Nanoplastics Detected in Commercial Sea Salt

People of all ages consume salt every day, but is it really just salt? Plastic nanoparticles [nanoplastics (NPs)] pose an increasing environmental threat and have begun to contaminate everyday salt in consumer goods. Herein, we developed a combined surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) approach that can realize the filtration, enrichment, and detection of NPs in commercial salt. The Au-loaded (50 nm) anodic alumina oxide substrate was used as the SERS substrate to explore the potential types of NP contaminants in salts. SRS was used to conduct imaging and quantify the presence of the NPs. SRS detection was successfully established through standard plastics, and NPs were identified through the match of the hydrocarbon group of the nanoparticles. Simultaneously, the NPs were quantified based on the high spatial resolution and rapid imaging of the SRS imaging platform. NPs in sea salts produced in Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Atlantic were studied. We estimate that, depending on the location, an average person could be ingesting as many as 6 million NPs per year through the consumption of sea salt alone. The potential health hazards associated with NP ingestion should not be underestimated.

Facet-Dependent Fe2O3/BiVO4(110)/BiVO4(010)/Fe2O3 Dual S-Scheme Photocatalyst as an Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Peroxymonosulfate Activator for Norfloxacin Degradation

A lack of eco-friendly, highly active photocatalyst for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and unclear environmental risks are significant challenges. Herein, we developed a double S-scheme Fe2O3/BiVO4(110)/BiVO4(010)/Fe2O3 photocatalyst to activate PMS and investigated its impact on wheat seed germination. We observed an improvement in charge separation by depositing Fe2O3 on the (010) and (110) surfaces of BiVO4. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of a dual S-scheme charge transfer mechanism at the interfaces of Fe2O3/BiVO4(110) and BiVO4(010)/Fe2O3. By introducing PMS into the system, photogenerated electrons effectively activate PMS, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and sulfate radicals (SO4·-). Among the tested systems, the 20% Fe2O3/BiVO4/Vis/PMS system exhibits the highest catalytic efficiency for norfloxacin (NOR) removal, reaching 95% in 40 min. This is twice the catalytic efficiency of the Fe2O3/BiVO4/PMS system, 1.8 times that of the Fe2O3/BiVO4 system, and 5 times that of the BiVO4 system. Seed germination experiments revealed that Fe2O3/BiVO4 heterojunction was beneficial for wheat seed germination, while PMS had a significant negative effect. This study provides valuable insights into the development of efficient and sustainable photocatalytic systems for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater.

[Call for attention to the value and challenge of liquid biopsy in diagnosis and treatment for peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer]

Peritoneal metastasis is the common route of metastasis in gastric cancer and is a major cause of death in advanced gastric cancer. Early intervention with comprehensive treatment can effectively improve the prognosis of some patients with peritoneal metastasis. However, early peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer is predominantly micro-metastasis, which cannot be effectively evaluated by imaging studies. Moreover, the detection of disseminated cancer cells in peritoneal lavage suffers from a low detection rate and significant heterogeneity. In recent years, the development and application of new liquid biopsy technologies such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have provided new means to assess potential peritoneal metastasis at the cellular and molecular levels, gradually becoming research hotspots in this field. This review will summarize the relevant progress of liquid biopsy in peritoneal metastasis, which holds significant importance for improving the prognosis of gastric cancer patients in China.

Association between de novo variants of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-related genes and undiagnosed developmental disorder and autism

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that mitochondrial abnormalities increase the risk of two neurodevelopmental disorders: undiagnosed developmental disorder (UDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, which nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-related genes (NEMGs) were associated with UDD-ASD is unclear.

AIM

To explore the association between de novo variants (DNVs) of NEMGs and UDD-ASD.

DESIGN

Comprehensive analysis based on DNVs of NEMGs identified in patients (31 058 UDD probands and 10 318 ASD probands) and 4262 controls.

METHODS

By curating NEMGs and cataloging publicly published DNVs in NEMGs, we compared the frequency of DNVs in cases and controls. We also applied a TADA-denovo model to highlight disease-associated NEMGs and characterized them based on gene intolerance, functional networks and expression patterns.

RESULTS

Compared with levels in 4262 controls, an excess of protein-truncating variants and deleterious missense variants in 1421 cataloged NEMGs from 41 376 patients (31 058 UDD and 10 318 ASD probands) was observed. Overall, 3.23% of de novo deleterious missense variants and 3.20% of de novo protein-truncating variants contributed to 1.1% and 0.39% of UDD-ASD cases, respectively. We prioritized 130 disease-associated NEMGs and showed distinct expression patterns in the developing human brain. Disease-associated NEMGs expression was enriched in both excitatory and inhibitory neuronal lineages from the developing human cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

Rare genetic alterations of disease-associated NEMGs may play a role in UDD-ASD development and lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the biology of UDD-ASD.

First Measurement of η Meson Production in Neutrino Interactions on Argon with MicroBooNE

We present a measurement of η production from neutrino interactions on argon with the MicroBooNE detector. The modeling of resonant neutrino interactions on argon is a critical aspect of the neutrino oscillation physics program being carried out by the DUNE and Short Baseline Neutrino programs. η production in neutrino interactions provides a powerful new probe of resonant interactions, complementary to pion channels, and is particularly suited to the study of higher-order resonances beyond the Δ(1232). We measure a flux-integrated cross section for neutrino-induced η production on argon of 3.22±0.84(stat)±0.86(syst) 10^{-41}  cm^{2}/nucleon. By demonstrating the successful reconstruction of the two photons resulting from η production, this analysis enables a novel calibration technique for electromagnetic showers in GeV accelerator neutrino experiments.

Amplitude Analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the coefficients associated to short-distance physics effects, sensitive to processes beyond the standard model, are extracted directly from the data through a q^{2}-unbinned amplitude analysis, where q^{2} is the μ^{+}μ^{-} invariant mass squared. Long-distance contributions, which originate from nonfactorizable QCD processes, are systematically investigated, and the most accurate assessment to date of their impact on the physical observables is obtained. The pattern of measured corrections to the short-distance couplings is found to be consistent with previous analyses of b- to s-quark transitions, with the largest discrepancy from the standard model predictions found to be at the level of 1.8 standard deviations. The global significance of the observed differences in the decay is 1.4 standard deviations.

Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15  PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

[Prevalence and molecular detection of human Cryptosporidium infections: a review]

Cryptosporidium is an important intestinal parasite that is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Human infection may occur following ingestion of water and food contaminated by Cryptosporidium oocysts, and children and immunocompromised individuals are at a high risk of infections. The main symptoms of Cryptosporidium infections include diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, and even death. Because of high sensitivity and rapid procedures, molecular tests are helpful for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis and may reduce the public health risk of cryptosporidiosis. This review summarizes the advances in the latest prevalence and molecular detection of human Cryptosporidium infections during recent years.

The relationship between dietary phosphorus and peripheral neuropathy in the general population of the United States: A preliminary research

BACKGROUND

Dietary phosphorus intake may serve as a potential predictor for peripheral neuropathy (PN). While past research has predominantly focused on the relationship between dietary phosphorus and bone health, relatively little is known about its role in the nervous system, particularly its association with PN.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from NHANES 1999-2004. Participants were categorized into different dietary phosphorus intake groups, and the relationship between dietary phosphorus and PN was explored using multifactorial logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis, and threshold effect analysis based on dietary intake.

RESULTS

The final study included 7726 participants, with 1378 diagnosed with PN and 6348 without. The study revealed a U-shaped non-linear relationship between dietary calcium and magnesium intake levels and PN, indicating that both excessive and insufficient dietary phosphorus intake may increase the risk of PN. Specifically, the incidence rates in the first quintile (1.433, 95% CI: 1.080-1.901), the fourth quintile (1.284, 95% CI: 1.000-1.648), and the fifth quintile (1.533, 95% CI: 1.155-2.035) significantly higher than the second quintile, with an overall trend showing a decrease followed by an increase in incidence rates. The results of RCS and threshold effect analysis indicate that when dietary phosphorus intake is below 939.44mg, the risk of PN decreases with increasing dietary phosphorus intake. On the contrary, when dietary phosphorus intake exceeds 939.44mg, the risk of PN increases with increasing dietary phosphorus intake.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a U-shaped correlation between dietary phosphorus intake and PN. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this association, providing guidance for more scientifically informed dietary adjustments to prevent the occurrence of PN.

Significantly Accelerated Photosensitized Formation of Atmospheric Sulfate at the Air-Water Interface of Microdroplets

The multiphase oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to form sulfate is a complex and important process in the atmosphere. While the conventional photosensitized reaction mainly explored in the bulk medium is reported to be one of the drivers to trigger atmospheric sulfate production, how this scheme functionalizes at the air-water interface (AWI) of aerosol remains an open question. Herein, employing an advanced size-controllable microdroplet-printing device, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis, nanosecond transient adsorption spectrometer, and molecular level theoretical calculations, we revealed the previously overlooked interfacial role in photosensitized oxidation of SO2 in humic-like substance (HULIS) aerosol, where a 3-4 orders of magnitude increase in sulfate formation rate was speculated in cloud and aerosol relevant-sized particles relative to the conventional bulk-phase medium. The rapid formation of a battery of reactive oxygen species (ROS) comes from the accelerated electron transfer process at the AWI, where the excited triplet state of HULIS (3HULIS*) of the incomplete solvent cage can readily capture electrons from HSO3- in a way that is more efficient than that in the bulk medium fully blocked by water molecules. This phenomenon could be explained by the significantly reduced desolvation energy barrier required for reagents residing in the AWI region with an open solvent shell.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

Fraction of χ_{c} Decays in Prompt J/ψ Production Measured in pPb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The fraction of χ_{c1} and χ_{c2} decays in the prompt J/ψ yield, F_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}=σ_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}/σ_{J/ψ}, is measured by the LHCb detector in pPb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV. The study covers the forward (1.5 Collapse

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Observation of Cabibbo-Suppressed Two-Body Hadronic Decays and Precision Mass Measurement of the Ω_{c}^{0} Baryon

The first observation of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+} and Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} decays is reported, using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector between 2016 and 2018. The branching fraction ratios are measured to be B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[6.08±0.51(stat)±0.40(syst)]%,B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[15.81±0.87(stat)±0.44(syst)±0.16(ext)]%. In addition, using the Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+} decay channel, the Ω_{c}^{0} baryon mass is measured to be M(Ω_{c}^{0})=2695.28±0.07(stat)±0.27(syst)±0.30(ext)  MeV, improving the precision of the previous world average by a factor of 4.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

Enhanced Production of Λ_{b}^{0} Baryons in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of Λ_{b}^{0} baryons relative to B^{0} mesons in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} production cross sections shows a significant dependence on both the transverse momentum and the measured charged-particle multiplicity. At low multiplicity, the ratio measured at LHCb is consistent with the value measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, and increases by a factor of ∼2 with increasing multiplicity. At relatively low transverse momentum, the ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} cross sections is higher than what is measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, but converges with the e^{+}e^{-} ratio as the momentum increases. These results imply that the evolution of heavy b quarks into final-state hadrons is influenced by the density of the hadronic environment produced in the collision. Comparisons with several models and implications for the mechanisms enforcing quark confinement are discussed.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylpyrimidine derivatives as novel antifungal agents targeting CYP51

Invasive fungal infections, with high morbidity and mortality, have become one of the most serious threats to human health. There are a few kinds of clinical antifungal drugs but large amounts of them are used, so there is an urgent need for a new structural type of antifungal drug. In this study, we carried out three rounds of structural optimisation and modification of the compound YW-01, which was obtained from the preliminary screening of the group, by using the strategy of scaffold hopping. A series of novel phenylpyrimidine CYP51 inhibitors were designed and synthesised. In vitro antifungal testing showed that target compound C6 exhibited good efficacy against seven common clinically susceptible strains, which was significantly superior to the clinical first-line drug fluconazole. Subsequently in vitro tests on metabolic stability and cytotoxicity revealed that C6 was safe and stable for hepatic microsomal function. Finally, C6 warranted further exploration as a possible novel structural type of CYP51 inhibitor.

