Low-temperature NH3 abatement via selective oxidation over a supported copper catalyst with high Cu+ abundance

Selective catalytic NH3-to-N2 oxidation (NH3-SCO) is highly promising for abating NH3 emissions slipped from stationary flue gas after-treatment devices. Its practical application, however, is limited by the non-availability of low-cost catalysts with high activity and N2 selectivity. Here, using defect-rich nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNT-AW) as the support, we developed a highly active and durable copper-based NH3-SCO catalyst with a high abundance of cuprous (Cu+) sites. The obtained Cu/NCNT-AW catalyst demonstrated outstanding activity with a T50 (i.e. the temperature to reach 50% NH3 conversion) of 174°C in the NH3-SCO reaction, which outperformed not only the Cu catalyst supported on N-free O-functionalized CNTs (OCNTs) or NCNT with less surface defects, but also those most active Cu catalysts in open literature. Reaction kinetics measurements and temperature-programmed surface reactions using NH3 as a probe molecule revealed that the NH3-SCO reaction on Cu/NCNT-AW follows an internal selective catalytic reaction (i-SCR) route involving nitric oxide (NO) as a key intermediate. According to mechanistic investigations by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the superior NH3-SCO performance of Cu/NCNT-AW originated from a synergy of surface defects and N-dopants. Specifically, surface defects promoted the anchoring of CuO nanoparticles on N-containing sites and, thereby, enabled efficient electron transfer from N to CuO, increasing significantly the fraction of SCR-active Cu+ sites in the catalyst. This study puts forward a new idea for manipulating and utilizing the interplay of defects and N-dopants on carbon surfaces to fabricate Cu+-rich Cu catalysts for efficient abatement of slip NH3 emissions via selective oxidation.

Long-term ambient ozone exposure and incident cardiovascular diseases: National cohort evidence in China

BACKGROUND

Long-term ozone (O3) exposure has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in mounting cohort evidence, yet its relationship with incident CVD was poorly understood, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experiencing high ambient air pollution.

METHODS

We carried out a nationwide perspective cohort study from 2010 through 2018 by dynamically enrolling 36948 participants across Chinese mainland. Warm-season (April-September) O3 concentrations were estimated using satellite-based machine-learning models with national coverage. Cox proportional hazards model with time-varying exposures was employed to evaluate the association of long-term O3 exposure with incident CVD (overall CVD, hypertension, stroke, and coronary heart disease [CHD]). Assuming causality, a counterfactual framework was employed to estimate O3-attributable CVD burden based on the exposure-response (E-R) relationship obtained from this study. Decomposition analysis was utilized to quantify the contributions of four key direct driving factors (O3 exposure, population size, age structure, and incidence rate) to the net change of O3-related CVD cases between 2010 and 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 4428 CVD, 2600 hypertension, 1174 stroke, and 337 CHD events were reported during 9-year follow-up. Each 10-μg/m³ increase in warm-season O3 was associated with an incident risk of 1.078 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.050-1.106) for overall CVD, 1.098 (95% CI: 1.062-1.135) for hypertension, 1.073 (95% CI: 1.019-1.131) for stroke, and 1.150 (95% CI: 1.038-1.274) for CHD, respectively. We observed no departure from linear E-R relationships of O3 exposure with overall CVD (Pnonlinear= 0.22), hypertension (Pnonlinear= 0.19), stroke (Pnonlinear= 0.70), and CHD (Pnonlinear= 0.44) at a broad concentration range of 60-160 µg/m3. Compared with rural dwellers, those residing in urban areas were at significantly greater O3-associated incident risks of overall CVD, hypertension, and stroke. We estimated 1.22 million (10.6% of overall CVD in 2018) incident CVD cases could be attributable to ambient O3 pollution in 2018, representing an overall 40.9% growth (0.36 million) compared to 2010 (0.87 million, 9.7% of overall CVD in 2010). This remarkable rise in O3-attributable CVD cases was primary driven by population aging (+24.0%), followed by increase in O3 concentration (+10.5%) and population size (+6.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term O3 exposure was associated with an elevated risk and burden of incident CVD in Chinese adults, especially among urban dwellers. Our findings underscored policy priorities of implementing joint control measures for fine particulate matter and O3 in the context of accelerated urbanization and population aging in China.

Nicotinamide deficiency promotes imidacloprid resistance via activation of ROS/CncC signaling pathway-mediated UGT detoxification in Nilaparvata lugens

Metabolic alternation is a typical characteristic of insecticide resistance in insects. However, mechanisms underlying metabolic alternation and how altered metabolism in turn affects insecticide resistance are largely unknown. Here, we report that nicotinamide levels are decreased in the imidacloprid-resistant strain of Nilaparvata lugens, may due to reduced abundance of the symbiotic bacteria Arsenophonus. Importantly, the low levels of nicotinamide promote imidacloprid resistance via metabolic detoxification alternation, including elevations in UDP-glycosyltransferase enzymatic activity and enhancements in UGT386B2-mediated metabolism capability. Mechanistically, nicotinamide suppresses transcriptional regulatory activities of cap 'n' collar isoform C (CncC) and its partner small muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis isoform K (MafK) by scavenging the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocking the DNA binding domain of MafK. In imidacloprid-resistant N. lugens, nicotinamide deficiency re-activates the ROS/CncC signaling pathway to provoke UGT386B2 overexpression, thereby promoting imidacloprid detoxification. Thus, nicotinamide metabolism represents a promising target to counteract imidacloprid resistance in N. lugens.

Quantifying the influence of size, shape, and density of microplastics on their transport modes: A modeling approach

Microplastics (MPs) pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health, necessitating accurate predictions of their distributions in aquatic environments for effective risk mitigation. However, understanding MP transport dynamics is challenging because of the inadequate representation of MP characteristics such as size, shape, and density in numerical models. Further, the accuracy of the MP vertical profiles in existing models has not been thoroughly validated. Thus, we developed an MP transport model within the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model framework (FVCOM-MP) by integrating MP characteristics. We validated FVCOM-MP against experimental and analytical data, focusing on various MP transport modes and transitions. FVCOM-MP successfully replicates MP profiles in different transport modes, including the bedload, surface load, suspended load, and mixed load modes. Additionally, we introduce phase diagrams for classifying MP transport modes based on particle characteristics, enhancing our understanding of MP dynamics in aquatic systems. The transport modes for a number of real-world MP particles, including fishing line, plastic bag/bottle fragments, synthetic fibers, tire wear particles, polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene pellets, were analyzed with these phase diagrams.

Characterization of Neuropeptides from Spodoptera litura and Functional Analysis of NPF in Diet Intake

Neuropeptides are involved in many biological processes in insects. However, it is unclear what role neuropeptides play in Spodoptera litura adaptation to phytochemical flavone. In this study, 63 neuropeptide precursors from 48 gene families were identified in S. litura, including two neuropeptide F genes (NPFs). NPFs played a positive role in feeding regulation in S. litura because knockdown of NPFs decreased larval diet intake. S. litura larvae reduced flavone intake by downregulating NPFs. Conversely, the flavone intake was increased if the larvae were treated with NPF mature peptides. The NPF receptor (NPFR) was susceptible to the fluctuation of NPFs. NPFR mediated NPF signaling by interacting with NPFs to regulate the larval diet intake. In conclusion, this study suggested that NPF signaling regulated diet intake to promote S. litura adaptation to flavone, which contributed to understanding insect adaptation mechanisms to host plants and provide more potential pesticidal targets for pest control.

