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Polaritons are light-matter quasiparticles that govern the optical response of quantum materials at the nanoscale, enabling on-chip communication and local sensing. Here, we report Landau-phonon polaritons (LPPs) in magnetized charge-neutral graphene encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). These quasiparticles emerge from the interaction of Dirac magnetoexciton modes in graphene with the hyperbolic phonon polariton modes in hBN. Using infrared magneto-nanoscopy, we reveal the ability to completely halt the LPP propagation in real space at quantized magnetic fields, defying the conventional optical selection rules. The LPP-based nanoscopy also tells apart two fundamental many-body phenomena: the Fermi velocity renormalization and field-dependent magnetoexciton binding energies. Our results highlight the potential of magnetically tuned Dirac heterostructures for precise nanoscale control and sensing of light-matter interaction.

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Theta oscillations, ranging from 4-8 Hz, play a significant role in spatial learning and memory functions during navigation tasks. Frontal theta oscillations are thought to play an important role in spatial navigation and memory. Electroencephalography (EEG) datasets are very complex, making any changes in the neural signal related to behaviour difficult to interpret. However, multiple analytical methods are available to examine complex data structures, especially machine learning-based techniques. These methods have shown high classification performance, and their combination with feature engineering enhances their capability. This paper proposes using hidden Markov and linear mixed effects models to extract features from EEG data. Based on the engineered features obtained from frontal theta EEG data during a spatial navigation task in two key trials (first, last) and between two conditions (learner and non-learner), we analysed the performance of six machine learning methods on classifying learner and non-learner participants. We also analysed how different standardisation methods used to pre-process the EEG data contribute to classification performance. We compared the classification performance of each trial with data gathered from the same subjects, including solely coordinate-based features, such as idle time and average speed. We found that more machine learning methods perform better classification using coordinate-based data. However, only deep neural networks achieved an area under the ROC curve higher than 80% using the theta EEG data alone. Our findings suggest that standardising the theta EEG data and using deep neural networks enhances the classification of learner and non-learner subjects in a spatial learning task.

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Objective: We conducted a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires (1DZnO), incorporating anti-CYFRA 21-1 immobilization to promote fast optical biomarker detection up to 10 ng ml-1. Impact Statement: This study highlights the effectiveness of proof-of-concept 1DZnO nanoplatforms for rapid cancer biomarker detection by examining the nanoscale integration of 1DZnO with these bioreceptors to deliver reliable photoluminescent output signals. Introduction: The urgent need for swift and accurate prognoses in healthcare settings drives the rise of sensitive biosensing nanoplatforms for cancer detection, which has benefited from biomarker identification. CYFRA 21-1 is a reliable target for the early prediction of cancer formation that can be perceptible in blood, saliva, and serum. However, 1DZnO nanostructures have been barely applied for CYFRA 21-1 detection. Methods: We assessed the nanoscale interaction between 1DZnO and anti-CYFRA 21-1 antibodies to develop rapid CYFRA 21-1 detection in two distinct matrices: PhosphateBuffered Saline (PBS) buffer and artificial saliva. The chemical modifications were tracked utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed antigen-antibody interplay over nanostructures. Results: Our results show high antibody immobilization efficiencies, affirming the effectiveness of 1DZnO nanoplatforms for rapid CYFRA 21-1 testing within a 5-min detection window in both PBS and artificial saliva. Photoluminescence measurements also revealed distinct optical responses across biomarker concentrations ranging from 10 to 1,000 ng ml-1. Conclusion: Discernible PL signal responses obtained after 5 min affirm the potential of 1DZnO nanoplatforms for further advancement in optical biomarker detection for application in early cancer prognosis.

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Neuroimmune signaling is a key process underlying neuropathic pain. Clinical studies have demonstrated that 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a putative marker of neuroinflammation, is upregulated in discrete brain regions of patients with chronic pain. However, no preclinical studies have investigated TSPO dynamics in the brain in the context of neuropathic pain and in response to analgesic treatments. We used positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and [18F]-PBR06 radioligand to measure TSPO levels in the brain across time after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in both male and female rats. Up to 10 weeks post-CCI, TSPO expression was increased in discrete brain regions, including medial prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, motor cortex, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, midbrain, pons, medulla, and nucleus accumbens. TSPO was broadly upregulated across these regions at 4 weeks post CCI in males, and 10 weeks in females, though there were regional differences between the sexes. Using immunohistochemistry, we confirmed TSPO expression in these regions. We further demonstrated that TSPO was upregulated principally in microglia in the nucleus accumbens core, and astrocytes and endothelial cells in the nucleus accumbens shell. Finally, we tested whether TSPO upregulation was sensitive to diroximel fumarate, a drug that induces endogenous antioxidants via nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Diroximel fumarate alleviated neuropathic pain and reduced TSPO upregulation. Our findings indicate that TSPO is upregulated over the course of neuropathic pain development and is resolved by an antinociceptive intervention in animals with peripheral nerve injury.

