[Efficacy and safety of different doses of antiviral agents in the treatment of herpes zoster: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses of antiviral drugs in the treatment of herpes zoster. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, VIP, CNKI and WanFang database up to April 9, 2022 were searched. Two reviewers selected the studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used for quality evaluation. Data were analyzed by Revman 5.4 software for meta-analysis. The qualitative data used relative risk (RR) as the effect index, and the quantitative data used mean difference (MD) as the effect index. The point estimates and 95%CI of each effect were given. Results: Fourteen randomized controlled trials with 1 831 patients were included in the study. Compared with the 200 mg acyclovir with five times a day, the 800 mg can improve the effective rate, shorten the blister stopping time (MD=-1.29, 95%CI:-1.62- -0.96, P<0.001), relieve the pain faster (MD=-2.73, 95%CI:-4.37- -1.09, P=0.001), shorten the scabbing time (MD=-2.42, 95%CI:-2.96- -1.89, P<0.001) without increasing the adverse reaction rate (RR=1.64, 95%CI:0.80-3.36, P=0.17); Compared with the 300 mg valaciclovir with twice daily, the 900-1 000 mg valaciclovir with three times a day can improve the effective rate(RR=1.17, 95%CI:1.04-1.32, P=0.007), shorten the blister stopping time (MD=-1.53, 95%CI:-2.54- -0.51, P=0.003), relieve the pain faster (MD=-1.04, 95%CI:-1.30- -0.77, P<0.001), shorten the scabbing time (MD=-1.78, 95%CI:-2.80- -0.76, P<0.001), reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia(RR=0.28, 95%CI:0.15-0.52, P<0.001) without increasing the adverse reaction rate (RR=1.47, 95%CI:0.93-2.32, P=0.10); In immunocompromised patients, compared with 1 000 mg valaciclovir with three times a day, 2 000 mg cannot significantly improve the treatment efficacy. There was no significant difference among the efficacy of 250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg famciclovir, three times a day, in the treatment of herpes zoster. Conclusion: The 800 mg acyclovir with five times a day; 900-1 000 mg valaciclovir and 250 mg famciclovir with three times a day, are better choices in the treatment of herpes zoster.

Correlation between scoliosis direction and OLIF operation channel angle in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between scoliosis direction and oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) operation channel angle in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

80 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis and 40 cases of lumbar degenerative diseases without scoliosis were retrospectively studied in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2021. The general data and imaging indexes of all patients were analyzed, and the correlation between the rotation angle of vertebral body and the channel angle of OLIF operation was evaluated.

RESULTS

The distance between abdominal aorta and psoas muscle in L2-3 and L3-4 segments, and the distance between abdominal aorta and lumbar sympathetic trunk in L3-4 segments, as well as the angles of OLIF operation channels in L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 segments of the right-scoliosis group were all significantly greater than those in the no-scoliosis group (p < 0.05). The distance between abdominal aorta and lumbar sympathetic trunk in L4-5 segments of the left-scoliosis group was significantly greater than that in the no-scoliosis group and the right-scoliosis group (p < 0.05). The angle of OLIF operation channel in L3-4 and L4-5 segments of the left-scoliosis group was significantly smaller than that in the non-scoliosis group (p < 0.05), and the distance between psoas major and transverse axis of vertebral body in L2-3 and L3-4 segments of the left-scoliosis group was significantly greater than that in the non-scoliosis group (p < 0.05). The distance between adjacent vertebral bodies in L2-3 and L3-4 segments of the right-scoliosis group was significantly larger than that in the non-scoliosis group (p < 0.05). The distance between psoas major and transverse axis of vertebral body in L4-5 segment of the left-scoliosis group was significantly larger than that in the no-scoliosis group and the right-scoliosis group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between OLIF operation channel angle and vertebral rotation angle in the left scoliosis group (p < 0.05), and a positive correlation between OLIF operation channel angle and vertebral rotation angle in the right scoliosis group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The scoliosis direction of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis can directly affect the angle of OLIF operation channel, so targeted design and operation adjustment should be given according to the scoliosis direction of patients before operation.

Nomograms based on sonographic and clinicopathological characteristics to predict lateral lymph node metastasis in classic papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) has been considered a risk factor of recurrence in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Preoperative detecting LLNM accurately is difficult. Solitary lateral lymph node metastasis is a special type of LLNM. We aimed to develop nomograms for predicting LLNM and multiple lateral lymph node metastasis (MLLNM).

METHODS

We retrospectively retrieved 528 classic PTC patients that underwent surgery between March 2019 and May 2020. Sonographic and clinicopathological features were collected. Risk factors of LLNM and MLLNM were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Nomograms for predicting LLNM and MLLNM were developed.

RESULTS

LLNM was independently associated with tumor size, the number of foci, location, margin, central lymph node metastasis, and lymph node ratio. Independent predictors of MLLNM were age, margin, and the number of metastatic lymph nodes in central compartment. By using above variables, we constructed nomograms for predicting LLNM and MLLNM, with area under curves of 0.864 and 0.748, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Through these accurate and easy-to-use nomograms, we can detect the risk of residual LLNM postoperatively for classic PTC patients who did not receive lateral neck dissection and provide an individualized plan for postoperative management of classic PTC patients.

[Study of risk factors of postherpetic neuralgia]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of herpes zoster and the risk factors of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 2 840 patients diagnosed with herpes zoster in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were included. The patients with herpes zoster were aged (59±16), and of which 1 314 (46.3%) patients were male. The patients were divided into PHN group and non-PHN group according to whether the patients with herpes zoster developed PHN. And there were 442 (15.6%) patients developed PHN aged (68±12), and of which 189 (42.8%) were male. The information and medical history of PHN group and non-PHN group were collected. The information of the use of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive agents, biological agents and targeted medicine within 2 months before herpes zoster occurred, history of surgery within 6 months before herpes zoster occurred, and the duration of PHN were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of PHN. Results: Out of 2 840 patients, 2 056 (72.4%) with herpes zoster aged 50 years and above. Intercostal nerves was mostly involved in patients with herpes zoster, with a total of 1 532(53.9%). Hypertension (465 cases, 16.4%) accounted for the highest number of patients with chronic diseases, followed by diabetes (337 cases, 11.9%) and coronary heart disease (283 cases, 10.0%). Rheumatoid arthritis (41 cases, 1.4%) accounted for the highest number of patients with connective tissue diseases, followed by Sjogren's syndrome (31 cases, 1.1%), systemic lupus erythematosus (28 cases, 1.0%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age≥50 years old (OR: 4.581; 95%CI: 3.131-6.705),lesion on the upper limb and shoulder (OR: 1.858; 95%CI: 1.129-3.059), hypertension (OR: 1.963; 95%CI: 1.513-2.546) and immunosuppressive treatments (OR: 2.170; 95%CI: 1.254-3.753) were independent risk factors for PHN (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Herpes zoster mostly occurs in people aged 50 and above, and mainly affected intercostal nerves. The most common complications are hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. Age≥50, lesion on upper limbs and shoulders, hypertension, and immunosuppressive treatments may be independent risk factors of PHN.

Tradeoff between the Brillouin and transverse mode instabilities in Yb-doped fiber amplifiers

The Brillouin instability (BI) due to stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and the transverse (thermal) mode instability (TMI) due to stimulated thermal Rayleigh scattering (STRS) limit the achievable power in high-power lasers and amplifiers. The pump power threshold for BI increases as the core diameter increases, but the threshold for TMI may decrease as the core diameter increases. In this paper, we use a multi-time-scale approach to simultaneously model BI and TMI, which gives us the ability to find the fiber diameter with the highest power threshold. We formulate the equations to compare the thresholds of the combined and individual TMI and BI models. At the pump power threshold and below, there is a negligible difference between the full and individual models, as BI and TMI are not strong enough to interact with each other. The highest pump threshold occurs at the optimal core size of 43 µm for the simple double-clad geometry that we considered. We found that both effects contribute equally to the threshold, and the full BI and TMI model yields a similar threshold as the BI or TMI model alone. However, once the reflectivity is sufficiently large, we find in the full BI and TMI model that BI may trigger TMI and reduce the TMI threshold to a value lower than is predicted in simulations with TMI alone. This result cannot be predicted by models that consider BI and TMI separately. Our approach can be extended to more complex geometries and used for their optimization.

[Research advances on influencing factors and intervention strategies of pediatric burns]

Burns not only affect children's physiology and psychology, but also bring a burden to their families and society, which can be prevented to a large extent. By introducing the epidemiological characteristics and current disease burden of pediatric burns, and combining them with the Haddon matrix, this paper reviews the progresses on the influencing factors and interventional measures of pediatric burns from three aspects: host, injury factors, and environment. It aims to provide a theoretical basis for the developments of burn risk assessment tools suitable for Chinese pediatric burns and to provide a reference for the formulation of related comprehensive and multi-level intervention measures.

KL-FGF23-VD Axis in Improving Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease by Modulating IKK/NF-κB Signal Pathway

Materials and Methods

LOAD rats and Aβ microglia were constructed by using Aβ 1-40 and IBO mixture. The effect of KL-FGF23-VD axis on LOAD was investigated by transfecting overexpressing and interfering with KL gene adenovirus, and IKK-16 was added to Aβ microglia to explore the effect of KL-FGF23-VD axis on regulation of IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Results

The results showed that, in KL-OE group, FGF23 was decreased in the hippocampus of LOAD rats compared with control and KL-si, and the trend was opposite in the KL-si group. The KL-FGF23-VD axis can alleviate inflammatory response, reduce the deposition of Aβ, and inhibit activation of the NF-κB pathway and neuron apoptosis in brain tissue of LOAD rats. In Aβ microglia, the expression of KL-FGF23-VD axis was consistent with animal experiments. The KL-FGF23-VD axis can inhibit the expression of Aβ microglia inflammatory factors and the activation of microglia and NF-κB pathway. Meanwhile, IKK expression was decreased in KL-OE group compared with KL-si and Control. In the IKK-16 addition group, the ability of KL-FGF23-VD axis to inhibit the activation of microglia and NF-κB pathway was enhanced.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a potential role of the KL-FGF23-VD axis in AD treatment by regulating the IKK/NF-κB pathway.

A high-hydrophilic Cu2O-TiO2/Ti2O3/TiO coating on Ti-5Cu alloy: Perfect antibacterial property and rapid endothelialization potential

In order to make novel antibacterial Ti-Cu alloy more suitable for cardiovascular implant application, a Cu-containing oxide coating was manufactured on Ti-Cu alloy by plasma-enhanced oxidation deposition in plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) equipment to further improve the antibacterial ability and the surface bioactivity. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water contact angle indicated that a sustainably high-hydrophilic Cu₂O-TiO₂/Ti₂O₃/TiO coating with nano-morphology on Ti-5Cu was successfully constructed. The corrosion performance results showed that the coating enhanced the corrosion resistance while releasing more Cu²⁺, compared with Ti-5Cu. Antibacterial tests confirmed the perfect antibacterial property of the coating (R ≥ 99.9 %), superior to Ti-Cu alloy (R > 90 %). More delightfully, it was observed by phalloidin-FITC and DAPI staining that the coating improved the early adhesion of HUVEC cells mainly due to strong hydrophilicity and nano-morphology. It was demonstrated that the extract of the coated sample significantly promoted proliferation (RGR = 112 %-138 % after cultivation for 1 to 3 days) and migration of HUVEC cells due to the appropriate Cu²⁺ release concentration. Hemolysis assay and platelet adhesion results showed that the coating had excellent blood compatibility. All results suggested that the coating on Ti-Cu alloy might be a promising surface with the perfect antibacterial ability, blood compatibility and evident promoting endothelialization ability for the cardiovascular application.

