Simple Isopropanol-Assisted Direct Soft Imprint Lithography for Residue-Free Microstructure Patterning

A direct soft imprint lithography was proposed to realize the direct fabrication of residue-free, well-shaped functional patterns through a single step. This imprint method requires only a simply prepared isopropanol-treated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp without any additional resists. Residue-free Ag patterns were successfully fabricated on different substrates by directly imprinting the Ag ink with the isopropanol-treated PDMS stamp. Furthermore, the coffee-ring effect of the imprinting Ag patterns can be eliminated by optimizing the imprinting time, isopropanol-treating time, and imprinting temperatures. Studies show that the residual Ag ink in the contact region can be absorbed by the isopropanol-treated PDMS stamp due to the "like dissolves like" principle. Finally, this method was employed to fabricate the Ag electrodes for the thin-film transistors, attaining a mobility of ∼8 cm2 V-1 s-1, which is comparable to those with vacuum-processed electrodes. This process provides a simple, low-cost, residue-free, coffee-ring-free, and fast patterning method in the field of microelectronics.

Prediction of m6A and m5C at single-molecule resolution reveals a transcriptome-wide co-occurrence of RNA modifications

The epitranscriptome embodies many new and largely unexplored functions of RNA. A significant roadblock hindering progress in epitranscriptomics is the identification of more than one modification in individual transcript molecules. We address this with CHEUI (CH3 (methylation) Estimation Using Ionic current). CHEUI predicts N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in individual molecules from the same sample, the stoichiometry at transcript reference sites, and differential methylation between any two conditions. CHEUI processes observed and expected nanopore direct RNA sequencing signals to achieve high single-molecule, transcript-site, and stoichiometry accuracies in multiple tests using synthetic RNA standards and cell line data. CHEUI's capability to identify two modification types in the same sample reveals a co-occurrence of m6A and m5C in individual mRNAs in cell line and tissue transcriptomes. CHEUI provides new avenues to discover and study the function of the epitranscriptome.

[Application of optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of cervical lesions: a multicenter study]

Objective: To explore the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system in evaluating cervical lesions in vivo. Methods: A total of 1 214 patients with cervical lesions were collected from January 2020 to December 2021 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Maternal and Chlid Heaith Hospital of Gushi County, Xinyang City, Henan Province, and Maternal and Chlid Heaith Hospital of Sui County, Shangqiu City, Henan Province. The age of the patients was (38.9±10.5) years (range: 16-77 years). All patients underwent in vivo cervical OCT examination and cervical biopsy pathology examination, and summarized the OCT image features of in vivo cervical lesions. Using the pathological diagnosis as the "gold standard", the accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of OCT image interpretation results were evaluated, as well as the consistency of OCT image diagnosis and pathological diagnosis. At the same time, the in vivo cervical OCT imaging system, as a newly developed screening tool, was compared with the traditional combined screening of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Thinprep cytologic test (TCT), to assess the screening effect. Results: By comparing the OCT images of the cervix in vivo with the corresponding HE images, the OCT image characteristics of the normal cervix and various types of cervical lesions in vivo were summarized. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of OCT image in the diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and above (HSIL+) were 93.4%, 88.5%, 95.0%, 85.0% and 96.2%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of OCT for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) were 84.7%, 61.7%, 96.3%, 89.3% and 83.2%, respectively. The consistency between OCT image diagnosis and pathological diagnosis was strong (Kappa value was 0.701).The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of OCT screening, HPV and TCT combined screening were 83.7% vs 64.9% (χ²=128.82, P<0.001), 77.8% vs 64.5% (χ²=39.01, P<0.001), 91.8% vs 65.4% (χ²=98.12, P<0.001), respectively. The differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: OCT imaging system has high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of cervical lesions in vivo, and has the characteristics of non-invasive, real-time and high efficiency. OCT examination is expected to become an effective method for the diagnosis of cervical lesions and cervical cancer screening.

[Etiological characterization of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella strains in Guangdong Province from 2018 to 2022]

Objective: To understand the serotype distribution, drug resistance and molecular characterization of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella (iNTS) in Guangdong Province from 2018 to 2022 and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of blood flow infection caused by Salmonella. Methods: Serological identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and whole genome sequencing were performed on Salmonella isolated from blood and stool samples in Guangdong from 2018 to 2022. Simultaneously, annotated the sequencing results for drug resistance genes and virulence factors by a microbial gene annotation system. Results: The 136 iNTS strains were divided into 25 serotypes, and Salmonella enteritidis accounted for 38.24% (52/136). The OR of other iNTS serotypes were calculated with Salmonella typhimurium as the control. The OR values of Oreninburg, Rysson, and Pomona serotypes were the highest, which were 423.50, 352.92, and 211.75, respectively. The drug resistance rate of iNTS was 0.74%-66.91%, which was lower than that of non-iNTS (3.90%-77.21%). The main iNTS of drug resistance were ampicillin and tetracycline, with resistance rates of 66.91% (91/136) and 50.00% (68/136), respectively, while the resistance rates to ciprofloxacin (5.88%,8/136), ceftazidime (5.88%,8/136), gentamicin (5.13%,7/136) and cefoxitin (0.74%, 1/136) were relatively low. iNTS carried a variety of drug-resistance genes and virulence factors, but no standard virulence factor distribution has been found. MLST cluster analysis showed that iNTS was divided into 26 sequence types, and ST11 accounted for 38.24% (52/136). Conclusions: The iNTS strains in Guangdong were dominated by Salmonella enteritidis, of which three serotypes, Oreninburg, Rison, and Pomona, may be associated with a higher risk of invasive infection during 2018 to 2022. iNTS was sensitive to clinical first-line therapeutic drugs (cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones), with highly diverse sequences and clear phylogenetic branches. ST11 was the local dominant clone group.

[Survey on the awareness rate of mpox knowledge and related factors among men who have sex with men in China]

Objective: To understand the awareness rate of mpox knowledge and related factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods: The survey was conducted among men aged ≥18 years who had sex with men in the past year, using the convenience sampling method. The estimated sample size was 4 312. With the assistance of social organizations of MSM in 30 provinces in China, an online questionnaire survey was conducted using anonymous self-designed questionnaires powered by www.wjx.cn during 10-14 August 2023 to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of mpox knowledge, travel history, and sexual behaviors of the respondents. The software SAS 9.4 was used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 7 725 respondents, and the age of the respondents was (31.6±9.0) years. The results revealed that the awareness rate of mpox knowledge was 50.1% (3 872/7 725). The main routes to acquire mpox knowledge were mainly new media, including WeChat, Weibo, TikTok, and Blued social software (88.4%,6 827/7 725), while official media report was the most trusted way to acquire related knowledge (79.3%,6 129/7 725). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors indicated a higher awareness rate of mpox knowledge, including living in the western region or the eastern region, people were over 26 years old in early adulthood and midlife, college-educated or with higher degrees, living in towns or urban periphery, being in homosexual or in bisexual relationships, 1-5 homosexual times/months in the past 3 months, knowing their HIV infection status, paying attention to mpox knowledge very often, occasionally or rarely, and convenient ways to acquire mpox knowledge from new media and social organizations. Conclusions: The awareness rate of mpox knowledge was low among MSM in China. Efforts should be made to improve the awareness rate of mpox knowledge among those who are young, less educated, or sexually active, with targeted health education via new media and social organizations.

Interlayer coupling modulated for thermoelectric transport characterization of black arsenic nanoscale devices

Modulating interlayer coupling modes can effectively enhance the thermoelectric properties of nano materials or nanoscale devices. By using density functional theory (DFT) combined with non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method, we investigate the thermoelectric properties of zigzag-type black arsenic nanoscale devices with varying interlayer coupling modes. Our results show that altering the interlayer coupling mode significantly modulates the thermoelectric properties of the system. Specifically, we consider four coupling modes with different strengths, by modulating different interlayer overlap patterns. Notably, in the weaker interlayer coupling mode, the system exhibits enhanced thermoelectric properties due to increased interface phonon scattering, reaching a peak value of 2.23 at μ =-0.73eV. Furthermore, we explore the temperature-dependent behavior of each coupling model. The results suggest that the thermoelectric characteristics are more sensitive to temperature variations in the weaker coupling modes. These insights provide valuable guidance for enhancing the thermoelectric performance of nano-scale devices through precise interlayer coupling modulation.

[High-quality acceleration of the Chinese national schistosomiasis elimination programme to advance the building of Healthy China]

The goal of achieving elimination of schistosomiasis across all endemic counties in China by 2030 was proposed in the Outline of the Healthy China 2030 Plan. On June 16, 2023, the Action Plan to Accelerate the Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China (2023-2030) was jointly issued by National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and other 10 ministries, which deployed the targets and key tasks of the national schistosomiasis elimination programme in China. This article describes the progress of the national schistosomiasis control programme, analyzes the opportunities to eliminate schistosomiasis, and proposes targeted recommendations to tackle the challenges of schistosomiasis elimination, so as to accelerate the process towards schistosomiasis elimination and facilitate the building of a healthy China.

