Geometrical frustration versus Kitaev interactions in BaCo2(AsO4)2.

Recently, Co-based honeycomb magnets have been proposed as promising candidate materials to host the Kitaev spin liquid (KSL) state. One of the front-runners is BaCo2(AsO4)2 (BCAO), where it was suggested that the exchange processes between Co2+ ions via the surrounding edge-sharing oxygen octahedra could give rise to bond-dependent Kitaev interactions. In this work, we present and analyze a comprehensive inelastic neutron scattering (INS) study of BCAO with fields in the honeycomb plane. Combining the constraints from the magnon excitations in the high-field polarized state and the inelastic spin structure factor measured in zero magnetic field, we examine two leading theoretical models: the Kitaev-type [Formula: see text] model and the XXZ[Formula: see text]model. We show that the existing experimental data can be consistently accounted for by the XXZ[Formula: see text]model but not by the [Formula: see text] model, and we discuss the implications of these results for the realization of a spin liquid phase in BCAO and more generally for the realization of the Kitaev model in cobaltates.

Multidimensional frailty as a predictor of mortality among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examined studies that assessed the relationship between mortality risk and multidimensional frailty. The pooled risk of mortality was estimated via a meta-analysis. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search for potentially eligible literature was conducted on January 2, 2023, using five electronic databases: Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase. This review included cohort or longitudinal studies examining the association between multidimensional frailty/prefrailty and mortality in older adults. The quality of the included studies was evaluated via the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Two independent researchers identified eligible studies and extracted the data. The data analyses were performed via STATA, version 15.0. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies with 34,664 participants were included. The 24 studies were published between 2012 and 2022, with most studies being performed in Italy (n = 16). The sample sizes of the included studies ranged from 71 to 12,020. Most included studies were conducted in hospital settings. The QUIPS bias assessment results showed that the most frequent source of potential bias was study confounding. The meta-analysis results showed that multidimensional frailty was a significant predictor of mortality (HR = 5.48, 95% CI = 3.91-7.67, p < 0.001). In addition, multidimensional prefrailty was also a significant predictor of mortality (HR = 2.56, 95% CI = 2.17-3.02, p < 0.001). The results of the meta-analysis using the ORs revealed that multidimensional frailty was a risk factor for mortality in older people (OR = 4.59, 95% CI = 2.47-8.55, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This systematic review of the relationship between multidimensional frailty and mortality found that multidimensional frailty/prefrailty is a predictor of mortality. More studies should be conducted in community dwelling populations and nursing homes.

Effectiveness of Integrated Care for Older Pepole (ICOPE) in Improving Intrinsic Capacity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Conduct a systematic review of existing studies on intrinsic capacity (IC) and a meta-analysis of studies to assess the overall effectiveness of ICOPE in improving IC in older adults. METHODS: Ten databases were systematically searched from inception to November 8, 2023, and the search was last updated on January 2, 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The main outcomes were IC (cognition, psychological, sensory, vitality and locomotion). RESULTS: The results showed ICOPE had a significant effect in improving cognitive function (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.56, p < 0.001, 12 RCTs, 7926 participants) and depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.70; 95% CI, -0.96 to -0.43, p < 0.001, 26 RCTs, 11,034 participants), but there was no statistically significant difference in improving locomotion (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.34, p = 0.098, 3 RCTs, 1580 participants). Meta-regression analysis shows that intervention duration should be paid attention to when the source of heterogeneity is discussed on the cognition. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ICOPE may be a potentially effective approach to help improve the IC in older adults, showing significant potential for improving cognitive function and reducing depressive symptoms in particular. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: ICOPE is expected to provide effective strategies to enhance issues such as IC and may be an innovative way to improve the overall health of older adults. This result provides strong support for geriatric nursing practice and encourages the adoption of ICOPE as a viable nursing approach to promote healthy ageing.

Effectiveness of integrated care for older adults-based interventions on depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To pool existing studies to assess the overall effectiveness of integrated care for older adults (ICOPE)-based interventions in improving depressive symptoms in older adults. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Ten databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 July 2023 and the search was last updated on 2 September 2023. METHODS: Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using random effects models. RoB 2 and GRADEpro GDT were used to assess the methodological quality and confidence in the cumulative evidence. Funnel plots, egger's test and begg's test were used to analyse publication bias. Sensitivity, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: The results of 18 studies showed ICOPE-based interventions had a significant effect on improving depressive symptoms (SMD = -.84; 95% CI, -1.20 to -.3647; p < .001; 18 RCTs, 5010 participants; very low-quality evidence). Subgroup analysis showed the intervention group was characterized by mean age (70-80 years old), intervention duration between 6 to 12 months, gender (female <50%), non-frail older adults, depressed older adults and mixed integration appeared to be more effective. Sensitivity analysis found the results to be robust. CONCLUSION: ICOPE-based interventions may be a potentially effective alternative approach to reduce depressive symptoms in the older adults. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Healthcare professionals are expected to use ICOPE as one of the interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults, and this ICOPE could provide more comprehensive care services for older adults to reduce depressive symptoms. IMPACT: ICOPE-based interventions may be a potentially effective alternative approach to reduce depressive symptoms in the older adults. ICOPE-based interventions had a significant effect on reducing depressive symptoms in the older adults. The intervention group characterized by mean age of older adults, intervention duration, gender ratio, health condition and integration types may influence the effect size. REPORTING METHOD: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.

Social frailty as a predictor of adverse outcomes among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the aging of the population, frailty has attracted much attention, and the social dimension of frailty, namely social frailty, has also attracted attention. Studies have shown that social frailty can bring some adverse effects to the elderly, such as physical and cognitive function. AIMS: To explore the risk of adverse health outcomes in older adults with social frailty compared with older adults with non-social frailty. METHODS: Five databases were systematically searched from inception to February 28, 2023. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two researchers. The included studies were longitudinal studies of adverse outcomes in community-dwelling socially frail older adults, and the quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies were included based on the inclusion criteria, of which 4 were subjected to meta-analysis. The mean age of the included population ranged from 66.3 to 86.5 years. According to existing research, social frailty was predictive of some adverse outcomes, such as incident disability, depressive symptoms, and reduced neuropsychological function. The meta-analysis showed that social frailty had a significant predictive effect on mortality among older adults [HR = 2.27, (95% CI = 1.03-5.00)]. CONCLUSION: In community-dwelling older adults, social frailty was a predictor of mortality, incident disability, depressive symptoms and other adverse outcomes. Social frailty had a negative impact on older adults, so it was necessary to strengthen the screening of social frailty to reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes.

Effectiveness of interventions in older adults with cognitive frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: interventions targeting older adults with cognitive frailty have grown rapidly in recent years with inconsistent findings. However, there is no meta-analysis that has synthesised pooled estimates. OBJECTIVE: to synthesise the pooled effect of current targeted interventions in older people with cognitive frailty. METHODS: we conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the JBI database and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wan-Fang and VIP) for literature from the inception of the database until 8 March 2022. The mean difference or standardised mean difference with 95% CIs was calculated. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane RoB 2.0. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria. RESULTS: thirteen randomised controlled trials with a total of 1,089 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that older adults with cognitive frailty in the intervention groups had significant improvement in frailty score [MD = -1.67, 95% CI (-2.39, -0.95), P < 0.00001, I2 = 97%], global cognitive function [MD = 3.38, 95% CI (1.90, 4.85), P < 0.00001, I2 = 93%], mobility [MD = -0.96, 95% CI (-1.27, -1.66), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%], muscle strength [SMD = 0.75, 95% CI (0.09, 1.41), P = 0.03, I2 = 85%] and nutritional status [MNA:MD = 5.64, 95% CI (3.99, 7.29), P < 0.00001, I2 = 89%; ALB: MD = 3.23, 95% CI (0.76, 5.71), P = 0.01, I2 = 93%; PALB: MD = 54.52, 95% CI (25.26, 83.77), P = 0.0003, I2 = 96%; TRF: MD = 0.64, 95% CI (0.22, 1.06), P = 0.003, I2 = 97%]. The overall certainty of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: interventions targeting older adults with cognitive frailty are effective in improving physical frailty, global cognitive function, physical function and nutritional status with low to moderate certainty. More research is still needed in the future to further enrich the evidence in these fields. PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42022318758.

Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of frailty: A systematic review.

AIMS: To systematically search for clinical practice guidelines focusing on the prevention and management of frailty, to evaluate their methodological quality and to synthesize the consensus recommendations. DESIGN: A systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Guideline websites, related professional association websites and electronic databases were systematically searched through 4 November 2020. REVIEW METHODS: We evaluated the methodological quality of the eligible guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II). Two reviewers synthesized the consensus recommendations proposed by at least two guidelines. RESULTS: Eight guidelines met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The mean scores of the six domains were as follows: the 'scope and purpose' domain scored 88.0%, the 'clarity of presentation' domain scored 81.9%, the 'stakeholder involvement' domain scored 63.4%, the 'editorial independence' domain scored 62.2%, the 'rigour of development' domain scored 61.1% and the 'applicability' domain scored 57.8%. In total, we synthesized 23 recommendations for the prevention and management of frailty that are consistent among the included guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The number of clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of frailty is limited. The methodological quality of existing guidelines needs to be improved. Our synthesized findings provide an intuitive, convenient and summative reference resource for frailty prevention and management. It' is worth noting that recommendations described in the included guidelines require additional detail. IMPACT: Although the prevention and management of frailty is urgent, there is currently a lack of evidences guiding these processes, especially in the prevention. The methodological quality of existing guidelines is insufficient, and the recommendations described in the guidelines require additional detail. Therefore, users of these guidelines, especially nurses, should make a careful decision according to the specific situation when using. Nurses also have a key role in providing more clinical evidences for the improvement of the quality of the guidelines.

Freezing of a Disorder Induced Spin Liquid with Strong Quantum Fluctuations.

Sr_{2}CuTe_{0.5}W_{0.5}O_{6} is a square-lattice magnet with superexchange between S=1/2Cu^{2+} spins mediated by randomly distributed Te and W ions. Here, using sub-K temperature and 20 µeV energy resolution neutron scattering experiments we show that this system transits from a gapless disorder-induced spin liquid to a new quantum state below T_{f}=1.7(1) K, exhibiting a weak frozen moment of ⟨S⟩/S∼0.1 and low energy dynamic susceptibility, χ^{''}(ℏω), linear in energy which is surprising for such a weak freezing in this highly fluctuating quantum regime.

Anisotropic spin fluctuations in detwinned FeSe.

Superconductivity in FeSe emerges from a nematic phase that breaks four-fold rotational symmetry in the iron plane. This phase may arise from orbital ordering, spin fluctuations or hidden magnetic quadrupolar order. Here we use inelastic neutron scattering on a mosaic of single crystals of FeSe, detwinned by mounting on a BaFe2As2 substrate to demonstrate that spin excitations are most intense at the antiferromagnetic wave vectors QAF = (±1, 0) at low energies E = 6-11 meV in the normal state. This two-fold (C2) anisotropy is reduced at lower energies, 3-5 meV, indicating a gapped four-fold (C4) mode. In the superconducting state, however, the strong nematic anisotropy is again reflected in the spin resonance (E = 3.6 meV) at QAF with incommensurate scattering around 5-6 meV. Our results highlight the extreme electronic anisotropy of the nematic phase of FeSe and are consistent with a highly anisotropic superconducting gap driven by spin fluctuations.

The effectiveness of the comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults with frailty in hospital settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is performed by a multidisciplinary team and includes systematic comprehensive team assessment and treatment. Comprehensive geriatric assessment has become a fundamental component of geriatric nursing, as a multidimensional approach is necessary to achieve the best diagnosis and therapy for older adults with frailty. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our review was to analyze the effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment interventions on older adults with frailty in hospital settings. METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to February 28, 2024. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. The risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to determine the pooled intervention effects. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias analyses were also conducted. Methodological quality and evidence were assessed using the RoB2 tool and GRADE pro online tool. RESULTS: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. The results showed that participants in the intervention group had a lower risk of having decreased activities of daily living than did those in the control group (RR = 0.55, 95 % CI: 0.33 to 0.92, P = 0.021, low certainty evidence). Comprehensive geriatric assessment was associated with a reduced mortality risk (RR = 0.85, 95 % CI: 0.73 to 0.99, P = 0.038, high certainty evidence). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this systematic review analyzed the available literature, and the results showed that comprehensive geriatric assessment had significant benefits in terms of increased independence and was associated with a reduced mortality risk for older adults with frailty in hospital settings. However, the evidence was limited. Thus, more research is needed in the future to further enrich the evidence in the field of comprehensive geriatric assessment interventions for older adults with frailty.

Prevalence of multidimensional frailty among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this systematic review were to explore the pooled prevalence of multidimensional frailty assessed by the Tilburg Frailty Indicator among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and three Chinese databases. Two independent researchers selected the literatures, extracted the data and evaluated the quality. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 16.0. RESULTS: There were 66 studies with a total of 40,597 individuals that were eligible for the meta-analysis. Data from the meta-analysis revealed the pooled prevalence of 42 % for multidimensional frailty (95 % CI: 38 %-45 %, I2 = 98.9 %, T2 = 0.024, p < 0.001). Among the six studies that provided data for different age groups, the results demonstrated an increasing trend in the prevalence of multidimensional frailty with advancing age. The results of gender-stratified analysis proved that the pooled prevalence of multidimensional frailty in women (45 %, 95 % CI: 39 %-51 %, p < 0.001) was higher than that in men (33 %, 95 % CI: 28 %-39 %, p < 0.001). Based on different education levels, the prevalence of multidimensional frailty is highest in the primary elementary or illiterate group (41 %, 95 % CI: 30 %-52 %, p < 0.001). According to different marital status types, the pooled prevalence of multidimensional frailty in the married group was significantly lower (36 %, 95 % CI: 28 %-43 %) than that in the unmarried, divorced or widowed group (51 %, 95 % CI: 37 %-65 %). CONCLUSIONS: Through a comprehensive review, we identified that 42 % of elderly individuals living in communities exhibit multidimensional frailty, indicating that multidimensional frailty is relatively common in this population. Stratified analysis revealed that advanced age, female gender, lower education level and unmarried status were associated with higher rates of multidimensional frailty.

Effects of nurse-led interventions on the physical and mental health among pre-frail or frail older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Globally, there is an increase in the number of older people living with frailty, thus effective strategies to prevent and manage frailty are of paramount importance. The effects of nurse-led interventions on the physical and mental health of (pre) frail people have not yet been systematically reviewed. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 8 May 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials reporting the effects of nurse-led interventions on physical and mental health outcomes among (pre) frail people. Two researchers independently extracted trial data and assessed the risk of bias by using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. RESULTS: 14 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies, encompassing 3943 participants, were included in the review. Nurse-led interventions included function-based care (cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and multi-domain intervention), personalized integrated care, and advance care planning. The reported outcomes were multiple with most results showing inconsistencies. Overall, function-based care showed more positive effects on physical outcomes (31/37, 84 %) and mental health (11/12, 92 %). However, the effectiveness of existing personalized integrated care and advance care planning might be limited. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led interventions may effectively improve both physical and mental health among (pre) frail older adults, although effectiveness varies by intervention type. Nurses have the potential to play a leading role, both individually and within multidisciplinary teams, in alleviating the rising global burden of frailty. We need more well-designed randomized controlled trials to confirm the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions and identify the most effective type of interventions.

Are microplastics in livestock and poultry manure an emerging threat to agricultural soil safety?

