Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Route from single-pulse to multi-pulse states in a mid-infrared soliton fiber laser

State-of-the-art ultrafast mid-IR fiber lasers deliver optical solitons with durations of several hundred femtoseconds. The Er- or Ho-doped fluoride gain fibers generally used in these lasers have strong anomalous dispersion at ∼3 µm, which generally forces them to operate in the soliton regime. Here we report that a pulse-energy clamping effect, caused by the buildup of intracavity nonlinearities, limits the shortest obtainable pulse durations in these mid-infrared soliton fiber lasers. Excessive intra-cavity energy results in soliton instability, collapse and fragmentation into a variety of stable multi-pulse states, including phase-locked soliton molecules and harmonically mode-locked states. We report that the spectral evolution of the mid-IR laser pulses can be recorded between roundtrips through stretching their second-harmonic signal in a 25-km-length of single-mode fiber. Using a modified dispersive Fourier transform set-up, we were able to perform for the first time spectro-temporal measurements of mid-IR laser pulses both in the pulsed state and during pulse collapse and fragmentation. The results provide insight into the complex nonlinear dynamics of mid-IR soliton fiber lasers and open up new opportunities for obtaining a variety of stable multi-pulse mode-locked states at mid-IR wavelengths.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Leadership in an academic discipline

Leading an academic discipline poses moral and ethical challenges, requiring a special set of capabilities. Leadership in a clinical academic discipline involves leading the transformation of education, research, leadership and patient care. Daily struggles within strategic, political and cultural milieu are the norm and effective leaders are able to navigate through these struggles and see opportunities for growth.

Thermal resistance of Clostridium difficile endospores in dairy compost upon exposure to wet and dry heat treatments

AIM

Thermal resistance of Clostridium difficile endospores in finished dairy compost was compared at 55 and 65°C under wet and dry heat conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A three-strain cocktail of C. difficile endospores was inoculated into dairy compost to a final concentration of c. 5·5 log CFU per gram and the moisture content (MC) of the compost was adjusted to be 20, 30 and 40%. For the dry heat treatment at 55 and 65°C, the compost samples were placed in an environmental chamber, whereas for the wet heat treatment, the inoculated compost samples were placed in a tray submerged in a water bath. The MCs of composts were maintained well throughout the wet heat treatment while the dry heat treatment reduced the MCs of composts to <10% by the end of come-up time. During the come-up time, the log endospore reductions at a selected temperature were not significantly different in compost with three selected MCs, in each heat treatment. During the holding time, endospore counts reduced by <0·5 log CFU per gram at 55 and 65°C of dry heat treatment, whereas 0·7-0·8 and 0·6-3·0 log CFU per gram reductions were observed at 55 and 65°C in wet heat treatment respectively.

CONCLUSION

The recommended minimum composting guidelines were not sufficient to reduce C. difficile endospore counts to an undetectable level (five endospores per gram). Increasing the temperature of thermophilic phase to 65°C, and maintaining higher MCs of composting feedstocks have significant (P < 0·05) effects on the endospore inactivation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our study identified factors that significantly affecting the thermal resistance of C. difficile endospores during composting, and the results suggest the current composting guidelines need to be amended in order to reduce the dissemination of C. difficile endospores in agricultural environment.

[Cellular damage of low-dose combined exposure to mercury, lead and cadmium on hippocampal neurons in rats]

