High-speed railway infrastructure leads to species-specific changes and biotic homogenisation in surrounding bird community.

Linear infrastructure networks, including railways, are undergoing rapid development in order to connect distant urban areas. Particularly, High-Speed Railways are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to domestic flights in many countries. However, this development of linear infrastructures is known to affect the surrounding faunal communities due to the changes in the landscape and operation of said linear infrastructures. Both positive and negative effects of linear infrastructures on adjacent faunal communities have been reported. In this study, we determined the influence of the High-Speed Railway infrastructure on the bird community that surrounds it. Birds were surveyed by using both linear transect and direct counting methods, both in the area directly adjacent to the railway infrastructure and 500m away from it in a period of two years of surveys. A total of 16114 individuals belonging to 71 species were recorded. The presence of the High-Speed Railway caused species-specific changes in the bird communities that surround it, causing the attraction of some species and the rejection of others. Furthermore, we show that the presence of the infrastructure altered the natural species turnover as the landscape changes by attracting the same bird species regardless of changes in the landscape, and filtering out others. We propose that further work in mitigation and development plans should focus on species-specific measures to assess the risk bird communities are exposed to.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a prevalent medical condition with potentially severe consequences if left untreated. While surgical removal has traditionally been the standard approach for treatment, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative to reduce recurrences. This comprehensive review provides the general radiology community with an overview of MMA embolization as a therapeutic option for managing CSDH. The authors base their insights on existing evidence and their institutional experience. This overview encompasses the pathophysiology of CSDH as well as the potential advantages and limitations, safety profile, and potential complications of MMA embolization as compared with surgical treatment. The imaging findings seen before and after MMA, as well as insights into the procedural techniques used at the authors' institution, are described. On the basis of reports in the current literature, MMA embolization appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing CSDH, especially in patients who are unsuitable for surgery or at risk for recurrence. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate these findings. Results from ongoing clinical trials hold promise for future validation and the establishment of scientific evidence. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by Chatterjee in this issue.

GradDFT. A software library for machine learning enhanced density functional theory.

Density functional theory (DFT) stands as a cornerstone method in computational quantum chemistry and materials science due to its remarkable versatility and scalability. Yet, it suffers from limitations in accuracy, particularly when dealing with strongly correlated systems. To address these shortcomings, recent work has begun to explore how machine learning can expand the capabilities of DFT: an endeavor with many open questions and technical challenges. In this work, we present GradDFT a fully differentiable JAX-based DFT library, enabling quick prototyping and experimentation with machine learning-enhanced exchange-correlation energy functionals. GradDFT employs a pioneering parametrization of exchange-correlation functionals constructed using a weighted sum of energy densities, where the weights are determined using neural networks. Moreover, GradDFT encompasses a comprehensive suite of auxiliary functions, notably featuring a just-in-time compilable and fully differentiable self-consistent iterative procedure. To support training and benchmarking efforts, we additionally compile a curated dataset of experimental dissociation energies of dimers, half of which contain transition metal atoms characterized by strong electronic correlations. The software library is tested against experimental results to study the generalization capabilities of a neural functional across potential energy surfaces and atomic species, as well as the effect of training data noise on the resulting model accuracy.

Four-tract probabilistic tractography technique for target selection in essential tremor treatment with magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy is a novel, minimally invasive ablative treatment for essential tremor (ET). The use of a four-tract probabilistic tractography technique, targeting the intersection between the dentato-rubro-thalamic tracts (both decussating and non-decussating), while evaluating the corticospinal tract and the medial lemniscus, may obtain immediate clinical results with reduced adverse events. Our aim is to present our experience with the four-tract technique for patients undergoing ET treatment with MRgFUS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing ET treatment in a single center from February 2022 to February 2023. Procedural parameters were collected, and tremor improvement was assessed with the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Adverse events were also reported. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (median age, 72 years [interquartile range, 66-76]; 22 females) were evaluated. Tremor improved significatively in all CRST subsections at 3 months, including the CRST part A + B treated hand tremor (22 [19-27] vs 4 [2-7], p < 0.001) and CRST part C (16 [13-19] vs 3 [1-4], p < 0.001). Differences persisted significant at 6 months. Adverse events were few (4.1% of paresthesias and 12.5% of objective gait disturbance at follow-up) and recorded as mild. The median number of sonications was 7 [6-8] and mean operative time 68.7 ± 24.2 min. CONCLUSION: Our data show support for the feasibility and benefits of systematic targeting approach with four-tract probabilistic tractography for treating ET using MRgFUS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: An approach with four-tract probabilistic tractography for treating essential tremor (ET) patients with magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound decreases interindividual variability with good clinical outcomes, low number of sonications, few adverse effects, and short procedure times. KEY POINTS: • The optimal target for the treatment of essential tremor with MR-guided focused ultrasound remains unknown. • Four-tract probabilistic tractography is a feasible technique that reduces interindividual variability, with good clinical results, few side effects, and short operative time. • The four-tract tractography approach can be performed using different MRI scanners and post-processing software in comparison with the initial description of the technique.

