1
|
Emergence of Long-Range Angular Correlations in Low-Multiplicity Proton-Proton Collisions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:172302. [PMID: 38728735 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.172302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
This Letter presents the measurement of near-side associated per-trigger yields, denoted ridge yields, from the analysis of angular correlations of charged hadrons in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV. Long-range ridge yields are extracted for pairs of charged particles with a pseudorapidity difference of 1.4<|Δη|<1.8 and a transverse momentum of 1
Collapse
|
2
|
First Measurement of the |t| Dependence of Incoherent J/ψ Photonuclear Production. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:162302. [PMID: 38701458 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.162302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The first measurement of the cross section for incoherent photonuclear production of J/ψ vector mesons as a function of the Mandelstam |t| variable is presented. The measurement was carried out with the ALICE detector at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, using ultraperipheral collisions of Pb nuclei at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. This rapidity interval corresponds to a Bjorken-x range (0.3-1.4)×10^{-3}. Cross sections are given in five |t| intervals in the range 0.04<|t|<1 GeV^{2} and compared to the predictions by different models. Models that ignore quantum fluctuations of the gluon density in the colliding hadron predict a |t| dependence of the cross section much steeper than in data. The inclusion of such fluctuations in the same models provides a better description of the data.
Collapse
|
3
|
Impingement testing of total hip replacements according to ASTM F2582 - Implant wear, resistance to damage and acceptance criteria. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 150:106270. [PMID: 38056402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the resistance to impingement damage of three different artificially aged UHMWPE materials used for total hip joint replacement. The results obtained can be used as a basis for an acceptance criterion for testing according to ASTM F2582-20. METHODS Three different polyethylene liner materials, standard polyethylene (UHMWPE), moderately crosslinked (XLPE) and vitamin E stabilized crosslinked (XLPE-VE) polyethylene of the same design and manufacturer were tested up to one million impingement cycles according to ASTM F2582-20. The liners were artificially oxygen aged for two and three weeks according to ASTM F2003-02. The wear volumes of the liner, acetabular shells, and hip endoprosthesis stems were determined. Each of the six impingement test groups consisted of three samples. For each test group, a reference group was subjected to the same conditioning and loading conditions but without impingement between the hip stem and the liner. The force needed to disassemble the liner from the acetabular shell (push-out force) was determined according to ASTM F1820-22 for the test and the reference groups. RESULTS XLPE and XLPE-VE polyethylene groups showed less impingement wear when compared to the standard UHMWPE material. Similarly, the protective function of the liner against direct metal-on-metal contact was greater, resulting in less wear on the acetabular shell and the stem neck. The three weeks aged standard UHMWPE group showed early onset of fatigue delamination wear. The push-out values remained unchanged for all XLPE liners and the 3-week aged XLPE-VE liners. The aged UHMWPE liners showed low push-out strength due to component shrinkage caused by aging in combination with the tapered fixation used for this specific design. SIGNIFICANCE The largest polyethylene wear volume measured of XLPE and XLPE-VE polyethylene aged for two and three weeks was 15.05 mm³ (SD 0.56 mm³). The corresponding metal wear volume was 1.23 mm³ (SD 0.19 mm³) for the acetabular cup and 1.33 mm³ (SD 0.20 mm³) for the stem neck. Those values can support the definition of an acceptance criteria for impingement testing. The results of the push-out test required by ASTM F2582-20 should be evaluated with respect to geometry changes caused by aging. The protective effect of the polyethylene liner against metal-on-metal contact should be considered in the implant design phase in order to avoid implant failure due to metal debris.
Collapse
|
4
|
ψ(2S) Suppression in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:042301. [PMID: 38335364 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.042301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The production of the ψ(2S) charmonium state was measured with ALICE in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV, in the dimuon decay channel. A significant signal was observed for the first time at LHC energies down to zero transverse momentum, at forward rapidity (2.5
Collapse
|
5
|
Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 12:39-50. [PMID: 38061371 PMCID: PMC7615591 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial. METHODS EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110. FINDINGS Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor. FUNDING Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.
Collapse
|
6
|
Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 12:51-60. [PMID: 38061372 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population. METHODS EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110. FINDINGS Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1). INTERPRETATION In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease. FUNDING Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.
Collapse
|
7
|
Measurements of Groomed-Jet Substructure of Charm Jets Tagged by D^{0} Mesons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:192301. [PMID: 38000395 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.192301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the role of parton mass and Casimir color factors in the quantum chromodynamics parton shower represents an important step in characterizing the emission properties of heavy quarks. Recent experimental advances in jet substructure techniques have provided the opportunity to isolate and characterize gluon emissions from heavy quarks. In this Letter, the first direct experimental constraint on the charm-quark splitting function is presented, obtained via the measurement of the groomed shared momentum fraction of the first splitting in charm jets, tagged by a reconstructed D^{0} meson. The measurement is made in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV, in the low jet transverse-momentum interval of 15≤p_{T}^{jet ch}<30 GeV/c where the emission properties are sensitive to parton mass effects. In addition, the opening angle of the first perturbative emission of the charm quark, as well as the number of perturbative emissions it undergoes, is reported. Comparisons to measurements of an inclusive-jet sample show a steeper splitting function for charm quarks compared with gluons and light quarks. Charm quarks also undergo fewer perturbative emissions in the parton shower, with a reduced probability of large-angle emissions.
Collapse
|
8
|
Measurement of polarization observables T, P, and H in π0 and η photoproduction off quasi-free nucleons. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. A, HADRONS AND NUCLEI 2023; 59:232. [PMID: 37860634 PMCID: PMC10582157 DOI: 10.1140/epja/s10050-023-01134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The target asymmetry T, recoil asymmetry P, and beam-target double polarization observable H were determined in exclusive π 0 and η photoproduction off quasi-free protons and, for the first time, off quasi-free neutrons. The experiment was performed at the electron stretcher accelerator ELSA in Bonn, Germany, with the Crystal Barrel/TAPS detector setup, using a linearly polarized photon beam and a transversely polarized deuterated butanol target. Effects from the Fermi motion of the nucleons within deuterium were removed by a full kinematic reconstruction of the final state invariant mass. A comparison of the data obtained on the proton and on the neutron provides new insight into the isospin structure of the electromagnetic excitation of the nucleon. Earlier measurements of polarization observables in the γ p → π 0 p and γ p → η p reactions are confirmed. The data obtained on the neutron are of particular relevance for clarifying the origin of the narrow structure in the η n system at W = 1.68 GeV . A comparison with recent partial wave analyses favors the interpretation of this structure as arising from interference of the S 11 ( 1535 ) and S 11 ( 1650 ) resonances within the S 11 -partial wave.
