How do lateral septum projections to the ventral CA1 influence sociability?

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00033/figure1/v/2023-12-16T180322Z/r/image-tiff Social dysfunction is a risk factor for several neuropsychiatric illnesses. Previous studies have shown that the lateral septum (LS)-related pathway plays a critical role in mediating social behaviors. However, the role of the connections between the LS and its downstream brain regions in social behaviors remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a three-chamber test using electrophysiological and chemogenetic approaches in mice to determine how LS projections to ventral CA1 (vCA1) influence sociability. Our results showed that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons were activated following social experience, and that social behaviors were enhanced by chemogenetic modulation of these neurons. Moreover, LS GABAergic neurons extended their functional neural connections via vCA1 glutamatergic pyramidal neurons, and regulating LSGABA→vCA1Glu neural projections affected social behaviors, which were impeded by suppressing LS-projecting vCA1 neuronal activity or inhibiting GABAA receptors in vCA1. These findings support the hypothesis that LS inputs to the vCA1 can control social preferences and social novelty behaviors. These findings provide new insights regarding the neural circuits that regulate sociability.

New Strategies for Remnant Ear Treatment in Microtia Reconstruction Based on Morphometric Studies

OBJECTIVE

Given the lack of specific evaluation indices, it is difficult to determine whether to transpose or abandon remnant ears in lobule-type microtia reconstruction. The authors illuminate referable parameters beneficial for proper treatment of remnant ear in an efficient manner.

METHODS

A series of 359 lobule-type microtia patients underwent autogenous costal cartilage auricular reconstruction between 2016 and 2021. Fourteen measuring points and defined distances as well as six ratios of specific distances based on position, plumpness, similarity and the width-to-length ratio of the remnant ear have been described, and relevant tactics for appropriate treatments are introduced.

RESULTS

Definite morphometric results contribute to attaining satisfactory contours of reconstructed auricles with harmonious earlobes, which exhibit highly similar dimensions and appearances compared to the contralateral normal ears.

CONCLUSION

With the help of the proposed locating points and measuring approaches, the procedure of remnant ear treatment is systematically clarified. This technique ensures operation safety and contributes to the aesthetic contour of the auricle.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV Laryngoscope, 134:2741-2747, 2024.

[Effect of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators on the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To investigate the impact of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators on the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to include 178 patients with Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC complicated with COPD who received at least 2 times of immunotherapy in Xinqiao Hospital of the Army Medical University from January 2019 to August 2021. Baseline peripheral blood inflammatory indicators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were collected within 2 weeks before the first treatment, with the last one being on or before February 7, 2022. X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of peripheral blood inflammatory indicators. The Cox multivariate regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Among the 178 patients, there were 174 males (97.8%) and 4 females (2.2%); the age ranged from 42 to 86 (64.3±8.3) years old.There were 30 cases (16.9%) of immunotherapy monotherapy, 114 cases (64.0%) of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, 21 cases (11.8%) of immunotherapy combined with antivascular therapy, and 13 cases (7.3%) of immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy. The median follow-up period was 14.5 months (95%CI: 13.6-15.3 months). The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 44.9% (80/178) and 90.4% (161/178) for the whole group, the median PFS was 14.6 months (95%CI: 11.6-17.6 months), and the median OS was 25.7 months (95%CI: 18.0-33.4 months). The results of Cox multivariate analysis showed that IL-6>9.9 ng/L (HR=5.885, 95%CI: 2.558-13.543, P<0.01), TNF-α>8.8 ng/L (HR=3.213, 95%CI: 1.468-7.032, P=0.003), IL-8>202 ng/L (HR=2.614, 95%CI: 1.054-6.482, P=0.038), systemic immune inflammatory index (SII)>2 003.95 (HR=2.976, 95%CI: 1.647-5.379, P<0.001) were risk factors for PFS, and advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI)>171.15 was protective factor for PFS (HR=0.545, 95%CI: 0.344-0.863, P=0.010). IL-6>9.9 ng/L(HR=6.124, 95%CI: 1.950-19.228, P<0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)>190.7 U/L (HR=2.776, 95%CI: 1.020-7.556, P=0.046), SII>2 003.95 (HR=4.521, 95%CI: 2.241-9.120, P<0.001) were risk factors for OS, and ALI>171.15 was a protective factor for OS (HR=0.434, 95%CI: 0.243-0.778, P=0.005). Conclusion: Baseline high levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, SII, LDH, and low levels of ALI are risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC-COPD receiving immunotherapy.

