Upregulation of HAS2 promotes glioma cell proliferation and chemoresistance via c-myc

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant human brain tumor. Although comprehensive therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy following surgery, have shown promise in prolonging survival, the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor, with an overall survival rate of only 14.6 months. Chemoresistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment and contributes to relapse and poor survival rates in glioma patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel strategies to overcome chemoresistance and improve treatment outcomes for human glioma patients. Recent studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in chemoresistance. Our study demonstrates that upregulation of HAS2 and subsequent hyaluronan secretion promotes glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo through the c-myc pathway. Targeting HAS2 sensitizes glioma cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1α regulates HAS2 expression. Together, our findings provide insights into the dysregulation of HAS2 and its role in chemoresistance and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for GBM.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers of X(2370) as 0^{-+} from J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'}

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'} is performed. The mass and width of the X(2370) are measured to be 2395±11(stat)_{-94}^{+26}(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 188_{-17}^{+18}(stat)_{-33}^{+124}(syst)  MeV, respectively. The corresponding product branching fraction is B[J/ψ→γX(2370)]×B[X(2370)→f_{0}(980)η^{'}]×B[f_{0}(980)→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}]=(1.31±0.22(stat)_{-0.84}^{+2.85}(syst))×10^{-5}. The statistical significance of the X(2370) is greater than 11.7σ and the spin parity is determined to be 0^{-+} for the first time. The measured mass and spin parity of the X(2370) are consistent with the predictions of the lightest pseudoscalar glueball.

Observation of Structures in the Processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2}

We present measurements of the Born cross sections for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s] from 4.308 to 4.951 GeV. The measurements are performed with data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.0  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider storage ring. Assuming the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c2} signals come from a single resonance, the mass and width are determined to be M=(4413.6±9.0±0.8)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(110.5±15.0±2.9)  MeV, respectively, which is consistent with the parameters of the well-established resonance ψ(4415). In addition, we also use one single resonance to describe the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} line shape and determine the mass and width to be M=(4544.2±18.7±1.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(116.1±33.5±1.7)  MeV, respectively. The structure of this line shape, observed for the first time, requires further understanding.

Coupled-Channel Analysis of the χ_{c1}(3872) Line Shape with BESIII Data

We perform a study of the χ_{c1}(3872) line shape using the data samples of e^{+}e^{-}→γχ_{c1}(3872), χ_{c1}(3872)→D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0}, and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ collected with the BESIII detector. The effects of the coupled channels and the off-shell D^{*0} are included in the parametrization of the line shape. The line shape mass parameter is obtained to be M_{X}=(3871.63±0.13_{-0.05}^{+0.06})  MeV. Two poles are found on the first and second Riemann sheets corresponding to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} branch cut. The pole location on the first sheet is much closer to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} threshold than the other, and is determined to be 7.04±0.15_{-0.08}^{+0.07}  MeV above the D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0} threshold with an imaginary part -0.19±0.08_{-0.19}^{+0.14}  MeV.

Observation of the Anomalous Shape of X(1840) in J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) Indicating a Second Resonance Near pp[over ¯] Threshold

Using a sample of (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events, which is about 45 times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84  GeV/c^{2} in the line shape of the 3(π^{+}π^{-}) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 10σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7  MeV/c^{2} and 30.7±5.5±2.4  MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp[over ¯] bound state.

Study of the f_{0}(980) and f_{0}(500) Scalar Mesons through the Decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using e^{+}e^{-} collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33  fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, we present an analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}, where the D_{s}^{+} is produced via the process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*±}D_{s}^{∓}. We observe the f_{0}(980) in the π^{+}π^{-} system and the branching fraction of the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} with f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-} measured to be (1.72±0.13_{stat}±0.10_{syst})×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The dynamics of the D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} decay are studied with the simple pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the f_{0}(980) in the differential decay rate, and the product of the form factor f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| is determined for the first time to be f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.017_{stat}±0.035_{syst}. Furthermore, the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} is searched for the first time but no signal is found. The upper limit on the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e}, f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-} decay is set to be 3.3×10^{-4} at 90% confidence level.

Observation of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} in the Amplitude Analysis of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η

We perform for the first time an amplitude analysis of the decay D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η and report the observation of the decay D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector. As the only W-annihilation-free decay among D to a_{0}(980) pseudoscalar, D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} is the ideal decay in extracting the contributions of the W-emission amplitudes involving a_{0}(980) and to study the final-state interactions. The absolute branching fraction of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η is measured to be (1.27±0.04_{stat}±0.03_{syst})%. The branching fractions of intermediate processes D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} with a_{0}(980)^{+}→π^{+}η and D^{+}→π^{+}K[over ¯]_{0}^{*}(1430)^{0} with K[over ¯]_{0}^{*}(1430)^{0}→K_{S}^{0}η are measured to be (1.33±0.05_{stat}±0.04_{syst})% and (0.14±0.03_{stat}±0.01_{syst})%, respectively.

Observation of Significant Flavor-SU(3) Breaking in the Kaon Wave Function at 12<Q^{2}<25 GeV^{2} and Discovery of the Charmless Decay ψ(3770)→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0}

We present cross sections for the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0} at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.51 to 4.95 GeV using data samples collected in the BESIII experiment, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 26.5  fb^{-1}. The ratio of neutral-to-charged kaon form factors at large momentum transfers (12 Collapse

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Investigation of the ΔI=1/2 Rule and Test of CP Symmetry through the Measurement of Decay Asymmetry Parameters in Ξ^{-} Decays

Using (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, numerous Ξ^{-} and Λ decay asymmetry parameters are simultaneously determined from the process J/ψ→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}→Λ(pπ^{-})π^{-}Λ[over ¯](n[over ¯]π^{0})π^{+} and its charge-conjugate channel. The precisions of α_{Λ0} for Λ→nπ^{0} and α[over ¯]_{Λ0} for Λ[over ¯]→n[over ¯]π^{0} compared to world averages are improved by factors of 4 and 1.7, respectively. The ratio of decay asymmetry parameters of Λ→nπ^{0} to that of Λ→pπ^{-}, ⟨α_{Λ0}⟩/⟨α_{Λ-}⟩, is determined to be 0.873±0.012_{-0.010}^{+0.011}, where the first and the second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The ratio is smaller than unity more than 5σ, which signifies the existence of the ΔI=3/2 transition in Λ for the first time. Besides, we test for CP symmetry in Ξ^{-}→Λπ^{-} and in Λ→nπ^{0} with the best precision to date.

