[Sustainable development roadmap of Chinese antimalarial products]

As the first country that has been certified malaria-free in the WHO Western Pacific Region for more than 3 decades, China should share its successful experiences of malaria control and provide globally recognized anti-malaria products by making full uses of its advantages in provision and production capacity of artemisinin raw materials, to fill the gaps of international demands for mosquito nets, rapid diagnostic reagents and antimalarial compounds. Increasing the investment of research and development of antimalarial products, building overseas bases for artemisinin raw material production, establishing international regulatory authority and promoting the local production of antimalarial products are needed to further promote the internationalization of Chinese antimalarial products, so as to achieve the equity and accessibility of Chinese antimalarial products in highburden regions for malaria.

Measurement of the Nuclear Modification Factor and Prompt Charged Particle Production in p-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5 TeV

The production of prompt charged particles in proton-lead collisions and in proton-proton collisions at the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5  TeV is studied at LHCb as a function of pseudorapidity (η) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) with respect to the proton beam direction. The nuclear modification factor for charged particles is determined as a function of η between -4.8<η<-2.5 (backward region) and 2.0<η<4.8 (forward region), and p_{T} between 0.2<p_{T}<8.0  GeV/c. The results show a suppression of charged particle production in proton-lead collisions relative to proton-proton collisions in the forward region and an enhancement in the backward region for p_{T} larger than 1.5  GeV/c. This measurement constrains nuclear PDFs and saturation models at previously unexplored values of the parton momentum fraction down to 10^{-6}.

Study of Z Bosons Produced in Association with Charm in the Forward Region

Events containing a Z boson and a charm jet are studied for the first time in the forward region of proton-proton collisions. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. In events with a Z boson and a jet, the fraction of charm jets is determined in intervals of Z-boson rapidity in the range 2.0<y(Z)<4.5. A sizable enhancement is observed in the forwardmost y(Z) interval, which could be indicative of a valencelike intrinsic-charm component in the proton wave function.

Development of cognition decline in non-acute symptomatic patients with cerebral small vessel disease: Non-Acute Symptomatic Cerebral Ischemia Registration study (NASCIR)-rationale and protocol for a prospective multicentre observational study

INTRODUCTION

Headaches, dizziness and memory loss of unspecific causes are the most common non-acute ischemia symptoms in the ageing population, which are often associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) imaging markers; however, there is insufficient evidence concerning their association with the development of cognitive decline. This study aims to investigate risk factors, clinical course, cerebral and retinal imaging changes, proteomics features of non-symptomatic ischaemia symptomatic patients with cognitive decline.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Non-Acute Symptomatic Cerebral Ischemia Registration study is a multicentre, registry-based, prospective observational study, is designed to investigate the cognitive decline in non-acute ischaemia symptomatic patients. We will recruit 500 non-acute ischaemia symptomatic patients from four tertiary hospitals in China. For this study, non-acute ischaemia symptoms will be defined as headaches, dizziness and memory loss. Patients with headaches, dizziness or memory loss over 50 years of age will be included. Clinical features, cognitive assessment, cerebral and retinal imaging data, and a blood sample will be collected after recruitment. Patients will be followed up by structured telephone interviews at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years after recruitment. This study will improve our knowledge of the development of cognitive decline in non-acute ischaemia symptomatic patients and factors affecting the cognitive outcomes, which will eventually elucidate underlying pathways and mechanisms of cognitive decline in these patients and facilitate the optimisation of individualised interventions for its prevention and treatment.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is obtained from The Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (Reference No. 2016 (335)). We will present our findings at national and international conferences and peer-reviewed journals in stroke and neurology.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR-COC-17013056.

Evidence for a New Structure in the J/ψp and J/ψp[over ¯] Systems in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψpp[over ¯] Decays

An amplitude analysis of flavor-untagged B_{s}^{0}→J/ψpp[over ¯] decays is performed using a sample of 797±31 decays reconstructed with the LHCb detector. The data, collected in proton-proton collisions between 2011 and 2018, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Evidence for a new structure in the J/ψp and J/ψp[over ¯] systems with a mass of 4337_{-4}^{+7} _{-2}^{+2}  MeV and a width of 29_{-12}^{+26} _{-14}^{+14}  MeV is found, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, with a significance in the range of 3.1 to 3.7σ, depending on the assigned J^{P} hypothesis.

Analysis of Neutral B-Meson Decays into Two Muons

Branching fraction and effective lifetime measurements of the rare decay B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and searches for the decays B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-}γ are reported using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})=(3.09_{-0.43-0.11}^{+0.46+0.15})×10^{-9} and the effective lifetime τ(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})=2.07±0.29±0.03  ps are measured, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. No significant signal for B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-}γ decays is found and upper limits B(B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.6×10^{-10} and B(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-}γ)<2.0×10^{-9} at the 95% C.L. are determined, where the latter is limited to the range m_{μμ}>4.9  GeV/c^{2}. The results are in agreement with the standard model expectations.

