[Analysis of language and influencing factors of children with speech disorder in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the features and influencing factors of language in children with various types of speech disorders. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, 262 children with speech disorder had been diagnosed at the language-speech clinic of the Center of Children's Healthcare, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2021 to November 2023, the children with speech sound disorder as the speech sound disorder group, the children with developmental stuttering as the stuttering group. There were 100 typically-developed children who underwent physical checkups at the Center of Healthcare during the same period as the healthy group. All children experienced a standardized evaluation of language with diagnostic receptive and expressive assessment of mandarin-comprehensive(DREAM-C) and questionnaire, One-way ANOVA and LSD test were conducted to compare the differences in overall language, receptive language, expressive language, semantics, and syntax scores among 3 groups of children. According to the results of DREAM-C, the children with speech disorder were divided into language normal group and language delay group. Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression were implemented to analyze the association between the linguistic development of children with speech disorder and potential influential factors. Results: There were 145 children in the speech sound disorder group, including 110 males and 35 females respectively, with an age of (5.9±1.0) years; 117 children in the stuttering group, including 91 males and 26 females, with an age of (5.8±1.0) years; 100 children in the healthy group, including 75 males and 25 females, with an age of (5.7±1.2) years. The variations in overall language, expressive language, and syntax scores among 3 groups of children were statistically significant (92±18 vs.96±11 vs. 98±11, 81±18 vs. 84±14 vs. 88±13, 87±16 vs. 89±11 vs. 91±10, F=5.46, 4.69, 3.68, all P<0.05). Pairwise comparison revealed that the speech sound disorder group had lower scores in overall language, expressive language, and syntactic compared to the healthy group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01) and the overall language score was lower than that of children with stuttering (P<0.05). In terms of overall language and expressive language, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of language delay among the three groups of children (15.9% (23/145) vs. 20.5% (24/117) vs. 7.0% (7/100), 46.2% (67/145) vs. 39.3% (46/117) vs. 26.0% (26/100); χ2=7.93, 10.28; both P<0.05). In terms of overall language, the stuttering group took up the highest proportion. In terms of expressive language, the speech sound disorder group accounted for the highest amount. The incidence of language delay in children with speech disorder was 44.3% (116/262). Non-parent-child reading, daily screen time ≥1 hour and screen exposure before 1.5 years of age are risk factors for the development of language in children with speech disorder (OR=1.87, 2.18, 2.01; 95%CI 1.07-3.27, 1.23-3.86, 1.17-3.45; all P<0.01). Negative family history are protective factors for the progress of language ability (OR=0.37, 95%CI 0.17-0.81, P<0.05). Conclusions: Children with speech disorder tend to have easy access to language delay, especially in expressive language and syntax. The occurrence of language delay in children with speech disorder is tightly connected with factors such as the family medical history, parent-child reading, screen time, etc. Attention should be paid to the development of language in children who suffer from speech disorder.

[Analysis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease differences from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease based on clinical features]

Objective: To explore the clinical features of fatty liver disease (FLD) from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), so as to elucidate its clinical application value under three renames. Methods: Patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Hepatology, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, from January 2020 to September 2023 and met the diagnosis of NAFLD, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), or MASLD were selected as the research subjects. The clinical indicators differences among the three groups of patients were compared, mainly including general information (age, gender, body mass index, past history, etc.), serological indicators (liver and kidney function, blood lipids, blood sugar, coagulation function, etc.), non-invasive liver fibrosis indicators, fat attenuation parameters, etc. Measurement data were analyzed using ANOVA and the rank sum test, while count data were analyzed using the χ(2) test. Results: NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD prevalence rates among 536 cases were 64.0%, 93.7%, and 100%, respectively. 318 cases (59.3%) met the three fatty liver names at the same time among them. Male population proportions in NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD were 30.9%, 55.8%, and 53.9%, respectively. The alcohol consumption history proportion was 0, 36.7%, and 36.0%, respectively. The smoking history proportion was 7.0%, 31.9%, and 30.6%, respectively. The body mass index was (27.66 ± 3.97), (28.33 ± 3.63), and (27.90 ± 3.89) kg/m(2), respectively. The γ-glutamyltransferase levels were 26.6 (18.0, 47.0) U/L, 31.0 (20.0, 53.0) U/L, and 30.8 (19.8, 30.8) U/L, respectively. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 1.07 (0.90, 1.23) mmol/L, 1.02 (0.86, 1.19) mmol/L, and 1.03 (0.87,1.21) mmol/L, respectively. Sequentially measured uric acid was (322.98 ± 84.51) μmol/L, (346.57 ± 89.49) μmol/L, and (344.89 ±89.67) μmol/L, respectively. Sequentially measured creatinine was 69.6 (62.9, 79.0) μmol/L, 73.0 (65.0, 83.5) μmol/L, and 73.0 (65.0, 83.0) μmol/L, respectively. The sequential analysis of obesity proportion was 74.3%, 81.7%, and 76.5%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the NAFLD population, the MAFLD and MASLD populations were predominantly male, obese, and had a history of smoking and drinking. The levels of γ-glutamyltransferase, uric acid, and creatinine were slightly higher, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower. MASLD appeared in NAFLD and MAFLD on the basis of inheritance and progression, emphasizing once again the important role of metabolic factors in a fatty liver.

