Biogenic volatile organic compound emissions from leaves and fruits of apple and peach trees during fruit development

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are widely involved in a variety of atmospheric chemical processes due to their high reactivity and species diversity. To date, however, research on BVOCs in agroecosystems, particularly fruit trees, remains scarce despite their large cultivation area and economic interest. BVOC emissions from different organs (leaf or fruit) of apple and peach trees were investigated throughout the stages of fruit development (FS, fruit swelling; FC, fruit coloration; FM, fruit maturity; and FP, fruit postharvest) using a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer. Results indicated that methanol was the most abundant compound emitted by the leaf (apple tree leaf 492.5 ± 47.9 ng/(g·hr), peach tree leaf 938.8 ±  154.5 ng/(g·hr)), followed by acetic acid and green leaf volatiles. Beside the above three compounds, acetaldehyde had an important contribution to the emissions from the fruit. Overall, the total BVOCs (sum of eight compounds studied in this paper) emitted by both leaf and fruit gradually decreased along the fruit development, although the effect was significant only for the leaf. The leaf (2020.8 ±  258.8 ng/(g·hr)) was a stronger BVOC emitter than the fruit (146.0 ± 45.7 ng/(g·hr)) (P = 0.006), and there were no significant differences in total BVOC emission rates between apple and peach trees. These findings contribute to our understanding on BVOC emissions from different plant organs and provide important insights into the variation of BVOC emissions across different fruit developmental stages.

Pathological changes and antigen localization in the small intestine of rabbits infected with Eimeria magna

<p>Coccidiosis is a major disease caused by various <em>Eimeria</em> species in rabbits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the haematological and pathological changes in rabbits infected with <em>E. magna</em>. Moreover, the localisation of coccidial antigens was examined in the intestines of rabbits with two kinds of serum as primary antibodies. In the present study, forty-five 28-day-old weaned rabbits were randomly divided into three groups and reared in three separate places. Group A was infected with 20×10³ sporulated oocysts of <em>E. magna</em>, group B was only used to produce anti-<em>E. intestinalis</em> serum by infecting them with 3×10³ sporulated oocysts of <em>E. intestinalis</em>, and group C was designated as the control group. According to histopathological evaluation of group A, the epithelial cells of the jejunum and ileum were parasitised with a large number of oocysts and other stages of <em>E. magna</em>. The haematological results showed that red blood cell counts, haemoglobin counts, haematocrit levels and the percentage of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in group A compared with group C (<em>P</em>&lt;0.01), but white blood cell counts and the percentage of neutrophils were significantly increased (<em>P</em>&lt;0.01). The weight of group A began to decrease on the 5^th day after infection, and this decrease continued until the 9th day. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that two kinds of coccidial antigens were basically located at the same sites of the intestine when anti-<em>E. intestinalis</em> serum and anti-<em>E. magna</em> serum were used as primary antibodies. Most likely, <em>E. magna</em> and <em>E. intestinalis</em> antigens have some similar antigenic determinants; this finding provides a theoretical basis for screening for common antigens of these two coccidian species.</p>

Directed evolution of AAV accounting for long-term and enhanced transduction of cardiovascular endothelial cells in vivo

Cardiac endothelial cells (ECs) are important targets for cardiovascular gene therapy. However, the approach of stably transducing ECs in vivo using different vectors, including adeno-associated virus (AAV), remains unexamined. Regarding this unmet need, two AAV libraries from DNA shuffling and random peptide display were simultaneously screened in a transgenic mouse model. Cardiac ECs were isolated by cell sorting for salvage of EC-targeting AAV. Two AAV variants, i.e., EC71 and EC73, enriched in cardiac EC, were further characterized for their tissue tropism. Both of them demonstrated remarkably enhanced transduction of cardiac ECs and reduced infection of liver ECs in comparison to natural AAVs after intravenous injection. Significantly, persistent transgene expression was maintained in mouse cardiac ECs in vivo for at least 4 months. The EC71 vector was selected for delivery of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene into cardiac ECs in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. Enhanced eNOS activity was observed in the mouse heart and lung, which was correlated with partially improved cardiac function. Taken together, two AAV capsids were evolved with more efficient transduction in cardiovascular endothelium in vivo, but their endothelial tropism might need to be further optimized for practical application to cardiac gene therapy.

