[Treatment of Stage Ia Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients: Comparison of Ablation and Sub-lobectomy]

背景与目的

肺癌是我国死亡率最高的肿瘤，不同治疗方式对于患者预后的影响具有重要的意义。通过比较消融术和亚肺叶切除术治疗Ia期非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）患者的生存期，分析该两种治疗方案对早期肺癌患者预后生存的不同影响。

方法

运用美国国立癌症研究所监测、流行病学和结果数据库（The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, SEER），我们从2004年1月-2015年12月之间筛选了符合条件的Ia期NSCLC患者进行研究。通过倾向性评分匹配，筛选出228例采用消融术治疗和228例采用亚肺叶切除术治疗的Ia期NSCLC的患者，并进行Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析。比较Ia期NSCLC患者在经过匹配和调整后接受不同治疗方式的总生存率情况。

结果

Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析消融组和亚肺叶切除术组之间的生存曲线存在明显差异（P < 0.05）。单因素分析中，与消融组相比，亚肺叶切除术的风险比（hazard ratio, HR）为0.571（95%CI: 0.455-0.717），即采用亚肺叶切除术治疗的患者产生的不良结局风险是消融术的0.571倍；在多因素分析中，亚肺叶切除术的HR为0.605（95%CI: 0.477-0.766），即采用亚肺叶切除术治疗的患者产生的不良结局风险是消融术的0.605倍。以上结果均提示亚肺叶切除术治疗Ia期NSCLC患者的总生存率高于消融术。

结论

使用消融术和亚肺叶切除术治疗的Ia期NSCLC患者的总生存率之间存在明显差异。采用亚肺叶切除术治疗Ia期NSCLC的患者总生存率明显高于消融术组。

Associations between WNT signaling pathway-related gene polymorphisms and risks of osteoporosis development in Chinese postmenopausal women: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

The WNT signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis, and the effect of WNT signaling pathway-related gene (WNT16 and LRP5) polymorphisms on osteoporosis risk among Chinese postmenopausal women is still unknown. Hence, we performed a case-control study to assess the association of WNT signaling pathway-related gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis risk.

METHODS

A total of 1026 women (515 osteoporosis patients and 511 controls) of postmenopausal age who were randomly sampled from Xi'an 630 Hospital (Shaanxi Province, China) were involved in this study. Seven genetic polymorphisms in WNT16 (rs3779381, rs3801387, rs917727 and rs7776725) and LRP5 (rs2291467, rs11228240 and rs12272917) were selected and genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY iPLEX system. The association of the genetic polymorphisms and osteoporosis risk was assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method was conducted to analyze single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-SNP interaction.

RESULTS

We found that LRP5 polymorphisms (rs2291467, rs11228240 and rs12272917) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis in homozygote, recessive and additive models (p < 0.05). Stratification analysis showed that LRP5 polymorphisms (rs2291467, rs11228240 and rs12272917) significantly decreased the osteoporosis risk in the subgroup of body mass index (BMI) ≤ 24 (p < 0.05) and that individuals carrying a heterozygote genotype of WNT16 polymorphisms (rs3779381, rs3801387, rs917727 and rs7776725) had a higher osteoporosis risk in the subgroup of BMI > 24 (p < 0.05). Two haplotypes (haplotype 1: rs3779381, rs3801387, rs917727 and rs7776725; haplotype 2: rs2291467 and rs11228240) were observed, yet only T_rs2291467T_rs11228240 and C_rs2291467C_rs11228240 had a strong association with a decreased risk of osteoporosis (p < 0.05). Additionally, MDR analysis revealed that LRP5 rs2291467 was the best model in single-locus MDR analysis. A seven-locus model including rs3779381-AG, rs7776725-TC, rs3801387-GA and rs917727-TC in WNT16 and rs11228240-CC, rs12272917-TC and rs2291467-CC in LRP5 was the best model in multiple-loci MDR analysis (p < 0.001). These two best models were the most significantly associated with osteoporosis risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that WNT16 and LRP5 genetic polymorphisms are associated with osteoporosis risk among Chinese postmenopausal women.

Increased Vδ1γδT cells predominantly contributed to IL-17 production in the development of adult human post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome

Background

γδT cells play an important role in the mucosa inflammation and immunity-associated disorders. Our previous study reported that γδ T cells producing IL-17 were involved in the pathogenesis of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). However, their subset characteristic profile in this kind of disease remains unclear. Thus the current study’s aim is to investigate the functionally predominant subset and its role in PI-IBS.

Methods

The total T cells were collected from the peripheral blood of patients with PI-IBS. The peripheral proportion of Vδ1 and Vδ2 subset was detected by FACS after stained with anti δ1-PE and anti δ2-APC. The local colonic proportion of this two subsets were measured under laser confocal fluorescence microscope. Vδ1 γδ T cells were enriched from the total peripheral T cells by minoantibody-immuno-microbeads (MACS) method and cultured, functionally evaluated by CCK-8 assay (proliferation), CD69/CD62L molecules expression assay (activation) and ELISA (IL-17 production) respectively.

Results

1. Vδ1 γδ T cells significantly increased while Vδ2 γδ T cells remained unchanged in both the peripheral blood and local colonic tissue from PI-IBS patients (p < 0.05). 2. When cultured in vitro, the Vδ1 γδ T cells remarkably proliferated, activated and produced IL-17 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Vδ1 γδ T cells was the predominant γδ T cells subset in both peripheral and intestinal tissue, and was the major IL-17 producing γδ T cells in PI-IBS.