Injectable Tissue-Specific Hydrogel System for Pulp-Dentin Regeneration

The quest for finding a suitable scaffold system that supports cell survival and function and, ultimately, the regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex remains challenging. Herein, we hypothesized that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) encapsulated in a collagen-based hydrogel with varying stiffness would regenerate functional dental pulp and dentin when concentrically injected into the tooth slices. Collagen hydrogels with concentrations of 3 mg/mL (Col3) and 10 mg/mL (Col10) were prepared, and their stiffness and microstructure were assessed using a rheometer and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. DPSCs were then encapsulated in the hydrogels, and their viability and differentiation capacity toward endothelial and odontogenic lineages were evaluated using live/dead assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. For in vivo experiments, DPSC-encapsulated collagen hydrogels with different stiffness, with or without growth factors, were injected into pulp chambers of dentin tooth slices and implanted subcutaneously in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Specifically, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF [50 ng/mL]) was loaded into Col3 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2 [50 ng/mL]) into Col10. Pulp-dentin regeneration was evaluated by histological and immunofluorescence staining. Data were analyzed using 1-way or 2-way analysis of variance accordingly (α = 0.05). Rheology and microscopy data revealed that Col10 had a stiffness of 8,142 Pa with a more condensed and less porous structure, whereas Col3 had a stiffness of 735 Pa with a loose microstructure. Furthermore, both Col3 and Col10 supported DPSCs' survival. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed Col3 promoted significantly higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) and CD31 expression after 7 and 14 d under endothelial differentiation conditions (P < 0.05), whereas Col10 enhanced the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and collagen 1 (Col1) after 7, 14, and 21 d of odontogenic differentiation (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence (CD31 and vWF) staining revealed Col10+Col3+DPSCs+GFs enhanced pulp-dentin tissue regeneration. In conclusion, the collagen-based concentric construct modified by growth factors guided the specific lineage differentiation of DPSCs and promoted pulp-dentin tissue regeneration in vivo.

[Magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping could reflect disease status in patients with dermatomyositis or polymyositis]

This study aimed to explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping in the assessment of dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). Thirty-three confirmed cases (myosin group) and eight healthy volunteers (healthy control group) at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, from October 2016 to December 2017, were collected and analyzed. Multiple parameters of the myosin group were quantified, including creatine kinase (CK), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), complement C3, and complement C4. Disease status was evaluated using a panel of tools: myositis disease activity assessment tool-muscle (MDAAT-muscle), myositis disease activity assessment tool-whole (MDAAT-all), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), medical outcomes study health survey short form-36 item (SF-36), hand muscle strength test (MMT-8) score, and MRI T2 mapping of muscle (22 muscles in the pelvis and thighs) T2 values. The results showed that in the myositis group, the measurements for CK, ESR, CRP, complement C3, and complement C4 were 457.2 (165.6, 1 229.2) IU/L, 20 (10, 42) mm/1h, 3.25 (2.38, 10.07) mg/L, 0.90 (0.83, 1.06) g/L, and 0.18 (0.14, 0.23) g/L, respectively. The scores for MMT-8, MDAAT-muscle, MDAAT-all, HAQ, and SF-36 were 57.12±16.23, 5.34 (4.00, 6.00), 34.63±12.62, 1.55 (0.66, 2.59), and 44.66±7.98, respectively. T2 values were significantly higher in all 22 muscles of the pelvis and thighs of patients with DM or PM compared with the healthy controls [(54.99±11.60)ms vs. (36.62±1.66)ms, P<0.001], with the most severe lesions in the satrorius, iliopsoas, piriformis, gluteus minimus, and gluteus medius muscles. The total muscle T2 value in the myositis group was positively correlated with CK, MDAAT-muscle, MDAAT-all, and HAQ (r=0.461, 0.506, 0.347, and 0.510, respectively, all P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between complement C4, SF-36, and MMT-8 scores (r=-0.424, -0.549, and -0.686, respectively, all P<0.05). Collectively, the findings from this study suggest that MRI T2 mapping can objectively reflect the disease status of DM and PM.

Amplitude Analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the coefficients associated to short-distance physics effects, sensitive to processes beyond the standard model, are extracted directly from the data through a q^{2}-unbinned amplitude analysis, where q^{2} is the μ^{+}μ^{-} invariant mass squared. Long-distance contributions, which originate from nonfactorizable QCD processes, are systematically investigated, and the most accurate assessment to date of their impact on the physical observables is obtained. The pattern of measured corrections to the short-distance couplings is found to be consistent with previous analyses of b- to s-quark transitions, with the largest discrepancy from the standard model predictions found to be at the level of 1.8 standard deviations. The global significance of the observed differences in the decay is 1.4 standard deviations.

[Capacity building in schistosomiasis control institutions in China: a cross-sectional study]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the current status of capacity building in schistosomiasis control institutes in schistosomiasis-endemic provinces (municipality, autonomous region) of China.

METHODS

The responsibilities and construction requirements of various schistosomiasis control institutions were surveyed by expert discussions, and field interviews and visits during the period between May and June, 2023, and the questionnaire for capacity maintenance and consolidation in schistosomiasis control institutions was designed. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in county-, municipal-, and provincial-level institutions that undertook schistosomiasis control and surveillance activities through the Wenjuanxing program. The distribution of schistosomiasis control institutions, the status of institutions, departments and staff undertaking schistosomiasis control activities and the translation of scientific researches on schistosomiasis control in China were analyzed. The laboratories accredited by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) were considered to be capable for testing associated with schistosomiasis control, and the testing capability of schistosomiasis control institutions was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 486 valid questionnaires were recovered from 486 schistosomiasis control institutions in 12 endemic provinces (municipality, autonomous region) of China, including 12 provincial-level institutions (2.5%), 77 municipal-level institutions (15.8%) and 397 county-level institutions (81.7%). Of all schistosomiasis control institutions, 376 (77.4%) were centers for disease control and prevention or public health centers, 102 (21.0%) were institutions for schistosomiasis, endemic disease and parasitic disease control, and 8 (1.6%) were hospitals, healthcare centers or others. There were 37 713 active employees in the 486 schistosomiasis control institutions, including 5 675 employees related to schistosomiasis control, and the proportions of employees associated with schistosomiasis control among all active employees were 5.9% (231/3 897), 5.5% (566/10 134), and 20.6% (4 878/23 682) in provincial-, municipal-, and county-level institutions, respectively. There were 3 826 full-time employees working in schistosomiasis control activities, with 30.5% (1 166/3 826), 34.6% (1 324) and 34.9% (1 336/3 826) at ages of 40 years and below, 41 to 50 years and over 50 years, and there were 1 571 (41.0%) full-time schistosomiasis control employees with duration of schistosomiasis control activities for over 25 years, and 1 358 (35.5%) employees with junior professional titles and 1 290 with intermediate professional titles (35.5%), while 712 (18.6%) full-time employees working in schistosomiasis control activities had no professional titles. The three core schistosomiasis control activities included snail control (26.3%, 374/1 420), epidemics surveillance and management (25.4%, 361/1 420) and health education (18.8%, 267/1 420) in schistosomiasis control institutions. The Kato-Katz method, miracidium hatching test with nylon gauzes, and indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) were the most commonly used techniques for detection of schistosomiasis, and there were less than 50% laboratories that had capabilities or experimental conditions for performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA), dot immunogold filtration assay (DIG-FA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. During the period from 2018 to 2022, schistosomiasis control institutions had undertaken a total of 211 research projects for schistosomiasis control, with a total funding of 18.596 million RMB, published 619 articles, participated in formulation of 13 schistosomiasis control-related criteria, and applied for 113 schistosomiasis control-related patents, including 101 that were granted, and commercialized 4 scientific research outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of independent specialized schistosomiasis control institutions is low in schistosomiasis control institutions in China, which suffers from problems of unsatisfactory laboratory testing capabilities, aging of staff and a high proportion of low-level professional titles. More investment into and intensified schistosomiasis control activities and improved capability building and talent cultivation in schistosomiasis control institutions are recommended to provide a powerful support for high-quality elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

Batf3-dependent orchestration of the robust Th1 responses and fungal control during cryptococcal infection, the role of cDC1

While type I conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) are vital for generating adaptive immunity against intracellular pathogens and tumors, their role in defense against fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans remains unclear. We investigated the role of the cDC1 subset in a fungus-restricting mouse model of cryptococcal infection. The cDC1 subset displayed a unique transcriptional signature with highly upregulated T-cell recruitment, polarization, and activation pathways compared to other DC subsets. Using Batf3-/- mice, which lack the cDC1 population, our results support that Batf3-dependent cDC1s are pivotal for the development of the effective immune response against cryptococcal infection, particularly within the lung and brain. Deficiency in Batf3 cDC1 led to diminished CD4 accumulation and decreased IFNγ production across multiple organs, supporting that cDC1s are a major driver of potent Th1 responses during cryptococcal infection. Consistently, mice lacking Batf3-cDC1 demonstrated markedly diminished fungicidal activity and weaker containment of the fungal pathogen. In conclusion, Batf3-dependent cDC1 can function as a linchpin in mounting Th1 response, ensuring effective fungal control during cryptococcal infection. Harnessing cDC1 pathways may present a promising strategy for interventions against this pathogen.IMPORTANCECryptococcus neoformans causes severe meningoencephalitis, accounting for an estimated 200,000 deaths each year. Central to mounting an effective defense against these infections is T-cell-mediated immunity, which is orchestrated by dendritic cells (DCs). The knowledge about the role of specific DC subsets in shaping anti-cryptococcal immunity is limited. Here, we demonstrate that Batf3 cDC1s are important drivers of protective Th1 CD4 T-cell responses required for clearance of cryptococcal infection. Deficiency of Batf3 cDC1 in the infected mice leads to significantly reduced Th1 response and exacerbated fungal growth to the point where depleting the remaining CD4 T cells no longer affects fungal burden. Unveiling this pivotal role of cDC1 in antifungal defense is likely to be important for the development of vaccines and therapies against life-threatening fungal pathogens.

