Radiomics model and deep learning model based on T1WI image for acute lymphoblastic leukemia identification

AIM

This study aimed to develop highly precise radiomics and deep learning models to accurately detect acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using a T1WI image.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 604 brain magnetic resonance data of ALL group and normal children (NC) group. Two radiologists independently retrieved radiomics features after manually delineating the area of interest along the clivus at the median sagittal position of T1WI. According to the 9:1 ratio, all samples were randomly divided into the training cohort and the testing cohort. support vector machine was then used to classify the radiomics model using the features that had a correlation coefficient of greater than 0.99 in the training cohort. The Efficientnet-B3 network model received the training set images to create a deep learning model. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve were calculated in order to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the different models after the validation of two aforementioned models in the testing cohort.

RESULTS

The deep learning model had a higher AUC value of 0.981 than the radiomics model's value of 0.962 in the testing cohort. Delong's test showed no statistical difference between the two models (P>0.05). The accuracy/sensitivity/specificity/negative predictive value/positive predictive value achieved 0.9180/0.9565/0.8947/0.9714/0.8462 for the radiomics model and 0.9344/0.8696/0.9737/0.9250/0.9524 for deep learning model.

CONCLUSIONS

The deep learning and radiomics models showed high AUC values in the training and test cohorts. They also exhibited good diagnostic efficacy for predicting ALL.

Attention control training and transfer effects on cognitive tasks

Attention control is the common element underlying different executive functions. The backward Masking Majority Function Task (MFT-M) requires intensive attention control, and represents a diverse situation where attentional resources need to be allocated dynamically and flexibly to reduce uncertainty. Aiming to train attention control using MFT-M and examine the training transfer effects in various executive functions, we recruited healthy young adults (n = 84) and then equally randomized them into two groups trained with either MFT-M or a sham program for seven consecutive days. Cognitive evaluations were conducted before and after the training, and the electroencephalograph (EEG) signals were recorded for the revised Attention Network Test (ANT-R), N-back, and Task-switching (TS) tasks. Compared to the control group, the training group performed better on the congruent condition of Flanker and the double-congruency condition of Flanker and Location in the ANT-R task, and on the learning trials in the verbal memory test. The training group also showed a larger P2 amplitude decrease and P3 amplitude increase in the 2-back task and a larger P3 amplitude increase in the TS task's repeat condition than the control group, indicating improved neural efficiency in two tasks' attentional processes. Introversion moderated the transfer effects of training, as indicated by the significant group*introversion interactions on the post-training 1-back efficiency and TS switching cost. Our results suggested that attention control training with the MFT-M showed a broad transfer scope, and the transfer effect was influenced by the form of training task. Introversion facilitated the transfer to working memory and hindered the transfer to flexibility.

[Effect of donor and recipient HLA mismatched locus on the prognosis of childhood with leukemia after umbilical cord blood transplantation]

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the sites of high-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch on the prognosis of children with leukemia undergoing umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). Methods: Clinical data and high-resolution HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 locus gene information were collected in the children who underwent the UCBT for the first time at Children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2016 and June 2023. In each locus, according to whether the two genes were compatible, they were divided into a compatible group (two genes were perfectly matched) and a non-compatible group (one gene was not matched). In different loci, the differences in occurrence, recurrence, non-recurrence death and survival of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) were compared between the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression was employed to analyzed the influencing factors for overall survival rate, and Fine-Gray proportional hazards model was employed to analyze the influencing factors of other outcome events. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled (55 males and 45 females), whose age [M (Q1, Q3)] at the time of transplantation was 3.9 (2.0, 6.5) years. There were 55 cases in the HLA-A matched group and 45 cases in the mismatched group. The 5-year non-recurrence mortality (NRM) in the HLA-A matched group was lower than that in the mismatched group (P=0.024). The cumulative incidence of aGVHD within 100 days after transplantation in the HLA-A matched group was lower than that in the mismatched group (P=0.017), and there were no statistically significant differences in other outcome events between the groups (all P>0.05). There were 70 cases in the HLA-B matched group and 30 cases in the mismatched group. The 5-year cumulative recurrence rate in the HLA-B matched group was higher than that in the mismatched group (P=0.027). There were 79 cases in the HLA-C matched group and 21 cases in the mismatched group, and there were no statistically difference in the outcome events between the groups (P>0.05). There were 73 cases in HLA-DRB1 matched group and 27 cases in mismatched group. The 5-year overall survival rate in HLA-DRB1 matched group was higher than that in mismatched group (P=0.036), the 5-year cumulative recurrence rate in HLA-DRB1 matched group was higher than that in mismatched group (P=0.028), and the 5-year NRM in HLA-DRB1 matched group was lower than that in mismatched group (P=0.008). The cumulative incidence of aGVHD within 100 days after transplantation in the matched group was lower than that in the mismatched group (P=0.010), and and there were no statistically significant difference in other outcome events between the groups (P>0.05). There were 68 cases in HLA-DQB1 matched group and 32 cases in mismatched group. There was no statistical difference in outcome events between the two groups (all P>0.05). The risk of aGVHD in HLA-A mismatched group was higher than that in HLA-A matched group (HR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.12-1.38). The risk of recurrence in HLA-B mismatched group was lower than that in HLA-B matched group (HR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.63-0.91). Mismatched group at HLA-DRB1 compared with matched group at HLA-DRB1, had a higher risk of aGVHD (HR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.26-1.48), a higher risk of non-recurrence death (HR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.28-1.50), and a higher risk of death (HR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.18-1.36). No association was found between HLA-C and HLA-DQB1 locus with the risk of aGVHD, recurrence, non-recurrence death, and survival (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In UCBT, the risk of aGVHD in children with matching HLA-A sites of donor and recipient is lower than that in children with incompatible HLA-A sites. Compared with children with incompatible HLA-DRB1 sites, children with HLA-DRB1 matched sites has a lower risk of acute GVHD, a lower 5-year NRM, and a higher risk of death. The recurrence rate of children with matching HLA-B loci is higher than that of children without matching HLA-B loci.