[Differentiation of temporal lobe epilepsy and temporal plus epilepsy using radiomics nomogram based on MPRAGE images]

A total of 82 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and temporal plus epilepsy (TPE)admitted in Xuanwu Hospital from January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2021 were restrospectively analyzed, including 41 males and 41 females, aged 2 to 52 (24±10) years. The patients were randomly divided into the training set (58 cases) and test set (24 cases) by Python. FreeSurfer software was used to segment the cortex of the affected hemisphere, defining 33 regions of interest (ROIs), and radiomics features were extracted by Python. After selecting features using the filter-based feature selection method, a radiomics model was constructed with a logistic regression classifier, and radiomics scores were calculated. Combining clinical characteristics with radiomics scores, a nomogram model was constructed using R software, the predictive accuracy of the model was assessed with the concordance index (C-index), and the model's goodness-of-fit was tested with the Hosmer-Lemeshow method. The results showed statistically significant differences between TLE and TPE patients in disease duration, intracranial electrode implantation, and hippocampal sclerosis (both P<0.05). The accuracy of the radiomics model in the training set and the test set was 91.4% and 87.5%, respectively. The nomogram model uses C-index to predict accuracy. Hosmer-Lemeshow method was used to test the goodness of fit, with AUCs of 0.95 (95%CI: 0.853-0.991) in the training set and 0.84 (95%CI: 0.676-0.999) in the test set. The study indicates that the radiomics nomogram model based on MPRAGE sequences can effectively differentiate TLE from TPE, providing reference for the development of personalized treatment plans in clinical practice.

Observation of D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, Precision Test of Lepton Flavor Universality with D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}l^{+}ν_{l}, and First Measurements of D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}μ^{+}ν_{μ} Decay Dynamics

By analyzing 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the observation of the semileptonic decay D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, with a statistical significance larger than 10σ, and the measurements of the D_{s}^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay dynamics for the first time. The branching fractions of D_{s}^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ} are determined to be (2.235±0.051_{stat}±0.052_{syst})% and (0.801±0.055_{stat}±0.028_{syst})%, respectively, with precision improved by factors of 6.0 and 6.6 compared to the previous best measurements. Combined with the results for the decays D_{s}^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}e^{+}ν_{e}, the ratios of the decay widths are examined both inclusively and in several ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} four-momentum transfer ranges. No evidence for lepton flavor universality violation is found within the current statistics. The products of the hadronic form factors f_{+,0}^{η^{(')}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| are determined. The results based on the two-parameter series expansion are f_{+,0}^{η}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.452±0.010_{stat}±0.007_{syst} and f_{+,0}^{η^{'}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.037_{stat}±0.012_{syst}, which help to constrain present models on f_{+,0}^{η^{(')}}(0). The forward-backward asymmetries are determined to be ⟨A_{FB}^{η}⟩=-0.059±0.031_{stat}±0.005_{syst} and ⟨A_{FB}^{η^{'}}⟩=-0.064±0.079_{stat}±0.006_{syst} for the first time, which are consistent with the theoretical calculation.

Determination of the Σ^{+} Timelike Electromagnetic Form Factors

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process e^{+}e^{-}→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} is studied at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=2.3960, 2.6454, and 2.9000 GeV. Using a fully differential angular description of the final state particles, both the relative magnitude and phase information of the Σ^{+} electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region are extracted. The relative phase between the electric and magnetic form factors is determined to be sinΔΦ=-0.67±0.29(stat)±0.18(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.3960  GeV, ΔΦ=55°±19°(stat)±14°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.6454  GeV, and 78°±22°(stat)±9°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.9000  GeV. For the first time, the phase of the hyperon electromagnetic form factors is explored in a wide range of four-momentum transfer. The evolution of the phase along with four-momentum transfer is an important input for understanding its asymptotic behavior and the dynamics of baryons.

Peritumoural MRI radiomics signature of brain metastases can predict epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status in lung adenocarcinoma

AIM

To investigate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features of brain metastases (BMs) can predict epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in lung adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2014 and December 2022, 58 histopathologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma patients (27 with EGFR wild-type, 31 with EGFR mutation) who underwent gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced brain MRI were recruited retrospectively. A total of 123 metastatic brain lesions were allocated randomly into the training cohort (n=86) and test cohort (n=37) at a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics models based on multi-sequence MRI images in different regions such as volume of interest (VOI)enhancing tumour, VOIwholetumour, VOIperitumour 1mm, VOIperitumour 3mm, and VOIperitumour 5mm were built. The optimal radiomics model was integrated into the clinical or radiological indicators to construct a fusion model through multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The optimal radiomics model based on the VOIperitumour 1mm, a combination of nine features selected from the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence, yielded areas under the curves (AUCs) of >0.75 in the training and test cohorts. The prediction of the fusion model with integration of clinical factors (age) and radiomics score (the optimal radiomics model) was not better than that of the optimal radiomics model alone in the test cohort (AUC: 0.808 and 0.785, respectively, p=0.525).

CONCLUSION

The FLAIR radiomics model based on VOIperitumour 1mm as an effective biomarker helps predict EGFR mutation status in lung adenocarcinoma patients with BMs and then assists clinicians in selecting optimal treatment strategies.

[Species and population density of malaria vector Anopheles in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution of malaria vector Anopheles in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021, so as to provide the scientific evidence for improving the surveillance of malaria vector Anopheles and preventing re-establishment of imported malaria in Sichuan Province.

METHODS

The density and species of Anopheles mosquitoes were investigated using human-bait trapping and light trapping techniques in malaria vector surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021. The number, population and density of captured Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and descriptively analyzed, and the geographical distribution map of malaria vectors was plotted using the software ArcGIS 10.7 in Sichuan Province.

RESULTS

A total of 152 243 Anopheles mosquitoes were captured in malaria vector surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021, including 150 987 An. sinensis (99.18%) and 1 256 An. anthropophagus (0.82%), and no other Anopheles species were captured. The annual densities of An. sinensis and An. anthropophagus were 0.64 to 1.27 mosquitoes/(person-hour) and 0 to 0.07 mosquitoes/(person-hour) by the human-bait trapping technique, and 6.46 to 26.50 mosquitoes/(light-night) and 0 to 0.82 mosquitoes/(light-night) by the light trapping technique in malaria vector surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021. A relatively higher density of An. anthropophagus was seen in Renshou County, Jianyang City, Weiyuan County and Mabian Yi Autonomous County [> 0.40 mosquitoes/(person-hour)] by the human-bait trapping technique, and in Cuiping District and Gaoxian County in Yibin City [> 1.00 mosquito/(light-night)] by the light trapping technique in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2018, with no An. anthropophagus captured from 2019 to 2021, and a relatively higher density of An. sinensis was detected in Emeishan City, Lushan County, Luojiang District, Tongchuan District and Zhaohua District [> 4.00 mosquitoes/(person-hour)] by the human-bait trapping technique, and in Huili County, Yuexi County, Dechang County, Langzhong City, Pingchang County and Xuanhan County [> 40.00 mosquitoes/(light-night)] by the light trapping technique in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

Malaria vectors were still widespread in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2021, and An. sinensis was the dominant species of malaria vectors. There is still a risk of local re-establishment of imported malaria in Sichuan Province, and it is needed to continue to improve the surveillance of imported malaria cases and malaria vectors.