The influence of different cement spaces on the marginal gap of lithium disilicate crowns constructed by two scanner and milling unit combinations

BACKGROUND

This study compared the marginal gaps of CAD/CAM lithium disilicate (LDS) crowns constructed using a contemporary and older scanner/milling unit combination at three different cement spaces.

METHODS

Twenty-four undergraduate students prepared a Columbia model lower left first molar for an LDS crown in a simulated environment. From each crown preparation, one LDS crown was constructed using an E4D scanner/E4D milling unit (E4DS/E4DM) and TRIOS 3 scanner/Sirona inLab MC X5 milling unit (TRIO/MCX5) at cement space settings of 50, 100 and 200 μm. Each LDS crown was positioned onto the original crown preparation, and then a stereomicroscope was used to make three vertical marginal gap measurements at four locations (mid-buccal, mid-lingual, mid-mesial and mid-distal). The mean marginal gap (MMG) was calculated for each crown and each individual tooth surface.

RESULTS

The MMGs of CAD/CAM LDS crowns constructed by TRIO/MCX5 were 72.31 at 50, 63.73 at 100 μm and 46.23 μm at 200 μm, which were smaller than E4DS/E4DM at each cement space.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the cement space decreased the MMG in both scanner/milling unit combinations. The smallest MMG was found using the newer scanner/milling unit at the 200 μm cement space. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

Fraction of χ_{c} Decays in Prompt J/ψ Production Measured in pPb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The fraction of χ_{c1} and χ_{c2} decays in the prompt J/ψ yield, F_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}=σ_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}/σ_{J/ψ}, is measured by the LHCb detector in pPb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV. The study covers the forward (1.5 Collapse

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Family matters inside the order Agaricales: systematic reorganization and classification of incertae sedis clitocyboid, pleurotoid and tricholomatoid taxa based on an updated 6-gene phylogeny

The phylogenetic position of several clitocyboid/pleurotoid/tricholomatoid genera previously considered incertae sedis is here resolved using an updated 6-gene dataset of Agaricales including newly sequenced lineages and more complete data from those already analyzed before. Results allowed to infer new phylogenetic relationships, and propose taxonomic novelties to accommodate them, including up to ten new families and a new suborder. Giacomia (for which a new species from China is here described) forms a monophyletic clade with Melanoleuca (Melanoleucaceae) nested inside suborder Pluteineae, together with the families Pluteaceae, Amanitaceae (including Leucocortinarius), Limnoperdaceae and Volvariellaceae. The recently described family Asproinocybaceae is shown to be a later synonym of Lyophyllaceae (which includes also Omphaliaster and Trichocybe) within suborder Tricholomatineae. The families Biannulariaceae, Callistosporiaceae, Clitocybaceae, Fayodiaceae, Macrocystidiaceae (which includes Pseudoclitopilus), Entolomataceae, Pseudoclitocybaceae (which includes Aspropaxillus), Omphalinaceae (Infundibulicybe and Omphalina) and the new families Paralepistaceae and Pseudoomphalinaceae belong also to Tricholomatineae. The delimitation of the suborder Pleurotineae (= Schizophyllineae) is discussed and revised, accepting five distinct families within it, viz. Pleurotaceae, Cyphellopsidaceae, Fistulinaceae, Resupinataceae and Schizophyllaceae. The recently proposed suborder Phyllotopsidineae (= Sarcomyxineae) is found to encompass the families Aphroditeolaceae, Pterulaceae, Phyllotopsidaceae, Radulomycetaceae, Sarcomyxaceae (which includes Tectella), and Stephanosporaceae, all of them unrelated to Pleurotaceae (suborder Pleurotineae) or Typhulaceae (suborder Typhulineae). The new family Xeromphalinaceae, encompassing the genera Xeromphalina and Heimiomyces, is proposed within Marasmiineae. The suborder Hygrophorineae is here reorganized into the families Hygrophoraceae, Cantharellulaceae, Cuphophyllaceae, Hygrocybaceae and Lichenomphaliaceae, to homogenize the taxonomic rank of the main clades inside all suborders of Agaricales. Finally, the genus Hygrophorocybe is shown to represent a distinct clade inside Cuphophyllaceae, and the new combination H. carolinensis is proposed. Taxonomic novelties: New suborder: Typhulineae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New families: Aphroditeolaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Melanoleucaceae Locq. ex Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Paralepistaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Pseudoomphalinaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Volvariellaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Xeromphalinaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New species: Giacomia sinensis J.Z. Xu. Stat. nov.: Cantharellulaceae (Lodge, Redhead, Norvell & Desjardin) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Cuphophyllaceae (Z.M. He & Zhu L. Yang) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Hygrocybaceae (Padamsee & Lodge) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Lichenomphaliaceae (Lücking & Redhead) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New combination: Hygrophorocybe carolinensis (H.E. Bigelow & Hesler) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New synonyms: Sarcomyxineae Zhu L. Yang & G.S. Wang, Schizophyllineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Asproinocybaceae T. Bau & G.F. Mou. Incertae sedis taxa placed at family level: Aphroditeola Redhead & Manfr. Binder, Giacomia Vizzini & Contu, Hygrophorocybe Vizzini & Contu, Leucocortinarius (J.E. Lange) Singer, Omphaliaster Lamoure, Pseudoclitopilus Vizzini & Contu, Resupinatus Nees ex Gray, Tectella Earle, Trichocybe Vizzini. New delimitations of taxa: Hygrophorineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Phyllotopsidineae Zhu L. Yang & G.S. Wang, Pleurotineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Pluteineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Tricholomatineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya. Resurrected taxa: Fayodiaceae Jülich, Resupinataceae Jülich. Citation: Vizzini A, Alvarado P, Consiglio G, Marchetti M, Xu J (2024). Family matters inside the order Agaricales: systematic reorganization and classification of incertae sedis clitocyboid, pleurotoid and tricholomatoid taxa based on an updated 6-gene phylogeny. Studies in Mycology 107: 67-148. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.02.

Magnetic resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) is reliable in assessing response to treatment in patients with Crohn's disease (CD)

AIM

To assess the accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) in evaluating therapeutic efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD) patients with different activity levels using ileocolonoscopy as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients underwent magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and ileocolonoscopy at baseline, week 26, and week 52, along with the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) and MaRIA scores. According to the SES-CD score at baseline, all patients were subdivided into mild, moderate, and severe activity subgroups. The identification of endoscopic mucosal healing (MH) was explored primarily. Moreover, the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

MaRIA correlated significantly with SES-CD and CRP at baseline, week 26, and week 52. The discrepancies in MaRIA and SES-CD were statistically significant before and after treatment. MaRIA = 24.43 and ΔMaRIA = 12.77 as the cut-off points were found to have high diagnostic accuracy for predicting MH. MaRIA (p<0.001), SES-CD (p<0.001), CRP (p<0.05), ESR (p<0.05), and CDAI score (p<0.05) in patients with MH were considerably decreased compared to those in patients without MH.

CONCLUSIONS

MRE has good application value in evaluating the therapeutic response of CD patients treated with biological agents. MaRIA is a reliable indicator in the follow-up of CD patients, which is strongly correlated with SES-CD, and it has high accuracy in predicting endoscopic MH.

Unveiling the vulnerability of C57BL/6J female mice to HFpEF and its related complications

Introduction

The impact of female biological sex on the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and its associated kidney disease and vascular endothelial dysfunction is still controversial. Whether females are protected from HFpEF and associated complications is not well established. Previous studies report conflicting prevalence between genders. We hypothesize that female mice are unprotected from HFpEF and its associated kidney disease and vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

Eight-week-old female mice were divided into four groups: control groups receiving a standard diet and water for either 5 or 16 weeks, and HFpEF groups fed a high-fat diet (HFD, Rodent Diet With 60 kcal% Fat) and N [w]-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME - 0.5 g/L) in the drinking water for 5 or 16 weeks. Various measurements and assessments were performed, including echocardiography, metabolic and hypertensive evaluations, markers of heart and kidney injury, and assessment of vascular endothelial function.

Results

Female mice with HFD and L-NAME developed HFpEF at 5 weeks, evidenced by increased E/E' ratio, reduced cardiac index, left ventricular mass, and unchanged ejection fraction. After 16 weeks, HFpEF worsened. Metabolic disorders, hypertension, lung wet/kidney weight increase, exercise intolerance, and cardiac/renal injury markers were observed. Vascular endothelial dysfunction was associated with ER stress and fibrosis induction.

Conclusions

We found that female mice are susceptible to the development of HFpEF and its associated kidney disease and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Our data support the concept that the female sex does not protect from HFpEF and its associated kidney disease and vascular endothelial dysfunction when disease risk factors are present.

Observation of Cabibbo-Suppressed Two-Body Hadronic Decays and Precision Mass Measurement of the Ω_{c}^{0} Baryon

The first observation of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+} and Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} decays is reported, using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector between 2016 and 2018. The branching fraction ratios are measured to be B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[6.08±0.51(stat)±0.40(syst)]%,B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[15.81±0.87(stat)±0.44(syst)±0.16(ext)]%. In addition, using the Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+} decay channel, the Ω_{c}^{0} baryon mass is measured to be M(Ω_{c}^{0})=2695.28±0.07(stat)±0.27(syst)±0.30(ext)  MeV, improving the precision of the previous world average by a factor of 4.