[Construction of terminology system in public health and preventive medicine]

Public Health and Preventive Medicine, as a first-level discipline within the field of medical sciences, plays a crucial role in standardizing terminology for the purposes of discipline construction, technological advancement, and societal progress. Given the current macro-environment of social development, establishing and perfecting a standardized terminology system for Public Health and Preventive Medicine is not only a necessity for the discipline itself but also a pressing need for the nation and the world. This paper focuses on the development environment and current status of the Public Health and Preventive Medicine discipline system. It explores the current state, challenges, and future prospects of building a terminology system for Public Health and Preventive Medicine from the perspectives of terminology evaluation, standardized application, and discipline construction.

Physiological, cytological and multi-omics analysis revealed the molecular response of Fritillaria cirrhosa to Cd toxicity in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Fritillaria cirrhosa, an endangered plant endemic to plateau regions, faces escalating cadmium (Cd) stress due to pollution in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study employed physiological, cytological, and multi-omics techniques to investigate the toxic effects of Cd stress and detoxification mechanisms of F. cirrhosa. The results demonstrated that Cd caused severe damage to cell membranes and organelles, leading to significant oxidative damage and reducing photosynthesis, alkaloid and nucleoside contents, and biomass. Cd application increased cell wall thickness by 167.89% in leaves and 445.78% in bulbs, leading to weight percentage of Cd increases of 76.00% and 257.14%, respectively. PER, CESA, PME, and SUS, genes responsible for cell wall thickening, were significantly upregulated. Additionally, the levels of metabolites participating in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species, including oxidized glutathione, D-proline, L-citrulline, and putrescine, were significantly increased under Cd stress. Combined multi-omics analyses revealed that glutathione metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis pathways jointly constituted the detoxification mechanism of F. cirrhosa in response to Cd stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for further screening of new cultivars for Cd tolerance and developing appropriate cultivation strategies to alleviate Cd toxicity.

Search for Narrow Trijet Resonances in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search for singly produced narrow resonances decaying to three well-separated hadronic jets is presented. The search uses proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, collected at the CERN LHC. No significant deviations from the background predictions are observed between 1.75 and 9.00 TeV. The results provide the first mass limits on a right-handed boson Z_{R} decaying to three gluons and on an excited quark decaying via a vector boson to three quarks, as well as updated limits on a Kaluza-Klein gluon decaying via a radion to three gluons.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of parameters of erector spinae in patients with uremic sarcopenia

AIM

This study aimed to investigate whether computed tomography (CT)-measured erector spinae parameters (ESPs) have diagnostic, severity assessment, and prognostic predictive value in uremic sarcopenia (US).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 202 uremic patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: a control group and a sarcopenia group. Sarcopenia was classified into two types: severe and nonsevere. The area, volume, and density of the erector spinae (ES) were measured using chest CT images, and the relevant ESP, including the erector spinae index (ESI), total erector spinae volume (TESV), erector spinae density (ESD), and erector spinae gauge (ESG) were calculated. The occurrence of adverse events was followed-up for 36 months. The diagnostic value and severity of US were determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival curves diagnosed using CT were plotted and compared with the curve drawn using the gold standard. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors associated with survival in US.

