Poor healthy lifestyle and life's essential 8 are associated with higher risk of new-onset migraine: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle are closely related to migraine. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the association between Healthy lifestyle or Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and the risk of migraine. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between Healthy lifestyle scores and Life's essential 8 scores, and migraine.

METHODS

332,895 UK Biobank participants without migraine were included. Healthy lifestyle were assessed using seven lifestyle factors, and categorized as poor, intermediate, or ideal. LE8, based on the American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health (CVH), consist of eight indicators classified as low, moderate, or high CVH. The Cox proportional hazard model was employed to examine the association between Healthy lifestyle scores, LE8 scores, and migraine, with calculations for population-attributable fraction (PAF) and cumulative incidence.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 13.58 years, participants in intermediate (HR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.99) or ideal category of Healthy lifestyle (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.91) significantly reduced migraine risk compared to the poor category. Similarly, high CVH (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.92) also lowered migraine risk, while moderate CVH (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.02) did not show a difference compared to low CVH. If all individuals adhered to higher categories of Healthy lifestyle and LE8, approximately 11.38% and 22.05% of migraine cases could be prevented. Among individual lifestyle factors, maintaining an ideal body mass index (BMI), physical activity, sleep duration, sleep pattern, and sedentary time were associated with substantial reductions in migraine risk, by 5.65%, 0.81%, 10.16%, 16.39%, and 6.57%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides evidence that poor Healthy lifestyle and Life's Essential 8 are associated with higher risk of new-onset migraine.

[Reference values of skeletal muscle mass for children in Nanjing area]

Objective: To establish the reference values and growth curves of skeletal muscle mass among children in the Nanjing area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with children who underwent physical examination at the Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2020 January to 2022 September. Their height, weight, body fat mass and skeletal muscle mass were measured. Body mass index, percentage of body fat mass, percentage of skeletal muscle mass, relative skeletal muscle mass index and the ratio of skeletal muscle to body fat were calculated. The associations between skeletal muscle mass indices and physical measurements index were analyzed through the Spearman correlation test. The Mann-Kendall test was used to assess the trend for skeletal muscle mass. Generalized additive models for location, scale and shape were used to construct percentile reference values and growth curves of male and female skeletal muscle mass indices at different ages. Results: A total of 32 690 children aged 4-14 years were enrolled in this study, including 19 912 boys (60.91%). Skeletal muscle mass, percentage of skeletal muscle mass, relative skeletal muscle mass index and the ratio of skeletal muscle to body fat of boys and girls was 11.10 (8.40, 14.90) and 10.30 (7.90, 13.20) kg, 40.36% (37.01%, 43.13%) and 39.38% (36.43%, 41.88%), 6.70 (6.07, 7.52) and 6.33 (5.79, 7.00), 2.39 (1.46, 3.47) and 2.14 (1.45, 3.00) kg/m2, respectively. Skeletal muscle mass of both boys and girls was all positively associated with weight (r=0.97, 0.96), body mass index (r=0.68, 0.63) and percentage of body fat mass (r=0.40, 0.43) (all P<0.01). The reference values and growth curves showed that the percentage of skeletal muscle mass P50 ranged from 37.75%-44.61% in boys and from 36.22%-40.55% in girls. The relative skeletal muscle mass index P50 ranged from 5.80-9.68 kg/m2 in boys and from 5.57-7.98 kg/m2 in girls. The ratio of skeletal muscle to body fat P50 ranged from 1.86-2.67 in boys and from 1.29-2.41 in girls. There was an increasing trend with age for both boys and girls in the growth of skeletal muscle mass (Z=4.20, 3.75, both Ptrend<0.01), and increased slightly before 9 years of age and then increased rapidly until 14 years of age in both boys and girls. Conclusions: The skeletal muscle mass indices change with age and gender during childhood. Percentile reference values for pediatric skeletal muscle mass indices can be used to evaluate the muscular growth and development in children in the Nanjing area.

Piezocatalysis for Chemical-Mechanical Polishing of SiC: Dual Roles of t-BaTiO3 as a Piezocatalyst and an Abrasive

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) offers a promising pathway to smooth third-generation semiconductors. However, it is still a challenge to reduce the use of additional oxidants or/and energy in current CMP processes. Here, a new and green atomically smoothing method: Piezocatalytic-CMP (Piezo-CMP) is reported. Investigation shows that the Piezo-CMP based on tetragonal BaTiO3 (t-BT) can polish the rough surface of a reaction sintering SiC (RS-SiC) to the ultra-smooth surface with an average surface roughness (Ra) of 0.45 nm and the rough surface of a single-crystal 4H-SiC to the atomic planarization Si and C surfaces with Ra of 0.120 and 0.157 nm, respectively. In these processes, t-BT plays a dual role of piezocatalyst and abrasive. That is, it piezo-catalytically generates in-situ active oxygen species to selectively oxidize protruding sites of SiC surface, yielding soft SiO2, and subsequently, it acts as a usual abrasive to mechanically remove these SiO2. This mechanism is further confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculation and molecular simulation. In this process, piezocatalytic oxidation is driven only by the original pressure and friction force of a conventional polishing process, thus, the piezo-CMP process do not require any additional oxidant and energy, being a green and effective polishing method.

Engineered protein cages with enhanced extracellular drug release for elevated antitumor efficacy

Human heavy chain ferritin (HFn) protein cage has been explored as a nanocarrier for targeted anticancer drug delivery. Here, we introduced a matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-cleavable sequence into the DE loop of HFn, creating an MMP-responsive variant, MR-HFn, for localized and extracellular drug release. The crystal structure of MR-HFn revealed that the addition of the MMPs recognition sequence did not affect the self-assembly of HFn but presented a surface-exposed loop susceptible to MMPs cleavage. Biochemical analysis indicated that this engineered protein cage is responsive to MMPs, enabling the targeted release of encapsulated drugs. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of this engineered protein cage, monosubstituted β-carboxy phthalocyanine zinc (CPZ), a type of photosensitizer, was loaded inside this protein cage. The prepared CPZ@MR-HFn showed higher uptake and stronger phototoxicity in MMPs overexpressed tumor cells, as well as enhanced penetration into multicellular tumor spheroids compared with its counterpart CPZ@HFn in vitro. In vivo, CPZ@MR-HFn displayed a higher tumor inhibitory rate than CPZ@HFn under illumination. These results indicated that MR-HFn is a promising nanocarrier for anticancer drug delivery and the MMP-responsive strategy here can also be adapted for other stimuli.

Development and trends in metabolomics studies in psoriasis: A bibliometric analysis of related research from 2011 to 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with autoimmune characteristics. Recent research has made significant progress in the field of psoriasis metabolomics. However, there is a lack of bibliometric analysis on metabolomics of psoriasis. The objective of this study is to utilize bibliometrics to present a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge structure and research hotspots in psoriasis within the field of metabolomics.

Methods

We conducted a bibliometric analysis by searching the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications on metabolomics in psoriasis from 2011 to 2024. To perform this analysis, we utilized tools such as VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix".

