A Novel Frameshift Variant of the ELF4 Gene in a Patient with Autoinflammatory Disease: Clinical Features, Transcriptomic Profiling and Functional Studies

We described the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with autoinflammatory disease, named "Deficiency in ELF4, X-linked (DEX)". A novel ELF4 variant was discovered and its pathogenic mechanism was elucidated. The data about clinical, laboratory and endoscopic features, treatment, and follow-up of a patient with DEX were analyzed. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify potential pathogenic variants. The mRNA and protein levels of ELF4 were analyzed by qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The association of ELF4 frameshift variant with nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in the pathogenesis DEX was examined. Moreover, RNA-seq was performed to identify the key molecular events triggered by ELF4 variant. The relationship between ELF4 and IFN-β activity was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and a ChIP-qPCR assay. An 11-year-old boy presented with a Behçet's-like phenotype. The laboratory abnormality was the most obvious in elevated inflammatory indicators. Endoscopy revealed multiple ileocecal ulcers. Intestinal histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltrations. The patient was treated with long-term immunosuppressant and TNF-α blocker (adalimumab), which reaped an excellent response over 16 months of follow-up. Genetic analysis identified a maternal hemizygote frameshift variant (c.1022del, p.Q341Rfs*30) in ELF4 gene in the proband. The novel variant decreased the mRNA level of ELF4 via the NMD pathway. Mechanistically, insufficient expression of ELF4 disturbed the immune system, leading to immunological disorders and pathogen susceptibility, and disrupted ELF4-activating IFN-β responses. This analysis detailed the clinical characteristics of a Chinese patient with DEX who harbored a novel ELF4 frameshift variant. For the first time, we used patient-derived cells and carried out transcriptomic analysis to delve into the mechanism of ELF4 variant in DEX.

Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Ulvan Lyase from Tamlana fucoidanivorans CW2-9

Ulvan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Ulva, and ulvan lyases can degrade ulvan through a β-elimination mechanism to obtain oligosaccharides. In this study, a new ulvan lyase, EPL15085, which belongs to the polysaccharide lyase (PL) 28 family from Tamlana fucoidanivorans CW2-9, was characterized in detail. The optimal pH and salinity are 9.0 and 0.4 M NaCl, respectively. The Km and Vmax of recombinant EPL15085 toward ulvan are 0.80 mg·mL-1 and 11.22 μmol·min -1 mg-1·mL-1, respectively. Unexpectedly, it is very resistant to high temperatures. After treatment at 100 °C, EPL15085 maintained its ability to degrade ulvan. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis and site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that the strong rigidity of the disulfide bond between Cys74-Cys102 in the N-terminus is related to its thermostability. In addition, oligosaccharides with disaccharides and tetrasaccharides were the end products of EPL15085. Based on molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis analysis, Tyr177 and Leu134 are considered to be the crucial residues for enzyme activity. In conclusion, our study identified a new PL28 family of ulvan lyases, EPL15085, with excellent heat resistance that can expand the database of ulvan lyases and provide the possibility to make full use of ulvan.

Amplitude Analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the coefficients associated to short-distance physics effects, sensitive to processes beyond the standard model, are extracted directly from the data through a q^{2}-unbinned amplitude analysis, where q^{2} is the μ^{+}μ^{-} invariant mass squared. Long-distance contributions, which originate from nonfactorizable QCD processes, are systematically investigated, and the most accurate assessment to date of their impact on the physical observables is obtained. The pattern of measured corrections to the short-distance couplings is found to be consistent with previous analyses of b- to s-quark transitions, with the largest discrepancy from the standard model predictions found to be at the level of 1.8 standard deviations. The global significance of the observed differences in the decay is 1.4 standard deviations.

Analysis of the Relationship between Recent Small Subcortical Infarcts and Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD). The study aimed to explore the relationship between Recent Small Subcortical Infarct (RSSI) and Blood Pressure Variability (BPV), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

METHODS

A total of 588 patients from the CSVD registration research database of Henan Province were included in this study, and were divided into two groups according to the presence of RSSI. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, disease history, laboratory indexes, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and electrocardiogram indicators, and imaging markers of CSVD, were collected. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to study the relationship between RSSI and indicators of laboratory, HRV and BPV in the CSVD population.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that higher 24-hour mean Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)[Odds Ratios (OR)=1.083,95% Confidence Intervals (CI)=(1.038,1.129), p < 0.001], Standard Deviation (SD) of 24-hour DBP [OR=1.059,95%CI=(1.000,1.121), p = 0.049], nocturnal mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) [OR=1.020,95%CI=(1.004,1.035), p = 0.012], nocturnal mean DBP [OR=1.025,95%CI=(1.009,1.040), p = 0.002] were independent risk factors for RSSI. In contrast, the decrease of the standard deviation of N-N intervals (SDNN) [OR=0.994,95%CI=(0.989,1.000), p = 0.035] was beneficial to the occurrence of RSSI. In addition, neutrophil counts [OR=1.138,95%CI=(1.030,1.258), p = 0.011], total cholesterol (TC) [OR=1.203,95%CI=(1.008,1.437), p = 0.041] and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) [OR=0.391, 95%CI=(0.195,0.786), p = 0.008] were also independently associated with the occurrence of RSSI. After adjusting for confounding factors, except for TC, the other factors remained associated with the occurrence of RSSI.

CONCLUSION

Increased 24-hour mean DBP, nocturnal mean SBP and DBP, SD of 24-hour DBP and decreased SDNN were independently correlated with RSSI occurrence, suggesting that sympathetic overactivity plays a role in the pathogenesis of RSSI.

[Multiple pulmonary nodules with cavity formation]

A 64-year-old female patient was admitted to Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital on February 21, 2023 because of right-sided chest pain for more than 4 years and left-sided chest pain for more than 9 months. She had a past medical history of previous tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis. A chest CT in October 2018 revealed multiple pulmonary nodules. A CT-guided biopsy showed no tumors, and adenosine deaminase levels in the pleural effusion were elevated, suggesting a high likelihood of tuberculosis. As a result, anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated in March 2019. In December 2019, she underwent a right lower lobe resection due to localized hydropneumothorax on the right side. Postoperative pathology unveiled granulomatous inflammation with necrosis. A chest CT in May 2020 showed a significant increase in nodules and cavities. In January 2023, a diagnosis of cryptococcal pneumonia was considered, and she was prescribed oral fluconazole. Finally, the diagnosis of pulmonary rheumatoid nodules was confirmed after a pathological consultation of the postoperative specimen. After one month of treatment with oral prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil, a follow-up chest CT showed improvement. It was recommended that she continue with her current treatment and undergo regular chest CT scans.

Fraction of χ_{c} Decays in Prompt J/ψ Production Measured in pPb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The fraction of χ_{c1} and χ_{c2} decays in the prompt J/ψ yield, F_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}=σ_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}/σ_{J/ψ}, is measured by the LHCb detector in pPb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV. The study covers the forward (1.5 Collapse

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Observation of Cabibbo-Suppressed Two-Body Hadronic Decays and Precision Mass Measurement of the Ω_{c}^{0} Baryon

The first observation of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+} and Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} decays is reported, using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector between 2016 and 2018. The branching fraction ratios are measured to be B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[6.08±0.51(stat)±0.40(syst)]%,B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[15.81±0.87(stat)±0.44(syst)±0.16(ext)]%. In addition, using the Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+} decay channel, the Ω_{c}^{0} baryon mass is measured to be M(Ω_{c}^{0})=2695.28±0.07(stat)±0.27(syst)±0.30(ext)  MeV, improving the precision of the previous world average by a factor of 4.

Enhanced Production of Λ_{b}^{0} Baryons in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of Λ_{b}^{0} baryons relative to B^{0} mesons in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} production cross sections shows a significant dependence on both the transverse momentum and the measured charged-particle multiplicity. At low multiplicity, the ratio measured at LHCb is consistent with the value measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, and increases by a factor of ∼2 with increasing multiplicity. At relatively low transverse momentum, the ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} cross sections is higher than what is measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, but converges with the e^{+}e^{-} ratio as the momentum increases. These results imply that the evolution of heavy b quarks into final-state hadrons is influenced by the density of the hadronic environment produced in the collision. Comparisons with several models and implications for the mechanisms enforcing quark confinement are discussed.

Improved Measurement of CP Violation Parameters in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} Decays in the Vicinity of the ϕ(1020) Resonance

The decay-time-dependent CP asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K^{+}K^{-} decays is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Using a sample of approximately 349 000 B_{s}^{0} signal decays with an invariant K^{+}K^{-} mass in the vicinity of the ϕ(1020) resonance, the CP-violating phase ϕ_{s} is measured, along with the difference in decay widths of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} system, ΔΓ_{s}, and the difference of the average B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} meson decay widths, Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}. The values obtained are ϕ_{s}=-0.039±0.022±0.006  rad, ΔΓ_{s}=0.0845±0.0044±0.0024  ps^{-1}, and Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}=-0.0056_{-0.0015}^{+0.0013}±0.0014  ps^{-1}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. These are the most precise single measurements to date and are consistent with expectations based on the Standard Model and with the previous LHCb analyses of this decay. These results are combined with previous independent LHCb measurements. The phase ϕ_{s} is also measured independently for each polarization state of the K^{+}K^{-} system and shows no evidence for polarization dependence.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→ψ(→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-})K_{S}^{0}(→π^{+}π^{-}) Decays

A measurement of time-dependent CP violation in the decays of B^{0} and B[over ¯]^{0} mesons to the final states J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0}, ψ(2S)(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0} and J/ψ(→e^{+}e^{-})K_{S}^{0} with K_{S}^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the LHCb detector. The CP-violation parameters are measured to be S_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.717±0.013(stat)±0.008(syst) and C_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.008±0.012(stat)±0.003(syst). This measurement of S_{ψK_{S}^{0}} represents the most precise single measurement of the CKM angle β to date and is more precise than the current world average. In addition, measurements of the CP-violation parameters of the individual channels are reported and a combination with the LHCb Run 1 measurements is performed.

A rare case of primary central nervous system histiocytic sarcoma harboring a novel ARHGAP45::BRAF fusion: a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Patients with histiocytic sarcoma occurring in the central nervous system (CNS) are rare and have a very poor prognosis. The increased use of molecular diagnostic approaches in solid tumors has brought more opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system histiocytic sarcoma (CNSHS).

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 9-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with pain in her head and neck, as well as vomiting. Imaging scans showed a prominent abnormality in the anterior falciform region, and histopathology revealed the presence of CD68 (+) and CD163 (+) cells, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of primary intracerebral CNSHS. Molecular profiling tests identified a new variant of ARHGAP45::BRAF fusion in this case, which has not been reported in any other tumor. The patient underwent surgical removal of the tumor and will require long-term monitoring.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the BRAF point mutation, predominantly BRAF p.V600E, has been documented in prior literature of CNSHS. This is the first case of pediatric histiocytic sarcoma in the anterior falciform region who has a unique ARHGAP45::BRAF fusion. The findings of our study indicate that a broader range of molecular assays should be employed in the diagnosis of CNSHS and opens up new possibilities for the treatment of the patient.

Frontiers and advances in N-heterocycle compounds as corrosion inhibitors in acid medium: Recent advances

The acid solution is widely used in chemical cleaning, oil well acidifying, and other fields, which also brings the problem of metal corrosion that cannot be underestimated. However, adding an inhibitor is one of the most convenient and effective ways to slow down metal corrosion. N-heterocyclic compounds with high stability and durability, in line with the strategy of sustainable development, have been widely studied in an acidic environment. Imidazole, pyridine, and quinoline compounds, as the most commonly used corrosion inhibitors, can form a compact protective film via π electron cloud shifting towards the N atoms to generate coordination function. In particular, flexible modifiability makes N-heterocyclic compounds adapt to different corrosion environments readily, conducive to the formation of chemical bonds between compounds with metal surfaces to be better adsorption, so as to avoid the blemish of traditional inhibitors (such as inorganic salt and organic amines inhibitors) due to excessive usage, surface roughness of metal or environmental factor (for instance, temperature, pH and metallic) causing loose bonding between film and metal surface. More importantly, the efficient corrosion inhibition and toxicity of N-heterocyclic compounds have close to do with their own functional groups. Combined with the latest research achievement, the effects of different substituents on the corrosion inhibition and corrosion inhibition mechanisms were systematically reviewed in the acid-corrosive solution of imidazole, pyridine, and quinoline and their derivatives in this review article, respectively. In addition, the application and function of density functional theory in predicting the corrosion inhibition effect of corrosion inhibitors are also discussed. The future development trend was prospected according to the summarized research results.

