Potent inhibition of human and rat 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 by curcuminoids and the metabolites: 3D QSAR and in silico docking analysis

Curcumin, an extensively utilized natural pigment in the food industry, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential therapeutic effects, such as anti-tumorigenic and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzyme 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17β-HSD1) holds a crucial position in oestradiol production and exhibits significant involvement in oestrogen-responsive breast cancers and endometriosis. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of curcuminoids, metabolites, and analogues on 17β-HSD1, a key enzyme in oestradiol synthesis. Screening 10 compounds, including demethoxycurcumin (IC50, 3.97 μM) and dihydrocurcumin (IC50, 5.84 μM), against human and rat 17β-HSD1 revealed varying inhibitory potencies. These compounds suppressed oestradiol secretion in human BeWo cells at ≥ 5-10 μM. 3D-Quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular docking analyses elucidated the interaction mechanisms. Docking studies and Gromacs simulations suggested competitive or mixed binding to the steroid or NADPH/steroid binding sites of 17β-HSD1. Predictive 3D-QSAR models highlighted the importance of hydrophobic regions and hydrogen bonding in inhibiting 17β-HSD1 activity. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the inhibitory effects and mode of action of curcuminoids, metabolites, and analogues on 17β-HSD1, which may have implications in the field of hormone-related disorders.

Characterization of ruminal degradation, intestinal digestion and total true nutrient supply to dairy cows from feedstocks and coproducts from Canola bio-oil processing: Impact by source origin

The objective of this study was to characterize ruminal degradation, intestinal digestion and total true nutrient supply to dairy cows from canola feedstock (canola seeds) and coproducts (meal and pellets) from bio-oil processing which were impacted by source origin. The feedstocks and coproducts (mash, pellet) were randomly collected from five different bio-oil processing plants with five different batches of samples in each bio-processing plant in Canada (CA) and China (CH). In situ rumen degradation kinetics were determined using four fistulated Holstein cows with incubation times at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. Intestinal digestions were determined using the three-step in vitro method with preincubation at 12 h. The DVE/OEB and National Research Council systems were applied to evaluate the truly absorbable nutrient supply to dairy cows and feed milk values (FMVs). The results showed that in situ undegradable fractions (U) (p = 0.025) were higher in CA meals, and potentially degradable fraction of D was higher (p = 0.016) in CH meals. CH meals had higher total digestible dry matter (TDDM, p = 0.018) and intestinal digestibility of protein (dIDP, p = 0.016). Canola meals from CA had lower MREE (microbial protein synthesized in the rumen based on available rumen degradable protein; p = 0.011) and DVME (rumen synthesized microbial protein digested in the small intestine; p = 0.011) and had higher ECP (endogenous protein in the small intestine, p = 0.001) and absorbed endogenous crude protein (truly absorbed ECP in the small intestine) than CH (p = 0.001). The FMV evaluated based on the metabolic protein and net energy showed no differences between CA and CH in both coproducts and feedstocks.

[Efficiency of CNV-seq in detecting fetal DMD gene deletion or duplication in prenatal diagnosis]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) to detect the deletion or duplication of DMD gene in prenatal diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the CNV-seq results of 34 544 fetuses diagnosed in the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2018 to July 2023. A total of 156 cases of fetuses were collected, including Group 1:125 cases with family history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD), and Group 2:31 cases with no family history but a DMD gene deletion or duplication was detected unexpectedly by CNV-seq. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used as a standard method to detect the deletion or duplication. Consistency test was carried out basing on the results of CNV-seq and MLPA of all 156 cases. Results: Comparing to MLPA, CNV-seq had a coincidence rate of 92.3% (144/156) for DMD gene deletion or duplication, with a sensitivity and positive predictive value of 88.2%, with a specificity and negative predictive value of 94.3%, a missed detection rate of 3.8%, and a Kappa value of 0.839. CNV-seq missed 4 cases with deletions and 2 with duplications due to involved fragments less than 100 Kb, among 20 cases of deletions and 6 cases of duplications detected by MLPA in Group 1. In Group 2, the deletions and duplications detected by CNV-seq were 42% (13/31) and 58% (18/31), respectively, in which the percentage of duplication was higher than that in Group 1. Among those 18 cases with duplications, 3 cases with duplication locating in exon 42~67 were likely pathogenic; while 9 cases with duplication covering the 5' or 3' end of the DMD gene, containing exon 1 or 79 and with only one breakpoint within the gene, along with the last 6 cases with duplications locating at chrX: 32650635_32910000 detected only by CNV-seq, which might be judged as variants of uncertain significance. Conclusions: CNV-seq has a good efficiency to detect fetal DMD gene deletion or duplication in prenatal diagnosis, while a further verification test by MLPA is recommended. The duplications on chrX: 32650635_32910000, 5' or 3' end of DMD gene detected by CNV-seq should be carefully verified and assessed because those variants appear to be nonpathogenic polymorphisms.

[α2-macroglobulin alleviates glucocorticoid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in mice by promoting proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism underlying the protective effect of α2-macroglobulin (A2M) against glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis.

METHODS

In a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model with injuries induced by gradient concentrations of dexamethasone (DEX; 10-8-10-5 mol/L), the protective effects of A2M at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL were assessed by examining the changes in cell viability, migration, and capacity of angiogenesis using CCK-8 assay, Transwell and scratch healing assays and angiogenesis assay. The expressions of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting. In BALB/c mouse models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head induced by intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone, the effects of intervention with A2M on femoral trabecular structure, histopathological characteristics, and CD31 expression were examined with Micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

In cultured HUVECs, DEX treatment significantly reduced cell viability, migration and angiogenic ability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05), and these changes were obviously reversed by treatment with A2M in positive correlation with A2M concentration (P<0.05). DEX significantly reduced the expression of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in HUVECs, while treatment with A2M restored CD31 and VEGF-A expressions in the cells (P<0.05). The mouse models of femoral head necrosis showed obvious trabecular damages in the femoral head, where a large number of empty lacunae and hypertrophic fat cells could be seen and CD31 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). A2M treatment of the mouse models significantly improved trabecular damages, maintained normal bone tissue structures, and increased CD31 expression in the femoral head (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

A2M promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of DEX-treated HUVECs and alleviates methylprednisolone-induced femoral head necrosis by improving microcirculation damages and maintaining microcirculation stability in the femoral head.

[A randomized controlled trial on the effect of early eschar dermabrasion combined with antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing in the treatment of deep partial-thickness burn wounds in children]

Objective: To explore the effect of early eschar dermabrasion combined with antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing (hereinafter referred to as foam dressing) in treating the deep partial-thickness burn wounds in children. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. From June 2021 to December 2022, 78 pediatric patients with deep partial-thickness burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burns in Guiyang Steel Plant Employees Hospital. According to the random number table, the pediatric patients were divided into two groups, with 38 cases left in combined treatment group (with 20 males and 18 females, aged 26.00 (16.75, 39.75) months) and 39 cases in foam dressing group (with 21 males and 18 females, aged 19.00 (14.00, 31.00) months) after the exclusion of one dropped-out child in follow-up. The pediatric patients in combined treatment group underwent eschar dermabrasion of the wound within 48 hours after injury, the wound was covered with foam dressing after operation, and the dressing was replaced once every 7 days; for the pediatric patients in foam dressing group, the wound was sterilized within 48 hours after injury and covered with foam dressing, and the dressing was replaced once every 2 to 3 days. After the wound healing, the children in both groups were routinely applied with silicone gel twice a day for 3 weeks before started wearing elastic sleeves for more than 18 hours a day, and continuously for over than 6 months. The degree of pain during dressing change was evaluated using the children's pain behavior inventory FLACC. The adverse reactions during the treatment period, number of dressing changes, and wound healing time were observed and recorded. Six months after wound healing, the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the condition of the wound scar. Results: When changing dressing, the FLACC score for pain of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was 3.5 (2.0, 5.0), which was significantly lower than 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) in foam dressing group (Z=-5.40, P<0.05). During the treatment period, no adverse reactions such as wound edema, fluid accumulation, or peripheral skin rash allergies occurred in any pediatric patient in both groups. The number of dressing changes of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was 3 (3, 4) times, which was significantly less than 8 (7, 10) times in foam dressing group (Z=-7.58, P<0.05). The wound healing time of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was (19±5) days, which was significantly shorter than (25±6) days in foam dressing group (t=-4.48, P<0.05). Six months after wound healing, the VSS score for scar of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was 5 (2, 8), which was significantly lower than 7 (5, 10) in foam dressing group (Z=-3.05, P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with using foam dressings alone, early eschar dermabrasion combined with foam dressings can reduce the number of dressing changes, alleviate the pain during dressing changes, and shorten the wound healing time in treating children with deep partial-thickness burns, and effectively alleviate scar hyperplasia by combining with anti-scar treatment post burns.