Observation of the Mass Difference between Neutral Charm-Meson Eigenstates

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

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

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

Effect of Pyrazosulfuron-Methyl on the Photosynthetic Characteristics and Antioxidant Systems of Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet (Setaria Italica L.) plays a principal role in food security in Africa and Asia, but it is sensitive to a variety of herbicides. This study was performed to clarify whether pyrazosulfuron-methyl can be used in foxtail millet fields and the effect of pyrazosulfuron-methyl on the photosynthetic performance of foxtail millet. Two foxtail millet varieties (Jingu 21 and Zhangzagu 10) were subjected to five doses (0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 g ai ha-1) of pyrazosulfuron-methyl in pot and field experiments. The plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, photosynthetic pigment contents, gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and antioxidant contents at 7 and 15 days after pyrazosulfuron-methyl application, and the yield of foxtail millet were measured. The results suggested that pyrazosulfuron-methyl inhibited the growth of foxtail millet and reduced the photosynthetic pigment contents, photosynthetic rate, and photosynthetic system II activity. Similarly, pyrazosulfuron-methyl decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant contents. These results also indicated that the toxicity of pyrazosulfuron-methyl to foxtail millet was decreased gradually with the extension of time after application; however, the foxtail millet yield was still significantly reduced. Therefore, pyrazosulfuron-methyl is not recommended for application in foxtail millet fields.

[Renal mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma: clinicopathological and whole exome sequencing analyses]

Objective: To explore the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC), and to explore the all-exon mutations, microsatellite stability and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in MTSCC cases. Methods: The data of 5 patients with MTSCC that were submitted to the Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China from January 2008 to May 2020, were reviewed and analyzed. The whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in all patients, while 3 of them were subject to the analyses of microsatellite stability and TMB. Results: Among the 5 patients, 3 were males and 2 were females. They were 37-76 years old. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 3.5-6.0 cm. The borders of the tumors were well defined. Microscopically, MTSCC was characterized by tubular structure, spindle cell and mucinous stroma, and the nuclear grade of tumor cells was overall low. The average follow-up was 15 months, and no recurrence or metastasis was found. Immunohistochemistry showed that all 5 cases were positive for broad-spectrum cytokeratin (CKpan), cytokeratin (CK)7, CK19, vimentin, PAX8, and P504s (varying expression levels), and the Ki-67 positive index was low. The WES of 5 cases showed that NF2 and PTPN14 exhibited higher mutation rates, which were 3/5 and 2/5, respectively. The microsatellite stability analysis indicated that the 3 cases were all microsatellite stable, and the TMB analysis showed that the TMB of the 3 cases were all <9 mut/Mb. Conclusions: MTSCC is a unique, low-grade pleomorphic kidney tumor. The WES analyses suggest that NF2 and PTPN14 have a higher mutation rate, indicating that the occurrence and development of MTSCC may be closely related to the Hippo pathway. The analysis of microsatellite stability indicates that there is no significant relationship between microsatellite stability and MTSCC, and the TMB analysis suggests that MTSCC patients may not benefit from immunotherapy.

Accelerating Socket Repair via WNT3A Curtails Alveolar Ridge Resorption

Tooth extraction triggers alveolar ridge resorption, and when this resorption is extensive, it can complicate subsequent reconstructive procedures that use dental implants. Clinical data demonstrate that the most significant dimensional changes in the ridge occur soon after tooth extraction. Here, we sought to understand whether a correlation existed between the rate at which an extraction socket heals and the extent of alveolar ridge resorption. Maxillary molars were extracted from young and osteoporotic rodents, and quantitative micro-computed tomographic imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to simultaneously follow socket repair and alveolar ridge resorption. Extraction sockets rapidly filled with new bone via the proliferation and differentiation of Wnt-responsive osteoprogenitor cells and their progeny. At the same time that new bone was being deposited in the socket, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-expressing osteoclasts were resorbing the ridge. Significantly faster socket repair in young animals was associated with significantly more Wnt-responsive osteoprogenitor cells and their progeny as compared with osteoporotic animals. Delivery of WNT3A to the extraction sockets of osteoporotic animals restored the number of Wnt-responsive cells and their progeny back to levels seen in young healthy animals and accelerated socket repair in osteoporotic animals back to rates seen in the young. In cases where the extraction socket was treated with WNT3A, alveolar ridge resorption was significantly reduced. These data demonstrate a causal link between enhancing socket repair via WNT3A and preserving alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction.