Association of clinical factors and recent anticancer therapy with COVID-19 severity among patients with cancer: a report from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer may be at high risk of adverse outcomes from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We analyzed a cohort of patients with cancer and coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) reported to the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) to identify prognostic clinical factors, including laboratory measurements and anticancer therapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with active or historical cancer and a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis recorded between 17 March and 18 November 2020 were included. The primary outcome was COVID-19 severity measured on an ordinal scale (uncomplicated, hospitalized, admitted to intensive care unit, mechanically ventilated, died within 30 days). Multivariable regression models included demographics, cancer status, anticancer therapy and timing, COVID-19-directed therapies, and laboratory measurements (among hospitalized patients).

RESULTS

A total of 4966 patients were included (median age 66 years, 51% female, 50% non-Hispanic white); 2872 (58%) were hospitalized and 695 (14%) died; 61% had cancer that was present, diagnosed, or treated within the year prior to COVID-19 diagnosis. Older age, male sex, obesity, cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities, renal disease, diabetes mellitus, non-Hispanic black race, Hispanic ethnicity, worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, recent cytotoxic chemotherapy, and hematologic malignancy were associated with higher COVID-19 severity. Among hospitalized patients, low or high absolute lymphocyte count; high absolute neutrophil count; low platelet count; abnormal creatinine; troponin; lactate dehydrogenase; and C-reactive protein were associated with higher COVID-19 severity. Patients diagnosed early in the COVID-19 pandemic (January-April 2020) had worse outcomes than those diagnosed later. Specific anticancer therapies (e.g. R-CHOP, platinum combined with etoposide, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors) were associated with high 30-day all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical factors (e.g. older age, hematological malignancy, recent chemotherapy) and laboratory measurements were associated with poor outcomes among patients with cancer and COVID-19. Although further studies are needed, caution may be required in utilizing particular anticancer therapies.

CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER

NCT04354701.

A compact electron beam ion trap in support of high-temperature plasma diagnostics based on conduction-cooled superconducting coils

Spectroscopic diagnostics of future fusion reactor plasmas require information on impurity line emissions, especially for relevant high-Z metal elements (e.g., tungsten). These materials will be widely used as plasma facing components for their high heat tolerance and low sputtering yield. Based on an electron beam ion trap, a compact impurity spectra platform is developed to mimic the high-temperature environment of a fusion reactor. The proposed platform can deliver a focused e-beam at energies over 30 keV using a confining magnetic field of ∼1.0 T generated by two superconducting coils (NbTi). Cooled by a closed-loop cryocooler, the coils can avoid the usage of a complicated cryogenic system involving the handling of liquid helium. For spectroscopic studies of highly charged ions, a spherically curved crystal spectrometer is proposed to measure a wavelength range around 2-4 Å covering the typical wavelength range expected to be emitted by metal ions in a fusion plasma. This paper reports the design and development progress of the platform.

Real-time signal processing system based on FPGA for motional Stark effect diagnostic on EAST

The plasma current density profile plays a key role in the development of a high poloidal beta scenario, which is essential for long-pulse and high-performance plasma operation on a tokamak. Based on the polarimetry technique, a Motional Stark Effect (MSE) diagnostic has been built on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak. To be prepared for real-time (RT) feedback control of the plasma current density profile in the future, a RT signal processing system has been developed. The RT signal processing system is composed of three functional modules: analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) module, polarization information extraction module, and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) module. The final objective of this system is to acquire the polarization information of the MSE. Based on the field-programmable gate array unit, fast Fourier transformation is adopted to process the Photoelastic Modulator (PEM) digital signal, which was converted from a PEM signal via the ADC module. By means of frequency spectrum separation, the components around double modulating frequencies are restored through inverse fast Fourier transformation. Furthermore, the two amplitudes of their corresponding components can be obtained through a digital harmonic analyzer technique. Afterward, the ratio of the two amplitudes is calculated by arc tangent so that the polarization angle is obtained. Finally, the information of this polarization angle is converted into a voltage signal by the DAC module and then output in RT. The test results based on the RT signal processing system are in good agreement with those based on the phase lock-in amplifiers. The working cycle of this system is shorter than 10 ms, which meets the requirements of the MSE diagnostic as a RT controller. The algorithm of RT signal processing and the relevant technology applied for building this system are presented in the main body of this paper in detail.

Angular Analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

We present an angular analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}(→K_{S}^{0}π^{+})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay using 9  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the full set of CP-averaged angular observables is measured in intervals of the dimuon invariant mass squared. Local deviations from standard model predictions are observed, similar to those in previous LHCb analyses of the isospin-partner B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay. The global tension is dependent on which effective couplings are considered and on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Hsa_circRNA_101036 acts as tumor-suppressor in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

OBJECTIVE

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has an effect on cancer cell proliferation and survival. TMTC1 has been reported to be involved in cell proliferation and inflammation, and development of ER. Hsa_circRNA_101036 is an exon circRNA formed by splicing of TMTC1 mRNA precursor. This study intends to explore the effect of hsa_circRNA_101036 on the malignant behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma through endoplasmic reticulum stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We firstly evaluated the levels of Hsa_circRNA_101036 in human oral mucous fibroblasts (hOMF), and in several OSCC cell lines, including FaDu, OECM1, SAS, HSC3. Then, we studied the effects of overexpression of Hsa_circRNA_101036 on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and cytokine release in OSCC cells. Finally, we evaluated the levels of CHOP that are critical in ER and the ROS levels in OSCC cells.

