Mouse Models for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The prognosis and survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have remained unchanged for years, and the pathogenesis of HNSCC is still not fully understood, necessitating further research. An ideal animal model that accurately replicates the complex microenvironment of HNSCC is urgently needed. Among all the animal models for preclinical cancer research, tumor-bearing mouse models are the best known and widely used due to their high similarity to humans. Currently, mouse models for HNSCC can be broadly categorized into chemical-induced models, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), and transplanted mouse models, each with its distinct advantages and limitations. In chemical-induced models, the carcinogen spontaneously initiates tumor formation through a multistep process. The resemblance of this model to human carcinogenesis renders it an ideal preclinical platform for studying HNSCC initiation and progression from precancerous lesions. The major drawback is that these models are time-consuming and, like human cancer, unpredictable in terms of timing, location, and number of lesions. GEMMs involve transgenic and knockout mice with gene modifications, leading to malignant transformation within a tumor microenvironment that recapitulates tumorigenesis in vivo, including their interaction with the immune system. However, most HNSCC GEMMs exhibit low tumor incidence and limited prognostic significance when translated to clinical studies. Transplanted mouse models are the most widely used in cancer research due to their consistency, availability, and efficiency. Based on the donor and recipient species matching, transplanted mouse models can be divided into xenografts and syngeneic models. In the latter, transplanted cells and host are from the same strain, making syngeneic models relevant to study functional immune system. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the characteristics, establishment methods, and potential applications of these different HNSCC mouse models, aiming to assist researchers in choosing suitable animal models for their research.

Inflammation Triggers Chondrocyte Ferroptosis in TMJOA via HIF-1α/TFRC

Inflammation and loss of articular cartilage are considered the major cause of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), a painful condition of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To determine the cause of TMJ osteoarthritis in these patients, synovial fluid of TMJOA patients was compared prior to and after hyaluronic lavage, revealing substantially elevated levels of interleukin (IL) 1β, reactive oxidative stress (ROS), and an overload of Fe3+ and Fe2+ prior to lavage, indicative of ferroptosis as a mode of chondrocyte cell death. To ask whether prolonged inflammatory conditions resulted in ferroptosis-like transformation in vitro, we subjected TMJ chondrocytes to IL-1β treatment, resulting in a shift in messenger RNA sequencing gene ontologies related to iron homeostasis and oxidative stress-related cell death. Exposure to rat unilateral anterior crossbite conditions resulted in reduced COL2A1 expression, fewer chondrocytes, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) downregulation, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) upregulation, an effect that was reversed after intra-articular injections of the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin 1 (Fer-1). Our study demonstrated that ferroptosis conditions affected mitochondrial structure and function, while the inhibitor Fer-1 restored mitochondrial structure and the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) or the transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC) rescued IL-1β-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibition of HIF-1α downregulated IL-1β-induced TFRC expression, while inhibition of TFRC did not downregulate IL-1β-induced HIF-1α expression in chondrocytes. Moreover, inhibition of HIF-1α or TFRC downregulated the IL-1β-induced MMP13 expression in chondrocytes, while inhibition of HIF-1α or TFRC rescued IL-1β-inhibited COL2A1 expression in chondrocytes. Furthermore, upregulation of TFRC promoted Fe2+ entry into chondrocytes, inducing the Fenton reaction and lipid peroxidation, which in turn caused ferroptosis, a disruption in chondrocyte functions, and an exacerbation of condylar cartilage degeneration. Together, these findings illustrate the far-reaching effects of chondrocyte ferroptosis in TMJOA as a mechanism causing chondrocyte death through iron overload, oxidative stress, and articular cartilage degeneration and a potential major cause of TMJOA.

Functional ultrasound imaging of the human spinal cord

Utilizing the first in-human functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) of the spinal cord, we demonstrate the integration of spinal functional responses to electrical stimulation. We record and characterize the hemodynamic responses of the spinal cord to a neuromodulatory intervention commonly used for treating pain and increasingly used for the restoration of sensorimotor and autonomic function. We found that the hemodynamic response to stimulation reflects a spatiotemporal modulation of the spinal cord circuitry not previously recognized. Our analytical capability offers a mechanism to assess blood flow changes with a new level of spatial and temporal precision in vivo and demonstrates that fUSI can decode the functional state of spinal networks in a single trial, which is of fundamental importance for developing real-time closed-loop neuromodulation systems. This work is a critical step toward developing a vital technique to study spinal cord function and effects of clinical neuromodulation.

Search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson to a pair of pseudoscalars in the μμbb and ττbb final states

A search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson (H ) with a mass of 125Ge V to a pair of light pseudoscalars a 1 is performed in final states where one pseudoscalar decays to two b quarks and the other to a pair of muons or τ leptons. A data sample of proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te V corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 recorded with the CMS detector is analyzed. No statistically significant excess is observed over the standard model backgrounds. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level (CL ) on the Higgs boson branching fraction to μ μ b b and to τ τ b b , via a pair of a 1 s. The limits depend on the pseudoscalar mass m a 1 and are observed to be in the range (0.17-3.3) × 10 - 4 and (1.7-7.7) × 10 - 2 in the μ μ b b and τ τ b b final states, respectively. In the framework of models with two Higgs doublets and a complex scalar singlet (2HDM+S), the results of the two final states are combined to determine upper limits on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 → ℓ ℓ b b ) at 95% CL , with ℓ being a muon or a τ lepton. For different types of 2HDM+S, upper bounds on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) are extracted from the combination of the two channels. In most of the Type II 2HDM+S parameter space, B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) values above 0.23 are excluded at 95% CL for m a 1 values between 15 and 60Ge V .

Activation of secondary metabolite gene clusters in Chaetomium olivaceum via the deletion of a histone deacetylase

Histone acetylation modifications in filamentous fungi play a crucial role in epigenetic gene regulation and are closely linked to the transcription of secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a pivotal role in determining the extent of histone acetylation modifications and act as triggers for the expression activity of target BGCs. The genus Chaetomium is widely recognized as a rich source of novel and bioactive SMs. Deletion of a class I HDAC gene of Chaetomium olivaceum SD-80A, g7489, induces a substantial pleiotropic effect on the expression of SM BGCs. The C. olivaceum SD-80A ∆g7489 strain exhibited significant changes in morphology, sporulation ability, and secondary metabolic profile, resulting in the emergence of new compound peaks. Notably, three polyketides (A1-A3) and one asterriquinone (A4) were isolated from this mutant strain. Furthermore, our study explored the BGCs of A1-A4, confirming the function of two polyketide synthases (PKSs). Collectively, our findings highlight the promising potential of molecular epigenetic approaches for the elucidation of novel active compounds and their biosynthetic elements in Chaetomium species. This finding holds great significance for the exploration and utilization of Chaetomium resources. KEY POINTS: • Deletion of a class I histone deacetylase activated secondary metabolite gene clusters. • Three polyketides and one asterriquinone were isolated from HDAC deleted strain. • Two different PKSs were reported in C. olivaceum SD-80A.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers of X(2370) as 0^{-+} from J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'}

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'} is performed. The mass and width of the X(2370) are measured to be 2395±11(stat)_{-94}^{+26}(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 188_{-17}^{+18}(stat)_{-33}^{+124}(syst)  MeV, respectively. The corresponding product branching fraction is B[J/ψ→γX(2370)]×B[X(2370)→f_{0}(980)η^{'}]×B[f_{0}(980)→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}]=(1.31±0.22(stat)_{-0.84}^{+2.85}(syst))×10^{-5}. The statistical significance of the X(2370) is greater than 11.7σ and the spin parity is determined to be 0^{-+} for the first time. The measured mass and spin parity of the X(2370) are consistent with the predictions of the lightest pseudoscalar glueball.

Lineage-Specific CYP80 Expansion and Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Diversity in Early-Diverging Eudicots

Menispermaceae species, as early-diverging eudicots, can synthesize valuable benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) like bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (bisBIAs) and sinomenines with a wide range of structural diversity. However, the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for their chemo-diversity are not well understood. Here, a chromosome-level genome assembly of Menispermum dauricum is presented and demonstrated the occurrence of two whole genome duplication (WGD) events that are shared by Ranunculales and specific to Menispermum, providing a model for understanding chromosomal evolution in early-diverging eudicots. The biosynthetic pathway for diverse BIAs in M. dauricum is reconstructed by analyzing the transcriptome and metabolome. Additionally, five catalytic enzymes - one norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) and four cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) - from M. dauricum are responsible for the formation of the skeleton, hydroxylated modification, and C-O/C-C phenol coupling of BIAs. Notably, a novel leaf-specific MdCYP80G10 enzyme that catalyzes C2'-C4a phenol coupling of (S)-reticuline into sinoacutine, the enantiomer of morphinan compounds, with predictable stereospecificity is discovered. Moreover, it is found that Menispermum-specific CYP80 gene expansion, as well as tissue-specific expression, has driven BIA diversity in Menispermaceae as compared to other Ranunculales species. This study sheds light on WGD occurrences in early-diverging eudicots and the evolution of diverse BIA biosynthesis.

Epidemiological and Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis of Restaurant Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak Associated with an Infected Food Handler in Jiangxi Province, China, 2023

In China, Salmonella is one of the most frequent causes of bacterial gastroenteritis, and food handlers in restaurants as an important contaminated source were rarely reported. In May 2023, an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection in a restaurant in Jiangxi Province, China, was investigated. Cases were interviewed. Stool samples from cases, anal swabs from restaurant employees, suspicious raw food materials, and semifinished food were collected and examined. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to determine the relatedness of the pathogen isolates. Antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes of isolates were analyzed by WGS. The antimicrobial profile of the isolates was detected by broth microdilution, which involved 20 different antibiotics. Among the 31 patrons, 26 showed gastrointestinal symptoms. Five Salmonella Enteritidis strains were isolated from patients (2), semifinished food (2), and food handler (1). The results of PFGE and single-nucleotide polymorphism showed that these five isolates were identical clones. These findings demonstrated that this outbreak was a restaurant Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak associated with an infected food handler. The rates of resistance to nalidixic acid and colistin and intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin were 100%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. These outbreak isolates harbored point mutation gyrA p.D87G. The cause of inconsistency between the genotype and phenotype of resistance was deeply discussed. A total of 107 virulence genes were found in each isolate, with many being associated with Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)-1 and SPI-2. As an overlooked contamination source, infected food handlers can easily cause large-scale outbreaks. This outbreak highlighted that the government should enhance the training and supervision of food hygiene and safety for food handlers to prevent foodborne outbreaks.

[Establishment of a prognostic nomogram and discussion on optimal treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma:a retrospective study based on SEER database and Chinese single-center data]

Objective: To establish and validate a predicting nomogram for cervical adenocarcinoma based on surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database and Chinese single-center data, and to explore the optimal treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma. Methods: This study selected 2 478 cervical adenocarcinoma patients from the SEER database as the training cohort, and 195 cervical adenocarcinoma patients from Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaouing Cancer Hospital and Institute as an external validation cohort. Clinicopathological information and follow-up data of the two cohorts were collected. The radiotherapy group was defined as receiving comprehensive treatment based on concurrent chemoradiotherapy after initial diagnosis, while the surgery group was defined as receiving comprehensive treatment based on radical surgery. Log-rank test and cox regression were used to evaluate factors affecting the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients. A nomogram was drawn to predict the 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates of cervical adenocarcinoma patients, and then internal validation of the training cohort from SEER database and external validation of the hospital cohort were conducted. Results: (1) In the SEER database training cohort, there were 385 patients (15.54%, 385/2 478) in the radiotherapy group and 2 093 patients (84.46%, 2 093/2 478) in the surgery group. Overall survival time of the radiotherapy group was (55.8±51.3) months, while that of the surgery roup was (94.4±61.7) months, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=256.44, P<0.001). Log-rank test showed that age, marital status, maximum of tumor diameters, pathological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and treatments were all significant factors affecting the overall survival time of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elder (>50 years old), single status, huge tumors (>4 cm), high pathological grades (G2, G3), and advanced FIGO stages (≥Ⅱa2 stage) were independent risk factors for the overall survival time of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (all P<0.05); compared with radiotherapy, surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (HR=0.619, 95%CI: 0.494-0.777; P<0.001). Further analysis of locally advanced stage and Ⅲc stage of patients showed that surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients with a maximum tumor diameter >4 to <6 cm (HR=0.414, 95%CI: 0.182-0.942; P=0.036) in locally advanced stage and Ⅲc T1 to T2 stage (HR=0.473, 95%CI: 0.307-0.728; P=0.001). (2) The external validation cohort consisted of 39 patients (20.00%, 39/195) in the radiotherapy group and 156 patients (80.00%, 156/195) in the surgery group. The overall survival time of patients in the radiotherapy group was (51.7±34.3) months, while that of the surgery group was (63.1±26.6) months (χ2=28.41, P<0.001). Further analysis was conducted on locally advanced stage and Ⅲc stage patients, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed after propensity score matching, which showed that surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients with a maximum tumor diameter >4 to <6 cm in locally advanced stage (HR=0.141, 95%CI: 0.023-0.843; P=0.032) and Ⅲc T1 to T2 stage (HR=0.184, 95%CI: 0.036-0.947; P=0.043). (3) Establishment and internal and external validation of nomogram: based on the six factors screened out by the multivariate Cox regression model, the nomogram was developed to predict the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients. The consistency index of the internal and external validation were 0.801 and 0.766, respectively, and the calibration curves matched well with the ideal fitting line. Conclusions: The key to the treatment of cervical adenocarcinoma is to prioritize radical surgery for patients with conditions for radical tumor resection. Compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, patients with locally advanced stages (Ⅰb3, Ⅱa2), and Ⅲc (T1, T2) stages cervical adenocarcinoma could benefit from comprehensive treatment based on radical surgery. The nomogram of this study has been validated internally and externally, and show good survival prediction efficacy for cervical adenocarcinoma patients.

Observation of Structures in the Processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2}

We present measurements of the Born cross sections for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s] from 4.308 to 4.951 GeV. The measurements are performed with data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.0  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider storage ring. Assuming the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c2} signals come from a single resonance, the mass and width are determined to be M=(4413.6±9.0±0.8)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(110.5±15.0±2.9)  MeV, respectively, which is consistent with the parameters of the well-established resonance ψ(4415). In addition, we also use one single resonance to describe the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} line shape and determine the mass and width to be M=(4544.2±18.7±1.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(116.1±33.5±1.7)  MeV, respectively. The structure of this line shape, observed for the first time, requires further understanding.

Bioinformatics-Guided Reconstitution of Biosynthetic Machineries of Fungal Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes

Eremophilanes exhibit diverse biological activities and chemical structures. This study reports the bioinformatics-guided reconstitution of the biosynthetic machinery of fungal eremophilanes, eremofortin C and sporogen-AO1, to elucidate their biosynthetic pathways. Their biosyntheses include P450-catalyzed multistep oxidation and enzyme-catalyzed isomerization by the DUF3237 family protein. Successful characterization of six P450s enabled us to discuss the functions of eremophilane P450s in putative eremophilane biosynthetic gene clusters, providing opportunities to understand the oxidative modification pathways of fungal eremophilanes.

Coupled-Channel Analysis of the χ_{c1}(3872) Line Shape with BESIII Data

We perform a study of the χ_{c1}(3872) line shape using the data samples of e^{+}e^{-}→γχ_{c1}(3872), χ_{c1}(3872)→D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0}, and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ collected with the BESIII detector. The effects of the coupled channels and the off-shell D^{*0} are included in the parametrization of the line shape. The line shape mass parameter is obtained to be M_{X}=(3871.63±0.13_{-0.05}^{+0.06})  MeV. Two poles are found on the first and second Riemann sheets corresponding to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} branch cut. The pole location on the first sheet is much closer to the D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0} threshold than the other, and is determined to be 7.04±0.15_{-0.08}^{+0.07}  MeV above the D^{0}D[over ¯]^{0}π^{0} threshold with an imaginary part -0.19±0.08_{-0.19}^{+0.14}  MeV.

Observation of the Anomalous Shape of X(1840) in J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) Indicating a Second Resonance Near pp[over ¯] Threshold

Using a sample of (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events, which is about 45 times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84  GeV/c^{2} in the line shape of the 3(π^{+}π^{-}) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 10σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7  MeV/c^{2} and 30.7±5.5±2.4  MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp[over ¯] bound state.

Functional Characterization of Sesquiterpene Synthases and P450 Enzymes in Flammulina velutipes for Biosynthesis of Spiro [4.5] Decane Terpene

Flammulina velutipes, a popular edible mushroom, contains sesquiterpenes with potential health benefits. We characterized 12 sesquiterpene synthases and one P450 enzyme in F. velutipes using Aspergillus oryzae as a heterologous expression system, culminating in the biosynthesis of 16 distinct sesquiterpene compounds. An enzyme encoded by the axeB gene responsible for the synthesis of the spiro [4.5] decane compound axenol was discovered, and the mechanism of spirocycle formation was elucidated through quantum mechanical calculations. Furthermore, we delineated the role of a P450 enzyme colocated with AxeB in producing the novel compound 3-oxo-axenol. Our findings highlight the diverse array of sesquiterpene skeletons and functional groups biosynthesized by these enzymes in F. velutipes and underscore the effectiveness of the A. oryzae system as a heterologous host for expressing genes in the Basidiomycota genome. These insights into the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in F. velutipes have significant implications for functional food and drug development.

[The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy neoadjuvant in locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of immunoneoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. Methods: This study was a prospective, single arm, single center clinical study that was opened for enrollment in April 2021. Patients who met the inclusion criteria at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were treated with neoadjuvant therapy of pembrolizumab combined with cisplatin and paclitaxel, and after treatments, received surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy. The main endpoint of this study was postoperative pathological complete response (pCR), and other observations included adverse reactions and long-term prognoses of patients after neoadjuvant therapy. Results: By September 2023, a total of 23 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and surgery were enrolled in the study and all patients were males aged 49-74 years. All patients were locally advanced stage, including 3 patients in stage Ⅲ and 20 patients in stage Ⅳ. There were 12 cases of primary lesions with posterior ring involvement accompanied by fixation of one vocal cord and 20 cases of regional lymph node metastases classified as N2. Eighteen cases received a two cycle regimen and 5 cases received a three cycle regimen for neoadjuvant therapy. The postoperative pCR rate was 26.1% (6/23), with no surgical delay caused by adverse drug reactions. The laryngeal preservation rate was 87.0% (20/23). Pharyngeal fistula was the main surgical complication, with an incidence of 21.7% (5/23). The median follow-up time was 15 months, and 3 patients experienced local recurrence. Conclusions: The immunoneoadjuvant therapy of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy has a high pCR rate in locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, with increased laryngeal preservation rate and no significant impact on surgical safety.

Study of the f_{0}(980) and f_{0}(500) Scalar Mesons through the Decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using e^{+}e^{-} collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33  fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, we present an analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}, where the D_{s}^{+} is produced via the process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*±}D_{s}^{∓}. We observe the f_{0}(980) in the π^{+}π^{-} system and the branching fraction of the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} with f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-} measured to be (1.72±0.13_{stat}±0.10_{syst})×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The dynamics of the D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} decay are studied with the simple pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the f_{0}(980) in the differential decay rate, and the product of the form factor f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| is determined for the first time to be f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.017_{stat}±0.035_{syst}. Furthermore, the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} is searched for the first time but no signal is found. The upper limit on the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e}, f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-} decay is set to be 3.3×10^{-4} at 90% confidence level.

Comparison of laparoscopic and open inguinal-hernia repair in elderly patients: the experience of two comprehensive medical centers over 10 years

PURPOSE

The safety of laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair must be carefully evaluated in elderly patients. Very little is known regarding the safety of the laparoscopic approach in elderly patients under surgical and medical co-management (SMC). Therefore, this study evaluated the safety of the laparoscopic approach in elderly patients, especially patients with multiple comorbidities under SMC.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2021, patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent open or laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair during hospitalization were consecutively enrolled. Postoperative outcomes included major and minor operation-related complications, and other adverse events. To reduce potential selection bias, propensity score matching was performed between open and laparoscopic groups based on patients' demographics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 447 elderly patients who underwent inguinal-hernia repair were enrolled, with 408 (91.3%) underwent open and 39 (8.7%) laparoscopic surgery. All postoperative outcomes were comparable between open and laparoscopic groups after 1:1 propensity score matching (all p > 0.05). Moreover, compared to the traditional care group (n = 360), a higher proportion of the SMC group (n = 87) was treated via the laparoscopic approach (18.4% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.00). In the laparoscopic approach subgroup (n = 39), patients in the SMC group (n = 16) were older with multiple comorbidities but were at higher risks of only minor operation-related complications, compared to those in the traditional care group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair surgery is safe for elderly patients, especially those with multiple comorbidities under SMC.

Observation of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} in the Amplitude Analysis of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η

We perform for the first time an amplitude analysis of the decay D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η and report the observation of the decay D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector. As the only W-annihilation-free decay among D to a_{0}(980) pseudoscalar, D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} is the ideal decay in extracting the contributions of the W-emission amplitudes involving a_{0}(980) and to study the final-state interactions. The absolute branching fraction of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η is measured to be (1.27±0.04_{stat}±0.03_{syst})%. The branching fractions of intermediate processes D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} with a_{0}(980)^{+}→π^{+}η and D^{+}→π^{+}K[over ¯]_{0}^{*}(1430)^{0} with K[over ¯]_{0}^{*}(1430)^{0}→K_{S}^{0}η are measured to be (1.33±0.05_{stat}±0.04_{syst})% and (0.14±0.03_{stat}±0.01_{syst})%, respectively.

Observation of Significant Flavor-SU(3) Breaking in the Kaon Wave Function at 12<Q^{2}<25 GeV^{2} and Discovery of the Charmless Decay ψ(3770)→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0}

We present cross sections for the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0} at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.51 to 4.95 GeV using data samples collected in the BESIII experiment, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 26.5  fb^{-1}. The ratio of neutral-to-charged kaon form factors at large momentum transfers (12 Collapse

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Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15  PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.

Biochemical characterization of a multiple prenyltransferase from Tolypocladium inflatum

Prenylation plays a pivotal role in the diversification and biological activities of natural products. This study presents the functional characterization of TolF, a multiple prenyltransferase from Tolypocladium inflatum. The heterologous expression of tolF in Aspergillus oryzae, coupled with feeding the transformed strain with paxilline, resulted in the production of 20- and 22-prenylpaxilline. Additionally, TolF demonstrated the ability to prenylated the reduced form of paxilline, β-paxitriol. A related prenyltransferase TerF from Chaunopycnis alba, exhibited similar substrate tolerance and regioselectivity. In vitro enzyme assays using purified recombinant enzymes TolF and TerF confirmed their capacity to catalyze prenylation of paxilline, β-paxitriol, and terpendole I. Based on previous reports, terpendole I should be considered a native substrate. This work not only enhances our understanding of the molecular basis and product diversity of prenylation reactions in indole diterpene biosynthesis, but also provides insights into the potential of fungal indole diterpene prenyltransferase to alter their position specificities for prenylation. This could be applicable for the synthesis of industrially useful compounds, including bioactive compounds, thereby opening up new avenues for the development of novel biosynthetic strategies and pharmaceuticals. KEY POINTS: • The study characterizes TolF as a multiple prenyltransferase from Tolypocladium inflatum. • TerF from Chaunopycnis alba shows similar substrate tolerance and regioselectivity compared to TolF. • The research offers insights into the potential applications of fungal indole diterpene prenyltransferases.

Observation of WWγ Production and Search for Hγ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The observation of WWγ production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} is presented. The observed (expected) significance is 5.6 (5.1) standard deviations. Events are selected by requiring exactly two leptons (one electron and one muon) of opposite charge, moderate missing transverse momentum, and a photon. The measured fiducial cross section for WWγ is 5.9±0.8(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.7(modeling)  fb, in agreement with the next-to-leading order quantum chromodynamics prediction. The analysis is extended with a search for the associated production of the Higgs boson and a photon, which is generated by a coupling of the Higgs boson to light quarks. The result is used to constrain the Higgs boson couplings to light quarks.

Sleeve gastrectomy links the attenuation of diabetic kidney disease to the inhibition of renal tubular ferroptosis through down-regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

PURPOSE

To investigate how sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a typical operation of bariatric surgery, attenuated symptom, and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

DKD model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin in Wistar rats. SG was performed, and the group subjected to sham surgery served as control. The animals were euthanized 12 weeks after surgery, followed by sample collection for the subsequent experiment. The HK-2, a renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line derived from human, was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms.