RESULTS

With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.840 and 0.739, the combined ESP has diagnostic value and the ability to assess the severity of US. There was no significant difference in the survival curve between the combined ESP for the diagnosis of US and the gold standard (P > 0.05). ESI is a standalone predictor of survival in patients with US.

CONCLUSION

ESP measured by CT has diagnostic values for US and its severity, as well as being a predictive value for the prognosis of US.

[Perioperative efficacy of laparoscopic duodenal-preserving pancreatic head resection]

Objective: To compare the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic duodenal-preserving pancreatic head resection(LDPPHR) with laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) in the treatment of borderline and benign diseases of the pancreatic head. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Perioperative data from 87 patients with non-malignant pancreatic head diseases who underwent LDPPHR or LPD were retrospectively collected in the Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery,Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2020 to December 2022. There were 49 male and 38 female patients with an age (M(IQR)) of 57.0(16.5) years (range: 20 to 75 years). Forty patients underwent LDPPHR and 47 patients underwent LPD. Quantitative data following a normal distribution were compared using Student's t-test, while quantitative data not following a normal distribution were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparisons of categorical or ordinal variables were made using χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk factors associated with the rate of complications. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the LDPPHR group and the LPD group in terms of reoperation rate,total hospital stay duration,postoperative hospital stay duration,90-day mortality rate,30-day and 90-day readmission rates,and 2-year tumor recurrence rate (all P>0.05). The complication rate was higher in the LDPPHR group compared to the LPD group (80.0%(32/40) vs. 51.1%(24/47), χ2=7.89,P=0.005),but there was no difference in the rate of Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications ≥Ⅲ between the two groups (10.0%(4/40) vs. 12.8%(6/47), χ2<0.01, P=0.947). Additionally,the rate of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was higher in the LDPPHR group compared to the LPD group (χ2=10.79,P=0.001),but there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of B,C grade DGE between the two groups (χ2=0.48, P=0.487). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula,bile leakage,post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage,intra-abdominal infection,and pulmonary infection between the two groups (all P>0.05). The results of the univariate logistic regression analysis showed that LDPPHR (compared to LPD, OR=3.83, 95%CI: 1.46 to 10.04, Z=2.73,P=0.006) and preoperative biliary stent placement (compared to non-use of biliary stent, OR=5.30, 95%CI: 1.13 to 25.00, Z=2.11, P=0.035) were risk factors for the complication rate,but neither was an independent risk factor for complication rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The preliminary results suggest that LDPPHR can achieve perioperative safety and effectiveness comparable to LPD.

Altered morphometric similarity networks in insomnia disorder

Previous studies on structural covariance network (SCN) suggested that patients with insomnia disorder (ID) show abnormal structural connectivity, primarily affecting the somatomotor network (SMN) and default mode network (DMN). However, evaluating a single structural index in SCN can only reveal direct covariance relationship between two brain regions, failing to uncover synergistic changes in multiple structural features. To cover this research gap, the present study utilized novel morphometric similarity networks (MSN) to examine the morphometric similarity between cortical areas in terms of multiple sMRI parameters measured at each area. With seven T1-weighted imaging morphometric features from the Desikan-Killiany atlas, individual MSN was constructed for patients with ID (N = 87) and healthy control groups (HCs, N = 84). Two-sample t-test revealed differences in MSN between patients with ID and HCs. Correlation analyses examined associations between MSNs and sleep quality, insomnia symptom severity, and depressive symptoms severity in patients with ID. The right paracentral lobule (PCL) exhibited decreased morphometric similarity in patients with ID compared to HCs, mainly manifested by its de-differentiation (meaning loss of distinctiveness) with the SMN, DMN, and ventral attention network (VAN), as well as its decoupling with the visual network (VN). Greater PCL-based de-differentiation correlated with less severe insomnia and fewer depressive symptoms in the patients group. Additionally, patients with less depressive symptoms showed greater PCL de-differentiation from the SMN. As an important pilot step in revealing the underlying morphometric similarity alterations in insomnia disorder, the present study identified the right PCL as a hub region that is de-differentiated with other high-order networks. Our study also revealed that MSN has an important potential to capture clinical significance related to insomnia disorder.

