Scattering Studies with Low-Energy Kaon-Proton Femtoscopy in Proton-Proton Collisions at the LHC

The study of the strength and behavior of the antikaon-nucleon (K[over ¯]N) interaction constitutes one of the key focuses of the strangeness sector in low-energy quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In this Letter a unique high-precision measurement of the strong interaction between kaons and protons, close and above the kinematic threshold, is presented. The femtoscopic measurements of the correlation function at low pair-frame relative momentum of (K^{+}p⊕K^{-}p[over ¯]) and (K^{-}p⊕K^{+}p[over ¯]) pairs measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=5, 7, and 13 TeV are reported. A structure observed around a relative momentum of 58  MeV/c in the measured correlation function of (K^{-}p⊕K^{+}p[over ¯]) with a significance of 4.4σ constitutes the first experimental evidence for the opening of the (K[over ¯]^{0}n⊕K^{0}n[over ¯]) isospin breaking channel due to the mass difference between charged and neutral kaons. The measured correlation functions have been compared to Jülich and Kyoto models in addition to the Coulomb potential. The high-precision data at low relative momenta presented in this work prove femtoscopy to be a powerful complementary tool to scattering experiments and provide new constraints above the K[over ¯]N threshold for low-energy QCD chiral models.

Dentoalveolar Defects in the Hyp Mouse Model of X-linked Hypophosphatemia

Mutations in PHEX cause X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a form of hypophosphatemic rickets. Hyp (Phex mutant) mice recapitulate the XLH phenotype. Dental disorders are prevalent in individuals with XLH; however, underlying dentoalveolar defects remain incompletely understood. We analyzed Hyp mouse dentoalveolar defects at 42 and 90 d postnatal to comparatively define effects of XLH on dental formation and function. Phex mRNA was expressed by odontoblasts (dentin), osteocytes (bone), and cementocytes (cellular cementum) in wild-type (WT) mice. Enamel density was unaffected, though enamel volume was significantly reduced in Hyp mice. Dentin defects in Hyp molars were indicated histologically by wide predentin, thin dentin, and extensive interglobular dentin, confirming micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) findings of reduced dentin volume and density. Acellular cementum was thin and showed periodontal ligament detachment. Mechanical testing indicated dramatically altered periodontal mechanical properties in Hyp versus WT mice. Hyp mandibles demonstrated expanded alveolar bone with accumulation of osteoid, and micro-CT confirmed decreased bone volume fraction and alveolar bone density. Cellular cementum area was significantly increased in Hyp versus WT molars owing to accumulation of hypomineralized cementoid. Histology, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation revealed hypomineralized "halos" surrounding Hyp cementocyte and osteocyte lacunae. Three-dimensional micro-CT analyses confirmed larger cementocyte/osteocyte lacunae and significantly reduced perilacunar mineral density. While long bone and alveolar bone osteocytes in Hyp mice overexpressed fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23), its expression in molars was much lower, with cementocyte Fgf23 expression particularly low. Expression and distribution of other selected markers were disturbed in Hyp versus WT long bone, alveolar bone, and cementum, including osteocyte/cementocyte marker dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1). This study reports for the first time a quantitative analysis of the Hyp mouse dentoalveolar phenotype, including all mineralized tissues. Novel insights into cellular cementum provide evidence for a role for cementocytes in perilacunar mineralization and cementum biology.

[Survival time and influencing factors in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Wuhan, 2006-2014]

Objective: To investigate the survival time of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients and the influential factors in Wuhan. Methods: The relevant information were collected from TB management information system, cause of death reporting system and medical records by trained doctors. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were applied to analyze the factors affecting survival time of patients. Results: A total of 552 patients with MDR-TB were included in the analysis. After the diagnosis of MDR-TB, the cumulative survival rates from the first year to the third year were 0.94, 0.88, and 0.80, respectively. The mortality density of MDR-TB patients was 6.52/100 person-years, and the median survival time was (89.52±1.85) months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative survival rate of the standardized treatment group was significantly higher than that of the non-standardized treatment group (Log rank=101.070, P<0.001). Compared with the patients aged <30 years, the HR of the patients aged 30-years and ≥60 years were 2.987 (95%CI: 1.268-7.036), 4.957 (95%CI: 1.942-12.653). Compared with the patients with the education level of high school and above, the HR of the patients with education level of junior high school/primary school and below were 1.908 (95%CI: 1.152-3.160), 1.681(95%CI: 1.033-2.735). Compared with the patients without diabetes, the HR of the patients with diabetes was 1.961(95%CI: 1.347-2.854). Compared with the patients without other serious diseases, the HR of the patients with other serious diseases was 2.597 (95%CI: 1.820-3.706). Compared with the patients who had been treated less than one time, the HR of the patients having previous treatment with more than 2 times was 1.611 (95%CI: 1.077-2.409). Compared with patients receiving standard MDR regimen treatment, the HR of the patients receiving no standard MDR regimen treatment was 3.155 (95%CI: 2.132-4.670). Conclusions: The cumulative survival rate of MDR-TB patients without standard treatment was significantly lower than that of patients with standard treatment. Older age, low educational level, diabetes mellitus, other serious diseases, more than two times treatment in the past, and receiving no multi-drug resistance regimen treatment were the risk factors affecting the survival of MDR-TB patients.