First Measurement of the Decay Asymmetry in the Pure W-Boson-Exchange Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+}

Based on 4.4  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure W-boson-exchange decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+} is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be α_{Ξ^{0}K^{+}}=0.01±0.16(stat)±0.03(syst). This result reflects the noninterference effect between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes has two solutions, which are δ_{p}-δ_{s}=-1.55±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad or 1.59±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad.

Analyzing the impacts of topographic factors and land cover characteristics on waterlogging events in urban functional zones

Rapid urbanization and climate changes result in frequent occurrence of urban waterlogging disasters, which cause serious economic damage and pose a threat to residents' safety. Understanding the spatial characteristic and the key influencing factors of urban waterlogging has significant implications for mitigating waterlogging. In this study, the officially issued representative waterlogging points were obtained, as well as the topographic factors and land cover characteristics were selected to compare their impacts on the waterlogging event density in a highly urbanized area at urban functional zone (UFZ) scale, and to quantify the contributions of the key influencing factors on urban waterlogging events. Results showed the average density of urban waterlogging events in the study area is 9.2 points/km2, and 38.4 % of the waterlogging events are distributed in REZ. The distribution of waterlogging points in the study area revealed a significant multi-core and multilevel spatial aggregation pattern, and 12.1 % of the study area was high-density waterlogging area. In the total UFZs, the correlation coefficients of topographic indices with waterlogging density were relatively weaker than the other land cover characteristic metrics. The impervious surface ratio had significant contributions in all UFZ types. The larger ratio of impervious surface significantly increased the density of waterlogging events. The increase in the ratio of green space can effectively decrease the density of urban waterlogging. In the total UFZs, the top 3 key influencing factors of urban waterlogging were PR (35.9 %), COHESION (32.5 %) and DIVISION (11.8 %). The higher connectivity of landscape patches in REZ, INZ and COZ, as well as the increase of landscape dispersion or diversity in REZ, EGZ, INZ and GSZ can effectively reduce the occurrence of urban waterlogging. This study provides a better understanding of the formation mechanism of urban waterlogging disasters and potential implications for prioritized waterlogging mitigation strategies.

Test of CP Symmetry in Hyperon to Neutron Decays

The quantum entangled J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} pairs from (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events taken by the BESIII detector are used to study the nonleptonic two-body weak decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-}. The CP-odd weak decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} (α_{+}) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-} (α[over ¯]_{-}) are determined to be 0.0481±0.0031_{stat}±0.0019_{syst} and -0.0565±0.0047_{stat}±0.0022_{syst}, respectively. The decay parameter α[over ¯]_{-} is measured for the first time, and the accuracy of α_{+} is improved by a factor of 4 compared to the previous results. The simultaneously determined decay parameters allow the first precision CP symmetry test for any hyperon decay with a neutron in the final state with the measurement of A_{CP}=(α_{+}+α[over ¯]_{-})/(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})=-0.080±0.052_{stat}±0.028_{syst}. Assuming CP conservation, the average decay parameter is determined as ⟨α_{+}⟩=(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})/2=-0.0506±0.0026_{stat}±0.0019_{syst}, while the ratios α_{+}/α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{-}/α[over ¯]_{0} are -0.0490±0.0032_{stat}±0.0021_{syst} and -0.0571±0.0053_{stat}±0.0032_{syst}, where α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{0} are the decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→pπ^{0} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}, respectively.

Measurement of Energy-Dependent Pair-Production Cross Section and Electromagnetic Form Factors of a Charmed Baryon

We study the process e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} at twelve center-of-mass energies from 4.6119 to 4.9509 GeV using data samples collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections and effective form factors (|G_{eff}|) are determined with unprecedented precision after combining the single and double-tag methods based on the decay process Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}. Flat cross sections around 4.63 GeV are obtained and no indication of the resonant structure Y(4630), as reported by Belle, is found. In addition, no oscillatory behavior is discerned in the |G_{eff}| energy dependence of Λ_{c}^{+}, in contrast to what is seen for the proton and neutron cases. Analyzing the cross section together with the polar-angle distribution of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon at each energy point, the moduli of electric and magnetic form factors (|G_{E}| and |G_{M}|) are extracted and separated. For the first time, the energy dependence of the form factor ratio |G_{E}/G_{M}| is observed, which can be well described by an oscillatory function.

[Safety and efficacy of yellow zebra guide wire exchange system in the treatment of complete upper digestive stenosis]

To investigate the efficacy and safety of yellow zebra guide wire exchange system in the treatment of complete upper digestive stenosis. To analyze the success rate and adverse events, a retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with complete digestive stenosis in Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from May 2019 to April 2023 and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2011 to March 2015. A total of 41 patients were included, including 25 males and 16 females, aged (65±12) years (28-94 years). Among them, 40 patients were successfully inserted with yellow zebra guide wire and underwent endoscopic treatment using the outer tube replacement with hard steel wire, with 97.6% (40/41) effective rate. Eleven patients (27.5%) were accompanied by varying degrees of retrosternal pain, without complications such as bleeding or perforation.

Divergent response to abiotic factor determines the decoupling of water and carbon fluxes over an artificial C4 shrub in desert

Knowledge on relationship and determinants of water and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange is crucial to land managers and policy makers especially for the desertified land restoration. However, there remains highly uncertain in terms of water use and carbon sequestration for artificial plantation in desert. Here, continuous water and carbon fluxes were measured using eddy covariance (EC) in conjunction with hydrometeorological measurements over an artificial C4 shrub, Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge, from July 2020 to 2021 in Tengger Desert, China. Throughout 2021, evapotranspiration (ET) was 189.5 mm, of which 85% (150 mm) occurred during growing season, that was comparable with the summation of precipitation (132.2 mm), dew (33.5 mm) and potential other sources (e.g. deep subsoil water). This ecosystem was a strong carbon sink with net ecosystem production (NEP) up to 446.4 g C m-2 yr-1, much higher than surrounding sites. Gross primary production (GPP, 598.7 g C m-2 yr-1) in this shrubland was comparable with that of other shrublands, whereas ecosystem respiration (Re, 152.3 g C m-2 yr-1) was lower. Random Forest showed that environmental factors can explain 71.56% and 80.07% variation of GPP and ET, respectively. Interestingly, environmental factors have divergent effect on water and carbon exchange, i.e., soil hydrothermic factors (soil moisture content and soil temperature) determine the magnitude and seasonal pattern of ET and Re, while aerodynamics factors (net radiation, atmospheric temperature and wind speed) determine GPP and NEP. As such, divergent response of abiotic factors resulted in the decoupling of water and carbon exchange. Our results suggest that H. ammodendron is a suitable species for large-scale afforestation in dryland given its low water use but high carbon sequestration. Therefore, we infer that artificial planting H. ammodendron in dryland could provide an opportunity for climate change mitigation, and the long-term time series data is needed to confirm its sustainable role of carbon sequestration in the future.

[Efficacy and safety of fourth-generation CD19 CAR-T expressing IL7 and CCL19 along with PD-1 monoclonal antibody for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: This study systematically explore the efficacy and safety of fourth-generation chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T), which express interleukin 7 (IL7) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 19 (CCL19) and target CD19, in relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Methods: Our center applied autologous 7×19 CAR-T combined with tirelizumab to treat 11 patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. The efficacy and adverse effects were explored. Results: All 11 enrolled patients completed autologous 7×19 CAR-T preparation and infusion. Nine patients completed the scheduled six sessions of tirolizumab treatment, one completed four sessions, and one completed one session. Furthermore, five cases (45.5%) achieved complete remission, and three cases (27.3%) achieved partial remission with an objective remission rate of 72.7%. Two cases were evaluated for disease progression, and one died two months after reinfusion because of uncontrollable disease. The median follow-up time was 31 (2-34) months, with a median overall survival not achieved and a median progression-free survival of 28 (1-34) months. Two patients with partial remission achieved complete remission at the 9th and 12th months of follow-up. Therefore, the best complete remission rate was 63.6%. Cytokine-release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome were controllable, and no immune-related adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Autologous 7×19 CAR-T combined with tirelizumab for treating relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma achieved good efficacy with controllable adverse reactions.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers for the Narrow Structure near the pΛ[over ¯] Threshold in e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c

A narrow structure in the pΛ[over ¯] system near the mass threshold, named as X(2085), is observed in the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] with a statistical significance greater than 20σ. Its spin and parity are determined for the first time to be J^{P}=1^{+} in an amplitude analysis, with a statistical significance greater than 5σ over other quantum numbers (0^{-},1^{-} and 2^{+}). The pole positions of X(2085) are measured to be M_{pole}=(2084_{-2}^{+4}±9)  MeV and Γ_{pole}=(58_{-3}^{+4}±25)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The analysis is based on the study of the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] and uses the data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.008, 4.178, 4.226, 4.258, 4.416, and 4.682 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 8.35  fb^{-1}.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} Cross Sections at Center-of-Mass Energies from Threshold to 4.95 GeV

The process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} is studied with a semi-inclusive method using data samples at center-of-mass energies from threshold to 4.95 GeV collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections of the process are measured for the first time with high precision in this energy region. Two resonance structures are observed in the energy-dependent cross sections around 4.2 and 4.4 GeV. By fitting the cross sections with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner amplitudes and one phase-space amplitude, the two significant structures are assigned masses of (4186.8±8.7±30) and (4414.6±3.4±6.1)  MeV/c^{2}, widths of (55±15±53) and (122.5±7.5±8.1)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The inclusion of a third Breit-Wigner amplitude is necessary to describe a structure around 4.79 GeV.

First Experimental Study of the Purely Leptonic Decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}

Using 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first experimental study of the purely leptonic decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}. Our data contain a signal of this decay with a statistical significance of 2.9σ. The branching fraction of D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e} is measured to be (2.1_{-0.9_{stat}}^{+1.2}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}, corresponding to an upper limit of 4.0×10^{-5} at the 90% confidence level. Taking the total width of the D_{s}^{*+} [(0.070±0.028)  keV] predicted with the radiative D_{s}^{*+} decay from the lattice QCD calculation as input, the decay constant of the D_{s}^{*+} is determined to be f_{D_{s}^{*+}}=(214_{-46_{stat}}^{+61}±44_{syst})  MeV, corresponding to an upper limit of 354 MeV at the 90% confidence level.

Adaptive Ultra-Hypofractionated Whole-Pelvic Radiotherapy in High-Risk and Very High-Risk Prostate Cancer on 1.5-1.5 MR Linac: The Estimated Delivered Dose and Early Toxicity Results

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To study the feasibility and safety for patients with high-risk (HR) and very high-risk (VHR) prostate cancer treated with adaptive ultra-hypofractionated whole-pelvic radiotherapy (UHF-WPRT) on 1.5 magnetic resonance (MR)-Linac.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Sevenpatients with clinical stage T3a-4N0-1M0-1c consecutively treated with UHF-WPRT on a 1.5-T MR-Linac were recruited prospectively in a phase II trial (NCT05183074, ChiCTR2000033382). A 36.25 Gy dose in five fractions was delivered every other day with a boost of 40 Gy to the whole prostate, as well as 25 Gy to whole pelvic nodal area with a concomitant boost of 35 Gy to metastatic regional nodes. To estimate the delivered dose, we collected data by 3D-MR for the following stages: pre-MR, position verification-MR (PV-MR) in the Adapt-To-Shape (ATS) workflow, and 3D-MR during the beam-on phase (Bn-MR) and at the end of RT (post-MR). The target and organ-at-risk contours in the PV-MR, Bn-MR, and post-MR stages were projected from the pre-MR data by deformable image registration and manually adapted by the physician, followed by dose recalculation for the ATS plan. The cumulative acute genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were evaluated as per NCI-CTCAE 5.0 criteria. The primary endpoints were acute ≥grade 3 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities during the first 3 months.

RESULTS

Overall, 133 MR scans were collected (35 pre-MR, 35 PV-MR, 31 Bn-MR and 32 post-MR scans). With a median on-couch time of 61 minutes, the mean prostate and pelvic planning target volume (PTV)-V95% of all scans was 96.98 ± 3.06% and 96.44 ± 2.85%, respectively. The corresponding mean prostate clinical target volume (CTV)-V100% was 99.89 ± 0.32%, 98.71 ± 1.90%, 97.77 ± 2.89%, and 98.56 ± 1.72%, and the mean pelvic CTV-V100% was 97.57% ± 3.70%, 96.54 ± 3.80%, 95.43 ± 4.31%, and 94.39 ± 4.47% on pre-MR, PV-MR, Bn-MR and post-MR scans, respectively. For the 4 patients with positive nodes, the mean V100% of metastatic regional nodes was 99.89 ± 0.81%. The median V29 Gy change in the rectal wall was -1% (-18%-20%). The V29 Gy of the rectal wall increased by >15% was observed in one scan. A slight increase in the high dose of bladder wall was noted due to gradual bladder growth during the workflow. With median follow-up time of 7.3 (4.6-12.2) months, all patients were followed-up for more than 3 months. No patient was observed with acute CTCAE grade 2 or more severe GU or GI toxicities (0%).

CONCLUSION

UHF-RT to prostate and pelvic with ATS workflow is well tolerated by patients with HR and VHR prostate cancer, with only mild GU and GI toxicities. The 3D-MR-based dosimetry analysis demonstrated clinically acceptable estimated dose coverage of target volumes during the beam-on period.