Digital transformation and supply chain efficiency improvement: An empirical study from a-share listed companies in China

This article thoroughly examines the influence of digital transformation on the efficiency of corporate supply chains. As global economic integration accelerates and technological innovations deepen, digital transformation has become key to enhancing core corporate competitiveness. This research, utilizing data from A-share listed companies in China between 2007 and 2022, analyzes how companies improve supply chain efficiency through digital transformation. Furthermore, the study establishes a theoretical framework that demonstrates how digital transformation facilitates supply chain efficiency from the perspectives of internal governance and external competition. The research indicates that digital transformation plays a key role in significantly enhancing supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, the results of the mechanism analysis confirmed that digital transformation contributes to enhancing corporate supply chain efficiency by improving the level of corporate governance and the degree of market competition. The study also finds that the effect of digital transformation on supply chain efficiency varies with different corporate backgrounds, indicating its heterogeneous impact. Lastly, an analysis of economic consequences shows that the increased supply chain efficiency resulting from digital transformation can reduce future external transaction costs, strengthening the company's market position and financial performance. This research provides strategic guidance for firms to develop robust strategies amid the digital wave and offers strong policy recommendations for promoting digital supply chain management and enhancing market adaptability.

More anterior bone loss in middle vertebra after contiguous two-segment cervical disc arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Contiguous two-segment cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is safe and effective, while post-operative radiographic change is poorly understood. We aimed to clarify the morphological change of the three vertebral bodies operated on.

METHODS

Patients admitted between 2015 and 2020 underwent contiguous two-level Prestige LP CDA were included. The follow-up was divided into immediate post-operation (≤ 1 week), early (≤ 6 months), and last follow-up (≥ 12 months). Clinical outcomes were measured by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue score (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI). Radiographic parameters on lateral radiographs included sagittal area, anterior-posterior diameters (superior, inferior endplate length, and waist length), and anterior and posterior heights. Sagittal parameters included disc angle, Cobb angle, range of motion, T1 slope, and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis. Heterotopic ossification (HO) and anterior bone loss (ABL) were recorded.

RESULTS

78 patients were included. Clinical outcomes significantly improved. Of the three operation-related vertebrae, only middle vertebra decreased significantly in sagittal area at early follow-up. The four endplates that directly meet implants experienced significant early loss in length. Sagittal parameters were kept within an acceptable range. Both segments had a higher class of HO at last follow-up. More ABL happened to middle vertebra. The incidence and degree of ABL were higher for the endplates on middle vertebra only at early follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that after contiguous two-segment CDA, middle vertebra had a distinguishing morphological changing pattern that could be due to ABL, which deserves careful consideration before and during surgery.

Lipoprotein(a) is associated with recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease and prediabetes or diabetes

PURPOSE

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and diabetes mellitus (DM) are both associated with adverse events in high-risk patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). Currently, the association between Lp(a) levels and recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events (CVEs) remained undetermined in patients with different glucose status. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of Lp(a) levels for recurrent CVEs in high-risk CAD patients who suffered from first CVEs according to different glycemic metabolism.

METHODS

We recruited 5257 consecutive patients with prior CVEs and followed up for recurrent CVEs, including CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and non-fatal stroke. Patients were assigned to low, medium, and high groups according to Lp(a) levels and further stratified by glucose status.

RESULTS

During a median 37-month follow-up, 225 (4.28%) recurrent CVEs occurred. High Lp(a) was independently associated with recurrent CVEs [adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR), 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.19; P = 0.008]. When participants were classified according to Lp(a) levels and glycemic status, high Lp(a) levels were associated with an increased risk of recurrent CVEs in pre-DM (adjusted HR, 2.96; 95% CI 1.24-7.05; P = 0.014). Meanwhile, medium and high Lp(a) levels were both associated with an increased risk for recurrent CVEs in DM (adjusted HR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.30-7.34; P = 0.010 and adjusted HR, 3.13, 95% CI 1.30-7.53; P = 0.011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with an increased recurrent CVE risk in patients with CAD, particularly among those with pre-DM and DM, indicating that Lp(a) may provide incremental value in risk stratification in this population.

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.

Effects of nurses-led multidisciplinary-based psychological management in spinal surgery: a retrospective, propensity-score-matching comparative study

BACKGROUND

Patients in spine surgery often have emotional disorders which is caused by multi-factors. Therefore, a multidisciplinary and multimodal intervention program is required to improve emotional disorders during the perioperative period. However, related studies were rare. This study aimed to confirm that the multidisciplinary-based psychological management leading by nurses was effective in treating emotional disorders and show the assignments of the members of the multidisciplinary team with the orientations of nurses.

DESIGN

A retrospective, comparative study.

METHOD

This study was a retrospective cohort research and compared the results between the intervention group and control group using the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) which was used to evaluate emotional disorders. The intervention group consisted of patients who underwent surgery between January 2018 and December 2020 after psychological management was implemented. The control group consisted of patients with regular care who underwent surgery between January 2015 and December 2017. To improve comparability between the two groups, baseline data from the recruited patients were analyzed using propensity-score-matching (PSM) based on age, sex, marital status, education, and disease region.

RESULTS

A total of 539 (11.5%) people developed emotional disorders, of which 319 (6.8%), 151 (3.2%) and 69 (1.5%) had mild, moderate mood and severe emotional disorders, respectively. 2107 pairs of patients were matched after PSM. Scores of HEI in the intervention group were heightened compared with those in the control group (P<0.001) after matching. Moreover, the incidence of emotional disorders in patients decreased after implementing psychological management (P = 0.001). The severity of emotional disorders was alleviated with statistical significance as well (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses-led Multidisciplinary-Based psychological management was able to reduce the incidence of emotional disorders and improve the severity of these in spine surgery patients.

[Cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2022]

Objective: The National Central Cancer Registry estimates the number of new cancer cases and deaths in China in 2022, using incidence and mortality data collected by the National Cancer Center. Methods: According to the data of 700 cancer registries in 2018 and the data of 106 cancer registries from 2010 to 2018, the age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the incidence rate and mortality rate of all cancers and 23 types of cancer in 2022, stratified by gender and urban and rural areas. We estimated the number of new cancer cases and deaths in China in 2022 based on the estimated rate and population data in 2022. Results: The estimated results showed that in 2022, there were approximately 4 824 700 new cancer cases in China (2 533 900 in males and 2 290 800 in females), with an age-standardized incidence rate of Chinese population (ASIR) of 208.58 per 100 000 (212.67 per 100 000 for males and 208.08 per 100 000 for females). Approximately 2 903 900 new cancer cases occurred in urban areas, with an ASIR of 212.95 per 100 000. It was estimated about 1 920 800 new cancer cases in rural areas, and the ASIR was 199.65 per 100 000. The top five cancers (lung cancer 1 060 600, colorectal cancer 517 100, thyroid cancer 466 100, liver cancer 367 700 and female breast cancer 357 200) accounted for 57.4% of all new cases. The estimated number of deaths from cancer in China in 2022 was 2 574 200 (1 629 300 in males and 944 900 in females), with an age-standardized mortality rate of Chinese population (ASMR) of 97.08 per 100 000 (127.70 per 100 000 in males and 68.67 per 100 000 in females). The number of deaths from cancer in urban and rural areas was about 1 400 600 and 1 173 400, with the ASMR of 92.37 and 103.97 per 100 000 in urban and rural areas, respectively. The top five leading cause of cancers death (lung cancer 733 300, liver cancer 316 500, gastric cancer 260 400, colorectal cancer 240 000 and esophageal cancer 187 500) accounted for 67.5% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer ranked first in the incidence and mortality in men and women. The incidence rate in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas, while the mortality rate was lower than that in rural areas. Conclusions: The burden of cancer in China is still relatively heavy, with significant differences in cancer patterns in gender, urban-rural, and regional. The burden of cancer presents a coexistence of developed and developing countries, and the situation of cancer prevention and control is still serious in China.