RESULTS

SG improved metabolic parameters and glucose homeostasis, and could alleviate DKD in terms of renal function indices as well as histological and morphological structures in DM rats, accompanied with a significant reduction in renal tubular injury. Compared with sham group, SG reduced the renal tubular ferroptosis. To further clarify the mechanism involved, in vitro experiments were performed. In the presence of high glucose, renal tubular TGF-β1 secretion was significantly increased in HK-2 cell line, which led to activation of ferroptosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of TGF-β1 receptor and phosphorylation of Smad3 significantly ameliorated TGF-β1-mediated ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also found that SG improved the hyperglycemic environment, reduced renal TGF-β1 concentrations, and down-regulated the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

With the capacity to lower the glucose, SG could attenuate the ferroptosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in DKD rats, and eventually attenuated DKD.

New Structures in the J/ψJ/ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J/ψJ/ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135  fb^{-1}. Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638_{-38}^{+43}(stat)_{-31}^{+16}(syst)  MeV. Another structure with even higher significance is found at a mass of 6847_{-28}^{+44}(stat)_{-20}^{+48}(syst)  MeV, which is consistent with the X(6900) resonance reported by the LHCb experiment and confirmed by the ATLAS experiment. Evidence for another new structure, with a local significance of 4.7 standard deviations, is found at a mass of 7134_{-25}^{+48}(stat)_{-15}^{+41}(syst)  MeV. Results are also reported for a model without interference, which does not fit the data as well and shows mass shifts up to 150 MeV relative to the model with interference.

High-resolution melting real-time PCR assays for subtyping of five diarrheagenic Escherichia coli by a single well in milk

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a kind of foodborne pathogen that poses a significant threat to both food safety and human health. To address the current challenges of high prevalence and difficult subtyping of DEC, this study developed a method that combined multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis for subtyping 5 kinds of DEC. The target genes are amplified by multiplex PCR in a single well, and HRM curve analysis was applied for distinct amplicons based on different melting temperature (Tm) values. The method enables discrimination of different DEC types based on characteristic peaks and distinct Tm values in the thermal melting curve. The assay exhibited 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a detection limit of 0.5-1 ng/μL. The results showed that different DNA concentrations did not influence the subtyping results, demonstrating this method owed high reliability and stability. In addition, the method was also used for the detection and subtyping of DEC in milk. This method streamlines operational procedures, shorts the detection time, and offers a novel tool for subtyping DEC.

Investigation of the ΔI=1/2 Rule and Test of CP Symmetry through the Measurement of Decay Asymmetry Parameters in Ξ^{-} Decays

Using (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, numerous Ξ^{-} and Λ decay asymmetry parameters are simultaneously determined from the process J/ψ→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}→Λ(pπ^{-})π^{-}Λ[over ¯](n[over ¯]π^{0})π^{+} and its charge-conjugate channel. The precisions of α_{Λ0} for Λ→nπ^{0} and α[over ¯]_{Λ0} for Λ[over ¯]→n[over ¯]π^{0} compared to world averages are improved by factors of 4 and 1.7, respectively. The ratio of decay asymmetry parameters of Λ→nπ^{0} to that of Λ→pπ^{-}, ⟨α_{Λ0}⟩/⟨α_{Λ-}⟩, is determined to be 0.873±0.012_{-0.010}^{+0.011}, where the first and the second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The ratio is smaller than unity more than 5σ, which signifies the existence of the ΔI=3/2 transition in Λ for the first time. Besides, we test for CP symmetry in Ξ^{-}→Λπ^{-} and in Λ→nπ^{0} with the best precision to date.

Observation of D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, Precision Test of Lepton Flavor Universality with D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}l^{+}ν_{l}, and First Measurements of D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}μ^{+}ν_{μ} Decay Dynamics

By analyzing 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the observation of the semileptonic decay D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, with a statistical significance larger than 10σ, and the measurements of the D_{s}^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay dynamics for the first time. The branching fractions of D_{s}^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}μ^{+}ν_{μ} are determined to be (2.235±0.051_{stat}±0.052_{syst})% and (0.801±0.055_{stat}±0.028_{syst})%, respectively, with precision improved by factors of 6.0 and 6.6 compared to the previous best measurements. Combined with the results for the decays D_{s}^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e} and D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}e^{+}ν_{e}, the ratios of the decay widths are examined both inclusively and in several ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} four-momentum transfer ranges. No evidence for lepton flavor universality violation is found within the current statistics. The products of the hadronic form factors f_{+,0}^{η^{(')}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| are determined. The results based on the two-parameter series expansion are f_{+,0}^{η}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.452±0.010_{stat}±0.007_{syst} and f_{+,0}^{η^{'}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.037_{stat}±0.012_{syst}, which help to constrain present models on f_{+,0}^{η^{(')}}(0). The forward-backward asymmetries are determined to be ⟨A_{FB}^{η}⟩=-0.059±0.031_{stat}±0.005_{syst} and ⟨A_{FB}^{η^{'}}⟩=-0.064±0.079_{stat}±0.006_{syst} for the first time, which are consistent with the theoretical calculation.

A hidden herbivory effect on Sphagnum reproduction

Defence theories provide predictions about trade-offs in the allocation of resources to defence and growth. However, very little is known about how pressure from herbivores influences the allocation of resources during reproduction. Two common peatland bryophyte species, Sphagnum angustifolium and S. capillifolium, were chosen as study species. Vegetative and reproductive shoots of both Sphagnum species were subjected to treatments with and without herbivores in a lab experiment. After 4 weeks of exposure to herbivores in a growth chamber, we measured biomass production, net photosynthesis rate, defence traits (phenolics in leachate and phenolics in extract), nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugar and starch), and reproductive traits (capsule number, weight and diameter, and spore germination) of both Sphagnum species. Reproductive shoots had higher constitutive defence than vegetative shoots in S. angustifolium, and a similar pattern was observed in S. capillifolium. With herbivory, reproductive shoots showed stronger induced defence (released more phenolics) than vegetative shoots in S. capillifolium, but not in S. angustifolium. Herbivory had no effect on capsule number, weight, or diameter, but reduced spore germination percentage by more than half in both species. Our study highlights the hidden effects of herbivory on reproduction of Sphagnum and indicates the presence of maternal effects in bryophytes. Ecologists will benefit from examining both quality- and quantity-based traits when attempting to estimate the herbivory effect on plant fitness.

Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

Characterization of reproductive hormones and related gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the egg-laying interval in White King pigeon

The egg-laying interval (LI) directly reflects the laying performance of breeding pigeons, influenced by reproductive hormones. This study aimed to assess reproductive hormone levels in serum and the expression of related genes and their receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in 4 stages: first (LI1), third (LI3), fifth (LI5), and seventh (LI7) days. The results showed that serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) level decreased from LI1 to LI7 (P < 0.01) and peaked in LI1. The serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels stayed at high levels from LI1 to LI5. The FSH level decreased slightly from LI5 to LI7 (P > 0.05), but the LH level decreased rapidly (P < 0.01). The prolactin (PRL) levels significantly increased in LI5 (P < 0.01) compared with LI1 and then stayed at a high level. The GnRH1 expression in the hypothalamus had no significant change in LI (P > 0.05). However, the GnRHR first decreased from LI1 to LI3 (P < 0.05) and then increased. The FSH mRNA level in the pituitary gland decreased from LI1 to LI3 and slightly increased in LI5 (P > 0.05). The change pattern of FSHR was similar to that of FSH and peaked in LI5 (P < 0.05). The LH expression level was the highest in LI5 and significantly higher than that in LI3 and LI7 (P < 0.05). However, the LHR mRNA level decreased in LI (P < 0.05). The expression patterns of PRL and PRLR were similar; they were upregulated in LI and peaked in LI7 (P < 0.01). The expression pattern of GnRHR was similar to that of FSH, LH, and FSHR, suggesting the critical role of GnRHR in LI. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes peaked in LI5, closely correlating with the maturation of the first largest follicle in pigeons. PRL-PRLR signaling inhibited GnRH activity to promote ovulation. This study provided a basis for further investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of reproduction in pigeons.

Murine IRF8 Mutation Offers New Insight into Osteoclast and Root Resorption

Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), a transcription factor expressed in immune cells, functions as a negative regulator of osteoclasts and helps maintain dental and skeletal homeostasis. Previously, we reported that a novel mutation in the IRF8 gene increases susceptibility to multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption (MICRR), a form of tooth root resorption mediated by increased osteoclast activity. The IRF8 G388S variant in the highly conserved C-terminal motif is predicted to alter the protein structure, likely impairing IRF8 function. To investigate the molecular basis of MICRR and IRF8 function in osteoclastogenesis, we generated Irf8 knock-in (KI) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technique modeling the human IRF8G388S mutation. The heterozygous (Het) and homozygous (Homo) Irf8 KI mice showed no gross morphological defects, and the development of hematopoietic cells was unaffected and similar to wild-type (WT) mice. The Irf8 KI Het and Homo mice showed no difference in macrophage gene signatures important for antimicrobial defenses and inflammatory cytokine production. Consistent with the phenotype observed in MICRR patients, Irf8 KI Het and Homo mice demonstrated significantly increased osteoclast formation and resorption activity in vivo and in vitro when compared to WT mice. The oral ligature-inserted Het and Homo mice displayed significantly increased root resorption and osteoclast-mediated alveolar bone loss compared to WT mice. The increased osteoclastogenesis noted in KI mice is due to the inability of IRF8G388S mutation to inhibit NFATc1-dependent transcriptional activation and downstream osteoclast specific transcripts, as well as its impact on autophagy-related pathways of osteoclast differentiation. This translational study delineates the IRF8 domain important for osteoclast function and provides novel insights into the IRF8 mutation associated with MICRR. IRF8G388S mutation mainly affects osteoclastogenesis while sparing immune cell development and function. These insights extend beyond oral health and significantly advance our understanding of skeletal disorders mediated by increased osteoclast activity and IRF8's role in osteoclastogenesis.

[Advances in CRISPR sensing and detection technology]

The CRISPR sensing and detection technology has the advantages of cheap, simple, portable, high sensitivity, and high specificity, therefore is regarded as the "next-generation molecular diagnostic technology". Due to the specific recognition, cis-cleavage and nonspecific trans-cleavage capabilities, CRISPR-Cas systems have been implemented for the detection of nucleic acid targets (DNA and RNA) as well as non-nucleic acid targets (e.g., proteins, exosomes, cells, and small molecules). This review summarizes the current CRISPR sensing and detection technologies in terms of the activity characteristics of different Cas proteins, with the aim to understand the advantages and development history of different CRISPR sensing and detection technologies, as well as promote its development and application. Moreover, this review summarizes the applications of various CRISPR sensing and detection technologies according to the types of detection targets, hoping to facilitate the development of novel CRISPR sensing detection technology.

Determination of the Σ^{+} Timelike Electromagnetic Form Factors

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process e^{+}e^{-}→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} is studied at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=2.3960, 2.6454, and 2.9000 GeV. Using a fully differential angular description of the final state particles, both the relative magnitude and phase information of the Σ^{+} electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region are extracted. The relative phase between the electric and magnetic form factors is determined to be sinΔΦ=-0.67±0.29(stat)±0.18(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.3960  GeV, ΔΦ=55°±19°(stat)±14°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.6454  GeV, and 78°±22°(stat)±9°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.9000  GeV. For the first time, the phase of the hyperon electromagnetic form factors is explored in a wide range of four-momentum transfer. The evolution of the phase along with four-momentum transfer is an important input for understanding its asymptotic behavior and the dynamics of baryons.

Decarbonylative borylation of aryl anhydrides via rhodium catalysis

Decarbonylative borylation of aryl anhydrides by rhodium catalysis has been reported. A base-free system with Rh(PPh3)3Cl as a catalyst enables the efficient synthesis of various arylboronate esters from readily available aryl anhydrides. The reaction involves the cleavage of C(O)-O bonds and the formation of C-B bonds. The experimental results demonstrated that compared with carboxylic acids, amides, and esters, anhydrides have higher reactivity in the decarbonylative borylation reaction under the current conditions. Furthermore, compared with the reported palladium-catalyzed borylation reaction of aryl anhydrides, the present rhodium-catalyzed method has the advantages of a shorter reaction time and a lower reaction temperature.

