Precise Measurements of Decay Parameters and CP Asymmetry with Entangled Λ-Λ[over ¯] Pairs

Based on 10 billion J/ψ events collected at the BESIII experiment, a search for CP violation in Λ decay is performed in the difference between CP-odd decay parameters α_{-} for Λ→pπ^{-} and α_{+} for Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+} by using the process e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ→ΛΛ[over ¯]. With a five-dimensional fit to the full angular distributions of the daughter baryon, the most precise values for the decay parameters are determined to be α_{-}=0.7519±0.0036±0.0024 and α_{+}=-0.7559±0.0036±0.0030, respectively. The Λ and Λ[over ¯] averaged value of the decay parameter is extracted to be α_{avg}=0.7542±0.0010±0.0024 with unprecedented accuracy. The CP asymmetry A_{CP}=(α_{-}+α_{+})/(α_{-}-α_{+}) is determined to be -0.0025±0.0046±0.0012, which is one of the most precise measurements in the baryon sector. The reported results for the decay parameter will play an important role in the studies of the polarizations and CP violations for the strange, charmed and beauty baryons.

First Observation of the Direct Production of the χ_{c1} in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation

We study the direct production of the J^{PC}=1^{++} charmonium state χ_{c1}(1P) in electron-positron annihilation by carrying out an energy scan around the mass of the χ_{c1}(1P). The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. An interference pattern between the signal process e^{+}e^{-}→χ_{c1}(1P)→γJ/ψ→γμ^{+}μ^{-} and the background processes e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}J/ψ→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} and e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} is observed by combining all the data samples. The χ_{c1}(1P) signal is observed with a significance of 5.1σ. This is the first observation of a C-even state directly produced in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation. The electronic width of the χ_{c1}(1P) resonance is determined to be Γ_{ee}=(0.12_{-0.08}^{+0.13})  eV, which is of the same order of magnitude as theoretical calculations.

[Tumor-induced osteomalacia caused by an orbital tumor: a case report]

A 52-year-old patient was initially diagnosed as hypophosphatemic osteomalacia in the Department of Endocrinology due to knee, foot and lumbosacral pain. The symptoms were not significantly relieved after phosphorus and vitamin D supplementation. Later, the imaging examination showed an orbital tumor in the right eye. The tumor was surgically removed, and the symptoms of systemic bone pain were relieved.

Evidence for a Neutral Near-Threshold Structure in the K_{S}^{0} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}, as well as their charge conjugated processes, at five center-of-mass energies between 4.628 and 4.699 GeV, using data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.8  fb^{-1} collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, we find evidence of a structure near the thresholds for D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and D_{s}^{*+}D^{-} production in the K_{S}^{0} recoil-mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0}. Fitting with a Breit-Wigner line shape, we find the mass of the structure to be (3992.2±1.7±1.6)  MeV/c^{2} and the width to be (7.7_{-3.8}^{+4.1}±4.3)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} signal is found to be 4.6σ including both the statistical and systematic uncertainty. We report the Born cross section multiplied by the branching fraction at different energy points. The mass of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is close to that of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}. Assuming SU(3) symmetry, the cross section of the neutral channel is consistent with that of the charged one. Hence, we conclude that the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is the isospin partner of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}.

[Expert recommendations on human papillomavirus vaccine immunization strategies in China]

HPV vaccination is the most effective way for preventing the cervical cancer. To respond the WHO calling for cervical cancer elimination, some Chinese provincial governments are launching the Free HPV Vaccination Programs for teenagers. Basing on the current stage of domestic utilization and the global immunization strategies of HPV vaccination, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the key aspects in the process of HPV vaccination, including subjects and priority vaccination population, vaccination dose and time interval, the principal of vaccination replacement, and the vaccination suggestion on special populations, etc. The article above contents and gives the advice on the immunization strategy of HPV vaccination in China.

[Clinical analysis of 7 children infected with Talaromyces marneffei]

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognosis of pediatric patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection. Methods: In this retrospective study, 7 children diagnosed with Talaromyces marneffei infection in Shenzhen Children's Hospital from July 2017 to October 2021 were recruited. The clinical features, radiology, pathogen detection, immunological evaluation, treatments, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: In 7 cases, 5 were male, 2 were females. The age was from 0.75 to 8.75 years. The main clinical manifestations were fever in 7 cases, cough in 6 cases, malnutrition in 4 cases, papules in 2 cases and medical history of recurrent infection in 3 cases. Physical examination showed that all 7 patients had hepatosplenomegaly, 4 had superficial lymphadenopathy. Laboratory examination showed that 6 cases had decreased hemoglobin and 3 cases had decreased platelet. Chest CT showed that 4 cases had patchy shadows, pleural effusion, mediastinal or axillary lymph node enlargement, 3 had nodular shadows and 2 had cavities. The positive ratio of Talaromyces marneffei culture was 2/2 with tissue samples, 4/5 with bone marrow. The positive ratio was 3/4 by metagenomic next generation sequencing. The fungus was detected in 3 cases by smear microscopy of bone marrow and (or) peripheral blood. All patients were negative for human immunodeficiency virus by the immune function assay. However, 5 cases were confirmed as primary immunodeficiency disease, including 2 cases with high IgM syndrome, 2 with STAT1 gene variation, and the last with severe combined immunodeficiency (IL2RG gene variation). Exclude 1 case which gave up treatment due to acute intracranial infection, and the other patients received effective treatments along with amphotericin B, voriconazole, and itraconazole alone or in combination. Two cases relapsed after medication withdrawal, but 1 case got complete rehabilitation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations involve multisystem, the common charateristics are fever and cough. The chest CT imaging manifestations are diverse, it should be considered in differentiating tuberculosis. The amphotericin B, voriconazole and itraconazole are effective, but it will easily relapse when withdrawing those antifungal agents.

