[Congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3 caused by CYP7B1 gene variation in 2 cases and literature review]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features and genetic characteristics of Congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3 (BASD3) disorder caused by CYP7B1 gene variation. Methods: This was a case series study. Clinical data and genetic results of 2 cases of congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3 caused by CYP7B1 gene variations in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University at Xiamen and Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University from January 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Literature up to December 2023 was searched from electronic databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and PubMed with the combined keywords of " Congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3""Oxysterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase""Oxysterol 7α-Hydroxylase Deficiency""BASD3" and "CYP7B1 liver" both in Chinese and English. The main clinical features and genetic characteristics of BASD3 disorder caused by CYP7B1 gene variations were summarized. Results: Two BASD3 patients, 1 male and 1 female, were admitted at the ages of 3 months and 18 days, and 2 months and 7 days, respectively. Both patients presented with neonatal cholestasis and hepatomegaly. Biochemical evidence indicated direct hyper-bilirubinemia with elevated aminotransferase levels, while gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total bile acid levels were normal or nearly normal. Patient 1 was a compound heterozygotes of the CYP7B1 gene variants c.525-526insCAAGTTGG(p.Asp176GInfs*15) and c.334C>T(p.Arg112Ter). Patient 1 jaundice resolved and liver function tests normalized after oral administration of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). Patient 2 was homozygous for variant c.334C>T(p.Arg112Ter) in CYP7B1 gene. Patient 2 was in liver failure status already and not reactive to oral CDCA administration. Patient 2 received living-related liver transplantation for enhanced abdominal CT revealed a liver tumor likely vascular origin. Literature review revealed no cases of BASD3 reported in Chinese literature, including 2 patients in this study, while 12 patients (9 males and 3 females) were reported in 9 English literatures. All of the 12 manifested jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly in infancy, with cirrhosis, liver failure, kidney enlargement, hypoglycemia, and spontaneous bleeding in some cases, polycystic kidney disease was demonstrated in 5 cases of them. The c.334C>T (p.Arg112Ter) of the CYP7B1 gene was homozygous in 4 cases and compound heterozygous in 2 cases. Among the 12 children, 6 cases received CDCA treatment, while 6 cases not. Four survived with their native liver in the 6 cases who received CDCA therapy, while none in the 6 cases not received CDCA therapy. Conclusions: BASD3 is a rare hereditary cholestatic disorder. Markedly elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin and aminotransferases, with normal or nearly normal GGT and total bile acid levels can serve as diagnostic clue. c.334C>T is the most common pathogenic variant of the CYP7B1 gene. Timely administration of CDCA may save the liver.

[Application of immune combination therapy in MSS/pMMR-type colorectal cancer: current status and future perspectives]

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in malignant solid tumors with remarkable efficacy. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), ICIs have shown significant therapeutic effects only in patients with highly microsatellite unstable/mismatch repair-deficient metastatic CRC and these patients are only a minority of all CRC patients. In contrast, the majority of patients, those with microsatellite stable (MSS)/mismatch repair-complete (pMMR)-type metastatic CRC, could hardly benefit from ICI monotherapies, and immune combination therapies have become the key to solveing this clinical challenge. This article introduces the common patterns and possible mechanisms of immune-combination therapies for MSS/pMMR-type CRC, the exploration and progress made in the application of immune-combination therapies, as well as the possible predictive markers of efficacy of immune therapies. The prospects and directions of ICIs in the treatment of MSS/pMMR-type CRC are also discussed.

Impacts of Environmental Concentrations of Nanoplastics on Zebrafish Neurobehavior and Reproductive Toxicity

