Emergence of Long-Range Angular Correlations in Low-Multiplicity Proton-Proton Collisions

This Letter presents the measurement of near-side associated per-trigger yields, denoted ridge yields, from the analysis of angular correlations of charged hadrons in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. Long-range ridge yields are extracted for pairs of charged particles with a pseudorapidity difference of 1.4<|Δη|<1.8 and a transverse momentum of 1 Collapse

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First Measurement of the |t| Dependence of Incoherent J/ψ Photonuclear Production

The first measurement of the cross section for incoherent photonuclear production of J/ψ vector mesons as a function of the Mandelstam |t| variable is presented. The measurement was carried out with the ALICE detector at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, using ultraperipheral collisions of Pb nuclei at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. This rapidity interval corresponds to a Bjorken-x range (0.3-1.4)×10^{-3}. Cross sections are given in five |t| intervals in the range 0.04<|t|<1  GeV^{2} and compared to the predictions by different models. Models that ignore quantum fluctuations of the gluon density in the colliding hadron predict a |t| dependence of the cross section much steeper than in data. The inclusion of such fluctuations in the same models provides a better description of the data.

[Effect of dual fluorescence imaging in identifying central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery]

Objective: To investigate the effect of dual fluorescence imaging in identifying central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Patients who underwent surgery for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University between January 2022 and September 2023 were included. All patients underwent thyroid lobectomy or total resection, and central lymph node dissection was performed at the same time. During the operation, tracing injection of mitoxantrone hydrochloride and 785 nm and 660 nm dual fluorescence imaging technique were used to measure the fluorescence intensity (FI) of parathyroid glands, central lymph nodes and background. After correcting to obtain the standardized FI, the paired t-test was used to compare the standardized FI of the parathyroid glands and central lymph nodes, and the Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the standardized FI and various clinical indicators. Results: The study included 30 patients (8 males and 22 females), with a mean age of (41.8±10.4) years. A total of 76 parathyroid glands and 234 central lymph nodes were identified under dual fluorescence imaging, and the standardized FI of parathyroid glands was less than that of central lymph nodes (44.7±16.8 vs 99.5±28.4, P<0.001). The visualization rate, false rate and miscut rate of parathyroid glands under 785 nm wavelength excitation light were 98.7% (76/77), 0 (0/77) and 1.3% (1/77), respectively (one case with no visualization and miscutting parathyroid gland was the encapsulated type). The visualization rate of central lymph nodes under 660 nm wavelength excitation light was 98.7% (234/237). There was no significant correlation between FI and clinical indicators such as gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, preoperative thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid microsomal antibody, serum calcium, parathyroid hormone level and surgical procedure (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Dual fluorescence imaging of central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands can improve the ability to identify parathyroid gland while assisting central lymph node dissection.

[Progress on influencing factors of late diagnosis in HIV-infected patients]

At present, the late diagnosis of HIV-infected patients is not optimistic, which has a significant impact on the efficacy, cost, and prognosis of HIV antiretroviral therapy and HIV transmission. Late diagnosis is an important indicator for evaluating HIV testing. This article reviews the influencing factors of late diagnosis of HIV-infected patients and provides a reference for formulating and improving HIV testing strategies and measures in China.

ψ(2S) Suppression in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

The production of the ψ(2S) charmonium state was measured with ALICE in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, in the dimuon decay channel. A significant signal was observed for the first time at LHC energies down to zero transverse momentum, at forward rapidity (2.5 Collapse

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Production of transgenic periclinal chimeras in pumpkin - a tool for revealing cell fates of L1 meristem

Genetic engineering is commonly used to improve the agronomic traits of crops. However, genetic transformation in pumpkin remains a challenge. Conducting transformation trials, we accidentally created transgenic L1 periclinal chimeras in pumpkins. Using our modified Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, we generated transgenic L1 periclinal chimeras which have high value in research on development of the meristem. Fluorescence observations of transformed L1 cells enabled us to reveal cell fates. These L1 cells can develop into stomata, epidermal hairs, seed coat, and epidermis of the root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit. These periclinal chimeras can be propagated vegetatively with minimal risk of transgene flow. This study offers new perspectives on development of the meristem and a promising technique for creating transgenic periclinal chimeras in plants.

The cumulative live birth rates of 18 593 women with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation-related protocols and frozen-thawed transfer cycles

STUDY QUESTION

What are the odds of achieving pregnancy when adopting progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS)-related protocols combined with repetitive frozen-thawed transfer (FET) cycles in patients with different clinical characteristics?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) of women undergoing different PPOS-related protocols can be significantly and consistently enhanced within six FET cycles when the female age is <40 years (or even <45 years) and when >5 oocytes are retrieved, regardless of antral follicle count (AFC).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

There have been numerous studies on the live birth rate of the first FET cycle in patients with PPOS-related protocols. These studies have focused mainly on comparing pregnancy outcomes with those of other stimulation protocols. However, owing to the unique features of the PPOS-related strategy, such as its flexible timing of oocyte retrieval and repeated transfer of frozen embryos, studies using the CLBR as an overall indicator of success and investigating which types of patients would benefit from this protocol are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

This retrospective cohort study included 18 593 women who underwent PPOS-related protocols (dydrogesterone + hMG, medroxyprogesterone acetate + hMG, micronized progesterone + hMG treatment, and luteal-phase ovarian stimulation protocol) from 1 March 2011 to 31 September 2022 in our centre.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

The population was categorized by female age, number of oocytes retrieved, and AFC in the analysis of CLBR within six FET cycles. The age groups (Groups 1-5, respectively) were <30, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and ≥45 years. The number of oocytes retrieved was grouped as 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20, and >20. AFC was grouped as <5, 5-10, 11-15, and >15. The Kaplan-Meier analysis (optimistic method), which hypothesized that patients who did not continue treatment had the same chance of achieving a live birth as those who continued, and the competing risk method (conservative method) which hypothesized they had no chance of achieving a live birth, were applied. In further analyses, the Cox model and Fine-Gray model were adopted: the former corresponds to the optimistic scenario, and the latter corresponds to the pessimistic scenario.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

