Upfront boost to gross disease followed by elective pelvic radiation improves compliance to radiation therapy delivery metrics in locally advanced vulvar cancer

Locally advanced cancer of the vulva (LACV) is commonly diagnosed in older women (>65 years), and is treated using combined multimodality therapy (CMT) that includes radiation therapy (RT). Compliance to optimal RT metrics, including completion of > 20 fractions, overall treatment duration of < 8 weeks (56 days), and < 1 week intra-treatment break is associated with better disease outcomes. However, published results note that a significant number of patients with LACV do not adhere to these metrics. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether a modified sequence of RT delivery, treating the localized boost volume upfront followed by the larger elective nodal volume is associated with improved compliance to optimal RT delivery metrics.

Efficient Thermal Management with Selective Metamaterial Absorber for Boosting Photothermal CO2 Hydrogenation under Sunlight

Photothermal catalytic CO2 hydrogenation is a prospective strategy to simultaneously reduce CO2 emission and generate value-added fuels. However, the demand of extremely intense light hinders its development in practical applications. Herein, this work reports the novel design of Ni-based selective metamaterial absorber and employs it as the photothermal catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation. The selective absorption property reduces the heat loss caused by radiation while possessing effectively solar absorption, thus substantially increasing local photothermal temperature. Notably, the enhancement of local electric field by plasmon resonance promotes the adsorption and activation of reactants. Moreover, benefiting from the ingenious morphology that Ni nanoparticles (NPs) are encapsulated by SiO2 matrix through co-sputtering, the greatly improved dispersion of Ni NPs enables enhancing the contact with reaction gas and preventing the agglomeration. Consequently, the catalyst exhibits an unprecedented CO2 conversion rate of 516.9 mmol gcat -1 h-1 under 0.8 W cm-2 irradiation, with near 90% CO selectivity and high stability. Significantly, this designed photothermal catalyst demonstrates the great potential in practical applications under sunlight. This work provides new sights for designing high-performance photothermal catalysts by thermal management.

Continuous Flow System for Highly Efficient and Durable Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Methane

Photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) into value-added industrial chemicals offers an appealing green technique for achieving sustainable development, whereas it encounters double bottlenecks in relatively low methane conversion rate and severe overoxidation. Herein, we engineer a continuous gas flow system to achieve efficient photocatalytic OCM while suppressing overoxidation by synergizing the moderate active oxygen species, surface plasmon-mediated polarization, and multipoint gas intake flow reactor. Particularly, a remarkable CH4 conversion rate of 218.2 μmol h-1 with an excellent selectivity of ∼90% toward C2+ hydrocarbons and a remarkable stability over 240 h is achieved over a designed Au/TiO2 photocatalyst in our continuous gas flow system with a homemade three-dimensional (3D) printed flow reactor. This work provides an informative concept to engineer a high-performance flow system for photocatalytic OCM by synergizing the design of the reactor and photocatalyst to synchronously regulate the mass transfer, activation of reactants, and inhibition of overoxidation.

A PAD-Based Unmanned Aerial Vehichle Route Planning Scheme for Remote Sensing in Huge Regions

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been employed extensively for remote-sensing missions. However, due to their energy limitations, UAVs have a restricted flight operating time and spatial coverage, which makes remote sensing over huge regions that are out of UAV flight endurance and range challenging. PAD is an autonomous wireless charging station that might significantly increase the flying time of UAVs by recharging them in the air. In this work, we introduce PADs to simplify UAV-based remote sensing over a huge region, and then we explore the UAV route planning problem once PADs have been predeployed throughout a huge remote sensing region. A route planning scheme, named PAD-based remote sensing (PBRS), is proposed to solve the problem. The PBRS scheme first plans the UAV's round-trip routes based on the location of the PADs and divides the whole target region into multiple PAD-based subregions. Between adjacent subregions, the UAV flight subroute is planned by determining piggyback points to minimize the total time for remote sensing. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme by conducting several sets of simulation experiments based on the digital orthophoto model of Hutou Village in Beibei District, Chongqing, China. The results show that the PBRS scheme can achieve excellent performance in three metrics of remote sensing duration, the number of trips to charging stations, and the data-storage rate in UAV remote-sensing missions over huge regions with predeployed PADs through effective planning of UAVs.

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.

Effect of exercise intervention on depression in children and adolescents: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of different exercise interventions on depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until May 2023 were screened in four databases. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias for quality evaluation. Stata 16.0 software was used for both a pairwise meta-analysis and a series of frequentist network meta-analyses (NMA).

RESULTS

A total of 35 RCTs and 5393 participants were included. Aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on depressive symptoms (66.2 %), followed by group training (62.5 %), resistance exercise (59.0 %), and aerobic combined with resistance exercise (57.9 %). Furthermore, children and adolescents younger than 15 years showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.41, 95 % CI (-0.63, -0.19), P < 0.01). The study also found a significant improvement in depression among healthy, obesity, and depressed populations (SMD = -0.25, 95 % CI (-0.41, -0.08), P < 0.01); SMD = -0.15, 95 % CI (-0.31, -0.00), P < 0.01; SMD = -0.75, 95 % CI (-1.32, -0.19), P < 0.01). Additionally, 30 min of exercise had a significant effect (SMD = -0.14, 95 % CI (-0,81, -0.01), P < 0.01), and 40-50 min of exercise had the best effect (SMD = -0.17, 95 % CI (-0,33, -0.02), P < 0.01). Lastly, exercise frequency of three times per week was significant in children and adolescents (SMD = -0.42, 95 % CI (-0,66, -0.18), P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Exercise significantly improves depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, with aerobic exercise having the most significant effect. A 12-week, three-times-a-week, 40-50-min exercise intervention was found to be more effective in younger children and adolescents.

