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.

Nanobodies derived from Camelids represent versatile biomolecules for biomedical applications

Nanobodies are antigen binding variable domains of heavy-chain antibodies without light-chains, and these biomolecules occur naturally in the serum of Camelidae species. Nanobodies have a compact structure and low molecular weight when compared with antibodies, and are the smallest active antigen-binding fragments. Because of their remarkable stability and manipulable characteristics, nanobodies have been incorporated into biomaterials and used as molecular recognition and tracing agents, drug delivery systems, molecular imaging tools and disease therapeutics. This review summarizes recent progress in this field focusing on nanobodies as versatile biomolecules for biomedical applications.

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.

Grafted nanocellulose and alkaline nanoparticles for the strengthening and deacidification of cellulosic artworks

HYPOTHESIS

Strongly degraded cellulosic artworks usually need deacidification and consolidation. Alkaline nanoparticles are known to be effective in neutralizing the acidity, while cellulose nanocrystals have the potential to be used as compatible and effective strengthening agents.

EXPERIMENTS

We have grafted cellulose nanocrystals with oleic acid using a 1'1-carbonyldiimidazole-mediated procedure, to increase their dispersibility in organic solvents, and synthesized Ca(OH)₂ or CaCO₃ nanoparticles via a solvothermal process. Grafted nanocellulose and alkaline nanoparticles were used to prepare ethanol-based "hybrids". Prior to the application, the physico-chemical properties of nanocellulose dispersions and "hybrids" were studied by rheology and small-angle X-ray scattering.

FINDINGS

Cellulose nanocrystals were effectively grafted and stably dispersed in ethanol. It was shown that the use of ethanol as a dispersing medium, and the addition of alkaline nanoparticles act in a synergistic way, increasing the interactions between grafted cellulose nanocrystals, leading to the formation of clusters. These dispersions are thixotropic, a behavior particularly appealing to conservation purposes, since they can be applied in the liquid state, or, when a more confined application is required, they can be applied in a gel-like state. As a result of the application, an improvement in the mechanical properties of paper and an increase of pH were obtained.

Large-scale preparation for efficient polymer-based room-temperature phosphorescence via click chemistry

To achieve efficient polymer-based room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials, covalently embedding phosphors into the polymer matrix appeared as the most appealing approach. However, it is still highly challenging to fabricate RTP materials on a large scale because of the inefficient binding engineering and time-consuming covalent reactions. Here, we have proposed a scalable preparation approach for RTP materials by the facile B─O click reaction between boronic acid-modified phosphors and polyhydroxy polymer matrix. The ab initio molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the phosphors were effectively immobilized, resulting in the suppressed nonradiative transitions and activated RTP emission. In comparison to the reported covalent binding time of several hours, such a B─O click reaction can be accomplished within 20 s under ambient environment. The developed strategy simplified the construction of polymer-based RTP polymeric materials by the introduction of facile click chemistry. Our success provides inspirations and possibilities for the scale-up production of RTP materials.

The CLDN5 locus may be involved in the vulnerability to schizophrenia

The present study was designed to detect three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on 22q11 that was thought as being of particularly importance for genetic research into schizophrenia. We recruited a total of 176 Chinese family trios of Han descent, consisting of mothers, fathers and affected offspring with schizophrenia for the genetic analysis. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) showed that of three SNPs, rs10314 in the 3′-untranslated region of the CLDN5 locus was associated with schizophrenia (χ2= 4.75,P= 0.029). The other two SNPs, rs1548359 present in the CDC45L locus centromeric of rs10314 and rs739371 in the 5′-flanking region of the CLDN5 locus, did not show such an association. The global chi-square (χ2) test showed that the 3-SNP haplotype system was not associated with schizophrenia although the 1-df test for individual haplotypes showed that the rs1548359(C)-rs10314(G)-rs739371(C) haplotype was excessively non-transmitted (χ2= 5.32,P= 0.02). Because the claudin proteins are a major component for barrier-forming tight junctions that could play a crucial role in response to changing natural, physiological and pathological conditions, the CLDN5 association with schizophrenia may be an important clue leading to look into a meeting point of genetic and environmental factors.

A Weak Association of the CLDN5 Locus with Schizophrenia in Chinese Case-control Samples

Background:

An increasing number of studies have described the relationship between velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) and schizophrenia. in a family-based study, we found that rs10314, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) present in the 3’-flanking region of the CLDN5 gene, was associated with schizophrenia among a Chinese population. High false positive rate is a common problem with the association study of human diseases. It is very important to replicate an initial finding with different samples and experimental designs.