Observation of Resonance Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) and Mass Measurement of ψ_{2}(3823)

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the product of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) cross section and the branching fraction B[ψ_{2}(3823)→γχ_{c1}]. For the first time, resonance structure is observed in the cross section line shape of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) with significances exceeding 5σ. A fit to data with two coherent Breit-Wigner resonances modeling the sqrt[s]-dependent cross section yields M(R_{1})=4406.9±17.2±4.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{1})=128.1±37.2±2.3  MeV, and M(R_{2})=4647.9±8.6±0.8  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{2})=33.1±18.6±4.1  MeV. Though weakly disfavored by the data, a single resonance with M(R)=4417.5±26.2±3.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R)=245±48±13  MeV is also possible to interpret data. This observation deepens our understanding of the nature of the vector charmoniumlike states. The mass of the ψ_{2}(3823) state is measured as (3823.12±0.43±0.13)  MeV/c^{2}, which is the most precise measurement to date.

[The clinical value of classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on actual anatomy]

Objective: To examine the significance and prognostic value of the classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on actual anatomical location. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 120 patients of hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2019 to December 2021. Patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were classified for seven types according to the site of tumor location. The clinicopathological and prognostic data of 120 patients were retrospectively analyzed(There were 57 males and 63 females,the age (M(IQR)) was 61(22)years(range:42 to 85 years)). All patients received radical resection without visible intraoperative tumor residue and negative bile duct resection margin according to intraoperative pathological biopsy. The classification variables were analyzed by Pearson χ² test or Fisher's exact probability test,one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cox proportional risk model was used for prognostic factors. Results: The coincidence rate of preoperative surgical planning and actual operational styles was verified in 33 cases. Twenty-six cases were consistent,and 7 cases were inconsistent,with a coincidence rate of 78.8%. According to the actual anatomical location,patients in type of secondary branch experienced a significantly longer operation duration,a higher portal vein resection rate,margin positive rate and more advanced T stage(all P<0.05). The median overall survival time of the unilateral main trunck group was 27.0 months,and the bilateral group was 17.0 months. Survival analysis based on the tumor classification of the actual anatomical location showed that the unilateral or main trunck group predicted less aggressive clinical features and favorable outcomes(HR=1.931,95%CI:1.066 to 3.499,P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the actual anatomical location of the tumor type(HR=2.269,95%CI:1.333 to 3.861,P=0.003),combined liver resection(HR=0.464,95%CI:0.253 to 0.848,P=0.013) and N stage(HR=6.317,95%CI:3.083 to 12.944,P<0.01) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients. Conclusion: The classification based on the actual anatomy can be used as a promising scheme in refining patient stratification and predicting survival in hilar cholangiocarcinoma,and it can guide the selection of surgical methods,and predict operative safety and radical resection rate.

[MiR-372-5p regulates PI3K/AKT/CXCL12 signaling pathway by targeting PTEN to promote colorectal cancer cell metastasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether miR-372-5p regulates PI3K/AKT/CXCL12 signaling pathway by targeting PTEN to promote metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.

METHODS

We detected the differential expression of miR-372-5p using RT-qRCR in colorectal cancer and adjacent tissues, colorectal cancer cells and normal intestinal epithelial cells. Bioinformatic analysis and double luciferase assay were performed for verification of the targeting relationship between miR-372-5p and PTEN. Western blotting was used to assess the effects of transfection with miR-372-5p inhibitor and miR-372-5p mimics alone, co-transfection with miR-372-5p inhibitor and si-PTEN, and co-transfection with miR-372-5p mimics and PI3K inhibitor on the expressions of PTEN and CXCL12 and the activation of PI3K/AKT signal pathway; Transwell assay and scratch assay were used to examine the changes in the migration ability of the transfected cells, the cells co-transfected with miR-372-5p mimics and si-CXCL12, and the cells treated with conditioned medium from HCT116 cells transfected with miR-372-5p mimics.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-372-5p was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues, and higher in HCT116 and SW620 cells than in NCM460 cells (P < 0.01). Double luciferase assay confirmed that PTEN was a potential target gene of miR-372-5p (P < 0.05). Transfection of HCT116 cells with miR-372-5p mimics obviously decreased PTEN protein expression, increase CXCL12 expression and the phosphorylation level of AKT, and lowered the cell migration ability, while transfection with miR-372-5p inhibitor produced the opposite effects (P < 0.05); si-PTEN obviously neutralized the effect of miR-372-5p inhibitor (P < 0.01). PI3K inhibitor significantly decreased CXCL12 expression and inhibited the cell migration (P < 0.05), and this effect was mitigated by miR-372-5p mimics (P < 0.01). Treatment with the conditioned medium from HCT116 cells transfected with miR-372-5p mimics significantly enhanced the migration ability of NCM460 cells, and this effect was suppressed by transfection with si-CXCL12 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

MiR-372-5p activates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting PTEN and up-regulates CXCL12 expression to promoting metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.