[Infection status and Molecular types of Rhinovirus among Cases of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Luohe City, Henan Province, from 2017 to 2022]

Objective: To understand the infection status and molecular types of rhinovirus (RV) among cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) in Luohe City, Henan Province, from 2017 to 2022. Methods: From October 2017 to June 2022, clinical and epidemiological data were collected from 2 270 cases of ARIs at Luohe Central Hospital in Henan Province. Throat swab specimens were obtained from these cases. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to screen for RV-positive specimens. Subsequently, the positive samples were subjected to nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) to amplify the full-length VP1 region. Using the MEGA software, along with 169 RV reference strains recommended by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine RV types. Results: Among the 2 270 cases of ARIs, there were 1 283 male cases (56.52%). The median age (Q1, Q3) was 3 (1, 6) years, with the population under 5 years old accounting for 68.59% (1 557/2 270). RV was detected in 137 cases (6.04%), of which 68 cases (49.64%) showed co-detection with other viruses, with the most common being co-detection with enterovirus, accounting for 14.60% (20/137). The RV detection rates in the age groups of 0~4 years, 5~14 years, 15~59 years, and≥60 years were 6.42% (100/1 557), 4.69% (21/448), 3.80% (6/158), and 9.35% (10/107), respectively, with no statistically significant differences (χ2=5.310, P=0.150). The overall detection rates of RV before (2017-2019) and during (2020-2022) the COVID-19 pandemic showed no statistically significant difference (χ2=1.823, P=0.177). A total of 109 VP1 sequences were obtained, including 62 types. Among them, RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C had 42, 3, and 17 types respectively. Conclusion: RV is one of the predominant pathogens in ARIs cases in Luohe City, Henan Province, from 2017 to 2022. Multiple types of RV co-circulate without any apparent dominant type.

[Epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in 16 provinces of China from 2009 to 2023]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in 16 provinces of China from 2009 to 2023. Methods: The data of this study were collected from the ARI surveillance data from 16 provinces in China from 2009 to 2023, with a total of 28 278 ARI cases included in the study. The clinical specimens from ARI cases were screened for HRSV nucleic acid from 2009 to 2023, and differences in virus detection rates among cases of different age groups, regions, and months were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 278 ARI cases were enrolled from January 2009 to September 2023. The age of the cases ranged from<1 month to 112 years, and the age M (Q1, Q3) was 3 years (1 year, 9 years). Among them, 3 062 cases were positive for HRSV nucleic acid, with a total detection rate of 10.83%. From 2009 to 2019, the detection rate of HRSV was 9.33%, and the virus was mainly prevalent in winter and spring. During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the detection rate of HRSV fluctuated between 6.32% and 18.67%. There was no traditional winter epidemic peak of HRSV from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, and an anti-seasonal epidemic of HRSV occurred from April to May 2023. About 87.95% (2 693/3 062) of positive cases were children under 5 years old, and the difference in the detection rate of HRSV among different age groups was statistically significant (P<0.001), showing a decreasing trend of HRSV detection rate with the increase of age (P<0.001). Among them, the HRSV detection rate (25.69%) was highest in children under 6 months. Compared with 2009-2019, the ranking of HRSV detection rates in different age groups changed from high to low between 2020 and 2023, with the age M (Q1, Q3) of HRSV positive cases increasing from 1 year (6 months, 3 years) to 2 years (11 months, 3 years). Conclusion: Through 15 years of continuous HRSV surveillance analysis, children under 5 years old, especially infants under 6 months old, are the main high-risk population for HRSV infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and patterns of HRSV in China have changed.

Enhanced Production of Λ_{b}^{0} Baryons in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of Λ_{b}^{0} baryons relative to B^{0} mesons in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} production cross sections shows a significant dependence on both the transverse momentum and the measured charged-particle multiplicity. At low multiplicity, the ratio measured at LHCb is consistent with the value measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, and increases by a factor of ∼2 with increasing multiplicity. At relatively low transverse momentum, the ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} cross sections is higher than what is measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, but converges with the e^{+}e^{-} ratio as the momentum increases. These results imply that the evolution of heavy b quarks into final-state hadrons is influenced by the density of the hadronic environment produced in the collision. Comparisons with several models and implications for the mechanisms enforcing quark confinement are discussed.

Artificial Multi-Stimulus-Responsive E-Skin Based on an Ionic Film with a Counter-Ion Exchange Reagent

Sensing pressure and temperature are two important functions of human skin that integrate different types of tactile receptors. In this paper, a deformable artificial flexible multi-stimulus-responsive sensor is demonstrated that can distinguish mechanical pressure from temperature by measuring the impedance and the electrical phase at the same frequency without signal interference. The electrical phase, which is used for measuring the temperature, is totally independent of the pressure by controlling the surface micro-shapes and the ion content of the ionic film. By doping the counter-ion exchange reagent into the ionic liquid before pouring, the upper temperature measuring limit increases from 35 to 50 °C, which is higher than the human body temperature and the ambient temperature on Earth. The sensor shows high sensitivity to pressure (up to 0.495 kPa-1 ) and a wide temperature sensing range (-10 to 50 °C). A multimodal ion-electronic skin (IEM -skin) with an 8 × 8 multi-stimulus-responsive sensor array is fabricated and can successfully sense the distribution of temperature and pressure at the same time. Finally, the sensors are used for monitoring the touching motions of a robot-arm finger controlled by a remote interactive glove and successfully detect the touching states and the temperature changes of different objects.

[Interpretation of the Action Plan to Accelerate the Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China (2023-2030)]

On June 16, 2023, National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of the People's Republic of China, in collaboration with other ministries, formulated and issued the Action Plan to Accelerate the Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China (2023-2030). The implementation of this plan provides an important basis for achieving the targets set in the "Healthy China 2030" action plan and the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. This paper describes the background, principles, targets, control strategies, safeguard measures and effectiveness evaluation of the plan, in order to guide the scientific and standardized implementation of actions for schistosomiasis elimination at the grassroots level, and facilitate the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China with a high quality.

[Perioperative management of wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy and its clinical effects]

Objective: To investigate the perioperative management of wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy, and to evaluate its clinical effects. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2017 to December 2022, 36 patients with wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy who were conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 23 males and 13 females, aged 25 to 81 years. Preparation for surgery was made. For patients with suspected retrosternal mediastinal abscess cavity, all cancellous bone of the unhealed sternum was bitten off to fully expose the retrosternal mediastinum, remove the source of infection and granulation tissue, and to fill the sternum defect with flipped unilateral pectoralis major muscle. For patients who had no retrosternal mediastinal infection but had fresh granulation tissue in unhealed sternal wounds, the necrotic tissue and a small amount of necrotic sternum were palliatively removed, and bilateral pectoralis major muscles were advanced and abutted to cover the sternal defect. After the skin in the donor area was closed by tension-relieving suture, continuous vacuum sealing drainage was performed, and continuous even infusion and lavage were added 24 hours later. The thorax was fixed with an armor-like chest strap, the patients were guided to breathe abdominally, with both upper limbs fixed to the lateral chest wall using a surgical restraint strap. The bacterial culture results of wound exudation specimens on admission were recorded. The wound condition observed during operation, debridement method, muscle flap covering method, intraoperative bleeding volume, days of postoperative infusion and lavage, lavage solution volume and changes on each day, and postoperative complications and wound healing time were recorded. After discharge, the wound healing quality, thorax shape, and mobility functions of thorax and both upper limbs were evaluated during follow-up. The stability and closure of sternum were observed by computed tomography (CT) reexamination. Results: On admission, among 36 patients, 33 cases were positive and 3 cases were negative in bacterial culture results of wound exudation specimens. Intraoperative observation showed that 26 patients had no retrosternal mediastinal infection but had fresh granulation tissue in unhealed sternal wounds, palliative debridement was performed and bilateral pectoralis major muscles were advanced and abutted to cover the defect. In 10 patients with suspected retrosternal mediastinal abscess cavity, the local sternum was completely removed by bite and the defect was covered using flipped unilateral pectoralis major muscle. During the operation, one patient experienced an innominate vein rupture and bleeding of approximately 3 000 mL during mediastinal exploration, and the remaining patients experienced bleeding of 100-1 000 mL. Postoperative infusion and lavage were performed for 4-7 days, with a lavage solution volume of 3 500-4 500 mL/d. The lavage solution gradually changed from dark red to light red and finally clear. Except for 1 patient who had suture rupture caused by lifting the patient under the armpit during nursing on the 3rd day after surgery, the wounds of the other patients healed smoothly after surgery, and the wound healing time of all patients was 7-21 days. Follow-up for 3 to 9 months after discharge showed that the patient who had suture rupture caused by armpit lifting died due to multiple organ failure. In 1 patient, the armor-like chest strap was removed 2 weeks after surgery, and the shoulder joint movement was not restricted, resulting in local rupture of the suture, which healed after dressing change. The wounds of the remaining patients healed well, and they resumed their daily life. The local skin of patient's pectoralis major muscle defect was slightly sunken and lower than that of the contralateral thorax in the patients undergoing treatment of pectoralis major muscle inversion, while no obvious thoracic deformity was observed in patients undergoing treatment with pectoralis major muscle propulsion and abutment. The chest and upper limb movement in all patients were slightly limited or normal. CT reexamination results of 10 patients showed that the sternum was stable, the local sternum was closed or covered completely with no lacuna or defects. Conclusions: Once the wound associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy is formed, individualized and precise debridement should be performed as soon as possible, different transfer ways of pectoralis major muscle flap should be chosen to cover the defect, and postoperative continuous infusion and lavage together with strict thorax and shoulder joint restraint and immobilization should be performed. This treatment strategy can ensure good wound healing without affecting the shape and function of the donor area.

