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Purpose: This study aims to report clinicopathologic and imaging features of odontogenic myxomas (OM), highlighting uncommon findings. Methods: Clinicopathologic and imaging data of OMs diagnosed in the five Brazilian diagnostic pathology centers were collected and analyzed. Results: The series comprised 42 females (68.9%) and 19 males (31.1%), with a 2.2:1 female-to-male ratio and a mean age of 34.5±15.4 years (range: 4-80). Clinically, most OMs presented as painless intraoral swelling (n = 36; 70.6%) in the mandible (n=37; 59.7%). Multilocular lesions (n=30; 83.3%) were more common than unilocular lesions (n=6; 16.7%). There was no statistically significant difference between the average size of unilocular and multilocular OMs (p=0.2431). The borders of OMs were mainly well-defined (n=24; 66.7%) with different degrees of cortication. Only seven tumors caused tooth resorption (15.9%), while 24 (54.5%) caused tooth displacement. Cortical bone perforation was observed in 12 (38.7%) cases. Morphologically, OMs were characterized mainly by stellate or spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid background (n=53; 85.5%). Surgical resection was the most common treatment modality (n=15; 65.2%), followed by conservative surgery (n=8; 34.8%). Outcomes were available in 20 cases (32.3%). Seven of these patients had local recurrence (35%). Enucleation was the treatment with the highest recurrence rate (4/7; 57.1%). Conclusions: OM has a predilection for the posterior region of the jaws of female adults. Despite their bland morphological appearance, they displayed diverse imaging features. Clinicians must include the OM in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the jaws. A long follow-up is needed to monitor possible recurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Data regarding histologic recurrence of EoE on PPI maintenance therapy are lacking. Methods: Retrospective review of 101 patients with histologic PPI-responsive EoE. Results: 52/101 (51%) patients underwent follow-up EGD with biopsies. Of the 52 patients, 29 (56%) maintained histologic remission and 23 (44%) had histologic recurrence. 21 (40%) patients maintained BID PPI, 20 (39%) tapered to QD, and 11 (21%) had discontinued PPI. Of the 21 patients on BID PPI, 7 (33%) had histologic recurrence, of which 6 (86%) were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Patients on PPI therapy for EoE benefit from serial clinical, endoscopic, and histologic surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for water resources has resulted in environmental degradation and conflicting interests among diverse users. This research aimed to scrutinize the causes and repercussions of land use exploitation and degradation within the Samambaia River Basin (SRB), focusing on potential environmental impacts linked to the management of irrigated agriculture. The study encompassed the entire SRB. Adopting climatological data from 1981 to 2010, distinct dry and wet seasons in the SRB were delineated. A precise slope map has been produced based on an elevation dataset, while vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) have been computed. Indices such as the Woody Vegetation Biomass Index (WVBI), Vegetation Vulnerability Index (VVI), and Land Vulnerability Index (LVI) were derived from the NDVI. The dataset underwent descriptive statistical analysis, incorporating adjustment and validation factors. The root mean square error (RMSE) values for the daily rainfall data were notably low (7.0711 and 7.9223 mm). The years 2015, 2016, and 2018 experienced heightened rainfall during the dry season, while 2015 and 2018 recorded significant rainfall in the wet season. NDWI ranged from − 0.41 to 0.24, with positive values indicating the presence of water bodies in the SRB. During the dry season, regions with denser vegetation are largely associated to areas with central pivot irrigation. The WVBI revealed intensified vegetation in the wet seasons of 2014 and 2019. The LVI during the dry season varied from moderate to very low, with limited high-risk areas predominantly along water body boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, is increasing. This increase has yet to be demonstrated in an Irish cohort. Aims: To evaluate the number of OPSCC presentations locally, to stratify cases by HPV status and to estimate if any changes in the patient population had occurred over a 10-year period. Methods: A STROBE-compliant, retrospective evaluation of patients with OPSCC at St James's Hospital between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Patients with non-SCC histology, undocumented HPV status and residual or recurrent tumours were excluded. Results: We included 294 patients with a mean age of 60.4 years (95% CI 59.2–61.5 years) and 175 (59.5%) patients had HPV+ OPSCC. The number of new OPSCC diagnoses increased from 115 patients (39.1%) between 2012 and 2016 to 179 patients (60.9%) between 2017 and 2021. This was associated with an increased proportion of HPV-linked OPSCC (50.4% 2012–2016 vs. 65.4% 2017–2021, p = 0.011). Over time, more patients had a functionally limiting comorbidity (p = 0.011). The mean age of HPV+ OPSCC cases increased by 3.6 years (p = 0.019). Patients with HPV+ OPSCC had greater 2-year OS (83.9% vs. 54.9%; p < 0.001) and 2-year DFS (73.5% vs. 45.6%; p < 0.001). The 2-year OS and DFS did not change over time for HPV+ or HPV− patients. Conclusions: In our institution, the number of patients with OPSCC is increasing due to an escalation in cases associated with HPV. Population-level interventions such as vaccination programs may alter the current increase in the incidence of these tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ureteric colic is a common emergency urological presentation [1]. When operative intervention is required, retrograde ureteroscopy is the most common approach. There are multiple treatment strategies including primary ureteroscopy (URS), staged ureteroscopy, and deferred ureteroscopy following ureteric stent placement. The approach is based on a number of clinical and stone factors. This study assesses the factors which predict stone clearance at the initial procedure. Aims: All patients diagnosed with an obstructing ureteric stone who were managed operatively in a consecutive 12-month period were included. Patients were evaluated for stone clearance following a single or multiple procedures. A number of factors including stone size, location, gender, age and pre-operative laboratory results were evaluated for association with stone clearance at index procedure. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to produce odds ratios (OR) with confidence interval (CI) at 95% and significance values P < 0.05. Results: One hundred and seventy patients were included in the final analysis. Stone clearance following the index procedure was achieved in 57% (n = 100) of patients. Predictors of successful stone clearance at index procedure were stone size < 6 mm, male gender and distal stone location (p < 0.05). Proximal stone location, stone size > 10 mm and elevated c-reactive protein (CRP) were associated respectively with multiple procedures to achieve stone clearance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Acute ureteric stones can be managed with a number of treatment strategies. This study identifies factors which predict stone clearance at index procedure. These results will help urologists accurately counsel patients when undertaking operative management for ureteric colic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Granular Cell Tumor (GCT) is an uncommon benign lesion in the oral cavity whose pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Due to their infrequent occurrence and similarity to other oral lesions, they are often forgotten during the initial clinical diagnosis. Therefore, understanding its prevalence, clinical and pathological characteristics is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and adequate management. Methods: All cases diagnosed as GCTs in six Brazilian and Argentinian oral diagnostic centers were re-evaluated by HE staining, and clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected and evaluated. Results: The series comprised 45 female (73.8%) and 16 male (26.2%), with a 2.8:1 female-to-male ratio and a mean age of 35.3 ± 16.9 years (range: 7–77 years). Most cases occurred on the tongue (n = 49; 81.6%) and presented clinically as asymptomatic papules or nodules (n = 50; 89.3%) with a normochromic (n = 25; 45.5%) or yellowish (n = 11; 20.0%) coloration and sizes ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 cm (mean ± SD: 1.40 ± 0.75 cm). Morphologically, most tumors were characterized by a poorly delimited proliferation (n = 52; 88.1%) of cells typically rounded to polygonal containing abundant, eosinophilic, finely granular cytoplasm. Pustulo-ovoid bodies of Milian were identified in all lesions (n = 61; 100%). Entrapment of skeletal striated muscle (n = 44; 72.1%) and nerve fibers (n = 42; 68.9%) were common findings. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) was observed in 23 cases (39.0%). In only 27.7% of cases (n = 13) there was agreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnosis. Outcome information was available from 16 patients (26.2%), with clinical follow-up ranging from 4 to 36 months (mean 13.3 months), and none developed local recurrence. Conclusions: The clinical and histopathological features of GCTs were consistent with those described in previous studies. In general, these lesions have a predilection for the lateral region of the tongue in adult women. It is essential to consider GCTs in the differential diagnosis of yellow or normochromic papules and nodules in the oral cavity. Histopathological evaluation is essential for the definitive diagnosis and the prognosis is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research focuses on the role that allies can play in improving the experiences of Black and Latinx students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) contexts. Using an experience sampling design, study 1 shows that such students report negative experiences in STEM learning contexts and that bystanders rarely engage in allyship. Study 2 suggests that participants perceive the experiences described by Black and Latinx students in study 1 as negative and somewhat urgent, but do not feel personal responsibility to act. Studies 3 and 4 assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing personal responsibility for confronting prejudice and engaging in allyship. Study 3 reveals that enhancing a bystander's sense of psychological standing can increase prejudice confrontation, and study 4 extends this phenomenon by showing that fellow bystanders' (not just targets') appeals to other bystanders' psychological standing also evoke action. Overall, this work advances research on allyship in STEM contexts by integrating the Confronting Prejudiced Responses (CPR) model with theories of subtle discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of Si and SiGe-based devices for the scaling of quantum circuits is tainted by device variability. Each device needs to be tuned to operation conditions and each device realisation requires a different tuning protocol. We demonstrate that it is possible to automate the tuning of a 4-gate Si FinFET, a 5-gate GeSi nanowire and a 7-gate Ge/SiGe heterostructure double quantum dot device from scratch with the same algorithm. We achieve tuning times of 30, 10, and 92 min, respectively. The algorithm also provides insight into the parameter space landscape for each of these devices, allowing for the characterization of the regions where double quantum dot regimes are found. These results show that overarching solutions for the tuning of quantum devices are enabled by machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for ischemic and bleeding events with dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether the presence of CYP2C19 loss of function (LOF) alleles modifies this risk, and whether a genotype-guided (GG) escalation of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy post PCI is safe in this population is unclear. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of randomized patients in TAILOR PCI. Patients were divided into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) threshold of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for CKD (n = 539) and non-CKD (n = 4276). The aggregate of cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and severe recurrent coronary ischemia at 12-months post-PCI was assessed as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoint was major or minor bleeding. Results: Mean (standard deviation) eGFR among patients with CKD was 49.5 (8.4) ml/min/1.72 m2. Among all patients, there was no significant interaction between randomized strategy and CKD status for any endpoint. Among LOF carriers, the interaction between randomized strategy and CKD status on composite ischemic outcome was not significant (p = 0.2). GG strategy was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding in either CKD group. Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, escalation of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy following a GG strategy did not reduce the primary outcome in CKD. However, P2Y12 inhibitor escalation following a GG strategy was not associated with increased bleeding risk in CKD. Larger studies in CKD are needed. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01742117?term=TAILOR-PCI&draw=2&rank=1. NCT01742117. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostics are critical on the path to commercial fusion reactors, since measurements and characterisation of the plasma is important for sustaining fusion reactions. Gamma spectroscopy is commonly used to provide information about the neutron energy spectrum from activation analysis, which can be used to calculate the neutron flux and fusion power. The detection limits for measuring nuclear dosimetry reactions used in such diagnostics are fundamentally related to Compton scattering events making up a background continuum in measured spectra. This background lies in the same energy region as peaks from low-energy gamma rays, leading to detection and characterisation limitations. This paper presents a digital machine learning Compton suppression algorithm (MLCSA), that uses state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to perform pulse shape discrimination for high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The MLCSA identifies key features of individual pulses to differentiate between those that are generated from photopeaks and Compton scatter events. Compton events are then rejected, reducing the low energy background. This novel suppression algorithm improves gamma spectroscopy results by lowering minimum detectable activity (MDA) limits and thus reducing the measurement time required to reach the desired detection limit. In this paper, the performance of the MLCSA is demonstrated using an HPGe detector, with a gamma spectrum containing americium-241 (Am-241) and cobalt-60 (Co-60). The MDA of Am-241 improved by 51% and the signal to background ratio improved by 49%, while the Co-60 peaks were partially preserved (reduced by 78%). The MLCSA requires no modelling of the specific detector and so has the potential to be detector agnostic, meaning the technique could be applied to a variety of detector types and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explored undergraduate college students' opinions of the CDC's online "Solve the Outbreak" (StO) game, a recommended aid in higher education for teaching concepts epidemiological outbreak investigations. Methods: The study was conducted as a game debriefing, in which 16 students enrolled in an undergraduate-level epidemiology course were interviewed to receive feedback about their experiences of StO after completing the game. Results: A total of four common themes emerged from the interveiews as framed by the Persuasive Game Design model: (1) Enjoying the Game World, (2) Cheating the Game's Elements, (3) Suggesting Improvements to the Game's Elements, and (4) Inverted Transfer Effect. Conclusions: Students reported that they enjoyed playing StO, and that it was effective for applying their knowledge of epidemiology course content on the process of investigating outbreaks. However, students found ways to cheat the game's answers, and they recommended ways that the game's elements could be improved. Instructors should consider using StO as a tool for teaching their students about investigating infectious outbreaks. Designers of the game should consider adapting the game based on students' constructive feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the kidney, associated with high patient morbidity, often requiring targeted antibiotic therapy and surgical removal of the affected kidney. Aim: We report the outcomes of patients undergoing nephrectomy for XGP in our institution over a 12-year period. Methods: Following ethical approval, a retrospective review of histological samples of renal tissue demonstrating features of XGP from June 2010 to 2022 was conducted. Laboratory, imaging, and clinical data of included participants were collected. Results: Eleven patients were included (8 women, 3 men), mean age of 58.1 (35–81). Recurrent urinary tract infection was the most common clinical presentation (55%, n = 6). Other presentations included flank pain (36%, n = 4), collection/ abscess (45%, n = 5), and nephro-cutaneous fistulae (9%, n = 1). The majority of