[Taxonomic rank of human parasites]

Biological category is effective to indicate the evolution of organism populations between past and present. Conventional taxonomy of human parasites mainly depends on important morphological features, which suffers from a problem of categorizing related-genera species with similar morphological characteristics. With recent advances in molecular biological technologies, the effective applications of mitochondrial and ribosomal biomarkers and sequencing greatly improve the development of the taxonomic rank of human parasites. Worldwide, the classification of human parasites have been continuously revised and improved. Hereby, we re-categorize parasitic Protozoa, Trematoda, Cestoda and Nematoda, so as to provide insights into the researches on molecular systematics and genetic evolution of human parasites.

Optimized Quantification of Intrahost Viral Diversity in SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus Sequence Data

High error rates of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases lead to diverse intra-host viral populations during infection. Errors made during replication that are not strongly deleterious to the virus can lead to the generation of minority variants. However, accurate detection of minority variants in viral sequence data is complicated by errors introduced during sample preparation and data analysis. We used synthetic RNA controls and simulated data to test seven variant calling tools across a range of allele frequencies and simulated coverages. We show that choice of variant caller, and use of replicate sequencing have the most significant impact on single nucleotide variant (SNV) discovery and demonstrate how both allele frequency and coverage thresholds impact both false discovery and false negative rates. We use these parameters to find minority variants in sequencing data from SARS-CoV-2 clinical specimens and provide guidance for studies of intrahost viral diversity using either single replicate data or data from technical replicates. Our study provides a framework for rigorous assessment of technical factors that impact SNV identification in viral samples and establishes heuristics that will inform and improve future studies of intrahost variation, viral diversity, and viral evolution.

IMPORTANCE

When viruses replicate inside a host, the virus replication machinery makes mistakes. Over time, these mistakes create mutations that result in a diverse population of viruses inside the host. Mutations that are neither lethal to the virus, nor strongly beneficial, can lead to minority variants that are minor members of the virus population. However, preparing samples for sequencing can also introduce errors that resemble minority variants, resulting in inclusion of false positive data if not filtered correctly. In this study, we aimed to determine the best methods for identification and quantification of these minority variants by testing the performance of seven commonly used variant calling tools. We used simulated and synthetic data to test their performance against a true set of variants, and then used these studies to inform variant identification in data from clinical SARS-CoV-2 clinical specimens. Together, analyses of our data provide extensive guidance for future studies of viral diversity and evolution.

[The prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus and syphilis and related factors among cross-border couples in Mangshi county, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan province from 2017 to 2019]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis and related factors among cross-border couples in Mangshi county, Dehong autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. Methods: From May, 2017 to April, 2019, 2 500 couples with 5 000 cross-border marriages were selected by using cluster sampling method. The demographic characteristics, AIDS-related health services, HIV, HCV, syphilis infection and other information were collected through questionnaires and laboratory tests. The influencing factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 2 500 couples with cross-border marriage were investigated, among which 2 438 (97.5%) couples were Chinese men with Myanmar women. The average age of 5 000 participants was (34.16±9.00) years. Most of them were minority groups (59.9%), farmers (98.5%), education years ≤6 years (81.4%), marriage years>3 years (80.0%), and from mountainous areas (61.7%). The HIV prevalence of Chinese and Myanmar populations was 1.7% (43/2 500) and 2.0% (49/2 500), respectively. The HCV infection rates were 2.0% (49/2 500) and 1.3% (32/2 500), respectively and the infection rates of syphilis were 0.4% (10/2 500) and 0.2% (4/2 500), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of three diseases among Chinese and Myanmar populations (P>0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that compared with those aged ≤ 30 years, having lower AIDS awareness, never receiving HIV testing, without HCV and syphilis infection, HIV prevalence was higher among those aged>30 years (OR=3.21, 95%CI: 1.80-5.73), having higher AIDS awareness (OR=17.41, 95%CI: 4.27-70.91), receiving HIV testing (OR=4.93, 95%CI: 2.72-8.92), with HCV infection (OR=5.64, 95%CI: 2.72-11.70) and syphilis infection (OR=8.37, 95%CI: 1.63-43.08). Compared with those aged ≤ 30 years, having marriage years ≤ 3 years, and with HIV negatives, HCV infection rate was higher among those age>30 years (OR=3.02, 95%CI: 1.69-5.38), having marriage years>3 years (OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.34-3.74), and with HIV positives (OR=6.69, 95%CI: 3.29-13.59). Compared with those having HIV negatives, the syphilis infection rate was relatively higher among participants with HIV positives (OR=9.07, 95%CI: 2.00-41.10). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV, HCV, and syphilis among cross-border couples in Mangshi county, Dehong autonomous prefecture of Yunnan province is relatively high. Age, AIDS awareness, HIV testing history, and the length of marriage are associated with the HIV, HCV, and syphilis infection.

First Measurement of High-Energy Reactor Antineutrinos at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first measurement of high-energy reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay, with nearly 9000 inverse beta decay candidates in the prompt energy region of 8-12 MeV observed over 1958 days of data collection. A multivariate analysis is used to separate 2500 signal events from background statistically. The hypothesis of no reactor antineutrinos with neutrino energy above 10 MeV is rejected with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. A 29% antineutrino flux deficit in the prompt energy region of 8-11 MeV is observed compared to a recent model prediction. We provide the unfolded antineutrino spectrum above 7 MeV as a data-based reference for other experiments. This result provides the first direct observation of the production of antineutrinos from several high-Q_{β} isotopes in commercial reactors.

Observation of a State X(2600) in the π^{+}π^{-}η' System in the Process J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η'

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the process J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η^{'} is studied using two largest decay channels of the η^{'} meson, η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→ηπ^{+}π^{-}, η→γγ. A new resonance, which we denote as the X(2600), is observed with a statistical significance larger than 20σ in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant mass spectrum, and it has a connection to a structure around 1.5  GeV/c^{2} in the π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum. A simultaneous fit on the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} and π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectra with the two η^{'} decay modes indicates that the mass and width of the X(2600) state are 2618.3±2.0_{-1.4}^{+16.3}  MeV/c^{2} and 195±5_{-17}^{+26}  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical, and the second systematic.

[Value of high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization in grading of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia]

Objective: To investigate the value of high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization in the grading of cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: A total of 261 cases with diagnosis of CIN and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at west China University Second Hospital, Sichuan University from July 2019 to June 2020 were collected, including 60 cases of CIN1, 41 cases of CIN2, 51 cases of CIN3, 72 cases of SCC, and 37 cases of normal cervical control tissue (10 HPV negative and 27 HPV positive). All pathologic tissues were made into tissue microarrays, and HE staining, HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and p16 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed respectively. The staining was assessed by light microscopy, and the positive rate and positive pattern were analyzed statistically. Results: HPV mRNA ISH in CIN1 mainly showed spot staining in predominantly basal to mid-epithelial layers (≤BME) with a diffuse nuclear signals in the superficial layer (supD), that is, the pattern of ≤BME+supD; in CIN2, it mainly showed spot staining in predominantly basal to above mid-epithelial but not the full layer (>BME) and some cases with supD staining, that is, the pattern of>BME+supD; In CIN3, the mainly pattern was >BME, and the spot staining was distributed throughout the epithelium. In CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3, there were significantly statistical differences among the above three staining patterns (P<0.05). Conclusions: HPV mRNA ISH contributes to the accurate diagnosis and grading of CIN, and has better specificity than p16 IHC staining.

Observation of J/ψ Electromagnetic Dalitz Decays to X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)

Using a sample of about 10^{10}  J/ψ events collected at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV with the BESIII detector, the electromagnetic Dalitz decays J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}π^{+}π^{-}η^{'}, with η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}η, have been studied. The decay J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is observed with a significance of 15σ, and also an e^{+}e^{-} invariant-mass dependent transition form factor of J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is presented for the first time. The intermediate states X(2120) and X(2370) are also observed in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant-mass spectrum with significances of 5.3σ and 7.3σ. The corresponding product branching fractions for J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X, X→π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} [X=X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)] are reported.

Strong Constraints on Neutrino Nonstandard Interactions from TeV-Scale ν_{μ} Disappearance at IceCube

We report a search for nonstandard neutrino interactions (NSI) using eight years of TeV-scale atmospheric muon neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. By reconstructing incident energies and zenith angles for atmospheric neutrino events, this analysis presents unified confidence intervals for the NSI parameter ε_{μτ}. The best-fit value is consistent with no NSI at a p value of 25.2%. With a 90% confidence interval of -0.0041≤ε_{μτ}≤0.0031 along the real axis and similar strength in the complex plane, this result is the strongest constraint on any NSI parameter from any oscillation channel to date.

High Lithium Storage Performance of Co Ion-Doped Li4Ti5O12 Induced by Fast Charge Transport

In this study, Co3O4-doped Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) composite was designed and synthesized by the hydrothermal reduction method and metal doping modification method. The microstructure and electrochemical performance of the Co3O4-doped Li4Ti5O12 composite were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic tests. The results showed that Li4Ti5O12 particles attached to lamellar Co3O4 constituted a heterostructure and Co ion doped into Li4Ti5O12 lattice. This Co ion-doped microstructure improved the charge transportability of Li4Ti5O12 and inhibited the gas evolution behavior of Li4Ti5O12, which enhanced the lithium storage performance. After 20 cycles, the discharge specific capacity reached stability, and the capacity retention maintained 99% after 1,000 cycles at 0.1 A/g (compared to the capacity at the 20th cycle). It had an excellent rate performance and long cycle stability, in which the capacity reached 174.6 mA h/g, 2.2 times higher than that of Li4Ti5O12 at 5 A/g.

[Early diagnosis and predictive model for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma]

Most hepatocellular carcinoma are diagnosed at an advanced stage and thereby have a high mortality rate. Thus, the key to improving patient prognosis is early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years, Asian scholars have summarized a series of hepatocellular carcinoma risk score model for population with chronic hepatitis B, which can help to identify high-risk groups early and improve the early diagnosis rate. This paper briefly analyzes the risk factors and validated risk model for early prediction of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma, and further reviews the effect of antiviral therapy on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pulse chirp enhances the laser acceleration of neutral particles

Accelerating neutral atoms is challenging because such particles are not directly manipulated by electric and magnetic fields as charged particles. In our acceleration scheme, the excited atom requires a sufficiently high gradient acceleration force. The key challenge in laser acceleration experiments is that not only must the photon energy excite atoms to the Rydberg state, but also atoms must not be ionized in an intense laser field. In this Letter, we propose using a chirped laser pulse to achieve the objectives above. The enhancement effect of the pulse chirp on the laser acceleration of neutral particles is investigated via numerical simulation and analytical analysis.

The distribution of SIgA and IgG antibody-secreting cells in the large intestine of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus)

BACKGROUND

Mucosal immunoglobulin comprises mainly secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) which mainly participates in the intestinal mucosal pathogenspecific immune response. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is another common immunoglobulin. Bactrian camels' gastrointestinal mucosal tissue has a special mucosal immune system. However, the distribution characteristics of these two antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in Bactrian camel's large intestine mucosal immunity system remain largely unknown. This study was aimed to describe the distribution characteristics and density of SIgA and IgG ASCs in the mucosal immunity tissues of Bactrian camel large intestine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tissue samples were collected from different parts of the large intestines of 10 healthy adult Chinese Alashan Bactrian camels. Immunohistochemistry technology was used to determine the distribution of SIgA and IgG ASCs in the large intestine samples and the image-Pro Plus 6.0 was employed to calculate their densities.

RESULTS

SIgA and IgG ASCs were distributed in lamina propria of the large intestine mucosa with some ASCs aggregating around the intestinal glands. The SIgA density increased from ileocecal orifice to the caecum and decreased from the colon to the rectum. The largest number of SIgA ASCs was observed in the caecum, followed by anterior colonic segments, ileocecal orifice, posterior colonic segments, and rectum, and the number of SIgA ASCs in the caecum was significantly larger than that in other four positions (p < 0.05). Similarly, the number of IgG ASCs was also the largest in the caecum, which was significantly higher than that in ileocecal orifice, anterior, posterior colonic segments, and rectum (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SIgA and IgG ASCs are mainly distributed in intestinal mucosal immunity effector sites. These distribution characteristics provide evidence to support that SIgA and IgG supply effective protection and maintain homeostasis in the large intestinal mucosa.

[Characteristics and changes of sensitization patterns of major allergens in children from 2010 to 2020 in a hospital of pediatric in Beijing]