Hippocampal subfield abnormalities and biomarkers of pathologic brain changes: from SARS-CoV-2 acute infection to post-COVID syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits are among the main disabling symptoms in COVID-19 patients and post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Within brain regions, the hippocampus, a key region for cognition, has shown vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, in vivo detailed evaluation of hippocampal changes in PCS patients, validated on post-mortem samples of COVID-19 patients at the acute phase, would shed light into the relationship between COVID-19 and cognition. METHODS: Hippocampal subfields volume, microstructure, and perfusion were evaluated in 84 PCS patients and compared to 33 controls. Associations with blood biomarkers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), eotaxin-1 (CCL11) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were evaluated. Besides, biomarker immunodetection in seven hippocampal necropsies of patients at the acute phase were contrasted against eight controls. FINDINGS: In vivo analyses revealed that hippocampal grey matter atrophy is accompanied by altered microstructural integrity, hypoperfusion, and functional connectivity changes in PCS patients. Hippocampal structural and functional alterations were related to cognitive dysfunction, particularly attention and memory. GFAP, MOG, CCL11 and NfL biomarkers revealed alterations in PCS, and showed associations with hippocampal volume changes, in selective hippocampal subfields. Moreover, post mortem histology showed the presence of increased GFAP and CCL11 and reduced MOG concentrations in the hippocampus in post-mortem samples at the acute phase. INTERPRETATION: The current results evidenced that PCS patients with cognitive sequalae present brain alterations related to cognitive dysfunction, accompanied by a cascade of pathological alterations in blood biomarkers, indicating axonal damage, astrocyte alterations, neuronal injury, and myelin changes that are already present from the acute phase. FUNDING: Nominative Grant FIBHCSC 2020 COVID-19. Department of Health, Community of Madrid. Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project INT20/00079, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund "A way to make Europe" (JAMG). Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) through Sara Borrell postdoctoral fellowship Grant No. CD22/00043) and co-funded by the European Union (MDC). Instituto de Salud Carlos III through a predoctoral contract (FI20/000145) (co-funded by European Regional Development Fund "A way to make Europe") (MVS). Fundación para el Conocimiento Madri+d through the project G63-HEALTHSTARPLUS-HSP4 (JAMG, SOM).

Practical overview of image classification with tensor-network quantum circuits.

Circuit design for quantum machine learning remains a formidable challenge. Inspired by the applications of tensor networks across different fields and their novel presence in the classical machine learning context, one proposed method to design variational circuits is to base the circuit architecture on tensor networks. Here, we comprehensively describe tensor-network quantum circuits and how to implement them in simulations. This includes leveraging circuit cutting, a technique used to evaluate circuits with more qubits than those available on current quantum devices. We then illustrate the computational requirements and possible applications by simulating various tensor-network quantum circuits with PennyLane, an open-source python library for differential programming of quantum computers. Finally, we demonstrate how to apply these circuits to increasingly complex image processing tasks, completing this overview of a flexible method to design circuits that can be applied to industrially-relevant machine learning tasks.

Multimodal neuroimaging in post-COVID syndrome and correlation with cognition.