[Incidence and risk factors of thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of thromboembolism in a cohort of patients with lung cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and explore relevant clinical risk factors. Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of patients with confirmed primary lung cancer and treated with ICIs between March 2018 and June 2021 at three hospitals in China (Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University). The cumulative incidence and risk factors of thromboembolism in these patients were analyzed using a competitive risk model. Results: A total of 804 patients were enrolled, there were 623 males and 181 females, with a median age of 59 years (ranged 28-86 years). Of these, 62 patients encountered 65 thromboembolic events, including 51 venous thromboembolism events (VTE) and 14 arterial thromboembolism events. The cumulative incidence of thromboembolism events at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 4.3%, 6.1%, 10.1% and 16.8%, respectively. And the cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism events at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 3.4%, 4.7%, 9.0% and 13.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that history of thromboembolism (HR=6.345, 95%CI: 2.917-13.802,P<0.001),liver metastasis (HR=2.249, 95%CI: 1.123-4.502,P=0.022) and peripherally inserted central venous catheter (HR=3.674, 95%CI: 1.751-7.712, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism during ICIs therapy in patients with lung cancer. Conclusions: Patients with lung cancer under ICIs therapy are at high risk of thromboembolism. And history of thromboembolism, liver metastasis and peripherally inserted central venous catheter are risk factors of venous thromboembolism.

First Measurement of the Z→μ^{+}μ^{-} Angular Coefficients in the Forward Region of pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first study of the angular distribution of μ^{+}μ^{-} pairs produced in the forward rapidity region via the Drell-Yan reaction pp→γ^{*}/Z+X→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}+X is presented, using data collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.1  fb^{-1}. The coefficients of the five leading terms in the angular distribution are determined as a function of the dimuon transverse momentum and rapidity. The results are compared to various theoretical predictions of the Z-boson production mechanism and can also be used to probe transverse-momentum-dependent parton distributions within the proton.

[Centromere protein U is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and associated with a poor long-term prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the expression of centromere protein U (CENPU) in colorectal cancer and its predictive value for long-term prognosis of the patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 102 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing radical resection in our hospital between January, 2005 and December, 2011. The expression level of CENPU in colorectal cancer tissue was detected immunohistochemically, and its association with clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were analyzed. The patients were divided into low expression group (n=51) and high expression group (n=51) based on the median CENPU expression level for analysis the value of CENPU for predicting long-term prognosis of the patients after radical resection of the tumors. In the in vitro study, we constructed colorectal cancer cell lines with CENPU interference and CENPU overexpression by lentiviral transfection and assessed the changes in the proliferation, migration and invasion of the cells using CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay.

RESULTS

The protein expression level of CENPU was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.05) and was positively correlated with the expressions levels of Ki67 (r=0.569, P < 0.05) and VEGF-C (r=0.629, P < 0.05). CENPU expression level in colorectal cancer tissue was closely related with tumor progression and clinicopathological stage of the tumor (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the patients with high CENPU expression had significantly decreased postoperative overall survival (χ²=11.155, P < 0.05); Cox multivariate regression analysis suggested that CENPU expression level was an independent risk factor affecting the overall survival of the patients after radical resection (HR=1.848, P < 0.05). The results of cell experiments demonstrated that high CENPU expression significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of the tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

CENPU is highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues in closely correlation with tumor progression and may serve as a potential biomarker for evaluating the long-term prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Propranolol suppresses bladder cancer by manipulating intracellular pH via NHE1

Background

In recent years, a large number of clinical and epidemiological studies have revealed the anti-cancer activity of propranolol in solid tumors, though the underline mechanism is yet to be clarified.

Methods

The proliferation of bladder cancer cells treated with propranolol was detected by MTS assays. In vivo tumor xenograft experiments were used to observe the effect of propranolol on bladder cancer growth in mice. The expression levels of Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger (NHE1) was measured by western blot. The frequency of CD8⁺ T cells and CD4⁺ T cells were detected via flow cytometry.

Results

In this study, propranolol inhibited the expression of NHE1 and sequentially led to a decrease of intracellular pH to 5.88 in MB49 cells and 6.85 in 5637 cells, thereafter, inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, propranolol inhibited the growth of bladder cancer in mice xenograft model. Flow cytometry found that the frequency of CD8⁺ T cells (34.58±2.11 vs. 32.34±0.6, P=0.35) and CD4⁺ T cells (57.80±2.45 vs. 51.44±0.79, P=0.06) in the spleen did not change compared with the control group, while the expression of IFN-γ, GZMB and T-bet secreted by CD8⁺ T cells increased respectively (IFN-γ 7.3±0.17 vs. 3.37±0.58, P=0.0017; GZMB 16.66±2.13 vs. 4.53±0.62, P=0.0034; T-bet 3.62±0.35 vs. 1.74±0.26, P=0.0027). Meantime, the expression of FoxP3 on CD4⁺ T cells decreased both in spleen and tumor tissue (1.53±0.11 vs. 0.91±0.1, P=0.004; 4.52±0.48 vs. 1.76±0.40, P=0.003).

Conclusions

These results suggested that propranolol exerted anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects in bladder cancer cell by inhibiting Na⁺/H⁺ exchange and activated systemic anti-tumor immune response in vivo.

High-Resolution MRI for Evaluation of the Possibility of Successful Recanalization in Symptomatic Chronic ICA Occlusion: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Accurate radiologic evaluation of the possibility of successful recanalization in symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion remains challenging. This study aimed to investigate the high-resolution MR imaging characteristics of symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion and their association with successful recanalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion who underwent balloon dilation plus stent implantation were identified retrospectively and divided into 2 groups: a successful recanalization group and an unsuccessful recanalization group. Clinical and high-resolution MR imaging characteristics were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the characteristics associated with successful recanalization.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were included in the study. High-resolution MR imaging characteristics independently associated with unsuccessful recanalization were longer lesion length (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36-0.55; P = .009) and larger calcification volume (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.68; P = .002) for proximal occlusion and reversed distal ICA flow at the level of ophthalmic segment or above (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.08-0.48; P = .001). Reversed distal ICA flow at the level of the petrous segment or below (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.65-8.38; P = .001) and lumen area (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.61; P = .002) for distal occlusion were risk factors of successful recanalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion, lesion length and calcification volume (for proximal occlusion), the level of reversed distal ICA flow, and the lumen area (for distal occlusion) appear to be predictors of successful recanalization. High-resolution MR imaging can evaluate chronic ICA occlusion and help in clinical decision-making.