Quality Assurance in a Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized Trial of POstmastectomy radioThErapy in Node posiTive Breast Cancer with or without Internal mAmmary nodaL Irradiation (POTENTIAL): A Planning Dummy Run

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To report the planning dummy run results of the POstmastectomy radioThErapy in Node posiTive breast cancer with or without Internal mAmmary nodaL irradiation (POTENTIAL) trial-a multicenter, randomized, phase 3 trial-to evaluate postmastectomy radiotherapy, with or without internal mammary nodal irradiation, for patients with high-risk breast cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

All participating institutions were provided the contours of the dummy run case, and they generated radiotherapy (RT) plans per protocol guidelines. The plans were reviewed and feedback were provided by the quality assurance team, after which the institutions resubmitted revised plans. The information on beams arrangement, skin flash, inhomogeneity corrections, and protocol compliance was assessed both in the primary and final submission.

RESULTS

Theplans from 26 institutions were included in the analysis. A number of major deviations were found in the primary submission, such as less strict constraint on organs at risk (OARs) V5Gy, and no application of chest wall skin flash. The protocol compliance rates of the dose coverage for the planning target volume of the chest wall (PTVcw), PTV of supra/infraclavicular fossa plus axilla levels I, II, III (PTVsc+ax), and PTV of the IMN region (PTVim) were all significantly improved in the final submission compared with those in the primary submission, which were 96.2% vs. 69.2%, 100% vs. 76.9%, and 88.4% vs. 53.8, respectively. For OARs, the protocol compliance rates of heart Dmean, left anterior descending coronary artery V40Gy, ipsilateral lung V5Gy, and stomach V5Gy were significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

All major deviations were corrected and protocol compliance was significantly improved and of high level in the final submission. Moreover, the variations were reduced. Therefore, a planning dummy run was essential to guarantee good RT plan quality and inter-institutional consistency for multicenter trials.

[The safety and efficacy of prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on elderly patients diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer based on a propensity score matching analysis. Methods: Clinical data of elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy in Beijing Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. According to whether HIPEC was used, the patients were divided into HIPEC group (radical gastrectomy combined with HIPEC) and control group (radical gastrectomy alone), and 29 patients in HIPEC group and 122 patients in control group. After 1∶1 matching of PSM, there were 28 patients in each group. The clinicopathological data, surgical data, postoperative recovery and long-term survival of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: Before PSM, the mean age in the HIPEC group was (70.7±4.0) years, and in the control group was (73.1±5.8) years (P=0.011). After PSM, the mean age in the HIPEC group was (70.9±3.9) years, and it was (71.8±5.4) years in the control group (P=0.739). Before PSM, the incidence of postoperative complications was 20.7% (6 cases) in the HIPEC group and 26.2% (32 cases) in the control group (P=0.639). After PSM, the incidence of postoperative complications was 21.4% (6 cases) in the HIPEC group and 14.3% (4 cases) in the control group (P=0.730). Before PSM, the mean duration of hospitalization after radical gastrectomy was (13.6±7.6) days in HIPEC group and (16.2±13.0) days in control group, respectively (P=0.312). After PSM, the mean duration of hospitalization after radical gastrectomy was (13.7±7.8) days in HIPEC group and (15.4±9.7) days in control group, respectively (P=0.479). Before PSM, the 1-and 3-year overall survival rates of the HIPEC group were 88.2% and 69.7%, and 88.0% and 66.1% for control group, respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups in overall survival (P=0.499). After PSM, the 1-and 3-year overall survival rates of the HIPEC group were 86.8% and 69.7%, and 93.1% and 67.5% for control group, respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups in overall survival (P=0.425). Before PSM, the 1-and 3-year disease-free survival rates of the HIPEC group were 88.2% and 67.1%, and 87.8% and 64.3% for control group, respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups in disease-free survival (P=0.863). After PSM, the 1-and 3-year disease-free survival rates of the HIPEC group were 88.2% and 62.8%, and 93.7% and 64.7% for control group, respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups in disease-free survival (P=0.804). Conclusions: Radical surgery combined with HIPEC for elderly patients with gastric cancer does not increase postoperative complications and postoperative recovery time. However, there was no significant difference in overall survival and disease-specific survival between the two groups.

Search for Λ[over ¯]-Λ Baryon-Number-Violating Oscillations in the Decay J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c

We report on the first search for Λ[over ¯]-Λ oscillations in the decay J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c. by analyzing 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The J/ψ events are produced using e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center of mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV. No evidence for hyperon oscillations is observed. The upper limit for the oscillation rate of Λ[over ¯] to Λ hyperons is determined to be P(Λ)=[B(J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ+c.c.)/B(J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c.)]<4.4×10^{-6} corresponding to an oscillation parameter δm_{ΛΛ[over ¯]} of less than 3.8×10^{-18}  GeV at the 90% confidence level.

Pan-cancer analysis reveals the potential of hyaluronate synthase as therapeutic targets in human tumors

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix, and its level of accumulation is related to the progression of various malignant tumors. In this study, a pan-cancer analysis of the three enzymes called hyaluronan synthases (HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3) that produce HA was performed. The study comprehensively describes the characteristics of HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3 in cancers using public databases and tools, to identify the potential biological pathways involved at the molecular, protein, cellular, and clinical sample levels. The analysis showed that dysregulation of the three genes often occurs in cancer, contributing to cancer progression, metastasis, and prognosis. Overexpression of HAS2 promotes secretion of HA in GBM and enhances cell proliferation and migration. The common and specific functions of HAS in certain diseases have important research implications for the treatment and prognosis of tumors.

First Study of Reaction Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p Using Ξ^{0}-Nucleus Scattering at an Electron-Positron Collider

Using (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the process Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p is studied, where the Ξ^{0} baryon is produced in the process J/ψ→Ξ^{0}Ξ[over ¯]^{0} and the neutron is a component of the ^{9}Be, ^{12}C, and ^{197}Au nuclei in the beam pipe. A clear signal is observed with a statistical significance of 7.1σ. The cross section of the reaction Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be is determined to be σ(Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be)=(22.1±5.3_{stat}±4.5_{sys})  mb at the Ξ^{0} momentum of 0.818  GeV/c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant H-dibaryon signal is observed in the Ξ^{-}p final state. This is the first study of hyperon-nucleon interactions in electron-positron collisions and opens up a new direction for such research.

Measurements of Normalized Differential Cross Sections of Inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} Production in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV

Based on electron positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the differential cross sections of inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} production as a function of hadron momentum, normalized by the total cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons process, are measured at six center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. Our results, which cover a relative hadron energy range from 0.1 to 0.9, significantly deviate from several theoretical calculations based on existing fragmentation functions.

Precision Measurement of the Decay Σ^{+}→pγ in the Process J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-}

Using (10 087±44)×10^{6} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ^{+}→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021_{stat}±0.018_{syst})×10^{-3}, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be -0.652±0.056_{stat}±0.020_{syst}. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.

[Poly-G for tumor matched samples chronicles the evolution of human colorectal cancer]

Objective: To analyze poly-guanine (poly-G) genotypes and construct the phylogenetic tree of colorectal cancer (CRC) and provide an efficient and convenient method for the study of intra-tumor heterogeneity and tumor metastasis pathway. Methods: The clinicopathological information of patients with primary colorectal cancer resection with regional lymph node metastases were retrospectively collected in the Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from January 2017 to December 2017. The paraffin sections of the paired tumor samples were performed consecutively, and multi-region microdissection was performed after histogene staining. The phenol-chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation scheme was used to obtain DNA, and Poly-G multiplex PCR amplification and capillary electrophoresis detection were performed. The correlation between Poly-G mutation frequency and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. Based on the difference of Poly-G genotypes between paired samples, the distance matrix was calculated, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed to clarify the tumor metastasis pathway. Results: A total of 237 paired samples were collected from 20 patients including 134 primary lesions, 66 lymph node metastases, 37 normal tissues, and Poly-G mutation was detected in 20 patients (100%). The mutation frequency of Poly-G in low and undifferentiated patients was (74.10±23.11)%, higher than that in high and medium differentiated patients [(31.36±12.04)%, P<0.001]. In microsatellite instability patients, the mutation frequency of Poly-G was (68.19±24.80)%, which was higher than that in microsatellite stable patients [(32.40±14.90)%, P=0.003]. The Poly-G mutation frequency was not correlated with age, gender, and pathological staging (all P>0.05). Based on Poly-G genotype difference of the paired samples, the phylogenetic trees of 20 patients were constructed, showing the evolution process of the tumor, especially the subclonal origins of lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: Poly-G mutations accumulate in the occurrence and development of CRC, and can be used as genetic markers to generate reliable maps of intratumor heterogeneity in large numbers of patients with minimal time and cost expenditure.

Measurements of the Electric and Magnetic Form Factors of the Neutron for Timelike Momentum Transfer

We present the first measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron in the timelike (positive q^{2}) region as function of four-momentum transfer. We explored the differential cross sections of the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→n[over ¯]n with data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII accelerator, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 354.6  pb^{-1} in total at twelve center-of-mass energies between sqrt[s]=2.0-2.95  GeV. A relative uncertainty of 18% and 12% for the electric and magnetic form factors, respectively, is achieved at sqrt[s]=2.3935  GeV. Our results are comparable in accuracy to those from electron scattering in the comparable spacelike region of four-momentum transfer. The electromagnetic form factor ratio R_{em}≡|G_{E}|/|G_{M}| is within the uncertainties close to unity. We compare our result on |G_{E}| and |G_{M}| to recent model predictions, and the measurements in the spacelike region to test the analyticity of electromagnetic form factors.

Observation of a New X(3872) Production Process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872)

Using 4.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data at center-of-mass energies from 4.661 to 4.951 GeV collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we observe the X(3872) production process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) for the first time. The significance is 7.8σ, including both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) Born cross section and the corresponding upper limit at 90% confidence level at each energy point are reported. The line shape of the cross section indicates that the ωX(3872) signals may be from the decays of some nontrivial structures.

Development and Determinants of Topsoil Bacterial and Fungal Communities of Afforestation by Aerial Sowing in Tengger Desert, China

It was previously reported that afforestation in the desert can help improve soil texture, carbon accumulation, and nutrient status. However, the effects of afforestation on soil microbial composition, diversity, and microbial interactions with soil physicochemical properties have been rarely evaluated quantitatively. Using the method of space-for-time substitutions, we assessed the development and determinants of topsoil bacterial and fungal communities over nearly 40 years of successive afforestation by aerial sowing in Tengger Desert, China. The results showed that afforestation by aerial sowing comprised a considerable proportion of Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria in the bacterial community in addition to the ubiquitous phyla found in desert but had fewer effects on the dominant phyla of the fungal community. At the phylum level, the bacterial community was clearly clustered into two groups. However, it was difficult to differentiate the constituents of the fungal community based on principal coordinate analysis. The richness of the bacterial and fungal communities was significantly higher after five years than at zero years and three years. Additionally, the bacterial community varied parabolically and reached its largest size at twenty years, while the fungal community increased exponentially. Soil physicochemical properties were found to have divergent effects on the abundance and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities, among which salt- and carbon-associated properties (e.g., electrical conductivity, calcium, magnesium, total carbon, and organic carbon) were closely related with the abundance of bacterial-dominant phyla and the diversity of bacteria and fungi, but nutrient-associated properties (e.g., total phosphorus and available phosphorus) were not. The results indicate that afforestation through the salt secretions of plants leaves and carbon inputs from litter promote the development of topsoil bacterial and fungal communities in the desert.

Observation of Three Charmoniumlike States with J^{PC}=1^{--} in e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+}

The Born cross sections of the process e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9  fb^{-1} and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47, and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9  MeV/c^{2}, 4469.1±26.2±3.6  MeV/c^{2}, and 4675.3±29.5±3.5  MeV/c^{2} and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0  MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4  MeV, and 218.3±72.9±9.3  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the ψ(4230) and ψ(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the ψ(4500) observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}J/ψ process. These three charmoniumlike ψ states are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} process for the first time.

Hydrocarbon Generation from Low-Mature Saline Lacustrine Sediments Studied Using Machine Learning and Chemometric Methods: The Succession of the Sikeshu Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

Significant attention has been given to the extensive development of saline environments in petroliferous basins. Further exploration and studies have discovered that saline environments, such as those for the deposition of source rocks in the Paleogene Anjihaihe (E_2-3 a) Formation of the Sikeshu Sag, are ubiquitous in terrestrial lake basins. Previous studies have suggested that the oil reservoirs in the Sikeshu Sag and its peripheral regions are predominantly derived from the black mudstone and coal measures of the Lower Jurassic Badaowan (J₁ b) Formation. However, with deeper exploration of the study area, a growing number of reservoirs with geochemical characteristics different from the J₁ b oil source have been discovered, indicating that there are oil sources other than the J₁ b source rocks. In this study, various machine learning algorithms were used (random forest, RF; convolutional neural networks, CNN; extreme gradient boosting, XGBoost; ElasticNetCV; Bayesian Ridge; and particle swarm optimization-support vector regression) to select the most suitable algorithm for predicting and comparing the quality of potential source rocks. A violin plot and Taylor diagram were applied to visually compare the reliability and application effectiveness of the models. The results demonstrated that XGBoost and RF can become essential tools for predicting the quality of potential source rocks. Moreover, the measured and predicted values of total organic carbon (TOC), hydrocarbon potential (S₁ + S₂), and hydrogen index indicate that there are three main source rocks: the E_2-3 a, Lower Jurassic Sangonghe (J₁ s), and J₁ b formations. The thermal maturity of the E_2-3 a source rocks is still early mature because of the saline-brackish water nature of these rocks, although large-scale hydrocarbon generation and expulsion can be achieved in the early mature stage. Based on their geochemical characteristics and stepwise discriminant analysis, the oils in the Sikeshu Sag and its peripheral regions can be categorized into two types: groups A and B. Comprehensive organic geochemical evidence suggests that genetically, group A oils are originated from E_2-3 a less-mature saline lacustrine sedimentary rocks, while group B oils indicate similar affinity to the Jurassic source. Fluid inclusion microthermometry and one-dimensional basin modeling showed that the oil charging periods of group A and B oils were Middle-Late Miocene (13-8 Ma) and Late Oligocene (23-20 Ma), respectively. Quantitative grain fluorescence (QGF) analysis further propose that the hydrocarbon supply region of the E_2-3 a sources is mainly located east of the Western Chepaizi Uplift and the interior area of the Sikeshu Sag, which breaks through the previous understanding that the Jurassic coal-derived oil source is the only main contributor in this study area. The research results can be widely applied to assess the petroleum resources of source rocks in similar areas worldwide.

