Giant Spin-Orbit Torque in Antiferromagnetic-Coupled Pt/[Co/Gd]N Multilayers with Suppressed Spin Dephasing and Robust Thermal Stability

Manipulating magnetization via power-efficient spin-orbit torque (SOT) has garnered significant attention in the field of spin-based memory and logic devices. However, the damping-like SOT efficiency (ξDL) in heavy metal (HM)/ferromagnetic metal (FM) bilayers is relatively small due to the strong spin dephasing accompanied by additional spin polarization decay. Furthermore, the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) originating from the HM/FM interface is constrained by the thickness of FM, which is unfavorable for thermal stability in practical applications. Consequently, it is valuable to develop systems that not only exhibit large ξDL but also balance thermal stability. In this work, we designed antiferromagnetic-coupled [Co/Gd]N multilayers, where staggered Co and Gd magnetic moments effectively suppress the spin dephasing and additional spin polarization decay. The ordered Co-Gd arrangements along the out-of-plane direction provide bulk PMA, endowing Pt/[Co/Gd]N high thermal stability. The SOT of Pt/[Co/Gd]N was systematically studied with N, demonstrating a significantly large ξDL of up to 0.66. The ξDL of Pt/[Co/Gd]N is greater than those of Pt/Co and Pt/ferrimagnetic alloys. This significant enhancement relies on the effective suppression of spin dephasing in [Co/Gd]N. Our work highlights that the antiferromagnetic-coupled [Co/Gd]N multilayer is a promising candidate for low-consumption and high-density spintronic devices.

Association of Blood Copper With the Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Copper exposure is reported to be associated with increased risk of stroke. However, the association of copper exposure with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This observational study included consecutive participants from Xinqiao Hospital between May 2020 and August 2021. Blood metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and carotid atherosclerosis was assessed using ultrasound. Modified Poisson regression was performed to evaluate the associations of copper and other metals with subclinical carotid plaque presence. Blood metals were analyzed as categorical according to the quartiles. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, education, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and coronary artery disease history. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression was conducted to evaluate the overall association of metal mixture with subclinical carotid plaque presence. One thousand five hundred eighty-five participants were finally enrolled in our study, and carotid plaque was found in 1091 subjects. After adjusting for potential confounders, metal-progressively-adjusted models showed that blood copper was positively associated with subclinical carotid plaque (relative risk according to comparing quartile 4 to quartile 1 was 1.124 [1.021-1.238], relative risk according to per interquartile increment was 1.039 [1.008-1.071]). Blood cadmium and lead were also significantly associated with subclinical carotid plaque. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression analyses suggested a synergistic effect of copper-cadmium-lead mixture on subclinical carotid plaque presence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identify copper as a novel risk factor of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and show the potential synergistic proatherogenic effect of copper, cadmium, and lead mixture.

Different microbial ecological agents change the composition of intestinal microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in mice to alleviate loperamide-induced constipation

Probiotics exert beneficial effects by regulating the intestinal microbiota, metabolism, immune function and other ways of their host. Patients with constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder, experience disturbances in their intestinal microbiota. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of two microbial ecological agents (postbiotic extract PE0401 and a combination of postbiotic extract PE0401 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CCFM 2711) in regulating the makeup of the intestinal microbiota and alleviating loperamide hydrochloride-induced constipation in mice. We also preliminarily explored the mechanism underlying their effects. Both microbial ecological agents increased the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium after administration and were able to relieve constipation. However, the degree of improvement in constipation symptoms varied depending on the makeup of the supplement. The postbiotic extract PE0401 increased peristalsis time and improved faecal properties throughout the intestinal tract of the host. PE0401 relieved constipation, possibly by modulating the levels of the constipation-related gastrointestinal regulatory transmitters mouse motilin, mouse vasoactive intestinal peptide, and 5-hydoxytryptamine in the intestinal tract of the host and by increasing the levels of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetic acid, propionic acid, and isovaleric acid. It also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reduced that of Faecalibaculum, Mucispirillum, Staphylococcus, and Lachnoclostridium, which are among the beneficial microbiota in the host intestine. Furthermore, PE0401 decreased the levels of constipation-induced host inflammatory factors. Therefore, the two microbial ecological agents can regulate the intestinal microbiota of constipation mice, and PE0401 has a stronger ability to relieve constipation.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Investigation into the potential mechanism of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in the fermentation of broad bean paste by metabolomics and transcriptomics

Pixian broad bean paste is a renowned fermented seasoning. The fermentation of broad bean is the most important process of Pixian broad bean paste. To enhance the flavor of tank-fermented broad bean paste, salt-tolerant Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain was inoculated, resulting in an increase in total amount of volatile compounds, potentially leading to different flavor characteristics. To investigate the fermentation mechanism, monoculture simulated fermentation systems were designed. Metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to explore Bacillus amyloliquefaciens' transcriptional response to salt stress and potential aroma production mechanisms. The results highlighted different metabolite profiles under salt stress, and the crucial roles of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, reaction system, transportation system in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens' hypersaline stress response. This study provides a scientific basis for the industrial application of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and new insights into addressing the challenges of poor flavor quality in tank fermentation products.

[Primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma with Sjögren's syndrome and positive cerebrospinal fluid Epstein-Barr virus: a case report and literature review]

The study presents an analysis of the diagnostic and treatment protocol for a patient with a first episode of nasopharyngeal carcinoma who also has Sjogren's syndrome and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) positive cerebrospinal fluid, as detected through metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). It reviews existing literature to examine the connections between EBV and various conditions including Sjogren's syndrome, encephalitis or meningitis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, emphasizing the importance of EBV positive cerebrospinal fluid. The study focuses on a case from the Eighth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, where a patient was admitted with headaches as the primary symptom on March 3, 2021. This patient had a history of Sjogren's syndrome and was later diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The research involved reviewing both domestic and international databases for cases related to cerebrospinal fluid EBV positive encephalitis or meningitis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It aimed to aggregate data on demographics, initial symptoms, treatment methods, and patient outcomes. Findings suggest that positive cerebrospinal fluid EBV is linked to autoimmune diseases, viral encephalitis or meningitis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, albeit infrequently in the context of Sjogren's syndrome. Notably, EBV positive cerebrospinal fluid is commonly associated with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma rather than initial episodes. The study concludes that for patients with an immune condition, exhibiting symptoms like headaches or cranial nerve issues, or in cases where nasopharyngeal carcinoma is suspected, early testing through cerebrospinal fluid mNGS or EBV DNA is recommended. This approach facilitates risk assessment, prognosis determination, and the creation of individualized treatment plans.

