Spin Squeezing with Coherent Light via Entanglement Swapping

We analyze theoretically a scheme that produces spin squeezing via the continuous swapping of atom-photon entanglement into atom-atom entanglement, and propose an explicit experimental system where the necessary atom-field coupling can be realized. This scheme is found to be robust against perturbations due to other atom-field coupling channels.Comment: 6 pages, 10 figure

Genetic architecture distinguishes systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis from other forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: clinical and therapeutic implications

OBJECTIVES: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of conditions unified by the presence of chronic childhood arthritis without an identifiable cause. Systemic JIA (sJIA) is a rare form of JIA characterised by systemic inflammation. sJIA is distinguished from other forms of JIA by unique clinical features and treatment responses that are similar to autoinflammatory diseases. However, approximately half of children with sJIA develop destructive, long-standing arthritis that appears similar to other forms of JIA. Using genomic approaches, we sought to gain novel insights into the pathophysiology of sJIA and its relationship with other forms of JIA. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide association study of 770 children with sJIA collected in nine countries by the International Childhood Arthritis Genetics Consortium. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were tested for association with sJIA. Weighted genetic risk scores were used to compare the genetic architecture of sJIA with other JIA subtypes. RESULTS: The major histocompatibility complex locus and a locus on chromosome 1 each showed association with sJIA exceeding the threshold for genome-wide significance, while 23 other novel loci were suggestive of association with sJIA. Using a combination of genetic and statistical approaches, we found no evidence of shared genetic architecture between sJIA and other common JIA subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of shared genetic risk factors between sJIA and other JIA subtypes supports the hypothesis that sJIA is a unique disease process and argues for a different classification framework. Research to improve sJIA therapy should target its unique genetics and specific pathophysiological pathways

From perception to policy: insights for evidence-based preparedness policy in Slovenia and Ireland

This presentation explores two key challenges in using cross-national behavioural data to inform preparedness and resilience policymaking: 1) why behavioural data is so important (Slovenia) and 2) achieving policy buy-in (Ireland). In Slovenia, findings from the March 2024 European Pandemic Preparedness Behaviour survey (n = 1.522) reveal a gap between perceived and actual preparedness. While 52% felt well prepared for a potential lockdown, only 47.2% said they would stay home when symptomatic, and fewer than one-third had all the recommended emergency stockpile. Vaccine confidence was also low-only 42.3% believed vaccines are safe, and 52.9% thought they are effective. These results highlight the complexity of preparedness behaviours and underscore the need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to enhance confidence, readiness and compliance with preventive measures during future pandemics. In Ireland, the focus is on the policymaking process itself-specifically, the barriers and enablers policymakers face when integrating behavioural evidence into public health planning. Although behavioural science has informed Ireland's COVID-19 response and continues to shape policy, building long-term preparedness requires sustained collaboration and foresight. This case study reflects on how Ireland's Department of Health has applied data from the Pandemic Preparedness Survey to guide emergency planning and shares insights into how researchers can foster policy buy-in throughout the research lifecycle. Together, these case studies from Slovenia and Ireland emphasize the vital role of behavioural science in developing resilient, evidence-based policies for future public health crises

Both maternal and newborn IgMs inhibit influenza virus-induced hemagglutination in vitro

Most serum immunoglobulins M (IgMs) are “natural IgMs”, which are produced apparently spontaneously without exogenous antigenic or microbial stimuli. The IgMs are the first immunoglobulins expressed in the human fetus, and the maternal IgM do not cross the placenta in the normal conditions. We currently lack a clear understanding of the molecular basis for immunological differences or identities of IgM repertoires between adults and neonates, so we have tried to apply a simple and illustrative method to compare the properties of such IgM antibodies. This study was undertaken to compare the abilities of pairs of maternal and newborn highly-purified total serum IgM antibodies to block influenza virus agglutinins. We collected ten pairs of serum samples from cord blood of apparently healthy newborns and venous blood of their mothers. The highly purified total IgM antibodies were obtained by sequential salt fractionation and affinity chromatography. The effect of IgM antibodies on virus hemagglutinin interaction with erythrocytes was evaluated by hemagglutination reaction using influenza virus vaccine. According to the titer of influenza hemagglutinins, the IgM antibodies of newborns decreased hemagglutination of erythrocytes two to four times more efficiently compared to IgM antibodies of their mothers (8 out of 10 cases). Our results demonstrate that serum IgMs of newborns are able to interfere with influenza virus agglutinins even more efficiently than those of adults. These data may be useful for better understanding of immune system development in newborns

Emapalumab in children with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare syndrome characterized by immune dysregulation and hyperinflammation. It typically manifests in infancy and is associated with high mortality. METHODS We investigated the efficacy and safety of emapalumab (a human anti-interferon-γ antibody), administered with dexamethasone, in an open-label, single-group, phase 2-3 study involving patients who had received conventional therapy before enrollment (previously treated patients) and previously untreated patients who were 18 years of age or younger and had primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The patients could enter a long-term follow-up study until 1 year after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or until 1 year after the last dose of emapalumab, if transplantation was not performed. The planned 8-week treatment period could be shortened or extended if needed according to the timing of transplantation. The primary efficacy end point was the overall response, which was assessed in the previously treated patients according to objective clinical and laboratory criteria. RESULTS At the cutoff date of July 20, 2017, a total of 34 patients (27 previously treated patients and 7 previously untreated patients) had received emapalumab; 26 patients completed the study. A total of 63% of the previously treated patients and 65% of the patients who received an emapalumab infusion had a response; these percentages were significantly higher than the prespecified null hypothesis of 40% (P=0.02 and P=0.005, respectively). In the previously treated group, 70% of the patients were able to proceed to transplantation, as were 65% of the patients who received emapalumab. At the last observation, 74% of the previously treated patients and 71% of the patients who received emapalumab were alive. Emapalumab was not associated with any organ toxicity. Severe infections developed in 10 patients during emapalumab treatment. Emapalumab was discontinued in 1 patient because of disseminated histoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS Emapalumab was an efficacious targeted therapy for patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Emapalumab in children with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare syndrome characterized by immune dysregulation and hyperinflammation. It typically manifests in infancy and is associated with high mortality

Gonadal function in pediatric Fanconi anemia patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Gonadal dysfunction and reduced fertility are clinical manifestations well described in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) and following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It is difficult to differentiate gonadal dysfunction from the primary disease itself or from HSCT procedures. Therefore, it is important to manage expectations about gonadal failure and infertility for all patients with FA, regardless of the HSCT status. We performed a retrospective analysis of 98 pediatric patients with FA who were transplanted between July 1990 and June 2020 to evaluate the incidence of gonadal dysfunction in female and male patients with FA. New-onset premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) was diagnosed in a total of 30 (52.6%) patients. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were increased in patients diagnosed with POI. Anti- Mullerian hormone levels declined in POI patients after HSCT (r2=0.21; P=0.001). Twenty (48.8%) male patients were diagnosed with testicular failure. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels increased after HSCT even in patients without testicular failure (r2=0.17; P=0.005). Inhibin B levels decreased over time after HSCT in patients with testicular failure (r2=0.14; P=0.001). These data indicate brisk decline in already impaired gonadal function in transplanted children with FA

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE): an underrecognized complication?

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