Correction: Wang et al. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha6 Contributes to Antiviral Immunity via IMD Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Viruses 2024, 16, 562

In the original publication [...].

Early-life exposure to ambient air pollutants and kidney function in adolescents: a cohort study based on the 'Children of 1997' Hong Kong birth cohort

OBJECTIVES

Air pollution is increasingly linked to impaired kidney function in adults. However, little is known about how early-life exposure to air pollutants affects kidney function in adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

We leveraged data from the 'Children of 1997' Hong Kong population-representative birth cohort (N = 8327). Residential exposure to average ambient levels of four air pollutants, including inhalable particle (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen monoxide (NO), during in utero, infancy, and childhood periods was estimated using the inverse distance weighting. Kidney function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from age-adjusted equations for adolescents. Generalized linear regression was used to examine the association of air pollutant exposure in each period with kidney function at 17.6 years. Two-pollutant models tested the robustness of the association.

RESULTS

Of the 3350 participants included, 51.4% were boys. Exposure to PM10 was associated with poorer kidney function. Each interquartile range increment in PM10 was inversely associated with eGFR (β: -2.933, 95% confidence interval -4.677 to -1.189) in utero, -2.362 (-3.992 to -0.732) infancy, -2.708 (-4.370 to -1.047) childhood, and -2.828 (-4.409 to -1.247) overall. Exposure to PM10 and SO2in utero had a stronger inverse association with kidney function in males. The associations were robust to PM10 exposure in two-pollutant models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that early-life exposure to ambient PM10 and SO2 is associated with reduced kidney function in adolescents, especially exposure in utero.

[Effects of early debridement and conservative eschar removal followed by wound coverage with acellular dermal matrix in the treatment of children with deep burns]

Objective: To explore the effects of early debridement and conservative eschar removal followed by wound coverage with acellular dermal matrix (ADM), i.e., early surgery, in the treatment of children with deep burns. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. From January 2017 to December 2022, 278 deep burned hospitalized children aged 1-7 years who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. According to the differences in treatment processes, 134 children who underwent early surgery+routine dressing change were enrolled in eschar removal+dressing change group (77 males and 57 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years), and 144 children who underwent only routine dressing change were enrolled in dressing change alone group (90 males and 54 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years). Fifty-one children without full-thickness burns in eschar removal+dressing change group were enrolled in eschar removal+dressing change group 1 (26 males and 25 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years), and 57 cases of the 83 children with full-thickness burns who did not undergo autologous skin grafting at the same time of early surgery (namely early skin grafting) in eschar removal+dressing change group were included in eschar removal+dressing change group 2 (37 males and 20 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years). Seventy-six children without full-thickness burns in dressing change alone group were included in dressing change alone group 1 (51 males and 25 females, aged 1 (1, 3) years), and 68 children with full-thickness burns in dressing change alone group were included in dressing change alone group 2 (39 males and 29 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years). For deep partial-thickness burn wounds and small full-thickness burn wounds in eschar removal+dressing change group, the eschar removal was performed on the basis of retaining a thin layer of denatured dermis so as to preserve the healthy tissue of the wound base, and ADM was applied to all wounds externally after eschar removal. For larger full-thickness burn wounds in this group, especially those located in the functional part of joints, eschar removal to the plane layer of viable tissue and early autologous skin grafting was needed. When the superficial wounds of children healed or tended to heal, the residual wounds were evaluated, and elective autologous skin grafting was performed if it was difficult to heal within 14 days. The healing time, intervention healing time, times of operation/dressing change, and times of intervention operation/dressing change in children with deep partial-thickness burn wounds of children in eschar removal+dressing change group, dressing change alone group, eschar removal+dressing change group 1, and dressing change alone group 1 were recorded. At the last follow-up (follow-up period was set to 7-12 months), the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS) scores of the most severe area of scar hyperplasia of healed deep partial-thickness burn wounds of 54 children in eschar removal+dressing change group and 48 children in dressing change alone group were recorded. The healing time and times of operation/dressing change of all burn wounds of children in eschar removal+dressing change group and dressing change alone group, and the healing time and times of operation/dressing change of full-thickness burn wounds of children in eschar removal+dressing change group 2 and dressing change alone group 2 were recorded. The incidences of wound infection, sepsis, fever, and fever after 5 days of burns in children of eschar removal+dressing change group and dressing change alone group during wound healing. Results: Compared with those in dressing change alone group, the healing time and intervention healing time were significantly shortened, and the times of operation/dressing change and times of intervention operation/dressing change were significantly reduced in children with deep partial-thickness burn wounds in eschar removal+dressing change group (with Z values of -11.00, -11.33, -12.64, and -11.65, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with those in dressing change alone group 1, the healing time and intervention healing time were significantly shortened, and the times of operation/dressing change and times of intervention operation/dressing change were significantly reduced in children with deep partial-thickness burn wounds in eschar removal+dressing change group 1 (with Z values of 6.57, 6.46, 8.04, and 6.57, respectively, P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the mVSS score of the most severe scar hyperplasia area of healed deep partial-thickness burn wounds of 54 children in eschar removal+dressing change group was 4.00 (3.00,5.00), which was significantly lower than 6.50 (5.00,7.00) of 48 children in dressing change alone group (Z =-4.67, P<0.05).Compared with those in dressing change alone group, the healing time was significantly shortened, and times of operation/dressing change was significantly reduced in all burn wounds in eschar removal+dressing change group (with Z values of -5.20 and -6.34, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with those in dressing change alone group 2, the healing time was significantly shortened, and times of operation/dressing change was significantly reduced in full-thickness burn wounds in eschar removal+dressing change group 2 (with Z values of -5.22 and -5.73, respectively, P<0.05). During wound healing, the probabilities of fever and fever after 5 days of burns in children of eschar removal+dressing change group were significantly lower than those in dressing change alone group (with χ2 values of 4.13 and 3.91, respectively, P<0.05); only 1 child in dressing change alone group developed sepsis, and there was no statistically significant difference in the wound infection rate of children in the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: For children with deep burns, early surgery, and early skin grafting or elective autologous skin grafting as needed, have better short-term and long-term effects than those without early surgery.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha6 Contributes to Antiviral Immunity via IMD Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster

Currently, insecticides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are widely used. Studies on the sublethal effects of insecticides have found that they can affect the amount of virus in insects. The mechanism by which insecticides affect insect virus load remain unclear. Here, we show that nAChR targeting insecticide can affect viral replication through the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway. We demonstrate that a low dose of spinosad (6.8 ng/mL), acting as an antagonist to Drosophila melanogaster nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α6 (Dα6), significantly elevates Drosophila melanogaster sigmavirus (DMelSV) virus titers in adults of Drosophila melanogaster. Conversely, a high dose of spinosad (50 ng/mL), acting as an agonist to Dα6, substantially decreases viral load. This bidirectional regulation of virus levels is absent in Dα6-knockout flies, signifying the specificity of spinosad's action through Dα6. Furthermore, the knockdown of Dα6 results in decreased expression of genes in the IMD pathway, including dredd, imd, relish, and downstream antimicrobial peptide genes AttA and AttB, indicating a reduced innate immune response. Subsequent investigations reveal no significant difference in viral titers between relish mutant flies and Dα6-relish double mutants, suggesting that the IMD pathway's role in antiviral defense is dependent on Dα6. Collectively, our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between nAChR signaling and the IMD pathway in mediating antiviral immunity, highlighting the potential for nAChR-targeting compounds to inadvertently influence viral dynamics in insect hosts. This knowledge may inform the development of integrated pest management strategies that consider the broader ecological impact of insecticide use.