Comparative metabolomics combined with genome sequencing provides insights into novel wolfberry-specific metabolites and their formation mechanisms

Wolfberry (Lycium, of the family Solanaceae) has special nutritional benefits due to its valuable metabolites. Here, 16 wolfberry-specific metabolites were identified by comparing the metabolome of wolfberry with those of six species, including maize, rice, wheat, soybean, tomato and grape. The copy numbers of the riboflavin and phenyllactate degradation genes riboflavin kinase (RFK) and phenyllactate UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT1) were lower in wolfberry than in other species, while the copy number of the phenyllactate synthesis gene hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate reductase (HPPR) was higher in wolfberry, suggesting that the copy number variation of these genes among species may be the main reason for the specific accumulation of riboflavin and phenyllactate in wolfberry. Moreover, the metabolome-based neighbor-joining tree revealed distinct clustering of monocots and dicots, suggesting that metabolites could reflect the evolutionary relationship among those species. Taken together, we identified 16 specific metabolites in wolfberry and provided new insight into the accumulation mechanism of species-specific metabolites at the genomic level.

Targeting FGFR1 by β,β-dimethylacrylalkannin suppresses the proliferation of colorectal cancer in cellular and xenograft models

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major global health challenge, ranking as a top cause of cancer-related mortality. Alarmingly, the five-year survival rate for CRC patients hovers around a mere 10-30 %. The disruption of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFRs) signaling pathways is significantly implicated in the onset and advancement of CRC, presenting a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CRC management. Further investigation is essential to comprehensively elucidate FGFR1's function in CRC and to create potent therapies that specifically target FGFR1.

PURPOSE

This study aims to demonstrate the oncogenic role of FGFR1 in colorectal cancer and to explore the potential of β,β-dimethylacrylalkannin (β,β-DMAA) as a therapeutic option to inhibit FGFR1.

METHODS

In this research, we employed a comprehensive suite of techniques including tissue array, kinase profiling, computational docking, knockdown assay to predict and explore the inhibitor of FGFR1. Furthermore, we utilized kinase assay, pull-down, cell proliferation tests, and Patient derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models to further investigate a novel FGFR1 inhibitor and its impact on the growth of CRC.

RESULTS

In our research, we discovered that FGFR1 protein is markedly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues, suggesting a significant role in regulating cellular proliferation, particularly in patients with colorectal cancer. Furthermore, we conducted a computational docking, kinase profiling analysis, simulation and identified that β,β-DMAA could directly bind with FGFR1 within ATP binding pocket domain. Cell-based assays confirmed that β,β-DMAA effectively inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells and also triggered cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and altered FGFR1-mediated signaling pathways. Moreover, β,β-DMAA effectively attenuated the development of PDX tumors in mice that were FGFR1-positive, with no notable toxicity observed. In summary, our study highlights the pivotal role of FGFR1 in colorectal cancer, suggesting that inhibiting FGFR1 activity could be a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention. We present strong evidence that targeting FGFR1 with β,β-DMAA is a viable approach for the management of colorectal cancer. Given its low toxicity and high efficacy, β,β-DMAA, as an FGFR1 inhibitor, warrants further investigation in clinical settings for the treatment of FGFR1-positive tumors.

[Research progress on the effect of hepatitis B virus DNA integration on antiviral therapy]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration occurs during the reverse transcription process of HBV replication, which develops in the early stages of HBV infection and accompanies the entire disease course. The integration of HBV DNA is detrimental to the attainment of clinical cure goals and also raises the risk of developing liver cancer. Theoretically, nucleos(t)ide analogs can reduce the synthesis of new double-stranded linear DNA, but there is no clearance function for hepatocytes that have already integrated HBV. Therefore, patients with serum HBV DNA-negative conversions still have the risk of developing liver cancer. As an immunomodulatory drug, interferon can not only inhibit viral replication but also inhibit or even eliminate existing clonally amplified hepatocytes carrying integrated HBV DNA fragments. However, there are currently few studies on the effects of nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon therapy on HBV DNA integration. Thus, large-scale clinical studies are urgently needed for further clarification.

The comorbid network characteristics of anxiety and depressive symptoms among Chinese college freshmen

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the interplay between anxiety and depressive symptoms in Chinese college freshmen using the causal system perspective (CSP), which differs from the traditional common cause perspective (CCP) by providing an alternative explanation by attributing comorbidity to direct interactions among symptoms.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 2,082 Chinese college freshmen (39.51% male, Mage = 18.61) from a normal university completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Network analysis was conducted and evaluated as to centrality, stability, node predictability, and bridging features. Moreover, the moderated network model (MNM) was utilized to detect the moderation effects of gender in the comorbidity network.

RESULTS

The network of anxiety and depressive symptoms exhibited stability, characterized by the core symptoms of "restlessness", "lack of energy", and "excessive worry about control", as well as the bridging symptoms of "fearfulness", "sad mood", and "irritability". Notably, the nodes representing "uncontrollable worry" and "difficulty in relaxation" demonstrated the highest predictive power. Gender did not exert any moderating effects on the anxiety and depressive symptom network.

CONCLUSION

These results reinforce that certain anxiety or depressive symptoms are more central than others, and thus play a more vital role in the comorbid network. These findings highlight underlying potential targeting symptoms to consider in future interventions.

Observation of Structures in the Processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2}

We present measurements of the Born cross sections for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s] from 4.308 to 4.951 GeV. The measurements are performed with data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.0  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider storage ring. Assuming the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c2} signals come from a single resonance, the mass and width are determined to be M=(4413.6±9.0±0.8)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(110.5±15.0±2.9)  MeV, respectively, which is consistent with the parameters of the well-established resonance ψ(4415). In addition, we also use one single resonance to describe the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} line shape and determine the mass and width to be M=(4544.2±18.7±1.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(116.1±33.5±1.7)  MeV, respectively. The structure of this line shape, observed for the first time, requires further understanding.

