MicroRNA‑mediated regulation of muscular atrophy: Exploring molecular pathways and therapeutics (Review)

Muscular atrophy, which results in loss of muscle mass and strength, is a significant concern for patients with various diseases. It is crucial to comprehend the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition to devise targeted treatments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, serving vital roles in numerous cellular processes, including the maintenance of muscle stability. An intricate network of miRNAs finely regulates gene expression, influencing pathways related to muscle protein production, and muscle breakdown and regeneration. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs has been linked to the development of muscular atrophy, affecting important signaling pathways including the protein kinase B/mTOR and ubiquitin‑proteasome systems. The present review summarizes recent work on miRNA patterns associated with muscular atrophy under various physiological and pathological conditions, elucidating its intricate regulatory networks. In conclusion, the present review lays a foundation for the development of novel treatment options for individuals affected by muscular atrophy, and explores other regulatory pathways, such as autophagy and inflammatory signaling, to ensure a comprehensive overview of the multifarious nature of muscular atrophy. The objective of the present review was to elucidate the complex molecular pathways involved in muscular atrophy, and to facilitate the development of innovative and specific therapeutic strategies for the prevention or reversal of muscular atrophy in diverse clinical scenarios.

New insights into aging in LiNiO2 cathodes from high resolution paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy

Bulk degradation processes are examined in the LiNiO2 cathode using high resolution solid-state NMR, combined with magnetometry and X-ray diffraction. Capacity decay is correlated with bulk heterogeneity, whereby multiple structural domains coexist in the charged state, and the Li content and electrochemical activity of these domains is unraveled for the first time.

Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{μ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{μ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

Catchment sourcing urban pesticide pollution using constructed wetlands in Melbourne, Australia

A survey of 111 urban constructed stormwater wetlands (median watershed area = 86.8 ha) was conducted to identify the major pesticides present and to determine their major catchment sources (residential, industrial, commercial, sporting ovals) and associations with catchment imperviousness. Melbourne, Australia, has separate stormwater and sewerage systems and these wetlands are designed to treat urban stormwater. To maximise the pesticides that could be detected, three types of passive samplers (POCIS, Chemcatcher® SDB-XC and Chemcatcher® C18) were deployed, along with collection of fine sediments. A total of 231 pesticides were screened using these methods. Pesticides that were detected in >5 % of wetlands were checked to determine their registered use in urban areas using an Australian government database (PubCris). Twenty-five pesticides were detected in >5 % of wetlands: 4 pesticides were associated with non-urban land uses (agriculture and forests), another 4 pesticides had no known registered use in urban areas and 17 were associated with urban areas. The pesticides associated with urban areas were the herbicides simazine, diuron, metolachlor, bromacil, propyzamide and paclobutrazol, the fungicides tebuconazole, propiconazole, metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, iprodione and carbendazim and the insecticides fipronil, bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam and permethrin. Atrazine was also detected in 59 % of wetlands but has not been registered for urban uses in Australia since 2010. It's presence in Melbourne may be due to legacy issues or aerial transportation from rural areas where it's still widely used in crop cultivation. Generally, the major urban catchment source of pesticides is from residential areas (particularly fipronil and simazine), most likely in wood preservatives, paints and from weed or insect control. Many of these widely used pesticides were correlated with increased catchment imperviousness. Some pesticides (bromacil and imidacloprid) were correlated with commercial premises and chlorantraniliprole was correlated with the presence of sporting ovals in the catchment. No pesticides were specifically correlated with industrial areas. The use of passive samplers and fine sediments, in conjunction with detailed land use mapping of stormwater wetland catchments is very effective and efficient in monitoring and sourcing pesticide contamination in urban environments.

A261 SEVERE ACUTE LIVER INJURY SECONDARY TO WILSON’S DISEASE: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Background

Wilson’s disease is autosomal recessive and rare (prevalence 1/30000-1/50000) caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene involved in copper excretion. Copper deposition drives hepatic injury, along with neuropsychiatric-ophthalmologic, and hematologic symptoms. Leipzig criteria greater than 4 establishes the diagnosis.