Nanoplastics, as emerging environmental pollutants, can transport contaminants across marine environments, polluting pristine ecosystems and being ingested by marine organisms. This transfer poses a severe threat to global aquatic ecosystems and potentially impacts human health through the food chain. Neurobehavioral and reproductive toxicity are critical areas of concern because they directly affect the survival, health, and population dynamics of aquatic species, which can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Using zebrafish as a model organism, we investigated the toxic effects of environmental concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs). Behavioral assessments, including the novel tank test and open field test, demonstrated significant neurobehavioral changes, indicating increased anxiety and depressive behaviors. A pathological analysis of brain and gonadal tissues, along with evaluations of neurobehavioral and reproductive toxicity biomarkers, revealed that exposure to PS-NPs leads to brain tissue lesions, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress activation, hormone level disruptions, and gonadal damage. Real-time quantitative PCR studies of reproductive gene expression further showed that PS-NPs disrupt the endocrine regulation pathways of the brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG) axis, causing reproductive toxicity with sex-specific differences. These findings provide crucial insights into the impacts of nanoplastics on aquatic organisms and their ecological risks, offering theoretical support for future environmental protection and pollutant management efforts.

Constraints on Ultraheavy Dark Matter Properties from Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies with LHAASO Observations

In this Letter we try to search for signals generated by ultraheavy dark matter at the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) data. We look for possible γ rays by dark matter annihilation or decay from 16 dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the field of view of the LHAASO. Dwarf spheroidal galaxies are among the most promising targets for indirect detection of dark matter that have low fluxes of astrophysical γ-ray background while having large amount of dark matter. By analyzing more than 700 days of observational data at LHAASO, no significant dark matter signal from 1 TeV to 1 EeV is detected. Accordingly we derive the most stringent constraints on the ultraheavy dark matter annihilation cross section up to EeV. The constraints on the lifetime of dark matter in decay mode are also derived.

Search for a Sub-eV Sterile Neutrino Using Daya Bay's Full Dataset

This Letter presents results of a search for the mixing of a sub-eV sterile neutrino with three active neutrinos based on the full data sample of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment, collected during 3158 days of detector operation, which contains 5.55×10^{6} reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} candidates identified as inverse beta-decay interactions followed by neutron capture on gadolinium. The analysis benefits from a doubling of the statistics of our previous result and from improvements of several important systematic uncertainties. No significant oscillation due to mixing of a sub-eV sterile neutrino with active neutrinos was found. Exclusion limits are set by both Feldman-Cousins and CLs methods. Light sterile neutrino mixing with sin^{2}2θ_{14}≳0.01 can be excluded at 95% confidence level in the region of 0.01  eV^{2}≲|Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.1  eV^{2}. This result represents the world-leading constraints in the region of 2×10^{-4}  eV^{2}≲|Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.2  eV^{2}.

Observation of Strong Nuclear Suppression in Exclusive J/ψ Photoproduction in Au+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions at RHIC

We report a measurement of exclusive J/ψ and ψ(2s) photoproduction in Au+Au ultraperipheral collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR detector. For the first time, (i) the ψ(2s) photoproduction in midrapidity at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider has been experimentally measured; (ii) nuclear suppression factors are measured for both the coherent and incoherent J/ψ production. At average photon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 25.0 GeV, the coherent and incoherent J/ψ cross sections of Au nuclei are found to be 71±10% and 36±7%, respectively, of that of free protons. The stronger suppression observed in the incoherent production provides a new experimental handle to study the initial-state parton density in heavy nuclei. Data are compared with theoretical models quantitatively.

Observation of the antimatter hypernucleus H ¯ Λ ¯ 4

At the origin of the Universe, an asymmetry between the amount of created matter and antimatter led to the matter-dominated Universe as we know it today. The origins of this asymmetry remain unknown so far. High-energy nuclear collisions create conditions similar to the Universe microseconds after the Big Bang, with comparable amounts of matter and antimatter1-6. Much of the created antimatter escapes the rapidly expanding fireball without annihilating, making such collisions an effective experimental tool to create heavy antimatter nuclear objects and to study their properties7-14, hoping to shed some light on the existing questions on the asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Here we report the observation of the antimatter hypernucleusH ¯ Λ ¯ 4 , composed of aΛ ¯ , an antiproton and two antineutrons. The discovery was made through its two-body decay after production in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider15,16. In total, 15.6 candidateH ¯ Λ ¯ 4 antimatter hypernuclei are obtained with an estimated background count of 6.4. The lifetimes of the antihypernucleiH ¯ Λ ¯ 3 andH ¯ Λ ¯ 4 are measured and compared with the lifetimes of their corresponding hypernuclei, testing the symmetry between matter and antimatter. Various production yield ratios among (anti)hypernuclei (hypernuclei and/or antihypernuclei) and (anti)nuclei (nuclei and/or antinuclei) are also measured and compared with theoretical model predictions, shedding light on their production mechanisms.

Recent advance in sesame allergens: Influence of food processing and their detection methods

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a valuable oilseed crop with numerous nutritional benefits containing a diverse range of bioactive compounds. However, sesame is also considered an allergenic food that triggers various mild to severe adverse reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis). Strict dietary avoidance of sesame components is the best option to protect the sensitized consumers. Sesame or sesame-derived foods are always consumed after certain food processing operations, which would cause a considerable impact on the structure of sesame proteins, changing their sensitization capacity and detectability. In the review, the molecular structure properties, and immunological characteristics of the sesame allergens were described. Meanwhile, the influence of food processing techniques on sesame proteins and the relevant detection techniques used for the sesame allergens quantification are also emphasized critically. Hopefully, this review could provide valuable insight into the development and management for the new "Big Eight" sesame allergen in food industry.

Evidence for particle acceleration approaching PeV energies in the W51 complex

The γ-ray emission from the W51 complex is widely acknowledged to be attributed to the interaction between the cosmic rays (CRs) accelerated by the shock of supernova remnant (SNR) W51C and the dense molecular clouds in the adjacent star-forming region, W51B. However, the maximum acceleration capability of W51C for CRs remains elusive. Based on observations conducted with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), we report a significant detection of γ rays emanating from the W51 complex, with energies from 2 to 200 TeV. The LHAASO measurements, for the first time, extend the γ-ray emission from the W51 complex beyond 100 TeV and reveal a significant spectrum bending at tens of TeV. By combining the "π0-decay bump" featured data from Fermi-LAT, the broadband γ-ray spectrum of the W51 region can be well-characterized by a simple pp-collision model. The observed spectral bending feature suggests an exponential cutoff at ∼400 TeV or a power-law break at ∼200 TeV in the CR proton spectrum, most likely providing the first evidence of SNRs serving as CR accelerators approaching the PeV regime. Additionally, two young star clusters within W51B could also be theoretically viable to produce the most energetic γ rays observed by LHAASO. Our findings strongly support the presence of extreme CR accelerators within the W51 complex and provide new insights into the origin of Galactic CRs.

PRDM1 promotes the ferroptosis and immune escape of thyroid cancer by regulating USP15-mediated SELENBP1 deubiquitination

BACKGROUND

The deubiquitinating enzyme Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15) is upregulated in various cancers and promotes tumor progression by increasing the expression of several oncogenes. This project is designed to explore the role and mechanism of USP15 in thyroid cancer (TC) progression.

METHODS

Selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), USP15, CCL2/5, CXCL10/11, IL-4, and TGF-β1 mRNA levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). SELENBP1, USP15, GPX4, IL-10, Arg-1, Granzyme B, TNF-α, and PR domain zinc finger protein 1 (PRDM1) protein levels were examined by western blot assay. Fe+ level, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid-ROS levels were determined using special kits. The proportion of CD11b+CD206+ positive cells was detected using a flow cytometry assay. The role of SELENBP1 on TC cell growth was examined using a xenograft tumor model in vivo. After GeneMANIA prediction, the interaction between USP15 and SELENBP1 was verified using Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) assay. The binding between PRDM1 and USP15 promoter was predicted by JASPAR and validated using Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

SELENBP1 was increased in TC subjects and cell lines, and its knockdown repressed TC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, immune escape, and induced ferroptosis in vitro, as well as blocked tumor growth in vivo. In mechanism, USP15 interacted with SELENBP1 and maintained its stabilization by removing ubiquitin. Meanwhile, the upregulation of USP15 was induced by the transcription factor PRDM1.

CONCLUSION

USP15 transcriptionally mediated by PRDM1 might boost TC cell malignant behaviors through deubiquitinating SELENBP1, providing a promising therapeutic target for TC treatment.

Observation of the ϒ(3S) Meson and Suppression of ϒ States in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The production of ϒ(2S) and ϒ(3S) mesons in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions is studied in their dimuon decay channel using the CMS detector at the LHC. The ϒ(3S) meson is observed for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, with a significance above 5 standard deviations. The ratios of yields measured in Pb-Pb and pp collisions are reported for both the ϒ(2S) and ϒ(3S) mesons, as functions of transverse momentum and Pb-Pb collision centrality. These ratios, when appropriately scaled, are significantly less than unity, indicating a suppression of ϒ yields in Pb-Pb collisions. This suppression increases from peripheral to central Pb-Pb collisions. Furthermore, the suppression is stronger for ϒ(3S) mesons compared to ϒ(2S) mesons, extending the pattern of sequential suppression of quarkonium states in nuclear collisions previously seen for the J/ψ, ψ(2S), ϒ(1S), and ϒ(2S) mesons.

Acromioplasty combined with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can reduce the risk of reoperation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether to perform acromioplasty in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is controversial, and the optimal surgical approach for rotator cuff tear repair is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the reoperation rate, retear rate and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of ARCR with those of ARCR combined with acromioplasty (ARCR-A).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant literature dated between database inception and 4 December 2023. The primary outcomes of this study were the reoperation rate and the retear rate. The secondary outcomes were PROs, including the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Constant score and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) score. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by using the risk of bias assessment tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Fixed (I2 <50%) or random (I2 ≥50%) effects models were applied to calculate the effect size.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis revealed that ARCR-A had a lower reoperation rate (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.15-0.85, p = 0.02), but the difference in the retear rate between ARCR-A and ARCR was not significant (p = 0.25). In type 2 acromion patients, the reoperation rate was not significantly different between ARCR and ARCR-A (p = 0.12), but, for type 3 acromion patients, the retear rate was lower for ARCR-A than for ARCR (OR = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.01-0.94, p = 0.04). There were statistically significant differences in the 6-month postoperative Constant scores (p < 0.001), VAS pain scores (p = 0.003) 12-month postoperative ASES scores (p = 0.02) and 24-month postoperative WORC scores (p = 0.04), but these differences were not clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining ARCR with acromioplasty can reduce the rate of reoperation, especially in patients with type 3 acromion, but it provides no clinically important change in the retear rate and postoperative PRO compared with ARCR.

[Application of 21-gene recurrence risk score in patients with breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between 21-gene recurrence risk score (21-Gene RS) and the prognosis and clinicopathological features of hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer patients who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. Methods: A total of 469 patients with HR positive and HER2-negative early breast cancer who received surgical treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2014 to October 2017 were selected. Their clinicopathological data were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor tissue samples were collected from patients, and the expression of 21-gene was detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The 21-Gene RS was calculated according to the Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (TAILORx) RS grouping and National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-20 (NSABP B-20) RS grouping principles. Patients were divided into low (21-Gene RS<11 or 21-Gene RS<18), intermediate (11≤21-Gene RS<26 or 18≤21-Gene RS<31) and high (21-Gene RS≥26 or 21-Gene RS≥31) risk groups, and the clinicopathological features and prognostic differences of patients in different risk groups were compared. Statistical data were compared by chi-square test. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the differences between groups were compared using Log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was conducted by COX regression analysis. Results: Based on TAILORx RS grouping, the proportions of low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups among the 469 patients were 18.8% (88/469), 48.2% (226/469) and 33.0% (155/469), respectively. Based on NSABP B-20 RS grouping, the proportion of low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were 43.1% (202/469), 37.5% (176/469) and 19.4% (91/469), respectively. The association of 21-Gene RS with histological grading, luminal typing, Ki-67 expression, and chemotherapy and treatment modalities were statistically significant (P<0.05) regardless of TAILORx RS grouping or NSABP B-20 RS grouping. Kaplan-Meier survival curve suggested poor prognosis in high-risk group (P<0.05, Log-rank test). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that surgical method and 21-Gene RS were risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients. Conclusions: 21-Gene RS is significantly associated with the prognosis of patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative, early-stage breast cancer not receiving neoadjuvant therapy, as well as with their clinicopathological characteristics such as patients' histologic grade, luminal typing, Ki-67 expression, and whether or not they are treated with chemotherapy or other treatment modalities.The 21-Gene RS threshold of 11 and 26 or 18 and 31 can be used to grade the prognosis in Chinese patients with early-stage breast cancer. More researches are needed to guide the selection of postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with HR-positive and HER2-negative early-stage breast cancer.