Features and clinical significance of the ossification centres in the odontoid process based on micro-computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Microscopic structures of the ossification centres of the odontoid process were studied from the micro-computed tomography (CT) images of the axis, and the potential influence of the ossification centres with different microscopic structures on odontoid process fractures was analysed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen odontoid process specimens were randomly collected and scanned by micro-CT. The obtained images were then input into the software for further observation and measurement. Incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the base was observed, along with the anatomic structure of the regions with incomplete ossification and structural parameters of the trabecular bones.

RESULTS

The microscopic structures of the trabecular bones in the ossification centres in the base of the odontoid process could be clearly visualised from the micro-CT images. Among the 18 odontoid process specimens, 11 specimens were found with incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the axis, the prevalence reaching up to 61%. Regions with incomplete ossification varied in size and morphology, and their three-dimensional morphology was predominantly oval. Of all structural parameters examined for the trabecular bones, there were only significant differences in the degree of anisotropy between the regions with incomplete absorption of ossification centres and the average vertebral trabecular bones (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the base of the odontoid process is a relatively prevalent condition. The cavitation effect of the trabecular bones may be the primary cause for odontoid process fractures.

Measurement of ϒ(1S) Elliptic Flow at Forward Rapidity in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The first measurement of the ϒ(1S) elliptic flow coefficient (v_{2}) is performed at forward rapidity (2.5<y<4) in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The results are obtained with the scalar product method and are reported as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) up to 15  GeV/c in the 5%-60% centrality interval. The measured ϒ(1S)v_{2} is consistent with 0 and with the small positive values predicted by transport models within uncertainties. The v_{2} coefficient in 2<p_{T}<15  GeV/c is lower than that of inclusive J/ψ mesons in the same p_{T} interval by 2.6 standard deviations. These results, combined with earlier suppression measurements, are in agreement with a scenario in which the ϒ(1S) production in Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energies is dominated by dissociation limited to the early stage of the collision, whereas in the J/ψ case there is substantial experimental evidence of an additional regeneration component.

Titrating Pt Surface with CO Molecules

Identification and quantification of the surface sites on Pt nanoparticles are essential for developing more active electrocatalysts for many practical devices such as fuel cells and electrochemical fuel generators. In this work, we studied CO adsorption from dissolved CO in an H₂SO₄ electrolyte solution on a polycrystalline Pt film electrode held at a constant potential in the underpotential hydrogen deposition region using in situ attenuated total reflectance-surface-enhanced IR absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS). Slowing down the adsorption rate by limiting the CO addition rate to the solution allows the individual CO molecules arriving at the Pt surface to rearrange, move to, and occupy their most energetically favorable sites. By using ATR-SEIRAS spectroscopy to follow the stepwise CO adsorption process, one can identify and quantify the Pt surface sites along with uncovering the CO adsorption energetic sequence. This method of slow CO adsorption on the Pt surface is analogous to the chemical titrations used for quantitative chemical analyses.

Investigations of Anisotropic Flow Using Multiparticle Azimuthal Correlations in pp, p-Pb, Xe-Xe, and Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

Measurements of anisotropic flow coefficients (v_{n}) and their cross-correlations using two- and multiparticle cumulant methods are reported in collisions of pp at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, p-Pb at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, Xe-Xe at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.44  TeV, and Pb-Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded with the ALICE detector. The multiplicity dependence of v_{n} is studied in a very wide range from 20 to 3000 particles produced in the midrapidity region |η|<0.8 for the transverse momentum range 0.2<p_{T}<3.0  GeV/c. An ordering of the coefficients v_{2}>v_{3}>v_{4} is found in pp and p-Pb collisions, similar to that seen in large collision systems, while a weak v_{2} multiplicity dependence is observed relative to nucleus-nucleus collisions in the same multiplicity range. Using a novel subevent method, v_{2} measured with four-particle cumulants is found to be compatible with that from six-particle cumulants in pp and p-Pb collisions. The magnitude of the correlation between v_{n}^{2} and v_{m}^{2}, evaluated with the symmetric cumulants SC(m,n) is observed to be positive at all multiplicities for v_{2} and v_{4}, while for v_{2} and v_{3} it is negative and changes sign for multiplicities below 100, which may indicate a different v_{n} fluctuation pattern in this multiplicity range. The observed long-range multiparticle azimuthal correlations in high multiplicity pp and p-Pb collisions can neither be described by pythia 8 nor by impact-parameter-Glasma, music, and ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics model calculations, and hence, provide new insights into the understanding of collective effects in small collision systems.

VEGFR2 and VEGF-C Suppresses the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Via YAP in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Whereas retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are known to secrete VEGF-A and VEGFR2, the functions of the autocrine VEGF signaling remain unclear. Meanwhile, anti-VEGF therapies have been applied routinely to treat ocular vascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the functions of the VEGF signaling in RPE cells and evaluate the consequences of its interruption.

METHODS

The genes involved in the VEGF and Hippo signal pathways were knocked down with siRNAs in both ARPE-19 cell line and human primary RPE cells via transient transfection whereas overexpression of VEGFR2 was mediated via adenovirus transduction. Expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the downstream genes of YAP were determined by real-time PCR and Western Blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to determine gene expression in tissue and mouse samples.

