Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and Their Mass Number Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-π^{0}s produced at forward pseudorapidities (2.6<η<4.0) in p+p, p+Al, and p+Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back π^{0} pairs in p+Al and p+Au collisions compared to the p+p data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in p+Au relative to p+Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale Q_{s}^{2} on the mass number A. A linear scaling of the suppression with A^{1/3} is observed with a slope of -0.09±0.01.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycan-like polymers are present in an acidophilic biofilm from a sulfidic cave

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) are negatively charged extracellular polymeric substances that occur in biofilms from various environments. Yet, it remains unclear whether these polymers are acquired from the external environment or produced by microbes in the biofilm. To resolve this, we analyzed the presence of sGAGs in samples of an acidophilic biofilm collected from Sulfur Cave in Puturosu Mountain (Romania), an environment that is largely inaccessible to contamination. A maximum of 55.16 ± 2.06 μg sGAG-like polymers were recovered per mg of EPS. Enzymatic treatment with chondroitinase ABC resulted in a decrease of the mass of these polymers, suggesting the structure of the recovered sGAG is similar to chondroitin. Subsequent FT-IR analysis of these polymers revealed absorbance bands at 1230 cm^-1, 1167 cm^-1 and 900 cm^-1, indicating a possible presence of polysaccharides and sulfate. Analysis of genomic sequences closely related to those predominant in the acidophilic biofilm, contained genes coding for sulfotransferase (an enzyme needed for the production of sGAG), which supports the hypothesis of microbial synthesis of sGAGs within the biofilm.

[Characteristics and risk factors of functional constipation in children aged 0-4 years in Xi 'an]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology, characteristics and risk factors of functional constipation (FC) in children aged 0-4 years in Xi'an. Methods: From October, 2020 to June, 2021, a prevalence survey was conducted among 2 615 children aged 0-4 years in Xi'an by group sampling. The related factors of FC were investigated by questionnaire designed based on Rome Ⅳ diagnostic criteria.The children were divided into FC group and non-FC group. The prevalence, symptoms and signs of FC were analyzed, and its risk factors were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression. Results: A total of 2 985 valid questionnaires were handed out, and 2 711 (90.8%) were received back. A total of 2 615 questionnaires were valid, with an effective rate of 96.5%. There were 1 338 males (51.2%) and 1 277 females (48.8%). There were 260 cases in FC group and 2 355 cases in non-FC group. The prevalence of FC in children aged 0-4 years in Xi 'an was 10.6%.There were significant differences in FC prevalence among children of different ages and sex (χ²=14.58,4.39, both P<0.05), but not in urban or rural residence (χ²=3.29, P=0.070). The main symptoms of FC group in the last month were large-diameter feces (73.5%, 191/260), painful defecation or dry and hard defecation (65.8%, 171/260). In the last month, FC group had higher incidences of the Bristol type 1, 2 and 3 stool, fecal retention, prolonged defecation, abdominal pain and incomplete defecation compared with non-FC group, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). Parental history of childhood constipation (OR=2.13, 95%CI 1.55-2.92), fever in the last month (OR=1.86, 95%CI 1.32-2.63), history of constipation (OR=3.24, 95%CI 2.46-4.26) and taking probiotics in the last month (OR=1.45, 95%CI 1.11-1.91) were risk factors of FC in children aged 0-4 years. Stratified with age, the results showed that complementary feeding earlier than 5 months of age or later than 6 months of age (OR=2.42, 95%CI 1.13-5.20), dry stools during the complementary feeding (OR=11.27, 95%CI 5.15-24.66), history of constipation (OR=2.29, 95%CI 1.23-4.29) and taking probiotics in the last month (OR=1.88, 95%CI 1.10-3.23) were risk factors of FC in children aged 0-<1 year, and breastfeeding (OR=0.53, 95%CI 0.29-0.94) was a protective factor of FC in children aged 0-<1 year. Family members' recent constipation history (OR=2.02, 95%CI 1.06-3.85) and past history of constipation (OR=3.06, 95%CI 1.74-5.38) were FC risk factors for children aged 1-<2 years. Parental history of childhood constipation (OR=3.12, 95%CI 2.00-4.85), frequency of eating vegetables less than 3 times per week (OR=3.28, 95%CI 2.00-5.38), history of constipation (OR=3.66, 95%CI 2.42-5.53) and taking antibiotics in the last month (OR=1.65, 95%CI 1.06-2.55) were risk factors for FC in children aged 2-4 years. Conclusions: FC in children aged 0-4 years in Xi'an is mainly manifested with large-diameter feces and painful defecation or dry and hard defecation in the last month. It is associated with a variety of risk factors, which are different in different age groups.

