High-Rate and Ultra-Stable aqueous Zinc-Ion batteries enabled by Potassium-Infused ammonium vanadate nanosheets

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), defined by low expenses, superior safety, and plentiful reserves, demonstrate tremendous development potential in energy storage systems at the grid scale. Whereas the cathode instability and the limited diffusion of Zn2+ have impeded the development of AZIBs. Herein, a high-performance K-NH4V4O10 (K-NVO) cathode with K+ doping synthesized successfully through one-step hydrothermal approach. Experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that K-NVO has Zn2+ diffusion pathways with lower barriers for smoother transport, and lower formation energy. The combination of the rapid Zn2+ diffusion and the stable structure results in outstanding electrochemical performance of K-NVO as demonstrated in tests. K-NVO cathode achieves a specific capacity of 406 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1, maintains satisfactory cyclic stability with 81.6 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 A g-1, and possesses a high energy density of 350.9 Wh kg-1. Furthermore, confirmation of the zinc storage mechanism in K-NVO was carried out through Ex situ tests, such as XRD and XPS. This research contributes a unique perspective to the formulation of high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs.

Improving image quality of triple-low-protocol renal artery CT angiography with deep-learning image reconstruction: a comparative study with standard-dose single-energy and dual-energy CT with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction

AIM

To investigate the improvement in image quality of triple-low-protocol (low radiation, low contrast medium dose, low injection speed) renal artery computed tomography (CT) angiography (RACTA) using deep-learning image reconstruction (DLIR), in comparison with standard-dose single- and dual-energy CT (DECT) using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo (ASIR-V) algorithm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients for RACTA were divided into different groups: standard-dose single-energy CT (S group) using ASIR-V at 60% strength (60%ASIR-V), DECT (DE group) with 60%ASIR-V including virtual monochromatic images at 40 keV (DE40 group) and 70 keV (DE70 group), and the triple-low protocol single-energy CT (L group) with DLIR at high level (DLIR-H). The effective dose (ED), contrast medium dose, injection speed, standard deviation (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of abdominal aorta (AA), and left/right renal artery (LRA, RRA), and subjective scores were compared among the different groups.

RESULTS

The L group significantly reduced ED by 37.6% and 31.2%, contrast medium dose by 33.9% and 30.5%, and injection speed by 30% and 30%, respectively, compared to the S and DE groups. The L group had the lowest SD values for all arteries compared to the other groups (p<0.001). The SNR of RRA and LRA in the L group, and the CNR of all arteries in the DE40 group had highest value compared to others (p<0.05). The L group had the best comprehensive score with good consistency (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The triple-low protocol RACTA with DLIR-H significantly reduces the ED, contrast medium doses, and injection speed, while providing good comprehensive image quality.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction: prevalence and aetiology in patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and corresponding morbidity of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included 115 patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia who underwent stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CMD was assessed visually based on the myocardial perfusion results. The CMR-derived myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) and left ventricular (LV) strain parameters obtained using the post-processing software CVI42 were employed to evaluate LV myocardial perfusion and deformation. LV strain parameters included global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (GLS, GCS, and GRS), global systolic/diastolic longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain rates (SLSR, SCSR, SRSR, DLSR, DCSR, and DRSR).

RESULTS

Of the 115 patients, 12 patients were excluded and 103 patients were finally included in the study. CMD was observed in 79 % (81 patients, aged 53 ± 12 years) of patients. Regarding aetiology, 91 (88 %) patients had non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), eight (8 %) had obstructive CAD, and four (4 %) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The incidence of CMD was highest (100 %) in patients with HCM, followed by those with non-obstructive CAD (up to 79 %). There were no statistical differences between CMD and non-CMD groups in GCS, GRS, GLS, SRSR, SCSR, SLSR, DCSR, DRSR and DLSR.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CMD was higher in patients with signs and symptoms of ischaemia. CMD occurred with non-obstructive CAD, obstructive CAD, and HCM, with the highest prevalence of CMD in HCM.

Multimodal covarying brain patterns mediate genetic and psychological contributions to individual differences in pain sensitivity

ABSTRACT

Individuals vary significantly in their pain sensitivity, with contributions from the brain, genes, and psychological factors. However, a multidimensional model integrating these factors is lacking due to their complex interactions. To address this, we measured pain sensitivity (ie, pain threshold and pain tolerance) using the cold pressor test, collected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and genetic data, and evaluated psychological factors (ie, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and pain-related anxiety) from 450 healthy participants with both sexes (160 male, 290 female). Using multimodal MRI fusion methods, we identified 2 pairs of covarying structural and functional brain patterns associated with pain threshold and tolerance, respectively. These patterns primarily involved regions related to self-awareness, sensory-discriminative, cognitive-evaluative, motion preparation and execution, and emotional aspects of pain. Notably, pain catastrophizing was negatively correlated with pain tolerance, and this relationship was mediated by the multimodal covarying brain patterns in male participants only. Furthermore, we identified an association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs4141964 within the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene and pain threshold, mediated by the identified multimodal covarying brain patterns across all participants. In summary, we suggested a model that integrates the brain, genes, and psychological factors to elucidate their role in shaping interindividual variations in pain sensitivity, highlighting the important contribution of the multimodal covarying brain patterns as important biological mediators in the associations between genes/psychological factors and pain sensitivity.

Socioeconomic disparities in the association of age at first live birth with incident stroke among Chinese parous women: A prospective cohort study

Background

Stroke has become a significant public health issue in China. Although studies have shown that women's age at first live birth (AFLB) might be associated with incident stroke, there is limited evidence on this relationship among Chinese parous women. Likewise, the nature of this association across urban-rural socioeconomic status (SES) has yet to be explored. In this prospective study, we sought to investigate the associations of women's AFLB with the risk of incident stroke and its subtypes (ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, and subarachnoid haemorrhage) and to explore the differences of these associations as well as the population-level impacts across SES classes.

Methods

We used data on 290 932 Chinese parous women from the China Kadoorie Biobank who were recruited in the baseline survey between 2004 and 2008 and followed up until 2015. We used latent class analysis to identify urban-rural SES classes and Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AFLB's association with incident stroke. We then calculated population attributable fraction (PAF) to demonstrate the population-level impact of later AFLB on stroke.

Results

Around 8.9% of parous women developed stroke after AFLB. Compared with women with AFLB <22 years, those with older AFLB had a higher risk of total stroke, with fully adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.71 (95% CI = 1.65-1.77) for 22-24 years and 3.37 (95% CI = 3.24-3.51) for ≥25 years. The associations of AFLB with ischaemic stroke were stronger among rural-low-SES participants. We found the highest PAFs of ischaemic stroke (60.1%; 95% CI = 46.2-70.3) associated with later AFLB for urban-high-SES individuals.

Conclusions

Older AFLB was associated with higher risks of incident stroke and its subtypes among Chinese parous women, with stronger associations between AFLB and ischaemic stroke among rural-low-SES participants. Targeted medical advice for pregnant women of different ages could have long-term benefits for stroke prevention.

Associations of serum uric acid with hypertension status, stages, phenotypes and progressions among Chinese middle-aged and elderly

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

No consensus has been reached on the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the associations between SUA and hypertension, including its status, stages, phenotypes and progressions, among middle-aged and older Chinese.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011-2015. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between SUA and hypertension status. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the associations of SUA with hypertension stages, phenotypes and hypertension status progressions. Models were adjusted for potential confounders and stratified by sex. A total of 7931 individuals aged ≥45 years were included, with 39.16 % of hypertension. Significant associations were found of SUA with stage2 and above hypertension (quartile 4 [Q4] vs quartile 1 [Q1]: odds ratio 1.78, 95 % confidence interval 1.31-2.42, P < 0.001), and systolic diastolic hypertension (SDH) (Q4 vs Q1: 1.53, 1.14-2.06, P = 0.005). In sex stratification, significant associations were found between SUA and stage2 and above hypertension and SDH only for men. Moreover, higher quartiles of baseline SUA showed increased risks of maintained hypertension from 2011 to 2015 (Q3 vs Q1: 1.23, 1.03-1.48, P = 0.024; Q4 vs Q1: 1.73, 1.43-2.10, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher SUA was associated with hypertension and maintained hypertension among Chinese middle-aged and elderly. Sex-specific associations of SUA with hypertension stages and phenotypes were observed. Regular measurement of SUA in clinical practice may indicate hypertension and its progression, particularly among men.

