Study of the f_{0}(980) and f_{0}(500) Scalar Mesons through the Decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using e^{+}e^{-} collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33  fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, we present an analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}, where the D_{s}^{+} is produced via the process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*±}D_{s}^{∓}. We observe the f_{0}(980) in the π^{+}π^{-} system and the branching fraction of the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} with f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-} measured to be (1.72±0.13_{stat}±0.10_{syst})×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The dynamics of the D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} decay are studied with the simple pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the f_{0}(980) in the differential decay rate, and the product of the form factor f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| is determined for the first time to be f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.017_{stat}±0.035_{syst}. Furthermore, the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} is searched for the first time but no signal is found. The upper limit on the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e}, f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-} decay is set to be 3.3×10^{-4} at 90% confidence level.

[Research status of potential therapeutic targets for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy]

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune eye disease that affects visual function and appearance, involving pathological remodeling processes of orbital tissue such as inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, lipogenesis, and fibrosis. Current clinical first-line treatment options cannot be effective for all patients. This article summarizes the research on potential therapeutic targets of TAO at home and abroad in recent years, including receptor protein targets, immune cell targets, fat suppression targets, anti-fibrosis targets, transcription factor targets, and metabolic regulatory enzyme targets. Both non-natural compounds and natural compounds are introduced, with a view to providing clinical researchers with reference and ideas in the treatment of TAO and promoting the clinical application of new therapeutic drugs.

Investigation of the ΔI=1/2 Rule and Test of CP Symmetry through the Measurement of Decay Asymmetry Parameters in Ξ^{-} Decays

Using (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, numerous Ξ^{-} and Λ decay asymmetry parameters are simultaneously determined from the process J/ψ→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}→Λ(pπ^{-})π^{-}Λ[over ¯](n[over ¯]π^{0})π^{+} and its charge-conjugate channel. The precisions of α_{Λ0} for Λ→nπ^{0} and α[over ¯]_{Λ0} for Λ[over ¯]→n[over ¯]π^{0} compared to world averages are improved by factors of 4 and 1.7, respectively. The ratio of decay asymmetry parameters of Λ→nπ^{0} to that of Λ→pπ^{-}, ⟨α_{Λ0}⟩/⟨α_{Λ-}⟩, is determined to be 0.873±0.012_{-0.010}^{+0.011}, where the first and the second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The ratio is smaller than unity more than 5σ, which signifies the existence of the ΔI=3/2 transition in Λ for the first time. Besides, we test for CP symmetry in Ξ^{-}→Λπ^{-} and in Λ→nπ^{0} with the best precision to date.

Observation of D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, Precision Test of Lepton Flavor Universality with D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}l^{+}ν_{l}, and First Measurements of D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}μ^{+}ν_{μ} Decay Dynamics

By analyzing 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the observation of the semileptonic decay D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, with a statistical significance larger than 10σ, and the measurements of the D_{s}^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay dynamics for the first time. The branching fractions of D_{s}^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ} are determined to be (2.235±0.051_{stat}±0.052_{syst})% and (0.801±0.055_{stat}±0.028_{syst})%, respectively, with precision improved by factors of 6.0 and 6.6 compared to the previous best measurements. Combined with the results for the decays D_{s}^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}e^{+}ν_{e}, the ratios of the decay widths are examined both inclusively and in several ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} four-momentum transfer ranges. No evidence for lepton flavor universality violation is found within the current statistics. The products of the hadronic form factors f_{+,0}^{η^{(')}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| are determined. The results based on the two-parameter series expansion are f_{+,0}^{η}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.452±0.010_{stat}±0.007_{syst} and f_{+,0}^{η^{'}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.037_{stat}±0.012_{syst}, which help to constrain present models on f_{+,0}^{η^{(')}}(0). The forward-backward asymmetries are determined to be ⟨A_{FB}^{η}⟩=-0.059±0.031_{stat}±0.005_{syst} and ⟨A_{FB}^{η^{'}}⟩=-0.064±0.079_{stat}±0.006_{syst} for the first time, which are consistent with the theoretical calculation.

Determination of the Σ^{+} Timelike Electromagnetic Form Factors

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process e^{+}e^{-}→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} is studied at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=2.3960, 2.6454, and 2.9000 GeV. Using a fully differential angular description of the final state particles, both the relative magnitude and phase information of the Σ^{+} electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region are extracted. The relative phase between the electric and magnetic form factors is determined to be sinΔΦ=-0.67±0.29(stat)±0.18(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.3960  GeV, ΔΦ=55°±19°(stat)±14°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.6454  GeV, and 78°±22°(stat)±9°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.9000  GeV. For the first time, the phase of the hyperon electromagnetic form factors is explored in a wide range of four-momentum transfer. The evolution of the phase along with four-momentum transfer is an important input for understanding its asymptotic behavior and the dynamics of baryons.

[Research on the framework of biosafety standards for pathogenic microbial laboratories]

Developing and implementing biosafety standards for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is essential to achieving scientific, efficient, and standardized management and operation. This article analyzes the current standardization construction in biosafety in pathogenic microbiology laboratories domestically and internationally. It proposes a framework for the biosafety standard system of pathogenic microbiology laboratories, which mainly includes four parts: basic standards, management standards, technical standards, and industry applications. It provides a reference for the standardization work of pathogenic microbiology laboratories and helps to standardize the biosafety industry in China.

The protective role of Achyranthes aspera extract against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and PANoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Achyranthes aspera, a widely recognized medicinal plant, is used in various cultures for treating different ailments, including renal dysfunction; however, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of its protective effects and the underlying signaling networks involved.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the action of A. aspera by employing an integrative approach including functional and tissue imaging as well as comprehensive genomics analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is a well-established animal model for acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of the action of A. aspera water-soluble extract (AAW) on a murine model of cisplatin-induced AKI. The evaluation includes measurements of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, histology examination, and transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

In male ICR mice, oral administration of AAW at doses of 0.5-1.0 g/kg significantly reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. This effect included the amelioration of tubular injury, renal fibrosis, and the lowering of BUN and SCr levels. AAW also effectively decreased oxidative markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrotyrosine (NT), along with inflammation markers, including COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, and pP65NFκB. Moreover, AAW administration induced a dose-dependent increase in the expression of two protective factors, Nrf2 and BcL2, and suppressed apoptosis, as evidenced by reduced levels of truncated caspase 3 (t-Casp3). To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling networks, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was employed. The results revealed that AAW mitigated apoptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis pathways by inhibiting inflammation signaling pathways, such as the TNFα-, NFκB-, NETs-, and leukocyte transendothelial migration pathways. Additionally, AAW was found to enhance protective signaling pathways, including the cGMP/PKG-, cAMP-, AMPK-, and mTOR-dependent activation of autophagy and mitophagy pathways. The primary bioactive compound found in AAW was identified as 20-hydroxyecdysone (0.36%).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that AAW reduces cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The protective effects of AAW are attributed to its modulation of multiple molecular signaling networks. Specifically, AAW downregulates genes and signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and PANoptosis. Simultaneously, it upregulates genes and signaling pathways associated with cell survival, including autophagy and mitophagy pathways.

