Structurally disordered MoSe2 with rich 1T phase as a universal platform for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

The improvement of surface reactivity in noble-metal-free cocatalysts is crucial for the development of efficient and cost-effective photocatalytic systems. However, the influence of crystallinity on catalytic efficacy has received limited attention. Herein, we report the utilization of structurally disordered MoSe2 with abundant 1T phase as a versatile cocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Using MoSe2/carbon nitride (CN) hybrids as a case study, it is demonstrated that amorphous MoSe2 significantly enhances the hydrogen evolution rate of CN, achieving up to 11.37 μmol h-1, surpassing both low crystallinity (8.24 μmol h-1) and high crystallinity MoSe2 (3.86 μmol h-1). Experimental analysis indicates that the disordered structure of amorphous MoSe2, characterized by coordination-unsaturated surface sites and a rich 1T phase with abundant active sites at the basal plane, predominantly facilitates the conversion of surface-bound protons to hydrogen. Conversely, the heightened charge transfer capacity of the highly crystalline counterpart plays a minor role in enhancing practical catalytic performance. This approach is applicable for enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of various semiconducting photocatalysts, including CdS, TiO2, and ZnIn2S4, thereby offering novel insights into the advancement of high-performance non-precious catalysts through phase engineering.

S‑scheme heterojunction of thin-layer O-modified graphitic carbon nitride/cobalt porphyrin to promote photocatalytic CO2 conversion

The emissions of CO2 are increasing year by year, which have led to serious environmental problems. Converting CO2 into valuable fuels through photocatalysis is a promising strategy. In this research, oxygen atoms were successfully innovated into graphitic carbon nitride (CN). Additionally, cobalt porphyrin (CoTPP) was successfully loaded onto the modified carbon nitride (Co/CN). The generation of interfacial electric fields and bending bands between CN and CoTPP was demonstrated experimentally. The electrons in the CN and the holes in the CoTPP were combined to form a unique S-scheme heterojunction structure, and efficient separation of carriers was promoted. As a result, the CO conversion under visible light irradiation reached an impressive 100.70 μmol g-1 h-1. By integrating theoretical and experimental findings, this study underscores the critical role of catalyst design in enabling efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Co single atom coupled oxygen vacancy on W18O49 nanowires surface to construct asymmetric active site enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation

Enhancing the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is essential for generating more reactive oxygen species in advanced oxidation process (AOPs). Nevertheless, improving PMS adsorption and expediting interfacial electron transfer to enhance reaction kinetics pose significant challenges. Herein, we construct confined W18O49 nanowires with asymmetric active centers containing Co-Vo-W (Vo: oxygen vacancy). The design incorporates surface-rich Vo and single-atom Co, and the resulting material is employed for PMS activation in water purification. By coupling unsaturated coordinated electrons in Vo with low-valence Co single atoms to construct an the "electron fountainhead", the adsorption and activation of PMS are enhanced. This results in the generation of more active free radicals (SO4•-, •OH, •O2-) and non-free radicals (1O2) for the decomposition of micropollutants. Thereinto, the degradation rate of bisphenol A (BPA) by Co-W18O49 is 32.6 times faster that of W18O49 monomer, which is also much higher than those of other transition-metal-doped W18O49 composites. This work is expected to help to elucidate the rational design and efficient PMS activation of catalysts with asymmetric active centers.

Self-Powered Immunoassay of Norovirus in Human Stools by π-Electron-Rich Homojunction for Enhanced Charge Transfer