Sensitive magnetic particle imaging of haemoglobin degradation for the detection and monitoring of intraplaque haemorrhage in atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) drives atherosclerosis progression and is a key imaging biomarker of unstable plaques. Non-invasive and sensitive monitoring of IPH is challenging due to the compositional complexity and dynamic nature of atherosclerotic plaques. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a highly sensitive, radiation-free, and no-tissue-background tomographic technique that detects superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether MPI can in vivo detect and monitor IPH.

METHODS

Thirty human carotid endarterectomy samples were collected and scanned with MPI. The tandem stenosis (TS) model was employed to establish unstable plaques with IPH in ApoE^-/- mice. MPI and 7 T T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on TS ApoE^-/- mice. Plaque specimens were analyzed histologically.

FINDINGS

Human carotid endarterectomy samples exhibited endogenous MPI signals, which histologically colocalized with IPH. In vitro experiments identified haemosiderin, a haemoglobin degradation product, as a potential source of MPI signals. Longitudinal MPI of TS ApoE^-/- mice detected IPH at unstable plaques, of which MPI signal-to-noise ratio values increased from 6.43 ± 1.74 (four weeks) to 10.55 ± 2.30 (seven weeks) and reduced to 7.23 ± 1.44 (eleven weeks). In contrast, 7 T T1-weighted MRI did not detect the small-size IPH (329.91 ± 226.82 μm²) at four weeks post-TS. The time-course changes in IPH were shown to correlate with neovessel permeability providing a possible mechanism for signal changes over time.

INTERPRETATION

MPI is a highly sensitive imaging technology that allows the identification of atherosclerotic plaques with IPH and may help detect and monitor unstable plaques in patients.

FUNDING

This work was supported in part by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation under Grant JQ22023; the National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant 2017YFA0700401; the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 62027901, 81827808, 81730050, 81870178, 81800221, 81527805, and 81671851; the CAS Youth Innovation Promotion Association under Grant Y2022055 and CAS Key Technology Talent Program; and the Project of High-Level Talents Team Introduction in Zhuhai City (Zhuhai HLHPTP201703).

A radiomics model development via the associations with genomics features in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer: a study based on a public database and single-centre verification

AIM

To evaluate the predictive performance of the radiomics model in predicting axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis through the associations between radiomics features and genomic features in patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with breast cancer were enrolled retrospectively from a public database (111 patients as training group) and one hospital (15 patients as external validation group). The genomics features from transcriptome data and radiomics features from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected. Firstly, overlapping genes were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and differentially expressed gene analysis, while radiomics features were reduced using a data-driven method. Then, the associations between overlapping genes and retained radiomics features were assessed to obtain key pairs of radiomics-genomics features. Furthermore, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to detect the key-pairs features. Finally, radiomics and genomics models were constructed to predict ALN metastasis.

RESULTS

After using the hybrid data- and gene-driven selection method, key pairs of features were detected, which consisted of six radiomic features associated with four genomic features. The radiomics model exhibited comparable performance to the genomics model in predicting ALN metastasis (radiomic model: area under the curve [AUC] = 0.71, sensitivity = 77%, specificity = 56%; genomic model: AUC = 0.72, sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 74%). The four genomic features were enriched in six pathways and related to metabolism and human diseases.

CONCLUSION

The radiomics model established using the gene-driven hybrid selection method could predict ALN metastasis in breast cancer, which showed comparable performance to the genomics model.

Imaging Guided Endogenic H2 -Augmented Electrochemo-Sonodynamic Domino Co-therapy of Tumor in Vivo

Precise and on-demand release of sufficient hydrogen (H₂ ) to tumor sites remains a key challenge for emerging H₂ -oncotherapy, and little is known about the physiological effects of "abundant" H₂ on complex tumor microenvironments (TME). Here, a highly efficient and cost-effective imaging-guided/-assessed H₂ -therapy of tumors based on a joint electrochemo-sonodynamic treatment (H₂ -EC/SD co-therapy) with strong "domino effect" triggered by endogenous H₂ generation at tumor sites is reported to speedily eliminate tumor tissue (≤80 mm³ ) within 1 day. Adequate H₂ is controllably generated in tumor sites through mild electrochemistry in vivo due to acidic TME by using clinical acupuncture Fe needles as electrodes. Besides starvation damage due to gas blockage/destruction of vessels, nano-/micro-bubbles of H₂ formed in situ can elevate the tumor's internal temperature and burst vessels to further destroy the tumor under ultrasound irradiation. Remarkably, vulnerable homeostasis of TME is disturbed as H₂ also participates in the physiological activity of tumor cells, leading to tumor dysfunction. Last but not least, the body's inflammatory response to cancer is reduced after the treatment, which is beneficial for the body's immune system during post-treatment recovery. Based on all of these merits, the H₂ -EC/SD co-therapy provides a potentially safe and viable therapeutic strategy for future clinical applications.

Evidence for the Cusp Effect in η' Decays into ηπ^{0}π^{0}

Using a sample of 4.3×10^{5} η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π^{+}π^{-} mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π^{0}π^{0} with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a_{0}-a_{2} is determined to be 0.226±0.060_{stat}±0.013_{syst}, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.

[Femtosecond laser-assisted open astigmatic keratotomy versus non-open astigmatic keratotomy for astigmatism correction in cataract surgery]

Objective: To compare the effects of femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy (FSAK) with and without a manual opening for correction of low to moderate corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study. Patients undergoing cataract surgery from June 2021 to June 2022 at the Army Specialty Medical Center were consecutively enrolled. To correct low to moderate astigmatism, they had combined FSAK with the corneal epithelium manually opened or not according to their own decisions. Pentacam HR corneal topography was performed at 3 months after surgery. The main indicators were target induced astigmatism, surgically induced astigmatism, difference vector, correction index and angle of error. The independent samples t-test was used for continuous variables conforming to a normal distribution, the Mann-Whitney U-test for those not conforming to a normal distribution, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: There were 51 patients (61 eyes), including 27 patients (31 eyes) receiving combined open FSAK and 24 patients (30 eyes) with non-open keratotomy. No statistical difference was found between the two groups of patients in terms of age, gender and mean follow-up time (P>0.05). The target induced astigmatism was 1.10(0.80, 1.50) D in patients with open keratotomy and 1.30(0.98, 1.73) D in patients with non-open keratotomy (Z=1.729, P=0.084). The surgically induced astigmatism was 0.70 (0.59, 1.25) D and 0.42 (0.20, 0.66) D (Z=-3.571, P<0.001), the difference vector was (0.51±0.31) D and (1.21±0.44) D (t=-7.238, P<0.001), the correction index was 0.78±0.32 and 0.38±0.25 (t=5.386, P<0.001), and the angle of error was -1.08°±10.76° and 5.93°±46.98° (t=0.809, P=0.422) in the two groups, respectively. Conclusion: Open FSAK can achieve better astigmatism correction and less postoperative residual astigmatism than non-open FSAK in cataract surgery.