[Effect of corneal e-value on myopia control in children and adolescents with orthokeratology]

Objective: To investigate the influence of corneal e-value on the effectiveness of orthokeratology in controlling myopia in children and adolescents. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving the data from 1 563 myopic patients (1 563 eyes) who underwent orthokeratology at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2015 to August 2021 and adhered to lens wear for at least 2 years. The cohort consisted of 737 males and 826 females with an average age of (10.84±2.13) years. Based on corneal e-value parameters obtained from corneal topography, patients were categorized into a low e-value group (n=425) and a high e-value group (n=1 138). Data on gender, age, parental myopia history, and baseline measures such as spherical equivalent (SE), axial length, and corneal e-value were collected. Differences in axial length change and corneal fluorescein staining rates were compared between the two groups at 1 and 2 years after the start of lens wear. A generalized linear mixed model was established with axial length change as the dependent variable to analyze the correlation between axial length change and baseline corneal e-value. Results: The initial age of the 1 563 myopic patients was (10.84±2.13) years, with a baseline SE of (-3.05±1.30) D. After 1 year of lens wear, the axial length change was (0.20±0.19) mm in the low e-value group and (0.24±0.20) mm in the high e-value group. After 2 years, the changes were (0.38±0.25) mm and (0.43±0.27) mm, respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The incidence of corneal staining after 1 year of lens wear was 9.2% (39/425) in the low e-value group and 14.1% (160/1 138) in the high e-value group. After 2 years, the rates were 15.8% (67/425) and 21.8% (248/1 138), respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). After adjusting for parental myopia history, age, SE, and baseline axial length, the baseline corneal e-value was positively correlated with axial length change at 1 and 2 years after lens wear (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Corneal e-value is an independent factor influencing the effectiveness of orthokeratology in controlling myopia. A smaller corneal e-value is associated with slower axial length growth after orthokeratology, indicating better control of myopia in treated eyes.

Sleeve gastrectomy links the attenuation of diabetic kidney disease to the inhibition of renal tubular ferroptosis through down-regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

PURPOSE

To investigate how sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a typical operation of bariatric surgery, attenuated symptom, and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

DKD model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin in Wistar rats. SG was performed, and the group subjected to sham surgery served as control. The animals were euthanized 12 weeks after surgery, followed by sample collection for the subsequent experiment. The HK-2, a renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line derived from human, was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms.

RESULTS

SG improved metabolic parameters and glucose homeostasis, and could alleviate DKD in terms of renal function indices as well as histological and morphological structures in DM rats, accompanied with a significant reduction in renal tubular injury. Compared with sham group, SG reduced the renal tubular ferroptosis. To further clarify the mechanism involved, in vitro experiments were performed. In the presence of high glucose, renal tubular TGF-β1 secretion was significantly increased in HK-2 cell line, which led to activation of ferroptosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of TGF-β1 receptor and phosphorylation of Smad3 significantly ameliorated TGF-β1-mediated ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also found that SG improved the hyperglycemic environment, reduced renal TGF-β1 concentrations, and down-regulated the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

With the capacity to lower the glucose, SG could attenuate the ferroptosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in DKD rats, and eventually attenuated DKD.

Effects of ferritin heavy chain on oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in geese follicular granulosa cells

1. The ferritin heavy chain (FHC) has a vital impact on follicular development in geese, due to its ability to regulate apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular atresia. However, its specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. The present study characterised how FHC regulates oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in goose GCs by interfering with and overexpressing the FHC gene.2. After 72 h of interference with FHC expression, the activity of GCs decreased remarkably (p < 0.05), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased significantly (p < 0.05). The overexpression of FHC for 72 h was found to significantly reduce the expression of CAT and SOD genes (p < 0.05).3. Interfering with FHC expression revealed that the expression levels of the cell proliferation gene Aurora kinase A (AURORA-A) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the expression levels of the apoptosis genes B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and cysteine aspartate-specific protease 8 (CASPASE 8) increased (p < 0.05). Further research has shown that, when interfering with FHC expression for 72 h, apoptosis rate increased by 1.19-fold (p < 0.05), but the current data showed a lower apoptosis rate after FHC overexpression by 59.41%, 63.39%, and 52.31% at three different treatment times (p < 0.05).4. In conclusion, FHC improved the antioxidant capacity of GCs, promotes GCs proliferation, and inhibits GCs apoptosis of ovarian follicles in Sichuan white geese.

Immediate application of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle in month following COVID-19 infection does not impair subsequent pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether immediate frozen embryo transfer (FET) in the next month following COVID-19 recovery affects the subsequent pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a university-affiliated reproductive medicine center. The study group (post-COVID-19 group) consisted of women who were afflicted with COVID-19 in December 2022 and immediately invested in FET in January 2023 after recovery, with embryos transferred and not exposed to the infection. The control group was composed of women treated during the pre-COVID-19 period (January 2019). Multivariable logistic regression analyses as well as a propensity score matching (PSM) approach were introduced to control for the potential confounders and selection bias.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were included in the post-COVID-19 group while a total of 641 women were enrolled in the control group. The rate of ongoing pregnancy was comparable between the study cohorts in both the unadjusted and confounder-adjusted logistic regression models. The other reproductive outcomes, including the odds of the positive pregnancy test, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and early pregnancy loss were all similar between the comparison groups. Results from PSM models further confirmed the lack of significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between the post-COVID-19 group versus the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that for patients who get infected with COVID-19, the immediate investment in a FET cycle in the next month after recovery did not seem to compromise the ongoing pregnancy outcomes in cases of transferred embryos resulting from the pre-infection stage. Thus, women who had frozen embryos from the pre-infection cycles should be counseled and encouraged to invest in IVF as soon as possible after recovering from COVID-19 infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Full sample analysis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in ophthalmology inpatients

PURPOSE

We hope that by analyzing the clinical features of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), we can help ophthalmologists reduce misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

DESIGN

We evaluated 47 patients with CVST in terms of clinical manifestations.

METHODS

All cases were analyzed in terms of risk factors, clinical symptoms, ophthalmic examination, imaging examination and lumbar puncture.

RESULTS

The body mass indices (BMIs) of 41 patients (87.2%; 95% CI, 77.7-96.8%) were≥24, which is overweight by Chinese standards. There were 22 patients (46.8%; 95% CI, 32.5-61.1%) with BMIs≥28, who were considered obese. Thirteen were hypertensive (27.7%; 95% CI, 14.9-40.5%). The initial symptoms included blurred vision (23, 48.9%; 95% CI, 34.6-63.2%), amaurosis fugax (13, 27.7%; 95% CI, 14.9-40.5%), headache (11 patients, 23.4%; 95% CI, 11.3-35.5%), dizziness (3, 6.4%; 95% CI, -0.6-13.4%), and bilateral diplopia (3, 6.4%; 95% CI, -0.6-13.4%). There were 9 patients (9, 19.2%; 95% CI, 7.9-30.4%) with blindness, 23 patients (48.9%; 95% CI, 34.6-63.2%) with pupillary abnormalities, and 40 patients (85.1%; 95% CI, 74.9-95.2%) with papilledema. Forty-three of the 45 patients who successfully underwent a routine lumbar puncture showed high intracranial pressure (91.7%; 95.6% CI, 89.6-101.6%). Finally, two cases are reported in greater detail for illustrative purposes.

CONCLUSION

The main reasons interfering with the diagnosis of CVST might be its nonspecific ocular symptoms and the physicians' clinical thought process being limited to the scope of common ophthalmological diseases.

Safety assessment of sand casting explosion accidents by testing cavity pressure of the sand mold to protect employee health

Excessive cavity pressure may result in a sand casting explosion, and corresponding measures should be adopted to prevent these consequences. In this study, the pressure variations in the cavity were first investigated based upon on-site testing by taking the resin contents into consideration, and then the evolution characteristics of sand casting explosion accidents were analyzed in depth by system dynamics, chaos theory, and the bow-tie model. When the resin contents are 1.3 wt%, 1.4 wt%, and 1.5 wt%, the pressures of the gas vent increase by 27.0 Pa, 32.8 Pa, and 35.6 Pa, respectively. To reduce the pressure of the cavity, the resin content should be reduced. The evolutionary process of sand casting explosion accidents has a noticeable butterfly effect and randomness, whose occurrence is comprehensively affected by human, object, environment, management and emergency subsystems. The leading causes of sand casting explosion accidents mainly include the extensive gas evolution characteristics of foundry sand, cavity exhaust blockage, and inadequate safety monitoring. The leading consequences of sand casting explosion accidents mainly include casualties, secondary disasters, and social panic. The implications of these findings concerning sand casting explosion accidents can be regarded as the foundation for accident prevention in practice.

Green manure incorporation enhanced soil labile phosphorus and fruit tree growth

Introduction

The incorporation of green manures substantially enhances the conversion of external phosphorus (P) fertilizers and soil-reserved P into forms readily available to plants. The study aims to evaluate the influence of green manure additions on soil phosphorus dynamics and citrus growth, considering different green manure species and initial soil phosphorus levels. Additionally, the research seeks to elucidate the microbiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects.

Methods

A citrus pot experiment was conducted under both P-surplus (1.50 g·P·kg-1) and P-deficient (0.17 g·P·kg-1) soils with incorporating legume (Leg), non-legume (Non-Leg) or no green manure residues (CK), and 18O-P labeled KH2PO4 (0.5 g, containing 80‰ δ18Op) was additionally introduced to trace the turnover characteristics of chemical P fertilizer mediated by soil microorganisms.

Results and discussion

In P-surplus soil, compared with the CK treatment, the Leg treatment significantly increased soil H2O-Pi (13.6%), NaHCO3-Po (8.9%), NaOH-Pi (9.5%) and NaOH-Po (30.0%) content. It also promoted rapid turnover of P sources into H2O-Pi and NaHCO3-Pi pools by enhancing the phoC (576.6%) gene abundance. In contrast, the Non-Leg treatment significantly augmented soil H2O-Pi (9.2%) and NaHCO3-Po (8.5%) content, facilitating the turnover of P sources into NaHCO3-Pi pools. Under P-deficient soil conditions, compared with the CK treatment, the Leg treatment notably raised soil H2O-Pi (150.0%), NaHCO3-Pi (66.3%), NaHCO3-Po (34.8%) and NaOH-Pi (59.0%) content, contributing to the transfer of P sources into NaHCO3-Pi and NaOH-Pi pools. This effect was achieved through elevated ALP (33.8%) and ACP (12.9%) activities and increased pqqC (48.1%), phoC (42.9%), phoD (21.7%), and bpp (27.4%) gene abundances. The Non-Leg treatment, on the other hand, led to significant increases in soil NaHCO3-Pi (299.0%) and NaHCO3-Po (132.6%) content, thereby facilitating the turnover of P sources into NaHCO3-Pi and NaOH-Pi pools, except for the phoC gene abundance. Both Leg and Non-Leg treatments significantly improved citrus growth (7.3-20.0%) and P uptake (15.4-42.1%) in P-deficient soil but yielded no substantial effects in P-surplus soil. In summary, introducing green manure crops, particularly legume green manure, emerges as a valuable approach to enhance soil P availability and foster fruit tree growth in orchard production.

Efficacy and Safety of Programmed Death-1 (PD-1)/Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

AIMS

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library until 1 July 2022 for mCRPC trials testing PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. We measured the efficacy and safety using overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rates (ORR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate or treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). When possible, data were meta-analysed.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies involving 2533 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.42-1.20, I2 = 80.3%, PHeterogeneity＜0.001) and for PFS was 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.92, I2 = 72.2%, PHeterogeneity = 0.013). Furthermore, better ORR (relative risk = 2.77, 95% confidence interval 1.25-6.13, I2 = 0%, PHeterogeneity = 0.699) was found in PD-L1-expressing tumours. However, no statistical trends between PD-L1 status on PSA response rate (relative risk = 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.5-1.25, I2 = 0%, PHeterogeneity = 0.953) and tumour mutational burden on ORR (relative risk = 2.53, 95% confidence interval 0.49-13.12, I2 = 74.5%, PHeterogeneity = 0.02) were observed. The pooled proportions of TRAEs and ≥ grade 3 TRAEs were 85.1% (95% confidence interval = 71.7-98.5%) and 31.6% (95% confidence interval = 18.9-44.4%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that among selected populations of men with mCRPC, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 combination treatment may significantly increase the PFS benefits. However, overall survival in mCRPC warrants further testing.

DACH1 attenuated PA-induced renal tubular injury through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Palmitic acid (PA), the major saturated fatty acid in the blood, often induces the initiation and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. DACH1 is an important regulator of kidney functions. Herein, we investigated the roles of DACH1 in PA-induced kidney injury.