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BACKGROUND: The management of vestibular schwannomas (VS) encompasses a choice between conservative "wait-and-scan" (WAS) approach, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or open microsurgical resection. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal management approach for small to medium sized VS. This study aims to compared outcomes related to hearing in patients with small and medium sized VS who underwent initial treatment with WAS versus SRS. METHODS: A systematic review of the available literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane up December 08, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model to calculate mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR). A leave-one-out analysis was conducted. The risk of bias was assessed via the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-Interventions (ROBINS-I) and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool (RoB-2). Ultimately, the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE assessment. The primary outcomes were serviceable hearing, and pure-tone average (PTA). The secondary outcome was the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life Scale (PANQOL) total score. RESULTS: Nine studies were eligible for inclusion, comprising a total of 1,275 patients. Among these, 674 (52.86%) underwent WAS, while 601 patients (47.14%) received SRS. Follow-up duration ranged from two to eight years. The meta-analysis indicated that WAS had a better outcome for serviceable hearing (0.47; 95% CI: 0.32 - 0.68; p < 0.001), as well as for postoperative functional measures including PTA score (MD 13.48; 95% CI 3.83 - 23.13; p < 0.01), and PANQOL total score (MD 3.83; 95% CI 0.42 - 7.25; p = 0.03). The overall certainty of evidence ranged from "very low" to "moderate". CONCLUSIONS: Treating small to medium sized VS with WAS increases the likelihood of preserving serviceable hearing and optimized PANQOL overall postoperative score compared to SRS. Nevertheless, the limited availability of literature and the methodological weakness observed in existing studies outline the need for higher-quality studies.

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Engineered cellular therapy with CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) has revolutionized outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL), but the cellular and molecular features associated with response remain largely unresolved. We analyzed serial peripheral blood samples ranging from day of apheresis (day -28/baseline) to 28 days after CAR-T infusion from 50 patients with LBCL treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) by integrating single cell RNA and TCR sequencing (scRNA-seq/scTCR-seq), flow cytometry, and mass cytometry (CyTOF) to characterize features associated with response to CAR-T. Pretreatment patient characteristics associated with response included presence of B cells and increased lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (ALC/AMC). Infusion products from responders were enriched for clonally expanded, highly activated CD8+ T cells. We expanded these observations to 99 patients from the ZUMA-1 cohort and identified a subset of patients with elevated baseline B cells, 80% of whom were complete responders. We integrated B cell proportion 0.5% and ALC/AMC 1.2 into a two-factor predictive model and applied this model to the ZUMA-1 cohort. Estimated progression free survival (PFS) at 1 year in patients meeting one or both criteria was 65% versus 31% for patients meeting neither criterion. Our results suggest that patients' immunologic state at baseline affects likelihood of response to CAR-T through both modulation of the T cell apheresis product composition and promoting a more favorable circulating immune compartment prior to therapy. These baseline immunologic features, measured readily in the clinical setting prior to CAR-T, can be applied to predict response to therapy.

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Herein, we describe an electrochemical method for the synthesis of haloalkenyl chalcogenides from internal alkynes using hydrobromic and hydrochloric acids as halogenating agents, with the sole byproduct being hydrogen gas. This e-halochalcogenation protocol generates electrophilic chalcogenium species under mild conditions in a simple, undivided cell setup, enabling the synthesis of 25 examples of chloro- and bromovinyl selenides and sulfides with yields ranging from 10% to 94%, predominantly as the E-isomer. The synthetic utility of the halovinyl chalcogenides was demonstrated through various transformations, yielding densely functionalized tetra-substituted olefins. This underscores the versatility and efficiency of our method in assembling intricate molecular frameworks.