Dissecting the role of cell signaling versus CD8+ T cell modulation in propranolol antitumor activity

Preclinical and early clinical mechanistic studies of antitumor activity from the beta-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) blocker propranolol have revealed both cell signaling and immune function pathway effects. Intertumoral studies were performed using propranolol, a β₁-AR selective agent (atenolol), and a β₂-AR selective agent (ICI 118,551) in a preclinical in vivo model, as a step to dissect the contribution of cell signaling and CD8⁺ immunological effects on anticancer activity. We found that repression of β₂-AR but not β₁-AR signaling selectively suppressed cell viability and inhibited xenograft growth in vivo. Moreover, western blot analysis indicated that the phosphorylation levels of AKT/MEK/ERK were significantly decreased following the inhibition of β₂-AR. Furthermore, propranolol was found to activate the tumor microenvironment by inducing an increased intratumoral frequency of CD8⁺ T cells, whereas neither selective β₁ nor β₂-AR blockers had a significant effect on the tumor immune microenvironment. Thus, the results of this mechanistic dissection support a predominant role of tumor cell signaling, rather than the accumulation of CD8⁺ T cells, as the basis for propranolol antitumor activity. KEY MESSAGES : Molecular signaling of AKT/MAPK pathway contributes to propranolol caused cancer control. CD8+ T cells in tumor microenvironment were activated upon propranolol exposure. The basis for propranolol antitumor activity was predominantly dependent on cell signaling, rather than the activation of CD8+ T cells.

Evaluations from Superiors Matter More: Evidence from Behavior and Event-related Potentials

As an essential feature of social groups, social hierarchies influence how people interact in daily life. However, it is unknown how external evaluations from peers at different levels in a social hierarchy influence feedback processing. In the current study, participants were instructed to establish a social hierarchy through a novel stick drawing task. With their status in the social hierarchy manipulated to be in the middle, participants received positive or negative evaluations from superiors and inferiors separately with ERPs signals recorded. Behaviorally, participants rated their happiness highest, and most quickly after receiving positive evaluations from superiors. ERP results showed that P3 amplitude exhibited an interaction between social hierarchy and feedback valence, such that larger P3 amplitude was elicited by positive evaluations from superiors than any other condition, whereas the feedback-related negativity was only sensitive to the difference between high and low social statuses. Moreover, a generalized linear mixed model examining single-trial ERP data showed P3 amplitude correlated with happiness ratings as a function of feedback valence: a significant positive correlation in the positive feedback condition and a significant negative correlation in the negative feedback condition. P3 was also negatively correlated with RT across all conditions. These results demonstrate that brain activity associated with feedback processing predicted participants' emotion ratings and their decision time. Our study provides the first ERP evidence that positive feedback from superiors impacts neural activity related to reward processing differently than positive feedback from those of lower social standing.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Doripenem in Healthy Chinese Subjects and Monte Carlo Dosing Simulations

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of doripenem in healthy Chinese subjects and evaluate the optimal dosage regimens of doripenem. A randomized, single-dose, three-period, self-crossover controlled extended-infusion clinical trial was conducted with 12 healthy Chinese subjects. Plasma and urine samples were collected to determine doripenem concentrations. Non-compartmental and population PK analysis were performed to characterize the PK of doripenem. The Monte Carlo simulation was employed to optimize dosing regimens based on the probability of target attainment of doripenem against pathogens with different minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). All 12 healthy Chinese subjects completed the study, and the doripenem was well tolerated. The study showed linearity relationships in the peak plasma concentration and the area under the concentration-time curve after intravenous infusion of doripenem from 0.25 g to 1.0 g. The cumulative urinary recovery rate of doripenem was 68.1–72.0% within 24 h. PPK modeling showed a two-compartmental model, with first-order elimination presenting the best fit for doripenem PK. Monte Carlo simulation results showed that 1.0 g q12h or 0.5 g q8h was an optimal regimen for pathogens susceptible to doripenem (MIC ≤ 1 mg/L); while high dose and extended infusion (1 g, q8h, 4 h infusion) was proposed for unsusceptible pathogens (2 ≤ MIC ≤ 8 mg/L). In the dose range of 0.25 to 1.0 g, doripenem showed linear pharmacokinetics. Doripenem at 1.0 g with a prolonged infusion time of 4 h was predicted to be effective against pathogens with MICs as high as 8 mg/L.

Study of the doubly charmed tetraquark [Formula: see text]

Quantum chromodynamics, the theory of the strong force, describes interactions of coloured quarks and gluons and the formation of hadronic matter. Conventional hadronic matter consists of baryons and mesons made of three quarks and quark-antiquark pairs, respectively. Particles with an alternative quark content are known as exotic states. Here a study is reported of an exotic narrow state in the D0D0π+ mass spectrum just below the D*+D0 mass threshold produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The state is consistent with the ground isoscalar [Formula: see text] tetraquark with a quark content of [Formula: see text] and spin-parity quantum numbers JP = 1+. Study of the DD mass spectra disfavours interpretation of the resonance as the isovector state. The decay structure via intermediate off-shell D*+ mesons is consistent with the observed D0π+ mass distribution. To analyse the mass of the resonance and its coupling to the D*D system, a dedicated model is developed under the assumption of an isoscalar axial-vector [Formula: see text] state decaying to the D*D channel. Using this model, resonance parameters including the pole position, scattering length, effective range and compositeness are determined to reveal important information about the nature of the [Formula: see text] state. In addition, an unexpected dependence of the production rate on track multiplicity is observed.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Colistin Methanesulfonate in Healthy Chinese Subjects after Multi-Dose Regimen

Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) is an important treatment option for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CROs). This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles and safety of CMS in Chinese subjects following a recommended dosage. A total of 12 healthy Chinese subjects received CMS injections at 2.5 mg/kg once every 12 h for 7 consecutive days. The PK/PD profiles of the active form of CMS, colistin, against CROs were analyzed with the Monte Carlo simulation method. No serious adverse events were observed. The average steady-state plasma concentrations of CMS and colistin were 4.41 ± 0.75 μg/mL and 1.27 ± 0.27 μg/mL, and the steady-state exposures (AUC0−12,ss) were 52.93 ± 9.05 h·μg/mL and 15.28 ± 3.29 h·μg/mL, respectively. Colistin, at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 μg/mL, has >90% probability to reduce CROs by ≥1 log. The PK/PD breakpoints for the ≥1 log kill were ≥MIC90 for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but were ≤MIC50 for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The recommended dose regimen of CMS for 7 consecutive days was safe in Chinese subjects. The systemic exposure of colistin showed a high probability of being sufficient for most CROs, but was not sufficient for some carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.

