A Recyclable Electrochemical Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones to Alcohols Using Water as the Hydrogen Source and Solvent

There are several challenging problems such as the usage of combustible and hazardous hydrogen sources and severe environmental pollution in the conventional reduction of aldehydes/ketones to alcohols. We report here a practical, safe, and green electrochemical reduction, which solves these problems to a large extent. Through an undivided cell, Zn(+) and Sn(-) as the electrode, tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) as the electrolyte, water as the solvent and hydrogen source, a wide range of aldehydes and ketones are converted into the corresponding alcohols in mild conditions. Furthermore, the electrolytes and water can be recycled, and reductive deuteration can be achieved by simply using D2O as the solvent. Finally, the reduction can be smoothly scaled up to a kilogram level.

Ecotoxicity and trophic transfer of metallic nanomaterials in aquatic ecosystems

Metallic nanomaterials (MNMs) possess unique properties that have led to their widespread application in fields such as electronics and medicine. However, concerns about their interactions with environmental factors and potential toxicity to aquatic life have emerged. There is growing evidence suggesting MNMs can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, and are potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain, posing risks to higher trophic levels and potentially humans. While many studies have focused on the general ecotoxicity of MNMs, fewer have delved into their trophic transfer within aquatic food chains. This review highlights the ecotoxicological effects of MNMs on aquatic systems via waterborne exposure or dietary exposure, emphasizing their accumulation and transformation across the food web. Biomagnification factor (BMF), the ratio of the contaminant concentration in predator to that in prey, was used to evaluate the biomagnification due to the complex nature of aquatic food chains. However, most current studies have BMF values of less than 1 indicating no biomagnification. Factors influencing MNM toxicity in aquatic environments include nanomaterial properties, ion variations, light, dissolved oxygen, and pH. The multifaceted interactions of these variables with MNM toxicity remain to be fully elucidated. We conclude with recommendations for future research directions to mitigate the adverse effects of MNMs in aquatic ecosystems and advocate for a cautious approach to the production and application of MNMs.

Contrasting response of comammox Nitrospira, ammonia oxidising bacteria, and archaea to soil pH and nitrogen inputs

This study aimed to investigate the effect of soil pH change, and nitrogen amendment on ammonia oxidiser abundance and comammox Nitrospira community composition. The experimental design used soil mesocosms placed in a temperature-controlled incubator for 90 days. A Templeton silt loam was used as its physiochemical properties are typical of the region's dairy farms. The results showed that comammox Nitrospira clade B preferred the natural (pH 6.1-6.2) soil pH with no applied nitrogen. Furthermore, synthetic urine (N700) decreased the abundance of comammox Nitrospira clade B. This may have been because the large amounts of available ammonia in the N700 treatments inhibited the growth of comammox Nitrospira. These results suggest that while comammox Nitrospira clade B are present in New Zealand dairy farm soils, but their role in nitrification in the very high nitrogen environment under a urine patch in grazed pastures may be limited. Further research is needed to confirm this. In contrast to comammox, the AOB community (dominated by Nitrosospira) responded positively to the application of synthetic urine. The response was greatest in the high pH soil (7.1), followed by the natural and then the low pH (4.9) soils. This may be due to the difference in ammonia availability. At high pH, the ammonia/ammonium equilibrium favours ammonia production. Calculated ammonia availability in the N700 treatments accurately predicted the AOB amoA gene abundance. Interestingly, the AOA community abundance (which was predominantly made up of Thaumarchaeota group I.1b clade E) seemed to prefer the natural and high pH soils over the low pH. This may be due to the specific lineage of AOA present. AOA did not respond to the application of nitrogen.

[Therapeutic strategy for totally thoracoscopic repeat mitral valve surgery under moderate hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation]

Objective: To examine the therapeutic strategy and its impacting factors by analyzing the perioperative outcomes of total thoracoscopic repeat mitral valve surgery under moderate hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series. Totally 63 patients who underwent repeat mitral valve surgery by the same surgeon from January 2021 to December 2023 in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Medical Center of People's Liberation Army General Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. There were 28 males and 35 females with an age of (58.3±15.9) years (range: 13 to 84 years). Surgery was performed using a totally thoracoscopic approach under moderate hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation. Mitral valvuloplasty was completed in 32 cases and mitral valve replacement in 31 cases. Preoperative baseline data and perioperative outcomes of the patients were collected and Logistic regression was used to analyze independent influencing factors of premature ventricular contractions in the early postoperative period. Results: The intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time was (191.5±50.9) minutes (range: 95 to 286 minutes), and the hypothermic ventricular fibrillation time was (99.0±39.8) minutes (range: 34 to 203 minutes). The anal temperature before the start of cardiopulmonary bypass was (36.3±0.5) ℃ (range: 35.2 to 38.0 ℃), the lowest intraoperative anal temperature was (27.3±1.3) ℃(range: 23.7 to 30.1 ℃), and the anal temperature at the time of the cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass was (36.3±0.4) ℃ (range: 35.2 to 37.0 ℃), and excessive rewarming was observed in 33 cases. Six cases applied the artificial heart assist device. Seventeen cases developed premature ventricular contractions in the early postoperative period. Two cases developed neurologic complications. Five cases developed respiratory complications. One case developed urological systemic complications. Six cases were mechanically ventilated for more than 3 days, and the duration of ICU stay in 16 cases was more than 3 days and the postoperative discharge time of (M(IQR)) 8.0 (3.5) days (range: 3 to 26 days). Two cases died or were discharged voluntarily. Logistic regression results showed that persistent preoperative atrial fibrillation (OR=11.424, 95%CI: 1.477 to 144.564, P=0.033) and excessive rewarming (OR=15.249, 95%CI: 1.357 to 279.571, P=0.038) were independent risk factors for the appearance of premature ventricular contractions in the early postoperative period. Conclusions: The technique of total thoracoscopic surgery under induced moderate hypothermic ventricular fibrillation with cardiopulmonary bypass could be applied to repeated mitral valve surgeries with less trauma and faster recovery. Persistent preoperative atrial fibrillation and excessive rewarming are independent risk factors for the occurrence of premature ventricular contractions in the early postoperative period.

Fabrication and evaluation of porous coatings doped with bioactive elements on titanium surfaces

OBJECTIVE

Although pure titanium (PT) and its alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties, they lack biological activity as implants. The purpose of this study was to improve the biological activity of titanium implants through surface modification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Titanium was processed into titanium discs, where the titanium discs served as anodes and stainless steel served as cathodes, and a copper- and cobalt-doped porous coating [pure titanium model (PTM)] was prepared on the surface of titanium via plasma electrolytic oxidation. The surface characteristics of the coating were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and profilometry. The corrosion resistance of PTM was evaluated with an electrochemical workstation. The biocompatibility and bioactivity of coated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated through in vitro cell experiments.