RESULTS

Knockdown of VEGFR2 results in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of VEGFR2 suppresses TGF β-mediated EMT in RPE cells. Loss of VEGF-C rather than VEGF-A induces EMT. Mechanistically, the VEGFR2 ablation-induced EMT in RPE cells is mediated by activation of YAP, an effector of the Hippo pathway. Finally, the immunohistochemical analysis of VEGFR2 and YAP in human proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes indicates a tendency of an inverse correlation between VEGFR2-positive and YAP-positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results disclose unexpected novel roles of VEGFR2 and VEGF-C in the process of EMT of RPE cells and in the Hippo pathway. The data shown here demonstrated that VEGFR2 and VEGF-C are important to maintain the normal physiological state of RPE cells.

First Observation of an Attractive Interaction between a Proton and a Cascade Baryon

This Letter presents the first experimental observation of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a multistrange baryon (hyperon) Ξ^{-}. The result is extracted from two-particle correlations of combined p-Ξ^{-}⊕p[over ¯]-Ξ[over ¯]^{+} pairs measured in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV at the LHC with ALICE. The measured correlation function is compared with the prediction obtained assuming only an attractive Coulomb interaction and a standard deviation in the range [3.6, 5.3] is found. Since the measured p-Ξ^{-}⊕p[over ¯]-Ξ[over ¯]^{+} correlation is significantly enhanced with respect to the Coulomb prediction, the presence of an additional, strong, attractive interaction is evident. The data are compatible with recent lattice calculations by the HAL-QCD Collaboration, with a standard deviation in the range [1.8, 3.7]. The lattice potential predicts a shallow repulsive Ξ^{-} interaction within pure neutron matter and this implies stiffer equations of state for neutron-rich matter including hyperons. Implications of the strong interaction for the modeling of neutron stars are discussed.

[The application of Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire (ASBQ) in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors]

Objective: To develop the Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire(ASBQ) and to verify its application in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors. Methods: The following steps were finished including getting the permission from the author of the original English scale, translating and back-translating, tentative test, discussing the consequence and cultural debugging. From October 2016 to December 2018, 51 patients with skull base tumors from Xuanwu Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital were enrolled as an experimental group, aged from 24 to 70 years old, with 19 males and 32 females, which included 27 patients with anterior skull base tumor and 24 patients with middle skull base tumor. From December 2016 to January 2018, 46 healthy volunteers were selected as a control group, aged from 18 to 36 years old, including 26 females and 20 males. The subjects in the test group and the control group were rigorously tested with official manuscripts and judged whether the manuscript was applicable. The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data of the test group, the anterior skull base group, the middle skull base group and the control group to evaluate the performance of the scale. Results: Both the rate of the recovery and efficiency in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group were 100%, with the average time of completion of (8.7±3.2), (11.2±4.0) and (7.3±2.1) min, respectively in each group. The r value of test-retest reliability was 0.96, 0.99 and 0.97 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group, with the split-half reliability coefficient of 0.91, 0.90 and 0.96, with the entire scale Cronbach's coefficient of 0.91, 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. The content validity and the construct validity of the scale were good enough, and the criteria validity was-0.483,-0.509 and -0.489 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group. The scale could well distinguish the difference of the quality of life between the preoperative and postoperative patients in experimental group and the middle skull base group. The difference of the quality of life in anterior skull base group was not found between preoperative and postoperative patients. Conclusion: The Chinese version of ASBQ has good reliability and validity, which is suitable for a wide range of Chinese patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors to assess their quality of life.

Critical roles of regulatory B and T cells in helminth parasite-induced protection against allergic airway inflammation

The prevalence of allergic asthma and incidences of helminth infections in humans are inversely correlated. Although experimental studies have established the causal relation between parasite infection and allergic asthma, the mechanism of the parasite-associated immunomodulation is not fully elucidated. Using a murine model of asthma and nematode parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus, we investigated the roles of regulatory B cells (B_reg ) and T cells (T_reg ) in mediation of the protection against allergic asthma by parasite. H. polygyrus infection significantly suppressed ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI) evidenced by alleviated lung histopathology and reduced numbers of bronchoalveolar inflammatory cell infiltration, and induced significant responses of interleukin (IL)-10⁺ B_reg , IL-10⁺ T_reg and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)⁺ T_reg in mesenteric lymph node and spleen of the mice. Adoptive transfer of IL-10⁺ B_reg and IL-10⁺ T_reg cell prevented the lung immunopathology in AAI mice. Depletion of FoxP3⁺ T_reg cells in FoxP3-diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor transgenic mice by diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment exacerbated airway inflammation in parasite-free AAI mice and partially abrogated the parasite-induced protection against AAI. IL-10⁺ B_reg cells were able to promote IL-10⁺ T_reg expansion and maintain FoxP3⁺ T_reg cell population. These two types of T_regs failed to induce CD19⁺ B cells to transform into IL-10⁺ B_reg cells. These results demonstrate that B_reg , IL-10⁺ T_reg and FoxP3⁺ T_reg cells contribute in A discrepant manner to the protection against allergic airway immunopathology by parasiteS. B_reg cell might be a key upstream regulatory cell that induces IL-10⁺ T_reg response and supports FoxP3⁺ T_reg cell population which, in turn, mediate the parasite-imposed immunosuppression of allergic airway inflammation. These results provide insight into the immunological relationship between parasite infection and allergic asthma.