[Association between CD4+T lymphocyte and body composition with physical frailty among elderly HIV-infected patients in Chongqing City]

Objective: To identify the association between CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts and physical frailty among HIV-infected people aged 65 years and older, and evaluate whether this association will be modified by the indicators of body composition. Methods: From May to October 2022, 485 elderly HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were recruited from 7 antiviral treatment sites in Jiangjin District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing. The data of basic characteristics (age and gender), living habits (smoking and drinking) and disease history (metabolic diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory disease and malignant tumors) were collected through the face-to-face investigation with self-made questionnaires. Fried Frailty Scale was used to evaluate the status of physical frailty. Physical fitness (walking speed, grip strength, height, and weight) and body composition (skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and basal metabolic rate) were measured. The antiretroviral treatment data were obtained from the China AIDS Integrated Prevention and Treatment Data information management system. The prevalence of physical frailty was calculated among the HIV-infected patients. The potential effects of CD4 counts on physical frailty were explored by using multivariate logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were repeated in the logistic regression with muscle mass, body fat mass, and other indicators of body composition as subgroup variables to determine whether the association might be modified by body composition. Results: The age of 485 patients were (72±5) years old, of which 48.2% (234 cases) were>70 years old and 70.9% (344 cases) were male, and all of whom had initiated the ART treatment. The prevalence of physical frailty among these patients was 7.4% (36/485). Multivariate logistic regression showed that after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, body composition index, ART duration, viral load and the number of comorbidities, increased CD4 cell level was associated with decreased prevalent risk of physical frailty among elderly HIV-infected patients. For every increase of 5.0×107 CD4 cells/L, the prevalent risk of physical frailty decreased by 12% [OR (95%CI): 0.88 (0.76-1.01)]. Compared with the low CD4 cell level group, the risk of physical frailty in those with normal CD4 cell level decreased by 69% [OR (95%CI): 0.31 (0.10-0.92)]. Subgroup analysis of body composition indicators showed that the protective effect of normal CD4 cell level on physical frailty was more pronounced in the high skeletal muscle mass and high basal metabolic rate group (Pinteraction<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of physical frailty among elderly HIV-infected patients is relatively lower in Chongqing, and the CD4 cell level, skeletal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate are related to physical frailty.

[Seroepidemiological analysis of hepatitis B virus infection among adolescents aged 0-14 years in Henan Province and preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of childhood hepatitis B vaccine immunization program]

Objective: To analyze the seroepidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among adolescents aged 0-14 years in Henan Province and to evaluate the effectiveness of the childhood hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) immunization program. Methods: From September 2021 to March 2022, a total of 4 883 adolescents aged 0-14 years were selected from 25 villages or communities of 18 provincial-level cities in Henan Province by using the multi-stage random cluster sampling method. Demographic data were collected through questionnaires. The 3 ml of blood samples were collected from individuals aged 0-4 years and 5 ml of blood samples were collected from individuals aged 5-14 years to test HBsAg, HBcAb and HBsAb. Data on vaccination were collected through Henan Provincial Immunization Information System and hepatitis B cases in Henan Province were collected through China Infectious Disease Reporting System. The effectiveness of the childhood HepB immunization program was analyzed. Results: The average age of 4 883 subjects was (7.32±2.81) years old. The positive rates of HBsAg and HBcAb were 0.1% (7/4 883) and 1.0% (50/4 883), and the population standardized rates were 0.3% and 1.7%. In 2002, the positive rate of HBsAg among adolescents aged 0-14 years in Henan Province was 3.39%. Compared with that in 2002, the number of chronic HBV infections among adolescents in Henan Province in 2022 decreased by about 0.7 million. In 2002, the vaccination rate of newborns who completed all three doses of vaccine was 6.26%. In 2003, the vaccination rate of the hepatitis B vaccine rose rapidly, reaching 90% in 2013 for the first time. After 2014, the vaccination rate in Henan Province continued to remain above 95%. The proportion of cases among children aged 1-4 years in clinical reports decreased from 0.43% (1 108/256 566) in 2006 to 0.01% (78/80 655) in 2021. The proportion of cases among adolescents aged 5-19 years decreased from 18.21% (46 710/256 566) in 2006 to 1.1% (827/80 655) in 2021. Conclusions: From 2002 to 2022, the positive rate of HBsAg among adolescents aged 0-14 years has decreased significantly in Henan Province. The effectiveness of the HepB immunization program for children is good.

Improved Measurement of CP Violation Parameters in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} Decays in the Vicinity of the ϕ(1020) Resonance

The decay-time-dependent CP asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K^{+}K^{-} decays is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Using a sample of approximately 349 000 B_{s}^{0} signal decays with an invariant K^{+}K^{-} mass in the vicinity of the ϕ(1020) resonance, the CP-violating phase ϕ_{s} is measured, along with the difference in decay widths of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} system, ΔΓ_{s}, and the difference of the average B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} meson decay widths, Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}. The values obtained are ϕ_{s}=-0.039±0.022±0.006  rad, ΔΓ_{s}=0.0845±0.0044±0.0024  ps^{-1}, and Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}=-0.0056_{-0.0015}^{+0.0013}±0.0014  ps^{-1}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. These are the most precise single measurements to date and are consistent with expectations based on the Standard Model and with the previous LHCb analyses of this decay. These results are combined with previous independent LHCb measurements. The phase ϕ_{s} is also measured independently for each polarization state of the K^{+}K^{-} system and shows no evidence for polarization dependence.

Astragalus polysaccharides ameliorate osteoarthritis via inhibiting apoptosis by regulating ROS-mediated ASK1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway targeting on TXN

This research aims to explore the potential of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) in treating osteoarthritis. The primary component of APS extracted in this study was glucose, and noticeably it had a relatively high content of glucuronic acids. In vitro, APS reduced ROS levels, protected chondrocytes from apoptosis, and promoted collagen II expression by regulating ASK1 (apoptosis-signal-regulating kinase1)/p38 cell apoptosis pathway. Further co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence localization experiments demonstrated that the thioredoxin (TXN) antioxidant system was responsible for its bioactivity. Moreover, TXN silencing remarkably blocked the protective effects of APS, indicating that APS inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis by targeting TXN. In vivo, APS effectively mitigated cartilage loss and chondrocyte apoptosis and decreased expressions of p-ASK1 and p-p38. Collectively, this research first demonstrated that APS could ameliorate osteoarthritis by ASK1/p38 signaling pathway through regulating thioredoxin. In conclusion, APS holds promise as a nutraceutical supplement for osteoarthritis in future drug development.

Toripalimab plus axitinib versus sunitinib as first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma: RENOTORCH, a randomized, open-label, phase III study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors are standard treatments for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This phase III RENOTORCH study compared the efficacy and safety of toripalimab plus axitinib versus sunitinib for the first-line treatment of patients with intermediate-/poor-risk advanced RCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with intermediate-/poor-risk unresectable or metastatic RCC were randomized in a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive toripalimab (240 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks) plus axitinib (5 mg orally twice daily) or sunitinib [50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks (6-week cycle) or 2 weeks (3-week cycle)]. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by an independent review committee (IRC). The secondary endpoints were investigator-assessed PFS, overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 421 patients were randomized to receive toripalimab plus axitinib (n = 210) or sunitinib (n = 211). With a median follow-up of 14.6 months, toripalimab plus axitinib significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 35% compared with sunitinib as assessed by an IRC [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.86; P = 0.0028]. The median PFS was 18.0 months in the toripalimab-axitinib group, whereas it was 9.8 months in the sunitinib group. The IRC-assessed ORR was significantly higher in the toripalimab-axitinib group compared with the sunitinib group (56.7% versus 30.8%; P < 0.0001). An OS trend favoring toripalimab plus axitinib was also observed (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.92). Treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 61.5% of patients in the toripalimab-axitinib group and 58.6% of patients in the sunitinib group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with previously untreated intermediate-/poor-risk advanced RCC, toripalimab plus axitinib provided significantly longer PFS and higher ORR than sunitinib and had a manageable safety profile TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04394975.

Multi-locus sequence typing and phylogenetics of Cryptococcus neoformans AD hybrids

Hybrid AD strains of the human pathogenic Cryptococcus neoformans species complex have been reported from many parts of the world. However, their origin, diversity, and evolution are incompletely understood. In this study, we analyzed 102 AD hybrid strains representing 21 countries on five continents. For each strain, we obtained its mating type and its allelic sequences at each of the seven loci that have been used for genotyping haploid serotypes A and D strains of the species complex by the Cryptococcus research community. Our results showed that most AD hybrids exhibited loss of heterozygosity at one or more of the seven analyzed loci. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of the allelic sequences revealed multiple origins of the hybrids within each continent, dating back to one million years ago in Africa and up to the present in other continents. We found evidence for clonal reproduction and long-distance dispersal of these hybrids in nature. Comparisons with the global haploid serotypes A and D strains identified new alleles and new haploid multi-locus genotypes in AD hybrids, consistent with the presence of yet-to-be discovered genetic diversity in haploid populations of this species complex in nature. Together, our results indicate that AD hybrids can be effectively genotyped using the same multi-locus sequencing type approach as that established for serotypes A and D strains. Our comparisons of the AD hybrids among each other as well as with the global haploid serotypes A and D strains revealed novel genetic diversity as well as evidence for multiple origins and dynamic evolution of these hybrids in nature.