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Developing Palate in Mice

The intricate formation of the palate involves a series of complex events, yet its mechanistic basis remains uncertain. To explore major cell populations in the palate and their roles during development, we constructed a spatiotemporal transcription landscape of palatal cells. Palate samples from C57BL/6 J mice at embryonic days 12.5 (E12.5), 14.5 (E14.5), and 16.5 (E16.5) underwent single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify distinct cell subsets. In addition, spatial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (stereo-seq) was used to characterize the spatial distribution of these subsets. Integrating scRNA-seq and stereo-seq with CellTrek annotated mesenchymal and epithelial cellular components of the palate during development. Furthermore, cellular communication networks between these cell subpopulations were analyzed to discover intercellular signaling during palate development. From the analysis of the middle palate, both mesenchymal and epithelial populations were spatially segregated into 3 domains. The middle palate mesenchymal subpopulations were associated with tooth formation, ossification, and tissue remodeling, with initial state cell populations located proximal to the dental lamina. The nasal epithelium of the palatal shelf exhibited richer humoral immune responses than the oral side. Specific enrichment of Tgfβ3 and Pthlh signals in the midline epithelial seam at E14.5 suggested a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In summary, this study provides high-resolution transcriptomic information, contributing to a deeper mechanistic understanding of palate biology and pathophysiology.

Identification and molecular mechanisms of novel antioxidant peptides from fermented broad bean paste: A combined in silico and in vitro study

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidative and cytoprotective activity of antioxidant peptides from fermented broad bean paste (FBBP) and explore their potential molecular mechanisms using a combined in silico and in vitro approach. Seven novel antioxidant peptides (VSRRFIYYL, SPAIPLP, PVPPPGG, KKDGYWWAKFK, LAWY, LGFMQF, and LPGCP) identified by integrated approaches of peptidomics and in silico bioinformatic analysis were synthesized, exhibiting strong antioxidant potential against in vitro radicals. Molecular docking results suggested that these peptides could form stable hydrogen bonds and solvent-accessible surface with key amino acid residues of Keap1, thus potentially regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway by occupying the Nrf2-binding site on Keap1. Additionally, they exhibited strong cellular antioxidant activity and could protect HepG2 cells from AAPH-induced oxidative injury by reducing reactive oxygen species and MDA accumulation. This study firstly unraveled the molecular mechanisms of antioxidant peptides from FBBP, and provided a new theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of FBBP.

Coherent Control of the Fine-Structure Qubit in a Single Alkaline-Earth Atom

We report on the first realization of a novel neutral atom qubit encoded in the spin-orbit coupled metastable states ^{3}P_{0} and ^{3}P_{2} of a single ^{88}Sr atom trapped in an optical tweezer. Raman coupling of the qubit states promises rapid single-qubit rotations on par with the fast Rydberg-mediated two-body gates. We demonstrate preparation, readout, and coherent control of the qubit. In addition to driving Rabi oscillations bridging an energy gap of more than 17 THz using a pair of phase-locked clock lasers, we also carry out Ramsey spectroscopy to extract the transverse qubit coherence time T_{2}. When the tweezer is tuned into magic trapping conditions, which is achieved in our setup by tuning the tensor polarizability of the ^{3}P_{2} state via an external control magnetic field, we measure T_{2}=1.2  ms. A microscopic quantum mechanical model is used to simulate our experiments including dominant noise sources. We identify the main constraints limiting the observed coherence time and project improvements to our system in the immediate future. Our Letter opens the door for a so-far-unexplored qubit encoding concept for neutral atom-based quantum computing.

Coupled-Channel Analysis of the χ_{c1}(3872) Line Shape with BESIII Data

We perform a study of the χ_{c1}(3872) line shape using the data samples of e^{+}e^{-}→γχ_{c1}(3872), χ_{c1}(3872)→D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0}, and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ collected with the BESIII detector. The effects of the coupled channels and the off-shell D^{*0} are included in the parametrization of the line shape. The line shape mass parameter is obtained to be M_{X}=(3871.63±0.13_{-0.05}^{+0.06})  MeV. Two poles are found on the first and second Riemann sheets corresponding to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} branch cut. The pole location on the first sheet is much closer to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} threshold than the other, and is determined to be 7.04±0.15_{-0.08}^{+0.07}  MeV above the D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0} threshold with an imaginary part -0.19±0.08_{-0.19}^{+0.14}  MeV.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) in order to improve clinicians' understanding of this disease. Methods: The clinical data of patients diagnosed with PSC in our hospital from January 1, 2015 to November 30, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether radical resection was performed, the patients were divided into resectable group and unresectable group. The characteristics and treatments of PSC in different groups were compared. The survival curves were drawn by Kaplan-Meier method to compare the prognosis of different groups of patients. Results: A total of 43 PSC patients were included, including 32 males, with an average age of (62.79±9.59) years, and 31 smokers. Peripheral-type tumors were more common, with imaging showing predominantly solid soft tissue masses, and the maximum diameter of the tumor was more than 5 cm in 14 patients. Among the 23 patients who underwent NGS gene testing, the KRAS mutation rate was 43.5%, the TP53 mutation rate was 30.4%, and the MET mutation rate was 8.7%, all of which were MET-14 exon skipping mutations. PD-L1 expression was detected in 13 patients, 10 of whom showed high expression. The median overall survival (mOS) of the 43 patients with PSC was 24.6 months (13.0-52.7 months). Among them, 22 patients underwent radical lobectomy plus mediastinal lymph node dissection, 13 patients had postoperative recurrence, and 7 patients died during follow-up. The median disease-free survival (mDFS) was 12.3 months, the mOS was not achieved and the 1-year OS rate was 77.3 %. Twenty-one patients had unresectable locally advanced or advanced stage, and 15 patients died. The mDFS was 2.5 months, the mOS was 6.2 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 42.9 %. Seventeen patients received immunotherapy, and 1 patient received targeted therapy with the MET inhibitor glumetinib. Conclusions: PSC has a higher incidence in the elderly, smokers, and males, is highly malignant and has a poor prognosis. Based on its molecular biological characteristics, PD-L1 expression and tumor molecular detection can be performed to guide treatment options.

Observation of the Anomalous Shape of X(1840) in J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) Indicating a Second Resonance Near pp[over ¯] Threshold

Using a sample of (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events, which is about 45 times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84  GeV/c^{2} in the line shape of the 3(π^{+}π^{-}) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 10σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7  MeV/c^{2} and 30.7±5.5±2.4  MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp[over ¯] bound state.