[Characteristics and clinical analysis of MLH1 c.463dupC gene mutation in a Lynch syndrome family]

In this study, a case of Lynch syndrome (LS) family line with a novel mutation site in the MLH1 c.463dupC gene was reported and the clinical and pathogenic genetic features of this family were analyzed. A 40-year-old female patient with colon cancer diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University on October 2, 2020 was retrospectively included. The clinical data of the family were collected and the family lineage was drawn. The family tumor history met the Amsterdam Criteria Ⅱ and the diagnostic criteria of LS in Chinese, which was a typical LS family lineage. A germline code-shift missense mutation c.463dupC in the MLH1 gene located in exon 6, a possible pathogenic variant, was detected by second-generation sequencing (NGS) in the patient. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing was performed on a total of 20 direct lineage members of the family of the MLH1 gene, 7 cases were found to harbor the mutation and included in the LS high-risk control. Follow-up to October 2023 showed that the patient had endometrial and cervical polyps, one case had colorectal cancer, and two cases had intestinal polyps, all were treated with early intervention and therapy; two cases did not show any clinical symptoms. This study is the first to report a new mutation site for the potentially pathogenic MLH1 c.463dupC, providing a rationale for the pathogenicity of the mutation and standardized health management for familial carriers.

Palladium-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Sonogashira Alkynylation of Carboxylic-Phosphoric Anhydrides

We report the first palladium-catalyzed decarbonylative alkynylation of carboxylic-phosphoric anhydrides via highly selective C(O)-O bond cleavage. Carboxylic-phosphoric anhydrides are highly active carboxylic acid derivatives, which are generated through activating carboxylic acids using phosphates by esterification or direct dehydrogenative coupling with phosphites. Highly valuable internal alkynes have been generated by the present method, and the efficiency of this approach has been demonstrated through a wide substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance.

Discovery of New Isotopes ^{160}Os and ^{156}W: Revealing Enhanced Stability of the N=82 Shell Closure on the Neutron-Deficient Side

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26) keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58}  μs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a β^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86}  ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

Saturation of Fishbone Instability by Self-Generated Zonal Flows in Tokamak Plasmas

Gyrokinetic simulations of the fishbone instability in DIII-D tokamak plasmas find that self-generated zonal flows can dominate the nonlinear saturation by preventing coherent structures from persisting or drifting in the energetic particle phase space when the mode frequency down-chirps. Results from the simulation with zonal flows agree quantitatively, for the first time, with experimental measurements of the fishbone saturation amplitude and energetic particle transport. Moreover, the fishbone-induced zonal flows are likely responsible for the formation of an internal transport barrier that was observed after fishbone bursts in this DIII-D experiment. Finally, gyrokinetic simulations of a related ITER baseline scenario show that the fishbone induces insignificant energetic particle redistribution and may enable high performance scenarios in ITER burning plasma experiments.

Search for Scalar Leptoquarks Produced via τ-Lepton-Quark Scattering in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search for scalar leptoquarks produced in τ-lepton-quark collisions is presented. It is based on a set of proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The reconstructed final state consists of a jet, significant missing transverse momentum, and a τ lepton reconstructed through its hadronic or leptonic decays. Limits are set on the product of the leptoquark production cross section and branching fraction and interpreted as exclusions in the plane of the leptoquark mass and the leptoquark-τ-quark coupling strength.

Synergistic effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with an extracorporeal shock wave in treatment of long diaphysis aseptic nonunion

INTRODUCTION

Union of long bone fractures is a complicated biological mechanism affected by numerous systemic and local variables. Disruption of any of these components may result in fracture nonunion. There are various types of clinically available treatment strategies for aseptic nonunion. Both activated platelet plasma and extracorporeal shock waves play important roles in fracture healing. This study aimed to investigate the interaction of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) in bone healing of nonunion.

HYPOTHESIS

PRP and ESW have synergistic effects in treating long bone nonunion.

METHODS

Between January 2016 and December 2021, a total of 60 patients with established nonunion of a long bone (18 tibias, 15 femurs, 9 humerus, 6 radii, and 12 ulnae) were included in this study, comprising 31 males and 29 females, ranging from 18 to 60 years old. Patients with bone nonunion were separated into two groups: PRP alone (Monotherapy group) and those treated with PRP combined with ESW (Combined treatment group). The two groups were compared to assess the therapeutic benefits, callus development, local problems, bone healing time, and Johner Wruhs functional classification of operated limbs.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were followed up, 5 patients were lost to follow-up, two in the PRP group and three in the PRP+ESW group, the follow-up time varied from 6 to 18 months, with an average of 12.7±5.2 months. At 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks following intervention, the callus score in the monotherapy group was significantly lower than in the combined treatment group (p<0.05). Both groups had no swelling and infection in the soft tissue of the nonunion operation site. In the PRP+ESW group, the fracture union rate was 92.59% and the healing time was 16.3±5.2 weeks. In the PRP group, the fracture union rate was 71.43% and the healing time was 21.5±3.7 weeks. The clinical healing time of the monotherapy group was significantly longer than the combined treatment group (p<0.05). All the nonunion patients with no signs of healing were treated with revision surgery. The excellent and good rate of Johner-Wruhs functional classification of affected limbs in the monotherapy group was significantly lower than in the combined treatment group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PRP combined with ESW has a certain synergistic effect in treating aseptic nonunion after fracture surgery. It can significantly improve the formation of new bone, it is a minimally invasive and effective strategy to treat aseptic nonunion in a clinical setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective, single-centre, case-control study.

Natural and engineered xylosyl products from microbial source

Glycosylation is a prevalent post-modification found in natural products and has a significant impact on the structural diversity and activity variation of natural products. Glucosylation is the most common type of glycosylation, whereas xylosylation is relatively rare. Despite their unique chemical structures and beneficial activities, xylosylated natural products from microorganisms have received little attention. This review provides, for the first time, a comprehensive summary of 126 microbial-derived xylosylated natural products, including xylosyl-cyathane diterpenes, xylosylated triterpenes, xylosyl aromatic compounds, and others. Among these compounds, xylosyl-cyathane diterpenes represent the highest number of derivatives, followed by xylosylated triterpenes. Xylosyl compounds from bacterial sources have less defined structural profiles compared to those from fungi. The characterization of xylosyltransferase EriJ from Basidiomycota extended the structural diversity of xylosyl cyathane diterpenes. This work provides a valuable reference for the research and use of xylosyltransferase for drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. Further work is needed to explore the potential applications of microbial derived xylosyl compounds and to develop novel xylosyl transferases. With the deepening of genomic sequencing of medicinal fungi, more biosynthesis of bioactive xylosyl compounds is expected to be elucidated in the future.