A spatiotemporal atlas of mouse liver homeostasis and regeneration

The mechanism by which mammalian liver cell responses are coordinated during tissue homeostasis and perturbation is poorly understood, representing a major obstacle in our understanding of many diseases. This knowledge gap is caused by the difficulty involved with studying multiple cell types in different states and locations, particularly when these are transient. We have combined Stereo-seq (spatiotemporal enhanced resolution omics-sequencing) with single-cell transcriptomic profiling of 473,290 cells to generate a high-definition spatiotemporal atlas of mouse liver homeostasis and regeneration at the whole-lobe scale. Our integrative study dissects in detail the molecular gradients controlling liver cell function, systematically defining how gene networks are dynamically modulated through intercellular communication to promote regeneration. Among other important regulators, we identified the transcriptional cofactor TBL1XR1 as a rheostat linking inflammation to Wnt/β-catenin signaling for facilitating hepatocyte proliferation. Our data and analytical pipelines lay the foundation for future high-definition tissue-scale atlases of organ physiology and malfunction.

[Technical exploration and early results of two-port total thoracoscopic aortic-mitral double-valve replacement]

Objective: To examine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing total thoracoscopic aortic-mitral double-valve replacement. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 50 patients who underwent double-valve replacement under a total thoracoscopic two-port approach from November 2021 to August 2022 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 18 females, with an age of (55.3±8.8) years (range: 21 to 62 years). Among them, 36 cases had rheumatic heart disease and 14 cases had infective endocarditis. The 3rd intercostal space between the right anterior axillary line and the midclavicular line was selected as the main operating hole, the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement were successfully carried out. Baseline data, intraoperative information, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were collected for all patients. Results: The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (168.2±30.9) minutes (range: 125 to 187 minutes), the aortic cross-clamping time was (118.8±16.5) minutes (range: 96 to 147 minutes). Five patients received bioprosthetic valves, and 45 received mechanical prosthetic valves. Postoperative mechanical ventilation lasted (9.6±3.4) hours (range: 5.1 to 14.2 hours), the ICU stay was (24.8±7.3) hours (range: 16.3 to 30.1 hours), and the postoperative hospital stay was (6.5±1.2) days (range: 5.0 to 8.0 days). Four patients received red blood cell transfusions of (2.7±0.9) units (range: 2 to 4 units), and the postoperative chest drainage volume was (222.1±56.3) ml (range: 175 to 289 ml). No deaths occurred intraoperatively or in the early postoperative period. One patient required reoperation due to bleeding in the aortic incision. Three patients had mild to moderate paravalvular leakage around the prosthetic aortic valve, with no cases of third-degree atrioventricular block or conversions to median sternotomy. Conclusions: The early outcomes of total thoracoscopic double valve replacement surgery are satisfactory, demonstrating safety and efficacy. This surgical approach expands the scope of total thoracoscopic cardiac surgery, which warrants further investigation and research.

Microbial Sources and Sinks of Nitrous Oxide during Organic Waste Composting

Composting is widely used for organic waste management and is also a major source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. New insight into microbial sources and sinks is essential for process regulation to reduce N2O emission from composting. This study used genome-resolved metagenomics to decipher the genomic structures and physiological behaviors of individual bacteria for N2O sources and sinks during composting. Results showed that several nosZ-lacking denitrifiers in feedstocks drove N2O emission at the beginning of the composting. Such emission became negligible at the thermophilic stage, as high temperatures inhibited all denitrifiers for N2O production except for those containing nirK. The nosZ-lacking denitrifiers were notably enriched to increase N2O production at the cooling stage. Nevertheless, organic biodegradation limited energy availability for chemotaxis and flagellar assembly to restrain nirKS-containing denitrifiers for nitrate reduction toward N2O sources but insignificantly interrupt norBC- and nosZ-containing bacteria (particularly nosZ-containing nondenitrifiers) for N2O sinks by capturing N2O and nitric oxide (NO) for energy production, thereby reducing N2O emission at the mature stage. Furthermore, nosZII-type bacteria included all nosZ-containing nondenitrifiers and dominated N2O sinks. Thus, targeted strategies can be developed to restrict the physiological behaviors of nirKS-containing denitrifiers and expand the taxonomic distribution of nosZ for effective N2O mitigation in composting.