CLBR had a declining trend with female age over six FET cycles (Groups 1-5, respectively: optimistic: 96.9%, 96.6%, 91.4%, 67.3%, and 11.7%; conservative: 87.3%, 85.0%, 74.0%, 41.3%, and 7.5%), requiring more FET cycles to achieve a success rate of at least 50% (Groups 1-5, respectively: optimistic: 2, 2, 2, 4, and >6 cycles; conservative: 2, 2, 2, >,6 and >6 cycles). CLBR showed an increasing trend with the number of oocytes retrieved (Groups 1-5, respectively: optimistic: 93.8%, 94.3%, 95.8%, 96.0%, and 95.6%; conservative: 66.2%, 78.3%, 85.6%, 88.9%, and 91.0%). All groups needed the same number of FET cycles to achieve a success rate of at least 50% (Groups 1-5, respectively: optimistic: 2, 2, 2, 2, and 2 cycles; conservative: 2, 2, 2, 2, and 2 cycles). Furthermore, the CLBR within six FET cycles had an increasing trend with AFC number (Groups 1-4, respectively: optimistic: 89.2%, 94.8%, 95.9%, and 96.3%; conservative: 67.4%, 78.2%, 83.9%, and 88.1%), with all four groups achieving a success rate of at least 50% by the second FET cycle.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The current research is limited by its retrospective design and single-centre nature, which may restrict the generalizability of our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This work describes two models (the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the competing risk method) to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients using PPOS-related protocols, which are especially useful for patients of advanced age or those with diminished ovarian reserve. Our findings encourage patients below 45 years old, especially younger than 40 years, and patients with lower AFCs and fewer retrieved oocytes to try this new protocol. Moreover, this study demonstrates the degree of improvement in the CLBR within six FET cycles for patients with different clinical characteristics, providing a valuable point of reference to determine whether to continue ART after a transfer failure.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82071603 to L.W., 82001502 to Y.L.). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

[Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of central obesity/pre-central obesity and influencing factors in Jilin Province]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of central obesity and pre-central obesity and influencing factors in residents in Jilin Province, and provide reference for the prevention and control of central obesity and pre-central obesity. Methods: Based on the results of early screening and comprehensive intervention program in high-risk groups of cardiovascular disease in Jilin dyring 2017-2018, a total of 11 903 participants aged 35-75 years in 6 project areas in Jilin were included as the survey subjects for physical examination, laboratory test and questionnaire survey. The prevalence of central obesity and pre-central obesity in populations with different characteristic and health status were analyzed by χ2 test, trend χ2 test, F-test. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for influencing factor analysis. Results: The central obesity rate was 33.35% (3 970/11 903), the standardized rate was 31.73%, the pre-central obesity rate was 28.79% (3 427/11 903), the standardized rate was 28.86%. Multifactor analysis results showed that being rural resident (OR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.78-2.23), being woman (OR=1.76, 95%CI: 1.57-1.97), 65-75 years old (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.03-1.45), senior high school and technical secondary school education level (OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.17-1.63), annual family income >100 000 yuan (OR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.20-2.26), overweight (OR=9.27, 95%CI: 8.26-10.41), obesity (OR=82.82, 95%CI: 62.63-109.52), normal high blood pressure (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.27-1.74), hypertension (OR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.42-2.04), diabetes (OR=2.30, 95%CI: 1.94-2.73), dyslipidemia (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.18-1.50) were positively related to the risk for central obesity and pre central obesity. Conclusions: The prevalence rates of central obesity and pre central obesity in residents in Jilin were at high levels, being rural resident, being woman, older age, senior high school and technical secondary school education level, high income, overweight and obesity, normal high blood pressure and hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia were risk factors for central obesity and pre-central obesity in Jilin.

Measurements of Groomed-Jet Substructure of Charm Jets Tagged by D^{0} Mesons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Understanding the role of parton mass and Casimir color factors in the quantum chromodynamics parton shower represents an important step in characterizing the emission properties of heavy quarks. Recent experimental advances in jet substructure techniques have provided the opportunity to isolate and characterize gluon emissions from heavy quarks. In this Letter, the first direct experimental constraint on the charm-quark splitting function is presented, obtained via the measurement of the groomed shared momentum fraction of the first splitting in charm jets, tagged by a reconstructed D^{0} meson. The measurement is made in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in the low jet transverse-momentum interval of 15≤p_{T}^{jet ch}<30  GeV/c where the emission properties are sensitive to parton mass effects. In addition, the opening angle of the first perturbative emission of the charm quark, as well as the number of perturbative emissions it undergoes, is reported. Comparisons to measurements of an inclusive-jet sample show a steeper splitting function for charm quarks compared with gluons and light quarks. Charm quarks also undergo fewer perturbative emissions in the parton shower, with a reduced probability of large-angle emissions.

Learning Disentangled Representation for Multimodal Cross-Domain Sentiment Analysis

Multimodal cross-domain sentiment analysis aims at transferring domain-invariant sentiment information across datasets to address the insufficiency of labeled data. Existing adaptation methods achieve well performance by remitting the discrepancies in characteristics of multiple modalities. However, the expressive styles of different datasets also contain domain-specific information, which hinders the adaptation performance. In this article, we propose a disentangled sentiment representation adversarial network (DiSRAN) to reduce the domain shift of expressive styles for multimodal cross-domain sentiment analysis. Specifically, we first align the multiple modalities and obtain the joint representation through a cross-modality attention layer. Then, we disentangle sentiment information from the multimodal joint representation that contains domain-specific expressive style by adversarial training. The obtained sentiment representation is domain-invariant, which can better facilitate the sentiment information transfer between different domains. Experimental results on two multimodal cross-domain sentiment analysis tasks demonstrate that the proposed method performs favorably against state-of-the-art approaches.

Fibulin-1 Regulates Initiation of Successional Dental Lamina

In humans, teeth are replaced only once, and the successional dental lamina (SDL) of the permanent tooth is maintained in a quiescent state until adolescence. Recently, we showed that biomechanical stress generated by the rapid growth of the deciduous tooth inhibits SDL development via integrin β1-RUNX2 signaling at embryonic day 60 (E60) in miniature pigs. However, the mechanism by which RUNX2 regulates SDL initiation within the SDL stem cell niche remains unclear. In the current study, we transcriptionally profiled single cells from SDL and surrounding mesenchyme at E60 and identified the landscape of cellular heterogeneity. We then identified a specific fibroblast subtype in the dental follicle mesenchyme between the deciduous tooth and the SDL of the permanent tooth (DFDP), which constitutes the inner part of the niche (deciduous tooth side). Compared with traditional dental follicle cells, the specific expression profile of DFDP was identified and found to be related to biomechanical stress. Subsequently, we found that RUNX2 could bind to the enhancer regions of Fbln1 (gene of fibulin-1), one of the marker genes for DFDP. Through gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we proved that the biomechanical stress-mediated RUNX2-fibulin-1 axis inhibits the initiation of SDL by maintaining SDL niche homeostasis.