Observation of New Baryons in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} and Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} Systems

The first observation and study of two new baryonic structures in the final state Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} and the confirmation of the Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} state in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} decay mode are reported using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. In addition, the properties of the known Ξ_{b}^{*0}, Ξ_{b}^{'-} and Ξ_{b}^{*-} resonances are measured with improved precision. The new decay mode of the Ξ_{b}^{0} baryon to the Ξ_{c}^{+} π^{-} π^{+} π^{-} final state is observed and exploited for the first time in these measurements.

Precision Measurement of CP Violation in the Penguin-Mediated Decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ

A flavor-tagged time-dependent angular analysis of the decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ is performed using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at the center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}. The CP-violating phase and direct CP-violation parameter are measured to be ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.042±0.075±0.009  rad and |λ|=1.004±0.030±0.009, respectively, assuming the same values for all polarization states of the ϕϕ system. In these results, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These parameters are also determined separately for each polarization state, showing no evidence for polarization dependence. The results are combined with previous LHCb measurements using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.074±0.069  rad and |λ|=1.009±0.030. This is the most precise study of time-dependent CP violation in a penguin-dominated B meson decay. The results are consistent with CP symmetry and with the standard model predictions.

Measurement of the Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} Differential Branching Fraction

The branching fraction of the rare decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} is measured for the first time, in the squared dimuon mass intervals q^{2}, excluding the J/ψ and ψ(2S) regions. The data sample analyzed was collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The result in the highest q^{2} interval, q^{2}>15.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, where theoretical predictions have the smallest model dependence, agrees with the predictions.

Observation of New Ω_{c}^{0} States Decaying to the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} Final State

Two new excited states, Ω_{c}(3185)^{0} and Ω_{c}(3327)^{0}, are observed in the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} invariant-mass spectrum using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Five previously observed excited Ω_{c}^{0} states are confirmed, namely Ω_{c}(3000)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3050)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3065)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3090)^{0}, and Ω_{c}(3119)^{0}. The masses and widths of these seven states are measured with the highest precision to date.

Evidence of a J/ψK_{S}^{0} Structure in B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} decays is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. Evidence with a significance of 4.0 standard deviations of a structure in the J/ψK_{S}^{0} system, named T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0}, is seen, with its mass and width measured to be 3991_{-10}^{+12} _{-17}^{+9}  MeV/c^{2} and 105_{-25}^{+29} _{-23}^{+17}  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0} state is likely to be the isospin partner of the T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{+} state, previously observed in the J/ψK^{+} system of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. When isospin symmetry for the charged and neutral T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000) states is assumed, the signal significance increases to 5.4 standard deviations.

Tumor microenvironment-mediated NIR-I-to-NIR-II transformation of Au self-assembly for theranostics

The misdiagnosis of tumors due to insufficient penetration depth or signal interference and damage to normal tissues due to indiscriminate treatment are the biggest challenges in using photothermal agents for clinical translation. To overcome these limitations, a strategy of switching from the near-infrared (NIR)-I region to the NIR-II region was developed based on tumor microenvironment (TME)-mediated gold (Au) self-assembly. Using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) metal-organic framework-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs@ZIF-8) as a model photothermal agent, we demonstrated that only a NIR-I photoacoustic imaging signal was observed in normal tissue because ZIF-8 could prevent the aggregation of AuNRs. However, when ZIF-8 dissociated in the TME, the AuNRs aggregated to activate NIR-II photoacoustic imaging and attenuate the NIR-I signal, thereby allowing an accurate diagnosis of tumors based on signal transformation. Notably, TME-activated NIR-II photothermal therapy could also inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, this TME-activated NIR-I-to-NIR-II switching strategy could improve the accuracy of deep-tumor diagnoses and avoid the injury caused by undifferentiated treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Photothermal agents used for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy have garnered great attention for tumor theranostics. However, always "turned on" near-infrared (NIR)-I laser (700-1000 nm)-responsive photothermal agents face issues of penetration depth and damage to normal tissues. In contrast, tumor microenvironment-activated NIR-II "smart" photothermal agents exhibit deeper penetration depth and tumor selectivity. Therefore, a NIR-I-to-NIR-II switching strategy was developed based on tumor microenvironment-mediated Au self-assembly. This work provides a new strategy for developing tumor microenvironment-activated NIR-II smart photothermal agents.

Measurement of the Ratios of Branching Fractions R(D^{*}) and R(D^{0})

The ratios of branching fractions R(D^{*})≡B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) and R(D^{0})≡B(B^{-}→D^{0}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B^{-}→D^{0}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) are measured, assuming isospin symmetry, using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν_{τ}ν[over ¯]_{μ}. The measured values are R(D^{*})=0.281±0.018±0.024 and R(D^{0})=0.441±0.060±0.066, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The correlation between these measurements is ρ=-0.43. The results are consistent with the current average of these quantities and are at a combined 1.9 standard deviations from the predictions based on lepton flavor universality in the standard model.

Measurement of the Prompt D^{0} Nuclear Modification Factor in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The production of prompt D^{0} mesons in proton-lead collisions in both the forward and backward rapidity regions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The nuclear modification factor of prompt D^{0} mesons is determined as a function of the transverse momentum p_{T}, and the rapidity in the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass frame y^{*}. In the forward rapidity region, significantly suppressed production with respect to pp collisions is measured, which provides significant constraints on models of nuclear parton distributions and hadron production down to the very low Bjorken-x region of ∼10^{-5}. In the backward rapidity region, a suppression with a significance of 2.0-3.8 standard deviations compared to parton distribution functions in a nuclear environment expectations is found in the kinematic region of p_{T}>6  GeV/c and -3.25 Collapse

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Measurement of the Time-Integrated CP Asymmetry in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} Decays

The time-integrated CP asymmetry in the Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.7  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. The D^{0} mesons are required to originate from promptly produced D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} decays, and the charge of the companion pion is used to determine the flavor of the charm meson at production. The time-integrated CP asymmetry is measured to be A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})=[6.8±5.4±1.6]×10^{-4} where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The direct CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, a_{K^{-}K^{+}}^{d} and a_{π^{-}π^{+}}^{d}, are derived by combining A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+}) with the time-integrated CP asymmetry difference, ΔA_{CP}=A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), and other inputs, giving a_{K^{-}K^{+}}^{d}=(7.7±5.7)×10^{-4},a_{π^{-}π^{+}}^{d}=(23.2±6.1)×10^{-4},with a correlation coefficient corresponding to ρ=0.88. The compatibility of these results with CP symmetry is 1.4 and 3.8 standard deviations for D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, respectively. This is the first evidence for direct CP violation in a specific D^{0} decay.

Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯]) and B(B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])

Searches for the rare hadronic decays B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] and B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] are performed using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Significances of 9.3σ and 4.0σ, including statistical and systematic uncertainties, are obtained for the B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] and B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] signals, respectively. The branching fractions are measured relative to the topologically similar normalization decays B^{0}→J/ψ(→pp[over ¯])K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-}) and B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→pp[over ¯])⁢ϕ(→K^{+}K^{-}). The branching fractions are measured to be B(B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])=(2.2±0.4±0.1±0.1)×10^{-8} and B(B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])=(2.3±1.0±0.2±0.1)×10^{-8}. In these measurements, the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third one is due to the external branching fraction of the normalization channel.

Observation of a Resonant Structure near the D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} Threshold in the B^{+}→D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-}K^{+} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{+}→D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-}K^{+} decay is carried out to study for the first time its intermediate resonant contributions, using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. A near-threshold peaking structure, referred to as X(3960), is observed in the D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} invariant-mass spectrum with significance greater than 12 standard deviations. The mass, width, and the quantum numbers of the structure are measured to be 3956±5±10  MeV, 43±13±8  MeV, and J^{PC}=0^{++}, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The properties of the new structure are consistent with recent theoretical predictions for a state composed of cc[over ¯]ss[over ¯] quarks. Evidence for an additional structure is found around 4140 MeV in the D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} invariant mass, which might be caused either by a new resonance with the 0^{++} assignment or by a J/ψϕ↔D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} coupled-channel effect.

Evidence for Modification of b Quark Hadronization in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of B_{s}^{0} mesons relative to B^{0} mesons is measured by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV over the forward rapidity interval 2 Collapse

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Test of Lepton Universality in b→sℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Decays

The first simultaneous test of muon-electron universality using B^{+}→K^{+}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} and B^{0}→K^{*0}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} decays is performed, in two ranges of the dilepton invariant-mass squared, q^{2}. The analysis uses beauty mesons produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Each of the four lepton universality measurements reported is either the first in the given q^{2} interval or supersedes previous LHCb measurements. The results are compatible with the predictions of the Standard Model.

First Observation of a Doubly Charged Tetraquark and Its Neutral Partner

A combined amplitude analysis is performed for the decays B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}D_{s}^{+}π^{-} and B^{+}→D^{-}D_{s}^{+}π^{+}, which are related by isospin symmetry. The analysis is based on data collected by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The full data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Two new resonant states with masses of 2.908±0.011±0.020  GeV and widths of 0.136±0.023±0.013  GeV are observed, which decay to D_{s}^{+}π^{+} and D_{s}^{+}π^{-} respectively. The former state indicates the first observation of a doubly charged open-charm tetraquark state with minimal quark content [cs[over ¯]ud[over ¯]], and the latter state is a neutral tetraquark composed of [cs[over ¯]u[over ¯]d] quarks. Both states are found to have spin-parity of 0^{+}, and their resonant parameters are consistent with each other, which suggests that they belong to an isospin triplet.

Search for Rare Decays of D^{0} Mesons into Two Muons

A search for the very rare D^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is performed using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The search is optimized for D^{0} mesons from D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} decays but is also sensitive to D^{0} mesons from other sources. No evidence for an excess of events over the expected background is observed. An upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay is set at B(D^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<3.1×10^{-9} at a 90% C.L. This represents the world's most stringent limit, constraining models of physics beyond the standard model.

Nuclear Modification Factor of Neutral Pions in the Forward and Backward Regions in p-Pb Collisions

The nuclear modification factor of neutral pions is measured in proton-lead collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 8.16 TeV with the LHCb detector. The π^{0} production cross section is measured differentially in transverse momentum (p_{T}) for 1.5 Collapse

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Observation of a J/ψΛ Resonance Consistent with a Strange Pentaquark Candidate in B^{-}→J/ψΛp[over ¯] Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{-}→J/ψΛp[over ¯] decays is performed using 4400 signal candidates selected on a data sample of pp collisions recorded at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. A narrow resonance in the J/ψΛ system, consistent with a pentaquark candidate with strangeness, is observed with high significance. The mass and the width of this new state are measured to be 4338.2±0.7±0.4  MeV and 7.0±1.2±1.3  MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The spin is determined to be 1/2 and negative parity is preferred. Because of the small Q-value of the reaction, the most precise single measurement of the B^{-} mass to date, 5279.44±0.05±0.07  MeV, is obtained.

Correlation between neutrophil gelatinase phase lipocalin and cerebral small vessel disease

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is common in the elderly population. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. NGAL causes pathological changes, such as damage to the vascular endothelium, by causing inflammation, which results in other related diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum NGAL levels could predict disease severity in patients with CSVD.

Methods

The patients with CSVD who visited the Department of Neurology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2018 and June 2022 were prospectively included. The total CSVD burden score was calculated using whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the patients were divided into a mild group (total CSVD burden score < 2 points) and a severe group (total CSVD burden score ≥ 2 points). Age, sex, height, smoking and alcohol consumption history, medical history, and serological results of patients were collected to perform the univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors that affect CSVD severity. The multiple linear regression method was used to analyze which individual CSVD markers (periventricular white matter hyperintensities, deep white matter hyperintensities, lacune, and cerebral microbleed) play a role in the association between total CSVD burden score and NGAL.

Results

A total of 427 patients with CSVD (140 in the mild group and 287 in the severe group) were included in the study. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were significantly associated with CSVD severity: male sex [odds ratio(OR), 1.912; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.150-3.179], age (OR, 1.046; 95% CI, 1.022-1.070), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR, 3.050; 95% CI, 1.764-5.274), serum NGAL level (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.002-1.008), and diabetes (OR, 2.593; 95% CI, 1.424-4.722). A multivariate linear regression shows that periventricular white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleed are associated with serum NGAL concentrations (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Serum NGAL level is closely related to CSVD severity and is a risk factor for the burden of CSVD brain damage. Serum NGAL has high specificity in reflecting the severity of CSVD.