First Measurement of the Decay Asymmetry in the Pure W-Boson-Exchange Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+}

Based on 4.4  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure W-boson-exchange decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+} is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be α_{Ξ^{0}K^{+}}=0.01±0.16(stat)±0.03(syst). This result reflects the noninterference effect between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes has two solutions, which are δ_{p}-δ_{s}=-1.55±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad or 1.59±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad.

[Activation of HIF-1α/ACLY signaling axis promotes progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with VHL inactivation mutation]

Objective: To explore the potential pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) based on the HIF-1α/ACLY signaling pathway, as well as to provide new ideas for the treatment of ccRCC. Methods: Seventy-eight ccRCC cases diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China were collected. The VHL mutation was examined using exon sequencing. The expression of HIF-1α/ACLY in VHL-mutated ccRCC was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining and further validated in VHL-mutated ccRCC cell lines (786-O, A498, UM-RC-2, SNU-333, and Caki-2) using Western blot. The mRNA and protein levels of ACLY were detected using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot after overexpression or interference with HIF-1α in ccRCC cell lines. HeLa cells were treated with CoCl2 and hypoxia (1%O2) to activate HIF-1α and then subject to the detection of the ACLY mRNA and protein levels. The potential molecular mechanism of HIF-1α-induced ACLY activation was explored through JASPAR database combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) and luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of HIF-1α/ACLY regulation axis on lipid accumulation was detected using BODIPY staining and other cell biological techniques. The expression of ACLY was compared between patients with ccRCC and those with benign lesions, and the feasibility of ACLY as a prognostic indicator for ccRCC was explored through survival analysis. Results: Exon sequencing revealed that 55 (70.5%) of the 78 ccRCC patients harbored a VHL inactivation mutation, and HIF-1α expression was associated with ACLY protein levels. The protein levels of ACLY and HIF-1α in ccRCC cell lines carrying VHL mutation were also correlated to various degrees. Overexpression of HIF-1α in A498 cells increased the mRNA and protein levels of ACLY, and knockdown of HIF-1α in Caki-2 cells inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of ACLY (P<0.001 for all). CoCl2 and hypoxia treatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of ACLY by activating HIF-1α (P<0.001 for all). The quantification of transcriptional activity of luciferase reporter gene and ChIP-qPCR results suggested that HIF-1α could directly bind to ACLY promoter region to transcriptionally activate ACLY expression and increase ACLY protein level (P<0.001 for all). The results of BODIPY staining suggested that the content of free fatty acids in cell lines was associated with the levels of HIF-1α and ACLY. The depletion of HIF-1α could effectively reduce the accumulation of lipid in cells, while the overexpression of ACLY could reverse this process. At the same time, cell function experiments showed that the proliferation rate of ccRCC cells with HIF-1α knockdown was significantly decreased, and overexpression of ACLY could restore proliferation of these tumor cells (P<0.001). Survival analysis further showed that compared with the ccRCC patients with low ACLY expression, the ccRCC patients with high ACLY expression had a poorer prognosis and a shorter median survival (P<0.001). Conclusions: VHL mutation-mediated HIF-1α overexpression in ccRCC promotes lipid synthesis and tumor progression by activating ACLY. Targeting the HIF-1α/ACLY signaling axis may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ccRCC.

[Association between digestive tract cancer and severity of coronary artery disease]

Objective: To evaluate the association between digestive tract cancer and anatomical severity of coronary artery disease. Methods: This study enrolled 142 patients with digestive tract cancer who underwent coronary angiography in the Department of Cardiology of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2009 to 2020 as the cancer group. The patients in cancer group were matched with 426 non-cancer patients who underwent coronary angiography at our hospital during the same period in a 1∶3 ratio based on gender and age. All enrolled patients had no previous history of percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The severity of coronary artery disease was documented and assessed using the SYNTAX score based on angiogram. High SYNTAX score (SXhigh) was defined as SYNTAX score≥22 (upper quartile), while low SYNTAX score (SXlow) was SYNTAX score<22. High NLR (NLRhigh) was NLR≥2.287 (median), while low NLR (NLRlow) was NLR<2.287. The association between digestive tract cancer and severity of coronary artery disease was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: This study included a total of 568 patients, with a mean age of (66.6±8.7) years. Among them, 430 patients (75.7%) were male. The cancer group consisted of 142 patients with digestive tract cancers, with a mean age of (66.5±8.4) years. The non-cancer group consisted of 426 patients, with a mean age of (66.7±8.8) years. The proportion of SXhigh in patients with digestive tract cancers (33.1%, 47 patients) was higher than that in non-cancer patients (23.9%, 102 patients) (P=0.032). Compared to non-cancer patients, SXhigh in patients with digestive tract cancers was higher (OR: 1.614, 95%CI: 1.051-2.481, P=0.029). Subgroup analysis stratified by NLR levels revealed that in the NLRhigh group, patients with digestive tract cancers exhibited a higher severity of coronary artery disease compared to non-cancer patients, with an OR of 1.948 (95%CI: 1.005-3.779, P=0.048). In the NLRlow group, there was no significant relationship between digestive tract cancers and the severity of coronary artery disease, with an OR of 1.277 (95%CI: 0.586-2.781, P=0.538). Conclusions: Digestive tract cancer is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease, and patients with digestive tract cancers have a higher risk of severe coronary artery disease than non-cancer patients. Additionally, there is an association between digestive tract cancers and the severity of coronary artery disease under conditions of high levels of inflammation.

Test of CP Symmetry in Hyperon to Neutron Decays

The quantum entangled J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} pairs from (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events taken by the BESIII detector are used to study the nonleptonic two-body weak decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-}. The CP-odd weak decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} (α_{+}) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-} (α[over ¯]_{-}) are determined to be 0.0481±0.0031_{stat}±0.0019_{syst} and -0.0565±0.0047_{stat}±0.0022_{syst}, respectively. The decay parameter α[over ¯]_{-} is measured for the first time, and the accuracy of α_{+} is improved by a factor of 4 compared to the previous results. The simultaneously determined decay parameters allow the first precision CP symmetry test for any hyperon decay with a neutron in the final state with the measurement of A_{CP}=(α_{+}+α[over ¯]_{-})/(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})=-0.080±0.052_{stat}±0.028_{syst}. Assuming CP conservation, the average decay parameter is determined as ⟨α_{+}⟩=(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})/2=-0.0506±0.0026_{stat}±0.0019_{syst}, while the ratios α_{+}/α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{-}/α[over ¯]_{0} are -0.0490±0.0032_{stat}±0.0021_{syst} and -0.0571±0.0053_{stat}±0.0032_{syst}, where α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{0} are the decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→pπ^{0} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}, respectively.