RESULTS

We found that compared with hOMF, a significantly lower mRNA expression of Hsa_circRNA_101036 was found in OECM1 and HSC3 cells. In OECM1 and HSC3 cells, with overexpression of Hsa_circRNA_101036, a significant decrease in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and cytokine release was found. A significantly increased ROS, as well as increased protein level of CHOP, P38 and Bcl-2, was found in cells with Hsa_circRNA_101036 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that Hsa_circRNA_101036 may acts as a tumor suppressor in OSCC via regulating the ER in cancer cells.

Comparing the efficacy of endovascular treatment for iliac vein compression syndrome with or without acute deep venous thrombosis: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To compare the efficacy of endovascular treatment for iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) with or without acute deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 300 IVCS patients, who received endovascular treatment between January 2013 and December 2017. According to whether IVCS was complicated by deep venous thrombosis or not, these patients were divided into non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion group (NIVL group, n = 127) and post-thrombotic iliac vein lesion group (PIVL group, n = 173). After endovascular treatment, all patients were followed up to assess the symptoms improvement and to evaluate the patency of iliac vein.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 98% (294/300), and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting was adopted in 294 cases. The incidence of perioperative complications was 36.33% (109/300), but no severe complications occurred. During a mean follow-up of 22.3 months (range 6-30 months), 9(6.82%, 9/132) patients in PIVL group had recurrence of deep venous thrombosis, but nobody had deep venous thrombosis and varicose veins recurrence in NIVL group. The effective rate of endovascular treatment in NIVL group and PIVL group was 96.88% and 90.15% (P = 0.050), while the cumulative primary patency of iliac vein in NIVL group was significantly higher than that in PIVL group (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The endovascular treatment is an effective, feasible, safe method for treating IVCS. There is no difference in the efficacy of IVCS patients with or without deep venous thrombosis, but the medium and long-term patency of patients with deep venous thrombosis is lower than that in patients without deep venous thrombosis.

Development and preliminary test of a space-resolved vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy in EAST

The impurity radiation from the divertor region of the EAST tokamak is dominantly in the wavelength range of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) due to the elevated edge electron temperature. A space-resolved VUV spectroscopy is developed to measure impurity radiation in the divertor region. An eagle-type VUV spectrometer with a focal length of 1 m is adopted in this system, equipped with a spherical grating and a charged-coupled device (CCD) detector. The performance of the VUV spectrometer is preliminarily tested on a synchrotron radiation facility. The wavelength calibration is conducted near 65 nm. It is found that the wavelength range observed by the CCD detector is about 11.07 nm around the central wavelength of about 65 nm. With a linear dispersion of 0.0053 nm/pixel, it is possible to measure the ion temperature lower than 20 eV at the edge region by analyzing the Doppler broadening of a carbon line. These test results show that the performance of the VUV spectrometer is capable of measuring divertor radiation and analyzing the ion temperature of edge impurity ions.

Observation of a New Excited D_{s}^{+} Meson in B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} Decays

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, the B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} decay is studied. A new excited D_{s}^{+} meson is observed decaying into the D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} final state with large statistical significance. The pole mass and width, and the spin parity of the new state are measured with an amplitude analysis to be m_{R}=2591±6±7  MeV, Γ_{R}=89±16±12  MeV, and J^{P}=0^{-}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Fit fractions for all components in the amplitude analysis are also reported. The new resonance, denoted as D_{s0}(2590)^{+}, is a strong candidate to be the D_{s}(2^{1}S_{0})^{+} state, the radial excitation of the pseudoscalar ground-state D_{s}^{+} meson.

Circular RNA circDENND4C facilitates proliferation, migration and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells through miR-760/GLUT1 axis

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract, and its incidence is closely related to lifestyle inheritance and colorectal adenoma. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proved to participate in the progression of colorectal cancer cells. Our study aimed to investigate the function and the underlying mechanism of circRNA circDENND4C in colorectal cancer cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of circDENND4C, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and miR-760 was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blot was used to measure the protein levels of GLUT1, the proliferation-related protein (Cyclin D1) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell assay were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and migration. The glucose uptake and lactate production were detected by the corresponding kits. The targets between circDENND4C and miR-760 and miR-760 and GLUT1 were predicted by starBase 3.0 and TargetScan, and then confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Animal experiment revealed the effect of circDENND4C on colorectal cancer cells in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of circDENND4C and GLUT1 was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Functionally, the knockdown of circDENND4C suppressed proliferation, migration, and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells. Similarly, silence of GLUT1 also inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and glycolysis. Notably, the overexpression of GLUT1 reversed the functional effects of circDENND4C knockdown on colorectal cancer cells. More importantly, miR-760 acted as a direct target of circDENND4C, and miR-760 could bind to GLUT1, and circDENND4C regulated GLUT1 by sponging miR-760. Finally, circDENND4C knockdown decreased the growth of colorectal cancer cells in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

CircRNA circDENND4C accelerated proliferation, migration, and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells through regulating GLUT1 by sponging miR-760.

