Experimental Evidence for an Attractive p-ϕ Interaction

This Letter presents the first experimental evidence of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a ϕ meson. The result is obtained from two-particle correlations of combined p-ϕ⊕ p[over ¯]-ϕ pairs measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The spin-averaged scattering length and effective range of the p-ϕ interaction are extracted from the fully corrected correlation function employing the Lednický-Lyuboshits approach. In particular, the imaginary part of the scattering length vanishes within uncertainties, indicating that inelastic processes do not play a prominent role for the p-ϕ interaction. These data demonstrate that the interaction is dominated by elastic p-ϕ scattering. Furthermore, an analysis employing phenomenological Gaussian- and Yukawa-type potentials is conducted. Under the assumption of the latter, the N-ϕ coupling constant is found to be g_{N-ϕ}=0.14±0.03(stat)±0.02(syst). This work provides valuable experimental input to accomplish a self-consistent description of the N-ϕ interaction, which is particularly relevant for the more fundamental studies on partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclear medium.

Multiharmonic Correlations of Different Flow Amplitudes in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, using higher-order symmetric cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium when compared to correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. A comparison to Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.

[Effect of androgen replacement therapy on mixed dry eye in a rabbit model]

Objective: To explore the effect of androgen replacement therapy in a rabbit dry eye model characterized by androgen deficiency and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Thirty 6-month-old male Chinchilla rabbits were randomly divided into the treatment group, model group and control group, with 10 rabbits in each group. In the treatment and model groups, 2/3 of the meibomian gland openings were closed by cauterization with electric coagulation pen, and bilateral testes were removed. One gram gel containing 1% testosterone was applied for 28 days on the skin of rabbits in the treatment group since day 28 after the surgery. The model group and control group received transdermal petrolatum instead. Tear secretion, tear breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and serum free testosterone level were monitored throughout the study period. The globes and eyelids were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Conjunctival tissue was tested for the expression of miRNA-744-5p and interleukin-6. Meibum was collected for fatty acid analysis. Results: Animals presented with typical dry eye signs and androgen deficiency. After 28-day androgen replacement therapy, compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significantly higher tear secretion rate [(14.7±5.2) vs (10.3±3.6) mm, P=0.001], higher TBUT [(15.0±4.2) vs (10.2±3.6) s, P=0.003], lower fluorescein staining score [0 (0, 1) vs 2 (1, 4), P<0.001], and higher goblet cell density at conjunctival fornix (27.2±7.6 vs 10.7±4.8, P<0.001). Additionally, compared with the model group, the conjunctiva of the treatment group expressed a significantly lower level of miRNA-744-5p (1.67±0.24 vs 2.63±0.58, P<0.001) and interleukin-6 [2.38 (1.84, 4.61) vs 4.82 (3.99, 6.36), P=0.022]. Meanwhile, the treatment group showed significantly increased level of 16∶1, Δ⁹ fatty acid [(10.31±1.00)% vs (3.87±0.45)%, P<0.001] and iso-18∶0 fatty acid [(7.09±0.93)% vs (2.44±0.70)%, P<0.001], but decreased level of iso-26∶0 fatty acid [(5.72±1.07)% vs (8.02±0.65)%, P<0.001] in the meibum compared with the model group. Conclusion: Androgen replacement therapy can alleviate dry eye signs in rabbits presented with combined androgen deficiency and MGD.

Soft-Dielectron Excess in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A measurement of dielectron production in proton-proton (pp) collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC, is presented in this Letter. The data set was recorded with a reduced magnetic solenoid field. This enables the investigation of a kinematic domain at low dielectron (ee) invariant mass m_{ee} and pair transverse momentum p_{T,ee} that was previously inaccessible at the LHC. The cross section for dielectron production is studied as a function of m_{ee}, p_{T,ee}, and event multiplicity dN_{ch}/dη. The expected dielectron rate from hadron decays, called hadronic cocktail, utilizes a parametrization of the measured η/π^{0} ratio in pp and proton-nucleus collisions, assuming that this ratio shows no strong dependence on collision energy at low transverse momentum. Comparison of the measured dielectron yield to the hadronic cocktail at 0.15<m_{ee}<0.6  GeV/c^{2} and for p_{T,ee}<0.4  GeV/c indicates an enhancement of soft dielectrons, reminiscent of the "anomalous" soft-photon and soft-dilepton excess in hadron-hadron collisions reported by several experiments under different experimental conditions. The enhancement factor over the hadronic cocktail amounts to 1.61±0.13(stat)±0.17(syst,data)±0.34(syst,cocktail) in the ALICE acceptance. Acceptance-corrected excess spectra in m_{ee} and p_{T,ee} are extracted and compared with calculations of dielectron production from hadronic bremsstrahlung and thermal radiation within a hadronic many-body approach.