patients had bacteriuria (91%, n = 10), and Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria isolated (55%, n = 6). Antibiotic resistance was seen in 60% of positive urine samples (n = 6). An open nephrectomy was performed in all but one case (91%, n = 10). A postoperative complication occurred in 73% (n = 8), with 50% (n = 4) of complications Clavien Dindo grade 3 or higher, including one patient mortality. Conclusions: XGP is a difficult and complex condition to treat. All patients in this series presented with infection or associated sequelae thereof. Complex XGP cases therefore often require open nephrectomy and have high rates of postoperative complications. Careful consideration of antibiotic and operative intervention is therefore essential to ensure the best outcome for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human use of energy is inherently understood and experienced through socially constructed frameworks. However, the degree of engagement with this topic on the part of humanities and the social sciences has until recently been uneven at best. This seems strange given current upheavals experienced in Europe and across the globe as the climate and biodiversity crises deepen. At the centre of all these crises is the energy system. Energy flows through various forms of natural and social circuitry (from production, to distribution and consumption) and these energyscapes are sited at the local, national, and transnational scales. The correlation between the (meta)physical flows taken by the various forms of energy we depend on—and the transitory social, cultural, economic, and political relationships that frame them—require much deeper study if we are to achieve the types of sustainable communities envisaged by the United Nations as part of its sustainable development goals (SDGs) for 2030. Arising from a review of current literature, this article presents recent research into the forming of citizen energy communities in Europe and the governance structures designed to facilitate their development. It also highlights the key drivers and barriers to citizen engagement with emergent, novel energetic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of intrinsic traits of different organic matter molecules makes it challenging to predict how they, and therefore the global carbon cycle, will respond to climate change. Here we develop an indicator of compositional-level environmental response for dissolved organic matter to quantify the aggregated response of individual molecules that positively and negatively associate with warming. We apply the indicator to assess the thermal response of sediment dissolved organic matter in 480 aquatic microcosms along nutrient gradients on three Eurasian mountainsides. Organic molecules consistently respond to temperature change within and across contrasting climate zones. At a compositional level, dissolved organic matter in warmer sites has a stronger thermal response and shows functional reorganization towards molecules with lower thermodynamic favorability for microbial decomposition. The thermal response is more sensitive to warming at higher nutrients, with increased sensitivity of up to 22% for each additional 1 mg L-1 of nitrogen loading. The utility of the thermal response indicator is further confirmed by laboratory experiments and reveals its positive links to greenhouse gas emissions. The response of organic molecules to climate change is linked to warming, nutrient loading, and greenhouse gas emissions, according to an indicator developed to quantify the aggregated thermal response of individual organic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on the most disadvantaged members of society, including minorities and those with disabling chronic illnesses such as schizophrenia. We examined the pandemic's impacts among New York State's Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia in the immediate post-pandemic surge period, with a focus on equity of access to critical healthcare. We compared changes in utilization of key behavioral health outpatient services and inpatient services for life-threatening conditions between the pre-pandemic and surge periods for White and non-White beneficiaries. We found racial and ethnic differences across all outcomes, with most differences stable over time. The exception was pneumonia admissions—while no differences existed in the pre-pandemic period, Black and Latinx beneficiaries were less likely than Whites to be hospitalized in the surge period despite minorities' heavier COVID-19 disease burden. The emergence of racial and ethnic differences in access to scarce life-preserving healthcare may hold lessons for future crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical ciliated cysts, also known as implantation cysts or postoperative maxillary cysts, are uncommon cystic formations predominantly arising in the posterior maxillary region after radical maxillary sinus surgery. Herein, we present the case of a 28-year-old male patient who had previously undergone orthognathic surgery and later experienced a minor car accident without major consequences. Approximately four years after surgery, the patient sought dental care due to the presence of a painless swelling in the maxillary region. Upon intraoral examination, the swelling extended from the area around the right canine to the upper left molar, covered by red mucosa. Image studies revealed an extensive well-defined osteolytic lesion causing thinning, erosion, buccal cortical plate perforation, and root resorption. An incisional biopsy was performed, and microscopic examination revealed a cystic lesion lined by ciliated respiratory-type epithelium and capsule variably fibrotic with sparse chronic inflammation. The final diagnosis was surgical ciliated cysts. The treatment approach involved decompression followed by enucleation and curettage, with the addition of bone grafting and the application of Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF). The patient has been under clinical follow-up for approximately 17 months with no signs of recurrence. A careful morphological evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure a satisfactory treatment approach. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches for surgical ciliated cysts to ensure favorable patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) is a rare benign but locally infiltrative tumor often misdiagnosed as other entities, such as ameloblastoma and squamous cell carcinoma, due to overlapping morphological findings. We document here the clinicopathological and imaging findings of an aggressive intraosseous SOT in the posterior left region of the maxilla in a 25-year-old male patient. On intraoral examination, the tumor extended from the region of the left lateral incisor to the upper left premolar and was covered by reddish mucosa, with discrete areas of ulceration. Imaging exams revealed an osteolytic lesion causing thinning, erosion, and buccal and lingual cortical plate perforation associated with an impacted canine. Microscopically, the tumor showed a proliferation of islands of well-differentiated squamous epithelium in a variably collagenized background. The peripheral cells of the islands were flat or slightly cuboidal and did not exhibit nuclei with peripheral palisade and reverse polarization. The diagnosis of SOT was rendered. The patient underwent surgical resection and has been under clinical follow-up for approximately 12 months with no signs of recurrence. A careful morphological evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure a satisfactory treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to investigate perceptions of risks and benefits associated with popular risky fashion practices (tanning and wearing stilettos) among young adult women. Objectives were to (a) determine if fashion interest predicted benefit perceptions among young women, (b) determine the role of antecedents (fashion interest, risk perceptions, benefit perceptions, consumption emotions) in predicting the behavioral frequency of risky fashion practices, and (c) explore the extent to which tanning and wearing stilettos are similar/different in underlying mechanisms. Undergraduate women were emailed a link to a Qualtrics online survey and a total of 671 provided usable responses; 328 were tanners and 343 wore stilettos. Benefits tapped the attractiveness and fashionability that is expected from engaging in tanning and wearing stilettos, while risks focused on health risks such as melanoma or joint damage associated with tanning or wearing stilettos. Path analyses and decomposition of effects found that fashion interest was positively related to frequency of wearing stilettos, but was not related directly to tanning frequency. Fashion interest was a significant driver of