HPV Status Improves Classification of Head and Neck Gray Zone Cancers

In epidemiologic studies, patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are classified mainly by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. However, some patients are of an unclear subsite, the “gray zone” cases, which could reflect ICD coding error, absence of primary subsite, or extensive primary tumors that cross over multiple subsites of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Patients with gray zone squamous cell carcinomas were compared with patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and stratified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status that was determined by p16 immunostaining or HPV serology. Comparisons consisted of clinicodemographic features and prognostic outcomes presented by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models, reported as hazard ratios. There were 158 consecutive patients with gray zone HNSCC diagnosed at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center between 2006 and 2017: 66 had subsite coding discrepancies against the clinician’s documentation (“discrepant” cases; e.g., the diagnosis by the clinician was OSCC, while the classification by ICD coding was OPSCC), while 92 were squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary of the head and neck (SCCUPHN) after complete diagnostic workup. Comparators included 721 consecutive OSCC and 938 OPSCC adult cases. All HPV-positive cohorts (OPSCC, discrepant, and SCCUPHN) had similar clinicodemographic characteristics and better 3- and 5-y overall survival and disease-free survival than their HPV-negative counterparts. In contrast, HPV-negative discrepant cases had prognostic outcomes most similar to HPV-negative OPSCC cases, while HPV-negative SCCUPHN had survival outcomes most similar to those of patients with OSCC in this study. HPV-positive status can improve the classification of patients with unclear or discrepant oral/oropharyngeal subsite, an improvement over classification systems that are solely clinician defined or conducted through ICD coding. However, due to clinical practice, we could not make definitive reclassification for patients with HPV-negative gray zone HNSCC.

Azimuthal Anisotropy of Heavy-Flavor Decay Electrons in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

Angular correlations between heavy-flavor decay electrons and charged particles at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) are measured in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. The analysis is carried out for the 0%-20% (high) and 60%-100% (low) multiplicity ranges. The jet contribution in the correlation distribution from high-multiplicity events is removed by subtracting the distribution from low-multiplicity events. An azimuthal modulation remains after removing the jet contribution, similar to previous observations in two-particle angular correlation measurements for light-flavor hadrons. A Fourier decomposition of the modulation results in a positive second-order coefficient (v_{2}) for heavy-flavor decay electrons in the transverse momentum interval 1.5<p_{T}<4  GeV/c in high-multiplicity events, with a significance larger than 5σ. The results are compared with those of charged particles at midrapidity and those of inclusive muons at forward rapidity. The v_{2} measurement of open heavy-flavor particles at midrapidity in small collision systems could provide crucial information to help interpret the anisotropies observed in such systems.

[Prognostic significance of blood count at the time of achieving morphologic leukemia-free state in adults with acute myeloid leukemia]

目的

探讨首次获骨髓无白血病状态时血细胞恢复程度[包括完全缓解（CR，ANC≥1.0× 10⁹/L和PLT≥100×10⁹/L）、PLT未恢复（CRp）、ANC和PLT均未恢复（CRi）]对初治成人急性髓系白血病（AML）患者预后的影响。

方法

回顾2008年1月至2016年2月北京大学人民医院收治的获得骨髓无白血病状态后持续化疗AML（非急性早幼粒细胞白血病）连续病例，分析诊断时疾病特征、诱导化疗方案、首次诱导化疗反应以及骨髓无白血病状态时血细胞计数与预后的关系。

结果

352例患者，男179例（50.9%），中位年龄44（17~65）岁。按美国西南肿瘤组（SWOG）标准分组：低危87例（24.7%），中危171例（48.6%），高危46例（13.1%），未知48例（13.6%）。单体核型16例（4.5%），FLT3-ITD突变阳性41例（11.6%）。首次获骨髓无白血病状态时血细胞恢复程度：CR 299例（84.9%），CRp 26例（7.4%），CRi 27例（7.7%）。存活患者中位随访16（2~94）个月，30个月累积复发（CIR）、无病生存（DFS）和总生存（OS）率分别为47.5%、46.0%和58.6%。多因素分析显示，骨髓无白血病状态时血细胞恢复不良是影响患者CIR、DFS和OS的共同不利因素（HR=1.4，95% CI 1.0~1.9，P=0.037；HR=1.5，95% CI 1.1~2.0，P= 0.003；HR=1.5，95% CI 1.1~2.0，P=0.017）。此外，SWOG分组危险度高和FLT3-ITD突变阳性是影响患者CIR、DFS和OS的共同不利因素；确诊时外周血原始细胞比例高是影响患者DFS的不利因素；年龄大和确诊时骨髓原始细胞比例高是影响患者OS的不利因素。

