A multi-omics study reveals the therapeutic effect of Linderae Radix water extract on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Linderae Radix (Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm) is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its capability to regulate qi and relieve pain, particularly in the context of gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

While our previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of the Linderae Radix water extract (LRWE) in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), the precise mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic effects of LRWE on IBS-D through multi-omics techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

16 S rRNA gene sequencing combined with LC-MS metabolomics was employed to investigate the effect of LRWE on the gut microbiota and metabolites of IBS-D rats. Spearman correlation analysis was performed on the gut microbiota and metabolites.

RESULTS

LRWE administration significantly ameliorated IBS-D rats' symptoms, including diarrhea, visceral hypersensitivity, and low-grade intestinal inflammation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that LRWE influenced the diversity of the gut microbiota in IBS-D rats by significantly reducing the relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Candidatus Saccharimonas, while increasing the relative abundance of Jeotgalicoccus. Serum metabolomic analysis identified 16 differential metabolites, associated with LRWE's positive effects on IBS-D symptoms, focusing on glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Spearman analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between cecal microbiota composition and serum metabolite levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidates that LRWE plays a crucial role in the comprehensive therapeutic approach to IBS-D by restoring the relative abundance of gut microbiota and addressing the disturbed metabolism of endogenous biomarkers. The identified bacteria and metabolites present potential therapeutic targets for IBS-D.

Phosphorus starvation response genes and function coupling: A mechanism to regulate phosphorus availability in a subtropical estuary

Phosphorus (P) plays an important role in regulating primary production in estuarine environments. However, knowledge of the P-functional gene composition of microbial communities and the mechanisms of microbial adaptation to changes in available P in estuaries remain limited. This study coupling 16 s rDNA and metagenomics sequencing was conducted to reveal the relationship between P cycling functional genes, microbial interactions, and P availability in the Jiulong River Estuary. The results showed that the relative abundance of P cycling functions genes was highest in winter, and lowest in summer. Spatially, the total relative abundance of P cycling functions genes was higher in the riverward than that in the seaward. P cycling functional microbial interactions and P cycling gene coupling were strongest in summer and in the seaward. Changes in both temperature and salinity had significant direct and indirect effects on P cycling function, and the influence of salinity on P cycling function was greater than that on the microbial community in the estuary. Salinity had significant direct negative effects on inorganic P-solubilization (IP), organic P-mineralization (OP), and P uptake and transport functions (PT). Whereas, salinity had a significant positive effect on P-starvation response regulation (PR) function. Thus, salinity and microbial communities regulate the soluble reactive phosphate concentrations in estuarine environments by strengthening internal coupling among P cycling functions, promoting PR function, and facilitating PT gene expression. PR is the most important predictors, PR, PT, and PR-PT together explained 38.56 % of the overall soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) variation. Over 66 % of the explained SRP variations can be predicted by the PR, PT, and PR-PT functional genes. This finding improves the knowledge base of the microbial processes for P cycling and provides a foundation for eutrophication management strategies in the estuary.

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.

Assessing Spns2-dependent S1P Transport as a Prospective Therapeutic Target

S1P (sphingosine 1-phosphate) receptor modulator (SRM) drugs interfere with lymphocyte trafficking by downregulating lymphocyte S1P receptors. While the immunosuppressive activity of SRM drugs has proved useful in treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, that drug class is beset by on-target liabilities such as initial dose bradycardia. The S1P that binds to cell surface lymphocyte S1P receptors is provided by S1P transporters. Mice born deficient in one of these, spinster homolog 2 (Spns2), are lymphocytopenic and have low lymph S1P concentrations. Such observations suggest that inhibition of Spns2-mediated S1P transport might provide another therapeutically beneficial method to modulate immune cell positioning. We report here results using a novel S1P transport blocker (STB), SLF80821178, to investigate the consequences of S1P transport inhibition in rodents. We found that SLF80821178 is efficacious in a multiple sclerosis model but - unlike the SRM fingolimod - neither decreases heart rate nor compromises lung endothelial barrier function. Notably, although Spns2 null mice have a sensorineural hearing defect, mice treated chronically with SLF80821178 have normal hearing acuity. STBs such as SLF80821178 evoke a dose-dependent decrease in peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, which affords a reliable pharmacodynamic marker of target engagement. However, the maximal reduction in circulating lymphocyte counts in response to SLF80821178 is substantially less than the response to SRMs such as fingolimod (50% vs. 90%) due to a lesser effect on T lymphocyte sub-populations by SLF80821178. Finally, in contrast to results obtained with Spns2 deficient mice, lymph S1P concentrations were not significantly changed in response to administration of STBs at doses that evoke maximal lymphopenia, which indicates that current understanding of the mechanism of action of S1P transport inhibitors is incomplete.

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.

Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of salivary gland myoepithelial carcinoma: institutional experience of 42 cases

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) is a rare type of carcinoma for which the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors have not yet been fully clarified. A retrospective study of 42 patients diagnosed with salivary gland MECA was performed, focusing on the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors. Of the 42 patients, 20 died of cancer, 20 lived without tumour, one lived with distant metastasis, and one was lost to follow-up. Overall, 69.0% had tumour recurrence, 16.7% had cervical nodal metastasis, and 21.4% had distant metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate was 70.2%. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with pathological positive lymph nodes (pN+), multiple recurrences of tumour, and higher histological grade had worse overall survival. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated pN+ and higher histological grade to be independent predictors of decreased survival. The 5-year overall survival rate in the pN0 group was 87.5%, while that in the pN+ group was 28.6%. In conclusion, myoepithelial carcinoma can be defined as a tumour with a high incidence of recurrence and poor prognosis, especially in pN+ patients. Pathological positive lymph nodes and histological grade may serve as predictors of survival.