Collagen/chitosan/genipin hydrogel loaded with phycocyanin nanoparticles and ND-336 for diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wound healing remains a healthcare challenge due to the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the imbalance between angiogenic factors and vascular inhibitory factors. In this study, we developed a nanocomposite injectable collagen/chitosan hydrogel for the treatment of delayed diabetic wound healing, which can promote cell migration to the wound site (through the addition of phycocyanin) and reduce the expression of MMP-9 (through the use of ND-336) to improve the therapeutic effect of diabetic wound healing. Furthermore, different weight ratios of collagen and chitosan hydrogels were prepared to select the hydrogel with proper mechanical properties. In vitro experiments confirmed that all hydrogels have favorable biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Notably, Gel 2, with a weight ratio of collagen and chitosan at 25:75, was found to have an excellent capability to facilitate cell migration and in vivo studies further proved that Gel 2 nanocomposite hydrogel had the best ability to improve diabetic wound healing by promoting cell migration and decreasing MMP-9 expression. The collagen/chitosan/genipin hydrogel loaded phycocyanin and ND-336 can be harnessed for non-toxic and efficient treatment of wound healing management of diabetes.

SNX8 enables lysosome reformation and reverses lysosomal storage disorder

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), which share common phenotypes, including enlarged lysosomes and defective lysosomal storage, are caused by mutations in lysosome-related genes. Although gene therapies and enzyme replacement therapies have been explored, there are currently no effective routine therapies against LSDs. During lysosome reformation, which occurs when the functional lysosome pool is reduced, lysosomal lipids and proteins are recycled to restore lysosome functions. Here we report that the sorting nexin protein SNX8 promotes lysosome tubulation, a process that is required for lysosome reformation, and that loss of SNX8 leads to phenotypes characteristic of LSDs in human cells. SNX8 overexpression rescued features of LSDs in cells, and AAV-based delivery of SNX8 to the brain rescued LSD phenotypes in mice. Importantly, by screening a natural compound library, we identified three small molecules that enhanced SNX8-lysosome binding and reversed LSD phenotypes in human cells and in mice. Altogether, our results provide a potential solution for the treatment of LSDs.

Cavomycins A-C, Linear Oligomer Depsipeptides from an Annelid-Associated Streptomyces cavourensis

Three unique linear oligomeric depsipeptides, designated as cavomycins A-C (1-3), were identified from Streptomyces cavourensis, a gut bacterium associated with the annelid Paraleonnates uschakovi. The structures of these depsipeptides were determined through a combination of spectroscopic methods and chemical derivatization techniques, including methanolysis, the modified Mosher's method, advanced Marfey's methods, and phenylglycine methyl ester derivatization. The unique dipeptidyl residue arrangements in compounds 1-3 indicate that they are not degradation products of valinomycin. Compound 2 and its methylation derivative 2a exhibited antiproliferative activity against PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 values of 1.2 and 1.7 μM, respectively.

Observation of Photoassociation Resonances in Ultracold Atom-Molecule Collisions

We report on the observation of photoassociation resonances in ultracold collisions between ^{23}Na^{40}K molecules and ^{40}K atoms. We perform photoassociation in a long-wavelength optical dipole trap to form deeply bound triatomic molecules in electronically excited states. The atom-molecule Feshbach resonance is used to enhance the free-bound Franck-Condon overlap. The photoassociation into well-defined quantum states of excited triatomic molecules is identified by observing resonantly enhanced loss features. These loss features depend on the polarization of the photoassociation lasers, allowing us to assign rotational quantum numbers. The observation of ultracold atom-molecule photoassociation resonances paves the way toward preparing ground-state triatomic molecules, provides a new high-resolution spectroscopy technique for polyatomic molecules, and is also important to atom-molecule Feshbach resonances.

Propagation properties of a partially coherent electromagnetic hyperbolic-sine-Gaussian vortex beam through anisotropic atmospheric turbulence

Using the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and the Rytov approximation, the analytical formula for the propagation of a partially coherent electromagnetic hyperbolic-sine-Gaussian vortex beam (PCEShVB) in anisotropic atmospheric turbulence has been theoretically derived. Detailed studies have been conducted on the evolution characteristics of the average intensity, the degree of coherence (DOC), and the degree of polarization (DOP) of the beam in turbulence. The results show that during propagation, the intensity distribution of the beam will exhibit a spiral structure, and the overall distribution of the light spots will rotate in a direction related to the sign of the topological charge. The DOC distribution of PCEShVB will display a pattern reminiscent of beam interference fringes with an increase in propagation distance, with the number of "interference fringes" greatly impacted by the hyperbolic sine parameter. Furthermore, PCEShVB with a large initial coherent length and hyperbolic sine parameter will increase the degree of separation of the spots and yield a large DOP. Finally, for the validation of the theoretical findings, the random phase screen method was employed to simulate the propagation of PCEShVB through anisotropic atmospheric turbulence. The studies revealed a consistent alignment between the simulation results and the theoretical predictions.

Clinical characteristics of 4,520 paediatric patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, in Xi'an, China

Background and objective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has broad tissue tropism and high transmission, which are likely to perpetuate the pandemic. The study aim to analyze the clinicopathogenic characteristics in paediatric patients.

Methods

In this single-centre study, we retrospectively included all confirmed cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 infection at Xi'an Children's Hospital, China, from 1 December to 31 December 2022. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the patients were analysed.

Results

A total of 4,520 paediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infections were included. Of these, 3,861 (85.36%) were outpatients, 659 (14.64%) were hospitalised patients, and nine patients (0.20%) died. Of the nine patients who died, five were diagnosed with acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The most common symptoms were fever in 4,275 (94.59%) patients, cough in 1,320 (29.20%) patients, convulsions in 610 (13.50%) patients, vomiting in 410 (9.07%) patients, runny nose/coryza in 277 (6.13%) patients, hoarseness of voice in 273 (6.04%) patients. A blood cell analysis showed a slight elevation of monocytes (mean: 11.14 ± 0.07%). The main diagnoses for both outpatients and inpatients were respiratory infection with multisystem manifestations.

Conclusions

A high incidence of convulsions is a typical characteristic of children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five of the nine COVID-19 fatalities were associated with ANE. This indicates that nervous system damage in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection is more significant.

Setting research priorities for global pandemic preparedness: An international consensus and comparison with ChatGPT's output

Background

In this priority-setting exercise, we sought to identify leading research priorities needed for strengthening future pandemic preparedness and response across countries.

Methods

The International Society of Global Health (ISoGH) used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method to identify research priorities for future pandemic preparedness. Eighty experts in global health, translational and clinical research identified 163 research ideas, of which 42 experts then scored based on five pre-defined criteria. We calculated intermediate criterion-specific scores and overall research priority scores from the mean of individual scores for each research idea. We used a bootstrap (n = 1000) to compute the 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Key priorities included strengthening health systems, rapid vaccine and treatment production, improving international cooperation, and enhancing surveillance efficiency. Other priorities included learning from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, managing supply chains, identifying planning gaps, and promoting equitable interventions. We compared this CHNRI-based outcome with the 14 research priorities generated and ranked by ChatGPT, encountering both striking similarities and clear differences.

Conclusions

Priority setting processes based on human crowdsourcing - such as the CHNRI method - and the output provided by ChatGPT are both valuable, as they complement and strengthen each other. The priorities identified by ChatGPT were more grounded in theory, while those identified by CHNRI were guided by recent practical experiences. Addressing these priorities, along with improvements in health planning, equitable community-based interventions, and the capacity of primary health care, is vital for better pandemic preparedness and response in many settings.

[Quantitative analysis of risk assessment indicators for re-introduction of imported malaria in China]

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively analyze the risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria in China and their weighting coefficients, so as to investigate the difference in the contribution of risk indicators included in the current risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China to the risk assessment of re-introduction of imported malaria.

METHODS

Publications pertaining to the risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China that reported the risk indicators and their weighting coefficients were retrieved in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP with terms of "malaria", "re-introduction/re-transmission/re-establishment", "risk assessment/risk evaluation/risk prediction" from the inception of the database through 3 August 2023, and literature search was performed in Google Scholar to ensure the comprehensiveness of the retrieval. Basic characteristics of included studies were extracted using pre-designed information extraction forms by two investigators, and data pertaining to risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria were cross-checked by these two investigators. The risk indicators included in the risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China and their weighting coefficients were visualized with the Nightingale's rose diagrams using the software R 4.2.1, and the importance of risk indictors was evaluated with the frequency of risk indicators included in the risk assessment framework and the ranking of weighting coefficients of risk indicators. In addition, the capability of risk indicators screened by different weighting methods was compared by calculating the ratio of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by different weighting methods.

RESULTS

A total of 2 138 publications were retrieved, and following removal of duplications and screening, a total of 8 publications were included in the final analysis. In these 8 studies, 8 risk assessment frameworks for re-introduction of imported malaria in China and 52 risk indicators of re-introduction of imported malaria were reported, in which number of imported malaria cases (n = 8) and species of malaria vectors were more frequently included in the risk assessment frameworks (n = 8), followed by species of imported malaria parasites (n = 6) and population density of local malaria vectors (n = 6), and species of local malaria vectors (n = 6), number of imported malaria cases (n = 5) and species of imported malaria parasites had the three highest weighting coefficients (n = 4). The weighting methods included expert scoring method, combination of expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process, and combination of expert scoring method and entropy weight method in these 8 studies, and the ratios of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by the expert scoring method were 1.143 to 2.241, while the ratios of the maximum to the minimum of the weighting coefficients of the risk indicators screened by combination of the expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process were 34.970 to 162.000.

CONCLUSIONS

Number of imported malaria cases, species of imported malaria parasites, species of local malaria vectors and population density of local malaria vectors are core indicators in the current risk assessment framework for re-introduction of imported malaria in China. Combination of the expert scoring method and analytic hierarchy process is superior to the expert scoring method alone for weighting the risk indicators.

Live macrophages loaded with Fe3O4 and sulfasalazine for ferroptosis and photothermal therapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of synovial cells. It can cause cartilage and bone damage as well as disability and is regarded as an incurable chronic disease. Available therapies cannot prevent the development of diseases due to the high toxicity of the therapeutic agents and the inefficient drug delivery. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent manner of lipid peroxidative cell death, indicates great potential for RA therapy due to ability to damage the infiltrated inflammatory cells and proliferated fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Here, we use macrophages as vector to deliver Fe3O4 nanoparticles and sulfasalazine (SSZ) for ferroptosis and photothermal therapy of RA. The inherent property of migration towards the inflamed joints under the guidance of inflammatory factors enables macrophages to targetedly deliver the payload into the RA. Upon the irradiation of the near infrared light, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles convert the light into heat to damage the proliferated synovium. Meanwhile, the iron released from Fe3O4 nanoparticles works with SSZ to generate synergetic ferroptosis effect. The resident inflammatory cells and proliferated synovium are efficiently damaged by the ferroptosis and photothermal effect, showing pronounced therapeutic effect for RA.

Industrial Waste Derived Separators for Zn-Ion Batteries Achieve Homogeneous Zn(002) Deposition Through Low Chemical Affinity Effects

Designing a cost-effective and multifunctional separator that ensures dendrite-free and stable Zn metal anode remains a significant challenge. Herein, a multifunctional cellulose-based separator is presented consisting of industrial waste-fly ash particles and cellulose nanofiber using a facile solution-coating method. The resulting fly ash-cellulose (FACNF) separators enable a high ion conductivity (5.76 mS cm-1 ) and low desolvation energy barrier of hydrated Zn2+ . These features facilitate fast ion transfer kinetics and inhibit water-induced side reactions. Furthermore, experimental results and theoretical simulations confirm that the presence of fly ash particles in FACNF separators effectively accommodate the preferential deposition of Zn(002) planes, due to the weak chemical affinity between Zn(002) plane and fly ash, to mitigate dendrite formation and growth. Consequently, the utilization of FACNF separators causes an impressive cycling performance in both Zn||Zn symmetric cells (1600 h at 2 mA cm-2 /1 mAh cm-2 ) and Zn||(NH4 )2 V10 O25 (NVO) full cells (4000 cycles with the capacity retention of 92.1% at 5 A g-1 ). Furthermore, the assembled pouch cells can steadily support digital thermometer over two months without generating gas and volume expansion. This work provides new insights for achieving crystallographic uniformity in Zn anodes and realizing cost-effective and long-lasting aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs).

Lifetime cumulative effect of reproductive factors on ischaemic heart disease in a prospective cohort

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the association between lifetime oestrogen exposure and ischaemic heart disease (IHD), based on the hypothesis that higher lifetime oestrogen exposure is linked to lower cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

In 2004-2008, lifetime cumulative exposure to reproductive factors was assessed among postmenopausal females from the China Kadoorie Biobank using reproductive lifespan (RLS), endogenous oestrogen exposure (EEE) and total oestrogen exposure (TEE). EEE was calculated by subtracting pregnancy-related and contraceptive use duration from RLS, while TEE by adding up the same components except for lactation. Incident IHD during follow-up (2004-2015) was identified. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models estimated the HRs and 95% CIs of IHD for RLS, EEE and TEE.

RESULTS

Among 118 855 postmenopausal females, 13 162 (11.1%) developed IHD during a median follow-up of 8.9 years. The IHD incidence rates were 13.0, 12.1, 12.5, 13.8 per 1000 person-years for RLS Q1-Q4, 15.8, 12.6, 11.3, 12.1 per 1000 person-years for EEE Q1-Q4 and 13.7, 12.3, 12.2, 13.4 per 1000 person-years for TEE Q1-Q4. The highest quartile (Q4) of RLS and TEE were associated with lower risks of IHD (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.00 and 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97, respectively) compared with the lowest quartile (Q1). Longer EEE showed progressively lower risks of incident IHD (aHR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97; 0.88, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.93; 0.87, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.92 for Q2-Q4 vs Q1).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer RLS, TEE and EEE were associated with lower risks of IHD among Chinese postmenopausal females.

Smad4 sequestered in SFPQ condensates prevents TGF-β tumor-suppressive signaling

Loss of TGF-β growth-inhibitory responses is a hallmark of human cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the TGF-β resistance of cancer cells remain to be fully elucidated. Splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is a prion-like RNA-binding protein that is frequently upregulated in human cancers. In this study, we identified SFPQ as a potent suppressor of TGF-β signaling. The ability of SFPQ to suppress TGF-β responses depends on its prion-like domain (PrLD) that drives liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Mechanistically, SFPQ physically restrained Smad4 in its condensates, which excluded Smad4 from the Smad complex and chromatin occupancy and thus functionally dampened Smad-dependent transcriptional responses. Accordingly, SFPQ deficiency or loss of phase separation activities rendered human cells hypersensitive to TGF-β responses. Together, our data identify an important function of SFPQ through LLPS that suppresses Smad transcriptional activation and TGF-β tumor-suppressive activity.

Genetic, haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Ligula intestinalis by using mt-CO1 gene marker: ecological implications, climate change and eco-genetic diversity

Abstract Ligula intestinalis is a cestode parasite that affects freshwater fish in different countries of the world. The current study aims to reveal the phylogenetic, genetic and haplotype diversity of mt-CO1 gene sequences sent to the NCBI database from different countries by using in-silico analysis. The 105 mt-CO1 (371 bp) gene sequences of L. intestinalis obtained from NCBI were used for bioinformatics analyses. Sequences were subjected to phylogenetic and haplotype analysis. As a result of the haplotype analysis of L. intestinalis, 38 haplotypes were obtained from 13 different countries. Hap24 constituted 44.76% of the obtained haplotype network. Changes in nucleotides between haplotypes occurred at 1-84 different points. China and Turkey have highest fixation index (Fst) values of 0.59761, while the lowest (-0.10526) was found between Russia and Turkey. This study provides a baseline for future studies on extensive scale on the epidemiology, ecological aspects, distribution pattern, transmission dynamics and population dispersion of L. intestinalis worldwide.

Exploration of the potential mechanism of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in osteoarthritis treatment by using network pharmacology and molecular dynamics simulation

In this study, the active ingredients of 15 Chinese herbal medicines of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction and their corresponding targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The microarray data of Osteoarthritis (OA) were obtained through the GEO database for differential analysis and then a drug target-OA-related gene protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established. The potential targets of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the treatment of OA were acquired by intersecting the OA-associated genes with the target genes of active ingredients. Random walk with restart (RWR) analysis of PPI networks was performed using potential targets as seed, and the top 50 genes of affinity coefficients were used as key action genes of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the treatment of OA. A drug-active ingredient-gene interaction network was established. AKT1, a key target of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the treatment of OA, was obtained by topological analysis of the gene interaction network. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics verified the binding of AKT1 to its corresponding drug active ingredients. CETSA assay demonstrated that the combination of luteolin and AKT1 increased the stability of AKT1, and the combination efficiency was high. In conclusion, the molecular mechanism of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in treating OA featured by multiple components, targets, and pathways had been further investigated in this study, which is of significance for discovering as well as developing new drugs for this disease. The findings can also offer personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with OA in clinical practice.