Objective: To observe the cellular damage of low-dose combined exposure to Hg, Pb and Cd on hippocampal neurons in rat. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were randomly divided into 8 groups by 2×2×2 factorial design: control group, Pb exposure group, Hg exposure group, Pb+Hg exposure group, Pb+Cd exposure group, Hg+Cd exposure group and Pb+Cd+Hg exposure group. And the cell viabilities were measured. On this basis, an animal model was established. Twenty eight-week-old SD pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups by random number table, and five in each group: the control group(distilled water), 1-fold metal mixture exposure group (1×MM, poisoning solution containing mercury chloride 0.15 mg/L, lead acetate trihydrate 25 mg/L, cadmium chloride 7.5 mg/L), 5-fold metal mixture exposure group (5×MM, poisoning solution containing mercury chloride 0.75 mg/L, lead acetate trihydrate 125.00 mg/L, cadmium chloride 37.50 mg/L), 10-fold metal mixture exposure group (10×MM, poisoning solution containing mercury chloride 1.50 mg/L, lead acetate trihydrate 250.00 mg/L, cadmium chloride 75.00 mg/L). Pregnant rats drank water until delivery. Twenty male pups were selected and exposed to these metals through breast milk until weaned. The heavy metals dose of poisoning water was adjusted, and then the weaned rats were exposed to heavy metals via drinking poisoning water until adulthood (postnatal day 83). The blood samples and brain hippocampus samples were collected to observe the ultrastructural changes of hippocampus, and to determine the levels of Hg, Pb and Cd in blood. In addition, apoptosis rate and fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in hippocampal neurons were measured. Results: Cellular factorial design analysis showed that Hg+Pb+Cd (at no observed adverse effect level, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.1 μmol/L, respectively)had a interaction on cell viability after 48 or 72 hours of combined exposure (P<0.05). The results of ultrastructure showed that mitochondria decreased, ridges and matrixes gradually dissolved in rat hippocampal neurons of 5×MM group; nuclear chromatin aggregated, more ridges and matrixes dissolved and the mitochondria also decreased in rat hippocampal neurons of 10×MM group. The concentration of Hg, Pb and Cd in the blood of 1×MM group, 5×MM group and 10×MM group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in apoptosis rate between the 1×MM group and the control group. The apoptosis rate of 5×MM group and 10×MM group was higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in hippocampal neurons of the 1×MM group and the control group. The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in the 5×MM group and the 10×MM group was higher than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the fluorescence intensity of [Ca(2+)](i) between the 1×MM group and the control group. The fluorescence intensity values of [Ca(2+)](i) in the 5×MM group and the 10×MM group were higher than the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Low-level combined exposure to Hg, Pb, and Cd caused synergistic neurotoxic damage, and the process may be related to the changes of neuronal apoptosis, reactive oxide species, and [Ca(2+)](i) levels.

Expression of odorant-binding proteins in mouthpart palps of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are essential molecular elements of the insect chemosensory system, which is composed of the antennae and the mouthpart palps (maxillary and labial). In this study, we have analysed the expression and the sensilla specificity of 14 OBP subtypes in the palps of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. The locust palps comprise only a low number of sensilla basiconica but a high number of sensilla chaetica. Employing a variety of approaches, we found that only a subset of the antennal OBP repertoire was expressed in both palp types. These OBPs were previously shown to be expressed either in sensilla basiconica or sensilla chaetica of the antennae. Comparing the expression pattern in the two chemosensory organs revealed similarities and differences; most remarkably, two OBP subtypes, OBP6 and OBP8, were found in both sensilla types on palps, whereas on the antennae they were solely expressed in one sensillum type. Together, the data indicate a differential, but partly overlapping, expression of OBPs in the two sensilla types of the palps. The differences in the expression pattern of OBP subtypes between antennae and palps might be indicative for distinct functions of the OBPs in the two chemosensory organs.

MXene-based saturable absorber for femtosecond mode-locked fiber lasers

We report simple and compact all-fiber erbium-doped soliton and dispersion-managed soliton femtosecond lasers mode-locked by the MXene Ti₃C₂Tx. A saturable absorber device fabricated by optical deposition of Ti₃C₂Tx onto a microfiber exhibits strong saturable absorption properties, with a modulation depth of 11.3%. The oscillator operating in the soliton regime produces 597.8 fs-pulses with 5.21 nm of bandwidth, while the cavity with weak normal dispersion (~0.008 ps²) delivers 104 fs pulses with 42.5 nm of bandwidth. Our results contribute to the growing body of work studying the nonlinear optical properties of MXene that underpin new opportunities for ultrafast photonic technology.