428 Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Rare Vascular Malignancy Mimicking as Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Hepatic epithelioid hemangio-endothelioma (EHE) is a rare, often misdiagnosed malignancy of vascular origin. We describe a case of a 36-year-old, who presented with a burning sensation in his chest on exercise and was believed to have bilobar intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. After receiving chemotherapy with partial response, the patient underwent staged resection modified ALPPS (associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) procedure – laparoscopic radiofrequency assisted ALPPS (RALPPS). Histological examination of the stage 1 specimen revealed EHE deposits in the left lobe of the liver. The patient proceeded to have stage 2 open right hepatectomy with concurring histology. 90-days follow-up CT scan showed almost complete resolution of EHE lesions.

Low incidence, non-specific clinical and radiological characteristics all contribute to high EHE misdiagnosis rate. Histological analysis can be used for confirmation of the diagnosis; however, specialist staining is required, which is not routinely performed. Multiple treatments are available against EHE, but only liver resection and liver transplantation are potentially curative. ALPPS and its modifications (such as RALPPS) offer an alternative for conventional two-stage hepatectomy for patients with extensive bilobar EHE, who are at risk of developing post-hepatectomy liver failure or patients with anomalous hepatic vasculature anatomy, which makes PVE challenging.

Elliptic Flow of Electrons from Beauty-Hadron Decays in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The elliptic flow of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity (|y|<0.8) is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The azimuthal distribution of the particles produced in the collisions can be parametrized with a Fourier expansion, in which the second harmonic coefficient represents the elliptic flow, v_{2}. The v_{2} coefficient of electrons from beauty hadron decays is measured for the first time in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) range 1.3-6  GeV/c in the centrality class 30%-50%. The measurement of electrons from beauty-hadron decays exploits their larger mean proper decay length cτ≈500  μm compared to that of charm hadrons and most of the other background sources. The v_{2} of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity is found to be positive with a significance of 3.75  σ. The results provide insights into the degree of thermalization of beauty quarks in the medium. A model assuming full thermalization of beauty quarks is strongly disfavored by the measurement at high p_{T}, but is in agreement with the results at low p_{T}. Transport models including substantial interactions of beauty quarks with an expanding strongly interacting medium describe the measurement within uncertainties.

Hsa_circ_0124055 and hsa_circ_0101622 regulate proliferation and apoptosis in thyroid cancer and serve as prognostic and diagnostic indicators

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have corroborated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) as endogenous noncoding RNAs gain research interest in carcinogenesis, functioning as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The present study is aimed to determine whether circRNAs could serve as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to predict thyroid carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-throughput sequencing analysis was conducted to detect circRNAs expression profile in thyroid cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) measurement was utilized to validate circRNAs expression in blood and tissue specimens. Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to assess whether circRNAs could function as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers of thyroid cancer, respectively.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0124055 and hsa_circ_0101622 as the most conspicuous biomarkers were significantly increased in tumor tissues and plasma of thyroid cancer patients. High hsa_circ_0124055 or hsa_circ_0101622 expression exhibited shorter overall survival. Our findings also provided strong evidence that plasma hsa_circ_0124055 (AUC = 0.836, 95% CI: 0.763-0.908, p<0.001) and hsa_circ_0101622 (AUC = 0.805, 95% CI: 0.727-0.883, p<0.001) could be used as diagnostic markers for thyroid cancer, and hsa_circ_0124055 combined with hsa_circ_0101622 could provide a more powerful diagnostic value (AUC = 0.911, 95% CI: 0.859-0.962, p<0.001) than the use of hsa_circ_0124055 or hsa_circ_0101622 alone. Furthermore, the knockdown of hsa_circ_0124055 or hsa_circ_0101622 exhibited a significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of thyroid cancer cells in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Both hsa_circ_0124055 and hsa_circ_0101622 could facilitate the prognosis and diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and function as the therapeutic targets for clinical practice.

The role of protein restriction and interaction with antibiotics in the regulation of compensatory growth in pigs: growth performance, serum hormone concentrations, and messenger RNA levels in component tissues of the endocrine growth axis