Metarhizium rileyi with broad-spectrum insecticidal ability confers resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests as a phytoendophyte

BACKGROUND

Entomophagous fungi (EPF) not only directly kill insect pests, but also colonize plants and improve their resistance against pests. However, most previous research has focused on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, and there are few reports on whether other EPF can enhance resistance against pests via endogenous colonization. Herein, an EPF strain was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field, and subjected to genome-wide sequencing at the chromosomal level. The pathogenicity of the isolate toward various pest insects was evaluated, and the ability to colonize plants and induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests was tested.

RESULTS

The purified isolate was identified as M. rileyi and designated MrS1Gz1-1. Biological assays revealed its strong pathogenicity toward five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, the strain inhibited the growth of soil-borne plant disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro. It colonized plants as an endophyte via soil application, thereby inducing plant resistance-related genes against phytopathogen infection, and it disrupted the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae.

CONCLUSION

M. rileyi MrS1Gz1-1 has potential as a broad-spectrum microbial control agent that can induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests feeding as an endotype. The complete genome provides a valuable resource for exploring host interactions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Key microbial monitoring and clinical analysis of bloodstream infections and CRO colonization after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in hematological patients]

Objective: To investigate the distribution and clinical characteristics of pathogenic bacteria following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), as well as to provide a preliminary research foundation for key microbial monitoring, and clinical diagnosis and treatment of infections after HSCT in hematological patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 190 patients who tested positive for microbial testing [G-bacteria blood culture and/or carbapenem-resistant organism (CRO) screening of perianal swabs] at our center from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients were divided into blood culture positive, perianal swab positive, and double positive groups based on the testing results. The three patient groups underwent statistical analysis and comparison. Results: The top four pathogenic bacteria isolated from sixty-three patients with G-bacteria bloodstream infection (BSI) were Escherichia coli (28 strains, 43.75% ), Klebsiella pneumonia (26 strains, 40.63% ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 strains, 4.69% ), and Enterobacter cloacae (3 strains, 4.69% ). The top three pathogenic bacteria isolated from 147 patients with CRO perianal colonization were carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (58 strains, 32.58% ), carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (49 strains, 27.53% ), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae (20 strains, 11.24% ). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS ) and overall survival (OS) of double positive group patients were significantly lower compared to those in the blood culture and perianal swab positive groups (DFS: 35.6% vs 53.7% vs 68.6%, P=0.001; OS: 44.4% vs 62.4% vs 76.9%, P<0.001), while non-relapse mortality (NRM) was significantly higher (50.0% vs 34.9% vs 10.6%, P<0.001). Failed engraftment of platelets and BSI are independent risk factors for NRM (P<0.001). Using polymyxin and/or ceftazidime-avibactam for more than 7 days is an independent protective factor for NRM (P=0.035) . Conclusion: This study suggests that the occurrence of BSI significantly increases the NRM after HSCT in patients with hematological diseases; CRO colonization into the bloodstream has a significant impact on the DFS and OS of HSCT patients.

First record of Aspergillus nomiae as a broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungus that provides resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests by colonization of plants

Introduction

Aspergillus nomiae is known as a pathogenic fungus that infects humans and plants but has never been reported as an entomophagous fungus (EPF) that can provide other functions as an endotype.

Methods

A strain of EPF was isolated and identified from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field and designated AnS1Gzl-1. Pathogenicity of the strain toward various insect pests was evaluated, especially the ability to colonize plants and induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests.

Results

The isolated EPF strain AnS1Gzl-1 was identified as A. nomiae; it showed strong pathogenicity toward five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, the strain inhibited the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro, a causal agent of soil-borne plant disease. It colonized plants as an endophyte via root irrigation with a high colonization rate of 90%, thereby inducing plant resistance against phytopathogen infection, and disrupting the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae.

Discussion

This is the first record of a natural infection of A. nomiae on insects. A. nomiae has the potential to be used as a dual biocontrol EPF because of its ability to not only kill a broad spectrum of insect pests directly but also induce resistance against phytopathogens via plant colonization.

Observation of τ Lepton Pair Production in Ultraperipheral Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We present an observation of photon-photon production of τ lepton pairs in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions. The measurement is based on a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 404  μb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. The γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-} process is observed for τ^{+}τ^{-} events with a muon and three charged hadrons in the final state. The measured fiducial cross section is σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-})=4.8±0.6(stat)±0.5(syst)  μb, where the second (third) term corresponds to the statistical (systematic) uncertainty in σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-}) in agreement with leading-order QED predictions. Using σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-}), we estimate a model-dependent value of the anomalous magnetic moment of the τ lepton of a_{τ}=0.001_{-0.089}^{+0.055}.

Long-Term Outcomes of Non-Vestibular Cranial Nerve Schwannomas Treated with Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Non-vestibular cranial nerve schwannomas (NVCNS) are rare tumors that account for approximately 10% of cranial nerve schwannomas. They are commonly treated with radiation therapy (XRT) due to their location often precluding safe resection. We examined the long-term outcomes of NVCNS treated with XRT as primary management and for post-operative salvage.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with NVCNS treated with fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) or Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (GK-SRS) from 1996 to 2018 at our institution. We examined patient demographics, cranial nerve (CN) involvement, CN function pre-/post-XRT, treatment volume (TV), toxicity, surgery pre-XRT, and local control. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for evaluation of local control.

RESULTS

We identified 66 patients (38 female, 28 male) with NVCNS, a portion of whom had tumors involving more than one cranial nerve. Forty-six (69.7%) were treated with FSRT (median dose 50.4 Gy in 1.8 Gy/fraction; range 45-54 Gy), and 20 (30.3%) with GK-SRS (median dose 12 Gy; range 12-15 Gy). Median follow-up time was 92.5 months (5-306). Median Karnofsky Performance Status was 90 (70-100). Median age at start of XRT was 45 years old (15-92). Prior to XRT, 34.8% (23) of patients had surgical resection, with median time from surgery to XRT of 4.25 months (0.5-130 months). Median treatment volume was 4.72 cc (0.26-29). The cranial nerve most commonly involved was CN V (48.4%), followed by CN X (15.2%), CN VII (13.6%), CN VI (6.1%), CN XII (6.1%), CN III (6.1%), and CN IX (3%). Twenty-nine (43.9%) patients experienced grade 1 acute toxicity during treatment. Six (9%) patients experienced grade 1 chronic toxicity. No grade 2 or higher acute or chronic toxicity was observed. No significant difference in rates of acute or chronic toxicity was observed between patients treated with GK-SRS vs. FSRT. Post-XRT, 37 patients (56.1%) had improvement in CN function/symptom, 24 patients (36.3%) had stable function/symptoms, and 5 patients (7.6%) had worsening function/symptoms. Local control at one and five years was 100%. In-field recurrence was observed in one patient (1.5%), at 9 years post-XRT. For salvage this patient was treated with a second course of FSRT to the recurrent tumor.

CONCLUSION

Our large institutional series with long term follow up showed excellent local control of NVCNS treated with FSRT or GK-SRS both for primary management and post-operative salvage. Treatment is well tolerated, with high rates of preservation or improvement of CN function, and minimal acute and chronic toxicity.

An inverse Jiles-Atherton model of nanocrystalline magnetic core for nanoseconds square pulsed magnetization

The magnetic core is a key component of a linear transformer driver (LTD), and the accuracy of the core model affects the calculation of the LTD power flow and the prediction of the output waveform. In this paper, a magnetization model based on the inverse Jiles-Atherton (inverse J-A) model is developed and a particle swarm algorithm is used to identify the parameters and to obtain the variation of the parameters with the excitation characteristic. A nanoseconds square wave LTD magnetic core test platform was built to obtain the magnetization characteristics of nanocrystalline magnetic cores under different excitation characteristic parameters. Under square wave pulses, due to the presence of harmonic components, core loss is more complex. In view of the fitting deviation caused by the traditional J-A model not considering harmonic factors and anisotropy, a dynamic loss correction factor is proposed. Through a comparison of experimental and simulation results, this model can well reflect the magnetization process and has high accuracy in fitting dynamic hysteresis loops and predicting losses, which is important for guiding the design of a square pulse LTD.

