ABSTRACT We use the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) archive of ultraviolet (UV) quasar spectroscopy to conduct the first blind survey for damped Ly absorbers (DLAs) at low redshift ( ). Our statistical ...sample includes 463 quasars with spectral coverage spanning a total redshift path or an absorption path . Within this survey path, we identify 4 DLAs defined as absorbers with H i column density cm−2, which implies an incidence per absorption length at a median survey path redshift of z = 0.623. While our estimate of is lower than earlier estimates at from H i 21 cm emission studies, the results are consistent within the measurement uncertainties. Our data set is too small to properly sample the frequency distribution function , but the observed distribution agrees with previous estimates at . Adopting the shape of , we infer an H i mass density at of . This is significantly lower than previous estimates from targeted DLA surveys with the HST, but consistent with results from low-z H i 21 cm observations, and suggests that the neutral gas density of the universe has been decreasing over the past 10 Gyr.
Abstract
Project AMIGA (Absorption Maps In the Gas of Andromeda) is a survey of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of Andromeda (M31,
≃ 300 kpc) along 43 QSO sightlines at impact parameters 25 ≤
R
... ≤ 569 kpc (25 at
R
≲
). We use ultraviolet absorption measurements of Si
ii
, Si
iii
, Si
iv
, C
ii
, and C
iv
from the Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and O
vi
from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer to provide an unparalleled look at how the physical conditions and metals are distributed in the CGM of M31. We find that Si
iii
and O
vi
have a covering factor near unity for
R
≲ 1.2
and ≲1.9
, respectively, demonstrating that M31 has a very extended ∼10
4
–10
5.5
K ionized CGM. The metal and baryon masses of the 10
4
–10
5.5
K CGM gas within
are ≳10
8
and ≳4 × 10
10
(
Z
/0.3
Z
⊙
)
−1
M
⊙
, respectively. There is not much azimuthal variation in the column densities or kinematics, but there is with
R
. The CGM gas at
R
≲ 0.5
is more dynamic and has more complicated, multiphase structures than at larger radii, perhaps a result of more direct impact of galactic feedback in the inner regions of the CGM. Several absorbers are projected spatially and kinematically close to M31 dwarf satellites, but we show that those are unlikely to give rise to the observed absorption. Cosmological zoom simulations of ∼
L
* galaxies have O
vi
extending well beyond
as observed for M31 but do not reproduce well the radial column density profiles of the lower ions. However, some similar trends are also observed, such as the lower ions showing a larger dispersion in column density and stronger dependence on
R
than higher ions. Based on our findings, it is likely that the Milky Way has a ∼10
4
–10
5.5
K CGM as extended as for M31 and their CGM (especially the warm–hot gas probed by O
vi
) are overlapping.
A vascular anastomosis is a critical surgical skill that involves connecting blood vessels. Traditional handsewn techniques can be challenging and resource intensive. To address these issues, we have ...developed a unique sutureless anastomotic device called Vaso-Lock. This intraluminal device connects free vascular ends using anchors to maintain traction and enable a rapid anastomosis. We tested the anastomotic capability of Vaso-Locks in a pig common carotid-internal jugular arteriovenous model. The use of Vaso-Lock allowed us to accomplish this procedure in less than 10 min, in contrast to the approximately 40 min required for a handsewn anastomosis. The Vaso-Lock effectively maintained patency for at least 6 weeks without causing significant tissue damage. Histological analysis revealed that the device was successfully incorporated into the arterial wall, promoting a natural healing process. Additionally, organ evaluations indicated no adverse effects from using the Vaso-Lock. Our findings support the safety and effectiveness of the Vaso-Lock for arteriovenous anastomosis in pigs, with potential applicability for translation to humans. Our novel sutureless device has the potential to advance surgical practice and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract
The baryonic Tully–Fisher relation (BTFR) has applications in galaxy evolution as a test bed for the galaxy–halo connection and in observational cosmology as a redshift-independent secondary ...distance indicator. This analysis leverages the 31,000+ galaxy Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (Arecibo
L
-band Feed Array) Survey (ALFALFA) sample—which provides redshifts, velocity widths, and H
i
content for a large number of gas-bearing galaxies in the local universe—to fit and test an extensive local universe BTFR. The fiducial relation is fit using a 3000-galaxy subsample of ALFALFA, and is shown to be consistent with the full sample. This BTFR is designed to be as inclusive of ALFALFA and comparable samples as possible. Velocity widths measured via an automated method and
M
b
proxies extracted from survey data can be uniformly and efficiently measured for other samples, giving this analysis broad applicability. We also investigate the role of sample demographics in determining the best-fit relation. We find that the best-fit relations are changed significantly by changes to the sample mass range and to second order by changes to mass sampling, gas fraction, different stellar mass and velocity width measurements. We use a subset of ALFALFA with demographics that reflect the full sample to measure a robust BTFR slope of 3.30 ± 0.06. We apply this relation and estimate source distances, finding general agreement with flow-model distances as well as average distance uncertainties of ∼0.17 dex for the full ALFALFA sample. We demonstrate the utility of these distance estimates by applying them to a sample of sources in the Virgo vicinity, recovering signatures of infall consistent with previous work.
Abstract
The bimodal absorption system imaging campaign (BASIC) aims to characterize the galaxy environments of a sample of 36 H
i
-selected partial Lyman limit systems (pLLSs) and Lyman limit ...systems (LLSs) in 23 QSO fields at
z
≲ 1. These pLLSs/LLSs provide a unique sample of absorbers with unbiased and well-constrained metallicities, allowing us to explore the origins of metal-rich and low-metallicity circumgalactic medium (CGM) at
z
< 1. Here we present Keck/KCWI and Very Large Telescope/MUSE observations of 11 of these QSO fields (19 pLLSs) that we combine with Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging to identify and characterize the absorber-associated galaxies at 0.16 ≲
z
≲ 0.84. We find 23 unique absorber-associated galaxies, with an average of one associated galaxy per absorber. For seven absorbers, all with <10% solar metallicities, we find no associated galaxies with
log
M
⋆
≳
9.0
within
ρ
/
R
vir
and ∣Δ
v
∣/
v
esc
≤ 1.5 with respect to the absorber. We do not find any strong correlations between the metallicities or H
i
column densities of the gas and most of the galaxy properties, except for the stellar mass of the galaxies: the low-metallicity (X/H ≤ −1.4) systems have a probability of
0.39
−
0.15
+
0.16
for having a host galaxy with
log
M
⋆
≥
9.0
within
ρ
/
R
vir
≤ 1.5, while the higher metallicity absorbers have a probability of
0.78
−
0.13
+
0.10
. This implies metal-enriched pLLSs/LLSs at
z
< 1 are typically associated with the CGM of galaxies with
log
M
⋆
>
9.0
, whereas low-metallicity pLLSs/LLSs are found in more diverse locations, with one population arising in the CGM of galaxies and another more broadly distributed in overdense regions of the universe. Using absorbers not associated with galaxies, we estimate the unweighted geometric mean metallicity of the intergalactic medium to be X/H ≲ −2.1 at
z
< 1, which is lower than previously estimated.
Direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction after mastectomy has gained increasing popularity. While concerns over ischemic complications related to tension on the mastectomy flap persist, newer ...techniques and technologies have enhanced safety of this technique.
To compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes of DTI and two-stage tissue expander (TE) reconstruction.
A prospective cohort design was utilized to compare the incidence of reconstructive failure among patients undergoing DTI and TE reconstruction via unadjusted bivariate and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses. Secondary clinical outcomes of interest included specific complications requiring intervention (infection, seroma, hematoma, mastectomy flap necrosis, incisional dehiscence, device exposure) and time to final drain removal. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) via BREAST-Q were also compared.
A total of 134 patients (257 breasts) underwent DTI reconstruction and 222 patients (405 breasts) received TEs. DTI patients were significantly younger with lower BMIs, less diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, and smaller breast sizes, and underwent more nipple-sparing mastectomies with prepectoral reconstructions. Rates of any complication (18% DTI vs 24% TE, p=0.047), reconstructive failure (5.1% vs 12%, p=0.004), and seroma (3.9% vs 11%, p<0.001) were significantly lower in the DTI cohort on unadjusted analyses; however, there were no significant differences in adjusted regressions. Patient-reported satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being were more substantively improved with DTI reconstruction.
Prepectoral DTI reconstruction is a viable option for post-mastectomy reconstruction in carefully selected patients, with no significant increase in reconstructive failure or other complications.
Sutureless anastomotic devices present several advantages over traditional suture anastomosis, including expanded global access to microvascular surgery, shorter operation and ischemic times, and ...reduced costs. However, their adaptation for arterial use remains a challenge. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sutureless anastomotic approaches that are either FDA-approved or under investigation. These approaches include extraluminal couplers, intraluminal devices, and methods assisted by lasers or vacuums, with a particular emphasis on tissue adhesives. We analyze these devices for artery compatibility, material composition, potential for intimal damage, risks of thrombosis and restenosis, and complications arising from their deployment and maintenance. Additionally, we discuss the challenges faced in the development and clinical application of sutureless anastomotic techniques. Ideally, a sutureless anastomotic device or technique should eliminate the need for vessel eversion, mitigate thrombosis through either biodegradation or the release of antithrombotic drugs, and be easily deployable for broad use. The transformative potential of sutureless anastomotic approaches in microvascular surgery highlights the necessity for ongoing innovation to expand their applications and maximize their benefits.