The present study investigated the effects of protein restriction and antibiotics on the hypothalamus-pituitary-liver growth axis during the compensatory growth of growing and finishing pigs. Growth performance, serum hormones, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of hormones and their receptors in growth axis tissues were recorded for analyses. A total of 64 piglets (large white × Landrace × Duroc cross) with an initial weight of 10.07 ± 0.14 kg were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups of 16 piglets per group. The dietary treatments consisted of 2 protein levels (14% and 20%) and 2 antibiotic levels (no antibiotics and 20 mg/kg colistin sulfate with 50 mg/kg kitasamycin) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The study was performed over 30 d for the first stage (S1, restriction phase) and 74 d for the second stage (S2, realimentation phase). The 4 treatment diets were maintained throughout the duration in the restriction phase. The 4 groups were fed the same diet in the realimentation phase. The trial period totaled 104 d. Protein restriction decreased BW, average daily food intake, and ADG in weaning pigs (P < 0.01) and induced compensatory growth after feeding a normal diet during the growth of finishing pigs. Average daily gain increased during the last phase of compensatory growth (P < 0.01). Protein restriction increased serum GH and leptin (LEP) and the mRNA levels of liver IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1-R; P < 0.01) but decreased serum IGF-1 (P < 0.01) and the mRNA levels of liver GH receptor (GH-R; P < 0.01) and IGF-1 (P < 0.05) in weaning piglets. Serum GH was increased, but serum IGF-1 was decreased during the realimentation phase (P < 0.05). Antibiotics increased the mRNA levels of GHRH (P < 0.05) and decreased somatostatin (P < 0.01) in the hypothalamus of weaning pigs. Protein restriction and antibiotics had no interactions across the entire trial. In conclusion, the slowing of growth caused by early protein restriction may be compensated for in the later stages of pig raising, and the mechanism of compensation is related to the regulation of GH, IGF-1, GH-R, and IGF-1-R.

Cytotoxicity study of deoxynivalenol on human embryo liver and hepatoma cell

To investigate the cytotoxicity of deoxynivalenol (DON) on human embryo liver CCC-HEL-1 and hepatoma cell line HepG2 cell models, both cell experience and metabolomic approach were studied. For the cell evaluation, cells viabilities of CCC-HEL-1 and HepG2 were decreased in both a time- and dose-dependent manner at concentration range from 0.08~10 μmol/l, after which the concentration of 1 μmol/l DON was selected for the next experiments. A higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in DON treated CCC-HEL-1 cells was found after 2 h treatment compared with the HepG2 group, while ROS generation was significantly dropped after 48 h in both models. DON-treated CCC-HEL-1 and HepG2 cells displayed significantly decreased percentages of ΔΨm loss. For the metabolomic study based on liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, it was notable that certain amino acids identified in the two DON-treated groups were upregulated. The pathway analysis also revealed that amino acid metabolism played a crucial role underlying DON exposure in the two studied models. Our results provided metabolic evidence that further confirmed the toxicological potential of DON to disturb amino acid and lipid metabolism in human embryo liver cells.

Measurement of the Low-Energy Antideuteron Inelastic Cross Section

In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the inelastic cross section for antideuteron-nucleus interactions at low particle momenta, covering a range of 0.3≤p<4  GeV/c. The measurement is carried out using p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC and utilizing the detector material as an absorber for antideuterons and antiprotons. The extracted raw primary antiparticle-to-particle ratios are compared to the results from detailed ALICE simulations based on the geant4 toolkit for the propagation of (anti)particles through the detector material. The analysis of the raw primary (anti)proton spectra serves as a benchmark for this study, since their hadronic interaction cross sections are well constrained experimentally. The first measurement of the inelastic cross section for antideuteron-nucleus interactions averaged over the ALICE detector material with atomic mass numbers ⟨A⟩=17.4 and 31.8 is obtained. The measured inelastic cross section points to a possible excess with respect to the Glauber model parametrization used in geant4 in the lowest momentum interval of 0.3≤p<0.47  GeV/c up to a factor 2.1. This result is relevant for the understanding of antimatter propagation and the contributions to antinuclei production from cosmic ray interactions within the interstellar medium. In addition, the momentum range covered by this measurement is of particular importance to evaluate signal predictions for indirect dark-matter searches.

Advances in SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

In December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection broke out in Wuhan, China. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of this emerging virus. In this manuscript, we collected relevant articles and reviewed the characteristics about SARS-CoV-2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed an online search on PubMed and Web of Science with the keywords COVID-19, 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV-2, and summarized the epidemiology, virology, clinical features and treatments of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS

We retrieved 157 published papers about SARS-CoV-2 from January, 2020 to April, 2020. We found that SARS-CoV-2 was a kind of virus with low mortality rate and high infectivity. This virus can enter human cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in alveoli and activate immune response in human body. SARS-CoV-2 infection can be classified as asymptomatic, mild, common, severe, and critical. We summarized antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, such as remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir. Because the vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 is developing, more clinical studies are needed to verify the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. We should pay more attention to prevent SARS-CoV-2 and try to control it sooner.