Collapse
|
9
|
Differences in Radiotherapy-Treated Members with Cancer during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Nationwide Claim Data. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e567. [PMID: 37785733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) This study aimed to identify the impact of the pandemic on radiotherapy activity among members with cancer. MATERIALS/METHODS This retrospective study included fully-insured commercial members of a large national payor with cancer aged ≥18 years undergoing radiotherapy from March 1, 2018 to February 28, 2022. Radiotherapy activity was defined as the mean weekly number of treatment courses and attendances (fractions) per month pre-COVID (March 2018 to February 2020); during COVID (March 2020 to February 2021); and post-COVID (March 2021 to February 2022). T-tests assessed differences between pre-COVID and post-COVID on radiotherapy activity by age, gender, and cancer type. Interrupted time series analysis (ITS) assessed change in activity overtime, controlling for pre-COVID trends and other potential confounders. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS The study included 9,275 members, 10,121 courses, and 169,257 fractions; most members were female (57%), the mean age was 57 years (SD = 12). Overall, there was a decline in mean weekly number of courses from the pre-COVID to post-COVID (-18%, p<0.05) timeframe. Females < 70 years experienced the largest decline in mean weekly number of courses (-23%, p<0.05) followed by males aged 70+ (-16%, p<0.05) and males < 70 years (-16%, p<0.05). All cancer types saw a significant decline (p<0.05); breast cancer reported the largest decline (-21%, p<0.05). Fraction numbers significantly declined overall by 27% (p<0.05) from the pre-COVID to post-COVID timeframe. The largest decline in fraction numbers was observed in females < 70 (-28%, p<0.05) followed by males < 70 years (-24%, p<0.05) and males aged 70+ (-22%, p<0.05). No difference between COVID and pre-COVID weeks for courses was observed once pre-COVID trends were accounted for using ITS. Females aged 70+ received 25% (p<0.05) fewer fractions during COVID compared to pre-COVID; a decline which continued to grow even as the pandemic eased (March 2021 to February 2022). Males aged 70+ also experienced a decreased level of fractions during the pandemic (-30%, p<0.05), but increased in the recovery period (+24%, p<0.05). Males < 70 years had an increased level of fractions during the pandemic (+14%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION Radiation mean weekly number of courses and fractions between pre-COVID and post-COVID declined with the effect more pronounced in females < 70 years. A decrease in fraction number was observed in all cancer types; specifically, breast cancer had the largest decline. ITS analysis revealed no difference between COVID and pre-COVID weeks for courses as the downward trend was already present prior to the pandemic. These findings suggest while radiotherapy courses and fractions were significantly impacted, fractionation was decreased to a greater extent, indicating an increased adoption of hypofractionation during the pandemic.
Collapse
|
10
|
Measurement of the Lifetime and Λ Separation Energy of _{Λ}^{3}H. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:102302. [PMID: 37739380 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The most precise measurements to date of the _{Λ}^{3}H lifetime τ and Λ separation energy B_{Λ} are obtained using the data sample of Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV collected by ALICE at the LHC. The _{Λ}^{3}H is reconstructed via its charged two-body mesonic decay channel (_{Λ}^{3}H→^{3}He+π^{-} and the charge-conjugate process). The measured values τ=[253±11(stat)±6(syst)] ps and B_{Λ}=[102±63(stat)±67(syst)] keV are compatible with predictions from effective field theories and confirm that the _{Λ}^{3}H structure is consistent with a weakly bound system.
Collapse
|
11
|
The burden of stomach cancer mortality by county, race, and ethnicity in the USA, 2000-2019: a systematic analysis of health disparities. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 24:100547. [PMID: 37600165 PMCID: PMC10435837 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Background There are persistent disparities in stomach cancer mortality among racial-ethnic groups in the USA, but the extent to which these patterns vary geographically is not well understood. This analysis estimated age-standardised mortality for five racial-ethnic groups, in 3110 USA counties over 20 years, to describe spatial-temporal variations in stomach cancer mortality and disparities between racial-ethnic groups. Methods Redistribution methods for insufficient cause of death codes and validated small area estimation methods were applied to death registration data from the US National Vital Statistics System and population data from the US National Center for Health Statistics to estimate annual stomach cancer mortality rates. Estimates were stratified by county and racial-ethnic group (non-Latino and non-Hispanic [NL] American Indian or Alaska Native [AIAN], NL Asian or Pacific Islander [Asian], NL Black [Black], Latino or Hispanic [Latino], and NL White [White]) from 2000 to 2019. Estimates were corrected for misreporting of racial-ethnic group on death certificates using published misclassification ratios. We masked (ie, did not display) estimates for county and racial-ethnic group combinations with a mean annual population of less than 1000; thus, we report estimates for 3079 (of 3110) counties for the total population, and 474, 667, 1488, 1478, and 3051 counties for the AIAN, Asian, Black, Latino, and White populations, respectively. Findings Between 2000 and 2019, national age-standardised stomach cancer mortality was lowest among the White population in every year. Nationally, stomach cancer mortality declined for all racial-ethnic groups across this time period, with the most rapid declines occurring among the Asian (percent decline 48.3% [45.1-51.1]) and Black populations (42.6% [40.2-44.6]). Mortality among the other racial-ethnic groups declined more moderately, decreasing by 36.7% (35.3-38.1), 35.1% (32.2-37.7), and 31.6% (23.9-38.0) among the White, Latino, and AIAN populations, respectively. Similar patterns were observed at the county level, although with wide geographic variation. In 2019, a majority of counties had higher mortality rates among minoritised racial-ethnic populations compared to the White population: 81.1% (377 of 465 counties with unmasked estimates for both racial-ethnic groups) among the AIAN population, 88.2% (1295 of 1469) among the Latino population, 99.4% (663 of 667) among the Asian population, and 99.9% (1484 of 1486) among the Black population. However, the size of these disparities ranged widely across counties, with the largest range from 0.3 to 17.1 among the AIAN population. Interpretation Stomach cancer mortality has decreased substantially across populations and geographies in the USA. However, disparities in stomach cancer mortality among racial-ethnic groups are widespread and have persisted over the last two decades. Local-level data are crucial to understanding the scope of this unequal burden among minoritised groups in the USA. Funding National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Cancer Institute; National Institute on Aging; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Office of Disease Prevention; and Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health (contract #75N94019C00016).
Collapse
|
12
|
Measurement of the J/ψ Polarization with Respect to the Event Plane in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:042303. [PMID: 37566833 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.042303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
We study the polarization of inclusive J/ψ produced in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV at the LHC in the dimuon channel, via the measurement of the angular distribution of its decay products. We perform the study in the rapidity region 2.5
Collapse
|
13
|
First Measurement of Antideuteron Number Fluctuations at Energies Available at the Large Hadron Collider. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:041901. [PMID: 37566856 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.041901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The first measurement of event-by-event antideuteron number fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions is presented. The measurements are carried out at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) as a function of collision centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV using the ALICE detector. A significant negative correlation between the produced antiprotons and antideuterons is observed in all collision centralities. The results are compared with a state-of-the-art coalescence calculation. While it describes the ratio of higher order cumulants of the antideuteron multiplicity distribution, it fails to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the correlation between antiproton and antideuteron production. On the other hand, thermal-statistical model calculations describe all the measured observables within uncertainties only for correlation volumes that are different with respect to those describing proton yields and a similar measurement of net-proton number fluctuations.
Collapse
|
14
|
Enhanced Deuteron Coalescence Probability in Jets. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:042301. [PMID: 37566840 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.042301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The transverse-momentum (p_{T}) spectra and coalescence parameters B_{2} of (anti)deuterons are measured in p-p collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV for the first time in and out of jets. In this measurement, the direction of the leading particle with the highest p_{T} in the event (p_{T}^{lead}>5 GeV/c) is used as an approximation for the jet axis. The event is consequently divided into three azimuthal regions, and the jet signal is obtained as the difference between the toward region, that contains jet fragmentation products in addition to the underlying event (UE), and the transverse region, which is dominated by the UE. The coalescence parameter in the jet is found to be approximately a factor of 10 larger than that in the underlying event. This experimental observation is consistent with the coalescence picture and can be attributed to the smaller average phase-space distance between nucleons in the jet cone as compared with the underlying event. The results presented in this Letter are compared to predictions from a simple nucleon coalescence model, where the phase-space distributions of nucleons are generated using pythia8 with the Monash 2013 tuning, and to predictions from a deuteron production model based on ordinary nuclear reactions with parametrized energy-dependent cross sections tuned on data. The latter model is implemented in pythia8.3. Both models reproduce the observed large difference between in-jet and out-of-jet coalescence parameters, although the almost flat trend of the B_{2}^{Jet} is not reproduced by the models, which instead give a decreasing trend.