Search for Inelastic Dark Matter in Events with Two Displaced Muons and Missing Transverse Momentum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for dark matter in events with a displaced nonresonant muon pair and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis is performed using an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} of proton-proton (pp) collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV produced by the LHC in 2016-2018. No significant excess over the predicted backgrounds is observed. Upper limits are set on the product of the inelastic dark matter production cross section σ(pp→A^{'}→χ_{1}χ_{2}) and the decay branching fraction B(χ_{2}→χ_{1}μ^{+}μ^{-}), where A^{'} is a dark photon and χ_{1} and χ_{2} are states in the dark sector with near mass degeneracy. This is the first dedicated collider search for inelastic dark matter.

First Measurement of the Decay Asymmetry in the Pure W-Boson-Exchange Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+}

Based on 4.4  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure W-boson-exchange decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+} is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be α_{Ξ^{0}K^{+}}=0.01±0.16(stat)±0.03(syst). This result reflects the noninterference effect between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes has two solutions, which are δ_{p}-δ_{s}=-1.55±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad or 1.59±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad.

Stable, narrow-linewidth laser system with a broad frequency tunability and a fast switching time

For a Rydberg atom-based sensor to change its sensing frequency, the wavelength of the Rydberg state excitation laser must be altered. The wavelength shifts required can be on the order of 10 nm. A fast-tunable narrow-linewidth laser with broadband tuning capability is required. Here, we present a demonstration of a laser system that can rapidly switch a coupling laser as much as 8 nm in less than 50 μs. The laser system comprises a frequency-stabilized continuous wave laser and an electro-optic frequency comb. A filter enables selection of individual comb lines. A high-speed electro-optic modulator is used to tune the selected comb line to a specific frequency, i.e., an atomic transition. Through Rydberg atom-based sensing experiments, we demonstrate frequency hopping between two Rydberg states and a fast switching time of 400 μs, which we show can be reduced to ∼50 μs with a ping-pong scheme. If updating the RF frequency is not required during frequency hopping, a 200 ns switching time can be achieved. These results showcase the potential of the laser system for advanced Rydberg atom-based radio frequency sensing applications, like communications and radar.

Luminosity determination using Z boson production at the CMS experiment

The measurement of Z boson production is presented as a method to determine the integrated luminosity of CMS data sets. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data, recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2017 at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Events with Z bosons decaying into a pair of muons are selected. The total number of Z bosons produced in a fiducial volume is determined, together with the identification efficiencies and correlations from the same data set, in small intervals of 20pb - 1 of integrated luminosity, thus facilitating the efficiency and rate measurement as a function of time and instantaneous luminosity. Using the ratio of the efficiency-corrected numbers of Z bosons, the precisely measured integrated luminosity of one data set is used to determine the luminosity of another. For the first time, a full quantitative uncertainty analysis of the use of Z  bosons for the integrated luminosity measurement is performed. The uncertainty in the extrapolation between two data sets, recorded in 2017 at low and high instantaneous luminosity, is less than 0.5%. We show that the Z boson rate measurement constitutes a precise method, complementary to traditional methods, with the potential to improve the measurement of the integrated luminosity.

Measurement of the production cross section for a W boson in association with a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The strange quark content of the proton is probed through the measurement of the production cross section for a W boson and a charm (c) quark in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm jets are tagged using the presence of a muon or a secondary vertex inside the jet. The W + c production cross section and the cross section ratio R c ± = σ ( W + + c ¯ ) / σ ( W - + c ) are measured inclusively and differentially as functions of the transverse momentum and the pseudorapidity of the lepton originating from the W boson decay. The precision of the measurements is improved with respect to previous studies, reaching 1% in R c ± = 0.950 ± 0.005 (stat) ± 0.010 (syst) . The measurements are compared with theoretical predictions up to next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Microbiome-induced Increases and Decreases in Bone Tissue Strength can be Initiated After Skeletal Maturity

Recent studies in mice have indicated that the gut microbiome can regulate bone tissue strength. However, prior work involved modifications to the gut microbiome in growing animals and it is unclear if the same changes in the microbiome, applied later in life, would change matrix strength. Here we changed the composition of the gut microbiome before and/or after skeletal maturity (16 weeks of age) using oral antibiotics (ampicillin + neomycin). Male and female mice (n=143 total, n=12-17/group/sex) were allocated into five study groups:1) Unaltered, 2) Continuous (dosing 4-24 weeks of age), 3) Delayed (dosing only 16-24 weeks of age), 4) Initial (dosing 4-16 weeks of age, suspended at 16 weeks), and 5) Reconstituted (dosing from 4-16 weeks following by fecal microbiota transplant from Unaltered donors). Animals were euthanized at 24 weeks of age. In males, bone matrix strength in the femur was 25-35% less than expected from geometry in mice from the Continuous (p= 0.001), Delayed (p= 0.005), and Initial (p=0.040) groups as compared to Unaltered. Reconstitution of the gut microbiota, however, led to a bone matrix strength similar to Unaltered animals (p=0.929). In females, microbiome-induced changes in bone matrix strength followed the same trend as males but were not significantly different, demonstrating sex-related differences in the response of bone matrix to the gut microbiota. Minor differences in chemical composition of bone matrix were observed (Raman spectroscopy). Our findings indicate that microbiome-induced impairment of bone matrix in males can be initiated and/or reversed after skeletal maturity. The portion of the femoral cortical bone formed after skeletal maturity (16 weeks) is small; however, this suggests that microbiome-induced changes in bone matrix occur without osteoblast/osteoclast turnover using an, as of yet unidentified mechanism. These findings add to evidence that the mechanical properties of bone matrix can be altered in the adult skeleton.