Multi-stage aeration regime to regulate organic conversion toward gas alleviation and humification in food waste digestate composting

Aerobic composting has been considered as a pragmatic technique to convert food waste digestate into high-quality biofertiliser. Nevertheless, massive gaseous emission and immature product remain the primary challenges in food waste digestate composting. Thus, the performance of multi-stage aeration regimes to improve gaseous emissions and organic humification during food waste digestate composting was investigated in this study. In addition to continuous aeration with a constant intensity of 0.3 L kg·dry mass (DM)-1·min-1, two multi-stage decreased aeration regimes were designed as "0.3-0.2-0.1" and "0.3-0.1-0.1" L·kg·DM-1·min-1 from the thermophilic to cooling and then mature stages, respectively. Results showed that the decreased aeration regimes could alleviate nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) emission and slightly enhance humification during composting. The alleviated N2O and NH3 emission were mainly contributed by abiotically reducing gaseous release potential as well as biotically inactivating denitrifers (Pusillimonas and Pseudidiomarina) and proliferating Atopobium to reduce nitrate availability under lower aeration supply. The "0.3-0.2-0.1 L kg·DM-1·min-1" regime exhibited a more excellent performance to alleviate N2O and NH3 emission by 27.5% and 16.3%, respectively. Moreover, the decreased aeration regimes also favored the enrichment of functional bacteria (Caldicoprobacter and Syntrophomonas) to accelerate lignocellulosic biodegradation and thus humic acid synthesis by 6.5%-11.2%. Given its better performance to improve gaseous emissions and humification, the aeration regime of "0.3-0.2-0.1 L kg·DM-1·min-1" are recommended in food waste digestate composting in practice.

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

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

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

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

[A multicenter prospective study on early identification of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children]

Objective: To explore potential predictors of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in early stage. Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted in Zhejiang, China from May 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020. A total of 1 428 patients with fever >48 hours to <120 hours were studied. Their clinical data and oral pharyngeal swab samples were collected; Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in pharyngeal swab specimens was detected. Patients with positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA results underwent a series of tests, including chest X-ray, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. According to the occurrence of RMPP, the patients were divided into two groups, RMPP group and general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group. Measurement data between the 2 groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between clinical data and RMPP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the power of the markers for predicting RMPP. Results: A total of 1 428 patients finished the study, with 801 boys and 627 girls, aged 4.3 (2.7, 6.3) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was positive in 534 cases (37.4%), of whom 446 cases (83.5%) were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, including 251 boys and 195 girls, aged 5.2 (3.3, 6.9) years. Macrolides-resistant variation was positive in 410 cases (91.9%). Fifty-five cases were with RMPP, 391 cases with GMPP. The peak body temperature before the first visit and LDH levels in RMPP patients were higher than that in GMPP patients (39.6 (39.1, 40.0) vs. 39.2 (38.9, 39.7) ℃, 333 (279, 392) vs. 311 (259, 359) U/L, both P<0.05). Logistic regression showed the prediction probability π=exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004×LDH (U/L))/(1+exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004 × LDH (U/L))), the cut-off value to predict RMPP was 0.12, with a consensus of probability forecast of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.89, and specificity of 0.67; and the area under ROC curve was 0.682 (95%CI 0.593-0.771, P<0.01). Conclusion: In MPP patients with fever over 48 to <120 hours, a prediction probability π of RMPP can be calculated based on the peak body temperature and LDH level before the first visit, which can facilitate early identification of RMPP.

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

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

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

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

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[Effects of nasal valve on subjective nasal patency and nasal resistance: a correlation study on numerical simulation of nasal airflow]

Objective: To investigate the correlations between subjective nasal patency, nasal valve area size and aerodynamic parameters in normal nasal cavity by means of numerical simulation, and to explore the effect of nasal valve on nasal subjective sensation and nasal airflow regulation. Methods: A total of 52 healthy participants (31 males and 21 females) with the average age of 37.8 years, were recruited from the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to the Medical College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University between January and August 2023. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for unilateral nasal subjective sensation were obtained from all participants. Additionally, the aerodynamic characteristics of inspiratory airflow were simulated. A correlation matrix analysis was conducted to identify the correlation strength between these subjective and objective parameters. Results: VAS scores showed negative correlations with unilateral nasal valve cross-sectional area (r=-0.85, P<0.01) and unilateral intranasal airflow (r=-0.57, P<0.01), and was a positive correlation with unilateral nasal resistance (NR) at the front-end of inferior turbinate (r=0.61, P<0.01). The average cross-sectional area of unilateral nasal valve was (0.85±0.35) cm2. The cross-sectional area of unilateral nasal valve was negatively correlated with unilateral NR (r=-0.50, P<0.01), and positively correlated with unilateral nasal airflow (r=0.61, P<0.01). The NR at the nasal valve area accounted for (40.41±23.54)% of the total unilateral NR. Nearly half of the unilateral NR [(46.74±21.38)%] and air warming [(49.96±10.02)%] occurring before the front end of inferior turbinate were achieved. Conclusions: The nasal valve area plays a crucial role in influencing nasal NR, unilateral nasal airflow, and changes in nasal airflow temperature. Moreover, it is associated with subjective perception of nasal patency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[The clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection]