[Analysis of the prevalence of dyslipidemia and correlative factors in Tajik population in Pamir Plateau of Xinjiang]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and the level of blood lipids among Tajik people in Pamir Plateau, Xinjiang, and explore the related factors of dyslipidemia. Methods: It is a retrospective cross-sectional study. A multi-stage cluster random sampling survey was conducted among 5 635 Tajiks over 18 years old in Tashkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang Province from May to October 2021. Data were collected through questionnaire survey (general information, medical history, and personal history), physical examination (height, weight, waist, and blood pressure) and blood test (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density cholesterol (HDL-C)) to analyze the dyslipidemia and its risk factors among Tajiks. Results: The age of Tajik participants was (41.9±15.0) years, including 2 726 males (48.4%). The prevalence of borderline high TC, high LDL-C and high TG levels were 17.2%, 14.7% and 8.9%, respectively. The prevalence of high TC, high LDL-C, high TG and low HDL-C were 4.1%, 4.9%, 9.4% and 32.4%, respectively, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia was 37.0%. There is a positive correlation between male,higher education level, higher body mass index (BMI) value,waist circumference, living in town, smoking and dyslipidemia. Conclusions: The low prevalence of high TC, high LDL-C, high TG and high prevalence of low HDL-C was a major characteristic of Tajik people in Pamir Plateau of Xinjiang. The lower rates of overweight and obesity may be one of the reasons for the lower prevalence of dyslipidemia among Tajik.

IgG4-related disease involving coronary and pulmonary arteries: a case report and literature review

Background

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an inflammation-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by infiltration of IgG4 plasma cells in target organs, storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis, accompanied by or without elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. Multiple sites can be involved, including large vessels. Coronary and pulmonary arteries are less involved, while simultaneous involvement of coronary and pulmonary arteries is less reported. This case is unique in terms of simultaneous involvement of coronary and pulmonary arteries in a female patient with possible IgG4-RD and the first review of relevant domestic literature.

Case Description

This case is a middle-aged female patient with both coronary artery and pulmonary artery involvement, with cardiac insufficiency as the main manifestation. Cardiac ultrasound revealed the cardiac insufficiency and abnormal wrapping of multiple arteries. Imaging examinations including coronary artery computed tomography angiography (CTA), pulmonary artery CTA and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) further confirmed the lesions of the left main coronary artery, anterior descending branch, circumflex branch and pulmonary artery. Then the patient was diagnosed with possible IgG4-RD. After glucocorticoid treatment, the patient's clinical symptoms and cardiac function improved, and her serum IgG4 levels decreased.

Conclusions

When the arterial system is involved in IgG4 disease, it is known as IgG4-related artery disease. Combined with the case of this patient, this paper reviewed the literature on IgG4-related artery disease, and searched and summarized the related domestic literature on coronary/pulmonary artery disease to improve people's understanding of IgG4-related artery disease.

Model construction and theoretical evaluation of the performance improvement of acetone-butanol-ethanol extractive fermentation by adding surfactant

Severe butanol toxicity to the metabolism of solventogenic clostridia significantly impede the application of fermentative butanol as a biofuel. Liquid-liquid extraction is an efficient method to reduce the butanol toxicity by in-situ removing it in the extractant phase. Butanol mass transfer into extractant phase in static acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) extractive fermentation with biodiesel as the extractant could be enhanced by adding a tiny amount of surfactant such as tween-80. In the case of corn-based ABE extractive fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 using biodiesel originated from waste cooking oil as extractant, addition of 0.14% (w/v) tween-80 could increase butanol production in biodiesel and total solvents production by 21% and 17%, respectively, compared to those of control under non-surfactant existence. Furthermore, a mathematical model was developed to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced ABE extractive fermentation performance. The results indicated that the mass transfer improvement was obtained by effectively altering the physical properties of the self-generated bubbles during ABE extractive fermentation, such as reducing bubble size and extending its retention time in extractant phase, etc. Overall, this study provided an efficient approach for enhancing biobutanol production by integration of bioprocess optimization and model interpretation.

Architecting a High-Energy-Density Rocking-Chair Zinc-Ion Batteries via Carbon-Wrapped Vanadium Dioxide

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) show great potential in large-scale energy storage applications because of their low cost and high safety features, whereas the inefficient zinc utilization and uncontrollable dendrite issue of the zinc metal anode greatly limit their energy density and cycling stability. Herein, a carbon-wrapped vanadium dioxide (VO2@C) core-shell composite has been prepared and utilized as an intercalated anode of "rocking-chair" ZIBs. Benefiting from the carbon shell, the charge transfer and structural stability of VO2@C have been significantly improved, thus delivering a specific capacity of 425 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and a capacity retention of 94.9% after 3000 cycles at 5 A g-1, better than that of VO2 (338 mA h g-1 and 59.2%). Further, the low Zn2+ intercalated potential (0.54 V vs Zn2+/Zn) and reversible Zn2+ intercalation/deintercalation behavior of VO2@C enable the successful construction of VO2@C||ZnMn2O4 "rocking-chair" ZIBs, which achieve a capacity of 104 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and an exceptional energy density of 96.3 W h kg-1 at 74.1 W kg-1 (based on the total weight). This research enriches the currently available options for constructing high-energy-density energy storage systems.

Constructing stable V2O5/V6O13 heterostructure interface with fast Zn2+ diffusion kinetics for ultralong lifespan zinc-ion batteries

Given their plentiful reserves, impressive safety features, and economical pricing, aqueous zinc - ion batteries (ZIBs) have positioned themselves as strong competitors to lithium - ion batteries. Yet, the scarcity of available cathode materials poses a challenge to their continued development. In this study, a V2O5/V6O13 heterostructure has been synthesized using a one - pot hydrothermal approach and employed as the cathode material for ZIBs. As evidenced by both experimental and theoretical findings, V2O5/V6O13 heterostructure delivers a rapid electrons and ions diffusion kinetics promoted by the stable interface and strong electronic coupling with significant charge transfer between V2O5 and V6O13, as well as a stable interface achieved by adjusting V - O bond length. Consequently, the optimized V2O5/V6O13 heterostructure cathode of ZIBs demonstrates exceptional capacity (338 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1), remarkable cycling stability (92.96 % retained after 1400 cycles at 1 A g-1). Through comprehensive theoretical calculations and ex situ characterization, the kinetic analysis and storage mechanism of Zn2+ are thoroughly investigated, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the advancement of novel V - based cathode materials aimed at enhancing the performance of ZIBs.

Study on the Thermophysical Properties of 80% 10B Enrichment of B4C

In this paper, a specific type of Boron Carbide (B4C) with a high enrichment of 80 ± 0.3 at% 10B was prepared as an absorbing material for control rods in nuclear reactors. The enrichment of 10B was achieved using a chemical exchange method, followed by obtaining boron carbide powder through a carbothermal reduction method. Finally, B4C with a high enrichment of 68.3~74.2% theoretical density was obtained using a hot-pressed sintering process. This study focused on investigating the basic out-of-pile thermophysical properties of the high enrichment B4C compared to natural B4C reference pellets under non-irradiated conditions. These properties included the thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, emissivity, elastic limit, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio. The research results indicate that the enriched B4C pellet exhibits good thermal stability and meets the technical requirements for mechanical capability. It was observed that porosity plays a significant role in determining the out-of-pile mechanical capability of B4C, with higher porosity samples having a lower thermal conductivity, elastic-plastic limit, and elastic modulus. In short, all the technical indexes studied meet the requirements of nuclear-grade Boron Carbide pellets for Pressurized Water Reactors.

Identification of Fibrotic Biomarkers Associated with Macrophages in Diabetic Nephropathy

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Renal fibrosis is an important pathological feature of kidney injury, and the therapeutic means are very limited. The functions of macrophages play important roles in renal fibrosis. There is a complicated link between altered immune metabolism and oxidative stress. Hence, we designed this study to identify the oxidative stress- and macrophage-relevant biomarkers reflecting fibrosis in DN. MATERIAL AND METHODS Differential expression analysis was performed based on the GSE96804 dataset. xCell and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were used to determine the distinctions in infiltrating immune cells between DN and control specimens. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify the hub genes. Hub genes were validated in an external dataset, GSE30528, and cell models. RESULTS MMP2, CASP3, and HIF-1alpha were identified as biomarkers, which were upregulated in the DN group and positively correlated with the infiltration of macrophages and M1 macrophages. In vitro, the 3 genes were highly expressed in murine MPC5 cells treated with high glucose and human THP-1 macrophages treated with advanced glycation end products. CONCLUSIONS Our results provided biomarkers for predicting the fibrotic progression of DN and confirmed that MMP2, CAPS3, and HIF-1alpha have good diagnostic value. They might be involved in the progression of DN fibrosis by regulating oxidative stress and macrophage recruitment or polarization.