Intracellular Nampt impairs esophageal squamous cell carcinoma neo-adjuvant chemotherapy response independent of eNampt

Nampt consists of iNampt and eNampt, might contribute to modulating obesity-related malignancies and impairing response to chemotherapy in a range of cancers. This study explored the role of Nampt and adiposity in the progression and response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Patients with ESCC were treated with 2 cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, then evaluated for surgery. Tumor regression grading (TRG) and prognosis of these patients were collected. Anthropometry was well utilized. Serum eNampt was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, iNampt expression in tissues were assessed by PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. eNampt in sera elevated significantly in these over-weight or obese patients, and was positively associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and total fat area (TFA) (P<0.05). iNampt expression in the mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in ESCC compared to their adjacent non-tumor specimens (P<0.05). iNampt protein staining revealed mainly in the cytoplasm and nuclei, while it was not related to serum eNampt, BMI, waist circumference, VFA, SFA and TFA (P>0.05). Pre-treatment iNampt, BMI, SFA, TFA and age significantly correlated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy response, and iNampt expression and age were independent predictors (P<0.05). Pre-treatment iNampt, ypT, ypN, ypTNM stage and TRG were associated with the survival of ESCCs, and ypN stage and TRG were independent prognostic factors (P<0.05). In conclusion, iNampt impaired ESCC response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy independent of eNampt, targeting iNampt to increase ESCC response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy would improve the prognosis of ESCCs.

Observation of Multiplicity Dependent Prompt χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) Production in pp Collisions

The production of χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) hadrons is studied as a function of charged particle multiplicity in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2  fb^{-1}. For both states, the fraction that is produced promptly at the collision vertex is found to decrease as charged particle multiplicity increases. The ratio of χ_{c1}(3872) to ψ(2S) cross sections for promptly produced particles is also found to decrease with multiplicity, while no significant dependence on multiplicity is observed for the equivalent ratio of particles produced away from the collision vertex in b-hadron decays. This behavior is consistent with a calculation that models the χ_{c1}(3872) structure as a compact tetraquark. Comparisons with model calculations and implications for the binding energy of the χ_{c1}(3872) state are discussed.

Measurement of CP Violation in the Decay B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0}

A measurement of CP violation in the decay B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0} is reported using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV. The CP asymmetry is measured to be 0.025±0.015±0.006±0.003, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to an external input. This is the most precise measurement of this quantity. It confirms and significantly enhances the observed anomalous difference between the direct CP asymmetries of the B^{0}→K^{+}π^{-} and B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0} decays, known as the Kπ puzzle.

First Observation of the Decay B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and a Measurement of |V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}|

The first observation of the suppressed semileptonic B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay is reported. Using a data sample recorded in pp collisions in 2012 with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2  fb^{-1}, the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}) is measured to be [1.06±0.05(stat)±0.08(syst)]×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one represents the combined systematic uncertainties. The decay B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, where D_{s}^{-} is reconstructed in the final state K^{+}K^{-}π^{-}, is used as a normalization channel to minimize the experimental systematic uncertainty. Theoretical calculations on the form factors of the B_{s}^{0}→K^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{-} transitions are employed to determine the ratio of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements |V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}| at low and high B_{s}^{0}→K^{-} momentum transfer.

[Development of Magnetic Anchoring Lung Nodule Positioning Device]

The magnetic anchoring lung nodule positioning device is composed of a target magnet, an anchor magnet, a coaxial puncture needle and a puncture navigation template, through these, a new type of accurate positioning technology for small pulmonary nodules is derived. The device inserts the target magnet into the both sides nearby the lung nodule under the guidance of CT. Helped by the mutual attraction of the two target magnets, they can be fixed in the lung tissue, avoiding the movement in the lung, and accurately positioning the target lung nodule before surgery. In thoracoscopic surgery, the anchor magnet and the target magnet attract each other to achieve the purpose of positioning the target nodule. The device uses the characteristics of non-contact suction of magnetic materials biomedical engineering technology, eliminating the previous procedure of direct interaction with the positioning marks, finally achieves the target of precise positioning of lung nodules and rapid surgical removal.

Integrated analysis of competing endogenous RNA in esophageal carcinoma

Background

The Competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network plays important roles in the development and progression of multiple human cancers. Increasing attention has been paid to CeRNA in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA).

Methods

We explored The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and then analyzed the RNAs of 142 samples to obtain long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), micro RNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with different expression trends alongside the progress of ESCA. A series test of cluster (STC) analysis was carried out to identify a set of unique model expression tendencies. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to validate the function of key genes that were obtained from the STC analysis.

Results

Through our analysis, 272 lncRNAs, 87 miRNAs, and 692 mRNAs showed upward expression or downward expression trends, and these molecules were tightly involved in cell cycle, pathways in cancer, metabolic processes, and protein phosphorylation, among others. Ultimately, we constructed a CeRNA network containing a total of 71 lncRNAs, 56 miRNAs, and 125 mRNAs. The overall survival (OS) was analyzed using univariate Cox regression analysis to clarify the relationship between these key molecules from the CeRNA network and the prognosis of ESCA patients. Through survival analysis, we finally screened out two lncRNAs (DLEU2, RP11-890B15.3), three miRNAs (miR-26b-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-324-5p), and one mRNA (SIK2) as crucial prognostic factors for ESCA.

Conclusions

The novel CeRNA network that we constructed will provide new novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with ESCA.