RESULTS

A copper- and cobalt-doped porous coating was successfully prepared on the surface of titanium, and the doping of copper and cobalt did not change the surface topography of the coating. The porous coating increased the surface roughness of titanium and improved its resistance to corrosion. In addition, the porous coating doped with copper and cobalt promoted the adhesion and spreading of BMSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

A porous coating doped with copper and cobalt was prepared on the surface of titanium through plasma electrolytic oxidation. The coating not only improved the roughness and corrosion resistance of titanium but also exhibited good biological activity.

Effects of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function among patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Dysphagia is a common complication in patients with oral cancer who have undergone free flap transplantation. The aim of this cluster randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function in this group of patients. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 34) or control (n = 34) group. Intervention group patients received personalized oral exercises starting on day 6 after surgery. Swallowing function was evaluated on days 6 and 15, and at 1 month postoperative using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability-Oral Cancer tool (MASA-OC). On day 15 and at 1 month after surgery, the total MASA-OC score (P = 0.003, P < 0.001) and the mouth opening (P = 0.001, P < 0.001) and lip seal (both P < 0.001) item scores showed a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group than in the control group. Moreover, the changes in salivation (P < 0.001) and tongue movement (P = 0.025) scores at 1 month after surgery were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the change in tongue strength scores on day 15 or at 1 month postoperative (P = 0.476, P = 0.223). Personalized oral exercises can improve swallowing function in patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation.

Synonymous mutations in TLR2 and TLR9 genes decrease COPD susceptibility in the Chinese Han population

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have found associations between polymorphisms in some candidate genes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk. However, the association between TLR2 and TLR9 polymorphisms and COPD risk remains uncertain.

METHODS

Four variants (rs352140, rs3804099, rs3804100, and rs5743705) of the TLR2 and TLR9 genes in 540 COPD patients and 507 healthy controls were genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY system. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association of TLR2 and TLR9 polymorphisms with COPD risk by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

TLR9-rs352140, TLR2-rs3804100, and TLR2-rs5743705 were related to a lower risk of COPD among Chinese people and the significance still existed after Bonferroni correction. Additionally, rs3804099, rs3804100, and rs352140 were found to be associated with COPD development in different subgroups (males, age ≤ 68 years, smokers, BMI < 24 kg/m2, and acute exacerbation).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that TLR9 and TLR2 polymorphisms had protective effects on the development of COPD among Chinese people.

Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Improving Glucolipid Metabolism and Reproductive Hormone Status in Overweight/Obese Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia are commonly seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and these three conditions form a vicious cycle leading to reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Metformin improves the symptoms of PCOS by increasing insulin sensitivity but is not therapeutically optimal. Recent studies have reported that sodium-glucose co-transporter protein receptor inhibitors improve insulin resistance and reduce the weight of patients with PCOS. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the influence of sodium-glucose co-transporter protein-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on anthropometric, glycolipid metabolism and reproductive outcomes after therapy of overweight/obese women with PCOS.

METHODS

We searched the relevant literature published up to April 2023. Information on the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on overweight/obese patients with PCOS was extracted independently by two reviewers. Review Manager 5.3 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials that met our criteria were retrieved. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that in overweight/obese patients with PCOS, SGLT2 inhibitors treatment was significantly superior to metformin treatment in terms of reducing body weight (P = 0.02, I2 = 36%), decreasing dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations [SMD = -0.42, 95% CI (-0.76, -0.07), I2 = 22%, P = 0.02], and reducing the incidence of nausea [RR = 0.35, 95% CI (0.21, 0.60), I2 = 71%, P = 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors are a possible alternative therapy for treating overweight/obese women with PCOS who do not respond favorably to metformin treatment. However, further large randomized controlled trials and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted to guide the implementation of SGLT2 inhibitors treatment in this population.

Social cues influence perception of others' pain

BACKGROUND

Accurately perceiving other people's pain is important in both daily life and healthcare settings. However, judging other's pain is inherently difficult and can be biased by various social and cultural factors. Here, we examined whether perception of others' pain and pain management recommendations are socially influenced by seeing the opinions of other raters.

METHODS

In Experiment 1 (N = 50), participants rated pictures depicting injured hands or feet of pre-selected high, medium and low intensities. Each picture was preceded by cues indicating ratings of 10 previous participants. Cues were randomized to indicate low (SocialLOW) or high (SocialHIGH) pain judgements and were not predictive of actual normative pain intensity. In Experiment 2 (N = 209), participants viewed facial video clips of patients with chronic shoulder pain making painful movements. They estimated patients' pain intensity and provided pain management recommendations.

RESULTS

Experiment 1 revealed that perceivers' pain estimates were significantly and substantially higher for stimuli following SocialHIGH than SocialLOW cues (Cohen's d = 1.26, p < 0.001) and paralleled by increased skin conductance responses. Experiment 2 replicated the effect of social cues on pain judgements (d = 0.58, p < 0.001). However, social cues did not influence post-study pain management recommendations, potentially due to memory limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these studies reveal that judgements of others' pain are robustly modulated by information about others' opinions. Future research could test the prevalence and strength of such effects in clinical settings.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present study shows that even arbitrary opinions of other raters influence the perception of others' pain. This finding adds new insight into the growing evidence of social and cultural biases in pain estimation.

Serous surface papillary borderline ovarian tumors: correlation of sonographic features with clinic pathological findings

Serous surface papillary borderline ovarian tumor (SSPBOT) is a distinct subtype of serous borderline ovarian tumor characterized by solid tissue deposition confined to the ovarian surface. Because SSPBOT is rare, there are few published reports on the ultrasonographic features of this condition. In this retrospective study, we investigated 12 cases of SSPBOT. Ultrasound imaging of SSPBOT showed grossly normal ovaries that were encased partially or wholly by tumor deposits that were confined to the surface, with clear demarcation between normal ovarian tissue and surrounding tumors. Color Doppler imaging demonstrated the 'fireworks sign' in all cases of SSPBOT, corresponding to an intratumoral vascular bundle originating from the ovarian vessels and supplying hierarchical branching blood flow to the surrounding tumor. No patient with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma showed these morphological and Doppler features. In our series, the fireworks sign appeared to be a characteristic feature of SSPBOT that could facilitate correct identification of this tumor. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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

AIM

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Interventions to promote the implementation of pressure injury prevention measures in nursing homes: A scoping review

AIMS

To identify studies and the content of the interventions that have facilitated the implementation of pressure injury (PI) prevention measures in nursing home settings.

DESIGN AND METHOD

A scoping review methodology was employed. The author has carried out the following steps successively: Identified this scoping review's questions, retrieved potentially relevant studies, selected relevant studies, charted the data, summarised the results, and consulted with stakeholders from nursing homes in China.

DATA SOURCES

Six electronic databases and three resources of grey literature-PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Psych INFO, Open Grey, MedNar, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Full Texts were searched from January 2002 through May 2022.

