Nanoscale doping of polymeric semiconductors with confined electrochemical ion implantation

Nanoresolved doping of polymeric semiconductors can overcome scaling limitations to create highly integrated flexible electronics, but remains a fundamental challenge due to isotropic diffusion of the dopants. Here we report a general methodology for achieving nanoscale ion-implantation-like electrochemical doping of polymeric semiconductors. This approach involves confining counterion electromigration within a glassy electrolyte composed of room-temperature ionic liquids and high-glass-transition-temperature insulating polymers. By precisely adjusting the electrolyte glass transition temperature (Tg) and the operating temperature (T), we create a highly localized electric field distribution and achieve anisotropic ion migration that is nearly vertical to the nanotip electrodes. The confined doping produces an excellent resolution of 56 nm with a lateral-extended doping length down to as little as 9.3 nm. We reveal a universal exponential dependence of the doping resolution on the temperature difference (Tg - T) that can be used to depict the doping resolution for almost infinite polymeric semiconductors. Moreover, we demonstrate its implications in a range of polymer electronic devices, including a 200% performance-enhanced organic transistor and a lateral p-n diode with seamless junction widths of <100 nm. Combined with a further demonstration in the scalability of the nanoscale doping, this concept may open up new opportunities for polymer-based nanoelectronics.

Isolated non-immune mediated second-degree atrioventricular block in fetus: natural history and predictive factors for spontaneous recovery

OBJECTIVES

To uncover the clinical course of fetal isolated non-immune mediated second-degree AVB and determine the factors associated with the spontaneous recovery for fetal non-immune second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB).

METHODS

A total of 20 fetuses with isolated, non-immune mediated second-degree AVB were prospectively recruited between 2014 and 2022. These fetuses were divided into the spontaneous recovery group (n=12) and the non-spontaneous recovery group (n=8). Maternal and fetal basic characteristics, intrauterine and postnatal outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Twelve fetuses restored 1:1 atrioventricular conduction in utero and did not recur during the postnatal follow-up period. The residual eight fetuses maintained as second-degree AVB and six of them were aborted due to parental request in utero. Of the two live children with second-degree AVB, one of them progressed to complete AVB at the latest follow up at the age of 34 months, but without any symptoms, heart enlargement or dysfunction. The residual one progressed to complete AVB and was finally diagnosed with type 2 long-QT syndrome. Fetuses in the spontaneous recovery group presented with earlier gestational age at diagnosis (20.0[17.0-26.0] vs. 24.5[18.0-35.0] weeks, p=0.004) and higher atrial rate (147[130-160] vs 138.00[125.00-149.00] bpm, p=0.006) in comparison with the non-spontaneous recovery group. A cut-off value of 22.5 weeks of gestational age and 144 bpm of atrial rate at diagnosis could predict the failure of spontaneous recovery, with sensitivities of 87.5%, 75%, and specificities of 92.0%, 87.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of fetal non-immune second-degree AVB was favorable. Earlier gestational age at diagnosis and higher atrial rate were related to spontaneous reversion for isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB. However, prenatal gene test should be performed for those with persistent AVB to exclude the heritable disorders including LQTS. These findings may provide important references for clinical management and prenatal counseling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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.

Biomimetic nanocluster photoreceptors for adaptative circular polarization vision

Nanoclusters with atomically precise structures and discrete energy levels are considered as nanoscale semiconductors for artificial intelligence. However, nanocluster electronic engineering and optoelectronic behavior have remained obscure and unexplored. Hence, we create nanocluster photoreceptors inspired by mantis shrimp visual systems to satisfy the needs of compact but multi-task vision hardware and explore the photo-induced electronic transport. Wafer-scale arrayed photoreceptors are constructed by a nanocluster-conjugated molecule heterostructure. Nanoclusters perform as an in-sensor charge reservoir to tune the conductance levels of artificial photoreceptors by a light valve mechanism. A ligand-assisted charge transfer process takes place at nanocluster interface and it features an integration of spectral-dependent visual adaptation and circular polarization recognition. This approach is further employed for developing concisely structured, multi-task, and compact artificial visual systems and provides valuable guidelines for nanocluster neuromorphic devices.

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 microRNA sponge, LINC02193, promotes neutrophil activation by upregulating ICAM1 and is correlated with ANCA-associated vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathogenic role and underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

METHODS：

RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was applied to screen the expression profile of lncRNAs in peripheral leukocytes from 5 AAV patients and 5 healthy controls (HC). Candidate lncRNAs were preliminarily verified in peripheral leukocytes from 46 AAV patients and 35 HC by qRT-PCR. Then, the identified LINC02193 was further validated in peripheral neutrophils from 67 AAV patients, 45 HC and 64 disease controls. Correlation between LINC02193 levels and disease activity was analyzed. Then, a loss-of-function study was conducted to investigate the role of LINC02193 in neutrophils activation. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to explore the mechanism of LINC02193 regulating neutrophils activation.

RESULTS

A total of 467 upregulated and 412 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in AAV patients. From top 5 upregulated lncRNAs, an elevation of LINC02193 was validated in a larger sample of AAV patients, and positively correlated with disease activity. Knockdown of LINC02193 inhibited ROS and NO production, NETs release and adhesion to endothelial cells of differentiated human promyelocytic leukaemia HL‑60 cells (dHL-60), whereas overexpression of ICAM1 counteracted these effects. Mechanistic analysis demonstrated that LINC02193 acted as a miR-485-5p sponge to relieve the repressive effect of miR-485-5p on ICAM1, thus promoting ICAM1 expression.

CONCLUSION

LINC02193, a novel lncRNA identified in AAV could function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) for miR-485-5p to promote ICAM1 expression and neutrophils activation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target of AAV.