Understanding Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Intentions in a Tailored Risk Communication Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic variants in cancer predisposition genes increase second, hereditary cancer risk among women with breast and/or ovarian cancer, and primary cancers in their relatives. National guidelines recommend cancer genetic risk assessment (CGRA) (genetic counseling and/or genetic testing) for women at increased hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk. Yet, less than half of high risk women, including rural dwellers and racial minorities have accessed CGRA.

PURPOSE

The Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer Education and Empowerment Project (GRACE), a superiority trial, addressed this translational gap, testing the efficacy of a targeted print brochure (TP) vs tailored counseling and navigation (TCN) vs usual care (UC) on CGRA intentions. TCN targeted behavioral variables theorized to mediate CGRA intentions. We believe GRACE is the first study of its kind promoting guideline-based CGRA to women at increased HBOC risk.

METHODS

CGRA-eligible women were recruited from three state cancer registries (N=641), completed a baseline survey, and randomized to TCN, TP or UC. TP and TCN received the mailed educational brochure. TCN also engaged in a telephone-based decision coaching and navigation session using motivational interviewing and tailored materials based on the Extended Parallel Process Model and Health Action Process Approach. Participants completed a follow-up survey at one month.

RESULTS

TCN improved CGRA intentions compared to TP (0.64, p<0.001, CI 0.32, 0.97) and UC (0.69, p<0.001, CI 0.37, 1.02). Theoretical targets, perceived risk (0.77, p=0.02, CI 0.11, 1.44) and self-efficacy (0.67, p=0.04, CI 0.05, 1.28) mediated CGRA intentions in TCN. Stratification showed increases in CGRA intentions for TCN vs TP among non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, urban dwellers, and women with low health literacy and no family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (FBOC). In TCN, perceived self-efficacy improved in women with no FBOC.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in CGRA intentions and theorized mediators support use of tailored risk communication interventions in Hispanics and women with low health literacy and no FBOC. Further tailoring may improve CGRA intentions in Blacks, other minorities, rural dwellers, and women with high health literacy and FBOC.

Effects of Selenium Supplementation on the Ion Homeostasis in the Reproductive Organs and Eggs of Laying Hens Fed With the Diet Contaminated With Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, and Chromium

The objective of this study was to explore the toxic effects of different heavy metals in combination with their deposition and ion homeostasis in the reproductive organs and eggs of laying hens, as well as the alleviating action of selenized yeast. A total of 160 Lohmann pink-shell laying hens (63-week-old) were randomly allocated into four treatments with 10 replicates of four hens each. The four dietary treatments were the corn-soybean meal basal dietary (control; CON); the CON dietary supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg selenium from selenized yeast (Se); the CON dietary supplemented with 5 mg/kg Cd + 50 mg/kg Pb +3 mg/kg Hg + 5 mg/kg Cr (HEM), and the HEM dietary supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg selenium from selenized yeast (HEM+Se). The dietary HEM significantly increased Cd, Pb, and Hg deposition in the egg yolk and ovary, and Cd and Hg deposition in the oviduct and in the follicular wall (p < 0.05). The HEM elevated Fe concentration in the egg yolk, ovary, and oviduct (p < 0.05). The HEM decreased Mn concentration in the egg yolk, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in the egg white, Cu concentration in the ovary, Mg concentration in the oviduct, as well as Ca, Cu, Zn, and Mg concentrations in the follicular walls (p < 0.05). Dietary Se addition elevated Se concentration in the egg yolk, oviduct, and follicular walls and Mg concentration (p < 0.05) in the oviduct, whereas it reduced Fe concentration in the oviduct compared with the HEM-treated hens. Some positive or negative correlations among these elements were observed. Canonical Correlation Analysis showed that the concentrations of Pb and Hg in the egg yolk were positively correlated with those in the ovary. The concentration of Cd in the egg white was positively correlated with that in the oviduct. In summary, dietary Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cr in combination caused ion loss and deposition of HEM in reproductive organs of laying hens. Dietary Se addition at 0.4 mg/kg from selenized yeast alleviated the negative effects of HEM on Fe and Mg ion disorder in the oviduct and follicle wall of hens.