Multivariate analysis of milk metabolite measures shows potential for deriving new resilience phenotypes

In a context of growing interest in breeding more resilient animals, a noninvasive indicator of resilience would be very valuable. We hypothesized that the time-course of concentrations of several milk metabolites through a short-term underfeeding challenge could reflect the variation of resilience mechanisms to such a challenge. We submitted 138 one-year-old primiparous goats, selected for extreme functional longevity (i.e., productive longevity corrected for milk yield [60 low longevity line goats and 78 high longevity line goats]), to a 2-d underfeeding challenge during early lactation. We measured the concentration of 13 milk metabolites and the activity of 1 enzyme during prechallenge, challenge, and recovery periods. Functional principal component analysis summarized the trends of milk metabolite concentration over time efficiently without preliminary assumptions concerning the shapes of the curves. We first ran a supervised prediction of the longevity line of the goats based on the milk metabolite curves. The partial least square analysis could not predict the longevity line accurately. We thus decided to explore the large overall variability of milk metabolite curves with an unsupervised clustering. The large year × facility effect on the metabolite concentrations was precorrected for. This resulted in 3 clusters of goats defined by different metabolic responses to underfeeding. The cluster that showed higher β-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and triacylglycerols increase during the underfeeding challenge was associated with poorer survival compared with the other 2 clusters. These results suggest that multivariate analysis of noninvasive milk measures show potential for deriving new resilience phenotypes.

Phase I dose escalation and expansion study of golidocitinib, a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor, in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas (r/r PTCLs) are a group of rare and aggressive diseases that lack effective therapies. Constitutive activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is reported to be associated with PTCLs. Golidocitinib is an oral, potent JAK1 selective inhibitor evaluated in a phase I/II multinational study in patients with r/r PTCLs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with r/r PTCLs were eligible. The primary objectives were to assess safety and tolerability of golidocitinib and to define its recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The secondary objectives were to evaluate its antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics (PK).

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were enrolled and received golidocitinib treatment at 150 or 250 mg once daily (QD). The median prior lines of therapies were 2 (range: 1-8). Golidocitinib was tolerated at both doses tested, while a higher incidence of serious adverse events and dose modifications at 250 mg were observed. The most common grade ≥3 drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (27.5%) and thrombocytopenia (11.8%). An objective response rate of 39.2% and a complete response rate of 21.6% were observed. With median follow-up time of 14.7 and 15.9 months, the median duration of response (DoR) and progression-free survival were 8.0 and 3.3 months, respectively. Based on these data, 150 mg QD was defined as the RP2D. Golidocitinib demonstrated a favorable PK profile as an oral agent. Biomarker analysis suggested a potential correlation between JAK/STAT pathway aberrations and clinical activity of golidocitinib.

CONCLUSIONS

In this phase I study, golidocitinib demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and encouraging antitumor efficacy in heavily pretreated patients with r/r PTCLs. These results support the initiation of the multinational pivotal study in patients with r/r PTCLs.

Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass by glycerol organosolv pretreatment for biobutanol production integrated with bioconversion of residual glycerol into value-added products

Glycerol organosolv pretreatment (GOP) is considered an efficient method to deconstruct lignocellulose for producing fermentable sugars. Herein, the liquid fraction containing glycerol after GOP was utilized for recycled pretreatment of corn stover (CS) for four cycles. Enzymatic yield of glucose after recycled pretreatment was enhanced by 2.4-3.5 folds compared with untreated CS. Meanwhile, residual glycerol was used as carbon source for cultivation of Pichia pastoris to obtain high cell-density, and a final titer of 1.3 g/L human lysozyme was produced by P. pastoris under low temperature methanol induction strategy. Additionally, the pretreated CS was mixed with cassava as fermentable substrates for butanol production by wild-type Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Final butanol production of 13.9 g/L was obtained from mixed substrates (25%:75% of CS/cassava) at 10% solids loading by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. Overall, integration of residual glycerol utilization and butanol production by microbial fermentation provided an efficient strategy for biorefinery.

[Observation of liver indexes in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with CAR-T-cells based on BCMA]

Objective: To observe the characteristics of the evolution of liver indexes in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treated with CAR-T-cells based on BCMA. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of patients with RRMM who received an infusion of anti-BCMA CAR-T-cells and anti-BCMA combined with anti-CD19 CAR-T-cells at our center between June 1, 2019, and February 28, 2023. Clinical data were collected to observe the characteristics of changes in liver indexes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL) in patients, and its relationship with cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) . Results: Ninety-two patients were included in the analysis, including 41 patients (44.6%) in the group receiving a single infusion of anti-BCMA CAR-T-cells, and 51 patients (55.4%) in the group receiving an infusion of anti-BCMA combined with anti-CD19 CAR-T-cells. After infusing CAR-T-cells, 31 patients (33.7%) experienced changes in liver indexes at or above grade 2, which included 20 patients (21.7%) with changes in one index, five patients (5.4%) with changes in two indexes, and six patients (6.5%) with changes in three or more indexes. The median time of peak values of ALT and AST were d17 and d14, respectively, and the median duration of exceeding grade 2 was 5.0 and 3.5 days, respectively. The median time of peak values of TBIL and DBIL was on d19 and d21, respectively, and the median duration of exceeding grade 2 was 4.0 days, respectively. The median time of onset of CRS was d8, and the peak time of fever was d9. The ALT, AST, and TBIL of patients with CRS were higher than those of patients without CRS (P=0.011, 0.002, and 0.015, respectively). CRS is an independent factor that affects ALT and TBIL levels (OR=19.668, 95% CI 18.959-20.173, P=0.001). The evolution of liver indexes can be reversed through anti-CRS and liver-protection treatments, and no patient died of liver injury. Conclusions: In BCMA-based CAR-T-cell therapy for RRMM, CRS is an important factor causing the evolution of liver indexes. The evolution of liver indexes after CAR-T-cell infusion is transient and reversible after treatment.

The altered hippocampal functional connectivity and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level predict cognitive decline in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) often suffer from cognitive decline and increased dementia risk, but the neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated cognitive performance and collected brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and blood samples from cognitively normal KOA patients at baseline sessions and reevaluated their cognition after 5 years. We also collected MRI data from matched healthy controls. Results showed that KOA patients exhibited dysregulated functional connectivities between the hippocampus and thalamus/superior frontal gyrus compared with healthy controls. The altered hippocampal functional connectivities were associated with serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and spatial expression of genes enriched in synaptic plasticity. The hippocampus-thalamus functional connectivity was significantly correlated with patients' memory scores. Moreover, the baseline hippocampus-thalamus functional connectivity and BDNF levels significantly predicted the development of cognitive decline in KOA patients in the follow-up session. Our findings provide insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of KOA and cognitive decline.

30 Gy vs. 45 Gy Consolidative Thoracic Radiation (cTRT) for Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC): A Multicenter, Randomized, Phase 3 Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (cTRT) showed potential benefit to extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). However, the optimum dose of cTRT is unknown. The purpose of this randomized trial was to compare the effect of 45 Gy in 15 fractions with 30 Gy in 10 fractions cTRT in ES-SCLC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This phase III, randomized trial was conducted in 12 public hospitals in China. Eligible patients with pathologically confirmed ES-SCLC who responded to 4-6 cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) or carboplatin (EC) chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive either 30 Gy in 10 fractions or 45 Gy in 15 fractions cTRT. The primary outcome was 2-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included 2-year progression-free survival (PFS), 2-year local control (LC) and radiation treatment related toxicity. The primary objective was to detect an OS improvement in 45 Gy cTRT group at 2 years from 13% to 26% assuming a two-sided a = 0.05 and power of 85%, with a planned sample size of 186 patients. This trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov, number NCT02675088.

