Logistic regression model predicts early surgical site infection after spinal fusion: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a diagnostic model for predicting early surgical site infection (SSI) based on postoperative inflammatory markers after spinal fusion surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analysed the trends of inflammatory markers between SSI and non-SSI groups. The data were randomly divided into training cohort and validation cohort (ratio 7:3). The variables for SSI were analysed using stepwise logistic regression to develop the prediction model. To evaluate the model, we analysed its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, as well as the area under the curve in the validation cohort. Calibration plots and decision curve analysis were employed to assess the calibration and clinical usefulness of the model.

FINDINGS

We observed significant changes in inflammatory markers on the seventh day after surgery. The prediction model included four variables on the seventh day after surgery: body temperature, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil counts. After binary processing of these data, the simplified model achieved an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.92) in the training cohort and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.82-0.98) in the validation cohort. Calibration plots and decision curve analysis demonstrated that the proposed model was effective for the diagnosis of SSI.

CONCLUSION

We developed and validated a prediction model for diagnosing early infection after spinal fusion.

ST-Phys: Unsupervised Spatio-Temporal Contrastive Remote Physiological Measurement

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) is a non-contact method that employs facial videos for measuring physiological parameters. Existing rPPG methods have achieved remarkable performance. However, the success mainly profits from supervised learning over massive labeled data. On the other hand, existing unsupervised rPPG methods fail to fully utilize spatio-temporal features and encounter challenges in low-light or noise environments. To address these problems, we propose an unsupervised contrast learning approach, ST-Phys. We incorporate a low-light enhancement module, a temporal dilated module, and a spatial enhanced module to better deal with long-term dependencies under the random low-light conditions. In addition, we design a circular margin loss, wherein rPPG signals originating from identical videos are attracted, while those from distinct videos are repelled. Our method is assessed on six openly accessible datasets, including RGB and NIR videos. Extensive experiments reveal the superior performance of our proposed ST-Phys over state-of-the-art unsupervised rPPG methods. Moreover, it offers advantages in parameter reduction and noise robustness.

TRPM7 facilitates fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation, metastasis and inflammation through increasing IL-6 stability via the PKCα-HuR axis in rheumatoid arthritis

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a cation channel that plays a role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet its involvement in synovial hyperplasia and inflammation has not been determined. We previously reported that TRPM7 affects the destruction of articular cartilage in RA. Herein, we further confirmed the involvement of TRPM7 in fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation, metastasis and inflammation. We observed increased TRPM7 expression in FLSs derived from human RA patients. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPM7 protected primary RA-FLSs from proliferation, metastasis and inflammation. Furthermore, we found that TRPM7 contributes to RA-FLS proliferation, metastasis and inflammation by increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Mechanistically, the PKCα-HuR axis was demonstrated to respond to Ca2+ influx, leading to TRPM7-mediated RA-FLS proliferation, metastasis and inflammation. Moreover, HuR was shown to bind to IL-6 mRNA after nuclear translocation, which could be weakened by TRPM7 channel inhibition. Additionally, adeno-associated virus 9-mediated TRPM7 silencing is highly effective at alleviating synovial hyperplasia and inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. In conclusion, our findings unveil a novel regulatory mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of RA and suggest that targeting TRPM7 might be a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of RA.

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.

Risk factors for multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection of patients admitted in intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii infections pose challenges for clinical treatment and cause high mortality, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs).

AIM

To systematically summarize and analyse the risk factors for MDR/XDR A. baumannii-infected patients admitted to ICUs.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible original studies published in English before October 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted where appropriate, with mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) calculated for continuous and nominal scaled data. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

FINDINGS

Ten studies reporting 1199 ICU patients (604 from general ICUs, 435 from neonatal ICUs, and 160 from paediatric ICUs) from eight countries were included in our analysis. Risk factors associated with MDR A. baumannii infection among patients admitted to general ICUs included high Acute Physiology And Clinical Health II (APACHE Ⅱ) score (mean difference (MD): 7.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.24-11.80; P = 0.0006), invasive procedures (odds ratio (OR): 3.47; 95% CI: 1.70-7.10; P = 0.0006), longer ICU stay (MD: 3.40; 95% CI: 2.94-3.86; P < 0.00001), and use of antibiotics (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.22-5.94; P = 0.01). In the sub-group analysis, longer neonatal ICU stay (MD: 16.88; 95% CI: 9.79-23.97; P < 0.00001) was associated with XDR A. baumannii infection.

CONCLUSION

Close attention should be paid to patients with longer ICU stays, undergoing invasive procedures, using antibiotics, and with high APACHE Ⅱ scores to reduce the risk of MDR and XDR A. baumannii infections.

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.

Thermodynamic Modeling of the Au-Ge-X (X = In, Sb, Si, Zn) Ternary Systems

In this study, the CALPHAD approach was employed to model the thermodynamics of the Au-Ge-X (X = In, Sb, Si, Zn) ternary systems, leveraging experimental phase equilibria data and previous assessments of related binary subsystems. The solution phases were modeled as substitutional solutions, and their excess Gibbs energies were expressed using the Redlich-Kister polynomial. Owing to the unavailability of experimental data, the solubility of the third elements in the Au-In, Au-Sb, and Au-Zn binary intermetallic compounds was excluded from consideration. Additionally, stable ternary intermetallic compounds were not reported in the literature and, thus, were not taken into account in the present thermodynamic calculations. Calculations of liquidus projections, isothermal sections, and vertical sections for these ternary systems have been performed, aligning with existing experimental findings. These thermodynamic parameters form a vital basis for creating a comprehensive thermodynamic database for Au-Ge-based alloys, which is essential for the design and development of new high-temperature Pb-free solders.

Functional versatility of Zur in metal homeostasis, motility, biofilm formation, and stress resistance in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Zur (zinc uptake regulator) is a significant member of the Fur (ferric uptake regulator) superfamily, which is widely distributed in bacteria. Zur plays crucial roles in zinc homeostasis and influences cell development and environmental adaptation in various species. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-negative enteric that pathogen usually serves as a model organism in pathogenicity studies. The regulatory effects of Zur on the zinc transporter ZnuABC and the protein secretion system T6SS have been documented in Y. pseudotuberculosis. In this study, a comparative transcriptomics analysis between a ∆zur mutant and the wild-type (WT) strain of Y. pseudotuberculosis was conducted using RNA-seq. This analysis revealed global regulation by Zur across multiple functional categories, including membrane transport, cell motility, and molecular and energy metabolism. Additionally, Zur mediates the homeostasis not only of zinc but also ferric and magnesium in vivo. There was a notable decrease in 35 flagellar biosynthesis and assembly-related genes, leading to reduced swimming motility in the ∆zur mutant strain. Furthermore, Zur upregulated multiple simple sugar and oligopeptide transport system genes by directly binding to their promoters. The absence of Zur inhibited biofilm formation as well as reduced resistance to chloramphenicol and acidic stress. This study illustrates the comprehensive regulatory functions of Zur, emphasizing its importance in stress resistance and pathogenicity in Y. pseudotuberculosis.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria encounter diverse stresses in the environment and possess essential regulators to modulate the expression of genes in responding to the stresses for better fitness and survival. Zur (zinc uptake regulator) plays a vital role in zinc homeostasis. Studies of Zur from multiple species reviewed that it influences cell development, stress resistance, and virulence of bacteria. Y. pseudotuberculosis is an enteric pathogen that serves a model organism in the study of pathogenicity, virulence factors, and mechanism of environmental adaptation. In this study, transcriptomics analysis of Zur's regulons was conducted in Y. pseudotuberculosis. The functions of Zur as a global regulator in metal homeostasis, motility, nutrient acquisition, glycan metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism, in turn, increasing the biofilm formation, stress resistance, and virulence were reviewed. The importance of Zur in environmental adaptation and pathogenicity of Y. pseudotuberculosis was emphasized.

A critical review on bioremediation technologies of metal(loid) tailings: Practice and policy

Globally, most high-grade ores have already been exploited. Contemporary mining tends to focus on the extraction of lower-grade ores thereby leaving large stored tailings open to the environment. As a result, current mines have emerged as hotspots for the migration of metal(loid)s and resistance genes, thereby potentially contributing to a looming public health crisis. Therefore, the management and remediation of tailings are the most challenging issues in environmental ecology. Bioremediation, a cost-effective solution for the treatment of multi-element mixed pollution (co-contamination), shows promise for the restoration of mine tailings. This review focuses on the bioremediation technologies developed to untangle the issues of non-ferrous metal mine tailings. These technologies address the environmental risks of multi-element exposure to the ecosystem and human health risks. It provides a review and comparison of current bioremediation technologies used to mineralize metal(loid)s. The role of plant-microorganisms and their mechanisms in the remediation of tailings are also discussed. The importance of "treating waste with wastes" is crucial for advancing bioremediation technologies. This approach underscores the potential for waste materials to contribute to environmental cleanup processes. The concept of a circular economy is pertinent in this context, emphasizing recycling and reuse. There's an immediate need for international collaboration. Collaboration is needed in policy-making, funding, and data accessibility. Sharing data is essential for the growth of bioremediation globally.

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.

Reducing the risk of tooth injury in anterior maxillary interdental osteotomy for cleft lip and palate patients using a surgical navigation technique

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical feasibility of preventing tooth injury from anterior maxillary interdental osteotomy by using a surgical navigation technique. A retrospective review was conducted on cleft lip and palate patients treated with anterior maxillary osteotomy followed by distraction osteogenesis between August 2019 and May 2022. Patients operated on through image guidance were enrolled in the navigation group, while those who were operated on freehand were enrolled in the freehand group. Tooth injuries were identified on postoperative images. Linear and angular deviations of the osteotomy line were measured. Twelve patients were enrolled in the study, seven in the navigation group and five in the freehand group. Altogether, 24 osteotomy lines and 53 adjacent teeth were evaluated. The dental injury rate was 3% in the navigation group and 27% in the freehand group (P = 0.016). The average linear deviations (mean ± standard deviation) were 0.67 ± 0.30 mm and 2.05 ± 1.33 mm, respectively (P < 0.001), while the average angular deviations were 1.67 ± 0.68° and 11.41 ± 7.46°, respectively (P < 0.001). The results suggest that navigation was able to reduce the tooth injury risk compared with freehand interdental osteotomies in crowded dental arches.

Paediatric meningitis in the conjugate vaccine era and a novel clinical decision model to predict bacterial aetiology

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to assess aetiology and clinical characteristics in childhood meningitis, and develop clinical decision rules to distinguish bacterial meningitis from other similar clinical syndromes.

METHODS

Children aged <16 years hospitalised with suspected meningitis/encephalitis were included, and prospectively recruited at 31 UK hospitals. Meningitis was defined as identification of bacteria/viruses from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or a raised CSF white blood cell count. New clinical decision rules were developed to distinguish bacterial from viral meningitis and those of alternative aetiology.

RESULTS

The cohort included 3002 children (median age 2·4 months); 1101/3002 (36·7%) had meningitis, including 180 bacterial, 423 viral and 280 with no pathogen identified. Enterovirus was the most common pathogen in those aged <6 months and 10-16 years, with Neisseria meningitidis and/or Streptococcus pneumoniae commonest at age 6 months to 9 years. The Bacterial Meningitis Score had a negative predictive value of 95·3%. We developed two clinical decision rules, that could be used either before (sensitivity 82%, specificity 71%) or after lumbar puncture (sensitivity 84%, specificity 93%), to determine risk of bacterial meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial meningitis comprised 6% of children with suspected meningitis/encephalitis. Our clinical decision rules provide potential novel approaches to assist with identifying children with bacterial meningitis.

FUNDING

This study was funded by the Meningitis Research Foundation, Pfizer and the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research.

Multi-level FeCo/N-doped carbon nanosheet for peroxymonosulfate oxidation and sterilization inactivation

Magnetic carbon-based catalysts with environmental friendliness have exhibited prominent effects on advanced oxidation processes. Herein, a multi-level FeCo/N-doped carbon nanosheet (FeCo/CNS) was synthesized by facile impregnation iron-cobalt salt onto cotton and followed by confined pyrolysis. We identified excellent advantages of the modified FeCo/CNS materials: (i) The convenience of the synthesis method and (ii) The dual effect of sterilization and contaminant degradation achieved through the FeCo/CNS-activated Peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The comparative experimental showed that FeCo/CNS could provide favorable catalytic performance, completely removing bisphenol A (BPA) and tetracycline (TC) within 5 min. Moreover, the potent sterilization properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were also verified. Analysis of the degradation pathway confirmed the existence of intermediates, and toxicological research demonstrated that the toxicity of the degradation intermediates of BPA gradually decreased over time. Our research provided an excellent application of FeCo/CNS in PMS oxidation and sterilization inactivation.

Cardiac MRI feature-tracking-derived torsion mechanics in systolic and diastolic dysfunction in systemic light-chain cardiac amyloidosis

AIM

To describe the myocardial torsion mechanics in cardiac amyloidosis (CA), and evaluate the correlations between left ventricle (LV) torsion mechanics and conventional parameters using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR-FT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-nine patients with light-chain CA (AL-CA) were divided into three groups: group 1 with preserved systolic function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%, n=55), group 2 with mildly reduced systolic function (40% ≤ LVEF <50%, n=51), and group 3 with reduced systolic function (LVEF <40%, n=33), and compared with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=26). All patients underwent cine imaging and late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE). Cine images were analysed offline using CMR-FT to estimate torsion parameters.

RESULTS

Global torsion, base-mid torsion, and peak diastolic torsion rate (diasTR) were significantly impaired in patients with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for all), whereas mid-apex torsion and peak systolic torsion rate (sysTR) were preserved (p>0.05 for both) compared with healthy controls. In patients with mildly reduced systolic function, global torsion and base-mid torsion were lower compared to those with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for both), while mid-apex torsion, sysTR, and diasTR were preserved (p>0.05 for all). In patients with reduced systolic function, only sysTR was significantly worse compared with mildly reduced systolic function (p<0.05). At multivariable analysis, right ventricle (RV) end-systolic volume RVESV index and NYHA class were independently related to global torsion, whereas LVEF was independently related to sysTR. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was independently related to diasTR. LV global torsion performed well (AUC 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61, 0.77) in discriminating transmural from non-transmural LGE in AL-CA patients.

CONCLUSION

LV torsion mechanics derived by CMR-FT could help to monitor LV systolic and diastolic function in AL-CA patients and function as a new imaging marker for LV dysfunction and LGE transmurality.

Effect of sternocleidomastoid flap repair and endoscopic injection of emulsified adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction in the treatment of refractory cervical anastomotic leak contaminating mediastinum

Mediastinal infection caused by anastomotic leak is hard to cure, mainly because the poor drainage at the site of mediastinal infection leads to persistent cavity infection, which in turn becomes a refractory mediastinal abscess cavity after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE)-McKeown. Herein, we explored sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle flaps and emulsified adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction containing adipose-derived stem-cells to address this issue. We studied 10 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent MIE-McKeown + 2-field lymphadenectomy and developed anastomotic and mediastinal leak and received new technology treatment in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2018 to March 2022. The clinical data and prognosis of the patients were collected and analyzed. A total of 5 patients received this surgery, and no other complications occurred during the perioperative period. Among the 5 patients, 1 patient was partially cured, and 4 patients were completely cured. During the follow-up 3 months postoperatively, all these 5 patients could eat regular food smoothly, and no relapse of leak and mediastinal infection occurred. The new surgical method has achieved good results in the treatment of anastomotic leak. Compared with the traditional thoracotomy, it is a less invasive and feasible surgical approach, which can be used as a supplement to the effective surgical treatment of cervical anastomotic leak contaminating the mediastinum.

Managing ischemic and necrotic incarcerated femoral hernia contents and their risk factors

PURPOSE

Incarcerated femoral hernia patients had high risk of hernia contents necrosis. We provide our experience of management ischemia and necrosis of hernia contents in emergency incarcerated femoral hernia patients, and to investigate its risk factors.

METHODS

This is a case-control study. Eighty-nine incarcerated femoral patients who underwent emergency surgery from January 2015 to December 2021 were included, and divided into normal group (60 cases) and ischemia/necrosis group (29 cases) according to the intraoperative condition of hernia contents. The surgical methods, intraoperative and postoperative conditions were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of ischemia and necrosis of hernia contents.

RESULTS

Open preperitoneal tension-free repair was the most commonly used surgical methods (68.5%) for incarcerated femoral patients. The utilization rate of laparoscopic repair in the ischemia/necrosis group was lower than that in the normal group (13.8% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.475). The proportion of mesh placement in the normal group was significantly higher than that in the ischemia/necrosis group (98.3% vs 65.5%, P < 0.001). The hernia contents resection rate (55.2% vs 1.7%), operation time (90 vs 40 min), intraoperative bleeding (5 vs 2 ml), ICU admission rate (31.0% vs 1.7%), and hospital stay (7 vs 4 d) were significantly higher in the ischemia/necrosis group than those in normal group. Results of multivariate logistic regression showed that incarceration time more than 9 h (aOR = 19.3, 95%CI: 1.9-192.9) was an independent risk factor for ischemia and necrosis of hernia contents in emergency incarcerated femoral hernia patients.

CONCLUSION

Open tension-free repair was the most commonly used surgical methods for emergency incarcerated femoral hernia patients. Ischemia and necrosis of hernia contents will increase bowel resection rate and prolong operation and hospital stay. Long incarceration time is an independent risk factor for ischemia and necrosis of hernia contents.

Intra-islet glucagon signalling regulates beta-cell connectivity, first-phase insulin secretion and glucose homoeostasis

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by the loss of first-phase insulin secretion. We studied mice with β-cell selective loss of the glucagon receptor (Gcgrfl/fl X Ins-1Cre), to investigate the role of intra-islet glucagon receptor (GCGR) signalling on pan-islet [Ca2+]I activity and insulin secretion.

METHODS

Metabolic profiling was conducted on Gcgrβ-cell-/- and littermate controls. Crossing with GCaMP6f (STOP flox) animals further allowed for β-cell specific expression of a fluorescent calcium indicator. These islets were functionally imaged in vitro and in vivo. Wild-type mice were transplanted with islets expressing GCaMP6f in β-cells into the anterior eye chamber and placed on a high fat diet. Part of the cohort received a glucagon analogue (GCG-analogue) for 40 days and the control group were fed to achieve weight matching. Calcium imaging was performed regularly during the development of hyperglycaemia and in response to GCG-analogue treatment.

RESULTS

Gcgrβ-cell-/- mice exhibited higher glucose levels following intraperitoneal glucose challenge (control 12.7 mmol/L ± 0.6 vs. Gcgrβ-cell-/- 15.4 mmol/L ± 0.0 at 15 min, p = 0.002); fasting glycaemia was not different to controls. In vitro, Gcgrβ-cell-/- islets showed profound loss of pan-islet [Ca2+]I waves in response to glucose which was only partially rescued in vivo. Diet induced obesity and hyperglycaemia also resulted in a loss of co-ordinated [Ca2+]I waves in transplanted islets. This was reversed with GCG-analogue treatment, independently of weight-loss (n = 8).

CONCLUSION

These data provide novel evidence for the role of intra-islet GCGR signalling in sustaining synchronised [Ca2+]I waves and support a possible therapeutic role for glucagonergic agents to restore the insulin secretory capacity lost in T2D.

Is AI 3D-printed PSI an accurate option for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip undergoing THA?

BACKGROUND

In traditional surgical procedures, significant discrepancies are often observed between the pre-planned templated implant sizes and the actual sizes used, particularly in patients with congenital hip dysplasia. These discrepancies arise not only in preoperative planning but also in the precision of implant placement, especially concerning the acetabular component. Our study aims to enhance the accuracy of implant placement during Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) by integrating AI-enhanced preoperative planning with Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI). We also seek to assess the accuracy and clinical outcomes of the AI-PSI (AIPSI) group in comparison to a manual control group.

METHODS

This study included 60 patients diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia, randomly assigned to either the AIPSI or manual group, with 30 patients in each. No significant demographic differences between were noted the two groups. A direct anterior surgical approach was employed. Postoperative assessments included X-rays and CT scans to measure parameters such as the acetabular cup anteversion angle, acetabular cup inclination angle, femoral stem anteversion angle, femoral offset, and leg length discrepancy. Functional scores were recorded at 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-surgery. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22.0, with the significance level was set at α = 0.05.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The AIPSI group demonstrated greater prosthesis placement accuracy. With the aid of PSI, AI-planned THA surgery provides surgeons with enhanced precision in prosthesis positioning. This approach potentially offers greater insights and guidelines for managing more complex anatomical variations or cases.

[Experimental study on the inhibition of the NLRP3 signaling pathway with Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction to alleviate inflammatory injury in rats with acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction in alleviating inflammatory liver injury in rats with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and its effect on the activation intensity for the NLRP3 signaling pathway. Methods: 63 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction (7.29 g/kg/d, 14.58 g/kg/d, and 29.16 g/kg/d). The ACLF rat model was replicated using carbon tetrachloride combined with d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide. Different dose gradients of the Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction were used for a five-day intervention treatment, and then rat serum and tissue samples were collected. A biochemical analyzer was used to detect the serum levels of ALT, AST, and TBIL in rats. ELISA was used to detect serum IL-18 and IL-1β content. HE staining was used to observe histomorphological changes in liver tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect GSDMD expression in liver tissue. Western blot and PCR were used to detect NLRP3, Caspase1, ASC, TLR4, IL-1β, IL-18 protein, and mRNA expression levels.The groups were compared using analysis of variance and the rank-sum test. Results: Compared with the blank group, the model group's rat liver tissue was severely injured. Serum levels of ALT, AST, and TBIL, inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, and the GSDMD protein expression level, NLRP3 expression level, TLR4, caspase 1, ASC, IL-1β, IL-18 protein, and mRNA (P<0.01) were all significantly increased in the model than the blank group (P<0.01). Additionally, compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction had improved liver tissue injury in ACLF rats, while the serum levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, IL-1β, IL-18, liver tissue GSDMD protein, NLRP3, TLR4, caspase 1, and ASC expressions were all lower in the different dose gradients of the Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction than the model group, with the most evident reduction in the high-dose group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Shengsan Jiedu Huayu decoction can weaken the activation intensity of the NLRP3 signaling pathway, alleviate liver tissue pathological injury, reduce inflammatory factor release, and alleviate inflammatory liver injury in ACLF rats.

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.

Developing nucleoside tailoring strategies against SARS-CoV-2 via ribonuclease targeting chimera

In response to the urgent need for potent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) therapeutics, this study introduces an innovative nucleoside tailoring strategy leveraging ribonuclease targeting chimeras. By seamlessly integrating ribonuclease L recruiters into nucleosides, we address RNA recognition challenges and effectively inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 replication in human cells. Notably, nucleosides tailored at the ribose 2'-position outperform those modified at the nucleobase. Our in vivo validation using hamster models further bolsters the promise of this nucleoside tailoring approach, positioning it as a valuable asset in the development of innovative antiviral drugs.

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.

Triplet Rydberg States of Aluminum Monofluoride

Aluminum monofluoride (AlF) is a suitable molecule for laser cooling and trapping. Such experiments require extensive spectroscopic characterization of the electronic structure. Two of the theoretically predicted higher-lying triplet states of AlF, the counterparts of the well-characterized D1Δ and E1Π states, had not been experimentally identified yet. We here report on the characterization of the d3Π (v = 0-6) and e3Δ (v = 0-2) states, confirming the predicted energetic ordering of these states (J. Chem. Phys. 1988, 88, 5715-5725), as well as of the f3Σ+ (v = 0-2) state. The transition intensity of the d3Π, v = 3 - a3Π, v = 3 band is negligibly small. This band gets its weak, unexpected rotational structure via intensity borrowing from the nearby e3Δ, v = 2 - a3Π, v = 3 band, made possible via spin-orbit and spin-rotation interaction between the d3Π and e3Δ states. This interaction affects the equilibrium rotational constants in both states; their deperturbed values yield equilibrium internuclear distances that are consistent with the observations. We determined the ionization potential of AlF to be 78,492(1) cm-1 by ionization from the d3Π state.