perceived benefits for both risky behaviors. Benefit perceptions increased positive emotion and risk perceptions increased negative emotion; only positive emotion influenced the frequency of risky fashion practices. For both tanning and wearing stilettos, perceived benefits increased risky fashion practice frequency both directly and indirectly through positive emotion. However, perceived risks decreased fashion practice frequency only directly. Thus, perceived benefits outweigh perceived risks among women who engage in these risky fashion practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticipating qualitative changes in the rheological response of complex fluids (e.g., a gelation or vitrification transition) is an important capability for processing operations that utilize such materials in real-world environments. One class of complex fluids that exhibits distinct rheological states are soft glassy materials such as colloidal gels and clay dispersions, which can be well characterized by the soft glassy rheology (SGR) model. We first solve the model equations for the time-dependent, weakly nonlinear response of the SGR model. With this analytical solution, we show that the weak nonlinearities measured via medium amplitude parallel superposition (MAPS) rheology can be used to anticipate the rheological aging transitions in the linear response of soft glassy materials. This is a rheological version of a technique called structural health monitoring used widely in civil and aerospace engineering. We design and train artificial neural networks (ANNs) that are capable of quickly inferring the parameters of the SGR model from the results of sequential MAPS experiments. The combination of these data-rich experiments and machine learning tools to provide a surrogate for computationally expensive viscoelastic constitutive equations allows for rapid experimental characterization of the rheological state of soft glassy materials. We apply this technique to an aging dispersion of Laponite® clay particles approaching the gel point and demonstrate that a trained ANN can provide real-time detection of transitions in the nonlinear response well in advance of incipient changes in the linear viscoelastic response of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovery of novel materials is slow but necessary for societal progress. Here, we demonstrate a closed-loop machine learning (ML) approach to rapidly explore a large materials search space, accelerating the intentional discovery of superconducting compounds. By experimentally validating the results of the ML-generated superconductivity predictions and feeding those data back into the ML model to refine, we demonstrate that success rates for superconductor discovery can be more than doubled. Through four closed-loop cycles, we report discovery of a superconductor in the Zr-In-Ni system, re-discovery of five superconductors unknown in the training datasets, and identification of two additional phase diagrams of interest for new superconducting materials. Our work demonstrates the critical role experimental feedback provides in ML-driven discovery, and provides a blueprint for how to accelerate materials progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laryngeal cancer epidemiology has changed in recent years, with falling incidence observed internationally. Organ preservation therapies have revolutionised management, though some patients may be unsuitable and survival was noted to fall in the 2000s. This study examines trends in laryngeal cancer in Ireland. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of National Cancer Registry of Ireland data from 1994 to 2014. Results: From a cohort of 2651, glottic disease was most common (62%, n = 1646). Incidence rose to 3.43 cases/100,000/year for 2010–2014. 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 60.6% and did not change significantly over time. Overall survival (OS) for T3 disease managed with primary radiotherapy was similar to primary surgery (HR 0.98, p = 0.9). DSS for T3 disease improved with primary radiotherapy (HR 0.72, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Incidence of laryngeal cancer in Ireland rose despite international trends, while survival changed little. Radiotherapy improves DSS for T3 disease but does not improve OS, possibly secondary to poor organ function post-radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is a major public health challenge. This study investigated the prospective relationships between diet quality, dietary components, and risk of CMM in older British men. Methods: We used data from the British Regional Heart Study of 2873 men aged 60–79 free of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) at baseline. CMM was defined as the coexistence of two or more cardiometabolic diseases, including MI, stroke, and T2D. Sourcing baseline food frequency questionnaire, the Elderly Dietary Index (EDI), which was a diet quality score based on Mediterranean diet and MyPyramid for Older Adults, was generated. Cox proportional hazards regression and multi-state model were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: During a median follow-up of 19.3 years, 891 participants developed first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD), and 109 developed CMM. Cox regression analyses found no significant association between baseline EDI and risk of CMM. However, fish/seafood consumption, a dietary component of the EDI score, was inversely associated with risk of CMM, with HR 0.44 (95% CI 0.26, 0.73) for consuming fish/seafood 1–2 days/week compared to less than 1 day/week after adjustment. Further analyses with multi-state model showed that fish/seafood consumption played a protective role in the transition from FCMD to CMM. Conclusions: Our study did not find a significant association of baseline EDI with CMM but showed that consuming more fish/seafood per week was associated with a lower risk of transition from FCMD to CMM in older British men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant expansion of KRT5+ basal cells in the distal lung accompanies progressive alveolar epithelial cell loss and tissue remodelling during fibrogenesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The mechanisms determining activity of KRT5+ cells in IPF have not been delineated. Here, we reveal a potential mechanism by which KRT5+ cells migrate within the fibrotic lung, navigating regional differences in collagen topography. In vitro, KRT5+ cell migratory characteristics and expression of remodelling genes are modulated by extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and organisation. Mass spectrometry- based proteomics revealed compositional differences in ECM components secreted by primary human lung fibroblasts (HLF) from IPF patients compared to controls. Over-expression of ECM glycoprotein, Secreted Protein Acidic and Cysteine Rich (SPARC) in the IPF HLF matrix restricts KRT5+ cell migration in vitro. Together, our findings demonstrate how changes to the ECM in IPF directly influence KRT5+ cell behaviour and function contributing to remodelling events in the fibrotic niche. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been associated with aberrant expansion of KRT5-expressing basal cells. Here the authors show how changes in the ECM glycoprotein SPARC restrict the movement of KRT5+ cells, affecting their retention within fibrotic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the experience of caring for a son with anorexia nervosa (AN). Prior research with parents of primarily daughters with AN indicate that they experience significant distress. Ten mothers participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences taking care of a son (between the ages of 11 and 18) who had inpatient treatment for AN within 2 years of the interview and was residing at home. Consensual qualitative research methods were used to analyze the data. Mothers reported challenges accessing and navigating treatment, noting that front-line providers missed their sons' AN because of their gender. Once their sons were diagnosed, mothers continued to experience distress and described negative changes in family relationships, including increased conflict with the diagnosed son, strained sibling relationships, and marital stress. The gender-atypical nature of AN negatively impacted perceived social support. Despite these negative findings, living with AN also offered an opportunity for growth, with some mothers reporting increased closeness with the diagnosed son, greater family unification, and strengthening of the marital bond. Based on these findings, it is recommended that treatment professionals provide greater psychological support and resources to mothers, who often assume primary caregiver responsibilities, and make treatment settings and approaches more gender inclusive. Highlights: Mothers experienced psychological distress, shame, guilt, isolation, self-doubt, and felt blamed by others. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment were perceived to be more difficult, due to their son's gender. Mothers described receiving less social support, which they ascribed to their sons' gender-atypical illness. Mothers reported challenges with healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, who minimized and dismissed their concerns. Validating mothers' concerns and helping them find support may enhance their functioning as caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The eosinophilic esophagitis histologic scoring system (EoEHSS) was developed to enhance the diagnostic standard of peak eosinophil count (PEC) in evaluating disease activity in EoE. Aims: (1) Correlate the EoEHSS and PEC to measures of symptomatic and endoscopic disease activity, (2) Correlate EoEHSS grade and stage subcomponents to clinical, radiology, and endoscopic markers of fibrotic disease, (3) Evaluate EoEHSS remission in asymptomatic patients with PEC < 15 eosinophils per high powered field (eos/hpf). Methods: Secondary analysis of prospective cohort data of 22 patients with EoE that underwent dietary therapy and endoscopy at 3 time points. Active disease was defined by EoEHSS grade or stage > 0.125, symptomatic disease by EoE symptom activity index > 20, endoscopic disease by endoscopic reference score > 2, and histologic disease by PEC ≥ 15 eos/hpf. EoEHSS remission was defined by esophageal inflammation (EI) grade of 0–1, EI stage of 0, total grade ≤ 3, and total stage ≤ 3. Results: EoEHSS grade and stage did not correlate with symptomatic disease but did with endoscopic and histologic disease. PEC showed similar correlation pattern. Abnormal grade and stage had strong sensitivity (87–100%) but poor specificity (11–36%) to detect symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic disease activity. Lamina propria fibrosis was evaluated in 36% of biopsies and did not correlate with minimum esophageal diameter. Out of 14 patients who were in complete symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic remission, 8 met criteria for EoEHSS remission. Conclusion: The positive and negative correlations of EoEHSS to specific measures of symptomatic, histologic, and endoscopic activity suggest that it provides complementary information in EoE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possessing only essential genes, a minimal cell can reveal mechanisms and processes that are critical for the persistence and stability of life1,2. Here we report on how an engineered minimal cell3,4 contends with the forces of evolution compared with the Mycoplasma mycoides non-minimal cell from which it was synthetically derived. Mutation rates were the highest among all reported bacteria, but were not affected by genome minimization. Genome streamlining was costly, leading to a decrease in fitness of greater than 50%, but this deficit was regained during 2,000 generations of evolution. Despite selection acting on distinct genetic targets, increases in the maximum growth rate of the synthetic cells were comparable. Moreover, when performance was assessed by relative fitness, the minimal cell evolved 39% faster than the non-minimal cell. The only apparent constraint involved the evolution of cell size. The size of the non-minimal cell increased by 80%, whereas the minimal cell remained the same. This pattern reflected epistatic effects of mutations in ftsZ, which encodes a tubulin-homologue protein that regulates cell division and morphology5,6. Our findings demonstrate that natural selection can rapidly increase the fitness of one of the simplest autonomously growing organisms. Understanding how species with small genomes overcome evolutionary challenges provides critical insights into the persistence of host-associated endosymbionts, the stability of streamlined chassis for biotechnology and the targeted refinement of synthetically engineered cells2,7–9.An engineered minimal cell evolves to escape the negative consequences of genome streamlining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examined the relationships of dental status, use and types of dental prothesis and oral health problems, individually and combined, with diet quality, frailty and disability in two population-based studies of older adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants: Men form the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) (aged 85±4 years in 2018; n=1013) and Men and Women from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (HABC) Study (aged 75±3 years in 1998–99; n=1975). Measurements: Physical and dental examinations and questionnaires were collected with data available for dental status, oral problems related to eating, diet quality, Fried frailty phenotype, disability based on mobility limitations, and activities of daily living (ADL). The associations of dental status and oral health problems, individually and combined, with risk of frailty and disability were quantified. The relationship with diet quality was also assessed. Results: In the BRHS, but not HABC Study, impaired natural dentition without the use of dentures was associated with frailty independently. This relationship was only established in the same group in those with oral problems (OR=3.24; 95% CI: 1.30–8.03). In the HABC Study, functional dentition with oral health problems was associated with greater risk of frailty (OR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.18–4.15). In both studies those who wore a full or partial denture in one or more jaw who reported oral problems were more likely to have disability. There was no association with diet quality in these groups. Conclusion: Older adults with impaired dentition even who use dentures who experience self-report oral problems related to eating may be at increased risk of frailty and disability. Further research is needed to establish whether improving oral problems could potentially reduce the occurrence of frailty and disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayne and McClelland (2016) raise the matching content challenge for proponents of cognitive phenomenology: if the phenomenal character of thought is determined by its intentional content, why is it that my conscious thought that there is a blue wall before me and my visual perception of a blue wall before me don't share any phenomenology, despite their matching content? In this paper, I first show that the matching content challenge is not limited to proponents of cognitive phenomenology but extends to cases of cross-modal perception, threatening representationalism about consciousness in general. I then give two responses to the challenge, both of which appeal to intentional modes. The difference in intentional mode between a thought and a visual perception can either explain why we should not expect any phenomenal overlap between the two experiences, or it can make it clear why the phenomenal overlap is easy to overlook. I show that these responses are available to the representationalist about perceptual consciousness, as well as the proponent of cognitive phenomenology. The upshot is that, when it comes to the matching content challenge, both perceptual representationalism and cognitive representationalism stand on equal dialectical footing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endo-lysosomes transport along microtubules and clustering in the perinuclear area are two necessary steps for microbes to activate specialized phagocyte functions. We report that RUN and FYVE domain-containing protein 3 (RUFY3) exists as two alternative isoforms distinguishable by the presence of a C-terminal FYVE domain and by their affinity for phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate on endosomal membranes. The FYVE domain-bearing isoform (iRUFY3) is preferentially expressed in primary immune cells and up-regulated upon activation by microbes and Interferons. iRUFY3 is necessary for ARL8b + /LAMP1+ endo-lysosomes positioning in the pericentriolar organelles cloud of LPS-activated macrophages. We show that iRUFY3 controls macrophages migration, MHC II presentation and responses to Interferon-γ, while being important for intracellular Salmonella replication. Specific inactivation of rufy3 in phagocytes leads to aggravated pathologies in mouse upon LPS injection or bacterial pneumonia. This study highlights the role of iRUFY3 in controlling endo-lysosomal dynamics, which contributes to phagocyte activation and immune response regulation. RUFY proteins are known to regulate autophagy, cytoskeletal dynamics, migration and endosomal trafficking. Here, Char et al. show that iRUFY3 plays a role in perinuclear positioning, phagocyte migration and antigen