[Prospective comparison of greenlight laser anatomic vaporization-incision technique and photoselective vaporization of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Objective: To prospectively compare the efficacy and safety of the greenlight laser anatomical vaporization-incision technique (AVIT) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate(PVP)in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: From November 2019 to September 2020, a randomized controlled study was conducted on 136 BPH patients undergoing greenlight laser surgery in the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. The patient's age ranged from 53 to 85 years and the prostatic volume ranged from 30 to 104 ml. They were divided into two groups by random number table method,including 68 cases of AVIT(observation group)and 68 cases of PVP(control group). The clinical data of the two groups before, during and after operation were collected and analyzed. Results: Operations were successfully completed in the two groups. At 6 months after operation, 63 cases in the observation group and 66 cases in the control group completed the follow-up. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and renal insufficiency between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05). The differences of preoperative age [(66.8±6.5) vs (67.3±5.4) years], international prostate symptom score (IPSS) [(24.2±4.7) vs (23.5±4.5) ], quality of life score (QOL) [4.7(4.1, 4.9) vs 4.6(4.2, 5.0)], peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) [(6.9±2.8) vs (6. 8±2.6) ml/s], post-void residual volume (PVR) [(137(52.8, 190.9) vs 119(70.6, 172.1) ml], prostate volume (PV) [70.5(60.6, 80.9) vs 68.2(61.2, 80.5) ml], serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) [4.4(3.5, 5.1) vs 4.4(3.4, 5.0) ng/ml] were not statistically significant between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of intraoperative blood loss, catheterization time and the postoperative hospitalization time between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the operation time and lasing time of the observation group were longer[69.0(64.6, 75.0) vs 55.8(49.1, 63.4) min,(36.3±9.9) vs (31.3±9.3) min], and the intraoperaive laser energy consumption and laser energy density were higher[(297±20) vs (240±20) kJ,(4.50±1.35) vs (3.73±1.17) kJ/ml]. The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). At the follow-up of 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, IPSS and QOL in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Qmax in the observation group was higher and PVR was lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Six months after operation, PV and PSA in the observation group decreased more significantly than those in the control group (56% vs 47%, 70% vs 60%, both P<0.05). No urethral stricture and urinary incontinence occurred in two groups after operation. The incidence rate of urinary tract irritation in the observation group was 6.3%(4/63),lower than the 18.2%(12/66)in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence rates of urinary retention, bladder neck contracture and secondary bleeding between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Greenlight laser anatomical vaporization-incision technique is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH. Compared with PVP, AVIT has more prostate tissue removed and better curative effect, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Relationship of C1QA level and therapeutic effect and prognosis of DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of complements before treatment and the clinicopathological feathers and prognoses of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with Rituximab (R)-CHOP or R-CHOP-like therapy. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 105 DLBCL patients treated in cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2010 to 2016 were collected. The plasma samples from 105 DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like therapy and 80 healthy controls were used to detect 34 complement levels before treatment by utilizing antibody microarray. The relationship between plasma levels of complements and the clinicopathological feathers and prognosis of DLBCL patients were analyzed. Results: The signal values of C1QA and CR1L in patients with international prognostic index (IPI) scores of 3-5 were 1 261.43±138.9 and 2 214.69±98.58, respectively, higher than 950.79±80.19 and 984.67±121.79 in patients with IPI scores of 0~2 (both P<0.05). The levels of C1QA and CR1L in the non-complete response (CR) group were 1 165.43±98.56 and 2 263.13±145.63, respectively, higher than 914.70±100.77 and 1 821.34±84.68 in the CR group (both P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that elevated C1QA signal value was associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) and poor overall survival (OS) (PFS: HR=2.063, 95%CI: 1.220-3.489, P=0.007; OS: HR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.036~4.798, P=0.040). After IPI correction by Cox multivariate model, the elevated C1QA signal value was still correlated with poor PFS (HR=1.765, 95%CI 1.034~3.013, P=0.037). Conclusions: The baseline plasma levels of C1QA and CR1L are correlated with IPI scores and therapeutic effects of DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP. The baseline plasma level of C1QA has a certain predictive value for the prognostic evaluation of DLBCL.

Expression and immunogenicity study of a novel mhp183 gene fragment of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

A highly immunogenic nucleotide fragment (195bp) was selected from the Mhp183 gene of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using information software technology and was named Mhp183195bp. Three Mhp183195bp were linked to form a new nucleotide sequence called Mhp183615bp. Mhp183615bp was directly synthesized and cloned into a pET100 vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. After purification, the proteins were successfully validated using SDS-PAGE and Western blot. BALB/c mice were injected with purified proteins on the first, eighth, and fifteenth days of feeding, respectively; serum samples were collected from mice on the day of immunization and on the 22nd day after immunization. The antibody level in mouse serum was detected by Western blotting using purified expressed proteins as antigens. IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ were simultaneously detected in mouse serum by ELISA. The 30 kDa protein was successfully expressed and reacted specifically with the specific serum Mhp His-Tag mouse monoclonal antibody and pig antibody. The expressed recombinant protein was immunogenic. The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α were found to be significantly higher on day 22 than in the control group. This study suggests that the expressed recombinant protein could be used as one of the novel vaccine candidates for Mhp.

Branching Fraction Measurements of the Rare B_{s}^{0}→ϕμ^{+}μ^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→f_{2}^{'}(1525)μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

The branching fraction of the rare B_{s}^{0}→ϕμ^{+}μ^{-} decay is measured using data collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 6  fb^{-1}, respectively. The branching fraction is reported in intervals of q^{2}, the square of the dimuon invariant mass. In the q^{2} region between 1.1 and 6.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, the measurement is found to lie 3.6 standard deviations below a standard model prediction based on a combination of light cone sum rule and lattice QCD calculations. In addition, the first observation of the rare B_{s}^{0}→f_{2}^{'}(1525)μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is reported with a statistical significance of 9 standard deviations and its branching fraction is determined.