[Clinical study of real-time shear wave elastography for diagnosis of severity of acute cholecystitis]

Objective: To assess the clinical value of real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in distinguishing between mild and severe cholecystitis. Methods: A total of 176 patients with cholecystitis who meet the criteria of Tokyo Guideline in Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to March 2018 were recruited, 95 male, 81 female, age range of 23-88 years, average age (48±16)years, and divided into severe (91 cases) and mild (85 cases) groups according to disease severity. All patients underwent routine ultrasound and SWE examination to assess gallbladder morphology, hepatic flow signals and liver cirrhosis adjacent to the gallbladder. Two sonographers with different diagnostic experience independently reviewed ultrasound images alone and in combination with SWE, respectively, and compared the diagnostic consistency of two sonographers in assessing severe cholecystitis. Results: The SWE value of liver in the severe group of cholecystitis was significantly higher than that of mild group (t=10.34, P=0.01). The area under the ROC curve of SWE value for diagnosing severe cholecystitis was 0.809 with the optimal cut-off value of 7.2 kPa. The sensitivity, specificity was 78.0% and 83.5%, respectively. In distinguishing between mild and severe cholecystitis, the diagnostic sensitivity (84.6%, 95.6%) was high and the specificity (49.4%, 35.3%) was low in diagnosing gallbladder edema and sludge.The diagnostic sensitivity (14.3%, 26.4%) was low and the specificity (100%, 95.3%) was high in diagnosing pericholecystic fluid and blood flow signal of the gallbladder wall.Two sonographers reviewed ultrasound images independently for diagnosing severe cholecystitis in good agreement (κ =0.75). Combining SWE to conventional ultrasound, the diagnostic consistency of the two sonographers in diagnosing server cholecystitis was excellent (κ=0.86), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.02), the diagnostic efficacy of which was higher than that of conventional ultrasound alone. Conclusions: Compared with conventional ultrasound alone, combining with SWE can improve the diagnostic efficacy of distinguishing between mild and severe cholecystitis, and the clinical experience of sonographers has less influence on the diagnostic accuracy.

Abstract P5-09-01: Racial/ethnic differences in BRCA1/2 and multigene panel testing among young breast cancer patients

Background: Breast cancer (BC) patients diagnosed at age 50 and under are recommended to have germline genetic testing for hereditary BC due to a high likelihood of carrying a pathogenic mutation in a moderate or high penetrance risk gene. Completion of genetic testing among racial/ethnic minorities, particularly multigene panel testing, is understudied. We examined predictors of completion of BRCA1/2 and multigene panel testing among women with early onset BC and assessed racial/ethnic differences in genetic testing completion and results.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1370 BC patients diagnosed at &lt;50 years of age at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) from January 2007-December 2016.Data on socio-demographics, clinical factors, and genetic testing completion and results were collected from the medical record. We conducted descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results: Our study population had a median age of 44 years (range, 19-50); 44% non-Hispanic white, 24% Hispanic, 13% non-Hispanic black, 10% Asian, 9% other; 61% private insurance, 22% Medicaid, 17% other. Nearly half of the women (N=607; 44.3%) had genetic testing performed. In the multivariable regression model, genetic testing completion was less likely with increasing age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]=0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.91-0.95) and stage 0 or 4 BC compared to stage 1 (OR=0.67; 95% CI=0.46-0.97 and OR=0.35; 95% CI=0.19-0.64, respectively). Completion of genetic testing was more likely with a family history of BC (OR=5.55; 95% CI=3.92-7.87). Genetic testing completion did not vary by race/ethnicity or insurance coverage. Across all racial/ethnic groups, the frequency of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants identified was 13.0% and 10.5% had at least 1 variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The highest VUS frequency was among Asians (21.2%). The percentage of women undergoing genetic testing increased over time from 18.5% in 2007 and reached a peak of 69.3% in 2015. From 2007 to 2016, the percentage of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants detected increased from 3.4% to 9.1% and the VUS frequency rose from 3.4% to 13.3% with increasing use of panel testing.

Frequency of pathogenic variants and VUS among women ≤ 50 years diagnosed with BC at CUMC (2007-2016) Pathogenic variantsVUSTotal81 (5.9%)74 (5.4%)BRCA144 (3.2%)10 (0.7%)BRCA221 (1.5%)10 (0.7%)ATM3 (0.2%)9 (0.6%)CHEK23 (0.2%)8 (0.5%)Other variants detected in: APC, BARD1, BRIP1, CDH1, CDKN2A, MEN1, MLH1, MRE11A, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PHOX2B, PMS2, POLE, PTEN, RAD50, RAD51C, SDHA, STK11, TP53

Conclusions and Relevance: Nearly half of the women with early onset BC had genetic testing. We did not observe disparities in genetic testing by race/ethnicity or insurance coverage. Genetic testing completion, as well as the frequency of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and VUS detection, increased over time as panel testing replaced BRCA1/2 testing. Counseling on the likelihood of obtaining uncertain results should be provided to all patients undergoing hereditary BC genetic testing, particularly to racial/ethnic minorities.

Citation Format: Trivedi MS, Jones T, Jiang X, Underhill ML, Bose S, Silverman T, Chung WK, Kukafka R, Crew KD. Racial/ethnic differences in BRCA1/2 and multigene panel testing among young breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-01.

Potential Mutations in Chinese Pathologic Myopic Patients and Contributions to Phenotype

Purpose

Pathologic myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment in East Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mutations in Chinese pathologic myopic patients and to analyze the correlations between genotype and clinical phenotype.

Method

One hundred and three patients with pathologic myopia and one hundred and nine unrelated healthy controls were recruited from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. Detailed clinical data, including ultra-widefield retinal images, measurements of best-corrected visual acuity, axial length, refractive error and ophthalmic examination results, were obtained. Blood samples were collected for high-throughput DNA targeted sequencing. Based on the screening results, phenotype-genotype correlations were analyzed.

Results

The study included 196 eyes of 103 patients (36 men and 67 women) with an average age of 52.19 (38.92 – 65.46) years, an average refractive error of -11.80 D (-16.38 – -7.22) and a mean axial length of 28.26 mm (25.79 – 30.73). The patients were subdivided into three groups: myopic chorioretinal atrophy (190 eyes of 101 patients), myopic choroidal neovascularization (17 eyes of 15 patients), and myopic traction retinopathy (71 eyes of 61 patients). Systematic analysis of variants in the 255 genes revealed six potential pathogenic mutations: PEX7, OCA2, LRP5 (rs545382, c.1647T>C), TSPAN12 (rs41623, c.765G>T), RDH5 (rs3138142, c.423C>T) and TTC21B (rs80225158, c.2385G>C). OCA2 mutations were primarily observed in patients with myopic traction maculopathy.

Conclusion

Genetic alterations contribute to various clinical characteristics in Chinese pathologic myopic patients. The study may provide new insights into the etiology of pathologic myopia and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Letrozole improves the sensitivity of breast cancer cells overexpressing aromatase to cisplatin via down-regulation of FEN1

PURPOSE

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is up-regulated by estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) and related to cisplatin resistance of human breast cancer cells. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, suppresses the change of testosterone into estrogen and is frequently used to treat breast cancer. However, the effects of letrozole on FEN1 expression and cisplatin sensitivity in breast cancer cells overexpressing aromatase have not been revealed.

METHODS

The expression of FEN1 and the proteins in ERK/Elk-1 signaling were evaluated by RT-PCR and Western blot. Cisplatin sensitivity was explored through CCK-8 and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. FEN1 siRNAs and FEN1 expression plasmid were transfected into cells to down-regulate or up-regulate FEN1 expression. The promotor activity of FEN1 was detected using luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

FEN1 down-regulation improved cisplatin sensitivity of breast cancer cells overexpressing aromatase. Letrozole down-regulated FEN1 expression and increased cisplatin sensitivity. The sensitizing effect of letrozole to cisplatin was dependent on FEN1 down-regulation. FEN1 overexpression could block the sensitizing effect of letrozole to cisplatin. Testosterone up-regulated the promotor activity, protein expression of FEN1, and phosphorylation of ERK/Elk-1, which could be eliminated by both letrozole and MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Letrozole down-regulated FEN1 expression in an ERK/Elk-1-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings clearly demonstrate that letrozole improves cisplatin sensitivity of breast cancer cells overexpressing aromatase via down-regulation of FEN1 and suggest that a combined use of letrozole and cisplatin may be a potential treatment protocol for relieving cisplatin resistance in human breast cancer.

[Quantitative three-dimensional methodology based on intraoral scan to assess the soft tissue contour alterations following single immediate implant and immediate provisionalization in maxillary central incisor: a 1-year prospective study]

Objective: To establish a quantitative three-dimensional method based on intraoral scan and apply it to evaluation of the facial soft tissue contour alterations following single immediate implant and immediate provisionalization (IIPP) in central incisor via intraoral scanning. Methods: This study was a prospective clinical study. The trial was conducted at Department of Implantology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, from January 2016 to September 2017. Twenty-nine eligible consecutive patients (15 women, 14 men) with a mean age of (34.3±12.0) were included and received immediate replacement of the failure maxillary single central incisor. A screw-retained immediate restoration was delivered for each patient. At 6-month follow-up, impression was taken and a screw-retained permanent restoration was performed for each patient. The anterior maxillary region was scanned by an intraoral scanning system at pre-surgery and 1-year follow-up. The Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files were output to a dedicated software and superimposed. Mid-facial recession and gingival zenith symmetry at 1-year follow-up were measured in the digital models. Three-dimensional configurations of the contour change volume were calculated and reconstructed for visual analysis. Furthermore, the following parameters were used to analyze the reconstructed volume: mean contour change in thickness (△d), mesio-distal width (D(W)), coronal-apical height (D(H)), contour change at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mm apical to the free gingival margin on the implant site. Results: Twenty-seven out of twenty-nine enrolled patients were finally available for analysis. At 1-year follow-up, the mid-facial mucosa level at implant site was (0.23±0.39) mm apical to the gingival zenith of the contralateral tooth. In general, a contour collapse was found in every patient. △d, D(W) and D(H) of the collapsed volume were (0.62±0.22), (11.03±1.74) and (6.82±1.52) mm, respectively. Contour change at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mm apical to the free gingival margin on the implant site were (0.54±0.48), (0.87±0.62), (1.03±0.46), (0.96±0.52), (0.90±0.52), (0.89±0.57) mm. Conclusions: The described quantitative measurement based on intraoral scan can be an effective method for assessment of soft tissue contour changes. At 1 year following single IIPP treatment in maxillary incisor, free gingival margin is stable, with only mild recession. The mean level of the facial soft tissue contour collapse is 0.62 mm.

Do different muscle strength levels affect stability during unplanned gait termination?

PURPOSE

Unplanned gait termination (UGT) widely occurs in various sports and daily life as a kind of stress response to unexpected stimulus. However, the body stability may be greatly affected when the body completely stops. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between muscle strength levels and body stability during UGT through comparing the plantar pressure.

METHODS

Twenty healthy participants (10 male and 10 female) with different lower limbs muscle strength and power were asked to perform planned gait termination (PGT) and unplanned gait termination (UGT) on an 8-m walkway. Related plantar pressure data including maximum pressure, maximum force, contact area and center of pressure were recorded with Footscan pressure platform.

RESULTS

Two types of gait termination have significant differences in the plantar pressure distribution. Maximum pressure and maximum force in the lateral metatarsal increased significantly during UGT, compared to PGT. At the same time, data from the current study suggested that there might be a correlation between the muscle strength levels of individual and the stability during the gait termination, especially between the muscle power and UGT, which means that the more excellent muscle power an individual has, the more stable the body is when UGT is performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that different muscle strength levels could affect stability during unplanned gait termination.

Improvements to dispersed reference interferometry: beyond the linear approximation

Interferometric instruments with dispersion introduced in the reference arm have previously been created, as the controlled dispersion can be used to generate a signal that contains a clearly identifiable point, the location of which relates to the position of the scattering surface in the measurement arm. In the following, we illustrate that the linear approximations that have been used previously can lead to significant errors, and that second-order terms need to be included in order to correct this. These corrections are vital if these instruments are to be used for metrological applications.

Association of BNP with Frailty in Elderly Population: Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the associations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) with physical frailty status as well as each domain of frailty in a general elderly population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of prospective cohort study.

SETTING

All of 31 communities in Jiang'an township.

PARTICIPANTS

Overall 1338 participants (aged 70-89 years, mean 77.42±4.08 years) without a history of cardiovascular diseases in the third-wave of the aging arm of the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study (RuLAS).

MEASUREMENTS

Frailty was defined as the presence of ≥3 domains among five modified Fried's criteria (unintentional weight loss, low physical activity level, weakness (low grip strength), exhaustion, and slowness (slow gait speed)) and pre-frailty as the presence of 1-2 domains.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was 10.4% and 53.3%, respectively, in this elderly population. Elevated BNP (≥100 pg/mL) was significantly associated with pre-frailty (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13-2.29) and frailty (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.61-4.32) after adjustment for covariates. In addition, elevated BNP was associated with low grip strength (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.41-2.82) and low gait speed (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.15-2.28) after adjustment for multiple covariates. Log BNP was inversely associated with grip strength (r= -0.265, p<0.001) and gait speed (r= -0.189, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Elevated plasma BNP was associated with increased risks of frailty, pre-frailty, and low levels of grip strength and gait speed in the elderly community people.

Colorectal laterally spreading tumours : subtype evaluation by EUS and BLI and outcome of ESD

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Colorectal laterally spreading tumour (LST) is a specific type of colonic space-occupying lesion unlike other common polypoid lesions. Here, we explored the diagnostic values of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and blue laser image (BLI) in LST subtypes, their relationship with histopathological characteristics and the therapeutic effect of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) for LST.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study of 138 patients with LST was conducted. All LSTs were explored for invasion depth and superficial microstructure through EUS and BLI before ESD. Histopathological characteristics of LSTs were demonstrated through pre-operative biopsy and post-operative specimen detection. Finally, the correlations among varied morphologies, manifestations of EUS and BLI, and histopathological characteristics of LSTs were analysed comprehensively. All patients underwent follow-up after ESD.

RESULTS

Nodular-mixed and pseudodepressed subtypes were more likely to invade the submucosa, and BLI revealed a greater proportion of types B and C than the homogeneous or flat-elevated subtypes. These endoscopic features were consistent with and proved by histopathological results. Pathological severity of LST on post-ESD specimen detection was greater than that on pre-ESD biopsy analysis. En bloc R0 resection was achieved in 128 cases, and only two patients suffered recurrence during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-operative evaluation through EUS and BLI examination provided clues of possible pathological features and helped guide the treatment of LST. ESD is a safe and effective therapy for colorectal LST.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulates gastrointestinal absorption, excretion patterns, and toxicity in Holstein calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG; ATCC 53013) on growth performance and hepatotoxicity in calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and to investigate the absorption, distribution, and elimination of AFB₁ and the hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in rumen fluid, blood, and excretions. Twenty-four male Holstein calves were blocked for body weight and age and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with 4.80 mg of AFB₁ (AFB₁ only), or (3) treated with 1 × 10¹⁰ cfu of LGG suspension and 4.80 mg of AFB₁ (AFB₁ plus LGG). The calves received LGG suspension in 50 mL of phosphate-buffered saline daily via oral administration for 14 d before and on the day they received a single oral dose of AFB₁. Body weight was recorded at the beginning of the study (before LGG administration), at the day of AFB₁ administration, and at the end of the trial. Rumen fluid, blood, urine, and feces samples were collected continuously for 96 h after AFB₁ administration. Average daily gain (ADG) and plasma biochemical parameters were analyzed, and concentrations of AFB₁ and AFM₁ in the samples were determined for monitoring excretion pattern and toxicokinetics. The results showed that ADG was lower in AFB₁-treated animals; LGG administration partially mitigated the decrease in ADG (0.85 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.18 kg of gain/d). The AFB₁ treatment increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Administration of LGG alleviated the AFB₁-induced increase in plasma enzymes activity. The excretion patterns of AFB₁ and AFM₁ were surprisingly regular; toxins were rapidly detected in all samples after a single oral dose of AFB₁, and the peak of toxins concentrations was sequentially reached in rumen fluid, plasma, urine, and feces (except AFM₁ in rumen fluid), followed by an exponential decrease. The excretion curves showed that AFB₁ and AFM₁ concentrations were the highest in feces and urine, respectively. Administration of LGG decreased the concentrations of free AFB₁ and AFM₁ in rumen fluid and reduced the release of toxins into plasma and urine. Toxicokinetic parameters (except for the time of maximum concentration and the terminal half-life) were reduced by LGG administration. In conclusion, the absorption, distribution, and excretion of AFB₁ and AFM₁ were rapid in calves fed a single dose of AFB₁. Urine was the main route for the excretion of AFM₁, and the clearance pattern from the peak of concentration was well fitted by exponential decreasing function. Administration of LGG reduced the absorption of AFB₁ in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the excretion via the feces, thus alleviating the hepatotoxic effect of AFB₁.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