Objective: To analyze the sensitization characteristics and change of major allergens in children from 2010 to 2020 in Beijing, so as to provide basis for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergic diseases in children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the children who were suspected of allergic diseases and tested for serum immunoglobulin E (total IgE and specific IgE) in the children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2010 to December 2020. A total of 45 746 children aged 0-17 years in Beijing were enrolled with a median (interquartile range) of 3.8 (2.5, 5.3) years. There were 28 918 boys (63.2%) and 16 828 girls (36.8%) and 14 984 cases (32.8%) in the infant group (<3 years old), 22 049 cases (48.2%) in the preschool group (3-6 years old), and 8 713 cases (19.0%) in the school-age group (6 years old and above). Immunocap allergen detection system (fluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was used to detect and the characteristics and change trend of allergens during 11 years were statistically analyzed by Chi square test. Results: The top three positive rates of single food allergens sIgE were egg white 42.6% (2 788/6 577 tests), milk 38.4% (2 606/6 782 tests) and wheat 31.8% (1 417/4 449 tests), and the sequence of single inhaled allergens were Ragweed 42.6% (440/1 034 tests), Artemisia 38.4% (1 045/3 191 tests) and Alternaria alternata 31.3% (3 358/10 725 tests). The positive detection rates of egg white 47.0%(1 904/4 048 tests), milk 41.9%(1 769/4 226 tests) and wheat 33.9%(973/2 870 tests) in the infant group were the highest, and there have statistically significant(χ²=91.495, 73.907, 16.966, P<0.05). The positive rates of fx1 (22.5%, 121/537 tests), peanut (24.9%, 111/446 tests), soybean (20.0%, 74/370 tests) and shrimp (7.48%, 44/588 tests) were the highest in the school-age group(χ²=14.436, 10.751, 11.569, 13.703, P<0.05). The most common inhaled allergens were Alternaria alternata (14.8%, 422/2 859 tests) in the infant group, Ambrosia (34.5%, 143/415 tests) and Alternaria alternata (33.5%, 1 762/5 254 tests) in the preschool group, while in the school-age group were Ambrosia (56.4%, 282/500 tests) and Artemisia (48.2%, 573/1 189 tests). The positive rates of egg white, milk, wheat, sesame seed and peanut varied from 2010 to 2020, showing a trend of falling first and then rising(χ²=10.293,χ²=12.066,χ²=7.402,χ²=32.458,χ²=31.747,P<0.05).The positive detection rates of soybean showed a significant downward trend (21.4%, 173/809 tests in 2010, 15.4%, 70/455 tests in 2020, χ²=6.751,P=0.009), while that of shrimp and crab were at a stable low level(χ²=0.263, 1.346;P>0.05). From 2010 to 2020, mold (26.7%, 1 066/3 998 tests in 2010, 40.2% 1 705/4 243 tests in 2020), grass pollen (19.8%, 259/1 308 tests in 2010, 39.3%, 1 472/3 746 tests in 2020), tree pollen(17%, 180/1 058 tests in 2010, 29.8%, 916/3 075 tests in 2020) and animal dander (18.5%, 111/601 tests in 2010, 26.6%, 672/2 522 tests in 2020) were all showed significant upward trend (χ²=168.600, 163.601, 65.931 and 17.271 respectively, P<0.001) but dust mites (30.7%, 1 270/4 132 tests in 2010, 26.7%, 1 126/4 221 tests in 2020) showed a significant downward trend(χ²=16.822,P<0.001).In 2010, the most common inhaled allergen was dust mite 30.7% (1 270/4 132 tests), followed by mold 26.7% (1 066/3 998 tests), while they were mold 40.2% (1 705/1 243 tests), and grass pollen 39.3% (1 472/3 746 texts) respectively in 2020. Conclusion: In the past 11 years, the main food allergens in children were still egg white and milk, wheat, but the mold and pollen gradually replaced dust mite as the most common inhaled allergen.

Longitudinal associations between problematic Internet use, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents

Introduction

Adolescents spend more time on the Internet than adults, making them susceptible to problematic Internet use (PIU). Evidence shows that PIU has a negative impact on self-esteem among adolescents, disturbing the development of emotional regulation, which makes them more likely to develop depressive symptoms subsequently. However, there is lack of literature focusing on the process that self-esteem may mediate the association between PIU and depressive symptoms.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the prospective links between PIU, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms in adolescence.

Methods

A total of 1,736 adolescents completed this longitudinal study. The baseline survey was conducted in 2019, and the follow-up surveys were performed at 1-year and 2-year later. Problematic Internet use, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms were measured. A cascade model was used to examine the longitudinal associations between PIU, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms.

Results

The mean (SD) age of participants was 13.6 (1.5) years at baseline. The final results observed significant within-time associations between PIU, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms at each time point. PIU and low level of self-esteem could predict subsequent depressive symptoms among adolescents, and depressive symptoms were also associated with subsequent PIU and self-esteem.

Conclusions

Both problematic Internet use and self-esteem show bidirectional predictions with depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents. Health-related professionals, schools and families should be aware of the findings of bidirectional associations. Adolescents with problematic Internet use and lower self-esteem should be paid more attention to attenuate the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Probing CP symmetry and weak phases with entangled double-strange baryons

Though immensely successful, the standard model of particle physics does not offer any explanation as to why our Universe contains so much more matter than antimatter. A key to a dynamically generated matter-antimatter asymmetry is the existence of processes that violate the combined charge conjugation and parity (CP) symmetry1. As such, precision tests of CP symmetry may be used to search for physics beyond the standard model. However, hadrons decay through an interplay of strong and weak processes, quantified in terms of relative phases between the amplitudes. Although previous experiments constructed CP observables that depend on both strong and weak phases, we present an approach where sequential two-body decays of entangled multi-strange baryon-antibaryon pairs provide a separation between these phases. Our method, exploiting spin entanglement between the double-strange Ξ- baryon and its antiparticle2 [Formula: see text], has enabled a direct determination of the weak-phase difference, (ξP - ξS) = (1.2 ± 3.4 ± 0.8) × 10-2 rad. Furthermore, three independent CP observables can be constructed from our measured parameters. The precision in the estimated parameters for a given data sample size is several orders of magnitude greater than achieved with previous methods3. Finally, we provide an independent measurement of the recently debated Λ decay parameter αΛ (refs. 4,5). The [Formula: see text] asymmetry is in agreement with and compatible in precision to the most precise previous measurement4.