RESULTS

Forty articles were included, among which the primary interventions were quality improvement, training and education, evidence-based practice, device-assisted PI prophylaxis, nursing protocols, and clinical decision support systems. Twenty-three outcome indicators were summarised in 40 articles, which included 10 outcome indicators, seven process indicators, and six structural indicators. Furthermore, only five articles reported barriers in the process of implementing interventions.

CONCLUSION

The common interventions to promote the implementation of PI prevention measures in nursing homes are quality improvement, training, and education. Relatively limited research has been conducted on evidence-based practice, clinical decision support systems, device-assisted PI prophylaxis, and nursing protocols. In addition, there is a paucity of studies examining the impediments to implementing these measures and devising targeted solutions. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies include analysis and reporting of barriers and facilitators as part of the article to improve the sustainability of the intervention.

IMPACT

This article reminds nursing home managers that they should realise the importance of implementation strategies between the best evidence of PI prevention and clinical practice. Also, this review provides the types, contents, and outcome indicators of these strategies for managers of nursing homes to consider what types of interventions to implement in their organisations.

TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

The protocol of this scoping review was published as an open-access article in June 2022 (Yang et al., 2022).

Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5-15  keV/c^{2}, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1  MeV/c^{2} is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

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

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

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Radiomic nomogram based on bi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging to predict the International Society of Urological Pathology grading ≥ 3 prostate cancer: a multicenter study

PURPOSE

To create a reliable radiomic nomogram for the prediction of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading ≥ 3 prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

METHODS

patients with verified PCa were obtained from three different hospitals. The patients were divided into training, internal validation, and two external validation groups. A radiomic signature (rad-score) extracted from T2WI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were constructed in the training cohort. Eight clinical features were performed to develop a clinical model using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The combined model incorporated the radiomic signature and clinical model. The model's performance was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Rad-score, magnetic resonance imaging T-stage, and ADC value were significant predictors of ISUP ≥ 3 PCa. A nomogram of these three factors was shown to have greater diagnostic accuracy than using only the radiomic signature or clinical model alone. The area under the ROC curve was 0.85, 0.88, 0.81, 0.81 for the training, internal, and two external validation cohorts, respectively. In the stratified analysis based on the MR scanner model, the area under the ROC curve of predicting ISUP ≥ 3 PCa for GE, Siemens, and combined groups were 0.84, 0.83, and 0.84, respectively, in the combined training group and an internal validation group.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed nomogram has the potential to predict the differentiation degree of ISUP PCa patients.

[Short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) in patients with heart failure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure who underwent CCM placement at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February to June 2022. With a follow-up of 3 months, CCM sensation, impedance, percent output, and work time were monitored, and patients were compared with pre-and 3-month postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values, and 6-minute walk test distance and New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, and the occurrence of complications was recorded. Results: CCM was successfully implanted in all 9 patients. Seven(7/9) of them were male, aged (56±14) years, 3 patients had ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 6 patients had dilated cardiomyopathy. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, threshold was stable, sense was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle: (16.3±7.0) mV vs. (8.2±1.1) mV, P<0.05; local sense: (15.7±4.9) mV vs. (6.7±2.5) mV, P<0.05), and impedance was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle (846±179) Ω vs. (470±65) Ω, P<0.05, local sense: (832±246) Ω vs. (464±63) Ω, P<0.05). The CCM output percentage was (86.9±10.7) %, the output amplitude was (6.7±0.4) V, and the daily operating time was (8.6±1.0) h. LVEF was elevated compared to preoperative ((29.4±5.2) % vs. (38.3±4.3) %, P<0.05), the 6-minute walk test was significantly longer than before ((96.8±66.7)m vs. (289.3±121.7)m, P<0.05). No significant increase in the number of NYHA Class Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients was seen (7/9 vs. 2/9, P>0.05). The patient was not re-hospitalised for worsening heart failure symptoms, had no malignant arrhythmic events and experienced significant relief of symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. No postoperative complications related to pocket hematoma, pocket infection and rupture, electrode detachment, valve function impairment, pericardial effusion, or cardiac perforation were found. Conclusions: CCM has better short-term safety and efficacy in patients with heart failure.

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

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

SARS-CoV-2 infection activates inflammatory macrophages in vascular immune organoids

SARS-CoV-2 provokes devastating tissue damage by cytokine release syndrome and leads to multi-organ failure. Modeling the process of immune cell activation and subsequent tissue damage is a significant task. Organoids from human tissues advanced our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms though, they are missing crucial components: immune cells and endothelial cells. This study aims to generate organoids with these components. We established vascular immune organoids from human pluripotent stem cells and examined the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We demonstrated that infections activated inflammatory macrophages. Notably, the upregulation of interferon signaling supports macrophages' role in cytokine release syndrome. We propose vascular immune organoids are a useful platform to model and discover factors that ameliorate SARS-CoV-2-mediated cytokine release syndrome.

Copy number variation sequencing for the products of conception: What is the optimal testing strategy

BACKGROUND

Copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) is crucial in prenatal diagnosis, but its limitations in detecting polyploidy, maternal cell contamination (MCC), and uniparental disomy (UPD) restrict its application in the analysis of products of conception (POCs). This study aimed to investigate an optimal genetic testing strategy for POCs in the era of CNV-seq.

METHODS

CNV-seq and quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) were performed in all 4,211 spontaneous miscarriage cases. Different testing strategies were compared and the optimal testing strategies were proposed.

RESULTS

Of the 4,211 cases, 2561 (60.82%) exhibited clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities. CNV-seq alone, without QF-PCR, might misdiagnose 311 (7.39%) cases, including 278 polyploidy, 13 UPD, and 20 MCC. In 20 MCC cases identified by QF-PCR, CNV-seq successfully pinpointed the cause of miscarriage in 13 cases. Furthermore, in cases where QF-PCR suggested polyploidy, CNV-seq improved the diagnostic accuracy in 54 (1.28%) hypo/hypertriploidy cases. After comparing four different strategies, the sequential approach (initiating with CNV-seq followed by QF-PCR if necessary) emerged as advantageous, reducing approximately 70% of the cost associated with QF-PCR while maintaining result accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose an initial CNV-seq followed by QF-PCR if needed-an efficient and cost-effective strategy for the genetic analysis of POCs.