[Analysis of the types and functions of CD34+ cells in full-thickness skin defect wounds of normal mice and diabetic mice by single-cell RNA sequencing]

Objective: To analyze the types and functions of CD34+ cells in full-thickness skin defect wounds of normal mice and diabetic mice by single-cell RNA sequencing. Methods: This study was an experimental study. The CD34+ cell lineage tracing mouse was produced, and the visualization of CD34+ cells under the fluorescent condition was realized. Six male CD34+ cell lineage tracing mice aged 7-8 weeks (designated as diabetic group) were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish a diabetic model, and full-thickness skin defect wounds were prepared on their backs when they reached 13 weeks old. Another 6 male CD34+ cell lineage tracing mice aged 13 weeks (designated as control group) were also subjected to full-thickness skin defect wounds on their backs. On post-injury day (PID) 4, wound tissue was collected from 3 mice in control group and 2 mice in diabetic group, and digested to prepare single-cell suspensions. CD34+ cells were screened using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, followed by single-cell RNA sequencing. The Seurat 4.0.2 program in the R programming language was utilized for dimensionality reduction, visualization, and cell clustering analysis of CD34+ cell types, and to screen and annotate the marker genes for each CD34+ cell subpopulation. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CD34+ fibroblasts (Fbs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), keratinocytes (KCs), and chondrocyte-like cells (CLCs) in the wound tissue of two groups of mice for exploring cellular functions. Results: On PID 4, CD34+ cells in the wound tissue of both groups of mice were consisted of 7 cell types, specifically endothelial cells, Fbs, KCs, macrophages, T cells, SMCs, and CLCs. Among these, Fbs were further classified into 5 subpopulations. Compared with those in control group, the proportions of CD34+ endothelial cells, Fbs subpopulation 1, Fbs subpopulation 4, KCs, and CLCs in the wound tissue of mice were increased in diabetic group, while the proportions of CD34+ Fbs subpopulation 2, Fbs subpopulation 3, and SMCs were decreased. The marker genes for annotating CD34+ CLCs, endothelial cells, Fbs subpopulation 1, Fbs subpopulation 2, Fbs subpopulation 3, Fbs subpopulation 4, Fbs subpopulation 5, KCs, macrophages, SMCs, and T cells were respectively metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1, fatty acid binding protein 4, Gremlin 1, complement component 4B, H19 imprinted maternally expressed transcript, Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 2, fibromodulin, keratin 5, CD74 molecule, regulator of G protein signaling 5, and inducible T-cell co-stimulator molecule. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis revealed that, compared with those in control group, DEGs with significant differential expression (SDE) in CD34+ Fbs from the wound tissue of mice in diabetic group on PID 4 were significantly enriched in terms related to inflammatory response, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, regulation of cell proliferation, and aging (with Pvalues all <0.05), DEGs with SDE in CD34+ SMCs were significantly enriched in terms related to cell migration, apoptotic process, positive regulation of transcription, and phagosome (with P values all <0.05), DEGs with SDE in CD34+ KCs were significantly enriched in terms related to mitochondrial function, transcription, and neurodegenerative diseases (with P values all <0.05), and DEGs with SDE in CD34+ CLCs were significantly enriched in terms related to rhythm regulation, ECM, and viral infection (with P values all <0.05). Conclusions: CD34+ cells display high heterogeneity in the healing process of full-thickness skin defect wounds in both normal mice and diabetic mice. The significantly enriched functions of DEGs with SDE in CD34+ cell subpopulations in the wound tissue of the two mouse groups are closely related to the wound healing process.

[Establishing and verifying the threshold value of HLA mixed antigen reagent screening test results]

Objective: To establish the threshold value of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mixed antigen reagent screening test results, and to verify it by HLA single antigen reagent confirmation test results. Methods: The results of 2 255 serum samples tested for HLA antibodies by HLA mixed antigen reagent in the department of HLA Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from October 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 1 139 samples were also tested by single antigen HLA Class-Ⅰ reagent and 1 116 samples were also tested by single antigen HLA Class-Ⅱ reagent. Based on the same antigens coated with both reagents, the Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) and Nomalized Background ratio (NBG ratio) of 12 HLA Class-Ⅰ beads and 5 HLA Class-Ⅱ beads in the HLA mixed antigen reagent and the MFI of 77 anti-HLA class-Ⅰ antibodies and 35 anti-HLA class-Ⅱ antibodies detected by HLA single antigen reagent were recorded. The MFI and NBG ratio of HLA mixed antigen reagent beads in 1 139 or 1 116 samples were segmented according to the positive rate of antibodyies detected by the single antigen reagent corresponding to the antigens coated with each HLA mixed antigen reagent bead, and the results of the HLA mixed antigen screening test were verified by the HLA single antigen reagent confirmation test. Results: The threshold values of MFI and NBG ratio of HLA mixed antigen reagent's 17 beads were established. The MFI of No. 1 to No. 17 beads of HLA mixed antigen reagent ranged from 26.86 to 21 925.58, and the NBG ratio ranged from 0 to 434.65. According to the positive detection rate of HLA single antigen reagent corresponding to the coated antigens, the MFI and NBG ratio of the beads of HLA mixed antigen reagent were divided into positive interval, suspicious positive interval, suspicious negative interval and negative interval. The positive rates of anti-HLA class-Ⅰ antibodies by HLA mixed antigen reagent and single antigen HLA Class-Ⅰ reagent were 87.5% (997/1 139) and 66.3% (755/1 139). The positive rates of anti-HLA class-Ⅱ antibodies were 63.4% (707/1 116) and 44.9% (501/1 116). In the samples with suspicious negative, suspicious positive and positive results of HLA class-Ⅰ、Ⅱ antibodies detected by HLA mixed antigen reagent, the positive detection rates of single antigen HLA Class-Ⅰ reagent were 14.9% (17/114), 41.3% (145/351) and 91.3% (590/646), respectively. The positive detection rates of single antigen HLA Class-Ⅱ reagent were 15.5% (58/375), 26.5% (81/306) and 88.8% (356/401), respectively. Conclusions: In this study, the threshold values of MFI and NBG ratio of HLA mixed antigen reagent screening test are established, and the threshold values are verified by the results of HLA single antigen reagent confirmation test. HLA mixed reagent screening test can be used for screening of HLA antibodies, and if necessary, it should be combined with HLA single antigen confirmatory test for clinical detection of HLA antibodies.

[Establishment and validation of prediction models for human leukocyte antigen haplotypes and human leukocyte antigen genotypes]