presentation during Salmonella infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method aimed at evaluating the active drag profile during front-crawl swimming is proposed. Fourteen full trials were conducted with each trial using a stationary load cell set-up and a commercial resistance trainer to record the tension force in a rope, caused by an athlete swimming. Seven different stroke cycles in each experiment were identified for resampling time dependent data into position dependent data. Active drag was then calculated by subtracting resistance trainer force data away from the stationary load cell force data. Mean active drag values across the stroke cycle were calculated for comparison with existing methods, with mean active drag values calculated between 76 and 140 N depending on the trial. Comparing results with established active drag methods, such as the Velocity Perturbation Method (VPM), shows agreement in the magnitude of the mean active drag forces. Repeatability was investigated using one athlete, repeating the load cell set-up experiment, indicating results collected could range by 88 N depending on stroke cycle position. Variation in results is likely due to inconsistencies in swimmer technique and power output, although further investigation is required. The method outlined is proposed as a representation of the active drag profile over a full stroke cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Non-conventional laryngeal malignancies (NSCC) often have limited published data to guide management despite individual histopathological subtypes often exhibiting heterogeneous behaviour, characteristics, and treatment responses compared to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study aimed to compare oncological outcomes with SCC, specifically disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives were to compare treatment differences and perform a state of the art review. Methods: This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study at four tertiary head and neck centres. Survival outcomes between NSCC and SCC patients were analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves and compared by log rank testing. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to predict survival by histopathological subgroup, T-stage, N-stage and M-stage. Results: There were no significant differences in 3-year DFS (p = 0.499), DSS (p = 0.329), OS (p = 0.360) or Kaplan Meier survival curves (DSS/OS) between SCC and overall NSCC groups. However, univariate Cox regression analysis identified "rare" histopathologies (mostly small cell carcinoma) to be predictive of less favourable OS (p = 0.035) but this result was not observed for other NSCC histopathological subgroups. N-stage (p = 0.027) and M-stage (p = 0.048) also predicted OS for NSCC malignancies. Significant differences in treatment modalities were identified with treatment of NSCC typically involving surgical resection and SCC often managed non-surgically (e.g., primary radiotherapy). Conclusions: Although overall NSCC is managed differently compared to SCC, there do not appear to be differences in survival outcomes between these groups. N-stage and M-stage appear to be more predictive of OS than histopathology than many NSCC subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell polarity is an essential and highly conserved process governing cell function. Cell polarization is generally triggered by an external signal that induces the relocation of the centrosome, thus defining the polarity axis of the cell. Here, we took advantage of B cells as a model to study cell polarity and perform a medium-throughput siRNA-based imaging screen to identify new molecular regulators of polarization. We first identified candidates based on a quantitative proteomic analysis of proteins differentially associated with the centrosome of resting non-polarized and stimulated polarized B cells. We then targeted 233 candidates in a siRNA screen and identified hits regulating the polarization of the centrosome and/or lysosomes in B cells upon stimulation. Our dataset of proteomics, images, and polarity indexes provides a valuable source of information for a broad community of scientists interested in the molecular mechanisms regulating cell polarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Mucosal leishmaniasis has been described as secondary to the cutaneous form; however, isolated mucosal involvement can also occur. Specifically, mucosal leishmaniasis of the lip is poorly described and its diagnosis challenges clinicians. Methods: We herein report a case of mucosal leishmaniasis affecting the lower lip without cutaneous involvement in a 20-year-old Venezuelan man. The patient had no relevant past medical history. Clinically, a mass-like lesion with ulcerations and crusts was observed. Results: Microscopically, the lesion was composed of granulomatous inflammation along with macrophages containing intracytoplasmic inclusions similar to round-shaped Leishmania. The species Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis was confirmed. Treatment with meglumine antimonate was effective. The lesion healed satisfactorily, and no side effects or recurrences were observed. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of isolated forms of mucosal leishmaniasis of the lip, even in cases where the cutaneous lesion is undetected or clinically manifests as self-limiting. Knowing the endemic areas in the scenario of the dynamics of the ecoepidemiology of leishmaniasis is also essential for surveillance and counselling of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that well-managed pastures can reach high productivity. In this sense, tropical forages, such as Bermudagrass, have demonstrated high productive aptitude with the increasing lineares increases throught frequent and fractionated nitrogen-based fertilization. In addition, integrated with water management management through irrigation, it contributes to reaching the productive peak of pastures in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. Thus, high productive capacities have the potencial to add greater profitability per area and reduce pressure on new exploraty areas. Fot this purpose, the experiment carried out on a diary farm for two years, evaluated the yield and nutritional value of irrigated and non-irrigated Tifton 85 under different nitrogen doses. The statistical analysis was performed following a 2×2×4×4 factorial scheme, with four replications. Treatments consisted of (i) two growing years, (ii) irrigation, (iii) four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter), and (iv) four nitrogen doses (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg ha−1 cycle−1). The evaluated parameters consisted of total forage yield (TFY) and the bromatological components crude protein (CP, %), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, %), and acid detergent fiber (ADF, %). Productive seasonality is a concern for ranchers, as it increases the risk of lack of food for the animal. The use of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization increased TFY, which was higher in the summer, decreasing gradually in direction the cool seasons that influenced production. With regard to TFY, it was possible to observe the seasonality during the seasons of the year, spring and summer (warm season) concentrated 65% of forage production, with a ratio of 50% of production in the Cool season (autumn/winter). However, irrigation reduced the productive seasonality by 58% in the cool season period. The use of nitrogen allowed big increasing linear in TFY depending on the doses applied, reaching the increases between 5 and 8 Mg ha−1 for each treatment doses. The highest TFY value (38.5 Mg ha−1 year−1) was observed with irrigation and the highest nitrogen dose. Significant effects were observed for NDF and CP. The use of irrigation also allowed increases of 1% in CP, providing a higher quality forage. CP presented linear increments as a function of irrigation × nitrogen doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acceleration of pozzolanic reactions, via increasing curing temperature, has practical applications for soil stabilization at geotechnical sites (e.g. pavement layers). In this context, this research aims the following: to evaluate the influence of curing temperature (23°C and 40°C) on a fibre reinforced Osorio sand mixed with fly ash, lime and sodium chloride (NaCl) by measuring freezing and thawing cycles, stiffness and unconfined compressive strength; to determine statistically the influence of lime content, NaCl, polypropylene fibres and dry unit weight (γd) over the measured response variable for both curing temperatures; and to expand pavement design methodologies by correlating durability, strength and stiffness with the porosity/binder