Norovirus (NoV) stands as a significant causative agent of nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis on a global scale, presenting a substantial threat to public health. Hence, the development of simple and rapid analytical techniques for NoV detection holds great importance in preventing and controlling the outbreak of the epidemic. In this work, a self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor of NoV capsid protein (VP1) was proposed by the π-electron-rich carbon nitride homojunction (ER-CNH) as the photoanode. C4N2 ring derived from π-rich locust bean gum was introduced into the tri-s-triazine structure, creating a large π-delocalized conjugated carbon nitride homojunction. This strategy enhances the C/N atomic ratio, which widens light utilization, narrows the bandgap, and optimizes the electronic band structure of carbon nitride. By introduction of a π-rich conjugated structure, p-type domains were induced within n-type domains to build the internal electric field at the interface, thus forming a p-n homojunction to boost carrier separation and transfer. The ER-CNH photoanode exhibited excellent photoelectric performance and water oxidation capacity. Since VP1 inhibits the water oxidation of the ER-CNH photoanode, the open-circuit potential of the as-prepared PEC immunosensor system was reduced for detecting NoV VP1. The self-powered PEC immunosensor achieved a remarkably low detection limit (∼5 fg mL-1) and displayed high stability and applicability for actual stool samples. This research serves as a foundation concept for constructing immunosensors to detect other viruses and promotes the application of self-powered systems for life safety.

The association between trace metals in both cancerous and non-cancerous tissues with the risk of liver and gastric cancer progression in northwest China

Liver cancer and gastric cancer have extremely high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. It is well known that an increase or decrease in trace metals may be associated with the formation and development of a variety of diseases, including cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contents of aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in cancerous liver and gastric tissues, compared to adjacent healthy tissues, and to investigate the relationship between trace metals and cancer progression. During surgery, multiple samples were taken from the cancerous and adjacent healthy tissues of patients with liver and gastric cancer, and trace metal levels within these samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found that concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in tissues from patients with liver cancer were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Similarly, patients with gastric cancer also showed lower levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn-but higher levels of Cu and Se-compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In addition, patients with liver and gastric cancers who had poorly differentiated tumours and positive lymph node metastases showed lower levels of trace metals (P < 0.05), although no significant changes in their concentrations were observed to correlate with sex, age, or body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression, principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian kernel regression (BKMR), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and quantile-based g computing (qgcomp) models were used to analyse the relationships between trace metal concentrations in liver and gastric cancer tissues and the progression of these cancers. We found that single or mixed trace metal levels were negatively associated with poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in both liver and gastric cancer, and the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) of each metal showed that Cd contributed the most to poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in both liver and gastric cancer (all PIP = 1.000). These data help to clarify the relationship between changes in trace metal levels in cancerous liver and gastric tissues and the progression of these cancers. Further research is warranted, however, to fully elucidate the mechanisms and causations underlying these findings.

Na-mediated carbon nitride realizing CO2 photoreduction with selectivity modulation

The depressed directional separation of photogenerated carriers and weak CO2 adsorption/activation activity are the main factors hampering the development of artificial photosynthesis. Herein, Na ions are embedded in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to achieve directional migration of the photogenerated electrons to Na sites, while the electron-rich Na sites enhance CO2 adsorption and activation. Na/g-C3N4 (NaCN) shows improved photocatalytic reduction activity of CO2 to CO and CH4, and under simulated sunlight irradiation, the CO yield of NaCN synthesized by embedding Na at 550°C (NaCN-550) is 371.2 μmol g-1 h-1, which is 58.9 times more than that of the monomer g-C3N4. By means of theoretical calculations and experiments including in situ fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the mechanism is investigated. This strategy which improves carrier separation and reduces the energy barrier at the same time is important to the development of artificial photosynthesis.

Cadmium exacerbates liver injury by remodeling ceramide metabolism: Multiomics and laboratory evidence