Skin Microbiome Composition is Associated with Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation after Reconstructive Surgery: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Approximately 95% of breast cancer (BC) patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) develop varying degrees of radiation dermatitis (RD), which can greatly affect the patient's quality of life and aesthetics. Severe acute RD can lead to interruption or delay of RT. Currently, there is no consensus on the prevention and management of RD. The skin microbiota (SM), which are mainly composed of bacteria and fungi, are essential for skin homeostasis and microbial dysbiosis is correlated with the onset and progression of many common skin diseases. However, to date, research on the role of the SM in RD remains scarce. This prospective, longitudinal study aims to analyze the association of SM with RD.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We collected 200 SM samples both before and after RT from the region in the irradiated chest wall of 100 BC patients receiving RT after reconstructive surgery and samples from the corresponding region in the contralateral breast for bacterial 16S and fungal ITS (internal transcribed spacer) rRNA sequencing. Acute RD was graded according to the Toxicity Criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Patients were divided into no or mild dermatitis (N/MD, RTOG grade 0 or 1) and severe dermatitis (SD, RTOG grade 2 and above). The compositional differences across groups were compared using STAMP and high-dimensional class comparisons by linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe). Differences in metabolic function between groups were predicted by the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) method.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in the diversity and composition of the SM between N/MD and SD both before and after RT. Analysis of bacterial 16S sequencing (n = 89, 63 N/MD, 26 SD) showed significantly higher relative abundance of particular taxa such as Ralstonia, Truepera, Methyloversatilis genera and lower abundance of particular taxa including Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium genera in N/MD patients. Besides, analysis of fungal ITS sequencing (n = 71, 53 N/MD, 18 SD) showed significantly higher relative abundance of particular taxa such as Hypocreaceae family and lower abundance of particular taxa such as Sporidiobolus genus in N/MD patients. Pathways including fatty acid synthesis were predicted to be enriched in N/MD patients.

CONCLUSION

The SM and pathway markers were identified in this study to be associated with the severity of acute RD in BC patients undergoing RT after reconstructive surgery. More patient data is needed to verify the current findings and the results of metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and metabolomic analyses will further mine key biomarkers at the compositional and functional level.

Frameless Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Based Radiosurgery (SRS) vs. Framed Gamma Knife SRS for Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Conventional treatment is done through frame-based solution due to small target and high radiation dose. More recently, LINAC based frameless SRS technique has been established as a patient friendly alternative. Herein we compared our single institution experience of LINAC based frameless SRS vs frame-based gamma knife SRS for TN. The hypothesis is LINAC based frameless SRS can provide equivalent dosimetric and clinical outcome as compared frame-based gamma knife treatment.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with idiopathic TN who received SRS treatment (LINAC based frameless treatment or Gamma knife framed treatment) at our institution from 2015-2022 were included. A minimum follow up of 1 year was required. Patient data was extracted from electronic medical records and radiation treatment planning system. Pain intensity was evaluated utilizing a modified 0-4 Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score, and then dichotomized where BNI score 0-2 represented response to treatment and BNI score 3-4 represented no response. Statistical analysis was conducted with a linear regression model accounting for race, gender, prior pain, pain distribution including laterality and branch involvement, medication regimen at time of treatment, previous radiation treatment, and prior procedures. Response was then compared between both modalities overall and within each sub-group with chi-square testing and linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were identified, 14 patients were excluded due to lack of adequate follow-up, leaving 67 for analysis. 12 (17.9%) were male and, 55 (82.1%) were female. All patients were managed with medication prior to SRS treatment. 5 (7.5%) had rhizotomy and 13 (19.4) had microvascular decompression, and 8 (11.9%) had previous gamma-knife radiosurgery prior to SRS treatment at our institution. Of the 67 patients, 23 (34.3%) received frame-based gamma knife SRS, 44(65.7%) received frameless LINAC treatment. 58 (86.6%) radiation naïve patients received 90 Gy in 1 fraction, while out of the 9 who had previously had intracranial radiation treatment 7 (10.4%) received 70 Gy and 2 (3%) received 80 Gy all prescribed to 100% isodose line. All patients were treated with 4 mm cone. There was no significant difference in brainstem dose between these two techniques. Between LINAC-based or Gamma Knife modalities rate of pain control (77.3 % vs 82.6 %, respectively, p = 0.61) as well as toxicity in facial numbness (31.8% vs 21.7%, respectively, p = 0.38) showed no statistical difference. There was no statistically significant signal (p > 0.05) detected within the subgroups analyzed. The linear regression model also showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

LINAC based frameless SRS provides comparable dosimetry and pain control for TN as compared to frame-based gamma knife treatment. It is a patient friendly solution for patients with TN.

Institutional Validation Study Inferring 2% MGMT Methylation Positive Impact on Survival in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (GBM) Patients

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) MATERIALS/METHODS: is a well-established prognostic factor in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). However, there is no consensus on a standardized method of threshold for MGMT testing. Previous studies have reported levels of as little as 1-3% to confer better prognosis. This study reports a single institutional experience of determining methylation status via methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Previous literature suggests 10% cutoff for MGMT methylation using MS-HRM. We hereby report clinical outcomes using a lower threshold of 2%.

MATERIALS/METHODS

GBM patients treated at our institution retrospectively reviewed between the years 2013 and 2022 were included in the study. Patients who received hypofractionated radiation (<60 Gy) were excluded. All patients had MS-HRM test for MGMT methylation status. A real-time PCR assay was used to amplify a 62 base-pair region of MGMT for both methylated and unmethylated alleles. PCR products underwent HRM analysis and the fraction of methylated DNA was determined by comparison with a standard curve. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were performed to compare survival.

RESULTS

A total of 181 patients with newly diagnosed GBM were initially included in this study. 42 patients treated with hypofractionated radiation were excluded. All patients received concurrent and maintenance temozolomide. Median age was 61.5 years. A total of 84 patients had MGMT methylation levels <2%, and 55 patients had MGMT methylation level ≥ 2% with a median methylation level of 28.5% (Range 0.8%-100%). Patients with MGMT methylation level ≥ 2% had an improved median overall survival (25.1 vs 16.0 months; p = 0.006) and improved median progression free survival (11.3 vs 7.9 months; p = 0.017). In a multivariable mode that included age, use of tumor-treating fields, KPS, sex, and BMI, only age, KPS, and MGMT remained significant.

CONCLUSION

Our institutional review confirmed low level of MGMT hypermethylation (≥ 2%) predicts improved outcome in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Further investigation on optimal cut off level for MGMT methylation is still warranted.