METHODS

Clinical data from the NHANES database were subjected to analyse the association between serum PA (sPA), blood glucose and kidney function. Molecular docking of PA was performed with DACH1. Immunohistochemistry, cell viability, annexin V/7-AAD double staining, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescent staining, autophagic flux analysis, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed.

RESULTS

Clinical data confirmed that sPA was increased significantly in the pathoglycemia individuals compared with controls and correlated negatively with renal function. Our findings suggested that PA could dock with DACH1. DACH1 enhances cell viability by inhibiting apoptosis and attenuating autophagy blockage induced by PA. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that DACH1 ameliorated inflammation and fibrosis through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway in PA-treated renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2).

CONCLUSIONS

This study proved that sPA presents a risk factor for kidney injuries and DACH1 might serve as a protective target against renal function deterioration in diabetic patients.

[Accurate localization and successful treatment of 23 cases of migrating pharynx and cervical esophageal foreign bodies]

Objective: To explore clinical features, diagnosis, localization, and therapeutic strategy of migratory pharyngeal and cervical esophageal foreign bodies. Methods: A total 23 cases of pharyngeal and cervical esophageal migratory foreign bodies were admitted between January 2015 and December 2021. There were 14 females and 9 males with the age ranged from 35 to 82 (55.0±12.7)years. In all the cases, esophageal CT was taken to confirm the esophageal foreign body. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed to locate the foreign body from the horizontal, coronal and sagittal dimensions as well as the corrected reconstructed MPR. According to the location of the foreign body, appropriate surgical method was selected.The symptoms, complications, types of foreign body, positioning, surgical methods, and relevant information were recorded.Data were analyzed using the descriptive method and SPSS 25.0 software. Results: The clinical symptoms of 23 migrating esophageal foreign bodies included pharyngodynia (20/23), foreign body sensation (6/23), hoarsenss (1/23), difficulty in turning neck(1/23), difficulty in opening mouth (1/23), fever (7/23), poor appetite (1/23), and abdominal pain (1/23). The foreign bodies included 19 fish bones, 2 wires, 1 embroidery needle and 1 chicken bone. There were 9 cases (39.1%) of foreign bodies located in extraluminal cervical esophagus, 2 cases (8.7%) of foreign bodies located in the muscular layer of the cervical esophagus and 12 cases (52.2%) of foreign bodies located in pharynx. Twenty-one cases of foreign bodies were removed by cervical lateral incision, in which 11 were removed by cervical lateral incision directly, 10 by the second lateral cervical incision after the foreign bodies were accurately located by MPR and/or corrected MPR, 1 foreign body was removed by incision of the pharyngeal mucosa under suspension laryngoscope, 1 foreign body was removed by tracheoscopy. Compared with patients with intraluminal foreign bodies (n=308) treated in the same period, intake of fishbone [19 (19/23) vs. 133 (82.6% (43.2%, 133/308), OR=7.31] and first visit was more than 24 hours [20(87.0%, 20/23) vs. 77(25.0%, 77/308),OR=17.2] were the significant risk factors of migratory esophageal foreign bodies. Conclusions: MPR and the corrected MPR can accurately locate the migrating pharyngeal and cervical esophageal foreign bodies, by providing more intuitive imaging evidence for doctors, which provide imaging basis for formulation of surgical programs. Foreign bodies in pharyngeal and cervical esophagus need to be treated as soon as possible, otherwise they are easy to migrate, leading lead to serious complications.

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.

Linking the Mechanics of Chewing to Biology of the Junctional Epithelium

The capacity of a tissue to continuously alter its phenotype lies at the heart of how an animal is able to quickly adapt to changes in environmental stimuli. Within tissues, differentiated cells are rigid and play a limited role in adapting to new environments; however, differentiated cells are replenished by stem cells that are defined by their phenotypic plasticity. Here we demonstrate that a Wnt-responsive stem cell niche in the junctional epithelium is responsible for the capability of this tissue to quickly adapt to changes in the physical consistency of a diet. Mechanical input from chewing is required to both establish and maintain this niche. Since the junctional epithelium directly attaches to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes, a soft diet requires minimal mastication, and consequently, lower distortional strains are produced in the tissue. This reduced strain state is accompanied by reduced mitotic activity in both stem cells and their progeny, leading to tissue atrophy. The atrophied junctional epithelium exhibits suboptimal barrier functions, allowing the ingression of bacteria into the underlying connective tissues, which in turn trigger inflammation and mild alveolar bone loss. These data link the mechanics of chewing to the biology of tooth-supporting tissues, revealing how a stem cell niche is responsible for the remarkable adaptability of the junctional epithelium to different diets.

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.

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.

Reproductive history does not compromise subsequent live birth and perinatal outcome following in-vitro fertilization: analysis of 25 329 first frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of women's reproductive history on live-birth rate and perinatal outcome after first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of women who had undergone their first FET cycle between January 2014 and December 2020 at a university-affiliated fertility center. No transferred embryo underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. The women were categorized into five groups based on their reproductive history: no previous pregnancy; previous termination of pregnancy (TOP); previous pregnancy loss; previous ectopic pregnancy (EP); and previous live birth. The women with no previous pregnancy were considered as the reference group. The primary outcome was the live-birth rate and secondary endpoints included rates of positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss and EP as well as perinatal outcomes such as birth weight and preterm birth. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to control for a number of potential confounders, including age, body mass index, education level, duration and cause of infertility, insemination method, type of endometrial preparation, number of embryos transferred, embryo developmental stage, quality of the embryos transferred, year of treatment and endometrial thickness. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to check the robustness of the main findings.

RESULTS

In total, 25 329 women were included in the final analysis. On univariate analysis, each reproductive-history type except for previous EP was significantly associated with worse pregnancy outcome following in-vitro fertilization (IVF), including rates of positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss and live birth, when compared with the group of women with no previous pregnancy. However, after correcting for several potential confounders, the differences in rates of live birth, pregnancy loss, positive pregnancy test and clinical pregnancy were no longer significant between the study and control groups on multivariable regression models, while the risk of EP after embryo transfer was elevated among women with a previous TOP or EP. There was no increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome associated with reproductive history compared with the control group. Notably, similar results were obtained from the PSM models, confirming the robustness of the main findings.

CONCLUSION

Relative to women without a previous pregnancy, those with a prior TOP, pregnancy loss, EP or live birth did not have compromised live-birth rate or perinatal outcomes following FET without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, with the exception of an increased risk of EP in those with prior TOP or EP. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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.

Matrine From Sophora Flavescens Attenuates on Collagen-Induced Osteoarthritis by Modulating the Activity of miR-29B-3P/PGRN Axis

Matrine is an active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown to be effective in treating bone disorders. The anti-osteoarthritis (OA) effects of matrine were assessed using both in in vitro and in vivo systems, and the mechanisms underlying the effects were investigated by focusing on the activity of miR-29b-3p/PGRN axis. The miR was chosen as potential target for matrine after chondrocytes were treated with both IL-1? and matrine. Changes in cell viability, cell apoptosis, inflammation, and miR-29b-3p/PGRN axis were detected. In vitro assays results were validated using collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat models. Incubation with IL-1? reduced cell viability, induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited production of cytokines in chondrocytes, which was associated with the up-regulation of miR-29b-3p and down-regulation of PGRN. In CIA rats, matrine reduced bone destruction and weight loss in a dose-dependent manner. Matrine also reduced the systemic levels of cytokines. At the molecular level, matrine inhibited the expression of miR-29b-3p while increasing the expression of PGRN. The findings outlined in the current study showed that matrine exerted its anti-OA effects by modulating the miR-29b-3p/PGRN axis.

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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[An investigative study on the correlation between refractive status and ocular biometric parameters in 3-6-year-old children in Shunyi District, Beijing, China]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between refractive status and ocular biometric parameters in preschool children in Shunyi District, Beijing. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a random cluster sampling method to measure the ocular axial length (AL), corneal curvature(CR), anterior chamber depth, and horizontal corneal diameter (WTW) using an optical biometer in 3-6-year-old children from 11 kindergartens in Shunyi District, Beijing. The ratio of AL to corneal curvature radius (AL/CR) was calculated. Cycloplegic refraction was performed using 1% cyclopentolate, and the equivalent spherical diopter (SE) was calculated. Ocular biometric parameters were compared among different age groups and refractive statuses. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted between SE and ocular biometric parameters. Results: A total of 1, 142 children completed the examination, with a mean age of (4.52±0.87) years, including 119 three-year-olds, 487 four-year-olds, 362 five-year-olds, and 174 six-year-olds. Among them, 554 were boys and 588 were girls. The mean SE of the examined children was (1.19±0.81) D, AL was (22.27±0.67) mm, corneal curvature radius was (7.73±0.25) mm, and the anterior chamber depth was (3.33±0.67) mm. The mean SE for three-, four-, five-, and six-year-old children was 1.18, 1.19, 1.21, and 1.13 D, respectively. SE showed correlations with AL, AL/CR, and anterior chamber depth (r=-0.350, -0.542, -0.083; all P<0.05), but no correlation with WTW or corneal curvature radius (P>0.05). Among children with different refractive statuses, SE showed stronger correlations with AL and AL/CR in myopic, hyperopic, and highly hyperopic children compared to emmetropic children, and the correlation tended to be stronger with increasing age. The linear regression equations for SE and AL, AL/CR were SE=10.64-0.42·AL and SE=21.48-7.043·AL/CR, respectively. Conclusions: The refractive status of 3-6-year-old children in Shunyi District, Beijing, showed minimal changes. Myopic children had longer AL, deeper anterior chamber, and slightly steeper cornea.

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.

Efficacy and safety of iguratimod combined with methylprednisolone for primary Sjögren's syndrome: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the combination of iguratimod (IGU) and methylprednisolone (MP) for the efficacy and safety of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) by a meta-analysis and a trial sequential analysis (TSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical studies of IGU combined with MP for pSS were searched through eight databases. Revman 5.3 and TSA 0.9.5.10 Beta were used for the meta-analysis and TSA.

RESULTS

In terms of efficacy endpoints, compared with "HCQ+MP" group, "IGU+MP" group decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [mean difference (MD)=-5.15, 95% confidence interval (CI)=(-7.37, -2.93), p<0.0001], immunoglobulin G (IgG) [MD=-3.38, 95% CI=(-4.13, -2.64), p<0.00001], immunoglobulin M (IgM) [MD=-0.64, 95% CI=(-1.19, -0.09), p=0.02], Immunoglobulin A (IgA) [MD=-1.16, 95% CI=(-1.92, -0.39), p=0.003], EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) [MD=-1.62, 95% CI=(-2.07, -1.17), p<0.0001], EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) [MD=-2.07, 95% CI=(-2.54, -1.59), p<0.0001], increase platelet (PLT) [MD=13.21, 95% CI=(9.77,16.65), p<0.00001], and improve Schirmer I test (SIT) [MD=1.86, 95% CI=(1.40, 2.32), p<0.0001]. TSA presented that these benefits observed with the current information volume were all conclusive, except for IgM. In terms of safety endpoints, the total adverse event rates (AEs), leucopenia, gastrointestinal (GI) AEs, skin diseases, and liver dysfunction of the "IGU+MP" group and the "HCQ+MP" group were comparable. And TSA indicated that the results need to be confirmed by additional studies. Harbord regression showed no publication bias (p=0.986).

CONCLUSIONS

IGU combined with MP effectively attenuates autoimmune responses (IgG, IgM, IgA), reduces clinical symptoms and disease activity (ESR, PLT, ESSPRI, ESSDAI), and improves the exocrine gland functional status (SIT) in patients with pSS. IGU combined with MP does not increase the risk of adverse events, which means that IGU combined with MP may be a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of pSS and has value for further research exploration.

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.