Purpose

We report a case of severe liver injury secondary to probable Wilson’s disease.

Method

Literature review of diagnosis, management including emerging therapies was performed using PubMed.

Result(s)

A 29-year-old otherwise healthy male with no family history of liver disease presented with abdominal pain, jaundice, and severe acute liver injury (ALT 1534 U/L ALP 114 U/L bilirubin 113 umol/L) initially misdiagnosed as hepatitis A in community urgent care. He had worsening liver injury (ALT 1809 U/L bilirubin 411 umol/L), with normal INR and no encephalopathy over an additional 3 weeks and was admitted to our tertiary care centre for further work up. History did not reveal viral prodromes, herbals or natural remedies. CBD oil was the only potential exposure, though longstanding use of the same brand argued against this as a cause. Chronic liver disease workup was negative (viral hepatitides, SARS-CoV-2, alpha-1-antitrypsin, acetaminophen level, iron profile, and comprehensive Mitogen autoantibody panel). Patent vasculature on Doppler US. Liver biopsy showed diffuse lobular inflammation, hepatocyte necrosis, 30% parenchymal involvement, primarily lymphocytes with some eosinophils and plasma cells, and no viral inclusions suggesting acute hepatitis with drugs or viral hepatitis as etiologies. The 24-hour urine copper was elevated at 2.19 umol/d (<0.80). Biopsy copper dry weight 60mcg/g (N<50; >250 diagnostic). Normal ceruloplasmin 0.30g/L and serum copper 25.8 umol/L. MRI brain not suggestive of Wilson’s disease, no Kayser-Fleischer rings on Ophthalmology assessment, and no hemolysis. Given a Leipzig score of 3 suggesting possible Wilson’s disease he was started on penicillamine 1500mg daily. Five weeks later he had serologic (ALT 1061 U/L bilirubin 128 umol/L) improvement, yet elevated elastography at 22kPa IQR 5% likely due to inflammation. Given coverage issues, he was switched to compassionate trientine 500mg BID with further improvement (ALT 347 U/L bilirubin 26 umol/L). Sequencing for ATP7B gene mutations are pending (Blueprint Genetics).

Conclusion(s)

Wilson’s disease should be considered in those with hepatic or neuropsychiatric symptoms, transaminases in the 1000s or acute liver failure. Treatment is lifelong with typically good prognosis and is fatal if untreated. Treatment options include chelators D-penicillamine (first line, with side effects including proteinuria and worsened neurological symptoms) and trientine (fewer side effects). Zinc prevents copper absorption and can be used in asymptomatic patients. Transplant in acute liver failure and end-stage liver disease is guided by the King’s score. Several novel therapies including gene therapy are in development.

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Disclosure of Interest

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Hallucinating symmetric protein assemblies

Deep learning generative approaches provide an opportunity to broadly explore protein structure space beyond the sequences and structures of natural proteins. Here, we use deep network hallucination to generate a wide range of symmetric protein homo-oligomers given only a specification of the number of protomers and the protomer length. Crystal structures of seven designs are very similar to the computational models (median root mean square deviation: 0.6 angstroms), as are three cryo-electron microscopy structures of giant 10-nanometer rings with up to 1550 residues and C33 symmetry; all differ considerably from previously solved structures. Our results highlight the rich diversity of new protein structures that can be generated using deep learning and pave the way for the design of increasingly complex components for nanomachines and biomaterials.