The Construction of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Networks Reveals Functional Genes Related to Growth Traits in Schima superba

Schima superba is a precious timber and fire-resistant tree species widely distributed in southern China. Currently, there is little knowledge related to its growth traits, especially with respect to molecular breeding. The lack of relevant information has delayed the development of modern breeding. The purpose is to identify probable functional genes involved in S. superba growth through whole transcriptome sequencing. In this study, a total of 32,711 mRNAs, 525 miRNAs, 54,312 lncRNAs, and 1522 circRNAs were identified from 10 S. superba individuals containing different volumes of wood. Four possible regulators, comprising three lncRNAs, one circRNA, and eleven key miRNAs, were identified from the regulatory networks of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA to supply information on ncRNAs. Several candidate genes involved in phenylpropane and cellulose biosynthesis pathways, including Ss4CL2, SsCSL1, and SsCSL2, and transcription factors, including SsDELLA2 (SsSLR), SsDELLA3 (SsSLN), SsDELLA5 (SsGAI-like2), and SsNAM1, were identified to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms regulating the growth traits of S. superba. The results not merely provide candidate functional genes related to S. superba growth trait and will be useful to carry out molecular breeding, but the strategy and method also provide scientists with an effective approach to revealing mechanisms behind important economic traits in other species.

Improved Measurement of CP Violation Parameters in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} Decays in the Vicinity of the ϕ(1020) Resonance

The decay-time-dependent CP asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K^{+}K^{-} decays is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Using a sample of approximately 349 000 B_{s}^{0} signal decays with an invariant K^{+}K^{-} mass in the vicinity of the ϕ(1020) resonance, the CP-violating phase ϕ_{s} is measured, along with the difference in decay widths of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} system, ΔΓ_{s}, and the difference of the average B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} meson decay widths, Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}. The values obtained are ϕ_{s}=-0.039±0.022±0.006  rad, ΔΓ_{s}=0.0845±0.0044±0.0024  ps^{-1}, and Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}=-0.0056_{-0.0015}^{+0.0013}±0.0014  ps^{-1}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. These are the most precise single measurements to date and are consistent with expectations based on the Standard Model and with the previous LHCb analyses of this decay. These results are combined with previous independent LHCb measurements. The phase ϕ_{s} is also measured independently for each polarization state of the K^{+}K^{-} system and shows no evidence for polarization dependence.

Maximising the potential of Chinese birth cohort studies: a systematic review of mother-baby cohorts in mainland China

OBJECTIVES

There is now a growing interest in early-life influences on adult diseases in China. A number of birth cohorts have been established. This systematic review provided a better understanding of the development of mother-baby cohorts in China.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review for research or profile papers in English/Chinese that reported data from mother-baby cohorts in mainland China, with ≥1y follow-up after birth. We identified 315 papers, corresponding to 31 cohorts from 19 provinces/megacities.

RESULTS

All cohorts started in 1999-2017 (21 after 2010) and were set up with broad objectives or specific scientific focus. The baseline sample size varied, from <500 to >300,000 mothers. A majority of cohorts were initiated during pregnancy and followed children to <10y, only six to adolescence and none into adulthood. These cohorts mostly collected samples from mothers and babies, in addition to using interviews/questionnaires to collect information about pregnancy, birth and child health. Most cohorts were recruited from a single province/city. The large western region was understudied.

CONCLUSIONS

Mother-baby cohorts have developed rapidly in China, but usually with a short follow-up duration. Extending the follow-up of children and developing cross-cohort collaboration will increase the diversity, size and coverage of the sample, allow studying early influences on life-course health and identify targets for early intervention in the Chinese population.

Evaluation of factors associated with high advanced HIV disease and mortality in Southwestern China: a retrospective cohort study, 2005-2020

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence, all-cause mortality and determinants of advanced HIV disease (AHD) or severe immunosuppression (SIS) in the rural-urban communities of Southwestern China.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHOD

Data on HIV/AIDS cases reported in 2005-20 were collected from Case Report System. A binary logistic regression model assessed the risk factors of AHD/SIS prevalence. Survival curves across rural-urban regions were compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates and log-rank tests. Determinants of all-cause mortality were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Among 14,533 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients, 7497 (51.6%) presented with AHD and 2564 (17.6%) with SIS. Compared with urban patients, rural patients had a higher prevalence of AHD (56.7% vs 40.7%) and SIS (20.1% vs 12.4%), all-cause mortality (AHD 12.3 vs 5.6, SIS 16.3 vs 5.5, per 100 person-years). Their 5-year survival probability (AHD 59.5% vs 77.1%; SIS 54.4% vs 76.3%) and mean survival time (AHD 106.5 vs 140.6 months, SIS 95.3 vs 144.2 months, p < 0.0001) were lower. Rural patients had an increased risk of SIS prevalence (adjusted odds ratios 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.64; p < 0.0001) and mortality of the total cohort (adjusted hazard ratios 1.41, 95% CI 1.29-1.55; p < 0.0001), AHD cohort (1.38, 1.24-1.54; p < 0.0001), and SIS cohort (1.49, 1.23-1.81; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of AHD/SIS was a severe phenomenon that caused high mortality in rural areas. A regional point-of-care strategy targeting AHD/SIS detection and management is essential for reducing the mortality risk.

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Electron-Positron and Neutral-Pion Final States with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first search for heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) decaying into νe^{+}e^{-} or νπ^{0} final states in a liquid-argon time projection chamber using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector. The data were recorded synchronously with the NuMI neutrino beam from Fermilab's main injector corresponding to a total exposure of 7.01×10^{20} protons on target. We set upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the mixing parameter |U_{μ4}|^{2} in the mass ranges 10≤m_{HNL}≤150  MeV for the νe^{+}e^{-} channel and 150≤m_{HNL}≤245  MeV for the νπ^{0} channel, assuming |U_{e4}|^{2}=|U_{τ4}|^{2}=0. These limits represent the most stringent constraints in the mass range 35 Collapse

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Rapid detection of nanoplastics down to 20 nm in water by surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy

Plastic pollution represents a pressing global environmental issue, with microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) being ubiquitously found in both food and the environment. However, the investigation of NPs has been hampered by limited detection technologies, necessitating the development of advanced techniques. This study introduces a sol-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) approach for the swift detection of MPs and NPs in aqueous environment. By leveraging the aggregation effect between silver nanoparticles (Ag nanoparticles) and plastic particles, the plastic Raman signals is significantly enhanced, effectively lowering the detection limit. Utilizing Ag nanoparticles, plastic particles as small as 20 nm were detected in liquid samples, with a detection limit of 0.0005%. With the developed method, nanoplastic particles in seafood packaging samples were successfully tested, with concentration found to be at μg/L level. This method offers a rapid, economical, and convenient means of detecting and identifying MPs and NPs. The sensitivity of the method allows for capturing plastic signals within 2 min, making it valuable for aquatic environment contamination detection. SERS technology also holds promise for rapid plastic solution detection, potentially becoming a fast detection method for food safety.

Observation of WZγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WZγ production and a measurement of its cross section using 140.1±1.2  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The WZγ production cross section, with both the W and Z bosons decaying leptonically, pp→WZγ→ℓ^{'}^{±}νℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}γ (ℓ^{(^{'})}=e, μ), is measured in a fiducial phase-space region defined such that the leptons and the photon have high transverse momentum and the photon is isolated. The cross section is found to be 2.01±0.30(stat)±0.16(syst)  fb. The corresponding standard model predicted cross section calculated at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and at leading order in the electroweak coupling constant is 1.50±0.06  fb. The observed significance of the WZγ signal is 6.3σ, compared with an expected significance of 5.0σ.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→ψ(→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-})K_{S}^{0}(→π^{+}π^{-}) Decays

A measurement of time-dependent CP violation in the decays of B^{0} and B[over ¯]^{0} mesons to the final states J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0}, ψ(2S)(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0} and J/ψ(→e^{+}e^{-})K_{S}^{0} with K_{S}^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the LHCb detector. The CP-violation parameters are measured to be S_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.717±0.013(stat)±0.008(syst) and C_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.008±0.012(stat)±0.003(syst). This measurement of S_{ψK_{S}^{0}} represents the most precise single measurement of the CKM angle β to date and is more precise than the current world average. In addition, measurements of the CP-violation parameters of the individual channels are reported and a combination with the LHCb Run 1 measurements is performed.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Search for Dark Photons in Rare Z Boson Decays with the ATLAS Detector

A search for events with a dark photon produced in association with a dark Higgs boson via rare decays of the standard model Z boson is presented, using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dark boson decays into a pair of dark photons, and at least two of the three dark photons must each decay into a pair of electrons or muons, resulting in at least two same-flavor opposite-charge lepton pairs in the final state. The data are found to be consistent with the background prediction, and upper limits are set on the dark photon's coupling to the dark Higgs boson times the kinetic mixing between the standard model photon and the dark photon, α_{D}ϵ^{2}, in the dark photon mass range of [5, 40] GeV except for the ϒ mass window [8.8, 11.1] GeV. This search explores new parameter space not previously excluded by other experiments.

Significantly Accelerated Photochemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid Decomposition at the Air-Water Interface of Microdroplets

The efficient elimination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from the environment remains a huge challenge and requires advanced technologies. Herein, we demonstrate that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) photochemical decomposition could be significantly accelerated by simply carrying out this process in microdroplets. The almost complete removal of 100 and 500 μg/L PFOA was observed after 20 min of irradiation in microdroplets, while this was achieved after about 2 h in the corresponding bulk phase counterpart. To better compare the defluorination ratio, 10 mg/L PFOA was used typically, and the defluorination rates in microdroplets were tens of times faster than that in the bulk phase reaction system. The high performances in actual water matrices, universality, and scale-up applicability were demonstrated as well. We revealed in-depth that the great acceleration is due to the abundance of the air-water interface in microdroplets, where the reactants concentration enrichment, ultrahigh interfacial electric field, and partial solvation effects synergistically promoted photoreactions responsible for PFOA decomposition, as evidenced by simulated Raman scattering microscopy imaging, vibrational Stark effect measurement, and DFT calculation. This study provides an effective approach and highlights the important roles of air-water interface of microdroplets in PFASs treatment.

[Long-term clinical evaluation of different types of resin-bonded fixed partial denture to replace lost anterior teeth]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical survival rates and influence factors of different types of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) used in anterior missing teeth restoration. Methods: Ninety-three RBFPD were delivered to 92 patients [92 patients,43 males and 49 females, average age (46.1±12.8) years] who visited Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2006 to December 2021 for restoration of 1 or 2 anterior missing teeth. Altogether 32 cases of glass fiber reinforced RBFPD, 39 cases of glass-based ceramic RBFPD and 22 cases of porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD were retrospectively analyzed. The complete survival rate, functional survival rate, patients' satisfaction and color matching of the restorations were recorded and evaluated every year since the replacement with RBFPD. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve method was used for survival analysis, and the Log-rank analysis was used to compare the effect of the number of missing teeth, position (maxillary or mandibular), cantilever or non-cantilever and gender on the survival rate of the restorations. Results: The overall survival time for the 93 RBFPD was 13.7 years (95%CI: 12.3-15.1 years). There was a decreasing trend in complete survival and functional survival for all three material RBFPD from year to year, but complete and functional survival rates exceeded 90% at year 5 and exceeded 80% at year 10. The complete survival rate of the glass-ceramic RBFPD was higher than the other two during the follow-up period, with a complete survival rate of 90% (35/39) at year 15. The porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD had a higher functional survival rate in years 1-8, but the complete and functional survival rates showed a substantial decrease after year 9. The single-factor Log-rank analysis showed that the success rate of porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD was significantly higher than that of glass fiber reinforced RBFPD (χ²=7.33, P=0.007), and the success rate of RBFPD with 1 missing tooth restored was significantly higher than that of RBFPD with 2 missing teeth restored (χ²=3.23, P=0.072). The differences in success rates between different restoration positions (maxillary and mandibular), cantilever or non-cantilever, and gender factors were not statistically significant (χ²=2.26, P=0.133; χ²=0.68, P=0.411; χ²=1.07, P=0.300). Conclusions: For the restoration of individual missing anterior teeth, both porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD and glass-based ceramic RBFPD achieve a high long-term clinical success rate, with glass-based ceramic RBFPD being more able to ensure long-term restorative result.