Results

A total of 307 articles from 47 countries, with the United States and China leading the way, were included in the analysis. The publications focusing on metabolomics in psoriasis have shown a steady year-on-year growth. The Medical University of Bialystok is the main research institution. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences emerges as the prominent journal in the field, while the Journal of Investigative Dermatology stands out as the highly co-cited publication. A total of 2029 authors contributed to these publications, with Skrzydlewska Elzbieta, Baran Anna, Flisiak Iwona, Murakami Makoto being the most prolific contributors. Notably, Armstrong April W. received the highest co-citation. Investigating the mechanisms of metabolomics in the onset and progression of psoriasis, as well as exploring therapeutic strategies, represents the primary focus of this research area. Emerging research hotspots encompass inflammation, lipid metabolism, biomarker, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and arthritis.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that metabolism-related research is thriving in psoriasis, with a focus on the investigation of metabolic targets and interventions within the metabolic processes. Metabolism is expected to be a hot topic in future psoriasis research.

Gene expression prognostic of early relapse risk in low-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children

ETV6::RUNX1 is the most common fusion gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is associated with favorable outcomes, especially in low-risk children. However, as many as 10% of children relapse within 3 years, and such early relapses have poor survival. Identifying children at risk for early relapse is an important challenge. We interrogated data from 87 children with low-risk ETV6::RUNX1-positive B-cell ALL and with available preserved bone marrow samples (discovery cohort). We profiled somatic point mutations in a panel of 559 genes and genome-wide transcriptome and single-nucleotide variants. We found high TIMD4 expression (> 85th-percentile value) at diagnosis was the most important independent prognostic factor of early relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.07 [1.76, 14.62]; p = 0.03). In an independent validation cohort of low-risk ETV6::RUNX1-positive B-cell ALL (N = 68) high TIMD4 expression at diagnosis had an HR = 4.78 [1.07, 21.36] (p = 0.04) for early relapse. In another validation cohort including 78 children with low-risk ETV6::RUNX1-negative B-cell ALL, high TIMD4 expression at diagnosis had an HR = 3.93 [1.31, 11.79] (p = 0.01). Our results suggest high TIMD4 expression at diagnosis in low-risk B-cell ALL in children might be associated with high risk for early relapse.

Determinants of depressive symptoms at individual, school and province levels: a national survey of 398,520 Chinese children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to describe the national distribution of depressive symptoms in Chinese children and adolescents, to examine the determinants of depressive symptoms at individual, school and province levels and to assess the gender and age differences in the effect of school factors on depressive symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a national cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A school-based online survey was conducted in mainland China from between December 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022. A total of 398,520 eligible participants were included in the analysis. School-level data were drawn from students, headteachers and Baidu Maps, and province-level data were obtained from the national human development report. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 was used to measure depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Areas with the highest mean scores for depressive symptoms were in the northeastern, inner central and southwestern regions of China. At the individual level, younger age, male sex, being an only child, Han ethnicity, lower body mass index, more days of exercise, less drinking and smoking behaviours, higher subjective family socio-economic status (SES) and popularity in school were related to fewer depressive symptoms; however, objective family SES and maternal education were not related to fewer depressive symptoms. The school-level variables of public status, psychological activities and psychological courses and province-level variable of higher Human Development Index were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The effect of psychological courses and activities on depressive symptoms was greater in females.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed multilevel factors related to depressive symptoms and emphasised the importance of implementing school-based psychological activities to ameliorate depressive symptoms in Chinese children and adolescents across age and gender.

Role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related long non'coding RNA in breast cancer

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic strategy for tumours, is a regulated cell death characterised by the increased accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO). Tumour-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when combined with traditional anti-cancer medicines or radiotherapy, can improve efficacy and decrease mortality in cancer. Investigating the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs may help strategise new therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC). Herein, we briefly discuss the genes and pathways of ferroptosis involved in iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, including the XC-/GSH/GPX4 system, ACSL4/LPCAT3/15-LOX and FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H pathways, and investigate the correlation between ferroptosis and LncRNA in BC to determine possible biomarkers related to ferroptosis.

Anthropogenic multipollutant input to the offshore South China Sea

The remote region of the South China Sea (SCS), situated far from urban mainland areas, is commonly perceived to experience minimal pollution. However, this may evolve into a considerably polluted region owing to increasing anthropogenic pollutants. In this study, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the surface sediments collected from the offshore area of the southern SCS. Our aim is to explore potential anthropogenic pollutants, their interactions, and the related controlling factors. This research endeavors to enhance our understanding of the current pollution status in the SCS and help making relevant policy management decisions. Comparison with previous reports reveals that now, the area is more extensively and increasingly contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals (Cd and As) than before. For the first time, we report the recognition of coprostanol and long-chain alkyl mid-chain ketones, unveiling the noticeable incorporation of sewage fecal matter and biomass burning into offshore sediments. Moreover, sedimentary multipollutants (except ketones) exhibit strong correlations with terrestrial elements and fine-sized particles, displaying a roughly high-west/low-east spatial variability in pollutant accumulation or enrichment. These signatures evidently demonstrate the major impact of river discharges (e.g., the Mekong River to the west and the Pearl and Red Rivers to the north) on the SCS. They have hydrodynamic effects on the subsequent basin-wide dispersal of pollutants, driven by monsoon-induced large- and regional-scale currents. The different behavior of burning-related ketones may be partly due to their aerosol form, leading to atmospheric transportation. Because anthropogenic multipollutants pose compounded threats, exacerbating oceanic warming and acidification to marine ecosystems such as the widespread coral reefs in the southern SCS, scientific management of urban emissions is required to mitigate ecosystem degradation in the Anthropocene era.

Customizable miniaturized SPR instrument

Prism-based surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) system, as one of the leading candidate concepts for scale application and commercial solution, has good stability, high-sensitivity and greater theoretical/technical maturity. Therefore, to take advantage of prism-based SPR system fully, and break up limitations of complicated and bulky traditional prism-based SPR system, optimal and compact design of optical system is an effective solution. Herein, a customizable miniaturized prism-based SPR system is developed by optical system optimization and integrated design, combining portable data acquisition and processing technology (FPGA-based multifunctional data processing). This proposed prism-based SPR system can achieve a miniaturized SPR system, thus, it also can meet the requirements of flexibility configuration and customizable performance to accommodate the various needs of different users and application scenes. Additionally, the customizable features can make it to achieve the best performance optimization and differentiation.

Causal effects of diabetic retinopathy on depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder in the European population: a Mendelian randomization study

PURPOSE

To verify the causal effects of diabetic retinopathy (DR) on depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to identify the causal relationships between DR and depression or anxiety or BD via using DR-related GWAS data (14,584 cases and 176,010 controls), depression-related GWAS data (59,851 cases and 113,154 controls), anxiety-related GWAS data (7016 cases and 14,745 controls) and BD-related GWAS data (41,917 cases and 371,549 controls). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) model was adopted to estimate the causal relationship. The outcome was expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The MR analysis results presented that DR was causally associated with a significantly increased risk of BD in the European population (IVW, OR = 1.06, 95%CI [1.03, 1.08], P = 2.44 × 10-6), while DR was unable to causally influence the risk of depression (IVW, OR = 1.01, 95%CI [0.99, 1.04], P = 0.32) and anxiety (IVW, OR = 0.97, 95%CI [0.89, 1.06], P = 0.48) in the European population. Subgroup analysis based on BD identified DR causally increased the risk of bipolar I disorder (BD I) but not bipolar II disorder (BD II). Sensitivity analysis results did not show any pleiotropy and heterogeneity in both groups of analyses, indicating that the results were stable and reliable.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current MR analysis indicated a causal relationship between DR and BD in the European population, while there was no causal connection between DR and depression or anxiety. However, further research is needed to confirm these conclusions.