The effect of edaravone combined with DL-3-N-butylphthalide on the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, neuron-specific enolase and effect in patients with acute cerebral infarction

This study observed the effects of edaravone combined with Dl-3-N-butylphthalide (NBP) on the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and its therapeutic effect in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). The purpose of this study was to explore whether edaravone combined with NBP could improve the neurological function of patients with ACI. A total of 86 patients with ACI were enrolled in this study; 43 patients were randomly assigned to the control group and treated with edaravone only, while the other 43 patients were assigned to the intervention group and treated with a combination of edaravone and NBP. The course of treatment lasted 14 days, and the basic drug treatment was the same in both groups. The effective rate of activity of daily living scores (ADL) was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After the treatment had been administered, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores of the two groups were lower than before the treatment, and the scores were lower in the intervention compared with the control group; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After the treatment had been administered, the serum levels of TNF-α and NSE were significantly lower in the intervention than in the control group, and the serum IL-10 level was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Edaravone combined with NBP improved the neurological function of patients with ACI, improved their quality of life, significantly decreased the serum levels of TNF-a and NSE, increased the serum IL-10 level, and had a better effect. This combination therapy method can be adopted in clinics to treat patients with ACI.

[Development of a Ranking Tool for Scientificity, Transparency and Applicability of Clinical Practice Guidelines]

Objective: To address the limitations of existing methods and tools for evaluating clinical practice guidelines, we aimed to develop a comprehensive instrument focusing on the three main dimensions of guideline development: scientificity, transparency, applicability. We will use it to rank the guidelines according to the scores. We abbreviated it as STAR, and its reliability, validity and usability were also tested. Methods: A multidisciplinary expert working group was set up, including methodologists, statisticians, journal editors, medical professionals, and others. Scoping review, Delphi methods and hierarchical analysis were used to determine the final checklist of STAR. Results: The new instrument contained 11 domains and 39 items. Intrinsic reliability of each domain was indicated by Cronbach's α coefficient, with a average value of 0.646. The Cohen's kappa coefficients for methodological evaluators and clinical evaluators were 0.783 and 0.618. The overall content validity index was 0.905. The R2 for the criterion validity analysis was 0.76. The average score for usability of the items was 4.6, and the mean time spent to evaluate each guideline was 20 minutes. Conclusion: The instrument has good reliability, validity and evaluating efficiency, and can be used for evaluating and ranking guidelines more comprehensively.

Haze Occurrence Caused by High Gas-to-Particle Conversion in Moisture Air under Low Pollutant Emission in a Megacity of China

Haze occurred in Zhengzhou, a megacity in the northern China, with the PM_2.5 as high as 254 μg m⁻³ on 25 December 2019, despite the emergency response measure of restriction on the emission of anthropogenic pollutants which was implemented on December 19 for suppressing local air pollution. Air pollutant concentrations, chemical compositions, and the origins of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) between 5–26 December were investigated to explore the reasons for the haze occurrence. Results show that the haze was caused by efficient SO₂-to-suflate and NO_x-to-nitrate conversions under high relative humidity (RH) condition. In comparison with the period before the restriction (5–18 December) when the PM_2.5 was low, the concentration of PM_2.5 during the haze (19–26 December) was 173 µg m⁻³ on average with 51% contributed by sulfate (31 µg m⁻³) and nitrate (57 µg m⁻³). The conversions of SO₂-to-sulfate and NO_x-to-nitrate efficiently produced sulfate and nitrate although the concentration of the two precursor gases SO₂ and NO_x was low. The high RH, which was more than 70% and the consequence of artificial water-vapor spreading in the urban air for reducing air pollutants, was the key factor causing the conversion rates to be enlarged in the constriction period. In addition, the last 48 h movement of the air parcels on 19–26 December was stagnant, and the air mass was from surrounding areas within 200 km, indicating weather conditions favoring the accumulation of locally-originated pollutants. Although emergency response measures were implemented, high gas-to-particle conversions in stagnant and moisture circumstances can still cause severe haze in urban air. Since the artificial water-vapor spreading in the urban air was one of the reasons for the high RH, it is likely that the spreading had unexpected side effects in some certain circumstances and needs to be taken into consideration in future studies.

[Risk assessment of internal mammary lymph node metastasis and choice of irradiation of internal mammary lymphatic drainage area in breast cancer patients with negative internal breast lymph nodes on imaging]

Objective: To explore the independent risk factors of internal mammary lymph nodes (IMN) metastasis and the risk assessment method of IMN metastasis preoperatively in breast cancer patients with negative IMN in imaging examination, and guide the radiotherapy of IMN in patients with different risk stratification of IMN metastasis. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 301 breast cancer patients who underwent internal mammary sentinel node biopsy(IM-SLNB) and/or IMN dissection in Shandong Cancer Hospital with negative IMN on CT and/or MRI from January 2010 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The independent risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and the independent risk factors of IMN metastasis were used to risk stratification. Results: Among the 301 patients, 43 patients had IMN metastasis, and the rate of IMN metastasis was 14.3%. Univariate analysis showed that vascular tumor thrombus, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, T stage and N stage were associated with IMN metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor located in medial quadrant, positive PR and axillary lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for IMN metastasis. The risk of IMN metastasis was assessed according to the independent risk factors of the patients: low-risk group is including 0 risk factor, medium-risk group is including 1 risk factor, and high-risk group is including 2-3 risk factors. According to this evaluation criteria, 301 patients with breast cancer were divided into low-risk group (with 0 risk factors), medium-risk group (with 1 risk factor) and high-risk group (with 2-3 risk factors). The IMN metastasis rates were 0 (0/34), 4.3% (6/140) and 29.1% (37/127), respectively. Conclusions: The risk stratification of IMN metastasis according to three independent risk factors of IMN metastasis including tumor located in medial quadrant, positive PR and axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients can guide the radiotherapy of IMN in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. For N1 patients, radiotherapy of IMN is strongly recommended when the primary tumor is located in the medial quadrant and/or PR positive.