[Effects of comprehensive treatment of infected wounds in patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and comprehensive treatment of infected wounds in patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2012 to December 2021, the data of 19 patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome discharged from the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were collected, including 8 males and 11 females, aged 28-71 (56±11) years, with 12 cases of infected acute wounds and 7 cases of infected chronic wounds. The lesions were located in the limbs, perianal, and sacrococcygeal regions, with original infection ranging from 9 cm×5 cm to 85 cm×45 cm. After admission, the patients were performed with multidisciplinary assisted diagnosis and treatment, and the wounds were treated with debridement and vacuum sealing drainage, according to the size, severity of infection, suture tension, and bone and tendon tissue exposure of wounds, direct suture or autologous skin and/or artificial dermis and/or autologous tissue flap transplantation was selected for wound repair. The levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of patients at 8:00, 16:00, and 24:00 within 24 h after admission were counted. After admission, the number of operations, wound repair methods, and wound and skin/flap donor site healing of patients were recorded. During follow-up, the wounds were observed for recurrent infection. Results: The cortisol levels of 16 patients at 8:00, 16:00, and 24:00 within 24 h after admission were (130±54), (80±16), and (109±39) nmol/L, respectively, and ACTH levels were (7.2±2.8), (4.1±1.8), and (6.0±3.0) pg/mL, respectively; and the other 3 patients had no such statistical results. After admission, the number of surgical operation for patients was 3.4±0.9. The following methods were used for wound repair, including direct suturing in 4 cases and autologous skin and/or artificial dermis grafting in 9 cases, of which 2 cases underwent stage Ⅱ autologous skin grafting after artificial dermis grafting in stage Ⅰ, and 6 cases had pedicled retrograde island flap+autologous skin grafting. The wound healing was observed, showing that all directly sutured wounds healed well; the wounds in 6 cases of autologous skin and/or artificial dermis grafting healed well, and the wounds in 3 cases also healed well after the secondary skin grafting; the flaps in 4 cases survived well with the wounds in 2 cases with distal perforators flap arteries circumfluence obstacle of posterior leg healed after stage Ⅱ debridement and autologous skin grafting. The healing status of skin/flap donor sites was followed showing that the donor sites of medium-thickness skin grafts in the thigh of 4 cases were well healed after transplanted with autologous split-thickness grafts from scalp; the donor sites of medium-thickness skin grafts in 3 cases did not undergo split-thickness skin grafting, of which 2 cases had poor healing but healed well after secondary skin grafting 2 weeks after surgery; the donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts in the head of 2 patients healed well; and all donor sites of flaps healed well after autologous skin grafting. During follow-up of more than half a year, 3 gout patients were hospitalized again for surgical treatment due to gout stone rupture, 4 patients were hospitalized again for surgical treatment due to infection, and no recurrent infection was found in the rest of patients. Conclusions: The infected wounds in patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome have poor ability to regenerate and are prone to repeated infection. Local wound treatment together with multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment should be performed to control infection and close wounds in a timely manner, so as to maximize the benefits of patients.

LB0006 SARILUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSING POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA: A PHASE 3, MULTICENTER, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLIND, PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL (SAPHYR)

Background

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated in patients with active polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and is associated with disease activity, relapse and severity. Clinical trials with IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibitors in PMR showed higher remission rates and reduced glucocorticoid (GC) use vs GC alone.1-4

Objectives

The SAPHYR study (NCT03600818) assessed the efficacy and safety of sarilumab (SAR), a fully human anti IL-6Rα monoclonal antibody, with a 14 week (wk) GC taper in patients with steroid resistant active PMR who flared on ≥7.5 mg/day prednisone or equivalent.

Methods

Patients were randomized (1:1) to 52 wks of treatment with SAR 200 mg every 2 wks (Q2W) + 14 wk GC tapered regimen (SAR arm) OR placebo Q2W + 52 wk GC tapered regimen (comparator arm). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving sustained remission at wk 52, defined as disease remission by wk 12, absence of disease flare, CRP normalization from wks 12 to 52 and adherence to the per protocol GC taper from wks 12 to 52.