Collapse
|
15
|
Differences in Longevity and Temperature-Driven Extrinsic Incubation Period Correlate with Varying Dengue Risk in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Region. Viruses 2023; 15:851. [PMID: 37112832 PMCID: PMC10146351 DOI: 10.3390/v15040851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue transmission is determined by a complex set of interactions between the environment, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, dengue viruses, and humans. Emergence in new geographic areas can be unpredictable, with some regions having established mosquito populations for decades without locally acquired transmission. Key factors such as mosquito longevity, temperature-driven extrinsic incubation period (EIP), and vector-human contact can strongly influence the potential for disease transmission. To assess how these factors interact at the edge of the geographical range of dengue virus transmission, we conducted mosquito sampling in multiple urban areas located throughout the Arizona-Sonora desert region during the summer rainy seasons from 2013 to 2015. Mosquito population age structure, reflecting mosquito survivorship, was measured using a combination of parity analysis and relative gene expression of an age-related gene, SCP-1. Bloodmeal analysis was conducted on field collected blood-fed mosquitoes. Site-specific temperature was used to estimate the EIP, and this predicted EIP combined with mosquito age were combined to estimate the abundance of "potential" vectors (i.e., mosquitoes old enough to survive the EIP). Comparisons were made across cities by month and year. The dengue endemic cities Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregon, both in the state of Sonora, Mexico, had higher abundance of potential vectors than non-endemic Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Interestingly, Tucson, Arizona consistently had a higher estimated abundance of potential vectors than dengue endemic regions of Sonora, Mexico. There were no observed city-level differences in species composition of blood meals. Combined, these data offer insights into the critical factors required for dengue transmission at the ecological edge of the mosquito's range. However, further research is needed to integrate an understanding of how social and additional environmental factors constrain and enhance dengue transmission in emerging regions.
Collapse
|
16
|
Psychosocial work conditions and prediabetes risks: a cross-sectional study in middle-aged men and women. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1198. [PMID: 36681698 PMCID: PMC9867778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediabetes is a condition between diabetes and normoglycemia, and is a state of major health concern, as a large proportion of people with prediabetes are likely to develop diabetes which is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adverse psychosocial work conditions, based on the Job Demand-Control-social support model, increases risk for early dysregulated glucose metabolism in 50-64-year-old men and women. Job conditions were measured with the Swedish Demand-Control-Support questionnaire. Impaired glucose metabolism was assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test. Differences between groups were analyzed with Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between Job Demand-control-support and prediabetes outcome were calculated with multiple logistic regression. Results from an adjusted logistic regression model showed that in men and woman separately, an active work situation (high demands-high control) was associated with significantly lower prediabetes risk (OR 0.657, 95% CI 0.513-0.842). This finding is consistent through all logistic regression models with different levels of adjustments. Further, the current study does not lend support for the hypothesis that work conditions characterized by high demands-low control were associated with dysregulated glucose metabolism in men nor women despite accumulation of many life-style related risk factors in the high strain group. In conclusion, we could show that men and women assessing their work conditions as active, had lower risk for prediabetes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Comparison of the antiarrhythmic potential of doxapram and its metabolite ketodoxaparam. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
A few years ago, the TASK-1 channel has been established as a potential new target for the therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF). In the heart, TASK-1 is almost exclusively expressed in the atria and is significantly upregulated in AF patients. Therefore, it plays an important role in the shortening of the atrial action potential observed during AF, making TASK-1 a promising target for AF therapy. This could be proven in a porcine model of persistent AF in which an intravenous application of the TASK-1 inhibitor doxapram led to a termination of AF and the restoration of sinus rhythm (SR). Doxapram's metabolite ketodoxapam is described in the literature as being active with limited data available on its usage. Therefore, the effect of ketodoxapram on TASK-1 and its possible use in AF therapy still needs to be investigated.
Purpose
The purpose of the present study was to assess the potential of ketodoxapram in the termination of AF. Furthermore, a comparison between doxapram and ketodoxapram was performed based on electrophysiological and pharmacological data.
Methods
UPLC-MS/MS assays were developed and validated for the measurement of doxapram and ketodoxapram in porcine plasma and brain tissue. Using these assays, the pharmacokinetics of both substances, after intravenous injections of 1 mg/kg, were determined in pigs. Furthermore, brain and plasma concentrations were measured to assess brain-to-plasma ratios. A porcine AF model was used to estimate the antiarrhythmic potential. Electrophysiological properties were evaluated, using two-electrode voltage clamp experiment on Xenopus laevis oocytes which heterologously expressed atrial potassium channels, to calculate the effect of doxapram and ketodoxapram on channel function. Furthermore, whole-cell patch clamp measurements were performed on isolated human cardiomyocytes.
Results
Doxapram and ketodoxapram showed strong inhibitory effects on TASK-1 (IC50 1.0 μM and 0.8 μM) and TASK-3 (5.9 μM and 1.5 μM), but no significant effect on the other measured ion channels. The maximal inhibition on TASK-1 was 96%. The brain-to-plasma ratio for doxapram (0.58) was almost ten-fold higher than for ketodoxapram (0.065), hinting at a reduced crossing of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for ketodoxapram. The terminal half-life (t1/2) of ketodoxapram (1.71 h) was longer and the maximal concentration (Cmax; 4,604 ng/ml) was higher than for doxapram (1.38 h; 1,780 ng/ml). In a porcine model of AF, ketodoxapram led to a significantly reduced AF burdens comparable to doxapram.
Conclusions
Doxapram and ketodoxapram both show strong inhibitory effects on TASK-1, making them good candidates for a TASK-1 based AF therapy. Ketodoxapram with its longer t1/2, reduced crossing of the BBB and higher Cmax points towards a possible superiority in the treatment of AF compared to doxapram. Studies in a porcine AF model showed promising results for the use of doxapram and ketodoxapram in AF therapy.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): German Research Foundation
Collapse
|
18
|
Dapagliflozin exhibits class I antiarrhythmic effects which suppress action potential formation in human atrial cardiomyocytes. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recently, inhibitors of sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2i) were shown to have tremendous cardioprotective effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as heart failure (HF) patients, regardless of their glycemic status. Among other beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcome an antiarrhythmic effect of SGLT2i was indicated. In patients with T2DM therapy with SGLT2i was associated with a significantly reduced risk of atrial arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. As sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) is not expressed within the heart underlying molecular modes of action remain unclear. Therefore, investigating possible antiarrhythmic mechanisms is crucial to determine whether SGLT2i might be beneficial for all patients suffering from arrhythmias, regardless of other comorbidities.
Purpose
To assess antiarrhythmic effects of SGLT2i on a molecular and cellular level. Therefore, direct electrophysiological effects of dapagliflozin – the most advanced SGLT2i in clinical trials – on action potential (AP) formation in atrial cardiomyocytes (CM) was investigated.
Methods
Effects of dapagliflozin on human NaV1.5, heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, was investigated using the patch-clamp method. Further, effects on voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) were also measured in human atrial CM. Consequences of dapagliflozin treatment on AP formation were studied on isolated human and porcine atrial CM using the patch-clamp technique. APs were elicited in current-clamp mode by injection of brief current pulses.
Results
Dapagliflozin (100 μM) significantly decreased peak sodium currents in human atrial CM as well as CHO cells, expressing human NaV1.5 channel subunits. Additionally, half-activation potential of voltage-gated sodium channels was significantly increased after administration of dapagliflozin. Furthermore, dapagliflozin (100 μM) suppressed AP formation in CM isolated from human and porcine left and right atrial tissue. In human CM action potential amplitude (APA) was significantly reduced by 34.3%, while APA inhibition by dapagliflozin averaged out at 30.7% for porcine CM. In porcine CM action potential duration at 50% (APD50) and 90% repolarization (APD90) were also significantly reduced.
Conclusion
Dapagliflozin suppresses AP formation in human and porcine atrial CM by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium currents. Therefore, we suppose that dapagliflozin exhibits class I antiarrhythmic effects.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Collapse
|
19
|
Evaluating the reversibility potential of atrial cardiomyopathy on a clinical and cellular level. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with various remodelling processes of the electrical and structural properties of the atrium, collectively referred to as atrial cardiomyopathy. Because these remodelling processes contribute significantly to the high recurrence rates and chronification of AF, the exact time course of their development and their reversion potential need to be further characterized.
Purpose
To investigate the time course and reversibility of atrial cardiomyopathy on a clinical, cellular and molecular level.
Methods
A clinically relevant porcine large animal model was used to study the structural and functional implications of atrial cardiomyopathy after different periods of burst pacing-induced AF (2, 4 and 8 weeks) and after a recovery period, following electrical cardioversion. The pigs were clinically characterized at each time point by echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and electrophysiological studies. After extraction of the heart, action potentials (APs) and ionic currents were measured on isolated atrial cardiomyocytes (CM) using the patch-clamp technique.
Results
After 4 weeks of AF induction, APD90 of isolated atrial cardiomyocytes was attenuated by 26%. Extending the AF induction period to 8 weeks caused an even stronger APD90 reduction by one-third, compared to SR controls. Accompanying, the TASK-1 current density was strongly upregulated in AF pigs. Those observations were in line with significant changes of the right atrial effective refractory period (AERP). At baseline, AERPS1=400 ms yielded 186 ms, whereas it was reduced to 141 ms after eight weeks of AF. Addressing the reversibility of those changes, following cardioversion of AF and an 8 week long SR recovery period, AERP baseline values were almost restored. Likewise, APD90 shortening was partially reversed. Furthermore, indication of reversibility of AF-associated remodelling was also observed on a structural level. After eight weeks of AF induction, echocardiography revealed severe dilatation of both atria, whereas atrial diameters decreased significantly after restoration of SR.
Conclusion
Remodelling processes underlying atrial cardiomyopathy display a partial reversibility upon restoration and maintenance of SR.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): DFG German Research Foundation
Collapse
|
20
|
Atrial tattoos lines: a new method to terminate atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting more than 4% of the world's population. Furthermore, the vulnerable substrate underlying atrial cardiomyopathy remains far from being understood. Atrial cardiomyopathy is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease that occurs in the context of various clinical backgrounds, which explains the heterogenous success of established atrial ablation strategies such as pulmonary vein isolation. Here we developed a new interventional method for the treatment of AF using a tattooing procedure of silver nanowires in the atria to create circular lines of increased conductivity to prevent irregular electrical propagation.
Purpose
In a translational study, we tested a newly developed interventional method to terminate AF by injecting lines of silver nanowires to increase tissue conductivity.
Methods
The developed tattoo method was tested in vivo using an established large animal AF model of the domestic pig. Pigs (n=10) with atrial fibrillation were either treated with right atrial tattoo lines using a transmural injection procedure of silver nanowires as closed lines in the atrium or got a sham treatment with saline injections. Over 21 days, AF was induced and monitored (AF burden) by an intracardiac dual-chamber device with a biofeedback induction algorithm. Initially and before final termination, conventional electrophysiological investigation and atrial 3D mapping, echocardiography and epicardial multi electrode array (MEA) measurements were performed. Following the 21 days observation period, the heart was extracted and freshly isolated atrial cardiomyocytes were subjected to cellular electrophysiological, molecular and histochemical characterization. Electrophysiological data was used for in silico modelling of arrhythmia termination and wave propagation. The study protocol was approved by the animal ethics committee.
Results
The AF burden was significantly reduced (AF burden <10%) in the group treated with the new atrial tattoo line method compared to sham treated pigs. The bi-atrial diameters, quantified by echocardiography, were significantly smaller in the treatment group. Atrial refractory period was significantly shorter in the sham treated pigs. A significant increase of connexin 43 was observed in the injection area of silver nanowires in the myocardium. Measurements with MEA demonstrated increased conduction velocity by a factor of 1.5–2.0 in the areas of silver nanowire injections. Additionally, in silico modelling showed the termination of AF via the created conduction lines.
Conclusion
The newly developed interventional method of the creation of atrial lines with increased tissue conductivity using silver nanowires could successfully terminate AF in pigs. Perspectively, this new myocardial tattooing technique may be a promising treatment strategy for patients with complex atrial cardiomyopathies to terminate atrial arrhythmias.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation
Collapse
|
21
|
Clinical determinants and barriers to cardiac rehabilitation enrolment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a recommended treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Despite the robust evidence supporting its safety and benefits, there is an incomplete understanding of the reasons of the underutilization of CR programs in HFrEF. These reasons are complex and probably encompass healthcare system- and patient-level barriers.
Purpose
To study the clinical determinants and barriers to enrolment in a CR program for HFrEF patients.
Methods
We conducted a study of consecutive heart failure patients followed at a dedicated HFrEF cardiology clinic from January 2019 to April 2021. Patients were divided according to previous enrolment in CR program. Data were collected from electronic health records, and in case of missing data patients were asked by telephone about the reason for not participating in CR using a structured and validated questionnaire for this purpose.
Results
Of 228 patients with HFrEF, 60% had not been enrolled in a CR program; they were older (63 vs 58 years; p<0.01) and more likely to have comorbidities such as hypertension (56% vs 41%; p=0.03) or concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20% vs 8%; p=0.01). Conversely, patients enrolled in CR programs were more likely to have a previous history of acute myocardial infarction (34% vs 20%; p=0.02). Regarding heart failure-related clinical features (NYHA functional class, LVEF, ICD/CRT), we did not find any significant differences between groups. The main reasons for not being enrolled in CR programs were: no medical referral (31%), concomitant medical problems (27%) such as musculoskeletal problems, patient refusal (11%) and geographical distance to the hospital (9%).