Metabolomic profiling of ocular tissues in rabbit myopia: Uncovering differential metabolites and pathways

To investigate the metabolic difference among tissue layers of the rabbits' eye during the development of myopia using metabolomic techniques and explore any metabolic links or cascades within the ocular wall. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was utilized for untargeted metabolite screening (UMS) to identify the significant differential metabolites produced between myopia (MY) and control (CT) (horizontal). Subsequently, we compared those key metabolites among tissues (Sclera, Choroid, Retina) of MY for distribution and variation (longitudinal). A total of 6285 metabolites were detected in the three tissues. The differential metabolites were screened and the metabolic pathways of these metabolites in each myopic tissue were labeled, including tryptophan and its metabolites, pyruvate, taurine, caffeine metabolites, as well as neurotransmitters like glutamate and dopamine. Our study suggests that multiple metabolic pathways or different metabolites under the same pathway, might act on different parts of the eyeball and contribute to the occurrence and development of myopia by affecting the energy supply to the ocular tissues, preventing antioxidant stress, affecting scleral collagen synthesis, and regulating various neurotransmitters mutually.

Arsenic trioxide suppresses lung adenocarcinoma stem cell stemness by inhibiting m6A modification to promote ferroptosis

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is well known for its inhibitory effects on cancer progression, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but the molecular mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the roles of ATO in regulating LUAD stem cells (LASCs) and the underlying mechanisms. To induce LASCs, cells cultured in an F12 medium, containing B27, epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor, induced LASCs. LASCs stemness was assessed through tumor sphere formation assay, and percentages of CD133+ cells were detected by flow cytometry. The Cell Counting Kit-8 method was used to assess LASCs viability, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron ion levels were quantitated by fluorescence microscopy and spectrophotometry, respectively, and total m6A levels were measured by dot blot. Additionally, LASCs mitochondrial alterations were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the tumorigenicity of LASCs was assessed using a cancer cell line-based xenograft model. Tumor sphere formation and CD133 expression were used to validate the successful induction of LASCs from A549 and NCI-H1975 cells. ATO significantly inhibited proliferation, reduced ZC3H13 expression and total m6A modification levels, and increased ROS and iron ion content, but repressed sphere formation and CD133 expression in LASCs. ZC3H13 overexpression or ferrostatin-1 treatment abrogated LASCs stemness inhibition caused by ATO treatment, and interference with ZC3H13 inhibited LASCs stemness. Furthermore, the promotion of LASCs ferroptosis by ATO was effectively mitigated by ZC3H13 overexpression, while interference with ZC3H13 further promoted ferroptosis. Moreover, si-ZC3H13 promoted ferroptosis and impaired stemness in LASCs, which ferrostatin-1 abrogated. Finally, ZC3H13 overexpression alleviated the inhibitory effects of ATO on LASCs tumorigenicity. Taken together, ATO treatment substantially impaired the stemness of LUAD stem cells by promoting the ferroptosis program, which was mediated by its ZC3H13 gene expression inhibition to suppress m6A medication.

Dynamic and Reversible Blending Interface on Polyoxovanadate Electrode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a critical role in the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In contrast to the clear interface between the traditional consecutive electrode materials and SEI, ionic polyoxometalates (POMs) as electrode could bilaterally diffuse with SEI and form a blending interface for superior electrochemical performance. POMs have recently aroused much interest as electrode materials in LIBs due to their structural flexibility, high capacity, and cycling stability. However, the interface evolution between POM-based electrodes and SEI, which is critical for Li+ ion transportation, has rarely been explored. Herein, we choose Li10[V12B18O60H6] (LVB) as an example to investigate the formation and structural evolution of the electrode-electrolyte interface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry together with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates the evolution of a blending layer at the interface containing typical SEI components, a polyanion from LVB and a phosphate anion from decomposition products of LiPF6. In the blending layer, ion migration takes place between the P-related inorganic species and the polyanion during the Li+ insertion/extraction reaction. Such a compatible blending layer favors Li+ transportation and the reversibility of the redox reactions, as supported by a series of electrochemical analyses. This work provides detailed insights into understanding the interface evolution of the LVB electrode and demonstrates the importance of interfacial engineering to induce proper interface layers in the development of high-performance POM-based electrodes for LIBs.

A Review on Engineering Design for Enhancing Interfacial Contact in Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The utilization of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) presents a promising solution to the issues of safety concern and shuttle effect in Li-S batteries, which has garnered significant interest recently. However, the high interfacial impedances existing between the SSEs and the electrodes (both lithium anodes and sulfur cathodes) hinder the charge transfer and intensify the uneven deposition of lithium, which ultimately result in insufficient capacity utilization and poor cycling stability. Hence, the reduction of interfacial resistance between SSEs and electrodes is of paramount importance in the pursuit of efficacious solid-state batteries. In this review, we focus on the experimental strategies employed to enhance the interfacial contact between SSEs and electrodes, and summarize recent progresses of their applications in solid-state Li-S batteries. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives of rational interfacial design in practical solid-state Li-S batteries are outlined as well. We expect that this review will provide new insights into the further technique development and practical applications of solid-state lithium batteries.

Combiner and HyperCombiner networks: Rules to combine multimodality MR images for prostate cancer localisation

One of the distinct characteristics of radiologists reading multiparametric prostate MR scans, using reporting systems like PI-RADS v2.1, is to score individual types of MR modalities, including T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced, and then combine these image-modality-specific scores using standardised decision rules to predict the likelihood of clinically significant cancer. This work aims to demonstrate that it is feasible for low-dimensional parametric models to model such decision rules in the proposed Combiner networks, without compromising the accuracy of predicting radiologic labels. First, we demonstrate that either a linear mixture model or a nonlinear stacking model is sufficient to model PI-RADS decision rules for localising prostate cancer. Second, parameters of these combining models are proposed as hyperparameters, weighing independent representations of individual image modalities in the Combiner network training, as opposed to end-to-end modality ensemble. A HyperCombiner network is developed to train a single image segmentation network that can be conditioned on these hyperparameters during inference for much-improved efficiency. Experimental results based on 751 cases from 651 patients compare the proposed rule-modelling approaches with other commonly-adopted end-to-end networks, in this downstream application of automating radiologist labelling on multiparametric MR. By acquiring and interpreting the modality combining rules, specifically the linear-weights or odds ratios associated with individual image modalities, three clinical applications are quantitatively presented and contextualised in the prostate cancer segmentation application, including modality availability assessment, importance quantification and rule discovery.

A novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide from tilapia skin: Preparation, identification and its potential antihypertensive mechanism

To obtain food-derived peptides with high ACE inhibitory activity, tilapia skin was pretreated with steam explosion prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. The results showed that steam explosion pretreatment improved the hydrolysis efficiency and ACE inhibitory activity of fish skin hydrolysates. A novel ACE inhibitory peptide VGLFPSRSF (1009.17 Da) was obtained from steam-exploded fish skin hydrolysates. VGLFPSRSF had an IC50 value of 61.43 μM for ACE inhibitory activity, showing a non-competitive binding mode and gastrointestinal enzyme hydrolysis resistance. Molecular docking results showed that VGLFPSRSF interacted with ACE receptor protein through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Based on the results of network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking, VGLFPSRSF might regulate blood pressure through interaction with hypertensive targets such as AKT1, ACE, CD4, REN, and MMP9. Steam-exploded tilapia skin peptides had potential antihypertension activity and might be promising to achieve high-value utilization of fish skin by-products.

Advanced oxidation processes for synchronizing harmful microcystis blooms control with algal metabolites removal: From the laboratory to practical applications

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems have become a global epidemic, leading to a series of problems related to cyanobacterial outbreaks and toxicity. Studies are needed to improve the technology used for the simultaneous removal of harmful cyanobacteria and algal metabolites. In this review, widely reported advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) strategies for removing major species Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) and microcystins (MCs) were screened through bibliometrics, such as photocatalysis, activated persulfate, H2O2, Ozone oxidation, ultrasonic oxidation, and electrochemical oxidation, etc. AOPs generate kinds of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inactivate cyanobacteria and degrade cyanotoxins. A series of responses occurs in algal cells to resist the damaging effects of ROS generated by AOPs. Specifically, we reviewed laboratory research, mechanisms, practical applications, and challenges of HABs treatments in AOPs. Problems common to these technologies include the impact of algal response and metabolites, and environmental factors. This information provides guidance for future research on the removal of harmful cyanobacteria and treatment of algal metabolites using AOPs.

Prototypical few-shot segmentation for cross-institution male pelvic structures with spatial registration

The prowess that makes few-shot learning desirable in medical image analysis is the efficient use of the support image data, which are labelled to classify or segment new classes, a task that otherwise requires substantially more training images and expert annotations. This work describes a fully 3D prototypical few-shot segmentation algorithm, such that the trained networks can be effectively adapted to clinically interesting structures that are absent in training, using only a few labelled images from a different institute. First, to compensate for the widely recognised spatial variability between institutions in episodic adaptation of novel classes, a novel spatial registration mechanism is integrated into prototypical learning, consisting of a segmentation head and an spatial alignment module. Second, to assist the training with observed imperfect alignment, support mask conditioning module is proposed to further utilise the annotation available from the support images. Extensive experiments are presented in an application of segmenting eight anatomical structures important for interventional planning, using a data set of 589 pelvic T2-weighted MR images, acquired at seven institutes. The results demonstrate the efficacy in each of the 3D formulation, the spatial registration, and the support mask conditioning, all of which made positive contributions independently or collectively. Compared with the previously proposed 2D alternatives, the few-shot segmentation performance was improved with statistical significance, regardless whether the support data come from the same or different institutes.

Tests of Light-Lepton Universality in Angular Asymmetries of B^{0}→D^{*-}ℓν Decays

We present the first comprehensive tests of the universality of the light leptons in the angular distributions of semileptonic B^{0}-meson decays to charged spin-1 charmed mesons. We measure five angular-asymmetry observables as functions of the decay recoil that are sensitive to lepton-universality-violating contributions. We use events where one neutral B is fully reconstructed in ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] decays in data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} integrated luminosity from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. We find no significant deviation from the standard model expectations.

Precise Measurement of the D_{s}^{+} Lifetime at Belle II

We measure the lifetime of the D_{s}^{+} meson using a data sample of 207  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle II experiment running at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The lifetime is determined by fitting the decay-time distribution of a sample of 116×10^{3} D_{s}^{+}→ϕπ^{+} decays. Our result is τ_{D_{s}^{+}}=(499.5±1.7±0.9)  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This result is significantly more precise than previous measurements.

[Effect of acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training for postoperative rehabilitation of meniscectomy under arthroscopy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training on the motor function, stability and proprioception of knee joint, as well as the anxiety emotion in patients after meniscectomy under arthroscopy.

METHODS

A total of 70 patients after meniscectomy under arthroscopy were randomized into an observation group (35 cases, 2 cases were eliminated， 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (35 cases, 2 cases were eliminated, 1 case dropped off). Acupuncture was applied at Chize (LU 5), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35),Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc. on the affective side in the two groups. After 30 min, the needles of the knee joint area were withdrew, while the needle at elbow was continuously retained, the observation group was given acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training, and the control group was given conventional acupuncture exercise therapy. The treatment was given once a day, 7-day treatment was taken as one course, and totally 4 courses were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the knee joint Lysholm score, the knee joint isokinetic muscle strength flexion/extension ratio (H/Q), joint position sense measurement (JPS) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were compared in the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, the knee joint Lysholm scores and H/Q were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), and the knee joint Lysholm score and H/Q in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.001); the JPS and HAMA scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), the JPS and HAMA score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training can effectively improve the motor function, stability and proprioception of knee joint, as well as the anxiety emotion in patients after meniscectomy under arthroscopy.

Spatial Proteome Analysis Identifies Lymphocyte CD44 as a Biomarker Associated with SBRT Resistance in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To discover and validate spatially-resolved protein markers associated with resistance to SBRT in early-stage NSCLC patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We initially evaluated a discovery cohort of 44 early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT as first-line treatment at the Shandong cancer hospital. Using the GeoMx DSP system, 71 proteins were measured in five molecular compartments (tumor, leukocyte, lymphocyte, macrophage, and stroma) on pre-treatment samples. Candidate biomarkers were orthogonally validated with the Gem AQUA method of quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF). For internal independent cohort validation, we assessed pre-treatment samples derived from 150 NSCLC patients who receive radiotherapy. We further analyzed 100 radiotherapy untreated patients with operable NSCLC to address prognostic significance.

RESULTS

Using continuous log-scaled data, we identified CD44 expression in the lymphocyte compartment (CD3+) as a novel predictor of poor progression-free survival (PFS) (multivariate HR = 7.323, p = 0.0079) and overall survival (OS) (multivariate HR = 8.65, p = 0.028) in the discovery set. High CD44 expression in the tumor compartment (pan-cytokeratin, CK+) predicted significantly shorter OS (multivariate HR = 2.208, p = 0.0212), with no significant difference in PFS. We validated by QIF that lymphocyte CD44 levels were associated with resistance to SBRT therapy and prognostic for poor outcomes. Using QIF in an independent radiotherapy treated cohort, we validated that CD44 levels in the lymphocyte compartment were associated with poor PFS and OS. High lymphocyte cell CD44 was not prognostic in non-radiotherapy-treated cohort. Using DSP data, intratumoral regions with elevated lymphocyte cell CD44 expression showed prominent upregulation of CD127, ARG1 and VISTA in the discovery Cohort.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we identified and validated lymphocyte cell CD44 as a biomarker indicative of resistance to SBRT or radiotherapy in patients with NSCLC. Further evaluation is warranted to address the predictive value of lymphocyte cell CD44 in multi-institutional studies and clinical trials.