Results

The study was terminated early due to protracted recruitment timelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in 118 of the intended 280 patients recruited between Oct 2018 and Jul 2020, and 117 were treated (SAR n=59, comparator n=58). The demographics were balanced; patients were primarily female, Caucasian, and a median age of ~70 years (Table 1). Overall, 78 patients completed the treatment (SAR n=42; comparator n=36). Primary reasons for treatment discontinuation were adverse events (AEs; SAR n=7, comparator n=4) and lack of efficacy (SAR n=4, comparator n=9). Sustained remission rate was significantly higher in the SAR arm vs the comparator arm (28.3% vs 10.3%; P=0.0193). Results of a sensitivity analysis excluding CRP from the sustained remission definition was consistent with the primary analysis (31.7% vs 13.8%; P=0.0280). All sustained remission components favored SAR (Figure 1). Patients in the SAR arm were 44% less likely to have a flare after achieving clinical remission vs the comparator arm (16.7% vs 29.3%; HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.35–0.90; P=0.0158). The comparator arm required more additional GCs vs the SAR arm, mainly due to PMR flare (median difference in actual and expected cumulative dose 199.5 mg vs 0.0 mg; P=0.0189). The cumulative GC toxicity index scores numerically favored SAR but the difference was not statistically significant. PMR activity scores improved in the SAR arm vs the comparator arm (LS mean -15.57 vs -10.27, nominal P=0.0002). Patient reported outcomes (eg, physical and mental health component scores, disability index, etc) favored SAR (Figure 1). Incidence of treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) was numerically higher in the SAR arm vs the comparator arm (94.9% vs 84.5%) and included neutropenia (15.3%) and arthralgia (15.3%) in the SAR arm, and insomnia (15.5%) in the comparator arm. Conversely, the frequency of serious AEs was higher in the comparator arm vs the SAR arm (20.7% vs 13.6%). No deaths were reported.

Table 1.

Demographics and baseline characteristics

ParameterSAR + 14 wk GC taperPlacebo + 52 wk GC taper(n=60)(n=58)Age, median years (range)69 (51–88)70 (52–88)Sex (female), n (%)45 (75.0)37 (63.8)Race, n (%) Caucasian50 (83.3)48 (82.8) Asian1 (1.7)2 (3.4) Not reported9 (15.0)8 (13.8)PMR duration (diagnosis date to baseline),* median days (range)292 (78–3992)310 (66–2784)Any prior disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs, n (%) Methotrexate5 (8.3)10 (17.2) Leflunomide2 (3.3)1 (1.7) Azathioprine01 (1.7) Hydroxychloroquine1 (1.7)1 (1.7) Adalimumab1 (1.7)0 Tocilizumab01 (1.7)CRP (mg/L), median (range)6.8 (0.5–38.2)5.7 (0.1–62.3)Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/h), median (range)25.0 (2.0–115.0)22.0 (5.0–85.0)

*SAR n = 54; comparator n= 50.

Conclusion

SAR + 14 wk GC taper demonstrated significant efficacy vs the comparator arm in steroid refractory PMR patients, including clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life. Safety was consistent with the known safety profile of SAR.

References

[1]Mori 2016;

[2]Akiyama 2020;

[3]Lally 2016,

[4]Devauchelle Pensec 2015

Acknowledgements

Medical writing support was provided by Vijay Kadasi of Sanofi and funded by Sanofi.

Disclosure of Interests

Bhaskar Dasgupta Consultant of: Sanofi, Roche Chugai, Speakers bureau: Roche Chugai, Cipla, Grant/research support from: Sanofi, Roche, Abbvie, Sebastian Unizony Consultant of: Sanofi, Kiniksa, Janssen, Grant/research support from: Genentech, Kenneth J Warrington Paid instructor for: Chemocentryx, Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly, Kiniksa, GSK, Jennifer Sloane Lazar Employee of: Sanofi, Angeliki Giannelou Shareholder of: Regeneron, Employee of: Regeneron, Chad Nivens Shareholder of: Regeneron, Employee of: Regeneron, Bolanle Akinlade Shareholder of: Regeneron, Employee of: Regeneron, Wanling Wong Employee of: Sanofi, Yong Lin Employee of: Sanofi, Frank Buttgereit Consultant of: Sanofi, Horizon Pharma, Roche, Galapagos, Abbvie, Novartis, Grant/research support from: Sanofi, Horizon Pharma, Roche, Galapagos, Abbvie, Novartis, Valerie Devauchelle-Pensec: None declared, Andrea Rubbert-Roth Consultant of: Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Sanofi, Roche, Robert Spiera Consultant of: Sanofi, GSK, Novartis, Chemocentryx, Roche-Genetech, Abbvie, Vera, Grant/research support from: GSK, Chemocentryx, Corbus, Inflarx, Boehringer Ingelheim

Measurements of Proton High-Order Cumulants in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) within -0.5<y<0 and 0.4<p_{T}<2.0  GeV/c. In the most central 0%-5% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be C_{4}/C_{2}=-0.85±0.09 (stat)±0.82 (syst), which is 2σ below the Poisson baseline with respect to both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our C_{4}/C_{2} in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in C_{4}/C_{2} is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3 GeV.