Effect of exercise intervention on depression in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of different exercise interventions on depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until May 2023 were screened in four databases. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias for quality evaluation. Stata 16.0 software was used for both a pairwise meta-analysis and a series of frequentist network meta-analyses (NMA).

RESULTS

A total of 35 RCTs and 5393 participants were included. Aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on depressive symptoms (66.2%), followed by group training (62.5%), resistance exercise (59.0%), and aerobic combined with resistance exercise (57.9%). Furthermore, children and adolescents younger than 15 years showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms (SMD=-0.41, 95% CI (-0.63, -0.19), P < 0.01). The study also found a significant improvement in depression among healthy, obesity, and depressed populations (SMD=-0.25, 95% CI (-0.41, -0.08), P < 0.01); SMD=-0.15, 95% CI (-0.31, -0.00), P < 0.01; SMD=-0.75, 95% CI (-1.32, -0.19), P < 0.01). Additionally, 30 min of exercise had a significant effect (SMD=-0.14, 95% CI (-0,81, -0.01), P < 0.01), and 40-50 min of exercise had the best effect (SMD=-0.17, 95% CI (-0,33, -0.02), P < 0.01). Lastly, exercise frequency of three times per week was significant in children and adolescents (SMD=-0.42, 95% CI (-0,66, -0.18), P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Exercise significantly improves depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, with aerobic exercise having the most significant effect. A 12-week, three-times-a-week, 40-50-minute exercise intervention was found to be more effective in younger children and adolescents.

Exercise intervention and improvement of negative emotions in children: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anxiety, depression, and stress are the most common mental health problems in childhood. Exercise interventions in childhood help to promote mental health.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between exercise interventions and improvement of negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and stress in children (5-12 years).

METHODS

Articles were searched in five electronic databases from their inception to January 2023. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-three intervention studies included 6830 children. 1) The exercise intervention group was significantly better than the control group in improving negative emotions (Standard Mean Difference SMD=-0.25, 95% Confidence Intervals CI: -0.34 to -0.15, P < 0.01). Exercise intervention improved different kinds of negative emotions: anxiety (SMD=-0.19, 95% CI: -0.33 to -0.06, P < 0.01), depression (SMD=-0.22, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.01, P < 0.01), and stress (SMD=-0.33, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.14, P < 0.01); it was most effective at relieving problematic stress. Exercise interventions lasting 20-45 min were most effective in improving children's negative emotions (SMD=-0.38, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.20, P < 0.01). An exercise intervention period of 10 weeks was more effective in improving children's negative mood (SMD=-0.26, 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.17, P = 0.274).

CONCLUSION

Exercise interventions may improve negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and stress in children. These findings may have clinical implications for children with negative affect. However, these studies showed a large heterogeneity, and the results should be interpreted with caution. Future studies should report the variability of exercise interventions by gender, age group, and type, intensity, and place of exercise.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

Correlates of physical activity habits in adolescents: A systematic review

Physical activity habits are crucial for the physical and mental wellbeing of adolescents (individuals aged 10-19 years). However, few studies over the last two decades have systematically aggregated the influential factors of physical activity habits for adolescents. Five online databases (EBSCOhost (Eric), Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies published before 14 August 2022. Our systematic review indicated the following: 1) boys performed more physical activity habits than girls, whereas girls preferred to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; 2) physical activity in adolescents decreased with age; 3) African American adolescents performed significantly more habitual physical activities than white adolescents; 4) adolescents with higher literacy had better physical activity habits; 5) support from parents, teachers, friends, and others helped adolescents in developing physical activity habits; 6) adolescents who spent less time participating in habitual physical activity had a higher body mass index; 7) adolescents who reported higher levels of self-efficacy and satisfaction with school sports tended to have stronger physical activity habits; 8) sedentary behavior, smoking, drinking, prolonged screen time, negative emotions, and excessive use of media technology were correlated with reduced habitual physical activity in adolescents. These findings could help develop interventions to motivate adolescents and promote physical activity habits among them.

Collision-System and Beam-Energy Dependence of Anisotropic Flow Fluctuations

Elliptic flow measurements from two-, four-, and six-particle correlations are used to investigate flow fluctuations in collisions of U+U at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV, Cu+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and Au+Au spanning the range sqrt[s_{NN}]=11.5-200  GeV. The measurements show a strong dependence of the flow fluctuations on collision centrality, a modest dependence on system size, and very little if any, dependence on particle species and beam energy. The results, when compared to similar LHC measurements, viscous hydrodynamic calculations, and trento model eccentricities, indicate that initial-state-driven fluctuations predominate the flow fluctuations generated in the collisions studied.

The Effects of Physical Activity on Positive Emotions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Positive emotions help children and adolescents develop good personalities and interpersonal relationships. Evidence shows that participation in physical activity is associated with positive emotions in young people. However, there is still a lack of studies on the effects of physical activity on positive emotions in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of physical activity on positive emotions in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Online databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and APA PsycInfo) were searched from inception to August 2022.

RESULT

A total of 24 articles were eventually included representing 3907 participants from 14 different countries. Overall, the effect of physical activity interventions on positive emotions was significant. The studies revealed that positive emotions were statistically better in the physical activity participation group than in the control group without physical activity (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI: (0.24, 1.01), (p < 0.01). Based on subgroup analyses, we found that participation in aerobic exercise for 30-60 min in adolescents aged ≥12 years had a more significant intervention effect on positive emotions.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the moods of children and adolescents who participate in physical activity significantly improved compared with the moods of those who do not participate in physical activity. The age, exercise type, and exercise duration of adolescents are important factors influencing the positive emotions resulting from physical activity interventions.

Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and Their Mass Number Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-π^{0}s produced at forward pseudorapidities (2.6<η<4.0) in p+p, p+Al, and p+Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back π^{0} pairs in p+Al and p+Au collisions compared to the p+p data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in p+Au relative to p+Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale Q_{s}^{2} on the mass number A. A linear scaling of the suppression with A^{1/3} is observed with a slope of -0.09±0.01.

A Stacked Plasmonic Metamaterial with Strong Localized Electric Field Enables Highly Efficient Broadband Light-Driven CO2 Hydrogenation

Light utilization largely governs the performance of CO₂ photoconversion, whereas most of the materials that are implemented in such an application are restricted in a narrow spectral absorption range. Plasmonic metamaterials with a designable regular pattern and facile tunability are excellent candidates for maximizing light absorption to generate substantial hot electrons and thermal energy. Herein, a concept of coupling a Au-based stacked plasmonic metamaterial with single Cu atoms in alloy, as light absorber and catalytic sites, respectively, is reported for gas-phase light-driven catalytic CO₂ hydrogenation. The metamaterial structure works in a broad spectral range (370-1040 nm) to generate high surface temperature for photothermal catalysis, and also induces strong localized electric field in favor of transfer of hot electrons and reduced energy barrier in CO₂ hydrogenation. This work unravels the significant role of a strong localized electric field in photothermal catalysis and demonstrates a scalable fabrication approach to light-driven catalysts based on plasmonic metamaterials.

Limiting the Uncoordinated N Species in M-Nx Single-Atom Catalysts toward Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction in Broad Voltage Range

Carbon-supported single-atom catalysts (SACs) are extensively studied because of their outstanding activity and selectivity toward a wide range of catalytic reactions. Amidst its development, excess dopants (e.g., nitrogen) are always required to ensure the high loading content of SACs on the carbon support. However, the use of excess dopants is accompanied by formation of miscellaneous structures (particularly the uncoordinated N species) on catalysts, leading to adverse effects on their performance. Herein, the synthesis of carbon-supported Ni SACs with precisely controlled single-atom structure via joule heating strategy, showing the coordination of 80% of N dopants with metal elements, is reported. The preclusion of the unfavorable N species is confirmed to be the main reason for the superior performance of optimized Ni SACs in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction, which demonstrates unprecedented activity, selectivity, and stability under an exceptionally broad voltage range (>92% CO selectivity in the range of -0.7 to -1.9 V reversible hydrogen electrode). Such a synthetic strategy is further applicable for the design of SACs with various metals. This work demonstrates a facile method for preclusion of unfavorable dopants in the SACs and its importance in catalytic application.

How to Make Personal Protective Equipment Spontaneously and Continuously Antimicrobial (Incorporating Oxidase-like Catalysts)

The inability of commercial personal protective equipment (PPE) to inactivate microbes in the droplets/aerosols they intercept makes used PPE a potential source of cross-contamination. To make PPE spontaneously and continuously antimicrobial, we incorporate PPE with oxidase-like catalysts, which efficiently convert O₂ into reactive oxygen species (ROS) without requiring any externally applied stimulus. Using a single-atom catalyst (SAC) nanoparticle containing atomically dispersed copper atoms as the reactive centers (Cu-SAC) and a silver-palladium bimetallic alloy nanoparticle (AgPd_0.38) as models for oxidase-like catalysts, we show that the incorporation of oxidase-like catalysts enables PPE to inactivate bacteria in the droplets/aerosols they intercept without requiring any externally applied stimulus. Notably, this approach works both for PPE that are fibrous and woven such as a commercial KN95 facial respirator and for those made of solid plastics such as an apron. This work suggests a feasible and global approach for preventing PPE from spreading infectious diseases.

Measurements of Proton High-Order Cumulants in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) within -0.5<y<0 and 0.4<p_{T}<2.0  GeV/c. In the most central 0%-5% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be C_{4}/C_{2}=-0.85±0.09 (stat)±0.82 (syst), which is 2σ below the Poisson baseline with respect to both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our C_{4}/C_{2} in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in C_{4}/C_{2} is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3 GeV.

Measurements of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H midrapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV. _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221±15(stat)±19(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{3}H and 218±6(stat)±13(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{4}H. The p_{T}-integrated yields of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of _{Λ}^{4}H is different for 0%-10% and 10%-50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the _{Λ}^{3}H yield well, while underestimating the _{Λ}^{4}H yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

Chitosan-CaP microflowers and metronidazole loaded calcium alginate sponges with enhanced antibacterial, hemostatic and osteogenic properties for the prevention of dry socket after tooth removal

Tooth removal, particularly for patients with severe periodontitis, can frequently cause massive bleeding, postoperative infection, and bone resorption, resulting in a dry socket. Thus, developing bio-multifunctional materials with excellent antibacterial, hemostatic, and osteogenic characteristics for the prevention of dry sockets after tooth removal is highly desirable in clinical applications. Herein, chitosan-CaP microflowers (CM) and metronidazole (MD) loaded calcium alginate (CA) sponges (CA@CM/MD) with enhanced antibacterial, hemostatic, and osteogenic properties were developed via Ca²⁺ crosslinking, lyophilization, and electrostatic interaction for the prevention of dry socket after tooth removal. The fabricated CM particles display 3-dimensional, relatively homogeneous, and flower-shaped architectures. The CA@CM/MD composite sponges were facilely shaped into the tooth root as well as exhibit interconnected porous and lamellar structures with remarkable porosity, suitable maximum swelling ratio, as well as excellent compressive and hemostatic performance. Besides, the in vitro cellular assessment demonstrates that the prepared CA@CM/MD composite sponges possess satisfactory cytocompatibility. Importantly, the designed sponges significantly suppress the growth of S. aureus and E. coli, as well as promote cellular osteogenic differentiation by upregulating the formation of alkaline phosphatase. Our findings indicate that the tooth root-shaped composite sponges hold great promise for wound management after tooth removal.