Measurement of the Lifetime and Λ Separation Energy of _{Λ}^{3}H

The most precise measurements to date of the _{Λ}^{3}H lifetime τ and Λ separation energy B_{Λ} are obtained using the data sample of Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV collected by ALICE at the LHC. The _{Λ}^{3}H is reconstructed via its charged two-body mesonic decay channel (_{Λ}^{3}H→^{3}He+π^{-} and the charge-conjugate process). The measured values τ=[253±11(stat)±6(syst)]  ps and B_{Λ}=[102±63(stat)±67(syst)]  keV are compatible with predictions from effective field theories and confirm that the _{Λ}^{3}H structure is consistent with a weakly bound system.

Effects of Yi Jin Jing on juvenile cervical spondylopathy in China: A parallel, randomized, assessor-blinded clinical trial

Background

Cervical spondylopathy is a common musculo-articular disorder, multiple exercises are recommended. Chinese fitness exercises are prevalent and used to treat various diseases.

Aim

To explore the efficacy of Chinese fitness exercise Yi Jin Jing exercise in intervening the cervical spondylopathy in adolescents.

Patients and Methods

The study was conducted in 60 adolescent patients with cervical spondylopathy, with 30 patients in each group.

Methods

The study was conducted in 60 adolescent patients with cervical spondylopathy, with 30 patients in each group. The observation group was required to take Yi Jin Jing exercise, and the control group took the brisk walking exercise. The first week was the preparatory period for the patients, and then the participants were required to do exercises three times a week for at least 30 minutes in the later 3 weeks. Before and after treatment, Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and cervical curvature in both groups were observed, and the incidence of adverse events in both groups was recorded during the trial.

Results

The NDI and VAS scores in both groups statistically decreased after intervention and mildly increased at follow-up, while the reduction in scores of the Yi Jin Jing group was more significant. Cervical curvature in both groups improved on day 28 compared to day 0. There were no adverse reactions during the evaluation period.

Conclusion

The Chinese health-care qigong Yi Jin Jing exercise is more effective than brisk walking in improving the cervical range of motion and relieving pain in adolescents with cervical spondylopathy. Trial registration/Protocol registration: Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000030723).

A delayed ovulation of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) by downregulating the LHCGR/PGR pathway

Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) is a new ovulation stimulation protocol, and its role in ovulation and regulatory mechanism is unclear. The clinical PPOS protocol was simulated in mice. The ovulated oocytes, estradiol, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were analyzed at different hours after trigger. mRNA extraction and real-time PCR, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunofluorescence of ovaries were used to explore the involved signaling pathways. The PPOS group had a delayed ovulation at 12.5 h after trigger. Its suppressed LH level reduced the expression of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on the preovulatory follicles before trigger and significantly decreased the following progesterone synthesis, blood progesterone level, and progesterone receptor (PGR) expression within 4-6 h after trigger. Furthermore, the important ovulatory genes regulated by PGR including ADAMTS-1, VEGF-A, and EDN2 were downregulated, ultimately delaying the ovulation. PPOS suppresses the LH level before trigger and decreases the synthesis of progesterone after trigger, thus delaying the ovulation by downregulating the LHCGR-PGR pathway.

99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy-based growth evaluation and prediction of epiphysis around the knee: a study of paediatric limb salvage for malignant bone tumours

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of bone scintigraphy in the assessment and prediction of bone growth potential after limb-salvage surgery in children with bone tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five skeletally immature patients with primary bone malignancies in distal femur was enrolled. Thirty-two patients received epiphysis minimally invasive endoprosthesis (EMIE) reconstruction, seven received hemiarthroplasty, and 16 received adult-type rotation-hinged endoprosthesis (ATRHE) reconstruction. All enrolled patients underwent radiographic examination at regular intervals and followed-up for >12 months. The actual limb length discrepancy (LLDa) of the tibia was measured on the radiography image. The expected LLD of tibia (LLDp) was calculated according to multiplier method. The uptake ratio of the ipsilateral epiphysis to the contralateral epiphysis (Ri/c) was calculated at bone scintigraphy. The Ri/c value was accommodated in the formula of multiplier method for a modification. The difference and correlation between the modified expected LLD (LLDm), LLDp and LLDa were analysed.

RESULTS

The growth potential of ipsilateral epiphysis was reserved in all patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty and one fourth of EMIE reconstruction. The Ri/c values in the hemiarthroplasty endoprosthesis group were significantly higher than the EMIE and ATRHE groups. There was no significant difference in Ri/c values between the EMIE and ATRHE group. Data from the 26 patients who reached bone maturation showed that there was a significant difference between LLDp and LLDa. LLDm showed a higher correlation with LLDa than LLDp.

CONCLUSION

Bone scintigraphy is helpful to evaluate the growth potential of epiphysis after surgery. The multiplier method modified by Ri/c value improves prediction accuracy of bone growth.

Measurement of the J/ψ Polarization with Respect to the Event Plane in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

We study the polarization of inclusive J/ψ produced in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV at the LHC in the dimuon channel, via the measurement of the angular distribution of its decay products. We perform the study in the rapidity region 2.5 Collapse

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First Measurement of Antideuteron Number Fluctuations at Energies Available at the Large Hadron Collider

The first measurement of event-by-event antideuteron number fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions is presented. The measurements are carried out at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) as a function of collision centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV using the ALICE detector. A significant negative correlation between the produced antiprotons and antideuterons is observed in all collision centralities. The results are compared with a state-of-the-art coalescence calculation. While it describes the ratio of higher order cumulants of the antideuteron multiplicity distribution, it fails to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the correlation between antiproton and antideuteron production. On the other hand, thermal-statistical model calculations describe all the measured observables within uncertainties only for correlation volumes that are different with respect to those describing proton yields and a similar measurement of net-proton number fluctuations.