Effect of different doses of recombinant human growth hormone therapy on children with growth hormone deficiency: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different doses of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment on children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of 174 GHD patients admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 136 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 70 received 0.1 U/ (kg·d) (low-dose group) and 66 received 0.2 U/ (kg·d) dose of rhGH treatment (high-dose group). Growth and development status [height, weight, height standard deviation (HtSDS), growth rate], bone age, bone density, speed of sound (SOS) as distal radius bone mass, biochemical indicators of growth and development [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3)], growth hormone (GH) levels and incidence of adverse reactions were collected and compared between the two groups before and after one year of the treatment.

RESULTS

After the treatment, height, weight, HtSDS, and growth rate of the two groups increased compared to before the treatment and were significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group (p<0.05). After one year of treatment, the following observations were made: the bone age of the two groups increased compared to the baseline values and was higher in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group (p<0.05). The SOS of the two groups decreased but was significantly higher in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group (p<0.05). Serum levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and GH in both groups increased compared to the baseline values and were higher in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the high-dose group (8.6%) and the low-dose group (6.1%) (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose rhGH treatment for GHD is safe and can more effectively upregulate IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and GH, and promote the growth and development of children.

[Exploration of the effect of blood lipids on the lesion distribution pattern in acute ischemic stroke based on MRI study with population standard spatial analysis]

Objective: To explore the effect of blood lipids on the lesion distribution pattern in patients with acute ischemic stroke by using MRI technology based on population standard spatial analysis. Methods: The MRI data of 1 202 patients with acute ischemic stroke in General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2015 to December 2020 and Nanjing First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected, including 871 males and 331 females, aged 26 to 94 (64±11) years. According to the condition of blood lipids, they were divided into the dyslipidemia group (n=683) and the normal blood lipids group (n=519). After the automatic segmentation of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) images by artificial intelligence, the infarct sites were registered to the standard space which was used to draw the frequency heat map. The chi-square test was used to compare the difference in lesion location between the two groups. Generalized linear model regression analysis was used to observe the correlation between each blood lipid index and lesion site, and inter-group comparison and correlation analysis were used to observe the relationship between each blood lipid index and lesion volume. Results: Compared with the normal blood lipid group, the lesions in the dyslipidemia group were more extensive, mostly distributed in the occipital temporal region of the right posterior cerebral artery and the frontal region of the left middle cerebral artery. The brain regions of higher triglyceride(TG) and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) groups were concentrated in the posterior circulation. The brain regions in the higher total cholesterol(TC) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) groups were concentrated in the anterior circulation(all P<0.05). In the anterior circulation infarct volume, the higher TC group was significantly higher than the normal TC group[(27.58±5.34) vs (17.73±1.18)ml, P=0.029]. In the posterior circulation infarct volume, the higher LDL-C group and the TG group were significantly higher than the normal LDL-C and TG groups[(7.55±2.51) vs (3.55±0.31) ml; (5.76±1.19) vs (3.36±0.30) ml](both P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that TC and LDL-C were non-linearly (U-shaped) correlated with anterior circulation infarct volume (both P<0.05). Conclusions: Different blood lipids have effects on the distribution pattern and volume of ischemic stroke infarcts. Different hyperlipidemia is related to the specific distribution site and the larger extent of infarction.

[Comparison of epidemic characteristics and clinical manifestation of chickenpox between adults and children in Shandong Province from 2019 to 2021]

Objective: To analyze the differences between adults and children in the epidemic characteristics and clinical manifestations of chickenpox and provide a reference for the prevention strategy adjustment of chickenpox. Methods: The incidence data of chickenpox surveillance in Shandong Province from January 2019 to December 2021 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution of cases, and the chi-square test was used to compare the differences in epidemiological characteristics and clinical manifestations of varicella cases between adults and children. Results: A total of 66 182 cases of chickenpox were reported from 2019 to 2021, including 24 085 cases of adults chickenpox, the male to female sex ratio was 1∶1 (12 032∶12 053), basically the same for men and women, and 42 097 cases of children chickenpox, with a gender ratio of 1.4∶1, the male to female ratio was 1.4∶1 (24 699∶17 398). Fever in chickenpox cases was mainly low and moderate, but the proportion of moderate fever with temperature between 38.1 and 39.0 ℃ in children cases (35.0%,14 744/42 097) was significantly higher than that in adults (32.0%,7 696/24 085). The number of herpes in chickenpox cases was mainly less than 50, but the proportion of severe cases with 100-200 herpes in children was higher than that in adults. The incidence rate of complications was 1.4% (333/24 085) in adults chickenpox, the incidence rate of complications was 1.7% (731/42 097) in children chickenpox. The incidence of encephalitis and pneumonia in children was higher than in adults, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The proportion of chickenpox cases was mainly outpatient, but the hospitalization rate of children cases was 14.4% (6 049/42 097), higher than that of adults, which was 10.7% (2 585/24 085). Conclusions: There were differences between adult chickenpox and child chickenpox in terms of epidemic and clinical manifestations; the symptoms of child chickenpox were more serious than adult chickenpox. However, the adult chickenpox population is generally susceptible and lacks immune strategy protection, which calls for more attention.

[Effects of screen exposure on language skills in children]

Objective: To investigate the association between screen exposure and language skills in children aged 2-5 years. Methods: There were 299 children aged 2-5 years, recruited by convenience sampling from those who visited the Center of Children's Healthcare, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics for routine physical examination from November 2020 to November 2021. Their development status were evaluated by the children neuropsychological and behavioral scale (revision 2016). A self-designed questionnaire for parents was conducted to collect demographic and socioeconomic information and screen exposure characteristics (time and quality). One-way ANOVA and independent sample t test were applied to compare the differences in language development quotient of children with different screen exposure time and quality. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between screen exposure time and quality with language developmental quotient. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk of language underdevelopment in children with different screen exposure time and quality. Results: Among 299 children, 184 (61.5%) were boys and 115 (38.5%) were girls, with the age of (3.9±1.1) years. The number of children with daily screen time <60, 60-120 and>120 min was 163 children (54.5%), 86 children (28.8%) and 50 children (16.7%), respectively, with the language development quotients of 94±13, 90±13, 84±14, respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant difference (F=8.92, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that screen exposure time of 60-120 and >120 min per day were both risk factors for children's language developmental quotients (OR=2.28, 95%CI 1.00-5.17, P=0.043; OR=3.96, 95%CI 1.86-9.17, P<0.001), and co-viewing and exposure to educational programs were both protective factors for children's language developmental quotients (OR=0.48, 95%CI 0.25-0.91, P=0.024, OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.70, P=0.003). Conclusions: Excessive exposure screen time and inappropriate screen exposure habits are associated with children's poorer language development. Screen exposure time should be limited and screen use should be rational to promote children's language skills.