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that primarily targets the liver. Cd exposure disrupts specific lipid metabolic pathways; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the lipidomic characteristics of rat livers after Cd exposure as well as the potential mechanisms of Cd-induced liver injury. Our analysis of established Cd-exposed rat and cell models showed that Cd exposure resulted in liver lipid deposition and hepatocyte damage. Lipidomic detection, transcriptome sequencing, and experimental analyses revealed that Cd mainly affects the sphingolipid metabolic pathway and that the changes in ceramide metabolism are the most significant. In vitro experiments revealed that the inhibition of ceramide synthetase activity or activation of ceramide decomposing enzymes ameliorated the proapoptotic and pro-oxidative stress effects of Cd, thereby alleviating liver injury. In contrast, the exogenous addition of ceramide aggravated liver injury. In summary, Cd increased ceramide levels by remodeling ceramide synthesis and catabolism, thereby promoting hepatocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress and ultimately aggravating liver injury. Reducing ceramide levels can serve as a potential protective strategy to mitigate the liver toxicity of Cd. This study provides new evidence for understanding Cd-induced liver injury at the lipidomic level and insights into the health risks and toxicological mechanisms associated with Cd.

Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia

PURPOSE

Parastomal hernia poses a challenging problem in the field of hernia surgery. The high incidence and recurrence rates of parastomal hernia necessitate surgeons to enhance surgical techniques and repair materials. This study aimed to develop a rat model of parastomal hernia by inducing various types of defects on the abdominal wall with colostomy. This established method has potential for future studies on parastomal hernia.

METHODS

In this study, 32 male rats were included and randomly divided into four groups: the oblique abdominis excision (OE), oblique abdominis dissection (OD), rectus abdominis excision (RE), and rectus abdominis dissection (RD) groups. In each group, colostomy was performed and an abdominal wall defect was induced. The rats were observed for 28 days following surgery. The survival rate, body weight, parastomal hernia model scores, abdominal wall adhesion and inflammation, and collagen level in the hernial sac were compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in survival rate and weight were observed among the four groups. The parastomal hernia model scores in the RE and RD groups were significantly higher than those in the OE and OD groups. The ratio of collagen I/III in the RE and RD groups was significantly lower than that in the OE and OD groups. Adhesion and inflammation levels were lower in the RE group than in the RD group.

CONCLUSION

Based on a comprehensive comparison of the findings, RE with colostomy emerged as the optimal approach for establishing parastomal hernia models in rats.

Mixed-ownership reform and factor misallocation: Evidence from China

An enterprise's ownership structure is crucial for factor allocation efficiency. We used Chinese firm-level data to investigate whether changes in state-owned enterprise ownership structure contribute to resource misallocation, leading to high-quality economic development. We found a U-shaped relationship between non-state shareholding and state-owned enterprises' resource allocation efficiency. An optimal range exists for non-state shareholding. When the shareholding of non-state shareholders reaches 10%-20%, the efficiency of resource allocation is at its highest. Additional research has revealed that mixed shareholding has varying impacts on resource allocation, displaying substantial heterogeneity. These insights offer valuable guidance for future mixed-ownership reforms and serve as a practical reference for economic reforms in other nations, particularly developing countries.

Association and mediation analyses among multiple metal exposure, mineralocorticoid levels, and serum ion balance in residents of northwest China

Toxic metals are vital risk factors affecting serum ion balance; however, the effect of their co-exposure on serum ions and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. We assessed the correlations of single metal and mixed metals with serum ion levels, and the mediating effects of mineralocorticoids by investigating toxic metal concentrations in the blood, as well as the levels of representative mineralocorticoids, such as deoxycorticosterone (DOC), and serum ions in 471 participants from the Dongdagou-Xinglong cohort. In the single-exposure model, sodium and chloride levels were positively correlated with arsenic, selenium, cadmium, and lead levels and negatively correlated with zinc levels, whereas potassium and iron levels and the anion gap were positively correlated with zinc levels and negatively correlated with selenium, cadmium and lead levels (all P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in the mixed exposure models considering all metals, and the major contributions of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and selenium were highlighted. Significant dose-response relationships were detected between levels of serum DOC and toxic metals and serum ions. Mediation analysis showed that serum DOC partially mediated the relationship of metals (especially mixed metals) with serum iron and anion gap by 8.3% and 8.6%, respectively. These findings suggest that single and mixed metal exposure interferes with the homeostasis of serum mineralocorticoids, which is also related to altered serum ion levels. Furthermore, serum DOC may remarkably affect toxic metal-related serum ion disturbances, providing clues for further study of health risks associated with these toxic metals.

Identifying the predictive role and the related drugs of oxidative stress genes in the hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Oncogenesis and tumor development have been related to oxidative stress (OS). The potential diagnostic utility of OS genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, remains uncertain. As a result, this work aimed to create a novel OS related-genes signature that could be used to predict the survival of HCC patients and to screen OS related-genes drugs that might be used for HCC treatment.

METHODS

We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to acquire mRNA expression profiles and clinical data for this research and the GeneCards database to obtain OS related-genes. Following that, biological functions from Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed on differentially expressed OS-related genes (DEOSGs). Subsequently, the prognostic risk signature was constructed based on DEOSGs from the TCGA data that were screened by using univariate cox analysis, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate cox analysis. At the same time, we developed a prognostic nomogram of HCC patients based on risk signature and clinical-pathological characteristics. The GEO data was used for validation. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves to examine the prediction value of the risk signature and nomogram. Finally, we screened the differentially expressed OS genes related drugs.

RESULTS

We were able to recognize 9 OS genes linked to HCC prognosis. In addition, the KM curve revealed a statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The area under the curve (AUC) shows the independent prognostic value of the risk signature model. Meanwhile, the ROC curves and calibration curves show the strong prognostic power of the nomogram. The top three drugs with negative ratings were ZM-336372, lestaurtinib, and flunisolide, all of which inversely regulate different OS gene expressions.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that OS related-genes have a favorable prognostic value for HCC, which sheds new light on the relationship between oxidative stress and HCC, and suggests potential therapeutic strategies for HCC patients.

Mortality associated with polymyalgia rheumatica in the United States in the 1999-2020 period: a multiple-cause-of-death study

OBJECTIVE

Multicause-of-death methods were used to analyze mortality and leading causes of death associated with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in the United States from 1999 to 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Data analysis system and selected death certificates that listed PMR as the cause of death based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) category code. Relevant mortality rates, number of deaths and historical trends were analyzed. The number of PMR-related deaths and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) trend charts were made using Excel 2010 version and trend lines were added.

RESULTS

Over the last 22 years, the total number of PMR-related deaths in the United States was 15,421 women (89.8%), a ratio of about 1:9 men to women. When PMR is listed as the underlying cause of death, the ASMR for women and men (per 100,000 people) is approximately 1.8-5.1:1, and when it is listed as the non-underlying cause of death, it is 1.8-3.3:1. PMR deaths are more frequent in individuals aged 70 years and above, with patients aged 80 years and above being most affected. Among different ethnicities, the highest number of deaths was found in Caucasians, followed by Black or African American. When it comes to causes of death, heart disease still ranks first, followed by cancer. In addition, we also found that when PMR combined with malignant tumors as a multiple cause of death, the number of female deaths was higher than that of male deaths, the overall number of deaths of both showed an upward trend, and the overall ASMR of both showed a downward trend.

CONCLUSIONS

In the past 22 years, we have observed a low mortality rate of PMR in the United States. However, for patients with PMR, especially elderly women, medical workers should be vigilant and pay attention to whether they are combined with other complications, such as malignant neoplasms, and make timely diagnosis and treatment to further reduce the mortality rate of patients with PMR.

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

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

Feasibility of stereotactic optical navigation for needle positioning in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the feasibility of acquiring single-attempt access to the pelvicalyceal system during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using stereotactic optical navigation combined with cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging.

METHODS

Patients with a PCNL indication were prospectively included in this IRB approved study. After sterile preparation, fiducial markers were attached to patients' skin. An initial intraprocedural CBCT scan was acquired, on which the urologist planned the needle trajectory using the navigation software. After verifying that no critical structures were crossed, the needle guide was aligned with the plan. A needle was manually inserted through the needle guide to the indicated depth and a second CBCT scan was performed for needle position confirmation. Both, scanning and needle insertion, were performed under apnea. The study evaluated technical success, accuracy, procedure time, complication rate, and radiation dose.

RESULTS

Between June 2022 and April 2023, seven patients were included. In all patients, the navigation system allowed safe puncture. However, the technical success rate was only 29%. In 42% of the cases, pelvicalyceal access was achieved by a small manual adjustment. In the remaining 29%, the needle was retracted and positioned per clinical standard. The average deviation between the needle and target was 5.9 ± 2.3 mm. The average total procedure time was 211 ± 44 min. The average radiation exposure was 6.4 mSv, with CBCT scanning contributing to 82% of this exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The optical navigation system facilitated safe needle insertion but did not consistently ensure accurate one-attempt needle positioning for PCNL. Real-time visualization and trajectory correction may improve the technical success rate.

Direct in Situ Fabrication of Multicolor Afterglow Carbon Dot Patterns with Transparent and Traceless Features via Laser Direct Writing

Multicolor afterglow patterns with transparent and traceless features are important for the exploration of new functionalities and applications. Herein, we report a direct in situ patterning technique for fabricating afterglow carbon dots (CDs) based on laser direct writing (LDW) for the first time. We explore a facile step-scanning method that reduces the heat-affected zone and avoids uneven heating, thus producing a fine-resolution afterglow CD pattern with a minimum line width of 80 μm. Unlike previous LDW-induced luminescence patterns, the patterned CD films are traceless and transparent, which is mainly attributed to a uniform heat distribution and gentle temperature rise process. Interestingly, by regulating the laser parameters and CD precursors, an increased carbonization and oxidation degree of CDs could be obtained, thus enabling time-dependent, tunable afterglow colors from blue to red. In addition, we demonstrate their potential applications in the in situ fabrication of flexible and stretchable optoelectronics.

[ANCA-negative granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report]

We reported a case of 73-year-old male with multiple pulmonary nodules and cavities. The patient was admitted with a chief complaint of "dry cough with shortness of breath for 3 months". Chest CT showed multiple irregular masses, nodules, and patchy lesions in both lungs, accompanied by the formation of cavities. He also had anemia and renal dysfunction. Despite given empirical anti-infective and anti-tuberculosis treatments, the pulmonary nodules progressed, and the cavities enlarged. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were negative twice. Bronchoscopic biopsy was performed. The mucosal pathology of the right middle lobe lesion showed little necrosis, focal granulomatous structure formation, and relevant vasculitis and remaining vessel wall structure in the necrosis lesions by elastic fiber staining. A clinical diagnosis of ANCA-negative necrotizing granulomatous polyangiitis was made and the patient was treated with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. The nodules and cavities shrank, and some lesions were absorbed.

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

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

Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Prospects of targeting JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways for vasculitis

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels caused by autoimmunity and/or autoinflammation, and its etiology and pathogenesis remain largely unknown. The Janus kinase (JAK) and Signal transduction Transcription Activator (STAT) signal transduction pathways are a group of molecules involved in the major pathways by which many cytokines exert and integrate their functions, and their dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, current data supporting the role of the JAK/STAT pathway in the development of vasculitis is limited. In terms of treatment, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants have been the standard therapy. However, because of the huge burden of treatment side effects, people have long waited for new treatment options. JAK inhibitors reduce the production of multiple cytokines and inhibit inflammation by targeting the JAK/STAT pathway, and have the advantage of rapidly acting in oral formulations, reducing glucocorticoid dependence and associated adverse events, especially in refractory cases. Therefore, JAK inhibitors are expected to be a promising drug for the treatment of vasculitis.

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

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

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

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

The utility of behavioral biometrics in user authentication and demographic characteristic detection: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Objective measures of screen time are necessary to better understand the complex relationship between screen time and health outcomes. However, current objective measures of screen time (e.g., passive sensing applications) are limited in identifying the user of the mobile device, a critical limitation in children's screen time research where devices are often shared across a family. Behavioral biometrics, a technology that uses embedded sensors on modern mobile devices to continuously authenticate users, could be used to address this limitation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the current state of behavioral biometric authentication and synthesize these findings within the scope of applying behavioral biometric technology to screen time measurement.

