Computer-assisted semi-rational design enhanced the enzymatic activity and protein stability of Proteinase K in calcium-free conditions

Wild-type Proteinase K binds to two Ca2+ ions, which play an important role in regulating enzymaticactivity and maintaining protein stability. Therefore, a predetermined concentration of Ca2+ must be added during the use of Proteinase K, which increases its commercial cost. Herein, we addressed this challenge using a computational strategy to engineer a Proteinase K mutant that does not require Ca2+ and exhibits high enzymatic activity and protein stability. In the absence of Ca2+, the best mutant, MT24 (S17W-S176N-D260F), displayed an activity approximately 9.2-fold higher than that of wild-type Proteinase K. It also exhibited excellent protein stability, retaining 56.2 % of its enzymatic activity after storage at 4 °C for 5 days. The residual enzymatic activity was 65-fold higher than that of the wild-type Proteinase K under the same storage conditions. Structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the introduction of new hydrogen bond and π-π stacking at the Ca2+ binding sites due to the mutation may be the reasons for the increased enzymatic activity and stability of MT24.

Preparation and optimization of dummy molecularly imprinted polymer-based solid-phase extraction system for selective enrichment of p-toluene sulfonate esters genotoxic impurities

Sulfonate esters, one class of genotoxic impurities (GTIs), have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to cause genetic mutations and cancer. In the current study, we employed the dummy template molecular imprinting technology with a dummy template molecule replacing the target molecule to establish a pretreatment method for samples containing p-toluene sulfonate esters. Through computer simulation and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analysis, the optimal functional monomer acrylamide and polymerization solvent chloroform were selected. Subsequently, a dummy template molecularly imprinted polymer (DMIP) was prepared by the precipitation polymerization method, and the polymer was characterized in morphology, particle size, and composition. The results of the adsorption and enrichment study demonstrated that the DMIP has high adsorption capability (Q = 7.88 mg/g) and favorable imprinting effects (IF = 1.37); Further, it could simultaneously adsorb three p-toluene sulfonate esters. The optimal adsorption conditions were obtained by conditional optimization of solid-phase extraction (SPE). A pH 7 solution was selected as the loading condition, the methanol/1 % phosphoric acid solution (20:80, v/v) was selected as the washing solution, and acetonitrile containing 10 % acetic acid in 6 mL was selected as the elution solvent. Finally, we determined methyl p-toluene sulfonate alkyl esters, ethyl p-toluene sulfonate alkyl esters, and isopropyl p-toluene sulfonate alkyl esters in tosufloxacin toluene sulfonate and capecitabine at the 10 ppm level (relative to 1 mg/mL active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) samples) by using DMIP-based SPE coupled with HPLC. This approach facilitated the selective enrichment of p-toluene sulfonate esters GTIs from complex API samples.

Effects of Breathing Patterns on Amide Proton Transfer MRI in the Kidney: A Preliminary Comparative Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Tumors

BACKGROUND

The amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging for kidney diseases is important. However, the breathing patterns on APTw imaging remains unexplored.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent breath-hold (IBH) and free breathing (FB) on renal 3D-APTw imaging.

STUDY TYPE

Healthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) patients were included retrospectively.

POPULATION

58 healthy volunteers and 10 RCCC patients.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3-T, turbo spin echo, and fast field echo.

ASSESSMENT

3D-APTw imaging was scanned using the IBH and FB methods in volunteers and using the IBH method in RCCC patients. The image quality was evaluated by three observers according to the 5-point Likert scale. Optimal images rated at three points or higher were used to measure the APT values.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The measurement repeatability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. The APT values were analyzed using McNemar's test, one-way analysis of variance, and t test.

RESULTS

50 healthy volunteers and 8 RCCC patients were enrolled. Renal 3D-APTw imaging using the IBH method revealed a higher success rate (88% vs 78%). The ICCs were excellent in the IBH group (ICCs > 0.74) and were good in the FB group (ICCs < 0.74). No significant differences in the APT values among various zones using the IBH (P = 0.263) or FB method (P = 0.506). The mean APT value using the IBH method (2.091% ± 0.388%) was slightly lower than the FB method (2.176% ± 0.292%), but no significant difference (P = 0.233). The APT value of RCCC (4.832% ± 1.361%) was considerably higher than normal renal using the IBH method.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that the IBH method substantially increased the image quality of renal 3D-APTw imaging. Furthermore, APT values may vary between normal and tumor tissues.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

