Vascular Roads to a Healthier Brain: Lutein Moderates the Influence of Arterial Stiffness on Cognitive Function.

Background: Arterial stiffness, assessed via carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), is a marker of vascular aging that may contribute to cognitive decline. Serum carotenoids, with antioxidant properties, may mitigate these effects, but their role in moderating neurovascular-cognitive relationships remains unclear.

Objective: This study examined: (1) associations between cfPWV and executive function, (2) the contribution of serum carotenoids in predicting cfPWV, and (3) whether carotenoids moderate the relationship between cfPWV and executive function.

Genome-wide investigation of peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSY) gene family: identification, evolutionary and expression analysis in soybean (Glycine max L.).

Background: Soybean is a fundamental oilseed crop, recognized for its notable protein and oil levels. Tyrosine Sulfation (PSY) genes play an essential role in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. However, the precise functions and mechanisms regulated by PSY are still being explored.

A fluorescent-protein spin qubit.

Quantum bits (qubits) are two-level quantum systems that support initialization, readout and coherent control. Optically addressable spin qubits form the foundation of an emerging generation of nanoscale sensors. The engineering of these qubits has mainly focused on solid-state systems.

Polynomial Scaling Localized Active Space Unitary Selective Coupled Cluster Singles and Doubles.

We present a polynomial-scaling algorithm for the localized active space unitary selective coupled cluster singles and doubles (LAS-USCCSD) method. In this approach, cluster excitations are selected based on a threshold ϵ determined by the absolute gradients of the LAS-UCCSD energy with respect to cluster amplitudes. Using the generalized Wick's theorem for multireference wave functions, we derive the gradient expression as a polynomial function of one-, two-, and three-body reduced density matrices and 1- and 2-electron integrals, valid for any multireference wave function.

Density Matrix Embedding Pair-Density Functional Theory for Molecules.

We combine density matrix embedding theory (DMET) with multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory (MC-PDFT) to explore finite systems exhibiting localized strong electron correlation effects. This methodology, termed density matrix embedded pair-density functional theory (DME-PDFT), provides a substantial cost reduction compared to traditional nonembedded MC-PDFT. Additionally, we compare it with second order -electron valence state perturbation theory within DMET (NEVPT2-DMET).

Predicting Cognitive Outcome Through Nutrition and Health Markers Using Supervised Machine Learning.

Background: Machine learning (ML) use in health research is growing, yet its application to predict cognitive outcomes using diverse health indicators is underinvestigated.

Objectives: We used ML models to predict cognitive performance based on a set of health and behavioral factors, aiming to identify key contributors to cognitive function for insights into potential personalized interventions.

Methods: Data from 374 adults aged 19-82 y (227 females) were used to develop ML models predicting cognitive performance (reaction time in milliseconds) on a modified Eriksen flanker task.

Using cluster analysis to explore COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitancy by levels of medical mistrust in fully vaccinated US adults.

Background: Underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy could significantly affect successful uptake of the SARS-CoV2 vaccine booster doses during new waves of COVID-19. Booster rates among US adults are far below what is needed for immunity, but little is known about booster hesitancy among fully vaccinated adults and whether medical mistrust exacerbates barriers to uptake.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed among 119 adults in Philadelphia, PA who reported having received the primary SARS-CoV2 vaccine series but not a booster dose.

Dietary patterns and carotenoid intake: Comparisons of MIND, Mediterranean, DASH, and Healthy Eating Index.

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern is associated with reduced cognitive decline and dementia risk. However, the nutrient features that distinguish the MIND from other patterns are unknown. We investigated the relationship between accordance to the MIND pattern and carotenoid intake (phytonutrients hypothesized to confer neuroprotection) relative to the Mediterranean, DASH, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020).

Hybrid Pulmonary Sequestration, Cystic Pulmonary Adenomatoid Malformation, and Dextrocardia: A Triple Whammy.

Pulmonary sequestration and cystic pulmonary adenomatoid malformation are rare congenital cystic disorders of the lungs. The presence of both the diseases in the same individual is therefore very uncommon. Pulmonary sequestration is a nonfunctional pulmonary tissue mass that derives its blood supply from systemic blood supply other than pulmonary circulation.

Optical Properties of Neutral F Centers in Bulk MgO with Density Matrix Embedding.

The optical spectra of neutral oxygen vacancies (F centers) in the bulk MgO lattice are investigated using density matrix embedding theory. The impurity Hamiltonian is solved with the complete active space self-consistent field and second-order -electron valence state perturbation theory (NEVPT2-DMET) multireference methods. To estimate defect-localized vertical excitation energies at the nonembedding and thermodynamic limits, a double extrapolation scheme is employed.

Incidence and outcomes of acute kidney injury including hepatorenal syndrome in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis in the US.

Background & Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis is common and associated with high morbidity, but the incidence rates of different etiologies of AKI are not well described in the US. We compared incidence rates, practice patterns, and outcomes across etiologies of AKI in cirrhosis.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 11 hospital networks, including consecutive adult patients admitted with AKI and cirrhosis in 2019.

Rolling Egg-Shaped Peritoneal Loose Body (PLB): A Diagnostic Dilemma for Surgeons and Radiologists.

A man in his mid-50s presented with heaviness in the right lower abdomen for the last three months. Ultrasonography (USG) showed an intra-abdominal mass in the right iliac fossa. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) revealed a well-defined circumscribed mass near the ileocaecal junction, with a hypodense center, surrounded by a hyperdense periphery and well-defined capsule.

Heterogeneity in 2,6-Linked Sialic Acids Potentiates Invasion of Breast Cancer Epithelia.

Heterogeneity in phenotypes of malignantly transformed cells and aberrant glycan expression on their surface are two prominent hallmarks of cancers that have hitherto not been linked to each other. In this paper, we identify differential levels of a specific glycan linkage: α2,6-linked sialic acids within breast cancer cells and in culture. Upon sorting out two populations with moderate, and relatively higher, cell surface α2,6-linked sialic acid levels from the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, both populations (denoted as medium and high 2,6-Sial cells, respectively) stably retained their levels in early passages.

Controlling PROTACs with Light.

Proteolysis targeting chimeras, PROTACs, are emerging as a powerful strategy for exerting exogenous control over protein levels, allowing small molecules to exploit the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for targeted protein degradation. This highlight focuses on the fusion of photochemistry with these bifunctional compounds, which has provided a novel pathway for spatiotemporally tuning the activation of PROTACs in the form of their photocaged and photoswitchable versions. Photocaged PROTACs consist of a hindered optolabile group that detaches only upon irradiation at a specific wavelength, releasing the active PROTAC.

Intraoperative cholangiogram during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A clinical trial in rural setting.

Objective: The routine use of intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains a contentious issue. IOC helps to delineate biliary tree anatomy, prevent bile duct injury and image stones in the common bile duct (CBD). It may prove to be a valuable alternative to ERCP or MRCP, especially in the rural setting with limited resources.

Update on patterns of mandibular fracture in Tasmania, Australia.

Mandibular fractures often present to hospital, so if we understand trends in patterns of fractures and their demographics it may help us to deliver a better service, and prevent these injuries. Here, we compare current data on mandibular fractures in Tasmania with data from 15 years ago, and with current world trends. Patients who presented to the Royal Hobart Hospital with fractured mandibles were audited, and the data analysed and compared with those from a previous study.

Orbitomaxillary mass after repair of the orbital floor.

A 48-year-old man presented with an orbitomaxillary mass 31 years after repair of the orbital floor. He gave a history of progressive diplopia and paraesthesiae of the right infraorbital nerve. He also noted improvement in his long-standing post-traumatic enophthalmos.