Search for the Chiral Magnetic Effect via Charge-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations Relative to Spectator and Participant Planes in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) refers to charge separation along a strong magnetic field due to imbalanced chirality of quarks in local parity and charge-parity violating domains in quantum chromodynamics. The experimental measurement of the charge separation is made difficult by the presence of a major background from elliptic azimuthal anisotropy. This background and the CME signal have different sensitivities to the spectator and participant planes, and could thus be determined by measurements with respect to these planes. We report such measurements in Au+Au collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. It is found that the charge separation, with the flow background removed, is consistent with zero in peripheral (large impact parameter) collisions. Some indication of finite CME signals is seen in midcentral (intermediate impact parameter) collisions. Significant residual background effects may, however, still be present.

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

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

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

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

[Expression and diagnostic value of NKX3.1 and NKX2.2 in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma]

Objective: To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of NKX3.1 and NKX2.2 in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC), and to explore the differential diagnostic value of NKX3.1 and NKX2.2 in MC and other types of small round cell malignant tumors. Methods: A total of 12 cases of MC and 97 other small round cell malignant tumors diagnosed in Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine from 2001 to 2020 were collected for NKX3.1 and NKX2.2 immunohistochemical detection. Among them, two kinds of NKX3.1 antibodies [rabbit polyclonal antibody and rabbit monoclonal antibody (EP356)] were used for detection in 12 cases of MC, and one NKX3.1 antibody (rabbit polyclonal antibody) was detected in 97 cases of other small round cell malignant tumors, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The 12 MC patients included 7 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 33 years (14-54 years). Nine cases were from bone and three from soft tissue. Among the 12 MC patients, 8 patients had postoperative recurrence or metastasis, and 3 of them died of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Histologically, 12 cases of MC showed typical bidirectional differentiation.The positive rate of both NKX3.1 antibodies in MC was 12/12, NKX3.1 was focal weakly positive in only one of 12 chondrosarcomas (grade 3), 5 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, 5 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, and 5 solitary fibrous tumors, respectively. The remaining 70 cases of other small round cell malignant tumors were negative. The positive rates of NKX2.2 in MC, Ewing sarcoma and olfactory neuroblastoma were 12/12, 15/15 and 4/5, respectively. In 12 cases of chondrosarcoma (grade 3), 5 cases of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma, 5 cases of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and 5 cases of solitary fibrous tumor, NKX2.2 was focally and weakly positive in only one case, respectively, and all the remaining 50 cases of other small round cell malignant tumors were negative. Conclusions: The expression of NKX3.1 and NKX2.2 proteins are significant indicators in the diagnosis of MC, and the combined detection of NKX3.1 and NKX2.2 can help distinguish MC from most other small round cell malignant tumors.

Roles of the protein disulphide isomerases AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 in response to oxidant stress in Apis cerana cerana

Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) plays an important role in a variety of physiological processes through its oxidoreductase activity and molecular chaperone activity. In this study, we cloned two PDI family members, AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3, from Apis cerana cerana. AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 had typical sequence features of PDI family members and were constitutively expressed in A. cerana cerana. The expression levels of AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 were generally upregulated after treatment with a variety of environmental stress factors. Inhibition assays showed that E. coli expressing recombinant AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 proteins was more resistant to oxidative stress than control E. coli. In addition, silencing AccPDIA1 or AccPDIA3 in A. cerana cerana resulted in significant changes in the expression levels of several antioxidant-related genes as well as the enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and reduced the survival rate of A. cerana cerana under oxidative stress caused by high temperature. In conclusion, our results suggest that AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 may play important roles in the antioxidant activities of A. cerana cerana.