Angular Analysis of D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} and D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays and Search for CP Violation

The first full angular analysis and an updated measurement of the decay-rate CP asymmetry of the D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} and D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} decays are reported. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The full set of CP -averaged angular observables and their CP asymmetries are measured as a function of the dimuon invariant mass. The results are consistent with expectations from the standard model and with CP symmetry.

AB0392 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF UPADACITINIB IN A CHINESE SUBGROUP OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO CONVENTIONAL SYNTHETIC DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS

Background

Upadacitinib (UPA) was effective in global Phase 3 trials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (pts) with inadequate response (IR) to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs).

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of UPA in csDMARD-IR pts with RA in Chinese subgroup from a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled study (NCT02955212) 1.

Methods

Pts were randomized to 12 weeks of blinded treatment with UPA 15 mg once daily (QD) or PBO, in combination with csDMARDs. Primary and secondary endpoints were analyzed in a Chinese subgroup, including American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR) responses, remission and low disease activity measures. Safety was analyzed for pts who received ≥1 dose of study drug.

Results

228 Chinese pts (67.5% of overall trial population) were randomized and took at least one dose of study drug. Baseline characteristics were generally balanced between UPA and PBO. 46% and 35.1% used methotrexate (MTX) alone as concomitant csDMARD in UPA and PBO group, respectively. 38.9% in UPA and 43.0% in PBO group used concomitant csDMARDs other than MTX and 15.0% and 21.9% respectively used a combination. At week 12, more Chinese pts receiving UPA achieved the primary endpoint of ACR20 compared with PBO (71.9% vs 31.6%, nominal p<0.001). UPA also showed greater improvements in all secondary endpoints vs PBO at Week 12 (Table 1), including ACR50 and ACR70, mean change in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Short-Form 36-item Health Survey-Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS), as well as proportion of pts achieving low disease activity based on DAS28-CRP ≤3.2 and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≤10, and clinical remission based on DAS28-CRP <2.6. Onset of response was rapid with more pts receiving UPA achieving ACR20 by Week 1 versus PBO (25.4% vs 5.3%, nominal p<0.001). Through Week 12 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 57.9% of pts on UPA and 49.1% on PBO. The rate of pts with serious AEs (SAEs) was numerically higher with UPA than with PBO (6.1% vs 4.4%). TEAEs reported in ≥ 3% of subjects and with a higher rate on UPA vs. PBO were: upper respiratory tract infection, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hypertension, diarrhea, and leukopenia. Overall safety was consistent with the trial population1 and similar with the reported safety profile of the global clinical program2.

Table 1.

Summary of Efficacy Endpoint Results at Week 12 in Chinese Subgroup

Endpoint aUPA 15mg (N=114)PBO (N=114)Primary endpointACR20, %71.9***31.6Secondary endpointsΔ DAS28-CRP-2.42***-0.75Δ HAQ-DI-0.55***-0.11Δ SF-36 PCS7.63 b***2.94 cDAS28-CRP ≤3.2, %46.5***9.6DAS28-CRP <2.6, %28.1***1.8CDAI ≤10, %33.3***7.0ACR50, %39.5***7.0ACR70, %16.7***2.6ACR20 at Week 1, %25.4***5.3

***Nominal p<0.001 vs PBO

aNon-responder imputation for binary endpoints; ANCOVA with multiple imputation for DAS28(CRP) and HAQ-DI; mixed model repeated measures for other continuous endpoints. Δ: mean change from baseline

bN=106

cN=104

Conclusion

UPA demonstrated clinical and functional improvement in Chinese csDMARD-IR RA pts. The safety of UPA was comparable with the overall study population and with the safety seen in the global Phase 3 program.

References

[1]Zeng X, Zhao D, Radominski SC, et al. Int J Rheum Dis. 2021;24:1530–1539.

[2]Cohen SB, van Vollenhoven RF, Winthrop KL, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;80:304–311.

Acknowledgements

AbbVie funded this study; contributed to its design; participated in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data; and in the writing, review, and approval of the abstract. No honoraria or payments were made for authorship.

Disclosure of Interests

Xiaofeng Zeng: None declared, Yi Liu: None declared, Jiankang Hu: None declared, Jingyang Li: None declared, Yongfu Wang: None declared, Dongbao Zhao: None declared, Lijun Wu: None declared, Zhengyu Xiao: None declared, ZHIJUN LI: None declared, Jian Xu: None declared, Sebastian Meerwein Shareholder of: may own AbbVie stock or options, Employee of: AbbVie employee, Yunxia Xie Shareholder of: may own AbbVie stock or options, Employee of: AbbVie employee, Peiwen Liang Employee of: AbbVie

AB0339 EFFICACY, PHARMACOKINETICS AND SAFETY BETWEEN CT-P13 AND CHINA-APPROVED INFLIXIMAB: 54 WEEK RESULT FROM A PHASE III RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

CT-P13 is an approved biosimilar to EU-approved and US-licensed Infliximab (INX) for the indications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), adult and paediatric Crohn’s disease, adult and paediatric ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate equivalence of efficacy and compare PK and safety profiles of CT-P13 and China-approved INX.

Methods

In this randomized, double blinded, multicenter, parallel-group, phase III study, patients with active RA who had been responding inadequately to methotrexate for at least 3 months, were randomized to receive either CT-P13 or China-approved INX. Patients were treated with doses of 3 mg/kg at Weeks 0, 2, 6, then every 8 weeks up to Week 54. Prior to dosing at Week 30, patients randomized to China-approved INX underwent a second randomization either to continue China-approved INX or to switch to CT-P13 at Week 30. Results of patients who underwent transition to CT-P13 were included in the China-approved INX group. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in DAS28 (CRP) from baseline to Week 14, which was analyzed using an analysis of covariance. Equivalence was determined if the 90% CI for the estimate of treatment difference was entirely contained within the predefined equivalence margin of -0.6 to 0.6.

Results

270 patients were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups in a 1:1 ratio (136 and 134 patients in the CT-P13 and China-approved INX groups, respectively) and 184 patients completed the study. The least square mean change (standard error) of DAS28 (CRP) from baseline to Week 14, -1.566 [0.1419] and -1.547 [0.1491], was similar between the CT-P13 and China-approved INX groups, respectively. The 90% CI for the estimate of treatment difference (-0.29, 0.25) was contained within the predefined equivalence margin, which demonstrated therapeutic equivalence between the groups. The mean actual values for DAS28 (CRP) decreased from baseline to Week 54 and were similar between the groups (Figure 1). Additional efficacy endpoints, including ACR responses (ACR20 at Week 14; 60.6%, 54.8% and at Week 54; 65.1%, 60.6% in the CT-P13 and China-approved INX groups, respectively), EULAR responses, CDAI, and SDAI, were similar between the groups, even after switching at Week 30. During the study, mean serum INX concentrations were similar between the groups. Between Weeks 14 and 22, mean (percent coefficient of variation) AUCτ were 11156333.615 (44.796) ng·h/mL and 11462884.280 (51.057) ng·h/mL, and Cmax,ss were 66577.2 (31.4) ng/mL and 66356.1 (21.0) ng/mL in the CT-P13 and China-approved INX groups, respectively, which were similar between the groups. Most treatment-emergent AEs were grade 1 or 2 in intensity. One malignancy was reported in the CT-P13 group and no deaths were reported. The proportions of patients with anti-drug antibodies were similar between the groups, even after switching at Week 30. The overall safety profile of CT-P13 was comparable to that of China-approved INX and no new safety issues were observed (Table 1).

Table 1.

Summary of Safety Results

Number of patients (%)CT-P13 (N=136)China-approved Infliximab (N=133)Treatment-emergent AEsTotal115 (84.6%)107 (80.5%)Related97 (71.3%)86 (64.7%)Treatment-emergent serious AEsTotal17 (12.5%)12 (9.0%)Related10 (7.4%)6 (4.5%)Infusion related reaction/ hypersensitivity/anaphylactic reactionsTotal(=Related)20 (14.7%)19 (14.3%)InfectionsTotal45 (33.1%)43 (32.3%)Related36 (26.5%)40 (30.1%)

Note: Summary is presented for the safety population who received at least 1 dose (full or partial) of study drug.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that efficacy of CT-P13 is equivalent to that of China-approved INX. Also, the PK and safety profiles of CT-P13 were comparable to those of China-approved INX. No loss of efficacy or difference in safety or immunogenicity was observed after switching from China-approved INX to CT-P13 at Week 30.

Disclosure of Interests

Jonathan Kay Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH; Pfizer Inc.; Samsung Bioepis; Sandoz Inc., Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc. (paid to UMass Chan Medical School), Xiaofeng Zeng Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Lin Chen Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Kaijiang Tang Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, guixiu shi Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Lin Liu Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Lijun Wu Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Yi Liu Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Jiankang Hu Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Shengyun Liu Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Zheng Yi Grant/research support from: Celltrion, Inc, Sung Hyun Kim Employee of: Celltrion, Inc, YunJu Bae Employee of: Celltrion, Inc, JeeHye Suh Employee of: Celltrion, Inc, Seungjin Rhee Employee of: Celltrion, Inc, SeulGi Lee Employee of: Celltrion, Inc, Chankyoung Hwang Employee of: Celltrion, Inc

POS0015 BULLOUS SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL COMBINED WITH GLUCOCORTICOID: A CASE REPORT

Background:

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare subtype of systemic lupus erythematosus, accounting for less than 1% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [1]. It is common in adults aged 20 to 40, with female predominace [2]. Its skin manifestations are mainly tensive blisters, especially involving oral and genital mucosa, Nissl’s sign is mostly negative, blisters break and heal to form pigmentation of varying degrees, leaving no scar. At present, the main treatment is systemic application of corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressants. Here, we report a BSLE who successfully treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with glucocorticoid.

Objectives

To be vigilant in the early identification of BSLE, and through the treatment experience of this case, it can provide a basis for the use of Mycophanol ester as the preferred drug for the treatment of BSLE in the future.

Methods

The clinical manifestation, laboratory test, treatment, and outcome were described.

Results

A 50-year-old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with wandering joint pain for 1 year and sporadic patchy erythema on eyelid, hands, and neck for 7 months. There are blisters on part of her erythema and normal skin, about 1mm-15mm in diameter, the blister fluid is cool, fusion is broken, and Nissl’s sign is negative. She suffered from anemia, albuminuria, polyserous effusion and other system damage. Skin histopathology showed mild hyperkeratosis of epidermis, formation of subepidermal blisters and accumulation of a large number of neutrophils; direct immunofluorescence showed that the positive expressions of IgA, IgG and C3 were found in the basement membrane of the skin, leading to a diagnosis of BSLE. In the initial stage, patients were treated with high-dose glucocorticoid (160 mg, qd) combined with immunosuppressants (thalidomide and hydroxychloroquine), but the number of blisters increased. After treatment with MMF (1 g, bid), the skin lesions disappeared, joint pain relieved, anemia was corrected, and polyserous effusion was absorbed. She was followed up for half a year and there was no recurrence.

Conclusion

Patients with BSLE are often accompanied by multiple system damage [2], so it is critical to correctly identify BSLE and provide appropriate treatment as soon as possible. For patients who do not respond to single glucocorticoid therapy, combined with MMF can be used as the preferred drug for the treatment of BSLE in the future.

References:

[1] L. Duan et al., Treatment of Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Journal of immunology research 2015, 167064 (2015).

[2] K. Chanprapaph, S. Sawatwarakul, V. Vachiramon, A 12-year retrospective review of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus in cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Lupus 26, 1278-1284 (2017).

Figure 1.

BSLE. Blisters can be seen on the face, neck, armpits and arms.

BSLE = bullous systemic lupus erythematous.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

[ALDH3B1 expression is correlated with histopathology and long-term prognosis of gastric cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3B1 (ALDH3B1) in gastric cancer and explore its correlation with the pathological parameters and long-term prognosis of the patients.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical data of 101 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our hospital between January, 2013 and November, 2016, and examined the expression of ALDH3B1 in paraffin-embedded samples of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues from these cases by immunohistochemical staining. We evaluated the correlation between ALDH3B1 expressions and histopathological parameters and assessed the predictive value of ALDH3B1 expression for long-term survival of the patients. We also examined the effect of lentivirus-mediated interference and overexpression of ALDH3B1 on the malignant behaviors of MGC-803 gastric cancer cells.