Association of noise exposure with lipid metabolism among Chinese adults: mediation role of obesity indices

PURPOSE

Noise exposure in the workplace has been linked to a number of health consequences. Our objectives were to explore the relationship between occupational noise and lipid metabolism and evaluate the possible mediating effect of obesity indices in those relationships with a cross-sectional study design.

METHODS

Cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was used to measure the level of noise exposure. Logistic regression models or generalized linear models were employed to evaluate the association of occupational noise and obesity with lipid metabolism markers. Cross-lagged analysis was conducted to explore temporal associations of obesity with lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

A total of 854 participants were included, with each one-unit increase in CNE, the values of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 0.013 (95% confidence interval: 0.006, 0.020) and 0.009 (0.004, 0.014), as well as the prevalence of dyslipidemia increased by 1.030 (1.013, 1.048). Occupational noise and lipid metabolism markers were all positively associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), a Body Shape Index (ABSI) and a Body Shape Index and Body Roundness Index (BRI) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, BMI, WC, ABSI and BRI could mediate the associations of occupational noise with lipid metabolism; the proportions ranged from 21.51 to 24.45%, 23.84 to 30.14%, 4.86 to 5.94% and 25.59 to 28.23%, respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates a positive association between occupational noise and abnormal lipid metabolism, and obesity may partly mediate the association. Our findings reinforce the need to take practical steps to reduce or even eliminate the health risks associated with occupational noise.

Production and evaluation of anti-BP26 monoclonal antibodies for the serological detection of animal brucellosis

Brucella BP26 proves to be a highly immunogenic antigen with excellent specificity in brucellosis detection. In China, the authorized use of the Bp26-deleted vaccine M5ΔBP26 for preventing small ruminant brucellosis highlights the importance of developing accurate detection methods targeting BP26, particularly for the diagnosis of differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA). Using the traditional mouse hybridoma technique, we successfully obtained 12 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting BP26. The efficacy of these mAbs in detecting various animal brucellosis cases using the competitive ELISA method was evaluated. Among them, only the E10 mAb exhibited significant efficiency, being inhibited by 100, 97.62, and 100% of brucellosis-positive sera from cattle, small ruminants, and canines, respectively. The E10-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) outperformed the BP26-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) in accuracy, particularly for cattle and small ruminant brucellosis, with cELISA sensitivity reaching 97.62% compared to 64.29% for iELISA for small ruminants. Although cELISA showed slightly lower specificity than iELISA, it still maintained high accuracy in canine brucellosis detection. The epitope of mAb E10 was identified in the amino acid sequence QPIYVYPDDKNNLKEPTITGY, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic antigen for brucellosis. In conclusion, the E10-based cELISA presents an effective means of detecting animal brucellosis, particularly significant for DIVA diagnosis in China, where the BP26-mutant vaccine is widely used.

Measuring gait parameters from a single chest-worn accelerometer in healthy individuals: a validation study

Digital health technologies (DHTs) are increasingly being adopted in clinical trials, as they enable objective evaluations of health parameters in free-living environments. Although lumbar accelerometers notably provide reliable gait parameters, embedding accelerometers in chest devices, already used for vital signs monitoring, could capture a more comprehensive picture of participants' wellbeing, while reducing the burden of multiple devices. Here we assess the validity of gait parameters measured from a chest accelerometer. Twenty healthy adults (13 females, mean ± sd age: 33.9 ± 9.1 years) instrumented with lumbar and chest accelerometers underwent in-lab and outside-lab walking tasks, while monitored with reference devices (an instrumented mat, and a 6-accelerometers set). Gait parameters were extracted from chest and lumbar accelerometers using our open-source Scikit Digital Health gait (SKDH-gait) algorithm, and compared against reference values via Bland-Altman plots, Pearson's correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Mixed effects regression models were performed to investigate the effect of device, task, and their interaction. Gait parameters derived from chest and lumbar accelerometers showed no significant difference and excellent agreement across all tasks, as well as good-to-excellent agreement and strong correlation against reference values, thus supporting the deployment of a single multimodal chest device in clinical trials, to simultaneously measure gait and vital signs.Trial Registration: The study was reviewed and approved by the Advarra IRB (protocol number: Pro00043100).

Search for Baryon Number Violation in Top Quark Production and Decay Using Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search is presented for baryon number violating interactions in top quark production and decay. The analysis uses data from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. Candidate events are selected by requiring two oppositely charged leptons (electrons or muons) and exactly one jet identified as originating from a bottom quark. Multivariate discriminants are used to separate the signal from the background. No significant deviation from the standard model prediction is observed. Upper limits are placed on the strength of baryon number violating couplings. For the first time the production of single top quarks via baryon number violating interactions is studied. This allows the search to set the most stringent constraints to date on the branching fraction of the top quark decay to a lepton, an up-type quark (u or c), and a down-type quark (d, s, or b). The results improve the previous bounds by 3 to 6 orders of magnitude based on the fermion flavor combination of the baryon number violating interactions.

Development and evaluation of a triplex droplet digital PCR method for differentiation of M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and BCG

Introduction

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), remains a global health concern in both human and animals. However, the absence of rapid, accurate, and highly sensitive detection methods to differentiate the major pathogens of MTBC, including M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and BCG, poses a potential challenge.

Methods

In this study, we have established a triplex droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method employing three types of probe fluorophores, with targets M. tuberculosis (targeting CFP-10-ESAT-6 gene of RD1 and Rv0222 genes of RD4), M. bovis (targeting CFP-10-ESATs-6 gene of RD1), and BCG (targeting Rv3871 and Rv3879c genes of ΔRD1), respectively.

Results

Based on optimization of annealing temperature, sensitivity and repeatability, this method demonstrates a lower limit of detection (LOD) as 3.08 copies/reaction for M. tuberculosis, 4.47 copies/reaction for M. bovis and 3.59 copies/reaction for BCG, without cross-reaction to Mannheimia haemolytica, Mycoplasma bovis, Haemophilus parasuis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Ochrobactrum anthropi, Salmonella choleraesuis, Brucella melitensis, and Staphylococcus aureus, and showed repeatability with coefficients of variation (CV) lower than 10%. The method exhibits strong milk sample tolerance, the LOD of detecting in spike milk was 5 × 103 CFU/mL, which sensitivity is ten times higher than the triplex qPCR. 60 clinical DNA samples, including 20 milk, 20 tissue and 20 swab samples, were kept in China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center were tested by the triplex ddPCR and triplex qPCR. The triplex ddPCR presented a higher sensitivity (11.67%, 7/60) than that of the triplex qPCR method (8.33%, 5/60). The positive rates of M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and BCG were 1.67, 10, and 0% by triplex ddPCR, and 1.67, 6.67, and 0% by triplex qPCR, with coincidence rates of 100, 96.7, and 100%, respectively.

Discussion

Our data demonstrate that the established triplex ddPCR method is a sensitive, specific and rapid method for differentiation and identification of M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and BCG.

[Retrospective clinicopathological analysis of pulmonary light chain deposition disease secondary to Sjögren's syndrome]

Objective: To analyze of the clinical, imaging, and pathological features of pulmonary light chain deposition disease(PLCDD) secondary to Sjögren's syndrome(SS), and to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 23 PLCDD cases diagnosed by pathology in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from 2009 to 2023, a total of 11 cases of PLCDD secondary to SS(SS-PLCDD) were selected, the median age was 51 years old(range:36~74),10 female and 1 male, the clinical, imaging, and pathological features were summarized. Results: All 11 cases showed bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules on HRCT with 10 cases accompanied by cysts, 6 cases with vessels in the cystic wall or crossing the cysts. Microscopically, all 11 cases showed amorphous eosinophilic material with negative Congo red staining deposited in the lung, vascular involvement was common, with variable lymphocyte, plasma cell infiltration and multinucleated giant cell reaction, cysts formation was observed in 6 cases,1 case combined with pulmonary lymphoma. No extrapulmonary involvement in all 11 cases. Ten patients were treated with glucocorticoid and (or) immunosuppressants, 1 patient changed to bortezomib-dexamethasone chemotherapy after 1 year, with a mean follow-up of 50 months, 5 cases were stable on clinical and (or) HRCT findings, 2 cases showed remission on HRCT, 2 cases progressed on HRCT. Conclusions: SS-PLCDD affects predominantly middle-aged females with lesions confined to the lung; HRCT showed bilateral multiple nodules and thin-walled cysts. Pulmonary pathology presented as non-amyloid material with negative Congo red staining and interstitial changes associated with SS. The overall prognosis was good, but caution is advised regarding the underlying lymphoma.