结论

持续化疗的成人AML患者，首次获骨髓无白血病状态时血细胞恢复程度是影响预后的独立因素。

[Hepatic adverse events associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To explore the incidence and severity of hepatic adverse events (AEs) and identify factors associated with hepatic AEs in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: Liver biochemistry parameters [including ALT(alanine aminotransferase), AST(aspartate aminotransferase), ALP(alkaline phosphatase), and TBil(total bilirubin)] during the first 6 months on imatinib (Gleevec(®)), dasatinib (Sprycel(®)) or nilotinib (Tasigna(®)) in CML-CP patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 436 patients were enrolled in this study, including 271 with imatinib, 58 with dasatinib, and 107 with nilotinib. The incidences of any abnormality of liver injury were 21.8%(59/271), 15.5%(9/58) and 32.7%(35/107) in the imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib groups, respectively. Most of the hepatic AEs were CTCAE grade 1 or 2 and mild or moderate liver injury except 1.9% of TBil CTCAE grade 3 in the nilotinib group. Multivariate analyses showed nilotinib [OR=2.9(1.3-6.6), P=0.012; OR=4.4(1.2-15.6), P=0.023] and male gender [OR=2.3(1.4-3.9), P=0.002; OR=3.0(1.2-7.6), P=0.018] were significantly associated with moderate liver impairment. Conclusions: TKIs including imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib were well tolerated with mild to moderate hepatic AEs in CML-CP patients. Nilotinib and male sex were associated with occurrence of liver biochemistry abnormalities and moderate hepatic injury.

Effect of tricyclazole on morphology, virulence and gene expression of Aspergillus aculeatus for management of soft rot disease in peach

AIMS

Aspergillus aculeatus, a pathogen of peaches, can cause soft rot and lead to economic losses in agricultural production. However, studies on the prevention of soft rot caused by A. aculeatus have rarely been reported. Tricyclazole (TCZ) is a fungicide that has been widely used in disease prevention of various crops but the inhibitory mechanism of TCZ on A. aculeatus is unknown. Our aim was to determine the effects of TCZ on A. aculeatus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In our study, TCZ inhibited the growth of fungal colonies when applied at 0·5-6 mmol l-1 and inhibited the production of melanin at 3 mmol l-1 . Conidia exposed to TCZ were less effective at causing the disease in inoculated samples, and electrical conductivity, divulgation of nucleic acids and proteins rose with increasing concentrations of TCZ. Microscopic results suggest that TCZ damages not only the cell wall but also the cell membrane. Results of qRT-PCR showed that TCZ had no significant effect on the regulation of genes coding for laccase, apoptosis and hypothetical protein; however, it significantly down-regulated genes coding for cellulase, chitinase and sterol.

CONCLUSIONS

Tricyclazole can influence the pathogenic ability of A. aculeatus by damaging the cell structure of hyphae and conidia, reducing the melanin production, and altering the expression of pathogenic-related gene.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results explained the potential cause and mechanism TCZ produced in A. aculeatus. Our research offers scientific insights into future research interest relative to using TCZ in the treatment of soft rot caused by A. aculeatus.

D-Meson Azimuthal Anisotropy in Midcentral Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=5.02 TeV

The azimuthal anisotropy coefficient v_{2} of prompt D^{0}, D^{+}, D^{*+}, and D_{s}^{+} mesons was measured in midcentral (30%-50% centrality class) Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The D mesons were reconstructed via their hadronic decays at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, in the transverse momentum interval 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. The measured D-meson v_{2} has similar values as that of charged pions. The D_{s}^{+} v_{2}, measured for the first time, is found to be compatible with that of nonstrange D mesons. The measurements are compared with theoretical calculations of charm-quark transport in a hydrodynamically expanding medium and have the potential to constrain medium parameters.

Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of reemerged novel Seneca Valley virus strains in Guangdong province, 2017

From June to July 2017, six Seneca Valley virus (SVV) strains were isolated from swine herds exhibiting SVV-associated porcine idiopathic vesicular disease (PIVD) in Guangdong province, China. Complete genomic sequences of these six newly identified strains were genetically and phylogenetically analysed. The results revealed that these six SVV strains were genetically closely related to USA/GBI29/2015 and notably distinct from all previous Chinese strains, indicating the reemergence of new SVV strains in Guangdong province.

Exogenous niacin treatment increases NADPH oxidase in kiwifruit

Kiwifruit are a popular fruit worldwide; however, plant growth is threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Niacin treatment in plants has been shown to increase NADPH levels, thus enhancing abiotic stresses tolerance. Here, we evaluate the effect of niacin solution spray treatment on NADPH levels in the kiwifruit cultivars Hayward and Xuxiang. We found that spray treatment with niacin solution promoted NADPH and NADP+ levels and decreased both O2·- production and H2O2 contents in leaves during a short period. In fruit, NADPH contents increased during early development, but decreased later. However, no effect on NADP+ levels has been observed throughout fruit development. In summary, this report suggests that niacin may be used to increase NADPH oxidases, thus increasing stress-tolerance in kiwifruit during encounter of short-term stressful conditions.