Measurements of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H midrapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV. _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221±15(stat)±19(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{3}H and 218±6(stat)±13(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{4}H. The p_{T}-integrated yields of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of _{Λ}^{4}H is different for 0%-10% and 10%-50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the _{Λ}^{3}H yield well, while underestimating the _{Λ}^{4}H yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

Pulsed field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is safe for the brain

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

While symptomatic thromboembolic events are rare, silent cerebral emboli (SCL) or events (SCE) are a common observation after LA ablation for AF, using thermal ablation techniques. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, non-thermal ablation modality that is able to ablate myocardial tissue with minimal e!ect on surrounding tissue. Preclinical data show absence of cerebral emboli after extensive PFA ablation. However, clinical data on SCL/SCE after PFA are rare.

Objective

We investigated neurological deficits and/or SCL/SCE after PFA in paroxysmal AF using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores to quantify cerebral impairment and cerebral MRI.

Methods

LA appendage thrombus exclusion was done by CT-angiography. PVI using PFA was performed with interrupted oral anticoagulation at the day of the procedure and heparin administered before single transseptal puncture (target ACT &gt;325 sec.). In all procedures, extensive high-density pre- and post-ablation 3D bipolar voltage maps were performed to document PVI. NIHSS scores were assessed at baseline, days 2 and 30 after PVI. One day after PVI, a cerebral 1.5 Tesla MRI using di!usion-weighted imaging (DWI) and FLAIR sequences to document occurrence of SCL/SCE was performed.

Results

In 30 patients (age 63 years; 47% male; CHA2DS2-VASc-Score 2), uncomplicated PFA was performed, with all PVs acutely isolated. Skin-to-skin procedure time was 120 min and LA dwell time was 109 min. In-hospital and 30-day clinical follow-up was uneventful. No patient showed neurological deficits. All NIHSS scores at all stadiums were the minimum value of 0. Cerebral MRI scans were normal in 29/30 (97%) patients. In 1/30 (3%) patient, a single 7-mm cerebellar lesion was observed. Forty days after the procedure, a follow-upMRI scan showed complete regression of the lesion. This origin of this single lesion could not be established. Air embolization after multiple catheter exchanges, or embolization of tissue debris after transseptal puncture cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

PVI using PFA in patients with paroxysmal AF causes no neurological deficits and shows absence of SCL/SCE in 97% of patients. In one patient, a single small SCL/SCE of unknown origin occurred with complete regression after 40 days. PFA seems to be a safe ablation modality for the brain.

Risk factors for postoperative mortality at 30 days in elderly Chinese patients with hip fractures

Arrhythmia, pneumonia, cardiac insufficiency, a high leukocyte count, and low albumin concentrations were associated with increased 30-day mortality in elderly hip fracture patients after surgery. It is important to improve short-term survival rates by optimizing the respiratory and cardiac function of geriatric patients before they undergo surgery.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to investigate the 30-day mortality and related risk factors for elderly patients following surgery for hip fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective study examined chart reviews for evaluating associations of gender, age, fracture site, biochemical indicators, pre-surgery comorbidities, number of pre-surgery comorbidities, time to surgery and anesthesia and surgery methods with postoperative 30-day mortality in elderly hip fracture surgery patients.

RESULTS

A total of 1,004 patients were included in the study and 43 (4.3%) patients died within 30 days after surgery. Univariate analysis showed that patients in the non-survival group had a higher mean age, higher leukocyte counts, lower hemoglobin and albumin levels, a higher proportion of arrhythmias, pneumoniae and cardiac insufficiency and number of presurgical comorbidities than the survival group (all P-values < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis further confirmed that arrhythmia (OR = 2.033, P = 0.038), pneumonia (OR = 2.246, P = 0.041), cardiac insufficiency (OR = 2.833, P = 0.029), high leukocyte count (OR = 1.139, P = 0.009), and low albumin (OR = 0.925, P = 0.041) were all significant risk factors for mortality 30 days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that arrhythmia, pneumonia, cardiac insufficiency, a high leukocyte count, and low albumin concentrations were associated with increased 30-day mortality in elderly hip fracture patients after surgery.

Probing the Gluonic Structure of the Deuteron with J/ψ Photoproduction in d+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV in d+Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer -t is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going zero-degree calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the color glass condensate saturation model and the leading twist approximation nuclear shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup process, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.