Conclusion
Despite the high proportion (40%) of HFrEF patients who underwent CR program compared to previous studies, the enrolment to CR can be further improved. The main barriers are related to health professionals (no referral), healthcare system (geographical distance to the hospital) and patients (concomitant noncardiac problems). Innovative strategies should target these factors to increase the delivery of CR program in HFrEF.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Collapse
|
22
|
First study of the two-body scattering involving charm hadrons. Int J Clin Exp Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.106.052010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
23
|
A metal-binding GFP-derivative reused as novel standard sample for serial crystallography approaches at FELs. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A FOUNDATIONS AND ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1107/s2053273322093366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
|
24
|
Protein crystallization and characterization for serial femtosecond crystallography at the European XFEL. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A FOUNDATIONS AND ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1107/s2053273322089926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
|
25
|
Quantifying changes in ambient NOx, O3 and PM10 concentrations in Austria during the COVID-19 related lockdown in spring 2020. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE & HEALTH 2022; 15:1993-2007. [PMID: 35891896 PMCID: PMC9305063 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01232-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During spring 2020, unprecedented changes in local and regional emissions have occurred around the globe due to governmental restrictions associated with COVID-19. Many European countries including Austria issued partial curfews or stay-at-home order policies, which have impacted ambient air quality through reductions in non-essential transportation and energy consumption of industrial sites and work places. Here, we analyse the effect of these measures on ambient concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM10) during the first nationwide lockdown in Austria (16.03.2020 to 14.04.2020). To ensure a robust analysis, the Austrian domain is divided into four individual subsectors contingent on regional climate. For air quality analysis a novel method is applied for filtering days with comparable weather conditions during the 2020 lockdown and spring 2017 to 2019. In general, our analysis shows decreasing pollutant concentrations, although in magnitude dependent on pollutant and regional subdomain. Largest reductions are found for NOx reaching up to −68% at traffic sites reflecting the substantial decrease in non-essential transport. Changes in the O3 concentrations at background sites show a rather weak response to NOx declines varying between roughly −18 to +8% for both the median and the upper tail of the distribution. Occasional site level increases in O3 concentrations can be attributed to comparably weak titration during night-time. PM10 concentrations show the smallest response among air pollutants, attributable to manifold precursor sources not affected by the lockdown measures. However, our analysis indicates also a shift of PM10 distributions at traffic sites closer to distributions observed at background sites.
Collapse
|
26
|
Hypertriton Production in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:252003. [PMID: 35802430 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.252003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The study of nuclei and antinuclei production has proven to be a powerful tool to investigate the formation mechanism of loosely bound states in high-energy hadronic collisions. The first measurement of the production of _{Λ}^{3}H in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV is presented in this Letter. Its production yield measured in the rapidity interval -1<y<0 for the 40% highest-multiplicity p-Pb collisions is dN/dy=[6.3±1.8(stat)±1.2(syst)]×10^{-7}. The measurement is compared with the expectations of statistical hadronization and coalescence models, which describe the nucleosynthesis in hadronic collisions. These two models predict very different yields of the hypertriton in charged particle multiplicity environments relevant to small collision systems such as p-Pb, and therefore the measurement of dN/dy is crucial to distinguish between them. The precision of this measurement leads to the exclusion with a significance larger than 6.9σ of some configurations of the statistical hadronization model, thus constraining the theory behind the production of loosely bound states at hadron colliders.
Collapse
|
27
|
P-43 Correlation of mesothelin expression with recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.04.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
28
|
The COVID-19 viral 3a protein forms a potassium channel that can be inhibited by antiarrhythmic drugs. Europace 2022. [PMCID: PMC9384171 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie /German Cardiac Society Joachim Herz Stiftung /Joachim Herz Foundation
Background/Introduction
Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias can often be observed in patients with COVID-19 infection. Both, the clinically observed increase in cardiac biomarkers as well as histological studies indicate virus replication within cardiomyocytes. The 3a open reading frame of the viral genome encodes for a transmembrane protein that is transported to the cell membrane where it can serve as a potassium channel.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate whether COVID-19 infected induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes also express the 3a protein and whether the potassium currents that are conducted through the 3a protein can be inhibited by clinically used antiarrhythmic drugs.
Methods and Results
iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes were infected with COVID-19 and subsequently subjected to immunoblotting, where expression of the 3a protein could be observed. Plasmid DNA, encoding the COVID-19 3a protein, was generated by gene synthesis and used for in vitro transcription of cRNA. 3–5 days after intracytoplasmic injection of the 3a protein cRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes, potassium currents could be measured by two-electrode voltage clamp recordings. While class I and class IV antiarrhythmic drugs showed only minor effects on the potassium currents of the 3a protein, a robust inhibition by several beta-blockers and by class III antiarrhythmic drugs could be observed. The strongest effects were found with dofetilide (58.1 % inhibition at 100 µM) and amiodarone (50.1 % inhibition at 100 µM, IC50 level 4.7 µM). An in silico docking analysis, based on the recently revealed crystal structure of the 3a protein, identified the amino acid residues K61 and D142 as part of the binding site of amiodarone. After deactivation of these amino acid residues by site-directed mutagenesis, the inhibition by amiodarone was significantly attenuated.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 viral 3a protein is expressed in COVID-19-infected iPS-derived cardiomyocytes and forms a potassium channel that can be inhibited by antiarrhythmic drugs.
Collapse
|
29
|
Home-based cardiac rehabilitation can reduce anxiety and depression in heart failure patients. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9384080 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac056.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was financially supported by the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030011, funded by FEDER, through COMPETE2020-POCI, and by national funds, through FCT/MCTES (PTDC/MEC-CAR/30011/2017). CIAFEL, UnIC and UMIB are supported by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. [(UIDB/00617/2020), (UIDB/00051/2020 and UIDP/00051/2020), and (UIDB/00215/2020 and UIDP/00215/2020), respectively]. CS received an individual grant from CAPES [BEX 0554/14-6]. Introduction The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in physical and mental health and has become a major challenge for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. CR is an essential component in the treatment of heart failure (HF), as it improves cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life, as well as reducing hospitalization rates. COVID-19 pandemic increased social isolation, and the CR centers were closed. Center-based CR requires the patient to travel to the hospital, which increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this high-risk population. In this context, home-based CR can be an excellent strategy to reduce the physical and mental consequences of the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To test the effectiveness of a home-based CR program on cardiorespiratory fitness and anxiety and depression levels in individuals with HF during covid-19 pandemic. Methods Forty-two individuals with HF (age: 61.3±12.0; LVEF: 37.5±11.2) were included in this study. The exercise training program consisted in 12 weeks of combined exercise training (2x/week; 60min/day, 60-80% VO2peak), with 4 supervised exercise sessions in the hospital context and the remaining at home. Patients were monitored using a heart rate monitor and weekly phone calls. The following parameters were evaluated: cardiorespiratory fitness through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and anxiety and depression levels through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results After the home-based CR program, there was a significant increase in the 6MWT of 49 meters (95%IC: 38 to 60; p<0.001) and a significant decrease in anxiety levels of -1.12 points (95%CI: - 2.163 to -0.075 p=0.036). No significant changes were found in depression levels (p=0.954). Furthermore, the improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were significantly associated with the reduction in the levels of anxiety (r= -0.281; p=0.028) and depression (r=: -0.278; p=0.030). Conclusions The home-based CR program was able to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and this improvement was associated with a decrease in anxiety and depression levels in individuals with HF. The results suggest that home-based CR can be an important strategy to minimize the physical and mental impact induced by social isolation imposed by COVID-19 pandemic in HF patients.