Objectives: This study aims to explore the clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) and evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of this technique to predict the status of lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs). Methods: The clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, lymph node findings and perioperative complications of 16 rectal cancer patients who underwent SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during April 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients did not receive preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and presented with LPLNs but without LPLN enlargement (MRI showed the maximum short axes of the LPLNs were ≥5 mm and <10 mm at first visit). Results: All 16 patients were successfully performed SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND. Three patients underwent bilateral LLND and 13 patients underwent unilateral LLND. The lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were clearly fluorescent before dissection in 14 patients and the detection rate of SLNs for these patients was 87.5%. Lateral pelvic SLN metastasis was diagnosed in 2 patients and negative results were found in 12 patients by frozen pathological examinations. Among the 14 patients in whom lateral pelvic SLNs were detected, the dissected lateral pelvic non-SLNs were all negative. All dissected LPLNs were negative in two patients without fluorescent lateral pelvic SLNs. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: This study indicates that lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation shows promise as a safe and feasible procedure with good accuracy. This technique may replace preventive LLND for locally advanced lower rectal cancer.

Epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue and coronary plaque burden in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a propensity score-matched study

PURPOSE

To assess coronary inflammation by measuring the volume and density of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) and coronary plaque burden in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS

This study included 29 patients with CS and 58 matched patients without CS who underwent CCTA. The EAT volume, EAT density, FAI and coronary plaque burden were measured. The high-risk plaque (HRP) was also evaluated. CS duration from diagnosis, 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT) of CS patients were recorded.

RESULTS

The CS group had higher EAT volume (146.9 [115.4, 184.2] vs. 119.6 [69.0, 147.1] mL, P = 0.006), lower EAT density (- 78.79 ± 5.89 vs. - 75.98 ± 6.03 HU, P = 0.042), lower FAI (- 84.0 ± 8.92 vs. - 79.40 ± 10.04 HU, P = 0.038), higher total plaque volume (88.81 [36.26, 522.5] vs. 44.45 [0, 198.16] mL, P = 0.010) and more HRP plaques (7.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.026) than the controls. The multivariate analysis suggested that CS itself (β [95% CI], 29.233 [10.436, 48.03], P = 0.014), CS duration (β [95% CI], 0.176 [0.185, 4.242], P = 0.033), and UFC (β [95% CI], 0.197 [1.803, 19.719], P = 0.019) were strongly associated with EAT volume but not EAT density, and EAT volume (β [95% CI] - 0.037[- 0.058, - 0.016], P = 0.001) not CS was strongly associated with EAT density. EAT volume, FAI and plaque burden increased (all P < 0.05) in 6 CS patients with follow-up CCTA. The EAT volume had a moderate correlation with abdominal VAT volume (r = 0.526, P = 0.008) in CS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CS have higher EAT volume and coronary plaque burden but less inflammation as detected by EAT density and FAI. The EAT density is associated with EAT volume but not CS itself.

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

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

JinJiang ablation catheter is no inferior than Johnson ablation catheter in radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

BACKGROUND

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is characterized by episodes of rapid tachycardia with sudden onset and sudden termination. PSVT treatment has evolved considerably over the past 30 years. Currently, radiofrequency catheter ablation is the first-line treatment.

HYPOTHESIS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare safety and effectiveness of PSVT ablation between the Jinjiang and Johnson (J&J) catheters in 57 patients in our hospital.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were randomly assigned to ablation procedures using either the Jinjiang system or the J&J Carto system. Follow-up was performed 3 days, 1, and 6 months after the procedure. Success rate, ablation time, frequency of ablation, and rates of complications and recurrence did not significantly differ between the groups. One Jinjiang group patient (3.6%) experienced arrhythmia recurrence during the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The Jinjiang catheter for radiofrequency ablation of PSVT is as safe and effective as the J&J catheter.

Efficacy and Safety of Disitamab Vedotin Combined with Programmed Death-1 Inhibitor for Advanced Urothelial Cancer: A Case-Series Study

INTRODUCTION

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors play crucial roles in the treatment of advanced urothelial cancer (aUC). Increasingly, combination treatment modalities are used in patients with aUC intolerant to platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC). However, clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of disitamab vedotin plus PD-1 inhibitors for aUC is limited. This case series aims to address this knowledge gap.

METHODS

Patients with aUC who were refractory or intolerant to PBC were included. All patients received combined treatment with disitamab vedotin (one of the ADC drugs) and PD-1 inhibitors for at least three cycles. The clinical characteristics of examination, histopathology, outcomes, and adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Among this case series, eight patients received disitamab vedotin plus PD-1 inhibitors, of which three achieved a complete response (CR) and two had a partial response (PR). The most common AE was peripheral neuropathy (4/8); the remaining AEs were mostly of mild to moderate severity or unknown and were manageable by supportive care.

CONCLUSIONS

Disitamab vedotin combined with PD-1 inhibitors exhibits a favorable efficacy and safety profile, but subsequent larger cohort clinical studies are required to provide evidence-based medicine for the universal application of this regimen.

Ethical Reflection on the "QR code Dilemma" Faced by Older People During COVID-19 in China

The widespread application of QR code technology is best represented by the health codes used in China's pandemic prevention and control. This technology has enhanced the country's ability to manage the pandemic by achieving higher efficiency and accuracy. Unfortunately, a certain segment of the older population has encountered difficulties in adapting and maintaining their daily activities. This indicates the limitations of QR code technology in achieving social isolation. This article argues that for a more comprehensive pandemic prevention and control policy system to be established, managing the implementation of this very technology should be done in a more humane fashion, i.e. under the guidance of three moral principles: benevolence, justice, and non-maleficence. By doing so, implementation of QR code technology is done in a way that is not only conducive to COVID-19 prevention and control but also mitigate marginalization of the older people. In the post-pandemic era, the socialization of digital technology will accelerate. Therefore, in the field of public health, we should direct attention not only to the fair distribution of resources but also to the issue of identity that arises due to digital divide.

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

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

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

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

STOmicsDB: a comprehensive database for spatial transcriptomics data sharing, analysis and visualization

Recent technological developments in spatial transcriptomics allow researchers to measure gene expression of cells and their spatial locations at the single-cell level, generating detailed biological insight into biological processes. A comprehensive database could facilitate the sharing of spatial transcriptomic data and streamline the data acquisition process for researchers. Here, we present the Spatial TranscriptOmics DataBase (STOmicsDB), a database that serves as a one-stop hub for spatial transcriptomics. STOmicsDB integrates 218 manually curated datasets representing 17 species. We annotated cell types, identified spatial regions and genes, and performed cell-cell interaction analysis for these datasets. STOmicsDB features a user-friendly interface for the rapid visualization of millions of cells. To further facilitate the reusability and interoperability of spatial transcriptomic data, we developed standards for spatial transcriptomic data archiving and constructed a spatial transcriptomic data archiving system. Additionally, we offer a distinctive capability of customizing dedicated sub-databases in STOmicsDB for researchers, assisting them in visualizing their spatial transcriptomic analyses. We believe that STOmicsDB could contribute to research insights in the spatial transcriptomics field, including data archiving, sharing, visualization and analysis. STOmicsDB is freely accessible at https://db.cngb.org/stomics/.

Forecast of carbon emissions in China based on time lag MGM(1,m,N|τ) grey model

Global climate issues have been gaining international attention in recent years. As the largest developing country and the prime carbon emitter, the Chinese government has proposed a strategic 'double carbon' target for carbon emissions. To predict carbon emissions more accurately, clarify the future supply situation and optimise resource allocation, based on the grey M G M ( 1 , m , N | τ ) model, we introduced and applied the particle swarm algorithm to determine the time lag parameter τ and proposed a new M G M ( 1 , m , N | τ ) grey model. We give a detailed modelling procedure, including calculation steps and intelligent optimisation algorithms, by fully considering the effect of time lag. In this study, this new model is used to simulate and forecast China's carbon emissions from 2010 to 2019 and compare it with other traditional grey models and their improved time-lagged forms. The results show that the new model has significant advantages in prediction accuracy and validity, plus good prediction performance for carbon emissions, which can be extended to more macro and micro energy consumption prediction problems.

WITHDRAWN: TWIST2 inhibits EMT and induces oxidative stress in lung cancer cells by regulating the FGF21-mediated AMPK/mTOR pathway

This article has been withdrawn: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This Expression of Concern has been withdrawn at the request of the editor and publisher after that the authors have approved the proofs of their requested corrigendum. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

[Application of a new-type of defecator in the treatment of rectal fecal impaction]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the viability and safety of a novel defecator in managing rectal fecal impaction. Methods: In a descriptive case series, this new defecator was administered to constipated individuals among the ages of 18 and 80 years who met the diagnostic criteria for rectal fecal impaction and were identified with acute rectal fecal impaction through CT scans. The contraindications for this defecator included: (1) Anal stenosis, acute intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation; (2) Concomitant rectal malignant tumors; (3) Coagulation dysfunction, low platelet counts, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other bleeding risks; (4) Patients with severe underlying conditions affecting the heart, brain, lungs, or other systems; (5) Individuals with mental health disorders. Based on these criteria, clinical data from 42 patients with rectal fecal impaction who underwent treatment with the new defecator at Deyang People's Hospital between July 2020 and April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The defecator comprises three components: a head, a spiral rod, and a handle, constructed from disposable stainless steel wire. The treatment procedure involves the following steps: The patient assumes a flexed, supine position on their left side with their buttocks slightly protruding from the bed's edge. A transparent sealing bag is affixed to the buttocks, centered around the anus. With gloved hands inserted through the bag's entrance, a cotton ball soaked in liquid paraffin lubricates the anal canal and the head of the defecator's spiral rod. The defecator is then slowly rotated and inserted into the anus, with careful attention to any changes in resistance. Once the spiral rod is fully inserted, the patient is instructed to inhale and defecate while the defecator is slowly withdrawn, carrying the dislodged fecal matter, and depositing it into the sealed bag. This operation is repeated 2 to 3 times, followed by the injection of either 100 ml of 36°C normal saline or 60 ml of liquid paraffin into the rectum. After a 5 to 8-minute wait, the patient assumes a squatting position to expel any remaining feces from the rectum. The study assessed the operation time, single treatment success rate, pain levels during treatment, and the occurrence of complications. Results: All 42 patients successfully underwent treatment with the new defecator device, achieving a single treatment success rate of 100%. The average operation time was 11.0 minutes (range: 9.0 to 13.3 minutes). During treatment, 20 cases (47.6%) reported moderate to severe anal pain, with 1 case (2.4%) experiencing anal fissure bleeding, and 6 cases (14.3%) reporting discomfort such as palpitations and sweating. No serious complications, including rectal perforation, were observed in any case. Conclusion: The new defecator device demonstrates ease of use and safety, making it a feasible option for treating acute rectal fecal impaction.

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

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

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

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

Role and mechanism of PVN-sympathetic-adipose circuit in depression and insulin resistance induced by chronic stress

Chronic stress induces depression and insulin resistance, between which there is a bidirectional relationship. However, the mechanisms underlying this comorbidity remain unclear. White adipose tissue (WAT), innervated by sympathetic nerves, serves as a central node in the interorgan crosstalk through adipokines. Abnormal secretion of adipokines is involved in mood disorders and metabolic morbidities. We describe here a brain-sympathetic nerve-adipose circuit originating in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) with a role in depression and insulin resistance induced by chronic stress. PVN neurons are labelled after inoculation of pseudorabies virus (PRV) into WAT and are activated under restraint stress. Chemogenetic manipulations suggest a role for the PVN in depression and insulin resistance. Chronic stress increases the sympathetic innervation of WAT and downregulates several antidepressant and insulin-sensitizing adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, Angptl4 and Sfrp5. Chronic activation of the PVN has similar effects. β-adrenergic receptors translate sympathetic tone into an adipose response, inducing downregulation of those adipokines and depressive-like behaviours and insulin resistance. We finally show that AP-1 has a role in the regulation of adipokine expression under chronic stress.

Quantitative biodistribution of nanoparticles in plants with lanthanide complexes

The inefficient distribution of fertilizers, nutrients, and pesticides on crops is a major challenge in modern agriculture that leads to reduced productivity and environmental pollution. Nanoformulation of agrochemicals is an attractive approach to enable the selective delivery of agents into specific plant organs, their release in those tissues, and improve their efficiency. Already commercialized nanofertilizers utilize the physiochemical properties of metal nanoparticles such as size, charge, and the metal core to overcome biological barriers in plants to reach their target sites. Despite their wide application in human diseases, lipid nanoparticles are rarely used in agricultural applications and a systematic screening approach to identifying efficacious formulations has not been reported. Here, we developed a quantitative metal-encoded platform to determine the biodistribution of different lipid nanoparticles in plant tissues. In this platform lanthanide metal complexes were encapsulated into four types of lipid nanoparticles. Our approach was able to successfully quantify payload accumulation for all the lipid formulations across the roots, stem, and leaf of the plant. Lanthanide levels were 20- to 57-fold higher in the leaf and 100- to 10,000-fold higher in the stem for the nanoparticle encapsulated lanthanide complexes compared to the unencapsulated, free lanthanide complex. This system will facilitate the discovery of nanoparticles as delivery carriers for agrochemicals and plant tissue-targeting products.