HPK1 Inhibition Enhancing HFRT Anti-Tumor Immune Response

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation therapy, as one of the canonical treatments for classic tumors, results in impressive clinical responses. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been increasingly used as one main therapy in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SBRT affords good local tumor control, however, recurrence and metastasis are still the main causes of treatment failure. With the continuous deepening of the relationship between radiotherapy (RT) and immunity, reversing RT induced immunosuppression is considered to be a promising strategy to improve radiotherapy efficacy. Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) is mainly expressed in immune cells while rarely expressed in tumor cells. It has been proven to play a negative regulatory role in T cell receptor (TCR) signal. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of HPK1 inhibitor with SBRT would boost local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses by potentiating the anti-tumor effects of SBRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Using Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP), we analyzed HPK1 expression in the tumor specimens of 39 NSCLC patients treated with SBRT. By establishing mice subcutaneous tumor models, we assessed the combination of a HPK1 inhibitor and local hyper-fractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) on local and systemic tumor control and mouse survival. Using Single-cell RNA sequencing, Flow cytometry and pharmacological treatment, we analyzed and verified Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and excavated the specific mechanism of the HPK1 inhibitor enhancing HFRT -induced anti -tumor immune response.

RESULTS

In the tumor specimens of NSCLC patients treated with SBRT, we found that high expression HPK1 in TILs predicted poor progression-free survival (PFS). Among the C57BL/6 mice model, HFRT combined with a HPK1 inhibitor promoted local response, and improved the survival rate of mice, showing better anti-tumor curative effects. We further showed that HFRT promoted CD8+ T cell cytotoxic activity, and also aggravated CD8+ T cell exhaustion. After the intervention of HPK1 small molecular inhibitors, the proportion of exhaustion CD8+T cells was significantly reduced, while CD8+T cell cytotoxic activity was further enhanced in the later period. Single-cell RNA sequencing and pharmacological inhibition of HPK1 revealed that HPK1 mediated the exhaustion of CD8+T cells by regulating RGS16. In abscopal effects preclinical models, BGB-15025 induced obvious abscopal effect.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we demonstrate that HPK1 mediates HFRT-induced CD8+T cell exhaustion by regulating RGS16, and HPK1 is an attractive drug target for enhancing local and systemic radiotherapy.

Downregulated circPOKE promotes breast cancer metastasis through activation of the USP10-Snail axis

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among females. Metastasis accounts for the majority of BC related deaths. One feasible strategy to solve this challenging problem is to disrupt the capabilities required for tumor metastasis. Herein, we verified a novel metastasis suppressive circRNA, circPOKE in BC. circPOKE was downregulated in primary and metastatic BC tissues and overexpression of circPOKE inhibited the metastatic potential but not the proliferative ability of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPOKE competitively binds to USP10, and reduces its binding to Snail, a key transcriptional regulator of EMT, thereby inhibiting Snail stability via the protein-ubiquitination degradation pathway. In addition, we found that circPOKE could be secreted into the extracellular space via exosomes and that exosome-carried circPOKE significantly inhibited the invasive capabilities of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the levels of circPOKE, USP10 and Snail are clinically relevant in BC, suggesting that circPOKE may be used as a potential therapeutic target for patients with BC metastasis.

The Safety and Efficacy of SCART for Bulky Metastatic or Recurrent Cancer, a Phase I Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We are proposing a new treatment methodology, (called Stereotactic Centralized Ablative Radiation Therapy, (SCART), for bulky or metastatic tumors, which is based on the principles of SFRT, by using SBRT methods to deliver an ablative radiation dose to the central portion of the target while keeping the dose to surrounding normal tissue to a relatively low level. We performed a prospective dose escalation study of SCART for bulky metastatic or recurrent cancer. The purpose of the study was to determine dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) of SCART.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0488198, and approved at Foshan Chancheng Hospital. Patients with unresectable solid "bulky" nonhematological malignancies with limited treatment options were enrolled and received SCART with a prescription to the central spot in the tumor with a peripheral dose to the tumor edge at around 20% isodose line of the prescription dose. Five dose levels were proposed. The primary endpoint was the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), defined as the highest dose where zero of three or one of six patients experienced grade 3 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), scored according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events v. 4.03, up to 6 months after SCART.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients received SCART and have eligible data for study follow-up. The dose was escalated for two patients to 24 GyX3. No grade 3 toxicity was observed in any of the enrolled patients. The median SCART dose was 18 Gy (range: 15 - 24). Six out of the 18 patients with data for overall survival (OS) died, and the median time to death was 16.29 months (range: 0.99 - 25.58). Three patients out of the 15 patients with available data for local recurrence (LR) were found to have an LR and the median time to LR was 16.01 months (range: 0.99 - 25.58). There appears to be a trend of tumors decreasing from the patient's first visit date, or pre-SCART, to their final volume post-SCART. The mean percent change for tumor shrinkage between first visit volumes and post-SCART volumes was 49.49% (SD: 40.89, p-value:0.009). Of 15 patients with available data for progression free survival, 9 had a local recurrence or were deceased. Estimated median survival (i.e., when survival is 50%) was equal to16.80 months (95% CI = 13.90, NA). The survival rate at 12 months and 24 months were72.22% and 24.07%, respectively. Of 15 patients with available data for time to local recurrence, 3 people had a local recurrence. The percent of patients that were free from local recurrence at one and two years after the beginning of SCART treatment was 85.56% for both.

CONCLUSION

Despite the high dose delivered and the excellent local control achieved; the incidence of Any toxicity was unexpectedly low. Multiple courses of SCART are possible. The optimal dose, volume and timing of SCART still need more study.

Search for a τ^{+}τ^{-} Resonance in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} Events with the Belle II Experiment

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10  GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8  fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5  GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} Decays at Belle II

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters C and S in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} decays at Belle II using a sample of 387×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded in e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ϒ(4S) resonance. These parameters are determined by fitting the proper decay-time distribution of a sample of 415 signal events. We obtain C=-0.04_{-0.15}^{+0.14}±0.05 and S=0.75_{-0.23}^{+0.20}±0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Is there a bidirectional relationship between workplace bullying and the risk of sickness absence? Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Exposure to workplace bullying increases the risk of sickness absence. However, the extent and direction of this relationship for different follow-up lengths are not well established. To provide evidence regarding the direction and extent of the relationship between workplace bullying and different durations of sickness absence. We searched nine databases from their inception to 29 November 2022. Multiple independent observers screened the literature, extracted the data and used the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Exposure to assess the methodological quality. The overall effect sizes of odds ratio, relative risk, hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Our meta-analysis demonstrated a 26% increased risk of sick leave among workers exposed to workplace bullying for all follow-up lengths (95% CI 1.18 to 1.35), even after adjusting for confounding factors. Moreover, we found a significant association between long-term sickness absence and a higher likelihood of subsequent exposure to workplace bullying, with a pooled OR of 1.63 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.04). Our study established a bidirectional relationship between workplace bullying and long-term sickness absence, highlighting that it increases the risk of sickness absence at different follow-up lengths among employees who have been bullied. Hence, organisations should be mindful of workers who resume work after prolonged absences due to illness and adopt appropriate management strategies to prevent workplace bullying.

