[Deep learning reconstruction algorithm for coronary CT angiography in assessing obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions: the clinical application value]

Objective: To investigate the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) subjected to deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm (DLR) method and its diagnostic performance for stenosis caused by coronary calcified lesions. Methods: We enrolled 33 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCTA and subsequently invasive coronary angiography (ICA) within 1 month in the department of radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between February 2020 and February 2021. Among them, there are 26 males and 7 females, age range from 45 to 86 (61.9±9.0) years. The CCTA images were reconstructed with DLR and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR). Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated on the aorta root, left main artery, proximal left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery of the CCTA images and were used to evaluate the objective image quality (IQ). Subjective IQ score was graded using Likert four-point scale (1 for excellent and 4 for poor). The diagnostic performance of obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions on CCTA subjected to DLR and HIR methods were evaluated using ICA as the reference standard. Results: A total of 123 lesions in 33 patients were included in the analysis. Image noise of DLR image was significantly lower than that on HIR image(defined as the standard deviation of the attenuation values in the aortic root: 18.12±3.66 vs 24.19±5.71, P<0.001), CNR and SNR of DLR image in the aortic root were higher (CNR:43.83±23.73 vs 26.38±9.69, P<0.001,SNR:26.66±7.83 vs 21.23±8.65, P<0.001). Subjective scores of DLR was better than HIR image (1.12±0.41 vs 1.46±0.60,P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DLR and HIR images for diagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions were 100.0%, 77.4%, 78.9% and 100.0%, 63.5%, 65.9%%, respectively. The number of false positive cases on DLR image decreased by 38% compared with HIR. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence based DLR can significantly reduce the image noise and improve the image quality of CCTA. DLR helps to improve the diagnostic performance of CCTA in assessing obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions, which may have good clinical application value.

d-mannose attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced osteolysis via CPT1A-Mediated lipid metabolic regulation in macrophages

Inflammatory osteolysis is usually linked to the activation of proinflammatory macrophage and the consequent excessive osteoclast formation. Emerging evidence indicates that agents or drugs targeting lipid metabolism in macrophages might be potential in the prevention and treatment of osteolysis. d-mannose, as a natural-existed metabolic regulator, exerts strong effects on attenuating osteopenia and inflammation. However, whether d-mannose is therapeutically effective on osteolysis and whether a metabolic mechanism counts for the effect remain to be addressed. Here, by using an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory osteolysis mouse model as well as an in vitro LPS-induced inflammatory macrophage culture system, we show that d-mannose attenuates inflammatory osteolysis and inhibits excessive osteoclastogenesis by reversing the LPS-induced activation of proinflammatory macrophage. Mechanically, d-mannose recovers LPS-suppressed Cpt1a transcription and promotes lipid metabolism of macrophage. Treatment with etomoxir, an inhibitor of CPT1A, abolishes the effects of d-mannose on LPS-treated macrophage in vitro and eliminates its protection against osteolysis in vivo. Collectively, our results imply that d-mannose attenuates LPS-induced osteolysis by manipulating CPT1A-mediated lipid metabolism in macrophages. Our results disclose the unrecognized utilization of d-mannose as an effective intervention against inflammatory osteolysis and provide evidence to manage inflammatory scenarios by therapeutically targeting lipid metabolism in macrophage.

Neuroimmune interactions in painful TMD: Mechanisms and treatment implications

The underlying mechanisms and treatment of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are important but understudied topics in craniofacial research. As a group of musculoskeletal diseases, the onset of painful TMD is proved to be a result of disturbance of multiple systems. Recently, emerging evidence has revealed the involvement of neuroimmune interactions in painful TMD. Inflammatory factors play an important role in peripheral sensitization of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and neurogenic inflammation in turn enhances TMJs dysfunction in TMD. Furthermore, centralized neuroimmune communications contribute to neuron excitability amplification, leading to pain sensitization, and is also responsible for chronic TMD pain and other CNS symptoms. Therapeutics targeting neuroimmune interactions may shed light on new approaches for treating TMD. In this review, we will discuss the role of neuroimmune interactions in the onset of painful TMD from the peripheral and centralized perspectives, and how understanding this mechanism could provide new treatment options. Insights into the neuroimmune interactions within TMJs and painful TMD would broaden the knowledge of mechanisms and treatments of this multifactorial disease.