Comparative Analysis of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in the Management of Severe Pneumonia: A Retrospective Study

Background

Severe pneumonia continues to be a prominent cause of hospitalization and global mortality. There is ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of different oxygen therapy modalities, particularly high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), in the treatment of severe pneumonia.

Objective

This study investigated the risk factors associated with mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients with severe pneumonia.

Methods

This retrospective study included a cohort of 240 pediatric patients with severe pneumonia treated at Zhangzhou Hospital, affiliated with Fujian Medical University, from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups: the HFNC group and the IMV group. Comparative analysis was performed on general patient information, infection markers, arterial blood gas values, as well as the prevalence of underlying conditions and complications between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for invasive mechanical ventilation in children with severe pneumonia.

Results

Patients in the HFNC group experienced shorter hospitalization durations, and the average age in this group was lower compared to the IMV group (P < .05). Upon admission, respiratory rate and heart rate were higher in the HFNC group compared to the IMV group (P < .05). The IMV group demonstrated higher oxygenation index (OI) and infection markers, while the pH level was lower in the IMV group than in the HFNC group (P < .05). The prevalence of underlying conditions and complications in the IMV group was significantly higher than in the HFNC group (P < .05). Basic conditions such as heart disease, prematurity, heart failure, low OI, toxic encephalopathy, and influenza virus infection were identified as risk factors for IMV.

Conclusions

High-flow nasal cannula therapy has shown therapeutic efficacy in pediatric patients with severe pneumonia. However, children with underlying medical conditions may require prompt tracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation.

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.

PET vascular activity score for predicting new angiographic lesions in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a Chinese cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ability of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT to predict new lesions in Takayasu arteritis.

METHODS

Eighty-two Chinese patients with newly diagnosed Takayasu arteritis were recruited. Their clinical characteristics, serum biomarkers and imaging results were recorded at baseline and every visit. They were followed up for at least 2 years. New angiographic lesions were evaluated by magnetic resonance angiography. Baseline PET vascular activity scores (PETVAS) for predicting new lesions were evaluated.

RESULTS

At baseline, a moderate correlation was observed between PETVAS and ESR (r = 0.74, P < 0.01) and CRP level (r = 0.69, P < 0.01). Overall, 18 (22%) patients showed new lesions on imaging during a median follow-up time of 36 months. The median time to the first occurrence of new lesions was 18 months. Compared with patients without new lesions, the patients with new lesions included more female patients (67.2% vs 94.4%, P = 0.03), patients with higher ESR values (20 vs 49, P = 0.02) and patients with active disease (62.5% vs 94.4%, P < 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed PETVAS was an independent risk factor for new angiographic lesions (PETVAS ≥8, hazard ratio = 7.56; 95% CI 2.20, 26.01, P < 0.01) with adjustment of age, sex, chest pain, ESR and Physician Global Assessment. Furthermore, patients with PETVAS ≥8 at baseline were more likely to experience adverse events including arterial ischaemic events during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PETVAS showed good performance in predicting new lesions in Takayasu arteritis.

m6A methyltransferase KIAA1429 accelerates oral squamous cell carcinoma via regulating glycolysis and ferroptosis

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification acts as the most prevalent modification on eukaryotic RNA, and its function on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear. Here, the present research aimed to explore the novel function of m6A methyltransferase KIAA1429 in OSCC. Results illustrated that KIAA1429 up-regulated in the OSCC samples and cells. Gain/loss functional assays demonstrated that KIAA1429 repressed the ferroptosis of OSCC. Moreover, KIAA1429 positively accelerated the aerobic glycolysis of OSCC, including glucose uptake, lactate production, ATP level and ECAR. Mechanistically, KIAA1429 could install the m6A modification on the PGK1 mRNA, thereby up-regulating the methylated m6A level. Moreover, m6A reader YTHDF1 recognized the m6A modification site of PGK1 mRNA and enhanced its mRNA stability. Thus, KIAA1429 promoted the OSCC aerobic glycolysis and inhibited the ferroptosis of OSCC through YTHDF1-mediated PGK1 mRNA stability. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel insight for KIAA1429 on OSCC via m6A-dependent manner.

Reinforcement Learning Powered Station Parameter Optimized Radiation Therapy (SPORT): A Novel Treatment Planning and Beam Delivery Technique

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with a typical 5-20 fixed beams often does not provide sufficient angular sampling required for conformal dose shaping, whereas current volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) discretizes the angular space into equally spaced control points without considering the differential need for intensity modulation of different angles, leading to undersampling at some angles while oversampling at some other angles. Our goal is to develop a node or station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) strategy with simultaneously optimized angular sampling and beam modulation by leveraging state-of-the-art reinforcement learning and the unique capability of modern digital LINACs in dose delivery through programmable nodal points.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We developed a SPORT optimization framework, in which, the process of programming control points (or station parameters) was formulated as a stochastic dynamic programming problem, which was solved by a reinforcement learning-based algorithm. On-policy reinforcement learning method, namely, state-action-reward-state-action (SARSA) was integrated with deep convolutional neural network to predict station parameters by utilizing the patient's anatomical structures meanwhile considering the delivery capability of a typical digital LINAC machine. Here, the deep convolutional neural network estimated the state-action value by using the quality of the plan with current station parameters when a next potential station parameter was selected. The state-action value was then updated by SARSA learning. The quality of the plan was quantified by dosimetry constraints. The model was assessed by a retrospective study on a cohort of patients underwent head-and-neck radiation therapy. Dosimetric analysis and delivery efficiency comparisons were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed framework.