RESULTS

Between January 15, 2016, and September 20, 2022, 90 patients were randomly assigned either 30 Gy in 10 fractions (n = 50) or 45 Gy in 15 fractions (n = 40) cTRT group. Recruitment to the trial closed early due to slow accrual since first-line chemoimmunotherapy has become the new standard of care for ES-SCLC. The median age of patients was 58 years, 87.8% were male, 76.7% had a smoking history, 95.6% received IMRT, and 58.9% received prophylactic cranial irradiation. At a median follow-up of 39.9 months (IQR 27.2-59.2), there was no significant difference in the 2-year OS between the 45 Gy group and the 30 Gy group, at 43.4% (95% CI 29.3%-64.3%) and 40.0% (95% CI 27.9%-59.1%), respectively (log-rank p = 0.62; HR 1.13 [95% CI 0.69-1.84]). The 2-year PFS was 12.1% (95% CI 4.3%-33.8%) in the 45 Gy group and 9.0% (95% CI 3.2%-25.2%) in the 30 Gy group (log-rank p = 0.25, HR 0.76(95% CI [0.478-1.22]). There were also no significant differences in locoregional recurrence free survival (log-rank p = 0.75; HR 0.888 [95% CI 0.423-1.863]) and distant metastasis free survival (log-rank p = 0.95; HR 1.015 [95% CI 0.624-1.651]) between two groups. No grade 5 toxicity was observed in both groups. Patients treated with higher cTRT dose presented with increased incidence of grade 3+ radiation pneumonitis (10% vs 2%) and hematological toxicity (20% vs 12.5%).

CONCLUSION

This randomized trial did not find a higher probability of survival improvement in patients with ES-SCLC receiving cTRT of 45 Gy in 15 fractions compared with 30 Gy in 10 fractions. In contrast, there was an increase in toxicity, especially radiation pneumonitis. Additional randomized studies investigating the role of cTRT in ES-SCLC after a response to chemoimmunotherapy are warranted.

Ceruloplasmin regulating fibrosis in orbital fibroblasts provides a novel therapeutic target for Graves' orbitopathy

PURPOSE

In diagnosing the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO), there is a growing interest in fibrosis generated by orbital fibroblasts (OFs); nevertheless, the involvement of ceruloplasmin (CP) in OFs remains unknown.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through bioinformatic analysis. OFs were isolated from orbital tissue and identified with immunofluorescent staining. The levels of DEGs were validated in GO tissue samples and TGF-β-challenged OFs, and CP was selected for the following laboratory investigations. CP overexpression or knockdown was achieved, and cell viability and fibrosis-associated proteins were investigated to assess the cell phenotype and function. Signaling pathways were subsequently investigated to explore the mechanism of CP function in OFs.

RESULTS

CP and cathepsin C (CTSC) are two overlapped DEGs in GSE58331 and GSE105149. OFs were isolated and identified through fibrotic biomarkers. CP and CTSC were downregulated in GO tissue samples and TGF-β-challenged OFs. CP overexpression or knockdown was achieved in OFs by transducing a CP overexpression vector or small interfering RNA against CP (si1-CP or si2-CP) and verified using a qRT-PCR. CP overexpression inhibited cell viability and reduced the levels of α-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin, and collagen I, whereas CP knockdown exerted opposite effects on OFs. CP overexpression inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad3, Erk1/2, p38, JNK, and AKT; conversely, CP knockdown exerted opposite effects on the phosphorylation of factors mentioned above.

CONCLUSION

CP was downregulated in GO and suppressed the expression of fibrosis-associated proteins in both GO and normal OFs. CP might serve as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment regimens for GO.

Effectiveness and safety of arthroscopy combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy for osteochondritis of the talus: a prospective, single-centre, randomized, double-blind study

Aims

Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm2. However, some patients have persistent pain and limitation of movement in the early postoperative period. No studies have investigated the combined treatment of microfracture and shortwave treatment in these patients. The aim of this prospective single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to compare the outcome in patients treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) and arthroscopic microfracture alone, in patients with ostechondritis of the talus.

Methods

Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups. At three weeks postoperatively, the rESWT group was given shockwave treatment, once every other day, for five treatments. In the control group the head of the device which delivered the treatment had no energy output. The two groups were evaluated before surgery and at six weeks and three, six and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Secondary outcome measures included a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain and the area of bone marrow oedema of the talus as identified on sagittal fat suppression sequence MRI scans.

Results

A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into the two groups, with 20 in each. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics of the groups. No complications, such as wound infection or neurovascular injury, were found during follow-up of 12 months. The mean AOFAS scores in the rESWT group were significantly higher than those in the control group at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The mean VAS pain scores in the rESWT group were also significantly lower than those in the control group at these times (p < 0.05). The mean area of bone marrow oedema in the rESWT group was significantly smaller at six and 12 months than in the control group at these times (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Local shockwave therapy was safe and effective in patients with osteochondiritis of the talus who were treated with a combination of arthroscopic surgery and rESWT. Preliminary results showed that, compared with arthroscopic microfracture alone, those treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with rESWT had better relief of pain at three months postoperatively and improved weightbearing and motor function of the ankle.

Intercellular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Resistance at the Tumor-Stromal Interface Using Ultra High-Plex Single-Cell Spatial Transcriptomics and Genetically-Engineered Tumoroids

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

There is a major gap in knowledge regarding how intercellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediate therapeutic resistance. Achievement of this goal has been limited by a lack of (1) spatial context in dissociated single-cell methods; (2) single-cell resolution in spatial profiling approaches; (3) high quality data and yield with FFPE patient specimens; and (4) computational methods for ligand-receptor analyses that consider both gene expression and spatial coordinates.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We developed an innovative spatial biology paradigm that combines cutting-edge experimental and computational methods to enable high-resolution, spatially-guided discovery of critical mediators of therapeutic resistance. We applied this approach to dissect the single-cell spatial transcriptomic landscape of untreated vs. chemoradiotherapy-treated primary human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC; n = 21) using ultra-high plex spatial molecular imaging (SMI) optimized for high-sensitivity, subcellular detection of up to 6000 gene transcripts in FFPE sections-an order of magnitude greater than contemporary methods.

RESULTS

We recovered over 1,000,000 high-quality single cells in situ representing more than 20 distinct cell types, including epithelial, immune, endothelial, endocrine, and diverse stromal cells. We developed an optimal transport-based computational method to infer cell-cell communication at the cancer-stromal interface. Treatment with chemoradiotherapy was associated with the largest increase in fibroblast-malignant interactions. Comparing the SMI data with orthogonal single-nucleus RNA-sequencing and digital spatial profiling data, we identified CLCF1-CNTFR as the fibroblast-malignant interaction most associated with resistance to chemoradiotherapy in PDAC. CLCF1 is a gp130-family cytokine that activates Jak-STAT signaling and acts as a potent neurotrophic factor. Notably, the CLCF1-CNTRF (fibroblast-malignant) interaction has prominent pro-oncogenic effects in lung adenocarcinoma and an engineered CNTFR decoy receptor with therapeutic potential has been developed. To functionally validate the role of the CLCF1-CNTFR (fibroblast-malignant) interaction in mediating resistance to cytotoxic therapy, we created CRISPR-engineered cancer-fibroblast tumoroids and modulated expression of this ligand-receptor pair. Pancreatic cancer cell viability in the presence of 5-fluorouracil was better maintained with increased CLCF1-CNTFR signaling.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we integrated ultra high-plex single-cell spatial transcriptomics, optimal transport ligand-receptor predictions, and genetically-engineered stromal tumoroids to identify and validate CLCF1-CNTFR as an important intercellular mechanism of resistance to chemoradiotherapy in PDAC-pioneering a paradigm for translating single-cell spatial biology to clinical oncology.

Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anode with Low Voltage Hysteresis Enabled by Tannic Acid Chemistry

The zinc dendrites and side reactions formed on the zinc anode have greatly hindered the development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein, we introduce tannic acid (TA) as an additive in the ZnSO4 (ZSO) electrolyte to enhance the reversible Zn plating/stripping behavior. TA molecules are found to adsorb onto the zinc surface, forming a passivation layer and replacing some of the H2O molecules in the Zn2+ solvation sheath to form the [Zn(H2O)6-xTAx]2+ complex; this process effectively prevents side reactions. Moreover, the lower desolvation energy barrier of the [Zn(H2O)6-xTAx]2+ structure facilitates uniform Zn metal deposition and enables a stable plating/stripping lifespan of 2500 h with low voltage hysteresis (53 mV at 0.5 mA cm-2) as compared to the ZSO electrolyte (167 h and 104 mV). Additionally, the incorporation of the MnO2 cathode in the TA + ZSO electrolyte shows improved cycling capacity retention, from 64% (ZSO) to 85% (TA + ZSO), after 250 cycles at 1 A g-1, demonstrating the effectiveness of the TA additive in enhancing the performance of ZIBs.