First Study of Antihyperon-Nucleon Scattering Λ[over ¯]p→Λ[over ¯]p and Measurement of Λp→Λp Cross Section

Using (10.087±0.044)×10^{9} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the processes Λp→Λp and Λ[over ¯]p→Λ[over ¯]p are studied, where the Λ/Λ[over ¯] baryons are produced in the process J/ψ→ΛΛ[over ¯] and the protons are the hydrogen nuclei in the cooling oil of the beam pipe. Clear signals are observed for the two reactions. The cross sections in -0.9≤cosθ_{Λ/Λ[over ¯]}≤0.9 are measured to be σ(Λp→Λp)=(12.2±1.6_{stat}±1.1_{syst}) and σ(Λ[over ¯]p→Λ[over ¯]p)=(17.5±2.1_{stat}±1.6_{syst})  mb at the Λ/Λ[over ¯] momentum of 1.074  GeV/c within a range of ±0.017  GeV/c, where the θ_{Λ/Λ[over ¯]} are the scattering angles of the Λ/Λ[over ¯] in the Λp/Λ[over ¯]p rest frames. Furthermore, the differential cross sections of the two reactions are also measured, where there is a slight tendency of forward scattering for Λp→Λp, and a strong forward peak for Λ[over ¯]p→Λ[over ¯]p. We present an approach to extract the total elastic cross sections by extrapolation. The study of Λ[over ¯]p→Λ[over ¯]p represents the first study of antihyperon-nucleon scattering, and these new measurements will serve as important inputs for the theoretical understanding of the (anti)hyperon-nucleon interaction.

[Exploration of prognostic models for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps based on machine learning]

Objective: To analysis the molecular characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), to unravel its pathophysiological mechanisms, and to develop a prognostic model capable of effectively predicting postoperative recurrence. Methods: The data from three datasets (GSE198950, GSE179265, and GSE136825) were integrated, comprising 39 control cases, 16 cases of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, and 89 cases of CRSwNP. Differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified based on adjusted P<0.05 and Log2FC>1. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses, as well as STRING node scoring, were conducted. Variable selection was performed using random forest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO), with key nodes identified through intersection analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was applied, and variables with P<0.05 were included in the model. A prognostic model for CRSwNP was constructed using logistic regression, externally validated using RNA-seq data, and evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). Results: This research illustrated both upregulated and downregulated DEGs in CRSwNP, activating pathways like neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and IL-17 signaling, while inhibiting calcium signaling and gap junctions. Key nodes identified through random forest and LASSO, including G protein subunit γ4 (U=3.00 P=0.028), Cholecystokinin (U=0.50, P=0.006), Epidermal growth factor (U=1.00 P=0.008), and Neurexin-1 (U=0.00, P=0.004), showing statistical significance in external validation. The prognostic model, visualized in a line graph, exhibited high reliability (C-index=0.875,AUC=0.866). The ROC curve in external validation indicated its effectiveness in predicting postoperative recurrence (AUC=0.859). Conclusions: This study integrates multiple datasets on CRSwNP to provide a comprehensive description of its molecular features. The prognostic model, built upon key nodes identified through random forest and LASSO analyses, demonstrates high accuracy in both internal and external validations, thus providing robust support for the development of personalized treatment strategies for CRSwNP.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with liver transplantation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressed recipients of liver transplantation (LT) are more likely to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and may have an increased risk of developing worse outcomes.

AIM

To assess the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in LT recipients.

DESIGN

Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent LT between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 were included and categorized into two groups according to their use of UDCA.

METHODS

The prevalence and severity of COVID-19 among transplantation patients between the UDCA and non-UDCA groups were estimated and compared.

RESULTS

Among the 897 LT patients who met the inclusion criteria, infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 78.4%, and the rate of severe illness was 5.1% from January 2022 to January 2023 in China. In the multivariate analysis, only UDCA treatment (P = 0.006) was found to be a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. After propensity score matching, the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in the UDCA group was lower than that in the non-UDCA group (74.1% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.002). This rate was further reduced to 62.1% (P = 0.002) when the oral administration dose was >15 mg/kg/day. There was no difference in the rates of severe COVID-19 illness, ICU admission, or ventilation rate or length of hospital stay with or without UDCA treatment (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of UDCA in LT patients significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and showed a dose-dependent protective effect.