BONE DEVELOPMENT AND FRACTURE HEALING IS NORMAL IN MICE THAT HAVE A DEFECT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Ectopic lymphatics form in bone and promote bone destruction in diseases such as Gorham-Stout disease, generalized lymphatic anomaly, and kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. However, the role lymphatics serve in normal bone development and repair is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize bone development and fracture healing in mice that have a defect in the development of the lymphatic vasculature. We found that bones in wild-type adult mice and mouse embryos did not have lymphatics. We also found that bone development was normal in Vegfr3Chy/Chy embryos. These mice do not have lymphatics and die shortly after birth. To determine whether lymphatics serve a role in postnatal bone development and fracture healing, we analyzed bones from Vegfr3wt/Chy mice. These mice are viable and have fewer lymphatics than wild-type mice. We found that postnatal bone development and fracture healing was normal in Vegfr3wt/Chy mice. Taken together, our results suggest that lymphatics do not play a major role in normal bone development or repair.

High-sensitivity, fast-response ethanol gas optical sensor based on a dual microfiber coupler structure with the Vernier effect

A high-sensitivity ethanol gas sensor based on two microfiber couplers and the Vernier effect is examined in this Letter using the unique variation rate conversion point characteristics. The output spectrum of the two couplers connected in parallel are superimposed to form a symmetrical envelope curve, showing high responsivity to variations in the external environment. Ethanol sensitivity was achieved by coating the waist region of the coupler with a mixture of Nile red and polymethyl methacrylate. When the concentration of ethanol gas changes, the envelope spectrum shifts. Experimental results show that a high responsivity of 160 pm/ppm can be obtained by tracing the reference peaks in the envelope curve and that the response and recovery times are on the order of seconds.

Psychological status of TMD patients, orthodontic patients and the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Confronting the outbreak of COVID-19, this cross-sectional study was aimed to assess psychological status of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients, orthodontic patients and the general population in China during the pandemic. An online anonymous questionnaire was developed in Chinese, including the individual background information, the perception of the epidemic, and level of anxiety and depression through Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The respondents were divided into ORTHO group, TMD group and Control group. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression modelling were performed. In total, 1241 valid questionnaires were collected, covering 587 orthodontic patients and 220 TMD patients. It is shown that the overall mental health is not quite optimistic during the COVID-19 pandemic with the mean score of K10 being 18.65. TMD patients have higher level of anxiety and depression than orthodontic patients as well as the general population. Younger age, female gender, having close contact with individuals from Hubei province, higher self-rated infection possibility, concern about psychological barriers and distrust are negatively affecting patients' psychological status. Mental health care should be emphasized when hospitals and clinics reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to patients with these relevant characteristics.

High-Performance Ultrafast Humidity Sensor Based on Microknot Resonator-Assisted Mach-Zehnder for Monitoring Human Breath

Monitoring the dynamic humidity requires sensors with fast response and anti-electromagnetic interference, especially for human respiration. Here, an ultrafast fiber-optic breath sensor based on the humidity-sensitive characteristics of gelatin film is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensor consists of a microknot resonator superimposed on a Mach-Zehnder (MZ) interferometer produced by a tapered single-mode fiber, which has an ultrafast response (84 ms) and recovery time (29 ms) and a large dynamic transmission range. The humidity in dynamic ambient causes changes in the refractive index of gelatin coating, which could trigger spectral intensity transients that can be explicitly distinguished between the two states. The sensing principle is analyzed using the traditional transfer-matrix analysis method. The influence of coating thickness on the sensor's trigger threshold is further investigated. Experiments on monitoring breath patterns indicate that the proposed breath sensor has high repeatability, reliability, and validity, which enable many other potential applications such as food processing, health monitoring, and other biomedical applications.

Estimating diet costs: Bridging the gap between food supply price databases and dietary intake data

Introduction

The cost of food is a key influence on diet. The majority of diet cost studies match intake data from population-based surveys to a single source of food supply prices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Our aim was to examine the nutritional significance of using food supply data to price dietary intakes in Canada.