METHODS

We systematically searched five databases (Web of Science Core Collection, Inspec in Engineering Village, Applied Science & Technology Source, IEEE Xplore, PubMed), with the last search in September of 2022. Eligible studies were on the authentication of the user or the detection of demographic characteristics (age, gender) using built-in sensors on mobile devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet). Studies were required to use the following methods for authentication: motion behavior, touch, keystroke dynamics, and/or behavior profiling. We extracted study characteristics (sample size, age, gender), data collection methods, data stream, model evaluation metrics, and performance of models, and additionally performed a study quality assessment. Summary characteristics were tabulated and compiled in Excel. We synthesized the extracted information using a narrative approach.

RESULTS

Of the 14,179 articles screened, 122 were included in this scoping review. Of the 122 included studies, the most highly used biometric methods were touch gestures (n = 76) and movement (n = 63), with 30 studies using keystroke dynamics and 6 studies using behavior profiling. Of the studies that reported age (47), most were performed exclusively in adult populations (n = 34). The overall study quality was low, with an average score of 5.5/14.

CONCLUSION

The field of behavioral biometrics is limited by the low overall quality of studies. Behavioral biometric technology has the potential to be used in a public health context to address the limitations of current measures of screen time; however, more rigorous research must be performed in child populations first.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The protocol has been pre-registered in the Open Science Framework database ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/92YCT ).

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

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

The combination treatment of oncolytic adenovirus H101 with nivolumab for refractory advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an open-label, single-arm, pilot study

BACKGROUND

H101, an innovative oncolytic adenovirus, has shown potential in modifying the tumor microenvironment from immunologically 'cold' to 'hot'. When combined with nivolumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor, this synergy may offer substantial therapeutic benefits beyond the capabilities of each agent alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this pilot study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of combining H101 with nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who failed prior systemic therapy. The participants received initial oncolytic virus (OV) pretreatment with intratumoral H101 injections (5.0 × 1011 vp/0.5 ml/vial, two vials per lesion) on days 1 and 3. Combination therapy started on day 8, with H101 administered every 2 or 4 weeks and nivolumab (240 mg) injections every 2 weeks. Treatment continued up to 12 months or until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, consent withdrawal, or study conclusion. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

Between March 2020 and March 2022, 18 of 21 screened patients were assessable, showing an ORR of 11.1% [two cases of partial response (PR) and five cases of stable disease], with extrahepatic injections often leading to favorable outcomes. The disease control rate stood at 38.9%, with a 6-month survival rate of 88.9%. Median progression-free survival was 2.69 months, and overall survival (OS) was 15.04 months. Common adverse events included low-grade fever (100%) and pain related to centesis (33.3%), and no grade 3/4 events were reported. Significantly, local H101 injection showed potential in reversing immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance, evidenced by over 2.5 years of extended OS in PR cases with low α-fetoprotein. Additionally, decreasing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during OV pretreatment may predict positive outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential efficacy of combining H101 with nivolumab in treating refractory advanced HCC, with well-tolerated toxicities.

Intestinal Translocation of Live Porphyromonas gingivalis Drives Insulin Resistance