Oxidative stress activates NORAD expression by H3K27ac and promotes oxaliplatin resistance in gastric cancer by enhancing autophagy flux via targeting the miR-433-3p

Oxaliplatin resistance undermines its curative effects on cancer and usually leads to local recurrence. The oxidative stress induced DNA damage repair response is an important mechanism for inducing oxaliplatin resistance by activating autophagy. ELISA is used to detect target genes expression. TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis was used to investigate the potential mechanisms involved in NORAD interactions based on GO analysis. Transwell assays and apoptosis flow cytometry were used for biological function analysis. CCK-8 was used to calculate IC50 and resistance index (RI) values. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RIP and ChIP assays, and RNA pull-down were used to detect the interaction. Autophagy flux was evaluated using electron microscope and western blotting. Oxidative stress was enhanced by oxaliplatin; and oxaliplatin resistance gastric cancer cell showed lower oxidative stress. TMT labeling showed that NORAD may regulate autophagy flux. NORAD was highly expressed in oxaliplatin-resistant tissues. In vitro experiments indicate that NORAD knockdown decreases the RI (Resistance Index). Oxaliplatin induces oxidative stress and upregulates the expression of NORAD. SGC-7901 shows enhanced oxidative stress than oxaliplatin-resistant cells (SGC-7901-R). NORAD, activated by H3K27ac and CREBBP, enhanced the autophagy flux in SGC-7901-R to suppress the oxidative stress. NORAD binds to miR-433-3p and thereby stabilize the ATG5- ATG12 complex. Our findings illustrate that NORAD, activated by the oxidative stress, can positively regulate ATG5 and ATG12 and enhance the autophagy flux by sponging miR-433-3p. NORAD may be a potential biomarker for predicting oxaliplatin resistance and mediating oxidative stress, and provides therapeutic targets for reversing oxaliplatin resistance.

Model-Independent Study of Structure in B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} Decays

The only anticipated resonant contributions to B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} decays are charmonium states in the D^{+}D^{-} channel. A model-independent analysis, using LHCb proton-proton collision data taken at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, is carried out to test this hypothesis. The description of the data assuming that resonances only manifest in decays to the D^{+}D^{-} pair is shown to be incomplete. This constitutes evidence for a new contribution to the decay, potentially one or more new charm-strange resonances in the D^{-}K^{+} channel with masses around 2.9  GeV/c^{2}.

Constraints on the K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Branching Fraction

A search for the decay K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} and collected with the LHCb experiment during 2016, 2017, and 2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The observed signal yield is consistent with zero, yielding an upper limit of B(K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.2×10^{-10} at 90% C.L.. The limit reduces to B(K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.1×10^{-10} at 90% C.L. once combined with the result from data taken in 2011 and 2012.

Observation of Enhanced Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Lead Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

A study of prompt charm-hadron pair production in proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 30  nb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb experiment. Production cross sections for different pairs of charm hadrons are measured and kinematic correlations between the two charm hadrons are investigated. This is the first measurement of associated production of two charm hadrons in proton-lead collisions. The results confirm the predicted enhancement of double parton scattering production in proton-lead collisions compared to the single parton scattering production.

Converse magneto-electric effects in a core-shell multiferroic nanofiber by electric field tuning of ferromagnetic resonance

This report is on studies directed at the nature of magneto-electric (ME) coupling by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) under an electric field in a coaxial nanofiber of nickel ferrite (NFO) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Fibers with ferrite cores and PZT shells were prepared by electrospinning. The core-shell structure of annealed fibers was confirmed by electron- and scanning probe microscopy. For studies on converse ME effects, i.e., the magnetic response of the fibers to an applied electric field, FMR measurements were done on a single fiber with a near-field scanning microwave microscope (NSMM) at 5-10 GHz by obtaining profiles of both amplitude and phase of the complex scattering parameter S11 as a function of bias magnetic field. The strength of the voltage-ME coupling Av was determined from the shift in the resonance field Hr for bias voltage of V = 0-7 V applied to the fiber. The coefficient Av for the NFO core/PZT shell structure was estimated to be - 1.92 kA/Vm (- 24 Oe/V). A model was developed for the converse ME effects in the fibers and the theoretical estimates are in good agreement with the data.

[Clinical, myopathological and genetic features of two Chinese families with paramyotonia congenita]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, myopathological and genetic mutation characteristics in two Chinese families with paramyotonia congenita (PMC). Methods: Clinical manifestations, electrophysiology, muscle pathology and gene sequencing of two Chinese families with PMC were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Family 1 involved 12 patients in 4 consecutive generations and family 2 involved only 1 patient in 3 generations. The onset of symptoms in all patients started at early childhood. Both probands presented with myotonia triggered by cold and paroxysmal weakness. However, the other 11 patients in family 1 only manifested cold-induced myotonia. Serum creatine kinase (CK) was slightly elevated between attacks of weakness in the 2 probands, and was even greater than 10 000 U/L during the episodes of weakness in the second proband, whose lower limb MRI revealed edema in bilateral medial gastrocnemius. Electromyography showed diffuse myotonia discharge and myogenic impairment in both probands, and myotonia discharge in the first proband's mother. Muscle pathology of both probands showed mild myopathic changes, and tube aggregation was occasionally observed in the second one. Genetic testing revealed a maternally inherited heterozygous R1448H mutation of SCN4A gene in the first proband and part of his family. A novel heterozygous R1448G mutation of SCN4A gene was reported in the second proband. Conclusions: Cold-triggered myotonia with or without paroxysmal weakness are the common characteristics of PMC. Myotonic potential and myogenic impairment can be tested in electromyography. The p.R1448G mutation is a new missense mutation.