Prostate cancer segmentation from MRI by a multistream fusion encoder

BACKGROUND

Targeted prostate biopsy guided by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) detects more clinically significant lesions than conventional systemic biopsy. Lesion segmentation is required for planning MRI-targeted biopsies. The requirement for integrating image features available in T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted images poses a challenge in prostate lesion segmentation from mpMRI.

PURPOSE

A flexible and efficient multistream fusion encoder is proposed in this work to facilitate the multiscale fusion of features from multiple imaging streams. A patch-based loss function is introduced to improve the accuracy in segmenting small lesions.

METHODS

The proposed multistream encoder fuses features extracted in the three imaging streams at each layer of the network, thereby allowing improved feature maps to propagate downstream and benefit segmentation performance. The fusion is achieved through a spatial attention map generated by optimally weighting the contribution of the convolution outputs from each stream. This design provides flexibility for the network to highlight image modalities according to their relative influence on the segmentation performance. The encoder also performs multiscale integration by highlighting the input feature maps (low-level features) with the spatial attention maps generated from convolution outputs (high-level features). The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), serving as a cost function, is less sensitive to incorrect segmentation for small lesions. We address this issue by introducing a patch-based loss function that provides an average of the DSCs obtained from local image patches. This local average DSC is equally sensitive to large and small lesions, as the patch-based DSCs associated with small and large lesions have equal weights in this average DSC.

RESULTS

The framework was evaluated in 931 sets of images acquired in several clinical studies at two centers in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. In particular, the training, validation, and test sets contain 615, 144, and 172 sets of images, respectively. The proposed framework outperformed single-stream networks and three recently proposed multistream networks, attaining F1 scores of 82.2 and 87.6% in the lesion and patient levels, respectively. The average inference time for an axial image was 11.8 ms.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy and efficiency afforded by the proposed framework would accelerate the MRI interpretation workflow of MRI-targeted biopsy and focal therapies.

Test of Light-Lepton Universality in the Rates of Inclusive Semileptonic B-Meson Decays at Belle II

We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions of inclusive semileptonic B-meson decays, R(X_{e/μ})=B(B→Xeν)/B(B→Xμν), a precision test of electron-muon universality, using data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. In events where the partner B meson is fully reconstructed, we use fits to the lepton momentum spectra above 1.3  GeV/c to obtain R(X_{e/μ})=1.007±0.009(stat)±0.019(syst), which is the most precise lepton-universality test of its kind and agrees with the standard-model expectation.

First Measurement of the Michel Parameter ξ^{'} in the τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} Decay at Belle

We report the first measurement of the Michel parameter ξ^{'} in the τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decay with a new method proposed just recently. The measurement is based on the reconstruction of the τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} events with subsequent muon decay in flight in the Belle central drift chamber. The analyzed data sample of 988  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle detector corresponds to approximately 912×10^{6} τ^{+}τ^{-} pairs. We measure ξ^{'}=0.22±0.94(stat)±0.42(syst), which is in agreement with the standard model prediction of ξ^{'}=1. Statistical uncertainty dominates in this study, being a limiting factor, while systematic uncertainty is well under control. Our analysis proved the practicability of this promising method and its prospects for further precise measurement in future experiments.

PiRNA hsa_piR_019914 Promoted Chondrocyte Anabolic Metabolism By Inhibiting LDHA-Dependent ROS Production

OBJECTIVES

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease. The occurrence and progression of OA are regulated by epigenetics. A large number of studies have shown the important regulatory role of noncoding RNAs in joint diseases. As the largest class of noncoding small RNAs, the importance of piRNAs in many diseases, especially cancer, has been increasingly recognized. However, few studies have explored the role of piRNAs in OA. Our study showed that hsa_piR_019914 decreased significantly in OA. This study aimed to demonstrate the role of hsa_piR_019914 as a potential biological target of OA in chondrocytes.

DESIGN

The GEO database and bioinformatics analysis were used for a series of screenings, and the OA model using human articular chondrocytes (C28/I2 cells), SW1353 cells under inflammatory factor stimulation was used to determine that hsa_piR_019914 was significantly downregulated in OA. Overexpression or inhibition of hsa_piR_019914 in C28/I2 cells was achieved by transfecting mimics or inhibitors. The effect of hsa_piR_019914 on the biological function of chondrocytes was verified by qPCR, flow cytometry, and colony formation assays in vitro. The target gene of hsa_piR_019914, lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), was screened by small RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), LDHA was knocked out in C28/I2 cells by the transfection of siRNA LDHA, and the relationship between hsa_piR_019914, LDHA, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was verified by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The piRNA hsa-piR-019914 was significantly downregulated in osteoarthritis (OA). Hsa-piR-019914 reduced inflammation-mediated chondrocyte apoptosis and maintained cell proliferation and clone formation in vitro. Hsa-piR-019914 reduced the production of LDHA-dependent ROS through targeted regulation of LDHA expression, maintained chondrocyte-specific gene expression of ACAN and COL2, and inhibited the gene expression of MMP3 and MMP13.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, this study showed that hsa_piR_019914 was negatively correlated with the expression of LDHA, which mediates ROS production. Under the stimulation of inflammatory factors, overexpression of hsa_piR_019914 had a protective effect on chondrocytes in vitro, and the absence of hsa_piR_019914 exacerbated the negative effect of inflammation on chondrocytes. Studies on piRNAs provide new therapeutic interventions for OA.

Search for the Lepton Flavor Violating Decays B^{+}→K^{+}τ^{±}ℓ^{∓} (ℓ=e, μ) at Belle

We present a search for the lepton flavor violating decays B^{+}→K^{+}τ^{±}ℓ^{∓}, with ℓ=(e,μ), using the full data sample of 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We use events in which one B meson is fully reconstructed in a hadronic decay mode. We find no evidence for B^{±}→K^{±}τℓ decays and set upper limits on their branching fractions at the 90% confidence level in the (1-3)×10^{-5} range. The obtained limits are the world's best results.

Assessment of anxiety and depression in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome

BACKGROUND

To assess the anxiety and depression levels in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) and to determine the potential risk factors.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 195 participants, including 93 PSS patients and 102 healthy controls were recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected for all participants. Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) was administered to evaluate the anxiety and depression levels. Visual function (VF) and quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires were administered to assess variables potentially associated with anxiety and depression.

RESULTS

Increased anxiety level was observed in 22 (23.7%) PSS patients as compared to 10 (9.8%) of controls (P = 0.009). While the frequency of depression between the two groups was not significantly different (P = 0.349). The mean anxiety and depression scores were 6.98 ± 4.20 and 6.44 ± 3.66 in PSS patients as compared to 6.67 ± 3.21 (P = 0.564) and 5.96 ± 2.93 (P = 0.311) in controls. Logistic regression analysis showed mental well-being was significantly associated with anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.920, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.881-0.962, P < 0.001) and depression (OR = 0.959, CI = 0.926-0.994, P = 0.023) in PSS patients.