[Outcomes of adult patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia received idarubicin plus cytarabine regimen as induction chemotherapy]

Objective: To explore outcomes in adult with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) received IA10 (10 mg/m(2) d1-3 idarubicin plus cytarabine 100 mg/m(2) d1-7) regimen as induction chemotherapy. Methods: From January 2008 to February 2016, data of consecutive newly-diagnosed AML (non-M(3)) adults treated with IA10 who achieved morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS) but not accepted allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) were assessed retrospectively. Results: A total of 198 patients were included in this study with 96 (48.5%) male and a median age of 42 years old (range, 18-62 years old). Using the SWOG cytogenetic classification, 45 (22.7%), 104 (52.5%), 24 (12.1%) and 25 (12.6%) patients belonged to favorable, intermediate, unfavorable and unknown categories, respectively. 6 (3.0%) patients had monosomal karyotype, and 28 (14.1%) positive FLT3-ITD mutation. A complete remission (CR, defined as MLFS with ANC ≥ 1×10(9)/L and PLT ≥ 100×10(9)/L) achieved in 168 (84.8%) patients, a CRp (defined as MLFS with incomplete PLT recovery) in 16 (8.1%) and a CRi (defined as MLFS with incomplete ANC and PLT recovery) in 14 (7.1%). With a median follow-up period of 15 months (range, 1 to 70 months) in survivors, the probabilities of cumulative incident of relapse (CIR), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates at 2-year were 45.2%, 46.9% and 62.9%, respectively; the median durations of relapse, DFS and OS were 34, 20 and 37 months respectively. At the time of achieving first MLFS, multivariate analyses showed that positive FLT3-ITD mutation and CRi were common adverse factors affecting CIR, DFS and OS; unfavorable-risk of SWOG criteria was an adverse factor affecting CIR and DFS; monosomal karyotype was associated with shorter OS. After first consolidation therapy, FLT3-ITD mutation positive and unfavorable-risk of SWOG criteria had negatively impact on CIR, DFS and OS; peripheral blasts ≥ 0.50 and positive MRD (defined as RQ-PCR WT1 mRNA ≥ 0.6% or any level of abnormal blast population detected by flow cytometry) after first consolidation therapy were common adverse factors affecting CIR and DFS; CRi was an adverse factor affecting DFS and OS. Conclusions: In adult with de novo AML received IA10 regimen as induction regimen, unfavorable molecular markers or cytogenetics at diagnosis and CRi independently predicted poor outcome. In addition, a higher percentage of peripheral blasts, monosomal karyotype and positive MRD after first consolidation therapy had negatively impact on outcomes.

J/ψ Elliptic Flow in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We report a precise measurement of the J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The J/ψ mesons are reconstructed at midrapidity (|y|<0.9) in the dielectron decay channel and at forward rapidity (2.5<y<4.0) in the dimuon channel, both down to zero transverse momentum. At forward rapidity, the elliptic flow v_{2} of the J/ψ is studied as a function of the transverse momentum and centrality. A positive v_{2} is observed in the transverse momentum range 2<p_{T}<8  GeV/c in the three centrality classes studied and confirms with higher statistics our earlier results at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV in semicentral collisions. At midrapidity, the J/ψ  v_{2} is investigated as a function of the transverse momentum in semicentral collisions and found to be in agreement with the measurements at forward rapidity. These results are compared to transport model calculations. The comparison supports the idea that at low p_{T} the elliptic flow of the J/ψ originates from the thermalization of charm quarks in the deconfined medium but suggests that additional mechanisms might be missing in the models.

Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Porcine teschovirus in Hunan, China

Porcine teschoviruses (PTVs) have been shown to be widely distributed in pig populations. In this study, 261 faecal and 91 intestinal content samples collected from pigs at 29 farms in Hunan, China, were tested for the presence of PTV by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An overall PTV-positivity rate of 19.03% was detected by RT-PCR, and a high PTV infection rate was circulating in asymptomatic fattening and nursery pigs. In total, 40 PTV isolates (PTV-HuNs) were obtained. Alignment of their coding sequences with those of other known PTVs revealed that the genomic sequence of the polyprotein contains 6,606-6,621 nucleotides, encoding a 2,202-2,207-amino acid sequence. Phylogenetic analyses based on the VP1 gene and capsid protein gene exhibited 13 main lineages corresponding to PTV serotypes 1-13, and seven PTV serotypes (PTV 2-6, 9, and 11) were identified in the isolates obtained in our study; this is the first report of PTV 5, 9 and 11 in China. Recombination analysis among the PTV-HuNs indicated that nine recombination events have occurred, including both inter- and intraserotype events. In addition, results demonstrated that only limited positive selection is acting on the global population of PTV isolates, and purifying selection is predominant. In conclusion, this study revealed a high infection rate of PTVs circulating in asymptomatic fattening and nursery pigs. The 40 PTV-HuNs showed high genetic diversity, and genetic analysis of all available PTV sequences revealed that strong purifying selection and recombination play important roles in the genetic diversity and evolution of the virus.