Methods

We examined food groups and nutrients in dietary intakes captured by the CPI. For prices, we used 2015 Canadian CPI average monthly item prices. For dietary intakes, we used reported intakes from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition, 1st 24-hour recall (n = 20,487). i) 2015 CPI item prices ($/g) were matched to the 156 food items from the 2015 CCHS-Nutrition as full, partial, or non-match; ii) CPI capture (full or partial match) per total intake (g), without water, was calculated for each respondent; iii) descriptive statistics and quantile regression (α = 0.05) were used to compare intakes of Canadian Nutrient File food groups and nutrients by quantile of CPI capture.

Results

The CPI captured on average 74% of total dietary intake (g) without water. A greater proportion of protein and fat intake was captured by the CPI as compared to carbohydrate, sodium, fibre, and sugar intake. Intakes of beef, poultry, sausages, pork, and breakfast foods had among the best match; snack foods, nuts, veal, and alcoholic beverages had among the worst. Individuals in the poorest CPI capture quantile consumed the greatest fibre (g), carbohydrates (g), total sugar (g), fat (g), protein (g), and energy (kcal) as compared to those with best CPI capture.

Conclusions

The poorest quantile of CPI capture reflects individuals with high intakes of nutrients of concern including fat, carbohydrates, and sugar; potential bias in estimating fibre and protein intake was also detected. Researchers and decision makers should attend to differential misclassification bias and opportunities for tailored datasets to price dietary intakes.

Key messages

Given the proliferation of diet cost studies using food supply prices, this novel study highlights the importance of understanding the biases in using food supply data to price dietary intakes. Nutrition researchers and decision makers can use these findings to strengthen food supply price data to support the monitoring of diet costs in relation to diet quality and health outcomes.

[Analysis on the cluster epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 in Guangdong Province]

Objective: Analysis of clustering characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Guangdong Province. Methods: The COVID-19 cases in Guangdong Province onset from January 1 to February 29, 2020 were collected from Chinese information system for disease control and prevention and Emergency Public Reporting System. Obtain the epidemiological survey data of the cluster epidemic situation, and clarify the scale of cluster epidemic situation, the characteristics of the index cases, family and non-family subsequent cases. Calculate serial interval according to the onset time of the index cases and subsequent cases, secondary attack rate based on the close contacts tracking results, the characteristics of different cases in the clustered epidemic were compared. Results: A total of 283 cluster were collected, including 633 index cases, 239 subsequent cases. Families are mainly clustered, the total number involved in each cluster is in the range of 2-27, M (P₂₅, P₇₅) are 2.0 (2.0, 4.0). During January 15 to February 29, the secondary attack rate is 2.86% (239/8 363) in Guangdong Province, the family secondary attack rate was 4.84% (276/3 697), and the non-family secondary attack rate was 1.32% (61/4 632). According to the reporting trend of the number of cases in Guangdong Province, it can be divided into four stages, the rising stage, the high platform stage, the descending stage and the low level fluctuation period. The secondary attack rate of the four stages were 3.5% (140/3 987), 2.3% (55/2 399), 2.6% (37/1 435), 1.3% (7/542), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). Conclusion: COVID-19 cluster mainly occurs in families in Guangdong Province. The scale of the clustered epidemic was small; the serial interval was short; and the overall secondary attack rate was low.

Novel multiparameter correlates of Coxiella burnetii infection and vaccination identified by longitudinal deep immune profiling

Q-fever is a flu-like illness caused by Coxiella burnetii (Cb), a highly infectious intracellular bacterium. There is an unmet need for a safe and effective vaccine for Q-fever. Correlates of immune protection to Cb infection are limited. We proposed that analysis by longitudinal high dimensional immune (HDI) profiling using mass cytometry combined with other measures of vaccination and protection could be used to identify novel correlates of effective vaccination and control of Cb infection. Using a vaccine-challenge model in HLA-DR transgenic mice, we demonstrated significant alterations in circulating T-cell and innate immune populations that distinguished vaccinated from naïve mice within 10 days, and persisted until at least 35 days post-vaccination. Following challenge, vaccinated mice exhibited reduced bacterial burden and splenomegaly, along with distinct effector T-cell and monocyte profiles. Correlation of HDI data to serological and pathological measurements was performed. Our data indicate a Th1-biased response to Cb, consistent with previous reports, and identify Ly6C, CD73, and T-bet expression in T-cell, NK-cell, and monocytic populations as distinguishing features between vaccinated and naïve mice. This study refines the understanding of the integrated immune response to Cb vaccine and challenge, which can inform the assessment of candidate vaccines for Cb.