Multi-Institutional Report of Re-Irradiation for Recurrent High-Grade Glioma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Significant heterogeneity exists with regards to prior published reports of re-irradiation (re-RT) in patients with recurrent high grade glioma (HGG). A multi-institutional database of 10 academic centers across the United States was created to analyze prognostic outcomes for re-RT for recurrent HGG, which included WHO Grade III and Grade IV tumors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with HGG who had initially received standard radiotherapy (RT) and were subsequently treated with a course of re-RT at recurrence were included in the study. Factors assessed to delineate a significant association with overall survival (OS) and toxicity included age, KPS, number of relapses, dose, use of bevacizumab (BEV) or temozolomide (TMZ), time from prior RT, histology, RT target, re-RT target> 5cm and extent of resection, and MGMT methylation status. The Kaplan-Meier Method was used to estimate OS. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify factors associated with OS. Toxicity outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. Significance was assumed if p<0.05. Data management and decision management software were used for all analyses.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2022, 280 patients from 10 academic institutions were treated with re-RT for diagnosis of recurrent HGG. 133 patients (71.1%) had a histologic glioblastoma (GBM) at the time of re-RT, with the remainder having Grade 3 gliomas. Median dose delivered at re-RT was 47 Gy BED10 (IQR 47 - 53 Gy BED10), with the most common regimen being 35 Gy in 10 fractions. 83 patients (56%) had GTV greater than 5 cm treated with re-RT. 183 patients (79%) received concurrent systemic therapy, including 95 (41%) who received concurrent TMZ and 86 (45%) who received concurrent BEV. Median OS for the entire cohort was 10 months. Increasing dose at re-RT was associated with improved OS (OR 0.80 95% CI 0.67-0.95, p = 0.10 per 10 Gy BED10), as was dose greater than 47 Gy BED10, which is equivalent to 35 Gy in 10 fractions (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91). Concurrent TMZ was also associated with improved OS (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46-0.83, p < 0.01). 32/143 (22%) patients evaluable for toxicity experienced Grade 2 or greater adverse radiation effect (ARE). Use of BEV was associated with decreased toxicity (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.98, p = 0.05). Dose at re-RT (OR 1.07 per 10 Gy BED10, p = 0.78), a GTV > 5cm (OR 1.39, p = 0.44), and the use of concurrent TMZ (OR 1.90, p = 0.10) were not associated with Grade 2 or greater ARE.

CONCLUSION

Higher dose of re-RT and use of concurrent TMZ led to improved OS in recurrent HGG patients without an associated increased rate of ARE. Use of BEV decreased the likelihood of Grade 2 or greater ARE in the re-RT setting for these recurrent HGG patients.

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy vs. Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma: Local Control, Hearing Preservation, and Toxicities

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The use of radiation therapy (RT) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) is well-established, but limited studies detail outcomes in patients treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) versus stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). In this study, we provide an outcome-based comparison of FSRT versus SRS in patients with VS with emphases on local control, hearing preservation, and toxicities. We hypothesize that FSRT and SRS will have similar rates of local control with FSRT having improved rates of hearing preservation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients treated at a single tertiary referral center between 2013 and 2018 for VS using FSRT (46.8 Gy in 26 fractions) or SRS (12 Gy in 1 fraction) were identified. Records from radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology were included. Endpoints included local control, defined as absence of tumor progression or need for salvage treatment, hearing preservation, quantified by Gardner-Robinson (GR) scoring and defined as maintaining GR1-2 hearing, and toxicities as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients with VS were identified, of which 50 had FSRT and 27 had SRS. In the FSRT group, the median patient age was 58 years (range 23-81) and 50% were female, whereas the median patient age was 68 years (range 24-90) and 41% females were in the SRS group. 81% (n = 35) patients in the FSRT group and 24% (n = 6) in the SRS group had serviceable hearing prior to RT. Median follow-up was 51.2 months (range 4.3-103.2) in the FSRT group and 21.0 months (range 2.7-98.6) in the SRS group. The 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year local control rates in the FSRT and SRS groups were 100% and 100%, 97% and 76%, 94% and 76%, respectively. Of those with local progression, 33% (n = 1) in the FSRT group was salvaged with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and 100% (n = 2) in the SRS group was salvaged with FSRT. For patients with serviceable hearing prior to RT, hearing preservations rates were 46% and 17% with a median time to hearing loss of 8.2 months (range 4.0-59.5) and 7.7 months (range 2.0-11.9) in the FSRT and SRS groups, respectively. Progression-free survival analyses showed superior hearing preservation in those treated with FSRT compared to SRS (p-value = 0.0064), especially those receiving FSRT who initially presented with GR1 vs GR2 hearing (p-value = 0.0095). There were 60 reported toxicities with 12% (n = 7) Grade 2+ in the FSRT group, whereas the SRS group had 5 toxicities with 40% (n = 2) Grade 2+.

CONCLUSION

Both FSRT and SRS provide favorable local control for VS, with most progressions salvageable. Hearing preservation rate is higher in the FSRT group. This favors the use of FSRT in those with serviceable hearing, with patients with baseline GR1 hearing demonstrating additional benefit. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to better identify treatment outcomes and prognostic factors.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy or Whole Brain Radiotherapy Combined with Pyrotinib and Capecitabine in HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases (BROPTIMA): A Prospective, Phase Ib/II Single-Arm Clinical Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Approximately half of patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) will develop brain metastases (BM) over time. Local therapy including stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the main initial treatment in malignant tumor patients with BM. However, more than 50% patients after radiotherapy in one year suffered intracranial recurrence. Pyrotinib, a small molecule, irreversible, pan-ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has a high potency for controlling BM and reducing the occurrence of brain metastases in advanced HER2-positive BC patients. We hypothesized that SRT or WBRT combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine could decrease intracranial progression in HER2 positive BC with newly diagnosed BM.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective single-arm phase Ib/II trial (NCT04582968), eligible patients were assigned to either fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) or whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine. The primary endpoint was one-year CNS progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included intracranial objective response rate (IC-ORR) according to RANO-BM criteria, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and evaluation of safety and neurocognitive function.

RESULTS

From January 2020 to August 2022, 40 patients were enrolled. Twenty-nine patients were treated with FSRT in 8 Gy per fraction with 3 to 5 fractions and 11 were treated with WBRT in 3 Gy per fraction with 10 fractions, and then received chemotherapy in a time frame starting from 0 to 7 days after radiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 17.3 months, 1-year CNS-PFS rate was 74.9% (95% CI 61.9-90.7%) and median CNS-PFS was 18 months (95% CI, 15.5 to NA months). One-year PFS rate was 66.9% (53.1-84.2%) and median PFS time was 17.6 months (95% CI 12.8-34.1 months). The best intracranial response rate (IC-ORR: complete response and partial response) was 92.5% (37/40). The most common grade 3 or worse toxicity was diarrhea (7.5%) and asymptomatic radiation necrosis was detected in 4 of 67(6.0%) lesions treated with FSRT. No differences of neurocognitive function evaluated by MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam) were observed between different groups at any time point.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine resulted in a promising efficacy that crossed the pre-specified boundary in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer with brain metastases. This is the first prospective study showing the efficacy and safety of CNS radiotherapy concurrent with pyrotinib and capecitabine in patients with BM from HER2-positive breast cancer. Further investigation in a randomized controlled study is warranted.

Body Mass Index (BMI) at Time of Diagnosis as a Prognostic Indicator in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (GBM)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer in adults with very poor prognosis. Metabolic drivers of tumorigenesis are highly relevant within the central nervous system, where glucose is the sole source of energy. The impact of obesity on survival outcomes in patients with GBM has not been well reported and some initial results are inconsistent. This study investigates the factor of body mass index (BMI) in patients diagnosed with GBM. This study evaluated the prognostic association of BMI with survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed GBM.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patientswith newly diagnosed GBM at our institution from 2015-2022 were included in this study. All patients were >18 years of age and received 60 Gy of radiation therapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide following maximal safe resection. Through retrospective chart review, patient BMI at the time of diagnosis and overall survival (OS) were recorded. Analysis was done between patient groups of underweight/normal weight (BMI <25) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25.00). The subgroup of overweight patients was also divided into subgroups of overweight (BMI 25.00-29.99) and obese (BMI≥30.00). A difference in clinical outcomes of overall survival was evaluated between the groups using Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Atotal of 393 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age 57.3 years, range 18.8-92.7. 185 female and 208 were male. 120 patients had a BMI <25 and 273 had a BMI ≥ 25.00. Median survival in patients with BMI <25 was 24.90 months and in patients with BMI ≥ 25.00, 18.20 months (p = 0.0001; HR 0.6552, 95% CI 0.5299-0.8101). We further divided patients with BMI ≥ 25.00 to 25-29.99 (n = 152) and BMI≥30.00 (n = 121). Both groups' OS were significantly worse than patients with BMI < 25 (p = 0.006). There was no difference in survival outcomes between patients with a BMI 25.00-29.99 and BMI≥30.00, with median OS 19.0 months and 18.1 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patient baseline BMI <25 appears to be a prognostic indicator and correlates to improves overall survival for patients with newly diagnosed GBM. This study adds to the existing literature supporting overweight/obesity is associated with worse survival for GBM patients. Additional studies are warranted for further analysis of BMI and survival outcomes in GBM patients across patient demographics.