A Green Bridge: Enhancing a Multi-Pesticide Test for Food by Phase-Transfer Sample Treatment Coupled with LC/MS

The preparation and treatment of the sample has become an important part of the determination process, which directly affects the accuracy of detection. The preparation of the sample for final detection is actually a process of separation and transfer of the target to be tested from the sample matrix. The phase-transfer process of analysis and detection is the process of transferring the target substance to be measured from a complex multiphase system to a simple homogeneous system. This study shows a new phase-transfer process for food sample pretreatment in the determination of carbamate pesticides. Edible gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and gelatin were selected for purification testing from the perspective of eco-friendliness and safety. Phase-transfer purification process research was carried out on spinach and other foods. Compared with the commonly used QuEChERS method, the LC/MS results indicate that the straightforward carrageenan treatment process can significantly diminish the detection matrix effect and yield similarly superior detection parameters. The phase-transfer purification method with carrageenan has similar sensitivity and systematic error. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation of each pesticide compound in six plant sample substrates were 0.02-0.36 μg/kg and 0.06-1.9 μg/kg, respectively, which were lower than the residue limits here and abroad. Supplemental recoveries in six blank samples at 5, 20, and 100 μg/kg with the phase-transfer process method were better than those for the QuEChERS method. Positive determination results of actual samples using carrageenan phase-transfer purification proved that this method can be used for related detection from a practical point of view.

Modulation of the proteostasis network promotes tumor resistance to oncogenic KRAS inhibitors

Despite substantial advances in targeting mutant KRAS, tumor resistance to KRAS inhibitors (KRASi) remains a major barrier to progress. Here, we report proteostasis reprogramming as a key convergence point of multiple KRASi-resistance mechanisms. Inactivation of oncogenic KRAS down-regulated both the heat shock response and the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) branch of the unfolded protein response, causing severe proteostasis disturbances. However, IRE1α was selectively reactivated in an ER stress-independent manner in acquired KRASi-resistant tumors, restoring proteostasis. Oncogenic KRAS promoted IRE1α protein stability through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent phosphorylation of IRE1α, leading to IRE1α disassociation from 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl reductase degradation (HRD1) E3-ligase. In KRASi-resistant tumors, both reactivated ERK and hyperactivated AKT restored IRE1α phosphorylation and stability. Suppression of IRE1α overcame resistance to KRASi. This study reveals a druggable mechanism that leads to proteostasis reprogramming and facilitates KRASi resistance.

Canine interleukin-31 binds directly to OSMRβ with higher binding affinity than to IL-31RA

Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in skin inflammation and tumor progression. The IL-31 signaling cascade is initiated by its binding to two receptors, IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor subunit beta (OSMRβ). The previous study suggested that human IL-31 (hIL-31) directly interacts with IL-31RA and OSMRβ, independently, but the binding ability of hIL-31 to IL-31RA is stronger than to OSMRβ. In different to its human ortholog, feline IL-31 (fIL-31) has a higher binding affinity for feline OSMRβ. However, the binding pattern of canine IL-31 to its receptors remains to be elucidated. In this study, we purified the recombinant canine IL-31 (rcIL-31) protein and revealed its secondary structure to be mainly composed of alpha-helices. Moreover, in vitro studies show that rcIL-31 has the ability to induce the phosphorylation of signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5 in DH-82 cells. In the following, the binding efficacies of bioactive rcIL-31 for its individual receptor components have been measured using a flow cytometry assay. The result demonstrates that correctly refolded rcIL-31 binds independently with cIL-31RA and cOSMRβ which were expressed on the cell surface. Of note, rcIL-31 has a greater than tenfold higher affinity to OSMRβ than to IL-31RA. Additionally, we demonstrated that D1-D4, especially D4 of cOSMRβ, is crucial for its binding to cIL-31. Furthermore, this study proved that rcIL-31 has a high binding affinity to the soluble cOSMRβ with a KD value of 3.59 × 10-8 M. The results presented in the current study will have a significant implication in the development of drugs or antibodies against diseases induced by cIL-31 signaling.

Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Dual Chemo-starvation Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aims at chemotherapy and starvation therapy of HCC via starvation and apoptosis.

METHODS

Hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs) with the thioether-hybrid structure were developed using an organic/inorganic co-templating assembly approach. Hydrofluoric acid was used to remove the internal MSN core for yielding large radial mesopores for loading drug cargos. The morphology and structure of NPs were determined using TEM and SEM. HMONs were stepwise surface modified with glucose oxidase (GOx), oxygen (O2) and Doxorubicin (DOX), and cancer cell membrane (CCM) for yielding CCM-coated HMONs (targeted stealth biorobots; TSBRs) for starvation, apoptotic, and enhanced cell uptake properties, respectively. The surface area and pore size distribution were determined via BET and BJH assays. The catalytic ability of GOx-modified NPs was measured using in vitro glucose conversion approach authenticated by H2O2 and pH determination assays. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicities of NPs. Cell uptake and apoptotic assay were used for the NPs internalization and apoptosis mechanisms. The subcutaneous HepG2 tumor model was established in mice. The long-term in vivo toxicity was determined using blood assays.

RESULTS

The prepared NPs were spherical, hollow and mesoporous with excellent surface area and pore size distribution. The GOx-modified NPs exhibited excellent catalytic activity. The TSBRs showed better cytotoxicity and reduce the tumor size and weight. The NPs showed long-term safety in vivo.

CONCLUSION

TSBRs destroyed cancer cells by starvation and chemotherapy in both in-vitro and in-vivo settings which demonstrates its anti-cancer potential.

Use of peripheral blood eosinophils to guide post-operative glucocorticoid therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a randomised, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the utility of the eosinophil percentage in peripheral blood for guiding post-operative glucocorticoid therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery and were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the standard treatment group used oral and nasal spray glucocorticoids. In the biomarker treatment group, patients with peripheral blood eosinophil percentage values less than 3.05 per cent did not receive glucocorticoid treatment, whereas patients with values 3.05 per cent or above were part of the standard treatment group. Visual Analogue Scale, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores, endoscopic Lund-Kennedy scores, eosinophils, interleukin-5 and eosinophil cationic protein in peripheral blood, and nasal secretions were measured.

RESULTS

After functional endoscopic sinus surgery, the Visual Analogue Scale, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 and Lund-Kennedy scores were significantly reduced in both groups; there were no significant differences in those indicators between the groups during the three follow-up visits.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral blood eosinophil percentage offers a potential biomarker to guide post-operative glucocorticoid therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Racial disparities in conditional survival of patients with bladder cancer: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Traditional estimates can only provide static predictions of cancer outcomes and cannot assess the evolving effect of race on patient survival. This study aims to reveal the dynamic survival of patients with bladder cancer and to explore the evolving effect of race on patient prognosis.

METHODS

Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, 99,590 white, 6,036 African American, and 4,685 Asian/Pacific Islander (API) patients with bladder cancer were identified. Conditional cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates, which could reflect the dynamic survival prediction of cancer patients, represented the primary outcomes, and were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier algorithm. The evolving effect of race on patient survival was evaluated by multivariable Cox regression in combination with conditional survival (CS) estimates.

RESULTS

The 5-year CSS for African American patients who had survived 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years after definitive therapy improved from the baseline calculation by + 5.8 (84.4%), + 9.5 (87.4%), + 12.8 (90.0%), + 14.4 (91.3%), and + 14.7% (91.5%), respectively. The increasing trend also held for overall white and API patients, and for all patient subsets when CS was calculated according to different levels of sex, age, and disease stage. African Americans, despite having the worst survival at baseline, could have CSS comparable to their white and API counterparts after 4 years of survivorship. In addition, the risk of death for African Americans tended to decrease with increasing survival, and the risk was no longer significantly different from that of whites after 4 years of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

While having the worst initial predicted outcomes, African Americans may eventually achieve comparable survival to white and API patients given several years of survivorship. As patient survival increases, African American race may lose its role as an indicator of poorer prognosis.

Serum neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.2.76, BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 in individuals receiving Evusheld

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is undergoing continuous evolution and convergent mutation. These new subvariants are raising concerns that they may evade neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We investigated the serum neutralization efficacy of Evusheld (cilgavimab and tixagevimab) against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.2.76, BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5. A total of 90 serum samples from healthy individuals were collected in Shanghai. Anti-RBD antibodies were measured and symptoms of infection with COVID-19 were compared among those individuals. The neutralizing activity of serum against Omicron variants was analyzed by pseudovirus neutralization assays in 22 samples. Evusheld retained neutralizing activity against BA.2, BA.2.75, and BA.5, albeit with somewhat reduced titers. However, the neutralizing activity of Evusheld against BA.2.76, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5 significantly decreased, with XBB.1.5 showing the greatest escape activity among the subvariants. We also observed that Evusheld recipients displayed elevated antibody levels in their serum, which efficiently neutralized the original variant, and exhibited different characteristics of infection than those who did not receive Evusheld. The mAb has partial neutralization activity against Omicron sublineages. However, the increasing doses of mAb and a larger size of population should be further investigated.