In vivo two-dimensional quantitative imaging of skin and cutaneous microcirculation with perturbative spatial frequency domain imaging (p-SFDI)

We introduce perturbative spatial frequency domain imaging (p-SFDI) for fast two-dimensional (2D) mapping of the optical properties and physiological characteristics of skin and cutaneous microcirculation using spatially modulated visible light. Compared to the traditional methods for recovering 2D maps through a pixel-by-pixel inversion, p-SFDI significantly shortens parameter retrieval time, largely avoids the random fitting errors caused by measurement noise, and enhances the image reconstruction quality. The efficacy of p-SFDI is demonstrated by in vivo imaging forearm of one healthy subject, recovering the 2D spatial distribution of cutaneous hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation, scattering properties, the melanin content, and the epidermal thickness over a large field of view. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial variations in physiological parameters under the forearm reactive hyperemia protocol are revealed, showing its applications in monitoring temporal and spatial dynamics.

Observation of the Mass Difference between Neutral Charm-Meson Eigenstates

A measurement of mixing and CP violation in neutral charm mesons is performed using data reconstructed in proton-proton collisions collected by the LHCb experiment from 2016 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}. A total of 30.6 million D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays are analyzed using a method optimized for the measurement of the mass difference between neutral charm-meson eigenstates. Allowing for CP violation in mixing and in the interference between mixing and decay, the mass and decay-width differences are measured to be x_{CP}=[3.97±0.46(stat)±0.29(syst)]×10^{-3} and y_{CP}=[4.59±1.20(stat)±0.85(syst)]×10^{-3}, respectively. The CP-violating parameters are measured as Δx=[-0.27±0.18(stat)±0.01(syst)]×10^{-3} and Δy=[0.20±0.36(stat)±0.13(syst)]×10^{-3}. This is the first observation of a nonzero mass difference in the D^{0} meson system, with a significance exceeding seven standard deviations. The data are consistent with CP symmetry and improve existing constraints on the associated parameters.

Observation of New Resonances Decaying to J/ψK^{+} and J/ψϕ

The first observation of exotic states with a new quark content cc[over ¯]us[over ¯] decaying to the J/ψK^{+} final state is reported with high significance from an amplitude analysis of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. The analysis is carried out using proton-proton collision data corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The most significant state, Z_{cs}(4000)^{+}, has a mass of 4003±6_{-14}^{+4}  MeV, a width of 131±15±26  MeV, and spin parity J^{P}=1^{+}, where the quoted uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. A new 1^{+}  X(4685) state decaying to the J/ψϕ final state is also observed with high significance. In addition, the four previously reported J/ψϕ states are confirmed and two more exotic states, Z_{cs}(4220)^{+} and X(4630), are observed with significance exceeding 5 standard deviations.

[Causal relationship between physical exercise and risk of ischemic stroke recurrence based on the potential outcome theory]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the causal relationship between physical exercise and ischemic stroke recurrence using a multiple imputation approach based on the potential outcomes framework.

METHODS

We collected data from 636 patients who were diagnosed with first-ever ischemic stroke between July, 2010 and December, 2018 at West China Hospital, Sichuan University.All the patients had motor ability and were followed up at least for 1 year.According to the intensity of physical exercise, the patients were divided into low-level physical exercise (LPE) group (n=244) and moderate-to high-intensity exercise (MHPE) group (n=392).With both the result and the time of recurrence as the potential outcomes, a multiple imputation method was used to impute the missing values based on a predictive matrix.Based on the imputed datasets, a causal inference model was built to estimate the average causal effect of physical exercise on the risk of stroke recurrence.

RESULTS

Among the enrolled patients, 148 experienced recurrent stroke with a median recurrence time of 24.0 months and a cumulative recurrence rate of 23.3%during follow-up.As there were no outliers and the marginal distributions of the potential outcomes were basically consistent, both the Strip plots and Kenel density plots indicated that the imputed values could have been plausible measurements if they had not been missing.The average causal effect (ACE) of physical exercise on stroke recurrence was 0.578 (95%CI: 0.186-0.970, P=0.012).

CONCLUSION

There is a causal relationship between physical exercise and the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence, indicating the value of moderate or high-level exercise after stroke in reducing the risk of stroke recurrence.

P–134 Zygote morphokinetic parameters (ZMP) differs between fertilized and non-fertilized (in vitro maturation) oocytes

Study question

Is there any difference on the ZMP between the fertilized and the non-fertilized oocytes in an IVM cohort?

Summary answer

The zona pellucida (zp_g) , cytoplasm greyscale（cm_g),the cytoplasm size (cm_size), radius (cm_r) and deviation (cm_d) showed different patterns from the two groups.

What is known already

We developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) based algorithm that provides instant and bias-free analytical outcomes of oocyte morphological segmentation. The mature but not-fertilized oocytes tend to be static while the fertilized oocytes are more dynamic for preparing its following biological events.