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Individuals diagnosed with autism, attachment disorders, emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can present with similar features. This renders differential and accurate diagnosis of these conditions difficult, leading to diagnostic overshadowing and misdiagnosis. The purpose of this study was to explore professionals' perspectives on the differential diagnosis of autism, attachment disorders and CPTSD in young people; and of autism, CPTSD and EUPD in adults. A co-produced three-round Delphi study gathered information through a series of questionnaires from 106 international professionals with expertise in assessing and/or diagnosing at least one of these conditions. To provide specialist guidance and data triangulation, working groups of experts by experience, clinicians and researchers were consulted. Delphi statements were considered to have reached consensus if at least 80% of participants were in agreement. Two hundred and seventy-five Delphi statements reached consensus. Overlapping and differentiating features, methods of assessment, difficulties encountered during differential diagnosis and suggestions for improvements were identified. The findings highlight current practices for differential diagnosis of autism, attachment disorders, CPTSD and EUPD in young people and adults. Areas for future research, clinical and service provision implications, were also identified.

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Regression analysis is a powerful tool in adsorption studies. Researchers often favor linear regression for its simplicity when fitting isotherm models, such as the Langmuir equation. Validating regression assumptions is crucial to ensure that the model accurately represents the data and allows appropriate inferences. This study provides a detailed examination of assumption checking in the context of adsorption studies while simultaneously evaluating the robustness of linear regression methods for fitting the Langmuir equation to isotherm data from 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) adsorption onto various biomass-based adsorbents and activated carbon. Different linearized Langmuir equations (Hanes-Woolf, Lineweaver-Burk, Eadie-Hofstee, and Scatchard) were compared to nonlinear regression, and each method was validated by rigorous residual checking. This included visual plots of residuals as well as statistical tests, including the Durbin-Watson test for autocorrelation (independence), the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and the White test for homoscedasticity. Key findings indicate that the Hanes-Woolf (type 1) and Lineweaver-Burk (type 2) linearizations were the best for most biomass adsorbents studied and that Eadie-Hofstee (type 3) and Scatchard (type 4) were generally invalid due to the negative parameters or assumption violations. For activated carbon, all linearization methods were unsuitable due to independence violations. In the case of nonlinear regression, there were no major assumption violations for all of the adsorbents. Symbolic regression identified the Langmuir equation only for activated carbon (AC). This study revealed shortcomings in relying solely on linearized Langmuir models. A proposed workflow recommends using nonlinear or weighted nonlinear regression, starting with Hanes-Woolf or Lineweaver-Burk linearization results as initial values for parameter estimation. If assumptions remain violated with nonlinear techniques, novel methods such as symbolic regression should be employed. This advanced regression technique can improve adsorption models' accuracy and predictive behavior without the stringent need for assumption checking. Symbolic regression can also aid in understanding mechanisms of novel adsorbents.

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Although hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in elderly cats, systematic studies investigating the prevalence of thyroid lesions in feline animals are scarce. Our objective was to evaluate morphological changes in the thyroid glands of 61 cats submitted to necropsy without clinical suspicion of hyperthyroidism. Thirteen (13/61 [21.3%]) cats had thyroid enlargement and 54/61 (88.5%) had some histological thyroid changes. Proliferative lesions were histologically seen in 33/61 (54%) cats while non-proliferative lesions were observed in 48/61 (78.7%) cats. Thyroid hyperplasia (18/33 [54.5%]) and cystic adenoma (6/33 [18.2%]) were the most prevalent proliferative changes and lesions with little or no clinical significance (37/61 [60.6%]), degenerative (31/61 [50.8%]) and inflammatory changes (12/61 [19.7%]) were the most common non-proliferative changes. Among cats with proliferative lesions, 16/33 (48.4%) had a proliferation grade ≥A4, a grade previously associated with clinical hyperthyroidism. Although the cats from this study did not have any clinical diagnosis of thyroid disease, it is possible that one or more had some degree of clinically unnoticed thyroid dysfunction. The high prevalence of follicular lesions in this study highlights the importance of a more careful clinical and pathological investigation regarding thyroid diseases in mature and elderly cats.

