A highly distorted ultraelastic chemically complex Elinvar alloy.

The development of high-performance ultraelastic metals with superb strength, a large elastic strain limit and temperature-insensitive elastic modulus (Elinvar effect) are important for various industrial applications, from actuators and medical devices to high-precision instruments1,2. The elastic strain limit of bulk crystalline metals is usually less than 1 per cent, owing to dislocation easy gliding. Shape memory alloys3-including gum metals4,5 and strain glass alloys6,7-may attain an elastic strain limit up to several per cent, although this is the result of pseudo-elasticity and is accompanied by large energy dissipation3. Recently, chemically complex alloys, such as 'high-entropy' alloys8, have attracted tremendous research interest owing to their promising properties9-15. In this work we report on a chemically complex alloy with a large atomic size misfit usually unaffordable in conventional alloys. The alloy exhibits a high elastic strain limit (approximately 2 per cent) and a very low internal friction (less than 2 × 10-4) at room temperature. More interestingly, this alloy exhibits an extraordinary Elinvar effect, maintaining near-constant elastic modulus between room temperature and 627 degrees Celsius (900 kelvin), which is, to our knowledge, unmatched by the existing alloys hitherto reported.

Correlated charge noise and relaxation errors in superconducting qubits.

The central challenge in building a quantum computer is error correction. Unlike classical bits, which are susceptible to only one type of error, quantum bits (qubits) are susceptible to two types of error, corresponding to flips of the qubit state about the X and Z directions. Although the Heisenberg uncertainty principle precludes simultaneous monitoring of X- and Z-flips on a single qubit, it is possible to encode quantum information in large arrays of entangled qubits that enable accurate monitoring of all errors in the system, provided that the error rate is low1. Another crucial requirement is that errors cannot be correlated. Here we characterize a superconducting multiqubit circuit and find that charge noise in the chip is highly correlated on a length scale over 600 micrometres; moreover, discrete charge jumps are accompanied by a strong transient reduction of qubit energy relaxation time across the millimetre-scale chip. The resulting correlated errors are explained in terms of the charging event and phonon-mediated quasiparticle generation associated with absorption of γ-rays and cosmic-ray muons in the qubit substrate. Robust quantum error correction will require the development of mitigation strategies to protect multiqubit arrays from correlated errors due to particle impacts.

Phase diagram of superconductivity in the integer quantum Hall regime.

An interplay between pairing and topological orders has been predicted to give rise to superconducting states supporting exotic emergent particles, such as Majorana particles obeying non-Abelian braid statistics. We consider a system of spin polarized electrons on a Hofstadter lattice with nearest-neighbor attractive interaction and solve the mean-field Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations in a self-consistent fashion, leading to gauge-invariant observables and a rich phase diagram as a function of the chemical potential, the magnetic field, and the interaction. As the strength of the attractive interaction is increased, the system first makes a transition from a quantum Hall phase to a skyrmion lattice phase that is fully gapped in the bulk but has topological chiral edge current, characterizing a topologically nontrivial state. This is followed by a vortex phase in which the vortices carrying Majorana modes form a lattice; the spectrum contains a low-energy Majorana band arising from the coupling between neighboring vortex-core Majorana modes but does not have chiral edge currents. For some parameters, a dimer vortex lattice occurs with no Majorana band. The experimental feasibility and the observable consequences of skyrmions as well as Majorana modes are indicated.

First-in-human study of AMG 193, an MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor, in patients with MTAP-deleted solid tumors: results from phase 1 dose exploration.

BACKGROUND: Homozygous deletion of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) occurs in ∼10%-15% of solid tumors. AMG 193, a CNS-penetrant methylthioadenosine-cooperative protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibitor, selectively induces synthetic lethality in MTAP-deleted tumors cells. Here, we report results of the completed monotherapy dose exploration evaluating AMG 193 in patients with MTAP-deleted solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this first-in-human, multicenter, open-label, phase 1 study, patients with advanced CDKN2A-deleted and/or MTAP-deleted solid tumors received AMG 193 orally (once [QD] or twice [BID] daily) continuously in 28-day cycle. Primary objectives were safety and tolerability assessed by dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and determination of the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD); secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics and preliminary antitumor activity measured by RECIST v1.1. RESULTS: As of 23 May 2024, 80 patients in dose exploration received AMG 193 at doses 40-1600 mg QD or 600 mg BID. The most common treatment-related adverse events were nausea (48.8%), fatigue (31.3%), and vomiting (30.0%). DLTs were reported in eight patients at doses ≥240 mg, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hypersensitivity reaction, and hypokalemia. The MTD was determined to be 1200 mg QD. Mean exposure of AMG 193 increased in a dose-proportional manner from 40 mg to 1200 mg. Among the efficacy-evaluable patients treated at the active and tolerable doses of 800 mg QD, 1200 mg QD, or 600 mg BID (n=42), objective response rate (ORR) was 21.4% (95% CI: 10.3-36.8). Responses were observed across eight different tumor types, including squamous/nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and biliary tract cancer. At doses ≥480 mg, complete intratumoral PRMT5 inhibition was confirmed in paired MTAP-deleted tumor biopsies, and molecular responses (circulating-tumor DNA [ctDNA] clearance) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: AMG 193 demonstrated a favorable safety profile without clinically significant myelosuppression. Encouraging antitumor activity across a variety of MTAP-deleted solid tumors was observed based on ORR and ctDNA clearance.

Safety and clinical activity of BMS-986365 (CC-94676), a dual androgen receptor ligand-directed degrader and antagonist, in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that progresses on androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) may continue to be driven by AR signaling. BMS-986365 is an orally administered ligand-directed degrader targeting the AR via a first-in-class dual mechanism of AR degradation and antagonism. CC-94676-PCA-001 (NCT04428788) is a phase 1 multicenter study of BMS-986365 in patients with progressive mCRPC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who progressed on androgen deprivation therapy, ≥ 1 ARPI, and taxane chemotherapy (unless declined/ineligible) were enrolled. The study included dose escalation (Part A) and expansion (Part B) of BMS-986365 up to 900 mg twice daily (BID). Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, and to define maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Key secondary endpoints included decline in prostate-specific antigen ≥50% (PSA50) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). RESULTS: Parts A and B enrolled 27 and 68 patients, respectively. In Part B, the median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 2-11). The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were asymptomatic prolonged corrected QT interval (47%) and bradycardia (34%). Part A MTD was not reached and RP2D selection is ongoing. Across Part B three highest doses (400-900 mg BID, n = 60), PSA50 was 32% (n = 19), including 50% (n = 10/20) at 900 mg; median rPFS (95% CI) was 6.3 months (5.3-12.6), including 8.3 months (3.8-16.6) at 900 mg; and rPFS was longer in patients without versus with prior chemotherapy: 16.5 months (5.5-not evaluable) versus 5.5 months (2.7-8.3), respectively. Efficacy was observed in patients with AR ligand binding domain (LBD) WT or with AR LBD mutations. CONCLUSIONS: BMS-986365 was well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile, and demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated patients with potentially higher benefit in chemotherapy-naïve patients. These data show BMS-986365's potential to overcome resistance to current ARPIs, regardless of AR LBD mutation status.

Stable, narrow-linewidth laser system with a broad frequency tunability and a fast switching time.

For a Rydberg atom-based sensor to change its sensing frequency, the wavelength of the Rydberg state excitation laser must be altered. The wavelength shifts required can be on the order of 10 nm. A fast-tunable narrow-linewidth laser with broadband tuning capability is required. Here, we present a demonstration of a laser system that can rapidly switch a coupling laser as much as 8 nm in less than 50 µs. The laser system comprises a frequency-stabilized continuous wave laser and an electro-optic frequency comb. A filter enables selection of individual comb lines. A high-speed electro-optic modulator is used to tune the selected comb line to a specific frequency, i.e., an atomic transition. Through Rydberg atom-based sensing experiments, we demonstrate frequency hopping between two Rydberg states and a fast switching time of 400 µs, which we show can be reduced to ∼50 µs with a ping-pong scheme. If updating the RF frequency is not required during frequency hopping, a 200 ns switching time can be achieved. These results showcase the potential of the laser system for advanced Rydberg atom-based radio frequency sensing applications, like communications and radar.

Quasiparticle Poisoning of Superconducting Qubits from Resonant Absorption of Pair-Breaking Photons.

The ideal superconductor provides a pristine environment for the delicate states of a quantum computer: because there is an energy gap to excitations, there are no spurious modes with which the qubits can interact, causing irreversible decay of the quantum state. As a practical matter, however, there exists a high density of excitations out of the superconducting ground state even at ultralow temperature; these are known as quasiparticles. Observed quasiparticle densities are of order 1 µm^{-3}, tens of orders of magnitude greater than the equilibrium density expected from theory. Nonequilibrium quasiparticles extract energy from the qubit mode and can induce dephasing. Here we show that a dominant mechanism for quasiparticle poisoning is direct absorption of high-energy photons at the qubit junction. We use a Josephson junction-based photon source to controllably dose qubit circuits with millimeter-wave radiation, and we use an interferometric quantum gate sequence to reconstruct the charge parity of the qubit. We find that the structure of the qubit itself acts as a resonant antenna for millimeter-wave radiation, providing an efficient path for photons to generate quasiparticles. A deep understanding of this physics will pave the way to realization of next-generation superconducting qubits that are robust against quasiparticle poisoning.

Saturation of Fishbone Instability by Self-Generated Zonal Flows in Tokamak Plasmas.

Gyrokinetic simulations of the fishbone instability in DIII-D tokamak plasmas find that self-generated zonal flows can dominate the nonlinear saturation by preventing coherent structures from persisting or drifting in the energetic particle phase space when the mode frequency down-chirps. Results from the simulation with zonal flows agree quantitatively, for the first time, with experimental measurements of the fishbone saturation amplitude and energetic particle transport. Moreover, the fishbone-induced zonal flows are likely responsible for the formation of an internal transport barrier that was observed after fishbone bursts in this DIII-D experiment. Finally, gyrokinetic simulations of a related ITER baseline scenario show that the fishbone induces insignificant energetic particle redistribution and may enable high performance scenarios in ITER burning plasma experiments.

Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei.

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

Discovery of New Isotopes

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26) keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58} µs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a ß^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86} ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

Hydride-Containing Pt-doped Cu-rich Nanoclusters: Synthesis, Structure, and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

A structurally precise hydride-containing Pt-doped Cu-rich nanocluster [PtH2 Cu14 {S2 P(Oi Pr)2 }6 (CCPh)6 ] (1) has been synthesized. It consists of a bicapped icosahedral Cu14 cage that encapsulates a linear PtH2 unit. Upon the addition of two equivalents of CF3 COOH to 1, two hydrido clusters are isolated. These clusters are [PtHCu11 {S2 P(Oi Pr)2 }6 (CCPh)4 ] (2), which is a vertex-missing Cu11 cuboctahedron encaging a PtH moiety, and [PtH2 Cu11 {S2 P(Oi Pr)2 }6 (CCPh)3 ] (3), a distorted 3,3,4,4,4-pentacapped trigonal prismatic Cu11 cage enclosing a PtH2 unit. The electronic structure of 2, analyzed by Density Functional Theory, is a 2e superatom. The electrocatalytic activities of 1-3 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were compared. Notably, Cluster 2 exhibited an exceptionally excellent HER activity within metal nanoclusters, with an onset potential of -0.03 V (at 10 mA cm-2 ), a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec-1 , and consistent HER activity throughout 3000 cycles in 0.5 M H2 SO4 . Our study suggests that the accessible central Pt site plays a crucial role in the remarkable HER activity and may provide valuable insights for establishing correlations between catalyst structure and HER activity.