Periodontitis has been emphasized as a risk factor of insulin resistance-related systemic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested a possible "oral-gut axis" linking oral infection and extraoral diseases, but it remains unclear whether periodontal pathogens can survive the barriers of the digestive tract and how they play their pathogenic roles. The present study established a periodontitis mouse model through oral ligature plus Porphyromonas gingivalis inoculation and demonstrated that periodontitis aggravated diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, while also causing P. gingivalis enrichment in the intestine. Metabolic labeling strategy validated that P. gingivalis could translocate to the gastrointestinal tract in a viable state. Oral administration of living P. gingivalis elicited insulin resistance, while administration of pasteurized P. gingivalis had no such effect. Combination analysis of metagenome sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics suggested that the tryptophan metabolism pathway, specifically indole and its derivatives, was involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance caused by oral administration of living P. gingivalis. Moreover, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, mainly indole acetic acid, tryptamine, and indole-3-aldehyde, were reduced in diet-induced obese mice with periodontitis, leading to inactivation of AhR signaling. Supplementation with Ficz (6-formylindolo (3,2-b) carbazole), an AhR agonist, alleviated periodontitis-associated insulin resistance, in which the restoration of gut barrier function might play an important role. Collectively, these findings reveal that the oral-gut translocation of viable P. gingivalis works as a fuel linking periodontitis and insulin resistance, in which reduction of AhR ligands and inactivation of AhR signaling are involved. This study provides novel insight into the role of the oral-gut axis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated comorbidities.

Synergistic Effect of Oxygen Vacancy and High Porosity of Nano MIL-125(Ti) for Enhanced Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

This work reports that a low-temperature thermal calcination strategy was adopted to modulate the electronic structure and attain an abundance of surface-active sites while maintaining the crystal morphology. All the experiments demonstrate that the new photocatalyst nano MIL-125(Ti)-250 obtained by thermal calcination strategy has abundant Ti3+ induced by oxygen vacancies and high specific surface area. This facilitates the adsorption and activation of N2 molecules on the active sites in the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. The photocatalytic NH3 yield over MIL-125(Ti)-250 is enhanced to 156.9 μmol g-1  h-1 , over twice higher than that of the parent MIL-125(Ti) (76.2 μmol g-1  h-1 ). Combined with density function theory (DFT), it shows that the N2 adsorption pattern on the active sites tends to be from "end-on" to "side-on" mode, which is thermodynamically favourable. Moreover, the electrochemical tests demonstrate that the high atomic ratio of Ti3+ /Ti4+ can enhance carrier separation, which also promotes the efficiency of photocatalytic N2 fixation. This work may offer new insights into the design of innovative photocatalysts for various chemical reduction reactions.

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

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

Regional variations in retinopathy of prematurity incidence for preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation in China

OBJECTIVES

National-level data on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in different regions of China is insufficient. This study aimed to compare ROP incidences and care practices in different regions of China and their relationship with regional gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All infants born at <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and admitted to 70 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Hospitals were categorised into three regional groups according to geographical locations and GDP per capita from high to low: Eastern, Central, and Western China. The incidence of death or ROP, and care practices were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 18,579 infants were enrolled. Median GA was 29.9 (interquartile range 28.4-31.0) weeks and birth weight was 1318.1 (317.2) g. The percentage of GA <28 weeks, complete administration of antenatal steroids, and weight gain velocity during NICU stay were highest in Eastern China and lowest in Western China (all P < 0.01). In Eastern, Central, and Western China, the rates of death or any stage of ROP were 33.3%, 38.5%, and 39.2%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were considerable regional disparities in ROP incidence in preterm infants with GA <32 weeks in China. The incidence of death or ROP ranged from high to low in Western, Central, and Eastern China.