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•Summarizing sutureless anastomotic devices currently approved by the FDA.•Exploring extraluminal and intraluminal devices, laser- and vacuum-assisted methods, and tissue adhesives.•Comparing sutureless anastomotic devices, focusing on intima damage and thrombosis risk.•Highlighting the challenges in developing sutureless anastomotic techniques in clinical settings.
Auxilin participates in the uncoating of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs), thereby facilitating synaptic vesicle (SV) regeneration at presynaptic sites. Auxilin (DNAJC6/PARK19) loss-of-function ...mutations cause early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we utilized auxilin knockout (KO) mice to elucidate the mechanisms through which auxilin deficiency and clathrin-uncoating deficits lead to PD. Auxilin KO mice display cardinal features of PD, including progressive motor deficits, α-synuclein pathology, nigral dopaminergic loss, and neuroinflammation. Significantly, treatment with L-DOPA ameliorated motor deficits. Unbiased proteomic and neurochemical analyses of auxilin KO brains indicated dopamine dyshomeostasis. We validated these findings by demonstrating slower dopamine reuptake kinetics in vivo, an effect associated with dopamine transporter misrouting into axonal membrane deformities in the dorsal striatum. Defective SV protein sorting and elevated synaptic autophagy also contribute to ineffective dopamine sequestration and compartmentalization, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. This study provides insights into how presynaptic endocytosis deficits lead to dopaminergic vulnerability and pathogenesis of PD.
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•Auxilin KO mice recapitulate key features of Parkinson’s disease and respond to L-DOPA•SV sorting defects lead to cytoplasmic dopamine accumulation in dorsal striatum•DAT is trapped in the axonal deformities, leading to dopamine reuptake deficits•Increased dopaminergic synaptic autophagy may also contribute to disease pathology
Auxilin participates in clathrin uncoating to facilitate presynaptic endocytosis. Loss-of-function mutations of auxilin (PARK19) cause Parkinson’s disease. Using auxilin KO mice, Vidyadhara et al. show that synaptic vesicle sorting deficits, cytoplasmic dopamine accumulation, dopamine transporter mistrafficking, and synaptic autophagic overload may lead to pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease in PARK19 patients.
Synthetic polymers are often utilized in the creation of vascular devices, and need to possess specific qualities to prevent thrombosis. Traditional strategies for this include surface modification ...of vascular devices through covalent attachment of substrates such as heparin, antiplatelet agents, thrombolytic agents, or hydrophilic polymers. One promising prosthetic material is polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which is utilized in various FDA-approved medical devices, including vascular and endovascular prostheses. We hypothesized that surface modification of biologically inert PEEK can help improve its endothelial cell affinity and reduce its thrombogenic potential. To evaluate this, we developed an effective surface-modification approach with unique cyclic peptides, such as CCHGGVRLYC and CCREDVC. We treated the PEEK surface with ammonia plasma, which introduced amine groups onto the PEEK surface. Subsequently, we were able to conjugate these peptides to the plasma-modified PEEKs. We observed that cyclic CCHGGVRLYC conjugated on prosthetic PEEK not only supported endothelialization, but minimized platelet adhesion and activation. This technology can be potentially applied for in vivo vascular and endovascular protheses to enhance their utility and patency.
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Background: Free flap monitoring is more difficult in patients with dark skin because ischemia and congestion can be masked by pigmentation. For this reason, adjunct methods such as cutaneous ...near-infrared spectroscopy are of elevated importance in patients with highly pigmented skin. The purpose of this experiment is to determine if ViOpitx T.Ox performance is affected by cutaneous pigmentation. Methods: Swine with naturally occurring areas of nonpigmented and pigmented skin were used. Pigmentation of each animal was assessed using spectrophotometry and histopathology. During normoxemia, tissue oxygenation (StO 2 ) measurements were taken of nonpigmented and pigmented skin using the T.Ox device. A bicolor pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was raised, and T.Ox probe was adhered to adjacent areas of opposite coloration on the same flap. StO 2 was measured continuously during reversible episodes of flap ischemia and congestion (n = 4 swine, n = 6 flaps). Results: There was not a significant difference between baseline StO 2 values of nonpigmented (49% ± 7.9%) and pigmented skin (47% ± 6.2%). The absolute change in StO 2 was significantly larger during both ischemia (6%) and congestion (16%) in nonpigmented skin compared with adjacent pigmented skin. Conclusions: T.Ox detects flap ischemia and congestion in both highly pigmented and nonpigmented skin. However, surgeons need to be aware that StO 2 changes related to complete flap ischemia or congestion may be much more subtle than what is seen in nonpigmented skin. This study establishes a novel internally controlled porcine model that isolates the impact of skin pigmentation when assessing cutaneous devices measuring tissue oxygenation.
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