Search for Leptonic Decays of Dark Photons at NA62

The NA62 experiment at CERN, configured in beam-dump mode, has searched for dark photon decays in flight to electron-positron pairs using a sample of 1.4×10^{17} protons on dump collected in 2021. No evidence for a dark photon signal is observed. The combined result for dark photon searches in lepton-antilepton final states is presented and a region of the parameter space is excluded at 90% confidence level, improving on previous experimental limits for dark photon mass values between 50 and 600  MeV/c^{2} and coupling values in the range 10^{-6} to 4×10^{-5}. An interpretation of the e^{+}e^{-} search result in terms of the emission and decay of an axionlike particle is also presented.

Effects of saline nebulization on SARS-CoV-2 RNA spreading and exhaled bio-aerosol particles in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Nebulized therapy is the mainstay for treating obstructive airway diseases, but there is heightened concern about the potential risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission during nebulization in COVID-19 patients.

AIM

To investigate the effects of 0.9% saline nebulization on SARS-CoV-2 RNA spreading in 11 COVID-19 patients (five females, mean age 62.45 ± 9.31 years); also to ascertain whether saline nebulization changed the number of exhaled bio-aerosol particles in six out of the 11 patients.

METHODS

Air samples were collected using suction pumps equipped with 0.45 μm PTFE filters and positioned around the patient's bed. Exhaled particles were quantified by using an optical particle counter.

FINDINGS

At baseline (i.e. before nebulization) SARS-CoV-2 was detected more frequently in the pumps close to the patient than in those far away. After saline nebulization, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the pumps close to the patient was comparable to that observed at baseline. In the pumps far from the patient, saline nebulization slightly, but not significantly, increased SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection compared to baseline. Overall, no significant changes in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection were observed after saline nebulization. At baseline, exhaled particle emission varied among patients, with two of them showing higher emission of particles than the remaining patients. Saline nebulization induced a marked decrease in exhaled particles in the two patients who displayed high emission at baseline, whereas no changes were observed in the remaining patients. Saline nebulization did not significantly change SARS-CoV-2 RNA spreading.

CONCLUSION

Saline nebulization does not significantly increase SARS-CoV-2 spreading.

Heterogeneity in regional changes in body composition induced by androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients: potential impact on bone health-the BLADE study

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether changes in body composition induced by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer (PC) patients are uniform or vary in the different body districts and whether regional lean body mass (LBM) and fat body mass (FBM) could have an impact on bone health.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate the regional changes in LBM and FBM in PC patients submitted to degarelix; to explore the relationship of regional body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

29 consecutive non metastatic PC patients enrolled from 2017 to 2019. FBM, LBM and bone mineral density (BMD) evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and after 12-month of ADT. Alkaline phosphate (ALP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

INTERVENTION

All patients underwent degarelix administration.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

T-test or sign test and Pearson or Spearman test for continuous variables were used when indicated.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median percent increase in FBM ranged from + 14.5% in trunk to + 25.4% in the left leg after degarelix. LBM changes varied from + 2% in the trunk to - 4.9% in the right arm. LBM in both arms and legs and their variations after degarelix directly correlated with ALP and inversely correlated with CTX. Lean mass of limbs, trunk and legs significantly correlated with BMD of the hip, lean mass of the trunk significantly correlated with spine BMD. These are post-hoc analysis of a prospective study and this is the main limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

an heterogeneous change in body composition among body district is observed after ADT and bone turnover is influenced by lean mass and its variation. A supervised physical activity is crucial to maintain general physical performance and preserving bone health.

The global distribution of plants used by humans

Plants sustain human life. Understanding geographic patterns of the diversity of species used by people is thus essential for the sustainable management of plant resources. Here, we investigate the global distribution of 35,687 utilized plant species spanning 10 use categories (e.g., food, medicine, material). Our findings indicate general concordance between utilized and total plant diversity, supporting the potential for simultaneously conserving species diversity and its contributions to people. Although Indigenous lands across Mesoamerica, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Asia harbor a disproportionate diversity of utilized plants, the incidence of protected areas is negatively correlated with utilized species richness. Finding mechanisms to preserve areas containing concentrations of utilized plants and traditional knowledge must become a priority for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

BACKGROUND

Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres.

METHODS

This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low-middle-income countries.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of 'single-use' consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low-middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high- and low-middle-income countries.

Prediction of morbidity and mortality after early cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis: results of the S.P.Ri.M.A.C.C. study

Background

Less invasive alternatives than early cholecystectomy (EC) for acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) treatment have been spreading in recent years. We still lack a reliable tool to select high-risk patients who could benefit from these alternatives. Our study aimed to prospectively validate the Chole-risk score in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing EC for ACC compared with other preoperative risk prediction models.

Method

The S.P.Ri.M.A.C.C. study is a World Society of Emergency Surgery prospective multicenter observational study. From 1st September 2021 to 1st September 2022, 1253 consecutive patients admitted in 79 centers were included. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of ACC and to be a candidate for EC. A Cochran-Armitage test of the trend was run to determine whether a linear correlation existed between the Chole-risk score and a complicated postoperative course. To assess the accuracy of the analyzed prediction models—POSSUM Physiological Score (PS), modified Frailty Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologist score (ASA), APACHE II score, and ACC severity grade—receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to compare the diagnostic abilities.

Results

A 30-day major morbidity of 6.6% and 30-day mortality of 1.1% were found. Chole-risk was validated, but POSSUM PS was the best risk prediction model for a complicated course after EC for ACC (in-hospital mortality: AUC 0.94, p < 0.001; 30-day mortality: AUC 0.94, p < 0.001; in-hospital major morbidity: AUC 0.73, p < 0.001; 30-day major morbidity: AUC 0.70, p < 0.001). POSSUM PS with a cutoff of 25 (defined in our study as a ‘Chole-POSSUM’ score) was then validated in a separate cohort of patients. It showed a 100% sensitivity and a 100% negative predictive value for mortality and a 96–97% negative predictive value for major complications.

Conclusions

The Chole-risk score was externally validated, but the CHOLE-POSSUM stands as a more accurate prediction model. CHOLE-POSSUM is a reliable tool to stratify patients with ACC into a low-risk group that may represent a safe EC candidate, and a high-risk group, where new minimally invasive endoscopic techniques may find the most useful field of action.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04995380.

ROLE OF BLADDER EMPTYING ON OUTCOMES OF TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of bladder emptying on outcomes of males undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study involved candidates for TURP (January 2017-January 2018) with a follow-up of 3 yrs. Preoperative and follow-up evaluation comprised: UF, simple PVR (S-PVR), PVR-Ratio (PVR-R) as the ratio of PVR to bladder volume (BV: voided volume (VV) + PVR), Bladder voiding efficiency (BE) as the ratio between VV and BV -(voided volume/total bladder capacity) X 100 - and the IPSS. Patients were stratified for S-PVR, PVR-R and BVE.

RESULTS

Patients recruited were 100 (mean ± SD age: 68.8 ± 8.7 yrs). No patient had severe complications, re-admission, nor needed blood transfusion. At baseline, 38% of the patients showed S-PVR ≤ 50 ml, 62% a S-PVR ≤ 100 ml, and 25% a S-PVR >150 ml. In both pre- and post-operative evaluation there were no significant differences in Qmax and IPSS score among the groups. In each group we found a significant improvement in Qmax, IPSS score and S-PVR, PVR-R and BVE after TURP (except for PVR in group with lowest pre-operative S-PVR). Analysing a pre-operative S-PVR threshold >100 ml, PVR-R significantly increased and BVE significantly decreased after TURP. Conversely, when pre-operative S-PVR was >100 ml, PVR-R and BVE relevantly but non significantly improved after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Bladder emptying is only partially related to TURP outcomes and other pre-operative parameters. Patients with baseline S-PVR lower than 100 ml had the chance of greater recovery of bladder emptying after TURP.