Insulin and glycolysis dependency of cardioprotection by nicotinamide riboside

Decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels contribute to various pathologies such as ageing, diabetes, heart failure and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has emerged as a promising therapeutic NAD+ precursor due to efficient NAD+ elevation and was recently shown to be the only agent able to reduce cardiac IRI in models employing clinically relevant anesthesia. However, through which metabolic pathway(s) NR mediates IRI protection remains unknown. Furthermore, the influence of insulin, a known modulator of cardioprotective efficacy, on the protective effects of NR has not been investigated. Here, we used the isolated mouse heart allowing cardiac metabolic control to investigate: (1) whether NR can protect the isolated heart against IRI, (2) the metabolic pathways underlying NR-mediated protection, and (3) whether insulin abrogates NR protection. NR protection against cardiac IRI and effects on metabolic pathways employing metabolomics for determination of changes in metabolic intermediates, and 13C-glucose fluxomics for determination of metabolic pathway activities (glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and mitochondrial/tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) activities), were examined in isolated C57BL/6N mouse hearts perfused with either (a) glucose + fatty acids (FA) ("mild glycolysis group"), (b) lactate + pyruvate + FA ("no glycolysis group"), or (c) glucose + FA + insulin ("high glycolysis group"). NR increased cardiac NAD+ in all three metabolic groups. In glucose + FA perfused hearts, NR reduced IR injury, increased glycolytic intermediate phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), TCA intermediate succinate and PPP intermediates ribose-5P (R5P) / sedoheptulose-7P (S7P), and was associated with activated glycolysis, without changes in TCA cycle or PPP activities. In the "no glycolysis" hearts, NR protection was lost, whereas NR still increased S7P. In the insulin hearts, glycolysis was largely accelerated, and NR protection abrogated. NR still increased PPP intermediates, with now high 13C-labeling of S7P, but NR was unable to increase metabolic pathway activities, including glycolysis. Protection by NR against IRI is only present in hearts with low glycolysis, and is associated with activation of glycolysis. When activation of glycolysis was prevented, through either examining "no glycolysis" hearts or "high glycolysis" hearts, NR protection was abolished. The data suggest that NR's acute cardioprotective effects are mediated through glycolysis activation and are lost in the presence of insulin because of already elevated glycolysis.

Improving chilling tolerance of peanut seedlings by enhancing antioxidant-modulated ROS scavenging ability, alleviating photosynthetic inhibition, and mobilizing nutrient absorption

Peanut production is threatened by climate change. Damage to seedlings from low temperatures in early spring can limit yield. Plant adaptations to chilling stress remain unclear in peanut seedlings. It is essential to understand how peanut acquires chilling tolerance. We evaluated effects of chilling stress on growth and recovery of peanut seedlings. We compared and analysed biological characteristics, antioxidants, photosynthesis, biochemical and physiological responses, and nutrient absorption at varying levels of chilling. Compared with chilling-sensitive FH18, the reduced impact of chilling stress on chilling-tolerant NH5 was associated with reduced ROS accumulation, higher ascorbate peroxidase activity and soluble sugar content, lower soluble protein content, and smaller reductions in nutrient content during stress. After removal of chilling stress, FH18 had significant accumulation of O2 •- and H2O2, which decreased photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and transport. ROS-scavenging reduced damage from chilling stress, allowed remobilization of nutrients, improved chilling tolerance, and restored plant functioning after chilling stress removal. These findings provide a reference for targeted research on peanut seedling tolerance to chilling and lay the foundation for bioinformatics-based research on peanut chilling tolerance mechanisms.

Potent inhibition of human and rat 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 by curcuminoids and the metabolites: 3D QSAR and in silico docking analysis

Curcumin, an extensively utilized natural pigment in the food industry, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential therapeutic effects, such as anti-tumorigenic and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzyme 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17β-HSD1) holds a crucial position in oestradiol production and exhibits significant involvement in oestrogen-responsive breast cancers and endometriosis. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of curcuminoids, metabolites, and analogues on 17β-HSD1, a key enzyme in oestradiol synthesis. Screening 10 compounds, including demethoxycurcumin (IC50, 3.97 μM) and dihydrocurcumin (IC50, 5.84 μM), against human and rat 17β-HSD1 revealed varying inhibitory potencies. These compounds suppressed oestradiol secretion in human BeWo cells at ≥ 5-10 μM. 3D-Quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular docking analyses elucidated the interaction mechanisms. Docking studies and Gromacs simulations suggested competitive or mixed binding to the steroid or NADPH/steroid binding sites of 17β-HSD1. Predictive 3D-QSAR models highlighted the importance of hydrophobic regions and hydrogen bonding in inhibiting 17β-HSD1 activity. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the inhibitory effects and mode of action of curcuminoids, metabolites, and analogues on 17β-HSD1, which may have implications in the field of hormone-related disorders.