Study design, size, duration

This was a case-control study on oocytes including 631 normal fertilized oocytes and 100 IVM oocytes from 01/08/2017 to 31/12/2019 conducted in the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We used the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to segment the ZMPs of the cytoplasm and zona pellucida of the oocytes. The ZMPs include cm_g, cm_size, cm_r, cm_d, zp_g, thickness of zona pellucida and the area of perivitelline space. For the ZMPs that did not change with time, we used t-test to test the significance and for the parameters changed with time we used dynamic warp timing and similarity test to find the difference.

Main results and the role of chance

The IVM group had a higher intensity of zp_g of 142.03 (128.52–158.70) compared with the fertilized group of 137.04 (121.69–154.37). The cm_g of IVM group was higher than fertilized group [122.55 (114.87–137.62) vs 119.37(108.88–132.87)]. The cm_size, cm_r and cm_d as parameters changed with time and showed a different pattern in two groups. The IVM group decreased the cm_size faster than the fertilized group but the fertilized group had a more dynamic change in the shape of cytoplasm (cm_d) during the development. The cm_r changed with the same pattern of cm_size provided evidence supporting the finding above.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The ZMPs in the IVM group was captured for 21 hours from the first polar body extrusion. Though the duration was similar to the one from fertilized to the first cleavage. The morphology change during that period may not represent the holistic one of IVM oocytes.

Wider implications of the findings: The IVM oocytes have different morphokinetic performance from fertilized oocytes. We used a novel method based on CNN to confirm the differences between the two groups showing that our algorithm was able to describe the morphokinetic changes in a quantitative way and corresponded with embryologist’s experience.

Trial registration number

The Hong Kong Obstetrical & Gynaecological Trust Fund

Ginseng berry concentrate prevents colon cancer via cell cycle, apoptosis regulation, and inflammation-linked Th17 cell differentiation

The Asian ginseng root (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a very commonly used herbal medicine worldwide. Ginseng fruit, including the berry (or pulp) and seed, is also valuable for several health conditions including immunostimulation and cancer chemoprevention. In this study, the anticancer and anti-proliferative effects of the extracts of ginseng berry and seed were evaluated. The ginsenosides in the ginseng berry concentrate (GBC) and ginseng seed extract (GSE) were analyzed. We then evaluated their anti-colorectal cancer potentials, including antiproliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic induction. Further investigation consisted of the berry's adaptive immune responses, such as the actions on the differentiation of T helper cells Treg, Th1, and Th17. The major constituents in GBC were ginsenosides Re and Rd, which can be compared to those in the root. The GBC significantly inhibited colon cancer cell growth, and its anti-proliferative effect involved mechanisms including G2/M cell cycle arrest via upregulation of cyclin A and induction of apoptosis via regulation of apoptotic related gene expressions. GBC also downregulated the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. For the adaptive immune responses, GBC did not influence Th1 and Treg cell differentiation but significantly inhibited Th17 cell differentiation and thus regulated the balance of Th17/Treg for adaptive immunity. Although no ginsenoside was detected in the GSE, interestingly, it obviously enhanced colon cancer cell proliferation with the underlined details to be determined. Our results suggested that GBC is a promising dietary supplement for cancer chemoprevention and immunomodulation.

Development of solid state terahertz interferometer for the first plasma on HL-2M tokamak

A solid state terahertz interferometer has been developed on the recent commissioned HL-2M tokamak. It can work in a wide frequency region of 220-325 GHz, and the terahertz wave is generated from a low frequency phase locked voltage controlled oscillator with the frequency multiplying technique. A phase processor based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology is designed for the heterodyne interferometer, and it contributes to real-time display of electron density. To extract phase information, a novel numerical algorithm related to fast Fourier transform is written on the FPGA chip and enables one to obtain phase shift without being affected by amplitude variation induced by plasma absorption or frequency modulation from the outer electromagnetic environment. The interferometer achieves minimum measurable electron density in the order of 10¹⁶ m^-3. With the plasma diagnosis, electron density and low frequency tearing mode have been measured during the first experimental campaign.

[Balectin-3 affects the stability of vulnerable coronary atherosclerosis plaques by targeted modulation of lncARSR]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism by which galectin-3 (Gal-3) affects the stability of vulnerable coronary atherosclerosis plaques through long non-coding RNA ARSR (lncARSR).

METHOD

Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal diet group, high-fat diet group, high-fat diet+lncARSR inhibitor group (n=20). The high-fat diet contained 15% fat and 0.25% cholesterol, and lncARSR inhibitor was injected intravenously at 50 nmol/L every other day. After 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding and treatment, the mice were euthanized for analyzing coronary atherosclerosis and plaque damage using Sudan IV and oil red O staining. The protein expressions of Gal-3 and ARSR in the coronary artery of the mice were analyzed with Western blotting, and the expressions of PI3K and Akt were detected with immunohistochemistry. The coronary artery tissues were harvested from normal mice for cell culture, and the isolated cells were transfected with a Gal-3 mimic or a Gal-3 inhibitor. At 24 h after the transfection, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to determine the target relationship between Gal-3 and lncARSR; the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-β (IL-β) and IL-6 in the transfected cells were detected with RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The positively stained areas by Sudan IV and red oil O and the protein expression of lncARSR were the lowest in normal diet group and the highest in high-fat diet group (P < 0.05). The protein expression of PI3K and Akt and the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-β and IL-6 in high-fat diet group were higher than those in normal diet group. The protein expression of PI3K and Akt and the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-β and IL-6 in high-fat diet+ lncARSR inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in high-fat diet group (P < 0.05). In the cell experiment, the activity of WT-lncARSR was significantly higher in Gal-3 mimic transfection group than in the control group and Gal-3 inhibition group (P=0.026), and was the lower in Gal-3 inhibition group than in the control group (P=0.017).

CONCLUSION

Gal-3 and lncARSR are overexpressed in coronary atherosclerosis. Through a mechanism for targeted inhibition of lncARSR, Gal-3 regulates the PI3K/ Akt signaling pathway to suppress inflammation and thus regulate the stability of vulnerable coronary atherosclerosis plaques.

[Comparative study of short-term efficacy,effectiveness and safety at different stages of the laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy learning curve]

Objective: To compare short-term efficacy,effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) learning curve at different stages and at the same time with open pancreaticoduodenectomy(OPD). Methods: Clinical data of 488 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery,Affiliated Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology from July 2014 to December 2016 were collected. There were 40 cases at the groping stage of LPD surgery(100 cases at the same time of OPD),64 cases at the stable stage (89 cases at the same time of OPD),and 118 cases at the mature stage(77 cases at the same time of OPD).The clinical data of LPD and OPD in the same period were compared and analyzed by χ² test,t test and U test,respectively. Results: There was no significant difference in preoperative indicators between the two groups at the three stages(all P>0.05). In terms of intraoperative blood volume of the LPD group was significantly lower than that of the OPD group at three stages(M(Q_R))(111.1(150.0)ml(range:0 to 700 ml) vs. 393.9(400.0)ml(range:0 to 3 000 ml),120.8(115.0)ml(range:0 to 1 000 ml) vs. 442.9(450.0)ml(range:0 to 2 000 ml) and 150.0(200.0)ml(range:10 to 1 500 ml) vs. 364.3(400.0)ml(range:0 to 1 500 ml))(all P<0.05). And in terms of operation time of the LPD group was significantly higher than that of the OPD group at the groping stage((461.1±123.9)min(range:220 to 690 minutes) vs. (385.9±113.9)minutes(range:150 to 655 minutes))(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(P>0.05). The incidence of B+C level pancreatic fistula of the LPD group was higher than that of the OPD group at groping stage(17.5% vs. 3.0%)(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative rebleeding(27.5%),bile leakage(20.0%) and abdominal infection(20.0%) of the LPD group was higher than those of the OPD group(11.0%(11/100),5.0%(5/100) and 7.0%(7/100)) at groping stage. There were no significant differences between the LPD group and the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(P>0.05). There were no significant differences of incidence gastrointestinal leakage,hepatic failure,renal failure,cardiac failure,pulmonary infection and 30-day death between the LPD group and the OPD group(all P>0.05). The incidence rate of gastroplegia in the LPD group was lower than that in the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(26.5%(17/64) vs. 44.9%(40/89) and 24.5%(29/118) vs. 38.9%(30/77))(all P<0.05),there was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at the groping stage(P>0.05). In terms of other incidence of complications,there were no significant differences between the LPD group and the OPD group at three stages(all P>0.05). There were no significant differences of positive margin rate of pancreas,bile duct,retroperitoneum,vascular channel,uncinate process and rate of R0 resection between the LPD group and the OPD group at three stages(all P>0.05). In terms of numbers of lymph nodes,there was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at three stages(all P>0.05).Postoperative hospital stay of the LPD group was shorter than that of the OPD group at the stable stage((14.8±6.9)days(range:10 to 38 days) vs. (17.0±9.0)days(range:4 to 56 days)) and the mature stage((13.0±7.4)days(range:3 to 57 days) vs. (15.8±6.7)days(range:6 to 69 days)(all P<0.05). Conclusion: with the stable and mature learning curve of LPD surgery,compared with traditional OPD surgery,it has the characteristics of less intraoperative bleeding,shorter postoperative hospitalization,lower incidence of delay gastric empty,safe and effective.

[Value of combined detection of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation in stool DNA in diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of colorectal tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of quantitative detection of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation in stool DNA for the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of colorectal tumors.

OBJECTIVE

Real-time PCR was used for quantitative assessment of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation levels in stool samples of 85 patients with colorectal cancer, 65 patients with colorectal adenoma and 40 healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The 3 groups were comparable for age and gender composition. Methylated ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoters were detected in 48.2% and 62.4% of patients with colorectal cancer, respectively, with a combined positivity of 81.2%. ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation was detected in 23.1% and 43.1% of patients with colorectal adenoma, respectively, with a combined positivity of 69.2%. The positivity rates of ITGA4 and SFRP2 methylation were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in those with colorectal adenoma (P < 0.001; P= 0.001) and healthy subjects (P < 0.001; P < 0.001). In colorectal cancer group, ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation levels were correlated with postoperative tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer group, and the relapse-free survival rate was significantly lower in positive patients for ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation than in the negative patients (P=0.0002; P=0.007). Multivariate analysis with the COX proportional hazard regression model showed that methylation of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene promoters (P=0.01) and the degree of tumor differentiation (P=0.03) were associated with the recurrence of colorectal cancer, and were independent risk factors for the recurrence of colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Combined detection of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation levels in stool DNA can improve the early diagnosis rate of colorectal tumor. ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation and the degree of tumor differentiation are independent risk factors for colorectal cancer recurrence.

[Expression profile of intervertebral disc degeneration-specific genes: a transcriptome sequencing-based analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To identify new therapeutic targets for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by analyzing gene variations in IDD.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed surgical samples of intervertebral disc from 4 patients with IDD and 3 patients with non-IDD using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IDD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were utilized for gene enrichment studies to acquire the key genes and signal pathways during IDD progression. The differential expressions of the identified genes in IDD were validated in clinical samples with qRT-PCR.

OBJECTIVE

The transcriptome profile revealed 512 significant DEGs, which were enriched in terms of keratinization, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factor binding, and inflammatory chemotaxis in GO analysis. The top 10 terms of KEGG enrichment included amoebiasis, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway. Thirteen DEGs selected as the targets for qRT-PCR validation showed significant differential expressions in IDD (P < 0.001), and their expression trends were all consistent with the results of RNA-seq. Among these genes, 10 genes showed significant intergroup fold change (Log2FoldChange>1).

OBJECTIVE

ECM, growth factors, collagen components, inflammatory chemokines and such signal pathways as TNF-α and PI3K-Akt all have important contributions to IDD progression and may thus serve as new therapeutic targets for treatment of IDD.

Higher cerebral small vessel disease burden is associated with smaller hematoma volume in mixed-location intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and hematoma volume in mixed-location intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and non-mixed ICH (hypertensive arteriopathy/cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related ICH).

METHODS

We consecutively collected patients with primary ICH with MRI. Mixed-location ICH was defined as having ICH or cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in both lobar and deep regions. CSVD markers including lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), CMBs, and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) were assessed on brain MRI during hospitalization. Multivariable binary logistic regression (≥30 ml vs. <30 ml) and linear regression analyses (log-transformed hematoma volume as dependent variable) were implemented to explore the association between CSVD and hematoma volume.

RESULTS

Of the 167 included patients, 69 (41.3%) had mixed-location ICH, with higher prevalence of lacune, more CMB count, higher WMH score and total CSVD score than those with non-mixed ICH (all p < .001). Higher WMH score was associated with lower risk of hematoma volume ≥30 ml (adjusted OR 0.521, 95% CI 0.299-0.908, p = .021) in patients with mixed-location ICH. Also, multivariable linear regression showed the association of smaller hematoma volume with higher CSVD burden, especially in mixed-location ICH (β = -0.349, p = .019 for CMB ≥ 5; β = -0.183, p < .001 for WMH score; β = -0.456, p = .002 for EPVS>20 in basal ganglia and/or centrum semiovale; β = -0.256, p = .002 for CSVD score), while these relationships were not observed in non-mixed ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CSVD burden is associated with smaller hematoma volume in mixed-location ICH, but not in non-mixed ICH, which is novel and needs further studies with larger sample size to confirm our results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Adiponectin alleviates liver injury in sepsis rats through AMPK/MTOR pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influences of adiponectin (APN) on the liver injury in sepsis rats and to explore whether it exerts a therapeutic effect through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A rat model of sepsis was established through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) (CLP group), and APN treatment group (APN group) and control group were also set. The changes in the liver function-related indicators, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were determined by automatic biochemistry analyzer, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to detect liver tissue injury, and the hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis after intervention with APN were evaluated using in situ fluorescence staining. Moreover, the mRNA expression of APN in liver tissues was detected via quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and the expression levels of phosphorylated AMPK and mTOR proteins in liver tissue samples were determined using Western blotting.

RESULTS

In terms of changes in liver function-related indicators, the concentrations of ALT and AST were substantially raised in the CLP group, and compared with those in the control group, the concentrations of the two indicators significantly declined in the APN group, showing statistically significant differences (p<0.05). CLP and APN group had evidently higher levels of inflammatory factors than the control group, but their levels in APN group were notably lower than those in the CLP group (p<0.05). It was found through the HE staining that the sepsis rats in CLP group had massive inflammatory cell infiltration, and that the inflammatory cells were remarkably decreased in the APN group after APN treatment. According to the in-situ fluorescence staining detection results, CLP group exhibited a notable increase in the cell apoptosis rate, and APN group had substantially reduced apoptotic cells (p<0.05). The determination results of APN expression revealed that CLP group had a lowered level of APN, and that the level of APN in APN group was markedly higher than that in the control group. Based on the results of Western blotting, the level of phosphorylated AMPK was remarkably elevated, and that of phosphorylated mTOR was lowered in the CLP group compared with those in the control group, while in comparison with CLP group, APN group showed a considerable elevation of phosphorylated AMPK level and a distinct decline in the phosphorylated mTOR level.

CONCLUSIONS

APN can activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway and reduce hepatocyte apoptosis to alleviate liver injury in sepsis rats.