Distribution of Various Maxilla-Mandibular Positions and Cephalometric Comparison in Chinese Skeletal Class II Malocclusions

AIM

To obtain the distribution of different maxilla-mandibular characteristics in Chinese skeletal class II mixed dentition patients and to compare the differences of cephalometric variables among different maxilla-mandibular types.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 skeletal class II patients in mixed dentition. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to SNA and SNB angle of the cephalogram. A total of 38 cephalometric measurements were measured on their cephalograms. Differences among groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

There were 34 (10.97%) patients in group I, 10 (3.23%) in group II, 4(1.29%) in group III, 69 (22.26%) in group IV, 133 (42.90%) in group V, and 60 (19.35%) in group VI. In all, 14.19% of the patients exhibited maxillary protrusion (MxP), and 62.26% exhibited mandibular retrusion (MnR) with either normal or retruded maxilla. Groups II and III were excluded for statistical comparison due to a limited sample size. Statistical differences were found in 25 cephalometric measurements among the other 4 groups. Patients with MnR (groups V and VI) exhibited bigger sella angle, gonial angle, Frankfort mandibular plane angle, and smaller mandibular body length and ramus height than patients without MnR (p value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The most common etiology forming skeletal class II malocclusion in Chinese children was MnR, which was mainly caused by the small size and hyperdivergent growth direction of mandible.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The study presents various cephalometric characteristics of Chinese skeletal class II malocclusions. The results indicated that for the early orthodontic treatment of Chinese class II children with mixed dentition, orthodontists might emphasize more importance to mandibular length augmentation and growth direction change in mandible.

Mental distress in orthodontic patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Introduction

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak impacts the mental health of patients, health workers, and the public. The level of impact on the mental health of orthodontic patients in treatment is unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate the mental health of orthodontic patients in China during the early stage of the pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was conducted on a convenience sample of anonymous participants. The questionnaire, in Chinese (Mandarin), comprised 5 sections. Sections 1-3 included demographic, epidemical, and orthodontic status of the patients. Section 4 assessed mental health-related to orthodontics. Section 5 was the Kessler-10 Mental Distress Scale. A total of 48 orthodontists were invited to distribute the questionnaires to their patients. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, K-means cluster analysis, and bivariate logistics regression analysis were performed with significance set at P <0.05.

Results

Questionnaires were collected from 558 patients (104 males, 354 females; mean age 24.78 ± 6.33 years). The prevalence of mental distress was 38% (174/458). Higher odds ratios were associated with female participants, missed appointments, and Hubei residence. The type of orthodontic appliance was associated with the anxiety of prolonged treatment duration. The manner of communication with patients regarding the postponement of appointments was associated with patients' concerns of prolonged treatment duration. The frequency of contact from dentists was associated with patients' independence.

Conclusions

Over one-third of orthodontic patients experienced mental distress during the pandemic. Multiple factors affected the level of anxiety of orthodontic patients, such as the type of orthodontic appliance, time since last dental visit, manner of communication with the orthodontist, and the localities of the pandemic progression.

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Thirty-eight percent of patients had orthodontic-related mental distress during the pandemic.

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Orthodontic patients in the epicenter revealed higher odds of mental distress.

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Orthodontists who contact patients personally might relieve their anxiety.

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Patients with invisible appliances felt less anxiety about the duration of treatment.

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The results could guide orthodontists from other countries with similar situations.