Transcranial sonography with clinical and demographic characteristics to predict cognitive impairment in PD: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease and is clinically characterized by a series of motor symptoms (MS) and nonmotor symptoms (NMS). NMS often appear before MS, while cognitive impairment mostly occurs within a few years after the diagnosis of PD. Therefore, we aimed to predict the risk factors for cognitive impairment (CI) in PD patients based on transcranial sonography, clinical symptoms, and demographic characteristics.

METHODS

Based on the occurrence time of CI, a total of 172 PD patients were divided into non-CI (N-CI, n = 48), CI at the first treatment (F-CI, n = 58), and CI at the last treatment (L-CI, n = 66) groups. Clinical data (including MS and NMS) and ultrasonic data of all patients at the first treatment and the last treatment were collected retrospectively. Independent samples t tests were used to compare continuous data, and chi-square tests were used to compare categorical data. The risk factors for CI and Parkinson's disease dementia were identified by logistic regression analysis, and an ROC curve was established to explore the diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

1) The age of onset, first treatment and smoking history of CI patients were significantly different from those of N-CI patients. When age of first treatment ≥61 years was considered the boundary value to diagnose CI, the sensitivity and specificity were 77.40 and 66.70%, respectively. 2) The severity of depression was significantly different between F-CI and N-CI patients at the first treatment, while the cumulative and new or aggravated memory deficit was significantly different between the L-CI and N-CI patients at the last treatment. 3) There was a significant difference in TCS grading between the first and last treatment in L-CI patients. 4) Depression, sexual dysfunction, and olfactory dysfunction in NMS were independent risk factors for CI during the last treatment. 5) The sensitivity and specificity of predicting CI in PD patients were 81.80 and 64.60%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PD patients with CI were older, and most of them had a history of smoking. Furthermore, there was good diagnostic efficiency for predicting CI in PD via TCS combined with clinical characteristics (especially NMS).

Screening of Fracture Risk and Osteoporosis Among Older Long-term Care Residents: A Prospective Study

This prospective study assessed the effectiveness of screening older long-term care residents (LTCRs) for fracture risk and osteoporosis in Taiwan. Fracture risk screening was done using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), and those with high or moderate risk were offered osteoporosis workup and treatment at the hospital. Among 785 LTCRs screened, 338 men (mean age 75.6) and 447 women (mean age 81.2) were included. Only 5.2% of women and no men were using anti-osteoporosis medication. Based on the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) recommendations, 69.2% of men and 92.6% of women were classified as high fracture risk. In 110 participants willing to receive bone mineral density examination, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 86.2% of women and half of men. FRAX could effectively differentiate fracture risk in 648 LTCRs who completed 2-year follow-ups; no fracture occurred in the low-risk group. The study emphasizes the importance of fracture risk screening to enhance osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment among LTCRs.

Gelatin-based anticancer drug delivery nanosystems: A mini review

Drug delivery nanosystems (DDnS) is widely developed recently. Gelatin is a high-potential biomaterial originated from natural resources for anticancer DDnS, which can effectively improve the utilization of anticancer drugs and reduce side effects. The hydrophilic, amphoteric behavior and sol-gel transition of gelatin can be used to fulfill various requirements of anticancer DDnS. Additionally, the high number of multifunctional groups on the surface of gelatin provides the possibility of crosslinking and further modifications. In this review, we focus on the properties of gelatin and briefly elaborate the correlation between the properties and anticancer DDnS. Furthermore, we discuss the applications of gelatin-based DDnS in various cancer treatments. Overall, we have summarized the excellent properties of gelatin and correlated with DDnS to provide a manual for the design of gelatin-based materials for DDnS.

Biosynthetic Gas Vesicles Combined with Focused Ultrasound for Blood-Brain Barrier Opening

Background

Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles (MBs) has emerged as a potential approach for opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for delivering drugs into the brain. However, MBs range in size of microns and thus can hardly extravasate into the brain parenchyma. Recently, growing attention has been paid to gas vesicles (GVs), which are genetically encoded gas-filled nanostructures with protein shells, due to their potential for extravascular targeting in ultrasound imaging and therapy. However, the use of GVs as agents for BBB opening has not yet been investigated.

Methods

In this study, GVs were extracted and purified from Halobacterium NRC-1. Ultrasound imaging performance of GVs was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Then, FUS/GVs-mediated BBB opening for small molecular Evans blue or large molecular liposome delivery across the BBB was examined.

Results

The results showed a good contrast performance of GVs for brain perfusion ultrasound imaging in vivo. At the acoustic negative pressure of 1.5 MPa, FUS/GVs opened the BBB safely, and effectively enhanced Evans blue and 200-nm liposome delivery into the brain parenchyma.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that biosynthetic GVs hold great potential to serve as local BBB-opening agents in the development of new targeted drug delivery strategies for central nervous system disorders.

Laser speckle contrast imaging for blood flow monitoring in predicting outcomes after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of ischemic cerebral stroke (ICS), most conventional treatments, including carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting, may cause cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). For treated ICS patients, changes in cerebral blood flow are directly related to brain function. At present, computed tomography perfusion, dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging are used to monitor cerebral blood flow, but they still have some limitations. Our study aimed to monitor the changes in cerebral cortical blood flow by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) in CIRI model mice and to propose a new method for predicting outcomes after CIRI. C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish a mouse CIRI model based on a modified thread-occlusion method and divided into a good outcome group and a poor outcome group according to survival within 7 days. The cerebral cortical blood flow of the area supplied by the left middle cerebral artery was monitored by LSCI at baseline (before modeling), 1 h after ischemia, immediately after reperfusion and 24 h after reperfusion. Then, the brains of the mice were removed immediately and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe the pathological changes in brain neurons.

RESULTS

The cerebral cortical blood flow in the poor outcome group was obviously reduced compared with that less in the good outcome group at 24 h after reperfusion (180.8 ± 20.9 vs. 113.9 ± 6.4, p = 0.001), and at 24 h after reperfusion, the cerebral cortical blood flow was negatively correlated with the severity of brain tissue injury (p = - 0.710, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

LSCI can monitor the changes in cerebral cortical blood flow during CIRI in mice and could be used as a feasible method for predicting outcomes after CIRI in mice.