Effective omalizumab treatment influenced eosinophil function in severe allergic asthmatics

Background

Omalizumab is an effective anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) treatment for allergic asthma. Eosinophil plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation. This study aimed to explore the influence of effective omalizumab treatment on circulating eosinophils.

Methods

Allergic asthmatics enrolled in the study were treated with omalizumab for at least 16 weeks and exhibited a good or excellent response according to the global evaluation of treatment effectiveness (GETE) assessed by each patient and specialist physician. For eosinophil functional evaluation, peripheral blood eosinophils were separated; and examined the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and co-stimulatory molecules cluster of differentiation (CD) 80, CD86 and CD40 by Flow Cytometry and serum were to measure the concentration of eotaxin-1 before and after 16 weeks of omalizumab treatment.

Results

Totally 32 allergic asthma patients who responded positively to omalizumab treatment were included. Omalizumab responders showed a significant decline in the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86 on peripheral eosinophils and in serum eotaxin-1 concentration after treatment. Negative correlations (r=-0.61, P=0.048) were observed between the change in CD80⁺ eosinophils and the change in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)% predicted and maximal expiratory flow (MEF) 25% after omalizumab treatment. Omalizumab improved FEV1/FVC% predicted (3.88, P=0.033), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO, -22.24, P=0.028), asthma control test (ACT, 4.22, P<0.001), mini asthma quality of life questionnaire (mini-AQLQ, -14.44, P=0.019), Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ, 3.03, P=0.009) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for allergic symptoms (-13.00, P=0.001) in patients with severe allergic asthma statistically; reduced mini rhino-conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (mini-RQLQ, -8.50, P=0.047), and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS, -5.08, P=0.040) in allergic asthmatics with concomitant allergic rhinitis (AR) or anxiety, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings show a unique role of omalizumab in reducing co-stimulatory molecules expression on eosinophil and serum eotaxin-1 levels in severe allergic asthmatics accompanied by improvement of multiple clinical parameters of allergic diseases.

[Risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on the machine learning]

OBJECTIVE

To create risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on machine learning algorithms, so as to provide insights into early identification of imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province.

METHODS

Case investigation, first symptoms and time of initial diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were captured from Infectious Disease Report Information Management System and Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients were created with the back propagation (BP) neural network model, logistic regression model, random forest model and Bayesian model using thirteen factors as independent variables, including occupation, species of malaria parasite, main clinical manifestations, presence of complications, severity of disease, age, duration of residing abroad, frequency of malaria parasite infections abroad, incubation period, level of institution at initial diagnosis, country of origin, number of individuals travelling with patients and way to go abroad, and time of healthcare-seeking delay as a dependent variable. Logistic regression model was visualized using a nomogram, and the nomogram was evaluated using calibration curves. In addition, the efficiency of the four models for prediction of risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The importance of each characteristic was quantified and attributed by using SHAP to examine the positive and negative effects of the value of each characteristic on the predictive efficiency.

RESULTS

A total of 244 imported malaria patients were enrolled, including 100 cases (40.98%) with the duration from onset of first symptoms to time of initial diagnosis that exceeded 24 hours. Logistic regression analysis identified a history of malaria parasite infection [odds ratio (OR) = 3.075, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.597, 5.923)], long incubation period [OR = 1.010, 95% CI: (1.001, 1.018)] and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical facilities [OR = 12.550, 95% CI: (1.158, 135.963)] as risk factors for delay in seeking healthcare among imported malaria cases. BP neural network modeling showed that duration of residing abroad, incubation period and age posed great impacts on delay in healthcare-seek among imported malaria patients. Random forest modeling showed that the top five factors with the greatest impact on healthcare-seeking delay included main clinical manifestations, the way to go abroad, incubation period, duration of residing abroad and age among imported malaria patients, and Bayesian modeling revealed that the top five factors affecting healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients included level of institutions at initial diagnosis, age, country of origin, history of malaria parasite infection and individuals travelling with imported malaria patients. ROC curve analysis showed higher overall performance of the BP neural network model and the logistic regression model for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients (Z = 2.700 to 4.641, all P values < 0.01), with no statistically significant difference in the AUC among four models (Z = 1.209, P > 0.05). The sensitivity (71.00%) and Youden index (43.92%) of the logistic regression model was higher than those of the BP neural network (63.00% and 36.61%, respectively), and the specificity of the BP neural network model (73.61%) was higher than that of the logistic regression model (72.92%).

CONCLUSIONS

Imported malaria cases with long duration of residing abroad, a history of malaria parasite infection, long incubation period, advanced age and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical institutions have a high likelihood of delay in healthcare-seeking in Jiangsu Province. The models created based on the logistic regression and BP neural network show a high efficiency for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, which may provide insights into health management of imported malaria patients.

[Prevalence and genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia lamblia in dogs and cats from a pet hospital in Shanghai Municipality]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia lamblia in dogs and cats from a pet hospital in Shanghai Municipality.

METHODS

A total of 145 fresh fecal samples were collected from pet dogs and cats in a pet hospital in Shanghai Municipality during the period from November 2021 to June 2022, including 99 dog fecal samples and 46 cat fecal samples. The small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium and the triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) gene of G. lamblia were amplified using nested PCR assay, and the positive amplification products were sequenced from both directions. The sequence assembly was performed using the software Clustal X 2.1, and sequence alignment was conducted using BLAST. A phylogenetic tree was created with the Neighbor-Joining method using MEGA 11.0 to identify parasite species or genotype.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia was 20.00% (29/145) in 145 pet dog and cat fecal samples, with the prevalence of 0.69% (1/145) and 19.31% (28/145) in Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia, respectively. G. lamblia was only detected in dog fecal samples, with prevalence of 18.18% (18/99), while the detection rates of Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia were 2.17% (1/46) and 21.74% (10/46) in cat fecal samples. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that one Cryptosporidium positive sample was characterized as C. felis, and 28 G. lamblia positive samples were all characterized as Giardia assemblage A, which showed 100% sequence homology with human isolates of Giardia. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences obtained in this study belonged to the same branch with the reported Giardia assemblage A.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia infection was prevalent in pet dogs and cats from the study pet hospital in Shanghai Municipality, and there is a zoonotic risk for the species and genotype. Intensified surveillance of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection is recommended in pets and their owners, and improved management of pet keeping is required.

[A new idea to study the target of scalp acupuncture stimulation]

Scalp acupuncture, an important modern acupuncture branch that combines acupuncture stimulation and neuroscience, is gaining popularity in the clinic. It is believed that scalp acupuncture can modulate the function of certain brain areas through stimulation of specific scalp areas corresponding to the related cortical areas, thereby providing therapeutic benefits for a wide scope of diseases. In recent decades, there has been remarkable progress in our understanding of the brain circuitry of many brain-related disorders through cutting-edge brain imaging techniques. Unfortunately, these findings have not been incorporated into scalp acupuncture protocols. Thus, identifying surface cortical regions associated with these disorders would expand stimulation target selections of scalp acupuncture. In this manuscript, we aim to 1) propose the idea and methods to incorporate neuroimaging findings and scalp acupuncture; and 2) introduce scalp acupuncture stimulation targets for some psychological and neurological disorders based on recent brain imaging findings. We hope this manuscript can inspire innovation on this topic to help further develop scalp acupuncture.

Case report: A rare Salter-Harris V metaphyseal fatigue fracture of the knee in an adolescent patient with obesity

Stress fractures are rare, occurring in 1.5/100,000 high school athletes. High impact, repetitive loading participation in woman's sports, and being a white athlete have been identified as risk factors for stress fractures. Mostly treated conservatively, they are more common in the tibia (33%). Stress fractures requiring surgery, which are extremely rare, have been reported in the scaphoid, fifth metatarsal, and neck of femur. Herein, a 16-year-old adolescent patient with obesity presented with atypical knee pain after prolonged exercise. Advanced imaging revealed a stress fracture of the left tibia with a Salter-Harris type V fracture and varus deformity of the knee. We initially managed the fatigue fracture conservatively, followed by surgical correction of the varus deformity in the knee joint. The patient made a satisfactory recovery with equal limb length and no evidence of claudication. This is the first case of a proximal tibial metaphyseal stress fracture requiring surgery. The clinical manifestations of proximal tibial metaphyseal stress fractures and potential treatment strategies and the use of magnetic resonance for tibial stress fractures have been discussed. Understanding the location of unusual stress fractures can improve early diagnostic efficiency and reduce complication rates, healthcare costs, and recovery time.