Robust deep learning-based protein sequence design using ProteinMPNN

Although deep learning has revolutionized protein structure prediction, almost all experimentally characterized de novo protein designs have been generated using physically based approaches such as Rosetta. Here, we describe a deep learning-based protein sequence design method, ProteinMPNN, that has outstanding performance in both in silico and experimental tests. On native protein backbones, ProteinMPNN has a sequence recovery of 52.4% compared with 32.9% for Rosetta. The amino acid sequence at different positions can be coupled between single or multiple chains, enabling application to a wide range of current protein design challenges. We demonstrate the broad utility and high accuracy of ProteinMPNN using x-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and functional studies by rescuing previously failed designs, which were made using Rosetta or AlphaFold, of protein monomers, cyclic homo-oligomers, tetrahedral nanoparticles, and target-binding proteins.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

Trapped Alkali-Metal Rydberg Qubit

Rydberg interactions of trapped alkali-metal atoms are used widely to facilitate quantum gate operations in quantum processors and repeaters. In most laboratory realizations using this protocol, the Rydberg states are repelled by the trapping laser fields, requiring that the fields be turned off during gate operations. Here we create a quasi-two-level system in a regime of Rydberg excitation blockade for a mesoscopic Rb ensemble of several hundred atoms confined in a magic-wavelength optical lattice. We observe many-body Rabi oscillations between the ground and collective Rydberg state. In addition we use Ramsey interference techniques to obtain the light shifts of both the lower and upper states of the collective qubit. Whereas the coupling producing the Rabi oscillations is enhanced by a factor of sqrt[N], there is no corresponding enhancement for the light shifts. We derive an effective two-level model which is in good agreement with our observations. Trapped Rydberg qubits and an effective two-level description are expected to have broad applicability for studies of quantum simulation and networking using collective encoding in ensembles of neutral atoms.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both μ^{+} and μ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{μ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Using longitudinally sampled viral nucleotide sequences to characterize the drivers of HIV-1 transmission

OBJECTIVES

Understanding the drivers of HIV-1 transmission is of importance for curbing the ongoing epidemic. Phylogenetic methods based on single viral sequences allow us to assess whether two individuals are part of the same viral outbreak, but cannot on their own assess who potentially transmitted the virus. We developed and assessed a molecular epidemiology method with the main aim to screen cohort studies for and to characterize individuals who are 'potential HIV-1 transmitters', in order to understand the drivers of HIV-1 transmission.

METHODS

We developed and validated a molecular epidemiology approach using longitudinally sampled viral Sanger sequences to characterize potential HIV-1 transmitters in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

RESULTS

Our method was able to identify 279 potential HIV-1 transmitters and allowed us to determine the main epidemiological and virological drivers of transmission. We found that the directionality of transmission was consistent with infection times for 72.9% of 85 potential HIV-1 transmissions with accurate infection date estimates. Being a potential HIV-1 transmitter was associated with risk factors including viral load [adjusted odds ratio_{multivariable} (95% confidence interval): 1.86 (1.49-2.32)], syphilis coinfection [1.52 (1.06-2.19)], and recreational drug use [1.45 (1.06-1.98)]. By contrast for the potential HIV-1 recipients, this association was weaker or even absent [1.18 (0.82-1.72), 0.89 (0.52-1.55) and 1.53 (0.98-2.39), respectively], indicating that inferred directionality of transmission is useful at the population level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that longitudinally sampled Sanger sequences do not provide sufficient information to identify transmitters with high certainty at the individual level, but that they allow the drivers of transmission at the population level to be characterized.

Validation of a fuel particle dissolution model with samples from the Red Forest within the Chernobyl exclusion zone

The contamination in the near exclusion zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP) with ⁹⁰Sr, ^238-240Pu and ²⁴¹Am is associated with irradiated nuclear fuel particles. Fit for purpose models enabling long term prediction of mobility and bioavailability of particle-associated radionuclides are crucial for radiation protection of humans and the environment, as well as for planning of remediation measures and future land use. In the present work, a dynamic fuel particle dissolution model developed in 1999-2002 is described and validated using data based on sampling in 2015. The model is based on the characterization of the radionuclide source term of the waste in a shallow sub-surface radioactive waste storage, trench #22, in the Chernobyl Pilot Site (CPS) located in the Red Forest, 2.5 km west of the ChNPP, as well as the description of physical and chemical properties of the fuel particles and subsequent radionuclide leaching into the soil solution. Transformation rate constants of the fuel particle dissolution model related to topsoil, radioactive waste trench and submerged materials, and drained cooling pond sediments, should largely control the mobility and bioavailability of radionuclides (e.g., solubility in the soil, migration to groundwater and transfer to plants). The predicting power of the Chernobyl fuel particle dissolution model with respect to radionuclide leaching dynamics was validated using samples from the same experimental site, showing that predicted particle leaching and subsequent mobility and bioavailability were within 46 ± 3% of the observed data. Therefore, linking source- and release-scenario dependent characteristics of radioactive particles to their potential weathering can provide information that can be implemented in impact assessments models for existing contaminated areas as well as for future events.