Probing the Gluonic Structure of the Deuteron with J/ψ Photoproduction in d+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV in d+Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer -t is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going zero-degree calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the color glass condensate saturation model and the leading twist approximation nuclear shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup process, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.

Search for the Chiral Magnetic Effect via Charge-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations Relative to Spectator and Participant Planes in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) refers to charge separation along a strong magnetic field due to imbalanced chirality of quarks in local parity and charge-parity violating domains in quantum chromodynamics. The experimental measurement of the charge separation is made difficult by the presence of a major background from elliptic azimuthal anisotropy. This background and the CME signal have different sensitivities to the spectator and participant planes, and could thus be determined by measurements with respect to these planes. We report such measurements in Au+Au collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. It is found that the charge separation, with the flow background removed, is consistent with zero in peripheral (large impact parameter) collisions. Some indication of finite CME signals is seen in midcentral (intermediate impact parameter) collisions. Significant residual background effects may, however, still be present.

Tuning the local electronic structure of a single-site Ni catalyst by co-doping a 3D graphene framework with B/N atoms toward enhanced CO2 electroreduction

Various single metal sites supported on N-doped carbon materials have been demonstrated to be effective catalysts for CO₂ electroreduction. However, it remains a challenging task to gain comprehensive understanding on how the local electronic structures of single metal catalytic sites are rationally tuned, which eventually holds the key to significantly enhance the electrocatalytic performance. Herein, we implement B-N bonds into an N-doped 3D graphene framework by B doping to further stabilize the supported catalytic Ni single-sites and simultaneously tune their local electronic structure. Moreover, electrochemical in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy reveals that the B-N bonds can further facilitate the production of pivotal *COOH intermediates in comparison with only N doping. As a result, the Ni single-site catalyst on the B, N co-doped 3D graphene framework achieves excellent catalytic performance with a CO faradaic efficiency (FE) of 98% and a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 20.1 s^-1 at -0.8 V (vs. RHE), whereas the FE and TOF for the control sample without B doping are as low as 62% and 6.0 s^-1, respectively. This work highlights the superiority of modulating local electronic structures of single-site catalysts toward efficient electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status

Physical activity (PA) and nutrition are the essential components of a healthy lifestyle, as they can influence energy balance, promote functional ability of various systems and improve immunity. Infections and their associated symptoms are the common and frequent challenges to human health that are causing severe economic and social consequences around the world. During aging, human immune system undergoes dramatic aging-related changes/dysfunctions known as immunosenescence. Clinically, immunosenescence refers to the gradual deterioration of immune system that increases exposure to infections, and reduces vaccine efficacy. Such phenomenon is linked to impaired immune responses that lead to dysfunction of multiple organs, while lack of physical activity, progressive loss of muscle mass, and concomitant decline in muscle strength facilitate immunosenescence and inflammation. In the present review, we have discussed the role of nutrition and PA, which can boost the immune system alone and synergistically. Evidence suggests that long-term PA is beneficial in improving immune system and preventing various infections. We have further discussed several nutritional strategies for improving the immune system. Unfortunately, the available evidence shows conflicting results. In terms of interaction with food intake, PA does not tend to increase energy intake during a short time course. However, overcoming nutritional deficiencies appears to be the most practical recommendation. Through the balanced nutritious diet intake one can fulfill the bodily requirement of optimal nutrition that significantly impacts the immune system. Supplementation of a single nutrient as food is generally not advisable. Rather incorporating various fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins and probiotics may ensure adequate nutrient intake. Therefore, multi-nutrient supplements may benefit people having deficiency in spite of sufficient diet. Along with PA, supplementation of probiotics, bovine colostrum, plant-derived products and functional foods may provide additional benefits in improving the immune system.

[Research progress in the role and mechanism of polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism]

Polysaccharides are a group of compounds composed of multiple monosaccharides of the same or different structures combined by glycosidic bonds, and are widely found in animals and plants and in the cell walls of microorganisms. Polysaccharides possess the advantages of high safety and low toxicity. Recent studies revealed that polysaccharides have a wide range of biological activities including immunoregulation, anti-tumor, antiviral, antioxidant activities, and blood glucose-and lipid- lowering effects. The effects of polysaccharides in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism have drawn much attention from researchers. Many polysaccharides can reduce blood glucose and blood lipid by repairing pancreatic islet cells, improving insulin resistance, regulating intestinal flora, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and regulating the activities of key enzymes in glucose and lipid metabolism. This reviews examines the role and mechanism of polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The mechanisms of polysaccharide in regulating glucose metabolism include repairing islet cells and increasing insulin content, increasing insulin sensitivity and improving insulin resistance, regulating the activity of key enzymes in glucose metabolism, increasing synthesis of liver glycogen, and regulating intestinal flora. Polysaccharides can also regulate glucose metabolism by improving immune regulation and antagonizing glucagon. Polysaccharide also regulate lipid metabolism by regulating lipid absorption, expression of the related genes such as PPAR-α, enzyme activities in lipid metabolism, improving antioxidant capacity, and modulating intestinal flora and signaling pathways.