Sudomotor dysfunction is associated with impaired left ventricular diastolic function in persons with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of preserved ejection fraction heart failure has significantly increased in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is an early and important manifestation of preserved ejection fraction heart failure. The onset of heart failure in persons with diabetes is associated with diabetic neuropathy. However, the relationship among sudomotor function, which is an early manifestation of small fiber neuropathy, and LV diastolic function remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between sudomotor function and LV diastolic function in persons with T2DM.

METHODS

In total, 699 persons with T2DM were enrolled and divided into three groups according to electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) assessed using the SUDOSCAN device: "no dysfunction" group (NSF), "moderate dysfunction" group (MDF), and "severe dysfunction" group (SDF). LV diastolic function was assessed using Doppler echocardiography. To evaluate the relationship between ESC and echocardiographic parameters, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between LV diastolic function and ESC. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the performance of sudomotor function indicators in detecting impaired cardiac diastolic function.

RESULTS

There were 301 persons (43.06%) in the NSF group, 232 (33.19%) in the MDF group, and 166 (23.75%) in the SDF group. Compared to the NSF group, the MDF and SDF groups had higher A and E/e' and lower e' values (all p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that A and E/e' were negatively associated with foot ESC (FESC) and hand ESC (HESC), whereas e' was positively associated with FESC and HESC (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, binary logistic regression analysis showed that ESC was independently associated with impaired LV diastolic function (p = 0.003). The area under the ROC curve values for FESC and HESC were 0.621 and 0.635, respectively (both p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Deteriorating sudomotor function was associated with reduced diastolic function indicators. ESC can be used as a biomarker for detecting LV diastolic impairment.

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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Genome-wide identification of GATA transcription factors in tetraploid potato and expression analysis in differently colored potato flesh

The GATA gene family belongs to a kind of transcriptional regulatory protein featuring a zinc finger motif, which is essential for plant growth and development. However, the identification of the GATA gene family in tetraploid potato is still not performed. In the present research, a total of 88 GATA genes in the tetraploid potato C88.v1 genome were identified by bioinformatics methods. These StGATA genes had an uneven distribution on 44 chromosomes, and the corresponding StGATA proteins were divided into four subfamilies (I-IV) based on phylogenetic analysis. The cis-elements of StGATA genes were identified, including multiple cis-elements related to light-responsive and hormone-responsive. The collinearity analysis indicates that segmental duplication is a key driving force for the expansion of GATA gene family in tetraploid potato, and that the GATA gene families of tetraploid potato and Arabidopsis share a closer evolutionary relationship than rice. The transcript profiling analysis showed that all 88 StGATA genes had tissue-specific expression, indicating that the StGATA gene family members participate in the development of multiple potato tissues. The RNA-seq analysis was also performed on the tuber flesh of two potato varieties with different color, and 18 differentially expressed GATA transcription factor genes were screened, of which eight genes were validated through qRT-PCR. In this study, we identified and characterized StGATA transcription factors in tetraploid potato for the first time, and screened differentially expressed genes in potato flesh with different color. It provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the StGATA gene family and its function in anthocyanin biosynthesis.

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.

[Clinical characteristics and efficacy of vocal fold epidermoid cysts coexisting with sulcus vocalis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and voice outcomes after laryngeal microsurgery for vocal fold epidermoid cysts coexisting with sulcus vocalis. Methods: The clinical data of 115 vocal fold epidermoid cysts coexisting with sulcus vocalis patients in Shandong provincial ENT hospital, were retrospectively analyzed, including 49 males and 66 females, aged 17-70 years old, and the duration of hoarseness ranged from 6 months to 30 years. All patients underwent surgery through suspension laryngoscope and microscope under general anestgesia. Ninety-four patients were treated with microflap excision of sulcus vocalis, cyst wall, and contents.And 21 patients that occulted with mucosal bridges were applied mucosal bridges resection (2 cases) and mucosal bridges reconstruction (19 cases) respectively. Videolaryngoscopy, subjective voice evaluation (GRBAS), objective voice evaluation, and Voice Handicap Index(VHI) were performed before and after surgery. All patients underwent histopathologic examination and follow-up after the procedure. The preoperative acoustic parameters of patients with vocal fold epidermoid cysts coexisting with sulcus vocalis were compared with those of vocal fold mucus retention cysts and simple vocal fold epidermoid cysts by independent samples t-test. The patients were compared by paired t-test for preoperative and postoperative parameters. Results: Significant reduction or lack of mucosal waves were shown via videolaryngostroboscopy in all 115 cases.In addition, vascular changes including dilation, tortuousness, increased branches, and abrupt direction change were shown on the cystic area. Eighty-one patients were detected cysts and/or sulcus vocalis by preoperative laryngoscopy, and intraoperative microscopic findings in the remaining 34 patients. The intraoperative microscopic examination revealed a focal pouch-like deficit plunging into the vocal ligament or muscle. The deep surface of the mucosal bridges was sulcus vocalis, and that in 89 cysts was lined with caseous content. Histopathology demonstrated a cystic cavity structure lined with squamous epithelium and caseous keratin desquamation inside the cystic cavity. Four of 115 patients were lost at follow-up and excluded from the analysis of voice outcomes after surgery. There was no significant mucosal wave and the voice quality in all but 14 patients 1month after surgery. Except for the fundamental frequency and noise harmonic ratio, all other voice parameters[ G, R, B, A, VHI-10, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonatory time (MPT) ]showed a significant improvement 3 months after surgery(t=15.82, 20.82, 17.61, 7.30, 38.88, 7.84, 5.88, -6.26, respectively, P<0.05). Then mucosal waves and the voice quality were gradually improved and became steady in 6 months after surgery. The subjective and objective voice parameters[G, R, B, A, VHI-10, jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio(NHR), MPT], except for the fundamental frequency, were all significantly improved(t=23.47, 25.79, 18.37, 9.84, 54.45, 10.68, 8.07, 3.24, -9.08, respectively, P<0.05). In addition, there were 2 patients with no significant improvement after the operation. Steady function with no complications was observed during the 12 months (up to 3 years in 34 patients) follow-up period in 111 patients. Conclusion: Ruptured vocal fold epidermoid cysts can result in sulcus vocalis and mucosal bridges. Characteristics changes in preoperative videolaryngoscopy are effective diagnostic tools. The complete excision of the cyst wall and repair of the lamina propria can lead to satisfactory long-term effects.