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was financially supported by the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030011, funded by FEDER, through COMPETE2020-POCI, and by national funds, through FCT/MCTES (PTDC/MEC-CAR/30011/2017). CIAFEL, UnIC and UMIB are supported by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. [(UIDB/00617/2020), (UIDB/00051/2020 and UIDP/00051/2020), and (UIDB/00215/2020 and UIDP/00215/2020), respectively]. CS received an individual grant from CAPES [BEX 0554/14-6]. Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based recommended treatment of heart failure (HF) patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shutdown of CR centers was necessary to limit the infection risk among high-risk patients. The integration of a home-based CR (HBCR) program in CR units can help to improve the delivery of care and improve cardiovascular outcomes of HF patients. Purpose To assess the effectiveness of an HBCR program in HF patients. Methods This is a substudy of the EXercise InTervention in Heart Failure trial (EXIT-HF), which include forty-nine HF patients (preserved and reduced ejection fraction). The HBCR program consisted in 12-week combined exercise program (60%-80% of peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak)), 2 training sessions per week, for a total of 24 sessions. Patients performed 4 supervised training sessions and the remaining sessions at home. All patients performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2 peak), the 6-minute-walking test (6MWT), collected blood analysis (plasma NT-proBNP), and answered the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Results Forty-two patients (86%) complete at least 80% of prescribed training sessions (age: 61.1±12; FEVE: 37.1±10.8). The HBCR program improve VO2 peak from 18.3 to 20.1ml/kg/min (+1.8 ml/kg/min; 95%IC:1.4 to 2.4; p<0.001) and the walked distance at the 6MWT from 462 to 512 meters (+49 meters; 95%IC: 38 to 60; p<0.001). In addition, overall quality of life was improved (-13 points; 95%IC:-7.8 to -18.5; p<0.001), as well physical (-6.3 points; 95%IC:-3.5 to -9; p<0.001) and emotional dimension of quality of life (-2.8points ; 95%IC: -0.9 to -4.7; p=0.06). No significant change was found in NT-proBNP levels (820±1220 vs 674±903; p=0.285). Conclusions Our results showed that HBCR is feasible and can improve functional capacity and quality of life in HF patients.
Collapse
|
31
|
Polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] Hyperons along the Beam Direction in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=5.02 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:172005. [PMID: 35570422 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.172005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The polarization of the Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam (z) direction, P_{z}, has been measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV recorded with ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The main contribution to P_{z} comes from elliptic flow-induced vorticity and can be characterized by the second Fourier sine coefficient P_{z,s2}=⟨P_{z}sin(2φ-2Ψ_{2})⟩, where φ is the hyperon azimuthal emission angle and Ψ_{2} is the elliptic flow plane angle. We report the measurement of P_{z,s2} for different collision centralities and in the 30%-50% centrality interval as a function of the hyperon transverse momentum and rapidity. The P_{z,s2} is positive similarly as measured by the STAR Collaboration in Au-Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV, with somewhat smaller amplitude in the semicentral collisions. This is the first experimental evidence of a nonzero hyperon P_{z} in Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC. The comparison of the measured P_{z,s2} with the hydrodynamic model calculations shows sensitivity to the competing contributions from thermal and the recently found shear-induced vorticity, as well as to whether the polarization is acquired at the quark-gluon plasma or the hadronic phase.
Collapse
|
32
|
Motion compensation for non-periodic dynamic tracer distributions in multi-patch magnetic particle imaging. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac5ce6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. While the spatial and temporal resolution of magnetic particle imaging is very high, the size of the field of view is limited due to physiological constraints. Multi-patch scans allow for covering larger areas by sequentially scanning smaller subvolumes, so-called patches. The visualization of tracer dynamics with a high temporal resolution are of particular interest in many applications, e.g. cardiovascular interventions or blood flow measurements. The reconstruction of non-periodic dynamic tracer distributions is currently realized by the reconstruction of a time-series of frames under the assumption of nearly static behavior during the scan of each frame. While this approach is feasible for limited velocities, it results in data gaps in multi-patch scans leading thus to artifacts for strong dynamics. In this article, we are aiming for the reconstruction of dynamic tracer concentrations with high velocities and the compensation of motion and multi-patch artifacts. Approach. We present a reconstruction method for dynamic tracer distributions using a dynamic forward model and representing the concentration within each voxel by a spline curve. The method is evaluated with simulated single- and multi-patch data. Main results. The dynamic model enables for the reconstruction of fast tracer dynamics from few frames and the spline approach approximates the missing data which reduces multi-patch artifacts. Significance. The presented method allows to compensate motion and multi-patch artifacts and to reconstruct fast dynamic tracer distributions with arbitrary motion patterns.
Collapse
|
33
|
Pulmonary Hypertension in Rural Minnesota. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
34
|
Measurement of the Groomed Jet Radius and Momentum Splitting Fraction in pp and Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:102001. [PMID: 35333086 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This article presents groomed jet substructure measurements in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector. The soft drop grooming algorithm provides access to the hard parton splittings inside a jet by removing soft wide-angle radiation. We report the groomed jet momentum splitting fraction, z_{g}, and the (scaled) groomed jet radius, θ_{g}. Charged-particle jets are reconstructed at midrapidity using the anti-k_{T} algorithm with resolution parameters R=0.2 and R=0.4. In heavy-ion collisions, the large underlying event poses a challenge for the reconstruction of groomed jet observables, since fluctuations in the background can cause groomed parton splittings to be misidentified. By using strong grooming conditions to reduce this background, we report these observables fully corrected for detector effects and background fluctuations for the first time. A narrowing of the θ_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is seen, which provides direct evidence of the modification of the angular structure of jets in the quark-gluon plasma. No significant modification of the z_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is observed. These results are compared with a variety of theoretical models of jet quenching, and provide constraints on jet energy-loss mechanisms and coherence effects in the quark-gluon plasma.
Collapse
|
35
|
Measurement of Prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:012001. [PMID: 35061479 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.012001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) charmed hadrons are measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV. This is the first measurement of Σ_{c}^{0,++} production in hadronic collisions. Assuming the same production yield for the three Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} isospin states, the baryon-to-meson cross section ratios Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}/D^{0} and Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} are calculated in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) intervals 2<p_{T}<12 and 1<p_{T}<24 GeV/c. Values significantly larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions are observed, indicating for the first time that baryon enhancement in hadronic collisions also extends to the Σ_{c}. The feed-down contribution to Λ_{c}^{+} production from Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} is also reported and is found to be larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions. The data are compared with predictions from event generators and other phenomenological models, providing a sensitive test of the different charm-hadronization mechanisms implemented in the models.
Collapse
|
36
|
Measurement of the Cross Sections of Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} Baryons and of the Branching-Fraction Ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:272001. [PMID: 35061415 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.272001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The p_{T}-differential cross sections of prompt charm-strange baryons Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The Ξ_{c}^{0} baryon was reconstructed via both the semileptonic decay (Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}) and the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}) channels. The Ξ_{c}^{+} baryon was reconstructed via the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}) channel. The branching-fraction ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=1.38±0.14(stat)±0.22(syst) was measured with a total uncertainty reduced by a factor of about 3 with respect to the current world average reported by the Particle Data Group. The transverse momentum (p_{T}) dependence of the Ξ_{c}^{0}- and Ξ_{c}^{+}-baryon production relative to the D^{0} meson and to the Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}- and Λ_{c}^{+}-baryon production are reported. The baryon-to-meson ratio increases toward low p_{T} up to a value of approximately 0.3. The measurements are compared with various models that take different hadronization mechanisms into consideration. The results provide stringent constraints to these theoretical calculations and additional evidence that different processes are involved in charm hadronization in electron-positron (e^{+}e^{-}) and hadronic collisions.
