressure and compared its action to optogenetic activation of somatostatin (SST) neurons in transgenic sst-Cre::channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) mice. We also performed patch-clamp recordings from SST and DMV neurons in brainstem slices from these mice.

Methods

In vivo drug injections and optogenetic stimulation were performed in fasted urethane/α-chloralose anesthetized male mice. Gastric tone and motility were monitored by an intragastric balloon inserted in the antrum and inflated with warm water to provide a baseline intragastric pressure (IGP). Coronal brainstem slices were obtained from the sst-Cre::ChR2 mice for interrogation with optogenetics and pharmacology using electrophysiology.

Results

The unilateral microinjection of baclofen into the NTS caused a robust increase in gastric tone and motility that was not affected by ipsilateral vagotomy. Optogenetic activation of SST neurons that followed baclofen effectively suppresses the gastric motility in vivo. In brain slices, baclofen suppressed spontaneous and light-activated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in SST and gastrointestinal-projection DMV neurons and produced outward currents.

Conclusion

Our results show that GABA_B receptors in the NTS strongly increase gastric tone and motility. Optogenetic stimulation in vivo and in vitro suggests that these receptors activated by baclofen suppress the glutamatergic sensory vagal afferents in the NTS and also inhibit the interneurons and the inhibitory neurons that project to the DMV, which, in turn, increase motility via a cholinergic excitatory pathway to the stomach.