Quality Improvement Project Demonstrate that Prolonged Pre-Analytical Time Does Not Lead to False Negative Blood Cultures

Introduction/Objective

Bacterial infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Prompt identification of microorganisms and their susceptibilities to antimicrobial therapies is critical in the management of patients with bloodstream infections. Blood cultures are collected in paired aerobic and anaerobic bottles. However, transport delays might allow some organisms to grow extensively prior to incubation in the blood culture instruments, leading to false-negative culture results. The Detroit Medical Center utilizes the BD Bactec™ instruments for blood culture incubation and the Verigene DNA-based molecular assay for the identification of bacteria and major resistance genes. It has a core microbiology lab that serves 6 hospitals, however, 2 of the hospitals are remotely located.

The aim of this project was to determine if transportation delays led to significant false-negative culture results. If significant false negativity occurred, additional Bactec™ instruments would need to be purchased.

Methods

For one month, we tracked the collection of blood cultures to incubation time at one of the remote hospitals. All blood cultures that remain negative after 164 hours of incubation are routinely discarded. However, in this case, they were subcultured to a Petri plate containing chocolate agar for 30 days. Any organisms that grew were identified by standard lab techniques.

Results

Of the 547 negative culture bottles that were subcultured for possible false-negative results, only 3 (0.5%) bottles grew bacteria. All three were isolated from different patients. The mean time from blood collection to incubation in the instrument was 4-8 hours. The isolates either met criteria for contaminated cultures, or they grew the same pathogen that had previously been identified in the paired bottle from the same culture. The organisms isolated include coagulase negative Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No unexpected pathogenic organisms were detected.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that prolonged pre-analytical time does not lead to false-negative blood culture results. The patients’ diagnoses were not changed, therefore, the purchase of additional blood culture instruments was not necessary. However, transportation time from the patient floors to the main microbiology lab needs to be improved to meet the recommended 2 hours pre-analytical time.

Skin-Related complications of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: a retrospective review of 410 patients

BACKGROUND

Little is known about skin-related complications in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), a complex vascular anomaly defined by capillary malformation (CM), venous malformation (VM) ± lymphatic malformation (LM) and limb overgrowth. Reported skin-related complications of KTS include ulceration, vascular ectasias (blebs), bleeding and infection.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the spectrum, prevalence and predictors of skin-related complications in KTS.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 410 patients fulfilling KTS criteria was performed to assess for the presence of skin-related complications.

RESULTS

Skin-related complications were present in 45% of patients. Most prevalent were CM-related complications including blebs, bleeding, thickening (25%), cellulitis (22%) and ulceration (21%). Features positively associated with skin-related complications were presence of LM (OR 17.17; P < 0.001), VM on the buttocks/perineum/genitalia (OR 1.92; P = 0.009), CM on the feet (OR 1.77; P = 0.039) and male sex (OR 1.63; P = 0.034). Features negatively associated with skin-related complications were CM on the trunk (OR 0.59; P = 0.029) and tissue hypertrophy of the hands (OR 0.27; P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Skin-related complications affect nearly half of patients with KTS. Those with lymphatic involvement or malformation presence in the undergarment area or feet are most at risk.

Phase Matching in Lower Dimensions

Phase matching refers to a process in which atom-field interactions lead to the creation of an output field that propagates coherently through the interaction volume. By studying light scattering from arrays of cold atoms, we show that conditions for phase matching change as the dimensionality of the system decreases. In particular, for a single atomic chain, there is phase-matched reflective scattering in a cone about the symmetry axis of the array that scales as the square of the number of atoms in the chain. For two chains of atoms, the phase-matched reflective scattering can be enhanced or diminished as a result of Bragg scattering. Such scattering can be used for mapping collective states within an array of neutral atoms onto propagating light fields and for establishing quantum links between separated arrays.