Brain changes have been reported in the first weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, limited literature exists about brain alterations in post-COVID syndrome, a condition increasingly associated with cognitive impairment. The present study aimed to evaluate brain functional and structural alterations in patients with post-COVID syndrome, and assess whether these brain alterations were related to cognitive dysfunction. Eighty-six patients with post-COVID syndrome and 36 healthy controls were recruited and underwent neuroimaging acquisition and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Cognitive and neuroimaging examinations were performed 11 months after the first symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. Whole-brain functional connectivity analysis was performed. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to evaluate grey matter volume, and diffusion tensor imaging was carried out to analyse white-matter alterations. Correlations between cognition and brain changes were conducted and Bonferroni corrected. Post-COVID syndrome patients presented with functional connectivity changes, characterized by hypoconnectivity between left and right parahippocampal areas, and between bilateral orbitofrontal and cerebellar areas compared to controls. These alterations were accompanied by reduced grey matter volume in cortical, limbic and cerebellar areas, and alterations in white matter axial and mean diffusivity. Grey matter volume loss showed significant associations with cognitive dysfunction. These cognitive and brain alterations were more pronounced in hospitalized patients compared to non-hospitalized patients. No associations with vaccination status were found. The present study shows persistent structural and functional brain abnormalities 11 months after the acute infection. These changes are associated with cognitive dysfunction and contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the post-COVID syndrome.

Mechanical thrombectomy is cost-effective versus medical management alone around Europe in patients with low ASPECTS.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate, by a cost-effectiveness analysis, the efficiency of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus medical management (MM) in patients with a low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) from the RESCUE Study. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness model was designed to project both direct medical costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of MT versus MM in eight European countries (Spain, UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands). Our model was created based on previously published health-economic data in those countries. Procedure costs, acute, mid-term, and long-term care costs were projected based on expected modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores as reported in the RESCUE-Japan LIMIT trial. RESULTS: MT was found to be a cost-effective option in eight different countries across Europe (Spain, Italy, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden). with a lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio varying from US$2 875 to US$11 202/QALY depending on the country. A cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed 100% acceptability of MT at the willingness to pay (WTP) of US$40 000 for the eight countries. CONCLUSIONS: MT is efficient versus MM alone for patients with low ASPECTS in eight countries across Europe. Patients with a large ischemic core could be treated with MT because it is both clinically beneficial and economically sustainable.

Persistent olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19 is associated with reduced perfusion in the frontal lobe.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction is common during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pathophysiology of the persistence of this symptom and the potential relationship with central nervous system involvement is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the neural correlates of persistent olfactory dysfunction in a series of patients with post-COVID syndrome. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with post-COVID syndrome were assessed with the Brief Smell Identification Test and a multimodal MRI study including 3D-T1, T2-FLAIR, diffusion-tensor imaging, and arterial spin labeling. Olfactory and neuroimaging examinations were performed 11.18 ± 3.78 months after the acute infection. Voxel-based brain mapping analyses were conducted to correlate the olfactory test with brain volumes, white matter microstructure, and brain perfusion. RESULTS: Olfactory dysfunction was associated with lower tissue perfusion in the orbital and medial frontal regions in the arterial spin labeling sequence. Conversely, no statistically significant findings were detected in brain volumes and diffusion-tensor imaging. Mild changes in paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities were detected in 9.75% of cases, with no association with olfactory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: We provide new insights regarding the pathophysiology of persistent olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19, involving the main brain regions associated with the olfactory system.

Stent-retriever alone versus combined use of stent-retriever and contact aspiration technique for middle cerebral artery M2 occlusions: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal endovascular treatment (EVT) technique for middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 segment occlusions remains unknown. We aim to analyze whether reperfusion rate, procedure times, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcome differed between patients with isolated M2 occlusions who underwent stent-retriever (SR) alone versus combined SR and contact aspiration (CA) as a front-line EVT. METHODS: Patients who underwent EVT for isolated MCA-M2 occlusion were recruited from the prospectively ongoing ROSSETTI registry. Patients were divided regarding the EVT approach into SR alone versus SR+CA and propensity score matching was used to achieve baseline balance. Demographic, procedural, safety, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of first-pass effect (FPE) and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2. RESULTS: 214 patients underwent EVT for M2 occlusion, 125 treated with SR alone and 89 with SR+CA. Propensity score matchnig analysis selected 134 matched patients. The rates of FPE (42% vs 40%, p=1.000) and 90-day mRS 0-2 (60% vs 51%, p=0.281) were comparable between groups. Patients treated with SR alone had lower need of rescue therapy (p=0.006), faster times to reperfusion (p<0.001), and lower procedure-related complications (p=0.031). Higher initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was an independent predictor of FPE. Age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and procedure duration were significant predictors of good clinical outcome at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: As front-line modality in M2 occlusions, the SR alone approach results in similar rates of reperfusion and good clinical outcomes to combined SR+CA and might be advantageous due to faster reperfusion times and fewer adverse events.

Role of diagnostic imaging in psoriatic arthritis: how, when, and why.

Psoriasis is a common skin disease. Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) resulting, by far, the most prevalent coexisting condition. Heterogeneity of clinical and radiological presentation is a major challenge to diagnosis of PsA. Initial reports about PsA emphasized a benign course in most patients, but it is now recognized that psoriatic arthritis often leads to impaired function and a reduced quality of life. PsA is a progressive disease characterized by diverse clinical features, often resulting in diagnostic delay and treatment that are associated with poor clinical and structural outcomes. New effective treatments may halt PsA progression, and consequently, treatment goals have evolved from simple reduction of pain to achieving full remission or minimal disease activity. This emerging treat-to-target strategy paradigm emphasize a need for early diagnosis; sensitive imaging techniques may be of value in this process. While radiography and CT depict structural damage, US and MRI have emerged as helpful tools to evaluate magnitude and severity of active inflammatory lesions. This review aims to describe the role of imaging modalities in diagnosis, follow-up and prognosis of PsA.

Comparative anatomo-radiological study of intrahepatic venous vascularization in the Spain.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic variations in the hepatic venous system are the least understood aspect of hepatic anatomy. The variations are diverse, and data are lacking with respect to the population of Spain and methods of detection. The objective was to examine morphological patterns of variations in hepatic venous vascularization using cadaveric dissections vs. radiological imaging, and to analyze the findings with respect to Spain and to published studies. METHODS: Thirty-one livers were anatomically dissected and analyzed for their hepatic venous anatomy and then compared to the venous anatomy of livers examined in 216 CT scans from 119 men and 97 women, ranging between 27 and 89 years of age. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi squared and Fisher homogeneity tests. RESULTS: The hepatic portal vein showed morphological variations in cadavers vs. CT of 67.3% vs. 67.6% (p-I), 29% vs. 12.2% (p-II), 0% vs. 14.6% (p-III), 0% vs. 14.6% (p-IV), 3.2% vs. 0.5% (p-V) and 6.5% vs. 1.9% (p-VI), respectively in cadavers vs. CT. Hepatic vein pattern variation were found in 64.5% vs. 50.7% (h-I), 32.2% vs. 31.5% (h-II), 0% vs. 2.3% (h-III), 0% vs. 4.7% (h-IV), respectively in dissections vs. CT). In Accessory Hepatic Veins the frequency in pattern variation was 64.5% vs. 18.8% (a-2.1), 29.0% vs. 8.0% (a-2.2), 58.1% vs. 11.3% (a-2.3), 9.7% vs. 0.9% (a-2.4), 67.7% vs. 16.9% (a-2.5), 9.7% vs. 4.2% (a-2.6) and 0% vs. 0.5% (a-2.7), respectively, in cadavers vs. CT. CT showed in 27.2% no accessory hepatic veins. Sex was not a factor influencing patterns of variation. CONCLUSION: Anatomical variants of the hepatic portal vein, the hepatic vein and accessory hepatic veins are very diverse and show greater variability in the specimens compared to those detected with radiological images, finding a wider spectrum of variations as it allows the clinician to have a more precise definition of the vasculature. A higher precision in the definition of anatomical variations is warranted for surgical planning in liver resection and transplantation.

Impact of aspiration catheter size on first-pass effect in the combined use of contact aspiration and stent retriever technique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The first-pass effect (FPE), defined as a first-pass Expanded Treatment in Cerebral Ischaemia (eTICI) 2c/3 reperfusion, has emerged as a key metric of efficacy in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischaemic stroke. The proximal balloon occlusion together with direct thrombus aspiration during stent retriever thrombectomy (PROTECT)-PLUS technique consists in the use of a balloon guide catheter and a combined MT approach involving contact aspiration and a stent retriever. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of the PROTECT-PLUS technique using distal aspiration catheters (DACs) with different inner diameters by comparing the large-bore DAC Catalyst 7 versus the use of medium-bore DACs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with PROTECT-PLUS using Catalyst 7, Catalyst 6 or Catalyst 5 with an occlusion of either the terminal carotid artery or the M1 or M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery from 2018 to 2020 in two comprehensive stroke centres. Baseline characteristics and procedural, safety and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in order to find independent predictors of FPE. RESULTS: We identified 238 consecutive patients treated with PROTECT-PLUS as front-line approach using Catalyst 7 (n=86), Catalyst 6 (n=78) and Catalyst 5 (n=76). The rate of FPE was higher with Catalyst 7 (54%) than Catalyst 6 (33%, p=0.009) and Catalyst 5 (32%, p=0.005), in addition to higher final eTICI 2c/3 reperfusion rates, shorter procedural times, lower need of rescue therapy and fewer procedure-related complications. After multivariable analysis the sole independent factor associated to FPE was the use of Catalyst 7 (OR 2.34; 95% CI 1.19 to 4.58; p=0.014). CONCLUSION: Further development of combined MT by incorporating larger-bore aspiration catheters is associated with higher reperfusion rates, shorter procedure times, and lower need of rescue therapy while reducing the complication rates.

Quantum Algorithm for Simulating Single-Molecule Electron Transport.

An accurate description of electron transport at a molecular level requires a precise treatment of quantum effects. These effects play a crucial role in determining the electron transport properties of single molecules, which can be challenging to simulate classically. Here we introduce a quantum algorithm to efficiently calculate electronic current through single-molecule junctions in the weak-coupling regime. We show that a quantum computer programmed to simulate vibronic transitions between different charge states of a molecule can be used to compute electron-transfer rates and electronic current. In the harmonic approximation, the algorithm can be implemented using Gaussian boson sampling devices, which are a near-term platform for photonic quantum computing. We apply the algorithm to simulate the current and conductance of a magnesium porphine molecule. The algorithm provides a means for better understanding the mechanism of electron transport at a molecular level, which paves the way for building practical molecular electronic devices.

MeVO SAVE technique: initial experience with the 167 cm long NeuroSlider 17 for a combined approach in medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs).

Goyal et al described occlusions in M2/3, A2/3 and P2/3 as medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs); the only available controlled data of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in MeVOs is limited to the middle cerebral artery M2 segment, suggesting that MT may be effective and safe with high functional independence and recanalization rates. The Stent retriever Assisted Vacuum-locked Extraction (SAVE) technique in mechanical thrombectomy consists of the simultaneous use of a stent retriever and a distal aspiration catheter (DAC), with the removal of both as a unit when performing the thrombectomy pass; however, so far the low-profile (0.035 inch distal inner diameter) DACs were longer (160 cm) than conventional 0.017 inch microcatheters for MeVOs. We present a case of a combined approach MT in MeVO with the use of the new 167 cm long NeuroSlider 17 (Acandis, Pforzheim, Germany) 0.0165 inch microcatheter and 3MAX (Penumbra, Alameda, CA) through the SAVE technique-the MeVO SAVE technique. (video 1). neurintsurg;13/8/768/V1F1V1video 1.

Quantum algorithm for simulating molecular vibrational excitations.

The excitation of vibrational modes in molecules affects the outcome of chemical reactions, for example by providing molecules with sufficient energy to overcome activation barriers. In this work, we introduce a quantum algorithm for simulating molecular vibrational excitations during vibronic transitions. We discuss how a special-purpose quantum computer can be programmed with molecular data to optimize a vibronic process such that desired modes get excited during the transition. We investigate the effect of such excitations on selective bond dissociation in pyrrole and butane during photochemical and mechanochemical vibronic transitions. The results are discussed with respect to experimental observations and classical simulations. We also introduce quantum-inspired classical algorithms for simulating molecular vibrational excitations in special cases where only a limited number of modes are of interest.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Medium Vessel Occlusions: Blind Exchange With Mini-Pinning Technique Versus Mini Stent Retriever Alone.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy techniques for intracranial medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) have evolved in recent years, although the optimal approach is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in MeVOs using mini (0.017 inches microcatheter compatible) stent retrievers combined with low-profile (0.035 inches distal inner diameter) distal aspiration catheters through the blind exchange/mini-pinning (BEMP) technique compared with mini stent retrievers alone. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with the BEMP technique or mini stent retriever alone for intracranial MeVOs from 2017 to 2020 in a comprehensive stroke center. Both groups were compared about baseline characteristics, occlusion site, clinical presentation, clot cause, procedural outcomes (MeVO first-pass and final expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score, the mini stent retriever used, number of passes with the front-line approach, and need of rescue therapy), safety outcomes (emboli to unwanted territories and hemorrhagic complications), and clinical outcomes at 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with potential predictors of vessel recanalization to find independent variables associated with MeVO first-pass expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2c/3 recanalization. RESULTS: We reviewed 102 patients/106 MeVOs treated with the BEMP technique (n=56) or mini stent retriever (n=50). There was a higher rate of MeVO first-pass expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2c/3 recanalization (57% versus 34%, P=0.017), lower need of rescue therapy (7.1% versus 22%, P=0.028), and lower rate of emboli to new territory (1.8% versus 12%, P=0.035) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (1.9% versus 12.8%, P=0.038) with the BEMP technique. After multivariable analysis, the sole independent factor associated to MeVO first-pass expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2c/3 recanalization was the BEMP technique (odds ratio, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.19-6.22]; P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of MeVOs, the BEMP technique may lead to higher rates of the first-pass recanalization and a lower incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage than mini stent retrievers alone.

Molecular docking with Gaussian Boson Sampling.

Gaussian Boson Samplers are photonic quantum devices with the potential to perform intractable tasks for classical systems. As with other near-term quantum technologies, an outstanding challenge is to identify specific problems of practical interest where these devices can prove useful. Here, we show that Gaussian Boson Samplers can be used to predict molecular docking configurations, a central problem for pharmaceutical drug design. We develop an approach where the problem is reduced to finding the maximum weighted clique in a graph, and show that Gaussian Boson Samplers can be programmed to sample large-weight cliques, i.e., stable docking configurations, with high probability, even with photon losses. We also describe how outputs from the device can be used to enhance the performance of classical algorithms. To benchmark our approach, we predict the binding mode of a ligand to the tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme, a target linked to immune system diseases and cancer.

Point processes with Gaussian boson sampling.

Random point patterns are ubiquitous in nature, and statistical models such as point processes, i.e., algorithms that generate stochastic collections of points, are commonly used to simulate and interpret them. We propose an application of quantum computing to statistical modeling by establishing a connection between point processes and Gaussian boson sampling, an algorithm for photonic quantum computers. We show that Gaussian boson sampling can be used to implement a class of point processes based on hard-to-compute matrix functions which, in general, are intractable to simulate classically. We also discuss situations where polynomial-time classical methods exist. This leads to a family of efficient quantum-inspired point processes, including a fast classical algorithm for permanental point processes. We investigate the statistical properties of point processes based on Gaussian boson sampling and reveal their defining property: like bosons that bunch together, they generate collections of points that form clusters. Finally, we analyze properties of these point processes for homogeneous and inhomogeneous state spaces, describe methods to control cluster location, and illustrate how to encode correlation matrices.

Amyloid PET findings in multiple sclerosis are associated with cognitive decline at 18 months.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical, cognitive, and radiological progression of a cohort of patients with MS, taking into account the amyloid PET with 18F-florbetaben analyses. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with MS were assessed with longitudinal structural MRI and a clinical and comprehensive neuropsychological protocol, with a mean interval between assessments of 18 ± 3.31 months. 18F-florbetaben PET was performed at baseline. Uptake was analysed in demyelinating plaques (DWM) and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). Results were correlated with clinical, cognitive and MRI data. RESULTS: Patients with cognitive decline over the follow-up period showed a lower standardised uptake value ratio in NAWM and lower thalamic volume and a higher lesion load in the baseline MRI. Myelin status was correlated with EDSS and cognitive tests mainly evaluating visuospatial function and working memory. Lower uptake in NAWM at baseline was also associated with a growth in white matter lesion volume over time. CONCLUSIONS: Lower white matter uptake in amyloid PET is associated with cognitive decline and an increase in white matter lesion volume during the follow-up. Our study suggests that 18F-florbetaben may be a useful biomarker in assessing myelin status in MS, understanding MS pathophysiology, and predicting cognitive outcomes.