Gli1+ Periodontium Stem Cells Are Regulated by Osteocytes and Occlusal Force

Teeth are attached to alveolar bone by the periodontal ligament (PDL), which contains stem cells supporting tissue turnover. Here, we identified Gli1+ cells in adult mouse molar PDL as multi-potential stem cells (PDLSCs) giving rise to PDL, alveolar bone, and cementum. They support periodontium tissue turnover and injury repair. Gli1+ PDLSCs are surrounding the neurovascular bundle and more enriched in the apical region. Canonical Wnt signaling is essential for their activation. Alveolar bone osteocytes negatively regulate Gli1+ PDLSCs activity through sclerostin, a Wnt inhibitor. Blockage of sclerostin accelerates the PDLSCs lineage contribution rate in vivo. Sclerostin expression is modulated by physiological occlusal force. Removal of occlusal force upregulates sclerostin and inhibits PDLSCs activation. In summary, Gli1+ cells are the multipotential PDLSCs in vivo. Osteocytes provide negative feedback to PDLSCs and inhibit their activities through sclerostin. Physiological occlusal force indirectly regulates PDLSCs activities by fine-tuning this feedback loop.

Tm3+-doped fluorotellurite glass microsphere resonator laser at 2.3 µm

In this Letter, we report lasing at 2.3 µm in Tm³⁺-single-doped and Tm³⁺/Ho³⁺-codoped fluorotellurite glass microsphere resonators. By employing a 793 nm diode laser as a pump and exploiting whispering gallery mode microresonators (WGMRs), dual-wavelength lasing at 1.9 and 2.3 µm and triple-wavelength lasing at 1.9, 2.07, and 2.3 µm are achieved in Tm³⁺-doped and Tm³⁺/Ho³⁺-codoped microspheres, respectively. The introduction of Ho³⁺ ions significantly reduces the lasing threshold of Tm³⁺ at 2.3 µm because of energy transfer.

Development of a novel hybrid method combining finite difference method and dissipative particle dynamics to simulate thrombus formation on orifice flow

In our previous works, the transport of activated platelets (APs) on orifice flow has been simulated by finite difference method (FDM). And the distribution of AP concentration on the flow was obtained. However, the effect of platelet aggregation on the distribution of AP concentration can't be investigated by FDM because FDM can't simulate platelet aggregation. On the other hand, platelet aggregation has been simulated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). In this paper, a hybrid method combining FDM and DPD is proposed to investigate the effect of platelet aggregation on the distribution of AP concentration. And the hybrid method is used to simulate thrombus formation on orifice flow. As for the effect of platelet aggregation, it is found that the distribution of AP concentration in the hybrid method is different from the distribution in FDM at the places of platelet aggregation. It is considered that the difference is induced by platelet aggregation. As for the distribution of thrombus, higher AP concentration and more aggregated APs are found around the reattachment point and in the recirculation area. It is considered that thrombus is mainly distributed at these places in the simulation. And according to our previous experimental results, thrombus is mainly distributed around the reattachment point and in the recirculation area. It is concluded that the effect of platelet aggregation on the distribution of AP concentration can be investigated by the hybrid method, and the computational results agree with our previous experimental results.

20-Hydroxyecdysone receptor-activated Bombyx mori CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein gamma regulates the expression of BmCBP and subsequent histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation in Bo. mori

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP or CREBBP) plays important roles in regulating gene transcription and animal development. However, the process by which CBP is up-regulated to impact insect development is unknown. In this study, the regulatory mechanism of Bombyx mori CBP (BmCBP) expression induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) was investigated. In the Bo. mori cell line, DZNU-Bm-12, 20E enhanced BmCBP transcription and histone H3K27 acetylation. BmCBP RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in decreased histone H3K27 acetylation. Additionally, the luciferase activity analysis revealed that the transcription factor, Bo. mori CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein gamma (BmC/EBPg), activated BmCBP transcription, which was suppressed by BmC/EBPg RNAi and promoted by BmC/EBPg overexpression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation results demonstrated that BmC/EBPg could bind to the C/EBP cis-regulatory elements in two positions of the BmCBP promoter. Moreover, BmC/EBPg transcription was enhanced by the 20E receptor (BmEcR), which bound to the BmC/EBPg promoter. BmEcR RNAi significantly inhibited the transcriptional levels of BmC/EBPg and BmCBP in the presence of 20E. Furthermore, the BmEcR-BmC/EBPg pathway regulated the acetylation levels of histone H3K27. Altogether, these results indicate that BmEcR enhances the expression of BmC/EBPg, which binds to the BmCBP promoter, activates BmCBP expression and leads to histone H3K27 acetylation.

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms

Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.