Systematic Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Reveal the Alleviation of Astragalus membranaceus Regulating Ferroptosis in Osteoarthritis

Background

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) shows promise as a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis (OA), a debilitating condition with high disability rates. OA exacerbation is linked to chondrocyte ferroptosis, yet the precise pharmacological mechanisms of AM remain unclear.

Methods

We validated AM's protective efficacy in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mouse model of OA. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database was utilized to identify AM's active components and their targets. FerrDb (a database for regulators and markers of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-disease associations) pinpointed ferroptosis-related targets, while GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and DrugBank sourced OA-related genes. Molecular docking analysis further validated these targets. Ultimately, the validation of the results was accomplished through in vitro experiments.

Results

AM exhibited anabolic effects and suppressed catabolism in OA chondrocytes. Network pharmacology identified 19 common genes, and molecular docking suggested quercetin, an AM constituent, interacts with key proteins like HO-1 and NRF2 to inhibit chondrocyte ferroptosis. In vitro experiments confirmed AM's ability to modulate the NRF2/HO-1 pathway via quercetin, mitigating chondrocyte ferroptosis.

Conclusion

This study elucidates how AM regulates chondrocyte ferroptosis, impacting OA progression, providing a theoretical basis and experimental support for AM's scientific application.

Effect of long-term in-row branch covering on soil microorganisms in pear orchards

Branches covering (BC) is a way to reuse the pruned branches and save the cost of ground cloth. This study investigated the effects of BC and ground-cloth covering on the soil microcosm environment by measuring the chemical properties and microbial communities at different soil depths for 6 years. The results revealed that BC significantly improved soil chemical properties, increased the abundance of bacterial microbial communities and the diversity and homogeneity of bacteria and fungi, while decreased the abundance of fungal microbial communities. There was a threshold value for the regulation of microbial communities by BC, which decreased the high-abundance communities (Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, etc.) and increased the low-abundance communities (Acidobacteriota, Basidiomycota, etc.). Fungi were more sensitive to BC than bacteria. The stability and homogeneity of microorganisms were stronger in the 15-25 cm soil layer. The bacterial phyla were dominated by Proteobacteria, with the top 10 phyla accounting for more than 80% of the relative abundance; the genera were dominated by MND1, with the top 10 genera accounting for about 10%. The fungal phyla were dominated by Ascomycota, with the top 10 phyla accounting for 50-90%; the genera were dominated by unidentified Pyronemataceae sp., with the top 10 genera accounting for 30-60%. The phyla that differed significantly between treatments were mainly Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, Acidobacteriota, and Basidiomycota. In addition, metabolism was the predominant function in bacteria, while Saprotroph was the predominant function in fungi. Bacteroidota correlated strongly with soil chemical properties and bacterial functions, while Chytridiomycota correlated strongly with soil chemical properties and Pathogen-Saprotroph-Symbiotroph. In conclusion, BC can improve soil nutrient content and optimize microbial community structure and function. Through initially assessing the effects of BC on soil nutrients and microorganisms in pear orchard rows, this study provides a reference for excavating key microorganisms and updating the soil row management model.

JAK/STAT Signaling Predominates in Human and Murine Fungal Post-infectious Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Post-infection inflammatory syndromes have been increasingly recognized as a cause of host damage in a variety of infectious diseases including tuberculosis, bacterial meningitis, and COVID-19. Recently, a post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome (PIIRS) was described in non-HIV-infected cryptococcal fungal meningoencephalitis (CM) as a major cause of mortality. Inflammatory syndromes are particularly severe in neurological infections due to the skull's rigid structure which limits unchecked tissue expansion from inflammatory-induced edema. In the present studies, neurologic transcriptional pathway analysis utilizing a murine PIIRS model demonstrated a predominance of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) activation. JAK/STAT inhibitor treatment resulted in improvements in CNS damage markers, reductions in intrathecal CD44hiCD62lo CD4+ effector CD4+ T-cells and MHC II+ inflammatory myeloid cells, and weight gains in mice, the latter after treatment with antifungals. Based on these data, pathway-driven steroid-sparing human treatment for steroid-refractory PIIRS was initiated using short courses of the JAK/STAT inhibitor ruxolitinib. These were well tolerated and reduced activated HLA-DR+ CD4+ and CD8+ cells and inflammatory monocytes as well as improved brain imaging. Together, these findings support the role of JAK/STAT in PIIRS as well as further study of JAK/STAT inhibitors as potential adjunctive therapy for PIRS and other neural inflammatory syndromes.

Protein nanoscaffold enables programmable nanobody-luciferase immunoassembly for sensitive and simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A

Mycotoxins produced by fungi can contaminate various foods and pose significant health risks. Ensuring food safety demands rapid, highly sensitive analytical techniques. One-step Bioluminescent Enzyme Immunoassays (BLEIAs) employing nanobody-nanoluciferase fusion proteins have recently garnered attention for operational simplicity and heightened sensitivity. Nevertheless, fixed nanobody:nanoluciferase ratios in fusion proteins restrict the customization and sensitivity of traditional BLEIAs. In this study, we present a Scaffold Assembly-based BLEIA (SA-BLEIA) that overcomes these limitations through the programmable conjugation of nanobodies and luciferases onto 60-meric protein nanoscaffolds using SpyTag/SpyCatcher linkages. These nanoscaffolds facilitate the adjustable coupling of anti-aflatoxin B1 and anti-ochratoxin A nanobodies with luciferases, optimizing nanobody/luciferase ratios and diversifying specificities. Compared to conventional methods, SA-BLEIA demonstrates considerably elevated sensitivity for detecting both toxins. The elevated local concentration of luciferase significantly amplifies bioluminescence intensity, permitting reduced substrate consumption and cost-effective detection. The usage of dual-nanobody conjugates facilitates the quantification or simultaneous detection of both mycotoxins in a single test with shared reagents. The assay exhibits exceptional recovery rates in spiked cereal samples, strongly correlating with outcomes from commercial ELISA kits. Overall, this adaptable, highly sensitive, cost-effective, and multiplexed immunoassay underscores the potential of tunable scaffold assembly as a promising avenue for advancing bioanalytical diagnostic tools.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→ψ(→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-})K_{S}^{0}(→π^{+}π^{-}) Decays

A measurement of time-dependent CP violation in the decays of B^{0} and B[over ¯]^{0} mesons to the final states J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0}, ψ(2S)(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0} and J/ψ(→e^{+}e^{-})K_{S}^{0} with K_{S}^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the LHCb detector. The CP-violation parameters are measured to be S_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.717±0.013(stat)±0.008(syst) and C_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.008±0.012(stat)±0.003(syst). This measurement of S_{ψK_{S}^{0}} represents the most precise single measurement of the CKM angle β to date and is more precise than the current world average. In addition, measurements of the CP-violation parameters of the individual channels are reported and a combination with the LHCb Run 1 measurements is performed.

The chemokine receptor CXCR3 promotes CD8+ T cell-dependent lung pathology during influenza pathogenesis

The dual role of CD8+ T cells in influenza control and lung pathology is increasingly appreciated. To explore whether protective and pathological functions can be linked to specific subsets, we dissected CD8+ T responses in influenza-infected murine lungs. Our single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed notable diversity in CD8+ T subpopulations during peak viral load and infection-resolved state. While enrichment of a Cxcr3hi CD8+ T effector subset was associated with a more robust cytotoxic response, both CD8+ T effector and central memory exhibited equally potent effector potential. The scRNA-seq analysis identified unique regulons regulating the cytotoxic response in CD8+ T cells. The late-stage CD8+ T blockade in influenza-cleared lungs or continuous CXCR3 blockade mitigated lung injury without affecting viral clearance. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of wild-type CD8+ T cells exacerbated influenza lung pathology in Cxcr3-/- mice. Collectively, our data imply that CXCR3 interception could have a therapeutic effect in preventing influenza-linked lung injury.

[Association between congenital hypothyroidism and in-hospital adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants]

Objective: To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the adverse outcomes during hospitalization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted based on the data from the Sino-northern Neonatal Network (SNN). Data of 5 818 VLBWI with birth weight <1 500 g and gestational age between 24-<37 weeks that were admitted to the 37 neonatal intensive care units from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2022 were collected and analyzed. Thyroid function was first screened at 7 to 10 days after birth, followed by weekly tests within the first 4 weeks, and retested at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or before discharge. The VLBWI were assigned to the CH group or non-CH group. Chi-square test, Fisher exact probability method, Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CH and poor prognosis during hospitalization in VLBWI. Results: A total of 5 818 eligible VLBWI were enrolled, with 2 982 (51.3%) males and the gestational age of 30 (29, 31) weeks. The incidence of CH was 5.5% (319 VLBWI). Among the CH group, only 121 VLBWI (37.9%) were diagnosed at the first screening. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CH was associated with increased incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) (OR=1.31(1.04-1.64), P<0.05) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of stage Ⅲ and above (OR=1.74(1.11-2.75), P<0.05). However, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between CH and EUGR, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in stage Ⅱ or above, and ROP in stage Ⅲ or above (OR=1.04 (0.81-1.33), 0.79 (0.54-1.15), 1.15 (0.58-2.26), 1.43 (0.81-2.53), 1.12 (0.70-1.80), all P>0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between CH and in-hospital adverse outcomes, possibly due to timely diagnosis and active replacement therapy.