Objective: To establish prediction models for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes and HLA genotypes, and verify the prediction accuracy. Methods: The prediction models were established based on the characteristic of HLA haplotype inheritance and linkage disequilibrium (LD), as well as the invention patents and software copyrights obtained. The models include algorithm and reference databases such as HLA A-C-B-DRB1-DQB1 high-resolution haplotypes database, B-C and DRB1-DQB1 LD database, G group alleles table, and NMDP Code alleles table. The prediction algorithm involves data processing, comparison with reference data, filtering results, probability calculation and ranking, confidence degree estimation, and output of prediction results. The accuracy of the predictions was verified by comparing them with the correct results, and the relationship between prediction accuracy and the probability distribution and confidence degree of the predicted results was analyzed. Results: The HLA haplotypes and genotypes prediction models were established. The prediction algorithm included the prediction of A-C-B-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes according to HLA-A, B, DRB1, C, DQB1 genotypes, the prediction of C and DQB1 high-resolution results according to A, B and DRB1 high-resolution results, and the prediction of A, B, DRB1, C and DQB1 high resolution results according to the A, B and DRB1 intermediate or low resolution results. Validation results of "Predicting A-C-B-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes basing on HLA-A, B, DRB1, C, DQB1 genotypes" model: for 787 data, the accuracy was 94.0% (740/787) with 740 correct predictions, 34 incorrect predictions, and 13 instances with no predicted results. For 847 data, the accuracy was 100% (847/847). The 2 411 and 2 594 haplotype combinations predicted from 787 and 847 data were grouped according to confidence degree, the accuracy was 100% (48/48, 114/114) for a confidence degree of 1, 96.2% (303/315) and 97.8% (409/418) for a confidence degree of 2 respectively. Validation results of "Predicting A, B, DRB1 and C, DQB1 high-resolution genotypes basing on HLA-A, B, DRB1 high, intermediate, or low resolution genotypes" model: when predicting C and DQB1 high resolution genotypes basing on A, B, and DRB1 high resolution genotypes, 89.3% (1 459/1 634) of the predictions were correct. The accuracy for the top 2 predicted probability (GPP) ranking was 79.2% (1 156/1 459), and for the top 10, it was 95.0% (1 386/1 459). Furthermore, when GPP≥90% and GPP 50%-90%, the prediction accuracy was 81.3% (209/257) and 72.8% (447/614) respectively. The accuracy of predicting C and DQB1 high resolution genotypes basing on the results of A, B, and DRB1 high resolution genotypes from the China Marrow Donor Program was 87.0% (20/23). The accuracy of predicting A, B, DRB1, C, and DQB1 high resolution genotypes basing on the results of A, B, and DRB1 intermediate or low-resolution genotypes was 70.0% (7/10) and 52.5% (21/40) respectively. When predicting whether the patient is likely to have a HLA 10/10 matched donor, the accuracy of the top 2 GPP combinations with a proportion of ≥50% was 85.7% (6/7). Conclusions: When using A, B, DRB1, C, DQB1 genotypes to predict A-C-B-DRB1-DQB1 haplotype combinations, the results with a confidence degree of 1 and 2 are reliable. When predicting C and DQB1 genotypes according to A, B and DRB1 genotypes, the top 10 results ranked by GPP are reliable, and the top 2 results with GPP≥50% are more reliable.

[Challenges and solutions in current human leukocyte antigen confirmatory typing of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

The impact of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) necessitates high precision in HLA genotyping. Confirmatory typing for patients and their related or unrelated donors before HSCT is critical. This study seeks to standardize HLA confirmatory typing in laboratories by examining the current state of HLA genotyping in the country, building upon the National Standards and Industrial Standards for HLA, and highlighting the significance of confirmatory typing for patients and potential donors prior to HSCT. A retrospective analysis over a decade reveals initial typing errors, indicating potential issues and critical considerations in pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages. Problems are attributed to three main causes: (1) random human errors, including technical mistakes, sample mix-up, and transcription inaccuracies; (2) limitations of technical methods, such as the varied sequence ranges between confirmatory and initial typing; (3) patient factors, involving high tumor burden, the influence of certain drugs on HLA genotyping results, and the second transplantation. Solutions are proposed for these problems, along with recommendations to standardize HLA confirmatory typing.

[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.

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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[Different methods in predicting mortality of pediatric intensive care units sepsis in Southwest China]

Objective: To investigate the value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) and pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) in predicting mortality of pediatric sepsis in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) from Southwest China. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter observational study. A total of 447 children with sepsis admitted to 12 PICU in Southwest China from April 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Based on the prognosis, the patients were divided into survival group and non-survival group. The physiological parameters of SIRS, pSOFA and PCIS were recorded and scored within 24 h after PICU admission. The general clinical data and some laboratory results were recorded. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the predictive value of SIRS, pSOFA and PCIS in mortality of pediatric sepsis. Results: Amongst 447 children with sepsis, 260 patients were male and 187 patients were female, aged 2.5 (0.8, 7.0) years, 405 patients were in the survival group and 42 patients were in the non-survival group. 418 patients (93.5%) met the criteria of SIRS, and 440 patients (98.4%) met the criteria of pSOFA≥2. There was no significant difference in the number of items meeting the SIRS criteria between the survival group and the non-survival group (3(2, 4) vs. 3(3, 4) points, Z=1.30, P=0.192). The pSOFA score of the non-survival group was significantly higher than that of the survival group (9(6, 12) vs. 4(3, 7) points, Z=6.56, P<0.001), and the PCIS score was significantly lower than that of the survival group (72(68, 81) vs. 82(76, 88) points, Z=5.90, P<0.001). The predictive value of pSOFA (AUC=0.82) and PCIS (AUC=0.78) for sepsis mortality was significantly higher than that of SIRS (AUC=0.56) (Z=6.59, 4.23, both P<0.001). There was no significant difference between pSOFA and PCIS (Z=1.35, P=0.176). Platelet count, procalcitonin, lactic acid, albumin, creatinine, total bilirubin, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio were all able to predict mortality of sepsis to a certain degree (AUC=0.64, 0.68, 0.80, 0.64, 0.68, 0.60, 0.77, 0.75, 0.76, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with SIRS, both pSOFA and PCIS had better predictive value in the mortality of pediatric sepsis in PICU.

Analysis of the effect of elevated systemic immuno-inflammation index on hepatic steatosis based on the NHANES database

OBJECTIVE

Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study aimed to investigate the effect of high levels of systemic immune inflammation (SII) on hepatic steatosis by conducting a population-based cross-sectional survey of research subjects.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The population included 5,119 participants from the NHANES 2017-2020 cycle who were selected as the research subjects. We used (neutrophil count × platelet count)/lymphocyte count as the formula for calculating SII. The formula for calculating HSI levels was 8 × the ratio of [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) / aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] + body mass index (BMI) + 2 (with diabetes mellitus) + 2 (for women). HSI=36 was taken as the cut-off value for evaluating hepatic steatosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between hepatic steatosis and SII in different models. Subgroup analysis was used to explore the relationship between different subgroups of SII and hepatic steatosis. Interaction analyses were used to assess the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 5,119 participants, hepatic steatosis was observed in 2,742 individuals. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the independent risk factor for hepatic steatosis was a high SII level (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.11-1.49, p<0.05). After adjusting for differences in BMI and HSI using propensity score matching (PSM), bariatric surgery also reduced SII risk.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a correlation between SII and hepatic steatosis, and bariatric surgery can effectively reduce SII risk in the hepatic steatosis population.

Characterization, interfacial rheology, and storage stability of Pickering emulsions stabilized by complex of whey protein isolate fiber and zein derived from micro-endosperm maize

In present study, we characterized the formation, interfacial rheology, and storage stability of emulsions stabilized by microendosperm maize-derived zein (M-Zein)/whey protein isolate fiber (WPIF) nanoparticles. Microendosperm maize is a newly developed, oleic acid-rich oilseed resource. Recent research has shown that M-Zein possesses unique hydrophobic properties. Combining it with WPIF may enhance its performance as a stabilizer. Optimization of weight ratios for M-Zein/WPIF composites, guided by particle size analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, three-phase contact angle (θ), and interfacial rheological analysis, revealed that a 4: 6 mass ratio at pH 7 yielded favorable wettability (θ = 91.2°). Interfacial rheology analysis showed that the combination of WPIF reduced M-Zein's interfacial tension to 7.2 mN/m and 36.7 mN/m at oil-water and air-water interfaces, respectively. The M-Zein/WPIF complex exhibited an elastic protein layer at the oil-water interface. Further investigations into nanoparticle concentration, oil phase volume, and pH revealed that emulsions containing 3 % nanoparticles (w/w), 50 % oil phase volume, and pH 7 showed the best storage stability. This research highlights the development of M-Zein/WPIF composited nanoparticles with superior storage stability and interfacial rheology. Additionally, it introduces a novel application for M-Zein, which elevates the value proposition of microendosperm maize.

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.

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.

[The role of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in silicosis-induced pulmonary fibrosis and its prospect as a therapeutic target]

Inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide particles can induce silicosis, and the development of silicosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been established as a major proinflammatory receptor for sensing environmental danger signals. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes after phagocytosis of silicon dioxide particles by pulmonary macrophages may be an important mechanism to induce oxidative stress and sustained inflammatory response in the lung. This article summarizes the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis, and analyzes it as a potential target for silicosis treatment.

[Influence of preoperative symptom duration on effectiveness of cervical disc arthroplasty in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients]

Objective

To investigate the influence of preoperative symptom duration on effectiveness of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) patients.