Enhanced Deuteron Coalescence Probability in Jets

The transverse-momentum (p_{T}) spectra and coalescence parameters B_{2} of (anti)deuterons are measured in p-p collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV for the first time in and out of jets. In this measurement, the direction of the leading particle with the highest p_{T} in the event (p_{T}^{lead}>5  GeV/c) is used as an approximation for the jet axis. The event is consequently divided into three azimuthal regions, and the jet signal is obtained as the difference between the toward region, that contains jet fragmentation products in addition to the underlying event (UE), and the transverse region, which is dominated by the UE. The coalescence parameter in the jet is found to be approximately a factor of 10 larger than that in the underlying event. This experimental observation is consistent with the coalescence picture and can be attributed to the smaller average phase-space distance between nucleons in the jet cone as compared with the underlying event. The results presented in this Letter are compared to predictions from a simple nucleon coalescence model, where the phase-space distributions of nucleons are generated using pythia8 with the Monash 2013 tuning, and to predictions from a deuteron production model based on ordinary nuclear reactions with parametrized energy-dependent cross sections tuned on data. The latter model is implemented in pythia8.3. Both models reproduce the observed large difference between in-jet and out-of-jet coalescence parameters, although the almost flat trend of the B_{2}^{Jet} is not reproduced by the models, which instead give a decreasing trend.

[Research progress of brain MRI in comitant strabismus]

Comitant strabismus is a common type of strabismus, the etiology and pathogenesis of which remain unclear. It is currently believed to be associated with various factors, including anatomy, refractive errors, accommodation, genetics, and neural factors. In recent years, with the improvement of MRI technology and analysis methods, multidimensional presentations of structural and functional changes in different brain regions related to comitant strabismus have been achieved. Undoubtedly, the application of MRI has the potential to contribute to the etiology of strabismus, particularly the study of central mechanisms. This review article summarizes the research progress on cranial MRI in comitant strabismus, with a focus on summarizing the changes and patterns in brain structures, functions, and interconnections in patients with comitant strabismus reported in previous studies. The aim is to provide new insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of comitant strabismus.

[Clinical features and CT findings of fibrosing mediastinitis associated pulmonary hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and CT findings of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with fibrosing mediastinitis (FM). Methods: Thirteen patients with FM diagnosed between September 2015 and June 2022 were studied retrospectively, including patients with PH (FM-PH group) and patients without PH (FM group) confirmed on right heart catheterization. The t test of two independent samples, Mann-Whitney U rank sum and Fisher's test were used to compare the general information, symptoms, laboratory examination, right ventricular and pulmonary artery measurement data and pulmonary artery CT findings between the two groups, respectively. Results: Compared with the 7 FM patients aged 28-79 (60.00±17.69) years, the 6 patients in the FM-PH group, aged from 60 to 82 (68.83±8.35) years, had more peripheral edema, lower percentage of PaO₂, wider inner diameters of pulmonary artery and right ventricle, a higher ratio of right ventricle and left ventricular transverse diameter, faster tricuspid regurgitation velocity and higher estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (P<0.05). There were no differences in BNP levels and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion between groups (P>0.05). Of the 6 patients with PH, 5 had precapillary PH and 1 had mixed PH. Except that the pulmonary vascular resistance in patients of the FM-PH group was significantly higher than that in the FM group (P<0.05), there were no significant differences in cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure between the two groups. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showed pulmonary artery and vein stenosis. Patients in the FM-PH group had more severe stenosis and occlusion of pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein (P<0.05), and more involvement of multiple pulmonary veins (P<0.05). Conclusions: The clinical manifestation of FM complicated with PH is related to the degree of involvement of pulmonary artery, vein and airway. It is recommended that the disease be evaluated in combination with multiple parameters such as clinical manifestations, cardiac ultrasound, right cardiac catheter and CTPA.

Knockout of miR-184 in zebrafish leads to ocular abnormalities by elevating p21 levels

miR-184 is one of the most abundant miRNAs expressed in the lens and corneal tissue. Mutations in the seed region of miR-184 are responsible for inherited anterior segment dysgenesis. Animal models recapitulating miR-184-related anterior segment dysgenesis are still lacking, and the molecular basis of ocular abnormalities caused by miR-184 dysfunction has not been well elucidated in vivo. In the present study, we constructed a miR-184-/- zebrafish line by destroying both two dre-mir-184 paralogs with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Although there were no gross developmental defects, the miR-184-/- zebrafish displayed microphthalmia and cataract phenotypes. Cytoskeletal abnormalities, aggregation of γ-crystallin, and lens fibrosis were induced in miR-184-/- lenses. However, no obvious corneal abnormalities were observed in miR-184-/- zebrafish. Instead of apoptosis, deficiency of miR-184 led to aberrant cell proliferation and a robust increase in p21 levels in zebrafish eyes. Inhibition of p21 by UC2288 compromised the elevation of lens fibrosis markers in miR-184-/- lenses. RNA-seq demonstrated that levels of four transcriptional factors HSF4, Sox9a, CTCF, and Smad6a, all of which could suppress p21 expression, were reduced in miR-184-/- eyes. The predicted zebrafish miR-184 direct target genes (e.g., atp1a3a and nck2a) were identified and verified in miR-184-/- eye tissues. The miR-184-/- zebrafish is the first animal model mimicking miR-184-related anterior segment dysgenesis and could broaden our understanding of the roles of miR-184 in eye development.

[Surgical approach for esophageal cancer]

Due to the anatomical specificity of esophagus, esophagectomy can be carried out using different approaches, such as left transthoracic, right transthoracic and transhiatal approaches. Each surgical approach is associated with a different prognosis due to the complex anatomy. The left transthoracic approach is no longer the primary choice due to its limitations in providing adequate exposure, lymph node dissection, and resection. The right transthoracic approach is capable of achieving a larger number of dissected lymph nodes and is currently considered the preferred procedure for radical resection. Although the transhiatal approach is less invasive, it could be challenging to perform in a limited operating space and has not been widely adopted in clinical practice. Minimally invasive esophagectomy offers a wider range of surgical options for treating esophageal cancer. This paper reviews different approaches to esophagectomy.

Evidence for phosphorylation-dependent, dynamic, regulation of mGlu5 and Homer2 in expression of cocaine aversion in mice

Cocaine-induced changes in the expression of the glutamate-related scaffolding protein Homer2 influence this drug's psychostimulant and rewarding properties. In response to neuronal activity, Homer2 is phosphorylated on S117/S216 by calcium-calmodulin kinase IIα (CaMKIIα), which induces a rapid dissociation of mGlu5-Homer2 scaffolds. Herein, we examined the requirement for Homer2 phosphorylation in cocaine-induced changes in mGlu5-Homer2 coupling, to include behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. For this, mice with alanine point mutations at (S117/216)-Homer2 (Homer2^AA/AA ) were generated and we determined their affective, cognitive and sensorimotor phenotypes, as well as cocaine-induced changes in conditioned reward and motor hyperactivity. The Homer2^AA/AA mutation prevented activity-dependent phosphorylation of S216 Homer2 in cortical neurons, but Homer2^AA/AA mice did not differ from wild-type controls with respect to Morris maze performance, acoustic startle, spontaneous or cocaine-induced locomotion. Homer2^AA/AA mice exhibited signs of hypo-anxiety similar to the phenotype of transgenic mice with a deficit in signal-regulated mGluR5 phosphorylation (Grm5^AA/AA ). However, opposite of Grm5^AA/AA mice, Homer2^AA/AA mice were less sensitive to the aversive properties of high-dose cocaine under both place- and taste-conditioning procedures. Acute injection with cocaine caused dissociation of mGluR5 and Homer2 in striatal lysates from WT, but not Homer2^AA/AA mice, suggesting a molecular basis for the deficit in cocaine aversion. These findings indicate that CaMKIIα-dependent phosphorylation of Homer2 gates the negative motivational valence of high-dose cocaine via regulation of mGlu5 binding, furthering an important role for dynamic changes in mGlu5-Homer interactions in addiction vulnerability.Significance statementGlobally, psychostimulant use has again risen to reach epidemic proportions, particularly in the United States. Yet, we continue to face a knowledge gap regarding the biological bases of psychostimulant addiction vulnerability to inform disease prognosis and treatment-based recovery. Herein, we show that the psychomotor stimulant cocaine induces the uncoupling of the mGlu5 glutamate receptor from its scaffolding protein Homer2 in brain. Using a transgenic mouse model with deficits cocaine-induced uncoupling of mGlu5-Homer2, we demonstrate an important role for Homer2 scaffolding of mGlu5 in regulating cocaine's aversive properties, without influencing cocaine reward. Findings suggest that environmental factors, to include cocaine exposure, that affect mGlu5-Homer2 scaffolding dynamics may contribute to an individual's subjective response to cocaine to influence addiction vulnerability.

[CD5L is elevated in the serum of patients with candidemia and promotes disease progression in mouse models]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of CD5L levels in patients with candidemia and explore the role of CD5L in progression of candidemia.

METHODS

Twenty healthy control individuals, 27 patients with bacteremia and 35 patients with candidemia were examined for serum CD5L levels using ELISA, and the correlations of CD5L level with other serological indicators were analyzed. A C57BL/6 mouse model of candidemia induced by intravenous injection of Candida albicans were treated with intraperitoneal injection of recombinant CD5L protein, and renal histopathological and serological changes were analyzed to assess renal injures. The effects of CD5L treatment on general condition, fungal burden, of survival of the mice were observed, and the changes in serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels of the mice were detected using ELISA.

RESULTS

CD5L levels were significantly elevated in patients with candidemia and positively correlated with WBC, BDG, Scr and PCT levels. The mouse model of candidemia also showed significantly increased serum and renal CD5L levels, and CD5L treatment significantly increased fungal burden in the renal tissue, elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the serum and kidney, aggravated renal tissue damage, and reduced survival rate of candidemia mice.

CONCLUSION

Serum CD5L levels are increased in patients with candidemia, and treatment with CD5L aggravates candidemia in mouse models.

Maternal rumen and milk microbiota shape the establishment of early-life rumen microbiota in grazing yak calves

Early-life gut microbial colonization and development exert a profound impact on the health and metabolism of the host throughout the life span. The transmission of microbes from the mother to the offspring affects the succession and establishment of the early-life rumen microbiome in newborns, but the contributions of different maternal sites to the rumen microbial establishment remain unclear. In the present study, samples from different dam sites (namely, oral, rumen fluid, milk, and teat skin) and rumen fluid of yak calves were collected at 6 time points between d 7 and 180 postpartum to determine the contributions of the different maternal sites to the establishment of the bacterial and archaeal communities in the rumen during early life. Our analysis demonstrated that the dam's microbial communities clustered according to the sites, and the calves' rumen microbiota resembled that of the dam consistently regardless of fluctuations at d 7 and 14. The dam's rumen microbiota was the major source of the calves' rumen bacteria (7.9%) and archaea (49.7%) compared with the other sites, whereas the potential sources of the calf rumen microbiota from other sites varied according to the age. The contribution of dam's rumen bacteria increased with age from 0.36% at d 7 to 14.8% at d 180, whereas the contribution of the milk microbiota showed the opposite trend, with its contribution reduced from 2.7% at d 7 to 0.2% at d 180. Maternal oral archaea were the main sources of the calves' rumen archaea at d 14 (50.4%), but maternal rumen archaea became the main source gradually and reached 66.2% at d 180. These findings demonstrated the potential microbial transfer from the dam to the offspring that could influence the rumen microbiota colonization and establishment in yak calves raised under grazing regimens, providing the basis for future microbiota manipulation strategies during their early life.

[Current status of lymph node dissection in pyloric-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer]

With the gradual increase in the diagnosis rate of early gastric cancer, clinicians must consider prevention of gastric anatomical structure and physiological function while ensuring the radical treatment of the tumor. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is a function- preserving operation that preserves the pylorus, inferior pyloric vessel, and the vagus nerve in patients with early middle gastric cancer. One of the major controversies at present is the thoroughness of limited lymph node dissection for pyloric-preserving gastrectomy. Various studies have reported that the lymph node metastasis rate of early middle gastric cancer was low, especially in the suprapyloric region, inferior pylorus and the upper pancreatic region. Partial lymph node dissection is required for vascular and neurological protection, which is also safe and feasible in studies reported by major centers. Many clinical studies have been carried out in Japan and Korea, and postoperative follow-up has gradually increased evidence, providing the basis for the safety of lymph node dissection. In large case studies comparing pylorus- preserving gastrectomy with traditional distal gastrectomy, the incidence of postoperative morbidity, such as dumping syndrome, bile reflux esophagitis, weight loss, and malnutrition is low. Sentinel lymph node navigation technology is gradually applied to the diagnosis and treatment of early gastric cancer, and its clinical application value still needs further research.