Road safety: The influence of vibration frequency on driver drowsiness, reaction time, and driving performance

Driver drowsiness is a factor in at least 20% of serious motor vehicle accidents. Although research has shown that Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) can induce drowsiness in drivers, it is unknown whether particular frequencies are more problematic. The present study systematically investigated the influence of WBV frequency on driver drowsiness. Fifteen participants each undertook six 1-h sessions of simulated driving while being subjected to WBV of either 0 Hz (no vibration), 1-4 Hz, 4-8 Hz, 8-16 Hz, 16-32 Hz or 32-64 Hz. Subjective sleepiness, as measured by the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), confirmed that drivers felt drowsier when exposed to the two lowest frequency ranges (1-4 Hz and 4-8 Hz). Reaction time, which measures attention and alertness, was significantly impaired by the two lowest frequency ranges. Objective driving performance measures (Standard Deviation of Lane Position (SDLP), Standard Deviation of (SD) Steering Angle, Time in Unsafe Zone) also showed significant degradation due to exposure to the two lowest frequency ranges. Exposure to 1-4 Hz or 4-8 Hz vibration caused attention to become significantly impaired within 15-20 min and driving performance to be significantly impaired by 30-35 min. The other frequency ranges had little or no effect. These findings point to a need to develop equivalent vibration-induced drowsiness contours that can be adopted as transportation safety standards.

Comparison of different dosages of propofol combined with its equivalent alfentanil in outpatient abortion: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at determining the optimal dose combination of alfentanil and propofol for outpatient abortion anesthesia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was separated into two parts. In the first part, patients were to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of alfentanil in combination with 2.5 mg·kg-1 propofol to inhibit body movements during the abortion using the Dixon up-and-down sequential allocation method. In the second part, 170 patients were randomly divided into group C (2.0 mg·kg-1 propofol with alfentanil 12.16 μg·kg-1) and group E (2.5 mg·kg-1 propofol with its ED95) to compare the anesthetic effect. The primary outcome was the sedation level during general anesthesia. The secondary outcomes were circulation, respiratory complications, and postoperative recovery quality.

RESULTS

The ED50 and the ED95 values of alfentanil were 3.37 μg·kg-1 (95% CI: 2.58-3.97 μg·kg-1) and 4.68 μg·kg-1 (95% CI: 4.04-9.32 μg·kg-1). The frequency of deep sedation in group E was significantly higher than in group C (76.5% vs. 60%). Patients in group C showed more wakefulness even during the surgery (14.3% vs. 4.4%). The results of our exploratory analyses did not reveal differences in respiratory depression, circulatory depression, postoperative side effects, or recovery outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of 2.5 mg·kg-1 propofol and 4.68 μg·kg-1 alfentanil produces a better sedative effect than the combination of 2.0 mg·kg-1 propofol and 12.16 μg·kg-1 alfentanil without increasing additional risks associated with anesthesia.

Multiparametric MRI-based radiomics nomogram for predicting the hormone receptor status of HER2-positive breast cancer

AIM

To investigate the value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics nomograms for predicting the hormone receptor (HR) status of HER2-positive breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with HER2-positive invasive breast cancer were divided randomly into training (68 patients) and validation (30 patients) sets. All were classified as either HR-positive (HR+) or negative (HR-) at histopathology. Two radiologists outlined the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric regions of interest (VOI) on the MRI images. Features (n=1,096) were extracted from the T2-weighted imaging (WI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) images separately. Dimensionality was reduced using feature screening. Binary radiomics prediction models were established using a logistic regression classifier and were validated in the validation set. To construct a nomogram, independent predictors were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive efficacy of the model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Ten radiomics features were obtained after feature dimensionality reduction based on the merged T2WI, ADC, and DCE images. The diagnostic efficacy of the radiomics signature using the three sequences was better than that of any single sequence (training set AUC: 0.797; validation set AUC: 0.75). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors for identifying HR status were combined radiomics signature and peritumoural oedema. Nomograms constructed by combining the radiomics signature and peritumoural oedema showed good discrimination in both the training and validation sets (AUC: 0.815 and 0. 805, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A multiparametric MRI-based nomogram incorporating the radiomics signature and peritumoural oedema can assess the HR status of HER2-positive breast cancer. The resulting model can improve diagnostic accuracy, improving patient outcomes.

Effects of parecoxib on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and serum levels of NSE and S100β in elderly patients undergoing surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of parecoxib on postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100β protein (S100β) in elderly patients undergoing surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The retrospective cohort study method was used to collect the clinical data of 94 elderly patients who underwent elective orthopedic and general anesthesia surgery in our hospital from September 2020 to February 2022. 94 patients were divided into the control group (47 cases) and the study group (47 cases), according to different intervention methods. In the study group, 40 mg of parecoxib was injected intravenously into patients 30 min before the induction of anesthesia, and the patients in the control group were given the same dose of normal saline intravenously before the operation. The basic clinical data of the patients were collected. The levels of the indexes before operation and 6 hours after operation were compared between the two groups, including the Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA) score, inflammatory factor indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte chemokine-1 (MCP-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)], serum cortisol (CORT), beta-amyloid (β-AP), adiponectin (ADP), NSE, and S100β.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the preoperative MoCA score, TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, IL-10, IL-1β, MCP-1, iNOS, CORT, β-AP, ADP, NSE, and S100β levels were observed between the two groups (p>0.05). The postoperative MoCA score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The postoperative levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and IL-1β in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05), and the postoperative levels of IL-10, MCP-1 and iNOS in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Parecoxib can notably inhibit the levels of postoperative inflammatory cytokines, improve neurological dysfunction, and reduce the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients. The contents of serum NSE and S100β have potential value in the diagnosis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients.

Two-Stage Treatment Protocol of Fungal Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Infections: the Clinical Experience from a Single Center Experience

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the clinical results and safety of fungal periprosthetic joint Infections (fPJIs) using two-stage treatment protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

8 patients with fPJIs (3 hips and 5 knees) using two-stage revision were reviewed retrospectively and followed up at least 2 years. The preoperative demographic data, two-stage treatment protocol, results of microbiology and histologic workup and postoperative follow-up results (reimplantation success rate and infection free time) were recorded.

RESULTS

7 patients got successful reimplantation, with a 75% reimplantation success rate. Two patients got knee arthrodesis eventually. All patients were infection free with a median follow-up of 4.0 ± 2.0 years (range, 2-7 years). Of them, Candida species were found in 7 patients, while non-Candida specimen was only isolated in 1 patient with Aspergillus. Only 2 patients had coexisting bacterial infection (Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Proteus mirabilis respectively). The average interval between the initial surgery and diagnosis of fPJIs was 21.50±34.79 months (range, 4-104 months). The mean time of spacer implantation was 7.75±2.77 months (range, 6-14 months). None serious complication or above knee amputation was found.

DISCUSSION

fPJIs are very rare and considerable challenge after total hip or knee arthroplasty. The goal of therapy is to eradicate local infection and maintain function. Candida species were the most common pathogen. The duration between spacer placement and staged reimplantation was highly variable, and generally dependent upon the results of joint aspirates and infl ammatory markers. The current study shows that the two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections. The safety and effi cacy of biantibiotical impregnated (antifungal + antibiotics) cement spacer is confi rmed. Further evidence-based work is needed to determine the optimal drug dose and reimplantation time.

KEY WORDS

two-stage treatment protocol, fungal periprosthetic infections, hip spacer, knee spacer.

[A randomized controlled trial on the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns]

Objective: To explore the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January 2021 to January 2023, 60 elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group (30 cases, 17 males and 13 females, aged (65±3) years) and combined rehabilitation group (30 cases, 16 males and 14 females, aged (64±3) years) according to the random number table. For patients in both groups, the red-light treatment was started after the lower limb wounds healed or when the total area of scattered residual wounds was less than 1% of the total body surface area. After 2 weeks of red-light treatment, the patients in conventional rehabilitation group were given conventional rehabilitation treatments, including joint stretching, resistance, and balance training; in addition to conventional rehabilitation treatments, the patients in combined rehabilitation group were given exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode three times a week, mainly including dumbbell press, Bobath ball horizontal support, and high-level pulldown trainings. The training time for patients in both groups was 12 weeks. Before training (after 2 weeks of red-light treatment) and after 12 weeks of training, the upper limb and lower limb motor functions of the patients were evaluated using the simple Fugl-Meyer scale, the physical fitness of patients was evaluated using the simple physical fitness scale, and the patient's risk of falling was evaluated by the time consumed for the timed up and go test. The adverse events of patients that occurred during training were recorded. After 12 weeks of training, a self-designed satisfaction survey was conducted to investigate patients' satisfaction with the training effect. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and chi-square test. Results: Before training, the scores of upper limb and lower limb motor functions of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the scores of upper limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -11.42 and -13.67, respectively, P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The score of lower limb motor function of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 28.9±2.6, which was significantly higher than 26.3±2.6 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=-3.90, P<0.05), and the scores of lower limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -4.14 and -6.94, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, the individual and total scores of physical fitness of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those before training (with Z values of -4.38, -3.55, -3.88, -4.65, -4.58, -4.68, -4.42, and -4.48, respectively, P<0.05), and the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those in conventional rehabilitation group (with Z values of -3.93, -3.41, -3.19, and -5.33, P<0.05). Before training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in the two groups was close (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in combined rehabilitation group was (28.0±2.1) s, which was significantly shorter than (30.5±1.8) s in conventional rehabilitation group (t=4.94, P<0.05). Moreover, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in both conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group was significantly shorter than that before training (with t values of 14.80 and 15.86, respectively, P<0.05). During the training period, no adverse events such as muscle tissue strain, edema, or falling occurred in any patient. After 12 weeks of training, the satisfaction score of patients with the training effect in combined rehabilitation group was 13.5±1.2, which was significantly higher than 8.5±1.4 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=21.78, P<0.05). Conclusions: The exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode can significantly promote the recovery of lower limb motor function and physical fitness of elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns, and effectively reduce the patient's risk of falling without causing adverse events during the training period, resulting in patient's high satisfaction with the training effect.