Effects of supplementing coated methionine in a high plant-protein diet on growth, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of TOR signaling pathway associated genes in gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio

This study explored the impacts of supplementation of different levels of coated methionine (Met) in a high-plant protein diet on growth, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of genes related to TOR signaling pathway in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibeilo). A high-plant protein diet was formulated and used as a basal diet and supplemented with five different levels of coated Met at 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75%, corresponding to final analyzed Met levels of 0.34, 0.49, 0.64, 0.76, 0.92 and 1.06%. Three replicate groups of fish (initial mean weight, 11.37 ± 0.02 g) (20 fish per replicate) were fed the test diets over a 10-week feeding period. The results indicated that with the increase of coated Met level, the final weight, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate initially boosted and then suppressed, peaking at 0.76% Met level (P< 0.05). Increasing dietary Met level led to significantly increased muscle crude protein content (P< 0.05) and reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity (P< 0.05). Using appropriate dietary Met level led to reduced malondialdehyde concentration in hepatopancreas (P< 0.05), improved superoxide dismutase activity (P< 0.05), and enhanced intestinal amylase and protease activities (P< 0.05). The expression levels of genes associated with muscle protein synthesis such as insulin-like growth factor-1, protein kinase B, target of rapamycin and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein-1 mRNA were significantly regulated, peaking at Met level of 0.76% (P< 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing optimal level of coated Met improved on fish growth, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of TOR pathway related genes in muscle. The optimal dietary Met level was determined to be 0.71% of the diet based on quadratic regression analysis of WG.

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.

Enhancing Magnetic Damping under GaAs Band-Edge Photoexcitation in a Co2FeAl/n-GaAs Heterojunction

The ultrafast manipulation of spin in ferromagnet-semiconductor (FM/SC) heterojunctions is a key issue for advancing spintronics, where magnetic damping and interfacial spin transport often define device efficiency. Leveraging selective optical excitation in semiconductors offers a unique approach to spin manipulation in FM/SC heterojunctions. Herein, we investigated the magnetic dynamics of a Co2FeAl/n-GaAs heterojunction using the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr technique and observed the considerably enhanced magnetic damping of Co2FeAl when GaAs is photoexcited near its band edge. This enhancement is attributed to an enhanced spin-pumping effect facilitated by spin-dependent carrier tunneling and capture within the Co2FeAl layer. Moreover, circularly polarized light excites spin-polarized band-edge photocarriers, further impacting the magnetic damping of Co2FeAl through an additional optical spin-transfer torque on the magnetic moment of Co2FeAl. Our results provide a valuable reference for manipulating spin-pumping and interfacial spin transport in FM/SC heterojunctions, showcasing the advantage of optical control of semiconductor photocarriers for the ultrafast manipulation of magnetic dynamics and interfacial spin transfer.

Gab1 Overexpression Attenuates Susceptibility to Ventricular Arrhythmias in Pressure Overloaded Heart Failure Mouse Hearts

PURPOSE

Grb2 associated binding protein 1 (Gab1) is an adaptor protein that is important for intracellular signal transduction which involved in several pathological process. However, the role of Gab1 in pressure overload-induced ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) remain poorly understood. In the current study, we aimed to test the role of Gab1 in VA susceptibility induced by pressure overload.

METHODS

We overexpressed Gab1 in the hearts using an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) system through tail vein injection. Aortic banding (AB) surgery was performed in C57BL6/J mice to induce heart failure (HF). Four weeks following AB, histology, echocardiography, and biochemical analysis were conducted to investigate cardiac structural remodeling and electrophysiological studies were performed to check the electrical remodeling. Western blot analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein expression were downregulated in AB hearts compared to sham hearts. Gab1 overexpression significantly reversed AB-induced cardiac structural remodeling including ameliorated AB-induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, and inflammatory response. Moreover, Gab1 overexpression also markedly alleviated AB-induced electrical remodeling including ion channel alterations and VA susceptibility. Mechanistically, we found that TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB contributes to the cardio protective effect of Gab1 overexpression on AB-induced VAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study manifested that Gab1 may serve as a promising anti-arrhythmic target via inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by AB.

Taste Mechanism of Umami Molecules from Fermented Broad Bean Paste Based on In Silico Analysis and Peptidomics

In this study, in silico analysis and peptidomics were performed to examine the generation mechanism of the umami taste of fermented broad bean paste (FBBP). Based on the information from peptidomics, a total of 470 free peptides were identified from FBBP, most of which were increased after fermentation. Additionally, the increase of the content of umami peptides, organic acids, and amino acids during fermentation contributed to the perception of umami taste in FBBP. Molecule docking results inferred that these umami molecules were easy to connect with Ser, Glu, His, and Gln in the T1R3 subunit through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction force. The binding sites His145, Gln389, and Glu301 particularly contributed to the formation of the ligand-receptor complexes. The aromatic interaction, hydrogen bond, hydrophilicity, and solvent-accessible surface (SAS) played key roles in the receptor-peptide interaction. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue results showed that EDEDE, DLSESV, SNGDDE, DETL, CDLSD, and TDEE screened from FBBP had umami characteristics and umami-enhancing effects (umami threshold values ranging from 0.131 to 0.394 mmol/L). This work provides new insight into the rapid and efficient screening of novel umami peptides and a deeper understanding of the taste mechanisms of umami molecules from FBBP.

[Corrigendum] Bax inhibitor‑1 suppresses early brain injury following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats

Following the publication of the above article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 6 on p. 2898, the 'SAH' and 'SAH+NC' data panels contained an apparently overlapping section of data, such that these data appeared to have been derived from the same original source, even though they were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments. The authors have examined their original data, and realize that the 'SAH+NC' data panel had inadvertently been selected incorrectly for this figure. In addition, in response to a further query from the reader, the authors wished to point out that the standard deviations in their study were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.0a. The revised version of Fig. 6, now showing the correct data for the 'SAH+NC' experiment, is shown on the next page. The authors can confirm that the errors associated with this figure did not have any significant impact on either the results or the conclusions reported in this study, and all the authors agree with the publication of this Corrigendum. The authors are grateful to the Editor of International Journal of Molecular Medicine for allowing them the opportunity to publish this Corrigendum; furthermore, they apologize to the readership of the Journal for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 2891‑2902, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3858].