Patient-Specific Segmentation-Based Treatment Planning vs. NovoTAL for TTFields Therapy in Glioblastoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients treated with Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy for glioblastoma (GBM) have array layouts planned by NovoTAL. NovoTAL requires morphometric inputs and maximizes field intensity at the tumor. Patient-specific segmentation-based treatment planning (SBTP) software uses segmentation-based plans to maximize power density at defined regions of interest (ROIs). This technical analysis compared expected local minimum power density (LMiPD; mW/cm3) and local minimum field intensity (LMiFI; V/cm) delivered to ROIs with array layouts planned with SBTP vs NovoTAL. We hypothesized that SBTP has the potential to increase LMiPD and LMiFI to ROIs vs NovoTal.

MATERIALS/METHODS

37 patients from 5 sites who received TTFields therapy for GBM using NovoTAL were included. Treatment plans using the prescribed/treated NovoTAL layouts were created with SBTP. De novo SBTP layouts were also created. Three ROIs representing the original treated GBM (CTV), high risk margin around the GBM (CTV-2), and recurrent GBM (CTV-R) were created. Plans were optimized to CTV. SBTP vs NovoTAL LMiPD and LMiFI volumetrics to ROIs were evaluated. LMiPD and LMiFI were normalized with the delivered current from the treated NovoTAL layout. Layout rankings based on LMiPD and LMiFI, average LMiPD and LMiFI, D95, D5, DVHs, and voxel-by-voxel LMiPD and LMiFI for SBTP derived from NovoTAL layouts were compared to de novo SBTP layouts (paired t-tests).

RESULTS

Average LMiPD (1.551 vs 1.194) and LMiFI (1.115 vs 0.978) to CTV were significantly higher with SBTP vs NovoTAL (P < 0.0001 for each). Average LMiPD (1.445 vs 1.164) and LMiFI (1.197 vs 1.077) to CTV-2 were also higher (P < 0.0001 for each). There was a positive trend to higher average LMiPD (1.203 vs 1.157; P = 0.212) and LMiFI (1.103 vs 1.090; P = 0.311) to CTV-R. Top ranked overall layouts by LMiPD to CTV were SBTP layouts (97%; n = 36). Percent ratio ([SBTP-NovoTAL]/NovoTAL*100) D95 for LMiPD was 34% (to CTV), 24% (to CTV-2), and 5% (to CTV-R) and for LMiFI was 16%, 12%, and 2% respectively. Percent ratio D5 for LMiPD was 31%, 24%, and 3% and for LMiFI was 14%, 9%, and 0%, respectively. For a given percent CTV volume, minimum LMiPD and LMiFI were higher with SBTP (95%, n = 35; DVH curves shifted to right). SBTP yielded higher LMiPD and LMiFI to the majority of voxels within the CTV (95%, n = 35). With SBTP, LMiPD to CTV was significantly higher than to CTV-R (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Overall, these data demonstrate that SBTP compared to NovoTAL yielded higher expected average LMiPD and LMiFI, D95, D5, and percent voxel LMiPD and LMiFI to defined ROIs. Higher LMiPD and LMiFI delivered to CTV vs CTV-R with SBTP suggests a benefit to re-planning if the GBM recurs. Given previous reports showing that higher LMiPD and LMiFI are positively correlated with improved overall and progression free survival, patient-specific SBTP may lead to improved clinical outcomes for GBM patients vs NovoTAL.

Search for Exotic Higgs Boson Decays H→AA→4γ with Events Containing Two Merged Diphotons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

We present the first direct search for exotic Higgs boson decays H→AA, A→γγ in events with two photonlike objects. The hypothetical particle A is a low-mass spin-0 particle decaying promptly to a merged diphoton reconstructed as a single photonlike object. We analyze the data collected by the CMS experiment at sqrt[s]=13  TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 136  fb^{-1}. No excess above the estimated background is found. We set upper limits on the branching fraction B(H→AA→4γ) of (0.9-3.3)×10^{-3} at 95% confidence level for masses of A in the range 0.1-1.2 GeV.

Molecular and biochemical changes in Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) infected with Paranosema locustae

Microsporidia are a group of eukaryotic intracellular parasitic organisms that infect almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. Paranosema locustae are specialized parasites of Orthoptera that are often used as biological controls of locusts, with slow effects of action. In this study, we found that after infection with P. locustae, changes in energy metabolism in male and female Locusta migratoria as were consistent, with no gender differences. During the first 8 days of infection, L. migratoria used sugar as a source of energy. After 8 days, lipids and proteins were consumed to provide energy when the spore load was considerably heavy, and energy supply was insufficient. With increasing infection concentration and time, energy conversion from sugar, fats, and proteins was improved, which may explain why high mortality did not occur until about 15 days after P. locustae infection. The tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that most altered metabolism-related proteins were upregulated (27 of 29 in the metabolic pathway). This result suggests that P. locustae infection accelerated metabolism in L. migratoria, which facilitated the pathogen's life cycle, inhibiting the growth and development of the locusts and eventually killing them. Our findings will be useful to better understand of the chronic pathogenic mechanisms of P. locustae and inform on applications of P. locustae to control locusts.

Observation of Same-Sign WW Production from Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first observation of the production of W^{±}W^{±} bosons from double parton scattering processes using same-sign electron-muon and dimuon events in proton-proton collisions is reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV using the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. Multivariate discriminants are used to distinguish the signal process from the main backgrounds. A binned maximum likelihood fit is performed to extract the signal cross section. The measured cross section for production of same-sign W bosons decaying leptonically is 80.7±11.2(stat) _{-8.6}^{+9.5}(syst)±12.1(model)  fb, whereas the measured fiducial cross section is 6.28±0.81(stat)±0.69(syst)±0.37(model)  fb. The observed significance of the signal is 6.2 standard deviations above the background-only hypothesis.

Measurements of jet multiplicity and jet transverse momentum in multijet events in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

Multijet events at large transverse momentum (p T ) are measured at s = 13 Te V using data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.3 fb - 1 . The multiplicity of jets with p T > 50 Ge V that are produced in association with a high-p T dijet system is measured in various ranges of the p T of the jet with the highest transverse momentum and as a function of the azimuthal angle difference Δ ϕ 1 , 2 between the two highest p T jets in the dijet system. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momenta of the four highest p T jets. The measurements are compared with leading and next-to-leading order matrix element calculations supplemented with simulations of parton shower, hadronization, and multiparton interactions. In addition, the measurements are compared with next-to-leading order matrix element calculations combined with transverse-momentum dependent parton densities and transverse-momentum dependent parton shower.

Azimuthal correlations in Z +jets events in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The production of Z bosons associated with jets is measured in pp collisions at s = 13 Te V with data recorded with the CMS experiment at the LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.3fb - 1 . The multiplicity of jets with transverse momentum p T > 30 Ge V is measured for different regions of the Z boson's p T ( Z ) , from lower than 10Ge V to higher than 100Ge V . The azimuthal correlation Δ ϕ between the Z boson and the leading jet, as well as the correlations between the two leading jets are measured in three regions of p T ( Z ) . The measurements are compared with several predictions at leading and next-to-leading orders, interfaced with parton showers. Predictions based on transverse-momentum dependent parton distributions and corresponding parton showers give a good description of the measurement in the regions where multiple parton interactions and higher jet multiplicities are not important. The effects of multiple parton interactions are shown to be important to correctly describe the measured spectra in the low p T ( Z ) regions.