Burnout and turnover intention of primary health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the changes and new characteristics of burnout and turnover intention of primary health care (PHC) providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study investigated 1326 PHC providers during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2022 in one district of Shanghai, China. Independent t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to analyse the between-group variation of variables associated to burnout and turnover intention. Then, hierarchical regression analysis was used to further determine the impact of certain variables on burnout and turnover intention, the relationship of burnout on turnover intention and the possible moderating effect.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was no significant change in the prevalence of overall burnout of PHC providers compared to the pre-epidemic period; however, there was a significant increase in high-level burnout. No significant change in turnover intention at the moderate level and above was observed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PHC providers who were older, married, local and had a higher skill level had higher burnout, while PHC providers who were male, unmarried, non-local and separated from their family had a higher turnover intention. It was shown that burnout, with its three sub-dimensions, was a good predictor of turnover intention. The impact of burnout on turnover intention was shown to be alleviated by certain variables, including being married, living locally and receiving benefit packages, including the preferential education policy for children and talent incentive policies.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study have highlighted the importance of paying attention to vulnerable groups of PHC providers, for example those who are separated from their families, during emergency situations. Various incentive tools could be comprehensively used to ensure the stability and efficiency of PHC human resources.

Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure for intestinal malrotation in small infants with midterm follow-up

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Ladd's procedure (LL) for intestinal malrotation (IM) in small infants.

METHODS

All patients aged < 6 months with IM who underwent Ladd's procedures between January 2012 and December 2019 were enrolled. The perioperative demographics and midterm follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed and compared between patients who underwent LL and open Ladd's operation (OL).

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were enrolled for analysis. The baseline characteristics were well matched in the two groups. The rate of volvulus was similar in the two groups (76.2% vs. 73.5%, P = 0.81). Two cases in the LL group were converted to OL due to intraoperative bleeding and intestinal swelling. The operative time (ORT) was not significantly different between the two groups (73.8 ± 18.7 vs. 66.8 ± 11.6 min, P = 0.76). Compared to the OL group, the LL group had a shorter time full feed (TFF) (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.3 ± 1.9 days, P = 0.03) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (PHS) than the OL group (5.5 ± 1.6 vs. 11.3 ± 2.7 days, P = 0.02). The rate of postoperative complications was similar in the two groups (9.5% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.47). The LL group had a lower rate of adhesive obstruction than the OL group, but the difference was not significant (0.0% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.09). One patient suffered recurrence in the LL group, while 0 patients suffered recurrence in the OL group (4.8% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.07). The rate of reoperation in the two groups was similar (4.8% vs. 8.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The LL procedure for IM in small infants was a safe and reliable method that had a satisfactory cosmetic appearance and shorter TFF and PHS than OL.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Reoperation after surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review

Context

Surgical treatment is important for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) management, but there are few reviews of the risks of reoperation.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the reoperation rates of surgical treatment for LUTS in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines.

Evidence acquisition

Eligible studies published up to July 2023, were searched for in the PubMed® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), Embase® (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Web of Science™ (Clarivate™, Philadelphia, PA, USA) databases. STATA® (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA) software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled incidences (PIs) of reoperation and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Evidence synthesis

A total of 119 studies with 130,106 patients were included. The reoperation rate of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.0%, and 7.7%, respectively. The reoperation rate of plasma kinetic loop resection of the prostate (PKRP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.5%, 3.6%, 5.7%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.4%, 3.3%, 5.4%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.3%, 4.1%, 6.7%, and 7.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of surgery with AquaBeam® at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.6%, 3.1%, 3.0%, and 4.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 12.2%, 20.0%, 26.4%, and 23.8%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 9.9%, 19.9%, 23.3%, and 31.2%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) at 5 years was 13.4%. The reoperation rate of open prostatectomy (OP) at 1 and 5 years was 1.3% and 4.4%, respectively. The reoperation rate of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) at 1, 2, and 5 years was 3.7%, 7.7%, and 8.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results summarized the reoperation rates of 10 surgical procedures over follow-up durations of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, which could provide reference for urologists and LUTS patients.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023445780.

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.

Medial prefrontal cortical PPM1F alters depression-related behaviors by modifying p300 activity via the AMPK signaling pathway

AIMS

Protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1F (PPM1F) is a serine/threonine phosphatase, and its dysfunction in depression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus has been previously identified. Nevertheless, its role in depression of another critical emotion-controlling brain region, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), remains unclear. We explored the functional relevance of PPM1F in the pathogenesis of depression.