Do adolescent trajectories of riding with an impaired driver and driving impaired predict similar behaviors in early adulthood?

BACKGROUND

A recent study shows four trajectories of riding with an impaired driver (RWI) and driving while impaired (DWI) from adolescence to emerging adulthood. We examined prospective associations of adolescent RWI/DWI trajectory class with early adulthood RWI/DWI behavior.

METHODS

Data were from the NEXT Generation Health Study (NEXT), a nationally representative longitudinal study (N = 2783) beginning with a 10th-grade cohort completing 7 annual assessment waves (W1-W7) between 2010 and 2016 and a later follow-up mixed methods study. Four RWI and DWI trajectories derived from a recently published latent class analysis study (RWI (last 12 months); DWI (last 30 days) dichotomized as ≥ once vs. none) were used: Abstainer, Escalator, Decliner, and Persister. In the follow-up examination, a purposive subsample (N = 105, 26.3 ± 0.5 y/o, Female 50.5%) of NEXT participants were selected by trajectory (31 Abstainers, 33 Escalators, 14 Decliners, and 27 Persisters) for in-depth interviews 4 years after NEXT. In interviews, self-reported RWI events (number of times) related to alcohol (Alc-RWI) or marijuana (MJ-RWI) use in the last 12 months, and DWI events (number of times) related to alcohol (Alc-DWI) & marijuana (MJ-DWI) use in January 2020 (pre-COVID pandemic) were collected using structured surveys. General linear models were used to examine associations of adolescents' RWI/DWI trajectories with early adulthood RWI/DWI behavior, controlling for sex, health status, education attainment, and work hours.

RESULTS

The mean number (SD) of Alc-RWI and MJ-RWI events reported by Escalators (3.83(2.48), 2.43(2.77)) and Persisters (3.83(2.43), 3.57(2.54)) were higher (p≤0.05) than Abstainers (0.82(1.42), 0.77(2.04)) and Decliners (1.81 (2.69), 1.38 (2.04)). Similarly, Escalators (1.61 (2.28), 1.88(2.69)) and Persisters (1.96(2.08), 1.93(2.48)) reported more Alc-DWI and MJ-DWI events than Abstainers (0.18 (0.53), 0.42(1.38)) and Decliners (0.00 (0.00), 0.08(0.28)). Linear regression models indicated membership in Escalator and Persister classes compared to Abstainer class was associated (p≤0.01) with higher engagement in RWI/DWI in early adulthood.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with escalating and persistent high RWI/DWI may continue these health risking behaviors into their mid-twenties. Decliners during the transition maintained low RWI/DWI into their mid-twenties. Taken together, these findings suggest that earlier reduction may have long-term effects. Our findings can be used to inform the precision tailoring of prevention efforts aimed at effectively reducing alcohol/drug impairment crash injuries and related deaths among those in early adulthood.

Metformin reduces decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate during progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis (MA) was carried out to examine the influence of metformin on autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patient prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed and examined scientific articles from PubMed, Clinicalkey, Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane from the initiation date till June 2023 to identify investigations that examined metformin performance in managing ADPKD. Among the employed search terminology, we searched for terms such as "metformin" and "ADPKD". MA was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan version 5.3.0 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

RESULTS

We identified 4 investigations, with 164 total subjects who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The experimental cohort displayed a marked reduction in the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) relative to controls [mean difference (MD) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.82-3.79, p = 0.002]. We observed no obvious difference in the height-adjusted total kidney volume alteration, gastrointestinal side effects, and hypoglycemia between the two cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin was easily tolerable and safe and substantially reduced the eGFR decline among ADPKD patients. Moreover, although metformin-treated patients were more likely to suffer gastrointestinal adverse events, we observed no discernible difference between the two cohorts.

Automatic Identification of Individual Nanoplastics by Raman Spectroscopy Based on Machine Learning

The increasing prevalence of nanoplastics in the environment underscores the need for effective detection and monitoring techniques. Current methods mainly focus on microplastics, while accurate identification of nanoplastics is challenging due to their small size and complex composition. In this work, we combined highly reflective substrates and machine learning to accurately identify nanoplastics using Raman spectroscopy. Our approach established Raman spectroscopy data sets of nanoplastics, incorporated peak extraction and retention data processing, and constructed a random forest model that achieved an average accuracy of 98.8% in identifying nanoplastics. We validated our method with tap water spiked samples, achieving over 97% identification accuracy, and demonstrated the applicability of our algorithm to real-world environmental samples through experiments on rainwater, detecting nanoscale polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Despite the challenges of processing low-quality nanoplastic Raman spectra and complex environmental samples, our study demonstrated the potential of using random forests to identify and distinguish nanoplastics from other environmental particles. Our results suggest that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and machine learning holds promise for developing effective nanoplastic particle detection and monitoring strategies.