A Novel Mechanism of MSCs Responding to Occlusal Force for Bone Homeostasis

Alveolar bone, as tooth-supporting bone for mastication, is sensitive to occlusal force. However, the mechanism of alveolar bone loss after losing occlusal force remains unclear. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of nonhematopoietic (CD45-) cells in mouse alveolar bone after removing the occlusal force. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial cell (EC) subsets were significantly decreased in frequency, as confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The osteogenic and proangiogenic abilities of MSCs were impaired, and the expression of mechanotransducers yes associated protein 1 (Yap) and WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (Taz) in MSCs decreased. Conditional deletion of Yap and Taz from LepR+ cells, which are enriched in MSCs that are important for adult bone homeostasis, significantly decreased alveolar bone mass and resisted any further changes in bone mass induced by occlusal force changes. Interestingly, LepR-Cre; Yapf/f; Tazf/f mice showed a decrease in CD31hi endomucin (Emcn)hi endothelium, and the expression of some EC-derived signals acting on osteoblastic cells was inhibited in alveolar bone. Mechanistically, conditional deletion of Yap and Taz in LepR+ cells inhibited the secretion of pleiotrophin (Ptn), which impaired the proangiogenic capacity of LepR+ cells. Knockdown in MSC-derived Ptn repressed human umbilical vein EC tube formation in vitro. More important, administration of recombinant PTN locally recovered the frequency of CD31hiEmcnhi endothelium and rescued the low bone mass phenotype of LepR-Cre; Yapf/f; Tazf/f mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that occlusal force governs MSC-regulated endothelium to maintain alveolar bone homeostasis through the Yap/Taz/Ptn axis, providing a reference for further understanding of the relationship between dysfunction and bone homeostasis.

[The origin and development of Huanglong Decoction]

"Different prescriptions with the same name" is a common phenomenon clinically in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. Huanglong Decoction can be regarded as a representative example of this phenomenon with many changes to the contents of the decoction during its development. To clarify and identify the typology of Huanglong Decoction, this paper attempts to explore the origins and evolution of almost all types of Huanglong Decoction with an archival method examining data before 1911. It was found that Huanglong Decoction has at least seven main types: Fecal Liquid, Xiaochaihu Decoction Plus or Minus, Tao's, Taiping Shenghui Fang, Shengji Zonglu, Fu's and Zhulin Gynecology Treatment. Xiaochaihu Decoction Plus or Minus (Xiao Chai Hu Tang Jia Jian) includes four subcategories: Yao's Huanglong Decoction, Gujin Luyan Huanglong Decoction, Leizheng Huorenshu Huanglong Decoction, and Qian's Huanglong Decoction. It was also found that Xinjia Huanglong Decoction is derived from Tao's Huanglong Decoction.

[Two cases of pyridaben poisoning were successfully treated by blood purification]

Pyridaben is a broad-spectrum acaricide widely used in agriculture, accidental or self-administration of large doses of pyridaben can cause multiple organ failure in patients. Due to its damage to multiple organs and no specific antidote, the mortality rate is high. This paper reports two patients who took a large amount of pyridaben, developed severe metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, toxic encephalopathy, and liver, kidney, heart and digestive tract damage. After timely gastric lavage, catharsis, organ support andblood purification treatment, the condition improved and discharged. It is expected to provide clinical ideas for the treatment of pyridaben poisoning.

Behavioral and Transcriptomic Analyses in the Indoxacarb Response of a Non-Target Damselfly Species

Ischnura senegalensis, which widely spreads in paddy fields, has the potential to be used as a natural predator of insect pests. However, the application of insecticides in the field could pose a threat to the survival of I. senegalensis. Among these pesticides, indoxacarb, an oxadiazine insecticide, is renowned for its broad-spectrum efficacy against numerous insect pests. In this study, we examined the toxicity of indoxacarb towards the larvae of I. senegalensis. Behavioral experiments and transcriptome analyses were conducted under indoxacarb treatments. Results revealed that indoxacarb induced abnormal body gestures and significant locomotory impairments, which could ultimately reduce the survival rate of the larvae in their natural habitat. Moreover, transcriptome analyses indicated that genes related to muscle function were significantly affected. Interestingly, at lower concentrations of indoxacarb (0.004 mg/L), the larvae seem to detoxify the indoxacarb with the aid of the cytochrome P450 gene. However, under higher concentrations (0.4 mg/L), the sensory abilities of the larvae were significantly diminished, and they were unable to degrade the toxicity of indoxacarb. Our study underscores the importance of carefully evaluating the impact of insecticides on non-target predatory insects before their widespread application.