A comprehensive review on novel synthetic foods: Potential risk factors, detection strategies, and processing technologies

Nowadays, the food industry is facing challenges due to the simultaneous rise in global warming, population, and food consumption. As the integration of synthetic biology and food science, novel synthetic foods have obtained high attention to address these issues. However, these novel foods may cause potential risks related to human health. Four types of novel synthetic foods, including plant-based foods, cultured meat, fermented foods, and microalgae-based foods, were reviewed in the study. The original food sources, consumer acceptance, advantages and disadvantages of these foods were discussed. Furthermore, potential risk factors, such as nutritional, biological, and chemical risk factors, associated with these foods were described and analyzed. Additionally, the current detection methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, biosensors, chromatography, polymerase chain reaction, isothermal amplification, and microfluidic technology) and processing technologies (e.g., microwave treatment, ohmic heating, steam explosion, high hydrostatic pressure, ultrasound, cold plasma, and supercritical carbon dioxide) were reviewed and discussed critically. Nonetheless, it is crucial to continue innovating and developing new detection and processing technologies to effectively evaluate these novel synthetic foods and ensure their safety. Finally, approaches to enhance the quality of these foods were briefly presented. It will provide insights into the development and management of novel synthetic foods for food industry.

The potential meat flavoring derived from Maillard reaction products of rice protein isolate hydrolysate-xylose via the regulation of temperature and cysteine

Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from rice protein isolate hydrolysate and D-xylose, with or without L-cysteine, were developed as a potential meat flavoring. The combined impact of temperature (80-140 °C) and cysteine on fundamental physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, and flavor of MRPs were investigated through assessments of pH, color, UV-visible spectra, fluorescence spectra, free amino acids, volatile compounds, E-nose, E-tongue, and sensory evaluation. Results suggested that increasing temperature would reduce pH, deepen color, promote volatile compounds formation, and reduce the overall umami and bitterness. Cysteine addition contributed to the color inhibition, enhancement of DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power, improvement in mouthfulness and continuity, reduction of bitterness, and the formation of sulfur compounds responsible for meaty flavor. Overall, MRPs prepared at 120 °C with cysteine addition could be utilized as a potential meat flavoring with the highest antioxidant activity and relatively high mouthfulness, continuity, umami, meaty aroma, and relatively low bitterness.

Hyperthyroidism increases the risk of osteoarthritis in individuals aged 60-80 years

To elucidate the currently unknown relationship between hyperthyroidism and osteoarthritis (OA). During 2007-2012, 7,433 participants (hyperthyroidism patients = 125; OA patients = 675) were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. We used a weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis to assess the association between hyperthyroidism and OA. We also assessed the causality of that relationship using publicly available genome-wide association study data and three Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis methods. The heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out tests were used for sensitivity analysis. In this cross-sectional study, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found that hyperthyroidism significantly (P = 0.018) increased the risk of OA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-4.17). Age-stratified analysis revealed that hyperthyroidism was associated with a greater risk of OA in the 60-80-year-old age group (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.46-5.59, P = 0.002), with no significant association in the 18-59-year-old age group (all P > 0.05). The results of the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis showed that hyperthyroidism increased the risk of OA (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04-1.46; P = 0.017). The weighted median estimator (WME) and MR-Egger method also confirmed this causal association (OR = 1.27 and OR = 1.32, respectively). The sensitivity analysis results confirmed the reliability of this conclusion. In addition, IVW-based reverse-MR analysis revealed that OA did not increase the risk of hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.08; P = 0.449). Hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of OA, but the underlying pathological mechanism still needs to be clarified in future research.

[Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement, aiming enhance its recognition and prevent misdiagnosis. Methods: The clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results of six cases diagnosed with IRF4 rearrangement-positive B-cell lymphoma at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from 2015 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Results: Six patients with IRF4 rearrangement-positive large B-cell lymphoma were included. Patients 1 to 5 included three males and two females with a median age of 19 years ranging from 11 to 34 years. Four patients presented with head and neck lesions, while the other one had a breast nodule; all were in clinical Ann Arbor stages I to Ⅱ. Morphologically, entirely diffuse pattern was present in two cases, purely follicular pattern in one case, and diffuse and follicular patterns in other two cases. The tumor cells, predominantly centroblasts mixed with some irregular centrocytes, were of medium to large size, with a starry sky appearance observed in two cases. Immunophenotyping revealed all cases were positive for bcl-6 and MUM1, with a Ki-67 index ranging from 70% to 90%, and CD10 was positive in two cases. IRF4 rearrangement was confirmed in all cases by FISH analysis, with dual IRF4/bcl-6 rearrangements identified in two cases, leading to a diagnosis of LBCL-IRF4. Case 6, a 39-year-old female with a tonsillar mass and classified as clinical Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ, displayed predominantly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) morphology with 20% high-grade follicular lymphoma characteristics. Immunohistochemistry showed negative CD10 and positive bcl-6/MUM1, with a Ki-67 index of approximately 80%. Triple rearrangements of IRF4/bcl-2/bcl-6 were identified by FISH, leading to a diagnosis of DLBCL with 20% follicular lymphoma (FL). All six patients achieved complete remission after treatment, with no progression or relapse during a follow-up period of 31-100 months. Conclusions: Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement is a rare entity with pathological features that overlap with those of FL and DLBCL. While IRF4 rearrangement is necessary for diagnosing LBCL-IRF4, it is not specific and requires differentiation from other aggressive B-cell lymphomas with IRF4 rearrangement.

Adaptive soft sensor using stacking approximate kernel based BLS for batch processes

To deal with the highly nonlinear and time-varying characteristics of Batch Process, a model named adaptive stacking approximate kernel based broad learning system is proposed in this paper. This model innovatively introduces the approximate kernel based broad learning system (AKBLS) algorithm and the Adaptive Stacking framework, giving it strong nonlinear fitting ability, excellent generalization ability, and adaptive ability. The Broad Learning System (BLS) is known for its shorter training time for effective nonlinear processing, but the uncertainty brought by its double random mapping results in poor resistance to noisy data and unpredictable impact on performance. To address this issue, this paper proposes an AKBLS algorithm that reduces uncertainty, eliminates redundant features, and improves prediction accuracy by projecting feature nodes into the kernel space. It also significantly reduces the computation time of the kernel matrix by searching for approximate kernels to enhance its ability in industrial online applications. Extensive comparative experiments on various public datasets of different sizes validate this. The Adaptive Stacking framework utilizes the Stacking ensemble learning method, which integrates predictions from multiple AKBLS models using a meta-learner to improve generalization. Additionally, by employing the moving window method-where a fixed-length window slides through the database over time-the model gains adaptive ability, allowing it to better respond to gradual changes in industrial Batch Process. Experiments on a substantial dataset of penicillin simulations demonstrate that the proposed model significantly improves predictive accuracy compared to other common algorithms.

Development of a fluorescent multiplexed lateral flow immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of crustacean allergen tropomyosin, sarcoplasmic calcium binding protein and egg allergen ovalbumin in different matrices and commercial foods

A quantum dot (QD) based multiplexed lateral flow immunoassay (xLFIA) for the simultaneous detection of egg allergen ovalbumin, crustacean allergen tropomyosin (TM) and sarcoplasmic calcium binding protein (SCP) was developed in this study. QD-labeled rabbit anti-ovalbumin, SCP and TM antibodies were applied as fluorescent detection probes. The chromatography system was optimized to reduce the mutual interference of different test lines. Visual and instrumental detection limits of the xLFIA were 0.1 and 0.05 μg/mL for SCP, both 0.05 μg/mL for ovalbumin and both 0.5 μg/mL for TM. As low as 0.10 % crab powder, 0.01 % egg white powder and 0.05 % shrimp powder could be detected in all three model foods using xLFIA. Besides, the xLFIA detection results of 23 of 28 commercial foods were consistent with ingredient labels. These findings indicate that the developed xLFIA is a practical tool for point-of-care detection of egg and crustacean allergens in processed and commercial foods.

First Observation of a Three-Resonance Structure in e^{+}e^{-}→Nonopen Charm Hadrons

We report the measurement of the inclusive cross sections for e^{+}e^{-}→nOCH (where nOCH denotes non-open charm hadrons) with improved precision at center-of-mass (c.m.) energies from 3.645 to 3.871 GeV. We observe three resonances: R(3760), R(3780), and R(3810) with significances of 8.1σ, 13.7σ, and 8.8σ, respectively. The R(3810) state is observed for the first time, while the R(3760) and R(3780) states are observed for the first time in the nOCH cross sections. Two sets of resonance parameters describe the energy-dependent line shape of the cross sections well. In set I [set II], the R(3810) state has mass (3805.7±1.1±2.7) [(3805.7±1.1±2.7)]  MeV/c^{2}, total width (11.6±2.9±1.9) [(11.5±2.8±1.9)]  MeV, and an electronic width multiplied by the nOCH decay branching fraction of (10.9±3.8±2.5) [(11.0±3.4±2.5)]  eV. In addition, we measure the branching fractions B[R(3760)→nOCH]=(25.2±16.1±30.4)%[(6.4±4.8±7.7)%] and B[R(3780)→nOCH]=(12.3±6.6±8.3)%[(10.4±4.8±7.0)%] for the first time. The R(3760) state can be interpreted as an open-charm (OC) molecular state, but containing a simple four-quark state component. The R(3810) state can be interpreted as a hadrocharmonium state.

Inverse association of the systemic immune-inflammation index with serum anti-ageing protein Klotho levels in individuals with osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the serum soluble-Klotho concentration (pg/ml) in osteoarthritis (OA) patients is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the SII and serum soluble-Klotho levels in OA patients.

METHODS

All study data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (n = 1852 OA patients; age range = 40-79 years). The SII and serum Klotho measurement data are from the NHANES mobile examination centre. The SII values were divided into quartiles (Q1-4: 0.02-3.36, 3.36-4.78, 4.79-6.70, and 6.70-41.75). A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to evaluate the association between the SII and serum Klotho levels in OA patients; interaction tests were conducted to test the stability of the statistical results.

RESULTS

Multivariate linear regression revealed a negative linear relationship between the SII and serum Klotho concentration in OA patients (β = -6.05; 95% CI: -9.72, -2.39). Compared to Q1, Q4 was associated with lower serum Klotho concentrations (β = -59.93; 95% CI: -96.57, -23.28). Compared with that of Q1, the β value of Q2-Q4 showed a downwards trend as the SII increased (Ptrend <0.001). The stratified analysis results indicated that the SII had a greater sensitivity in predicting serum Klotho concentrations in OA patients aged 60-79 years (Pinteraction = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant negative linear correlation between the SII and serum Klotho concentration in OA patients. The SII can serve as a predictive indicator of serum Klotho concentrations in OA patients. Klotho may be a potential anti-inflammatory drug for OA treatment.

Different microbial ecological agents change the composition of intestinal microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in mice to alleviate loperamide-induced constipation

Probiotics exert beneficial effects by regulating the intestinal microbiota, metabolism, immune function and other ways of their host. Patients with constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder, experience disturbances in their intestinal microbiota. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of two microbial ecological agents (postbiotic extract PE0401 and a combination of postbiotic extract PE0401 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CCFM 2711) in regulating the makeup of the intestinal microbiota and alleviating loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in mice. We also preliminarily explored the mechanism underlying their effects. Both microbial ecological agents increased the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium after administration and were able to relieve constipation. However, the degree of improvement in constipation symptoms varied depending on the makeup of the supplement. The postbiotic extract PE0401 increased peristalsis time and improved faecal properties throughout the intestinal tract of the host. PE0401 relieved constipation, possibly by modulating the levels of the constipation-related gastrointestinal regulatory transmitters mouse motilin, mouse vasoactive intestinal peptide, and 5-hydoxytryptamine in the intestinal tract of the host and by increasing the levels of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetic acid, propionic acid, and isovaleric acid. It also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reduced that of Faecalibaculum, Mucispirillum, Staphylococcus, and Lachnoclostridium, which are among the beneficial microbiota in the host intestine. Furthermore, PE0401 decreased the levels of constipation-induced host inflammatory factors. Therefore, the two microbial ecological agents can regulate the intestinal microbiota of constipation mice, and PE0401 has a stronger ability to relieve constipation.