High-speed multihull anti-pitching control based on heave velocity and pitch angular velocity estimation

This paper proposes a novel anti-pitching control algorithm based on algebraic model predictive control (AMPC) for high-speed multihull, in which the heave velocity and pitch angular velocity cannot be measured directly. Specifically, a multihull vertical control model is established with the employed anti-pitching appendages, and the uncertainty of the model as well as the coupling between heave and pitch motion are investigated. To address unmeasurable of the heave velocity and pitch angular velocity, a novel kinematics-based Kalman filter is designed to estimate these states online, which is substantially different from the existing works. Then, the AMPC strategy for varying receding-horizon optimization is proposed, which significantly reduces the amount of online calculation. To estimate the lumped uncertainty, the second-order filter data of input and output is used to design a disturbance observer with less parameters, which can perform feed-forward compensation to enhance the robustness. The convergence of the disturbance observer and the closed-loop system is analyzed mathematically. Finally, the advantages of the proposed anti-pitching control approach are demonstrated in both theory and simulation.

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.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of P-GemDOx regimen and stratified prognosis in patients with early extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma]

Objective: To assess the efficacy, safety, and related prognostic factors associated with the P-GemDOx regimen as a first-line treatment for patients with early-stage extranodal natural killer (NK) /T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) . Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on sixty early-stage ENKTL patients treated with the P-GemDOx regimen who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between August 2015 and May 2021. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare group differences, and the Log-rank test was used to compare the differences in survival. Survival outcomes and prognostic factors were examined. Results: After completing 4 to 6 cycles of P-GemDOx chemotherapy, the overall response rate (ORR) was 88.3%, with forty-six patients (76.7% ) achieving complete response (CR). The 4-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were (66.3±7.1) % and (79.5±6.0) %, respectively. According to the PINK/PINK-E model, there was no significant difference in survival outcomes among risk groups. 23.3% of patients experienced progression of disease within 24 months (POD<24). OS estimates differed significantly (P<0.001) between the POD<24 group (n=14) and the POD≥24 group (n=46). Analysis showed that SUVmax > 12.8 at diagnosis, non-single nasal cavity infiltration, and response less than CR after 4-6 cycles all had a significant association with POD24. We used these data as the basis for predicting POD<24 international prognostic index (POD24-IPI). Patients were stratified into low-risk (no risk factors), intermediate-risk (one risk factor), or high risk (two or three risk factors). These groups were associated with 4-year OS rate of 100%, (85.6±9.7) %, and (65.0±10.2) %, respectively (P=0.014). The P-GemDOx regimen was well tolerated, with hematological toxicity being the main side effect. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the P-GemDOx regimen is effective and safe in the first-line treatment of early-stage ENKTL, and POD24-IPI is a promising prognostic model.

Plasma and milk metabolomics revealed changes in amino acid metabolism in Holstein dairy cows under heat stress