GMM, Maegele M, Maggiore D, Magnone S, Maier RV, Maier RV, Major P, Manangi M, manetti A, Mantoglu B, Marafante C, Mariani F, Marinis A, Mariot ES, Marseglia GR, Martãnez-Pãrez A, Martines G, Perez AM, Martino C, Mascagni P, Massalou D, Matãas-Garcãa B, Mazzarella G, Mazzarolo G, Melo RB, Mendoza-Moreno F, Meric S, Meyer J, Miceli L, Michalopoulos NV, Milana F, Mingoli A, Mishra TS, Mohamed M, Mohamed MIEA, Mohamedahmed AY, Mohammed MJS, Mohan R, Moore EE, Morales-Garcia D, Muhrbeck M, Mulita F, Mustafa SMS, Muttillo EM, Naimzada MD, Navsaria PH, Negoi I, Nespoli L, Nguyen C, Nidaw MK, Nigri G, Nikolopoulos I, O’Connor DB, Ogundipe HD, Oliveri C, Olmi S, Ong ECW, Orecchia L, Osipov AV, Othman MF, Pace M, Pacilli M, Pagani L, Palomba G, Pantalone D, Panyko A, Paolillo C, Papa MV, Papaconstantinou D, Papadoliopoulou M, Papadopoulos A, Papis D, Pararas N, Parreira JG, Parry NG, Pata F, Patel T, Paterson-Brown S, Pavone G, Pecchini F, Pellino G, Pelloni M, Peloso A, del Pozo EP, Pereira RG, Pereira BM, perez AL, Perra T, Perrone G, Pesce A, Petagna L, Petracca G, Phupong V, Picardi B, Picciariello A, Piccoli M, Piccolo D, Picetti E, Pikoulis Pikoulis E, Pintar T, Pirozzolo G, Piscioneri F, Podda M, Porcu A, Privitera F, Punzo C, Quaresima S, Quiodettis MA, Qvist N, Rahim R, de Almeida FR, Ramely RB, Rasa HK, Reichert M, Reinisch-Liese A, Renne A, Riccetti C, Rodriguez-Luna MR, Roizblatt D, Romanzi A, Romeo L, Roscio FPM, Rosnelifaizur RB, Rossi S, Rubiano AM, Ruiz-Úcar E, Sakakushev BE, Salamea JC, Sall I, Samarakoon LB, Sammartano F, Arteaga AS, Sanchez-Cordero S, Santoanastaso DPM, Sasia D, Sato N, Savchuk A, Sawyer RG, Scaioli G, Schizas D, Sebastiani S, Seeliger B, Lohse HAS, Seretis C, Sermonesi G, Serradilla-Martin M, Shelat VG, Shlyapnikov S, Sidiropoulos T, Simoes RL, Siragusa L, Siribumrungwong B, Slavchev M, Solaini L, soldini G, Sopuev A, Soreide K, Sovatzidis A, Stahel PF, Strickland M, Sultan MAH, Sydorchuk R, Sydorchuk L, Syed SMAM, Syed AM, Tallon-Aguilar L, Tamburini AM, Tamini N, Tan ECTH, Tan JH, Tarasconi A, Tartaglia N, Tartaglia G, Tartaglia D, Taylor JV, Tebala GD, Gonsaga RAT, Teuben M, Theodorou A, Tolonen M, Tomasicchio G, Toro A, Torre B, Triantafyllou T, Trigiante Trigiante G, Tripepi M, Trostchansky J, Tsekouras K, Turrado-Rodriguez V, Tutino R, Uccelli M, Uchikov PA, Ugarte-Sierra B, Ukkonen MT, Vailas M, Vassiliu PG, Vazquez AG, Vazquez RG, Verde JE, Verde JM, Veroux M, Viganò J, Vilallonga R, Visconti D, Vittori A, Waledziak M, Wannatoop T, Widmer LW, Wilson MSJ, Wong TH, Xenaki S, Yu B, Yule S, Zachariah SK, Zacharis G, Zaghi C, Zakaria AD, Zambrano DA, Zampitis N, Zampogna B, Zanghã S, Zapsalis K, Zattoni F, Zese M, Farre SP, Atanasov BT, Pegoraro V, Zantedeschi M, Reitano E, Pizzocaro E. Time for a paradigm shift in shared decision-making in trauma and emergency surgery? Results from an international survey

BACKGROUND

Shared decision-making (SDM) between clinicians and patients is one of the pillars of the modern patient-centric philosophy of care. This study aims to explore SDM in the discipline of trauma and emergency surgery, investigating its interpretation as well as the barriers and facilitators for its implementation among surgeons.

METHODS

Grounding on the literature on the topics of the understanding, barriers, and facilitators of SDM in trauma and emergency surgery, a survey was created by a multidisciplinary committee and endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES). The survey was sent to all 917 WSES members, advertised through the society's website, and shared on the society's Twitter profile.

RESULTS

A total of 650 trauma and emergency surgeons from 71 countries in five continents participated in the initiative. Less than half of the surgeons understood SDM, and 30% still saw the value in exclusively engaging multidisciplinary provider teams without involving the patient. Several barriers to effectively partnering with the patient in the decision-making process were identified, such as the lack of time and the need to concentrate on making medical teams work smoothly.

DISCUSSION

Our investigation underlines how only a minority of trauma and emergency surgeons understand SDM, and perhaps, the value of SDM is not fully accepted in trauma and emergency situations. The inclusion of SDM practices in clinical guidelines may represent the most feasible and advocated solutions.