Contributions of epiphytic microbiota on the fermentation characteristics and microbial composition of ensiled six whole crop corn varieties

AIMS

The present study is aimed to reveal the variations in epiphytic microbial composition among six whole crop corn (WCC) varieties and their contributions on ensiling characteristics and microbial composition of WCC silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six WCC varieties (JS06, YS23, BS20, JS39, JS40 and JS26) were ensiled for 90 days. All WCC varieties were well fermented with low pH value (<4·0) and high LA (73·6-124 g kg^-1 DM, dry matter) concentration. Of six varieties, JS40 had the highest LA (124 g kg^-1 DM) concentration, which was supported by highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Pantoea was the most dominant epiphytic bacteria in all fresh WCC varieties; however, the secondary dominant genera among six WCC were absolutely difference. Lactobacillus became predominant genus in 90-day silages except YS23. YS23 kept the more bacterial genus from fresh to 90-day silages than other silages, meanwhile Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were the dominant bacteria in YS23 silages.

CONCLUSIONS

Among six WCC varieties, JS40 silage had the highest LA. The variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC affected terminal microbial community of 90-day silages. There were differences in fermentation characteristics among six WCC varieties, which might be partly attributed to variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study not only enriches the research on microbial communities of plant phyllosphere but also provides theoretical basis for selecting WCC varieties and inoculants for the forage production.

Characterization and identification of cellulase-producing Enterococcus species isolated from Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens) rumen and their application in various forage silages

AIMS

Cellulase-producing Enterococcus species isolated from the rumen of Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens) were characterized, and their combined effects on the silage quality of various forages were studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The two isolated strains with high cellulolytic potential were identified as Enterococcus faecalis (EF85) and E. faecium (EF83) by 16S rRNA sequencing. Both EF85 and EF83 could grow well at 15-55°C, pH 3·0-6·0 and in 3·0-6·5% NaCl. The cellulase secreted by EF85 and EF83 showed good stability at temperatures from 20 to 45°C and pH from 4·5 to 7·0. A commercial inoculant (CLP), a commercial cellulase (CE) and the two cellulolytic strains (EF85 + EF83) were added to whole-crop corn, sweet sorghum and Napier grass ensiling for 120 days respectively. In Napier grass silage, all inoculants significantly increased lactic acid content and ratio of lactic to acetic acid and decreased pH, butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen contents. The acid detergent fibre and cellulose contents in EF85 + EF83 treatment were significantly lower than those in the other treatments. In whole-crop corn and sweet sorghum silages, all additives had no significant effect on the fermentation quality, while CE and EF85 + EF83 markedly enhanced cellulose degradation and increased free sugar content.

CONCLUSION

The combined inoculation of the cellulolytic strain EF85 and EF83 to various forages reduced the fibre content of the resulting silages.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Few studies involved inoculation of silage with Enterococcus species in different forage types. The isolated cellulolytic strains of E. faecalis EF85 and E. faecium EF83 could be a great alternative for commercial inoculants and enzymes in silage production.

Curcumin suppresses tumor growth of gemcitabine-resistant non-small cell lung cancer by regulating lncRNA-MEG3 and PTEN signaling

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies and the efficacy of chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation is limited in clinical application. Curcumin has been reported to block cancer development by modulating multiple signaling pathways. However, whether curcumin can inhibit gemcitabine-resistant non-small cell lung cancer through regulation of lncRNA and the involved molecular mechanisms are rarely reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay, clonogenic assay, apoptosis assay, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, xenograft experiment were carried out in the present study.

RESULTS

The results showed that curcumin suppressed gemcitabine-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Curcumin upregulated the expression of lncRNA-MEG3 and PTEN, and MEG3 overexpression could increase the level of PTEN expression, while MEG3 knockdown decreased the level of PTEN expression in gemcitabine-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells. Curcumin treatment failed to inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis in MEG3 knockdown or PTEN knockdown cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show the antitumor activity of curcumin for potential clinical application in gemcitabine-resistant non-small cell lung cancer treatment.

Surface-bound reactive oxygen species generating nanozymes for selective antibacterial action

Acting by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ, nanozymes are promising as antimicrobials. ROS' intrinsic inability to distinguish bacteria from mammalian cells, however, deprives nanozymes of the selectivity necessary for an ideal antimicrobial. Here we report that nanozymes that generate surface-bound ROS selectively kill bacteria over mammalian cells. This result is robust across three distinct nanozymes that universally generate surface-bound ROS, with an oxidase-like silver-palladium bimetallic alloy nanocage, AgPd0.38, being the lead model. The selectivity is attributable to both the surface-bound nature of ROS these nanozymes generate and an unexpected antidote role of endocytosis. Though surface-bound, the ROS on AgPd0.38 efficiently eliminated antibiotic-resistant bacteria and effectively delayed the onset of bacterial resistance emergence. When used as coating additives, AgPd0.38 enabled an inert substrate to inhibit biofilm formation and suppress infection-related immune responses in mouse models. This work opens an avenue toward biocompatible nanozymes and may have implication in our fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Improvement of fermentation quality and cellulose convertibility of Napier grass silage by inoculation of cellulolytic bacteria from Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens)

AIMS

To isolate and identify cellulolytic bacteria from yak rumen and further evaluate the effects of the isolates on the silage quality, structural carbohydrates degradation and cellulose convertibility of Napier grass silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two out of 218 strains were selected based on their most extensive transparent zone and the highest filter paper disintegration rate. The two isolates (JFL12 and JF85) could grow normally at 15-55°C, pH 3·0-7·0 and NaCl (3·0, 6·5%), and were identified as Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, respectively. Napier grass was ensiled with no additive control (C), Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp), JFL12, JF85, JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp for 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. All inoculated silages had higher lactic acid content, lower pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃ -N) and lignocellulose contents than the control silage. Silages treated with JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp had the lowest pH and NH₃ -N contents, the highest lactic acid content and lignocellulose degradation among all treatments. The isolates with or without Lp significantly (P < 0·01) increased water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), glucose, fructose and sucrose contents as compared with the control silage. Silages treated with JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp had higher glucose yield and cellulose convertibility than the other silages.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the application of isolates (JFL12 and JF85) with Lp had synergistic effects on accelerating the degradation of structural carbohydrates and improving the silage quality.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Napier grass presents difficulty to ensiling due to its low WSC and high structural carbohydrates contents. The screened cellulolytic bacteria could be a candidate strain in improving fermentation quality and structural carbohydrates degradability of ensiled forages.

Association Between Sedentary Behavior and Obesity in School-age Children in China: A Systematic Review of Evidence

Background and Objective:

China has experienced a rapid increase in the number of obese and overweight children, and sedentary behavior has been recognized as an important factor. The purpose of this review is to summarize studies on the relationship between sedentary behavior and obesity in school-age children in China.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted to identify studies that investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior and obesity in children between the ages of 6 and 18 years in China. Two researchers independently screened studies, assessed their methodological quality, and extracted relevant data. Findings on the relationship between sedentary behavior and obesity in children were synthesized and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 17 studies were included in the review. Fifteen out of 17 studies indicated that spending too much time engaged in sedentary behavior, especially screen-based sedentary behavior, was associated with obesity in children and adolescents in China. Possible reasons for this association are less energy expenditure, increased energy intake, and insufficient sleep owing to overtime sedentary behavior. Moreover, seven, six, and three studies justified children’s physical activity, dietary intake, or sleep, and most of the studies (five, three, and two) indicated that association between sedentary behavior and obesity is independent of these justified variables. Although differences in gender and area of residence in the association between sedentary behavior and obesity were examined in five studies, definite conclusions could not be drawn because of inconsistent findings or limited research.

Conclusion:

Future research is necessary to enhance understanding of demographic differences in the association between sedentary behavior and obesity in children as well as on the contributions of different types of sedentary behavior to child obesity in China.

Effects of various epiphytic microbiota inoculation on the fermentation quality and microbial community dynamics during the ensiling of sterile Napier grass

AIM

To investigate epiphytic microbiota transformation of forages, their adaptation and contributions to fermentation quality of silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Gamma-irradiated chopped Napier grass were ensiled with distilled water (STR), extracted epiphytic microbiota of Napier grass (NAP), sudan grass (SUD), whole crop corn (WCC) and forage sorghum (FS). Inoculating Napier grass with WCC significantly increased lactic acid (LA) concentrations during the initial ensiling period followed by a decline after 30 days. Relative to other silages (except STR) inoculation with NAP resulted in lower LA and greater pH, ammonia-N and dry matter (DM) losses. Silage inoculated with FS and SUD maintained lower pH as well as higher (P < 0·05) LA concentrations after 60 days of storage. During day 3 of ensilage, WCC, NAP and SUD inoculated silage were dominated by bacterial genera of Lactobacillus, while Lactococcus dominated the FS silage. Final silages were dominated by Lactobacillus in all treatment silages, however Enterobacter (16·3%) in NAP and Acetobacter (25·7%) in WCC silage were also prominent during the final ensiling.

CONCLUSION

The inoculation of epiphytic microbiota of forage sorghum and sudan grass positively influenced the microbial community and fermentability of sterile Napier grass silage.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first time to investigate the effects of various epiphytic microbiota as silage inoculants which can be used as alternative source of environmental friendly and economically feasible silage additives.

Effect of sorbic acid and dual-purpose inoculants on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of high dry matter rice straw silage

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of sorbic acid (SA) as a silage additive and its effects on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of high dry matter (DM) silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

High DM rice straw was ensiled with distilled water (C), 1 × 10⁶  CFU per gram fresh weight (FW) Lactobacillus plantarum and 1 × 10⁶  CFU per gram FW Lactobacillus buchneri (LP+LB) or SA for 45 days with a subsequent aerobic stability test. After ensiling, LP+LB silage had the highest lactic acid (LA) content and the lowest pH value, whereas SA silage had the highest DM and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents, and the lowest ethanol and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃ -N) contents among all silages (P < 0·001). Compared to C silage, SA significantly (P < 0·01) reduced the counts of yeasts but not lactic acid bacteria (LAB). During 6-day aerobic exposure, the continuous pH increase and LA decrease were observed in C and LP+LB silages, and there was no significant change in pH, DM, NH₃ -N and WSC contents of SA silage over the whole aerobic exposure. The SA addition slowed the decline of LA and acetic acid (AA) contents as well as the growth of yeasts and aerobic bacteria under aerobic exposure.

CONCLUSION

In this study, L. buchneri could not function in high DM rice straw silage while SA effectively improved both the fermentation quality and aerobic stability.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The SA was more effective than dual-purpose inoculants to improve the aerobic stability of high DM rice straw silage. Thus, SA can be served as a potential antifungal additive for silage with high DM.

Abstract P5-15-03: Imaging is not indicated in staging of asymptomatic patients with early breast cancer – Are we following current recommendations?

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women with estimated care costs of $20.50 billion/year by 2020. In 2012, ASCO released the Choosing Wisely Initiative which recommended against the use of routine staging imaging in patients with newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer. We examined physician's adherence rate and factors associated with non-adherence to current guidelines in patients with early stage breast cencer treated within a large urban health care system.