Major quality regulation network of flavonoid synthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry

Black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) contains various bioactive metabolites represented by flavonoids, which are quite different among production regions. However, the underlying regulation mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry remains unclear. Presently, we compared the bioactivity of black wolfberry from five production regions. Multi-omics were performed to construct the regulation network associated with the fruit bioactivity. The detailed regulation mechanisms were identified using genetic and molecular methods. Typically, Qinghai (QH) fruit exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The higher medicinal activity of QH fruit was closely associated with the accumulation of eight flavonoids, especially Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K3R) and Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin). Flavonoid biosynthesis was found to be more active in QH fruit, and the upregulation of LrFLS, LrCHS, LrF3H and LrCYP75B1 caused the accumulation of K3R and rutin, leading to high medicinal bioactivities of black wolfberry. Importantly, transcription factor LrMYB94 was found to regulate LrFLS, LrCHS and LrF3H, while LrWRKY32 directly triggered LrCYP75B1 expression. Moreover, LrMYB94 interacted with LrWRKY32 to promote LrWRKY32-regulated LrCYP75B1 expression and rutin synthesis in black wolfberry. Transgenic black wolfberry overexpressing LrMYB94/LrWRKY32 contained higher levels of K3R and rutin, and exhibited high medicinal bioactivities. Importantly, the LrMYB94/LrWRKY32-regulated flavonoid biosynthesis was light-responsive, showing the importance of light intensity for the medicinal quality of black wolfberry. Overall, our results elucidated the regulation mechanisms of K3R and rutin synthesis, providing the basis for the genetic breeding of high-quality black wolfberry.

Network meta-analysis of the risk of dyspepsia and anorexia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist hypoglycemic drugs

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the risk of dyspepsia and anorexia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) hypoglycemic drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched papers in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, CNKI, Wanfang, Embase, and VIP databases, and the retrieval time limit was set from the establishment of the database to May 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were collected in which the subjects were T2DM patients, the intervention was GLP-1RA compared with placebo or traditional hypoglycemic drugs, and the outcome indicators included dyspepsia and anorexia. A meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The results of the traditional meta-analysis showed that the risk of dyspepsia and anorexia of total GLP-1 RA was 3.01 and 2.56 times that of placebo, respectively. All types of GLP-1RA were compared with placebo and the results also showed a trend towards increased risk of digestive system adverse events (DSAEs). Among all interventions included, liraglutide was the one with the highest risk of dyspepsia in patients with T2DM, and dulaglutide was the one with the highest risk of anorexia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the two meta-analyses are consistent, and both clearly show that GLP-1RA can increase the risk of dyspepsia and anorexia in T2DM patients.

Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15  PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.

[Surveillance of echinococcosis in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2022]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the echinococcosis surveillance results in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of echinococcosis control measures in the prefecture.

METHODS

Villagers were randomly sampled using a multistage sampling method from class I and II echinococcosis endemic counties in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture from 2017 to 2022 for detection of human echinococcosis, while all patients undergoing ultrasound examinations in medical institutions in class III endemic counties received active echinococcosis screening. In addition, livestock in centralized slaughterhouses or slaughtering sites were screened for echinococcosis using the palpation and necropsy method, and fresh domestic dog feces samples were collected from randomly selected dog owners in each administrative village for detection of Echinococcus copro-antigen in domestic dogs. The trends in detection of human and livestock echinococcosis, detection of newly diagnosed human echinococcosis cases and detection of Echinococcus coproantigen in domestic dogs were analyzed in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture from 2017 to 2022.

RESULTS

The mean detection rate of human echinococcosis was 0.13% (540/407 803) in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture from 2017 to 2022, which appeared a tendency towards a decline over years (χ2trend = 1 217.21, P < 0.001), and the highest detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was seen in Hejing County (0.28%, 191/67 865). The detection of livestock echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline over years from 2017 to 2022 (χ2trend = 147.02, P < 0.001), with the highest detection rate seen in Hejing County (3.44%, 86/2 500), and the detection of Echinococcus copro-antigen in domestic dogs appeared a tendency towards a decline over years from 2017 to 2022 (χ2trend = 302.46, P < 0.001), with the highest detection rate in Qiemo County (2.74%, 118/4 313).

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of human and livestock echinococcosis and dog feces antigens Echinococcus copro-antigen in domestic dogs all appeared a tendency towards a decline in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2022; however, there is still a high echinococcosis transmission risk in local areas. Sustainable integrated echinococcosis control is required in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture.

[Challenges and strategies in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration]

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is currently the primary treatment approach. However, the real-world effectiveness of nAMD treatment is not always satisfactory and faces various challenges. Frequent administration and follow-up burdens can lead to decreased patient compliance during long-term treatment, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Some lesions exhibit poor or no response to anti-VEGF treatment, leading to difficulties in maintaining or even declining visual acuity. Factors such as lesion fibrosis and tissue atrophy can contribute to visual deterioration. Therefore, standardizing and individualizing treatment plans, along with enhancing comprehensive monitoring and management throughout the disease course, are crucial improvement measures. The evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration in China, released in 2023, provide guidance for standardized clinical diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, research and development of new drugs and administration methods are anticipated for the future.

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.

[Gastric hamartomatous inverted polyps: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases]

Objective: To investigate the endoscopic and histopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp (GHIP). Methods: Five cases of GHIP were collected at the University Town Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China, from May 2021 to May 2023. The endoscopic, pathological and immunohistochemical features of the 5 GHIP cases were analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 3 males and 2 females, aged from 49 to 60 years, with a mean age of 56 years. The lesions were located in the fundus and body of the stomach, and presented as polyps or masses under endoscopy. Microscopically, the lesions were mainly in the submucosa and consisted of lobulated or clustered gastric glandular epithelium surrounded by hyperplastic smooth muscle. In some areas, there were differentiated glandular elements mimicking the normal gastric mucosa. The irregularly dilated glandular elements in the center were lined by hyperplastic foveolar epithelium, while the glands in the periphery were fundic or pyloric glands. In addition, in some areas, the glands showed cystic expansion, disordered arrangement and lack of differentiation. The hyperplastic glandular epithelium included foveolar epithelium, fundic gland and pyloric gland. There were scattered neuroendocrine cells and smooth muscle bundles in the stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for MUC5AC, MUC6, Pepsinogen Ⅰ and H+/K+ ATPase β, but negative for MUC2. The scattered neuroendocrine cells were positive for synaptophysin, and the desmin stain highlighted hyperplastic smooth muscle bundles. One case was classified as type 2 gastric inverted polyp, and 4 cases were classified as type 3. Conclusions: GHIP is a rare gastric polyp with unique histological features. It should be distinguished from inverted hyperplastic polyp, gastritis cystica profunda, adenomyoma, hyperplastic polyps and well-differentiated gastric tubular adenocarcinoma, etc. Improving the understanding of its pathogenesis and diagnostic features can help avoid misdiagnoses.