Methods:

A total of 749 patients with schizophrenia and 383 age and sex matched healthy control subjects in Chinese population were recruited. PCR-based RFLP protocol was applied to genotype rs10314 to see its disease association.

Results:

The χ2 goodness-of-fit test showed that the genotypic distributions of rs10314 were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both the patient group (χ2=1.12, P=0.289) and the control group (χ2=0.22, P=0.639). rs10314 was associated with schizophrenia with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.32 in the male subjects (χ2=5.45, P=0.02, 95% CI 1.05-1.67) but not in the female subjects (χ2=0.64, P=0.425, OR=1.14, 95% CI 0.83-1.57). the χ2 test showed a genotypic association only for combined samples (χ2=7.80, df=2, P=0.02). SNP rs10314 is a G to C base change. Frequency of the genotypes containing the C allele was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group.

Conclusions:

The present work shows that the CLDN5 gene polymorphism is more likely to be involved in schizophrenic men than women, suggesting that this gene may contribute to the gender differences in schizophrenia.

Bactrian camel serum albumins-based nanocomposite as versatile biocargo for drug delivery, biocatalysis and detection of hydrogen peroxide

In response to extreme environmental conditions, Bactrian camels with largest population in China have evolved with the unique and extraordinary stress-tolerant mechanism in the bodies, in which the most abundantly secreted serum albumins contribute to an important role in diverse physiological activities such as maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting endogenous/exogenous molecules. In this study, we have for the first time purified Chinese Bactrian camel serum albumins (CSA) aimed at exploring their biomedical application. The mass spectrometric as well as structural analysis of CSA have revealed the sequence consensus and alpha-helix abundant structures among its heterologous proteins. Using desolvation methods, CSA-based nanoparticles have been prepared to encapsulate two substrate molecules including Doxorubicin (Dox) and hemin, which confers the versatility of nanocomposite. As drug delivery matrix, the Dox-loaded CSA nanoparticles displayed sustained release behaviors of DOX with the decreased cytotoxicity detected by both CCK-8 assay and real-time cell analysis. The CSA-hemin nanoparticles exhibited superior catalytic activities in the oxidation of Orange II comparable with horse radish peroxidase following a ping-pong mechanism. Furthermore, the constructed CSA-hemin nanoparticles were applied for the spectroscopic detection of H₂O₂ resulting in a wide linear calibration curve ranging from 5 to 400 μM with a detection limit of 3.32 μM.

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.

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.

The effects of dietary sodium butyrate supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits and intestinal microbiota of growing-finishing pigs

AIM

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and intestinal of growing-finishing pigs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty pigs (27·4 ± 0·4 kg) were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets: basal diet (negative control group), basal diet + 40 ppm zinc bacitracin (positive control group) and basal diet + 0·2% sodium butyrate (sodium butyrate group), respectively. The experiment lasted for 69 days, including 3 days for diet and housing condition adaptation. On day 70, five piglets from each diet group were slaughtered for collecting blood and tissue samples. When compared to the control group, final body weight, daily body weight gain and daily feed intake of pigs in the sodium butyrate group were increased (P < 0·05) and feed intake/body weight gain ratio was decreased (P < 0·05). Carcass weight of pigs in the sodium butyrate group was higher than that of pigs in the negative and positive groups (P < 0·05); backfat thickness of pigs in the positive group was higher than that of pigs in the negative group and sodium butyrate group (P < 0·001). When compared to the negative and positive groups, pigs fed diet supplemented with sodium butyrate showed a increased relative abundance of bacteroidetes in the caecum and a decreased relative abundance of fiemicutes and proteobacteria in the caecum (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that dietary sodium butyrate supplementation increased growth performance of growing-finishing pigs and improved the carcass traits and intestinal health.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Antibiotic-free feed has become an inevitable worldwide trend. This study showed that dietary sodium butyrate supplementation improved the growth performance and intestinal health of growing-finishing pigs. Thus, sodium butyrate can be applied in growing-finishing pig feed as an alternative of antibiotics.