We identified all women with stage I-II breast cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 from the Cancer Registry of the Mount Sinai Health System. Patients with history of prior malignancy or symptom-triggered imaging were excluded. Demographic, clinical and treatment related factors were collected. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients who had routine staging scans. Data of initial and follow-up imaging over 1-year period were collected. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from logistic regression models.

Among 917 breast cancer patients, the median age at diagnosis was 59 years (range 26-98). One hundred seventy one patients (18.6%) had routine staging imaging with a mean number of initial scans of 1.48. Eighty-two patients (48%) had at least 1 subsequent scan in the 1-year follow up (range 1-4 scans/year). PET/CT was the most frequent modality (49%), followed by CT scan (33%). The medical oncologist was the ordering provider in 50.3% of the cases and surgical oncologist in 43.2%. Routine staging scans identified no cases of metastatic disease. False-positive findings were identified in 49.7% and incidental findings in 9.3% of cases. Total cost of imaging in this group was $3990/patient. Young age (&lt;50 years old), tumor size &gt;2cm, positive lymph nodes, and triple negative disease were associated with presence of routine staging scans on univariate and multivariate analysis (Table 1).

Our study highlights the prevalence of unnecessary staging scans in up to 18.6% of patients with early stage I-II breast cancer. Routine imaging resulted in increased radiation exposure, multiple subsequent imaging, and increased economical burden particularly for those of young age, T2 tumors, positive lymph nodes, and triple negative disease. Further educational efforts are needed to avoid unnecessary scans in patients with early stage breast cancer and improve high-value practices among medical and surgical oncologists.

Factors associated with routine staging scans in early breast cancer OR95% CIp-value Univariate Analysis:   Age &lt; 501.691.17-2.420.005T2 tumors4.353.01-6.28&lt;0.0001Positive lymph nodes5.073.43-7.51&lt;0.0001Triple negative disease2.941.86-4.63&lt;0.0001 Multivariate Analysis:   Age &lt; 501.571.03-2.390.037T2 tumors3.472.34 -5.17&lt;0.0001Positive lymph nodes4.042.64-6.18&lt;0.0001Triple negative disease2.991.76-5.05&lt;0.0001

Citation Format: Velazquez AI, Nguyen NT, Rodriguez-Bonilla C, Shao T. Imaging is not indicated in staging of asymptomatic patients with early breast cancer – Are we following current recommendations? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-15-03.

[The effect of corneal biomechanical properties on opaque bubble layer in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)]

Objective: To investigate the influence of corneal biomechanical properties on opaque bubble layer (OBL) in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: In this nested case control study, 20 patients (31 eyes) were enrolled in OBL group, while 51 patients (98 eyes) were included in non-OBL group. The parameters were obtained by Pentacam HR and Corvis ST examinations. Independent t test was used to analyze the difference of corneal biomechanical parameters between the two groups and multivariable logistics regression was applied to analysis the influence of corneal biomechanical properties on OBL. Results: This study enrolled 129 eyes in 71 cases including 30 males and 41 females, with a mean age of (22.50±5.18) years old. It has shown that the spherical equivalent (SE) [(-4.64±1.33) and (-5.78±1.61) D], central corneal thickness (CCT) [(572±29) and (550±32)μm], residual stromal thickness (RST)[(356±31) and (325±36 μm)], and lenticule thickness (LT) [(96±23) and (115±25) μm] were significantly different between OBL group and non-OBL group (t=3.58, -3.43, -5.68 and 3.64, respectively, P<0.05). There were significant differences in deflection amplitude at the first applanation and highest concavity (A1 DefA and HC DefA), deflection area at the highest concavity (HC DefArea), maximum deformation amplitude (DAmax), maximum deflection amplitude (DefAmax) and stiff parameter (SP) (108.85±13.77 and 100.19±14.13) between the two groups (t=-2.75, 2.41, 3.62, 4.09, 2.22 and -2.99, respectively, P<0.05). The OR and 95% confidence interval of SP in crude and adjusted logistics models were 1.04, (1.01-1.07) (P=0.005), and 1.01, (1.00-1.05) (P=0.426), respectively. Conclusions: The occurrence of OBL could be influenced by various corneal biomechanical factors. The thicker CCT, thicker RST and the stiffer cornea may increase the risk for the occurrence of OBL. Fully acknowledgement on the relationship between corneal biomechanics and surgical outcomes and evaluation of the occurrence of OBL in SMILE surgery is of great importance for improving the safety and predictability of SMILE. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:115-121).

Phylogenetic identification of lactic acid bacteria isolates and their effects on the fermentation quality of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage

AIM

To isolate, screen and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from elephant silage during the process of the fermentation and their effects on the fermentation quality of sweet sorghum silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The isolated strains were identified based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rRNA analysis. Seven LAB strains were isolated from elephant grass silage. Three strains (Pediococcus acidilactici (AZZ1), Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (AZZ4), L. plantarum subsp. argentoratensis (AZZ7) and one commercial bacteria L. plantarum, ecosyl MTD/1(CB)) were chosen as additives at 6 log colony forming units per gram of fresh sweet sorghum grass in laboratory silos (680 g). Silos for each treatment were opened after 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days, respectively. All isolates were characterized as Gram-positive, catalase-negative and grow normally in 6·5% NaCl. The strains AZZ1, AZZ2 and AZZ5, were identified as Pediococcus genus while AZZ3, AZZ4, AZZ6 and AZZ7 were Lactobacillus genus. Compared to the control, all the isolates improved the silage quality of sweet sorghum silage, indicated by significantly (P < 0·05) lower pH and ammonia-nitrogen contents and undesirable micro-organism counts, and higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid. During ensiling, AZZ4 performed better among all of inoculants, indicated by significantly (P < 0·05) decreased on pH and ammonia-N contents and higher increased on LA contents.