In vitro modeling of skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury based on sphere differentiation culture from human pluripotent stem cells

Skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury poses significant challenges due to its local and systemic complications. Traditional studies relying on two-dimensional (2D) cell culture or animal models often fall short of faithfully replicating the human in vivo environment, thereby impeding the translational process from animal research to clinical applications. Three-dimensional (3D) constructs, such as skeletal muscle spheroids with enhanced cell-cell interactions from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer a promising alternative by partially mimicking human physiological cellular environment in vivo processes. This study aims to establish an innovative in vitro model, human skeletal muscle spheroids based on sphere differentiation from hPSCs, to investigate human skeletal muscle developmental processes and IR mechanisms within a controlled laboratory setting. By eticulously recapitulating embryonic myogenesis through paraxial mesodermal differentiation of neuro-mesodermal progenitors, we successfully established 3D skeletal muscle spheroids that mirror the dynamic colonization observed during human skeletal muscle development. Co-culturing human skeletal muscle spheroids with spinal cord spheroids facilitated the formation of neuromuscular junctions, providing functional relevance to skeletal muscle spheroids. Furthermore, through oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation treatment, 3D skeletal muscle spheroids provide insights into the molecular events and pathogenesis of IR injury. The findings presented in this study significantly contribute to our understanding of skeletal muscle development and offer a robust platform for in vitro studies on skeletal muscle IR injury, holding potential applications in drug testing, therapeutic development, and personalized medicine within the realm of skeletal muscle-related pathologies.

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.

[Epidemiological investigation and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in Yunnan Province]

To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Yunnan Province, explore its risk factors, and provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This is a large cross-sectional study, in all, 1 524 DM patients in 16 communities and villages of Yunnan Province who were registered in health service centers were included in this study from August to November 2019. All patients completed a uniform questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, and auxiliary examinations. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of DR. The prevalence rates of DR, mild non-proliferative DR (mild-NPDR), and referable DR (RDR) were 16.0% (244/1 524), 4.5% (69/1 524), and 11.5% (175/1 524), respectively. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)≥7.0% was the risk factor of mild-NPDR (OR=1.872, 95%CI 1.055-3.323) and RDR (OR=4.821, 95%CI 2.917-7.969). Blood pressure≥130/80 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) was the risk factor of mild-NPDR (OR=1.933, 95%CI 1.112-3.358) and RDR (OR=1.505, 95%CI 1.063-2.130). In Yunnan Province, 16.0% DM patients had accompanying DR, wherein about 71.7% of them required an ophthalmology referral, and the high incidence of RDR in DM patients was associated with poor control of blood glucose and blood pressure.

Diagnostic value of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen and cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 for sinonasal inverted papilloma: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Serum tumor markers have not yet been developed for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), one of the most significant sinonasal tumors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) and cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) for SNIP.

METHODS

Clinical data were obtained from 101, 56, and 116 patients with SNIP, sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC), and unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), respectively. Preoperative serum SCCA and CYFRA 21-1 levels were compared, and logistic regression analyses were performed to screen serum tumor markers, which may be used to diagnose SNIP. Diagnostic cut-off values were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and their diagnostic power was verified.

RESULTS

Serum SCCA and CYFRA 21-1 differentiated SNIP from CRS with the cut-off values of 1.97 ng/mL and 2.64 ng/mL and the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) of 0.895 and 0.766, respectively, and the AUC of the combination of the two markers was 0.909. CYFRA 21-1 differentiated SNIP with malignant transformation from that without malignant transformation with a cut-off value of 3.51 ng/mL and an AUC of 0.938. CYFRA 21-1 distinguished SNIP with malignant transformation from SNSCC with a cut-off value of 3.55 ng/mL and an AUC of 0.767.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel potential diagnostic tools for SNIP by demonstrating the use of serum SCCA and CYFRA 21-1 in the diagnosis of SNIP.

Self-reported chronic conditions and COVID-19 public health measures among Canadian adults: an analysis of the Canadian longitudinal study on aging

OBJECTIVES

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures were used to reduce the spread of COVID-19; it is unknown whether people with chronic conditions differentially adhered to public health measures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between chronic conditions and adherence and to explore effect modification by sex, age, and income.

STUDY DESIGN

An analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging COVID-19 Questionnaires (from April to September 2020) was conducted among middle-aged and older adults aged 50-96 years (n = 28,086).