RESULTS

The expressions of ALDH3B1 and Ki67 were significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). In gastric cancer patients, ALDH3B1 expression was positively correlated with peripheral blood CEA and CA19-9 levels (P < 0.01). The proportion of patients with CEA ≥5 μg/L, CA19-9 ≥37 kU/L, T stage of 3- 4, and N stage of 2-3 was significantly greater in high ALDH3B1 expression group than in low expression group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in gastric cancer patients with high ALDH3B1 expressions (P < 0.01). Univariate and Cox multiple regression analyses identified a high expression of ALDH3B1 (P < 0.05, HR= 0.231, 95% CI: 0.064-0.826), CEA≥5 μg/L (P < 0.01, HR=4.478, 95% CI: 1.530-13.110), CA19-9≥37 kU/L (P < 0.01, HR=3.877, 95% CI: 1.625-9.247), T stage of 3-4 (P < 0.01, HR=4.953, 95% CI: 1.768-13.880), and N stage of 2-3 (P < 0.05, HR=2.152, 95% CI: 1.152-4.022) as independent risk factors affecting 5-year survival after radical gastrectomy. The relative ALDH3B1 expression level, at the cut-off point of 4.66, showed a sensitivity of 76.47% and a specificity of 76% for predicting 5-year postoperative death (P < 0.01). In the cell experiment, overexpression of ALDH3B1 obviously promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of MGC-803 cells.

CONCLUSION

As an independent risk factor affecting 5-year survival after radical gastrectomy, ALDH3B1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and correlated with pathological parameters of the tumor, and a high ALDH3B1 expression may promote proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Tests of Lepton Universality Using B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} and B^{+}→K^{*+}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Decays

Tests of lepton universality in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} and B^{+}→K^{*+}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} decays where ℓ is either an electron or a muon are presented. The differential branching fractions of B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}e^{+}e^{-} and B^{+}→K^{*+}e^{+}e^{-} decays are measured in intervals of the dilepton invariant mass squared. The measurements are performed using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} . The results are consistent with the standard model and previous tests of lepton universality in related decay modes. The first observation of B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}e^{+}e^{-} and B^{+}→K^{*+}e^{+}e^{-} decays is reported.

Observation of the Decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ}

The first observation of the semileptonic b-baryon decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ}, with a significance of 6.1σ, is reported using a data sample corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity, collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV at the LHC. The τ^{-} lepton is reconstructed in the hadronic decay to three charged pions. The ratio K=B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}) is measured to be 2.46±0.27±0.40, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The branching fraction B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})=(1.50±0.16±0.25±0.23)% is obtained, where the third uncertainty is from the external branching fraction of the normalization channel Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}. The ratio of semileptonic branching fractions R(Λ_{c}^{+})≡B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) is derived to be 0.242±0.026±0.040±0.059, where the external branching fraction uncertainty from the channel Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} contributes to the last term. This result is in agreement with the standard model prediction.

Observation of Two New Excited Ξ_{b}^{0} States Decaying to Λ_{b}^{0}K^{-}π^{+}

Two narrow resonant states are observed in the Λ_{b}^{0}K^{-}π^{+} mass spectrum using a data sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}. The minimal quark content of the Λ_{b}^{0}K^{-}π^{+} system indicates that these are excited Ξ_{b}^{0} baryons. The masses of the Ξ_{b}(6327)^{0} and Ξ_{b}(6333)^{0} states are m[Ξ_{b}(6327)^{0}]=6327.28_{-0.21}^{+0.23}±0.12±0.24 and m[Ξ_{b}(6333)^{0}]=6332.69_{-0.18}^{+0.17}±0.03±0.22  MeV, respectively, with a mass splitting of Δm=5.41_{-0.27}^{+0.26}±0.12  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the Λ_{b}^{0} mass measurement. The measured natural widths of these states are consistent with zero, with upper limits of Γ[Ξ_{b}(6327)^{0}]<2.20(2.56) and Γ[Ξ_{b}(6333)^{0}]<1.60(1.92)  MeV at a 90% (95%) credibility level. The significance of the two-peak hypothesis is larger than nine (five) Gaussian standard deviations compared to the no-peak (one-peak) hypothesis. The masses, widths, and resonant structure of the new states are in good agreement with the expectations for a doublet of 1D Ξ_{b}^{0} resonances.

Measurement of the Nuclear Modification Factor and Prompt Charged Particle Production in p-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5 TeV

The production of prompt charged particles in proton-lead collisions and in proton-proton collisions at the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5  TeV is studied at LHCb as a function of pseudorapidity (η) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) with respect to the proton beam direction. The nuclear modification factor for charged particles is determined as a function of η between -4.8<η<-2.5 (backward region) and 2.0<η<4.8 (forward region), and p_{T} between 0.2<p_{T}<8.0  GeV/c. The results show a suppression of charged particle production in proton-lead collisions relative to proton-proton collisions in the forward region and an enhancement in the backward region for p_{T} larger than 1.5  GeV/c. This measurement constrains nuclear PDFs and saturation models at previously unexplored values of the parton momentum fraction down to 10^{-6}.

The bacterial community of childcare centers: potential implications for microbial dispersal and child exposure

BACKGROUND

Bacterial communities within built environments reflect differences in sources of bacteria, building design, and environmental contexts. These communities impact the health of their occupants in many ways. Children interact with the built environment differently than do adults as a result of their unique behaviors, size, and developmental status. Consequently, understanding the broader bacterial community to which children are exposed will help inform public health efforts and contribute to our growing understanding of the bacterial community associated with childcare centers.

METHODS

We sampled childcare centers to survey the variation in bacterial community composition across five surfaces found inside and outside twelve classrooms and six centers using 16S rRNA marker gene amplicon sequencing. We then correlated these bacterial community analyses of surfaces with environmental and demographic measures of illumination and classroom occupant density.