Measurement of Energy-Dependent Pair-Production Cross Section and Electromagnetic Form Factors of a Charmed Baryon

We study the process e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} at twelve center-of-mass energies from 4.6119 to 4.9509 GeV using data samples collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections and effective form factors (|G_{eff}|) are determined with unprecedented precision after combining the single and double-tag methods based on the decay process Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}. Flat cross sections around 4.63 GeV are obtained and no indication of the resonant structure Y(4630), as reported by Belle, is found. In addition, no oscillatory behavior is discerned in the |G_{eff}| energy dependence of Λ_{c}^{+}, in contrast to what is seen for the proton and neutron cases. Analyzing the cross section together with the polar-angle distribution of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon at each energy point, the moduli of electric and magnetic form factors (|G_{E}| and |G_{M}|) are extracted and separated. For the first time, the energy dependence of the form factor ratio |G_{E}/G_{M}| is observed, which can be well described by an oscillatory function.

[Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the lung: a clinicopathological analysis of eight cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the lung. Methods: Eight PEComa cases of the lung diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China from July 2008 to December 2021 were collected and subject to immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization and next generation sequencing. The relevant literature was reviewed and the clinicopathological features were analyzed. Results: There were 5 males and 3 females, aged from 18 to 70 years (mean 39 years). There were 3 cases of the right upper lung, 3 cases of the left lower lung, 1 case of the left upper lung and 1 case of the right middle lung. Seven cases were solitary and 1 case was multifocal (4 lesions). Seven cases were benign while one was malignant. The tumors were all located in the peripheral part of the lung, with a maximum diameter of 0.2-4.0 cm. Grossly, they were oval and well circumscribed. Microscopically, the tumor cells were oval, short spindle-shaped, arranged in solid nests, acinar or hemangiopericytoma-like patterns, with clear or eosinophilic cytoplasm. The stroma was rich in blood vessels with hyalinization. Coagulated necrosis and high-grade nuclei were seen in the malignant case, and calcification was seen in 2 cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for Melan A (8/8), HMB45 (7/8), CD34 (6/8), TFE3 (4/7), and SMA (3/8). All cases were negative for CKpan and S-100. TFE3 (Xp11.2) gene fusion was examined using the TFE3 break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization in 5 cases, in which only the malignant case was positive. The next generation sequencing revealed the SFPQ-TFE3 [t(X;1)(p11.2;p34)] fusion. Follow-up of the patients ranged from 12 to 173 months while one patient was lost to the follow-up. The malignant case had tumor metastasis to the brain 4 years after the operation and then received radiotherapy. Other 6 cases had no recurrence and metastasis, and all the 7 patients survived. Conclusions: Most of the PEComas of the lung are benign. When there are malignant morphological features such as necrosis, high-grade nuclei or SFPQ-TFE3 gene fusion, close follow-up seems necessary.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers for the Narrow Structure near the pΛ[over ¯] Threshold in e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c

A narrow structure in the pΛ[over ¯] system near the mass threshold, named as X(2085), is observed in the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] with a statistical significance greater than 20σ. Its spin and parity are determined for the first time to be J^{P}=1^{+} in an amplitude analysis, with a statistical significance greater than 5σ over other quantum numbers (0^{-},1^{-} and 2^{+}). The pole positions of X(2085) are measured to be M_{pole}=(2084_{-2}^{+4}±9)  MeV and Γ_{pole}=(58_{-3}^{+4}±25)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The analysis is based on the study of the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] and uses the data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.008, 4.178, 4.226, 4.258, 4.416, and 4.682 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 8.35  fb^{-1}.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} Cross Sections at Center-of-Mass Energies from Threshold to 4.95 GeV

The process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} is studied with a semi-inclusive method using data samples at center-of-mass energies from threshold to 4.95 GeV collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections of the process are measured for the first time with high precision in this energy region. Two resonance structures are observed in the energy-dependent cross sections around 4.2 and 4.4 GeV. By fitting the cross sections with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner amplitudes and one phase-space amplitude, the two significant structures are assigned masses of (4186.8±8.7±30) and (4414.6±3.4±6.1)  MeV/c^{2}, widths of (55±15±53) and (122.5±7.5±8.1)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The inclusion of a third Breit-Wigner amplitude is necessary to describe a structure around 4.79 GeV.

First Experimental Study of the Purely Leptonic Decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}

Using 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first experimental study of the purely leptonic decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}. Our data contain a signal of this decay with a statistical significance of 2.9σ. The branching fraction of D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e} is measured to be (2.1_{-0.9_{stat}}^{+1.2}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}, corresponding to an upper limit of 4.0×10^{-5} at the 90% confidence level. Taking the total width of the D_{s}^{*+} [(0.070±0.028)  keV] predicted with the radiative D_{s}^{*+} decay from the lattice QCD calculation as input, the decay constant of the D_{s}^{*+} is determined to be f_{D_{s}^{*+}}=(214_{-46_{stat}}^{+61}±44_{syst})  MeV, corresponding to an upper limit of 354 MeV at the 90% confidence level.

Study on transient photocurrent induced by energy level defect of schottky diode irradiated by high power pulsed laser

The transient photocurrent is one of the key parameters of the spatial radiation effect of photoelectric devices, and the energy level defect affects the transient photocurrent. In this paper, by studying the deep level transient spectrum of a self-designed Schottky diode, the defect properties of the interface region of the anode metal AlCu and Si caused by high-temperature annealing at 150 ℃, 200 ℃ and 300 ℃ for 1200 h have been quantitatively analyzed. The study shows that the defect is located at the position of + 0.41 eV on the valence band, the concentration is 2.8 [Formula: see text] 1013/cm2, and the capture cross section is [Formula: see text] = 8.5 [Formula: see text] 1017. The impurity energy level mainly comes from the diffusion of Al atom in anode metal. We found that the defect did not cause the electrical performance degradation and obvious morphology change of the device, but the transient photocurrent increased significantly. The reason is that the high temperature treatment results in a growth in the density of states at the interface between AlCu-Si. The more mismatched dislocations and recombination center increased the reverse current of the heterojunction. The above view is proved by the TCAD simulation test.

[Clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatic diseases and abnormal liver function]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatic diseases and abnormal liver function, as well as determine the proportion and severity of liver function abnormalities. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Data were collected from patients registered in the Chinese Rheumatism Date Center from 2011 to 2021. The rheumatic diseases analyzed in this study were rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren syndrome (SS), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and gout. Patient data, including demographic characteristics [ such as age, sex, body mass index,(BMI), and smoking history], liver function test results [including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase(ALP), and total bilirubin], and use of anti-rheumatic immune drugs and liver-protective drugs, were collected and compared between groups with normal and abnormal liver functions. In addition, the proportions of abnormal liver function were compared between sex and age groups. Results: A total of 116 308 patients were included in this study, including 49 659 with RA, 17 597 with SLE, 9 039 with SS, 11 321 with AS, and 28 692 with gout. The lowest proportion of liver function abnormalities was observed in patients with RA[11.02% (5 470/49 659)], followed by those with SS[17.97% (1 624/9 039)] and AS [18.22% (2 063/11 321) ], whereas patients with SLE [21.14% (3 720/17 597) ] and gout [28.73% (8 242/28 692)] exhibited the highest proportion of these abnormalities. Elevated ALT, mostly classified as grade 1, was the most commonly noted liver function abnormality, whereas elevated ALP was the least common. Some patients who took liver-protective drugs had normal liver function, with the lowest percentage observed in patients with gout [7.45% (36/483) ] and ranging from 21.7% to 30.34% in patients with RA, SLE, SS, and AS. The proportion of liver function abnormalities was higher in males than in females for all disease types [RA: 13.8%(1 368/9 906) vs. 10.3%(4 102/39 753); SLE: 33.6% (479/1 424) vs. 20.0% (3 241/16 173); SS: 25.4%(111/437) vs. 17.6%(1 513/8 602); AS: 20.1%(1 629/8 119) vs. 13.6% (434/3 202); and gout: 29.3% (8 033/27 394) vs. 16.1% (209/1 298)]. In RA, SLE, and AS, the proportions of liver function abnormalities were similar across all age groups. In SS, the proportion of liver function abnormalities increased with age [<40 years: 14.9%(294/1 979); 40-59 years: 18.1%(858/4 741); ≥60 years: 20.4%(472/2 319)], whereas a reversal of this trend was observed in gout [<40 years: 34.9%(4 294/12 320); 40-59 years: 25.5%(2 905/11 398);≥60 years: 21.0%(1 042/4 971)]. Conclusions: The proportions of combined liver function abnormalities in patients with rheumatologic diseases were high, and the utilization rates of liver-protective drugs were low. It is necessary to pay more attention to monitoring patients' liver function, timely administer liver-protective drugs, and optimize liver-protective regimens during the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

[The efficacy and safety of domestic magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermotherapy in the treatment of recurrent high-grade glioma]

Sixteen patients with recurrent high-grade glioma who were treated by domestic magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermotherapy (MRgLITT) in the Neurosurgery Department of Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 were prospectively included, with 11 males and 5 females, and aged 27-74 (50±16) years. The duration of surgery, the rate of ablation after surgery, and perioperative complications were assessed. The patients were followed up every 3 months to assess survival and progression. A total of 5 WHO grade Ⅲ patients and 11 WHO grade Ⅳ patients were included. The operation time was 144 (109, 176) min, 28 targeted lesions were detected, and the ablation rate [M (Q1, Q3)] was 91.0% (87.4%, 93.3%). After surgery, 2 patients (2/16) had decreased limb muscle strength, and no perioperative death or other serious complications occurred. The median time to a complete response was 12 (5, 14) months in WHO Grade Ⅲ patients, and one died 12 months after surgery, while the median time to a complete response was 3 (1, 8) months in 11 WHO Grade Ⅳ patients, with a total of 8 deaths at the last follow-up. Therefore, domestic MRgLITT has certain efficacy and safety in the treatment of recurrent high-grade glioma, providing a new option for patients with recurrent glioma.

[The triglyceride glucose index predicts the risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease in the Beijing community: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk in a community population. Method: This was a prospective cohort study. From December 2011 to April 2012, the first investigation was conducted among subjects with more than 40-year old who were from Shijingshan district and Pingguoyuan community in Beijing. The second investigation was conducted from April to October 2015. All the subjects were divided into three groups according to the tertile of the TyG index at baseline. The multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model was established to explore the correlation between the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve of the TyG index group was drawn. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age, gender, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia to determine the correlation characteristics between the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease among subgroups. Results: A total of 9 577 subjects were finally included to analyze. The mean follow-up time of this study was (34.14±3.84) months. During the follow-up, 363 subjects (3.8%) occurred nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease. The multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the hazard ratio (HR) of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease in the high TyG index group was 1.54 (95%CI 1.19-1.98), 1.60 (95%CI 1.23-2.10), and 1.57 (95%CI 1.20-2.05) in the three models, compared with the low TyG index group. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease increased from the low-TyG index group to the high-TyG index group (P=0.015). In the six subgroups analysis, only gender was shown to have a significant interaction effect with the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk. In the female population, the risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease is significantly increased with the increase in the TyG index level (P<0.001). Conclusions: A high TyG index is independently related to the increased risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease in the Beijing community population. Gender has a significant interaction with the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk. Therefore, the TyG index may be a useful marker to predict the nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk of a community population.

[Application of mixture analysis methods in association between metals mixture exposure and DNA oxidative damage]

Objectives: To study the association between metals mixture exposure and DNA oxidative damage using mixture analysis methods, and to explore the most significant exposure factors that cause DNA oxidative damage. Methods: Workers from steel enterprises were recruited in Shandong Province. Urinary metals were measured by using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was determined by using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), elastic net regression and quantile g-computation regression were used to analyze the association between urinary metals and urinary 8-OHdG. Results: A total of 768 subjects aged (36.15±7.40) years old were included in the study. BKMR, elastic net regression and quantile g-computation all revealed an overall positive association between the mixture concentration and increased urinary 8-OHdG. The quantile g-computation results showed that with a 25% increase in metal mixtures, the urinary 8-OHdG level increased by 77.60%. The elastic net regression showed that with a 25% increase in exposure risk score, the urinary 8-OHdG level increased by 26%. The BKMR summarized the contribution of individual exposures to the response, and selenium, zinc, and nickel were significant contributors to the urinary 8-OHdG elevation. Conclusion: Exposure to mixed metals causes elevated levels of DNA oxidative damage, and selenium, zinc, and nickel are significant exposure factors.

[Several aspects on the long-term survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients]

Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have a poor overall prognosis and a low long-term survival rate. Currently, multimodal treatment is the mainstay of treatment, and surgical resection is the most important treatment for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma for a long-term survival. Although the treatment strategies have been constantly updated in recent years to improve survival rates, there are still many controversial issues in the existing treatment strategies. Based on our center's clinical practice and recent research progress, analyzes several issues affecting long-term survival were analyzed based on three aspects: accurate clinical assessment methods, the related decisions making for surgical resection, and the strategies of precision medicine.

First Study of Reaction Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p Using Ξ^{0}-Nucleus Scattering at an Electron-Positron Collider

Using (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the process Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p is studied, where the Ξ^{0} baryon is produced in the process J/ψ→Ξ^{0}Ξ[over ¯]^{0} and the neutron is a component of the ^{9}Be, ^{12}C, and ^{197}Au nuclei in the beam pipe. A clear signal is observed with a statistical significance of 7.1σ. The cross section of the reaction Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be is determined to be σ(Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be)=(22.1±5.3_{stat}±4.5_{sys})  mb at the Ξ^{0} momentum of 0.818  GeV/c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant H-dibaryon signal is observed in the Ξ^{-}p final state. This is the first study of hyperon-nucleon interactions in electron-positron collisions and opens up a new direction for such research.

[Analysis of safety and factors influencing the surgical efficacy of benign biliary stenosis treated with autologous gastric flap repair with the vascular tip]

Objective: To investigate the complication rate and risk factors associated with using autologous gastric flap tissue with a vascular tip to treat benign biliary strictures. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 92 patients with benign biliary stenosis who applied autologous gastric flap tissue to repair the stenosis at the PLA General Hospital from January 2006 to May 2022. Among them, there were 40 males and 52 females, aged from 25 to 79 (50.5±12.9) years. The perioperative clinical data of the patients were recorded(Body Mass Index、preoperative platelets et.), and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up was conducted to evaluate the long-term efficacy of autologous gastric flap tissue with vascular tissues for benign biliary stenosis surgery. Results: The incidence of recent postoperative complications in patients was 26.1%, and univariate analysis showed that preoperative bile-intestinal anastomosis, positive intraoperative bile bacterial culture, low preoperative hemoglobin, and low preoperative platelet count were significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications after biliary stenosis repair with a vascularized gastric flap (P<0.05). Multifactorial analysis showed that low preoperative platelets (OR=0.990, 95%CI: 0.982-0.998, P=0.015), low preoperative hemoglobin (OR=4.953, 95%CI: 1.405-15.010, P=0.012) and positive intraoperative bile bacterial culture (OR=19.338, 95%CI: 3.618-103.360, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. The excellent long-term follow-up rate of patients was 92.0%. Conclusions: The procedure of repairing benign biliary stenosis with a vascularized gastric flap preserves the function of the sphincter of Oddi and reconstructs the normal physiological passage of the bile duct. This procedure is safe and feasible and provides a reliable option for the surgical treatment of bile duct injury and bile duct stenosis.

Measurements of Normalized Differential Cross Sections of Inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} Production in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV

Based on electron positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the differential cross sections of inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} production as a function of hadron momentum, normalized by the total cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons process, are measured at six center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. Our results, which cover a relative hadron energy range from 0.1 to 0.9, significantly deviate from several theoretical calculations based on existing fragmentation functions.

Precision Measurement of the Decay Σ^{+}→pγ in the Process J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-}

Using (10 087±44)×10^{6} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ^{+}→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021_{stat}±0.018_{syst})×10^{-3}, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be -0.652±0.056_{stat}±0.020_{syst}. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.

Lessons from Dairy Farmers for Occupational Allergy and Respiratory Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Exposure to bioaerosols at dairies has long been associated with allergy, respiratory disease, and decreases in lung function. Recent advancements in exposure assessments have aided our understanding on the size distribution and composition of these bioaerosols, but investigations focusing solely on exposures may overlook important intrinsic factors impacting worker's susceptibility to disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

In our review, we discuss the most recent studies examining the exposures and genetic factors that contribute to occupational disease in dairy work. We also review more recent concerns in livestock work associated with zoonotic pathogens, antimicrobial resistant genes, and the role of the human microbiome. The studies highlighted in this review demonstrate the need for further research to better understand bioaerosol exposure-response relationships in the context of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, antibiotic-resistant genes, viral pathogens, and the human microbiome to help inform effective interventions that improve respiratory health among dairy farmers.

[A cross-sectional survey on the allocation of nursing human resources in burn centers in China]

Objective: To investigate the allocation of nursing human resources in burn centers in China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Using a self-designed questionnaire, a survey was carried out from January to March 2022 to investigate the January to December 2021 status of 39 burn centers in China that met the inclusion criteria based on six strategic regions and other regions, including the hospital grade and the region, the number of nurses and opening beds in the burn centers and burn intensive care units (BICUs), the age, working seniority in burn specialty, educational background, professional title, personnel employment, and turnover of nurses and training of newly recruited nurses in the burn centers. Results: This survey covered 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan region of China). A total of 39 questionnaires were collected, all of which were valid. The 39 burn centers were located in 38 tertiary A hospitals and 1 tertiary B hospital, with 26 burn centers in strategic areas. The nurse/bed ratio of burn centers in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao was the highest, while the nurse/bed ratio of burn centers in border ethnic minority area was the lowest. Except for the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, BICUs had been set up in burn centers in other regions. Among the 39 burn centers, the percentage of nurses aged 25 to 34 years was 51.21% (738/1 441), the percentage of nurses worked in burn specialty for less than 5 years was 31.16% (449/1 441), the percentage of nurses with bachelor's degree was 69.74% (1 005/1 441), and the percentage of nurses with nursing professional title was 44.14% (636/1 441), which were the highest. There were significant differences in the employment of nurses, the percentage of permanent nurses in burn centers in the collaborative development zone of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei was 82.48% (113/137), while the percentage of permanent nurses in burn centers in important military strategic area was only 9.42% (34/361); the turnover rate of nurses was 9.03% (143/1 584), among which the turnover rate of nurses was 18.14% (80/441) in burn centers in important military strategic area. The training for newly recruited nurses in 39 burn centers was mainly based on the guidance of senior nurses and the pre-job education+specialist training. Conclusions: The burn nursing human resources in strategic areas in China are seriously insufficient and unevenly distributed, with unstable nurse team and lack of standardized specialist training. In particular, the nursing human resources in BICUs need to be equipped and supplemented urgently.

Measurements of the Electric and Magnetic Form Factors of the Neutron for Timelike Momentum Transfer

We present the first measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron in the timelike (positive q^{2}) region as function of four-momentum transfer. We explored the differential cross sections of the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→n[over ¯]n with data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII accelerator, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 354.6  pb^{-1} in total at twelve center-of-mass energies between sqrt[s]=2.0-2.95  GeV. A relative uncertainty of 18% and 12% for the electric and magnetic form factors, respectively, is achieved at sqrt[s]=2.3935  GeV. Our results are comparable in accuracy to those from electron scattering in the comparable spacelike region of four-momentum transfer. The electromagnetic form factor ratio R_{em}≡|G_{E}|/|G_{M}| is within the uncertainties close to unity. We compare our result on |G_{E}| and |G_{M}| to recent model predictions, and the measurements in the spacelike region to test the analyticity of electromagnetic form factors.

Observation of a New X(3872) Production Process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872)

Using 4.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data at center-of-mass energies from 4.661 to 4.951 GeV collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we observe the X(3872) production process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) for the first time. The significance is 7.8σ, including both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) Born cross section and the corresponding upper limit at 90% confidence level at each energy point are reported. The line shape of the cross section indicates that the ωX(3872) signals may be from the decays of some nontrivial structures.

Observation of Three Charmoniumlike States with J^{PC}=1^{--} in e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+}

The Born cross sections of the process e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9  fb^{-1} and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47, and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9  MeV/c^{2}, 4469.1±26.2±3.6  MeV/c^{2}, and 4675.3±29.5±3.5  MeV/c^{2} and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0  MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4  MeV, and 218.3±72.9±9.3  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the ψ(4230) and ψ(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the ψ(4500) observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}J/ψ process. These three charmoniumlike ψ states are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} process for the first time.

Evidence for the Cusp Effect in η' Decays into ηπ^{0}π^{0}

Using a sample of 4.3×10^{5} η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π^{+}π^{-} mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π^{0}π^{0} with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a_{0}-a_{2} is determined to be 0.226±0.060_{stat}±0.013_{syst}, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.

Alteration of the faecal microbiota composition in patients with constipation: evidence of American Gut Project

There is limited information is known about the composition difference of the gut microbiota in patients with constipation and healthy controls. Here, the faecal 16S rRNA fastq sequence data of microbiota from the publicly available American Gut Project (AGP) were analysed. The tendency score matching (PSM) method was used to match in a 1:1 manner to control for confounding factors age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and country. A total of 524 participants including 262 patients with constipation and 262 healthy controls were included in this analysis. The richness and evenness of the gut microbiota in the constipation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The dominant genera in the constipation group include Escherichia_Shigella, Pseudomonas, and Citrobacter. The dominant genera in the control group include Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, Roseburia, Clostridium_XlVa, and Blautia. The abundance of three butyrate production-related pathways were significantly higher in the constipation group than in the control groups. There was no significant difference in the diversity and gut microbiota composition in patients with constipation at different ages. In conclusion, patients with constipation showed gut microbiota and butyrate metabolism dysbiosis. This dysbiosis might provide a reference for the diagnosis and clinical therapy of diseases.

Study of the Semileptonic Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e}

The study of the Cabibbo-favored semileptonic decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e} is reported using a 4.5  fb^{-1} data sample of e^{+}e^{-} annihilations collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600 GeV to 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The branching fraction of the decay is measured to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e})=(3.56±0.11_{stat}±0.07_{syst})%, which is the most precise measurement to date. Furthermore, we perform an investigation of the internal dynamics in Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e}. We provide the first direct comparisons of the differential decay rate and form factors with those predicted from lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) calculations. Combining the measured branching fraction with a q^{2}-integrated rate predicted by LQCD, we determine |V_{cs}|=0.936±0.017_{B}±0.024_{LQCD}±0.007_{τ_{Λ_{c}}}.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction and Decay Asymmetry of Λ→nγ

The radiative hyperon decay Λ→nγ is studied using (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII. The absolute branching fraction of the decay Λ→nγ is determined to be (0.832±0.038_{stat}±0.054_{syst})×10^{-3}, which is a factor of 2.1 lower and 5.6 standard deviations different than the previous measurement. By analyzing the joint angular distribution of the decay products, the first determination of the decay asymmetry α_{γ} is reported with a value of -0.16±0.10_{stat}±0.05_{syst}.

Observation of an a_{0}-like State with Mass of 1.817 GeV in the Study of D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}π^{0} Decays

Using e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we perform the first amplitude analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}π^{0} and determine the relative branching fractions and phases for intermediate processes. We observe an a_{0}-like state with mass of 1.817 GeV in its decay to K_{S}^{0}K^{+} for the first time. In addition, we measure the ratio {B[D_{s}^{+}→K[over ¯]^{*}(892)^{0}K^{+}]/B[D_{s}^{+}→K[over ¯]^{0}K^{*}(892)^{+}]} to be 2.35_{-0.23stat}^{+0.42}±0.10_{syst}. Finally, we provide a precision measurement of the absolute branching fraction B(D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}π^{0})=(1.46±0.06_{stat}±0.05_{syst})%.

Left atrial appendage mechanical dispersion assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography as a determinant of left atrial appendage stasis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

We sought to investigate the relationship of left atrial appendage (LAA) mechanical dispersion (MD) with LAA dense spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) or thrombus, and to compare its usefulness in the identification of thrombogenesis with left atrial (LA) MD or LA/LAA strain parameters in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 493 consecutive patients with AF (median age 65, male 66.9%) who underwent echocardiography prior to catheter ablation. We measured the LAA and LA global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). LAA MD and LA MD was defined as the standard deviation (SD) of time to peak positive strain corrected by the R-R interval.

Results

Patients with LAA dense SEC/thrombus (n=70) had significantly higher LAA MD than controls (n=423) (median 14.20% vs 9.35%). Areas under the receiver-operating curve for CHA2DS2-VASc score plus LAA MD, LAA GLS or LA GLS were comparable (0.830, 0.843 and 0.809) and superior to that combined with LA MD (0.762, all p&lt;0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that LAA MD was an independent determinant of LAA dense SEC/thrombus in four different models (Odds ratio, 1.23–1.24; P&lt;0.001), and provided additional diagnostic value over clinical and standard echocardiographic parameters. Whereas LA MD was not independently associated with LAA dense SEC/thrombus and had no incremental predictive value.

Conclusion

LAA mechanical dispersion provided incremental information over conventional risk factors in the identification of LAA dense SEC or thrombus in AF patients and is superior to LA mechanical dispersion.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

[Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of cytomegalovirus infection post umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation in children with primary immunodeficiency diseases]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors and outcomes of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection post umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation (UCBT) in children with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID). Methods: Clinical data of 143 PID children who received UCBT in the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2015 to June 2020 were collected retrospectively. CMV-DNA in the plasma was surveilled once or twice a week within 100 days post-UCBT. According to the CMV-DNA test results, children were divided into the CMV-infected group and the CMV-uninfected group. The incidence and risk factors of CMV infection were analyzed. At 1-month post-UCBT, the absolute lymphocyte count, ratio of lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin levels were compared between those whose CMV infection developed 1-month later post-UCBT and those not. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test were used for comparision between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the impact of CMV infection on survival. Results: Among 143 patients, there were 113 males and 30 females, with a age of 14 (8, 27) months at UCBT. Chronic granulomatosis disease (n=49), very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (n=43) and severe combined immunodefiency (n=29) were the three main kinds of PID. The rate of CMV infection was 21.7% (31/143), and the time of infection occurring was 44 (31, 49) days post-UCBT. The incidence of recurrent CMV infection was 4.2% (6/143) and refractory CMV infection was 4.9% (7/143).There was no significant difference in the first time CMV-DNA copy and peak CMV-DNA copy during treatment between the recurrent CMV infection group and the non-recurrent CMV infection group (32.8 (18.3, 63.1)×10⁶ vs. 22.5 (13.2, 31.9)×10⁶ copies/L, Z=-0.95, P=0.340;35.2 (20.2, 54.6)×10⁶ vs. 28.4 (24.1, 53.5)×10⁶copies/L, Z=-0.10, P=0.920), so were those between the refractory CMV infection group and non-refractory CMV infection group (21.8 (13.1, 32.2)×10⁶ vs. 25.9 (14.2, 12.2)×10⁶copies/L, Z=-1.04, P=0.299; 47.7 (27.9, 77.6)×10⁶ vs. 27.7 (19.7,51.8)×10⁶copies/L, Z=-1.49, P=0.137). The CMV-infected group accepted more reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen than the CMV-uninfected group (45.2% (14/31) vs. 25.0% (28/112), χ²=4.76, P<0.05). The rate of CMV-seropositive recipients and Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute graft versus host diseases (aGVHD) are significantly higher in the CMV-infected group than the CMV-uninfected group (100% (31/31) vs. 78.6% (88/112), 64.5% (20/31) vs. 26.8% (30/112), χ²=7.98,15.20, both P<0.05). The follow-up time was 31.6 (13.2, 45.9) months, CMV infection had no effect on overall survival (OS) rate (χ²=0.02, P=0.843). There was significant difference in the survival rate among three groups of refractory CMV infection, non-refractory CMV infection and the CMV-uninfected (4/7 vs.95.8% (23/24) vs. 86.6% (97/112), χ²=5.91, P=0.037), while there was no significant difference in the survival rate among three groups of recurrent CMV infection, non-recurrent CMV infection and the CMV-uninfected (5/6 vs. 88.0% (22/25) vs. 86.6% (97/112), χ²=0.43, P=0.896). Children who developed CMV infection after 30 days post-UCBT had lower absolute count and rate of CD4⁺ T cells and immunoglobulin G (IgG) level than those in the CMV-uninfected group (124.1 (81.5, 167.6) ×10⁶ vs. 175.5 (108.3, 257.2) ×10⁶/L, 0.240 (0.164, 0.404) vs. 0.376 (0.222, 0.469), 9.3 (6.2, 14.7) vs. 13.6 (10.7, 16.4) g/L, Z=-2.48, -2.12,-2.47, all P<0.05), but have higher rate of CD8⁺T cells than those in CMV-uninfected group (0.418 (0.281, 0.624) vs. 0.249 (0.154, 0.434), Z=-2.56, P=0.010). Conclusions: RIC regimen, grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD and CMV-seropositive recipients are the main risk factors associated with CMV infection in PID patients post-UCBT. Survival rate of children with refractory CMV infection after UCBT is reduced. Immune reconstitution in children after UCBT should be regularly monitored, and frequency of CMV-DNA monitoring should be increased for children with delayed immune reconstitution.

