Approaching the standard quantum limit of a Rydberg-atom microwave electrometer.

The development of a microwave electrometer with inherent uncertainty approaching its ultimate limit carries both fundamental and technological significance. However, because of the thermal motion of atoms, the state-of-art Rydberg electrometer falls considerably short of the standard quantum limit by about three orders of magnitude. Here, we use an optically thin medium with approximately 5.

Improved aboveground biomass estimation and regional assessment with aerial lidar in California's subalpine forests.

Background: Understanding the impacts of climate change on forest aboveground biomass is a high priority for land managers. High elevation subalpine forests provide many important ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, and are vulnerable to climate change, which has altered forest structure and disturbance regimes. Although large, regional studies have advanced aboveground biomass mapping with satellite data, typically using a general approach broadly calibrated or trained with available field data, it is unclear how well these models work in less prevalent and highly heterogeneous forest types such as the subalpine.

Role of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose in Enhancing the Efficacy of Standard of Care for Moderate to Severe COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the role of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG) in moderate to severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Methodology This study retrospectively analyzed the effects of 2-DG alongside Standard of Care (SOC) for moderate to severe COVID-19 in 150 patients. Eligible patients were aged 18-65, with confirmed COVID-19, who met clinical criteria for moderate or severe illness.

T. Howard Somervell: War Surgeon, Everest Pioneer, and Medical Missionary.

A full century has passed since George Leigh-Mallory and Andrew (Sandy) Irvine disappeared on the upper reaches of Mount Everest in June 1924. Theodore Howard Somervell (April 16, 1890-January 23, 1975), mountaineer, surgeon, and medical missionary, also was a key player in the 1924 expedition-as well as the 1922 Everest expedition where he was a member of the first ever team of climbers to break the 8000-m barrier. More commonly known as Howard or T.

An advanced light scattering apparatus for investigating soft matter onboard the International Space Station.

Colloidal solids (COLIS) is a state-of-the-art light scattering setup developed for experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS). COLIS allows for probing the structure and dynamics of soft matter systems on a wide range of length scales, from a few nm to tens of microns, and on time scales from 100 ns to tens of hours. In addition to conventional static and dynamic light scattering, COLIS includes depolarized dynamic light scattering, a small-angle camera, photon correlation imaging, and optical manipulation of thermosensitive samples through an auxiliary near-infrared laser beam, thereby providing a unique platform for probing soft matter systems.

Introduction to immunology and immune disorders.

The body has a collection of physical barriers to prevent infection, but once these are overcome, we rely on our immune systems to protect us against a wide variety of infections. The complex mechanisms through which this is achieved are grouped into two lines of defense called the "innate" and "adaptive" immune systems. The innate immune system provides a rapid and tailored response to infection or injury often associated with inflammation.

Analytical and clinical performance of eight Simoa and Lumipulse assays for automated measurement of plasma p-tau181 and p-tau217.

Background: Among the Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers measured in blood, phosphorylated forms of tau (p-tau) have been shown to exhibit a particularly high diagnostic potential. Here, we performed a comprehensive method comparison study, followed by evaluation of the diagnostic performance of eight recent plasma p-tau immunoassays targeting different tau phosphorylation sites, different tau fragments, and that are measured by two distinct platforms.

Methods: We enrolled a cohort of 40 patients with AD at the stage of dementia (AD-dem) characterized by positive CSF A + T + profile, and a control group of 40 cognitively healthy participants (Control), to conduct a comprehensive method comparison for three plasma p-tau181 and five plasma p-tau217 assays run on the Simoa HD-X™ or Lumipulse G600II/G1200 platforms.

Comparative 3D finite element analysis of intramedullary fixation versus locking plate fixation in calcaneal fractures using micro-CT image technology.

Objective: Calcaneal fracture fixation remains a challenging procedure in orthopedics, with computational tools increasingly aiding in the optimization of preoperative planning. To compare the biomechanical stability of intramedullary fixation and locking plate fixation for Sanders II and III calcaneal fractures by three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical application.

Methods: The Computed Tomography (CT) images were segmented using Mimics software (Materialise NV, Belgium) to identify the region of interest based on threshold segmentation.

Measurement properties of shear wave elastography for evaluating rotator cuff muscle stiffness: a systematic review.

Background: Literature assessing elasticity in rotator cuff (RC) muscles with shear wave elastography (SWE) is growing but little is known about the overall measurement properties. However, this information is crucial before implementation in research or practice. The objective of this review was first, to systematically investigate the evidence regarding reliability and validity of rotator cuff (RC) muscles shear wave elastography (SWE).

Complexity demands more flexibility and the prefrontal cortex has an answer.

Cognitive flexibility allows us to adapt our behavior to keep up with a changing environment. In this issue of Neuron, Mugan and colleagues manipulate the complexity of an environment to demonstrate how the medial prefrontal cortex controls a cognitive flexibility circuit featuring the dorsolateral striatum and hippocampus.

Long-Term Follow-Up and Overall Survival in NRG258, a Randomized Phase III Trial of Chemoradiation Versus Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma.

This randomized phase III trial aimed to determine whether treatment with cisplatin and volume-directed radiation followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel for four cycles (chemoradiotherapy [C-RT]) increased recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) when compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel for six cycles (chemotherapy [CT]) in locally advanced endometrial cancer (UC). Previously reported results showed that C-RT did not improve RFS compared with CT. Here we report the final OS analysis.

In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics of percutaneously injected ultrasound and X-ray imageable thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with doxorubicin versus free drug in swine.

Intratumoral injections often lack visibility, leading to unpredictable outcomes such as incomplete tumor coverage, off-target drug delivery and systemic toxicities. This study investigated an ultrasound (US) and x-ray imageable thermosensitive hydrogel based on poloxamer 407 (POL) percutaneously delivered in a healthy swine model. The primary objective was to assess the 2D and 3D distribution of the hydrogel within tissue across three different needle devices and injection sites: liver, kidney, and intercostal muscle region.

Neovascularization restructuring patterns in diabetic patients with coronary in stent restenosis: an in-vivo optical coherence tomography study.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of in stent restenosis (ISR). Neovascularization (NV) is considered as a unique pathophysiology factor of ISR in diabetic patients. However, the restructuring patterns of in vivo human coronary NV and their relationship with ISR, especially in diabetic patients remain unclear.

International society of sports nutrition position stand: β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB).

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) bases the following position stand on an analysis of the literature regarding the effects of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB). The following 12 points have been approved by the Research Committee of the Society: 1. HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine that is naturally produced in both humans and other animals.

Luteinizing hormone profiles during ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive treatment.

Introduction: Few data is available on the natural course of luteinizing hormone (LH) during ovarian stimulation, but it has been suggested that 'oversuppressed' LH could decrease fertility outcomes. Our aim with this study is to evaluate the changes in LH depending on the used stimulation protocol to better define LH oversuppressioin.

Methods: Patients undergoing oocyte retrieval in a tertiary fertility center between 01-01-2015 and 30-09-2020 after stimulation with a short-agonist (SA) or antagonist (A) protocol were included.

A study of impulsivity and adverse childhood experiences in a population health setting.

As complex mental health traits and life histories are often poorly captured in hospital systems, the utility of using the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for assessing adult disease risks is unknown. Here, we use participants from the Healthy Nevada Project (HNP) to determine if two standard self-assessments could predict the incidence and onset of disease. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving adult participants who completed the Behavioral and Mental Health Self-Assessment (HDSA) between September 2018 and March 2024.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Work Absence: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Workers.

Objectives: Compare SARS-CoV-2 infection and work absence rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated employees during a two-year pandemic period.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with 2,107 participants. Primary outcome: total days missed; main exposure: vaccination status.

Sparstolonin B potentiates the antitumor activity of nanovesicle-loaded drugs by suppressing the phagocytosis of macrophages in vivo.

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and extruded nanovesicles (ENVs) are promising nanovesicles (NVs) for drug delivery. However, the application of these NVs is strongly hindered by their short half-life in the circulation. Macrophages (Mφs) in the liver and spleen contribute to the rapid depletion of NVs, but the underlying mechanism is unclear.

Development and evaluation of a single domain antibody targeting folate receptor alpha for radioligand therapy.

Background: Folate receptor alpha (FRα) overexpression is seen in many cancers. Radioligand therapy (RLT) has emerged as a promising tool to target FRα and has been investigated previously, but further progression was limited due to high kidney retention and, subsequently, toxicity. To circumvent this, we present here the development of a [I]I-GMIB-conjugated anti-human FRα (hFRα) single-domain antibody (sdAb), with intrinsically fast renal clearance and concomitant low kidney retention.

Functional limitations and firearm purchases among low-income U.S. military veterans.

Objectives: Functional limitations may be associated with firearm ownership among veterans by amplifying perceptions of vulnerability and the need for security, yet their role remains underexplored despite emerging research on health-related factors influencing firearm acquisition in this group. This study examines the relationship between the number of functional limitations and recent firearm purchasing among a sample of low-income US military veterans.

Methods: Data are from the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) study, which surveyed US veterans in households under 300% of the US federal poverty level.

Are urban residents seeking appropriate care for malaria? evidence from an exploratory qualitative study in two cities in nigeria.

Background: Unplanned and rapid urbanization within Nigerian cities with the attendant environmental consequences may hinder achieving malaria elimination goal. Presently, there are limited qualitative studies on malaria case management and care-seeking patterns by settlement type in urban areas in Nigeria. This study, investigated malaria-related health seeking behaviours among different settlement types in Ibadan and Kano metropolises, Nigeria.

Efficacy and safety of a non-immersive virtual reality-based neuropsychological intervention for cognitive stimulation and relaxation in patients with critical illness: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial (RGS-ICU).

Background: Experiencing a critical illness may be a stressful life event that is also associated with cognitive dysfunction during and after the intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A deep-tech solution based on non-immersive virtual reality, gamification and motion capture called Rehabilitation Gaming System for Intensive Care Units (RGS-ICU) has been developed that includes both cognitive stimulation and relaxation protocols specifically designed for patients with critical illness. This study aims to evaluate whether the cognitive and relaxation protocols of the RGS-ICU platform are 1) effective in improving neuropsychological outcomes during and after ICU stay and 2) safe for patients with critical illness.