WWP2 Promotes Odontoblastic Differentiation by Monoubiquitinating KLF5

WW domain-containing E3 Ub-protein ligase 2 (WWP2) belongs to the homologous to E6AP C-terminus (HECT) E3 ligase family. It has been explored to regulate osteogenic differentiation, chondrogenesis, and palatogenesis. Odontoblasts are terminally differentiated mesenchymal cells, which contribute to dentin formation in tooth development. However, it remained unknown whether WWP2 participated in odontoblast differentiation. In this study, WWP2 was found to be expressed in mouse dental papilla cells (mDPCs), odontoblasts, and odontoblastic-induced mDPCs by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Besides, WWP2 expression was decreased in the cytoplasm but increased in the nuclei of differentiation-induced mDPCs. When Wwp2 was knocked down, the elevated expression of odontoblast marker genes (Dmp1 and Dspp) in mDPCs induced by differentiation medium was suppressed. Meanwhile, a decrease of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was observed by ALP staining, and reduced formation of mineralized matrix nodules was demonstrated by Alizarin Red S staining. Overexpression of WWP2 presented opposite results to knockdown experiments, suggesting that WWP2 promoted odontoblastic differentiation of mDPCs. Further investigation found that WWP2 was coexpressed and interacted with KLF5 in the nuclei, leading to ubiquitination of KLF5. The PPPSY (PY2) motif of KLF5 was essential for its physical binding with WWP2. Also, cysteine 838 (Cys838) of WWP2 was the active site for ubiquitination of KLF5, which did not lead to proteolysis of KLF5. Then, KLF5 was confirmed to be monoubiquitinated and transactivated by WWP2, which promoted the expression of KLF5 downstream genes Dmp1 and Dspp. Deletion of the PY2 motif of KLF5 or mutation of Cys838 of WWP2 reduced the upregulation of Dmp1 and Dspp. Besides, lysine (K) residues K31, K52, K83, and K265 of KLF5 were verified to be crucial to WWP2-mediated KLF5 transactivation. Taken together, WWP2 promoted odontoblastic differentiation by monoubiquitinating KLF5.

PTEN expression in U251 glioma cells enhances their sensitivity to ionizing radiation by suppressing DNA repair capacity

OBJECTIVE

Mutations in phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a tumor suppressor gene, lead to altered sensitivity to drugs and radiation in various types of cancer. Restoring PTEN expression in tumor cells can increase radiosensitivity by inhibiting the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Thus, determining the mechanism of action of this protein may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we transduced U251 cells with a lentiviral vector expressing PTEN to examine the mechanism of radiosensitization. Specifically, we examined the formation of radiation-induced DNA DSBs and apoptosis, as well as the expression of several proteins involved in repairing DSBs (p53, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, DNA-dependent protein kinase C, Ku70-80).

RESULTS

Our results showed that PTEN transduction sensitized U251 cells to X-rays, increasing the number of DSBs per cell and fraction of cells undergoing apoptosis. Additionally, the average size of γH2AX nuclear foci was increased following irradiation. These findings were accompanied by a PTEN-dependent irradiation-independent increase in p53 levels and decrease in phosphorylated Ku70/80 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PTEN affects radiosensitivity by reducing DSB repair and by enhancing the p53 pathway, leading to increased apoptosis.

Matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) downregulation inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell migration, invasion, and proliferation

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase‐14 (MMP‐14) is known to be a key regulator of oncogenesis and tumor progression. The present study was designed to assess the relationship between the downregulation of MMP‐14 and the in vitro proliferative, migratory, and invasive activity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells.

Methods

MMP‐14 expression in human ESCC and paracancerous normal esophageal tissue samples was evaluated via immunohistochemistry, and correlations between MMP‐14 staining and patient clinicopathological features were examined. In addition, siRNA was used to knockdown MMP‐14 in ESCC cells, and the proliferation and invasive activity of these cells were then evaluated via MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was additionally used to assess cell cycle progression, while Western blotting was employed to measure protein levels within these cells.

Results

ESCC samples were found to exhibit MMP‐14 overexpression relative to paracancerous tissue samples, and this overexpression was positively correlated with tumor T classification (T1‐2 vs. T3; P < 0.05), N classification (negative vs. positive; P < 0.001), degree of differentiation (G1 vs. G3, P < 0.05; G2 vs. G3, P < 0.05) and clinical stage (I–IIA vs. IIB–III; P < 0.05). When MMP‐14 was knocked down in ESCC cells, this induced cell cycle arrest, impairing their proliferative and invasive activity.

Conclusions

MMP‐14 is a key regulator of the proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells, making it a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of this cancer.

The role of hsa_circ_0000285 in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "The role of hsa_circ_0000285 in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma, by X.-J. Zhang, G. Cao, J. Fu, H.-J. Zhuang, J. Shi, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (7): 3579-3585-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202004_20819-PMID: 32329832" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/20819.

Measurement of CP-Averaged Observables in the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An angular analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. The full set of CP-averaged observables are determined in bins of the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system. Contamination from decays with the K^{+}π^{-} system in an S-wave configuration is taken into account. The tension seen between the previous LHCb results and the standard model predictions persists with the new data. The precise value of the significance of this tension depends on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Childhood COVID-19: a multicentre retrospective study

Objectives

To investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of paediatric patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

Methods

Paediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 15 and March 15, 2020, from seven hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, were collected retrospectively and analysed.