Analysis of Neutral B-Meson Decays into Two Muons

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

[Introduction of a tool to assess Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Environmental Exposure (ROBINS-E)]

This paper summaries the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Environmental Exposure (ROBINS-E), a tool for evaluating risk of bias about non-randomized studies of exposures (NRSE), and introduces the application of ROBINS-E in a published NRSE. According to the characteristics of NRSE, evaluation fields and signaling questions were designed in ROBINS-E to provide essential information about risk of bias for NRSE included in systematic reviews and GRADE. ROBINS-E is the tool in assessment of risk of bias in observational studies and quasi-randomized studies. Although the tool has been used in practice to some extent, but it still needs further improvement. Attention should be paid to its update and progress.

Carfilzomib inhibits the proliferation and apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells by inhibiting STAT1/COX-2/iNOS signaling pathway

Background

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) plays a key role in the intracellular degradation of abnormal and misfolded proteins in eukaryotic cells. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy caused by clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells. Proteasome-targeted drugs such as carfilzomib, which is a selective proteasome inhibitor (PI), could play an important role in the treatment of diseases such as MM.

Methods

MM cells were treated with different concentrations of carfilzomib and apoptosis as well as the viability of MM cells were measured by flow cytometry analysis and MTT assay. We also measured the effect of carfilzomib on the proliferation of myeloma cells by DNA incorporation of the pyrimidine analog BrdU. The effect of carfilzomib on apoptosis was detected by immunofluorescence TUNEL staining and western blot. We also verified its effect on the STAT1/COX-2/iNOS pathway by western blot.

Results

Carfilzomib inhibited the growth of MM cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with the strongest inhibitory activity on RPMI-8226 cells. Carfilzomib also induced apoptosis of MM cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with the strongest effect on RPMI-8226. BrdU assay was then performed with RPMI-8226 cells, and the results showed that carfilzomib inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence TUNEL staining and western blot assays showed that carfilzomib induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and promoted the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, Bax and Bcl2. Western blot also verified that carfilzomib promoted STAT1 inhibition and subsequently inhibited COX-2 and iNOS.

Conclusions

Inhibition of the STAT1/COX-2/iNOS signaling pathway by carfilzomib not only inhibited MM cell proliferation, but was also an important mechanism of inducing MM cell apoptosis.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

Ckip-1 Mediates P. gingivalis-Suppressed Cementoblast Mineralization

Porphyromonas gingivalis is responsible for the destruction of cementum in patients with periodontitis and periapical periodontitis. However, research about the effects of P. gingivalis on cementoblast mineralization and the underlying mechanism is still lacking. Casein kinase 2 interacting protein 1 (Ckip-1) is a scaffold protein that interacts with various proteins and signals to regulate different cell functions, such as cell morphology, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this study, we verified the suppressive effects of P. gingivalis and lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) on OCCM-30 mineralization. We also showed that Ckip-1 gradually decreased during OCCM-30 mineralization but increased with the aggravation of Pg-induced inflammation. However, it remained unchanged when cells were stimulated with Pg-LPS, regardless of the concentration and incubation time. Then, more cellular cementum and enhanced Osterix expression were observed in Ckip-1 knockout mice when compared with the wild-type mice. Meanwhile, Ckip-1 silencing significantly enhanced cementoblast mineralization with or without P. gingivalis-associated inflammation. The trend was opposite when Ckip-1 was overexpressed. Finally, we found that the p38, Akt, and Wnt pathways were activated, while the Erk1/2 pathway was inhibited when Ckip-1 was silenced. The opposite results were also observed in the Ckip-1 overexpression group. Furthermore, we proved that cell mineralization was weakened when p38, Akt inhibitors were applied and strengthened when the Erk1/2 pathway was inhibited. In summary, Ckip-1 is upregulated underP. gingivalis-induced inflammation and negatively regulates cementoblast mineralization partially through mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt signaling pathways, which may contribute to the restoration of cementum destroyed by P. gingivalis.