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BACKGROUND: Few rare variants have been identified in genetic loci from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Alzheimer's disease (AD), limiting understanding of mechanisms, risk assessment, and genetic counseling. METHODS: Using genome sequencing data from 197 families in the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Family Based Study and 214 Caribbean Hispanic families, we searched for rare coding variants within known GWAS loci from the largest published study. RESULTS: Eighty-six rare missense or loss-of-function (LoF) variants completely segregated in 17.5% of families, but in 91 (22.1%) families Apolipoprotein E (APOE)-𝜀4 was the only variant segregating. However, in 60.3% of families, APOE 𝜀4, missense, and LoF variants were not found within the GWAS loci. DISCUSSION: Although APOE 𝜀4and several rare variants were found to segregate in both family datasets, many families had no variant accounting for their disease. This suggests that familial AD may be the result of unidentified rare variants. HIGHLIGHTS: Rare coding variants from GWAS loci segregate in familial Alzheimer's disease. Missense or loss of function variants were found segregating in nearly 7% of families. APOE-𝜀4 was the only segregating variant in 29.7% in familial Alzheimer's disease. In Hispanic and non-Hispanic families, different variants were found in segregating genes. No coding variants were found segregating in many Hispanic and non-Hispanic families.

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The layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have demonstrated significant potential as non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Their unique compositional and structural properties contribute to their efficiency and stability as catalysts. In this study, CoCuFe-LDH composites were grown on graphene (G) via a cost-effective and straightforward one-step hydrothermal process. A 2-level full-factorial model was employed to determine the impact of Co (1.5, 3, and 4.5 mmol) and graphene (10, 30, and 50 mg) concentrations on the onset potential of OER and HER, which were the chosen response variables. OER and HER activity variabilities were assessed in triplicate using Co[3]Cu[3]Fe[3]-LDH/G[30] (central point), which were determined at 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that Co[4.5]Cu[3]Fe[3]-LDH/G[10] and Co[1.5]Cu[3]Fe[3]-LDH/G[10] showed the lowest onset potential at 1.52 V and -0.32 V (V vs RHE) for the OER and HER, respectively, suggesting that a high cobalt concentration enhances OER performance, while optimal HER catalysis was achieved with lower cobalt concentrations. Moreover, the trimetallic composites exhibited good stability with negligible loss of catalytic activity over 24 h.

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In this study, we propose a model for the simulation of the pH-dependent separation of dicarboxylic acids from aqueous solutions using strongly hydrophobic adsorbents. Building upon results of our previous study, where we experimentally investigated the pH-dependent adsorption behavior of the individual acid species of itaconic acid (IA) on a strongly hydrophobic adsorbent using in-line Raman spectroscopy, we utilize a transport-dispersive model as the basis for our simulation model. Instead of considering IA as a single component in our model, we simulated each acid species of IA individually. For this purpose, we expanded the transport-dispersive model with reaction terms in all aqueous phases. The reaction terms include all dissociation reactions of all involved components for each time step and spatial discretization. This model enables the time and spatial dependent simulation of the pH value in the chromatographic column and thus the time and spatial dependent knowledge of each acid species concentration. The consideration of activity coefficients due to high local ionic strength is achieved using the Truesdell-Jones (TdJ) model. The simulation model is successfully validated using experimental data from our previous study and used in a simulation study that demonstrates the potential of the model approach for analyzing associated separation tasks.

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Despite being one of the most remote areas on the planet, the Antarctic continent is subject to anthropogenic influences. The presence of various groups of contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has been documented in the region over the past decades. However, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding the detection of new pollutants, such as emerging contaminants (ECs), in Antarctic coastal environments. This study analyzed the occurrence and levels of selected POPs, PAHs, ECs in surface sediments from Admiralty Bay, Antarctica Peninsula. Non-target screening was employed to identify potential novel contaminants in the region. Samples (n = 17) were extracted using an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) system and instrumental analyses were performed using gas chromatography coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC/MS-MS). Regarding regulated contaminants, concentrations of Σ5PCBs ranged from

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Background: The significant changes experienced by university students in their training are inherent to educational processes. Social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, online education and the reopening of higher-education institutions produced substantial variations in the lifestyle of university students in health sciences and generated academic stress and perceived stress. This study was conducted at the National University of Chimborazo (UNACH), a public institution located in Riobamba, central Ecuador, the diverse student's population provided an ideal setting for examining the interplay between academic and perceived stress, lifestyle factors, and learning modalities. The research focused on health sciences students across six academic programs. The university's geographical position and demographic characteristics offered a representative sample for investigating these factors within the context changing. Aim: To compare academic and perceived stress and university students' lifestyles at two different periods: (1) during the mandatory social confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with an online learning modality (T1); (2) in the post-pandemic period with a return to face-to-face activities (T2). Design: An observational, analytical, quantitative, and longitudinal study. Participants: Students from six programs (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Clinical Laboratory, Medicine, Dentistry, and Clinical Psychology) from the Faculty of Health of the National University of Chimborazo-Ecuador (n = 2,237) participated voluntarily, the students had one mean age of M = 21.31 (SD = 2.36) at T1 and M = 22.94 (SD = 2.40) at T2. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed due to the accessibility of the student population and the importance of including the maximum number of relevant individuals within the study population. Methods: The following instruments were used: Nola Pender's Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire, Cognitive Systemic Inventory for the study of academic stress, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale. Results: In T1 and T2, students reported high levels of stress, and increased unhealthy lifestyle increased with the return to classrooms. Additionally, upon returning to face-to-face activities (T2), the mean score applied to the responses of Nola Pender's Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire decreased from M = 113.34 (SD = 23.02) to M = 107.2 (SD = 29.70; p < 0.001). There was significant difference (p < 0.001) in academic stress in T1 [M = 66.25 (SD = 15.66)] and T2 [M = 64.00 (SD = 17.91)]. Conclusions: Upon returning to university classrooms (T2), the number of students who reported an "unhealthy" lifestyle increased. Academic stress was high in T1 and T2 and was reported higher in online activities during social isolation.

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Occupational Health Nursing (OHN) has followed a complex path to build and strengthen its theoretical basis. Starting with Public Health core principles, theories were shaped by the dualism of person worker and working environment, where sometimes the centre of the thought was given to the latter and other times to the former. The problem was not much on such conflict but on the definition of the correct OHN focus and whether genuine nursing knowledge was being applied. We are worried that other disciplines radically influenced the theoretical path taken by OHN theorists. To approach this problem, a unitary-transformative perspective can help us describe and analyse this phenomenon and engage scholars to reflect upon the accurate epistemological focus of OHN. We aimed to deepen this reflection and uncover a new OHN theoretical focus.

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BACKGROUND: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has emerged as a new subtype of tumor, for which novel antibody-drug conjugates have shown beneficial effects. Assessment of HER2 requires several immunohistochemistry tests with an additional in situ hybridization test if a case is classified as HER2 2+. Therefore, novel cost-effective methods to speed up the HER2 assessment are highly desirable. METHODS: We used a self-supervised attention-based weakly supervised method to predict HER2-low directly from 1437 histopathological images from 1351 breast cancer patients. We built six distinct models to explore the ability of classifiers to distinguish between the HER2-negative, HER2-low, and HER2-high classes in different scenarios. The attention-based model was used to comprehend the decision-making process aimed at relevant tissue regions. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the effectiveness of classification models hinges on the consistency and dependability of assay-based tests for HER2, as the outcomes from these tests are utilized as the baseline truth for training our models. Through the use of explainable AI, we reveal histologic patterns associated with the HER2 subtypes. CONCLUSION: Our findings offer a demonstration of how deep learning technologies can be applied to identify HER2 subgroup statuses, potentially enriching the toolkit available for clinical decision-making in oncology.

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Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare condition characterized by fibrous tissue proliferation in the retroperitoneal space, commonly affecting the ureters and other abdominal structures. This case report describes a previously undocumented presentation of IRF in a 52-year-old female, who presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and severe anemia over six months. Diagnostic workup included endoscopy, colonoscopy, abdominal computed tomography (CT), and biopsy, revealing fibrous encasement of the mesenteric vessels leading to ischemic damage and gastrointestinal bleeding. Treatment involved high-dose corticosteroids and surgical resection of the fibrotic tissue, which resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. The aim of this case report is to highlight this unique presentation of IRF, discuss the diagnostic challenges, and explore effective treatment strategies for managing this rare but significant complication.

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BACKGROUND: Primary lymphomas arising in peripheral nerves are extremely rare, with just a few case reports documented in the literature. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present the case of a 62-year-old female with C8 radiculopathy, initially suspected to have a schwannoma based on imaging but later diagnosed with primary C8 nerve root B-cell lymphoma. Following histopathological confirmation, the patient underwent 5 courses of chemotherapy, resulting in a decrease in the size of her lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. At her clinical follow-up 3 months later, her symptoms had improved. After performing a systematic review of the literature while adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines, the authors found only 3 similar cases, each with atypical presentations and treated with various chemotherapeutic agents and one of which experienced a central nervous system recurrence. LESSONS: These cases highlight the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for optimal management and long-term vigilance of primary lymphomas in the peripheral nerve. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24338.