Satellite record reveals 1960s acceleration of Totten Ice Shelf in East Antarctica

Wilkes Land and Totten Glacier (TG) in East Antarctica (EA) have been losing ice mass significantly since 1989. There is a lack of knowledge of long-term mass balance in the region which hinders the estimation of its contribution to global sea level rise. Here we show that this acceleration trend in TG has occurred since the 1960s. We reconstruct ice flow velocity fields of 1963-1989 in TG from the first-generation satellite images of ARGON and Landsat-1&4, and build a five decade-long record of ice dynamics. We find a persistent long-term ice discharge rate of 68 ± 1 Gt/y and an acceleration of 0.17 ± 0.02 Gt/y² from 1963 to 2018, making TG the greatest contributor to global sea level rise in EA. We attribute the long-term acceleration near grounding line from 1963 to 2018 to basal melting likely induced by warm modified Circumpolar Deep Water. The speed up in shelf front during 1973-1989 was caused by a large calving front retreat. As the current trend continues, intensified monitoring in the TG region is recommended in the next decades.

Therapeutic Effect of Polaprezinc on Reflux Esophagitis in the Rat Model

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To explore the protective effects and therapeutic mechanism of Esomeprazole (PPI), polaprezinc granule (PZ), and PPI + PZ on reflux esophagitis (RE) in the rat model.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups, which contain the control group, the acid cessation group (0.7% HCl, Q3D × 4), and the acid persistence group (0.7% HCl, Q3D × 11). PPI was administered by gavage at 8 mg·kg^-1 body weight and PZ was administered by gavage at 120 mg·kg^-1 body weight once a day for 15 days. The gastric cardia tissue of the feeding tube was observed under the light microscope, and the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured by ELISA. The expression of EGFR, Akt, p-Akt, and p-mTOR was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-8 and PGE2 were significantly increased in the model group, but decreased in all groups after treatment. In the acid cessation group, PZ treatment had the most significant effect on reducing IL-8 levels and PPI + PZ treatment had the most significant effect on reducing PGE2 levels. In the acid persistence group, the PPI treatment had the most significant effect on reducing the levels of IL-8 and PGE2, and the PZ treatment could also significantly reduce their levels, close to the normal value. Western blot results showed that the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway protein was increased in the model group, while its expression was decreased after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Polaprezinc has a significant therapeutic effect on RE in rats, which can reduce the levels of IL-8 and PGE2 and downregulate the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway protein. The efficacy of polaprezinc in the treatment of reflux esophagitis is comparable to that of PPI, and the combination of them is more effective in the reflux esophagitis treatment.

Metagenomic insights into dietary remodeling of gut microbiota and antibiotic resistome in meat rabbits

The gut microbiota is a repository of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which may affect the health of humans and animals. The intestinal flora is affected by many factors but it is unclear how the intestinal microflora and antibiotic resistome in rabbits might change under dietary intervention. Feeding with lettuce led to the amplification and transfer of exogenous ARGs in the intestinal flora, but there were no significant differences when fed lettuces grown with different manure types. For example, the lsaC of lettuce fed with bovine, chicken and pig manure without adding organic fertilizer increased by 0.143, 0.151, 0.179 and 0.169 logs respectively after 4 weeks, and the efrB also increased by 0.074, 0.068, 0.079 and 0.106 logs respectively. Network analysis showed that Clostridium_ sensu_ stricto_ 18 was a potential host of type 6 virulence factor genes (VFGs). Mantel analysis showed that ARGs were directly influenced by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and VFGs. Thus, feeding rabbits lettuce grown with different manure types contribute to the transmission of ARGs by remodeling the intestinal microenvironment. In addition, diet may affect exogenous ARGs to change the intestinal antibiotic resistome and possibly threaten health.

Melt rates in the kilometer-size grounding zone of Petermann Glacier, Greenland, before and during a retreat

Warming of the ocean waters surrounding Greenland plays a major role in driving glacier retreat and the contribution of glaciers to sea level rise. The melt rate at the junction of the ocean with grounded ice-or grounding line-is, however, not well known. Here, we employ a time series of satellite radar interferometry data from the German TanDEM-X mission, the Italian COSMO-SkyMed constellation, and the Finnish ICEYE constellation to document the grounding line migration and basal melt rates of Petermann Glacier, a major marine-based glacier of Northwest Greenland. We find that the grounding line migrates at tidal frequencies over a kilometer-wide (2 to 6 km) grounding zone, which is one order of magnitude larger than expected for grounding lines on a rigid bed. The highest ice shelf melt rates are recorded within the grounding zone with values from 60 ± 13 to 80 ± 15 m/y along laterally confined channels. As the grounding line retreated by 3.8 km in 2016 to 2022, it carved a cavity about 204 m in height where melt rates increased from 40 ± 11 m/y in 2016 to 2019 to 60 ± 15 m/y in 2020 to 2021. In 2022, the cavity remained open during the entire tidal cycle. Such high melt rates concentrated in kilometer-wide grounding zones contrast with the traditional plume model of grounding line melt which predicts zero melt. High rates of simulated basal melting in grounded glacier ice in numerical models will increase the glacier sensitivity to ocean warming and potentially double projections of sea level rise.