Methods

The clinical data of 90 CSR patients who underwent single-segment CDA between January 2008 and March 2020 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Based on preoperative symptom duration, patients were divided into an early intervention group (preoperative symptom duration <24 months) and a late intervention group (preoperative symptom duration ≥24 months). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), including age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, surgical segment, preoperative neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, cervical lordosis (CL), C 2-C 7 range of motion (ROM), disc angle (DA), disc ROM (DROM), and disc intervertebral height (DIH). The early intervention group had a slightly higher preoperative Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA) score than the late intervention group ( P<0.05). Perioperative indicators such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The changes of JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at last follow-up compared with those before operation were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy, and the imaging evaluation of CL, C 2-C 7 ROM, DA, DROM, and DIH was performed before operation, immediately after operation, and at last follow-up. The incidence of prosthesis-related complications, including heterotopic ossification (HO), anterior bone loss (ABL), and prosthesis subsidence, was also assessed at last follow-up.

Results

Patients in both groups were followed up 24-120 months, with an average of 53.4 months. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or follow-up duration between the groups ( P>0.05). However, the late intervention group had significantly longer postoperative hospital stay compared to the early intervention group ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the changes of JOA score, NDI, and VAS score between the two groups before and after operation ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no surgical revision in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of HO, ABL, and prosthesis subsidence between the two groups at last follow-up ( P>0.05). Imaging evaluation showed that there was no significant difference in CL, C 2-C 7 ROM, DA, DROM, and DIH between the two groups at each time point before and after operation ( P>0.05). The intra-group comparison showed that the early intervention group could maintain the immediate postoperative CL at last follow-up, while the late intervention group had recovered to the preoperative level. Additionally, the C 2-C 7 ROM, DROM, and DA had all recovered to preoperative levels at last follow-up in both groups; meanwhile, the DIH significantly increased immediately after operation and sustained until the last follow-up.

Conclusion

Preoperative symptom duration significantly affects the effectiveness of CDA in CSR patients. Patients with preoperative symptom duration ≥24 months have longer postoperative hospital stays and potentially poorer ability to maintain CL compared with patients with preoperative symptom duration <24 months.

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.

The impact of air pollutants on spontaneous abortion: a case-control study in Tongchuan City

OBJECTIVES

Studies related to air pollutants and spontaneous abortion in urban northwestern China are scarce, and the main exposure windows of pollutants acting on pregnant women are unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Data were collected from pregnant women in Tongchuan City from 2018 to 2019. A total of 289 cases of spontaneous abortion and 1156 cases of full-term labor were included and analyzed using a case-control study. Logistic regression models were developed to explore the relationship between air pollutants and spontaneous abortion after Chi square analysis and Air pollutant description.

RESULTS

O3 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.028) is a risk factor for spontaneous abortion throughout pregnancy. PM2.5 (OR = 1.015), PM10 (OR = 1.010), SO2 (OR = 1.026), and NO2 (OR = 1.028) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 30 days before the last menstrual period. PM2.5 (OR = 1.015), PM10 (OR = 1.013), SO2 (OR = 1.036), and NO2 (OR = 1.033) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 30-60 days before the last menstrual period. PM2.5 (OR = 1.028), PM10 (OR = 1.013), SO2 (OR = 1.035), and NO2 (OR = 1.059) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 60-90 days before the last menstrual period.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to high levels of air pollutants may be a cause of increased risk of spontaneous abortion, especially in the first trimester of the last menstrual period.

The Addition of Resveratrol-Loaded Emulsions to Yogurts: Physicochemical Characterization, In Vitro Bioaccessibility and NMR-Based Nutritional Profiles

In this study, resveratrol-loaded nano-emulsions were added to yogurts, improving the physicochemical properties and functional factors and realizing the development of nutrient-fortified yogurt. Yogurts added with free resveratrol (Y-R), resveratrol-loaded emulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate (Y-NN), decaglycerol monooleate (Y-DN), and sodium caseinate-decaglycerol monooleate (Y-DND) were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, and textural parameters, with 5-day intervals for 15-day storage. The resveratrol retention rate was analyzed in the Y-R, Y-NN, Y-DN, and Y-NDN groups during 15 days of storage. The dynamic bioaccessibility of resveratrol and the NMR-based nutritional profile of yogurt in the Y-R, Y-NN, Y-DN, and the Y-NDN group were investigated after in vitro digestion. The results demonstrated that the addition of resveratrol emulsion decreased the hardness of yogurt while evaluating its titratable acidity and water-holding capacity, which were characterized by high stability. The stability of resveratrol added in the form of an emulsion was significantly higher than that of the free form. Compared with the other groups, the yogurt formulated with sodium caseinate/decaglycerol monooleate (NaCas/DGMO) emulsion showed the highest resveratrol retention rate, about 70%. In vitro digestion showed that encapsulation effectively and persistently improved the dynamic bioaccessibility of resveratrol. Additionally, NMR-based nutritional profile analysis before and after in vitro digestion demonstrated that resveratrol emulsion nutritional fortification promoted the release of nutrients, improving the nutritional value of yogurt. These findings offered theoretical guidance and technical support for the use of resveratrol nano-emulsions in yogurt.

[Research on Yaowang Temple based on local chronicles of Henan]

By looking up the local chronicles of the China Digital Chronicles Database and the China Chronicles Database, it was found that there are 450 kinds of local chronicles in Henan, of which 45 contain Yaowang Temple.According to these 45 kinds of local Chronicles, it can be seen that a total of 35 Yaowang temples were built in 25 counties (cities) of Henan, mostly distributed in the west, north and south of Henan, especially in the west. Among them, eight Yaowang temples recorded the construction time, from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, but most of them were built in the Qing Dynasty. There are records of the builders of the 8 Yaowang Temples, most of whom were local government officials. Qi Bo, Hua Tuo, Bian Que, Sun Simiao and Wei Cizang were recorded as Yaowang in three places, and Sun Simiao was enshrined in two of them. The architectural pattern of Yaowang Temple varies greatly from three courtyards to natural caves. Local chronicles contain all kinds of legends and stories about the Yaowang, which is a concrete embodiment of the belief in Yaowang. The belief in Yaowang not only carries people's thirst for health, but also prays for good weather.

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.

Machine-learning-based performance comparison of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) CT radiomics features for intracerebral haemorrhage expansion

AIM

To investigate the value of non-contrast CT (NCCT)-based two-dimensional (2D) radiomics features in predicting haematoma expansion (HE) after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and compare its predictive ability with the three-dimensional (3D) signature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and seven ICH patients who received baseline NCCT within 6 h of ictus from two stroke centres were analysed retrospectively. 2D and 3D radiomics features were extracted in the manner of one-to-one correspondence. The 2D and 3D models were generated by four different machine-learning algorithms (regularised L1 logistic regression, decision tree, support vector machine and AdaBoost), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare their predictive performance. A robustness analysis was performed according to baseline haematoma volume.

RESULTS

Each feature type of 2D and 3D modalities used for subsequent analyses had excellent consistency (mean ICC >0.9). Among the different machine-learning algorithms, pairwise comparison showed no significant difference in both the training (mean area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.858 versus 0.802, all p>0.05) and validation datasets (mean AUC 0.725 versus 0.678, all p>0.05), and the 10-fold cross-validation evaluation yielded similar results. The AUCs of the 2D and 3D models were comparable either in the binary or tertile volume analysis (all p>0.5).

CONCLUSION

NCCT-derived 2D radiomics features exhibited acceptable and similar performance to the 3D features in predicting HE, and this comparability seemed unaffected by initial haematoma volume. The 2D signature may be preferred in future HE-related radiomic works given its compatibility with emergency condition of ICH.

Anterior cervical X-shape-corpectomy and fusion vs. anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for two-level cervical spondylosis

PURPOSE

Anterior cervical X-shape-corpectomy and fusion (ACXF) is a novel cervical surgery, designed as partial alternative to the classic technique, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the early-stage outcomes of ACXF in treating two-level cervical spondylosis (CS) through comparisons with ACCF.

