Algorithmic construction of Lyapunov functions for continuous vector fields via convex semi-infinite programs

This article presents a novel numerically tractable technique for synthesizing Lyapunov functions for equilibria of nonlinear vector fields. In broad strokes, corresponding to an isolated equilibrium point of a given vector field, a selection is made of a compact neighborhood of the equilibrium and a dictionary of functions in which a Lyapunov function is expected to lie. Then an algorithmic procedure based on the recent work [DACC22] is deployed on the preceding neighborhood-dictionary pair and charged with the task of finding a function satisfying a compact family of inequalities that defines the behavior of a Lyapunov function on the selected neighborhood. The technique applies to continuous nonlinear vector fields without special algebraic structures and does not even require their analytical expressions to proceed. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate our results.Comment: 26 pages. Submitte

Forgotten Clientele: A Systematic Review of Patient-Centered Pathology Reports

CONTEXT: Patient portals, designed to give ready access to medical records, have led to important improvements in patient care. However, there is a downside: much of the information available on portals is not designed for lay people. Pathology reports are no exception. Access to complex reports often leaves patients confused, concerned and stressed. We conducted a systematic review to explore recommendations and guidelines designed to promote a patient centered approach to pathology reporting. DESIGN: In consultation with a research librarian, a search strategy was developed to identify literature regarding patient-centered pathology reports (PCPR). Terms such as pathology reports, patient-centered, and lay-terms were used. The PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched during the first quarter of 2023. Studies were included if they were original research and in English, without date restrictions. RESULTS: Of 1,053 articles identified, 17 underwent a full-text review. Only 5 studies (≈0.5%) met eligibility criteria: two randomized trials; two qualitative studies; a patient survey of perceived utility of potential interventions. A major theme that emerged from the patient survey/qualitative studies is the need for pathology reports to be in simple, non-medical language. Major themes of the quantitative studies were that patients preferred PCPRs, and patients who received PCPRs knew and recalled their cancer stage/grade better than the control group. CONCLUSION: Pathology reports play a vital role in the decision-making process for patient care. Yet, they are beyond the comprehension of most patients. No framework or guidelines exist for generating reports that deploy accessible language. PCPRs should be a focus of future interventions to improve patient care

SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal the wide range of the humoral immune response to virus.

Development of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n = 115) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma at up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which were also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also possessed NAbs against SARS-CoV Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines

Forgotten clientele: A systematic review of patient-centered pathology reports.

ContextPatient portals, designed to give ready access to medical records, have led to important improvements in patient care. However, there is a downside: much of the information available on portals is not designed for lay people. Pathology reports are no exception. Access to complex reports often leaves patients confused, concerned and stressed. We conducted a systematic review to explore recommendations and guidelines designed to promote a patient centered approach to pathology reporting.DesignIn consultation with a research librarian, a search strategy was developed to identify literature regarding patient-centered pathology reports (PCPR). Terms such as "pathology reports," "patient-centered," and "lay-terms" were used. The PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched during the first quarter of 2023. Studies were included if they were original research and in English, without date restrictions.ResultsOf 1,053 articles identified, 17 underwent a full-text review. Only 5 studies (≈0.5%) met eligibility criteria: two randomized trials; two qualitative studies; a patient survey of perceived utility of potential interventions. A major theme that emerged from the patient survey/qualitative studies is the need for pathology reports to be in simple, non-medical language. Major themes of the quantitative studies were that patients preferred PCPRs, and patients who received PCPRs knew and recalled their cancer stage/grade better than the control group.ConclusionPathology reports play a vital role in the decision-making process for patient care. Yet, they are beyond the comprehension of most patients. No framework or guidelines exist for generating reports that deploy accessible language. PCPRs should be a focus of future interventions to improve patient care