METHODS

Self-reported chronic conditions included lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, anxiety, and depression. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between chronic conditions and low, medium, and high levels of adherence. Effect modification was evaluated using statistical interaction and stratification.

RESULTS

Most people (n = 17,435; 62%) had at least one chronic condition, and 2866 (10%) had three to seven chronic conditions. Among those with high adherence to public health measures, 69% had one or more chronic condition (n = 2266). Having three to seven chronic conditions, compared with none, was associated with higher adherence to public health measures (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.12-1.42). Higher adherence was also noted across chronic conditions, for example, those with diabetes had higher adherence (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.53-1.93). There was limited evidence of effect modification by sex, age, or income.

CONCLUSIONS

Canadians with chronic conditions were more likely to adhere to public health measures; however, future research is needed to understand whether adherence helped to prevent adverse COVID-19 outcomes and if adherence had unintended consequences.

Genetic analysis of health traits and their associations with longevity, fertility, production, and conformation traits in Holstein cattle

Health traits have high economic values in dairy cattle breeding, which can cause considerable financial loss through involuntary culling. In this study, fourteen health traits were analysed, including five composite health traits: reproductive disorders, udder health (UH), digestive disorders, metabolic disorders, locomotory diseases (LD), and nine independent health traits: gestation disorders and peripartum disorders, irregular estrus cycle and sterility, metritis (ME), mastitis (MA), abomasal displacement (AD), enteritis (EN), and ketosis, claw diseases (CD), laminitis complex. This study analysed variance components for health traits through both single and bivariate repeatability animal models. All health traits showed low heritability, ranging from 0.001 to 0.025. Most of the health traits in five categories showed negative genetic correlations, ranging from -0.012 (CD and EN) to -0.634 (ME and EN). Strong positive genetic correlations appeared within the same category, ranging from 0.469 (EN and AD) to 0.994 (UH and MA, LD and CD). Furthermore, approximate genetic correlations were evaluated between health traits and routinely collected traits (longevity, fertility, production, and conformation). In general, the low to moderate approximate genetic correlations were estimated between health traits and routinely collected traits. The estimated correlations between health traits and longevity, fertility, production, and conformation traits could provide an indirect reference for disease-resistance breeding in Holstein cattle.

Consistent and effective method to define the mouse estrous cycle stage by a deep learning-based model

The mouse estrous cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus (P), estrus (E), metestrus (M), and diestrus (D). The estrous cycle affects reproductive hormone levels in a wide variety of tissues. Therefore, to obtain reliable results from female mice, it is important to know the estrous cycle stage during sampling. The stage can be analyzed from a vaginal smear under a microscope. However, it is time-consuming, and the results vary between evaluators. Here, we present an accurate and reproducible method for staging the mouse estrous cycle in digital whole-slide images (WSIs) of vaginal smears. We developed a model using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) in a cloud-based platform, Aiforia Create. The CNN was trained by supervised pixel-level multiclass semantic segmentation of image features from 171 hematoxylin-stained samples. The model was validated by comparing the results obtained by CNN with those of four independent researchers. The validation data included three separate studies comprising altogether 148 slides. The total agreement attested by the Fleiss kappa value between the validators and the CNN was excellent (0.75), and when D, E, and P were analyzed separately, the kappa values were 0.89, 0.79, and 0.74, respectively. The M stage is short and not well defined by the researchers. Thus, identification of the M stage by the CNN was challenging due to the lack of proper ground truth, and the kappa value was 0.26. We conclude that our model is reliable and effective for classifying the estrous cycle stages in female mice.

Hyper strength, high sensitivity integrated wearable signal sensor based on non-covalent interaction of an ionic liquid and bacterial cellulose for human behavior monitoring

Ion-sensing hydrogels exhibit electrical conductivity, softness, and mechanical and sensory properties akin to human tissue, rendering them an ideal material for mimicking human skin. In the realm of fabricating sensors for detecting human physiological activities, they present an ideal alternative to traditional rigid metal conductors. Nevertheless, achieving ionic hydrogels with outstanding tensile properties, toughness, ionic conductivity, and transport stability poses a significant challenge. This paper describes a simple method of forming a basic network by free radical polymerization of acrylamide, and then bacterial cellulose (BC) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) were introduced into the basic network. The polyhydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions in the system gave the hydrogel notable tensile properties (3271 ± 37%), toughness (7.39 ± 0.13 MJ m-3), and high ultimate tensile stress (385.1 ± 7.2 kPa). In addition, the combination of BC and [EMIM]Cl collaboratively enhanced the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. Ion sensing hydrogels have a wide operating strain range (≈1000%) and high sensitivity (gage factor (GF) = 11.85), and are therefore considered promising candidates for next-generation gel-based strain sensor platforms.

