Background: Intracranial epidermoid cysts (IEC) are benign congenital intracranial lesions that rarely undergo malignant transformation. We report a case of IEC evolving into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) 1-year post-resection. Further, we conducted a systematic review on cases of early malignant transformations of IECs. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from inception until December 2023 for studies reporting malignant transformations of IECs within 2 years of diagnosis. Results: A 48-year-old female underwent surgical resection of a cerebellopontine angle (CPA) IEC in May 2022. She re-presented in July 2023 with headaches, nausea, vomiting, right facial weakness, and rapid cyst progression. Repeat surgical resection revealed a high-grade SCC. Our systematic review identified 19 (10 females, 9 males) additional IEC cases undergoing malignant transformation within 2 years. The mean age at presentation was 57.6 years, most common location was CPA (n=13, 68.4%) and mean time between IEC to malignant transformation was 10.6 months. Eighteen (94.7%) cases transformed to SCC, of which 2 had leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, and 1 transformed to glioblastoma. Conclusions: While malignant transformations of IECs are rare, regular postoperative follow-up is crucial for early malignancy detection and treatment initiation. Further study is warranted to evaluate factors contributing to accelerated malignant progression of IECs.

Dates from recently excavated Gangetic site of Sakas in Bihar, India, place it at ca.1800–1100 BC. The ceramic and lithic chronologies have been interpreted as Early Farming, Transitional and Chalcolithic/Developed Farming in date. However, depending on where in the Ganges Plains is studied, the time frame of Early, Developed and Advanced Farming periods varies widely, from 7th millennium to 2nd millennium BC and beyond, making the chronological framing of absolute dates within a regional scheme highly complex. In this paper we report the new radiocarbon results from Sakas and note how while these are critical for cementing the absolute dating of the site, until such time as a more stable periodization linked not only to relative and absolute dates but also human lifeways within the different zones of the Ganges plains is created, there remains difficulties in understanding how Sakas and other sites of similar date fit into the changing social, cultural and economic systems in this region.

A new magnetic mirror machine named KAIMIR (KAIST mirror) has been designed and constructed at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to study mirror plasma physics and simulate the boundary regions of magnetic fusion plasmas such as in a tokamak. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the characteristics and initial experimental results of KAIMIR. The cylindrical vacuum chamber has a length of 2.48 m and a diameter of 0.5 m and consists of three sub-chambers, namely the source, centre and expander chambers. A magnetic mirror configuration is achieved by electromagnetic coils with a maximum magnetic field strength of 0.4 T at the mirror nozzles and 0.1 T at the centre. The source plasma is generated by a plasma washer gun installed in the source chamber with a pulse forming network system. The typical discharge time is ~12 ms with a ~6 ms (1–7 ms) steady period. Initial results show that the on-axis electron density at the centre is 1019–20 m−3 and the electron temperature is 4–7 eV. Two parameters were varied in this initial phase, the source power and the mirror ratio, which is the ratio of highest to lowest magnetic field strength in the mirror-confined region. We observed that the increase of the electron density was mitigated for a source power above 0.2 MW. It was also found that the electron density increases almost linearly with the mirror ratio. Accordingly, the stored electron energy was also linearly proportional to the mirror ratio, similar to the scaling of the gas dynamic trap.

There are two kinds of time bias: near bias and future bias. While philosophers typically hold that near bias is rationally impermissible, many hold that future bias is rationally permissible. Call this normative hybridism. According to arbitrariness objections, certain patterns of preference are rationally impermissible because they are arbitrary. While arbitrariness objections have been leveled against both near bias and future bias, the kind of arbitrariness in question has been different. In this article we investigate whether there are forms of arbitrariness that are common to both kinds of preferences and, hence, whether there are versions of the arbitrariness objection that are objections to both near bias and future bias. If there are, then this might go some way toward undermining normative hybridism and to defending thoroughgoing time-neutralism.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Patients suffering from respiratory failure have few options to support oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal aside from mechanical ventilation. Our objective was to test a novel extrapulmonary mechanism of gas exchange via peritoneal oxygenated perfluorocarbon (PFC) in a large animal model. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using two 50 kg swine, hypoxia was modeled with subatmospheric oxygen and hypercarbia induced with acute hypoventilation. Through a midline laparotomy, cannulas were placed into the peritoneal space to allow for PFC infusion and circulation. After abdominal closure, these cannulas were connected to a device capable of draining, oxygenating, and infusing PFC. One animal was subjected to acute hypoxia (12% FiO2) and another animal to acute hypoventilation (4 breaths per minute). Primary outcomes were times for SpO2 to reach 75 mmHg, respectively. Trials were performed without PFC and with PFC dwelling or circulating through the peritoneal space, during which abdominal and bladder pressures were monitored and maintained under 20 mmHg by regulation of the PFC volume contained in the animal. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In the animal subjected to acute hypoxia (12% FiO2), survival time improved from 5:55 to 20:00 (min:sec) after 2.5 liters of oxygenated PFC was instilled in the peritoneal space. Oxygen percent saturation of PFC before and after dwelling in the peritoneal space was measured at 100% before and 70% after dwelling in the animal during this hypoxic period corresponding with a gas transfer of 300 mL of oxygen over the 20-minute trial (i.e., 15 mL/min). Continual PFC circulation did not further extend the survival time during hypoxic conditions over PFC dwelling in the abdomen. In the animal that was acutely hypoventilated, there were no detectable differences in the rate of CO2 accumulation as measured by EtCO2 or direct blood pCO2 measurements with PFC dwelling or circulating through the peritoneal space. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Oxygenated PFC dwelling in the peritoneal space increased the duration of systemic arterial blood saturation remaining greater than 50% during normobaric hypoxic (12% FiO2) conditions but did not appreciably clear blood carbon dioxide during hypoventilation. Future experiments will focus on maximizing the rate of systemic oxygen uptake.

We report VLBI monitoring observations of the 22 GHz H2O masers toward the Mira variable BX Cam. Data from 37 epochs spanning ∼3 stellar pulsation periods were obtained between May 2018 and June 2021 with a time interval of 3–4 weeks. In particular, the VERA dual-beam system was used to measure the kinematics and parallaxes of the H2O maser features. The obtained parallax, 1.79±0.08 mas, is consistent with Gaia EDR3 and previous VLBI measurements. The position of the central star was estimated relied on Gaia EDR3 data and the center position of the 43 GHz SiO maser ring imaged with KVN. Analysis of the 3D maser kinematics revealed an expanding circumstellar envelope with a velocity of 13±4 km s−1 and significant spatial and velocity asymmetries. The H2O maser animation achieved by our dense monitoring program manifests the propagation of shock waves in the circumstellar envelope of BX Cam.

We present the Widefield ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind surveY (WALLABY) Pilot Phase I Hi kinematic models. This first data release consists of Hi observations of three fields in the direction of the Hydra and Norma clusters, and the NGC 4636 galaxy group. In this paper, we describe how we generate and publicly release flat-disk tilted-ring kinematic models for 109/592 unique Hi detections in these fields. The modelling method adopted here—which we call the WALLABY Kinematic Analysis Proto-Pipeline (WKAPP) and for which the corresponding scripts are also publicly available—consists of combining results from the homogeneous application of the FAT and 3DBarolo algorithms to the subset of 209 detections with sufficient resolution and $S/N$ in order to generate optimised model parameters and uncertainties. The 109 models presented here tend to be gas rich detections resolved by at least 3–4 synthesised beams across their major axes, but there is no obvious environmental bias in the modelling. The data release described here is the first step towards the derivation of similar products for thousands of spatially resolved WALLABY detections via a dedicated kinematic pipeline. Such a large publicly available and homogeneously analysed dataset will be a powerful legacy product that that will enable a wide range of scientific studies.

Background: New Canadian treatment optimization recommendations (TOR) were released in 2020 to guide clinicians on the optimal use of disease modifying treatments (DMTs). The alignment of current practices to TOR was investigated to identify potential areas for improvement in patient care. Methods: From January–July 2021, a chart audit of 160 patients was conducted by a sample of Canadian neurologists. Patient selection criteria included adult patients with relapsing-remitting MS, who had been switched from an initial DMT. Results: In alignment with TOR, most patients received a platform therapy initially (89%; n=143) and suboptimal efficacy response (MRI changes, relapses, disability progression) was the most common trigger for switching treatment. Furthermore, the expanded disability status scale was used in 94% (n=151) of cases during clinical assessment. In some instances, neurologists did not adhere to TOR. Only 10% (n=16) of patients were tested for cognitive function and over half (58%; n=93) did not receive gadolinium contrast at re-baseline MRI. Major criteria for switching therapies based on relapse rate, severity/recovery, or MRI were not followed in (n=4; n=27; n=7) patients respectively. Conclusions: Canadian neurologists are generally aligned with recent TOR for MS. However, they are not switching nearly as often or as early as per TOR criteria.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: For patients suffering from respiratory failure there are limited options to support gas exchange aside from mechanical ventilation. Our goal is to design, investigate, and refine a novel device for extrapulmonary gas exchange via peritoneal perfusion with perfluorocarbons (PFC) in an animal model. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Hypoxic respiratory failure will be modeled using 50 kg swine mechanically ventilated with subatmospheric (10-12%) oxygen. Through a midline laparotomy, two cannulas, one for inflow and one for outflow, will be placed into the peritoneal space. After abdominal closure, the cannulas will be connected to a device capable of draining, oxygenating, regulating temperature, filtering, and pumping perfluorodecalin at a rate of 3-4 liters per minute. During induced hypoxia, the physiologic response to PFC circulation through the peritoneal space will be monitored with invasive (e.g. arterial and venous blood gases) and non-invasive measurements (e.g. pulse oximetry). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate that the initiation of oxygenated perfluorocarbons perfusion through the peritoneal space during induced hypoxia will create an increase in hemoglobin oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood. As we expect gas exchange to be occurring in the microvascular beds of the peritoneal membrane, we expect to observe an increase in the venous blood oxygen content sampled from the inferior vena cava. Using other invasive hemodynamic measures (e.g. cardiac output) and blood samples taken from multiple venous sites, a quantifiable rate of oxygen delivery will be calculable. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Peritoneal perfluorocarbon perfusion, if able to deliver significant amounts of oxygen, would provide a potentially lifesaving therapy for patients in respiratory failure who are unable to be supported with mechanical ventilation alone, and are not candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: Standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidelines published in 2015 by the Europoean MAGNIMS group and in 2016 by the CMSC are important for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and for the appropriate use of MRI in routine clinical practice. Methods: Two panels of experts convened to update existing guidelines for a standardized MRI protocol. The MAGNIMS panel convened in Graz, Austria in April 2019. The CMSC NAIMS panel met separately and independently in Newark, USA in October 2019. Subsequently, the MAGNIMS, NAIMS, and CMSC working groups combined their efforts to reach an international consensus Results: The revised guidelines on MRI in MS merges recommendations from MAGNIMS, CMSC, and NAIMS to improve the use of MRI for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of individuals with MS. 3D acquisitions are emphasized for optimal comparison over time. Core brain sequences include a 3D-T2wFLAIR for lesion identification and monitoring treatment effectiveness. Gadolinium-based contrast is recommended for diagnostic studies and judicious use for routine monitoring of MS patients. DWI sequences are recommended for PML safety monitoring. Conclusions: The international consensus guidelines strive for global acceptance of a useful and usable standard of care for patients with MS.

The aims of this study were to (1) compare diet quality between patients with heart failure (HF) and age- and sex-matched community-dwelling healthy older adults and (2) determine whether having HF was associated with a lower Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score and risk of micronutrient deficiency. The HEI-2015 and macro- and micronutrient intakes of patients with HF were compared with healthy older adults (N 102; 55–92 years old; 53 % female). A paired t-test or Wilcoxon singed-rank test, McNemar's test, and conditional logistic regression were used to assess the association between diet quality and HF status. Median values for HEI-2015 and the number of micronutrient deficiency were used to dichotomise into groups in the conditional logistic regression. There was no significant between-group difference in the HEI-2015 total score (P 0⋅059), whereas the whole grain component was lower in patients with HF than in healthy older adults (3⋅1 ± 3⋅5 v. 4⋅5 ± 3⋅1, P 0⋅037; respectively). Total caloric intake was lower in patients with HF than in healthy older adults (1683 ± 595 v. 2104 ± 670 kcal; P < 0⋅001). Patients with HF had a higher average number of micronutrient deficiencies than healthy older adults (4[2, 6] v. 1[0, 4], respectively, P < 0⋅001). Patients with HF had four times higher odds of being in a high micronutrient deficiency group than healthy older adults, controlling for socio-demographics and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [95 % confidence interval]: 4⋅04[1⋅06, 15⋅41]). Our findings demonstrate that diet quality measured by nutritional intake identifies patients with HF with lower caloric intake and higher micronutrient deficiencies compared with age- and sex-matched healthy older adults.

We present an overview of the Middle Ages Galaxy Properties with Integral Field Spectroscopy (MAGPI) survey, a Large Program on the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope. MAGPI is designed to study the physical drivers of galaxy transformation at a lookback time of 3–4 Gyr, during which the dynamical, morphological, and chemical properties of galaxies are predicted to evolve significantly. The survey uses new medium-deep adaptive optics aided Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of fields selected from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey, providing a wealth of publicly available ancillary multi-wavelength data. With these data, MAGPI will map the kinematic and chemical properties of stars and ionised gas for a sample of 60 massive ( ${>}7 \times 10^{10} {\mathrm{M}}_\odot$ ) central galaxies at $0.25 < z <0.35$ in a representative range of environments (isolated, groups and clusters). The spatial resolution delivered by MUSE with Ground Layer Adaptive Optics ( $0.6-0.8$ arcsec FWHM) will facilitate a direct comparison with Integral Field Spectroscopy surveys of the nearby Universe, such as SAMI and MaNGA, and at higher redshifts using adaptive optics, for example, SINS. In addition to the primary (central) galaxy sample, MAGPI will deliver resolved and unresolved spectra for as many as 150 satellite galaxies at $0.25 < z <0.35$ , as well as hundreds of emission-line sources at $z < 6$ . This paper outlines the science goals, survey design, and observing strategy of MAGPI. We also present a first look at the MAGPI data, and the theoretical framework to which MAGPI data will be compared using the current generation of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations including EAGLE, Magneticum, HORIZON-AGN, and Illustris-TNG. Our results show that cosmological hydrodynamical simulations make discrepant predictions in the spatially resolved properties of galaxies at $z\approx 0.3$ . MAGPI observations will place new constraints and allow for tangible improvements in galaxy formation theory.