First Experimental Study of the Purely Leptonic Decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}

Using 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first experimental study of the purely leptonic decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}. Our data contain a signal of this decay with a statistical significance of 2.9σ. The branching fraction of D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e} is measured to be (2.1_{-0.9_{stat}}^{+1.2}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}, corresponding to an upper limit of 4.0×10^{-5} at the 90% confidence level. Taking the total width of the D_{s}^{*+} [(0.070±0.028)  keV] predicted with the radiative D_{s}^{*+} decay from the lattice QCD calculation as input, the decay constant of the D_{s}^{*+} is determined to be f_{D_{s}^{*+}}=(214_{-46_{stat}}^{+61}±44_{syst})  MeV, corresponding to an upper limit of 354 MeV at the 90% confidence level.

Role of serum CAP1 protein in the diagnosis of patients with first-time acute myocardial infarction

The dysregulation of adenylate cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) is associated with a variety of inflammatory conditions. Here, we aimed to assess the role of serum CAP1 protein in predicting acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to explore its effect and mechanism in vascular endothelial cells injury. ELISA was utilized to detected CAP1 protein expression in serum from 70 patients with first-time AMI at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and 7 days of the onset of chest pain. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was administered to analyze the diagnostic power of CAP1 for AMI. The CCK-8 and 5-BrdU assays were applied to measure cell proliferation and inflammation in a model of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blotting were used to assess the activity of NF-κB pathway. Results showed that serum CAP1 protein expression was upregulated in patients with first-time AMI, its expression was highest at 12 hours of the onset of chest pain. CAP1 protein was positively associated with the levels of cTnI and ox-LDL. CAP1 showed a relatively high diagnostic accuracy in patients with first-time AMI compared with cTnI, and CAP1 combined with cTnI had superior diagnostic value than CAP1 and cTnI alone. The expression of CAP1 protein was increased in supernatants of ox-LDL induced HUVEC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. CAP1 inhibited cell proliferation but promoted inflammation, and induced the activation of NF-κB pathway in vitro. To sum up, increased serum CAP1 expression might serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker for patients with first-time AMI, the mechanism might be related to its induction of NF-κB pathway activation causing abnormal proliferation and inflammation and thus mediating vascular endothelial cell injury.

[Effects of biologics on psychological status and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate the effects of biologics on psychological status and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 42 hospitals in 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) from September 2021 to May 2022. General clinical information and the use of biologics were obtained from adult patients diagnosed with IBD who voluntarily participated in the study. Psychological status was evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) assessment tools. Counts were analyzed via the Chi-square test, and datasets that were not normally distributed were analyzed via nonparametric tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 2 478 valid questionnaires were collected. The GAD-7 score of the biologics group was significantly lower than that of the non-use group [6 (2, 9) vs. 7 (3, 10), Z=-3.49, P<0.001]. IBDQ scores [183 (158, 204) vs. 178 (152, 198), Z=-4.11, P<0.001], intestinal symptom scores [61 (52, 67) vs. 58 (49, 65), Z=-5.41, P<0.001], systemic symptom scores [28 (24, 32) vs. 27 (23, 31), Z=-2.37, P=0.018], emotional ability scores [69 (58, 77) vs. 67 (56, 75), Z=-3.58, P<0.001] and social ability scores [26 (22, 29) vs. 25 (22, 29), Z=-2.52, P=0.012] in the biologics group were significantly higher than in the non-use group. GAD-7 scores [5 (2, 9) vs. 6 (3, 10), Z=-3.50, P<0.001] and PSQI scores [6 (4, 9) vs. 6 (4, 9), Z=-2.55, P=0.011] were significantly lower in the group using infliximab than in the group not using it. IBDQ scores were significantly higher in patients using vedolizumab than in those not using it [186 (159, 205) vs. 181 (155, 201), Z=-2.32, P=0.021] and were also significantly higher in the group treated with adalimumab than in the group not treated with adalimumab [187 (159, 209) vs. 181 (155, 201), Z=-2.16, P=0.030]. However, ustekinumab had no significant effect on any of the scores. Conclusion: The use of biologics is strongly associated with improvements in anxiety status and quality of life in IBD patients.

[Regional analysis of high risk factors of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with organ or system impairment]

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) with organ or system impairment in pregnant women, and to analyze and compare the differences of HDP subtypes in different regions of China. Methods: A total of 27 680 pregnant women with HDP with complete data from 161 hospitals in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities were retrospectively collected from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. According to their clinical manifestations, they were divided into hypertension group [a total of 10 308 cases, including 8 250 cases of gestational hypertension (GH), 2 058 cases of chronic hypertension during pregnancy] and hypertension with organ or system impairment group [17 372 cases, including 14 590 cases of pre-eclampsia (PE), 137 cases of eclampsia, 2 645 cases of chronic hypertension with PE]. The subtype distribution of HDP in East China (6 136 cases), North China (4 821 cases), Central China (3 502 cases), South China (8 371 cases), Northeast China (1 456 cases), Southwest China (2 158 cases) and Northwest China (1 236 cases) were analyzed. By comparing the differences of HDP subtypes and related risk factors in different regions, regional analysis of the risk factors of HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment was conducted. Results: (1) The proportions of HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment in Northeast China (79.05%, 1 151/1 456), Central China (68.42%, 2 396/3 502) and Northwest China (69.34%, 857/1 236) were higher than the national average (62.76%, 17 372/27 680); the proportions in North China (59.18%, 2 853/4 821), East China (60.85%, 3 734/6 136) and South China (59.56%, 4 986/8 371) were lower than the national average, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) Univariate analysis showed that the proportions of primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination and PE history in the hypertension with organ or system impairment group were higher than those in the hypertension group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination and PE history were independent risk factors for HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment (all P<0.05). (3) Primipara: the rates of primipara in Northeast China, North China and Southwest China were higher than the national average level, while those in South China, Central China and Northwest China were lower than the national average level. Non-Han nationality: the rates of non-Han nationality in Northeast China, North China and Northwest China were higher than the national average, while those in East China, South China and Central China were lower than the national average. Non-urban household registration: the rates of non-urban household registration in Northeast China, North China, and Southwest China were lower than the national average, while those in East China, Central China were higher than the national average. Irregular prenatal examination: the rates of irregular prenatal examination in North China, South China and Southwest regions were lower than the national average level, while those in Northeast China, Central China and Northwest China were higher than the national average level. History of PE: the incidence rates of PE in Northeast China, North China, South China and Southwest China were lower than the national average level, while those in Central China and Northwest China were higher than the national average level. Conclusions: Primiparas, non-Han, non-urban household registration, irregular prenatal examination, and PE history are risk factors for HDP pregnant women with organ or system impairment. Patients in Northeast, Central and Northwest China have more risk factors, and are more likely to be accompanied by organ or system function damage. It is important to strengthen the management of pregnant women and reduce the occurrence of HDP.

First Study of Reaction Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p Using Ξ^{0}-Nucleus Scattering at an Electron-Positron Collider

Using (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the process Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p is studied, where the Ξ^{0} baryon is produced in the process J/ψ→Ξ^{0}Ξ[over ¯]^{0} and the neutron is a component of the ^{9}Be, ^{12}C, and ^{197}Au nuclei in the beam pipe. A clear signal is observed with a statistical significance of 7.1σ. The cross section of the reaction Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be is determined to be σ(Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be)=(22.1±5.3_{stat}±4.5_{sys})  mb at the Ξ^{0} momentum of 0.818  GeV/c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant H-dibaryon signal is observed in the Ξ^{-}p final state. This is the first study of hyperon-nucleon interactions in electron-positron collisions and opens up a new direction for such research.

Multiomics reveals Claroideoglomus etunicatum regulates plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis and La compartmentalization in maize to promote growth under La stress

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been widely used in traditional and high-tech fields, and high doses of REEs are considered a risk to the ecosystem. Although the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in promoting host resistance to heavy metal (HM) stress has been well documented, the molecular mechanism by which AMF symbiosis enhances plant tolerance to REEs is still unclear. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism by which the AMF Claroideoglomus etunicatum promotes maize (Zea mays) seedling tolerance to lanthanum (La) stress (100 mg·kg^-1 La). C. etunicatum symbiosis significantly improved maize seedling growth, P and La uptake and photosynthesis. Transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analyses performed alone and together revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to auxin /indole-3-acetic acid (AUX/IAA) and the DEGs and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (Nramp6), vacuoles and vesicles were upregulated. In contrast, photosynthesis-related DEGs and DEPs were downregulated, and 1-phosphatidyl-1D-myo-inositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) was more abundant under C. etunicatum symbiosis. C. etunicatum symbiosis can promote plant growth by increasing P uptake, regulating plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways and enhancing La transport and compartmentalization in vacuoles and vesicles. The results provide new insights into the promotion of plant REE tolerance by AMF symbiosis and the possibility of utilizing AMF-maize interactions in REE phytoremediation and recycling.

Measurements of Normalized Differential Cross Sections of Inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} Production in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV

Based on electron positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the differential cross sections of inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} production as a function of hadron momentum, normalized by the total cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons process, are measured at six center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. Our results, which cover a relative hadron energy range from 0.1 to 0.9, significantly deviate from several theoretical calculations based on existing fragmentation functions.

Precision Measurement of the Decay Σ^{+}→pγ in the Process J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-}

Using (10 087±44)×10^{6} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ^{+}→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021_{stat}±0.018_{syst})×10^{-3}, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be -0.652±0.056_{stat}±0.020_{syst}. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.

[Based on CT radiomics model for predicting the response to first-line chemotherapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the potential value of CT Radiomics model in predicting the response to first-line chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: Pre-treatment CT images and clinical data of DLBCL patients treated at Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2013 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into refractory patients (73 cases) and non-refractory patients (57 cases) according to the Lugano 2014 efficacy evaluation criteria. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen out clinical factors and CT radiomics features associated with efficacy response, followed by radiomics model and nomogram model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and clinical decision curve were used to evaluate the models in terms of the diagnostic efficacy, calibration and clinical value in predicting chemotherapy response. Results: Based on pre-chemotherapy CT images, 850 CT texture features were extracted from each patient, and 6 features highly correlated with the first-line chemotherapy effect of DLBCL were selected, including 1 first order feature, 1 gray level co-occurence matrix, 3 grey level dependence matrix, 1 neighboring grey tone difference matrix. Then, the corresponding radiomics model was established, whose ROC curves showed AUC values of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76-0.89) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.60-0.86) in the training and validation groups, respectively. The nomogram model, built by combining validated clinical factors (Ann Arbor stage, serum LDH level) and CT radiomics features, showed an AUC of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90-0.99) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82-1.00) in the training group and the validation group, respectively, with significantly better diagnostic efficacy than that of the radiomics model. In addition, the calibration curve and clinical decision curve showed that the nomogram model had good consistency and high clinical value in the assessment of DLBCL efficacy. Conclusion: The nomogram model based on clinical factors and radiomics features shows potential clinical value in predicting the response to first-line chemotherapy of DLBCL patients.

Early versus late delayed percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are a substantial proportion of elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) miss the optimal time window (12 h from symptom onset) of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). For these patients, the ideal timing of delayed PCI remains undetermined. Therefore, this study compared the clinical outcomes of early versus late delayed PCI in elderly patients with STEMI.

METHODS

From January 2014 to September 2019, 512 patients aged ≥ 65 years with STEMI who underwent delayed PCI after 12 h from symptom onset were included and then categorized into the early PCI group (12-48 h, n = 111) and late PCI group (48 h-28 days, n = 401) according to the timing of delayed PCI. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to adjust the confounding factors between groups. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and ischemia-driven revascularization.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 77 months, 163 (31.8%) patients developed MACCE and 93 (18.2%) died. Early or late delayed PCI did not make a significant difference in clinical outcomes of MACCE (Before PSM: HR 0.773, 95% CI 0.520-1.149, P = 0.203; After PSM: HR 0.869, 95% CI 0.498-1.517, P = 0.622), all-cause death, cardiac death, recurrent MI, stroke, and ischemia-driven revascularization in both overall patients and the PSM cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Early delayed PCI (12-48 h from symptom onset), for elderly patients with STEMI who present > 12 h after symptom onset is not associated with better long-term clinical outcomes compared with late delayed PCI (48 h-28 days).

[Analysis of microsatellite instability in endometrial cancer: The significance of minimal microsatellite shift]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the differences and characteristics of microsatellite instability (MSI) in endometrial cancer (EMC), by using colorectal cancer (CRC) as control.

METHODS

In the study, 228 cases of EMC were collected. For comparative analysis, 770 cases of CRC were collected. Mismatch repair (MMR) expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and microsatellite instability (MSI) was analyzed by PCR and capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis (MSI-PCR). MSI-PCR was detected using five mononucleotide repeat markers: BAT-25, BAT-26, NR-21, NR-24, and MONO-27.

RESULTS

In EMC, we found 27.19% (62/228) of deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) using IHC, significantly higher than CRC (7.79%, 60/770). Meanwhile, subclonal expression of MMR protein was found in 4 cases of dMMR-EMC and 2 cases of dMMR-CRC. According to the criteria of major micro-satellite shift, we found 16.23% (37/228) of MSI-high (MSI-H), 2.63% (6/228) of MSI-low (MSI-L), and 81.14% (185/228) of microsatellite stability (MSS) in EMC using MSI-PCR. The discor-dance rate between MMR-IHC and MSI-PCR in EMC was 11.84% (27/228). In CRC, we found 8.05% (62/770) of MSI-H, 0.13% (1/770) of MSI-L, and 91.82% (707/770) of MSS. The discordance rate between MMR-IHC and MSI-PCR in CRC was only 0.52% (4/770). However, according to the criteria of minimal microsatellite shift, 12 cases of EMC showed minimal microsatellite shift including 8 cases of dMMR/MSS and 4 cases of dMMR/MSI-L and these cases were ultimately evaluated as dMMR/MSI-H. Then, 21.49% (49/228) of EMC showed MSI-H and the discordance rate MMR-IHC and MSI-PCR in EMC decreased to 6.58% (15/228). No minimal microsatellite shift was found in CRC. Compared with EMC group with major microsatellite shift, cases with minimal microsatellite shift showed younger age, better tumor differentiation, and earlier International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. There were significant differences in histological variant and FIGO stage between the two groups (P < 0.001, P=0.006).

CONCLUSION

EMC was more prone to minimal microsatellite shift, which should not be ignored in the interpretation of MSI-PCR results. The combined detection of MMR-IHC and MSI-PCR is the most sensitive and specific method to capture MSI tumors.

[Pathological evaluation of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesion in 411 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the pathological characteristics of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) specimens for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions, accumulating experience for clinical management and pathological analysis.

METHODS

A total of 411 cases of early gastric cancer or precancerous lesions underwent ESD. According to the Japanese guidelines for ESD treatment of early gastric cancer and classification of gastric carcinoma, the clinicopathological data, pathologic evaluation, concordance rate of pathological diagnosis between preoperative endoscopic forceps biopsies and their ESD specimens (in 400 cases), as well as the risk factors of non-curative resection of early gastric cancer, were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

23.4% (96/411) of the 411 cases were adenoma/low-grade dysplasia and 76.6% (315/411) were early gastric cancer. The latter included 28.0% (115/411) non-invasive carcinoma/high-grade dysplasia and 48.7% (200/411) invasive carcinoma. The concordance rate of pathological diagnosis between endoscopic forceps biopsies and ESD specimens was 66.0% (264/400), correlating with pathological diagnosis and lesion location (P < 0.01). The rate of upgraded diagnosis and downgraded diagnosis after ESD was 29.8% (119/400) and 4.2% (17/400), respectively. Among the 315 cases of early gastric cancer, there were 277 cases (87.9%) of differentiated type and 38 cases (12.1%) of undifferentiated type. In the study, 262 cases (83.2%) met with absolute indication, while 53 cases (16.8%) met relative indication. En bloc and curative resection rates were 98.1% and 82.9%, respectively. Risk factors for non-curative resection included a long diameter >20 mm (OR=3.631, 95%CI: 1.170-11.270, P=0.026), tumor infiltration into submucosa (OR=69.761, 95%CI: 21.033-231.376, P < 0.001)and undifferentiated tumor histology (OR=16.950, 95%CI: 4.585-62.664, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Several subjective and objective factors, such as the limitations of biopsy samples, the characteristics and distribution of the lesions, different pathological understanding, and the endoscopic sampling and observation, can lead to the differences between the preoperative and postoperative pathological diagnosis of ESD. In particular, the pathological upgrade of postoperative diagnosis was more significant and should receive more attention by endoscopists and pathologists. The curative resection rate of early gastric cancer in ESD was high. Non-curative resection was related to the long diameter, the depth of tumor invasion and histological classification. ESD can also be performed in undifferentiated early gastric cancer if meeting the indication criteria. The comprehensive and standardized pathological analysis of ESD specimens is clinically important to evaluate the curative effect of ESD operation and patient outcomes.

Measurements of the Electric and Magnetic Form Factors of the Neutron for Timelike Momentum Transfer

We present the first measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron in the timelike (positive q^{2}) region as function of four-momentum transfer. We explored the differential cross sections of the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→n[over ¯]n with data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII accelerator, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 354.6  pb^{-1} in total at twelve center-of-mass energies between sqrt[s]=2.0-2.95  GeV. A relative uncertainty of 18% and 12% for the electric and magnetic form factors, respectively, is achieved at sqrt[s]=2.3935  GeV. Our results are comparable in accuracy to those from electron scattering in the comparable spacelike region of four-momentum transfer. The electromagnetic form factor ratio R_{em}≡|G_{E}|/|G_{M}| is within the uncertainties close to unity. We compare our result on |G_{E}| and |G_{M}| to recent model predictions, and the measurements in the spacelike region to test the analyticity of electromagnetic form factors.

Observation of a New X(3872) Production Process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872)

Using 4.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data at center-of-mass energies from 4.661 to 4.951 GeV collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we observe the X(3872) production process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) for the first time. The significance is 7.8σ, including both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) Born cross section and the corresponding upper limit at 90% confidence level at each energy point are reported. The line shape of the cross section indicates that the ωX(3872) signals may be from the decays of some nontrivial structures.

Octahedral Distortion and Displacement-Type Ferroelectricity with Switchable Photovoltaic Effect in a 3d^{3}-Electron Perovskite System

Because of the half-filled t_{2g}-electron configuration, the BO_{6} octahedral distortion in a 3d^{3} perovskite system is usually very limited. In this Letter, a perovskitelike oxide Hg_{0.75}Pb_{0.25}MnO_{3} (HPMO) with a 3d^{3} Mn^{4+} state was synthesized by using high pressure and high temperature methods. This compound exhibits an unusually large octahedral distortion enhanced by approximately 2 orders of magnitude compared with that observed in other 3d^{3} perovskite systems like RCr^{3+}O_{3} (R=rare earth). Essentially different from centrosymmetric HgMnO_{3} and PbMnO_{3}, the A-site doped HPMO presents a polar crystal structure with the space group Ama2 and a substantial spontaneous electric polarization (26.5  μC/cm^{2} in theory) arising from the off-center displacements of A- and B-site ions. More interestingly, a prominent net photocurrent and switchable photovoltaic effect with a sustainable photoresponse were observed in the current polycrystalline HPMO. This Letter provides an exceptional d^{3} material system which shows unusually large octahedral distortion and displacement-type ferroelectricity violating the "d^{0}-ness" rule.

Observation of Three Charmoniumlike States with J^{PC}=1^{--} in e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+}

The Born cross sections of the process e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9  fb^{-1} and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47, and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9  MeV/c^{2}, 4469.1±26.2±3.6  MeV/c^{2}, and 4675.3±29.5±3.5  MeV/c^{2} and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0  MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4  MeV, and 218.3±72.9±9.3  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the ψ(4230) and ψ(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the ψ(4500) observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}J/ψ process. These three charmoniumlike ψ states are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} process for the first time.

Evidence for the Cusp Effect in η' Decays into ηπ^{0}π^{0}

Using a sample of 4.3×10^{5} η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π^{+}π^{-} mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π^{0}π^{0} with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a_{0}-a_{2} is determined to be 0.226±0.060_{stat}±0.013_{syst}, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.

Transcriptome, proteome and functional characterization reveals salt stress tolerance mechanisms in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Uncovering the underlying mechanism of salt tolerance is important to breed cotton varieties with improved salt tolerance. In this study, transcriptome and proteome sequencing were performed on upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) variety under salt stress, and integrated analysis was carried out to exploit salt-tolerance genes in cotton. Enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was performed on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained from transcriptome and proteome sequencing. GO enrichment was carried out mainly in the cell membrane, organelle, cellular process, metabolic process, and stress response. The expression of 23,981 genes was changed in physiological and biochemical processes such as cell metabolism. The metabolic pathways obtained by KEGG enrichment included glycerolipid metabolism, sesquiterpene and triterpenoid biosynthesis, flavonoid production, and plant hormone signal transduction. Combined transcriptome and proteome analysis to screen and annotate DEGs yielded 24 candidate genes with significant differential expression. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation of the candidate genes showed that two genes (Gh_D11G0978 and Gh_D10G0907) responded significantly to the induction of NaCl, and these two genes were further selected as target genes for gene cloning and functional validation through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The silenced plants exhibited early wilting with a greater degree of salt damage under salt treatment. Moreover, they showed higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than the control. Therefore, we can infer that these two genes have a pivotal role in the response to salt stress in upland cotton. The findings in this research will facilitate the breeding of salt tolerance cotton varieties that can be grown on saline alkaline lands.

Spatial Localization of Two Enzymes at Pickering Emulsion Droplet Interfaces for Cascade Reactions

Developing biocatalytic cascades in abiological conditions is of utmost significance, but such processes often suffer from low reaction efficiency because of incompatible reaction environments and suppressed intermediate transportation. Herein we report a new type of biocatalytic cascade by localizing two different enzymes separately in the outer and inner interfacial layers of Pickering emulsion droplets. This versatile approach enables the localization of two enzymes in their preferred reaction microenvironments and simultaneously in nanoscale proximity of each other. The thus-designed interfacial biocatalytic cascades show outstanding catalytic efficiency in alkene epoxidation and thioether oxidation with in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide under mild conditions, 6.9-13.6 times higher than the catalytic efficiency of the free enzymes in solution and their multi-enzymatic counterparts. The remarkable interfacial effect of Pickering droplets was found to be responsible for the significantly enhanced cascading efficiency.

A 2π-periodic anisotropic magnetoresistance in multi-Weyl semimetals

A 2π-periodic anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) violating the classical two-fold symmetry is found in the multi-Weyl semimetals. It is induced by the intrinsic magnetization due to the magnetic doping. The monopole charge influences the novel AMR, strongly. For single- and triple-Weyl semimetals, tilt along thex-direction or equivalently along they-direction is indispensable in the nonzero AMR. However, the AMR with 2πperiod even exists for the untilted double-Weyl case. The oscillation of the conductivity for the triple one is out-of-phase compared to the other two. We decompose the conductivity into theπand 2πparts. The amplitude of the dominant 2πcontribution increases almost linearly with the magnetization for all three cases. Moreover, the strength of the magnetic scattering strongly affects the magnitudes. Our work will contribute to a deeper understanding of the AMR in multi-Weyl semimetals.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Functional Analysis of ABCG Subfamily Reveal Its Role in Cutin Formation in Cotton

ATP-binding cassette transporter G (ABCG) has been shown to be engaged in export of broad-spectrum compounds with structural differences, but little is known concerning its role in cutin formation of cotton (Gossypium spp.). In this study, we conduct a genome-wide survey and detected 69, 71, 124 and 131 ABCG genes within G. arboretum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, separately. The above ABCGs could be divided into four groups (Ia, Ib, Ic, II). Some ABCG genes such as GhABCG15, whose homologous gene transports cuticular lipid in Arabidopsis, was preferentially expressed in the development of fiber. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) demonstrated that GhABCG expression was significantly associated with the amount of 16-Hydroxypalmitate (a main component of cutin precursor) in cotton fibers. Further, silencing of GhABCG15 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cotton generated brightened and crinkled leaves as well as reduced thickness of cuticle and increased permeability. Chemical composition analysis showed the cutin content in GhABCG15-silenced leaves had decreased while the wax content had increased. Our results provide an insight for better understanding of the role of the Gossypium ABCG family and revealed the essential role of GhABCGs in cotton cutin formation.

[Research advances on the role of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 in wound healing]

Wound healing is one of the common pathophysiological processes in the body. How to improve the condition of wound healing to promote rapid wound healing has always been a hotspot in research. Oxidative stress is one of the important factors affecting wound healing. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a classic antioxidant stress factor as well as a factor with great potential in facilitating wound healing. The activation of Nrf2 can regulate the downstream antioxidant stress elements and play roles of anti-apoptosis and cell homeostasis maintaining, which improves wound healing environment and promotes wound repair. This paper summarized the common agonists and inhibitors of Nrf2 and reviewed the roles of Nrf2 in promoting skin wound healing including diabetic ulcers, radiation injury, and ischemia-reperfusion injury, etc.

Polysaccharides from apple pomace exhibit anti-fatigue activity through increasing glycogen content

The polysaccharides were isolated from apple pomace by hot-water extraction, and their anti-fatigue activity was evaluated in C2C12 muscle myoblasts and male Kunming mice. The purified polysaccharides from apple pomace (PAP) have a molecular weight of 1.74 × 105 Da and were composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose and arabinose. In C2C12 myoblasts, PAP showed no cytotoxicity in the concentrations of 0-300 μg/ml. PAP treatment increased the glycogen content, while the ATP content was not affected in C2C12 myoblasts. Further investigation found that the activity and gene expression of glycogen synthase, rather than glycogen phosphorylase, were upregulated by PAP treatment. The studies in vivo showed that PAP treatment did not affect the food intake and weight again in mice. Importantly, PAP prolonged the exhaustive swimming time, increased hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen levels, and effectively inhibited the accumulation of blood lactic and blood urea nitrogen in mice. Taken together, the results suggested that PAP exhibit anti-fatigue activity in vitro and in vivo through increasing glycogen content.

[Diagnostic values of cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry and molecular testing in preoperative fine needle aspiration of undeterminate thyroid nodules]

Objective: To assess the value of cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry combined with a small panel molecular analysis in indeterminate cytological diagnosis of Bethesda category Ⅲ-Ⅴ. Methods: A consecutive cohort of 96 thyroid FNA specimens with indeterminate diagnosis (TBSRTC category Ⅲ-Ⅴ) and available histopathologic follow-up data were collected between December 2018 and December 2021 in Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital. The cases were evaluated by cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry and molecular testing of BRAF^V600E or a small panel of markers (BRAF, N-RAS, H-RAS, K-RAS and TERT) in the FNA specimens. The identification of the optimal cut-off point of cyclin D1 for the diagnosis of malignancy was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the assessment of the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of all these markers were evaluated with the crosstabs and significance was calculated. Results: Ninty-six patients with 96 thyroid nodules were enrolled, including 42 cases of TBSRTC-III, 10 cases of TBSRTC-IV and 44 cases of TBSRTC-V. There were 79 females and 17 males with a median age of 47 years (range, 25 to 75 years). A 7.5% cut-off value for positive cyclin D1 nuclear immunostaining in thyroid cells demonstrated 100% PPV, 57.1% NPV, 81.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity for thyroid malignancy diagnosis. The sensitivity of the BRAF^V600E mutation test or combined with a small panel test alone for thyroid malignancy diagnosis were 65.5% and 69.0% respectively. The sensitivity for thyroid malignancy diagnosis increased to 94.0% and 95.2% respectively when combining the cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry with the molecular test, and the specificities remained 100% and 91.7% respectively.The accuracy of cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry combined with a small panel of molecular test in detecting thyroid malignancy increased to 94.8% compared to using these markers alone. Conclusions: The addition of cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry and a small panel of molecular testing to FNA cytology can increase the sensitivity and NPV of cytology in indeterminate categories, and this supplementary approach provides a simple, accurate and convenient diagnostic method for reducing unnecessary thyroidectomies.