Identification of individual goat animals by means of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics analysis of commercial meat cuts

Although the identification of animal species and muscles have been reported previously, no studies have been found on the use of NIR spectroscopy to identify individual animals from the analysis of commercial meat cuts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a portable near infrared (NIR) instrument combined with classical chemometrics methods [principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis PLS-DA)] to identify the origin of individual goat animals using the spectral signature of their commercial cut. Samples were collected from several carcasses (6 commercial cuts x 24 animals) sourced from a commercial abattoir in Queensland (Australia). The NIR spectra of the samples were collected using a portable NIR instrument in the wavelength range between 950 and 1600 nm. Overall, the PLS-DA models correctly classify 82% and 79% of the individual goat samples using either the goat rack or loin cut samples, respectively. The study demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy was able to identify individual goat animals based on the spectra properties of some of the commercial cut samples analysed (e.g. loin and rack). These results showed the potential of this technique to identify individual animals as an alternative to other laboratory methods and techniques commonly used in meat traceability.

[Establishment of a prognostic nomogram and discussion on optimal treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma:a retrospective study based on SEER database and Chinese single-center data]

Objective: To establish and validate a predicting nomogram for cervical adenocarcinoma based on surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database and Chinese single-center data, and to explore the optimal treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma. Methods: This study selected 2 478 cervical adenocarcinoma patients from the SEER database as the training cohort, and 195 cervical adenocarcinoma patients from Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaouing Cancer Hospital and Institute as an external validation cohort. Clinicopathological information and follow-up data of the two cohorts were collected. The radiotherapy group was defined as receiving comprehensive treatment based on concurrent chemoradiotherapy after initial diagnosis, while the surgery group was defined as receiving comprehensive treatment based on radical surgery. Log-rank test and cox regression were used to evaluate factors affecting the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients. A nomogram was drawn to predict the 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates of cervical adenocarcinoma patients, and then internal validation of the training cohort from SEER database and external validation of the hospital cohort were conducted. Results: (1) In the SEER database training cohort, there were 385 patients (15.54%, 385/2 478) in the radiotherapy group and 2 093 patients (84.46%, 2 093/2 478) in the surgery group. Overall survival time of the radiotherapy group was (55.8±51.3) months, while that of the surgery roup was (94.4±61.7) months, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=256.44, P<0.001). Log-rank test showed that age, marital status, maximum of tumor diameters, pathological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and treatments were all significant factors affecting the overall survival time of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elder (>50 years old), single status, huge tumors (>4 cm), high pathological grades (G2, G3), and advanced FIGO stages (≥Ⅱa2 stage) were independent risk factors for the overall survival time of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (all P<0.05); compared with radiotherapy, surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (HR=0.619, 95%CI: 0.494-0.777; P<0.001). Further analysis of locally advanced stage and Ⅲc stage of patients showed that surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients with a maximum tumor diameter >4 to <6 cm (HR=0.414, 95%CI: 0.182-0.942; P=0.036) in locally advanced stage and Ⅲc T1 to T2 stage (HR=0.473, 95%CI: 0.307-0.728; P=0.001). (2) The external validation cohort consisted of 39 patients (20.00%, 39/195) in the radiotherapy group and 156 patients (80.00%, 156/195) in the surgery group. The overall survival time of patients in the radiotherapy group was (51.7±34.3) months, while that of the surgery group was (63.1±26.6) months (χ2=28.41, P<0.001). Further analysis was conducted on locally advanced stage and Ⅲc stage patients, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed after propensity score matching, which showed that surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients with a maximum tumor diameter >4 to <6 cm in locally advanced stage (HR=0.141, 95%CI: 0.023-0.843; P=0.032) and Ⅲc T1 to T2 stage (HR=0.184, 95%CI: 0.036-0.947; P=0.043). (3) Establishment and internal and external validation of nomogram: based on the six factors screened out by the multivariate Cox regression model, the nomogram was developed to predict the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients. The consistency index of the internal and external validation were 0.801 and 0.766, respectively, and the calibration curves matched well with the ideal fitting line. Conclusions: The key to the treatment of cervical adenocarcinoma is to prioritize radical surgery for patients with conditions for radical tumor resection. Compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, patients with locally advanced stages (Ⅰb3, Ⅱa2), and Ⅲc (T1, T2) stages cervical adenocarcinoma could benefit from comprehensive treatment based on radical surgery. The nomogram of this study has been validated internally and externally, and show good survival prediction efficacy for cervical adenocarcinoma patients.

[Interaction between implants and natural teeth in patients with severe periodontitis:a retrospective study]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after implant restoration in the posterior region of severe periodontitis patients and to investigate the factors of natural tooth affecting the implant from the perspective of improving natural periodontal health, which may provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods: Fifty-three patients with severe periodontitis who visited the Department of Periodontology at the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of China Medical University from June 2014 to June 2023 and completed posterior implant treatment with single crown were included, among which were 16 males and 37 females, aged (52.2±8.0) years old, with a total of 136 implants, 135 adjacent natural teeth in the edentulous area. We retrospectively compared the changes of probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and tooth mobility (TM) before and after implant placement. Besides, we explored the effects of the natural periodontal status on PD, BOP and marginal bone loss (MBL) of the implant at the last follow-up examination by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Results: Fifty-three patients were followed up for (44.5±14.1) months in average, with longest interval of (8.3±2.7) months. The PD of adjacent natural teeth in the edentulous area improved from 4.3 (3.6, 4.6) mm before implantation to 3.6 (3.2, 4.0) mm in the last review (P<0.01), while the proportion of BOP (+) improved from 69.6% (94/135) before implantation to 46.7% (63/135) in the last review (P<0.01). The proportion of teeth with mobility≥Ⅱ decreased from 15.6% (21/135) to 5.9% (8/135) (P<0.01). The percentage of natural teeth with PD≥4 mm in the same segment improved from 21.0% (13.3%, 26.0%) before implantation to 18.0% (12.0%, 25.0%) in the last review (P<0.05). The BOP (+)% improved from 29.0% (24.0%, 35.0%) before implantation to 23.0% (18.0%, 31.0%) in the last review (P<0.05), and the number of teeth with mobility≥Ⅱ decreased from 0.0 (0.0, 1.0) to 0.0 (0.0, 0.8) (P<0.05). The functional tooth unit score of full natural teeth increased from 8.0 (6.0, 10.0) points before implantation to 12.0 (12.0, 12.0) points in the last review (P<0.01). PD≥4 mm % increased from 11.0% (6.0%, 25.0%) before implantation to 13.0% (3.0%, 21.0%) in the last review (P<0.05) and there was no significant differences in BOP (+)% [(17.0±9.7) % vs (14.6±7.2) %, P>0.05]. The number of teeth with mobility≥Ⅱ decreased from 1.0 (0.0, 1.8) to 0.0 (0.0, 0.8) (P<0.05). Conclusions: Under the premise of regular supportive care, implant restorative treatment in the posterior region of severe periodontitis patients is helpful to improve the PD, BOP and TM of remaining natural teeth. Besides, the stages and grades of periodontitis at initial diagnosis can affect the PD and BOP of implants.