Search for Higgs Boson Decay to a Charm Quark-Antiquark Pair in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a charm quark-antiquark pair, H→cc[over ¯], produced in association with a leptonically decaying V (W or Z) boson is presented. The search is performed with proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. Novel charm jet identification and analysis methods using machine learning techniques are employed. The analysis is validated by searching for Z→cc[over ¯] in VZ events, leading to its first observation at a hadron collider with a significance of 5.7 standard deviations. The observed (expected) upper limit on σ(VH)B(H→cc[over ¯]) is 0.94 (0.50_{-0.15}^{+0.22})pb at 95% confidence level (C.L.), corresponding to 14 (7.6_{-2.3}^{+3.4}) times the standard model prediction. For the Higgs-charm Yukawa coupling modifier, κ_{c}, the observed (expected) 95% C.L. interval is 1.1<|κ_{c}|<5.5 (|κ_{c}|<3.4), the most stringent constraint to date.

Azimuthal Correlations within Exclusive Dijets with Large Momentum Transfer in Photon-Lead Collisions

The structure of nucleons is multidimensional and depends on the transverse momenta, spatial geometry, and polarization of the constituent partons. Such a structure can be studied using high-energy photons produced in ultraperipheral heavy-ion collisions. The first measurement of the azimuthal angular correlations of exclusively produced events with two jets in photon-lead interactions at large momentum transfer is presented, a process that is considered to be sensitive to the underlying nuclear gluon polarization. This study uses a data sample of ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.38  nb^{-1}, collected with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The measured second harmonic of the correlation between the sum and difference of the two jet transverse momentum vectors is found to be positive, and rising, as the dijet transverse momentum increases. A well-tuned model that has been successful at describing a wide range of proton scattering data from the HERA experiments fails to describe the observed correlations, suggesting the presence of gluon polarization effects.

Promotion of hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by microRNA-33a-5p through targeting the Dickkopf-1-mediated wingless-related integration site/beta-catenin pathway

Liver fibrosis occurs in response to chronic liver injury and is characterized by the production of excess extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, largely by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Numerous studies have implicated micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in liver fibrosis, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, HSC activation by miR-33a-5p during hepatic fibrosis was investigated. The miR-33a-5p was increased in the fibrotic mice and activated HSCs. AntagomiR-33a-5p inhibited HSC activation, proliferation, and migration in vitro, while simultaneously inducing apoptosis. The luciferase reporter assays indicated that the miR-33a-5p bound to the three prime untranslated region (3'UTR) of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1). Further investigation revealed that the miR-33a-5p targeted DKK1-modulated wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling directly to control hepatic fibrosis. Notably, the mice treated with antgomiR-33a-5p exhibited increased expression of DKK1 and reduced expression of fibrosis markers, along with reduced fibrosis. The RNA was isolated from activated and quiescent LX-2 cells and subsequently sequenced. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses indicated strong downregulation of DKK1 during LX-2 cell activation. This paper presents the first demonstration of the miR-33a-5p-mediated modulation of liver fibrosis, with miR-33a-5p found to interact with DKK1, leading to regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The transcriptomic changes occurring during HSC activation were also defined. Overall, the findings suggest that both miR-33a-5p and DKK1 may be useful targets for treating liver fibrosis.

Search for Nonresonant Pair Production of Highly Energetic Higgs Bosons Decaying to Bottom Quarks

A search for nonresonant Higgs boson (H) pair production via gluon and vector boson (V) fusion is performed in the four-bottom-quark final state, using proton-proton collision data at 13 TeV corresponding to 138  fb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analysis targets Lorentz-boosted H pairs identified using a graph neural network. It constrains the strengths relative to the standard model of the H self-coupling and the quartic VVHH couplings, κ_{2V}, excluding κ_{2V}=0 for the first time, with a significance of 6.3 standard deviations when other H couplings are fixed to their standard model values.

Measurements of the Higgs boson production cross section and couplings in the W boson pair decay channel in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

Production cross sections of the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a pair of W bosons are measured in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . The analysis targets Higgs bosons produced via gluon fusion, vector boson fusion, and in association with a W or Z boson. Candidate events are required to have at least two charged leptons and moderate missing transverse momentum, targeting events with at least one leptonically decaying W boson originating from the Higgs boson. Results are presented in the form of inclusive and differential cross sections in the simplified template cross section framework, as well as couplings of the Higgs boson to vector bosons and fermions. The data set collected by the CMS detector during 2016-2018 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The signal strength modifier μ , defined as the ratio of the observed production rate in a given decay channel to the standard model expectation, is measured to be μ = 0 . 95 - 0.09 + 0.10 . All results are found to be compatible with the standard model within the uncertainties.

Measurement of the mass dependence of the transverse momentum of lepton pairs in Drell-Yan production in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The double differential cross sections of the Drell-Yan lepton pair (ℓ + ℓ - , dielectron or dimuon) production are measured as functions of the invariant mass m ℓ ℓ , transverse momentum p T ( ℓ ℓ ) , and φ η ∗ . The φ η ∗ observable, derived from angular measurements of the leptons and highly correlated with p T ( ℓ ℓ ) , is used to probe the low-p T ( ℓ ℓ ) region in a complementary way. Dilepton masses up to 1Te V are investigated. Additionally, a measurement is performed requiring at least one jet in the final state. To benefit from partial cancellation of the systematic uncertainty, the ratios of the differential cross sections for various m ℓ ℓ ranges to those in the Z mass peak interval are presented. The collected data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36.3fb - 1 of proton-proton collisions recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Measurements are compared with predictions based on perturbative quantum chromodynamics, including soft-gluon resummation.

CMS pythia 8 colour reconnection tunes based on underlying-event data

New sets of parameter tunes for two of the colour reconnection models, quantum chromodynamics-inspired and gluon-move, implemented in the pythia  8 event generator, are obtained based on the default CMS pythia  8 underlying-event tune, CP5. Measurements sensitive to the underlying event performed by the CMS experiment at centre-of-mass energies s = 7 and 13Te V , and by the CDF experiment at 1.96Te V are used to constrain the parameters of colour reconnection models and multiple-parton interactions simultaneously. The new colour reconnection tunes are compared with various measurements at 1.96, 7, 8, and 13Te V including measurements of the underlying-event, strange-particle multiplicities, jet substructure observables, jet shapes, and colour flow in top quark pair (t t ¯ ) events. The new tunes are also used to estimate the uncertainty related to colour reconnection modelling in the top quark mass measurement using the decay products of t t ¯ events in the semileptonic channel at 13Te V .

Probing Heavy Majorana Neutrinos and the Weinberg Operator through Vector Boson Fusion Processes in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search exploiting the vector boson fusion process to probe heavy Majorana neutrinos and the Weinberg operator at the LHC is presented. The search is performed in the same-sign dimuon final state using a proton-proton collision dataset recorded at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, collected with the CMS detector and corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The results are found to agree with the predictions of the standard model. For heavy Majorana neutrinos, constraints on the squared mixing element between the muon and the heavy neutrino are derived in the heavy neutrino mass range 50 GeV-25 TeV; for masses above 650 GeV these are the most stringent constraints from searches at the LHC to date. A first test of the Weinberg operator at colliders provides an observed upper limit at 95% confidence level on the effective μμ Majorana neutrino mass of 10.8 GeV.

Search for light Higgs bosons from supersymmetric cascade decays in pp collisions at s=13TeV

A search is reported for pairs of light Higgs bosons (H 1 ) produced in supersymmetric cascade decays in final states with small missing transverse momentum. A data set of LHC pp collisions collected with the CMS detector at s = 13 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 is used. The search targets events where both H 1 bosons decay into pairs that are reconstructed as large-radius jets using substructure techniques. No evidence is found for an excess of events beyond the background expectations of the standard model (SM). Results from the search are interpreted in the next-to-minimal supersymmetric extension of the SM, where a "singlino" of small mass leads to squark and gluino cascade decays that can predominantly end in a highly Lorentz-boosted singlet-like H 1 and a singlino-like neutralino of small transverse momentum. Upper limits are set on the product of the squark or gluino pair production cross section and the square of the branching fraction of the H 1 in a benchmark model containing almost mass-degenerate gluinos and light-flavour squarks. Under the assumption of an SM-like branching fraction, H 1 bosons with masses in the range 40-120GeV arising from the decays of squarks or gluinos with a mass of 1200-2500GeV are excluded at 95% confidence level.

Measurement of the differential tt¯ production cross section as a function of the jet mass and extraction of the top quark mass in hadronic decays of boosted top quarks

A measurement of the jet mass distribution in hadronic decays of Lorentz-boosted top quarks is presented. The measurement is performed in the lepton + jets channel of top quark pair production (t t ¯ ) events, where the lepton is an electron or muon. The products of the hadronic top quark decay are reconstructed using a single large-radius jet with transverse momentum greater than 400Ge V . The data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The differential t t ¯ production cross section as a function of the jet mass is unfolded to the particle level and is used to extract the top quark mass. The jet mass scale is calibrated using the hadronic W boson decay within the large-radius jet. The uncertainties in the modelling of the final state radiation are reduced by studying angular correlations in the jet substructure. These developments lead to a significant increase in precision, and a top quark mass of 173.06 ± 0.84 Ge V .

[RITA selectively inhibits proliferation of BAP1-deficient cutaneous melanoma cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To screen for small molecular compounds with selective inhibitory activity against cutaneous melanoma cells with BAP1 deletion.

METHODS

Cutaneous melanoma cells expressing wild-type BAP1 were selected to construct a BAP1 knockout cell model using CRISPR-Cas9 system, and small molecules with selective inhibitory activity against BAP1 knockout cells were screened from a compound library using MTT assay. Rescue experiment was carried out to determine whether the sensitivity of BAP1 knockout cells to the candidate compounds was directly related to BAP1 deletion. The effects of the candidate compounds on cell cycle and apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry, and the protein expressions in the cells were analyzed with Western blotting.

RESULTS

The p53 activator RITA from the compound library was shown to selectively inhibit the viability of BAP1 knockout cells. Overexpression of wild-type BAP1 reversed the sensitivity of BAP1 knockout cells to RITA, while overexpression of the mutant BAP1 (C91S) with inactivated ubiquitinase did not produce any rescue effect. Compared with the control cells expressing wild-type BAP1, BAP1 knockout cells were more sensitive to RITA-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (P < 0.0001) and showed an increased expression of p53 protein, which was further increased by RITA treatment (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Loss of BAP1 results in the sensitivity of cutaneous melanoma cells to p53 activator RITA. In melanoma cells, the activity of ubiquitinase in BAP1 is directly related to their sensitivity to RITA. An increased expression of p53 protein induced by BAP1 knockout is probably a key reason for RITA sensitivity of melanoma cells, suggesting the potential of RITA as a targeted therapeutic agent for cutaneous melanoma carrying BAP1-inactivating mutations.

[Characteristics of primary ocular symptoms in children with optic pathway glioma at different ages]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of initial ocular symptoms in children with optic pathway glioma (OPG) at different age stages. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. Clinical data of 16 children with OPG who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from April 2017 to July 2021 were collected. The initial ocular symptoms, clinical manifestations of the eyes and nervous system, imaging and histopathological features were analyzed, and the differences in initial ocular symptoms between infants and young children aged≤36 months and older children aged>36 months were compared. Results: Of all 16 children included, 9 were male and 7 were female. The onset age was 15.0 (6.3, 56.5) months, and the diagnosis age was 48.0 (11.3, 78.0) months. There were 11 infants and young children, and 5 older children. Eye symptoms were the initial manifestation in 11 cases, including 8 cases of infants and young children (5 cases presented with irregular nystagmus, 2 cases with strabismus, and 1 case with failure to chase visual target), and 3 cases of older children (2 cases presented with decreased vision and 1 case with optic disc edema). The imaging findings showed that optic chiasm-involved OPG accounted for the highest proportion, with 3 cases in older children and 8 cases in infants and young children. Among the 8 children with optic chiasm-involved OPG who underwent surgical treatment, 5 were diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma according to histopathological results. Seven children had useful vision saved after treatment, and 1 child had visual loss accompanied by cognitive impairment due to surgery after 4 years of nystagmus. Conclusion: OPG in children often manifests as initial ocular symptoms, with irregular nystagmus being more common in infants and young children, and vision loss being the main symptom in older children.

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Studies have found that erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a short-term or long-term complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, but no relevant studies have completed a pooled analysis of this claim. The purpose of the review was to comprehensively search the relevant literature, summarize the prevalence of ED in COVID-19 patients, assess risk factors for its development, and explore the effect of the COVID-19 infection on erectile function.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed from database inception until April 14, 2022. Heterogeneity was analyzed by χ² tests and I² was used as a quantitative test of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were used to analyze sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Our review included 8 studies, 4 of which functioned as a control group. There were 250,606 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 31-47.1 years, sample size: 23-246,990). The control group consisted of 10,844,200 individuals (mean age: 32.76-42.4 years, sample size 75-10,836,663). The prevalence of ED was 33% (95% CI 18-47%, I² = 99.48%) in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of ED based on the international coding of diseases (ICD-10) was 9% (95% CI 2-19%), which was significantly lower than the prevalence of ED diagnosed based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) (46%, 95% CI 22-71%, I² = 96.72%). The pooling prevalence of ED was 50% (95% CI 34-67%, I² = 81.54%) for articles published in 2021, significantly higher than that for articles published in 2022 (17%, 95% CI 7-30%, I² = 99.55%). The relative risk of developing ED was 2.64 times in COVID-19 patients higher than in non-COVID-19 patients (RR: 2.64, 95% CI 1.01-6.88). The GRADE-pro score showed that the mean incidence of ED events in COVID-19 patients was 1,333/50,606 (2.6%) compared with 52,937/844,200 (0.4%) in controls; the absolute impact of COVID-19 on ED was 656/100,000 (ranging from 4/100,000 to 2352/100,000). Anxiety (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.26, I² = 0.0%) in COVID-19 patients was a risk factor for ED.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients have a high risk and prevalence of ED, mainly driven by anxiety. Attention should be paid to patient's erectile functioning when treating COVID-19.

Effect of ultraviolet radiation on Beauveria bassiana virulence and development of protective formulations

Locusta migratoria is a serious agricultural pest in China. Beauveria bassiana is one of the most important pathogens of grasshoppers and locusts. The effects of ultraviolet light were evaluated on the B. bassiana strain BbZJ1. The results showed that 253.7 and 360 nm wavelength UV (Ultra Violet) did not affect the germination of B. bassiana after its recovery from UV treatments. Nevertheless, the virulence of B. bassiana BbZJ1 after its recovery from radiation of UV (253.7 nm) increased. The mortality rates were 85.00% for the BbZJ1 control, was 96.67% for BbZJ1 recovered from radiation of UV (253.7 nm) for 60 min. After treatment with 253.7 nm UV radiation for 60 min, the expression levels of stress-resistant genes BbAlg9 and Bbadh2 in BbZJ1 strain were 2.68 and 2.29 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. Meanwhile, the B. bassiana prepared in 5% groundnut oil showed highest tolerance levels to the ultraviolet radiation. The 5% groundnut oil was the most suitable potential UV-protectant for B. bassiana in terms of cost and availability.

Transcriptomic analysis of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana infected by a hypervirulent polymycovirus BbPmV-4

Polymycoviridae is a recently established family of mycoviruses. Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus 4 (BbPmV-4) was previously reported. However, the effect of the virus on host fungus B. bassiana was not clarified. Here, a comparison between virus-free and virus-infected isogenic lines of B. bassiana revealed that BbPmV-4 infection of B. bassiana changes morphology and could lead to decreases in conidiation and increases in virulence against Ostrinia furnacalis larvae. The differential expression of genes between virus-free and virus-infected strains was compared by RNA-Seq and was consistent with the phenotype of B. bassiana. The enhanced pathogenicity may be related to the significant up-regulation of genes encoding mitogen activated protein kinase, cytochrome P450, and polyketide synthase. The results enable studies of the mechanism of interaction between BbPmV-4 and B. bassiana.

Defensive Resistance of Cowpea Vigna unguiculata Control Megalurothrips usitatus Mediated by Jasmonic Acid or Insect Damage

Vigna unguiculata is a vital vegetable crop in Southeast Asia, and Megalurothrips usitatus can cause huge damage to this crop. Enhancing the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus is a promising way to protect this crop; however, there is limited information regarding the mechanism underlying the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus. Here, a behavior assay was performed to explore the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus after insect damage or treatment by jasmonic acid (JA). Furthermore, transcriptome and metabonomics analysis was used to detect the putative mechanism underlying the resistance of V. unguiculata against M. usitatus. The pre-treatment of Vigna unguiculata with JA or infestation with Megalurothrips usitatus alleviated the damage resulting from the pest insect. We further identified differentially expressed genes and different metabolites involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. Genes of chalcone reductase and shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, as well as lipoxygenase and acyl-CoA oxidase involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, were upregulated in plants after herbivory or JA supplementation. The upregulation of these genes contributed to the high accumulation of metabolites involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and the alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathway. These transcriptional and metabolite changes are potentially responsible for plant defense and a putative regulatory model is thus proposed to illustrate the cowpea defense mechanism against insect attack. Our study provides candidate targets for the breeding of varieties with resistance to insect herbivory by molecular technology.

Symbiotic Bacteria System of Locusta migratoria Showed Antifungal Capabilities against Beauveria bassiana

The stability of symbiotic flora is an important indicator of the health of an organism. Symbiotic bacteria have been proven to be closely involved in the immune process of organisms. The pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana was studied in relation to symbiotic bacteria on the surface and inside of the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). The results showed that the surface disinfection of test locusts contributed to the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to locusts. Most of the surface bacteria of L. migratoria caused some inhibition of B. bassiana growth, and LM5-4 (Raoultella ornithinolytica), LM5-2 (Enterobacter aerogenes), and LM5-13 (Citrobacter freundii) showed the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of B. bassiana. The inoculation of locusts with additional surface symbiotic bacteria reduced the virulence of B. bassiana to L. migratoria. Infection by different strains of B. bassiana caused similar changes in the symbiotic flora of migratory locusts. The inoculation of locusts with additional intestinal symbiotic bacteria (Enterobacter sp.) reduced the virulence of B. bassiana to L. migratoria. These findings illustrate the effect of bacterial communities on fungal infections in L. migratoria when seen from the perspective of ecology in a microenvironment. The active antifungal substances of such bacteria and their mechanisms of action need further study.

Effects of Nutritional Composition of Different Prey Eggs on Development and Reproduction of the Predatory Bug, Orius sauteri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Orius sauteri (Poppius) is an important predator of many economically important insect pests. The mass rearing of O. sauteri is difficult, limiting its application in pest control. Here we assessed the nutritional quality of eggs of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), Agrotis ypsilon (Rottemberg), or Spodoptera litura (Fabricius), and their potential for rearing O. sauteri in the laboratory for two generations. Of species tested, S. cerealella eggs resulted in the highest survival and reproduction of O. sauteri compared to the other two lepidopteran species. Eggs of A. ypsilon were a suitable diet for the nymphal stage, which developed faster on A. ysilon eggs than those of S. cerealella eggs. Conversely, eggs of S. litura were not a suitable diet for O. sauteri, and they disrupted the development and reproduction of O. sauteri. Sitotroga cerealella eggs showed advantages in all the nutritional components evaluated. Orius sauteri fed S. litura eggs contained significantly lower protein levels than those fed on the other eggs tested. Spodoptera litura eggs significantly enhanced the CAT activity in O. sauteri, which suggests that some components from S. litura eggs harmed the development and reproduction of O. sauteri. Based on these results, we suggest using a combined diet for mass rearing of the pirate bug, feeding the nymphs and adults with A. ypsilon eggs and S. cerealella eggs, respectively. This study contributes to the discovery of artificial diets for mass rearing O. sauteri and other Orius species in the future.

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm ( c ) quark in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV are reported. The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 collected by the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm quark jets are selected using distinctive signatures of charm hadron decays. The product of the cross section and branching fraction σ ( pp → W + c + X ) B ( W → ℓ ν ) , where ℓ = e or μ , and the cross section ratio σ ( pp → W + + c ¯ + X ) / σ ( pp → W - + c + X ) are measured in a fiducial volume and differentially as functions of the pseudorapidity and of the transverse momentum of the lepton from the W boson decay. The results are compared with theoretical predictions. The impact of these measurements on the determination of the strange quark distribution is assessed.

Functional characterization of a terpene synthase responsible for (E)-β-ocimene biosynthesis identified in Pyrus betuleafolia transcriptome after herbivory

(E)-β-ocimene, a ubiquitous monoterpene volatile in plants, is emitted from flowers to attract pollinators and/or from vegetative tissues as part of inducible defenses mediated by complex signaling networks when plants are attacked by insect herbivores. Wild pear species Pyrus betuleafolia used worldwide as rootstock generally displays valuable pest-resistant traits and is a promising genetic resource for pear breeding. In the current study, transcriptional changes in this wild pear species infested with a polyphagous herbivore Spodoptera litura and the underlying molecular mechanisms were fully investigated. A total of 3,118 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in damaged pear leaf samples. Spodoptera litura larvae infestation activated complex phytohormonal signaling networks in which jasmonic acid, ethylene, brassinosteroids, cytokinin, gibberellic acid and auxin pathways were induced, whereas salicylic acid and abscisic acid pathways were suppressed. All DEGs associated with growth-related photosynthesis were significantly downregulated, whereas most DEGs involved in defense-related early signaling events, transcription factors, green leaf volatiles and volatile terpenes were significantly upregulated. The PbeOCS (GWHGAAYT028729), a putative (E)-β-ocimene synthase gene, was newly identified in P. betuleafolia transcriptome. The upregulation of PbeOCS in S. litura-infested pear leaves supports a potential role for PbeOCS in herbivore-induced plant defenses. In enzyme-catalyzed reaction, recombinant PbeOCS utilized only geranyl pyrophosphate but not neryl diphosphate, farnesyl pyrophosphate or geranylgeranyl diphosphate as a substrate, producing (E)-β-ocimene as the major product and a trace amount of (Z)-β-ocimene. Moreover, as a catalytic product of PbeOCS, (E)-β-ocimene showed repellent effects on larvae of S. litura in dual-choice bioassays. What is more, (E)-β-ocimene increased mortalities of larvae in no-choice bioassays. These findings provide an overview of transcriptomic changes in wild pears in response to chewing herbivores and insights into (E)-β-ocimene biosynthesis in pear plants, which will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pear-insect interactions.