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted much attention in recent years, due to the difficulty of degradation and threats to ecological systems and humans. Based on the analysis of 1429 articles on MPs in soil, we found that we know little about the behavior and fate of manure-born MPs from the livestock and poultry production systems to agriculture soils. This review summarizes the analytical methods for sampling, separation, and identification and the occurrence of MPs in livestock and poultry manure, mainly based on 7 surveys related to manure-born MPs. Then, the sources, fate, and environmental risks of MPs in livestock and poultry manure are discussed. MPs, heavy metals, pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and persistent organic pollutants are common pollutants in livestock and poultry manure. Worse, manure-born MPs will become smaller, rougher, and more numerous and could easily form more toxic compound pollution after complicated processes of manure treatment, which seriously threatens agricultural soil safety. Finally, an outlook is offered for future research. We hope this article to attract attention to the risks of MPs in livestock and poultry manure and provide a reference for future research.

Relationship Between Cognitive Frailty and Mortality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the pooled mortality risk estimate and determine whether cognitive frailty is a predictor of mortality. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The participants were community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Two researchers independently screened potentially eligible literature, evaluated the quality of the included studies, and then extracted the data. We used STATA, version 15.0 to perform the all data. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included. The association between cognitive frailty and a higher risk of death was statistically significant [hazard ratio (HR), 2.01; 95% CI, 1.84-2.19; P < .001]. The outcomes indicated that cognitive frailty was a critical risk factor for predicting mortality (OR, 4.82; 95% CI, 1.59-14.57; P < .01). Based on different models of cognitive frailty, the results of subgroup analyses revealed that the risk of mortality was the highest in the Frail + mild cognitive impairment group (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 2.05-2.70; P < .001). The subgroup analyses by region demonstrated that mortality risk was lowest in the European group (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.4-1.87; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study quantitatively portrays the pooled mortality risk estimate of cognitive frailty. The results suggest that in older adults, cognitive frailty can be a predictor of mortality. The findings could alert health care providers to pay more attention to cognitive frailty.

Prevalence of cognitive frailty among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty among community-dwelling older adults and provide evidence-based support for policy-makers planning health and social care policies. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to December 10, 2020. Descriptive studies (cross-sectional studies or population-based longitudinal studies) and cohort studies were available. Participants were community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the quality of the included studies. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 15.0. RESULTS: We screened 2815 records, among which 24 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty was 9% (95% CI: 8%-11%, I2 = 99.3%). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty was 11% (95% CI: 9%-14%) in men and 15% (95% CI: 11%-19%) in women. The pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty based on the descriptive studies and cohort studies was 7% (95% CI: 5%-9%) and 17% (95% CI: 11%-22%), respectively. The pooled estimates of cognitive frailty prevalence were 6% (95% CI: 4%-8%) from 2012 to 2017 and 11% (95% CI: 9%-14%) from 2018 to 2020. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review analyzed the available literature and revealed that the pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty among community-dwelling older adults was 9%. The stratified analysis showed that the prevalence of cognitive frailty was higher in older women. In addition, the prevalence has increased in recent years, which has important implications for adapting health and social care systems.

Evidence for pressure induced unconventional quantum criticality in the coupled spin ladder antiferromagnet C9H18N2CuBr4.

Quantum phase transitions in quantum matter occur at zero temperature between distinct ground states by tuning a nonthermal control parameter. Often, they can be accurately described within the Landau theory of phase transitions, similarly to conventional thermal phase transitions. However, this picture can break down under certain circumstances. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the magnetic structure and spin dynamics of the spin-1/2 ladder compound C9H18N2CuBr4. Single-crystal heat capacity and neutron diffraction measurements reveal that the Néel-ordered phase breaks down beyond a critical pressure of Pc ∼ 1.0 GPa through a continuous quantum phase transition. Estimates of the critical exponents suggest that this transition may fall outside the traditional Landau paradigm. The inelastic neutron scattering spectra at 1.3 GPa are characterized by two well-separated gapped modes, including one continuum-like and another resolution-limited excitation in distinct scattering channels, which further indicates an exotic quantum-disordered phase above Pc.

circFOXO3 protects cardiomyocytes against radiation­induced cardiotoxicity.

Radiation therapy, one of the major treatment options for cancer, can cause delayed heart damage. The circular RNA (circRNA) circFOXO3 (hsa_circ_0006404) is associated with cancer progression. However, the functions of circFOXO3 in radiation­induced cardiotoxicity remains unknown. The present study aimed to identify the functions of cirFOXO3 in radiation­induced cardiotoxicity. The present study established circFOXO3­knockdown (KD) or ­overexpressing (OE) cardiomyocytes. Functional assay results showed that KD of circFOXO3 in cardiomyocytes significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis after radiation. By contrast, OE of circFOXO3 reduced DNA damage and apoptosis rates in response to radiation. Mechanistically, KD of circFOXO3 elevated the levels of Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 7, and decreased Bcl­2 expression, whereas OE of circFOXO3 decreased Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 7 expression, and increased Bcl­2 expression. Thus, the present study indicated that circFOXO3 protected cardiomyocytes from radiation­induced cardiotoxicity by reducing DNA damage and apoptosis. circFOXO3 may be a potential therapeutic target against radiation­induced cardiotoxicity.

High-energy magnetic excitations from heavy quasiparticles in CeCu2Si2.

Magnetic fluctuations is the leading candidate for pairing in cuprate, iron-based, and heavy fermion superconductors. This view is challenged by the recent discovery of nodeless superconductivity in CeCu2Si2, and calls for a detailed understanding of the corresponding magnetic fluctuations. Here, we mapped out the magnetic excitations in superconducting (S-type) CeCu2Si2 using inelastic neutron scattering, finding a strongly asymmetric dispersion for E≲1.5meV, which at higher energies evolves into broad columnar magnetic excitations that extend to E≳5meV. While low-energy magnetic excitations exhibit marked three-dimensional characteristics, the high-energy magnetic excitations in CeCu2Si2 are almost two-dimensional, reminiscent of paramagnons found in cuprate and iron-based superconductors. By comparing our experimental findings with calculations in the random-phase approximation,we find that the magnetic excitations in CeCu2Si2 arise from quasiparticles associated with its heavy electron band, which are also responsible for superconductivity. Our results provide a basis for understanding magnetism and superconductivity in CeCu2Si2, and demonstrate the utility of neutron scattering in probing band renormalization in heavy fermion metals.

Monopolar and dipolar relaxation in spin ice Ho2Ti2O7.

Ferromagnetically interacting Ising spins on the pyrochlore lattice of corner-sharing tetrahedra form a highly degenerate manifold of low-energy states. A spin flip relative to this "spin-ice" manifold can fractionalize into two oppositely charged magnetic monopoles with effective Coulomb interactions. To understand this process, we have probed the low-temperature magnetic response of spin ice to time-varying magnetic fields through stroboscopic neutron scattering and SQUID magnetometry on a new class of ultrapure Ho2Ti2O7 crystals. Covering almost 10 decades of time scales with atomic-scale spatial resolution, the experiments resolve apparent discrepancies between prior measurements on more disordered crystals and reveal a thermal crossover between distinct relaxation processes. Magnetic relaxation at low temperatures is associated with monopole motion through the spin-ice vacuum, while at elevated temperatures, relaxation occurs through reorientation of increasingly spin-like monopolar bound states. Spin fractionalization is thus directly manifest in the relaxation dynamics of spin ice.

Pristine quantum criticality in a Kondo semimetal.

The observation of quantum criticality in diverse classes of strongly correlated electron systems has been instrumental in establishing ordering principles, discovering new phases, and identifying the relevant degrees of freedom and interactions. At focus so far have been insulators and metals. Semimetals, which are of great current interest as candidate phases with nontrivial topology, are much less explored in experiments. Here, we study the Kondo semimetal CeRu4Sn6 by magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and inelastic neutron scattering experiments. The power-law divergence of the magnetic Grünesien ratio reveals that, unexpectedly, this compound is quantum critical without tuning. The dynamical energy over temperature scaling in the neutron response throughout the Brillouin zone and the temperature dependence of the static uniform susceptibility, indicate that temperature is the only energy scale in the criticality. Such behavior, which has been associated with Kondo destruction quantum criticality in metallic systems, could be generic in the semimetal setting.