Collapse
|
37
|
Λ_{c}^{+} Production and Baryon-to-Meson Ratios in pp and p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV at the LHC. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:202301. [PMID: 34860039 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.202301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The prompt production of the charm baryon Λ_{c}^{+} and the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} production ratios were measured at midrapidity with the ALICE detector in pp and p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. These new measurements show a clear decrease of the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} ratio with increasing transverse momentum (p_{T}) in both collision systems in the range 2<p_{T}<12 GeV/c, exhibiting similarities with the light-flavor baryon-to-meson ratios p/π and Λ/K_{S}^{0}. At low p_{T}, predictions that include additional color-reconnection mechanisms beyond the leading-color approximation, assume the existence of additional higher-mass charm-baryon states, or include hadronization via coalescence can describe the data, while predictions driven by charm-quark fragmentation processes measured in e^{+}e^{-} and e^{-}p collisions significantly underestimate the data. The results presented in this Letter provide significant evidence that the established assumption of universality (colliding-system independence) of parton-to-hadron fragmentation is not sufficient to describe charm-baryon production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.
Collapse
|
38
|
Experimental Evidence for an Attractive p-ϕ Interaction. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:172301. [PMID: 34739260 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.172301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This Letter presents the first experimental evidence of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a ϕ meson. The result is obtained from two-particle correlations of combined p-ϕ⊕ p[over ¯]-ϕ pairs measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The spin-averaged scattering length and effective range of the p-ϕ interaction are extracted from the fully corrected correlation function employing the Lednický-Lyuboshits approach. In particular, the imaginary part of the scattering length vanishes within uncertainties, indicating that inelastic processes do not play a prominent role for the p-ϕ interaction. These data demonstrate that the interaction is dominated by elastic p-ϕ scattering. Furthermore, an analysis employing phenomenological Gaussian- and Yukawa-type potentials is conducted. Under the assumption of the latter, the N-ϕ coupling constant is found to be g_{N-ϕ}=0.14±0.03(stat)±0.02(syst). This work provides valuable experimental input to accomplish a self-consistent description of the N-ϕ interaction, which is particularly relevant for the more fundamental studies on partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclear medium.
Collapse
|
39
|
Multiharmonic Correlations of Different Flow Amplitudes in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:092302. [PMID: 34506195 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.092302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, using higher-order symmetric cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium when compared to correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. A comparison to Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.
Collapse
|
40
|
Soft-Dielectron Excess in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:042302. [PMID: 34355943 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.042302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A measurement of dielectron production in proton-proton (pp) collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC, is presented in this Letter. The data set was recorded with a reduced magnetic solenoid field. This enables the investigation of a kinematic domain at low dielectron (ee) invariant mass m_{ee} and pair transverse momentum p_{T,ee} that was previously inaccessible at the LHC. The cross section for dielectron production is studied as a function of m_{ee}, p_{T,ee}, and event multiplicity dN_{ch}/dη. The expected dielectron rate from hadron decays, called hadronic cocktail, utilizes a parametrization of the measured η/π^{0} ratio in pp and proton-nucleus collisions, assuming that this ratio shows no strong dependence on collision energy at low transverse momentum. Comparison of the measured dielectron yield to the hadronic cocktail at 0.15<m_{ee}<0.6 GeV/c^{2} and for p_{T,ee}<0.4 GeV/c indicates an enhancement of soft dielectrons, reminiscent of the "anomalous" soft-photon and soft-dilepton excess in hadron-hadron collisions reported by several experiments under different experimental conditions. The enhancement factor over the hadronic cocktail amounts to 1.61±0.13(stat)±0.17(syst,data)±0.34(syst,cocktail) in the ALICE acceptance. Acceptance-corrected excess spectra in m_{ee} and p_{T,ee} are extracted and compared with calculations of dielectron production from hadronic bremsstrahlung and thermal radiation within a hadronic many-body approach.
Collapse
|
41
|
[Answering epidemiologic rheumatologic questions by cooperation with the large population-based SHIP cohort-findings with relevance for the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)]. Z Rheumatol 2021; 81:150-156. [PMID: 34264363 PMCID: PMC8894149 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-021-01050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This article presents how, based on the availability of new imaging methods and medications, objectives regarding the rheumatic disease axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) have developed over the course of more than two decades into a rheumatologic research group. During recent years, cooperation with the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) cohort has given rise to new fundamental aspects. This involved intensive cooperation between the Ruhr University Bochum (Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet) and the Greifswald University Hospital (Community Medicine research collective). The design of the SHIP cohort was published 10 years ago and the cohort approach presented in the Bundesgesundheitsblatt, which also described central methodologic questions in detail. In 2014, a cooperation project between the Ruhr Rheumatology Center/Ruhr University Bochum and the SHIP Department of Clinical and Epidemiologic Research (Klinisch-Epidemiologische Forschung, KEF; SHIP-KEF) was established, which has already resulted in publication of interesting results in high-ranking journals. In order to stress the potential of such corporations, important contents thereof are presented herein, with a focus on MRI and consideration of historical aspects.
Collapse
|
42
|
CAR‐HEMATOTOX: A DISCRIMINATIVE MODEL FOR CAR T‐CELL RELATED HEMATOTOXICITY IN RELAPSED/REFRACTORY LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMA. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.82_2879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
43
|
EXTRANODAL DISEASE IS ASSOCIATED WITH SHORTER PROGRESSION‐FREE SURVIVAL AFTER CD19‐CAR T‐CELL THERAPY FOR RELAPSED/REFRACTORY DIFFUSE LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMA. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.183_2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
44
|
A hydrothermal apparatus for x-ray absorption spectroscopy of hydrothermal fluids at DESY. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:063903. [PMID: 34243590 DOI: 10.1063/5.0044767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present a new autoclave that enables in situ characterization of hydrothermal fluids at high pressures and high temperatures at synchrotron x-ray radiation sources. The autoclave has been specifically designed to enable x-ray absorption spectroscopy in fluids with applications to mineral solubility and element speciation analysis in hydrothermal fluids in complex compositions. However, other applications, such as Raman spectroscopy, in high-pressure fluids are also possible with the autoclave. First experiments were run at pressures between 100 and 600 bars and at temperatures between 25 °C and 550 °C, and preliminary results on scheelite dissolution in fluids of different compositions show that the autoclave is well suited to study the behavior of ore-forming metals at P-T conditions relevant to the Earth's crust.
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
How far do marine larvae disperse in the ocean? Decades of population genetic studies have revealed generally low levels of genetic structure at large spatial scales (hundreds of kilometres). Yet this result, typically based on discrete sampling designs, does not necessarily imply extensive dispersal. Here, we adopt a continuous sampling strategy along 950 km of coast in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea to address this question in four species. In line with expectations, we observe weak genetic structure at a large spatial scale. Nevertheless, our continuous sampling strategy uncovers a pattern of isolation by distance at small spatial scales (few tens of kilometres) in two species. Individual-based simulations indicate that this signal is an expected signature of restricted dispersal. At the other extreme of the connectivity spectrum, two pairs of individuals that are closely related genetically were found more than 290 km apart, indicating long-distance dispersal. Such a combination of restricted dispersal with rare long-distance dispersal events is supported by a high-resolution biophysical model of larval dispersal in the study area, and we posit that it may be common in marine species. Our results bridge population genetic studies with direct dispersal studies and have implications for the design of marine reserve networks.
Collapse
|
46
|
Piezo1 and BKCa channels in human atrial fibroblasts: interplay and remodelling in atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg (MWK-BW Sonderlinie Medizin)
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia of increasing prevalence. One of the important indicators for AF is sustained atrial dilatation, highlighting the importance of mechanical overload in the pathophysiology of AF. The mechanisms by which atrial cells, including fibroblasts, sense and react to such changing mechanical forces, are not fully elucidated. Here, we characterise stretch-activated ion channels (SAC) in human atrial fibroblasts and changes in their expression and activity associated with AF.