index [η/(Biv)0.28]. Regardless of curing temperature the specimen stiffness presented a typical behavior: fibres decreased the mixture stiffness while NaCl increased it. For mixtures without fibres the rupture was brittle, while mixtures with fibres had ductile rupture. Statistical analysis showed that increased compaction (γd of 14kN/m3, 15kN/m3 and 16kN/m3) improved all response variables (unconfined compression strength, stiffness at slight strain modulus and freeze–thaw durability). However, better results were achieved with the temperature increment in the curing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study examined the relationship between hip fractures and weather warnings with the hypothesis higher rates of fractures occur during warnings. National hip fracture database and weather warning records were utilised. Higher rates of hip fractures were found with severe warnings. This has implications for planning in future severe warnings. Background: Hip fractures represent a significant burden on the Irish Health system with 3666 in 2020. The Irish National Meteorological Service operates a colour coded warning system. Yellow being least severe, while orange represents weather with capacity to impact individuals in affected areas and red represents advice to protect themselves and property. Previous studies investigated the seasonality of hip fractures, which remains but none have investigated the relationship between weather warnings and rates of hip fractures. The hypothesis was that increasing weather warnings would be associated with increased hip fractures. The aim was to investigate the relationship between weather warnings and hip fractures in the Republic of Ireland. Methods: Comparison of national weather warning archives from 2013 to 2019 to Fracture Database records. Reviews assessed whether fractures occurred on days a weather warning was in place in the individual’s local county. A statistical analysis of warning features and their relationship to hip fractures was then performed. Fractures and weather warnings were stratified by county with both a panel and case crossover analysis performed. Results: There was a tendency towards increased incidence of hip fractures with weather warnings in adjusted analysis (IRR 1.02; 95%CI 0.99–1.06; p-value 0.123). Orange warnings were associated with a statistically higher incidence of fractures (IRR 1.06; 1.01–1.12; p-value 0.026). In both panel and case crossover analysis, both orange and yellow warnings were associated with fractures. Red warnings were associated with a lower incidence of fracture on day of warning (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.92; 0.70–1.22; p-value 0.569) but a higher incidence on the following day (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.14; 0.88–1.46; p-value 0.313). Conclusion: An increased incidence of hip fractures appears to occur during weather warnings. Consideration should be given when preparing for periods of extreme weather, ensuring sufficiently resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older age groups were identified as a high-risk cohort for Covid-19 and thus were a focus of lockdown measures enacted internationally. Resultant decreased social mobility and physical activity levels are associated with sarcopenia, which may lead to increased risk of hip fracture upon resuming social integration and physical activities after easing of lockdown restrictions. Aims: Our aim was to compare the incidence of hip fractures during the period following vaccination with subsequent relaxation of restrictions, to those prior to and during the Covid pandemic. Methods: A multicentre retrospective cohort study was performed consisting of all patients presenting with a "hip" fracture to 3 regional trauma units over the relevant time periods in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Tallaght, Galway and Waterford University Hospitals are large academic teaching hospitals with a combined mixed urban and rural catchment of over 1 million people. Findings: Four-hundred-fourteen patients in total were included in the final analysis, with 133 eligible hip fractures observed proceeding to operative treatment across the study period in 2019, 132 in 2020 and 149 in 2021, representing a 12.88% increase. Demographic data revealed similar patient cohorts with respect to age and gender, fracture pattern and treatment. Conclusions: An increase in hip fracture volume was observed during the period post vaccination with subsequent relaxation of restrictions and increased social mobility, compared to those prior to and during the Covid pandemic. These findings have implications for hospital planning and orthopaedic resourcing as we navigate our way forward past the Covid-19 Pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucullanus pinnai has been divided in two subspecies (C. pinnai pinnai and C. pinnai pterodorasi) based on the morphology of oesophastome. While C. pinnai pinnai apparently shows low host specificity and broad geographic occurrence, with certain morphological variations, C. pinnai pterodorasi was reported once, parasitizing Pterodoras granulosus. We used an integrative taxonomic approach to evaluate whether or not populations of C. pinnai pinnai from Trychomycterus spegazzinii (Escoipe River, Argentina) and Pimelodus fur (Miranda River, Brazil), and of C. pinnai pterodorasi from Pterodoras granulosus (Miranda River, Brazil) are conspecific. Parasites were observed using light microscopy and genetically characterized based on partial sequences of the 18S and 28S rDNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, and COI mtDNA. Phylogenies were reconstructed and the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), Poisson Tree Process (bPTP), and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) were used for species delimitation purposes. The present samples formed well-supported monophyletic assemblages, corroborating in part the results of morphological analyses; however, they grouped according to geographic origin. Species delimitation suggested conspecificity of C. pinnai pinnai with C. pinnai pterodorasi from Brazil; consequently, the morphology of oesophastome may be an intraspecific variation. Results also indicated that C. pinnai may represent a species complex as samples from Argentina were suggestive of an independent specific entity. However, definitive affirmations are premature, since there is no autapomorphy for separating C. pinnai from Brazil and Argentina and sampling was limited to three host species from two river basins. The phylogenetic reconstructions also confirmed the artificiality of some genera within Cucullanidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistent political realities are associated with mental health issues such as hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of Brexit is clearly an important and timely issue, but hitherto has been understudied. This study uses a critical realist approach to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of British citizens living in Luxembourg during the Brexit era. The study reports on semi-structured interviews conducted with 6 British citizens aged 18–65. An experientially focused thematic analysis was conducted, exploring two main themes: Loss (with psychological and broader social implications) and Integration (contrasting the mover's community with the receiving community). This study demonstrates the psychological impact of Brexit and highlights the urgency for future researchers and mental health practitioners alike — both in the UK and overseas — to consider the human consequences associated with political upheaval. Open access materials for this project can be viewed here: https://osf.io/38rg7/?view_only=b8c04dfc3fe5474f9aff4897e370b3e6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional mental health services are frequently criticized for failing to support people and communities in their care. Open Dialogue is a non-conventional humanistic approach to mental health care, which has been implemented in many different settings globally. At two Australian public health care services, implementation of the approach led to positive client outcomes and sustained organizational and clinical change. The aim of the study was to identify and explore the organizational, management, leadership and cultural factors that contributed to sustained implementation in these complex systems. We conducted nine individual semi-structured interviews of health care leaders and managers from the two sites. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed thematically. Leaders facilitated a gradual development of clinical and organizational legitimacy for the non-standardized Open Dialogue approach by holding the anxiety and frustration of practitioners and parts of the administration, cultivating cultural change and adaptation and by continually removing organizational obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transaction cost is high in the housing rental market due to heterogeneity of the housing units and associated quality of services provided by the landlord. The two main types of transaction cost are search and information cost. Previous studies often do not differentiate their impact on rental prices. We show that the former has a positive while the latter has a negative impact on rental prices. This paper focus on the latter to explain the emergence of Institutional Rental Market in China. We conjecture that the Institutional Rental Market in China is an institutional arrangement that emerge to reduce information cost and thus rent dissipation. In this market, the real estate agents also act as intermediate landlords. They capture part of the dissipated rent by reducing information cost with their established brand name and standardized renovation to the housing units they rented from individual owners before subletting them out to tenants. The empirical results from a unique dataset from Beijing are consistent with our conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Running gait assessment has traditionally been performed using subjective observation or expensive laboratory-based objective technologies, such as three-dimensional motion capture or force plates. However, recent developments in wearable devices allow for continuous monitoring and analysis of running mechanics in any environment. Objective measurement of running gait is an important (clinical) tool for injury assessment and provides measures that can be used to enhance performance. Objectives: We aimed to systematically review the available literature investigating how wearable technology is being used for running gait analysis in adults. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the following scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Information was extracted from each included article regarding the type of study, participants, protocol, wearable device(s), main outcomes/measures, analysis and key findings. Results: A total of 131 articles were reviewed: 56 investigated the validity of wearable technology, 22 examined the reliability and 77 focused on applied use. Most studies used inertial measurement units (n = 62) [i.e. a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers in a single unit] or solely accelerometers (n = 40), with one using gyroscopes alone and 31 using pressure sensors. On average, studies used one wearable device to examine running gait. Wearable locations were distributed among the shank, shoe and waist. The mean number of participants was 26 (± 27), with an average age of 28.3 (± 7.0) years. Most studies took place indoors (n = 93), using a treadmill (n = 62), with the main aims seeking to identify running gait outcomes or investigate the effects of injury, fatigue, intrinsic factors (e.g. age, sex, morphology) or footwear on running gait outcomes. Generally, wearables were found to be valid and reliable tools for assessing running gait compared to reference standards. Conclusions: This comprehensive review highlighted that most studies that have examined running gait using wearable sensors have done so with young adult recreational runners, using one inertial measurement unit sensor, with participants running on a treadmill and reporting outcomes of ground contact time, stride length, stride frequency and tibial acceleration. Future studies are required to obtain consensus regarding terminology, protocols for testing validity and the reliability of devices and suitability of gait outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: CRD42021235527. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A wide array of benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas can be cystic and these cystic lesions can have overlapping imaging appearances. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a radiomics-based pancreatic cyst classifier to an experienced academic radiologist. Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective single-institution study, patients with surgically resected pancreatic cysts who underwent preoperative abdominal CT from 2003 to 2016 were identified. Pancreatic cyst(s) and background pancreas were manually segmented, and 488 radiomics features were extracted. Random forest classification based on radiomics features, age, and gender was evaluated with fourfold cross-validation. An academic radiologist blinded to the final pathologic diagnosis reviewed each case and provided the most likely diagnosis. Results: 214 patients were included (64 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, 33 mucinous cystic neoplasms, 60 serous cystadenomas, 24 solid pseudopapillary neoplasms, and 33 cystic neuroendocrine tumors). The radiomics-based machine learning approach showed AUC of 0.940 in pancreatic cyst classification, compared with AUC of 0.895 for the radiologist. Conclusion: Radiomics-based machine learning achieved equivalent performance as an experienced academic radiologist in the classification of pancreatic cysts. The high diagnostic accuracy can potentially maximize the efficiency of healthcare utilization by maximizing detection of high-risk lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CD151 is a cell-surface molecule of the tetraspanin family. Its lateral interaction with laminin-binding integrin ɑ3β1 is important for podocyte adhesion to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Deletion of Cd151 in mice induces glomerular dysfunction, with proteinuria and associated focal glomerulosclerosis, disorganisation of GBM and tubular cystic dilation. Despite this, CD151 is not routinely screened for in patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria. We aimed to better understand the relevance of CD151 in human kidney disease. Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to detect the variant in CD151. Electron and light microscopy were used to visualise the filtration barrier in the patient kidney biopsy, and immunoreactivity of patient red blood cells to anti-CD151/MER2 antibodies was performed. Further validation of the CD151 variant as disease-causing was performed in zebrafish using CRISPR-Cas9. Results: We report a young child with nail dystrophy and persistent urinary tract infections who was incidentally found to have nephrotic-range proteinuria. Through targeted NGS, a novel, homozygous truncating variant was identified in CD151, a gene rarely reported in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Electron microscopy imaging of patient kidney tissue showed thickening of GBM and podocyte effacement. Immunofluorescence of patient kidney tissue demonstrated that CD151 was significantly reduced, and we did not detect immunoreactivity to CD151/MER2 on patient red blood cells. CRISPR-Cas9 depletion of cd151 in zebrafish caused proteinuria, which was rescued by injection of wild-type CD151 mRNA, but not CD151 mRNA containing the variant sequence. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a novel variant in CD151 is associated with nephrotic-range proteinuria and microscopic haematuria and provides further evidence for a role of CD151 in glomerular disease. Our work highlights a functional testing pipeline for future analysis of patient genetic variants. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the question of whether Q-balls can exist in a chiral Lagrangian truncated at leading order when, in addition, the Standard Model Higgs boson couples to the pseudo-Nambu-Golstone bosons (pNGBs). In particular, we consider the so-called thin-wall limit where volume energy dominates over surface energy. It is known that the leading order chiral Lagrangian alone does not support such multi-field solutions. Augmented by the Higgs, however, we do indeed find that such solutions exist. We then study their properties numerically and, in various limits, analytically. Furthermore, since we consider a mirror-world-like model where the pNGBs are composite states of fundamental fermions, the question of Fermi repulsion in the high density bulk of the Q-ball plays a central role in determining its properties. The main effect is that when the parameter controlling the Fermi repulsion increases beyond a critical value, the radius of the Q-ball increases and continues to increase while the Q-ball becomes more weakly bound. As a result, there are Q-ball solutions with radii well exceeding a femtometer which would interact with nuclei in direct detection experiments via momentum-dependent form factors making their signatures striking. We leave the question of the production and direct detection of these Q-balls to a future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]