Immunologic risk stratification of pediatric heart transplant patients by combining HLA-EMMA and PIRCHE-II

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecular mismatch is a powerful biomarker of rejection. Few studies have explored its use in assessing rejection risk in heart transplant recipients. We tested the hypothesis that a combination of HLA Epitope Mismatch Algorithm (HLA-EMMA) and Predicted Indirectly Recognizable HLA Epitopes (PIRCHE-II) algorithms can improve risk stratification of pediatric heart transplant recipients. Class I and II HLA genotyping were performed by next-generation sequencing on 274 recipient/donor pairs enrolled in the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children (CTOTC). Using high-resolution genotypes, we performed HLA molecular mismatch analysis with HLA-EMMA and PIRCHE-II, and correlated these findings with clinical outcomes. Patients without pre-formed donor specific antibody (DSA) (n=100) were used for correlations with post-transplant DSA and antibody mediated rejection (ABMR). Risk cut-offs were determined for DSA and ABMR using both algorithms. HLA-EMMA cut-offs alone predict the risk of DSA and ABMR; however, if used in combination with PIRCHE-II, the population could be further stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. The combination of HLA-EMMA and PIRCHE-II enables more granular immunological risk stratification. Intermediate-risk cases, like low-risk cases, are at a lower risk of DSA and ABMR. This new way of risk evaluation may facilitate individualized immunosuppression and surveillance.

[Analysis of neuropsychological development characteristics and influencing factors in children with speech sound disorder]

Objective: Exploring the neuropsychological developmental characteristics and influencing factors of children with speech disorder. Methods: A case-control study was conducted. A total of 395 children diagnosed with speech disorders were selected as speech sound disorder (SSD) group from January 2019 to September 2021 in the speech-speech outpatient department of the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, and 1 179 healthy children who underwent physical examination in the health department during the same period were selected as the control group. All the children were examined by the "Children's Neuropsychological Behavior Scale 2016 Edition" (Children's Mind Scale 2016 edition). Independent sample t test was used to compare the developmental levels of the two groups of children, including total developmental quotient, gross motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, language and social behavior ability. The influential factors of children's speech disorders were analyzed by univariate Chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: There were 395 SSD children, including 296 males and 99 females, 4≤ age ≤6, (4.71±0.76) years. There were 1 179 children in the control group, including 864 males and 315 females, 4≤ age ≤6, (4.64±0.78) years. The mean value of total developmental factors in SSD group was lower than that in control group [(86.45±11.57)/(91.24±8.0), t=-7.78, P<0.01], and the mean values of total developmental markers in both boys and girls in SSD group were lower than those in control group [(86.00±11.40)/(90.78±7.86), t=-6.70, P<0.01; (87.82±12.03)/(92.87±8.49), t=-3.88, P<0.01]. The mean values of gross motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, language ability and social behavior in SSD group were lower than those in control group [(89.76±12.47)/(92.01±10.69), t=-3.21, P<0.01; (80.62±13.64)/(84.49±11.55), t=-5.06, P<0.01; (87.92±15.25)/(92.98±12.06), t=-6.00, P<0.01; (86.48±16.30)/(94.55±12.08), t=-9.04, P<0.01; (87.02±15.18)/(92.63±12.57), t=-6.62, P<0.01]; The mean value of fine motor in boys was lower than that in girls in SSD group [(79.80±13.42)/(83.08±14.05), t=-2.08, P<0.05]. Independent mealtimes. 2 years old (OR=1.527, 95%CI: 1.180-1.977, P=0.001), delay in adding supplemental food (OR=1.510, 95%CI: 1.123-2.029, P=0.006), dialect in the home language environment (OR=1.351, 95%CI: 1.060-1.723, P=0.015) were risk factors for children with speech disorders. Conclusion: Children with speech disorders are more common in boys. The overall development level of SSD children is lower than that of normal children, and the fine motor of SSD boys is lower than that of girls. The incidence of children's speech disorders is related to the addition time of supplementary food, independent meal time and family language environment.

Effects of testis testosterone deficiency on gene expression in the adrenal gland and skeletal muscle of ducks

1. Testosterone has an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle. The testes produce most of the testosterone in vivo, while the adrenal glands contribute smaller amounts. When testis testosterone is deficient the adrenal gland increases steroid hormone synthesis, which is referred to as compensatory testicular adaptation (CTA).2. To reveal the effects of testis testosterone deficiency on adrenal steroid hormones synthesis and skeletal muscle development, gene expression related to adrenal steroid hormones synthesis and skeletal muscle development were determined by RNA-seq.3. The results showed that castrating male ducks had significant effects on their body weight but no significant impact on cross-sectional area (CSA) or density of pectoral muscle fibres. In skeletal muscle protein metabolism, expression levels of the catabolic gene atrogin1/MAFbx and the anabolic gene eEF2 were significantly higher, with concomitant increases after castration. The adrenal glands' alteration of the steroid hormone 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) was significantly lower following castration.4. Expression pattern analysis showed that the adrenal glands' glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1/GR) had a potential regulatory relationship with the skeletal muscle-related genes (Pax7, mTOR, FBXO32, FOXO3, and FOXO4).5. The data showed that castration affected muscle protein metabolism, adrenal steroid and testosterone synthesis. In addition, it was speculated that, after castration, steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland could have a compensatory effect, which might mediate the changes in skeletal muscle protein metabolism and development.