METHODS

A retrospectively comparative study was conducted in two cohorts of patients who underwent single-vertebral ACXF or ACCF to treat two-level CS during September 2019 and October 2021. Clinical and radiological data of all the patients were collected from pre-operation to 1 year after the surgery, following by intra- and intergroup analyses and comparisons.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included, with 24 undergoing ACXF and 33 undergoing ACCF. ACXF group had significantly shorter drainage duration (2.13 ± 0.61 days vs. 3.48 ± 1.30 days, P < 0.001) and less drainage volume (30.21 ± 26.88 ml vs. 69.30 ± 37.65 ml, P < 0.001) than ACCF group. Both techniques significantly improved all the clinical parameters (P < 0.01) with comparable effects (P > 0.05). Each complication rate in ACXF group was lower than that in ACCF group without significant difference (P > 0.05). ACXF showed a significantly smaller transverse decompression range than ACCF (11.93 ± 1.27 mm vs. 16.29 ± 1.88 mm, P < 0.001). Postoperatively, ACXF yielded a comparable fusion rate (P > 0.05) and a significantly lower subsidence rate (P < 0.01) than ACCF technique at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS

ACXF is a potential surgical alternative for certain patients with two-level CS, as it provides both adequate decompression range and fewer adverse events than ACCF. The further modifications on ACXF worth exploration.

Role of Cisplatin in Inducing Acute Kidney Injury and Pyroptosis in Mice via the Exosome miR-122/ELAVL1 Regulatory Axis

Although cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers, its clinical use is limited due to its side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. Unfortunately, acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by cisplatin remains one of the main challenges in effective cancer treatment. Evidence increasingly suggests that renal inflammation and pyroptotic inflammatory cell death of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) mainly determine the progression and outcome of cisplatin-induced AKI. However, it is not clear how cisplatin regulates the pyroptosis of RTECs cells in AKI. The current study aimed to determine the regulation mechanism of AKI induced by cisplatin. We used cisplatin to induce AKI in vivo. We performed H&E staining of mouse kidney tissue sections and evaluated serological indicators of kidney injury (including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)). We used immunohistochemistry and western blot to detect the important substrate protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) and key target caspase-1 of pyroptosis, respectively. Cisplatin induced mouse AKI and RTECs pyroptosis. HK2 cell-derived exosomes treated with cisplatin influenced pyroptosis of the surrounding HK2 cells. Cisplatin-treated HK2 cells exosome-derived miR-122 regulated pyroptosis in the surrounding cells. Exosome-derived miR-122 affected cisplatin-induced AKI and HK2 cells pyroptosis by regulating the expression of embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAVL1). These results suggest that exosome miR-122 inhibited pyroptosis and AKI by targeting ELAVL1 under cisplatin treatment, and this offers a potential target for the treatment of AKI.

Toxic vascular effects of polystyrene microplastic exposure

Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) are some of the most common microplastic components, and the resulting pollution has become a global problem. Extensive studies have been conducted on the toxic effects of PSMPs on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, nerves, intestines and other tissues. However, the impact of PSMPs on vascular toxicity is poorly understood at present. The aim of this study was to reveal the vascular toxicity of microplastics (MPs). Patients were assigned to a calcification group (25 patients) or a non-calcification group (22 patients) based on the presence or absence of calcification in the thoracic aorta wall. We detected 7 polymer types in human feces. Patients with vascular calcification (VC) had higher levels of total MPs, polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) in feces than patients without VC. The thoracic aortic calcification score was significantly positively correlated with the total MP abundance (Spearman r = 0.8109, p < 0.0001), PP (Spearman r = 0.7211, p = 0.0160) and PS (Spearman r = 0.6523, p = 0.0471) in feces. We then explored the effects of PSMP exposure on normal and vitamin D3 + nicotine (VDN)-treated rats. PSMP exposure induced mild VC in normal rats and aggravated VC in VDN-treated rats. PSMP exposure disturbed the gut microbiota, causing Proteobacteria and Escherichia_Shigella to be the dominant phylum and genus, respectively. It also induced intestinal inflammatory responses in normal rats, aggravated intestinal inflammation in VDN-treated rats, impaired the intestinal mucosal barrier, and increased intestinal permeability. This study provides a theoretical basis for the risk assessment of MP-induced cardiovascular disease.

[Prospective cohort study of the association of cardiovascular disease with triglyceride glucose index and triglyceride glucose-related indicators]

Objective: To investigate the association of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with triglyceride glucose index (TyG) and TyG-related indicators in Uyghur populations of The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Methods: Based on the cohort of the Uygur population of The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, 11 833 study subjects were included. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of CVD in each quartile of TyG and TyG-related indicators. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between TyG and CVD, TyG-related indicators and CVD. Framingham CVD risk score model (Framingham model) was used to evaluate whether the addition of TyG and TyG-related indicators could improve the predictive ability of the model. The potential mediating role of the TyG in the association between obesity and CVD was examined through mediation effect analysis. Results: The average age of the subjects was (37.00±13.67) years-old, and 51.0% were male. The median follow-up time was 5.67 years, with 1 288 CVD events. The cumulative incidence of CVD increased with the increase of TyG and TyG-related indicators quartiles, and compared with the Q1 group, the risk of CVD in the Q4 group of TyG, TyG-BMI, and TyG-WHtR increased by 20% (HR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.42), 77% (HR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.46-2.16) and 68% (HR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.36-2.09), respectively. After adding TyG, TyG-BMI, and TyG-WHtR to the Framingham model, respectively, the model's area under the curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement were improved. In the association between BMI, WHtR, and CVD, the proportion of mediating effects mediated by the TyG index was 10.55% and 11.50%. Conclusions: Elevated levels of TyG and TyG-related indicators were strongly associated with the risk of CVD in the Uyghur population of The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, with TyG-BMI being the most closely correlated with CVD. Early monitoring of TyG-BMI helps identify high-risk groups of CVD.

[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.

Effects of lysolecithins on performance, egg quality, blood profiles and liver histopathology in late-phase laying hens

1. This study investigated the effects of lysolecithins (LL) on performance, egg quality, blood profiles, relative organ weight and liver histopathology in laying hens.2. A total of 480 healthy 65-week-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allocated into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement design with two levels of energy (AMEn, 11.08 MJ/kg and 12.94 MJ/kg) and two levels of LL (0 and 0.05%).3. Birds fed high energy diets had lower (P < 0.05) average daily intake and feed conversion rate during weeks 0-4, 5-8 and 0-8, but higher (P < 0.05) average egg weight (AEW) during trial weeks 0-4. There was an interaction in (P < 0.05) AEW during trial weeks 0-14 and 0-8 for energy and LL. The high energy diets increased yolk colour at the end of weeks 2 and 4, while addition of LL increased albumen height at the end of week 2. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) in yolk colour between energy and LL at the end of week 2. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) in serum superoxide dismutase and LDL-C throughout the experiment.4. The high energy diets increased (P < 0.05) the relative weight of abdominal fat compared with low energy diets. The high energy diets increased (P < 0.05) liver ether extract content and liver pathological injury score compared with low energy diets at the end of week 8, while the addition of LL decreased (P < 0.05) liver pathological injury score.5. The supplementation of LL in high energy diets could alleviate some negative effects on liver injury in late laying hens.

Overloaded vertebral body: a unique radiographic phenomenon following multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

PURPOSE

Because previous studies have not focused on postoperative cervical collapse, the purpose of the present study was to introduce the overloaded vertebral body (OVB) phenomenon following multilevel zero-profile anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) as well as to investigate its effects on radiographic outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study involving patients who underwent ACDF. A total of 55 patients were included in the analysis, including 110 OVB and 110 non-OVB. The evaluated vertebral parameters included the vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA), wedge angle (WA), vertebral height [anterior (AH) and posterior (PH)] and anterior-posterior vertebral diameter [upper (UD) and lower (LD)].

RESULTS

The CSA and WA were significantly lower in the OVB group than in the non-OVB group at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery as well as at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). The AH of the OVB group was significantly lower at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery as well as at the final follow-up compared to 1 week after surgery (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

OVB, a new phenomenon following multilevel ACDF, is defined as the cervical vertebral body located in the middle of the surgical segments in multilevel anterior cervical spine surgery. Statistical analysis of vertebral parameters, including CSA, WA, AH, PH, UD, and LD, showed that OVB occurs mainly at the anterior edge of the vertebra and that its largest radiographic manifestation is the loss of height at the anterior edge of the vertebra in the early postoperative period.

Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antifungal activities of 1-O-alkylglycerols

1-O-alkylglycerols are a class of natural existing lipids with broad biological activities. However, their use in food or agricultural fields remains to be investigated, especially for their antimicrobial activity. In this work, three 1-O-alkylglycerols, 1-O-octanylglycerol (C8Gly1), 1-O-dodecylglycerol (C12Gly1), and 1-O-hexadecylglycerol (C16Gly1), were synthesized in the isolated yields of 71.3-89.8 % and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FITR, mass spectra, and HPLC-ESLD. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1-O-alkylglycerols was determined to be 1.65 mmol/L (C8Gly1), 0.33 mmol/L (C12Gly1), and 0.23 mmol/L (C16Gly1) using the pyrene method. C12Gly1 and C16Gly1 had similar surface tensions that are lower than C8Gly1. C8Gly1 can form micelles in aqueous solution with excellent nano-dispersed uniformity and stability. Furthermore, C8Gly1 and C12Gly1 not only displayed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, but they also inhibited the growth of Botryosphaeria dothidea, Monilia fructigena, and Phytophthora capsicum at 400 μg/mL. Thus, the C8Gly1 and C12Gly1 can serve as novel antimicrobial agents in food preservation.

Observation of New Baryons in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} and Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} Systems

The first observation and study of two new baryonic structures in the final state Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} and the confirmation of the Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} state in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} decay mode are reported using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. In addition, the properties of the known Ξ_{b}^{*0}, Ξ_{b}^{'-} and Ξ_{b}^{*-} resonances are measured with improved precision. The new decay mode of the Ξ_{b}^{0} baryon to the Ξ_{c}^{+} π^{-} π^{+} π^{-} final state is observed and exploited for the first time in these measurements.

Precision Measurement of CP Violation in the Penguin-Mediated Decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ

A flavor-tagged time-dependent angular analysis of the decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ is performed using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at the center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}. The CP-violating phase and direct CP-violation parameter are measured to be ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.042±0.075±0.009  rad and |λ|=1.004±0.030±0.009, respectively, assuming the same values for all polarization states of the ϕϕ system. In these results, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These parameters are also determined separately for each polarization state, showing no evidence for polarization dependence. The results are combined with previous LHCb measurements using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.074±0.069  rad and |λ|=1.009±0.030. This is the most precise study of time-dependent CP violation in a penguin-dominated B meson decay. The results are consistent with CP symmetry and with the standard model predictions.

Visible to mid-infrared giant in-plane optical anisotropy in ternary van der Waals crystals

Birefringence is at the heart of photonic applications. Layered van der Waals materials inherently support considerable out-of-plane birefringence. However, funnelling light into their small nanoscale area parallel to its out-of-plane optical axis remains challenging. Thus far, the lack of large in-plane birefringence has been a major roadblock hindering their applications. Here, we introduce the presence of broadband, low-loss, giant birefringence in a biaxial van der Waals materials Ta2NiS5, spanning an ultrawide-band from visible to mid-infrared wavelengths of 0.3-16 μm. The in-plane birefringence Δn ≈ 2 and 0.5 in the visible and mid-infrared ranges is one of the highest among van der Waals materials known to date. Meanwhile, the real-space propagating waveguide modes in Ta2NiS5 show strong in-plane anisotropy with a long propagation length (>20 μm) in the mid-infrared range. Our work may promote next-generation broadband and ultracompact integrated photonics based on van der Waals materials.

Measurement of the Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} Differential Branching Fraction

The branching fraction of the rare decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} is measured for the first time, in the squared dimuon mass intervals q^{2}, excluding the J/ψ and ψ(2S) regions. The data sample analyzed was collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The result in the highest q^{2} interval, q^{2}>15.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, where theoretical predictions have the smallest model dependence, agrees with the predictions.

Pathway Mutations are Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Localized Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Followed by Surgery

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of this study was to determine if mutations in biological pathways are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by oncologic resection from 2015-2019 who also underwent next generation sequencing (NGS) of the primary tumor were included in this retrospective analysis. NGS was done using either Foundation One (n = 20), in-house Solid Tumor Panel (n = 121), or Tempus XT (n = 1). Genes were included in pathway analysis if at least one patient harbored a mutation in the gene. Pathways were defined from the Molecular Signatures Database Hallmark, KEGG, and Reactome gene sets. A pathway was deemed mutated if at least one gene within the pathway was mutated. Univariable Cox regression was performed to determine the association between pathway mutation status and overall survival (OS) as well as progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

In total, 142 patients met criteria for study inclusion. For pathway analysis, 329 genes met inclusion criteria. Patients were typically treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (either 5-fluorouracil-based or gemcitabine-based) followed by radiation. Patients received SBRT (n = 104, most commonly 33 Gy in 5 fractions) or conventionally fractionated radiation (n = 38, most commonly 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions). For clinical variables, worse OS was significantly associated with T stage (p = 0.036), N stage (p = 0.044), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI, p = 0.011); worse PFS was significantly associated with T stage (p = 0.0008), N stage (p = 0.022), LVI (p = 0.026), and conventional RT (p = 0.007). Mutations in major pathways were associated with worse OS, notably hedgehog signaling (p = 0.001), chromatin modifying enzymes (p = 0.002), WNT/beta-catenin signaling (p = 0.005), mismatch repair (0.006), E2F targets (p = 0.008), FLT signaling (p = 0.012), VEGF signaling (0.025), innate immune system (p = 0.026), and NOTCH signaling (p = 0.029). Pathway mutations associated with worse PFS included mismatch repair (p = 0.007) and hedgehog signaling (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

For pancreatic cancer patients that undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by oncologic resection of the primary tumor, mutations in key biological pathways are associated with OS and PFS. Characterizing the importance of common pathway mutations may become increasingly valuable to help categorize less commonly mutated genes assayed by NGS.

Long-Term Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy with or without PD-1 Inhibitors in Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Data on the benefit of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) remain limited. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of mNPC treated with SBRT and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1) inhibitors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We reviewed all SBRT performed in patients with mNPC during the period of 2013-2022 in our institution. Treatments carried out with ablative intent in stereotactic conditions with dose/fraction ≥ 5 Gy were considered. The local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Risk factors were assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis by Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients with 77 metastatic lesions treated with SBRT were analyzed. All of these patients received systemic treatment, either chemotherapy alone (n = 34) or chemotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors (n = 21). 28 patients (50.9%) had ≤ five metastatic lesions in the metastatic sites. The number of irradiated tumors ranged from 1 to 6, and 36 patients (65.5%) with 47 lesions received a physical dose ≥48 Gy (BED≥75Gy, α/β = 10). After a median follow-up of 43.6 months (range 1.9-115.3 months), 20 patients (36.4%) experienced local recurrence after completion of SBRT for metastatic lesions. The 1- and 3-year LC rates were 76.9% and 61.9%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year OS rates were 84.4% and 58.2%, and the 1- and 3-year PFS rates were 50.0% and 29.9%, respectively. Patients with ≤ 2 metastatic lesions (n = 24, 43.6%) had significant better LC (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.036-0.313, p<0.001), OS (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.74, p = 0.013) and PFS (HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.063-0.42, p<0.001) than patients with>2 metastatic lesions. Total dose≥48 Gy was also found to be a significant prognostic factor for better OS (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.18-1.09, p = 0.044) and PFS (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-0.88, p = 0.005), but not LC (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.36-1.97, p = 0.678). In addition, adding PD-1 inhibitors to SBRT showed a significant benefit, improving the 2-year LC to 87.7% vs. 50.6% for SBRT (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18 - 0.41, p = 0.002). No patients experienced grade 4 or 5 toxicity.

CONCLUSION

SBRT is an effective and safe treatment option for mNPC patients. Adding PD-1 inhibitors to SBRT offers a benefit in LC. Additional studies exploring the clinical benefit and predictive biomarkers of combined SBRT and PD-1 directed immunotherapy are warranted.

Analysis of Artificial Intelligence-Based Automated Phenotyping of Coronary Artery Disease Diagnoses for Patients who Received Radiotherapy for Thoracic Malignancies

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical risk factor and toxicity endpoint in thoracic radiation oncology. The recent advent of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms - specifically natural language processing (NLP) - allows for automated extraction of this data from electronic health records (EHR) more efficiently and at scale. We report on the application and performance characteristics of an EHR-based automated phenotyping tool to a cohort of lung cancer patients receiving radiation therapy (RT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

We applied to this radiation oncology use-case an AI-based disease phenotyping tool developed by other researchers for phenotyping CAD from the EHR. The CAD model was trained on 191,187 patients with at least one ICD code and validated with 158 gold-standard patients (Sensitivity: 73%, Specificity: 93%, PPV: 90%). NLP disease definitions were determined by UMLS and were employed with ICD codes through PheNorm classification method to create the phenotype algorithm (Yue et al., J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2018 Jan 1; 25(1):54-60). We applied the CAD phenotyping tool to two independent cohorts of RT treated lung cancer patients: 1) an annotated set of 677 patients who received RT from 1998 to 2014 and were studied in prior cardiac toxicity research; 2) an independent set of 209 patients who received RT from 1998 to 2018 and were annotated separately.