A Silver Nanocluster Assembled by a Superatomic Building Unit.

A unique assembly of a two-electron superatom, [Ag10{S2P(OiPr)2}8], as a primary building unit in the construction of a supramolecule [Ag10{S2P(OiPr)2}8]2(µ-4,4'-bpy) through a 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) linker is reported. This approach is facilitated by an open site in the structure that allows for effective pairing. The assembled structure demonstrates a minimal solvatochromic shift across organic solvents with variable polarities, highlighting the influence of self-assembly on the photophysical properties of silver nanoclusters.

Diselenophosphate Ligands as a Surface Engineering Tool in PdH-Doped Silver Superatomic Nanoclusters.

The first hydride-doped Pd/Ag superatoms stabilized by selenolates are reported: [PdHAg19(dsep)12] [dsep = Se2P(OiPr)2] 1 and [PdHAg20(dsep)12]+ 2. 1 was derived from the targeted transformation of [PdHAg19(dtp)12] [dtp = S2P(OiPr)2] by ligand exchange, whereas 2 was obtained from the addition of trifluoroacetic acid to 1, resulting in a symmetric redistribution of the capping silver atoms. The transformations are all achieved while retaining an 8-electron superatomic configuration. VT-NMR attests to the good stability of the NCs in solution, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals the crucial role that the interstitial hydride plays in directing the position of the capping silver atoms. The total structures are reported alongside their electronic and optical properties. 1 and 2 are phosphorescent with a lifetime of 73 and 84 µs at 77 K, respectively. The first antibacterial activity data for superatomic bimetallic Pd/Ag nanoclusters are also reported.

Trimester-specific association between fetal growth and physical activity in pregnant women: total physical activity vs moderate-to-vigorous exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the trimester-specific associations between maternal total physical activity level vs moderate-to-vigorous exercise and fetal growth disorders. METHODS: We analyzed 2062 mother-neonate pairs participating in the longitudinal China Medical University Birth Cohort Study. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity level of women during the three trimesters. A higher level of total physical activity was defined as meeting or exceeding the cohort-specific 75th percentile, and a higher level of exercise was defined according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Fetal growth disorder was defined as small-for-gestational age (SGA) or large-for-gestational age (LGA) at birth. RESULTS: Of the neonates included in this study, 7.1% were SGA and 15.5% were LGA. A higher level of total physical activity during the first trimester (adjusted relative risk (aRR), 0.62 (95% CI, 0.42-0.91)) and second trimester (aRR, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.41-0.95)) was associated with a lower risk of SGA, and a higher level of total physical activity during the third trimester was associated with a lower risk of LGA (aRR, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.54-0.97)). When analyzing physical activity by subtype, a higher level of occupational physical activity during the first and second trimesters was associated negatively with SGA risk, and higher levels of occupational and low-intensity physical activity during the first trimester were associated negatively with LGA risk. No significant association was found between maternal adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and risk of fetal growth disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A higher total physical activity level during the first and second trimesters was associated with a decreased risk of SGA, whereas a higher total physical activity level in the third trimester was associated with a decreased risk of LGA. Pregnant women should be advised to increase their total physical activity levels instead of focusing on engaging in only moderate-to-vigorous exercise. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Quantitative CT features on admission combined with laboratory biomarkers for predicting severe acute pancreatitis.