[Risk factors of blood loss during liver transplantation in children with biliary atresia and its influence on prognosis]

Objectives: To study the risk factors for massive intraoperative blood loss in children with biliary atresia who underwent liver transplantation for the first time,and to analyze their impacts on graft survival,hospital stay and postoperative complications. Methods: The data of 613 children with biliary atresia who underwent liver transplantation at Department of Pediatric Organ Transplantation,Tianjin First Central Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were collected and analyzed. There were 270 males and 343 females, aged 7.4 (3.9) months (range: 3.2 to 148.4 months), the body weight of the recipients were (7.8±3.5) kg (range: 4.0 to 43.3 kg).According to the 85^th quad of estimated blood loss(EBL),they were divided into two groups:massive EBL group(96 cases) and non massive EBL group(517 cases). The age,height,weight and other factors between the two groups were analyzed and compared. Univariate Logistic regression and multiple stepwise regression were used to determine the risk factors of massive EBL. Then,the postoperative complications of the two groups,including portal vein thrombosis and portal vein anastomotic stenosis etc.,were analyzed and compared by chi square test. Kaplan Meier curve and log rank test were used to analyze the recipient and graft survival rate of the two groups. Results: During the study period,713 transplants were performed and 613 patients were enrolled in the study. Ninety-six patients(15.7%) had massive EBL,and the postoperative hospital stay was 21(16) days(range:2 to 116 days),the hospital stay of non-massive EBL group was 22(12)days(range:3 to 138 days)(U=24 224.0,P=0.32). Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the recipient's weight,Kasai portoenterostomy,platelet count,operation time and cold ischemia time were the risk factors of massive EBL during biliary atresia transplantation. Multiple regression analysis showed that cold ischemia time ≥10 hours,prolonged operation time(≥8 hours) and body weight<5.5 kg were important independent risk factors for massive EBL.The incidence of portal vein thrombosis,hepatic vein stenosis,intestinal leakage and pulmonary infection in patients with massive EBL were significantly higher than those without massive EBL(3.1% vs. 0.8%,9.4% vs. 2.1%,6.3% vs. 0.8%,30.2% vs. 20.1%,all P<0.05). The 3-year overall graft and recipient survival rate were significantly lower in patients with massive EBL than those without massive EBL(87.5% vs. 95.7%,P=0.001;84.4% vs. 95.4%,P<0.01,respectively). Conclusions: In children with biliary atresia who underwent liver transplantation for the first time,the effective control of intraoperative bleeding should shorten the operation time and reduce the cold ischemia time as far as possible,on the premise of ensuring the safety of operation. For children without growth disorder,the weight of children should be increased to more than 5.5 kg as far as possible to receive the operation. Reducing intraoperative bleeding is of great significance to the prognosis of children.

A remote gain controlled and polarization angle tunable Doppler backward scattering reflectometer

Remote control of the diagnostic systems is the basic requirement for the high performance plasma operation in a fusion device. This work presents the development of the remote control system for the multichannel Doppler backward scattering (DBS) reflectometers. It includes a remote controlled quasi-optical system and a remote intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier gain control system. The quasi-optical system contains a rotational polarizer, its polarization angle is tunable through a remote controlled motor, and it could combine the microwave beams with a wide frequency range into one focused beam. The remote IF gain control system utilizes the digital microcontroller (MCU) technique to regulate the signal amplitude for each signal channel. The gain parameters of amplifiers are adjustable, and the feedback of working status in the IF system will be sent to MCU in real time for safe operation. The gain parameters could be controlled either by the Ethernet remote way or directly through the local control interface on the system. Preliminary experimental results show the effectiveness of the remote controlled multichannel DBS system.

Evaluation of the Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Susceptibility-weighted Imaging for Screening and Surveillance of Radiation-induced Cavernomas in Long-term Survivors of Malignancy

AIMS

Radiation-induced cavernomas (RIC) are common late toxicities in long-term survivors of malignancy following cerebral irradiation. However, the natural history of RIC is poorly described. We report the first series of long-term surveillance of RIC using modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including highly sensitive susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). The aims of this research were to better characterise the natural history of RIC and investigate the utility of MRI-SWI for screening and surveillance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligibility required long-term survivors of malignancy with previous exposure to cerebral irradiation and RIC identified on MRI-SWI surveillance. The number and size of RIC were reported on Baseline MRI-SWI and last Follow-up MRI-SWI.

RESULTS

In total, 113 long-term survivors with RIC underwent MRI-SWI surveillance; 109 (96%) were asymptomatic at the time of RIC diagnosis. The median age at cerebral irradiation was 9.3 years; the median radiotherapy dose was 50.4 Gy. The median time from cerebral irradiation to Baseline MRI-SWI was 17.9 years. On Baseline MRI-SWI, RIC multiplicity was present in 89% of patients; 34% had >10 RIC; 65% had RIC ≥4 mm. The median follow-up from Baseline MRI-SWI was 7.3 years. On Follow-up MRI-SWI, 96% of patients had multiple RIC; 62% had >10 RIC; 72% had RIC ≥4 mm. Of the 109 asymptomatic patients at RIC diagnosis, 96% remained free from RIC-related symptoms at 10 years. Only two required neurosurgical intervention for RIC; there was no RIC-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

RIC are commonly multiple, asymptomatic and typically increase in size and number over time. Our findings suggest that MRI-SWI for screening of RIC is unlikely to influence longer term intervention in asymptomatic cancer survivors. In the absence of neurological symptoms, assessment or monitoring of RIC are insufficient indications for MRI-SWI surveillance for long-term survivors of malignancy with past exposure to cerebral irradiation.

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.