RESULTS

Our model was used to generate 16 plans unseen in the original training set. All the plans predicted by our model achieved better dose distributions without violating clinical planning constraints. Moreover, instead of using 4 full standard arcs in the original clinically used plans obtained via manual optimization, the predicted plans only used one full standard arc (about 178 control points) plus boost from a few sub-arcs (less than 30 degrees of gantry angles), which significantly improved the efficiency of the beam delivery. We are in the process of integrating the sub-arcs into the full arc by considering the programmable capability of modern LINACs.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that a machine learning-based SPORT framework capable of optimizing the spatial sampling and beam modulation simultaneously for modern radiation therapy. The framework not only significantly improves the quality and efficiency of beam delivery, but also has the potential to be incorporated into current clinical workflow to improve the efficiency of dose planning and delivery.

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.

Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals Peripheral T Helper Cells Promoting the Development of IgG4-Related Disease by Enhancing B Cell Activation and Differentiation

Abnormal B cell differentiation plays a critical role in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We investigated the cell landscape from three IgG4-RD retroperitoneal tissues and three control tissues using single-cell RNA-sequencing. Critical cell type or markers were further validated in the peripheral blood from the patients with IgG4-RD and healthy controls via flow cytometry as well as in the IgG4-RD and control tissue via immunofluorescence staining. The increases in B cells, plasma cells, and CD4+ T cells were found in IgG4-RD retroperitoneal tissue. Importantly, among CD4+ T cells, an increase in CD4+CXCR5-PD1hi peripheral T helper (Tph) cells with a high expression of IL-21 and TIGIT was discovered in IgG4-RD tissue, which was further validated in peripheral blood of the patients with IgG4-RD. The Tph cell and TIGIT+ Tph cell proportion were remarkably higher in active IgG4-RD patients and correlated with disease activity. Moreover, TIGIT+CD4+ cells were able to promote B cell differentiation via IL-21. Our study revealed that Tph cells are increased in IgG4-RD and probably play critical roles in B cell differentiation through TIGIT-IL-21 axis. Peripheral Tph cell and TIGIT+Tph cell are potential markers for IgG4-RD disease activity.

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.

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.

Development and validation of a multiphase CT radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion in patients with gastric cancer

AIM

To develop a nomogram to predict lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in gastric cancer by integrating multiphase computed tomography (CT) radiomics and clinical risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-two gastric cancer patients (121 training and 51 validation) with preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images and clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively. The clinical risk factors were selected by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Radiomic features were extracted and selected from the arterial phase (AP), venous phase (VP), and delayed phase (DP) CT images of each patient. Clinical risk factors, radiomic features, and integration of both were used to develop the clinical model, radiomic models, and nomogram, respectively.

RESULTS

Radiomic features from AP (n=6), VP (n=6), DP (n=7) CT images and three selected clinical risk factors were used for model development. The nomogram showed better performance than the AP, VP, DP, and clinical models in the training and validation datasets, providing areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.890 (95% CI: 0.820-0.940) and 0.885 (95% CI:0.765-0.957), respectively. All models indicated good calibration, and decision curve analysis proved that the net benefit of the nomogram was superior to that of the clinical and radiomic models throughout the vast majority of the threshold probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram integrating multiphase CT radiomics and clinical risk factors showed favourable performance in predicting LVI of gastric cancer, which may benefit clinical practice.

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.

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.

The accumulation and release characteristics of heavy metals on the cultivation environment in Gracilaria litters during decay process

Gracilaria bioremediates heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and improves water quality in mariculture zones. However, Gracilaria litter produced during the growth and harvest process has become a critical bottleneck problem that limits the sustainable development of the Gracilaria cultivation industry. Experiments of decaying dried (dead) and frozen fresh (falling and dying) G. lemaneiformis and G. lichenosdies were carried out using the litterbag technique under laboratory-controlled and in situ conditions. The results showed that decay rates (k), decomposed time in 50 % (t50) and in 95 % (t95) varied between dried and frozen fresh Gracilaria and were different between G. lemaneiformis and G. lichenosdies. All Gracilaria samples showed an 80 %-90 % weight loss in 15-45 d. The variation in MAIs (accumulation index of metals) between the dried and frozen fresh Gracilaria litters differed significantly and provided evidence that metals could be imported or exported from litter to the environment. Based on our estimates from the 15-45 d experiment, the decay of Gracilaria can release and adsorb heavy metals. The enrichment of Fe, Pb, and Mn was more significant than the release, but the release of Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Ni was more significant than the enrichment. Heavy metals in Gracilaria litters were accumulated and released simultaneously during decay. The present study simulated and underscores that Gracilaria cultivation intensely influences heavy metals recycled in marine environments It provides a theoretical basis for seaweed management for the sustainable development of the seaweed industry in the mariculture zone.

Effect of wet-heparinized suction on the quality of mediastinal solid tumor specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration: a retrospective study from a single center

BACKGROUND

Mediastinal lesions are diagnosed sometimes by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Wet-heparinized suction technique has been used to improve the quality of abdominal solid tumor samples obtained by EUS-FNA. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of wet-heparinized suction on the quality of mediastinal solid tumor samples and to evaluate the safety of the method.

METHODS

The medical records, EUS-FNA records, pathologic data, and follow-up data between the patients who suspected mediastinal lesions with wet-heparinized suction and conventional suction were retrospectively and comparatively analyzed. Adverse events at 48 h and 1 week after EUS-FNA were evaluated.

RESULTS

Wet-heparinized suction contributed to more tissue specimens (P < 0.05), superior tissue integrity (P < 0.05), and a longer length of white tissue core (P < 0.05). In addition, the more complete the tissue bar was, the higher the rate of successful sample (P < 0.05). Moreover, the total length of the white tissue bar at the first puncture was remarkably longer in the Experimental group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in red blood cell contamination in paraffin sections was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no complication after discharge in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Wet-heparinized suction can improve the quality of mediastinal lesion samples obtained by EUS-FNA and increase the success rate of sampling. In addition, it will not aggravate blood contamination in paraffin sections while ensuring a safe puncture.

Self-Doping Naphthalene Diimide Conjugated Polymers for Flexible Unipolar n-Type OTFTs

The development of high-performance organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) materials is vital for flexible electronics. Numerous OTFTs are so far reported but obtaining high-performance and reliable OTFTs simultaneously for flexible electronics is still challenging. Herein, it is reported that self-doping in conjugated polymer enables high unipolar n-type charge mobility in flexible OTFTs, as well as good operational/ambient stability and bending resistance. New naphthalene diimide (NDI)-conjugated polymers PNDI2T-NM17 and PNDI2T-NM50 with different contents of self-doping groups on their side chains are designed and synthesized. The effects of self-doping on the electronic properties of resulting flexible OTFTs are investigated. The results reveal that the flexible OTFTs based on self-doped PNDI2T-NM17 exhibit unipolar n-type charge-carrier properties and good operational/ambient stability thanks to the appropriate doping level and intermolecular interactions. The charge mobility and on/off ratio are fourfold and four orders of magnitude higher than those of undoped model polymer, respectively. Overall, the proposed self-doping strategy is useful for rationally designing OTFT materials with high semiconducting performance and reliability.

Boosting the Thermoelectric Performance of the Doped DPP-EDOT Conjugated Polymer by Incorporating an Ionic Additive

The thermoelectric (TE) performance of organic materials is limited by the coupling of Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Herein a new strategy is reported to boost the Seebeck coefficient of conjugated polymer without significantly reducing the electrical conductivity by incorporation of an ionic additive DPPNMe₃ Br. The doped polymer PDPP-EDOT thin film exhibits high electrical conductivity up to 1377 ± 109 S cm^-1 but low Seebeck coefficient below 30 µV K^-1 and a maximum power factor of 59 ± 10 µW m^-1 K^-2 . Interestingly, incorporation of small amount (at a molar ratio of 1:30) of DPPNMe₃ Br into PDPP-EDOT results in the significant enhancement of Seebeck coefficient along with the slight decrease of electrical conductivity after doping. Consequently, the power factor (PF) is boosted to 571 ± 38 µW m^-1 K^-2 and ZT reaches 0.28 ± 0.02 at 130 °C, which is among the highest for the reported organic TE materials. Based on the theoretical calculation, it is assumed that the enhancement of TE performance for the doped PDPP-EDOT by DPPNMe₃ Br is mainly attributed to the increase of energetic disorder for PDPP-EDOT.

Neurological complications of COVID-19

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused several pandemic peaks worldwide due to its high variability and infectiousness, and COVID-19 has become a long-standing global public health problem. There is growing evidence that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) frequently causes multi-organ injuries and more severe neurological manifestations. Therefore, increased awareness of possible neurological complications is beneficial in preventing and mitigating the impact of long-term sequelae and improving the prognostic outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Here, we review the main pathways of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and the potential mechanisms causing neurological damage. We also discuss in detail neurological complications, aiming to provide cutting-edge basis for subsequent related basic research and clinical studies of diagnosis and treatment.

Iminyl-Radical-Mediated Formation of Covalent Au-N Bonds for Molecular Junctions

The interaction between organic radicals and transition metals plays a crucial role in radical-mediated chemical reactions, functional devices, and biocatalysis. Characterizing such interactions, however, remains a long-standing challenge due to the inherently high reactivity of radical species. Here, using a scanning tunneling microscope breaking junction (STM-BJ) technique, we are able to detect the interaction mode between iminyl radicals and the gold surface at a single molecule level. We show that the free iminyl radicals generated through photochemical N-O bond homolysis of oxime esters react toward the gold electrode surface and produce covalent Au-N bonds. Intriguingly, we find that the Au-N bonding reactions lead to the formation of robust and highly conductive single-molecule junctions. These findings provide not only insights into the mechanism of iminyl-radical-involved reactions but also a facile photolysis method to create a new type of covalent electrode-molecule bonding contact for molecular devices.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake, hesitancy and clinical effects on patients with Takayasu's arteritis: A web-based questionnaire survey from a large cohort

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rate, reasons for vaccine hesitancy and clinical effects on patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TAK).

Methods

A web-based survey was administered to a TAK cohort established by the Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital through WeChat in April, 2022. Responses from a total of 302 patients were received. The Sinovac or Sinopharm inactivated vaccination rate, side effects, and vaccine hesitancy reasons were analyzed. In addition, disease flare, new disease onset, and changes of immune-related parameters after vaccination were analyzed in vaccinated patients.

Results

Among 302 patients, 93 (30.79%) received the inactivated COVID-19 vaccination. Among the 209 unvaccinated patients, the most common reason for hesitancy were concern about side effects (136, 65.07%). Vaccinated patients had a longer disease duration (p = 0.08) and lower use of biologic agents (p < 0.001); 16 (17.20%) of the 93 vaccinated patients developed side effects, and most of them were mild; 8 (8.60%) developed disease flares or new-onset disease 12-128 days post-vaccination and 2 (2.15%) developed serious adverse effects (vision defect and cranial infarction). Immune-related parameters of 17 patients indicated decreases in IgA and IgM after vaccination (p < 0.05). Eighteen (19.35%) of the 93 vaccinated patients were diagnosed post-vaccination.These patients had a significantly higher percentage of CD19+ B cells at disease onset (p < 0.05) than the unvaccinated patients diagnosed at the same time.

Conclusion

The vaccination rate was low in TAK, which was mainly caused by concerns about negative effects of vaccination on their disease. An acceptable safety profile was observed in vaccinated patients. The risk of disease flare associated with COVID-19 vaccination warrants further investigation.

Correlation study between apparent diffusion coefficients and the prognostic factors in breast cancer

AIM

To analyse the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) derived from intratumoural and peritumoural regions with prognostic factors and immune-inflammatory markers in breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 89 patients (age range, 28-66 years; median, 45 years) with a diagnosis of invasive BC who underwent routine blood tests and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. The study cohort was stratified according to tumour maximum cross-section ≥20 mm, lymph node metastasis (LNM), time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type, and receptor status. Minimum, maximum, mean, and heterogeneity values of tumour ADC (ADC_tmin, ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_heter), maximum values of peritumoural ADC (ADC_pmax), and the ratio of peritumoural-tumour ADC (ADC_ratio) were obtained on the ADC maps. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between immune-inflammatory markers, prognostic factors and ADC values.

RESULTS

HER-2 was positively associated with ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_pmax values (β = 0.306, p=0.004; β = 0.283, p=0.007; β = 0.262, p=0.007, respectively), while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was positively associated with ADC_pmax and ADC_ratio values (β = 0.227, p=0.020; β = 0.231, p=0.020, respectively). Among ADC parameters, ADC_pmax showed the highest predictive values for evaluating the presence of LNM (AUC, 0.751; sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 77.1%).

CONCLUSION

The ADC_pmax value could provide additional assistance in predicting prognostic factors of BC.

Triggering ZT to 0.40 by Engineering Orientation in One Polymeric Semiconductor

Breaking the thermoelectric (TE) trade-off relationship is an important task for maximizing the TE performance of polymeric semiconductors. Existing efforts have focused on designing high-mobility semiconductors and achieving ordered molecular doping, ignoring the critical role of the molecular orientation during TE conversion. Herein, the achievement of ZT to 0.40 is reported by fine-tuning the molecular orientation of one diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based polymer (DPP-BTz). Films with bimodal molecular orientation yield superior doping efficiency by increasing the lamellar spacing and achieve increased splitting between the Fermi energy and the transport energy to enhance the thermopower. These factors contribute to the simultaneous improvement in the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity in an unexpected manner. Importantly, the bimodal film exhibits a maximum power factor of up to 346 µW m^-1 K^-2 , >400% higher than that of unimodal films. These results demonstrate the great potential of molecular orientation engineering in polymeric semiconductors for developing state-of-the-art organic TE (OTE) materials.

Effects of ruminal protozoa on methane emissions in ruminants-A meta-analysis

The effects of different ruminal protozoa (RP) on CH₄ emissions from ruminants were evaluated in a meta-analysis, using 64 publications reporting data from 79 in vivo experiments. Experiments included in the database reported CH₄ emissions (g/d) and total RP (TRP, log₁₀ cells/mL) from the same group of animals. The relationship between CH₄ emissions and RP (TRP, entodiniomorphids, and isotrichids), and TRP-, entodiniomorphid-, and isotrichid-based CH₄ emission prediction models, were evaluated as mixed models with experiment as a random effect and weighted by the reciprocal of the standard error of the mean and centered around one. Positive associations existed between TRP and isotrichids with CH₄ emissions but not between entodiniomorphids and CH₄ emissions. A reduction in CH₄ emissions was observed, averaging 7.96 and 4.25 g/d, per log unit reduction in TRP and isotrichid concentrations, respectively. Total RP and isotrichids were important variables in predicting CH₄ emissions from ruminants. Isotrichid CH₄ prediction model was more robust than the TRP, evidenciated by lower predicted sigma hat study (%), and error (%), and with higher concordance correlation coefficient. Both TRP and isotrichid models can accurately predict CH₄ emissions across different ruminant types, as shown by the low square root of the mean square prediction error, with 6.59 and 4.08% of the mean of root of the mean square prediction error in the TRP and isotrichid models, respectively. Our results confirm that isotrichids are more important than entodiniomorphids in methanogenesis. Distinguishing these 2 populations yielded a more robust CH₄ prediction model than combining them as total protozoa.

Feed efficiency of lactating Holstein cows is repeatable within diet but less reproducible when changing dietary starch and forage concentrations

Improving feed efficiency has become an important target for dairy farmers to produce more milk with fewer feed resources. With decreasing availability of arable land to produce feeds that are edible for human consumption, it will be important to increase the proportion of feeds in the diets for dairy cattle that are less edible for human consumption. The current research analyzed the ability of lactating dairy cows to maintain their feed efficiency when switching between a high starch diet (HS diet: 27% starch, 29% NDF, 47.1% forages on a DM basis) and a low starch diet (LS diet: 13% starch, 37% NDF, 66.4% forages on a DM basis). Sixty-two lactating Holstein cows (137 ± 23 days in milk (DIM) at the start of experiment), of which 29 were primiparous cows, were utilized in a crossover design with two 70-d experimental periods, including a 14-d adaption period for each. Feed efficiency was estimated as the individual deviation from the population average intercept in a mixed model predicting DM intake (DMI) with net energy in milk, maintenance and BW gain and loss. Repeatability was estimated within each diet by comparing feed efficiency estimated over the first 28-day period and the second 28-day period within each diet, using Pearson's and intraclass correlations, and the estimation of error of repeatability. Similarly, reproducibility was estimated by comparing the second 28-day period of one diet with the first 28-day period of the other diet. Feed efficiency was less reproducible across diets than repeatable within the same diet. This was shown by lower intraclass correlations (0.399) across diets compared to that in the HS diet (0.587) and LS diet (0.806), as well as a lower Pearson's correlation coefficient (0.418) across diets compared to that in the HS diet (0.630) and LS diet (0.809). In addition, the estimation of error of repeatability was higher (0.830 kg DM/d) across diets compared to that in the HS diet (0.761 kg DM/d) and LS diet (0.504 kg DM/d). This means that the feed efficiency of dairy cows is more likely to change after a diet change than over subsequent lactation stages. Other determinants, such as digestive processes, need to be further investigated to determine its effects on estimating feed efficiency.

Biomarker Changes and Molecular Signatures Associated with Takayasu Arteritis Following Treatment with Glucocorticoids and Tofacitinib

Objective

This study aimed to analyze biomarker changes in patients with TAK following treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) and tofacitinib (TOF).

Methods

Seventeen patients from a prospective TAK cohort treated with GCs and TOF and 12 healthy individuals were recruited. TAK associated cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and MMPs were analyzed in these patients before and after GCs and TOF treatment, and healthy controls. Molecular signatures associated with clinical features were evaluated.

Results

Patients’ cytokines (PTX3, IL-6, IFN-γ), chemokines (IL-16, CCL22, CCL2), growth factors (VEGF), and MMP9 levels were significantly higher at baseline (all p < 0.05), while patients’ FGF-2 levels were significantly lower (p = 0.02). After treatment, IL-10 was significantly increased at 6 months (p=0.007), and inflammatory cytokines such as PTX3, IL-6 demonstrated a downward trend. Patients without vascular occlusion had higher baseline CCL22 levels than patients with it (p = 0.05), which remained persistently higher after treatment. Radar plot analysis demonstrated that PTX3 was closely correlated with disease activity. In addition, patients without imaging improvement had relatively higher baseline levels of CCL22, FGF-2, and PDGF-AB (p = 0.056, p = 0.06 and p = 0.08 respectively) and lower baseline levels of TNFα, ESR, and CRP (p=0.04, p=0.056, p=0.07, respectively) compared with patients without it.

Conclusion

GCs and TOF are effective in decreasing inflammatory molecules but have limited efficacy in regulating multiple other markers involved in TAK. PTX3 is a prominent marker for disease activity, and CCL22 may have a predictive value for vascular progression.

POS0274 PREDICTION OF VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN TAKAYASU ARTERITIS BY MACHINE LEARNING: A PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY BASED ON A PROSPECTIVE COHORT

Background

Vascular complications are common poor prognosis in Takayasu arteritis (TAK). A reliable prediction model for this outcome has not been performed using machine learning (ML) due to the lack of a dataset with sufficient sample size.

Objectives

We aimed to develop ML models for prediction of vascular complications in TAK based on the prospective data of the largest sample in China from the East China Takayasu Arteritis (ECTA) cohort.

Methods

Data were collected from the ECTA cohort in which patients were enrolled from January 2009 to August 2020 and followed till February 2021 (n = 517). Predictor variables included 53 baseline features and outcome of interest was incident vascular complications. Data were randomly split into a training (85%) and test (15%) set. Logistic regression (LR), support vector machine, random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors, XGBoost (XGB), and light gradient boosting machine models were trained using five-fold cross validation, and evaluated on the test set for recall, specificity, precision and area under ROC (AU-ROC) and precision-recall curves (AU-PRC). Permutation score was applied to assess feature importance to the outcome.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 30 (15–44) months, incident vascular complications were observed in 29.0% (150/517) patients. The RF model demonstrated the best overall predictive performance (AU-ROC = 0.84, AU-PRC = 0.63). Both the RF and LR models had the highest specificity (0.98), and the XGB model had the highest recall (0.87). Progressive clinical course was an important feature significantly associated with the outcome for all models.

Conclusion

It demonstrated the feasibility of developing ML models for prediction of vascular complications in TAK. The XGB model could help for early identification of high-risk patients, and RF and LR models could further confirm.

Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0812 CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS/DIAMETER RATIO AND PEAK SYSTOLIC VELOCITY AS RISK FACTORS FOR NEUROLOGICAL SEVERE ISCHEMIC EVENTS IN TAKAYASU’S ARTERITIS

Background

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is an idiopathic systemic vasculitis characterized by the involvement of the aorta and its major branches [1]. The supra-aortic arteries are often involved in TAK, with the reported prevalence ranging from 40% to 84% [2-3]. Importantly, patients with supra-aortic involvement carry a higher risk of neurological severe ischemic events (SIE) [4-5]. The common carotid artery (CCA) is the most affected artery and is more closely associated with neurologic symptoms than other supra-aortic arteries [6]. Ultrasonography (US) has been regarded as the most popular, user-friendly, and repeatable tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of CCA injuries.

Objectives

Our aim was to characterize TAK with supra-aortic involvement and determine the associations between clinical features, carotid US parameters, and neurological SIE.

Methods

Patients with supra-aortic involvement including brachiocephalic trunk, bilateral common carotid artery and internal carotid artery, and bilateral subclavian and vertebral artery and baseline carotid US examination were enrolled. Bilateral carotid diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were measured by US. Then, IMT/diameter ratio (IDR) was calculated. Risk factors associated with neurological SIE were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Totally, 295 patients were included, of whom 93 (31.5%) experienced neurological SIE, with common carotid artery involved (81.7%). Involved supra-aortic artery distribution (p=0.04) and number (p<0.01) differed between neurologic and non-neurologic SIE subjects, showing higher prevalence of common carotid and vertebral artery involvement in cases with neurological SIE and 57.1% neurological SIE patients having more than four involved arteries. The left carotid IMT (p=0.03) and IDR (p<0.01) differed between patients with and without neurological SIE. The left carotid IDR (cut-off value ≥0.55, odds ratio [OR] 4.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-9.71; p<0.01) and PSV (≤76 cm/s, OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.62-7.04; p<0.01) and involved supra-aortic artery number (≥4, OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.54-6.47; p<0.01) were independently associated with neurological SIE.

Conclusion

The left carotid IDR, PSV and involved supra-aortic artery number would perform as valuable markers for recognizing neurological SIE in TAK patients with supra-aortic lesions.

References

[1]Kerr GS, Hallahan CW, Giordano J, et al. Takayasu arteritis. Ann Intern Med 1994; 120: 919-29.

[2]Cong XL, Dai SM, Feng X, et al. Takayasu’s arteritis: clinical features and outcomes of 125 patients in China. Clin Rheumatol 2010; 29: 973-81.

[3]Mirouse A, Biard L, Comarmond C, et al. Overall survival and mortality risk factors in Takayasu’s arteritis: a multicenter study of 318 patients. J Autoimmun 2019; 96: 35-9.

[4]Porter A, Youngstein T, Tombetti E, Mason JC. Biologic therapy in supra-aortic Takayasu arteritis can improve symptoms of cerebral ischaemia without surgical intervention. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59 Suppl 3: iii28-32.

[5]Michailidou D, Rosenblum JS, Rimland CA, Marko J, Ahlman MA, Grayson PC. Clinical symptoms and associated vascular imaging findings in Takayasu’s arteritis compared to giant cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79: 262-7.

[6]Schäfer VS, Jin L, Schmidt WA. Imaging for diagnosis, monitoring, and outcome prediction of large vessel vasculitides. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22: 76.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0799 BIOMARKER CHANGES IN TAKAYASU ARTERITIS AFTER TOFACITINIB TREATMENT AND THE MOLECULAR SIGNATURE ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS

Background

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a chronic, non-specific, granulomatous macrovasculitis and its pathogenesis is still unclear. The increasing evidence indicated that multiple pathological process involved in the development of TAK. According to previous reports, multiple biomarkers representative different pathological process (1-3), However, which biomarker can closely reflect disease activity or vascular changes and whether these abnormal processes can be prevented by current therapies remained unknown.

Objectives

To analyze changes of serum cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor profiles in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) after tofacitinib treatment and explore potential molecular signatures related with various disease characteristics

Methods

Seventeen patients from a TAK cohort treated with tofacitinib and 12 healthy controls were recruited in this study. Potential biomarkers with TAK including cytokines, MMPs, chemokines and growth factors were detected in these patients (0, 6, 12 months) and healthy controls. Molecular changes, disease activity, disease remission, and vascular imaging changes were analyzed in these patients after treatment. Furthermore, molecule signatures associated with these clinical features/outcomes were explored via radar plot and correlation analysis.

Results

At baseline, all the patients were in active status. Meanwhile, patients’ cytokines (PTX3, IL-6, IFN-γ), chemokines (IL-16, CCL22, CCL2), growth factor (VEGF) and MMP9 were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (all p<0.05), while FGF-2 was significantly lower in patients with TAK (p=0.02). After treatment, 94.12% of patients achieved complete remission at 6 and 12 months; patients’ ESR and CRP levels were significantly reduced at 6 months (p=0.02, p=0.046 respectively); vascular improvement were observed in 6 (35.29%) patients at 12 months. With regards to these molecules, IL-10 was increased at 6 months compared with its baseline level (p=0.007). No changes were observed in other cytokines, chemokines, or growth factors. Besides, the radar plot demonstrated that PTX3 was closely correlated with disease activity. In addition, patients with vascular imaging improvement had relatively higher baseline levels of TNFα, ESR, and CRP (p=0.04, p=0.056, p=0.07, respectively), lower CCL22, FGF, and PDGF-AB levels (p=0.056, p=0.06 and p=0.08 respectively) compared with patients without it.

Conclusion

Multiple molecules representative different pathological mechanism participated in the pathogenesis of TAK. PTX3 was a prominent marker for disease activity, and CCL22 may have a predictive value for vascular imaging changes.

References

[1]Dagna L, Salvo F, Tiraboschi M, et al. Pentraxin-3 as a marker of disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(7):425-433. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-155-7-201110040-00005

[2]Sun Y, Kong X, Wu S, et al. YKL-40 as a new biomarker of disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. Int J Cardiol. 2019; 293: 231-237

[3]Dong H, Zhang Y, Zou Y, et al. Elevated chemokines concentration is associated with disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. Cytokine. 2021; 143: 155515

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0491 A COMPREHENSIVE PROFILE OF CHEMOKINES IN THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD AND VASCULAR TISSUE OF PATIENTS WITH TAKAYASU ARTERITIS

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic granulomatous large vessel vasculitis with multiple immune cells involved [1]. In TAK, vascular lesions originate from the vascular adventitia. The vascular adventitia is rich in vasa vasorum, which can transport peripheral immune cells to active vascular lesions in the early stage of lesion development [2]. Thus, chemokines played critical roles in the pathogenesis of TAK. It has been reported that the levels of RANTES, CCL2, CCL20, CXCL8, and CXCL10 were elevated in TAK, and their levels were correlated with disease activity [3, 4]. However, the profile of chemokines in TAK has not been clearly elucidated.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate chemokine profile in peripheral blood and vascular tissue of patients with TAK.

Methods

A total of 58 patients with TAK and 53 healthy controls were enrolled. Chemokine array assay was performed in five patients with TAK and three controls. Chemokines with higher levels were preliminarily validated in 20 patients and controls. The validated chemokines were further confirmed in another group of samples with 25 patients and 25 controls. Their expression and distribution were also examined in vascular tissue from 8 patients and 5 controls. Correlations between these chemokines and peripheral immune cells, cytokines, disease activity parameters were analyzed. Their serum changes were also investigated in these 45 patients after glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive treatment.