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.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Probing the Alcoholysis Degree of Polyvinyl Alcohol by Synergistic Coordination-Regulated Fluorescence

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with abundant hydroxyl groups (-OH) has been widely used for membranes, hydrogels, and films, and its function is largely affected by the alcoholysis degree. Therefore, the development of rapid and accurate methods for alcoholysis degree determination in PVAs is important. In this contribution, we have proposed a novel fluorescence-based platform for probing the alcoholysis degree of PVA by using the (E)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(quinolin-2-yl)methanimine (QPM)-Zn2+ complex as the reporter. The mechanism study disclosed that the strong coordination between -OH and Zn2+ induced the capture of the QPM-Zn2+ complex and promoted its subsequent immobilization into the noncrystalline area. The immobilization of the QPM-Zn2+ complex restricted its molecular rotation and reduced the nonirradiative transition, thus yielding bright emissions. In addition, the practical applications of this proposed method were further validated by the accurate alcoholysis degree determination of blind PVA samples with the confirmation of the National Standard protocol. It is expected that the developed fluorescence approach in this work might become an admissive strategy for screening the alcoholysis degree of PVA.

[A giant malignant melanoma of the palpebral conjunctiva: a case report]

An 81-year-old female patient experienced a rapid increase in the volume of a rice-sized black mass on the left eye over a period of six months. The mass extended out of the eye and exhibited surface erosion with accompanying hemorrhage. Following a live tissue examination and histopathology after orbital exenteration under general anesthesia, the diagnosis of a giant malignant palpebral conjunctival melanoma of the spindle cell subtype was confirmed. The patient refused to undergo local radiation therapy or systemic chemotherapy and died from the disease six months later.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

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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[The cutoff value of small airway dysfunction in children with bronchial asthma]

Objective: To explore the cutoff value for assessing small airway dysfunction in children with asthma. Methods: A total of 364 asthmatic children aged 5 to 14 years, with normal ventilatory function, followed up at the Asthma Clinic of the Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2017 to January 2018, were selected as the case group. Concurrently, 403 healthy children of the same age range and without any symptoms in the community were chosen as the control group, and pulmonary function tests were conducted. The values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF50), forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) were compared between case group and control group. Statistical tests such as t-test, χ2 test, or Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the differences between the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the maximum Youden Index was utilized to determine the optimal cutoff values and thresholds for identifying small airway dysfunction in asthmatic children. Results: This study comprised 364 children in the case group (220 boys and 144 girls) and 403 children in the control group (198 boys and 205 girls). The small airway parameters (FEF50%pred, FEF75%pred, MMEF%pred) in the asthmatic group were significantly lower than in the control group (77% (69%, 91%) vs. 95% (83%, 109%), 67% (54%, 82%) vs. 84% (70%, 102%), 76% (66%, 90%) vs. 97% (86%, 113%), Z=12.03, 11.35, 13.66, all P<0.001). The ROC curve area under the curve for FEF50%pred, FEF75%pred, MMEF%pred was 0.75, 0.74, and 0.79, respectively. Using a cutoff value of 80% for FEF50%pred achieved a sensitivity of 56.9% and specificity of 81.4%. A cutoff value of 74% for FEF75%pred resulted in a sensitivity of 67.3% and specificity of 69.2%. Finally, using a cutoff value of 84% for MMEF%pred achieved a sensitivity of 67.9% and specificity of 77.2%. Conclusion: In the presence of normal ventilatory function, utilizing FEF50<80% predicted or MMEF<84% predicted can accurately serve as criteria for identifying small airway dysfunction in children with controlled asthma.

Characterization and functional analysis of UDP-glycosyltransferases reveal their contribution to phytochemical flavone tolerance in Spodoptera litura

Efficient detoxification is the key factor for phytophagous insect to adapt to phytochemicals. However, the role of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) in insect anti-defense to phytochemical flavone is largely unknown. In this study, 52 UGT genes were identified in Spodoptera litura and they presented evident gene duplication. UGT played a crucial part in larval tolerance to flavone because the enzyme activity and transcriptional level of 77 % UGT members were remarkably upregulated by flavone administration and suppression of UGT enzyme activity and gene expressions significantly increased larval susceptibility to flavone. Bacteria coexpressing UGTs had high survival rates under flavone treatment and flavone was dramatically metabolized by UGT recombinant cells, which indicated the involvement of UGTs in flavone detoxification. What's more, ecdysone pathway was activated by flavone. Topical application of 20-hydroxyecdysone highly upregulated UGT enzyme activity and more than half of UGT expressions. The effects were opposite when ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP)-mediated ecdysone signaling pathway was inhibited. Furtherly, promoter reporter assays of 5 UGT genes showed that their transcription activities were notably increased by cotransfection with EcR and USP. In consequence, this study suggested that UGTs were involved in flavone detoxification and their transcriptional expressions were regulated by ecdysone pathway.

5 signature genes revealed by single-cell profiling identified unique immune subtypes affecting the prognosis of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks among the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy constituting primary treatment modalities. However, despite advancements, immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has yielded suboptimal outcomes. The pressing need to identify biomarkers predictive of clinical prognosis underscores our objective. We aim to discern gene signatures and establish prognostic subgroups, specifically in the context of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, guiding clinical decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the Tumor Immunotherapy Gene Expression Resource (TIGER) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases to extract signature genes of prognostic significance. Unsupervised consensus clustering was employed to classify patients based on these signature genes. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, along with the R packages "maftools" and "ESTIMATE" facilitated immune infiltration estimation. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were implemented to probe immune-related cell signaling pathways among distinct subtypes. The Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) database was used to assess immunotherapy effects, while the R package "OncoPredict" evaluated drug sensitivity differences among subtypes.

RESULTS

We identified five prognostically influential genes in ovarian cancer: IGFBP7, JCHAIN, CCDC80, VSIG4, and MS4A1. Utilizing these signature genes, we categorized TCGA-OV patients into five clusters, each associated with varying clinical prognoses. Notably, 2 clusters exhibited superior prognoses, accompanied by enhanced immune cell infiltration. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed their heightened enrichment in cellular immunity and immune cell interaction pathways. Given the elevated expression levels of multiple immune checkpoint molecules, these clusters may substantially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Additionally, chemotherapy sensitivity analysis indicated their favorable responses to first or second-line chemotherapy regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

We subclustered ovarian cancer patients by 5 signature genes obtained from the Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, which demonstrated a good typing effect. Patients in the two molecular subtypes showed better survival, higher immune cell infiltration, and higher drug sensitivity. This meticulous typing may help clinicians to quickly assess the prognosis of patients and the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Estimation and projection of the burden of hearing loss in China: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

OBJECTIVES

The comprehensive description of hearing loss in China and the shifting pattern remain unclear. We conducted the study to estimate the burden of hearing loss in China and project the trends from 2020 to 2034.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD

Data on the disease burden of hearing loss were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the trends of the age-standardized rates. Projections of hearing loss burden were made until 2034 using Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis.

RESULTS

In China, prevalent cases of hearing loss increased from 224.4 million in 1990 to 426.5 million in 2019, representing an increase of 90.1 %. The age-standardized prevalence rate of hearing loss ranged from 22,592.8/100,000 in 1990-22,612.4/100,000 in 2019, with an EAPC of 0.003 %, representing a stable trend. Of the category of hearing loss, mild hearing loss accounted for the highest proportion, with 331.4 million people. More than 95 million people had moderate-to-complete hearing loss. Moreover, hearing loss was mostly attributable to age-related and other factors for adults and otitis media for children younger than 10 years. Based on the projection results, there will be 561 million people (40.1 % of the total population) have hearing loss by 2034.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalent cases of hearing loss in China substantially increased over the last 30 years. Over two in five Chinese people will have hearing loss by 2034, thus suggesting more solutions should be established to reduce the burden of hearing loss.

Construction of prediction model for fetal growth restriction during first trimester in an Asian population

OBJECTIVE

To construct a prediction model for fetal growth restriction (FGR) during the first trimester of pregnancy and evaluate its screening performance.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that underwent routine ultrasound screening at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2019 and April 2022. Basic clinical information, ultrasound indicators and serum biomarkers of pregnant women were collected. Fetal weight assessment was based on the fetal growth curve for the Southern Chinese population. FGR was diagnosed according to Delphi consensus criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical effectiveness of the model were evaluated in training and validation cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 1188 pregnant women were included, of whom 108 had FGR. Lasso regression identified seven predictive features, including history of maternal hypertension, maternal smoking or passive smoking, gravidity, uterine artery pulsatility index, ductus venosus pulsatility index and multiples of the median values of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. The nomogram prediction model constructed from these seven variables accurately predicted FGR, and the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve in the validation cohort was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74-0.90). The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated good calibration, and the clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve supported its practical value in a clinical setting.

CONCLUSION

The multi-index prediction model for FGR has good predictive value during the first trimester. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In ovo injection of AZD6244 suppresses feather follicle development by the inhibition of ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in goose embryos (Anser cygnoides)

1. Feathers are an important product from poultry, and the state of feather growth and development plays an important role in their economic value.2. In total, 120 eggs were selected for immunoblotting and immunolocalisation experiments of ERK and β-catenin proteins in different developmental stages of goose embryos. The ERK protein was highly expressed in the early stage of goose embryo development, while β-catenin protein was highly expressed in the middle stage of embryo development.3. The 120 eggs were divided into four treatment groups, including an uninjected group (BLANK), a group injected with 100 µl of cosolvent (CK), a group injected with 100 µl of AZD6244 containing cosolvent in a dose of 5 mg/kg AZD6244 containing cosolvent (AZD5) and a group injected with 100 µl of AZD6244 containing cosolvent in a dose of 15 mg/kg AZD6244 containing cosolvent (AZD15). The eggs were injected on the ninth day of embryonic development (E9). Samples were collected at E21.5 to observe feather width, feather follicle diameter, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathway protein expression.4. The AZD5 and AZD15 doses were within the embryonic safety range compared to the BLANK and CK groups and had no significant effect on the survival rate and weight at the inflection point, but significantly reduced the feather width and feather follicle diameter (p < 0.05). The AZD6244 treatment inhibited ERK protein phosphorylation levels and blocked the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which in turn significantly down-regulated the expression levels of FZD4, β-catenin, TCF4 and LEF1 (p < 0.05), with an inhibitory effect in the AZD15 group being more significant. The immunohistochemical results of β-catenin and p-ERK were consistent with Western blot results.5. The small molecule inhibitor AZD6244 regulated the growth and development of feather follicles in goose embryos by the ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

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.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

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.

[Preliminary study on the effect of Echinococcus multilocaris on phenotypic transformations of glucose metabolism and polarization types in macrophages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis on the phenotypic transformations of glucose metabolism, polarization types and inflammatory responses in macrophages, so as to provide insights into elucidation of echinococcosis pathogenesis.

METHODS

Bone marrow cells were isolated from C57BL/6J mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks, and induced into bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which served as controls (BMDMs-M0). BMDMs-M0 induced M2 macrophages by interleukin-4 for 24 hours served as the IL-4 induction group, and BMDMs-M0 co-cultured with 2.4 ng/mL E. multilocularis cystic fluid (CF) served as the BMDM-CF co-culture group, while BMDMs-M0 co-cultured with E. multilocularis protoscolex (PSC) at a ratio of 500:1 served as the BMDM-PSC co-culture group. The types of polarization of BMDMs co-cultured with E. multilocularis CF and PSC were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression of macrophage markers, inflammatory factors, and glucose metabolism-related enzymes was quantified using fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting assays.

RESULTS

There were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Arginase-1 (Arg1) (F = 1 457.00, P < 0.000 1), macrophages-derived C-C motif chemokine 22 (Ccl22) (F = 22 203.00, P < 0.000 1), resistin-like α (Retnla) (F = 151.90, P < 0.000 1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (F = 107.80, P < 0.001), hexokinase (HK) (F = 9 389.00, P < 0.000 1), pyruvate kinase (PK) (F = 641.40, P < 0.001), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) (F = 43.97, P < 0.01), glucokinase (GK) (F = 432.50, P < 0.000 1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases1 (PDK1) (F = 737.30, P < 0.000 1), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (F = 3 632.00, P < 0.000 1), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) (F = 532.40, P < 0.000 1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (F = 460.00, P < 0.000 1), citrate synthase (CS) (F = 5 642.00, P < 0.01), glycogen synthase1 (GYS1) (F = 273.30, P < 0.000 1), IL-6 (F = 1 823.00, P < 0.000 1), IL-10 (F = 291.70, P < 0.000 1), IL-1β (F = 986.60, P < 0.000 1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (F = 334.80, P < 0.000 1) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β mRNA expression (F = 163.30, P < 0.001). The proportion of M2 macrophages was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group [(22.87% ±1.48%) vs. (1.70% ±0.17%); t = 24.61, P < 0.001], and the proportion of M2 macrophages was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages in the BMDM-CF co-culture group [(20.07% ±0.64%) vs. (1.93% ±0.25%); t = 45.73, P < 0.001]. The mRNA expression of M2 macrophages markers Arg1, Ccl22 and Retnla was significantly higher in the BMDM-CF and BMDM-PSC co-culture groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.01), and no significant difference was seen in the mRNA expression of the M1 macrophage marker iNOS among the three groups (P > 0.05), while qPCR assay quantified higher mRNA expression of key glycolytic enzymes HK, PK and PFK, as well as inflammatory factors IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β in the BMDM-CF and BMDM-PSC co-culture groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.01). Western blotting assay determined higher HK, PK and PFK protein expression in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group than in the control group (all P values < 0.05), and qPCR quantified higher GLUT1, GAPDH and IL-6 mRNA expression in the BMDM-CF co-culture group than in the control group (all P values < 0.05), while higher HK, PK and PFK protein and mRNA expression (all P values < 0.01), as well as lower IL-6 and TNF-α and higher TGF-β mRNA expression (both P values < 0.05) was detected in the IL-4 induction group than in the control group. Glycolytic stress test showed no significant difference in the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of mouse BMDM among the control group, IL-4 induction group and BMDM-PSC co-culture group (F = 124.4, P < 0.05), and a higher ECAR was seen in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group and a lower ECAR was found in the IL-4 induction group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of E. multilocularis CF or PSC mainly causes polarization of BMDM into M2 macrophages, and phenotypic transformation of glucose metabolism into high-energy and high-glycolytic metabolism, and affects inflammatory responses in BMDM.

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.

Firm-level carbon risk perception and ESG performance

In a sustainable economy, each firm perceives different levels of carbon risk, but there are few studies on the relationship between a firm's carbon risk perception and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. This paper examines the impact of firm-level carbon risk perception on ESG performance using Chinese A-share listed firms during 2011-2020. We find a positive relationship between firm-level perception of carbon risk and firm ESG performance. Further analysis shows that analyst coverage and media attention exert a substantial moderating effect on the link between carbon risk perception and ESG performance. We identify three channels through which carbon risk perception affects ESG performance. First, rising carbon risk perception enables firms to take measures to reduce pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions and increases environmental (E) scores. Second, this perception encourages firms to take responsibility for social employment and increases social (S) scores. Finally, it improves firm sustainable governance and further increases governance (G) scores. Our research has an important guiding role in promoting firm ESG practice.

The clinical and imaging features of eosinophilic cystitis in children: a case series study

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is rare in children and remains poorly understood. Our aim was to analyse the clinical and imaging features of eosinophilic cystitis in children.

METHODS

A retrospective review of histologically confirmed eosinophilic cystitis between January 2008 and December 2022 was performed, including patient age, sex, symptoms, laboratory examination, radiology, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

Twelve children (two girls, 10 boys; age range: 3-12 years, mean age: 7.2 years) were included in the study. Urinary irritation symptoms (10/12), haematuria (5/12) and hypogastralgia (3/12) were the most common symptoms. Five patients had a history of allergies, six patients had elevated serum IgE, nine patients had elevated peripheral eosinophils and six patients had positive microscopic haematuria. Radiology revealed diffuse homogeneous or inhomogeneous thickening in seven patients, localised thickening in three patients, and solitary tumour-like lesions in the other two patients. Preservation of the mucosal line and bladder wall layering were observed in eleven patients, and perivesical exudation and small vessel dilatation were observed in ten patients. All four patients with delayed scans showed obvious delayed enhancement. One patient showed low signal intensity on T2-W imaging. All patients received antihistamine, antibiotic and/or corticosteroid therapy and two tumour-like patients underwent transurethral resection. Nine patients achieved complete response and three patients achieved partial response.

CONCLUSION

The clinical and imaging manifestations of EC in children have relative characteristics; when urologist and radiologist confronted with similar cases, EC should be considered. The final diagnosis depends on pathological biopsy.

Chromosome-level genome of spider Pardosa pseudoannulata and cuticle protein genes in environmental stresses

Spiders are representative arthropods of adaptive radiation. The high-quality genomes have only been reported in several web weaver spider species, leaving the wandering spiders' genomic information scarce. The pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata, is a representative species in the retrolateral titial apophysis (RTA) clade. We present a chromosome-level P. pseusoannulata genome assembly of 2.42 Gb in size with a scaffold N50 of 169.99 Mb. Hi-C scaffolding assigns 94.83% of the bases to 15 pseudo-chromosomes. The repeats account for 52.79% of the assembly. The assembly includes 96.2% of the complete arthropod universal single-copy orthologs. Gene annotation predicted 24,530 protein-coding genes with a BUSCO score of 95.8% complete. We identified duplicate clusters of Hox genes and an expanded cuticle protein gene family with 243 genes. The expression patterns of CPR genes change in response to environmental stresses such as coldness and insecticide exposure. The high-quality P. pseudoannulata genome provides valuable information for functional and comparative studies in spiders.

Long-term ozone exposure and all-cause mortality: Cohort evidence in China and global heterogeneity by region

BACKGROUND

Cohort evidence linking long-term ozone (O3) exposure to mortality remained largely mixed worldwide and was extensively deficient in densely-populated Asia. This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of O3 exposure on all-cause mortality among Chinese adults, as well as to examine potential regional heterogeneity across the globe.

METHODS

A national dynamic cohort of 42153 adults aged 16+ years were recruited from 25 provinces across Chinese mainland and followed up during 2010-2018. Annual warm-season (April-September) O3 and year-round co-pollutants (i.e., nitrogen dioxide [NO2] and fine particulate matter [PM2.5]) were simulated through validated spatial-temporal prediction models and were assigned to each enrollee in each calendar year. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposures were employed to assess the O3-mortality association. Concentration-response (C-R) curves were fitted by natural cubic spline function to investigate the potential nonlinear association. Both single-pollutant model and co-pollutant models additionally adjusting for PM2.5 and/or NO2 were employed to examine the robustness of the estimated association. The random-effect meta-analysis was adopted to pool effect estimates from the current and prior population-based cohorts (n = 29), and pooled C-R curves were fitted through the meta-smoothing approach by regions.

RESULTS

The study population comprised of 42153 participants who contributed 258921.5 person-years at risk (median 6.4 years), of whom 2382 death events occurred during study period. Participants were exposed to an annual average of 51.4 ppb (range: 22.7-74.4 ppb) of warm-season O3 concentration. In the single-pollutant model, a significantly increased hazard ratio (HR) of 1.098 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.023-1.179) was associated with a 10-ppb rise in O3 exposure. Associations remained robust to additional adjustments of co-pollutants, with HRs of 1.099 (95% CI: 1.023-1.180) in bi-pollutant model (+PM2.5) and 1.093 (95% CI: 1.018-1.174) in tri-pollutant model (+PM2.5+NO2), respectively. A J-shaped C-R relationship was identified among Chinese general population, suggesting significant excess mortality risk at high ozone exposure only. The combined C-R curves from Asia (n = 4) and North America (n = 17) demonstrated an overall increased risk of all-cause mortality with O3 exposure, with pooled HRs of 1.124 (95% CI: 0.966-1.307) and 1.023 (95% CI: 1.007-1.039) per 10-ppb rise, respectively. Conversely, an opposite association was observed in Europe (n = 8, HR: 0.914 [95% CI: 0.860-0.972]), suggesting significant heterogeneity across regions (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided national evidence that high O3 exposure may curtail long-term survival of Chinese general population. Great between-region heterogeneity of pooled O3-mortality was identified across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Observation of WZγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WZγ production and a measurement of its cross section using 140.1±1.2  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The WZγ production cross section, with both the W and Z bosons decaying leptonically, pp→WZγ→ℓ^{'}^{±}νℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}γ (ℓ^{(^{'})}=e, μ), is measured in a fiducial phase-space region defined such that the leptons and the photon have high transverse momentum and the photon is isolated. The cross section is found to be 2.01±0.30(stat)±0.16(syst)  fb. The corresponding standard model predicted cross section calculated at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and at leading order in the electroweak coupling constant is 1.50±0.06  fb. The observed significance of the WZγ signal is 6.3σ, compared with an expected significance of 5.0σ.

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.

Remnant cholesterol is associated with hip BMD and low bone mass in young and middle-aged men: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is a contributor to cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, the specific relationship between RC and bone metabolism remains unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationships of RC with hip bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of low bone mass.

METHODS

Physical examination data was collected from men aged < 60 years as part of the Kailuan Study between 2014 and 2018. The characteristics of the participants were compared between RC quartile groups. A generalized linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between RC and hip BMD and a logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for low bone mass. Additional analyses were performed after stratification by body mass index (BMI) (≥ or < 24 kg/m2). Sensitivity analyses were performed by excluding individuals who were taking lipid-lowering therapy or had cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 7,053 participants were included in the analysis. After adjustment for confounding factors, RC negatively correlated with hip BMD (β =  - 0.0079, 95% CI: - 0.0133, - 0.0025). The risk of low bone mass increased from the lowest to the highest RC quartile, with ORs of 1 (reference), 1.09 (95% CI: (0.82, 1.44), 1.35 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.77), and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.89) for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (P for trend = 0.004) in the fully adjusted model. Compared to RC < 0.80 mmol/l group, the risk of low bone mass increased 39% in RC ≥ 0.80 mmol/l group (P < 0.001). The correlation between RC and hip BMD was stronger in participants with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 group (β =  - 0.0159, 95% CI: - 0.0289, - 0.0029). The results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main results.

CONCLUSION

We have identified a negative correlation between serum RC and hip BMD, and a higher RC concentration was found to be associated with a greater risk of low bone mass in young and middle-aged men.

Regional variations in retinopathy of prematurity incidence for preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation in China

OBJECTIVES

National-level data on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in different regions of China is insufficient. This study aimed to compare ROP incidences and care practices in different regions of China and their relationship with regional gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All infants born at <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and admitted to 70 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Hospitals were categorised into three regional groups according to geographical locations and GDP per capita from high to low: Eastern, Central, and Western China. The incidence of death or ROP, and care practices were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 18,579 infants were enrolled. Median GA was 29.9 (interquartile range 28.4-31.0) weeks and birth weight was 1318.1 (317.2) g. The percentage of GA <28 weeks, complete administration of antenatal steroids, and weight gain velocity during NICU stay were highest in Eastern China and lowest in Western China (all P < 0.01). In Eastern, Central, and Western China, the rates of death or any stage of ROP were 33.3%, 38.5%, and 39.2%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were considerable regional disparities in ROP incidence in preterm infants with GA <32 weeks in China. The incidence of death or ROP ranged from high to low in Western, Central, and Eastern China.

Using deep learning models in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images to diagnose common bile duct stones

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) plays a significant role in diagnosing common bile duct stones (CBDS). Currently, there are no studies to detect CBDS by using the deep learning (DL) model in MRCP. This study aimed to use the DL model You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) to diagnose CBDS in MRCP images and verify its validity compared to the accuracy of radiologists.

METHODS

By collecting the thick-slab MRCP images of patients diagnosed with CBDS, 4 submodels of YOLOv5 were used to train and validate the performance. Precision, recall rate, and mean average precision (mAP) were used to evaluate model performance. Analyze possible reasons that may affect detection accuracy by validating MRCP images in 63 CBDS patients and comparing them with radiologist detection accuracy. Calculate the correctness of YOLOv5 for detecting one CBDS and multiple CBDS separately.

RESULTS

The precision of YOLOv5l (0.970) was higher than that of YOLOv5x (0.909), YOLOv5m (0.874), and YOLOv5s (0.939). The mAP did not differ significantly between the 4 submodels, with the following results: YOLOv5l (0.942), YOLOv5x (0.947), YOLO5s (0.927), and YOLOv5m (0.946). However, in terms of training time, YOLOv5s was the fastest (4.8 h), detecting CBDS in only 7.2 milliseconds per image. In 63 patients the YOLOv5l model detected CBDS with an accuracy of 90.5% compared to 92.1% for radiologists, analyzing the difference between the positive group successfully identified and the unidentified negative group not. The incorporated variables include common bile duct diameter > 1 cm (p = .560), combined gallbladder stones (p = .706), maximum stone diameter (p = .057), combined cholangitis (p = .846), and combined pancreatitis (p = .656), and the number of CBDS (p = .415). When only one CBDS was present, the accuracy rate reached 94%. When multiple CBDSs were present, the recognition rate dropped to 70%.

CONCLUSION

YOLOv5l is the model with the best results and is almost as accurate as the radiologist's detection of CBDS and is also capable of detecting the number of CBDS. Although the accuracy of the test gradually decreases as the number of stones increases, it can still be useful for the clinician's initial diagnosis.

Individualised prediction of progression of solitary sub-solid pulmonary nodules based on CT semantic and clinical features: a 3-year follow-up study

AIM

To develop and validate a progressive prediction model for estimating the time to progression (TTP) of sub-solid pulmonary nodules (SSNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 126 cases who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The primary endpoint of the study was TTP of SSNs. Baseline characteristics were assessed in terms of clinical and CT semantic features. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship between SSNs TTP and factors from the entire data set. The nomogram was constructed based on the result of multivariate analysis and internal validation was performed using the bootstrapping. The nomogram's performance was assessed with the C-index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time of the population was 42.5 (21.5) months. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with higher or positive values of the indices had higher cumulative progression rates (p<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression models identified diameter, consolidation tumour ratio (CTR), morphology, and vasodilation sign (VDS) as independent risk factors of TTP. These predictors were included in the final model to estimate individual probabilities of progression in the 3 years, which performed well in the discrimination (the C-index was 0.901 [95%CI: 0.830-0.981] and 0.875 [95%CI: 0.805-0.942] in the training and internally validation sets).

CONCLUSION

The radiological semantic features nomogram is a promising and favourable prognostic biomarker for predicting progression and may aid in clinical risk stratification and decision-making for SSNs.

Preoperative prediction of vasculogenic mimicry in lung adenocarcinoma using a CT radiomics model

AIM

To develop and validate a non-invasive computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model for predicting vasculogenic mimicry (VM) status in lung adenocarcinoma (LA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and three patients with LA were enrolled retrospectively and grouped into training and test groups with a ratio of 7:3. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in the training cohort to screen the independent clinical and radiological factors for VM, and the clinical model was then established. A radiomics model was established based on the rad-scores through support vector machine (SVM). A radiomics nomogram model was subsequently constructed by combining the rad-score with clinical-radiological factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted to evaluate the performance of the three models.

RESULTS

Nine selected radiomics features were selected for the radiomics model and the maximum length and spiculation sign were constructed for the clinical model. The radiomics nomogram model integrating the maximum length, spiculation sign, and rad-score yielded the best AUC in both the training (AUC = 0.925) and test cohorts (AUC = 0.978), in comparison with the radiomics model (AUC = 0.907 and 0.964, in both the training and test cohorts) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.834 and 0.836 in both training and test cohorts).

CONCLUSIONS

The CT-based radiomics nomogram model showed satisfying discriminating performance for preoperatively and non-invasively predicting VM expression status in LA patients.

Comparison of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Models of Sepsis-Associated Acute Lung Injury

To compare different rat models of sepsis at different time points, based on pulmonary or extrapulmonary injury mechanisms, to identify a model which is more stable and reproducible to cause sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to (1) cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with single (CLP1 group) or two repeated through-and-through punctures (CLP2 group); (2) tail vein injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of 10mg/kg (IV-LPS10 group) or 20 mg/kg (IV-LPS20 group); (3) intratracheal instillation with LPS of 10mg/kg (IT-LPS10 group) or 20mg/kg (IT-LPS20 group). Each of the model groups had a sham group. 7-day survival rates of each group were observed (n=15 for each group). Moreover, three time points were set for additional experimental studying in each model group: 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after modeling (every time point, n=8 for each group). Rats were sacrificed to collect BALF and lung tissue samples at different time points for detection of IL-6, TNF-alpha, total protein concentration in BALF and MPO activity, HMGB1 protein expression in lung tissues, as well as the histopathological changes of lung tissues. More than 50 % of the rats died within 7 days in each model group, except for the IT-LPS10 group. In contrast, the mortality rates in the two IV-LPS groups as well as the IT-LPS20 group were significantly higher than that in IT-LPS10 group. Rats received LPS by intratracheal instillation exhibited evident histopathological changes and inflammatory exudation in the lung, but there was no evidence of lung injury in CLP and IV-LPS groups. Rat model of intratracheal instillation with LPS proved to be a more stable and reproducible animal model to cause sepsis-associated ALI than the extrapulmonary models of sepsis.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Search for Dark Photons in Rare Z Boson Decays with the ATLAS Detector

A search for events with a dark photon produced in association with a dark Higgs boson via rare decays of the standard model Z boson is presented, using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dark boson decays into a pair of dark photons, and at least two of the three dark photons must each decay into a pair of electrons or muons, resulting in at least two same-flavor opposite-charge lepton pairs in the final state. The data are found to be consistent with the background prediction, and upper limits are set on the dark photon's coupling to the dark Higgs boson times the kinetic mixing between the standard model photon and the dark photon, α_{D}ϵ^{2}, in the dark photon mass range of [5, 40] GeV except for the ϒ mass window [8.8, 11.1] GeV. This search explores new parameter space not previously excluded by other experiments.

[Clinical analysis of 10 cases of multi-center tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) in children. Methods: The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, genetic testing and follow-up of 10 children with TRAPS from May 2011 to May 2021 in 6 hospitals in China were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 10 patients with TRAPS, including 8 boys and 2 girls. The age of onset was 2 (1, 5) years, the age of diagnosis was (8±4) years, and the time from onset to diagnosis was 3 (1, 7) years. A total of 7 types of TNFRSF1A gene variants were detected, including 5 paternal variations, 1 maternal variation and 4 de novo variations. Six children had a family history of related diseases. Clinical manifestations included recurrent fever in 10 cases, rash in 4 cases, abdominal pain in 6 cases, joint involvement in 6 cases, periorbital edema in 1 case, and myalgia in 4 cases. Two patients had hematological system involvement. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significantly increased in 10 cases. All patients were negative for autoantibodies. In the course of treatment, 5 cases were treated with glucocorticoids, 7 cases with immunosuppressants, and 7 cases with biological agents. Conclusions: TRAPS is clinically characterized by recurrent fever accompanied by joint, gastrointestinal, skin, and muscle involvement. Inflammatory markers are elevated, and autoantibodies are mostly negative. Treatment mainly involves glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and biological agents.

Estimation of the biomechanical mammographic deformation of the breast using machine learning models

BACKGROUND

A typical problem in the registration of MRI and X-ray mammography is the nonlinear deformation applied to the breast during mammography. We have developed a method for virtual deformation of the breast using a biomechanical model automatically constructed from MRI. The virtual deformation is applied in two steps: unloaded state estimation and compression simulation. The finite element method is used to solve the deformation process. However, the extensive computational cost prevents its usage in clinical routine.

METHODS

We propose three machine learning models to overcome this problem: an extremely randomized tree (first model), extreme gradient boosting (second model), and deep learning-based bidirectional long short-term memory with an attention layer (third model) to predict the deformation of a biomechanical model. We evaluated our methods with 516 breasts with realistic compression ratios up to 76%.

FINDINGS

We first applied one-fold validation, in which the second and third models performed better than the first model. We then applied ten-fold validation. For the unloaded state estimation, the median RMSE for the second and third models is 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. For the compression, the median RMSE is 3.4 mm for both models. We evaluated correlations between model accuracy and characteristics of the clinical datasets such as compression ratio, breast volume, and tissue types.

INTERPRETATION

Using the proposed models, we achieved accurate results comparable to the finite element model, with a speedup of factor 240 using the extreme gradient boosting model. These proposed models can replace the finite element model simulation, enabling clinically relevant real-time application.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and faecal microbiota transplantation can improve colitis in mice by affecting gut microbiota and metabolomics

Gut microbiota may have therapeutic effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Regulating intestinal microbiota through Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel approach to treating IBD. This study aimed to explore the effect of L. plantarum and FMT pretreatment in alleviating colitis in mice. Five groups of mice (n = 6 per group) were included: CON group, DSS group (dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis mice), LP-DSS pretreatment group (colitis mice were given strain L. plantarum and 5% DSS), DSS-FMT group (mice pretreated with faecal microbiota transplantation were given 5% DSS), and LP-FMT pretreatment group (mice pretreated with faecal microbiota transplantation and L. plantarum were given 5% DSS). Serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota were analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results demonstrated that L. plantarum and FMT improved gut microbiota in mice by increasing Firmicutes and decreasing the Bacteroidetes. In the serum metabolomics analysis, there were 11 differential metabolites in the DSS-FMT and LP-FMT pretreatment groups, and these differential metabolites were mainly glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. It is worth noting that Lachnospira and Lactobacillus were positively associated with 8 differential metabolites. These results suggest that L. plantarum and FMT can regulate intestinal microorganisms and serum metabolomics to alleviate inflammation.

Burnout and turnover intention of primary health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the changes and new characteristics of burnout and turnover intention of primary health care (PHC) providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study investigated 1326 PHC providers during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2022 in one district of Shanghai, China. Independent t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to analyse the between-group variation of variables associated to burnout and turnover intention. Then, hierarchical regression analysis was used to further determine the impact of certain variables on burnout and turnover intention, the relationship of burnout on turnover intention and the possible moderating effect.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was no significant change in the prevalence of overall burnout of PHC providers compared to the pre-epidemic period; however, there was a significant increase in high-level burnout. No significant change in turnover intention at the moderate level and above was observed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PHC providers who were older, married, local and had a higher skill level had higher burnout, while PHC providers who were male, unmarried, non-local and separated from their family had a higher turnover intention. It was shown that burnout, with its three sub-dimensions, was a good predictor of turnover intention. The impact of burnout on turnover intention was shown to be alleviated by certain variables, including being married, living locally and receiving benefit packages, including the preferential education policy for children and talent incentive policies.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study have highlighted the importance of paying attention to vulnerable groups of PHC providers, for example those who are separated from their families, during emergency situations. Various incentive tools could be comprehensively used to ensure the stability and efficiency of PHC human resources.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnifying chromoendoscopy in the assessment of tumor invasion depth in early colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE) to correctly differentiate early colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions with massively invasive submucosal cancer (SMm) from lesions without submucosal massive invasion (polyp, adenoma, dysplasia, intramucosal cancer, slightly invasive submucosal cancer (SMs)).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library from the time of the establishment of each database to 5 April 2023. Stata 15 software was used to perform the meta-analysis for sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), and negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio, and 95% CI. A summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve was constructed, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, and the diagnostic value was evaluated. Furthermore, to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity, we used meta-regression to estimate the influencing factors of these studies and their impact on the diagnostic accuracy. MCE was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy in differentiating CRC lesions with SMm from lesions without submucosal massive invasion (polyp, adenoma, dysplasia, intramucosal cancer, SMs). Subgroup analysis was conducted as well. Deeks' funnel plots were also used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 11,387 colorectal lesions were included in 19 articles, including polyp, adenoma, dysplasia, and early cancer (intramucosal cancer, SMs, and SMm). The aggregate sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and diagnostic advantage scores of MCE in the diagnosis of differentiating CRC lesions with SMm from lesions without submucosal massive invasion (polyp, adenoma, dysplasia, intramucosal cancer, SMs) were 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.83), 0.95 (0.95% CI 0.91-0.97), 15.4 (0.95% CI 8.7-27.4), 0.23 (0.95% CI 0.18-0.30), and 66 (0.95% CI 32-136), respectively. The AUC of the SROC curve was 0.91 (0.95% CI 0.88-0.93). No significant publication bias was found with Deeks' funnel plot. The results showed significant heterogeneity due to the different objects included.