Results

Thirty-two children with COVID-19, ranging in age from 3 months to 18 years, were enrolled. Family aggregation occurred in 87.5% of infant and preschool-aged children (7/8), and also school-aged children (14/16), but in only 12.5% (1/8) of adolescents (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). Most of these patients had mild symptoms: mainly fever (20/32) followed by cough (10/32) and fatigue (4/32). The average durations of viral RNA in respiratory samples and gastrointestinal samples were 15.8 d and 28.9 d, respectively. Detox duration in faeces decreased with age: 39.8 d, 27.5 d and 20.4 d in infants and preschool children, school children, and adolescents respectively (p_{0–6, –18} <0.01, p_{0–6, –14} <0.05). Pneumonia was found in 14 children, but there was no statistical significance in the incidence of pneumonia between different age groups. Thirty patients were treated with antiviral drugs, and all patients were stable and gradually improved after admission.

Conclusions

Most children with COVID-19 had a mild process and a good prognosis. More attention should be paid to investigation of household contact history in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in young children. Viral RNA lasts longer in the gastrointestinal system than in the respiratory tract, especially in younger children.

Observation of New Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryons Decaying to Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}

The Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a data sample of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment. Three Ξ_{c}^{0} states are observed with a large significance and their masses and natural widths are measured to be m[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=2923.04±0.25±0.20±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=7.1±0.8±1.8  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=2938.55±0.21±0.17±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=10.2±0.8±1.1  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=2964.88±0.26±0.14±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=14.1±0.9±1.3  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0} and Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0} baryons are new states. The Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0} state is in the vicinity of the known Ξ_{c}(2970)^{0} baryon; however, their masses and natural widths differ significantly.

Search for the Rare Decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-}

A search for the decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} is performed using data collected with the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 2  fb^{-1}, respectively. No signal is observed. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} decays, an upper limit on the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<9.4(11.2)×10^{-9} is obtained at 90(95)% confidence level. If no B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} contribution is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<2.5(3.0)×10^{-9} is determined at 90(95)% confidence level. These upper limits are more than one order of magnitude lower than the previous values.

CYP3A4 genetic variants are associated with susceptibility of non-small cell lung cancer in a Shaanxi Han population

PURPOSE

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the fastest-growing malignant tumors in the world in terms of morbidity and mortality. CYP3A4 plays a crucial role in the occurrence of LC. Little is known about the contribution of CYP3A4 polymorphisms for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk. This study aimed to explore the correlation of CYP3A4 genetic variants (rs3735451, rs4646440, rs35564277, and rs4646437) with NSCLC risk.

METHODS

Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY in this case-control study (507 NSCLC patients and 505 controls) among a Shaanxi Han population. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) of each SNP in controls was evaluated by exact test. The association of CYP3A4 polymorphisms with NSCLC risk was explored by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender.

RESULTS

Our research revealed that rs4646440 was significantly associated with an increased risk of NSCLC (OR 2.64, p = .005), while rs4646437 played a protective role in NSCLC risk (OR 0.48, p = 4.00 × 10^-7). Stratified analyses indicated that rs4646440 significantly enhanced the susceptibility of NSCLC in BMI > 24 kg/m², non-smokers and non-drinkers (OR 14.29, p = .012; OR 1.56, p = .023; OR 1.67, p = .031, respectively). Besides, we observed that rs3735451 exhibited an increased risk of NSCLC in BMI > 24 kg/m² (OR 2.47, p = .030), whereas rs4646437 had a reduced risk of NSCLC in BMI ≤ 24 kg/m² (OR 0.47, p = 5.17 × 10^-5). We also found that rs35564277 was considered as a protective factor of NSCLC in non-smokers (OR 0.50, p = .032).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that CYP3A4 genetic variants were associated with NSCLC susceptibility in a Shaanxi Han population.

The role of hsa_circ_0000285 in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The importance of circular RNAs in malignant tumors causes more attention in researchers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most ordinary malignant tumors. Hsa_circ_0000285 was explored to identify how it functions in the metastasis of HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to detect hsa_circ_0000285 expression in HCC patients' tissues. Hsa_circ_0000285 lentivirus and shRNA was constructed for the transfection of HCC cells. Wound healing assay, transwell assay, and Matrigel assay were conducted to identify the function of hsa_circ_0000285 in HCC cells. Furthermore, mechanism assays were performed to uncover the interaction between hsa_circ_0000285 and miR-599.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0000285 was significantly higher-expressed in HCC samples compared to that in adjacent samples. The migrated length of HCC cells was reduced after hsa_circ_0000285 was silenced, while the migrated length of HCC cells was increased after hsa_circ_0000285 was overexpressed. Moreover, the number of migrated and invaded HCC cells was reduced after hsa_circ_0000285 was silenced, while the number of migrated and invaded HCC cells was increased after hsa_circ_0000285 was overexpressed. Moreover, RT-qPCR results revealed that miR-599 was downregulated via overexpression of hsa_circ_0000285, while miR-599 was upregulated via knockdown of hsa_circ_0000285. Further experiments showed that miR-599 was a direct target of hsa_circ_0000285 in HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Hsa_circ_0000285 could enhance cell metastasis of HCC by targeting miR-599 and might be a potential therapeutic target in HCC.