A mathematical model for nutrient-limited uniaxial growth of a compressible tissue

We consider the uniaxial growth of a tissue or colony of cells, where a nutrient (or some other chemical) required for cell proliferation is supplied at one end, and is consumed by the cells. An example would be the growth of a cylindrical yeast colony in the experiments described by Vulin et al. (2014). We develop a reaction-diffusion model of this scenario which couples nutrient concentration and cell density on a growing domain. A novel element of our model is that the tissue is assumed to be compressible. We define replicative regions, where cells have sufficient nutrient to proliferate, and quiescent regions, where the nutrient level is insufficient for this to occur. We also define pathlines, which allow us to track individual cell paths within the tissue. We begin our investigation of the model by considering an incompressible tissue where cell density is constant before exploring the solution space of the full compressible model. In a large part of the parameter space, the incompressible and compressible models give qualitatively similar results for both the nutrient concentration and cell pathlines, with the key distinction being the variation in density in the compressible case. In particular, the replicative region is located at the base of the tissue, where nutrient is supplied, and nutrient concentration decreases monotonically with distance from the nutrient source. However, for a highly-compressible tissue with small nutrient consumption rate, we observe a counter-intuitive scenario where the nutrient concentration is not necessarily monotonically decreasing, and there can be two replicative regions. For parameter values given in the paper by Vulin et al. (2014), the incompressible model slightly overestimates the colony length compared to experimental observations; this suggests the colony may be somewhat compressible. Both incompressible and compressible models predict that, for these parameter values, cell proliferation is ultimately confined to a small region close to the colony base.

Observation of Single-Top-Quark Production in Association with a Photon Using the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of single top quarks produced together with a photon, which directly probes the electroweak coupling of the top quark. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Requiring a photon with transverse momentum larger than 20 GeV and within the detector acceptance, the fiducial cross section is measured to be 688±23(stat) _{-71}^{+75}(syst)  fb, to be compared with the standard model prediction of 515_{-42}^{+36}  fb at next-to-leading order in QCD.

Prebiotic synthesis of mineral-bearing microdroplet from inorganic carbon photoreduction at air-water interface

The origin of life on Earth is an enigmatic and intricate conundrum that has yet to be comprehensively resolved despite recent significant developments within the discipline of archaeology and geology. Chemically, metal-sulfide minerals are speculated to serve as an important medium for giving birth in early life, while yet so far direct evidence to support the hypothesis for the highly efficient conversion of inorganic carbon into praxiological biomolecules remains scarce. In this work, we provide an initial indication that sphalerite, employed as a typical mineral, shows its enormous capability for promoting the conversion of inorganic carbon into elementary biomolecule formic acid (HCOOH) in airborne mineral-bearing aerosol microdroplet, which is over two orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding conventional bulk-like aqueous phase medium in the environment (e.g. river, lake, sea, etc.). This significant enhancement was further validated by a wide range of minerals and clays, including CuS, NiS, CoS, CdS, MnS, elemental sulfur, Arizona Test Dust, loess, nontronite, and montmorillonite. We reveal that the abundant interface of unique physical-chemical features instinct for aerosol or cloud microdroplets reduces the reaction energy barrier for the reaction, thus leading to extremely high HCOOH production (2.52 × 1014 kg year-1). This study unfolds unrecognized remarkable contributions of the considered scheme in the accumulation of prebiotic biomolecules in the ancient period of the Earth.

Observation of New Baryons in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} and Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} Systems

The first observation and study of two new baryonic structures in the final state Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} and the confirmation of the Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} state in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} decay mode are reported using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. In addition, the properties of the known Ξ_{b}^{*0}, Ξ_{b}^{'-} and Ξ_{b}^{*-} resonances are measured with improved precision. The new decay mode of the Ξ_{b}^{0} baryon to the Ξ_{c}^{+} π^{-} π^{+} π^{-} final state is observed and exploited for the first time in these measurements.

Measurement of Suppression of Large-Radius Jets and Its Dependence on Substructure in Pb+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This letter presents a measurement of the nuclear modification factor of large-radius jets in sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV Pb+Pb collisions by the ATLAS experiment. The measurement is performed using 1.72  nb^{-1} and 257  pb^{-1} of Pb+Pb and pp data, respectively. The large-radius jets are reconstructed with the anti-k_{t} algorithm using a radius parameter of R=1.0, by reclustering anti-k_{t} R=0.2 jets, and are measured over the transverse momentum (p_{T}) kinematic range of 158 Collapse

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Precision Measurement of CP Violation in the Penguin-Mediated Decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ

A flavor-tagged time-dependent angular analysis of the decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ is performed using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at the center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}. The CP-violating phase and direct CP-violation parameter are measured to be ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.042±0.075±0.009  rad and |λ|=1.004±0.030±0.009, respectively, assuming the same values for all polarization states of the ϕϕ system. In these results, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These parameters are also determined separately for each polarization state, showing no evidence for polarization dependence. The results are combined with previous LHCb measurements using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.074±0.069  rad and |λ|=1.009±0.030. This is the most precise study of time-dependent CP violation in a penguin-dominated B meson decay. The results are consistent with CP symmetry and with the standard model predictions.

Measurement of the Sensitivity of Two-Particle Correlations in pp Collisions to the Presence of Hard Scatterings

A key open question in the study of multiparticle production in high-energy pp collisions is the relationship between the "ridge"-i.e., the observed azimuthal correlations between particles in the underlying event that extend over all rapidities-and hard or semihard scattering processes. In particular, it is not known whether jets or their soft fragments are correlated with particles in the underlying event. To address this question, two-particle correlations are measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV using data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with an integrated luminosity of 15.8  pb^{-1}, in two different configurations. In the first case, charged particles associated with jets are excluded from the correlation analysis, while in the second case, correlations are measured between particles within jets and charged particles from the underlying event. Second-order flow coefficients, v_{2}, are presented as a function of event multiplicity and transverse momentum. These measurements show that excluding particles associated with jets does not affect the measured correlations. Moreover, particles associated with jets do not exhibit any significant azimuthal correlations with the underlying event, ruling out hard processes contributing to the ridge.

Measurement of the Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} Differential Branching Fraction

The branching fraction of the rare decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} is measured for the first time, in the squared dimuon mass intervals q^{2}, excluding the J/ψ and ψ(2S) regions. The data sample analyzed was collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The result in the highest q^{2} interval, q^{2}>15.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, where theoretical predictions have the smallest model dependence, agrees with the predictions.

Observation of an Excess of Dicharmonium Events in the Four-Muon Final State with the ATLAS Detector

A search is made for potential ccc[over ¯]c[over ¯] tetraquarks decaying into a pair of charmonium states in the four muon final state using proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} recorded by the ATLAS experiment at LHC. Two decay channels, J/ψ+J/ψ→4μ and J/ψ+ψ(2S)→4μ, are studied. Backgrounds are estimated based on a hybrid approach involving Monte Carlo simulations and data-driven methods. Statistically significant excesses with respect to backgrounds dominated by the single parton scattering are seen in the di-J/ψ channel consistent with a narrow resonance at 6.9 GeV and a broader structure at lower mass. A statistically significant excess is also seen in the J/ψ+ψ(2S) channel. The fitted masses and decay widths of the structures are reported.

Observation of the γγ→ττ Process in Pb+Pb Collisions and Constraints on the τ-Lepton Anomalous Magnetic Moment with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of τ-lepton-pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions Pb+Pb→Pb(γγ→ττ)Pb and constraints on the τ-lepton anomalous magnetic moment a_{τ}. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.44  nb^{-1} of LHC Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment in 2018. Selected events contain one muon from a τ-lepton decay, an electron or charged-particle track(s) from the other τ-lepton decay, little additional central-detector activity, and no forward neutrons. The γγ→ττ process is observed in Pb+Pb collisions with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations and a signal strength of μ_{ττ}=1.03_{-0.05}^{+0.06} assuming the standard model value for a_{τ}. To measure a_{τ}, a template fit to the muon transverse-momentum distribution from τ-lepton candidates is performed, using a dimuon (γγ→μμ) control sample to constrain systematic uncertainties. The observed 95% confidence-level interval for a_{τ} is -0.057 Collapse

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Measurement of Ultra-High-Energy Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission of the Galactic Plane from 10 TeV to 1 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

The diffuse Galactic γ-ray emission, mainly produced via interactions between cosmic rays and the interstellar medium and/or radiation field, is a very important probe of the distribution, propagation, and interaction of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. In this Letter, we report the measurements of diffuse γ rays from the Galactic plane between 10 TeV and 1 PeV energies, with the square kilometer array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Diffuse emissions from the inner (15°10  TeV). The energy spectrum in the inner Galaxy regions can be described by a power-law function with an index of -2.99±0.04, which is different from the curved spectrum as expected from hadronic interactions between locally measured cosmic rays and the line-of-sight integrated gas content. Furthermore, the measured flux is higher by a factor of ∼3 than the prediction. A similar spectrum with an index of -2.99±0.07 is found in the outer Galaxy region, and the absolute flux for 10≲E≲60  TeV is again higher than the prediction for hadronic cosmic ray interactions. The latitude distributions of the diffuse emission are consistent with the gas distribution, while the longitude distributions show clear deviation from the gas distribution. The LHAASO measurements imply that either additional emission sources exist or cosmic ray intensities have spatial variations.

Stakeholder Model for Standard Operating Procedure of Radiation Safety Practice in Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Using Xofigo procedure as an example of radiopharmaceutical therapy, to provide a quantitative analysis methodology for standard operating procedure development with binary stakeholder model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A Xofigo procedure was selected for this study. After nurse places the intravenous (IV) pole and start delivery of the saline liquid into the patients for required temporal period, calibrated Xofigo syringe will be transported into the treatment room by medical physicist and authorized radiation oncologist starts injecting the Xofigo liquid into the patient through the 3-way stopcock. During this process, the status of liquid path is from the syringe with Xofigo liquid to patient, and the saline liquid tube is shutoff. After about 1 minutes of injection, which most of the Xofigo radioactive liquid is injected into patient side, the 3-way stopcock will shut off the connection between the patient and syringe. The saline liquid then is abstracted into in the syringe from the saline bag hung on the IV pole, the liquid amount will be used for diluting the residual Xofigo liquid inside the syringe. Then the 3-way stopcock switch is switched off the connection between the saline bag and the syringe, and syringe is connected to the patient side again, then the saline liquid inside the syringe is injected into patient, and this process dilutes the residual Xofigo radioactive liquid at the inside surface of the syringe and the path to the patient. This dilution process could repeat a few times, depends on the estimation of residual amount. Then the syringe will be unscrewed from the 3-way stopcock by opening the path from the saline bag to the patient. At this moment, the saline is switched off from outside by cutting the tube with a scissor or unscrewed from the 3-way stopcock. A binary stakeholder quantitative model was used to evaluate the last step with a computational simulation program the tube cut-off process.

RESULTS

Based on the numerical results from the simulation program, at the best situation, if the residual isotope liquid had been diluted completely, the radiative dose to both procedures would not be different, and the only difference is the tool used and workload dispatch to both medical physicist and radiation oncologist. And at the worst scenario, there were some radioactive residuals had gone into the IV-saline tube, then the radioactive contamination could be in the scissor, both side of cut off tube, and potential contacting point will increase to two stakeholders, one more tool(scissor), which could be treated as a stakeholder.

CONCLUSION

The optimization principle could be simplified as to decrease the contacting point and contacting stakeholders by a computational simulation of a stakeholder model for a Xofigo radiopharmaceutical procedure. The analysis methodology could expand to all the steps in radiopharmaceutical therapy in developing a standard operating procedure and other complex radiation safety practice simulation system.

Evaluating the Effects of Bone Marrow Sparing Radiotherapy on Acute Hematologic Toxicity for Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Bone marrow sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (BMS-IMRT) can reduce the incidence of acute hematologic toxicity (HT) for locoregionally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), but the norm has been controversial. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow (BM) V40 <25% on decreasing the incidence of acute HT in a prospective clinical trial.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 242 LACC patients were recruited from May 2021 to May 2022, who were evenly randomized into BMS-IMRT group and standard IMRT group according to a computer-generated random number list. All patients received pelvic irradiation with concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m2 weekly), followed by brachytherapy. For patients in BMS-IMRT group, the outer contour of pelvic bone, lumbar spine and left and right femur heads were additionally delineated as a surrogate for BM, and V40 <25% was prescribed. Blood counts were tested weekly, of which nadirs during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) were graded to assess acute HT as primary observation index. Second observation index were dosimetric parameters of EBRT plan from the dose volume histograms (DVHs). Binary logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for predictive value analysis.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic, disease and treatment characteristics were all balanced between BMS-IMRT group and standard IMRT group. BMS-IMRT was associated with a lower incidence of grade ≥2 and grade ≥3 acute HT, leukopenia and neutropenia (72.70% vs 90.90%, P <0.001*; 16.50% vs 65.30%, P <0.001*; 66.10% vs 85.10%, P = 0.001*; 13.20% vs 54.50%, P <0.001*; 37.20% vs 66.10%, P <0.001*; 10.70% vs 43.80%, P <0.001*). Plan target volume (PTV) for all patients satisfied the clinical requirement of V(100%) ≥95%, and conformity and homogeneity were both comparable between 2 groups. BMS also decreased dose delivered to the organs at risk (OARs) including rectum, bladder and left and right femur head. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that BM V40 was an independent risk factor for grade ≥3 acute HT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.734, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.959-3.815, P <0.001*). Cutoff value was 25.036% and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.786. The nomogram was constructed, which was rigorously evaluated and internally cross-validated, showing good predictive performance.

CONCLUSION

BM V40 <25% can reduce the risks of acute HT for LACC patients receiving CCRT while the dose delivery of target volume and other normal tissues were not compromised. With great practicality and applicability, BM V40 <25% is a promising strategy, making BMS-IMRT widespread especially in the area where application of image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET)/CT is not popularized. Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2200066485).

The Effect of Age on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Early Stage, Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Prospective studies on Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluating the effect of age on outcomes in breast cancer (BC) is not well studied. This study aims to examine the physical and mental health perceptions in BC patients enrolled in an international, multi-center REQUITE study.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This study includes 2,057 patients with ER+ early-stage BC treated with breast conservation surgery, radiation (RT), and endocrine therapy (ET) across Europe and North America between April 2014 and March 2017. The prospectively collected HRQoL dataset includes EORTC30 and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) at baseline, post-RT, 1, 2, and 3 years of follow up. Patients were stratified by age: 851 aged <70 (younger) and 201 aged ≥ 70 (older). The median age (range) for the younger and older cohort is 57 years (30-69 years) and 75 years (70-86 years), respectively. Analysis includes descriptive statistics and univariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Older patients had a greater burden of comorbid conditions including increased BMI (27.3 vs 26.5; P = 0.006), history of diabetes (10.9% vs 6.6%; P = 0.0336), heart disease (15.4% vs 6.1%; P<0.0001), rheumatoid arthritis (6.5% vs 3.2%; P = 0.0280), hypertension (54.2% vs 25.0%; P<0.0001), and polypharmacy (37.8% vs 16.7%; P<0.0001) compared to younger patients. Higher utilization of aromatase inhibitor (67.7% vs 42.4%; P<0.0001) in older patients, and tamoxifen (63.7% vs 36.5%; P<0.0001) in younger patients. The T-stage distribution in younger and older patients is T1 = 82.4% vs 68.7%, T2 = 9.8% vs 26.4%, T3 = 0.1% vs 1%, respectively. The 3-year relapse-free survival was similar in both groups (P = 0.183). Significant worsening in fatigue (P<0.0001, P<0.0001), pain (P = 0.0274, P<0.0001), cognitive functioning (P = 0.0291, P<0.0001), and global health status (P = 0.0064, P<0.0001) was observed during follow up from baseline in both groups (older patients, younger patients). Compared to older patients where significant deterioration persisted, younger patients showed improvement in most HRQoL measures over the duration of follow up years. Older patients had poorer global health status (OR = 1.19 vs 0.8, P = 0.0214) than younger patients from baseline at 2 years. On the MFI-20 measure, both age groups showed worsening fatigue from baseline at post-RT, but eventual recovery noted in the 1-to-3-year follow up period.

CONCLUSION

Older patients, present with greater comorbidities, polypharmacy, and later stages in BC, reported worsening fatigue, pain, cognitive functioning, and global health status during 3 years follow up. One limitation of this study is that patients were predominately White, potentially limiting the generalizability of these observations. Further studies supplementing biomarkers and prognostic signatures with functional measures such as HRQoL may provide a useful tool to guide risk-tailored treatment in older patients with breast cancer.

Development of spinning-disk solid sample delivery system for high-repetition rate x-ray free electron laser experiments

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) deliver intense x-ray pulses that destroy the sample in a single shot by a Coulomb explosion. Experiments using XFEL pulse trains or the new generation of high-repetition rate XFELs require rapid sample replacement beyond those provided by the systems now used at low repletion-rate XFELs. We describe the development and characterization of a system based on a spinning disk to continuously deliver a solid sample into an XFEL interaction point at very high speeds. We tested our system at the Linac Coherent Light Source and European XFEL hard x-ray nano-focus instruments, employing it to deliver a 25 μm copper foil sample, which can be used as a gain medium for stimulated x-ray emission for the proposed x-ray laser oscillator.

Observation of New Ω_{c}^{0} States Decaying to the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} Final State

Two new excited states, Ω_{c}(3185)^{0} and Ω_{c}(3327)^{0}, are observed in the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} invariant-mass spectrum using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Five previously observed excited Ω_{c}^{0} states are confirmed, namely Ω_{c}(3000)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3050)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3065)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3090)^{0}, and Ω_{c}(3119)^{0}. The masses and widths of these seven states are measured with the highest precision to date.

Evidence of a J/ψK_{S}^{0} Structure in B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} decays is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. Evidence with a significance of 4.0 standard deviations of a structure in the J/ψK_{S}^{0} system, named T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0}, is seen, with its mass and width measured to be 3991_{-10}^{+12} _{-17}^{+9}  MeV/c^{2} and 105_{-25}^{+29} _{-23}^{+17}  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0} state is likely to be the isospin partner of the T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{+} state, previously observed in the J/ψK^{+} system of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. When isospin symmetry for the charged and neutral T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000) states is assumed, the signal significance increases to 5.4 standard deviations.