[Effect of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma:a multicenter retrospective study]

Objectives: To examine the influence of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection on the survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC) and to identify patients who may benefit from it. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 654 patients with ICC diagnosed by postoperative pathology from December 2011 to December 2017 at 13 hospitals in China were collected retrospectively. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,455 patients were included in this study,including 69 patients (15.2%) who received adjuvant chemotherapy and 386 patients (84.8%) who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. There were 278 males and 177 females,with age of 59 (16) years (M(IQR))(range:23 to 88 years). Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to balance the difference between adjuvant chemotherapy group and non-adjuvant chemotherapy group. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curve,the Log-rank test was used to compare the difference of overall survival(OS) and recurrence free survival(RFS)between the two groups. Univariate analysis was used to determine prognostic factors for OS. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were then performed for prognostic factors with P<0.10 to identify potential independent risk factors. The study population were stratified by included study variables and the AJCC staging system,and a subgroup analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method to explore the potential benefit subgroup population of adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: After 1∶1 PSM matching,69 patients were obtained in each group. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). After PSM,Cox multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (HR=3.06,95%CI:1.52 to 6.16,P=0.039),width of resection margin (HR=0.56,95%CI:0.32 to 0.99,P=0.044) and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.51,95%CI:0.29 to 0.91,P=0.022) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median OS time of adjuvant chemotherapy group was significantly longer than that of non-adjuvant chemotherapy group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RFS time between the adjuvant chemotherapy group and the non-adjuvant chemotherapy group (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that,the OS of female patients,without HBV infection,carcinoembryonic antigen<9.6 μg/L,CA19-9≥200 U/ml,intraoperative bleeding<400 ml,tumor diameter>5 cm,microvascular invasion negative,without lymph node metastasis,and AJCC stage Ⅲ patients could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Adjuvant chemotherapy can prolong the OS of patients with ICC after radical resection,and patients with tumor diameter>5 cm,without lymph node metastasis,AJCC stage Ⅲ,and microvascular invasion negative are more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Reproducibility evaluation of air-charged catheter for rest urethral pressure profilometry]

We retrospectively included 53 (9 males, 44 females) patients who underwent rest urethral pressure profilometry (RUPP) due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from May 2021 to March 2022. The age of patients was (55±16) (25-76) years old. The clinical diagnoses of the included patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were classified as: benign prostatic hyperplasia in 9 cases, interstitial cystitis in 1 case, stress urinary incontinence in 11 cases and non-obstructive dysuria in 32 cases. The full set of urodynamic examination was composed of bladder pressure measurement during the filling period, pressure flow study (PFS) and RUPP. All the urodynamic examination was performed by air-charged catheter (ACC) and corresponding equipment. All patients underwent RUPP measurements twice. The vesical pressure (Pves) values were (35.30±6.15), (35.81±5.91) cmH₂O (1 cmH₂O=0.098 kPa); the Pura@max were (141.91±36.53), (145.02±38.85) cmH₂O; functional urethral length were (41.70±16.34), (42.55±16.40) mm; the maximum urethral closure pressure for the two RUPP measurements were (106.57±36.44), (109.41±39.27) cmH₂O. There was no statistical difference between the two RUPP measurements (P>0.05). The reproducibility of the RUPP measurements obtained by ACC is good and deserves further study.

[Prognostic analysis of acute pulmonary thromboembolism with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and to explore the prognostic factors of acute pulmonary embolism(APE) with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation(AF). Methods: The medical records of inpatients with APE discharged from Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical symptoms, complications, laboratory results, echocardiographic parameters, simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) and adverse in-hospital outcome were compared between the newly diagnosed AF group and the sinus rhythm group. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of adverse in-hospital outcome with APE. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in newly diagnosed AF group and 102 cases in the sinus rhythm group. The patients in newly diagnosed AF group had greater sPESI scores, higher proportion of sPESI≥2 scores, higher incidence of adverse in-hospital outcome as well as longer hospital stay days. Newly diagnosed AF and sPESI≥2 scores were independent predictors affecting adverse in-hospital outcome. The area under ROC curve in newly diagnosed AF combined with sPESI≥2 scores was largest. Conclusions: The APE patients with newly diagnosed AF were more severely ill and prone to in-hospital adverse outcome. Newly diagnosed AF was an independent predictor affecting adverse in-hospital outcome. sPESI≥2 combined with newly diagnosed AF scores had a high predictive value for the occurrence of in-hospital adverse outcome.

Muscle Fat Content Is Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis in Chinese Adults

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have linked myosteatosis with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in individuals with obesity. The clinical significance of myosteatosis in individuals with NAFLD in the general population has not been well investigated. Here, we wanted to explore and compare the associations of NAFLD and liver fibrosis with muscle fat content and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in a relatively large general population in China.

METHODS

We retrospectively included all participants who underwent abdominal CT scans in our health promotion center between April 2021 and October 2021. Muscle fat content was assessed by abdomen quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans, and SMM was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. NAFLD was assessed by ultrasonography. The NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) score were calculated to assess liver fibrosis.

RESULTS

Compared with participants without NAFLD, patients with NAFLD showed significantly increased intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT%) (7.40±3.37% vs. 6.76±2.66%, P <0.01). According to a multiple logistic regression model, IMAT% (OR=1.091, 95% CI 1.030-1.155, P=0.003) was only independently correlated with NAFLD in obese participants. Mediation analysis showed that BMI mediated the association between IMAT% and NAFLD. In participants with NAFLD, increased IMAT% was independently associated with an increased intermediate to high risk of advanced fibrosis assessed by the NFS or FIB-4 score after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. However, SMM was only independently correlated with an intermediate to high risk for advanced fibrosis evaluated by the NFS and not by the FIB-4 score.

CONCLUSION

Increased muscle fat content is positively correlated with NAFLD and intermediate to high risk for advanced fibrosis in the general Chinese population.

[Chinese foreign medical aid work should pay attention to heat stroke as a preventable disease under global warming context]

Within the global warming context, heat stroke heavily threatens human health as the most severe type of heat-related illnesses. Despite the urgent onset, severe condition and poor prognosis, heat stroke is entirely preventable and treatable. Most of the recipient countries of Chinese foreign medical aid work are concentrated in the tropical and subtropical regions. It is necessary to popularize the knowledge of heat stroke and improve the ability of diagnose and treatment among foreign medical aid members, which is critical to enhance the quality of medical service and provide better medical care for recipient countries and workers in Chinese-funded institutions. This article reviews the latest research progress in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of heat stroke to provide scientific reference for actively implementing interventions and reducing morbidity and mortality.