Research Note: Effects of the rearing method and stocking density on carcass traits and proximate composition of meat in small-sized meat ducks

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different rearing methods and stocking densities on carcass yield and proximate composition of meat in small-sized meat ducks. A total of 555 one-day-old birds were randomly allocated to six treatment groups (three replicates per treatment, sex ratio 1/1) with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of two rearing methods (reared in cage or net) and three stocking densities (5 [low], 7 [medium], or 9 [high] birds/m²) until day 70. Five male and five female birds from each replicate were randomly selected and processed to determine the carcass yield. Proximate composition was determined by proximate analysis using the breast and thigh muscles. There was no interaction effect between the rearing method and stocking density on carcass yield. The rearing method affected the thigh muscle rate, which was higher in the cage groups (P < 0.05). The final BW and abdominal fat rate decreased with increasing density (P < 0.05), whereas the thigh muscle rate increased (P < 0.05). There were significant interaction effects (P < 0.05) between the rearing method and stocking density on the content of protein, fat, and collagen. The content of fat and moisture was greater and lower, respectively, in the cage groups (P < 0.05). The content of moisture, fat, and collagen with a medium density was higher (P < 0.05). In addition, the content of protein and fat was lower in the ducks fed in nets at low and high densities (P < 0.05), respectively; the collagen content of breast and thigh muscle was lower in the ducks fed in cages and nets, respectively, at a low density (P < 0.05). Our findings provide valuable insights into the single and interactive effects of the rearing method and stocking density on duck slaughter performance and proximate composition of meat. The results indicate that a rearing system with a cage pattern and a medium density is better than other arrangements for small-sized meat ducks.

First Observation of Excited Ω_{b}^{-} States

We report four narrow peaks in the Ξ_{b}^{0}K^{-} mass spectrum obtained using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. Referring to these states by their mass, the mass values are m[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]=6315.64±0.31±0.07±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]=6330.30±0.28±0.07±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]=6339.71±0.26±0.05±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6350)^{-}]=6349.88±0.35±0.05±0.50  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and the last is due to the knowledge of the Ξ_{b}^{0} mass. The natural widths of the three lower mass states are consistent with zero, and the 90% confidence-level upper limits are determined to be Γ[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]<2.8  MeV, Γ[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]<3.1  MeV and Γ[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]<1.5  MeV. The natural width of the Ω_{b}(6350)^{-} peak is 1.4_{-0.8}^{+1.0}±0.1  MeV, which is 2.5σ from zero and corresponds to an upper limit of 2.8 MeV. The peaks have local significances ranging from 3.6σ to 7.2σ. After accounting for the look-elsewhere effect, the significances of the Ω_{b}(6316)^{-} and Ω_{b}(6330)^{-} peaks are reduced to 2.1σ and 2.6σ, respectively, while the two higher mass peaks exceed 5σ. The observed peaks are consistent with expectations for excited Ω_{b}^{-} resonances.

[Epidemiological analysis of cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma: a multi-center retrospective study]

目的

了解我国初诊多发性骨髓瘤（MM）患者细胞遗传学异常（CA）的构成和频率，基于2018年更新的危险分层标准（mSMART3.0）分析双打击MM（DHMM）及三打击MM（THMM）的发生率。

方法

纳入全国5个中心的初诊MM患者，磁珠分选CD138细胞或浆细胞比例≥50%的骨髓标本行初诊间期FISH（iFISH）检测CA的基线结果，分析原发CA（pCA）、继发CA（sCA）、高危（HR）CA和DHMM/THMM的发生率，并分析不同CA组合的情况。

结果

共纳入初诊MM患者1 015例，IgH重排、del（13q）/13q14、1q21扩增、del（17p）发生率分别为54.0%、46.4%、46.1%、9.9%。其中，1q21扩增拷贝数=3、≥4的发生率分别为35.8%、12.7%。454例患者具有完整CA基线结果，pCA中t（4；14）、t（11；14）和t（14；16）发生率分别为14.1%、11.2%和4.8%；44.3%患者携带≥2种CA，包括2种CA（28.0%）、3种CA（13.4%）和≥4种CA（2.9%）；83.3%的1q扩增患者伴其他CA，以del（13q）/13q14最常见（61.1%），IgH重排次之（31.5%）；95.0%的del（17p）患者伴其他CA，以del（13q）/13q14最常见（75.2%），1q21扩增次之（49.5%）；68.6%的IgH重排患者伴其他CA，以del（13q）/13q14和1q21扩增最常见（均为61.9%）；根据2016年国际骨髓瘤工作组的定义，57.7%患者携带HRCA；依据2018年mSMART 3.0的定义，DHMM（HRCA=2）和THMM（HRCA≥3）患者分别占14.3%和2.9%。

结论

更新了我国初诊MM患者的CA谱，发现基于CA的HR MM占初诊MM患者的比例近58%，并首次报道DHMM和THMM的发生率约为17%。

Predicting the intervention threshold for initiating osteoporosis treatment among postmenopausal women in China: a cost-effectiveness analysis based on real-world data

This study built a micro-simulation Markov model to determine the treatment threshold of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Mainland China. Treatment with zoledronate is cost-effective when FRAX-based (Fracture risk assessment tool) fracture probability is over 7%.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to estimate FRAX-based fracture probabilities in Mainland China using real-world data, at which intervention could be cost-effective.

METHODS

We developed a micro-simulation Markov model to capture osteoporosis states and relevant morbidities including hip fracture, vertebral fracture, and wrist fracture. Baseline characteristics including incidences of osteoporosis and distribution of risk factors were derived from the Peking Vertebral Fracture study, the largest prospective cohort study of postmenopausal women in Mainland China. We projected incidences of fractures and deaths by age groups under two treatment scenarios: 1) no treatment, and 2) zoledronate. We also projected total quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and total costs including fracture management and osteoporosis drugs for cost-effectiveness analysis. Cost-effective intervention thresholds were calculated based on the Chinese FRAX model.

RESULTS

Treatment with zoledronate was cost-effective when the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture based on FRAX was above 7%. The FRAX threshold increased by age from 51 to 65 years old, and decreased in elder age groups, ranging from 4% to 9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using real-world data, our model indicated that widespread use of zoledronate was of both clinical and economic benefit among Chinese postmenopausal women. Using a FRAX-based intervention threshold of 7% with zoledronate should permit cost-effective access to therapy to patients and contribute to reducing the disease burden of osteoporosis in Mainland China.

Search for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

Searches are performed for both promptlike and long-lived dark photons, A^{'}, produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. These searches look for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.5  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector. Neither search finds evidence for a signal, and 90% confidence-level exclusion limits are placed on the γ-A^{'} kinetic mixing strength. The promptlike A^{'} search explores the mass region from near the dimuon threshold up to 70 GeV and places the most stringent constraints to date on dark photons with 214<m(A^{'})≲740  MeV and 10.6<m(A^{'})≲30  GeV. The search for long-lived A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays places world-leading constraints on low-mass dark photons with lifetimes O(1)  ps.

Observation of Several Sources of CP Violation in B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} Decays

Observations are reported of different sources of CP violation from an amplitude analysis of B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} decays, based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded with the LHCb detector. A large CP asymmetry is observed in the decay amplitude involving the tensor f_{2}(1270) resonance, and in addition significant CP violation is found in the π^{+}π^{-}S wave at low invariant mass. The presence of CP violation related to interference between the π^{+}π^{-}S wave and the P wave B^{+}→ρ(770)^{0}π^{+} amplitude is also established; this causes large local asymmetries but cancels when integrated over the phase space of the decay. The results provide both qualitative and quantitative new insights into CP -violation effects in hadronic B decays.

Measurement of electroweak production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement is presented of electroweak (EW) production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton-proton collisions ats = 13 Te . The data sample was recorded by the CMS Collaboration at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . The measurement is performed for the ℓ ν jj final state (with ℓ ν indicating a lepton-neutrino pair, and j representing the quarks produced in the hard interaction) in a kinematic region defined by invariant massm jj > 120 Ge and transverse momentap T j > 25 Ge . The cross section of the process is measured in the electron and muon channels yieldingσ EW ( W jj ) = 6.23 ± 0.12 (stat) ± 0.61 (syst) pb per channel, in agreement with leading-order standard model predictions. The additional hadronic activity of events in a signal-enriched region is studied, and the measurements are compared with predictions. The final state is also used to perform a search for anomalous trilinear gauge couplings. Limits on anomalous trilinear gauge couplings associated with dimension-six operators are given in the framework of an effective field theory. The corresponding 95% confidence level intervals are - 2.3 < c W W W / Λ 2 < 2.5 Te - 2 , - 8.8 < c W / Λ 2 < 16 Te - 2 , and - 45 < c B / Λ 2 < 46 Te - 2 . These results are combined with the CMS EW Zjj analysis, yielding the constraint on the c W W W coupling: - 1.8 < c W W W / Λ 2 < 2.0 Te - 2 .