METHODS

The gene expression levels and colocalization of PPM1F in the mPFC of depressed mice were measured by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. An adeno-associated virus strategy was applied to determine the impact of knockdown or overexpression of PPM1F in the excitatory neurons on depression-related behaviors under basal and stress conditions in both male and female mice. The neuronal excitability, expression of p300 and AMPK phosphorylation levels in the mPFC after knockdown of PPM1F were measured by electrophysiological recordings, real-time PCR and western blot. The depression-related behavior induced by PPM1F knockdown after AMPKα2 knockout or the antidepressant activity of PPM1F overexpression after inhibiting acetylation activity of p300 was evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that the expression levels of PPM1F were largely decreased in the mPFC of mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Behavioral alterations relevant to depression emerged with short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated genetic knockdown of PPM1F in the mPFC, while overexpression of PPM1F produced antidepressant activity and ameliorated behavioral responses to stress in CUS-exposed mice. Molecularly, PPM1F knockdown decreased the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC, and restoring this low excitability decreased the depression-related behaviors induced by PPM1F knockdown. PPM1F knockdown reduced the expression of CREB-binding protein (CBP)/E1A-associated protein (p300), a histone acetyltransferase (HAT), and induced hyperphosphorylation of AMPK, resulting in microglial activation and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Conditional knockout of AMPK revealed an antidepressant phenotype, which can also block depression-related behaviors induced by PPM1F knockdown. Furthermore, inhibiting the acetylase activity of p300 abolished the beneficial effects of PPM1F elevation on CUS-induced depressive behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that PPM1F in the mPFC modulates depression-related behavioral responses by regulating the function of p300 via the AMPK signaling pathway.

Microbes from mature compost to promote bacterial chemotactic motility via tricarboxylic acid cycle-regulated biochemical metabolisms for enhanced composting performance

This study aims to reveal the underlying mechanisms of mature compost addition for improving organic waste composting. Composting experiments and metagenomic analysis were conducted to elucidate the role of mature compost addition to regulate microbial metabolisms and physiological behaviors for composting amelioration. Mature compost with or without inactivation pretreatment was added to the composting of kitchen and garden wastes at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (by wet weight) for comparison. Results show that mature compost promoted pyruvate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to produce heat and energy to accelerate temperature increase for composting initiation and biological contaminant removal (>78%) for pasteurization. Energy requirement drives bacterial chemotactic motility towards nutrient-rich regions to sustain organic biodegradation. Nevertheless, when NADH formation exceeded NAD+ regeneration in oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle was restrained to limit continuous temperature increase and recover high intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio to secure stable oxidation reactions.

Optimization of free air space to regulate bacterial succession and functions for alleviating gaseous emissions during kitchen waste composting

This study investigated the effects of free air space (FAS) (45%, 55%, 65%) on bacterial dynamics for gaseous emissions during kitchen waste composting. Results show that FAS increase from 45% to 65% elevated oxygen diffusivity to inhibit bacteria for fermentation (e.g. Caldicoprobacter and Ruminofilibacter) to reduce methane emission by 51%. Moreover, the increased FAS accelerated heat loss to reduce temperature and the abundance of thermophiles (e.g. Thermobifida and Thermobacillus) for aerobic chemoheterotrophy to mitigate ammonia emission by 32%. Nevertheless, the reduced temperature induced the growth of Desulfitibacter and Desulfobulbus for sulfate/sulfite respiration to boost hydrogen sulphide emission. By contrast, FAS at 55% achieved the highest germination index and favored the proliferation of nitrifiers and denitrifiers (e.g. Roseiflexus and Steroidobacter) to improve nitrate availability, thus slightly enhancing nitrous oxide emission. Thus, FAS at 55% exhibits the optimal performance for gaseous emission reduction and maturity enhancement in kitchen waste composting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Occurrence and transformation of heavy metals during swine waste treatment: A full scale study

This study tracked the fate of nine detected heavy metals in an industrial swine farm with integrated waste treatment, including anoxic stabilization, fixed-film anaerobic digestion, anoxic-oxic (A/O), and composting. Results show that heavy metals exhibited different transformation behaviors in the treatment streamline with Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn as the most abundant ones in raw swine waste. The overall removal of water-soluble heavy metals averaged at 30 %, 24 % and 42 % by anoxic stabilization, anaerobic digestion and A/O unit, respectively. In particular, anoxic stabilization could effectively remove Cu, Mn and Ni; while A/O unit was highly effective for Fe, Cr and Zn elimination from water-soluble states. As such, the environmental risk of liquid products for agricultural irrigation decreased gradually to the safe pollution level in swine waste treatment. Furthermore, heavy metals in the solid (slurry) phase of these bioprocesses could be immobilized with the passivation rate in the range of 42-70 %. Nevertheless, heavy metals preferably transformed from liquid to biosolids to remain their environmental risks when biosolids were used as organic fertilizer in agriculture, thereby requiring effective strategies to advance their passivation in all bioprocesses, particularly composting as the last treatment unit.

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

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

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

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