CONCLUSION

More patients with PSS may experience anxiety as compared to healthy controls. Mental well-being is an independent risk factor for anxiety and depression. It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of these factors and should pay more attention on mental health when PSS is managed in clinic.

Synthesis, characterization and crystallization kinetics of a bio-based, heat-resistance nylon 5T/10T

The rapid consumption of fossil resources and its adverse impact on the environment require the use of bio-based materials to replace petrochemical products. In this study, we present a bio-based, heat-resistant engineering plastic, poly(pentamethylene terephthalamide) (nylon 5T). To address the issues of the narrow processing window and difficulty in melting processing of nylon 5T, we introduced more flexible decamethylene terephthalamide (10T) units to create a copolymer, nylon 5T/10T. The chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR). We investigated the influence of 10T units on the thermal performance, crystallization kinetics, crystallization activation energy, and crystal structures of the copolymers. Our results demonstrate that the crystal growth mode of nylon 5T is a two-dimensional discoid growth pattern, while nylon 5T/10T exhibits a two-dimensional discoid or three-dimensional spherical growth pattern. The melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and crystallization rate first decrease and then increase, and crystal activation energy first increases and then decreases as a function of 10T units. These effects are attributed to the combined impact of molecular chain structure and polymer crystalline region. Bio-based nylon 5T/10T shows excellent heat resistance (melting temperature > 280 °C) and a wider processing window than nylon 5T and 10T, which is a promising heat-resistant engineering plastic.

Search for an Invisible Z^{'} in a Final State with Two Muons and Missing Energy at Belle II

The L_{μ}-L_{τ} extension of the standard model predicts the existence of a lepton-flavor-universality-violating Z^{'} boson that couples only to the heavier lepton families. We search for such a Z^{'} through its invisible decay in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'}. We use a sample of electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019-2020, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 79.7  fb^{-1}. We find no excess over the expected standard-model background. We set 90%-confidence-level upper limits on the cross section for this process as well as on the coupling of the model, which ranges from 3×10^{-3} at low Z^{'} masses to 1 at Z^{'} masses of 8  GeV/c^{2}.

[Role of podocyte injury signaling pathway in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and research progress in traditional Chinese medicine intervention]

As one of the main diseases leading to end-stage renal disease, steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS) can cause serious complications such as infection. Without effective control, this disease can further lead to the malignant development of the renal function, bringing serious social and economic burdens. As previously reported, the formation of SRNS is mostly related to the podocyte injury in the body, i.e., the injury of glomerular visceral epithelial cells. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signaling pathway, nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK), transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1/Smads, and other signaling pathways are classical signaling pathways related to podocyte injury. By regulating the expression of signaling pathways, podocyte injury can be intervened to improve the adhesion between podocyte foot processes and glomerular basement membrane and promote the function of podocytes, thereby alleviating the clinical symptoms of SRNS. Through the literature review, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has unique advantages and an important role in intervening in podocyte injury. In the intervention in podocyte injury, TCM, by virtue of multi-target and multi-pathway role, can regulate and intervene in podocyte injury in many ways, alleviate the clinical symptoms of SRNS, and interfere with the progress of SRNS, reflecting the unique advantages of TCM. On the other hand, TCM can directly or indirectly inhibit podocyte injury by regulating the above signaling pathways, which can not only promote the effect of hormones and immunosuppressants and shorten the course of treatment, but also reduce the toxic and side effects caused by various hormones and immunosuppressants to exert the advantages of small side effects and low price of TCM. This article reviewed TCM in the treatment of SRNS by interfering with podocyte injury-related signaling pathways and is expected to provide a reference for the in-depth study of TCM in the treatment of SRNS, as well as a theoretical basis and a new direction for the clinical application of TCM to shorten the course of treatment of SRNS and delay the progression to end-stage renal disease.

The Treatment of Aquaculture Wastewater with Biological Aerated Filters: From the Treatment Process to the Microbial Mechanism

Algal cell proliferation has posed significant problems for traditional water treatment facilities; these problems are attributed to surface hydrophilicity and electrostatic repulsion. Biological aerated filters (BAFs) have been extensively used in wastewater treatment to remove pollutants such as algal cells by utilizing the adsorption and separation capabilities of the filter media. In this study, a BAF was supplemented with biological filter medium (Marchantia polymorpha) to assess its effectiveness of pretreating aquaculture wastewater. In terms of process performance, steady and consistent treatment was achieved by the BAF with M. polymorpha (BAF2) under an algal cell density as high as 1.65 × 10⁸ cell/L, with average removal rates for NH₄⁺-N and algae cells of 74.4% and 81.9%, respectively. The photosynthetic activity parameters (rETRmax, α, Fv/Fm, and I_k) of the influent and effluent were quantitatively assessed, and M. polymorpha was found to remove algae by disrupting the photosynthetic system of the algal cells. Furthermore, the addition of the M. polymorpha filter medium enhanced the community structure of the functional microbes in the BAF system. The highest microbial community richness and diversity were observed in the BAF2. Meanwhile, M. polymorpha promoted an increase in the abundance of denitrifying bacteria, including Bdellovibrio and Pseudomonas. Overall, this work offers a unique perspective on the aquaculture wastewater pretreatment process and BAF design.

Interval Type-II Fuzzy Fault-Tolerant Control for Constrained Uncertain 2-DOF Robotic Multi-Agent Systems with Active Fault Detection

This study proposed a novel adaptive interval Type-II fuzzy fault-tolerant control for constrained uncertain 2-DOF robotic multi-agent systems with an active fault-detection algorithm. This control method can realize the predefined-accuracy stability of multi-agent systems under input saturation constraint, complex actuator failure and high-order uncertainties. Firstly, a novel active fault-detection algorithm based on pulse-wave function was proposed to detect the failure time of multi-agent systems. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time that an active fault-detection strategy had been used in multi-agent systems. Then, a switching strategy based on active fault detection was presented to design the active fault-tolerant control algorithm of the multi-agent system. In the end, based on the interval type-II fuzzy approximated system, a novel adaptive fuzzy fault-tolerant controller was proposed for multi-agent systems to deal with system uncertainties and redundant control inputs. Compared with other relevant fault-detection and fault-tolerant control methods, the proposed method can achieve predefinition of stable accuracy with smoother control input. The theoretical result was verified by simulation.