Comparison of the broody behavior characteristics of different breeds of geese

A low laying performance in goose is one of the key factors preventing the industrial development, and the laying performance is related to broody behavior. However, the characteristics of broody behavior in geese remain unclear. In this study, the total 144 geese (300 day old), including Zhedong geese (Anser cygnoides), Sichuan geese (Anser cygnoides), and Carlos geese (Anser anser) were selected and assigned to 1 of 3 groups/breed (including 4♂+12♀). Laying and broody behaviors were recorded using the infrared video cameras from 2016 November 11 to 2017 June 15. The broody behavior was detected in 19.4% of Carlos geese, 33.3% of Sichuan geese, and 100% of Zhedong geese. Different goose breeds showed similar behavior characteristics. The low frequency of feeding, drinking, and low body weight were observed in the middle of broodiness. As the brooding progressed, the body temperature showed a downward trend and then recovered, whereas no difference was observed in Carlos goose. In addition, the plasma hormone concentration from different breeds and stages of broodiness were compared. The contents of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) in geese were greater in the laying stage than that in the broody stage. Fewer FSH and LH were detected in Zhedong geese and Carlos geese, more in Sichuan geese. In broody goose, the PRL (prolactin) concentrations of the 3 goose breeds peaked in the middle of broodiness, and greater PRL was detected in Sichuan geese than those in Carlos geese and Zhedong geese. Finally, we compared egg production between the broody and non-broody geese in the observation period. The egg production of broody Carlos geese was 27, which was significantly higher than non-broody geese (14 eggs), while in Sichuan geese there was no significant difference between broody (24 eggs) and non-broody geese (26 eggs). Finally, the higher egg production was found with the more broody times in Zhedong geese. Taken together, although the different goose breeds showed similar broody behavior characteristics, the broody rate and hormone secretion were dissimilar, and the Zhedong geese exhibited strong broody feature.

Extraction and validation of a new set of CMS pythia8 tunes from underlying-event measurements

New sets of CMS underlying-event parameters ("tunes") are presented for the pythia8 event generator. These tunes use the NNPDF3.1 parton distribution functions (PDFs) at leading (LO), next-to-leading (NLO), or next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) orders in perturbative quantum chromodynamics, and the strong coupling evolution at LO or NLO. Measurements of charged-particle multiplicity and transverse momentum densities at various hadron collision energies are fit simultaneously to determine the parameters of the tunes. Comparisons of the predictions of the new tunes are provided for observables sensitive to the event shapes at LEP, global underlying event, soft multiparton interactions, and double-parton scattering contributions. In addition, comparisons are made for observables measured in various specific processes, such as multijet, Drell-Yan, and top quark-antiquark pair production including jet substructure observables. The simulation of the underlying event provided by the new tunes is interfaced to a higher-order matrix-element calculation. For the first time, predictions from pythia8 obtained with tunes based on NLO or NNLO PDFs are shown to reliably describe minimum-bias and underlying-event data with a similar level of agreement to predictions from tunes using LO PDF sets.

Search for Lepton-Flavor Violating Decays B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{±}e^{∓}

A search for the lepton-flavor violating decays B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{±}e^{∓} is performed using a sample of proton-proton collision data, collected with the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. No significant signal is observed, and upper limits on the branching fractions are set as B(B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{-}e^{+})<7.0(9.5)×10^{-9} and B(B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{+}e^{-})<6.4(8.8)×10^{-9} at 90% (95)% confidence level. The results improve the current best limits on these decays by more than one order of magnitude.

MicroRNA-1294 targets HOXA9 and has a tumor suppressive role in osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA-1294 (miR-1294) was reported to act as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the biological function of miR-1294 in osteosarcoma (OS) has not been investigated. We, therefore, investigated the clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of miR-1294 in OS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the levels of miR-1294. Targets of miR-1294 were validated by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. In vitro functional assays were performed to investigate the effects of miR-217 on cell proliferation and invasion.

RESULTS

We found miR-1294 was downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of miR-1294 has a significant negative impact on the overall survival of OS patients. Overexpression of miR-1294 suppresses OS cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Then, luciferase reporter assay validated Homeobox A9 (HOXA9) was a downstream target of miR-1294. Expression patterns of miR-1294 were inversely correlated with HOXA9 in OS tissues, strengthening the findings from the luciferase reporter assay. Further functional assays revealed that overexpression of HOXA9 could reverse the inhibition effects of miR-1294 on cell proliferation and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested miR-1294 functions as a tumor suppressor in OS progression by targeting HOXA9.