[Analysis of the influencing factors of short-term and long-term facial nerve function after vestibular schwannoma resection via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach]

Objective: To summarize the experience of facial nerve(FN) preservation in microsurgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach and to analyze the influencing factors of facial function prognosis in short-term and long-term period. Methods: Patients with VS who underwent microsurgery via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach by the skull base surgery team in Huashan Hospital from January 2013 to February 2018 were enrolled. A total of 308 patients were included in this study, including 132 males and 176 females. The average age was 47.9 year-old (Range: 17-79 year-old). The patient's clinical data and FN function prognosis were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis by SPSS 23.0 statistical software were performed to evaluate the factors affecting facial function prognosis and its recovery. Results: Gross total resection was achieved in 304 cases, and subtotal resection was in 4 cases. The facial nerve preservation rate anatomically was 99.4%. The facial nerve of 2 cases was thin due to large tumor compression and severed, and a one-stage reconstruction was performed during surgery.Of the 308 patients, 300 cases were successfully followed up, and 8 cases were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 52 months. In short-term (2 weeks after surgery), satisfactory facial nerve function (House-Brackmann (H-B) grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ) was achieved in 96 cases, and 212 cases were unsatisfactory function (H-B grade Ⅲ-Ⅵ). After 1 year, 198 were satisfactory function and 97 were unsatisfactory. After 3 years, 219 were satisfactory function and 75 were unsatisfactory. Five years later, 155 were satisfactory function and 34 were unsatisfactory. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the impact factors of FN function in short-term were tumor size (P=0.011) and stimulation threshold (ST) of EMG monitoring (P<0.001). The impact factors in long-term were tumor size (P=0.005), ST of EMG monitoring (P=0.005) and FN rehabilitation training. Conclusions: Tumor diameter is an independent factor related to FN function, and the larger the tumor, the worse the postoperative FN function. The ST of EMG (ST≤0.05 mA) can predict short-term and long-term FN function. The systematic facial rehabilitation training can effectively promote the recovery of FN after surgery.

[Distribution characteristics of emerging and reemerging Oncomelania hupensis in China from 2015 to 2021]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the distribution characteristics of emerging and reemerging Oncomelania hupensis snails after the criteria for transmission control of schistosomiasis were achieved in China, so as to provide insights into assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk and formulation of snail control strategies during the elimination phase.

METHODS

O. hupensis survey data in China from 2015 to 2021 were collected from the National Schistosomiasis Pevention and Control Information Management System, and the distribution characteristics of emerging and reemerging O. hupensis snails were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

Emerging and reemerging O. hupensis snails were identified in China each year from 2015 to 2021, with relatively larger areas with emerging and reemerging O. hupensis snail habitats in 2016 and 2021, and relatively higher numbers of counties (districts) where emerging and reemerging O. hupensis snails were detected in 2016 and 2021. A total of 4 586.30 hm2 of emerging O. hupensis snail habitats were found in 10 schistosomiasis-endemic provinces of China (except Fujian and Yunnan Provinces) from 2015 to 2021, with 96.80% in Anhui, Hunan and Hubei provinces, where marshland and lake endemic foci were predominant. A total of 21 023.90 hm2 of reemerging O. hupensis snail habitats were found in 12 schistosomiasis-endemic provinces of China from 2015 to 2021, with 97.67% in six provinces of Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Yunnan and Anhui, where marshland and lake and hilly endemic regions were predominant. Emerging snail habitats were found in 15.08% of all schistosomiasisendemic counties (districts) in China from 2015 to 2021, and 78.75% of all emerging snail habitats were identified in 11 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts), with the largest area of emerging snail habitats found in Lixian County, Hunan Province (645.00 hm2). Reemerging snail habitats were found in 47.67% of all schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in China from 2015 to 2021, and 43.29% of all reemerging snail habitats were identified in 11 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts), with the largest area of reemerging snail habitats found in Weishan Li and Hui Autonomous County of Hunan Province (1 579.70 hm2).

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging and reemerging O. hupensis snails were identified in China each year from 2015 to 2021, with much larger areas of reemerging snail habitats than emerging snail habitats, and larger numbers of schistosomiasis-endemic provinces and counties (districts) with reemerging snails were found that those of provinces and counties (districts) with emerging snails. Specific snail control interventions are required tailored to the causes of emerging and reemerging snail habitats. Both emergence and reemergence of O. hupensis snails should be paid attention to in marshland and lake endemic areas, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shanghai Municipality and Zhejiang Province where schistosomiasis had been eliminated, and reemergence of O. hupensis snails should be given a high priority in hilly areas. In addition, monitoring of O. hupensis snails should be reinforced in snail-free areas after flooding.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

[Evaluation of the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in patients with aplastic anemia undergoing immunosuppressive therapy: a prospective cohort study (NICHE)]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (IST) . Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we collected the demographic and clinical data of patients with AA and COVID-19 from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. We described the clinical features of COVID-19 among patients with AA and evaluated the effects of IST on the signs and severity of COVID-19. Results: A total of 170 patients with AA and COVID-19 were included. The common early symptoms, including fever, dizziness or headache, muscle or body aches, and sore throat, disappeared within 1-2 weeks. Approximately 25% of the patients had persistent fatigue within 2 weeks. Many patients experienced cough after an initial 1-3 days of infection, which lasted for more than 2 weeks. There were no differences in the duration of total fever episodes and maximum body temperature when patients were stratified according to whether or not they underwent IST, by IST duration, or by use of anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG) (P>0.05). No differences were observed in the occurrence of symptoms in either the early or recovery stages when patients with AA were stratified according to whether or not they underwent IST, or by IST duration (P>0.05). However, patients who received ALG had fewer fever episodes within 1 week after infection (P=0.035) and more sore throat episodes within 2 weeks after infection (P=0.015). There were no other significant differences in clinical symptoms between patients who did and patients who did not receive ALG (P>0.05) . Conclusion: The majority of patients with AA and COVID-19 recovered within 2 weeks of noticing symptoms when treated with IST.

Butyrate Inhibits Dendritic Cell Activation and Alleviates Periodontitis

Dendritic cells (DCs) can mediate inflammation-related bone resorption that is crucial in the development of periodontitis. Butyrate is a critical by-product of microbes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we found that butyrate inhibited the activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DCs and generation of inflammatory cytokines by DCs. Moreover, butyrate regulated glycolysis in LPS-induced DCs via the G-protein-coupled receptor/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway. In addition, butyrate inhibited the maturation of CD11c+MHC-II+ DCs in vivo, suppressing local inflammatory infiltration and ultimately alleviating bone resorption in a periodontitis model. Our results imply that butyrate suppresses the activation of LPS-induced DCs by modulating their metabolism, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.

Complete mesocolic excision versus standard resection for colon cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of perioperative safety and an evaluation of the use of a robotic approach

PURPOSE

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been associated with improved oncological outcomes in treatment of colon cancer. However, widespread adoption is limited partly because of the technical complexity and perceived risks of the approach. The aim of out study was to evaluate the safety of CME compared to standard resection and to compare robotic versus laparoscopic approaches.

METHODS

Two parallel searches were undertaken in MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases 12 December 2021. The first was to evaluate IDEAL stage 3 evidence to compare complication rates as a surrogate marker of perioperative safety between CME and standard resection. The second independent search compared lymph node yield and survival outcomes between minimally invasive approaches.

RESULTS

There were four randomized control trials (n = 1422) comparing CME to standard resection, and three studies comparing laparoscopic (n = 164) to robotic (n = 161) approaches. Compared to standard resection, CME was associated with a reduction in Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher complication rates (3.56% vs. 7.24%, p = 0.002), reduced blood loss (113.1 ml vs. 137.6 ml, p < 0.0001) and greater mean lymph node harvest (25.6 vs. 20.9 nodes, p = 0.001). Between the robotic and laparoscopic groups, there were no significant differences in complication rates, blood loss, lymph node yield, 5-year disease-free survival (OR 1.05, p = 0.87) and overall survival (OR 0.83, p = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated improved safety with CME. There was no difference in safety or survival outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic CME. The advantage of a robotic approach may lie in the reduced learning curve and an increased penetration of minimally invasive approach to CME. Further studies are required to explore this.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42021287065.