Using primary cultures of human atrial fibroblasts, isolated from patients in sinus rhythm or with sustained AF, we combine electrophysiological, molecular and pharmacological tools to identify SAC. Two electrophysiological SAC-signatures were detected, indicative of cation-nonselective and potassium-selective channels. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown, we identified the nonselective SAC as Piezo1. Biophysical properties of the potassium-selective channel and its pharmacology indicated presence of ‘big potassium channels’, BKCa. In cells from AF patients, Piezo1 activity and mRNA expression levels were higher than in cells from sinus rhythm patients, while BKCa activity (but not expression) was downregulated. Both Piezo1-knockdown and removal of extracellular calcium from the patch pipette resulted in a significant reduction of stretch-induced BKCa current. No co-immunoprecipitation of Piezo1 and BKCa was detected.
Human atrial fibroblasts express functional Piezo1 and BKCa channels. While Piezo1 is directly stretch-activated, the increase in BKCa activity during mechanical stimulation appears to be mainly secondary to calcium influx via SAC such as Piezo1. During sustained AF, Piezo1 is increased, while BKCa activity is reduced, highlighting differential regulation of both channels. Our data show the presence and activity of Piezo1 and BKCa in human atrial fibroblasts and suggest an interplay between the two in the absence of direct physical interactions.
Collapse
|
47
|
Effect of exercise training on amyloid-like protein aggregates among patients with heart failure. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): MG and CS were supported by a PhD FCT grant (SFRH/BD/128893/2017) and by an individual grant from CAPES [BEX 0554/14-6], respectively. This work was financially supported by the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030011, funded by FEDER, through COMPETE2020-POCI, and by national funds, through FCT/MCTES (PTDC/MEC-CAR/30011/2017). iBiMED is a research unit supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (REF: UID/BIM/04501/2020) and FEDER/Compete2020 funds).
Introduction
Amyloid-like protein aggregates play a decisive role in the pathology of heart failure. Alterations in protein homeostasis, in particular, the clearance of toxic amyloid-like aggregates are emerging therapeutic targets in cardiovascular medicine. The clinical benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training are widely accepted in heart failure; however, little is known about the potential benefit of exercise training in amyloid-like protein aggregates.
Purpose
To assess the effects of a moderate-intensity exercise training program on amyloid-like protein aggregates levels among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Methods
Eighteen subjects participated in the study; eight patients (age: 66.6 ± 5.9 years; FEVE: 38.4 ± 8.9%) with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction participated in a 3-month exercise training program (2 x 60 min sessions per week of moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise). Ten healthy subjects (age: 68. 4 ± 3.1 years) were recruited to an age-matched reference group. Amyloid-like protein aggregates were assessed before and after 3 months of exercise training. Clinical data, medication, anthropometrics, and cardiorespiratory fitness were also assessed. Thioflavin T (ThT) dye fluorescence was used to quantify the plasma levels of amyloid-like aggregates and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied to evaluate the conformation of cross-β-sheet structures characteristic of amyloid protein aggregates.
Results
Exercise program improved cardiorespiratory fitness by 14.0 ± 17.1% (17.4 ± 3.2 to 19.7 ± 2.9 ml/kg/min) and reduced NT-proBNP levels by 16.5% (34.2) (median concentration of 632 pg/mL (720.8) to 517.5 pg/mL (707.0)) in the heart failure patients. A slight decrease of amyloid-like aggregates levels was observed in post-exercise training samples (a reduction of 3.1%); interestingly, after the exercise training program, the heart failure patients showed levels of amyloid-like aggregates similar to the reference group (1132.0 ± 114.2 vs. 1094.8 ± 132.9 a.u.). Additionally, the PLS-R multivariate analysis of the amide I region of the FTIR spectra revealed enrichment of antiparallel β-sheets (1693 cm-1) assigned to amyloid-like oligomers in the samples of heart failure patients before, but not after, the exercise program. Of note, oligomeric species, as intermediates of amyloid assembly, can contribute to the increase of amyloid burden, but also, some have been reported to be highly reactive and toxic to cells, being key elements of amyloid pathogenesis.
Conclusions
Our preliminary results indicate that 3 months of exercise training may have significant effects on amyloid-like oligomers, and start hindering the formation of the larger ThT-positive aggregates among patients with heart failure.
Abstract Figure.
Collapse
|
48
|
Physical activity and its clinical correlates in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fundação para a Ciência (FCT) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível (CAPES)
Background
Limited data is available on physical activity (PA) levels in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients, as well as on the impact of using different tools to assess PA such as questionnaires and accelerometers.
Purpose
We aimed to quantify PA levels of CTEPH patients and study its clinical correlates, as well as to compare PA levels measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) with measures from accelerometers.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study (n = 50). Physical activity levels were measured using accelerometers and questionnaire (IPAQ). Clinical parameters evaluated were walked distance on the 6-minute-walking test (6MWT), pulmonary vascular resistance, N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide and quality of life (HRQoL) using the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review questionnaire.
Results
Accelerometer-derived data showed that CTEPH patients spent 60% of the recorded time in sedentary behaviours and only 2% in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). MVPA was mildly correlated with 6MWT (r = 0.359; p= 0.023) and symptom domain of HRQoL (r=-0.371; p = 0.044) but not with NT-proBNP, pulmonary vascular resistance or functional domain of HRQoL. Time spent in sedentary behaviour was lower in self-reported measurement (279 ± 165min/day) compared to accelerometry (446 ± 117min/day, p < 0.001). Self-reported MVPA was significantly higher than the one registered by the accelerometer (411 ± 569 vs. 131 ± 108 min/week, p = 0.027). Bland-Altman analysis indicated poor agreement between the two methods.
Conclusions
Our results showed that CTEPH patients spend most of their days in sedentary behaviors and only a small amount of time in MVPA. MVPA was associated with symptoms domain of HRQoL and submaximal functional capacity. In addition, we showed a poor agreement between self-reported and accelerometer-derived PA in CTEPH patients, with the former overestimating the overall PA activity.
Collapse
|
49
|
Elliptic Flow of Electrons from Beauty-Hadron Decays in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:162001. [PMID: 33961482 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.162001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The elliptic flow of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity (|y|<0.8) is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The azimuthal distribution of the particles produced in the collisions can be parametrized with a Fourier expansion, in which the second harmonic coefficient represents the elliptic flow, v_{2}. The v_{2} coefficient of electrons from beauty hadron decays is measured for the first time in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) range 1.3-6 GeV/c in the centrality class 30%-50%. The measurement of electrons from beauty-hadron decays exploits their larger mean proper decay length cτ≈500 μm compared to that of charm hadrons and most of the other background sources. The v_{2} of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity is found to be positive with a significance of 3.75 σ. The results provide insights into the degree of thermalization of beauty quarks in the medium. A model assuming full thermalization of beauty quarks is strongly disfavored by the measurement at high p_{T}, but is in agreement with the results at low p_{T}. Transport models including substantial interactions of beauty quarks with an expanding strongly interacting medium describe the measurement within uncertainties.
Collapse
|
50
|
Significance of Additional Pulmonary Blood Flow between Stages 2 and 3 in Fontan Pathway. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|