Results

Patients and controls were age and sex-matched. Twelve higher chemokines and 4 lower chemokines were found based on the chemokine array. After validation, increase of 5 chemokines were confirmed in patients with TAK, including CCL22, RANTES, CXCL16, CXCL11, and IL-16. Their expressions were also increased in vascular tissue of patients with TAK. In addition, levels of RANTES and IL-16 were positively correlated with peripheral CD3+CD4+ T cell numbers. Close localization of CCL22, CXCL11 or IL-16 with inflammatory cells were also observed in TAK vascular tissue. No correlations were found between these chemokines and cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ) or inflammatory parameters (ESR, CRP). No differences were observed regarding with these chemokines between active and inactive patients. After treatment, increase of CCL22 and decrease of RANTES, CXCL16 were found, while no changes were showed in levels of CXCL11 and IL-16.

Conclusion

CCL22, RANTES, CXCL16, CXCL11, and IL-16 were identified as the major chemokines involved in the recruitment of immune cells in the vascular tissue of patients with TAK. Additionally, the persistently high levels of CCL22, CXCL11, and IL-16 observed after treatment indicate their role in vascular chronic inflammation or fibrosis and demonstrate the need for developing more efficacious treatment options.

References

[1]Seyahi E. Takayasu arteritis: an update. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2017 Jan;29(1):51-56.

[2]Corbera-Bellalta M, Planas-Rigol E, Lozano E, Terrades-García N, Alba MA, Prieto-González S, García-Martínez A, Albero R, Enjuanes A, Espígol-Frigolé G, Hernández-Rodríguez J, Roux-Lombard P, Ferlin WG, Dayer JM, Kosco-Vilbois MH, Cid MC. Blocking interferon γ reduces expression of chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 and decreases macrophage infiltration in ex vivo cultured arteries from patients with giant cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Jun;75(6):1177-86.

[3]Noris M, Daina E, Gamba S, Bonazzola S, Remuzzi G. Interleukin-6 and RANTES in Takayasu arteritis: a guide for therapeutic decisions? Circulation. 1999 Jul 6;100(1):55-60.

[4]Dong H, Zhang Y, Zou Y, Chen Y, Yue J, Liu H, Jiang X. Elevated chemokines concentration is associated with disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. Cytokine. 2021 Jul;143:155515.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

Biomass decomposition and heavy metal release from seaweed litter, Gracilaria lemaneiformis, and secondary pollution evaluation

The seaweed Gracilaria lemaneiformis can bioremediate heavy metals and improve the environmental quality of mariculture zones. However, the seaweed litter that is produced in the growth and harvest processes becomes one of the important bottlenecks and causes secondary pollution that restricts the development of sustainable seaweed cultivation. Seaweeds exist widely in the coastal areas of the world and are cultivated on a large scale in Asia, but their decomposition process is rarely studied. Experiments that compared decaying dry (dead) and fresh (falling and dying) Gracilaria were conducted to quantify the differences in decomposition rates and heavy metal release in different physiological states. The heavy metals in the seawater and sediment were investigated. The litterbag technique under controlled laboratory conditions was used. The results indicated that the decomposition rates (k) and decay times in 50% (t50%) and 95% (t95%) values varied between dry and fresh Gracilaria. Fresh Gracilaria exhibited a weight loss rate of 15%, and the dry weight loss was 44%. The variations in MAIs (accumulation index of metals) and M_R (release rate of metals) between the dry and fresh Gracilaria litters differed significantly, which provides evidence that metals are released back into the environment from Gracilaria litters. The contacted sediments could accelerate the heavy metal release from Gracilaria. Based on our estimates obtained from a 45 d experiment, at least 27.5％ of Cd, 16％ of Cu, 60.1％ of Pb, 72.3％ of Zn, 49.4％ of Fe, 38.6％ of Mn, 68.1％ of Cr, and 67.5％ of Ni present in the fresh Gracilaria and 37.4％ of Cd, 46.2％ of Cu, 77.7％ of Pb, 53.7％ of Zn, 42.7％ of Fe, 67.2％ of Mn, 75.1％ of Cr, and 73.5％ of Ni present in the dried Gracilaria were released back into the water when the biomass was left to decay. This study simulates and underscores that Gracilaria has an strong effect on the heavy metal cycles in marine environments and offers a theoretical basis for the development of sustainable seaweed industries in mariculture zones.

[The clinical phenotype and gene analysis of syndromic deafness with PTPN11 gene mutation]

Objective: To analyze the clinical phenotype and screen the genetic mutations of hereditary deafness in three deaf families to clarify their molecular biology etiology. Methods: From January 2019 to January 2020, three deaf children and family members were collected for medical history, physical examination, audiology evaluation, electrocardiogram and cardiac color Doppler ultrasound, temporal bone CT examination, and peripheral blood DNA was obtained for high-throughput sequencing of deafness genes. Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the variant sites among family members. The pathogenicity of the variants was evaluated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Results: The probands in the three families had deafness phenotypes. In family 1, proband had multiple lentigines, special facial features, growth retardation, pectus carinatum, abnormal skin elasticity, cryptorchidism and other manifestations. In family 2, proband had special facial features, growth retardation and abnormal heart, and the proband in family 3 had growth retardation and abnormal electrocardiogram. Genetic testing of three families detected three heterozygous mutations in the PTPN11 gene: c.1391G>C (p.Gly464Ala), c.1510A>G (p.Met504Val), c.1502G>A (p.Arg501Lys). All three sites were missense mutations, and the mutation sites were highly conserved among multiple homologous species. Based on clinical manifestations and genetic test results, proband 1 was diagnosed with multiple lentigines Noonan syndrome, and probands 2 and 3 were diagnosed with Noonan syndrome. Conclusion: Missense mutations in the PTPN11 gene may be the cause of the disease in the three deaf families. This study enriches the clinical phenotype and mutation spectrum of the PTPN11 gene in the Chinese population.