Denoising method for Raman spectra with low signal-to-noise ratio based on feature extraction

Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique utilizing lasers to observe scattered light in order to determine things such as vibrational modes in the molecular system. A major problem inherent to this technique is that due to their short exposure time and the low power of the excitation laser, Raman signals are very weak. They tend to be much weaker than the noise and can even be drowned out. Conventional denoising methods are currently unable to extract Raman peaks with precision so it is necessary to specifically study Raman signal extraction methods that involve a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this study, a denoising method for Raman spectra with low SNR based on feature extraction was proposed. Based on the Hilbert Vibration Decomposition (HVD) method, the Raman spectra was decomposed into two components. The peaks were located in the first component and compensated by those in the second component. Then based on the position and height of the peaks, their full widths at half maximum (FWHM) are calculated. Finally, based on the position, height and FWHM of the peaks, Gaussian signals are used to reconstruct the Raman peaks from strong noise and baseline. In the data simulation experiment, the denoising method used improved the SNR from 3.5316 to 130.6386 and the mean square error (MSE) was reduced from 213.8635 to 14.0404. In the actual experiment, this method successfully extracted the characteristic peaks of melamine despite the noise from employing a low excitation laser (10 mW). The characteristics such as the amplitude and position of the peaks were identical to those obtained under a high excitation laser (150 mW). The error of the FWHM under different excitation laser powers (10 and 150 mW) was less than the spectral resolution. Using the method proposed in this paper, the Raman signal of biological samples such as rice leaves were extracted from the raw spectrum, and information on the spectral peak position, amplitude and FWHM were obtained with clarity. The characteristic peaks of the carotene molecule, protein amide I, protein phenylalanine, nucleic acid cytosine, cellulose, DNA phosphodiester, RNA phosphodiester, D-glucose, α-D glucose, chlorophyll, lignin and cellulose were all accurate as well. The results from the simulation data and actual experiments show that a method based on feature extraction can effectively extract Raman peaks even when they are submerged in background noise. It should be noted that the practicality of this method lies in the fact that it requires few parameters and is simple to operate and implement.

Functional studies of left atrium and BNP in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the prediction of recurrence after CPVA

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to observe the significance of the left atrium (LA) functional index combined with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in predicting recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA). Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) was used to observe the structural and functional changes of LA in patients with PAF after CPVA. BNP is a hemodynamic indicator of myocardial stretching increase in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

243 patients with PAF who intended to undergo CPVA were selected in the study, and the following clinical data of the patients were collected. Firstly, the blood BNP levels measured before CPVA. Secondly, the measurements of routine echocardiography before CPVA. RT-3DE was used to obtain the time-volume curve of LA. Then, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting PAF recurrence after CPVA. Finally, we obtained the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of PAF recurrence predicted by the independent risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 233 AF patients with an average age of 63.1 ± 9.3 years (range, 39-75 years; male: female =195: 38) underwent CPVA. 42 patients had AF recurrence (18.0%) during 3-6months follow-up after an operation blanking period of 3 months, BNP in the Recurrence Group was higher than that in Sinus Rhythm Group (p≤0.001). The preoperative left minimum volume index (LAVImin), left atrial volume index before contraction (LAVIpre-a) were higher in Recurrence Group than in Sinus Rhythm Group (p≤0.001). Expansion index, Diastolic emptying index (DEI), Passive emptying index (PEI), Active emptying index (AEI) were lower in the Recurrence Group than in the Sinus Rhythm Group (p≤0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that BNP and DEI were independent predictors for PAF recurrence (OR=1.004, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, p=0.001; OR=0.655, 95% CI: 0.57-0.75, p=0.001). The AUC of BNP, DEI and combined index for recurrence of CPVA were higher than LAVImax (p range: 0.001-0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PAF treated with CPVA, the impaired DEI of LA reservoir function and increased BNP may be useful predictors of PAF recurrence.

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.

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.

[Multicenter clinical study on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood renal tumor]

Objective: To summarize the effect of Chinese Children's Cancer Group (CCCG) Wilms tumor (WT)-2015 protocol. Methods: This was a prospective study. CCCG-WT-2015 protocol was revised on the basis of the CCCG-WT-2009 protocol. Clinical data of 288 children diagnosed with newly diagnosed kidney neoplasms in fourteen pediatric centers between September 2015 to December 2018 were summarized. The age of onset, distribution of pathological subtypes, staging, curative effect and prognostic factors of these children were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival curve and Log-Rank method was used for univariate analysis. Results: Among 288 cases with kidney neoplasms, there were 261 cases of WT, including 254 cases (97.3%) with favorable histology (FH) WT and 7 cases (2.7%) with unfavorable histology WT (UFHWT). The 3 year events free survival (EFS) rate for FHWT and UFHWT were (88.9±2.1)% and (80.0±17.9)%, which were better than that in WT-2009 (81.2% and 71.7%). In the 96 cases of stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ FHWT with indications for radiotherapy, 76 cases received radiation, another 20 cases received M protocol chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, etoposide, gentamycin, vincristine and adriamycin) instead of radiation. The 3 year EFS rate for these two groups were (84.7±4.3)% and (84.7±8.1)%(χ²=0.015, P=0.902). There were 22 renal clear cell sarcoma and 5 malignant rhabdoid tumor, 3 year EFS rate of them was (94.4±5.4)% and (20.0±17.9)%. Univariate analysis was performed for age, gender, pathological type, stage, whether rupture occurred during operation, whether complete remission (CR) occurred at the end of treatment and radiotherapy. Pathological types (χ²=44.329,P<0.01) and failure to achieve CR at the end of the treatment (χ²=49.459,P<0.01) were independent factor for predicting survival. Conclusion: Compared with CCCG-WT-2009, treatment of renal tumors in CCCG-WT-2015 study yielded good survival outcome, which can be further applied.

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.