Measurement of Charged Hadron Production in Z-Tagged Jets in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV

The production of charged hadrons within jets recoiling against a Z boson is measured in proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=8  TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment. The charged-hadron structure of the jet is studied longitudinally and transverse to the jet axis for jets with transverse momentum p_{T}>20  GeV and in the pseudorapidity range 2.5<η<4. These are the first measurements of jet hadronization at these forward rapidities and also the first where the jet is produced in association with a Z boson. In contrast to previous hadronization measurements at the Large Hadron Collider, which are dominated by gluon jets, these measurements probe predominantly light-quark jets which are found to be more longitudinally and transversely collimated with respect to the jet axis when compared to the previous gluon dominated measurements. Therefore, these results provide valuable information on differences between quarks and gluons regarding nonperturbative hadronization dynamics.

Amplitude Analysis of B^{±}→π^{±}K^{+}K^{-} Decays

The first amplitude analysis of the B^{±}→π^{±}K^{+}K^{-} decay is reported based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded in 2011 and 2012 with the LHCb detector. The data are found to be best described by a coherent sum of five resonant structures plus a nonresonant component and a contribution from ππ↔KK S-wave rescattering. The dominant contributions in the π^{±} K^{∓} and K^{+} K^{-} systems are the nonresonant and the B^{±}→ρ(1450)^{0}π^{±} amplitudes, respectively, with fit fractions around 30%. For the rescattering contribution, a sizable fit fraction is observed. This component has the largest CP asymmetry reported to date for a single amplitude of (-66±4±2)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. No significant CP violation is observed in the other contributions.

Isolation and characterization of Salmonella in pork samples collected from retail and wholesale markets in each season from 2016 to 2018 in Wuhan, China

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Salmonella in pork on sale in Wuhan, Central China.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 4744 pork samples were collected from retail or wholesale markets in each season from 2016 to 2018. The samples showed an overall Salmonella prevalence of 19·54% (927/4744), among which the samples collected in 2017 (21·67%, 428/1975) possessed a significantly higher prevalence than those collected in 2016 (18·61%, 209/1123) (P = 0·047) or 2018 (17·51%, 290/1656) (P = 0·002), and the samples collected in winter showed the lowest prevalence (15·86%, 177/1116). The Salmonella prevalence was significantly higher among samples from retail markets (25·68%, 283/1102) than wholesale markets (17·68%, 644/3642) (P = 0·000). Antimicrobial resistance of 922 Salmonella strains was tested by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations using a broth microdilution method. The strains revealed that 98·92% (912/922) were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobial agents, and 80·04% (738/922) were resistant to three or more antimicrobials (MDR). Resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (89·91%), tetracycline (87·20%) and ampicillin (71·69%) was predominant. The proportion of MDR strains in 2017 (93·62%, 396/423) was significantly higher than that in 2016 (63·16%, 132/209) (P = 0·000) or 2018 (69·66%, 202/290) (P = 0·000). No significant difference was observed in the proportions of MDR strains between wholesale markets (76·07%, 213/280) and retail markets (80·53%, 517/642) (P = 0·075). Multi-locus sequence typing for 554 of the isolates revealed 20 different sequence types (STs), among which ST40 (38·27%, 212/554), ST34 (18·41%, 102/554) and ST469 (14·46%, 79/554) were dominant.

CONCLUSIONS

A high risk of Salmonella prevalence and antimicrobial resistance was observed in pork in Wuhan. The risk varies between different sampling years, seasons and market types.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Providing baseline data on Salmonella contamination in pork on sale in Central China.

Measurements of triple-differential cross sections for inclusive isolated-photon+jet events in p p collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements are presented of the triple-differential cross section for inclusive isolated-photon+jet events in p p collisions ats = 8 TeV as a function of photon transverse momentum ( p T γ ), photon pseudorapidity ( η γ ), and jet pseudorapidity ( η jet ). The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 that probe a broad range of the available phase space, for| η γ | < 1.44 and1.57 < | η γ | < 2.50 ,| η jet | < 2.5 , 40 < p T γ < 1000 GeV , and jet transverse momentum, p T jet , > 25GeV . The measurements are compared to next-to-leading order perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculations, which reproduce the data within uncertainties.

Search for the Lepton-Flavor-Violating Decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} and B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}

Results are reported from a search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} and B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}, where the τ lepton is reconstructed in the channel τ^{-}→π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}ν_{τ}. These processes are effectively forbidden in the standard model, but they can potentially occur at detectable rates in models of new physics that can induce lepton-flavor-violating decays. The search is based on a data sample corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions recorded by the LHCb experiment in 2011 and 2012. The event yields observed in the signal regions for both processes are consistent with the expected standard model backgrounds. Because of the limited mass resolution arising from the undetected τ neutrino, the B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} signal regions are highly overlapping. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}, the upper limit B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓})<4.2×10^{-5} is obtained at 95% confidence level. If no contribution from B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓})<1.4×10^{-5} is obtained at 95% confidence level. These results represent the first limit on B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}) and the most stringent limit on B(B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}).

Methylene blue attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by negative regulation of NLRP3 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of methylene blue (MB) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in mice and its possible relevant mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 male C57/BL6 mice aged 4 months old were randomly divided into the following three groups: Sham group (n=10), IR group (n=10), and MB group (n=10). Mice in MB group were treated with gavage continuously using methylene blue solution (dosage: 25 mg·kg-1·d-1) until they were 7 months old. Mice in the other two groups were administrated with the same amount of normal saline for gavage. After that, the abdomen of mice in Sham group was opened and closed, and bilateral renal pedicles of mice in IR group and MB group were occluded using a micro-artery clamp for 45 min for modeling. After modeling, the renal tissues and blood samples of mice were taken for detection. The levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mice in each experimental group were detected and statistically analyzed, respectively. The degree of renal tubular necrosis in renal tissues of mice was observed under an optical microscope. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)] in renal tissues of mice in each experimental group, followed by relevant statistical analyses. The expressions of relevant proteins [NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and IL-1β] in renal tissues of mice in each experimental group were detected via Western blotting, and the gray value of each band was detected for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

It was found in this experimental study that Scr and BUN levels in MB group were significantly lower than those in IR group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with that in IR group, the degree of renal tubular necrosis in MB group was significantly alleviated, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with those in IR group, the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18) in MB group were significantly decreased, but the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in MB group were significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with those in IR group, the activity of SOD in MB group was increased significantly, but the level of MDA was decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The protein expressions of NLRP3, NF-κB, caspase-1, and pro-IL-1β in MB group were decreased compared with those in IR group, but the expression of IL-1β in MB group was increased, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that methylene blue can alleviate the apoptosis and inflammatory response induced by renal IR injury in mice, and its relevant mechanism may be related to the fact that methylene blue can negatively regulate NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Search for new physics in top quark production in dilepton final states in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search for new physics in top quark production is performed in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV . The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 collected in 2016 with the CMS detector. Events with two opposite-sign isolated leptons (electrons or muons), and b quark jets in the final state are selected. The search is sensitive to new physics in top quark pair production and in single top quark production in association with a W boson. No significant deviation from the standard model expectation is observed. Results are interpreted in the framework of effective field theory and constraints on the relevant effective couplings are set, one at a time, using a dedicated multivariate analysis. This analysis differs from previous searches for new physics in the top quark sector by explicitly separating t W from t t ¯  events and exploiting the specific sensitivity of the t W process to new physics.

MiR-195 inhibits myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats by regulating TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of micro-ribonucleic acid-195 (miR-195) on myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats through the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-Smad3 signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were selected in this study to establish the animal model. The content of miR-195 in the model group and control group was measured, respectively. Arterial blood pressure, liver function and myocardial function in the two groups were detected and examined. Pathological changes in rat myocardial tissues were detected via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. After that, myocardial fibroblasts were collected and added with miRNA inhibitors and mimics to suppress and overexpress miR-195. Thereafter, Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were employed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chek1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (important molecules for proliferation and differentiation of myocardial fibroblasts), as well as the related pathway TGFβ1-Smad3. Furthermore, the effects of miR-195 on myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats via the TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling pathway were comprehensively observed.

RESULTS

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic pyruvic aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine kinase (CK) levels in the SHR group were significantly higher than those of the normal group. Cardiac function examination showed that SHR group had significantly reduced fractional shortening (FS, %) and ejection fraction (EF, %) in comparison with the normal group. However, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDd) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESd) were markedly elevated in the SHR group. In addition, the miR-195 expression level was remarkably reduced in hypertensive rats. Histopathological changes in rat myocardial tissues were detected through HE staining. The results showed that the normal group had orderly arranged myocardial cells. However, SHR group showed disorderly arranged myocardial cells, thickened myocardial fibers and myocardial fibrosis. RT-PCR assay results revealed that the mRNA levels of Collagen, Chek1, α-SMA, TGFβ1 and Smad3 in rat myocardial fibroblasts were significantly reduced in Mimics group (p<0.05) and increased in Inhibitors group (p<0.05). Western blotting results demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the protein levels of α-SMA, TGFβ1 and Smad3 in rat myocardial cells decreased significantly in Mimics group (p<0.05). Opposite results were observed in Inhibitors group (p<0.05). The above results suggested that overexpression of miR-195 inhibited the expressions of TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling pathway and related molecules, further repressing myocardial fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-195 participates in the development and progression of myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats through the TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, this can inhibit the development of myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive rats and prevent myocardial diseases.

Observation of New Resonances in the Λ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} System

We report the observation of a new structure in the Λ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} spectrum using the full LHCb data set of pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected at sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV. A study of the structure suggests its interpretation as a superposition of two almost degenerate narrow states. The masses and widths of these states are measured to be m_{Λ_{b}(6146)^{0}}=6146.17±0.33±0.22±0.16  MeV,m_{Λ_{b}(6152)^{0}}=6152.51±0.26±0.22±0.16  MeV,Γ_{Λ_{b}(6146)^{0}}=2.9±1.3±0.3  MeV,Γ_{Λ_{b}(6152)^{0}}=2.1±0.8±0.3  MeV,with a mass splitting of Δm=6.34±0.32±0.02  MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic. The third uncertainty for the mass measurements derives from the knowledge of the mass of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon. The measured masses and widths of these new excited states suggest their possible interpretation as a doublet of Λ_{b}(1D)^{0} states.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Azimuthal separation in nearly back-to-back jet topologies in inclusive 2- and 3-jet events in pp collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement for inclusive 2- and 3-jet events of the azimuthal correlation between the two jets with the largest transverse momenta, Δ ϕ 12 , is presented. The measurement considers events where the two leading jets are nearly collinear ("back-to-back") in the transverse plane and is performed for several ranges of the leading jet transverse momentum. Proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 are used. Predictions based on calculations using matrix elements at leading-order and next-to-leading-order accuracy in perturbative quantum chromodynamics supplemented with leading-log parton showers and hadronization are generally in agreement with the measurements. Discrepancies between the measurement and theoretical predictions are as large as 15%, mainly in the region177 ∘ < Δ ϕ 12 < 180 ∘ . The 2- and 3-jet measurements are not simultaneously described by any of models.

[Construction and application of immunization information system based on children cases collected by vaccination clinic clients in Shandong Province, China]

Construction and application of immunization information system is an important part of health information, which is very useful to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of vaccination. The background, system architecture, functions and applications, working conditions and characteristics of Shandong province Immunization Information System (IIS) are introduced in this article. It is expected to provide experiences for the development of immunization information system of other provinces.

GSH-responsive curcumin/doxorubicin encapsulated Bactrian camel serum albumin nanocomposites with synergistic effect against lung cancer cells

The aim of this study was to prepare camel serum albumin (CSA) nanoparticles using a self-assembly strategy to co-immobilize curcumin (CCM) and doxorubicin (Dox) which was in favor of combined chemotherapy and biomedical applications of bactrian ( Camelus bactrianus) CSA. The constructed CSA nanoparticles (CSA-NPs) with the size around 200 nm displayed a high degree of polydispersity and further encapsulation of CCM and Dox caused no apparent morphological changes to the nanocomposite (CCM/Dox CSA-NPs). The synergistic cytotoxic effect of CCM and Dox on cancer cell A549 was observed with the calculated combination index less than 1.0. Moreover, the release kinetic profile of encapsulated drugs showed a concentration dependence of glutathione (GSH) originating from the GSH used in nanoparticle formation to break the intramolecular disulfide bonds. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluations also revealed that CCM/Dox CSA-NPs showed higher cytotoxicity than that of single drug loaded CSA-NPs, which was also validated by high content screen assay. Taken together, the CCM/Dox CSA-NPs with redox-responsive attributes provided an integrated protein-based combinational drug-delivery matrix to exert synergistic effects.

Measurement of CP-Violating and Mixing-Induced Observables in B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ Decays

A time-dependent analysis of the B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ decay rate is performed to determine the CP -violating observables S_{ϕγ} and C_{ϕγ} and the mixing-induced observable A_{ϕγ}^{Δ}. The measurement is based on a sample of pp collision data recorded with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The measured values are S_{ϕγ}=0.43±0.30±0.11, C_{ϕγ}=0.11±0.29±0.11, and A_{ϕγ}^{Δ}=-0.67_{-0.41}^{+0.37}±0.17, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the first measurement of the observables S and C in radiative B_{s}^{0} decays. The results are consistent with the standard model predictions.