Our understanding of metabolic alterations triggered by heat stress is incomplete, which limits the designing of nutritional strategies to mitigate negative productive and health effects. Thus, this study aimed to explore the metabolic responses of heat-stressed dairy cows to dietary supplementation with vitamin D3/Ca and vitamin E/Se. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in a split-plot Latin square design with two distinct vitamin E/Se supplementation levels, either at a low (ESe-, n = 6, 11.1 IU/kg vitamin E and 0.55 mg/kg Se) or a high dose (ESe+, n = 6 223 IU/kg vitamin E and 1.8 mg/kg Se) as the main plot. Treatment subplots, arranged in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, comprised heat challenge (Temperature Humidity Index, THI: 72.0-82.0) supplemented with different levels of vitamin D3/Ca: either low (HS/DCa-, 1 012 IU/kg and 0.73%, respectively) or high (HS/DCa+, 3 764 IU/kg and 0.97%, respectively), and a pair-fed control group in thermoneutrality (THI = 61.0-64.0) receiving the low dose of vitamin D3/Ca (TN). The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolome profile was determined in blood plasma and milk sampled at the beginning (day 0) and end (day 14) of each experimental period. The results were analyzed for the effect of (1) TN vs. HS/ESe-/DCa-, and (2) the vitamin E/Se and vitamin D3/Ca supplementation. No group or group × day effects were detected in the plasma metabolome (false discovery rate, FDR > 0.05), except for triglyceride 52:2 being higher (FDR = 0.03) on day 0 than 14. Taurine, creatinine and butyryl-carnitine showed group × day interactions in the milk metabolome (FDR ≤ 0.05) as creatinine (+22%) and butyryl-carnitine (+190%) were increased (P < 0.01) on day 14, and taurine was decreased (-65%, P < 0.01) on day 14 in the heat stress (HS) cows, compared with day 0. Most compounds were unaffected by vitamin E/Se or vitamin D3/Ca supplementation level or their interaction (FDR > 0.05) in plasma and milk, except for milk alanine which was lower (-69%, FDR = 0.03) in the E/Se+ groups, compared with E/Se-. Our results indicated that HS triggered more prominent changes in the milk than in the plasma metabolome, with consistent results in milk suggesting increased muscle catabolism, as reflected by increased creatinine, alanine and citrulline levels. Supplementing with high levels of vitamin E/Se or vitamin D3/Ca or their combination did not appear to affect the metabolic remodeling triggered by HS.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the Majorana Demonstrator

With excellent energy resolution and ultralow-level radiogenic backgrounds, the high-purity germanium detectors in the Majorana Demonstrator enable searches for several classes of exotic dark matter (DM) models. In this work, we report new experimental limits on keV-scale sterile neutrino DM via the transition magnetic moment from conversion to active neutrinos ν_{s}→ν_{a}. We report new limits on fermionic dark matter absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and sub-GeV DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), and new exclusion limits for bosonic dark matter (axionlike particles and dark photons). These searches utilize the (1-100)-keV low-energy region of a 37.5-kg y exposure collected by the Demonstrator between May 2016 and November 2019 using a set of ^{76}Ge-enriched detectors whose surface exposure time was carefully controlled, resulting in extremely low levels of cosmogenic activation.

Synergistic antibacterial attributes of copper-doped polydopamine nanoparticles: an insight into photothermal enhanced antibacterial efficacy

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and associated infectious diseases pose a grave threat to human health. The antibacterial activity of metal nanoparticles has been extensively utilized in several biomedical applications, showing that they can effectively inhibit the growth of various bacteria. In this research, copper-doped polydopamine nanoparticles (Cu@PDA NPs) were synthesized through an economical process employing deionized water and ethanol as a solvent. By harnessing the high photothermal conversion efficiency of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) and the inherent antibacterial attributes of copper ions, we engineered nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial characteristics. Cu@PDA NPs exhibited a rougher surface and a higher zeta potential in comparison to PDA NPs, and both demonstrated remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. Comprehensive antibacterial evaluations substantiated the superior efficacy of Cu@PDA NPs attributable to their copper content. These readily prepared nano-antibacterial materials exhibit substantial potential in infection prevention and treatment, owing to their synergistic combination of photothermal and spectral antibacterial features.

[Clinicopathological analysis of adult hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma]

Objective: To explore the clinicopathological and molecular genetic features of adult hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma (MHL). Methods: A total of five confirmed adult MHL cases diagnosed at the Pathology Department of the First Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital between 2009 and 2022 were collected. Histomorphological observation and immunohistochemical staining were conducted. Gene detection was performed by next-generation sequencing. Results: Among the five cases, four were male and one was female, aged 46-67 years, with an average age of 56.2 years. The maximum diameter was 5.3-13.5cm, and the average diameter was 9.2cm. Tumors were generally cystic, solid, or mixed cystic-solid. Histopathologically, in four out of five cases of MHL, malignant transformation occurred, of which three cases were malignantly transformed into undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma and one case was malignantly transformed into a malignant solitary fibrous tumor. NAB2-STAT6 gene rearrangements were identified. Conclusion: Adult MHL is a rare kind of tumor with malignant potential, and it is difficult to diagnose with preoperative imaging examinations. A fine-needle biopsy is rarely used for diagnosis, but surgical resection of symptomatic or enlarged lesions is recommended to rule out the possibility of malignancy and further diagnosis. Genetic testing results revealed the complex genetic alterations in MHL, and it was found that adult MHL can malignantly transform into malignant solitary fibrous tumors. We believe that genome-wide analysis is necessary to determine the unique molecular characteristics of MHL and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

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.

β-Glucan-conjugated anti-PD-L1 antibody enhances antitumor efficacy in preclinical mouse models

The use of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a promising approach for clinical cancer treatment. However, most of cancer patients do not respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody. In this study, we proposed a novel strategy of antibody-β-glucan conjugates (AGC) to enhance the antitumor immune response to ICB therapy. The AGC were constructed by conjugating an anti-PD-L1 antibody with a β-glucan via click chemistry. This design facilitates the delivery of β-glucan into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the bridging effect mediated by AGC can promote the interaction between tumor cells and dendritic cells (DCs), thereby enhancing immunotherapeutic benefits. In the MC38 tumor-bearing mouse model, AGC demonstrated powerful tumor suppression, achieving a tumor suppression rate of 86.7 %. Immunophenotyping, cytokine analysis, RNA sequencing, and FTY720-treated models were combined to elucidate the mechanism underlying AGC function. Compared with anti-PD-L1 antibody, AGC induced an earlier immune response, infiltration of DCs, and activation of preexisting T cells in the TME, with T cells predominantly proliferating locally rather than migrating from other organs. In conclusion, these data suggest that AGC could serve as a promising strategy to improve ICB therapy with prospects for clinical utilization.

An endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signature featuring ASNS for predicting prognosis and immune landscape in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PRAD) is one of the common malignant tumors of the urinary system. In order to predict the treatment results for PRAD patients, this study proposes to develop a risk profile based on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Based on the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) cohort and the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE70769), we verified the predictive signature. Using a random survival forest analysis, prognostically significant ERS-related genes were found. An ERS-related risk score (ERscore) was created using multivariable Cox analysis. In addition, the biological functions, genetic mutations and immune landscape related to ERscore are also studied to reveal the underlying mechanisms related to ERS in PRAD. We further explored the ERscore-related mechanisms by profiling a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset (GSE137829) and explored the oncogenic role of ASNS in PRAD through in vitro experiments. The risk signature composed of eight ERS-related genes constructed in this study is an independent prognostic factor and validated in the MSKCC and GSE70769 data sets. The scRNA-seq data additionally revealed that several carcinogenic pathways were noticeably overactivated in the group with high ERS scores. As one of the prognostic genes, ASNS will significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of PRAD cells after its expression is interfered with. In conclusion, this study developed a novel risk-specific ERS-based clinical treatment strategy for patients with PRAD.

Relationships of Hypnotics with Incident Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: A Longitudinal Study and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence describing the association between hypnotics use and dementia risk is conflicting. It is unknown if the controversy is related to the type or dose of hypnotics or if hypnotics affect different populations.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to derive lessons learned and future projections based on evidence from longitudinal studies.

MEASUREMENTS

In the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort, 1,543 older adults without dementia (mean age = 73.3 years, female = 45%) were followed for four years. The association between hypnotics and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated using Cox proportional hazards regressions. Next, electronic databases were searched until March 2022 to conduct the evidence synthesis of the associations of hypnotics with incident risk of dementia.

RESULTS

In the ADNI cohort, ever use of hypnotics was associated with an increased risk of AD (hazard ratio = 1.96, 95% confidence intervals = 1.23-3.11, p < 0.01). This association was significant for benzodiazepines and Z-drugs but not for melatonin. The association was stronger in long-term (more than one year) users and those with high cumulative doses. A meta-analysis of 26 longitudinal studies with 3,942,018 participants revealed a correlation between the use of hypnotics and the risk of dementia (relative risk = 1.23, 95% confidence intervals = 1.13-1.33, p < 0.001, median risk difference = 4%). It is a linear dose-response relationship, if a person takes the daily recommended dose for 100 days, their risk of developing dementia increases by 5% relative to non-users. According to subgroup analyses, neither association was significant among patients with a history of insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals who use hypnotics, especially high-dose or long-term users, are at a higher risk of dementia and AD. The main issue with conclusion credibility is heterogeneity.

Microbial interactions strengthen deterministic processes during community assembly in a subtropical estuary

Systematic studies on the assembly process and driving mechanisms of microbial communities in estuaries with diverse seasonal and spatial scales are still limited. In this study, high-throughput sequencing, and microbial network analysis were combined to decipher the impact of environmental changes and biological interactions on the maintenance of microbial diversity patterns in the Jiulong River Estuary (JRE). The results showed that overall, stochastic processes dominated the bacterioplankton community assembly in the estuary, accounting for 49.66-74.78 % of the total. Additionally, bacterioplankton community diversity varied significantly across seasons and subzones. Specifically, the concentration of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the estuary steadily reduced from winter to summer, and the corresponding bacterioplankton community interactions gradually shifted from the weakest interaction in winter to the strongest in summer. The deterministic processes contributed more than half (50.34 %) to microbial assembly in the summer, but only 25.22 % in winter. Deterministic processes prevailed in the seaward with low SRP concentrations and strong bacterioplankton community interactions, while stochastic processes contributed 70.14 % to the assembly of microbial communities riverward. Biotic and abiotic factors, such as nutrients and microbial interactions, jointly drove the seasonal and spatial patterns of bacterioplankton community assembly, but overall, nutrients played a dominant role. Nevertheless, the contributions of nutrients and microbial interactions were equivalent in spatial assembly processes, albeit nutrients were the primary seasonal driver of the bacterioplankton community assembly process. This study emphasizes the significance of microbial interactions in the bacterioplankton community assemblage. These findings provide new and comprehensive insights into the microbial communities' organization in estuaries.

Multiple stable isotopic approaches for tracing nitrate contamination sources: Implications for nitrogen management in complex watersheds

Nitrate (NO3-) contamination of surface water is a global environmental problem that has serious consequences for watershed ecosystems and endangers human health. It is crucial to identify influences of different sources of NO3-, especially the incoming water from upper reaches. A combination of hydrochemistry and multi-isotope tracers (δ11B, δ15N-NO3-, and δ18O-NO3-) were used to determine NO3- sources and their transformation the North Jiulong River (NJLR), Southeast China. The findings revealed that NO3-, which accounted for an average of 87.1% of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), was the main chemical form of nitrogen species. The integration of dual stable isotopes of NO3-, δ11B, and hydrochemistry showed that NO3- was primarily contributed by sewage, soil nitrogen (SN), and ammonium (NH4+) via precipitation or fertilizers. The contributions from the sewage and soil nitrate source were almost equivalent and much higher than those from other sources in the NJLR watershed. The contributions from diverse sources varied seasonally and spatially. Manure and sewage (M&S) were the leading sources in the summer and autumn, accounting for 60.9 ± 8.5% and 47.3 ± 7.9%, respectively. However, NO3- fertilizers were the predominant source in the spring and winter. The NO3- inflow from upper reaches was proposed as an additional end-member to identify its contribution in the midstream and downstream in this study. The contributions of NO3- from the upper reaches were significant sources in the midstream and downstream, accounting for 27.2 ± 17.8% and 42.9 ± 21.9%, respectively. The obvious decline in local NO3-contribution shares from midstream to downstream implied structural changes in pollutant sources and regional environmental responsibility. Therefore, tracing nitrate sources and quantifying their contributions is critical for clarifying environmental responsibilities for precise local nitrogen management in watersheds.

Association of Cognitive Reserve Indicator with Cognitive Decline and Structural Brain Differences in Middle and Older Age: Findings from the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Cognitive reserve (CR) contributes to preserving cognition when facing brain aging and damage. CR has been linked to dementia risk in late life. However, the association between CR and cognitive changes and brain imaging measures, especially in midlife, is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the association of CR with cognitive decline and structural brain differences in middle and older age.

DESIGN

This longitudinal study was from the UK Biobank project where participants completed baseline surveys between 2006 to 2010 and were followed (mean follow-up: 9 years).

SETTING

A population-based study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 42,301 dementia-free participants aged 40-70 were followed-up to detect cognitive changes. A subsample (n=34,041) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans.

MEASUREMENTS

We used latent class analysis to generate a CR indicator (categorized as high, moderate, and low) based on education, occupation, and multiple cognitively stimulating activities. Cognitive tests for global and domain-specific cognition were administrated at baseline and follow-up. Total brain, white matter, grey matter, hippocampal, and white matter hyperintensity volumes (TBV, WMV, GMV, HV, and WMHV) were assessed at the follow-up examination. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models and analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

At baseline, 16,032 (37.9%), 10,709 (25.3%), and 15,560 (36.8%) participants had low, moderate, and high levels of CR, respectively. Compared with low CR, high CR was associated with slower declines in global cognition (β [95% confidence interval]: 0.10 [0.08, 0.11]), prospective memory (0.10 [0.06, 0.15]), fluid intelligence (0.07 [0.04, 0.10]), and reaction time (0.04 [0.02, 0.06]). Participants with high CR had lower TBV, WMV, GMV, and WMHV, but higher HV when controlling for global cognition (corrected P <0.01 for all). The significant relationships between CR and cognition and TBV were present among both middle-aged (<60 years) and older (≥60 years) participants. The CR-cognition association remained significant despite reductions in brain structural properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CR is associated with slower cognitive decline, higher HV, and lower microvascular burden, especially in middle age. Individuals with high CR could tolerate smaller brain volumes while maintaining cognition. The benefit of CR for cognition is independent of structural brain differences. Our findings highlight the contribution of enhancing CR to helping compensate for neuroimaging alterations and ultimately prevent cognitive decline.

A comprehensive review of toxicity of coal fly ash and its leachate in the ecosystem

Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, is a hazardous industrial solid waste. Its excessive global production, coupled with improper disposal practices, insufficient utilization and limited awareness of its inherent hazards, poses a significant threat to both ecological environment and human health. Based on the physicochemical properties of CFA and its leachates, we elucidate the forms of CFA and potential pathways for its entry into the human body, as well as the leaching behavior, maximum tolerance and biological half-life of toxic elements present in CFA. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current strategies and methods for mitigating the leaching of these harmful elements from CFA. Moreover, we systemically summarize toxic effect of CFA on organisms across various tiers of complexity, analyze epidemiological findings concerning the human health implications resulting from CFA exposure, and delve into the biotoxicological mechanisms of CFA and its leachates at cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to enhance understanding of the potential toxicity of CFA, thereby promoting increased public awareness regarding the disposal and management of this industrial waste.

Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Moderate the Relationship of Blood Pressure with Alzheimer's Pathologies and Neurodegenerative Markers in Non-Demented Hypertensive Older Adults

BACKGROUND

We aimed to explore whether the relationships of blood pressures (BPs) with Alzheimer's disease (AD) endophenotypes varied by usage of antihypertensive drugs (AHDs).

METHODS

A total of 765 non-demented older adults (mean age: 74.4 years; female: 43.1%) with a self-reported history of hypertension were followed for 6 years. Multiple linear regression and linear-mixed effect models were used to investigate the interaction effects of five categories of AHDs (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEI], angiotensin II receptor blockers [ARBs], β-blocker, calcium channel blockers [CCB], diuretic) with BPs (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], and pulse pressure [PP]) on AD core pathology and neurodegenerative markers.

RESULTS

After Bonferroni correction, significant interaction effects of BPs with AHDs were observed. Elevated SBP or PP in late-life was associated with higher levels of cerebral Aβ burden (diuretic alone/β-blocker × SBP), higher levels of CSF tau proteins (diuretic × SBP/PP, ARBs/CCB × SBP), and lower volume of entorhinal region (β-blocker × SBP, diuretic × PP) only among hypertensive patients who received no anti-hypertensive treatments, while these associations became compromised or null for users of specific AHDs except for ACEI. Compared to taking other classes of AHDs, elevated SBP in late-life was associated with lower cerebral Aβ burden in diuretic users (padjusted = 0.08) and was associated with higher CSF tau proteins in ACEI alone users (padjusted = 0.03). Longitudinal data validated the above-mentioned interaction effects on changes of cerebral Aβ burden (padjusted < 0.05), CSF tau proteins (padjusted < 0.10), and brain atrophy (padjusted < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationships of late-life BP with AD pathology and neurodegeneration could be modified by anti-hypertensive treatments and varied by AHD classification. These findings provide preliminary evidence for tailored BP management strategy for preventing AD among late-life hypertensive adults.

Correction: The Cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents in Tibet at altitudes over 3,500 meters

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256258.].

Epithelioid Subtype Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of Stomach in an Endoscopic Biopsy: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract with a broad morphological spectrum. Although epithelioid GISTs account for 20% of GISTs, their morphological features may pose a diagnostic pitfall for pathologists due to their morphological similarities to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and lymphoma.

Case Presentation

Herein, we report a 65-year-old male patient with gastric epithelioid GIST misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma for four years. During this period, he was treated with chemotherapy combined with PD-L1 immunotherapy. The clinicians thought the treatments were effective. However, there was no significant change in tumor size. The patient's clinical symptoms did not improve significantly as well. Finally, an endoscopic biopsy was performed again and gastric epithelioid GIST was confirmed in our hospital through morphology, immunohistochemistry, and whole-genome sequencing.

Conclusion

A broad morphological spectrum and diverse immunophenotypic changes of GISTs could represent a pitfall for pathologists. However, predisposed anatomical sites, morphology, and corresponding immunohistochemical markers are of great significance for the diagnosis of GISTs and the differential diagnosis from other diseases. On the other hand, clinicians should diagnose and comprehensively evaluate treatment effects based on the patient's clinical symptoms and relevant laboratory examinations, instead of over-reliance on pathological diagnosis.

Intramedullary nail fixation of fibular fractures in combination with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO/OTA 43A): a single-center retrospective study

Treatment of fibular fractures associated with extra-articular distal tibia fractures is technically challenging and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of intramedullary nail fixation of fibular fractures when associated with this fracture. Between January 2018 and December 2021, 33 patients presenting extra-articular distal tibia fractures and fibular fractures (AO/OTA 43A) were treated. Clinical and radiological data were collected during routine postoperative follow-ups. Thirty-one patients were monitored for a period of time ranging from 12 to 23 months, with an average follow-up of 17.5 ± 3.3 months. Fibular bone union took an average of 3.6 ± 0.9 months. At the last follow-up, the average fibular alignment and postoperative ankle talocrural angles were 1.8° and 9.1°, respectively. No detectable radiographic rotational malalignment and serious complications related to the fibular incision was observed. The average AOFAS and OMAS scores at the most recent follow-up were 88.3 ± 6.2 and 87.4 ± 6.0, respectively. Intramedullary nail fixation worked well to keep the fibula in place in fibular fractures connected to extra-articular distal tibia fractures.

Reduced graphene oxide-persimmon tannin/Pt@Pd nanozyme-based cascade colorimetric sensor for detection of 1,5-anhydroglucitol

1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is of considerable clinical relevance as a biochemical marker of glucose metabolism in the assessment and monitoring of diabetes. Herein, a simple colorimetric biosensor was constructed for the identification and detection of 1,5-AG by using pyranose oxidase (PROD) enzyme cascaded with reduced graphene oxide/persimmon tannin/Pt@Pd (RGO-PT/Pt@Pd NPs) nanozyme. The as-prepared RGO-PT/Pt@Pd NPs had excellent peroxidase-like activity and can be applied as a nanozyme. First, PROD enzyme reacts with the target 1,5-AG, decomposing 1,5-AG into 1,5-anhydrofuctose (1,5-AF) and H2O2. At this point, the highly catalytic RGO-PT/Pt@Pd NPs nanozyme produces a cascade with PROD enzyme which catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2 to produce O2. This in turn oxidizes the substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and produces a color change in the solution. Finally, the detection of 1,5-AG was achieved by measuring the absorption peak at 652 nm with an ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. Under optimal conditions, the linear operating range of the 1,5-AG enzyme cascade colorimetric sensor was 1.0-100.0 μg/mL, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.81 μg/mL. The proposed colorimetric biosensor was successfully applied to detect 1,5-AG in spiked human serum samples with the recoveries of 97.2-103.9% and RSDs of 1.94-4.48%. It provides a promising developmental assay for clinical detection of 1,5-AG.

[Clinical analysis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, evaluate the accuracy of preoperative enhanced CT in judging retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on the prognosis. Methods: Retrospective analyses were made on 398 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgery as the primary therapy and accepted retropharyngeal lymph node exploration and clearance during surgery in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to clarify the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on prognosis. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes of 218 cases with available preoperative enhanced CT images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists and compared with postoperative pathological results. Results: Retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were confirmed in 54 of 398 (13.6%) cases according to postoperative pathology. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative enhanced CT in the diagnosis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were 34.6% and 91.1%, respectively, and the overall accuracy was 84.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the site of the primary lesion and pathological N stage were independent risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with primary lesion located in the posterior wall of hypopharynx (OR=4.83, 95% CI: 1.27-18.40), N2 stage (OR=6.30, 95% CI: 2.25-17.67), and N3 stage (OR=26.89, 95% CI: 5.76-125.58) were prone to retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate of the 398 patients was 50.4%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 48.3%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that T stage, N stage, retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and radiotherapy were independent influencing factors for overall survival (T stage: HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54; N stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.14-1.40; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.47-3.08; radiotherapy: HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.38-0.76) and disease-free survival of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (T stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.51; N stage: HR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.37; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.56-3.21; radiotherapy: HR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.77). Conclusions: Metastasis of retropharyngeal lymph nodes in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is not rare. Enhanced CT is of low accuracy and limited value in diagnosing retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Primary lesions located in the posterior wall of the hypopharyngx, N2 stage, and N3 stage are independent high-risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients with retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis is worse, and active surgical exploration and clearance can effectively reduce the mortality caused by retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis.

[Clinical and molecular biological characterization of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (aCLL) . Methods: From January 2020 to October 2022, the data of 13 patients diagnosed with aCLL at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed to explore the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of aCLL. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 (35-72) years. Prior to aCLL, five patients received no treatment for CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), while the other patients received treatment, predominantly with BTK inhibitors. The patients were diagnosed with aCLL through pathological confirmation upon disease progression. Six patients exhibited bulky disease (lesions with a maximum diameter ≥5 cm). Positron emission tomography (PET) -computed tomography (CT) images revealed metabolic heterogeneity, both between and within lesions, and the median maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the lesion with the most elevated metabolic activity was 6.96 (2.51-11.90). Patients with unmutated IGHV CLL accounted for 76.9% (10/13), and the most frequent genetic and molecular aberrations included +12 [3/7 (42.9% ) ], ATM mutation [6/12 (50% ) ], and NOTCH1 mutation [6/12 (50% ) ]. Twelve patients received subsequent treatment. The overall response rate was 91.7%, and the complete response rate was 58.3%. Five patients experienced disease progression, among which two patients developed Richter transformation. Patients with aCLL with KRAS mutation had worse progression-free survival (7.0 month vs 26.3 months, P=0.015) . Conclusion: Patients with aCLL exhibited a clinically aggressive course, often accompanied by unfavorable prognostic factors, including unmutated IGHV, +12, ATM mutation, and NOTCH1 mutation. Patients with CLL/SLL with clinical suspicion of disease progression, especially those with bulky disease and PET-CT SUVmax ≥5, should undergo biopsy at the site of highest metabolic uptake to establish a definitive pathological diagnosis.

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.

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

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

Temporal Structures in Positron Spectra and Charge-Sign Effects in Galactic Cosmic Rays

We present the precision measurements of 11 years of daily cosmic positron fluxes in the rigidity range from 1.00 to 41.9 GV based on 3.4×10^{6} positrons collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) aboard the International Space Station. The positron fluxes show distinctly different time variations from the electron fluxes at short and long timescales. A hysteresis between the electron fluxes and the positron fluxes is observed with a significance greater than 5σ at rigidities below 8.5 GV. On the contrary, the positron fluxes and the proton fluxes show similar time variation. Remarkably, we found that positron fluxes are modulated more than proton fluxes with a significance greater than 5σ for rigidities below 7 GV. These continuous daily positron fluxes, together with AMS daily electron, proton, and helium fluxes over an 11-year solar cycle, provide unique input to the understanding of both the charge-sign and mass dependencies of cosmic rays in the heliosphere.

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

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

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Grants Collapse

Constraints on the Decay of ^{180m}Ta

^{180m}Ta is a rare nuclear isomer whose decay has never been observed. Its remarkably long lifetime surpasses the half-lives of all other known β and electron capture decays due to the large K-spin differences and small energy differences between the isomeric and lower-energy states. Detecting its decay presents a significant experimental challenge but could shed light on neutrino-induced nucleosynthesis mechanisms, the nature of dark matter, and K-spin violation. For this study, we repurposed the Majorana Demonstrator, an experimental search for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of ^{76}Ge using an array of high-purity germanium detectors, to search for the decay of ^{180m}Ta. More than 17 kg, the largest amount of tantalum metal ever used for such a search, was installed within the ultralow-background detector array. In this Letter, we present results from the first year of Ta data taking and provide an updated limit for the ^{180m}Ta half-life on the different decay channels. With new limits up to 1.5×10^{19}  yr, we improved existing limits by 1-2 orders of magnitude which are the most sensitive searches for a single β and electron capture decay ever achieved. Over all channels, the decay can be excluded for T_{1/2}<0.29×10^{18}  yr.

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.