[Factors associated with early treatment response in adults with acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To explore the factors influencing early treatment responses in adult with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: Data of consecutive newly-diagnosed AML (non-acute promyelocytic leukemia) adults were analyzed retrospectively. To assess the impact of clinical characteristics at diagnosis and induction regimen on achieving morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS) , blood counts and minimal residual leukemia (MRD, positive MRD defined as RQ-PCR WT1 mRNA ≥0.6% and/or any level of abnormal blast population detected by flow cytometry) at the time of achieving MLFS. Results: 739 patients were included in this study. 406 (54.9%) patients were male, with a median age of 42 years (range, 18-65 years) . In the 721 evaluable patients, MLFS was achieved in 477 (66.2%) patients after the first induction regimen and 592 (82.1%) within two cycles. A total of 634 patients (87.9%) achieved MLFS, including 534 (84.2%) achieving a complete remission (CR, defined as MLFS with ANC ≥ 1×10(9)/L and PLT ≥ 100×10(9)/L) , 100 (15.8%) achieving a CRi (defined as MLFS with incomplete ANC or PLT recovery) , respectively. 260 (45.9%) patients of 566 (89.3%) who detected MRD at the time of achieving MLFS had positive MRD. Multivariate analyses showed that female gender, favorable-risk of SWOG criteria, IA10 and HAA/HAD as induction regimen were factors associated with achieving early MLFS. In addition, low bone marrow blasts, HGB ≥ 80 g/L, PLT counts<30×10(9)/L and mutated NPM1 without FLT3-ITD were factors associated with achieving MLFS after the first induction regimen; Negative FLT3-ITD mutation was factor associated with achieving MLFS within two cycles. PLT counts ≥30×10(9)/L and IA10, IA8 or HAA/HAD as induction chemotherapy were factors associated with achieving CR. Female gender, favorable-risk of SWOG criteria, FLT3-ITD mutation negative, mutated NPM1 without FLT3-ITD were factors associated with negative MRD. Conclusions: Female gender, favorable molecular markers or cytogenetics, and standard-dose induction regimen were key factors associated with higher probability of early and deep responses in adults with AML.

Anomalous Evolution of the Near-Side Jet Peak Shape in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The measurement of two-particle angular correlations is a powerful tool to study jet quenching in a p_{T} region inaccessible by direct jet identification. In these measurements pseudorapidity (Δη) and azimuthal (Δφ) differences are used to extract the shape of the near-side peak formed by particles associated with a higher p_{T} trigger particle (1<p_{T,trig}<8  GeV/c). A combined fit of the near-side peak and long-range correlations is applied to the data allowing the extraction of the centrality evolution of the peak shape in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV. A significant broadening of the peak in the Δη direction at low p_{T} is found from peripheral to central collisions, which vanishes above 4  GeV/c, while in the Δφ direction the peak is almost independent of centrality. For the 10% most central collisions and 1<p_{T,assoc}<2  GeV/c, 1<p_{T,trig}<3  GeV/c a novel feature is observed: a depletion develops around the center of the peak. The results are compared to pp collisions at the same center of mass energy and ampt model simulations. The comparison to the investigated models suggests that the broadening and the development of the depletion is connected to the strength of radial and longitudinal flow.

[Minimal residual disease level predicts outcomes in the non-favorable risk patients with acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To explore impact of minimal residual leukemia (MRD) on outcomes in the non-favorable risk adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: From January 2008 to February 2016, data of consecutive newly-diagnosed non-favorable risk adults with AML (non-APL) according to SWOG criteria who achieved morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS) and received continuous chemotherapy were assessed retrospectively. Results: 292 AML patients were enrolled, 150 (51.4%) were male. Median age was 46 years (range, 18-65 years) . Using the SWOG cytogenetic classification, 186 (63.7%) , 49 (16.8%) and 57 (19.5%) patients belonged to intermediate, unfavorable and unknown categories, respectively. With a median follow-up period of 15 months (range, 1 to 94 months) in survivors, the probabilities of cumulative rates of relapse (CIR) , disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 2-years were 51.6%, 42.6% and 60.0%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that MRD positive (defined as Q-PCR WT1 mRNA ≥0.6% or any level of abnormal blast population detected by flow cytometry) after achieving MLFS and PLT<100×10(9)/L were common adverse factors affecting CIR and DFS. In addition, positive FLT3-ITD mutation and CRp/CRi had negatively impact on CIR, DFS and OS. Monosomal karyotype was adverse factors affecting CIR and OS. Age ≥44 years and unfavorable-risk of SWOG criteria were associated with shorter DFS. Conclusions: MRD level after achieving MLFS had prognostic significance on outcomes in non-favorable adults with AML who received continuous chemotherapy after achieving MLFS.

Comparison of irinotecan/platinum versus etoposide/platinum chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis was performed to compare the effects and toxicities between irinotecan/platinum (IP) and etoposide/platinum (EP) regimens as the fist-line treatment of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (E-SCLC). A systematic search was made of MEDLINE, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. Randomised clinical trials on treatment of E-SCLC with the IP regimens, compared with EP regimens, were reviewed. Studies were pooled to hazard ratio (HR), relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Eight trials (enrolling 2089 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Overall survival (OS) and 1-year survival rate were superior in the IP group (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.91 and RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.34). Grades 3 and 4 anaemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and febrile neutropenia were less frequent in the IP regimens than that in the EP regimens. And grades 3 and 4 nausea/vomiting, diarrheal, anorexia and fatigue were less frequent in the EP regimens. IP combination chemotherapy achieved a superior OS and 1-year survival rate, compared with EP doublets, in patients with E-SCLC.

A genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes for the supernumerary nipple phenotype in sheep (Ovis aries)

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been widely applied in livestock to identify genes associated with traits of economic interest. Here, we conducted the first GWAS of the supernumerary nipple phenotype in Wadi sheep, a native Chinese sheep breed, based on Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip genotypes in a total of 144 ewes (75 cases with four teats, including two normal and two supernumerary teats, and 69 control cases with two teats). We detected 63 significant SNPs at the chromosome-wise threshold. Additionally, one candidate region (chr1: 170.723-170.734 Mb) was identified by haplotype-based association tests, with one SNP (rs413490006) surrounding functional genes BBX and CD47 on chromosome 1 being commonly identified as significant by the two mentioned analyses. Moreover, Gene Ontology enrichment for the significant SNPs identified by the GWAS analysis was functionally clustered into the categories of receptor activity and synaptic membrane. In addition, pathway mapping revealed four promising pathways (Wnt, oxytocin, MAPK and axon guidance) involved in the development of the supernumerary nipple phenotype. Our results provide novel and important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotype of supernumerary nipples in mammals, including humans. These findings may be useful for future breeding and genetics in sheep and other livestock.

Genome-wide association analysis identifies the genetic basis of fat deposition in the tails of sheep (Ovis aries)

Fat-tailed sheep (Ovis aries) can survive in harsh environments and satisfy human's intake of dietary fat. However, the animals require more feed, which increases the cost of farming. Thus, most farmers currently prefer thin-tailed, short-tailed or docked sheep. To date, the molecular mechanism of the formation of fat tails in sheep has not been completely elucidated. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study using phenotypes and genotypes (the Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip genotype data) of two breeds of contrasting tail types (78 Small-tailed and 78 Large-tailed Han sheep breeds) to identify functional genes and variants associated with fat deposition. We identified four significantly (rs416433540, rs409848439, rs408118325 and rs402128848) and three approximately associated autosomal SNPs (rs401248376, rs402445895 and rs416201901). Gene annotation indicated that the surrounding genes (CREB1, STEAP4, CTBP1 and RIP140, also known as NRIP1) function in lipid storage or fat cell regulation. Furthermore, through an X-chromosome-wide association analysis, we detected significantly associated SNPs in the OARX: 88-89 Mb region, which could be a strong candidate genomic region for fat deposition in tails of sheep. Our results represent a new genomic resource for sheep genetics and breeding. In addition, the findings provide novel insights into genetic mechanisms of fat deposition in the tail of sheep and other mammals.

Energy dependence of forward-rapidity [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] production in pp collisions at the LHC

We present results on transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) and rapidity ([Formula: see text]) differential production cross sections, mean transverse momentum and mean transverse momentum square of inclusive [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at forward rapidity ([Formula: see text]) as well as [Formula: see text]-to-[Formula: see text] cross section ratios. These quantities are measured in pp collisions at center of mass energies [Formula: see text] and 13 TeV with the ALICE detector. Both charmonium states are reconstructed in the dimuon decay channel, using the muon spectrometer. A comprehensive comparison to inclusive charmonium cross sections measured at [Formula: see text], 7 and 8 TeV is performed. A comparison to non-relativistic quantum chromodynamics and fixed-order next-to-leading logarithm calculations, which describe prompt and non-prompt charmonium production respectively, is also presented. A good description of the data is obtained over the full [Formula: see text] range, provided that both contributions are summed. In particular, it is found that for [Formula: see text] GeV/c the non-prompt contribution reaches up to 50% of the total charmonium yield.

Production of Σ(1385)± and Ξ(1530)0 in p-Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum distributions of the strange and double-strange hyperon resonances (Σ ( 1385 ) ± , Ξ ( 1530 ) 0 ) produced in p-Pb collisions at s NN = 5.02 TeV were measured in the rapidity range - 0.5 < y CMS < 0 for event classes corresponding to different charged-particle multiplicity densities, ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ . The mean transverse momentum values are presented as a function of ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ , as well as a function of the particle masses and compared with previous results on hyperon production. The integrated yield ratios of excited to ground-state hyperons are constant as a function of ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ . The equivalent ratios to pions exhibit an increase with ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ , depending on their strangeness content.

Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons up to high transverse momentum in pp collisions at 2.76 TeV

The invariant differential cross sections for inclusive [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons at midrapidity were measured in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV for transverse momenta [Formula: see text] GeV/c and [Formula: see text] GeV/c, respectively, using the ALICE detector. This large range in [Formula: see text] was achieved by combining various analysis techniques and different triggers involving the electromagnetic calorimeter (EMCal). In particular, a new single-cluster, shower-shape based method was developed for the identification of high-[Formula: see text] neutral pions, which exploits that the showers originating from their decay photons overlap in the EMCal. Above 4 GeV/[Formula: see text], the measured cross sections are found to exhibit a similar power-law behavior with an exponent of about 6.3. Next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD calculations differ from the measured cross sections by about 30% for the [Formula: see text], and between 30-50% for the [Formula: see text] meson, while generator-level simulations with PYTHIA 8.2 describe the data to better than 10-30%, except at [Formula: see text] GeV/[Formula: see text]. The new data can therefore be used to further improve the theoretical description of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] meson production.