The differences between sinonasal respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma and nasal polyps: insights into immunopathology

BACKGROUND

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is a benign lesion commonly occurring in the nasal cavity and sinuses. It is often accompanied by nasal polyps (NP). While the histological features of these two conditions have been studied, there is limited knowledge about their differences in the underlying immunopathology.

METHODS

Nasal tissue specimens were collected from 8 patients with concurrent REAH and NP and 10 controls. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, tight junctions (TJ), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors in the tissues were analyzed. The mRNA expression of the aforementioned factors was measured using qRT-PCR, while the expression of TJ and EMT-related proteins was analyzed through Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, levels of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-17A, IL-31, IL-33, and TNF-α) and EMT-related factors (α-SMA, COL1A1, MMP9, TGF-β1, and Vimentin) were significantly increased in both REAH and NP tissues. Conversely, E-Cadherin and TJ-related factors (Claudin-4 and Occludin) significantly decreased. When comparing REAH with NP, it was observed that the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-33 was lower in REAH, while TNF-α was higher. Regarding TJ-related factors, the expression of Occludin was lower in REAH. Furthermore, in terms of EMT-related factors, except for E-Cadherin, the expressions of α-SMA, COL1A1, CTGF, MMP9, TGF-β1, and Vimentin were higher in REAH.

CONCLUSION

REAH and NP exhibit different immunopathological mechanisms. NP demonstrates a more severe inflammatory response, whereas REAH is characterized by a more pronounced TJ and EMT breakdown than NP.

Dual-responsive 3D DNA nanomachines cascaded hybridization chain reactions for novel self-powered flexible microRNA-detecting platform

The microRNA-21 is closely related to chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. In this work, an efficient double-response 3D DNA nanomachine (DRDN) was assembled by co-immobilizing two different lengths of hairpin DNA on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to capture microRNA-21 (miRNA-21), recycle miRNA-21, and trigger hybridization chain reactions (HCR). This work reports the fabrication of a laser-scribed graphene (LSG) electrode with excellent flexibility and electrical conductivity by laser-scribing commercial polyimide films (PI). The as-proposed self-powered biosensing platform presents significantly increased instantaneous current to in real-time monitor miRNA-21 by a capacitor. The biosensing platform exhibited highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21 with a detection limit of 0.142 fM in the range of 0.5 fM to 1 × 104 fM, and demonstrated high efficiency in the analysis of the tumor markers.

Correlation of serum DKK1 level with skeletal phenotype in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

PURPOSE

We aim to detect serum DKK1 level of pediatric patients with OI and to analyze its relationship with the genotype and phenotype of OI patients.

METHODS

A cohort of pediatric OI patients and age-matched healthy children were enrolled. Serum levels of DKK1 and bone turnover biomarkers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pathogenic mutations of OI were detected by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 62 OI children with mean age of 9.50 (4.86, 12.00) years and 29 healthy children were included in this study. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was significantly higher than that in healthy children [5.20 (4.54, 6.32) and 4.08 (3.59, 4.92) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was negatively correlated with height (r = - 0.282), height Z score (r = - 0.292), ALP concentration (r = - 0.304), lumbar BMD (r = - 0.276), BMD Z score of the lumbar spine and femoral neck (r = - 0.32; r = - 0.27) (all P < 0.05). No significant difference in serum DKK1 concentration was found between OI patients with and without vertebral compression fractures. In patients with spinal deformity (22/62), serum DKK1 concentration was positively correlated with SDI (r = 0.480, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between serum DKK1 concentration and the annual incidence of peripheral fractures, genotype and types of collagen changes in OI children.

CONCLUSION

The serum DKK1 level was not only significantly elevated in OI children, but also closely correlated to their skeletal phenotype, suggesting that DKK1 may become a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of OI.

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.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers of X(2370) as 0^{-+} from J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'}

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'} is performed. The mass and width of the X(2370) are measured to be 2395±11(stat)_{-94}^{+26}(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 188_{-17}^{+18}(stat)_{-33}^{+124}(syst)  MeV, respectively. The corresponding product branching fraction is B[J/ψ→γX(2370)]×B[X(2370)→f_{0}(980)η^{'}]×B[f_{0}(980)→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}]=(1.31±0.22(stat)_{-0.84}^{+2.85}(syst))×10^{-5}. The statistical significance of the X(2370) is greater than 11.7σ and the spin parity is determined to be 0^{-+} for the first time. The measured mass and spin parity of the X(2370) are consistent with the predictions of the lightest pseudoscalar glueball.

Whole-genome sequencing analysis in fetal structural anomalies: novel phenotype-genotype discoveries

OBJECTIVES

The identification of structural variants and single-nucleotide variants is essential in finding molecular etiologies of monogenic genetic disorders. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming more widespread in genetic disease diagnosis. However, data on its clinical utility remain limited in prenatal practice. We aimed to expand our understanding of implementing WGS in the genetic diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies.

METHODS

We employed trio WGS with a minimum coverage of 40× on the MGI DNBSEQ-T7 platform in a cohort of 17 fetuses presenting with aberrations detected by ultrasound, but uninformative findings of standard chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and exome sequencing (ES).

RESULTS

Causative genetic variants were identified in two families, with an increased diagnostic yield of 11.8% (2/17). Both were exon-level copy-number variants of small size (3.03 kb and 5.16 kb) and beyond the detection thresholds of CMA and ES. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, we have described the first prenatal instance of the association of FGF8 with holoprosencephaly and facial deformities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis demonstrates the clinical value of WGS in the diagnosis of the underlying etiology of fetuses with structural abnormalities, when routine genetic tests have failed to provide a diagnosis. Additionally, the novel variants and new fetal manifestations have expanded the mutational and phenotypic spectrums of BBS9 and FGF8. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The safety and efficacy of balanced crystalloid vs. normal saline in non-cardiac surgeries - A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Balanced crystalloid and normal saline are routinely used in clinical anesthesia, but their safety and efficacy in non-cardiac surgeries are still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI, from January 1980 to March 2023, were searched. Studies comparing balanced crystalloid (BC) with normal saline (NS) during non-cardiac surgeries were included. The primary outcomes were clinical outcomes (acidosis, renal insufficiency, and mortality), and the secondary outcomes were pH value, Na+, Cl- and creatinine levels, and vasopressor requirement.

RESULTS

Forty-three RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Low evidence revealed that the development of acidosis was lower in the BC group than in the NS group (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01-0.43, I2=80.8%, p=0.00), and no between-group difference exists in renal insufficiency and mortality. At the end of surgery and on postoperative day 1 (POD 1), the pH value was higher, and the levels of Na+ and Cl- were lower in the BC group. No between-group difference exists in creatinine level and vasopressor requirement.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative balanced crystalloids can maintain the stability of acid-base and electrolyte balance and reduce acidosis compared with saline, but they cannot reduce postoperative renal insufficiency and mortality.

Solar-Driven Multistage Device Integrating Dropwise Condensation and Guided Water Transport for Efficient Freshwater and Salt Collection

Interfacial solar vapor generation (ISVG) is an emerging technology to alleviate the global freshwater crisis. However, high-cost, low freshwater collection rate, and salt-blockage issues significantly hinder the practical application of solar-driven desalination devices based on ISVG. Herein, with a low-cost copper plate (CP), nonwoven fabric (NWF), and insulating ethylene-vinyl acetate foam (EVA foam), a multistage device is elaborately fabricated for highly efficient simultaneous freshwater and salt collection. In the designed solar-driven device, a superhydrophobic copper plate (SH-CP) serves as the condensation layer, facilitating rapid mass and heat transfer through dropwise condensation. Moreover, the hydrophilic NWF is designed with rational hydrophobic zones and specific high-salinity solution outlets (Design-NWF) to act as the water evaporation layer and facilitate directional salt collection. As a result, the multistage evaporator with eight stages exhibits a high water collection rate of 2.25 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun irradiation. In addition, the desalination device based on the eight-stage evaporator obtains a water collection rate of 13.44 kg m-2 and a salt collection rate of 1.77 kg m-2 per day under natural irradiation. More importantly, it can maintain a steady production for 15 days without obvious performance decay. This bifunctional multistage device provides a feasible and efficient approach for simultaneous desalination and solute collection.