First report of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) infecting Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) in Florida, USA

Samples of galled roots, resembling those induced by root-knot nematodes, and rhizosphere soil were collected from potted plants of Ulmus parvifolia cvs. Allee and Drake in Lake County, Florida. Nematode species were identified using both molecular analysis and morphology of perineal patterns. Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. javanica were identified from U. parvifolia cv. Allee. Meloidogyne arenaria and M. javanica were identified from U. parvifolia cv. Drake. This is a first report of these nematode species infecting Chinese Elm in Florida.

Highly sensitive and specific detection of hepatitis B virus DNA and drug resistance mutations utilizing the PCR-based CRISPR-Cas13a system

OBJECTIVES

Undetectable or low-level hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and drug resistance mutations in patients may increase the risk of HBV transmission or cause active viral replication and other clinical problems. Here, we established a highly sensitive and practical method for HBV and drug resistance detection using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based CRISPR-Cas13a detection system (referred to as PCR-CRISPR) and evaluated its detection capability using clinical samples.

METHODS

Specific CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) are designed for HBV DNA detection and YMDD (tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate) variant identification. The HBV DNA was detected in 312 serum samples for HBV diagnosis using quantification PCR (qPCR) and PCR-CRISPR. Additionally, 424 serum samples for YMDD testing were detected by qPCR, direct sequencing, and our assay.

RESULTS

Using PCR-CRISPR, one copy per test of HBV DNA was detected with HBV-1 crRNA in 15 min after PCR amplification. Consistent results with qPCR were observed for 302 samples, while the remaining 10 samples with low-level HBV DNA were detectable by PCR-CRISPR and droplet digital PCR but not by qPCR. PCR-CRISPR diagnosed all 412 drug-resistant samples detected by the YMDD detection qPCR kit and direct sequencing, as well as the other 12 drug-resistant samples with low-level HBV DNA undetectable by qPCR and direct sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a novel PCR-CRISPR method for highly sensitive and specific detection of HBV DNA and drug resistance mutations. One copy per test for HBV DNA and YMDD drug resistance mutations could be detected. This method has wide application prospects for the early detection of HBV infection, drug resistance monitoring and treatment guidance.

Platelet-rich plasma and regenerative dentistry

Regenerative dentistry is an emerging field of medicine involving stem cell technology, tissue engineering and dental science. It exploits biological mechanisms to regenerate damaged oral tissues and restore their functions. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is a biological product that is defined as the portion of plasma fraction of autologous blood with a platelet concentration above that of the original whole blood. A super‐mixture of key cytokines and growth factors is present in platelet granules. Thus, the application of PRP has gained unprecedented attention in regenerative medicine. The rationale underlies the utilization of PRP is that it acts as a biomaterial to deliver critical growth factors and cytokines from platelet granules to the targeted area, thus promoting regeneration in a variety of tissues. Based on enhanced understanding of cell signalling and growth factor biology, researchers have begun to use PRP treatment as a novel method to regenerate damaged tissues, including liver, bone, cartilage, tendon and dental pulp. To enable better understanding of the regenerative effects of PRP in dentistry, this review describes different methods of preparation and application of this biological product, and provides detailed explanations of the controversies and future prospects related to the use of PRP in dental regenerative medicine.

First report of Meloidogyne enterolobii infecting Japanese blue berry tree (Elaeocarpus decipiens) in Florida, USA

In October 2019, samples of galled roots with rhizosphere soil were collected from declining Elaeocarpus decipiens in Hernando County, Florida. Extracted root-knot nematodes were identified by both molecular and morphological methods as Meloidogyne enterolobii. This is a first report of this regulated root-knot nematode on Elaeocarpus decipiens in Florida.

Maresin 1 alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by regulating NRF2 and TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, characterized as a chronic, relapsing inflammation that causes damage to the colonic mucosa. Maresin 1 (MaR1), a specialized proresolving mediator, has powerful anti-inflammatory activity that prevents the occurrence of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the role and potential mechanism of MaR1 in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

In the present study, we established dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis rat model in vivo. Rats with colitis received tail vein injection of MaR1, with or without intraperitoneal injection of ML385. The changes of body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), colonic histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and infiltration of macrophages expressing F4/80 were analyzed for the evaluation of colitis severity. In addition, protein expressions were detected using western blot.

RESULTS

MaR1 significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines production, and restored body weight, DAI and colonic histopathology. Besides, MaR1 improved the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and reduced the infiltration of neutrophil and macrophages, as well as a decreased activity of MPO and ROS. Meanwhile, MaR1 activated Nrf2 signaling and decreased toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) activation. Furthermore, ML385, an inhibitor of Nrf2, significantly reversed the protective effect of MaR1.

CONCLUSION

MaR1 play a protective role in DSS-induced colitis by activating Nrf2 signaling and inactivating Nrf2-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which mediate proinflammatory mediators and intestinal TJ proteins in rats, providing novel insights into the therapeutic strategy of colitis.