Exact solutions and superposition rules for Hamiltonian systems generalizing stochastic SIS epidemic models with variable infection rates

Using the theory of Lie-Hamilton systems, formal generalized stochastic Hamiltonian systems that enlarge a recently proposed stochastic SIS epidemic model with a variable infection rate are considered. It is shown that, independently on the particular interpretation of the time-dependent coefficients, these systems generally admit an exact solution, up to the case of the maximal extension within the classification of Lie-Hamilton systems, for which a superposition rule is constructed. The method provides the algebraic frame to which any SIS epidemic model that preserves the above mentioned properties is subjected. In particular, we obtain exact solutions for generalized SIS Hamitonian models based on the book and oscillator algebras, denoted respectively by $\mathfrak{b}_2$ and $\mathfrak{h}_4$. The last generalization corresponds to a SIS system possessing the so-called two-photon algebra symmetry $\mathfrak{h}_6$, according to the embedding chain $\mathfrak{b}_2\subset \mathfrak{h}_4\subset \mathfrak{h}_6$, for which an exact solution cannot generally be found, but a nonlinear superposition rule is explicitly given.Comment: 24 page

Poisson-Hopf algebra deformations of Lie-Hamilton systems

Hopf algebra deformations are merged with a class of Lie systems of Hamiltonian type, the so-called Lie-Hamilton systems, to devise a novel formalism: the Poisson-Hopf algebra deformations of Lie-Hamilton systems. This approach applies to any Hopf algebra deformation of any Lie-Hamilton system. Remarkably, a Hopf algebra deformation transforms a Lie-Hamilton system, whose dynamic is governed by a finite-dimensional Lie algebra of functions, into a non-Lie-Hamilton system associated with a Poisson-Hopf algebra of functions that allows for the explicit description of its t-independent constants of the motion from deformed Casimir functions. We illustrate our approach by considering the Poisson-Hopf algebra analogue of the non-standard quantum deformation of sl(2) and its applications to deform well-known Lie-Hamilton systems describing oscillator systems, Milne-Pinney equations, and several types of Riccati equations. In particular, we obtain a new position-dependent mass oscillator system with a time-dependent frequency

Mechanical and biological evaluation of 3D printed 10CeTZP-Al2O3 structures

Three-dimensional structures were robocasted from a 10 mol% ceria-stabilized zirconia and alumina composite (10CeTZP-AlO). A hydrogel-based printable ink was developed using a unique non-ionic copolymer surfactant. Self-supporting and free-standing structures, including round lattices with interconnected pores (200–600 μm pores; 30–50% porosity), rectangular bars (95% density on average) and cones were successfully printed. The round lattices of 200 μm pores and 30% porosity showed compression strengths similar to those of cortical bone, reaching almost 200 MPa. The maximum flexural strength value attained for the rectangular bars was 575 MPa. In vitro biological studies demonstrated that the samples allow for practically 100% cell viability, confirming their non-cytotoxic nature. Cell differentiation tests were performed using osteoblasts incubated for 7 days in supplemented cell culture medium. Quantification of specific osseous differentiation genes showed that the robocasted structures induced a higher degree of osseous differentiation than tissue culture polystyrene.This research has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) and the Spanish Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) under the Project MAT2012-38645. Likewise, the work was partially carried out within the framework of the Regulation of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 9 April 2010 No. 220 (Agreement No. 14.B25.31.0012 dated 26 June 2013). Lidia Goyos-Ball acknowledges financial support from the JAE-PREDOC program (CSIC). Esther García-Tuñón and Eduardo Saiz would like to acknowledge the EPSRC Grant graphene 3D networks (EP/K01658X/1).Peer Reviewe

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Clustering schizophrenia genes by their temporal expression patterns aids functional interpretation

Background Schizophrenia is a highly heritable brain disorder with a typical symptom onset in early adulthood. The 2-hit hypothesis posits that schizophrenia results from differential early neurodevelopment, predisposing an individual, followed by a disruption of later brain maturational processes that trigger the onset of symptoms. Study design We applied hierarchical clustering to transcription levels of 345 genes previously linked to schizophrenia, derived from cortical tissue samples from 56 donors across the lifespan. We subsequently calculated clustered-specific polygenic risk scores for 743 individuals with schizophrenia and 743 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Study results Clustering revealed a set of 183 genes that was significantly upregulated prenatally and downregulated postnatally and 162 genes that showed the opposite pattern. The prenatally upregulated set of genes was functionally annotated to fundamental cell cycle processes, while the postnatally upregulated set was associated with the immune system and neuronal communication. We found an interaction between the 2 scores; higher prenatal polygenic risk showed a stronger association with schizophrenia diagnosis at higher levels of postnatal polygenic risk. Importantly, this finding was replicated in an independent clinical cohort of 3233 individuals. Conclusions We provide genetics-based evidence that schizophrenia is shaped by disruptions of separable biological processes acting at distinct phases of neurodevelopment. The modeling of genetic risk factors that moderate each other’s effect, informed by the timing of their expression, will aid in a better understanding of the development of schizophrenia