Observation of Structures in the Processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2}

We present measurements of the Born cross sections for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s] from 4.308 to 4.951 GeV. The measurements are performed with data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.0  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider storage ring. Assuming the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c2} signals come from a single resonance, the mass and width are determined to be M=(4413.6±9.0±0.8)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(110.5±15.0±2.9)  MeV, respectively, which is consistent with the parameters of the well-established resonance ψ(4415). In addition, we also use one single resonance to describe the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} line shape and determine the mass and width to be M=(4544.2±18.7±1.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(116.1±33.5±1.7)  MeV, respectively. The structure of this line shape, observed for the first time, requires further understanding.

Coupled-Channel Analysis of the χ_{c1}(3872) Line Shape with BESIII Data

We perform a study of the χ_{c1}(3872) line shape using the data samples of e^{+}e^{-}→γχ_{c1}(3872), χ_{c1}(3872)→D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0}, and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ collected with the BESIII detector. The effects of the coupled channels and the off-shell D^{*0} are included in the parametrization of the line shape. The line shape mass parameter is obtained to be M_{X}=(3871.63±0.13_{-0.05}^{+0.06})  MeV. Two poles are found on the first and second Riemann sheets corresponding to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} branch cut. The pole location on the first sheet is much closer to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} threshold than the other, and is determined to be 7.04±0.15_{-0.08}^{+0.07}  MeV above the D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0} threshold with an imaginary part -0.19±0.08_{-0.19}^{+0.14}  MeV.

Observation of the Anomalous Shape of X(1840) in J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) Indicating a Second Resonance Near pp[over ¯] Threshold

Using a sample of (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events, which is about 45 times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84  GeV/c^{2} in the line shape of the 3(π^{+}π^{-}) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 10σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7  MeV/c^{2} and 30.7±5.5±2.4  MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp[over ¯] bound state.

Study of the f_{0}(980) and f_{0}(500) Scalar Mesons through the Decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using e^{+}e^{-} collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33  fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, we present an analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}, where the D_{s}^{+} is produced via the process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*±}D_{s}^{∓}. We observe the f_{0}(980) in the π^{+}π^{-} system and the branching fraction of the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} with f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-} measured to be (1.72±0.13_{stat}±0.10_{syst})×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The dynamics of the D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} decay are studied with the simple pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the f_{0}(980) in the differential decay rate, and the product of the form factor f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| is determined for the first time to be f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.017_{stat}±0.035_{syst}. Furthermore, the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} is searched for the first time but no signal is found. The upper limit on the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e}, f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-} decay is set to be 3.3×10^{-4} at 90% confidence level.

COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events of special interest: A multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) cohort study of 99 million vaccinated individuals

BACKGROUND

The Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) Project, established in 2021 under the multinational Global Vaccine Data Network™ (GVDN®), facilitates comprehensive assessment of vaccine safety. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of adverse events of special interest (AESI) following COVID-19 vaccination from 10 sites across eight countries.

METHODS

Using a common protocol, this observational cohort study compared observed with expected rates of 13 selected AESI across neurological, haematological, and cardiac outcomes. Expected rates were obtained by participating sites using pre-COVID-19 vaccination healthcare data stratified by age and sex. Observed rates were reported from the same healthcare datasets since COVID-19 vaccination program rollout. AESI occurring up to 42 days following vaccination with mRNA (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) and adenovirus-vector (ChAdOx1) vaccines were included in the primary analysis. Risks were assessed using observed versus expected (OE) ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Prioritised potential safety signals were those with lower bound of the 95 % confidence interval (LBCI) greater than 1.5.

RESULTS

Participants included 99,068,901 vaccinated individuals. In total, 183,559,462 doses of BNT162b2, 36,178,442 doses of mRNA-1273, and 23,093,399 doses of ChAdOx1 were administered across participating sites in the study period. Risk periods following homologous vaccination schedules contributed 23,168,335 person-years of follow-up. OE ratios with LBCI > 1.5 were observed for Guillain-Barré syndrome (2.49, 95 % CI: 2.15, 2.87) and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (3.23, 95 % CI: 2.51, 4.09) following the first dose of ChAdOx1 vaccine. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis showed an OE ratio of 3.78 (95 % CI: 1.52, 7.78) following the first dose of mRNA-1273 vaccine. The OE ratios for myocarditis and pericarditis following BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1 were significantly increased with LBCIs > 1.5.

CONCLUSION

This multi-country analysis confirmed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Other potential safety signals that require further investigation were identified.