Prognostic implications of CT-defined ground glass opacity in clinical stage I-IIA grade 3 invasive non-mucinous pulmonary adenocarcinoma

AIM

To investigate the prognostic impact of computed tomography (CT)-defined ground glass opacity (GGO) in patients with clinical stage I-IIA grade 3 invasive non-mucinous pulmonary adenocarcinoma (INPA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study retrospectively enrolled 187 patients diagnosed with stage I-IIA grade 3 INPA. Their clinicopathological, radiological, and genetic information was evaluated systematically, and a 5-year follow-up was conducted to monitor disease recurrence and mortality. Patients were stratified based on the presence of a GGO component, and the Cox proportional hazard model was employed to assess the influence of clinicopathological factors and genetic variables on tumour outcomes. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in both OS and RFS based on the presence of a GGO component. The group with GGO exhibited superior OS (p=0.002) and RFS (p=0.029). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of a GGO component (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.412, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.177-0.959, p=0.040), clinical T2 stage (HR=2.473, 95% CI: 1.498-4.083, p<0.001), pathological N2 stage (HR=3.049, 95% CI: 1.800-5.167, p<0.001), and mixed high-grade patterns (HR=2.392, 95% CI: 1.418-4.036, p=0.001) were predictors of RFS.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a GGO component is strongly associated with a favourable prognosis in grade 3 INPA.

[Preliminary clinical application of novel magnetic navigation and ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage through the right liver duct for malignant obstructive jaundice]

Objective: To analyze the clinical application value of a novel magnetic navigation ultrasound (MNU) combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) dual-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD) through the right hepatic duct for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. The clinical data of 64 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice requiring PTCD through the right hepatic duct at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu Province People's Hospital) from December 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The MNU group (n=32) underwent puncture guided by a novel domestic MNU combined with DSA, and the control group (n=32) underwent puncture guided by traditional DSA. The operation time, number of punctures, X-ray dose after biliary stenting as shown by DSA, patients' tolerance of the operation, success rate of the operation, pre- and post-operative total bilirubin, and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The operation time of the MNU group was significantly shorter than that of the control group [(17.8±7.3) vs. (31.6±9.9) min, t=-6.35,P=0.001]; the number of punctures in the MNU group was significantly lower [(1.7±0.6) vs. (6.3±3.9) times, t=-6.59, P=0.001]; and the X-ray dose after biliary stenting as shown by DSA in the MNU group was lower than that in the control group [(132±88) vs. (746±187) mGy, t=-16.81,P<0.001]; Five patients in the control group were unable to tolerate the operation, and two stopped the operation, however all patients in the MNU group could tolerate the operation, and all completed the operation, with a success rate of 100% (32/32) in the MNU group compared to 93.8%(30/32) in the control group; the common complications of PTCD were biliary bleeding and infection, and the incidence of biliary bleeding (25.0%, 8/32) and infection (18.8%, 6/32) in the MNU group was significantly lower than that in the control group, 53.1% (17/32) and 28.1% (9/32), respectively. Conclusion: Magnetic navigation ultrasound combined with DSA dual-guided PTCD through the right biliary system for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice is safe and feasible.

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.

Genomic characteristics of two strains of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST268 isolated from different samples of one patient

OBJECTIVES

This study reports the whole-genome sequences of two strains of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae ST268 and explores their acquired antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the mobile genetic elements (MGEs).

METHODS

Two strains of K. pneumoniae ST268 were isolated from different samples of one patient. Assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility was performed, and then whole-genome sequencing was conducted. Acquired ARGs, insertion sequences, and transposons harboured by the two strains of K. pneumoniae ST268 were identified, and then the genetic contexts associated with the ARGs were analysed systematically.

RESULTS

Two strains of K. pneumoniae ST268 were found to carry the 118.6-kb hybrid IncFIIK:IncQ1:repBR1701 plasmid. All the acquired ARGs carried by the IncF plasmid were found to be situated on the 25.3-kb MDR region bracketed by ISKpn19 and IS26, which was widely present in the plasmids in 14 STs of strains in K. pneumoniae but also in IncF plasmids from Shigella flexneri and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. Notably, the IncF plasmids harbouring the 25.3-kb MDR region were geographically distributed mainly in China, and the pKP161637-1/pKP160802-1 in our study was the first report on the IncF plasmid carrying the 25.3-kb MDR region bracketed in K. pneumoniae ST268.

CONCLUSIONS

Two strains of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae ST268 with a MDR IncF plasmid were identified in a hospital in China. The ARGs were identified on the 25.3-kb MDR region, bracketed by ISKpn19 and IS26, of the IncF plasmids, which were present not only in the K. pneumoniae but also in the S. flexneri and K. quasipneumoniae.

Simulation study on creep deformation of the impeller in lead-bismuth eutectic environment through fluid-solid coupling method

Lead-based reactor is a new type of reactor using liquid lead or lead-bismuth alloy as a coolant. As the core working element of the main pump, the impeller is subjected to a huge load when conveying heavy metal liquids and is highly susceptible to damage. In this study, we used ANSYS and FLUENT software to investigate the stress, deformation, and creep deformation of the nuclear main pump impeller under a liquid lead-bismuth environment by the fluid-solid coupling method. The maximum equivalent force of the impeller was located at the junction of the blade and hub, which was prone to fatigue damage under the action of alternating load. The stress, deformation, and creep characteristics of the impeller blade were observed to generally increase with rotational speed. Particularly, the junction of the blade root and hub exhibited high susceptibility to stress concentration and fatigue damage. At a flow rate of 0.64 m/s and a speed of 690 r/min, the maximum equivalent force was 16.7 MPa, which was lower than the yield strength of 316L stainless steel. Additionally, the maximum deformation was less than 0.63 mm. Over a five-year period, the creep of the impeller ranged from a minimum of 0.228% to a maximum of 0.447%, indicating that the impeller can reliably operate in a liquid lead-bismuth environment for at least five years.

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.