[Wry nose and rhinolith: a case report]

This report described a case of the wry nose and rhinolith patients. A 25 years old female patient complained a sense of persistent left side of nasal congestion runny with 10 years. During the 10 years the symptom repeatedly occurrence, aggravated with peculiar smell of 1 months. A combined treatment including endoscopic sinus surgery with correction of the deviated nose and removal of nasal stone was performed in the patient.Three monthsafter operation, the patient recovered well, without recurrence, external nasal deformity, foreign bodies remain.

Characterization of bacteriophage HN48 and its protective effects in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus against Streptococcus agalactiae infections

Streptococcus agalactiae is a causative agent responsible for massive mortalities of tilapia that has led to catastrophic losses to tilapia culture globally. Bacteriophages represent a new class of antimicrobials against bacteria. In this study, we characterized the bacteriophage HN48, which formed small and round-transparent plaques on a double-layer plate. With a hexagonal head and a long tail, this phage may belong to the Caudovirales according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. HN48 was found to have a relatively wide and highly specific host range, to be sensitive to high temperature (60-80°C) and low pH (3-5), and to be relatively stable at alkaline pH (8-10). Intraperitoneal injection with HN48 had no adverse effects on tilapia and effectively inactivated the bacteria in the kidney. Fish that received phage therapy had 60% ± 3.3% survival rates and a delayed mean death time of about 3 days when compared to the control group. To the best of knowledge, this is the first study of tilapia streptococcal phage. Overall, the results indicated that phage HN48 could prevent tilapia from experimental S. agalactiae infection, suggesting it has the potential to control this disease.

Composition, mineralization potential and release risk of nitrogen in the sediments of Keluke Lake, a Tibetan Plateau freshwater lake in China

The lakes distributed in the Tibetan Plateau constitute a lake group with the highest altitude, largest lakes and largest area in the world and are important in global climate and environmental effects. Freshwater lakes in the Tibetan Plateau possess high ecological values and high vulnerability. The migration and transformation of nitrogen in sediments are critical to lake ecosystems, but information on sedimentary nitrogen in the freshwater lakes in the Tibetan Plateau is limited. A case study was conducted in Keluke Lake, China, to reveal the effects of sedimentary nitrogen on water quality in plateau freshwater lakes. Nitrogen speciation, mineralization potential and release flux were analysed through a sequential extraction method, waterlogged incubation experiment and Fick's first diffusion law, respectively. The content of total nitrogen (TN) was 1295.75-6151.69 mg kg^-1, and 94.2% of TN was organic nitrogen (ON). The contents of three nitrogen fractions were in the order of hydrolysable nitrogen > residual nitrogen > exchangeable nitrogen. Ammonia nitrogen ( N H 4 + - N ) was the main mineralization product, and hydrolysable ON was the most significant contributor. The sediments showed a great mineralization potential, with a potentially mineralizable nitrogen value of 408.76 mg N kg^-1 of sediment, that was mainly affected by hydrolysable ammonium nitrogen. The N H 4 + - N diffusion flux ranged from 24.14 to 148.75 mg m^-2 d^-1, and the sediments served as an internal nitrogen source. Nitrogen release from sediments was considerably influenced by exchangeable ammonia nitrogen. The sediments in Keluke Lake pose a potential nitrogen release risk and threaten the water quality of the lake. The total content, speciation, mineralization of ON and the release flux at sediment-water interface should be considered comprehensively to evaluate the effects of nitrogen in sediments to water quality.