Precise Measurements of Decay Parameters and CP Asymmetry with Entangled Λ-Λ[over ¯] Pairs

Based on 10 billion J/ψ events collected at the BESIII experiment, a search for CP violation in Λ decay is performed in the difference between CP-odd decay parameters α_{-} for Λ→pπ^{-} and α_{+} for Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+} by using the process e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ→ΛΛ[over ¯]. With a five-dimensional fit to the full angular distributions of the daughter baryon, the most precise values for the decay parameters are determined to be α_{-}=0.7519±0.0036±0.0024 and α_{+}=-0.7559±0.0036±0.0030, respectively. The Λ and Λ[over ¯] averaged value of the decay parameter is extracted to be α_{avg}=0.7542±0.0010±0.0024 with unprecedented accuracy. The CP asymmetry A_{CP}=(α_{-}+α_{+})/(α_{-}-α_{+}) is determined to be -0.0025±0.0046±0.0012, which is one of the most precise measurements in the baryon sector. The reported results for the decay parameter will play an important role in the studies of the polarizations and CP violations for the strange, charmed and beauty baryons.

Evidence for a Neutral Near-Threshold Structure in the K_{S}^{0} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}, as well as their charge conjugated processes, at five center-of-mass energies between 4.628 and 4.699 GeV, using data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.8  fb^{-1} collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, we find evidence of a structure near the thresholds for D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and D_{s}^{*+}D^{-} production in the K_{S}^{0} recoil-mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0}. Fitting with a Breit-Wigner line shape, we find the mass of the structure to be (3992.2±1.7±1.6)  MeV/c^{2} and the width to be (7.7_{-3.8}^{+4.1}±4.3)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} signal is found to be 4.6σ including both the statistical and systematic uncertainty. We report the Born cross section multiplied by the branching fraction at different energy points. The mass of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is close to that of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}. Assuming SU(3) symmetry, the cross section of the neutral channel is consistent with that of the charged one. Hence, we conclude that the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is the isospin partner of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}.

Observation of Resonance Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) and Mass Measurement of ψ_{2}(3823)

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the product of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) cross section and the branching fraction B[ψ_{2}(3823)→γχ_{c1}]. For the first time, resonance structure is observed in the cross section line shape of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) with significances exceeding 5σ. A fit to data with two coherent Breit-Wigner resonances modeling the sqrt[s]-dependent cross section yields M(R_{1})=4406.9±17.2±4.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{1})=128.1±37.2±2.3  MeV, and M(R_{2})=4647.9±8.6±0.8  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{2})=33.1±18.6±4.1  MeV. Though weakly disfavored by the data, a single resonance with M(R)=4417.5±26.2±3.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R)=245±48±13  MeV is also possible to interpret data. This observation deepens our understanding of the nature of the vector charmoniumlike states. The mass of the ψ_{2}(3823) state is measured as (3823.12±0.43±0.13)  MeV/c^{2}, which is the most precise measurement to date.

[Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis]

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the sacroiliac joints, spine and peripheral joints. In China, standardized diagnosis and treatment of AS is still to be popularized. Based on the evidence and guidelines from China and other countries, Chinese Rheumatology Association developed standardization of diagnosis and treatment of AS. The purposes are: (1) to standardize the diagnosis and evaluation of AS; (2) to promote rational use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, biological as well as traditional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, so as to improve the patient's quality of life.

[Association of skin lesion severity with clinical features of psoriatic arthritis]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between psoriasis severity and clinical features in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Patients were recruited from the Chinese REgistry of Psoriatic ARthritis (CREPAR) between December 2018 and June 2021, and data were collected including the baseline demographic characteristics, various clinical manifestations (including arthritis, nail disease, comorbidities), laboratory tests[including erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)], health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Body surface area (BSA) and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were selected for the tools of assessment of cutaneous psoriasis. Patients were divided to two groups, including the severe psoriasis group (BSA>10%) and the non-severe psoriasis group (BSA≤10%). Disease assessment included ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA). Results: 1 074 eligible patients with PsA were recruited, and 106 (9.9%) had severe psoriasis. Compared with non-severe psoriasis group, the severe psoriasis group had more peripheral joint involvement (including patients with ever or current peripheral arthritis, 94.3% vs. 85.6%), more polyarticular joint involvement (including patients with current peripheral arthritis, 74.0% vs. 58.2%), more axial joint involvement (51.4% vs. 39.9%), more nail disease (72.6% vs. 61.4%), more frequency of smoking (20.2% vs. 18.7%), and higher proportion of hypertension (23.4% vs. 14.4%). In addition, the severe psoriasis group had higher level of ESR [33(10, 70) mm/1h vs. 20(9, 38) mm/1h] and CRP [18.6(5.0, 60.8) mg/L vs. 7.0(2.4, 18.1) mg/L], higher values of DAS28-ESR (4.5±1.7 vs. 3.7±1.5), DAS28-CRP (4.2±1.5 vs. 3.4±1.4), ASDAS-ESR (3.5±1.4 vs. 2.6±1.2), and ASDAS-CRP(3.4±1.6 vs. 2.5±1.2), higher scores of HAQ [0.6(0.1, 1.0) vs. 0.3(0.0, 0.8)]. Conclusion: Patients with PsA with severe psoriasis bore a heavier disease burden. Therefore, clinicians were supposed to pay more attention to them. In addition to skin lesions, they should also focus on examination of other clinical manifestations, such as joints and nails.