Changes in Microbial Composition During the Succession of Biological Soil Crusts in Alpine Hulun Buir Sandy Land, China

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are considered "desert ecosystem engineers" because they play a vital role in the restoration and stability maintenance of deserts, including those cold sandy land ecosystems at high latitudes, which are especially understudied. Microorganisms participate in the formation and succession of biocrusts, contributing to soil properties' improvement and the stability of soil aggregates, and thus vegetation development. Accordingly, understanding the composition and successional characteristics of microorganisms is a prerequisite for analyzing the ecological functions of biocrusts and related applications. Here, the Hulun Buir Sandy Land region in northeastern China-lying at the highest latitude of any sandy land in the country-was selected for study. Through a field investigation and next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq PE300 Platform), our goal was to assess the shifts in diversity and community composition of soil bacteria and fungi across different stages during the succession of biocrusts in this region, and to uncover the main factors involved in shaping their soil microbial community. The results revealed that the nutrient enrichment capacity of biocrusts for available nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total content of water-soluble salt, available potassium, soil organic matter, and available phosphorus was progressively enhanced by the succession of cyanobacterial crusts to lichen crusts and then to moss crusts. In tandem, soil bacterial diversity increased as biocrust succession proceeded but fungal diversity decreased. A total of 32 bacterial phyla and 11 fungal phyla were identified, these also known to occur in other desert ecosystems. Among those taxa, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria significantly increased and decreased, respectively, along the cyanobacterial crust-lichen-moss crust successional gradient. However, for Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria their changed relative abundance was significantly hump-shaped, increasing in the shift from cyanobacterial crust to lichen crust, and then decreasing as lichen crust shifted to moss crust. In this process, the improved soil properties effectively enhanced soil bacterial and fungal community composition. Altogether, these findings broaden our understanding about how soil microbial properties can change during the succession of biocrusts in high-latitude, cold sandy land ecosystems.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics of children with adenoid hypertrophy and pharyngolaryngeal reflux]

Objectives: To explore the clinical characteristics of children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) by detecting the expression of pepsin in adenoids as a standard for AH with LPR. Methods: A total of 190 children who were admitted for surgical treatment due to AH were included in the study. The main clinical symptoms of the patients were recorded, and the degree of adenoid hypertrophy was evaluated. Before the surgery, Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) were used to evaluate the reflux symptoms. After the surgery, pepsin immunohistochemical staining was performed on the adenoid tissue, and according to the staining results, the patients were divided into study group (pepsin staining positive) and control group (pepsin staining negative). SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Quantitative data conforming to normal distribution between the two groups were tested by two-independent sample t test, and quantitative data with skewed distribution were tested by Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The positive rate of pepsin staining in the 190 AH patients was 78.4% (149/190). The study group had higher levels of preoperative symptoms such as erythema and/or congestion of the pharynx(2.1±0.7 vs. 1.8±0.6,t=2.23), vocal cord edema[1.0(0, 1.0) vs. 1.0(0, 1.0), Z=2.00], diffuse laryngeal edema[0(0, 1.0) vs. 0(0, 0), Z=2.48], posterior commissure hypertrophy[(1.4±0.6 vs. 1.1±0.5), t=2.63], and a higher total score on the RFS scale than the control group(6.2±2.7 vs. 5.0±2.6, t=2.47), with statistical differences (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of RFS score in diagnosing AH with LPR were 24.8% and 80.5%, respectively. When RFS>5 was used as the positive threshold, the sensitivity and specificity of RFS score in diagnosing AH with LPR were 61.1% and 58.5%, respectively. There was a statistical difference in the number of positive cases of RFS score between the study group and the control group(91 vs. 17,χ2=5.04,P=0.032). Conclusions: LPR is common in AH children. Children with AH and LPR have specific performance in electronic laryngoscopy, such as erythema with edema in the pharynx, posterior commissure hypertrophy, and vocal cord edema.

Association of multiple blood metals and systemic atherosclerosis: A cross-sectional study in the CAD population

BACKGROUND

Coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is often accompanied by peripheral atherosclerosis, resulting in a higher risk of ischemia and cardiovascular death. Exposure to metals is associated with atherosclerotic plaques at specific sites. However, less is known about the effects of mixed metals on systemic atherosclerotic burden in CAD patients.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of metal mixtures with systemic atherosclerotic burden in a CAD population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including 1562 CAD patients from Southwest China was conducted. The levels of 10 blood metals were measured via inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. More than one vessel with a stenosis ≥50% vessel diameter was defined as CAD. Carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis was assessed by using ultrasound, and coronary atherosclerosis was quantified via arterial angiography. Systemic atherosclerosis was scored according to the presence or absence of lesions at the three sites and the total number of lesions. To investigate the combined impacts and interaction effects of metals, Bayesian kernel machine regression was used. Weighted quantile regression was used to identify the contributions of the metals.

RESULTS

Significant overall associations of mixed metals with systemic atherosclerotic burden were found. These positive overall associations were mainly driven by Cd, Cu and Pb in systemic atherosclerosis. The main contributing factors were As and Cu for coronary atherosclerosis as well as Cd, Cu and Pb for carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis. Cd and Pb or Cr can interact, and Pb interacts with age, sex and alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

In CAD patients, exposure to combinations of metals was highly positively associated with systemic atherosclerotic burden. These significant trends were more pronounced in the peripheral arteries and carotid arteries. Controlling environmental metal exposure can contribute to reducing systemic atherosclerosis in CAD patients.

The relationship and diagnostic efficacy of N-terminal propeptide type III collagen in pathological changes associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

OBJECTIVE

This study delves into the role of N-terminal propeptide type III collagen (PIIINP) in the diagnosis and management of liver pathological changes associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected baseline information, pathological data, and serum PIIINP levels of 168 patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) via ultrasound imaging in our hospital. Based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS), patients with different NAFLD patterns were divided into a Definite NASH group and a Not/borderline group. Differences in PIIINP levels and pathological features between the two groups were compared and analyzed. The diagnostic value of PIIINP for NASH was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Patients with NASH exhibited significantly higher values of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fibrosis biomarker fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and serum PIIINP levels than those classified as Not/borderline. A marked increase in the serum concentrations of PIIINP was observed with the severity of fatty degeneration, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning. The AUC of PIIINP for diagnosing definite NASH was 0.766 (95% CI: 0.694, 0.839), APRI was 0.634 (95% CI: 0.549, 0.718), and FIB-4 was 0.621 (95% CI: 0.534, 0.708). The AUC of PIIINP for diagnosing definite NASH was significantly higher than that of APRI and FIB-4 (all p<0.05). Utilizing the predetermined threshold values for diagnostic parameters, the PIIINP measure demonstrated a sensitivity of 71.6% and a specificity of 73.6% in diagnosing definitive NASH when its value exceeded 7.72 ng/dL. This yielded a Youden index of 0.45. Similarly, when the APRI measure exceeded 0.21, it exhibited a sensitivity of 60.5% and a specificity of 63.2%, resulting in a Youden index of 0.24. Moreover, when the FIB-4 index surpassed 0.26, it showed a sensitivity of 46.9% and a specificity of 79.3%, culminating in a Youden index of 0.26.

CONCLUSIONS

NASH patients in this study exhibited significantly elevated PIIINP serum levels, which were closely associated with hepatocyte pathological changes. PIIINP demonstrated superior competence in diagnosing NASH than APRI and FIB-4 and thus offers a viable alternative for the clinical diagnosis of NASH.

[A case of acute poisoning of typhonium giganteum engler]

Unicorn lotus is a plant tuber in the araceae family, which has therapeutic effects such as dispelling cold and dampness, dispelling wind and phlegm, and treating stroke. However, acute poisoning of fresh Unicorn lotus has been rarely reported domestically and internationally. This article reports a case of poisoning caused by chewing unicorn lotus. The patient experienced numbness in the lips, swelling and rupture of the oral cavity, continuous salivation, difficulty swallowing and obvious burning sensation in the throat, accompanied by shortness of breath and mild hypoxemia. After receiving comprehensive treatments such as oxygen therapy, electrocardiographic monitoring, cleaning of necrotic oral mucosa, anti infection, inhibition of oral salivary secretion, and nutritional support, the patient finally recovered and was discharged.

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.

Partial substitution of wheat flour with soybean and gluten powder: impact on flavor characteristics of Pixian Douban-Meju and its quality

BACKGROUND

In this study, different proportions of soybean flour and gluten flour were used as partial replacements for wheat flour for the fermentation of Pixian Douban-Meju (PXDB). The aim was to study the effects of soybean flour/gluten flour on the quality improvement of PXDB.

RESULTS

In comparison with the control group (CT) (0% substitution of wheat flour), substitution of wheat flower with 12.5% soybean flour (the H2 group), 7.5% gluten flour (G2), and 10% gluten flour (G3) improved the amino acid nitrogen content by 3.8%, 5.6%, and 9.4% respectively. The mixtures of wheat flour and gluten flour (G2 or G3) increased the organic acid and free amino acid content. The results of two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS) showed that the amount of key aroma substances increased about sixfold in comparison with the CT group (194.61 g.kg-1 ), achieving 1283.67, 1113.883, and 1160.19 g.kg-1 in the H2, G2, and G3 groups, respectively. There were also more aldehydes and pyrazines in all the substitution groups. Quantitative descriptive analysis indicated that the G3 sample presented the best organoleptic quality with a reddish-brown color and a more mellow aroma than the control sample.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the fermentation of G3 resulted in higher quality PXDB-meju, showing that partial substitution of wheat flour with gluten improved the quality of PXDB. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Measurement of the production cross section for a W boson in association with a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The strange quark content of the proton is probed through the measurement of the production cross section for a W boson and a charm (c) quark in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm jets are tagged using the presence of a muon or a secondary vertex inside the jet. The W + c production cross section and the cross section ratio R c ± = σ ( W + + c ¯ ) / σ ( W - + c ) are measured inclusively and differentially as functions of the transverse momentum and the pseudorapidity of the lepton originating from the W boson decay. The precision of the measurements is improved with respect to previous studies, reaching 1% in R c ± = 0.950 ± 0.005 (stat) ± 0.010 (syst) . The measurements are compared with theoretical predictions up to next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Metabolite-based genome-wide association studies enable the dissection of the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine in wolfberry (Lycium)

Wolfberry is a plant with medicinal and food values. However, its bioactive ingredients and the corresponding genetic bases have not been determined. Here, we de novo generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for wolfberry, yielding a genome sequence of ~1.77 Gb with contig N50 of 50.55 Mb and 39 224 predicted gene models. A variation map, using 307 re-sequenced accessions, was called based on this genome assembly. Furthermore, the fruit metabolome of these accessions was profiled using 563 annotated metabolites, which separated Lycium barbarum L. and non-L. barbarum L. The flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and nicotinic acid contents were higher in the former than in the latter. A metabolite-based genome-wide association study mapped 156 164 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms corresponding to 340 metabolites. This included 19 219 unique lead single nucleotide polymorphisms in 1517 significant association loci, of which three metabolites, flavonoids, betaine and spermidine, were highlighted. Two candidate genes, LbUGT (evm.TU.chr07.2692) and LbCHS (evm.TU.chr07.2738), with non-synonymous mutations, were associated with the flavonoids content. LbCHS is a structural gene that interacts with a nearby MYB transcription factor (evm.TU.chr07.2726) both in L. barbarum and L. ruthenicum. Thus, these three genes might be involved in the biosynthesis/metabolism of flavonoids. LbSSADH (evm.TU.chr09.627) was identified as possibly participating in betaine biosynthesis/metabolism. Four lycibarbarspermidines (E-G and O) were identified, and only the lycibarbarspermidines O content was higher in L. barbarum varieties than in non-L. barbarum varieties. The evm.TU.chr07.2680 gene associated with lycibarbarspermidines O was annotated as an acetyl-CoA-benzylalcohol acetyltransferase, suggesting that it is a candidate gene for spermidine biosynthesis. These results provide novel insights into the specific metabolite profile of non-L. barbarum L. and the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine biosynthesis/metabolism.

Comparison of cryobiopsy and forceps biopsy for the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions: A randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the standard approach for lung cancer staging. However, its diagnostic utility for other mediastinal diseases might be hampered by the limited tissue retrieved. Recent evidence suggests the novel sampling strategies of forceps biopsy and cryobiopsy as auxiliary techniques to EBUS-TBNA, considering their capacity for larger diagnostic samples.

METHODS

This study determined the added value of forceps biopsy and cryobiopsy for the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases. Consecutive patients with mediastinal lesions of 1 cm or more in the short axis were enrolled. Following completion of needle aspiration, three forceps biopsies and one cryobiopsy were performed in a randomised pattern. Primary endpoints included diagnostic yield defined as the percentage of patients for whom mediastinal biopsy led to a definite diagnosis, and procedure-related complications.

RESULTS

In total, 155 patients were recruited and randomly assigned. Supplementing EBUS-TBNA with either forceps biopsy or cryobiopsy increased diagnostic yield, with no significant difference between EBUS-TBNA plus forceps biopsy and EBUS-TBNA plus cryobiopsy (85.7 % versus 91.6 %, P = 0.106). Yet, samples obtained by additional cryobiopsies were more qualified for lung cancer molecular testing than those from forceps biopsies (100.0 % versus 89.5 %, P = 0.036). When compared directly, the overall diagnostic yield of cryobiopsy was superior to forceps biopsy (85.7 % versus 70.8 %, P = 0.001). Cryobiopsies produced greater samples in shorter procedural time than forceps biopsies. Two (1.3 %) cases of postprocedural pneumothorax were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy might be a promising complementary tool to supplement traditional needle biopsy for increased diagnostic yield and tissue harvesting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2000030373.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.