Cold stress triggers freezing tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via hormone regulation and transcription of related genes

Low temperatures limit the geographic distribution and yield of plants. Hormones play an important role in coordinating the growth and development of plants and their tolerance to low temperatures. However, the mechanisms by which hormones affect plant resistance to extreme cold stress in the natural environment are still unclear. In this study, two winter wheat varieties with different cold resistances, Dn1 and J22, were used to conduct targeted plant hormone metabolome analysis on the tillering nodes of winter wheat at 5 °C, -10 °C and -25 °C using an LC-ESI-MS/MS system. We screened 39 hormones from 88 plant hormone metabolites and constructed a partial regulatory network of auxin, jasmonic acid and cytokinin. GO analysis and enrichment of KEGG pathways in different metabolites showed that the 'plant hormone signal transduction' pathway was the most common. Our study showed that extreme low temperature increased the most levels of auxin, cytokinin and salicylic acid, and decreased levels of jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, and that levels of auxin, jasmonic acid and cytokinin in Dn1 were higher than those in J22. These changes in hormone levels were associated with changes in gene expression in synthesis, catabolism, transport and signal transduction pathways. These results differ from the previous hormone regulation mechanisms, which were mostly obtained at 4 °C. Our results provide a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms by which plant endogenous hormones regulate plant freezing stress tolerance.

Exploration of 68Ga-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 PET/CT parameters for identifying PBRM1 status in primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma

AIM

To investigate the predictive value of ⁶⁸Ga-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 (⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11) integrated positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in PBRM1-deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 41 patients with ccRCC, were enrolled retrospectively and underwent ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT preoperatively. Radiological parameters, including CT attenuation value and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), were derived. Immunohistochemical and multiple immunofluorescences staining were performed to evaluate the PBRM1 status and immune response. The predictive value of imaging factors was analysed using a receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between clinical and radiological variables and PBRM1 status.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were included in this study, with 14 patients having PBRM1-deficient status. The tumour diameter on imaging and SUVmax differed significantly in patients with different PBRM1 expression statuses and no difference in CT attenuation was identified. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed SUVmax was an obvious predictor for identification of PBRM1-deficient tumours. In addition, PBRM1-deficient tumours tended to be accompanied by greater cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, although most of them were in an exhausted state.

CONCLUSIONS

⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT could be used to discriminate invasive PBRM1-deficient ccRCC.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of Myxovirus resistance gene in Yangzhou goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus)

1. Myxovirus resistance (Mx) is a protein produced by the interferon-induced natural immune response with broad spectrum antiviral function. However, the role and expression characteristics of the Mx gene in immune defence against viral infection in goose have not yet been reported.2. This study found a 2576 bp genomic sequence and a 2112 bp mRNA sequence for Mx, encoding 703 amino acids. Multiple sequence alignments of the amino acid sequences showed that the Yangzhou goose Mx (goMx) had 86.99% similarity to the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos).3. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed that the expression of goMx was highest in the lung and spleen. Both poly (I:C) and GPV were found to elevate the expression of goMx. The upregulated expression of goMx was associated with interferon pathway-related genes IRF7, JAK1, STAT1, and STAT2. Furthermore, overexpression of goMx significantly activated the transcription of poly (I:C) induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18.4. The findings of this study suggest that the goMx modulation of the antiviral response is mediated by the interferon pathway.

PRC1 plays an important role in lung adenocarcinoma and is potentially targeted by fostamatinib

OBJECTIVE

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common cancers in the world. Protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) plays a role in the tumorigenesis and development of several cancers, including LUAD. The aim of the present study is to assess the characteristics of PRC1 in LUAD in order to find a potential drug that targets PRC1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the prognostic value of PRC1 in patients with LUAD using Cox analysis of the RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal. A link between PRC1 and LUAD progression, cigarette smoking mutation count, aneuploidy, and hypoxia scores was assessed. The relationship between PRC1 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in LUAD was analyzed and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to study the PRC1-related biological process and signal pathways. Potential drugs targeting PRC1 were identified using DrugBank database and molecular docking.

RESULTS

PRC1 expression was significantly increased in LUAD. PRC1 could be, therefore, a prognostic biomarker for predicting overall survival in LUAD. PRC1 expression was also related to cancer stage and patient's smoking history. PRC1 positively correlated with mutation count, aneuploidy and hypoxia scores. It was also significantly related to tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially the activated mast cells. GSEA revealed that PRC1 might be correlated with cell cycle, cytokinesis and p53 signaling pathway. Additionally, fostamatinib was found to be a potential drug targeting PRC1.

CONCLUSIONS

PRC1 may have a prognostic value for patients with LUAD, and be correlated with the mutation count, aneuploidy, hypoxia and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Fostamatinib was found to be a potential drug targeting PRC1 in LUAD.

MicroRNA-137 inhibits pituitary prolactinoma proliferation by targeting AKT2

PURPOSE

Prolactinoma is the most common type of pituitary adenoma. Most prolactinoma need medical treatment, but some of them are aggressive and require surgery. In previous decades, some miRNAs have been manifested as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Consequently, miRNAs' abnormal expression involves tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of different types of tumors, including pituitary tumors. The current study aim to explore the aggressiveness-associated miRNAs in prolactinoma and underlying molecular mechanisms based on the bioinformatic analysis and fundamental experiment studies.

METHODS

GSE46294 miRNA expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was downloaded. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were filtered from this data. Subsequently, the target genes of downregulated miRNAs were analyzed by Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. RT-qPCR, western blot, and CCK-8 assays were used to validate the effect of miR-137 on the proliferation of MMQ cells through AKT2. Finally, the binding site of rat miR-137 to AKT2 were predicted by Targetscan and Bibiserv database, and verified by double luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Twenty-four changed DEMs (fourteen upregulated and ten downregulated) were identified. Target genes of downregulated DEMs were classified into three groups by GO terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed these target genes enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway. We also confirmed that miR-137 can target AKT2 and inhibit the proliferation of MMQ cells induced by AKT2.

CONCLUSION

MiR-137 suppressed prolactinomas' aggressive behavior by targeting AKT2.