[Long-term outcome follow-up of Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for medial compartment osteoarthropathy:a single center's experience for 10 years]

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of minimally invasive Oxford phase Ⅲ unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for patients with medial compartment osteoarthropathy. Methods: The clinical data of 594 patients (701 knees) who underwent minimally invasive UKA with Oxford phase Ⅲ unicompartmental prosthesis at Department of Orthopedics,the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2007 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 155 males and 439 females,aged (62.6±10.9) years (range: 44 to 81 years),with a body mass index of (26.9±3.8) kg/m² (range: 21.1 to 36.2 kg/m²).There were 359 left knees and 342 right knees,676 knees with osteoarthritis and 25 knees with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle.There were 487 cases underwent UKA (66 cases underwent UKA on one side and total knee arthroplasty on the other) and 107 cases underwent bilateral UKA.Patients' prosthetic survival,complications,range of motion(ROM) of the knee,visual analogue score (VAS),Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index,and American knee society score (KSS) were collected to assess clinical outcomes.Paired sample t test was used to compare the data before and after operation. Results: All patients completed the surgery successfully.There was no intraoperative fractures,postoperative infections or symptomatic vascular embolic disease occurred.The postoperative complications,including mobile bearing dislocation,prosthesis loosening,tibial plateau collapse,the lateral compartment degeneration and postoperative pain were occurred in 18 cases (3.0%,18/594).Thirteen patients suffered complications were transferred to total knee arthroplasty,4 underwent partial revision,if this was used as the endpoint of the study,the surgical success rate was 97.1% (577/594) and the prosthetic revision rate was 2.9%.The ROM was improved from(105.9±11.8)°preoperatively to (114.0±13.3)° at the last follow-up (t=10.796,P<0.01);the KSS clinical score was increased from 54.3±3.6 to 90.1±6.0 (P<0.01) and the functional score was increased from 55.9±3.9 to 87.5±5.7(t=124.325,P<0.01;t=110.985,P<0.01).The WOMAC osteoarthritis index was decreased from 54.8±6.7 to 9.2±3.1 at the last follow-up(t=150.860,P<0.01) and the VAS was decreased from 6.1±1.1 to 1.5±1.0 at the last follow-up(t=74.941,P<0.01). Conclusions: Minimally invasive Oxford phase Ⅲ UKA for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis has a favorable prosthesis survival rate,low revision rate,and few complications at long-term follow-up.Patients have significant improvement in knee function with satisfactory clinical outcomes.

[Cone-beam CT analysis of external root resorption of maxillary incisors before and after traction of impacted canines]

Objective: To analyze the external root resorption of incisors caused by maxillary canine impaction, and to explore the changes of incisor external root resorption after orthodontic treatment. Methods: Twenty-four patients with impacted maxillary canines leading to external root resorption of incisors treated in Department of Orthodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University from July 2011 to January 2019 were selected. The age ranged from 10 to 14 years [(12.3±1.6) years], including 11 males and 14 females. The maxillary incisors with external root resorption before treatment were included in the resorption group (21 central incisors and 22 lateral incisors), and the maxillary incisors without external root resorption were used as the control group (26 central incisors and 21 lateral incisors). Cone-beam CT was taken before treatment, immediately after treatment and one year after treatment. At the one year follow-up 15 patients were collected (10 central incisors and 12 lateral incisors in the resorption group, while 16 central incisors and 12 lateral incisors in the control group). The root length and tooth volume of maxillary incisors were measured and analyzed before canine traction, after canine traction finished and at the one year follow-up. Results: After the treatment of maxillary impacted canines, the root length and volume of the central and lateral incisors in both resorption group and control group were significantly less than that before treatment (P<0.05). At the one year follow-up, the root length and volume of the incisors (central incisors in the resorption group and the central and lateral incisors in control group) were significantly less than those immediately after impacted canine traction (P<0.05). During the canine traction, the difference of the volume change in lateral incisors between the resorption group [(17±6) mm³] and the control group [(12±5) mm³] was statistically significant (t=2.51, P<0.05). During the one year follow-up period, the difference between the changes of the root length in maxillary central incisors in the resorption group [(0.5±0.4) mm] and in the control group [(0.2±0.1) mm] was statistically significant (t=2.35, P<0.05). Conclusions: For maxillary incisors with external root resorption caused by impacted maxillary canines, the external root resorption could not stop immediately after the treatment of impacted canines. The root resorption in maxillary lateral incisors mainly occured during the traction process, while the root resorption in maxillary central incisors existed during the orthodontic treatment and in the follow-up period.

[Summary of tools for assessment of public health emergency response capability]

With the progress of globalization, the public health emergencies represented by major infectious diseases have become a major challenge for the public health management in China. The article briefly describes the emergency response capability assessment tools in China, and introduces two emergency response assessment tools with complete content structure and wide application in the world. Then the advantages and disadvantages of the tools are compared and discussed in order to provide reference for improvement of the assessment tools for public health emergency response capability in China.

[Interpretation and comparison of international guidelines for salivary gland malignancy in 2021]

In order to provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of salivary gland malignancy (SGM), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) formulated and updated SGM clinical practice guidelines respectively in 2021.The two guidelines are interpreted and compared in this article from six perspectives including preoperative evaluations, surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, appropriate radiotherapy techniques, the role of systemic therapy, follow-up evaluations and recurrent-metastatic diseases' management of SGM, which has guiding significance for diagnosis and treatment of SGM in China.

Traditional Chinese medicine use may reduce medical utility in patients with asthma: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with atopic diseases, including asthma, have sought complementary and alternative medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. But, limited clinical studies have yet examined TCM effects on medical utility in asthma patients.

AIM

To assess the medical utility of TCM in patients with asthma.

DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We performed a 13-year population-based retrospective cohort study. A total of 5235 asthma patients who were TCM users and 5235 propensity-score matched asthma patients who never used TCM were sampled from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2012. We compared these two groups of patients to calculate their medical utility, including numbers of emergency visits and hospitalizations until 2013. Univariate analyses were performed using Chi-square tests for dichotomous variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to investigate the medical utility of asthma after TCM use.

RESULTS

Compared with non-TCM patients, TCM patients had a significantly decreased medical utility of asthma admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.85; P < 0.05], especially in patients who used TCM for >60 days. Asthma medical utility in asthma emergencies was significantly higher for male than for female patients (adjusted OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08-1.96). The most frequently used TCMs for asthma control or cough treatment were antitussive agents.

CONCLUSION

This population-based retrospective cohort study showed a significantly decreased medical utility of emergency visits and admissions in TCM patients, especially using TCM for >60 days.