RESULTS

Only 7.7% of the AI training population had a CAD diagnosis code, compared to 32.5% and 65.0% in the 677 patient and 209 patient cohorts, respectively. Validation of the AI predicted CAD is shown in the table below. Performance on the 209 patient cohort best matched the AI training set. The 677-patient cohort differed from the 209-patient cohort in that its CAD definition included patients with radiographic coronary artery calcifications, which accounted for the difference in cohort sensitivities, F-scores, and NPVs.

CONCLUSION

The AI calculated CAD was somewhat accurate in detecting whether a patient had CAD and was very accurate in confirming no CAD. The differences in sensitivity and NPV reflect differences in defining CAD, but this study demonstrates the potential for automated AI-phenotyping to detect pre-treatment risk factors and cardiac toxicity events from the EHR.

Characterization of DNA Damage Response-Associated Somatic Mutations in Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The role of radiation for pancreatic cancer remains controversial, with recent studies showing conflicting results, highlighting the need to develop biomarkers of radiation response. Despite its potential utility in predicting radiosensitivity, the landscape of somatic mutations in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), as related to DNA damage response (DDR), has not been well characterized. This study aimed to characterize the frequency of such mutations in a cohort of patients with BRPC/LAPC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Mutational data was collected from patients with BRPC/LAPC treated at a single institution with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and SBRT, followed by surgical resection from 2016-2021. Chemotherapy consisted of modified FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, and patients were treated with SBRT in 33 Gy in 5 fractions. Genomic data was obtained from either endoscopic biopsy or surgical specimens, and next-generation sequencing was performed either in-house with a Solid Tumor Panel or with FoundationOne CDx. Specific emphasis was placed on the characterization of double-strand DNA break (DSB) repair genes, as this is the type of tumor cell damage traditionally induced by radiation therapy. Genes associated with the two main pathways of DSB repair, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous repair (HR), were analyzed. Specific HR pathway mutations assessed were BLM, BRCA1/2, MRE11, NBN, PALB2, RAD50, RAD51B-D, and RAD54L, while PRKDC mutations were assessed for the NHEJ pathway. Mutations in ATM, an important initiator of DDR pathways, were also analyzed. Additionally, the frequency of mutations in TP53, CDKN2A and SMAD4 in patients with concomitant KRAS mutations was assessed.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Five (5.9%) patients had mutations in the NHEJ pathway of the PRKDC gene. Twenty (23.5%) patients had mutations in the HR pathway, including BRCA2 (10/85; 11.8%), PALB2 (5/85; 5.9%), BRCA1 (3/85; 3.5%), and RAD50 (1/85; 1.2%). Six (7.1%) patients had mutations in ATM. No patients were found to have mutations in BLM, RAD51B-D, RAD54L, or NBN. Amongst patients with KRAS mutations (72/85), concomitant mutations were observed in TP53 (47/85; 55.3%), CDKN2A (16/85; 18.8%), and SMAD4 (9/85; 10.6%).

CONCLUSION

Herein, we characterized the frequency of somatic mutations associated with DSB repair genes in patients with BRPC/LAPC. Data analysis on outcomes related to radiation response in patients with mutations in DDR pathways is ongoing, but will likely also benefit from multi-institutional efforts to increase the power to answer this question.

Single Cell Analysis of Macrophage Heterogeneity and NK-Cell Exhaustion in Lewis Lung Cancer Xenograft Tumor

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has attracted much attention because of its ability to stimulate anti-tumor immune response. However, the mechanism of SBRT reprogramming the tumor microenvironment remains to be elucidated.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Using Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mice model treated with SBRT (8Gy x 3F), multiplex assay was performed to measure serum chemokine levels, and single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to assess tumor microenvironment. The differential expression genes of each cell subcluster were identified by the "Find-All markers" function with default parameters provided by Seurat. Intercellular communication analysis was explored by using CellPhone DB package.

RESULTS

The majority of serum chemokines involved macrophage recruitment, including CCL3, CCL4, CCL8, and CCL20, were highly secreted at 7 days after SBRT. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 108,741 cells were contained from 6 mouse Lewis lung carcinoma samples (n = 3 tumors for SBRT, n = 3 tumors pooled for SHAM). Besides Lewis cancer cells, myeloid cells were 57.61% ,70.82% in Sham-irradiation (SHAM) and SBRT while NT and T cells were 20.50%, 7.81% in SHAM and SBRT, respectively. When compared with SHAM group, upregulation of Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl8 chemokine genes were observed in cancer cells of SBRT group. Differential expression genes analysis showed high expression level of Ccl8 (Log2FC 2.54, p<0.01) in cluster of Mrc1+macrophage. The SBRT group consisted of more Ccl8+Mrc1+macrophages (proportion 36.28% for SBRT, 27.44% for SHAM) and exhausted NK cells (proportion 22.56% for SBRT, 13.70% for SHAM). More importantly, intercellular communication analysis revealed a potential communication network between Ccl8+Mrc1+macrophages and exhausted NK cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a potential therapeutic strategy by disrupting Ccl8+ Mrc1+macrophages and NK-cell interaction to facilitate the stimulation of the anti-tumor immune response by SBRT.

Association of Left Ventricular Myocardium Dose Exposure with Heart Failure in Lung Cancer Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The volume of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery dose receiving 15 Gy (LAD V15 Gy) has been associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE; a composite endpoint of unstable angina, heart failure hospitalization/urgent visit, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and cardiac death) and mortality in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) following radiotherapy (RT). With growing evidence supporting specific cardiac substructure dose exposure with distinct pathophysiologic cardiac endpoints, our objective was to assess whether RT dose to the left ventricular myocardium (LVM) was associated with the specific cardiac endpoints of heart failure (HF) vs. overall MACE.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 701 patients with LA-NSCLC treated with RT between 2003 and 2014. LAD was segmented manually, while LVM (excluding blood pool) was segmented using an open-source deep learning-based automated algorithm (TotalSegmentator; Wasserthal et al, 2022) and dosimetric parameters (mean, max, and VX Gy in 5 Gy increments) collected. HF was defined as any grade ≥3 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) HF or cardiomyopathy. Receiver operating curve and cut-point analyses estimating HF were performed. Fine and Gray and Cox regressions, adjusting for preexisting cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and other prognostic factors, were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 701 patients, the median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 57-73), 51% were men. At a median follow up of 20 months (IQR, 8-45) following RT, there were 64 HF events. The median time to HF was 20 months (IQR, 9-43), with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 5.2%. The optimal cut-point for the LVM dose variable with the highest C-index predicting HF was LVM V10 Gy ≥10% (.58). By LVM V10 Gy cut point ≥10% vs <10%, the 2-year HF cumulative incidence was 7.2% vs 4.0% (p = .005). Adjusting for baseline CV risk, there was an increased risk of HF with LVM V10 Gy ≥10% (vs. <10%) (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-7.70; p = .045), but not LAD V15 Gy ≥10% (p>.3). Conversely, adjusting for baseline CV risk, there was an increased risk of MACE with LAD V15 Gy ≥10% (SHR = 19.70; 95% CI = 2.57-151.35; p = 0.004), but not LVM V10 Gy ≥10% (p>0.3). On all-cause mortality analysis, adjusting for CV and other prognostic factors, LAD V15 Gy ≥10% (HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.02-1.80; p = 0.036), but not LVM ≥10% (p>0.5), remained significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Left ventricular myocardium V10 ≥10%, is associated with the specific endpoint of HF, but not overall MACE, while LAD V15 ≥10% remained strongly associated with MACE and all-cause mortality, but not HF. These findings underscore the need to study the interaction between RT dose to specific substructures (i.e., myocardium) and pathophysiologically relevant cardiac endpoints (i.e., HF).