Tumor microenvironment responsive T1-T2 dual-mode contrast agent Fe3O4@ZIF-8-Zn-Mn NPs for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging

Activated T₁-T₂ contrast agents can effectively improve the sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the construction of such contrast agents still remains a great challenge. In this work, a pH- and glutathione (GSH)-responsive T₁-T₂ dual-mode contrast agent, Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8-Zn-Mn nanoparticles (NPs), with simple components was constructed via simply assembly of paramagnetic Mn²⁺ ions (as T₁ contrast agent) and Fe₃O₄ NPs (as T₂ contrast agent) into a pH- and GSH-sensitive Zn-zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) matrix. Under neutral conditions, Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8-Zn-Mn NPs show good stability and weak T₁-T₂ dual-mode MRI contrast effect (r₁ = 0.82 mM^-1 s^-1, r₂ = 21.28 mM^-1 s^-1) due to the magnetic interference between Fe₃O₄ NPs and paramagnetic Mn²⁺ ions. In contrast, under acidic environment (pH = 6.5-5.5) and in the present GSH (0-4 mM), Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8-Zn-Mn NPs can be disassembled and release Fe₃O₄ NPs and paramagnetic Mn²⁺ ions, which causes simultaneous recovery of T₁ and T₂ imaging performances with enhanced r₁ and r₂ relaxation values up to 6.9 and 9.9 times, respectively. Moreover, in vivo MRI experiments showed that after the intravenous injection of Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8-Zn-Mn NPs for about one hour, the T₁-weighted imaging of the tumor site becomes brighter with T₁ signal enhanced by about 31%, while the T₂-weighted imaging of the tumor site becomes darker with T₂ signal enhanced by nearly 30%, suggesting the great potential of Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8-Zn-Mn NPs to be used as a tumor microenvironment-responsive T₁-T₂ dual-mode contrast agent for sensitive tumor imaging.

Knockdown of phosphatases of regenerating liver-1 prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via activating DAF-16/FOXO

Phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRLs) are dual-specificity protein phosphatases. The aberrant expression of PRLs threatens human health, but their biological functions and pathogenic mechanisms are unclear yet. Herein, the structure and biological functions of PRLs were investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Structurally, this phosphatase in C. elegans, named PRL-1, consisted of a conserved signature sequence WPD loop and a single C(X)₅ R domain. Besides, by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, PRL-1 was proved to mainly express in larval stages and express in intestinal tissues. Afterward, by feeding-based RNA-interference method, knockdown of prl-1 prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans but also improved their healthspan, such as locomotion, pharyngeal pumping frequency, and defecation interval time. Furthermore, the above effects of prl-1 appeared to be taken without acting on germline signaling, diet restriction pathway, insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling pathway, and SIR-2.1 but through a DAF-16-dependent pathway. Moreover, knockdown of prl-1 induced the nuclear translocation of DAF-16, and upregulated the expression of daf-16, sod-3, mtl-1, and ctl-2. Finally, suppression of prl-1 also reduced the ROS. In conclusion, suppression of prl-1 enhanced the lifespan and survival quality of C. elegans, which provides a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of PRLs in related human diseases.

Novel Classification System of Adenoids Based on Appearance and Its Relationship with Drug Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Adenoidectomy is a common procedure in children who have adenoid hypertrophy (AH), but anesthesia risks should be considered. We proposed a novel classification system for adenoids based on their appearance. Additionally, we explored whether the novel classification of adenoids correlates with the response to therapy and thus might be helpful for further treatment recommendations.

METHODS

We used fiberoptic nasal endoscopy to determine the degree and appearance of AH. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Questionnaire (OSA-18) was used to assess the quality of life of children with AH. The adenoids were divided into three types: edematous type, common type, and fibrous type. In adenoid tissues, the eosinophils were counted. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were done to determine the expression of CysLTR1, CysLTR2, CGR-α, and CGR-β in different types of adenoids.

RESULTS

70.67% (106/150) of AH patients presented with allergic rhinitis (AR), and of them, 68% (72/106) of adenoids were the edematous type. The expressions of CGR-α, CGR-β, and eosinophil count were higher in the edematous compared with the common and fibrous types. The expression of the leukotriene receptor was similar in all types. Upon montelukast combined with nasal glucocorticoid therapy, improvement of OSA-18 scores and AH grade was significantly compared to montelukast monotherapy for edematous type. There was not any statistically significant difference between the scores upon montelukast combined with nasal glucocorticoid and montelukast monotherapy for common and fibrous type. We observed a positive correlation between eosinophil count in the blood and in the adenoid tissue.

CONCLUSION

AR was the risk factor for the development of edematous AH. All subtypes of AH responded to montelukast, while there was an additional effect of nasal glucocorticoid in the edematous type. A combination therapy of nasal glucocorticoid with leukotriene receptor antagonist can be recommended for AH patients with AR, patients with edematous adenoids, and/or patients with increased eosinophils in blood routine.

A prediction model of users' attention transfer in the context of multitopic competition

Purpose

Multiple topics often exist on social media platforms that compete for users' attention. To explore how users’ attention transfers in the context of multitopic competition can help us understand the development pattern of the public attention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes the prediction model for the attention transfer behavior of social media users in the context of multitopic competition and reveals the important influencing factors of users' attention transfer. Microblogging features are selected from the dimensions of users, time, topics and competitiveness. The microblogging posts on eight topic categories from Sina Weibo, the most popular microblogging platform in China, are used for empirical analysis. A novel indicator named transfer tendency of a feature value is proposed to identify the important factors for attention transfer.

Findings

The accuracy of the prediction model based on Light GBM reaches 91%. It is found that user features are the most important for the attention transfer of microblogging users among all the features. The conditions of attention transfer in all aspects are also revealed.

Originality/value

The findings can help governments and enterprises understand the competition mechanism among multiple topics and improve their ability to cope with public opinions in the complex environment.

Effect of Substrate Surface Charges on Proton Conduction of Ultrathin Nafion Films

A potential approach to enhance the suppressed proton conductivity of nanoscale ultrathin Nafion films is to adjust the ionomer structure via regulating the catalyst-ionomer interaction. To understand the interaction between substrate surface charges and Nafion molecules, self-assembled ultrathin films (∼20 nm) were prepared on the SiO₂ model substrates, which were modified with silane coupling agents to carry either negative (COO^-) or positive (NH₃⁺) charges. Specifically, the surface energy, phase separation, and proton conductivity were investigated by contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and microelectrodes to illuminate the relationship between the substrate surface charge, thin-film nanostructure, and proton conduction. Compared to electrically neutral substrates, ultrathin films formed faster on the negatively charged substrate with an 83% increase in proton conductivity but formed more slowly on the positively charged substrate, with proton conductivity decreased by 35% at 50 °C. The surface charges interact with sulfonic acid groups of Nafion molecules to alter molecular orientation, resulting in different surface energies and phase separation, which are responsible for proton conductivity variation.

Tamlana laminarinivorans sp. nov. and Tamlana sargassicola sp. nov., two novel species isolated from Sargassum, show genomic and physiological adaptations for a Sargassum-associated lifestyle

The genus Tamlana from the Bacteroidota currently includes six validated species. Two strains designated PT2-4T and 62-3T were isolated from Sargassum abundant at the Pingtan island coast in the Fujian Province of China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the closest described relative of strains PT2-4T and 62-3T is Tamlana sedimentorum JCM 19808T with 98.40 and 97.98% sequence similarity, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain PT2-4T and strain 62-3T was 98.68 %. Furthermore, the highest average nucleotide identity values were 87.34 and 88.97 % for strains PT2-4T and 62-3T, respectively. The highest DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) value of strain PT2-4T was 35.2 % with strain 62-3T, while the DDH value of strain 62-3T was 37.7 % with T. sedimentorum JCM 19808T. Growth of strains PT2-4T and 62-3T occurs at 15-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C) with 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0-1 %). Strains PT2-4T and 62-3T can grow from pH 5.0 to 10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). The major fatty acids of strains PT2-4T and 62-3T are iso-C15 : 0 and iso G-C15 : 1. MK-6 is the sole respiratory quinone. Genomic and physiological analyses of strains PT2-4T and 62-3T showed corresponding adaptive features. Significant adaptation to the growth environment of macroalgae includes the degradation of brown algae-derived diverse polysaccharides (alginate, laminarin and fucoidan). Notably, strain PT2-4T can utilize laminarin, fucoidan and alginate via specific carbohydrate-active enzymes encoded in polysaccharide utilization loci, rarely described for the genus Tamlana to date. Based on their distinct physiological characteristics and the traits of utilizing polysaccharides from Sargassum, strains PT2-4T and 62-3T are suggested to be classified into two novel species, Tamlana laminarinivorans sp. nov. and Tamlana sargassicola sp. nov. (type strain PT2-4T=MCCC 1K04427T=KCTC 92183T and type strain 62-3T=MCCC 1K04421T=KCTC 92182T).

Amniotic fluid stem cell attenuated necrotizing enterocolitis progression by promoting Rspo3/AMPKα axis

R-spondin 3 (Rspo3) is involved in various cellular processes. The alteration of Rspo3 participates in the differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells which are the crucial effector cells during necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) development. Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) were recently indicated as a potential approach for NEC therapy. This study aimed to illustrate the regulatory role and mechanism of Rspo3 in the pathogenesis of NEC and whether AFSCs therapy would impact NEC by mediating Rspo3. First, the alteration of Rspo3 was investigated in the serum and tissues of NEC patients, and an in vitro cell model induced by LPS. A gain-of-function assay was conducted to explore the function of Rspo3 in NEC. Through the analysis of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) activation, the mechanism of Rspo3-mediated NEC progression was demonstrated. Finally, AFSCs were used to coculture human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs) and the impacts on NEC development were also explored. The results found that Rspo3 was dramatically depressed during NEC progression and reversing Rspo3 expression ameliorated LPS-induced injury, inflammation, oxidative stress and tight junction dysregulation in HIECs. Besides, Rspo3 overexpression reversed AMPKα inactivation induced by NEC and an AMPKα inhibitor, Compound C, blocked the effect of Rspo3 overexpression on NEC. AFSCs treatment was beneficial for NEC therapy by restoring Rspo3 expression which was counteracted by exosome inhibitor. Generally, AFSCs attenuated NEC progression by promoting the Rspo3/AMPKα axis which might exert via the secretion of exosomes. Our conclusions might be valuable for NEC diagnosis and therapy.

The Positional Relationship between Lacunae and White Matter Hyperintensity in Patients with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

BACKGROUND

Lacunae and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) are two crucial imaging biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Multiple studies have revealed a close relationship between WMH and lacunae and found that a double penumbra existed at the edge of WMH that affects lacunae formation. The study aimed to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and possible influencing factors of lacuna in relation to white matter hyperintensity in patients with CSVD.

METHODS

A total of 480 CSVD patients with WMH and with or without lacunae were included. Data about blood biochemical indicators, cerebrovascular CT angiography, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and ambulatory electrocardiogram, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound were gathered from all subjects. They were categorised into four groups based on the spatial interaction between lacunae and WMH. Univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare the differences in traditional vascular risk factors, heart rate and blood pressure indicators, arterial pulsatility index (PI) values, and arterial stenosis among different groups.

RESULTS

The average age of 480 patients was (58.63 ± 11.91) years, with 347 males (72.3%). Univariate analysis indicated that age, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, highdensity lipoprotein, 24-hour and daytime and night systolic and diastolic blood pressure, nocturnal heart rate, heart rate variability, PI values of ipsilateral and contralateral MCA (middle cerebral artery) and ICA (Internal carotid artery) of the lacunae, Fazekas score of PWMH (periventricular white matter hyperintensities), the proportion of MCA or ICA with stenosis rate over 50% on the ipsilateral side of the lacunae were significantly different between different groups (p < 0.05). High fasting blood glucose (OR=1.632, 95% CI= (1.128, 2.361), p =0.009), (OR=1.789, 95%CI= (1.270, 2.520), p = 0.001), (OR=1.806, 95% CI= (1.292, 2.524), p =0.001) was identified as a risk factor for lacunae formation by logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

High fasting blood glucose can be considered a risk factor for lacunae formation in patients with WMH. The more severe the PWMH and the higher the nocturnal heart rate, the more likely the lacunae, as well as PWMH, overlap completely. Ipsilateral arteriosclerosis and stenosis are independent risk factors for no contact between lacunae and PWMH.

Association of Blood Lipid Profile Components with White Matter Hyperintensity Burden in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

BACKGROUND

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) refers to a common cerebrovascular disease and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) constitute a typical feature of CSVD. However, there has not been a large number of studies investigating the relationship between lipid profile components and WMHs.

METHODS

Altogether, 1019 patients with CSVD were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April 2016 to December 2021. Baseline data were collected for all patients, including demographic characteristics and clinical data. WMH volumes were evaluated by two experienced neurologists using the MRIcro software. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship among the severity of WMHs, blood lipids and common risk factors.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1019 patients with CSVD were enrolled, including 255 in the severe WMH group and 764 in the mild WMH group. After including age, sex and blood lipids to construct a multivariate logistic regression equation, we observed that the severity of WMHs was independently predicted by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), homocysteine level and history of cerebral infarction.

CONCLUSION

We used WMH volume, a highly accurate measure, to assess its relationship with lipid profiles. The WMH volume increased with a decrease in LDL. This relationship was more significant, especially among the subgroups of patients aged <70 years and men. Patients with cerebral infarction and higher homocysteine levels were more likely to have higher WMH volumes. Our study has provided a reference for clinical diagnosis and therapy, especially for discussing the role of blood lipid profiles in the pathophysiology of CSVD.

User profiling and role evaluation of government microbloggers in the context of public emergencies

Purpose

This study aims to profile the government microbloggers and evaluate their roles. The results can help improve the governments' response capability to public emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes the user profiling and role evaluation model of government microbloggers in the context of public emergencies. The indicators are designed from the four dimensions of time, content, scale and influence, and the feature labels are identified. Three different public emergencies were investigated, including the West Africa Ebola outbreak, the Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak and the Shandong vaccine case in China.

Findings

The results found that most government microbloggers were follower responders, short-term participants, originators, occasional participants and low influencers. The role distribution of government microbloggers was highly concentrated. However, in terms of individual profiles, the role of a government microblogger varied with events.

Social implications

The findings can provide a reference for the performance assessment of the government microbloggers in the context of public emergencies and help them improve their ability to communicate with the public and respond to public emergencies.

Originality/value

By analyzing the performance of government microbloggers from the four dimensions of time, content, scale and influence, this paper fills the gap in existing literature on designing the user profiling and role evaluation model of government microbloggers in the context of public emergencies.

Predicting social media rumours in the context of public health emergencies

The spread of rumours on social media in the context of public health emergencies often distorts perceptions of public events and obstructs crisis management. Microblog entries about 28 rumour cases are collected on Sina Weibo during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Modality–Agency–Interactivity–Navigability model is used to identify the key factors of rumour prediction. To investigate the relationship among information modality, information content, information source and rumour identification, the binary logistic regression model is established based on the features of users and microblog entries. In addition, we propose a multi-feature rumour prediction model based on the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models. The proposed rumour prediction model has the best performance compared with other models. The feature importance is then calculated by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), which can also explain the XGBoost results. It is shown that the likelihood that microblog entries are rumours decreases as the values of variables such as user influence and the positive sentiment of comments rise. Microblog entries posted on Thursdays or at noon are more probably to be rumours than those posted at other time. The proposed model can assist emergency management departments in establishing a feasible rumour prediction mechanism to guide public opinion against rumours.

Releasing chemical energy in spatiallyprogrammed ferroelectrics

Chemical energy ferroelectrics are generally solid macromolecules showing spontaneous polarization and chemical bonding energy. These materials still suffer drawbacks, including the limited control of energy release rate, and thermal decomposition energy well below total chemical energy. To overcome these drawbacks, we report the integrated molecular ferroelectric and energetic material from machine learning-directed additive manufacturing coupled with the ice-templating assembly. The resultant aligned porous architecture shows a low density of 0.35 g cm^-3, polarization-controlled energy release, and an anisotropic thermal conductivity ratio of 15. Thermal analysis suggests that the chlorine radicals react with macromolecules enabling a large exothermic enthalpy of reaction (6180 kJ kg^-1). In addition, the estimated detonation velocity of molecular ferroelectrics can be tuned from 6.69 ± 0.21 to 7.79 ± 0.25 km s^-1 by switching the polarization state. These results provide a pathway toward spatially programmed energetic ferroelectrics for controlled energy release rates.

Exploring the alterations and function of skin microbiome mediated by ionizing radiation injury

Background

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) is still the most common and severe side effect of radiotherapy. The role of the skin’s microbial barrier in the pathogenesis and progression of RISI needs to be fully investigated.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the alterations in and functions of the skin microbiota in RISI. We applied the unculturable approach to characterize the cutaneous microbiomes of a radiation-induced animal model by sequencing the V1–V3 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Combined with the downloaded clinical data of patients, a comprehensive analysis was performed to identify potential radioprotective species and metabolic pathways.

Results

There were no significant differences in the alpha diversity indices (Sobs, Shannon, Simpson, Ace, and Chao) between the acute radiation injury and control groups. Phylum-level analysis of the RISI microbiomes exhibited significant predominance of Firmicutes (mean abundance = 67%, corrected p = 0.0035). The high abundance of Firmicutes was significantly associated with rapid healing of RISI (average relative abundance = 52%; Kruskal–Wallis: p = 5.7E−4). Among its members, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Acetivibrio ethanolgignens group, Peptostreptococcus, Anaerofilum, and UCG-002 [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) &gt; 3, p &lt; 0.05] were identified as the core genera of Firmicutes. In addition, Lachnosiraceae and Lactobacillus occupied an important position in the interaction network (r &gt; 0.6, p &lt; 0.05). The differential metabolic pathways of RISI were mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism (butanoate and propanoate metabolism), amino acid metabolism (tryptophan and histidine metabolism), energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism (fatty acid degradation and biosynthesis).

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the potential mechanism and skin microbial changes in the progression of RISI. The overwhelming predominance of members of Firmicutes, including Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillus, is potentially related to rapid healing of RISI. The microbiota–metabolite axis plays a critical role in RISI and provides promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of adverse side effects.

Transparent thermal insulation ceramic aerogel materials for solar thermal conversion

Thermal management in energy-efficient solar thermal energy conversion and transparent windows requires advanced materials with low thermal conductivity and high transparency, such as transparent silica aerogel materials. However, the large scatter domains in porous silica materials would deteriorate their optical transparency. Herein, we report transparent silica aerogels by controlling hydrolyzation and meanwhile silylation modification to enhance the integrity of the microstructure under ambient pressure drying. The transparent silica aerogel materials show a broad-spectrum transparency of 70% from 400 nm and 800 nm, showing promising applications in transparent windows and solar thermal energy conversion systems. The scalability for transparent windows could be achieved with a composite material by incorporating transparent polymeric materials. The solar receiver coupled with a transparent silica aerogel could reach 122 °C within 12 min at a solar irradiance of 1 Sun, ∼200% higher than that in the ambient atmosphere. The engineered structure of the transparent porous silica backbone provides a pathway for solar thermal systems and transparent window applications.