Decreased CSF Dynamics in Treatment-Naive Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Study with Phase-Contrast Cine MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Arterial sclerosis resulting from hypertension slows CSF transportation in the perivascular spaces, showing the intrinsic relationship between the CSF and the blood vasculature. However, the exact effect of hypertension on human CSF flow dynamics remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate CSF flow dynamics in treatment-naive patients with essential hypertension using phase-contrast cine MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 60 never-treated patients with essential hypertension and 60 subjects without symptomatic atherosclerosis. CSF flow parameters, such as forward flow volume, forward peak velocity, reverse flow volume, reverse peak velocity, average flow, and net flow volume, were measured with phase-contrast cine MR imaging. Differences between the 2 groups were assessed to determine the independent determinants of these CSF flow parameters.

RESULTS

Forward flow volume, forward peak velocity, reverse flow volume, reverse peak velocity, and average flow in the patients with hypertension significantly decreased (all, P < .05). Increasing systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with lower forward flow volume (β = -0.44 mL/mL/mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.06 mL/mL/mm Hg), forward peak velocity (β = -0.50 cm/s/mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.88 to -0.12 cm/s/mm Hg), reverse flow volume (β = -0.61 mL/mL/mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.26 mL/mL/mm Hg), reverse peak velocity (β = -0.55 cm/s/mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.91-0.18 cm/s/mm Hg), and average flow (β = -0.50 mL/min/mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.08 mL/min/mm Hg).

CONCLUSIONS

The CSF flow dynamics in patients with hypertension are decreased, and increasing systolic blood pressure is strongly associated with lower CSF flow dynamics.

Aetiology of tinea capitis in China: A multicentre prospective study

BACKGROUND

Tinea capitis is still common in developing countries, such as China. Its pathogen spectrum varies across regions and changes over time.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the current epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis in China.

METHODS

A multicentre, prospective descriptive study involving 29 tertiary hospitals in China was conducted. From August 2019 to July 2020, 611 patients with tinea capitis were enrolled. Data concerning demography, risk factors and fungal tests were collected. The pathogens were further identified by morphology or molecular sequencing when necessary in the central laboratory.

RESULTS

Among all enrolled patients, 74.1% of the cases were 2- to 8-year-olds. The children with tinea capitis were mainly boys (56.2%) and more likely to have an animal contact history (57.4% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.012) and zoophilic dermatophyte infection (73.5%). The adults were mainly females (83.3%) and more likely to have anthropophilic agent infection (53.5%). The most common pathogen was zoophilic Microsporum canis (354, 65.2%), followed by anthropophilic Trichophyton violaceum (74, 13.6%). In contrast to the eastern, western and northeastern regions where zoophilic M. canis predominated, anthropophilic T. violaceum predominated in central China (69.2%, P < 0.0001), where the patients had the most tinea at other sites (20.3%) and dermatophytosis contact (25.9%) with the least animal contact (38.8%). Microsporum ferrugineum was the most common anthropophilic agent in the western area, especially in Xinjiang Province.

CONCLUSIONS

Boys aged approximately 5 years were mainly affected. Dermatologists are advised to pay more attention to the different transmission routes and pathogen spectra in different age groups from different regions.

Repeat hepatic resection versus radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective multicentre study

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic value of repeat hepatic resection (rHR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of rHR or RFA.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicentre study of patients with recurrent HCC within the Milan criteria who underwent rHR or RFA at nine university hospitals in China and Italy between January 2003 and January 2018. Survival after rHR or RFA was examined in unadjusted analyses and after propensity score matching (1 : 1).

RESULTS

Of 847 patients included, 307 and 540 underwent rHR and RFA respectively. Median overall survival was 73.5 and 67.0 months after rHR and RFA respectively (hazard ratio 1.01 (95 per cent c.i. 0.81 to 1.26)). Median recurrence-free survival was longer after rHR versus RFA (23.6 versus 15.2 months; hazard ratio 0.76 (95 per cent c.i. 0.65 to 0.89)). These results were confirmed after propensity score matching. RFA was associated with lower morbidity of grade 3 and above (0.6 versus 6.2 per cent; P < 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (8.0 versus 3.0 days, P < 0.001) than rHR.

CONCLUSION

rHR was associated with longer recurrence-free survival but not overall survival compared with RFA.

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

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