AIM: To assess the association of quantitative computed tomography (CT) features on admission with acute pancreatitis (AP) severity, and to explore the performance of combined CT and laboratory markers for predicting severe AP (SAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 208 AP patients were reviewed retrospectively. Pancreas volume, the area of extrapancreatic inflammation, extrapancreatic fluid collection volume, and number were calculated based on CT images on admission. Laboratory biomarkers within 24 h of admission were collected. Interobserver agreement for CT measurements was measured by calculating interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The associations of quantitative CT features with AP severity were evaluated. Predictive models for SAP were constructed based on CT and laboratory markers. Performances of single marker and the models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: Pancreas volume, area of extrapancreatic inflammation, extrapancreatic fluid collection volume, and number were significantly different between severe and non-severe AP groups. In predicting SAP, the AUCs of quantitative CT indicators ranged from 0.72 to 0.79; the AUCs of laboratory biomarkers were between 0.53 and 0.66. The combined model of area of extrapancreatic inflammation, serum calcium, and haematocrit yielded an AUC of 0.84, significantly higher than that of the laboratory model, single CT, or laboratory marker. Interobserver agreements for quantitative CT indicators were excellent, with ICC ranging from 0.91 to 0.98. CONCLUSION: Quantitative CT features on admission were significantly associated with AP severity; the combination of extrapancreatic inflammation area, serum calcium, and haematocrit could be taken as a new method for predicting SAP.

Sleeve gastrectomy links the attenuation of diabetic kidney disease to the inhibition of renal tubular ferroptosis through down-regulating TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: To investigate how sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a typical operation of bariatric surgery, attenuated symptom, and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). METHODS: DKD model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin in Wistar rats. SG was performed, and the group subjected to sham surgery served as control. The animals were euthanized 12 weeks after surgery, followed by sample collection for the subsequent experiment. The HK-2, a renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line derived from human, was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms. RESULTS: SG improved metabolic parameters and glucose homeostasis, and could alleviate DKD in terms of renal function indices as well as histological and morphological structures in DM rats, accompanied with a significant reduction in renal tubular injury. Compared with sham group, SG reduced the renal tubular ferroptosis. To further clarify the mechanism involved, in vitro experiments were performed. In the presence of high glucose, renal tubular TGF-ß1 secretion was significantly increased in HK-2 cell line, which led to activation of ferroptosis through TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of TGF-ß1 receptor and phosphorylation of Smad3 significantly ameliorated TGF-ß1-mediated ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also found that SG improved the hyperglycemic environment, reduced renal TGF-ß1 concentrations, and down-regulated the TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: With the capacity to lower the glucose, SG could attenuate the ferroptosis by inhibiting TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway in DKD rats, and eventually attenuated DKD.

The "5Ts" screening tool: Enhancements and threshold values for effective TMD identification.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to enhance the quintessential "five temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms" (5Ts) screener by incorporating frequency options and distinguishing between TMJ and muscle pain. The diagnostic accuracy along with cut-off points for the effective identification of TMDs was also established. METHODS: Participants, aged ≥18 years, were recruited from a university-based hospital. After completing surveys encompassing demographic data and the enhanced 5Ts (with frequency options [5Ts-F] and differentiation of TMJ/muscle pain [6Ts-F]), protocolized interviews and clinical examinations were performed following DC/TMD. The diagnostic accuracy and best cut-off points were determined with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). RESULTS: 324 participants were recruited (mean age 30.0 ± 11.4 years). Among these, 86.4% had TMDs. 5Ts exhibited high diagnostic accuracy for detecting all TMDs (AUC = 0.92) with sensitivity/specificity values of 83.9%/88.6%. Both 5Ts-F and 6Ts-F had slightly better accuracy (AUCs = 0.95/0.96), comparable sensitivity, and superior specificity (97.7%) compared to 5Ts. The best cut-off points were 1.5 for 5Ts and 2.5 for 5Ts-F/6Ts-F. CONCLUSIONS: Although all three TMD screeners presented high diagnostic accuracy, 5Ts-F/6Ts-F had notably improved specificity. 5Ts scores of >1.5 and 5Ts-F/6Ts-F scores of >2.5 are to be applied for screening the presence of TMDs.