Insulin regulates astrocytic glucose handling through cooperation with IGF-I

Brain activity requires a flux of glucose to active regions to sustain increased metabolic demands. Insulin, the main regulator of glucose handling in the body, has been traditionally considered not to intervene in this process. However, we now report that insulin modulates brain glucose metabolism by acting on astrocytes in concert with IGF-I. The cooperation of insulin and IGF-I is needed to recover neuronal activity after hypoglycemia. Analysis of underlying mechanisms show that the combined action of IGF-I and insulin synergistically stimulates a mitogen-activated protein kinase/protein kinase D pathway resulting in translocation of GLUT1 to the cell membrane through multiple protein-protein interactions involving the scaffolding protein GAIP-interacting protein C terminus and the GTPase RAC1. Our observations identify insulin-like peptides as physiological modulators of brain glucose handling, providing further support to consider the brain as a target organ in diabetes.This work was funded by MINECO (Spain) grants SAF2010-60051 and SAF2013-40710-R, and by CIBERNED. E.H.-G. was partially funded by a fellowship from ColFuturo and CIBERNED. T.I. is funded by MINECO (SAF2014-52737-P). T.I. and I.T.A. are funded by CIBERNED and Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (P2010/BMD-2331-Neurodegmodels).Peer reviewe

Comparative effectiveness of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant vs fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab in highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Importance Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) is available for treatment of highly active multiple sclerosis (MS).Objective To compare the effectiveness of AHSCT vs fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting MS by emulating pairwise trials.Design, Setting, and Participants This comparative treatment effectiveness study included 6 specialist MS centers with AHSCT programs and international MSBase registry between 2006 and 2021. The study included patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with AHSCT, fingolimod, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab with 2 or more years study follow-up including 2 or more disability assessments. Patients were matched on a propensity score derived from clinical and demographic characteristics.Exposure AHSCT vs fingolimod, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab.Main outcomes Pairwise-censored groups were compared on annualized relapse rates (ARR) and freedom from relapses and 6-month confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score worsening and improvement.Results Of 4915 individuals, 167 were treated with AHSCT; 2558, fingolimod; 1490, natalizumab; and 700, ocrelizumab. The prematch AHSCT cohort was younger and with greater disability than the fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab cohorts; the matched groups were closely aligned. The proportion of women ranged from 65% to 70%, and the mean (SD) age ranged from 35.3 (9.4) to 37.1 (10.6) years. The mean (SD) disease duration ranged from 7.9 (5.6) to 8.7 (5.4) years, EDSS score ranged from 3.5 (1.6) to 3.9 (1.9), and frequency of relapses ranged from 0.77 (0.94) to 0.86 (0.89) in the preceding year. Compared with the fingolimod group (769 [30.0%]), AHSCT (144 [86.2%]) was associated with fewer relapses (ARR: mean [SD], 0.09 [0.30] vs 0.20 [0.44]), similar risk of disability worsening (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% CI, 0.91-3.17), and higher chance of disability improvement (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.71-4.26) over 5 years. Compared with natalizumab (730 [49.0%]), AHSCT (146 [87.4%]) was associated with marginally lower ARR (mean [SD], 0.08 [0.31] vs 0.10 [0.34]), similar risk of disability worsening (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.54-2.09), and higher chance of disability improvement (HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.72-4.18) over 5 years. AHSCT (110 [65.9%]) and ocrelizumab (343 [49.0%]) were associated with similar ARR (mean [SD], 0.09 [0.34] vs 0.06 [0.32]), disability worsening (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.61-5.08), and disability improvement (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.66-2.82) over 3 years. AHSCT-related mortality occurred in 1 of 159 patients (0.6%).Conclusion In this study, the association of AHSCT with preventing relapses and facilitating recovery from disability was considerably superior to fingolimod and marginally superior to natalizumab. This study did not find evidence for difference in the effectiveness of AHSCT and ocrelizumab over a shorter available follow-up time

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licenseBackground: 80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality. Methods: This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70–8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39–8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11–3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26–11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08–7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications. Interpretation: Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit