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Sterile-neutrino search based on 259 days of KATRIN data
Get PDFNeutrinos are the most abundant fundamental matter particles in the Universe and play a crucial part in particle physics and cosmology. Neutrino oscillation, discovered about 25 years ago, shows that the three known species mix with each other. Anomalous results from reactor and radioactive-source experiments1 suggest a possible fourth neutrino state, the sterile neutrino, which does not interact through the weak force. The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment2, primarily designed to measure the neutrino mass using tritium β-decay, also searches for sterile neutrinos suggested by these anomalies. A sterile-neutrino signal would appear as a distortion in the β-decay energy spectrum, characterized by a discontinuity in curvature (kink) related to the sterile-neutrino mass. This signature, which depends only on the shape of the spectrum rather than its absolute normalization, offers a robust, complementary approach to reactor experiments. Here we report the analysis of the energy spectrum of 36 million tritium β-decay electrons recorded in 259 measurement days within the last 40 eV below the endpoint. The results exclude a substantial part of the parameter space suggested by the gallium anomaly and challenge the Neutrino-4 claim. Together with other neutrino-disappearance experiments, KATRIN probes sterile-to-active mass splittings from a fraction of an eV2 to several hundred eV2, excluding light sterile neutrinos with mixing angles above a few per cent
Characterizing Cancer‐Related Cognitive Impairment Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Comparison to Individuals Without Cancer
Get PDFBackground Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has received little attention among adolescent and young adult (AYA; 18–39 years of age) cancer survivors. The goal of this study was to evaluate differences in objective and subjective cognitive performance and quality of life between AYA survivors and individuals without a cancer history.
Methods AYA cancer survivors were recruited from clinic databases, and noncancer controls were identified through Research Match. Objective cognitive performance was measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Connect Automated Battery which assessed attention, executive functioning, and memory. Participants completed questionnaires on PROMIS measures of subjective cognition and quality of life (QOL). Mean differences were evaluated using ANCOVAs, independent of age and education.
Results The sample included 88 AYA survivors and 96 noncancer controls (NC). The AYA survivors were older (MAYA = 34.1, MNC = 28.8, p < 0.001) and less likely to have a college education (% AYA = 67.0, % NC = 79.2, p = 0.063). The AYA group averaged almost 4 years since the end of treatment, and the majority were lymphoma/leukemia survivors (27%), followed by breast cancer survivors (14%). On objective tests of cognition, there was a trend (p = 0.061) for lower performance in attention among AYA survivors (d = 0.11), but no differences were observed for executive functioning (d = 0.03) or memory (d = 0.03). AYA survivors rated their cognition as worse than the NC group on PROMIS measures of subjective cognitive function (d = 0.69) and cognitive function abilities (d = 0.57; p < 0.001). Significant group differences were seen on multiple PROMIS QOL measures (d ranging from 0.32 to 0.77), all in favor of the NC group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions Results indicated that AYA survivors performed similarly on measures of objective cognitive performance, despite reporting worse subjective cognitive functioning and poorer quality of life. Further research is needed to address the disconnect between objective and subjective cognitive performance among AYA cancer survivors
Salience network segregation and symptom profiles in psychosis risk subgroups among youth and early adults
Get PDFUnderstanding neurobiological similarities among individuals with psychosis risk symptoms can improve early identification and intervention strategies. We aimed to (i) identify neurobiologically similar psychosis risk subgroups by integrating resting-state functional connectivity and psychosis risk symptom data and (ii) discern discriminating symptom profiles and brain connectivity patterns in the identified sub-groups. Our sample (N = 922) was extracted from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, a community group of individuals aged 12–21 years, with fMRI and self-reported psychopathology data. Analyses were conducted separately for youth and early adults. We constructed a two-layer network using pair-wise similarity distances between participants based on resting-state fMRI and psychosis risk symptoms measured with the PRIME screen. We then performed community detection via a multiplex stochastic block model to identify subject clusters. We identified 2 blocks or communities for both the youth (n = 458 and 179) and early adult (n = 173 and 112) groups. Connection parameter estimates of the neuroimaging layer were nearly identical between blocks for both age groups whereas there was significant variation for the symptom layer. Psychopathology symptom and brain system segregation profiles were consistent across age groups. The youth block (n = 458) with higher salience network segregation values had higher mean psychosis risk symptom scores while the early adult block (n = 173) with lower salience network segregation had higher mean psychosis risk symptom scores. By integrating global similarities in brain connectivity and psychosis risk symptoms, we identified distinct subgroups. These groups exhibit different symptom profiles and network segregation in youth and early adults, suggesting variations in developmental paths for psychosis spectrum
Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV in Adults: 2024 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society–USA Panel
Get PDFNew data and new antiretroviral drugs and formulations continue to become available for the prevention and management of HIV infection. To provide updated recommendations for HIV treatment and clinical management and HIV prevention. A panel of volunteer expert physician scientists were appointed to provide updated consensus recommendations for 2024. Relevant evidence in the literature since the last report was identified from PubMed and Embase searches (which initially yielded 3998 unique citations, of which 249 were considered relevant); from ongoing monitoring of the literature by the panel members; from data submitted by product manufacturers; and from studies presented at peer-reviewed scientific conferences between June 2022 and October 2024. Antiretroviral therapy continues to be recommended for all individuals with HIV. For most people with HIV, initial regimens composed of an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI), specifically bictegravir or dolutegravir, with 2 (and in some cases 1) nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors are recommended. Recommendations are made for those with particular clinical circumstances, such as pregnancy and active opportunistic diseases, as well as for those unable to take InSTIs. Regimens may need to be changed for virologic failure, adverse effects, convenience, or cost, among other reasons. Long-acting injectable therapy is available for those who prefer not to take daily oral medications and for people struggling with adherence to daily therapy. Recommendations are provided for laboratory monitoring, management of substance use disorders and weight changes, as well as use of statins for cardiovascular disease prevention. For HIV prevention, oral (daily or intermittent) and injectable long-acting medications are effective options for people at increased likelihood of HIV exposure. Further, new tools for maintaining health and well-being among people with HIV, such as doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis to avert sexually transmitted infection, and strategies to treat substance use disorders, are recommended. Disparities in HIV acquisition and care access are discussed and solutions proposed. New approaches for treating and preventing HIV offer additional tools to help end the HIV epidemic, but achieving this goal depends on addressing disparities and inequities in access to care
Targeting MAO-B with Small-Molecule Inhibitors: A Decade of Advances in Anticancer Research (2012–2024)
Get PDFMonoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is a key enzyme in the mitochondrial outer membrane, pivotal for the oxidative deamination of biogenic amines. Its overexpression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers, including glioblastoma and colorectal, lung, renal, and bladder cancers, primarily through the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inhibition of MAO-B impedes cell proliferation, making it a potential therapeutic target. Various monoamine oxidase B inhibitors have shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis across different cancer types. In this review, we investigate MAO-B network biology, which highlighted glycolysis pathways as notable links between MAO-B and cancer. Further molecular modeling analysis illustrated the basis of MAO-B ligand binding, revealing a hydrophobic binding pocket, with key residues such as Tyr398 and Tyr435 playing crucial roles in substrate oxidation. MAO-B inhibitors that were reportsed in the literature (2012–2024) and their potential application in cancer therapy were discussed, highlighting key molecular scaffolds, such as propargyl analogs of phenyl alkyl amines, hydrazine derivatives, cyclopropylamine derivatives, MAO-B activated pro-drugs, and natural phenylpropanoid derivatives. The reported literature underscores the therapeutic potential of MAO-B inhibitors as versatile anticancer agents, warranting further investigation to optimize their efficacy and specificity across various malignancies
Chronic enrichment affects nitrogen removal in tidal freshwater river and estuarine creek sediments
Get PDFPopulation growth in coastal areas increases nitrogen inputs to receiving waterways and degrades water quality. Wetland habitats, including floodplain forests and marshes, can be effective nitrogen sinks; however, little is known about the effects of chronic point source nutrient enrichment on sediment nitrogen removal in tidally influenced coastal systems. This study characterizes enrichment patterns in two tidal systems affected by wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) effluent and assesses the impact on habitat nitrogen removal via denitrification. We collected intact sediment cores from prevalent habitats in a tidal freshwater river (TFZ; swamp forest) and a tidal estuarine creek system (EST; salt marsh) upstream and downstream of a WWTF outfall, and quantified dissolved gas fluxes across the sediment-water interface during wet conditions in early summer and dry conditions in late summer. Data collected during two synoptic water quality monitoring campaigns complimented laboratory experiments to provide environmental context for biogeochemical processing. The two systems exhibited different enrichment patterns such that the river-dominated TFZ system was characterized by consistently elevated nitrate + nitrite concentrations downstream of the WWTF, whereas precipitation and tidal influence affected nutrient distributions in the EST creek. Downstream sediments in TFZ exhibit an apparent saturation response, while upstream rates may be limited by other factors, such as labile organic matter availability. In contrast, downstream sediments in EST denitrify at higher rates than upstream during wet conditions that may enhance transport of effluent. This work provides information on ecosystem functioning in human-influenced environments and can be of use in developing nature-based solutions, such as water treatment wetlands, for nitrogen removal
The Gendered Nature of Leader Behaviors: Navigating Stereotype Threat From Conservation of Resources and Gender Role Perspectives
Get PDFPrevious research has highlighted the benefits followers gain from their leaders' initiating structure and consideration. Adopting a leader-centric perspective, we propose that leaders' gender influences the impact of these behaviors for leaders themselves. Drawing from conservation of resources and gender role theories, we explain why gender-role-inconsistent leader behaviors (behaviors that go against gender stereotypes, such as initiating structure for women and consideration for men) is detrimental, while engaging in gender-role-consistent leader behaviors (such as initiating structure for men and consideration for women) is beneficial. We further theorize that follower support mitigates the negative effects of gender-role-inconsistent behaviors. We tested our hypotheses across four studies-an experience sampling field study (Study 1) and three experiments (Studies 2 through 4). Study 1 revealed initiating structure for women leaders elicited gender stereotype threat, which depleted women leaders. This resulted in increased work withdrawal and reduced initiating structure and consideration the next day. Study 1 also showed that initiating structure and consideration increased both men and women leaders' perceived leader effectiveness, which, in turn, increased their work engagement, further increasing their initiating structure and consideration the next day. Study 2 replicated these results, and Studies 3 and 4 showed that follower support mitigated the depletion effects of gender stereotype threat by initiating structure for women leaders. Our research highlights the benefits and detriments of leader behaviors and identifies how followers can alleviate the costs associated with initiating structure for women leaders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
South Korea’s healthcare expenditure: a comprehensive study of public and private spending across health conditions, demographics, and payer types (2011–2020)
Get PDFBackground South Korea has witnessed a rapid increase in health expenditure, reaching USD 135 billion in 2021 and accounting for 9.3% of its GDP, surpassing the OECD average. Despite achieving universal health coverage, significant gaps remain in service coverage, leading to high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses that expose households to financial burdens. Methods This study examines healthcare spending in South Korea from 2011 to 2020 using national datasets, focusing on expenditures across two primary payer categories: public insurance and OOP payments. Data were stratified by health condition, age group, sex, type of care, and income level. A combination of the National Health Insurance (NHI) dataset and the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHPS) was used to estimate total health expenditures, with multiple imputation methods applied to address data gaps. Findings Healthcare expenditure in South Korea rose significantly from 76.9 billion in 2020, placing an increasing economic burden on the system. Public health insurance spending grew at an annual rate of 5.1%, while OOP expenses rose by 5.0% for covered services and 6.7% for uncovered services. Despite a shift toward greater public funding—with public expenditure comprising 64.4% of total spending in 2020—OOP payments still accounted for 35.6%, remaining above the OECD average. Individuals aged 60 and above contributed to 51.3% of total expenditures. Gender disparities emerged, especially in high-cost areas like obstetrics and gynecology, where women incurred higher OOP costs. Additionally, uncovered services experienced significant spending growth across all income levels, with major cost contributors including musculoskeletal disorders, urinary tract disorders, and chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Interpretation This study highlights the need for targeted healthcare policies in South Korea to address rising costs and persistent inequalities. High OOP expenses disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, especially women and the elderly, while uncovered medical costs are growing across income levels, straining households. Conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, and diabetes, along with gender-specific costs such as obstetric care, emphasize access inequities. Uncovered OOP expenses are rising faster than covered services, particularly among older adults. Addressing these issues requires policies to ease financial burdens and ensure equitable healthcare access. Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors
Quantifying the Relative Importance of Sand Deposition and Dune Grasses to Carbon Storage in US Central Atlantic Coast Dunes
Get PDFCoastal ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses sequester large amounts of carbon per unit area due to their high productivity and sediment accumulation rates. However, only a handful of studies have examined carbon sequestration in coastal dunes, which are shaped by biophysical feedback between aeolian sediment transport and burial-tolerant vegetation. The goal of this study was to measure carbon storage and identify the factors that influence its variability along the foredunes of the US Outer Banks barrier islands of North Carolina. Specifically, differences in carbon stocks (above- and belowground biomass and sand), dune grass abundance, and sand supply were measured among islands, cross-shore dune profile locations, and dune grass species. Carbon varied among aboveground grass biomass (0.1 ± 0.1 kg C m−2), belowground grass biomass (1.1 ± 1.6 kg C m−3), and sand (0.9 ± 0.6 kg C m−3), with the largest amount in belowground grass stocks. Aboveground grass carbon stocks were comparable to those in eelgrass beds and salt marshes on a per-area basis, while sediment carbon values in our study system were lower than those in other coastal systems, including other dune locations. Additionally, sand carbon density was positively related to patterns in dune sand supply and grass abundance, reflecting a self-reinforcing vegetation-sediment feedback at both high and low sand accumulation rates
Abi Fortner - Carolina Blue Honors Fellow 2024
No full textAn overview of my time in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia from May-July 2024 working with Kilsyth Basketball on media, communications, and operations