[Prevention and treatment of stroke in Chinese and African young adults]

Over the past two decades, with the improvement of living standards and the change of lifestyle, the incidence of stroke in young adults had been increasing year by year. Compared with elderly patients, young patients had a higher proportion of intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The etiologies of ischemic stroke in young patients were more diverse, with increasing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, and oral contraceptives. Due to the atypical clinical symptoms, various etiologies, the clinical inertia of the receiving physicians and the concerns about the use of statins in young stroke patients, timely diagnosis and standardized treatment are still challenging. China has been providing medical assistance to African countries for nearly 60 years. Considering the regional differences in medical level between China and Africa, in order to help Chinese medical teams to have a deep understanding of the current situation of stroke in young African adults, this paper comprehensively analyzed the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors and prevention measures of stroke in young adults, especially in Chinese and African, which could provide corresponding reference for early identification, treatment, prevention and education of stroke in young people.

[New challenges for Chinese foreign medical aid in the context of global warming: heat-related illnesses]

Global warming poses an ever-increasing threat to human health, with heat-related illnesses affecting economically underdeveloped tropical regions, posing new challenges to Chinese foreign medical aid work in Africa. By improving the professional ability of foreign aid medical team members and paying attention to the prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses, they can provide better medical services for recipient countries and Chinese migrant workers in Africa while ensuring their safety.

Hypertriton Production in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The study of nuclei and antinuclei production has proven to be a powerful tool to investigate the formation mechanism of loosely bound states in high-energy hadronic collisions. The first measurement of the production of _{Λ}^{3}H in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV is presented in this Letter. Its production yield measured in the rapidity interval -1<y<0 for the 40% highest-multiplicity p-Pb collisions is dN/dy=[6.3±1.8(stat)±1.2(syst)]×10^{-7}. The measurement is compared with the expectations of statistical hadronization and coalescence models, which describe the nucleosynthesis in hadronic collisions. These two models predict very different yields of the hypertriton in charged particle multiplicity environments relevant to small collision systems such as p-Pb, and therefore the measurement of dN/dy is crucial to distinguish between them. The precision of this measurement leads to the exclusion with a significance larger than 6.9σ of some configurations of the statistical hadronization model, thus constraining the theory behind the production of loosely bound states at hadron colliders.

[Laparoscopic surgery in treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in liver: safety and efficacy]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). Methods: The clinical data of 42 patients with hepatic PEComa diagnosed by pathology in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2012 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the endoscopic group and the open group according to surgical methods. Statistical software was used to compare the differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pathological data and incidence of complications between the two groups. Results: There were 27 cases in the endoscopic group and 15 cases in the open group. In the endoscopic group, there were 5 males and 22 females, aged (40.0±10.4) years. In the open group, there were 5 males and 10 females, aged (44.5±12.6) years. The operative time of the endoscopic group and the open group was (239±156.2) min and (348±103.0) min, and the postoperative hospital stay was (8.2±2.4) d and (13.7±4.9) d, respectively, the endoscopic group was significantly better than the open group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, tumor benign and malignant, tumor site, tumor diameter, Ki67 index, postoperative complications such as biliary leakage, incision infection and pleural effusion (P>0.05). During the follow-up period of 2-103 months, one case was lost to follow-up, two cases died in the endoscopic group,one case died in the open group. The 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and disease-free survival rate (DFS) were 80.8% and 83.0%, respectively. Meanwhile,. The 5-year OS and DFS were both 92.3%, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic PEComa has the advantages of short operation time and short postoperative hospital stay, and the incidence of complications, 5-year OS and DFS are not significantly different from that of the open group.

Polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] Hyperons along the Beam Direction in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=5.02 TeV

The polarization of the Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam (z) direction, P_{z}, has been measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded with ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The main contribution to P_{z} comes from elliptic flow-induced vorticity and can be characterized by the second Fourier sine coefficient P_{z,s2}=⟨P_{z}sin(2φ-2Ψ_{2})⟩, where φ is the hyperon azimuthal emission angle and Ψ_{2} is the elliptic flow plane angle. We report the measurement of P_{z,s2} for different collision centralities and in the 30%-50% centrality interval as a function of the hyperon transverse momentum and rapidity. The P_{z,s2} is positive similarly as measured by the STAR Collaboration in Au-Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV, with somewhat smaller amplitude in the semicentral collisions. This is the first experimental evidence of a nonzero hyperon P_{z} in Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC. The comparison of the measured P_{z,s2} with the hydrodynamic model calculations shows sensitivity to the competing contributions from thermal and the recently found shear-induced vorticity, as well as to whether the polarization is acquired at the quark-gluon plasma or the hadronic phase.

[Quantitative evaluation of global left ventricular myocardial work in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by pressure-strain loop]

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate myocardial work in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by using left ventricular pressure-strain loop. Methods: 70 cases with hepatitis B cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from March to December 2020 were selected as the study group. Patients were divided into three subgroups according to the Child-Pugh score of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A, B, and C groups: 25, 25, and 20 patients, respectively). At the same time, 25 healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global myocardial work index (GWI), global work efficiency (GWE), global constructive work (GCW), and global wasted work (GWW) were obtained by applying pressure-strain loops. The differences were analyzed and compared among the four groups parameters. Results: Compared with the control group, the Child-Pugh class A group had decreased GLS, while Child-Pugh class B and C had decreased GLS, GWI, GWE, GCW, and increased GWW, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with Child-Pugh class A group, Child-Pugh class B group had decreased GLS, GWE, and increased GWW, while Child-Pugh class C group had decreased GLS,GWI, GWE, GCW, and increased GWW, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with Child-Pugh class B group, Child-Pugh class C group had decreased GLS, GWI, GWE, GCW, and increased GWW, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: The pressure-strain loop can detect early myocardial dysfunction, and has a certain value in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation of myocardial function changes in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Effect of Female and Male Body Mass Index on Cumulative Live Birth Rates in the Freeze-all Strategy

CONTEXT

The impact of parental overweight/obese on cumulative live birth rate in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection using a freeze-all strategy is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of parental body mass index (BMI) on cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in a freeze-all strategy over 1.5 years.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in a tertiary care academic medical center; 23 482 patients (35 289 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles) were divided into 4 groups according to Asian BMI classification. The main outcome measure was CLBR.