Characterization of novel polysulfide polymer coated fly ash and its application in mitigating diffusion of contaminants

Fly ash consists of a considerable amount of hazardous elements with high mobility, posing substantial environmental risks during storage in surface impoundments and landfills. This hinders its efficient reuse in construction or material industries. To enhance the versatility of fly ash applications, a novel surface modification technique, termed SuMo, has been developed to create a hydrophobic polysulfide polymer coating on the surface of fly ash particles. The physicochemical properties of SuMo fly ash samples were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and leaching of hazardous elements was tested under practical environmental conditions (pH 4-12) based on the EPA's leaching environmental assessment framework (LEAF). The successful coating of polysulfide polymer on fly ash surface was verified through an increased percentage of C, S, and O in elemental mapping, coupled with the identification of S-O, CO, and C-H functional groups consistent with the chemical structure of polysulfide polymer. While the SuMo fly ash particles maintained their spherical shape, they exhibited increased surface roughness, robust hydrophobicity, and thermal stability up to 250 °C. Notably, owing to the coating's resilience against water leaching, the SuMo fly ash demonstrated a substantial reduction (up to 60-fold) in leachate concentrations of multiple concerning elements, including B, Be, Ba, Mn, Zn, As, Cr, Hg, etc., under various pH conditions compared to the uncoated fly ash. Furthermore, the polysulphide polymer coating effectively prevented Hg volatilization from fly ash below 163 °C. This study highlights the efficacy of the developed polysulfide polymer coating in mitigating the diffusion of hazardous elements from fly ash, thereby enhancing its potential reutilization in material, construction, and agriculture industries.

Selective disruption of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in VTA astrocytes induces depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mice

Dysfunction of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Most studies have been focusing on neurons, and the function of mTOR signaling pathway in astrocytes is less investigated. mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, with key scaffolding protein Raptor and Rictor, respectively. The ventral tegmental area (VTA), a vital component of the brain reward system, is enrolled in regulating both depression and anxiety. In the present study, we aimed to examine the regulation effect of VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway on depression and anxiety. We specifically deleted Raptor or Rictor in VTA astrocytes in mice and performed a series of behavioral tests for depression and anxiety. Deletion of Raptor and Rictor both decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the latency to eat in the novelty suppressed feeding test, and increased the horizontal activity and the movement time in locomotor activity. Deletion of Rictor decreased the number of total arm entries in the elevated plus-maze test and the vertical activity in locomotor activity. These data suggest that VTA astrocytic mTORC1 plays a role in regulating depression-related behaviors and mTORC2 is involved in both depression and anxiety-related behaviors. Our results indicate that VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway might be new targets for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

[Clinicopathological features of Sjogren's syndrome complicated with liver injury]

Objective: To study the clinicopathological features of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) with liver injury and to improve the understanding of this disease. Methods: Forty-nine patients with SS complicated with liver injury were collected from Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2008 to January 2022. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, and all specimens were stained with HE. The histopathologic characteristics were observed and the pathologic indexes were graded. Immunohistochemical stains for CK7, CK19, CD38, MUM1 and CD10 were performed by EnVision method; and special histochemical stains for reticulin, Masson's trichrome, Rhodanine, Prussian blue, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and D-PAS stains were conducted. Results: The age of patients ranged from 31 to 66 years, including 3 males and 46 females. SS combined with drug-induced liver injury was the most common (22 cases, 44.9%), followed by autoimmune liver disease (13 cases, 26.5%, including primary biliary cholangitis in eight cases, autoimmune hepatitis in 3 cases, and PBC-AIH overlap syndrome in 2 cases), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, 9 cases, 18.4%) and other lesions (5 cases, 10.2%; including 3 cases of nonspecific liver inflammation, 1 case of liver amyloidosis, and 1 case of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease). Among them, 28 cases (57.1%) were associated with obvious interlobular bile duct injury, mainly in SS combined with PBC group and drug-induced liver injury group. Twenty-three cases (46.9%) were associated with hepatocyte steatosis of varying degrees. In SS with autoimmune liver disease group, ISHAK score, degree of fibrosis bile duct injury, bile duct remodeling, lymphocyte infiltration of portal area, and plasma cell infiltration, MUM1 and CD38 expression; serum ALP and GGT, IgM; elevated globulin; positive AMA, proportion of AMA-M2 positive and IgM positive were all significantly higher than those in other groups(all P<0.05). Serum ALT, direct bilirubin and SSA positive ratio in SS combined with drug liver group were significantly higher than those in other groups(all P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol level in SS combined with PBC group (P=0.006) and NALFD group (P=0.011) were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: The pathologic manifestations of SS patients with liver injury are varied. The inflammatory lesions of SS patients with autoimmune liver disease are the most serious, and the inflammatory lesions of SS patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-specific inflammation are mild. Comprehensive analysis of liver histopathologic changes and laboratory findings is helpful for the diagnosis of SS complicated with different types of liver injury.

Forb stability, dwarf shrub stability and species asynchrony regulate ecosystem stability along an experimental precipitation gradient in a semi-arid desert grassland

Precipitation pattern changes may affect plant biodiversity, which could impact ecosystem stability. However, the effects of changes in precipitation regime on ecosystem stability and their potential mechanisms are still unclear. We conducted a 3-year field manipulation experiment with five precipitation treatments (-40%, -20%, 0% (CK), +20% and +40% of ambient growing season precipitation) in a semi-arid desert grassland to examine the effects of precipitation alterations on functional group stability, species asynchrony, and diversity, and the underlying mchanisms of ecosystem stability using structural equation modelling. Alterations in precipitation had different effects on community biomass and functional group biomass. Moreover, ecosystem stability was mainly driven by forb stability (path coefficient = 0.79). Changes in precipitation had significant effects on soil dissolved inorganic N (P < 0.01) further affecting ecosystem stability through species asynchrony (path coefficient = 0.25). Dwarf shrubs had a stabilizing effect on ecosystem stability (path coefficient = 0.32), mainly via deep roots. Ecosystem stability tended to be lower in the -40% (4.72) and +40% (2.74) precipitation treatments. The common reduction in species asynchrony and stability of forb and dwarf shrub functional groups resulted in lower ecosystem stability under the -40% treatment. The lower stability under the +40% treatment might be ascribed to unimproved dwarf shrub stability. Higher dwarf shrub and forb stability contributed to higher ecosystem stability under normal precipitation changes (±20% treatments) and CK. Species diversity was not a crucial driver of ecosystem stability. Our results indicate that precipitation alteration can regulate ecosystem stability via functional group stability (e.g. forb stability, dwarf shrub stability) and species asynchrony in a semiarid desert grassland.