Activation of the IL-17 signalling pathway by the CXCL17-GPR35 axis affects drug resistance and colorectal cancer tumorigenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, and drug resistance following prolonged treatment leads to downregulation of the efficacy of chemotherapy against CRC. CXCL17 is an inflammatory factor that plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the function of the CXCL17-GPR35 axis in CRC and resistance to chemotherapy is not entirely clear. Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in oxaliplatin (OXA)-resistant CRC tumour tissues compared to OXA-sensitive counterparts. To further determine the function of CXCL17 in taxol-resistant CRC cells (HCT15), proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis were analysed by CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell^®, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. In addition, RNA sequencing, western blotting, CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell^® assays were used to further identify and confirm the downstream effects of CXCL17 regulation on taxol resistance. Our study found that CXCL17 and GPR35 were upregulated in OXA-resistant tumour tissues compared to in OXA-sensitive tissues. CXCL17 silencing significantly decreased the viability, migration, and invasion of taxol-resistant CRC cells. CXCL17 silencing arrested taxol-resistant CRC cells in the G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis. The IL-17 signalling pathway is involved in regulation of the CXCL17-GPR35 biological axis in HCT15 cells, and the addition of IL-17A distinctly reversed the decreased proliferation, migration, and the enhanced apoptosis of HCT15 cells upon CXCL17 deletion. In summary, these findings demonstrate that the CXCL17-GPR35 axis and IL-17 signalling pathway are involved in mediating CRC tumorigenesis and drug-resistance. Inhibition of the CXCL17-GPR35 axis and IL-17 may hence be promising therapeutic targets for CRC resistance to OXA.

Oral health literacy and its associated factors among nurses: A cross-sectional study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the oral health literacy (OHL) of nurses and explore the factors affecting their OHL.

BACKGROUND

OHL is important for improving the oral health outcomes. Nurses' OHL may affect the oral health of themselves, families, and patients. Few studies have examined the OHL and its related factors among nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design following the STROBE guideline.

METHODS

A total of 449 nurses were recruited from tertiary hospitals in the minority areas of southwest China. The participants completed an online questionnaire, which contained questions related to the OHL, sociodemographic factors, general health, oral health and related behaviours, oral health knowledge, attitudes, and oral health-related quality of life. OHL was measured using the validated Chinese version of the short-form Health Literacy of Dentistry (HeLD-14) scale. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The median HeLD-14 score (p25-p75) was 50.0 (44.0-54.0). The regression model for OHL was found to be significant. The factors that influenced OHL included oral health knowledge, oral health attitudes, self-reported oral health, annual household income, and dental flossing; these factors accounted for 13.9% of the variance in OHL.

CONCLUSIONS

The nurse' OHL has room for improvement. Nurses' OHL could be improved by enriching their oral health knowledge, promoting their positive oral health attitudes, increasing their household income, and helping them build correct oral health behaviours.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings of the study could be used to make a case for changing nursing curricula. Oral health knowledge curriculum or programmes targeted towards nurses should be developed to improve their OHL.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No Patient or Public Contribution.

First Measurement of the B^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}π^{0} Branching Fraction and CP Asymmetry

We study B^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}π^{0} using 711  fb^{-1} of data collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We measure an inclusive branching fraction of (19.0±1.5±1.4)×10^{-6} and an inclusive CP asymmetry of (9.2±6.8±0.7)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic, and a B^{+}→ρ(770)^{+}π^{0} branching fraction of (11.2±1.1±0.9_{-1.6}^{+0.8})×10^{-6}, where the third uncertainty is due to possible interference with B^{+}→ρ(1450)^{+}π^{0}. We present the first observation of a structure around 1  GeV/c^{2} in the π^{0}π^{0} mass spectrum, with a significance of 6.4σ, and measure a branching fraction to be (6.9±0.9±0.6)×10^{-6}. We also report a measurement of local CP asymmetry in this structure.

Search for Lepton-Flavor-Violating τ Decays to a Lepton and an Invisible Boson at Belle II

We search for lepton-flavor-violating τ^{-}→e^{-}α and τ^{-}→μ^{-}α decays, where α is an invisible spin-0 boson. The search uses electron-positron collisions at 10.58 GeV center-of-mass energy with an integrated luminosity of 62.8  fb^{-1}, produced by the SuperKEKB collider and collected with the Belle II detector. We search for an excess in the lepton-energy spectrum of the known τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ} and τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decays. We report 95% confidence-level upper limits on the branching-fraction ratio B(τ^{-}→e^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ}) in the range (1.1-9.7)×10^{-3} and on B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ}) in the range (0.7-12.2)×10^{-3} for α masses between 0 and 1.6  GeV/c^{2}. These results provide the most stringent bounds on invisible boson production from τ decays.

First Observation of Λπ^{+} and Λπ^{-} Signals near the K[over ¯]N(I=1) Mass Threshold in Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+}π^{+}π^{-} Decay

Using the data sample of 980  fb^{-1} collected with the Belle detector operating at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider, we present the results of an investigation of the Λπ^{+} and Λπ^{-} invariant mass distributions looking for substructure in the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+}π^{+}π^{-}. We find a significant signal in each mass distribution. When interpreted as resonances, we find for the Λπ^{+} (Λπ^{-}) combination a mass of 1434.3±0.6(stat)±0.9(syst)  MeV/c^{2} [1438.5±0.9(stat)±2.5(syst)  MeV/c^{2}], an intrinsic width of 11.5±2.8(stat)±5.3(syst)  MeV/c^{2} [33.0±7.5(stat)±23.6(syst)  MeV/c^{2}] with a significance of 7.5σ (6.2σ). As these two signals are very close to the K[over ¯]N threshold, we also investigate the possibility of a K[over ¯]N cusp, and find that we cannot discriminate between these two interpretations due to the limited size of the data sample.

Observation of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) and Search for X_{b}→ωϒ(1S) at sqrt[s] near 10.75 GeV

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) (J=0, 1, or 2) using samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=10.701, 10.745, and 10.805 GeV, corresponding to 1.6, 9.8, and 4.7  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity, respectively. These data were collected with the Belle II detector during special operations of the SuperKEKB collider above the ϒ(4S) resonance. We report the first observation of ωχ_{bJ}(1P) signals at sqrt[s]=10.745  GeV. By combining Belle II data with Belle results at sqrt[s]=10.867  GeV, we find energy dependencies of the Born cross sections for e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{b1,b2}(1P) to be consistent with the shape of the ϒ(10753) state. These data indicate that the internal structures of the ϒ(10753) and ϒ(10860) states may differ. Including data at sqrt[s]=10.653  GeV, we also search for the bottomonium equivalent of the X(3872) state decaying into ωϒ(1S). No significant signal is observed for masses between 10.45 and 10.65  GeV/c^{2}.

Search for a Dark Photon and an Invisible Dark Higgs Boson in μ^{+}μ^{-} and Missing Energy Final States with the Belle II Experiment

The dark photon A^{'} and the dark Higgs boson h^{'} are hypothetical particles predicted in many dark sector models. We search for the simultaneous production of A^{'} and h^{'} in the dark Higgsstrahlung process e^{+}e^{-}→A^{'}h^{'} with A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and h^{'} invisible in electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV in data collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019. With an integrated luminosity of 8.34  fb^{-1}, we observe no evidence for signal. We obtain exclusion limits at 90% Bayesian credibility in the range of 1.7-5.0 fb on the cross section and in the range of 1.7×10^{-8}-200×10^{-8} on the effective coupling ϵ^{2}×α_{D} for the A^{'} mass in the range of 4.0  GeV/c^{2}<M_{A^{'}}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} and for the h^{'} mass M_{h^{'}}<M_{A^{'}}, where ϵ is the mixing strength between the standard model and the dark photon and α_{D} is the coupling of the dark photon to the dark Higgs boson. Our limits are the first in this mass range.