CONCLUSION

Strain AZZ4 is recommended as starter culture for sweet sorghum.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first time to investigate the effects of LAB isolates from elephant grass silage and use them as additives, which is to find out how LAB inoculants improve the fermentation quality of sweet sorghum silage.

Effects of applying lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production of forage-based total mixed ration silage in Tibet

Total mixed ration (TMR) silage technology has been practically used to feed ruminants in Tibet. This study was conducted on forage-based TMR to evaluate the effects of supplementing lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on its fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility. Experimental treatments included four variants: (1) TMR supplemented with 10 mL deionised water per kilogram fresh matter (Control); (2) TMR supplemented with 1 × 106 cfu/g Lactobacillus plantarum (L); (3) TMR supplemented with 0.3% propionic acid (P); (4) TMR supplemented with a combination of 1 × 106 cfu/g Lactobacillus plantarum and 0.3% propionic acid (LP). The latter three additives were first dissolved in deionised water and then applied as a water solution (10 mL/kg fresh matter). All treatments were ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 45 days, and then exposed to air for 12 days to evaluate the aerobic stability of TMR silage. Further, the four experimental treatments were fermented with buffered rumen fluid to measure in vitro gas production and nutrients’ digestibility. The results indicated that all TMR silages possessed good fermentation characteristics with low pH values (&lt;4.18) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) contents (&lt;100 g/kg total nitrogen), and high lactic acid contents (&gt;66 g/kg DM) and Flieg points (&gt;80). The addition of L and LP stimulated a more efficient homofermentation of TMR silage than in the variant without L, as evidenced by higher ratios of lactic:acetic acid. The addition of P had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on lactic acid production of TMR silage compared with the Control, whereas it decreased NH3-N content (P &lt; 0.05). Under aerobic conditions, L silage showed less aerobic stability compared with the Control silage, whereas P and LP silages were more (P &lt; 0.05) aerobically stable. Compared with the Control, all additives elevated (P &lt; 0.05) the total gas production and in vitro dry matter digestibility of TMR silages. L silage had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility than the Control silage. Data obtained from this study suggested that TMR silage based on oat and common vetch can be well conserved with or without additives. Lactic acid bacteria were compatible with propionic acid, and addition of lactic acid bacteria together with propionic acid can improve the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro dry matter digestibility of TMR silage.

Effects of storage temperature and combined microbial inoculants on fermentation end products and microbial populations of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage

AIMS

To examine five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (LCG9, LTG7, I5, TG1 and LI3) isolated from the Tibetan Plateau, and evaluate their combined effects on the silage quality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) at three temperatures (10, 15 and 25°C).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The isolated strains were evaluated by morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. Six combined inoculants LCG9+LI3, LCG9+I5, LCG9+TG1, LTG7+LI3, LTG7+I5 and LTG7+TG1 were added to Italian ryegrass for ensiling 30 days in laboratory silos (1L) at various temperatures, respectively. All the isolates could grow normally at 5-20°C, pH 3·5-7·0 and NaCl (3·0, 6·5%). Compared to three corresponding controls, all the inoculants improved the silage quality of Italian ryegrass at different temperatures, indicated by markedly (P < 0·05) higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid (LA/AA), and lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) contents and undesirable micro-organism counts. At 10°C, LTG7+LI3, I5 or TG1 inoculants performed superior to LCG9+LI3, I5 or TG1 inoculants, evidenced by distinctly (P < 0·05) higher LA contents and ratios of LA/AA, and lower pH and NH3 -N contents. LTG7+LI3 or TG1 silages had obviously (P < 0·05) higher LAB counts than LTG7+I5 silage at 10°C.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the combined inoculants LTG7 + LI3 or TG1 are recommended as starter cultures for Italian ryegrass silage at low temperatures.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Temperature is a key factor affecting ensilage. In cold regions, low temperature could be an adverse environmental condition during ensiling. However, few studies have focused on improving silage quality at low temperatures. Moreover, analysis of effects of combined LAB strains with their physiological and biochemical characteristics help us use combined LAB inoculants to realize the fermentation optimization.

[Epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors on the comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic diseases in preschool children]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and relevant factors on the comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic disease among preschool children in urban areas of Ma'anshan city. Methods: During April 2014 to April 2015, 91 kindergartens over 3 years old were investigated. In the investigation, 16 439 questionnaires were distributed to parents, and 15 291 valid questionnaires were collected. Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire (brief symptom questionnaire) was filled out by parents to assess the children's hyperactive behaviors. Information of allergic disease history was reported by parents, including allergic dermatitis/eczema, food/drug allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors of comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergy diseases. Results: The average age of the 15 291 children were (4.5±1.0) years old, among which 53.7% (8 218/15 291) were boys. The prevalence of hyperactive behaviors was 8.6%(1 317/15 291), and the comorbidity rate of hyperactivity and allergic deseases was 1.7% (258/15 291). After confounding factors including gender, age, delivery mode, father's age and pregnancy complications adjusted, poor sleep quality (OR=4.45, 95%CI: 2.85-6.94), long duration of watching TV at weekend (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.00-1.94) and poor eating behavior (OR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.07-2.98) were relevant factors of the comorbidity of hyperactivity and allergic diseases. Conclusion: The prevalence of comorbidity of hyperactivity behavior and allergic disease among preschool children in urban areas of Ma'anshan city was not high. Poor night sleep quality, long duration of watching TV and frequently picky eating were relevant factors of the comorbidity of hyperactive behaviors and allergic diseases.