The mediating effect of lifestyle behaviors on the relationship between self-perceived work stress and suboptimal health status: a cross-sectional study involving Chinese urban workers.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a third state between health and disease. Long-term being SHS will be detrimental to one's ability development. Previous studies have demonstrated the associations of lifestyle behaviors or work stress with SHS, but few studies have comprehensively analyzed the underlying factors and mechanisms between the three. This study aimed to investigate whether lifestyle behaviors mediated the relationship between self-perceived work stress and SHS. METHODS: A total of 4238 urban workers, who participated in a cross-sectional survey conducted from December 2018 to October 2019, were included. A general linear model was used to explore the associations between lifestyle behaviors and self-perceived work stress with SHS after adjusting for demographic variables. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the mediation by lifestyle behaviors. RESULTS: The mean transformed scores of physical, mental, and social SHS were 70.98, 67.17, and 61.72, respectively. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and high self-perceived work stress positively affected SHS (P < 0.001). Self-perceived work stress imposed negative effects on physical SHS (ß = -0.228, P < 0.001), mental SHS (ß = -0.237, P < 0.001), and social SHS (ß = -0.092, P < 0.001). The indirect effects of self-perceived work stress on physical SHS (ß = -0.139, 95% CI: -0.178 to -0.106), mental SHS (ß = -0.106, 95% CI: -0.134 to -0.082), and social SHS (ß = -0.121, 95% CI: -0.154 to -0.092) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle behaviors and self-perceived work stress were significantly associated with SHS among Chinese urban workers. The mediating effects of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors were found in the relationship between high self-perceived work stress and SHS. Future longitudinal research may verify these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

The neural regulation and impact of posterior nasal neurectomy on nasal ciliary motion in vivo in a murine allergic rhinitis model.

BACKGROUND: Posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) is a commonly employed surgical approach for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Due to its denervation effect on the nasal mucosa, PNN may potentially alter the motion and defensive capability of cilia. Previous research on the effects of neural regulation and denervation on cilia has been limited by the absence of a feasible in vivo evaluation method for assessing ciliary function. METHODOLOGY: Utilizing a new system developed by our team for visualizing and analyzing ciliary motion in vivo, we analysed ciliary beat frequency and distance in vivo and histomorphological changes in a murine PNN and AR model. Ovalbumin, histamine and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine chloride, α receptor agonist and ß receptor agonist) were applied to investigate the responsiveness and neural regulation of the nasal mucosa. RESULTS: Denervation resulting from PNN led to a reduction in nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) to 78% of the control, as well as diminished response towards allergens and histamine. Among neurotransmitters examined, α receptor agonists exhibited inhibitory effects on in vivo ciliary motion while acetylcholine and ß receptor agonists demonstrated stimulatory effects. PNN did not affect the reactivity of in vivo cilia towards these neurotransmitters. CONCLUSIONS: PNN-induced denervation can reduce ciliary motion, potentially compromising the defensive capability of nasal mucosa. Neural regulation and the neurotransmitters involved have significant effect on ciliary motion.

Quantitative evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage for the treatment of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children-A new complementary index: Bronchial Insufflation Sign Score.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of Broncoplasma Insufflation Sign in lung ultrasound signs in assessing the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage in severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children. METHODS: Forty-seven children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia were treated with medication and bronchial lavage. Laboratory and imaging results were collected, and lung ultrasonography was performed before bronchoalveolar lavage and 1, 3, and 7 days after lavage to record changes in Bronchial Insufflation Sign and changes in the extent of solid lung lesions. Factors affecting the effectiveness of bronchoalveolar lavage were analyzed using logistic regression and other factors. RESULTS: Bronchial Insufflation Sign Score and the extent of lung solid lesions were the factors affecting the effectiveness of bronchoalveolar lavage treatment. The smaller the area of lung solid lesions and the higher the Bronchial Insufflation Sign Score, the more effective the results of bronchoalveolar lavage treatment were, and the difference was statistically significant, with a difference of p < 0.05. The Bronchial Insufflation Sign Score had the highest sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage treatment in the first 7 days after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Bronchial Insufflation Sign Score combined with the extent of solid lung lesions can assess the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage in the treatment of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children; lung ultrasound is a timely and effective means of assessing the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage.