Handle Slides and Localizations of Categories

We propose a means by which some categorifications can be evaluated at a root of unity. This is implemented using a suitable localization in the context of prior work by the authors on categorification of the Jones-Wenzl projectors. Within this construction we define objects, invariant under handle slides, which decategorify to the SU(2) quantum invariants at low levels.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures. v2: paper is unchanged, a technical problem with the files is fixe

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Solitary Fibrous Tumor with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT)

Background: This case report details the innovative use of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 resin microspheres to treat a 73-year-old woman with a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a rare and challenging tumor type. SFTs often present significant treatment difficulties, especially in cases of recurrence or metastasis, as systemic therapies typically show limited effectiveness. This report explores SIRT as an alternative therapeutic approach for SFTs with liver metastasis. Methods: The patient initially presented with a pelvic mass, which was surgically resected. However, metastatic disease later developed in the liver. After experiencing severe side effects from targeted therapy with sunitinib, the patient was selected for treatment with SIRT as an alternative. Results: Following the SIRT intervention, the patient demonstrated a substantial reduction in tumor size and significant relief from symptoms. This outcome suggests SIRT’s effectiveness as a targeted treatment for metastatic SFT. Conclusions: To our knowledge, and based on an extensive literature review, this is the first reported instance of treating SFT with SIRT. This case provides new insights into SIRT’s potential as a therapeutic strategy, particularly for patients for whom conventional treatments are either ineffective or intolerable. The success observed here underscores SIRT’s potential as a less invasive, locally targeted treatment option, offering hope for similar cases

“High Risk” Features of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Are Commonly Found in Autopsy Studies: Implications for the ATA Guidelines

Abstract Background: While the popularity of lobectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has increased since the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines, several recent studies reported that “high risk” histological features may be found in up to half of lobectomy specimens, questioning the validity of this approach. In turn, the actual risk associated with some “high risk” features (multifocality, minimal extra-thyroidal extension (ETE), and small lymph node (LN) metastases) has been questioned in recent years. Aim: To assess the prevalence of “high risk” pathological features in occult DTC detected in autopsy studies. Methods: Meta-analysis of autopsy studies of the thyroid gland in subjects without history of thyroid cancer. Studies with DTC lesions and details on histological features were included. Results: Twenty nine studies including 8,750 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with incidentally discovered DTC in 740 autopsies (prevalence of 8.5%). Age was reported in 17 studies, with a median age of 61 years (range 41-68 years). Multifocality was reported in 27 studies with a calculated event rate of 28.2% (95%CI 23.1% to 33.8%, random effect), with bilateral involvement in 18% (95%CI 12.6%-25/1%). Minimal ETE was reported in five studies, with an event rate of 24.5% (95%CI 9.3% to 50.7%, random effect), and the presence of LN metastases was reported in 13 studies with an event rate of 11% (95%CI 6.1% to 19.1%, random effect). Vascular invasion was reported in seven studies with an event rate of 16% (95%CI 4% to 47%, random effect). Conclusions: “High risk” histological features are common in occult DTC found in autopsy studies, and do not seem to be markers of aggressive disease. These data support a less aggressive therapeutic approach in patients with microscopic “high risk” features which were not detected on pre-operative ultrasound.</jats:p

Enhanced Third-Harmonic Generation from a Metal/Semiconductor Core/Shell Hybrid Nanostructure

Nonlinear optical processes can be dramatically enhanced <i>via</i> the use of localized surface plasmon modes in metal nanoparticles. Here we show how more elaborate structures, based on shape-controlled Au/Cu₂O core/shell nanostructures, enable further enhancement of the nanoparticle third-harmonic scattering cross-section. The semiconducting component takes a twofold role in this structure, both providing a knob to tune the resonant frequency of the gold plasmon and providing resonant enhancement by virtue of its excitonic states. The advantages and deficiencies of using such core/shell metal/semiconductor structures are discussed