Treatment of wound infections linked to neurosurgical implants

As neurosurgery has advanced technologically, more and more neurosurgical implants are being employed on an aging patient population with several comorbidities. As a result, there is a steady increase in the frequency of infections linked to neurosurgical implants, which causes serious morbidity and mortality as well as abnormalities of the skull and inadequate brain protection. We discuss infections linked to internal and external ventricular and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainages, neurostimulators, craniotomies, and cranioplasty in this article. Biofilms, which are challenging to remove, are involved in all implant-associated illnesses. It takes a small quantity of microorganisms to create a biofilm on the implant surface. Skin flora bacteria are implicated in the majority of illnesses. Microorganisms that cause disruptions in wound healing make their way to the implant either during or right after surgery. In about two thirds of patients, implant-associated infections manifest early (within the first month after surgery), whereas the remaining infections present later as a result of low-grade infections or by direct extension from adjacent infections (per continuitatem) to the implants due to soft tissue damage. Except for ventriculo-atrial cerebrospinal fluid shunts, neurosurgical implants are rarely infected by the haematogenous route. This research examines established and clinically validated principles that are applicable to a range of surgical specialties using implants to treat biofilm-associated infections in orthopaedic and trauma cases. Nevertheless, there is little evidence and no evaluation in sizable patient populations to support the success of this extrapolation to neurosurgical patients. An optimal microbiological diagnostic, which includes sonicating removed implants and extending culture incubation times, is necessary for a positive result. Additionally, a strategy combining surgical and antibiotic therapy is needed. Surgical procedures involve a suitable debridement along with implant replacement or exchange, contingent on the biofilm's age and the state of the soft tissue. A protracted biofilm-active therapy is a component of antimicrobial treatment, usually lasting 4-12 weeks. This idea is appealing because it allows implants to be changed or kept in place for a single surgical procedure in a subset of patients. This not only enhances quality of life but also lowers morbidity because each additional neurosurgical procedure increases the risk of secondary complications like intracerebral bleeding or ischemia.

Comparison of outcomes between preservation or division of the uterine round ligament in laparoscopic groin hernia repair in females: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis comparing the short-term and long-term outcomes in laparoscopic groin hernia repair with or without preservation of the uterine round ligament (URL) in females.

METHODS

We searched several databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and and CNKI databases. This meta-analysis included randomized clinical trials, and retrospective comparative studies regarding preservation or division of the URL in laparoscopic groin hernia repair in females. Outcomes of interest were age, BMI, type of hernia, type of surgery, operating time, estimated blood loss, time of hospitalization, seroma, concomitant injury, mesh infection, recurrence, uterine prolapse, foreign body sensation, chronic pain, and pregnancy. Meta-analyses and trial sequential analysis were performed with Review Manager v5.3 and TSA software, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 192 potentially eligible articles, 9 studies with 1104 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant difference in age (MD-6.58, 95% CI - 13.41 to 0.24; P = 0.06), BMI (MD 0.05, 95%CI - 0.31 to 0.40; P = 0.81), blood loss (MD-0.04, 95% CI - 0.75 to 0.66; P = 0.90), time of hospitalization (MD-0.22, 95% CI-1.13 to 0.69; P = 0.64), seroma (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.24; P = 0.23), concomitant injury (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.24; P = 0.68), mesh infection (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.61; P = 0.18), recurrence (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.18 to 7.25; P = 0.90), uterine prolapse(OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.07 to 6.94; P = 0.77), foreign body sensation (OR 1.95, 95% CI 0.53 to 7.23; P = 0.32) and chronic pain(OR 1.03 95% CI 0.4 to 2.69; P = 0.95). However, this meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in operating time (MD 6.62, 95% CI 2.20 to 11.04; P = 0.0003) between the preservation group and division group. Trial sequential analysis showed that the cumulative Z value of the operating time crossed the traditional boundary value and the TSA boundary value in the third study, and the cumulative sample size had reached the required information size (RIS), indicating that the current conclusion was stable.

CONCLUSION

In summary, laparoscopic groin hernia repair in women with the preservation of the round uterine ligament requires a longer operating time, but there was no advantage in short-term or long-term complications, and there was no clear evidence on whether it causes infertility and uterine prolapse.

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.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Resveratrol ameliorates glioblastoma inflammatory response by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation through inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol (RSV) on glioblastoma (GBM) and its specific mechanism in improving the inflammatory response of the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment of GBM is highly neuroinflammatory, inducing tumor immunosuppression. Therefore, ameliorating the inflammatory response is an important focus for anti-tumor research.

METHODS

The anti-tumor effect of RSV on GBM was demonstrated through in vitro cellular assays, including CCK-8, EdU, PI staining, Transwell, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Potential mechanisms of RSV's anti-GBM effects were identified through network pharmacological analysis. In addition, the relationship of RSV with the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and the inflammasome NLRP3 was verified using Western blot.

RESULTS

RSV significantly inhibited cell viability in GBM cell lines LN-229 and U87-MG. Furthermore, it inhibited the proliferation and invasive migration ability of GBM cells, while promoting apoptosis. Network pharmacological analysis revealed a close association between the anti-GBM effects of RSV and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, as well as inflammatory responses. Western blot analysis confirmed that RSV inhibited the over-activation of the inflammasome NLRP3 through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Partial reversal of RSV's inhibition of inflammasome NLRP3 was observed with the addition of the JAK/STAT agonist RO8191.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro, RSV can exert anti-tumor effects on GBM and improve the inflammatory response in the GBM microenvironment by inhibiting the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into potential therapeutic targets for GBM.

[The association between baseline TPOAb and/or TgAb positivity and thyroid immune-related adverse events in patients with malignancies following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors]

Objective: To investigate the association between positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and the occurrence of thyroid immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients with malignant tumors who treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: A case-control study. A total of 116 patients with malignant tumor who received ICIs treatment and underwent thyroid function evaluation at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2017 to April 2023 were enrolled retrospectively, including 77 males and 39 females, with a median age of (M(Q1, Q3)) 63.0 (55.0, 70.0) years. The patients were divided into the euthyroid group (n=58) and the thyroid irAEs group (n=58) according to whether thyroid irAEs occurred after ICIs treatment. The clinical characteristics and baseline anti-thyroid antibodies associated with the occurrence of thyroid irAEs after ICIs treatment in patients with malignant tumors were evaluated. Variables with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors for thyroid irAEs in patients with malignant tumors who received ICIs treatment. Results: In irAEs group, therewore 4 (3.4%) cases of clinical thyrotoxicosis, 23(19.8%) cases of subclinical thyrotoxicosis, 23 (19.8%) cases of clinical hypothyroidism, and 8(6.9%) cases of subclinical hypothyroidism. The positive rate of anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline in the thyrioid irAEs group was higher than that in the euthyroid group［16/58（27.6%）vs 3/58（5.2%），P=0.001］. After at least one course of ICIs treatment, the incidence of thyroid irAEs in patients with positive anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline was 84.2% (16/19), whereas it was 43.3% (42/97) in patients with negative anti-thyroid antibodies(P=0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR=2.812, 95%CI:1.257-6.293), baseline thyroid autoantibodies were positive (OR=6.984, 95%CI: 1.909-25.547), baseline TgAb positivity (OR=8.909, 95%CI: 1.923-41.280), and baseline TPOAb positivity (OR=7.304, 95%CI: 1.555-34.308) were associated with thyroid irAEs (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that baseline TgAb positivity (OR=7.637, 95%CI: 1.617-36.072) was a risk factor for thyroid irAEs (P=0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of thyroid irAEs is higher in patients who are positive for baseline TPOAb and/or TgAb compared to those who are negative for TPOAb and TgAb. Patients with positive TgAb at baseline are at high risk of developing thyroid irAEs.

Dexamethasone relieves the inflammatory response caused by inguinal hernia meshes through miR-155

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a relatively common condition. Most patients with inguinal hernia require surgery. At present, mesh repair is one of the most effective methods to treat inguinal hernia, but insertion of the mesh can cause inflammation. Dexamethasone (DEX) can treat inflammation, but the mechanism by which DEX alleviates inflammation caused by inguinal hernia mesh placement remains unclear.

METHOD

We randomly divided rats into groups: negative control (NC), inguinal hernia (IH), polypropylene mesh (PM), DEX treatment, and miR-155 treatment groups. RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-155. ELISA was implemented to determine the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Western blotting was used to detect caspase-1, JAK1, p-JAK1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 expression. A dual-luciferase reporter gene array identified a connection between miR-155 and JAK1.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the expression of miR-155, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 was upregulated in the PM group. After DEX treatment, the secretion of miR-155, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 decreased. Dual luciferase results confirmed that miR-155 induced the targeted downregulation of JAK1, while a miR-155 mimic reversed the therapeutic effect of DEX, and the expression levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 increased.

CONCLUSION

DEX regulates the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-155 to relieve inflammation caused by inguinal hernia meshes.

Added value of spectral computed tomography quantitative parameters for differentiating tuberculosis-associated fibrosing mediastinitis from endobronchial lung cancer: initial results

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the added value of spectral computed tomography (CT) parameters to conventional CT features for differentiating tuberculosis-associated fibrosing mediastinitis (TB-associated FM) from endobronchial lung cancer (EBLC).

METHODS

Chest spectral CT enhancement images from 109 patients with atelectasis were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into two distinct categories: the TB-associated FM group (n = 77) and the EBLC group (n = 32), based on bronchoscopy and/or pathological findings. The selection of spectrum parameters was optimized with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. The relationship between the spectrum parameters and conventional parameters was explored using Pearson's correlation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build spectrum model. The spectrum parameters in the spectrum model were replaced with their corresponding conventional parameters to build the conventional model. Diagnostic performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

There was a moderate correlation between the parameters ㏒(L-AEFNIC) - ㏒(L-AEFC) (r= 0.419; p< 0.0001), ㏒(O-AEF40KeV) - ㏒(O-AEFC) (r= 0.475; p< 0.0001), [L-A-hydroxyapatite {HAP}(I)] - (L-U-CT) (r= 0.604; p< 0.0001), {arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) derived from normalized iodine concentration (NIC) of lymph node (L-AEFNIC), AEF derived from CT40KeV of bronchial obstruction (O-AEF40KeV), arterial-phase Hydroxyapatite (Iodine) concentration of lymph node [L-A-HAP(I)], AEF derived from conventional CT (AEFC), unenhanced CT value (U-CT)}. Spectrum model could improve diagnostic performances compared to conventional model (area under curve: 0.965 vs 0.916, p= 0.038).

CONCLUSION

There was a moderate correlation between spectrum parameters and conventional parameters. Integrating conventional CT features with spectrum parameters could further improve the ability in differentiating TB-associated FM from EBLC.

Hsa_circ_0008360 promotes high glucose-induced damage in HK-2 cells via miR-346/WNT2B axis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Recent researches have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) could affect the progress of DN, but the mechanism is still indistinct. In this work, we explored the roles of hsa_circ_0008360 in DN.

METHODS

The levels of hsa_circ_0008360, microRNA-346 (miR-346) and Winglesstype family member 2B (WNT2B) were indicated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in DN tissues and HK2 cells. Meanwhile, the protein level of WNT2B was quantified by Western blot analysis. Besides, the function of cells was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, flow cytometry assay, western blot, and ELISA kit. Furthermore, the interplay between miR-346 and hsa_circ_0008360 or WNT2B was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The levels of hsa_circ_0008360 and WNT2B were increased, and the miR-346 level was decreased in the serum of DN patients and HG-treated HK2 cells. For functional analysis, hsa_circ_0008360 deficiency promoted cell viability, inhibits cell apoptosis, inflammatory response, and the synthesis of related fibrotic proteins in HG-treated HK2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-346 induced the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of HG-induced HK2 cells by inhibiting WNT2B expression. In mechanism, hsa_circ_0008360 acted as a miR-346 sponge to regulate the level of WNT2B.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_0008360 can regulate miR-346/WNT2B axis in HG-induced HK2 cells, providing an underlying targeted therapy for DN patients.

Enhancing gestational diabetes mellitus risk assessment and treatment through GDMPredictor: a machine learning approach

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious health concern that affects pregnant women worldwide and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early detection of high-risk individuals and the implementation of appropriate treatment can enhance these outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a study on a cohort of 3467 pregnant women during their pregnancy, with a total of 5649 clinical and biochemical records collected. We utilized this dataset as our training dataset to develop a web server called GDMPredictor. The GDMPredictor utilizes advanced machine learning techniques to predict the risk of GDM in pregnant women. We also personalize treatment recommendations based on essential biochemical indicators, such as A1MG, BMG, CysC, CO2, TBA, FPG, and CREA. Our assessment of GDMPredictor's effectiveness involved training it on the dataset of 3467 pregnant women and measuring its ability to predict GDM risk using an AUC and auPRC.

RESULTS

GDMPredictor demonstrated an impressive level of precision by achieving an AUC score of 0.967. To tailor our treatment recommendations, we use the GDM risk level to identify higher risk candidates who require more intensive care. The GDMPredictor can accept biochemical indicators for predicting the risk of GDM at any period from 1 to 24 weeks, providing healthcare professionals with an intuitive interface to identify high-risk patients and give optimal treatment recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The GDMPredictor presents a valuable asset for clinical practice, with the potential to change the management of GDM in pregnant women. Its high accuracy and efficiency make it a reliable tool for doctors to improve patient outcomes. Early identification of high-risk individuals and tailored treatment can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes http://www.bioinfogenetics.info/GDM/ .

[Intraductal carcinomas of the salivary glands: a clinicopathological and molecular genetic analysis of twenty-seven cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, molecular genetic features, and differential diagnosis of intraductal carcinomas (IDC) of the salivary glands. Methods: Twenty-five cases of salivary gland IDC diagnosed at the Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and two cases from Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China from January 2008 to July 2023 were collected. Their clinical and pathological features were analyzed retrospectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and Sanger sequencing were performed. The patients were followed up and related literatures were reviewed. Results: There were 27 patients with IDC, including 15 males and 12 females, ranging in age from 20.0 to 80.0 years (mean 55.9 years). Clinically, the tumor often presented as a painless mass with a tumor diameter of 1.0-3.0 cm (mean 2.0 cm). All patients received surgical treatment. Twenty patients were followed up. One of them (1/20) died of lung cancer, while the rest survived without tumor recurrence. Histologically, IDC were classified as: intercalated (63.0%, 17/27), apocrine (25.9%, 7/27), oncocytic (7.4%, 2/27) and mixed (3.7%, 1/27) types. Intercalated tumors showed positive S-100 and negative androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity. Ki-67 proliferation index was low (about 1%-5%). Nine cases had the RET gene disruption, and 2 cases showed the BRAF V600E mutation. Apocrine tumors showed strong AR immunoreactivity but no S-100 immunoreactivity. Ki-67 proliferation index was high (about 10%-60%), and the RET gene rupture was detected in 1 case. Oncocytic tumors were similar to that of intercalated type in 2 cases, and RET gene disruption was detected in the both cases. Mixed tumors showed histologic features of oncocytic and apocrine patterns and harbored the RET gene disruption. Conclusions: IDC is a rare low-grade malignant tumor of the salivary gland and easily confused with other salivary gland tumors with similar morphology. Molecular testing is helpful for its differential diagnosis.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

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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[Clinical features and prognostic analysis of testicular relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of testicular relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: Clinical data including the age, time from initial diagnosis to recurrence, relapse site, and therapeutic effect of 37 pediatric ALL with testicular relapse and treated in Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between November 2011 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were grouped according to different clinical data. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) rate and event free survival (EFS) rate for univariate analysis, and Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to evaluate the influencing factors of OS rate and EFS rate for multivariate analysis. Results: The age at initial diagnosis of 37 pediatric testicular relapse patients was (5±3) years and the time from initial diagnosis to testicular recurrence was (37±15) months. The follow-up time was 43 (22, 56) months. Twenty-three patients (62%) were isolated testis relapse. The 5-year OS rate and EFS rate of the 37 relapsed children were (60±9) % and (50±9) % respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the 2-year EFS rate in the group of patients with time from initial diagnosis to testicular recurrence >28 months was significantly higher than those ≤28 months ((69±10)% vs. (11±11)%, P<0.05), 2-year EFS rate of the isolated testicular relapse group was significantly higher than combined relapse group ((66±11)% vs. (20±13) %, P<0.05), 2-year EFS rate of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell treatment after relapse group was significantly higher than without CAR-T cell treatment after relapse group ((78±10)% vs. (15±10)%, P<0.05). ETV6-RUNX1 was the most common genetic aberration in testicular relapsed ALL (38%, 14/37). The 4-year OS and EFS rate of patients with ETV6-RUNX1 positive were (80±13) % and (64±15) %, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified relapse occurred≤28 months after first diagnosis (HR=3.09, 95%CI 1.10-8.72), combined relapse (HR=4.26, 95%CI 1.34-13.52) and CAR-T cell therapy after relapse (HR=0.15,95%CI 0.05-0.51) were independent prognostic factors for 2-year EFS rate (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The outcome of testicular relapse in pediatric ALL was poor. They mainly occurred 3 years after initial diagnosis. ETV6-RUNX1 is the most common abnormal gene.Patients with ETV6-RUNX1 positive often have a favorable outcome. Early relapse and combined relapse indicate unfavorable prognosis, while CAR-T cell therapy could significantly improve the survival rate of children with testicular recurrence.

[Clinical and prognostic characteristics of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes under different diagnostic criteria]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and prognostic differences in acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) children under different diagnostic criteria (World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 and WHO 2022 criteria). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, clinical characteristics and prognosis information of 260 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) children admitted to Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from August 2017 to August 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to WHO 2016 and WHO 2022 diagnostic criteria, patients were divided into AML-MRC group and non-AML-MRC group, the prognostic and genetic differences between two groups were compared respectively. Meanwhile, the characteristics of children with 8 MRC-related genes defined in WHO 2022 diagnostic criteria were described. Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test were used for comparison between groups. Survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier method, and comparison between groups was performed by Log-Rank method. Results: Among the 260 children, there were 148 males and 112 females. The follow-up time was 26 (16, 38) months. A total of 28 children (10.8%) were diagnosed with AML-MRC according to the WHO 2016 diagnostic criteria. Compared with non-AML-MRC children, the frequency of PTPN11, RUNX11, SH2B3, MPL and STAG2 mutations was higher in AML-MRC children (25.0% (7/28) vs. 4.3% (10/232), 14.3% (4/28) vs. 3.9% (9/232), 10.7% (3/28) vs. 2.2% (5/232), 10.7% (3/28) vs. 2.2% (5/232), 10.7% (3/28) vs. 0.9% (2/232), all P<0.05). The 2-year overall survival (OS) and events free survival (EFS) rate of 28 AML-MRC children under WHO 2016 diagnostic criteria were worse than those of 232 non-AML-MRC children ((62.1±10.8)% vs. (94.5±1.6)%, χ2=22.1,P<0.001;(48.0±10.6)% vs. (70.9±3.2)%, χ2=6.33,P=0.012). Twenty-seven children (10.4%) were eventually diagnosed with AML-MRC according to WHO 2022 criteria, their 2-year OS rate were worse than 233 non-AML-MRC children ((60.8±11.1)% vs. (94.5±1.6)%, χ2=24.49,P<0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference in EFS rate between two groups at 2 years ((55.1±10.8)% vs. (70.1±3.2)%, χ2=2.44, P=0.119). Conclusions: Compared with the 2022 WHO diagnostic criteria, the survival rates of children with AML-MRC under the 2016 WHO diagnostic criteria were worse than that of children without MRC.The new version of the AML-MRC diagnostic criteria emphasizes the importance of genes.

Diagnostic value of adenohypophyseal MRI features in female children with precocious puberty

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic value of adenohypophyseal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for precocious puberty (PP) in female children and also to establish a non-invasive diagnostic approach in clinics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 126 female children (37, 57, and 32 female children clinically diagnosed with central PP [CPP], incomplete PP [IPP], and controls, respectively) were enrolled in this study. Data were collected and analysed using analysis of variance. Pearson correlation and stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis were used to examine the association and build prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

The values of adenohypophysis volume (aPV), adenohypophysis height (aPH), and signal-intensity ratio (SIR), height, weight, and seven laboratory testing characteristics were correlated closely with the activation status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis in the different groups (all p<0.05). Model 1 including aPV, weight, and aPH and Model 2 including SIR, aPV, and height were built to obtain predicted luteinising hormone (LH; R2 = 0.271) and LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH; R2 = 0.311). ROC analysis showed the predicted LH, predicted LH/FSH, and aPV were the top 3 best predictors in distinguishing CPP from controls (AUC = 0.969, 0.949, and 0.938) while predicted LH/FSH was the best predictor in distinguishing CPP from IPP and controls (AUC = 0.829 and 0.828).