Broadband, millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for large-format, cryogenic aluminum oxide optics

We present two prescriptions for broadband ($ {\sim} 77 - 252\;{\rm GHz} $), millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for cryogenic, sintered polycrystalline aluminum oxide optics: one for large-format (700 mm diameter) planar and plano-convex elements, the other for densely packed arrays of quasi-optical elements-in our case, 5 mm diameter half-spheres (called "lenslets"). The coatings comprise three layers of commercially available, polytetrafluoroethylene-based, dielectric sheet material. The lenslet coating is molded to fit the 150 mm diameter arrays directly, while the large-diameter lenses are coated using a tiled approach. We review the fabrication processes for both prescriptions, then discuss laboratory measurements of their transmittance and reflectance. In addition, we present the inferred refractive indices and loss tangents for the coating materials and the aluminum oxide substrate. We find that at 150 GHz and 300 K the large-format coating sample achieves $ (97 \pm 2)\% $ transmittance, and the lenslet coating sample achieves $ (94 \pm 3)\% $ transmittance.

Determination of Glucosamine in Raw Materials and Dietary Supplements Containing Glucosamine Sulfate and/or Glucosamine Hydrochloride by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with FMOC-Su Derivatization: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted for determination of glucosamine in raw materials and dietary supplements containing glucosamine sulfate and/or glucosamine hydrochloride by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with N-(9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyloxy) succinimide (FMOC-Su) derivatization. Thirteen blind materials, one pair of which were duplicates, were tested by 12 collaborating laboratories. The test samples consisted of various commercial products, including tablets, capsules, drink mix, and liquids as well as raw materials, blanks, and those for spike recovery analyses. The tests with blank products and products spiked with glucosamine showed good specificity of the method. The average recoveries at spike levels of 100 and 150% of the declared amount were 99.0% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.1%, and 101% with an RSD of 2.3%, respectively. The test results between laboratories on each commercial product were reproducible with RSD values of no more than 4.0%, and the results were repeatable in the same laboratory with an average RSD of 0.7%. HorRat values ranged from 0.5 to 1.7 on both tests of spike recovery and reproducibility between laboratories on commercial products. The average determination coefficient of the calibration curves from the laboratories was 0.9995 with an RSD of 0.03%. All of the 12 collaborating laboratories succeeded in the study and none of their reported test results were outliers, partly indicating the robustness of the method. It is recommended that the method be accepted by AOAC INTERNATIONAL as Official First Action.

Hanbury Brown-Twiss Correlations for a Driven Superatom

Hanbury Brown-Twiss interference and stimulated emission, two fundamental processes in atomic physics, have been studied in a wide range of applications in science and technology. We study interference effects that occur when a weak probe is sent through a gas of two-level atoms that are prepared in a singly excited collective (Dicke or "superatom") state and for atoms prepared in a factorized state. We measure the time-integrated second-order correlation function g^{(2)} of the output field as a function of the delay τ between the input probe field and radiation emitted by the atoms and find that, for the Dicke state, g^{(2)} is twice as large for τ=0 as it is for γ_{e}τ≫1 (γ_{e} is an excited state decay rate), while for the product state, this ratio is equal to 3/2. The results agree with those of a theoretical model in which any effects related to stimulated emission are totally neglected-the coincidence counts measured in our experiment arise from Hanbury Brown-Twiss interference between the input field and the field radiated by the atoms.