HPV16 infection promotes an M2 macrophage phenotype to promote the invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is an important risk factor for esophageal cancer. Macrophages constitute a crucial immune medium for regulating HPV-related tumors; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of our current study was to investigate the mechanism by which HPV16E6 regulates macrophages to promote the invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer.

METHODS

HPV16E6 infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the distribution of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and MMP-9 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues (ESCCs), and cancer adjacent normal tissues (CANs) from Kazakh patients. ESCC cells were transfected with a plasmid over-expressing HPV16E6 and non-contact cocultured with macrophages.

RESULTS

The infection rate of HPV16E6 in Kazakh ESCCs was clearly higher than that in CANs (P < 0.05). The density of CD163-positive TAMs was significantly positively correlated with HPV16E6 infection in ESCCs (P < 0.05). After coculturing macrophages and EC9706 cells transfected with the HPV16E6 plasmid, the phenotype of macrophages transformed into M2 macrophages. The migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells were higher in the HPV16E6-transfected and coculture group than in the HPV16E6 empty vector-transfected and non-cocultured HPV16E6-transfected groups (all P < 0.05). The density of M2-like TAMs in ESCCs was positively correlated with the level of MMP-9 expression. MMP-9 expression in the HPV16E6-ESCC coculture macrophages group was substantially higher than that in controls (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV16 infection mediates tumor-associated macrophages to promote ESCC invasion and migration.

[The correlation between serum uric acid levels in the third trimester of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes]

Objective: To investigate the associations between serum uric acid levels during the third trimester of pregnancy and risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective study, a cohort of 7 995 pregnant women who were hospitalized for childbirth from January 2014 to January 2019 were collected to compare pregnancy outcomes between subjects with or without hyperuricemia (HUA). A smooth curve analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between uric acid levels and preterm delivery, low birth weight and smaller than gestational age. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the interaction of the factors. Results: During the third trimester of pregnancy, the uric acid levels of about 10% pregnant women were over 420 μmol/L. In those with HUA, the median neonatal birth weight was 2 590 (1 790, 3 410) g, the probability of premature birth was 49.81%, and the incidence of small than gestational age was 20.41%. These were significantly different from the women without HUA (the median neonatal birth weight: 3300 (2850, 3640) g; the probability of premature birth 23.09%; the incidence of small than gestational age 6.55%, respectively) (All P<0.001). Maternal uric acid levels were negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight, and positively correlated with the risk of smaller than gestational age. It has a U-shaped association with the probability of premature birth, and the lowest probability of premature birth was at 200-400 μmol/L of the uric acid. Risks of low birth weight (adjusted β=-5.22, 95%CI-6.46--3.99) and smaller than gestational age (adjusted OR=1.03, 95%CI 1.02-1.04) were increased in the function of uric acid levels. High uric acid, hypertension, oligoamnios and preeclampsia were important risk factors for the adverse pregnancy outcomes. The risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight enhanced when hyperuricemia combined with hypertension and preeclampsia. Conclusions: Serum uric acid level can be used as one of reliable markers for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes, which might provide theoretical basis for clinical intervention in practice.

Factors associated with long-term haemoptysis recurrence after transarterial embolisation for haemoptysis

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with long-term haemoptysis recurrence after transarterial embolisation (TAE) for haemoptysis due to bronchiectasis.METHODS: Patients with haemoptysis due to bronchiectasis who underwent TAE between May 2010 and May 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Long-term haemoptysis recurrence was defined as the expectoration of >10 mL/day of fresh blood (for at least 1 day) 1 month after TAE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE.RESULTS: A total of 197 patients (108 women; mean age, 61.0 ± 12.2 years) were included in the study. TAE was performed successfully in all patients. Side effects occurred in 43 (21.8%) patients, and all patients recovered uneventfully. During 37.6 ± 11.6 months of follow-up, long-term haemoptysis recurrence occurred in 41 (20.8%) patients; the mean interval between the TAE and haemoptysis recurrence was 21.4 ± 16.3 months. Long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE was associated with a history of haemoptysis (OR 3.483, 95% CI 1.373-8.836; P = 0.009).CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one fifth patients with bronchiectasis had long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE. Risk factor for long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE was a history of haemoptysis.