RESULTS

Female overweight/obesity had a lower tendency in CLBR (groups 1-4: optimistic: 69.4%, 67.9%, 62.3%, and 65.7%; conservative: 62.9%, 61.1%, 55.4%, and 57.6%) and prolonged time (groups 1-4: 11.0, 12.2, 15.9, and 13.8 months for 60% CLBR in the optimistic method; 8.7, 9.5, 11.7, 11.0 months for 50% CLBR in the conservative method). The same trend to a lesser extent was also observed in male BMI groups. When combining parental BMI, "parental overweight/obesity" had lower CLBR and longer time for reaching CLBR >50% (optimistic: 4.5 months for 60% CLBR; conservative: 3 months for 50% CLBR), followed by "only female high BMI" (optimistic: 2.1 months for 60% CLBR; conservative: 1.7 months for 50% CLBR), while "only male high BMI" had no influence.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed the importance of parental BMI, female BMI, and male BMI on the 1.5-year CLBR using a freeze-all strategy; the time to reach the CLBR (60% in optimistic, 50% in conservative) for overweight and obese patients was several months, but it is not as long as losing weight.

Measurement of the Groomed Jet Radius and Momentum Splitting Fraction in pp and Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

This article presents groomed jet substructure measurements in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector. The soft drop grooming algorithm provides access to the hard parton splittings inside a jet by removing soft wide-angle radiation. We report the groomed jet momentum splitting fraction, z_{g}, and the (scaled) groomed jet radius, θ_{g}. Charged-particle jets are reconstructed at midrapidity using the anti-k_{T} algorithm with resolution parameters R=0.2 and R=0.4. In heavy-ion collisions, the large underlying event poses a challenge for the reconstruction of groomed jet observables, since fluctuations in the background can cause groomed parton splittings to be misidentified. By using strong grooming conditions to reduce this background, we report these observables fully corrected for detector effects and background fluctuations for the first time. A narrowing of the θ_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is seen, which provides direct evidence of the modification of the angular structure of jets in the quark-gluon plasma. No significant modification of the z_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is observed. These results are compared with a variety of theoretical models of jet quenching, and provide constraints on jet energy-loss mechanisms and coherence effects in the quark-gluon plasma.

[Scanning electron microscopic observation of the external morphology of Dermatophagoides farinae at different developmental stages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the morphological characteristics of Dermatophagoides farinae at different developmental stages.

METHODS

The cultured D. farinae was isolated, and the external morphological features of mites at various developmental stages were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including egg, larva, nymph and adult stages.

RESULTS

The D. farinae egg appeared a long oval shape, and the larval mites had three pairs of legs. The nymph had four pairs of legs and underdeveloped genital pores containing genital setae and anal setae, and adult mites appeared long and oval in shape, with decorative patterns on epidermis, and had four pairs of legs. In male adult mites, remarkable thickening of the leg I and thicker and longer leg III than the leg IV were seen, and ventral genital regions were found between the basal segments of legs III and IV; the anus was surrounded by a circular peri-anal ring, with a pair of anal suckers and anal setae within the ring. In the female adult mites, slender legs III and IV with an equal length were seen, and a "λ-shape" genital hole was observed on the ventral surface, with a crescent-like genital plate in the anterior part, and the anus appeared a longitudinal slit.

CONCLUSIONS

An SEM observation of the external morphology of D. farinae provides understandings of the morphological characteristics of D. farinae, which is of great significance for the classification and identification.

[Effects of mesenchymal stem cells on primary culture and secretion function of parathyroid cells in vitro]

Objective: To investigate the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on proliferation and hormone secretion of parathyroid cells in votro. Methods: The parathyroid cells and ADMSCs were obtained from 10 SD rats by cell separation and culture. The phenotype of P3 generation for ADMSCs was detected by flow cytometry. The co-culture of parathyroid cells and ADMSCs was conducted in the ratios of 2∶1, 1∶1, 1∶2 and 1∶5, respectively. The level of parathyroid hormone in cell supernatant was determined. The results were compared with the parathyroid hormone in the supernatant of parathyroid cells cultured separately in the corresponding number. The effects of ADMSCs on the hormone secretion of parathyroid cells were evaluated. SPSS 11.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The primary culture of either parathyroid cells or ADMSCs and the co-culture of these cells in vitro were performed successfully, and the in vitro culture of different proportions of the two cells showed different effects on parathyroid hormone secretion. The co-culture of parathyroid cells and ADMSCs, especially in the ratio of 1∶5, facilitated the secretion of parathyroid hormone ((1.3±0.0) vs. (0.8±0.1), (1.3±0.0) vs. (0.9±0.0), (1.7±0.5) vs. (0.9±0.0), (1.7±0.0) vs. (1.2±0.2))ng/L with t value of 25.46, 64.30, 3.32, 7.16, P<0.05 on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th days respectively. Secondly, when the ratio was 1∶2, the PTH level showed an upward trend. Conclusion: Parathyroid cells and ADMSCs can be co-cultured in vitro, facilitating the secretion of parathyroid hormone under the appropriate cell proportion such as the ratio of by parathyroid cells to ADMSCs at 1∶5.

A Novel Glycerol Kinase Gene OsNHO1 Regulates Resistance to Bacterial Blight and Blast Diseases in Rice

Glycerol-induced resistance to various pathogens has been reported in different plants. Glycerol kinase (GK), a vital rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes glycerol conversion to glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), participates in responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. However, its physiological importance in rice defenses against pathogens remains unclear. In this research, quantification analysis revealed that GK levels were significantly induced in rice leaves infected by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strain PXO99. A typical GK-encoding gene OsNHO1 was cloned in rice. The transcriptional levels of OsNHO1 were significantly induced by salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and Xoo-PXO99. Ectopic expression of OsNHO1 partially rescued the resistance to P. s. pv. phaseolicola in the Arabidopsis nho1 mutant. In the overexpressing transgenic rice lines (OsNHO1-OE), the content of GK and the transcriptional level of OsNHO1 were increased and the resistance to bacterial blight and blast was improved, while reduced OsNHO1 expression impaired the resistance in OsNHO1-RNAi lines. The wax contents and expression of the wax synthesis regulatory genes were significantly increased in the overexpression lines but decreased in the OsNHO1-RNAi lines. We then confirmed the interaction partner of OsNHO1 using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. The transcription of the interaction partner-encoding genes OsSRC2 and OsPRs in OsNHO1-RNAi lines was downregulated but upregulated in OsNHO1-OE lines. Thus, we concluded that OsNHO1 provided disease resistance by affecting the wax content and modulating the transcription levels of PR genes.