Synonymous mutations in TLR2 and TLR9 genes decrease COPD susceptibility in the Chinese Han population

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have found associations between polymorphisms in some candidate genes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk. However, the association between TLR2 and TLR9 polymorphisms and COPD risk remains uncertain.

METHODS

Four variants (rs352140, rs3804099, rs3804100, and rs5743705) of the TLR2 and TLR9 genes in 540 COPD patients and 507 healthy controls were genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY system. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association of TLR2 and TLR9 polymorphisms with COPD risk by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

TLR9-rs352140, TLR2-rs3804100, and TLR2-rs5743705 were related to a lower risk of COPD among Chinese people and the significance still existed after Bonferroni correction. Additionally, rs3804099, rs3804100, and rs352140 were found to be associated with COPD development in different subgroups (males, age ≤ 68 years, smokers, BMI < 24 kg/m2, and acute exacerbation).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that TLR9 and TLR2 polymorphisms had protective effects on the development of COPD among Chinese people.

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Developing Palate in Mice

The intricate formation of the palate involves a series of complex events, yet its mechanistic basis remains uncertain. To explore major cell populations in the palate and their roles during development, we constructed a spatiotemporal transcription landscape of palatal cells. Palate samples from C57BL/6 J mice at embryonic days 12.5 (E12.5), 14.5 (E14.5), and 16.5 (E16.5) underwent single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify distinct cell subsets. In addition, spatial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (stereo-seq) was used to characterize the spatial distribution of these subsets. Integrating scRNA-seq and stereo-seq with CellTrek annotated mesenchymal and epithelial cellular components of the palate during development. Furthermore, cellular communication networks between these cell subpopulations were analyzed to discover intercellular signaling during palate development. From the analysis of the middle palate, both mesenchymal and epithelial populations were spatially segregated into 3 domains. The middle palate mesenchymal subpopulations were associated with tooth formation, ossification, and tissue remodeling, with initial state cell populations located proximal to the dental lamina. The nasal epithelium of the palatal shelf exhibited richer humoral immune responses than the oral side. Specific enrichment of Tgfβ3 and Pthlh signals in the midline epithelial seam at E14.5 suggested a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In summary, this study provides high-resolution transcriptomic information, contributing to a deeper mechanistic understanding of palate biology and pathophysiology.

J-shaped association of serum uric acid concentrations with all-cause mortality in individuals with osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) concentrations and all-cause mortality in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

All participant data were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. A total of 4671 participants (age range: 20 to 85 years old), including 2988 females and 1683 males, were included in this study. The determination of death outcome was based on the National Death Index (up to December 31, 2019). We explored the nonlinear relationship between SUA concentrations and all-cause mortality in OA patients by establishing a Cox proportional risk model and a two-segment Cox proportional risk model and ran an interaction test to identify the high-risk population for all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During 30,645 person-years of follow-up, the number of all-cause deaths for females and males was 736 and 516, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, we found a nonlinear relationship between SUA concentrations and all-cause mortality in both females and males with OA. In addition, we found a J-shaped relationship between SUA concentrations and all-cause mortality. The SUA concentration thresholds for all-cause mortality of females and males were stable at 5.6mg/dl and 6.2mg/dl, respectively. Compared with SUA concentrations below the inflection point, the all-cause mortality risk at higher SUA concentrations in females and males with OA increased by 20% (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1 to 1.2) and 25% (HR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.39), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a nonlinear relationship between SUA concentrations and all-cause mortality in the American OA population (J-shaped association). The all-cause mortality thresholds for SUA concentrations in females and males are 5.6mg/dl and 6.2mg/dl, respectively.