RESULTS

The childcare environment was dominated by human-associated bacteria with modest input from outdoor sources. Though the bacterial communities of individual childcare centers differed, there was a greater difference in the bacterial community within a classroom than among centers. Surface habitats-fomites-within the classroom, did not differ in community composition despite differing proximity to likely sources of bacteria, and possible environmental filters, such as light. Bacterial communities did correlate with occupant density and differed significantly between high and low usage surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest built environments inhabited by young children are similar to functionally equivalent built environments inhabited by adults, despite the different way young children engage with their environment. Ultimately, these results will be useful when further interrogating microbial dispersal and human exposure to microorganisms in built environments that specifically cater to young children.

The function of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas receptor axis of the renin-angiotensin system in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2) is a critical element of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which can convert angiotensin (Ang)II to Ang(1-7), followed by binding Mas receptor (MasR) and subsequently produces cardioprotective effects through various signal transduction pathways. It has been discovered in research that activation of the RAS contributes a crucial influence during the myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) development. The features of ACE2, Ang(1-7), and MasR, as well as the function of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis in MIRI, are discussed in our review, with the therapeutic potential of this axis as a new treatment option for MIRI patients shown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To retrieve a thorough collection of studies, we performed a search in PubMed using the following combination of keywords: (ACE2) or (Ang1-7) or (Mas receptor) and (Myocardial Ischemia reperfusion injury). The time limits used for the search were 1986 to 2021.

RESULTS

In total, 367 articles were included. Titles and abstracts of articles were screened for relevance, and all relevant articles published in English were included.

CONCLUSIONS

ACE2, a prominent member of the RAS, performs a crucial regulatory function in the cardiovascular system. ACE2 regulates the RAS inversely mainly by hydrolyzing the harmful AngII to the beneficial Ang(1-7). Increasing or activating ACE2 or Ang(1-7) may help prevent and treat MIRI. However, additional research into the specific processes behind the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis in MIRI is necessary, as well as the performance of additional in-depth studies to go from basic research to clinical translation.

Development of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of novel chicken orthoreovirus

A novel avian orthoreovirus (N-ARV) variant characterized with obvious arthritis and synovial inflammation, was isolated from Shandong, China in May 2016. It caused chicken poor growth and enormous economic losses to the poultry industry of China. However, there are few effective methods for detecting the antibody levels of N-ARV. In this study, a viral structural protein σC was expressed using the prokaryotic expression vector pET32a (+). The target protein was obtained by inducing for 6 hours at an IPTG concentration of 0.6mM. The optimal dilution of the coating antigen and serum antibody were determined to be 1000 fold and 10 fold respectively. A specificity test showed that there was no positive reactivity between N-ARV and other pathogens, and when the positive serum was diluted 100 times detection results were still checkable. The repeatability of this method was determined by the inter assay and intra assay tests with variability ranging from 4.85% to 7.93%. In conclusion, this indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) will be useful for large-scale serological surveys and monitoring antibody levels in N-ARV infection.

Study of Z Bosons Produced in Association with Charm in the Forward Region

Events containing a Z boson and a charm jet are studied for the first time in the forward region of proton-proton collisions. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. In events with a Z boson and a jet, the fraction of charm jets is determined in intervals of Z-boson rapidity in the range 2.0<y(Z)<4.5. A sizable enhancement is observed in the forwardmost y(Z) interval, which could be indicative of a valencelike intrinsic-charm component in the proton wave function.

First measurement of 25Al+p resonant scattering relevant to the astrophysical reaction 22Mg(α,p)25Al

Type I X-ray bursts (XRBs) are the most frequently observed thermonuclear explosions in nature. The 22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction plays a critical role in XRB models. However, experimental information is insufficient to deduce a precise 22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction rate for the respective XRB temperature range. A new measurement of 25Al+p resonant scattring was performed up to the astrophysically interested energy region of 22Mg(α,p)25Al. Several resonances were observed in the excitation functions, and their level properties have been determined based on an R-matrix analysis. In particular, proton widths and spin-parities of four natural-parity resonances above the α threshold of 26Si, which can contribute the reaction rate of 22Mg(α,p)25Al, were first experimentally determined.

Experimental studies on astrophysical reactions at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB

Experimental studies on astrophysical reactions involving radioactive isotopes (RI) often accompany technical challenges. Studies on such nuclear reactions have been conducted at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB, operated by Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo. We discuss two cases of astrophysical reaction studies at CRIB; one is for the 7Be+n reactions which may affect the primordial 7Li abundance in the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, and the other is for the 22Mg(α, p) reaction relevantin X-raybursts.

Evidence for a New Structure in the J/ψp and J/ψp[over ¯] Systems in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψpp[over ¯] Decays

An amplitude analysis of flavor-untagged B_{s}^{0}→J/ψpp[over ¯] decays is performed using a sample of 797±31 decays reconstructed with the LHCb detector. The data, collected in proton-proton collisions between 2011 and 2018, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Evidence for a new structure in the J/ψp and J/ψp[over ¯] systems with a mass of 4337_{-4}^{+7} _{-2}^{+2}  MeV and a width of 29_{-12}^{+26} _{-14}^{+14}  MeV is found, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, with a significance in the range of 3.1 to 3.7σ, depending on the assigned J^{P} hypothesis.

Polymyxin B Combined with Minocycline: A Potentially Effective Combination against blaOXA-23-harboring CRAB in In Vitro PK/PD Model

Polymyxin-based combination therapy is commonly used to treat carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections. In the present study, the bactericidal effect of polymyxin B and minocycline combination was tested in three CRAB strains containing bla_OXA-23 by the checkerboard assay and in vitro dynamic pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) model. The combination showed synergistic or partial synergistic effect (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤0.56) on the tested strains in checkboard assays. The antibacterial activity was enhanced in the combination group compared with either monotherapy in in vitro PK/PD model. The combination regimen (simultaneous infusion of 0.75 mg/kg polymyxin B and 100 mg minocycline via 2 h infusion) reduced bacterial colony counts by 0.9–3.5 log₁₀ colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) compared with either drug alone at 24 h. In conclusion, 0.75 mg/kg polymyxin B combined with 100 mg minocycline via 2 h infusion could be a promising treatment option for CRAB bloodstream infections.