Deep learning radiomic nomogram can predict the number of lymph node metastasis in locally advanced gastric cancer: an international multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Preoperative evaluation of the number of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the basis of individual treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). However, the routinely used preoperative determination method is not accurate enough.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 730 LAGC patients from five centers in China and one center in Italy, and divided them into one primary cohort, three external validation cohorts, and one international validation cohort. A deep learning radiomic nomogram (DLRN) was built based on the images from multiphase computed tomography (CT) for preoperatively determining the number of LNM in LAGC. We comprehensively tested the DLRN and compared it with three state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, we investigated the value of the DLRN in survival analysis.

RESULTS

The DLRN showed good discrimination of the number of LNM on all cohorts [overall C-indexes (95% confidence interval): 0.821 (0.785-0.858) in the primary cohort, 0.797 (0.771-0.823) in the external validation cohorts, and 0.822 (0.756-0.887) in the international validation cohort]. The nomogram performed significantly better than the routinely used clinical N stages, tumor size, and clinical model (P < 0.05). Besides, DLRN was significantly associated with the overall survival of LAGC patients (n = 271).

CONCLUSION

A deep learning-based radiomic nomogram had good predictive value for LNM in LAGC. In staging-oriented treatment of gastric cancer, this preoperative nomogram could provide baseline information for individual treatment of LAGC.

Broadband, millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for large-format, cryogenic aluminum oxide optics

We present two prescriptions for broadband ($ {\sim} 77 - 252\;{\rm GHz} $), millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for cryogenic, sintered polycrystalline aluminum oxide optics: one for large-format (700 mm diameter) planar and plano-convex elements, the other for densely packed arrays of quasi-optical elements-in our case, 5 mm diameter half-spheres (called "lenslets"). The coatings comprise three layers of commercially available, polytetrafluoroethylene-based, dielectric sheet material. The lenslet coating is molded to fit the 150 mm diameter arrays directly, while the large-diameter lenses are coated using a tiled approach. We review the fabrication processes for both prescriptions, then discuss laboratory measurements of their transmittance and reflectance. In addition, we present the inferred refractive indices and loss tangents for the coating materials and the aluminum oxide substrate. We find that at 150 GHz and 300 K the large-format coating sample achieves $ (97 \pm 2)\% $ transmittance, and the lenslet coating sample achieves $ (94 \pm 3)\% $ transmittance.

Measurement of f_{s}/f_{u} Variation with Proton-Proton Collision Energy and B-Meson Kinematics

The ratio of the B_{s}^{0} and B^{+} fragmentation fractions f_{s} and f_{u} is studied with B_{s}^{0}→J/ψϕ and B^{+}→J/ψK^{+} decays using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at 7, 8, and 13 TeV center-of-mass energies. The analysis is performed in bins of B-meson momentum, longitudinal momentum, transverse momentum, pseudorapidity, and rapidity. The fragmentation-fraction ratio f_{s}/f_{u} is observed to depend on the B-meson transverse momentum with a significance of 6.0σ. This dependency is driven by the 13 TeV sample (8.7σ), while the results for the other collision energies are not significant when considered separately. Furthermore, the results show a 4.8σ evidence for an increase of f_{s}/f_{u} as a function of collision energy.

Development and validation of an individualized nomogram to identify occult peritoneal metastasis in patients with advanced gastric cancer

Background

Occult peritoneal metastasis (PM) in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients is highly possible to be missed on computed tomography (CT) images. Patients with occult PMs are subject to late detection or even improper surgical treatment. We therefore aimed to develop a radiomic nomogram to preoperatively identify occult PMs in AGC patients.

Patients and methods

A total of 554 AGC patients from 4 centers were divided into 1 training, 1 internal validation, and 2 external validation cohorts. All patients’ PM status was firstly diagnosed as negative by CT, but later confirmed by laparoscopy (PM-positive n = 122, PM-negative n = 432). Radiomic signatures reflecting phenotypes of the primary tumor (RS1) and peritoneum region (RS2) were built as predictors of PM from 266 quantitative image features. Individualized nomograms of PM status incorporating RS1, RS2, or clinical factors were developed and evaluated regarding prediction ability.

Results

RS1, RS2, and Lauren type were significant predictors of occult PM (all P < 0.05). A nomogram of these three factors demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy than the model with RS1, RS2, or clinical factors alone (all net reclassification improvement P < 0.05). The area under curve yielded was 0.958 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.923–0.993], 0.941 (95% CI 0.904–0.977), 0.928 (95% CI 0.886–0.971), and 0.920 (95% CI 0.862–0.978) for the training, internal, and two external validation cohorts, respectively. Stratification analysis showed that this nomogram had potential generalization ability.

Conclusion

CT phenotypes of both primary tumor and nearby peritoneum are significantly associated with occult PM status. A nomogram of these CT phenotypes and Lauren type has an excellent prediction ability of occult PM, and may have significant clinical implications on early detection of occult PM for AGC.

Isospin Amplitudes in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ(Σ^{0}) and Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΞ^{0}(Λ) Decays

Ratios of isospin amplitudes in hadron decays are a useful probe of the interplay between weak and strong interactions and allow searches for physics beyond the standard model. We present the first results on isospin amplitudes in b-baryon decays, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.5  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector in pp collisions at center of mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The isospin amplitude ratio |A_{1}(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΣ^{0})/A_{0}(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ)|, where the subscript on A indicates the final-state isospin, is measured to be less than 1/21.8 at 95% confidence level. The Cabibbo suppressed Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ decay is observed for the first time, allowing for the measurement |A_{0}(Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ)/A_{1/2}(Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΞ^{0})|=0.37±0.06±0.02, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.