[Foreign bodies of external nose and forehead:a case report]

Foreign bodies of external nose and forehead are rarely seen.In this case the patient stuck an acupuncture needle into the middle of two sides of the superliliary arch 3 months ago. Patient complains of slight pain in that region because of the infection.The X-ray and 3D CT examination present 4 abnormal high-density shadows in the subscutaneous tissue of external nose and forehead.Foreign bodies in maxillofacial region have the quality of being changeable when the muscles are contracting. The key point to the successful operation is finding the accurate location of the foreign bodies with feasible image examination and designing reasonable incisions.

Influence of light intensity on chloroplast development and pigment accumulation in the wild-type and etiolated mutant plants of Anthurium andraeanum 'Sonate'

Seedlings of wild-type and etiolate mutant plants of Anthurium andraeanum cultivar 'Sonate' were treated for 15 d with different light intensities (20, 100, and 400 µmol·m^-2·s^-1) to analyze leaf plastid development and pigment content. Significant changes appeared in treated seedlings, including in leaf color, plastid ultrastructure, chloroplast development gene AaGLK expression, chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, and protoplast shape. Wild-type and etiolated plants exhibited different plastid structures under the same light condition. The results suggest that light intensity is a crucial environmental factor influencing plastid development and leaf color formation in the A. andraeanum cultivar 'Sonate'.

Gut Sphingolipid Composition as a Prelude to Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major challenge in neonatology. Little is known about NEC pathophysiology apart from the presence of pre-event gut dysbiosis. Here, we applied broad range metabolomics to stools obtained 1-5 days before NEC developed from 9 cases (9 samples) and 19 (32 samples) controls matched for gestational age at birth and birth weight. The 764 identified metabolites identified six pathways that differ between cases and controls. We pursued sphingolipid metabolism because cases had decreased ceramides and increased sphingomyelins compared to controls, and because of the relevance of sphingolipids to human inflammatory disorders. Targeted analysis of samples from 23 cases and 46 controls confirmed the initial broad range observations. While metabolites provided only 73% accuracy of classification by machine learning, hierarchical clustering defined a sphingolipid associated grouping that contained 60% of the cases but only 13% of the controls, possibly identifying a pathophysiologically distinct subset of NEC. The clustering did not associate with any of the analyzed clinical and sample variables. We conclude that there are significant changes in sphingolipid metabolism components in pre-NEC stools compared to controls, but our data urge circumspection before using sphingolipids as broadly applicable predictive biomarkers.

Deoxysphingolipid precursors indicate abnormal sphingolipid metabolism in individuals with primary and secondary disturbances of serine availability

Patients with primary serine biosynthetic defects manifest with intellectual disability, microcephaly, ichthyosis, seizures and peripheral neuropathy. The underlying pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy in these patients has not been elucidated, but could be related to a decrease in the availability of certain classical sphingolipids, or to an increase in atypical sphingolipids. Here, we show that patients with primary serine deficiency have a statistically significant elevation in specific atypical sphingolipids, namely deoxydihydroceramides of 18-22 carbons in acyl length. We also show that patients with aberrant plasma serine and alanine levels secondary to mitochondrial disorders also display peripheral neuropathy along with similar elevations of atypical sphingolipids. We hypothesize that the etiology of peripheral neuropathy in patients with primary mitochondrial disorders is related to this elevation of deoxysphingolipids, in turn caused by increased availability of alanine and decreased availability of serine. These findings could have important therapeutic implications for the management of these patients.