CONCLUSION

MCE can differentiate CRC lesions with SMm from lesions without submucosal massive invasion (polyp, adenoma, dysplasia, intramucosal cancer, SMs) with high accuracy and it can guide assessment of invasion depth of SMm in T1 early CRCs to help us select the most appropriate treatment.

Distinct spin and orbital dynamics in Sr2RuO4

The unconventional superconductor Sr2RuO4 has long served as a benchmark for theories of correlated-electron materials. The determination of the superconducting pairing mechanism requires detailed experimental information on collective bosonic excitations as potential mediators of Cooper pairing. We have used Ru L3-edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering to obtain comprehensive maps of the electronic excitations of Sr2RuO4 over the entire Brillouin zone. We observe multiple branches of dispersive spin and orbital excitations associated with distinctly different energy scales. The spin and orbital dynamical response functions calculated within the dynamical mean-field theory are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. Our results highlight the Hund metal nature of Sr2RuO4 and provide key information for the understanding of its unconventional superconductivity.

Observation of Single-Top-Quark Production in Association with a Photon Using the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of single top quarks produced together with a photon, which directly probes the electroweak coupling of the top quark. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Requiring a photon with transverse momentum larger than 20 GeV and within the detector acceptance, the fiducial cross section is measured to be 688±23(stat) _{-71}^{+75}(syst)  fb, to be compared with the standard model prediction of 515_{-42}^{+36}  fb at next-to-leading order in QCD.

Phase I dose escalation and expansion study of golidocitinib, a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor, in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas (r/r PTCLs) are a group of rare and aggressive diseases that lack effective therapies. Constitutive activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is reported to be associated with PTCLs. Golidocitinib is an oral, potent JAK1 selective inhibitor evaluated in a phase I/II multinational study in patients with r/r PTCLs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with r/r PTCLs were eligible. The primary objectives were to assess safety and tolerability of golidocitinib and to define its recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The secondary objectives were to evaluate its antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics (PK).

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were enrolled and received golidocitinib treatment at 150 or 250 mg once daily (QD). The median prior lines of therapies were 2 (range: 1-8). Golidocitinib was tolerated at both doses tested, while a higher incidence of serious adverse events and dose modifications at 250 mg were observed. The most common grade ≥3 drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (27.5%) and thrombocytopenia (11.8%). An objective response rate of 39.2% and a complete response rate of 21.6% were observed. With median follow-up time of 14.7 and 15.9 months, the median duration of response (DoR) and progression-free survival were 8.0 and 3.3 months, respectively. Based on these data, 150 mg QD was defined as the RP2D. Golidocitinib demonstrated a favorable PK profile as an oral agent. Biomarker analysis suggested a potential correlation between JAK/STAT pathway aberrations and clinical activity of golidocitinib.

CONCLUSIONS

In this phase I study, golidocitinib demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and encouraging antitumor efficacy in heavily pretreated patients with r/r PTCLs. These results support the initiation of the multinational pivotal study in patients with r/r PTCLs.

Role of the epsilon glutathione S-transferases in xanthotoxin tolerance in Spodoptera litura

Spodoptera litura, a polyphagous lepidopteran pest, demonstrates a remarkable capacity to adapt to varying host plants by efficiently detoxifying phytochemicals. However, the underlying mechanism for this adaptation is not well understood. Herein, twenty eplison glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTes) were characterized and their roles in phytochemical tolerance were analyzed in S. litura. Most of the GSTe genes were mainly expressed in the larval midgut and fat body. Exposure to the phytochemicals, especially xanthotoxin, induced the expression of most GSTe genes. Molecular docking analysis revealed that xanthotoxin could form stable bonds with six xanthotoxin-responsive GSTes, with binding free energies ranging from -36.44 to -68.83 kcal mol-1. Knockdown of these six GSTe genes increased the larval susceptibility to xanthotoxin. Furthermore, xanthotoxin exposure significantly upregulated the expression of two transcription factor genes CncC and MafK. Silencing of either CncC or MafK reduced the expression of GSTe16, which exhibited the largest change in response to xanthotoxin. Additionally, analysis of the promoter sequence of GSTe16 revealed the presence of seven CncC/Maf binding sites. Luciferase reporter assays showed that CncC and MafK enhanced the expression of GSTe16, leading to the increased xanthotoxin tolerance in S. litura. These findings provide insight into the functions and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of GSTes, thereby enhancing our understanding of the role of GSTs in the adaptation of lepidopteran pests to phytochemicals.

Short-term effects of fine particulate matter constituents on myocardial infarction death

Existing evidence suggested that short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) may increase the risk of death from myocardial infarction (MI), while PM_2.5 constituents responsible for this association has not been determined. We collected 12,927 MI deaths from 32 counties in southern China during 2011-2013. County-level exposures of ambient PM_2.5 and its 5 constituents (i.e., elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), sulfate (SO₄^2-), ammonium (NH₄⁺), and nitrate (NO₃^-)) were aggregated from gridded datasets predicted by Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System. We employed a space-time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional logistic regression models to quantify the association of MI mortality with short-term exposure to PM_2.5 and its constituents across various lag days. Over the study period, the daily mean PM_2.5 mass concentration was 77.8 (standard deviation (SD) = 72.7) µg/m³. We estimated an odds ratio of 1.038 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003-1.074), 1.038 (1.013-1.063) and 1.057 (1.023-1.097) for MI mortality associated with per interquartile range (IQR) increase in the 3-day moving-average exposure to PM_2.5 (IQR = 76.3 µg/m³), EC (4.1 µg/m³) and OC (9.1 µg/m³), respectively. We did not identify significant association between MI death and exposure to water-soluble ions (SO₄^2-, NH₄⁺ and NO₃^-). Likelihood ratio tests supported no evident violations of linear assumptions for constituents-MI associations. Subgroup analyses showed stronger associations between MI death and EC/OC exposure in the elderly, males and cold months. Short-term exposure to PM_2.5 constituents, particularly those carbonaceous aerosols, was associated with increased risks of MI mortality.