CONCLUSION

The adenohypophysis volume itself and the prediction models including main adenohypophyseal MRI features increased diagnostic efficiency for PP and offered a non-invasive and credible diagnostic method.

Development and validation of a nomogram model for predicting distant metastasis of aged ≥50 patients with thyroid carcinoma: a SEER database analysis

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to construct and validate a model for predicting distant metastasis (DM) in thyroid carcinoma (TC) patients aged≥50.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The research data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program databases via SEER*Stat software (https://seer.cancer.gov/). Logistics regression was used to screen the independent risk factors for TC patients. The nomogram was constructed and validated based on the logistics regression results for predicting DM occurrence in TC patients. Moreover, the characteristic curves (ROC) were used to assess the predictive performance. The decision analysis curve (DCA) and the calibration curve were used to test this nomogram's accuracy and discrimination. Additionally, we analyzed survival and risk scores in TC patients with metastasis using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method.

RESULTS

A total of 11,166 TC patients were divided into a training set and a validation set. The results showed that topography (T), lymph node metastasis (N), and (grade) G were crucial risk factors for predicting DM. ROC analysis showed that the model had a good discriminative ability both in the training and validation set. The DCA curve showed greater net benefits across a range of DM risks for the nomogram in the training and validation set. Survival analyses showed that the metastasis cases with low-risk scores have shown a poorer prognosis in this study, both in the training and validation set.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram model had excellent predictive performance and net benefit for predicting DM of TC patients aged ≥50. The model can help doctors develop treatment plans for their patients.

A figure of merit for efficiency roll-off in TADF-based organic LEDs

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a revolutionary light-emitting display technology that has been successfully commercialized in mobile phones and televisions1,2. The injected charges form both singlet and triplet excitons, and for high efficiency it is important to enable triplets as well as singlets to emit light. At present, materials that harvest triplets by thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are a very active field of research as an alternative to phosphorescent emitters that usually use heavy metal atoms3,4. Although excellent progress has been made, in most TADF OLEDs there is a severe decrease of efficiency as the drive current is increased, known as efficiency roll-off. So far, much of the literature suggests that efficiency roll-off should be reduced by minimizing the energy difference between singlet and triplet excited states (ΔEST) to maximize the rate of conversion of triplets to singlets by means of reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC)5-20. We analyse the efficiency roll-off in a wide range of TADF OLEDs and find that neither of these parameters fully accounts for the reported efficiency roll-off. By considering the dynamic equilibrium between singlets and triplets in TADF materials, we propose a figure of merit for materials design to reduce efficiency roll-off and discuss its correlation with reported data of TADF OLEDs. Our new figure of merit will guide the design and development of TADF materials that can reduce efficiency roll-off. It will help improve the efficiency of TADF OLEDs at realistic display operating conditions and expand the use of TADF materials to applications that require high brightness, such as lighting, augmented reality and lasing.

Causal association between complement system FHR-5, CTRP9, and breast carcinoma in situ: a Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

Breast carcinoma in situ accounts for a significant number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. However, the cause of this type of cancer is unclear, which has led to debates regarding treatment strategies. A Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to explore whether complement system or complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs) are causally associated with breast carcinoma in situ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This two-sample multivariable MR study used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for all complement system factors and CTRPs. Summary-level statistics were obtained from the breast carcinoma in situ GWAS database. The study employed the MR-Egger method, inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, and weighted median method. Additionally, sensitivity analyses, including the MR-Egger intercept, funnel plot, and leave-one-out analysis, were conducted to address uncertainties and enhance the reliability of the findings.

RESULTS

The study indicated that certain immunomodulatory molecules might increase the risk of breast carcinoma in situ, with consistent results. Specifically, CTRP9 showed a 57.0% increased risk [IVW: odds ratio (OR) 0.570 (0.350, 0.928), p < 0.05], and complement factor H (FH)-related protein 5 (FHR-5) was linked to a 67.2% higher risk [IVW: OR 0.672 (0.477, 0.947), p < 0.05]. However, no associations were found with other molecules, suggesting the relationship between immunomodulatory molecules and cancer may be context-specific.

CONCLUSIONS

This MR study marks the initial identification of a direct link between FHR-5 and CTRP9 and the susceptibility to breast carcinoma in situ. Delving into the roles of immunomodulatory molecules and immune responses within the tumor microenvironment holds considerable importance for the management of breast carcinoma in situ.

Improved small vessel visibility in diabetic foot arteriography using dual-energy CT

AIM

To test the feasibility and performance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in foot arteriography of diabetic patients, where contrast medium is largely reduced within the small vessels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 diabetic patients were enrolled prospectively, where DECT was acquired immediately after the CT angiography (CTA, group A) of the lower extremity. Two images were derived from the DECT data, one optimal virtual monochromatic image (VMI, group B) and one fusion image (group C), both of which were compared against the CTA image for visualising the foot arteries. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated. The arterial course and contrast were graded each using a five-point scale. The clarity of small vessel depiction was quantified by comparing the number of plantar metatarsal arteries found in the maximum intensity projection image.

RESULTS

The median CNRs and SNRs obtained in group B were approximately 45% and 20% higher than those in groups A and C, respectively (p<0.05). Group B also received higher subjective scores on the posterior tibial artery and the foot arteries (all >3) than groups A and C. The number of visible branches of the plantar metatarsal arteries was found to be substantially higher (p<0.05) in group B (median=6) than in groups A (median=2) and C (median=4).

CONCLUSION

DECT was found to be superior to conventional CTA in foot arteriography, and beyond the lower extremity, it might be a general favourable solution for imaging regions with small vessels and reduced contrast medium.

Rapid and accurate identification of bacteria utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Timely and accurate identification of harmful bacterial species in the environment is paramount for preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring food safety. In this study, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technology was utilized, combined with four machine learning methods - KNN, PCA-KNN, RF, and SVM, to conduct classification and identification research on 7 different types of bacteria, adhering to various substrate materials. The experimental results showed that despite the nearly identical elemental composition of these bacteria, differences in the intensity of elemental spectral lines provide crucial information for identification of bacteria. Under conditions of high-purity aluminum substrate, the identification rates of the four modeling methods reached 74.91%, 84.05%, 85.36%, and 96.07%, respectively. In contrast, under graphite substrate conditions, the corresponding identification rates reached 96.87%, 98.11%, 98.93%, and 100%. Graphite is found to be more suitable as a substrate material for bacterial classification, attributed to the fact that more characteristic spectral lines are excited in bacteria under graphite substrate conditions. Additionally, the emission spectral lines of graphite itself are relatively scarce, resulting in less interference with other elemental spectral lines of bacteria. Meanwhile, SVM exhibited the highest precision rate and recall rate, reaching up to 1, making it the most effective classification method in this experiment. This study provides a valuable approach for the rapid and accurate identification of bacterial species based on LIBS, as well as substrate selection, enhancing efficient microbial identification capabilities in fields related to social security and military applications.