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

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

[Changes of guanylate cyclase C in colon tissues of rats with intestinal injury associated with severe acute pancreatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the dynamic changes of guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) in the colon tissues of rats with intestinal injury associated with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

OBJECTIVE

Thirty-six SD rats were randomized equally into two groups to receive either sham operation or retrograde pumping of 5% sodium taurocholate (0.1 mL/100 g) into the pancreaticobiliary duct following laparotomy to induce SAP. At 12, 24, and 48 h after modeling, 6 rats from each group were euthanized and the colon tissues were collected for Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to determine the changes in GC-C expression, and the lowest GC-C expression was deemed to indicate the most serious intestinal injury and the time window for intervention. Another 18 SD rats were randomized into 3 groups for sham operation, SAP modeling or intragastric administration of linaclotide (a GC-C agonist) solution once daily at the dose of 10 μg/kg. At 12 h after modeling, the pathological changes in the pancreas and colon were observed with HE staining; the serum level of AMY, DAO, D-Lac and TNF-α were measured with ELISA, and the expressions of GC-C and claudin-1 were detected using Western blotting, immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE

The expression of GC-C was significantly reduced in the colon of rats in SAP group, and its lowest expression occurred at 12 h after modeling (P < 0.05) followed by gradual increase over time. Claudin-1 showed a similar trend in the colon. Compared with the sham-operated rats, the rats in SAP and Linaclotide groups showed significantly increased pathological scores of the colon tissues (P < 0.05) and serum levels of AMY, DAO, D-Lac and TNF-α and decreased expressions of GC-C and claudin-1 in the colon (P < 0.05). Compared with those in SAP group, the rats in linaclotide group had significantly lower colonic histopathological scores, lower serum levels of AMY, DAO, D-Lac and TNF-α, and higher expression levels of GC-C and claudin-1 in the colon tissue.

OBJECTIVE

In rats with SAP-related intestinal injury, the expression of GC-C in the colon tissue decreases to the lowest level at 12 h after SAP onset followed by gradual increase. activating GC-C can increase the expression levels of GC-C and claudin-1 and alleviate intestinal injury, suggesting the role of GC-C in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the expression of tight junction proteins.

[Progress of researches on the actions of praziquantel against hepatic fibrosis]

Praziquantel not only has broad-spectrum anti-trematode and anti-tapeworm effects, but also has pharmacological effects such as regulating inflammatory response and anti-fibrosis. Hereby, the anti-fibrosis effect of praziquantel and its mechanism were reviewed in order to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

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

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

Cloning and Characterization of TaSAP7-A, a Member of the Stress-Associated Protein Family in Common Wheat

Stress association proteins (SAPs) are A20/AN1 zinc-finger domain proteins, which play important roles in plant adaptation to abiotic stress and plant development. The functions of SAPs in some plants were reported, but little is known about it in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we characterized a novel 2AN1-type stress association protein gene TaSAP7-A, which was mapped to chromosome 5A in wheat. Subcellular localization indicated that TaSAP7-A was distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Unlike previously known A20/AN1-type SAP genes, TaSAP7-A was negatively regulated to abiotic stress tolerance. Overexpressing TaSAP7-A Arabidopsis lines were hypersensitive to ABA, osmotic and salt stress at germination stage and post-germination stage. Overexpression of TaSAP7-A Arabidopsis plants accelerated the detached leaves' chlorophyll degradation. Association analysis of TaSAP7-A haplotypes and agronomic traits showed that Hap-5A-2 was significantly associated with higher chlorophyll content at jointing stage and grain-filling stage. These results jointly revealed that TaSAP7-A is related to the chlorophyll content in the leaves of Arabidopsis and wheat. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that TaSAP7-A interacted with TaS10B, which was the component of regulatory subunit in 26S proteasome. In general, TaSAP7-A was a regulator of chlorophyll content, and favorable haplotypes should be helpful for improving plant chlorophyll content and grain yield of wheat.

Contributions of epiphytic microbiota on the fermentation characteristics and microbial composition of ensiled six whole crop corn varieties

AIMS

The present study is aimed to reveal the variations in epiphytic microbial composition among six whole crop corn (WCC) varieties and their contributions on ensiling characteristics and microbial composition of WCC silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six WCC varieties (JS06, YS23, BS20, JS39, JS40 and JS26) were ensiled for 90 days. All WCC varieties were well fermented with low pH value (<4·0) and high LA (73·6-124 g kg^-1 DM, dry matter) concentration. Of six varieties, JS40 had the highest LA (124 g kg^-1 DM) concentration, which was supported by highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Pantoea was the most dominant epiphytic bacteria in all fresh WCC varieties; however, the secondary dominant genera among six WCC were absolutely difference. Lactobacillus became predominant genus in 90-day silages except YS23. YS23 kept the more bacterial genus from fresh to 90-day silages than other silages, meanwhile Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were the dominant bacteria in YS23 silages.

CONCLUSIONS

Among six WCC varieties, JS40 silage had the highest LA. The variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC affected terminal microbial community of 90-day silages. There were differences in fermentation characteristics among six WCC varieties, which might be partly attributed to variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study not only enriches the research on microbial communities of plant phyllosphere but also provides theoretical basis for selecting WCC varieties and inoculants for the forage production.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Comparison on short-term safety outcomes between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting by experienced surgeons: a single center study with 31 075 cases]

Objective: To compare the short-term outcomes between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) by experienced surgeons with similar surgical team in a single large-volume cardiac surgery center. Methods: A total of 31 075 patients with multivessel coronary disease who underwent isolated off-pump or on-pump CABG between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019 by experienced surgeons in Fuwai hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients was divided into on-pump CABG group and on-pump CABG group on an intention-to treat basis. Short term safety endpoints, including 30 days mortality, composite endpoint of major morbidity or mortality, prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS), and prolonged ICU length of stay (PICULOS), and distal anastomosis were compared between the two groups. Mortality was evaluated on 30 days post operation, other endpoints were collected before discharge. After 1∶1 propensity-score matching of baseline characteristics for on-pump and off-pump CABG, postoperative endpoints were compared with use of McNemar's test and further adjusted with the use of a logistic regression model. Results: After propensity-score matching, 10 243 matched pairs of patients were included in the final analysis, there were 4 605(22.5%) females and mean age was (60.7±8.6) years. The standardized differences were less than 5% for all baseline variables in matched cohort. Univariate analysis indicated lower risk of 30 days mortality (0.2% vs. 0.7%, P<0.001), major morbidity or mortality (5.7% vs. 8.8%, P<0.001), PLOS (3.2% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001), PICULOS (9.4% vs. 12.2, P<0.001), and lower number of distal anastomosis ((3.3±0.8) vs. (3.6±0.8), P<0.001) in off-pump CABG group than in on-pump CABG group. After adjustment of cofounders, multivariate analysis showed that off-pump CABG was still associated with a lower risk of 30 days mortality (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.09-0.87, P=0.027), composite endpoint of major morbidity or mortality (OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.53-0.68, P<0.001), PLOS (OR=0.64, 95%CI 0.54-0.75, P<0.001), PICULOS (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.69-0.84, P<0.001). Conclusions: Off-pump CABG is related with superior short-term safety outcomes than on-pump CABG by experienced surgeons in our center.

Characterisation of symptomatic intracranial plaque without substantial stenosis using high-resolution vessel wall MRI

AIM

To characterise symptomatic intracranial plaque without substantial stenosis using three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution contrast-enhanced black-blood magnetic resonance imaging (BBMRI) and to determine plaque features associated with recent cerebrovascular events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. The case notes from patients with evidence of intracranial atherosclerosis in a large intracranial artery with preceding BBMRI were reviewed retrospectively. Symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques with substantial luminal stenosis (<50%) were matched by plaque location and patient age. All MRI images were de-identified and interpreted by two neuroradiologists who were blinded to the history of symptoms. Qualitative analyses including the presence of intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH), eccentricity, surface irregularity, and grade of plaque enhancement were recorded. Quantitative analyses including normal wall index and degree of contrast enhancement were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the association with cerebrovascular ischaemic events.

RESULTS

A total of 38 pairs of symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques from 74 patients were analysed. Compared to asymptomatic plaques, symptomatic plaques demonstrated higher degree of contrast enhancement (29.77 ± 19.23 versus 18.21 ± 12.18%, p=0.039) and presence of IPH (26% versus 8%, p=0.032). No significant differences were detected regarding eccentricity, surface irregularity, and normal wall index. Events were associated with contrast enhancement (OR, 1.212; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.086-1.352) after controlling for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and stenosis degree. IPH was not associated with events.

CONCLUSION

Contrast enhancement in the intracranial plaque without substantial stenosis is associated with previous events, and may serve as the vulnerable feature, thereby stratifying stroke risk not achievable by luminal stenosis.