Dietary amylose and amylopectin ratio changes starch digestion and intestinal microbiota diversity in goslings

1. Research has confirmed that amylopectin (AP) is more easily digested than amylose (AM) because AP polymers have more intramolecular hydrogen bonds and less surface area. Studying the relationship between the amylose:amylopectin (AM:AP) ratio and intestine digestion in goslings can provide useful information for effective utilisation of starch.2. A total of 288 healthy male Jiangnan White Goslings, aged three days old, were randomly allotted to four groups, which included six pen replicates per treatment with 12 goslings per replicate. Four diets were formulated with maize, long-grained rice and glutinous rice as starch sources, with AM:AP ratios of 0.12, 0.23, 0.34, and 0.45. In vitro starch digestion of the four diets was measured, as well as the effect of AM:AP ratio on growth performance, serum amino-acid concentration and intestinal microbiota diversity of goslings.3. In terms of in vitro starch digestion, the increase in dietary AM:AP ratio resulted in a decrease followed by an increase in both rapidly and slowly digestible starch. The glucose release rate at an AM:AP ratio of 0.34 showed a steady upward trend.4. The in vivo study showed that increasing the AM:AP ratio resulted in a quadratic increase in body weight (BW) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P<0.05). Goslings fed diets with an AM:AP ratio of 0.34 had lower (P<0.05) histidine and valine serum concentrations compared with the other three starch sources. Higher AM was beneficial to jejunal microbial and diversity. The species colonisation level of the jejunum microbiota samples at an AM:AP ratio of 0.34 was higher than that in the other groups.5. The results indicated that diets with an AM:AP ratio of 0.34 improved the growth performance and intestinal microbiota diversity of goslings. This may have been due to the higher level of resistant starch in amylose, which resulted in a slow release of intestinal glucose that acted as a substrate for the microbial species, thus providing conditions that were more conducive to growth.

[Clinicopathological festures and outcome of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and pathological types and outcome of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC). Methods: 30 cases of cHCC-CC were collected from Jan 2007 to Jun 2021 at General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, People's Liberation Army of China, and analyzed the clinicopathological features, immunohistochemistry and outcome. The histological morphology was classified according to the Goodman standard and the fifth edition of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of digestive system tumors. Results: According to the Goodman classification, 9 cases belonged to type Ⅰ (i.e., collision tumor), with a coincidental occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma in the same specimen, and 21 cases were Type Ⅱ or "transitional tumors", in which there were areas of intermediate differentiation and an identifiable transition between hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. According to the WHO classification of digestive system tumors (5th Edition), 25 cases were classified in cHCC-CC, and 5 cases were cHCC-CC-Intermediate cell carcinoma. There were 28 males and 2 females, with an average age of 50.4 (31-72) years old. 21 cases accompanied liver cirrhosis, with liver flukes in 1 case and HBsAg positive in 23 cases. Immunohistochemical staining showed nestin was positive in 9 cases, 66.7% died (6/9) and 33.3% (3/9) survived only 6 months. The 1-year recurrence rate was 3.9% for liver resection and 50% for orthotopic liver transplantation, and liver resection has longer median survival time than liver transplantation after recurrence. Conclusions: cHCC-CC is a rare type of primary liver malignant tumor. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult. The definite diagnosis depends on histopathological morphology and immunohistochemical markers. Nestin may be as a prognosis factor, and surgical treatment is preferably liver resection.

[Progress of regulatory T cells in the regulation of anti-tuberculosis immunity]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), as an intracellular parasitic bacterium, invades the human body mainly through droplets, which can lead to multiple organ infection, causing the body to produce T cell-dominated immunity to tuberculosis (TB). Regulatory T cells (Tregs), as a class of T lymphocyte subsets that negatively regulate the immune response of the body, play an important role in regulating immune balance in host anti-tuberculosis immunity. A large number of studies have shown that MTB-specific Tregs affects the occurrence and development of tuberculosis and the efficacy of the vaccine. Therefore, elucidating the role and regulatory mechanism underlying anti-MTB immune response of MTB-specific Tregs will help to further understanding of the decrease of host anti-MTB immune cell function, and provide a basis for the study of immunotherapy of TB. This paper briefly introduces the subtypes and functions of Tregs, and systematically reviews the research progress of Tregs in many fields of TB.