A small proton charge radius from an electron-proton scattering experiment

Elastic electron-proton scattering (e-p) and the spectroscopy of hydrogen atoms are the two methods traditionally used to determine the proton charge radius, r_p. In 2010, a new method using muonic hydrogen atoms¹ found a substantial discrepancy compared with previous results², which became known as the 'proton radius puzzle'. Despite experimental and theoretical efforts, the puzzle remains unresolved. In fact, there is a discrepancy between the two most recent spectroscopic measurements conducted on ordinary hydrogen^3,4. Here we report on the proton charge radius experiment at Jefferson Laboratory (PRad), a high-precision e-p experiment that was established after the discrepancy was identified. We used a magnetic-spectrometer-free method along with a windowless hydrogen gas target, which overcame several limitations of previous e-p experiments and enabled measurements at very small forward-scattering angles. Our result, r_p = 0.831 ± 0.007_stat ± 0.012_syst femtometres, is smaller than the most recent high-precision e-p measurement⁵ and 2.7 standard deviations smaller than the average of all e-p experimental results⁶. The smaller r_p we have now measured supports the value found by two previous muonic hydrogen experiments^1,7. In addition, our finding agrees with the revised value (announced in 2019) for the Rydberg constant⁸-one of the most accurately evaluated fundamental constants in physics.

Orthopaedic diagnoses in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

PURPOSE

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare combined vascular malformation composed of capillary malformation, lymphatic and/or venous malformation and limb overgrowth, which commonly affects the extremities. Due to limb involvement, it is not uncommon for these patients to require referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. Herein we reviewed the prevalence of orthopaedic diagnoses in a large cohort of KTS patients and described the associated surgical interventions.

METHODS

Between 1976 and 2012, 410 patients fulfilling strict criteria for KTS were evaluated at a single institution. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, details of the clinical evaluation, orthopaedic consultation and surgical interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 264 of 410 patients (64%) with confirmed KTS required orthopaedic evaluation. Of these 264 patients, 84% had documented limb-length discrepancy. Other common diagnoses included: angular deformities (10%), scoliosis (9%), osteopenia/osteoporosis (7%), pathological fractures (6%), joint contracture (5%), degenerative joint disease (4%) and limb/joint pain (4%). Of the 264 patients evaluated by orthopaedic surgery, 133 patients (50.4%) underwent 169 surgeries. Surgery was most commonly performed for limb-length discrepancy (62%). Multivariable analysis confirmed an orthopaedic condition was more likely in patients with lymphatic malformation (odds ratio (OR) 3.78; p < 0.001), as well as in those with bone and/or soft-tissue hypertrophy of the lower extremity (OR 7.51; p < 0.001) or foot (OR 3.23; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Orthopaedic conditions are common in patients with KTS and approximately 50% require surgical intervention. Those with a lymphatic malformation and/or soft-tissue hypertrophy of the lower extremity are more likely to need surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Descriptive Case Series.

Quantifying the drivers of HIV transmission and prevention in men who have sex with men: a population model-based analysis in Switzerland

OBJECTIVES

Despite the huge success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), there is an ongoing HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in resource-rich countries. Understanding the driving factors underlying this process is important for curbing the epidemic.

METHODS

We simulated the HIV epidemic in MSM in Switzerland by stratifying a mathematical model by CD4 count, the care cascade and condom use. The model was parametrised with clinical, epidemiological and behavioural data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and surveys in the HIV-negative population.

RESULTS

According to our model, 3.4% of the cases that would otherwise have occurred in 2008-2015 were prevented by early initiation of ART. Only 0.6% of the cases were attributable to a change in condom use in the HIV-positive population, as less usage is mainly seen in virally suppressed MSM. Most new infections were attributable to transmission from recently infected undiagnosed individuals. It was estimated that doubling the diagnosis rate would have resulted in 11.8% fewer cases in 2001-2015. Moreover, it was estimated that introducing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for 50% of those MSM not using condoms with occasional partners would have resulted in 22.6% fewer cases in 2012-2015.

CONCLUSIONS

By combining observational data on the relevant epidemiological and clinical processes with a mathematical model, we showed that the 'test and treat' approach is most effective in reducing the number of new cases. Only a moderate population-level effect was estimated for early initiation of ART and a weak effect for the change in condom use of diagnosed MSM. Protecting HIV-negative individuals who are not using condoms with PrEP was shown to have a major impact.