ASH2L, Core Subunit of H3K4 Methylation Complex, Regulates Amelogenesis

Histone methylation assumes a crucial role in the intricate process of enamel development. Our study has illuminated the substantial prevalence of H3K4me3 distribution, spanning from the cap stage to the late bell stage of dental germs. In order to delve into the role of H3K4me3 modification in amelogenesis and unravel the underlying mechanisms, we performed a conditional knockout of Ash2l, a core subunit essential for the establishment of H3K4me3 within the dental epithelium of mice. The absence of Ash2l resulted in reduced H3K4me3 modification, subsequently leading to abnormal morphology of dental germ at the late bell stage. Notably, knockout of Ash2l resulted in a loss of polarity in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. The proliferation and apoptosis of the inner enamel epithelium cells underwent dysregulation. Moreover, there was a notable reduction in the expression of matrix-related genes, Amelx and Dspp, accompanied with impaired enamel and dentin formation. Cut&Tag-seq (cleavage under targets and tagmentation sequencing) analysis substantiated a reduction of H3K4me3 modification on Shh, Trp63, Sp6, and others in the dental epithelium of Ash2l knockout mice. Validation through real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence consistently affirmed the observed downregulation of Shh and Sp6 in the dental epithelium following Ash2l knockout. Intriguingly, the expression of Trp63 isomers, DNp63 and TAp63, was perturbed in Ash2l defect dental epithelium. Furthermore, the downstream target of TAp63, P21, exhibited aberrant expression within the cervical loop of mandibular first molars and incisors. Collectively, our findings suggest that ASH2L orchestrates the regulation of crucial amelogenesis-associated genes, such as Shh, Trp63, and others, by modulating H3K4me3 modification. Loss of ASH2L and H3K4me3 can lead to aberrant differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of the dental epithelium by affecting the expression of Shh, Trp63, and others genes, thereby contributing to the defects of amelogenesis.

Using CT imaging features to predict visceral pleural invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer

AIM

To examine the diagnostic performance of different models based on computed tomography (CT) imaging features in differentiating the invasiveness of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with multiple pleural contact types.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,573 patients with NSCLC (tumour size ≤3 cm) were included retrospectively. The clinical and pathological data and preoperative imaging features of these patients were investigated and their relationships with visceral pleural invasion (VPI) were compared statistically. Multivariate logistic regression was used to eliminate confounding factors and establish different predictive models.

RESULTS

By univariate analysis and multivariable adjustment, surgical history, tumour marker (TM), number of pleural tags, length of solid contact and obstructive inflammation were identified as independent risk predictors of pleural invasiveness (p=0.014, 0.003, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.017, respectively). In the training group, comparison of the diagnostic efficacy between the combined model including these five independent predictors and the image feature model involving the latter three imaging predictors were as follows: sensitivity of 88.9% versus 77% and specificity of 73.5% versus 84.1%, with AUC of 0.868 (95% CI: 0.848-0.886) versus 0.862 (95% CI: 0.842-0.880; p=0.377). In the validation group, the sensitivity and specificity of these two models were as follow: the combined model, 93.5% and 74.3%, the imaging feature model, 77.4% and 81.3%, and their areas under the curve (AUCs) were both 0.884 (95% CI: 0.842-0.919). The best cut-off value of length of solid contact was 7.5 mm (sensitivity 68.9%, specificity 75.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The image feature model showed great potential in predicting pleural invasiveness, and had comparable diagnostic efficacy compared with the combined model containing clinical data.

Piezo-photocatalysis for efficient charge separation to promote CO2 photoreduction in nanoclusters

The substantial emissions of CO2 greenhouse gases have resulted in severe environmental problems, and research on the implementation of semiconductor materials to minimize CO2 is currently a highly discussed subject. Effective separation of interface charges is a major challenge for efficient piezo-photocatalytic systems. Meanwhile, the ultrasmall-sized metal nanoclusters can shorten the distance of electron transport. Herein, we synthesized Au25(p-MBA)18 nanoclusters (Au25 NCs) modified red graphitic carbon nitride (RCN) nanocatalysts with highly exposed Au active sites by in-situ seed growth method. The loading of Au25 NCs on the RCN surface provides more active sites and creates a long-range ordered electric field. It allows for the direct utilization of the piezoelectric field to separate photogenerated carriers during photo-piezoelectric excitation. Based on the above advantages, the rate of CO2 reduction to CO over Au25 NCs/RCN (111.95 μmol g-1 h-1) was more than triple compared to that of pristine RCN. This paper has positive implication for further application of metal clusters loaded semiconductor for piezo-photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Stacking Engineering of Heterojunctions in Half-Metallic Carbon Nitride for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction

Enhancing charge separation in semiconductor photocatalysts is a major challenge for efficient artificial photosynthesis. Herein, a compact heterojunction is designed by embedding half-metallic C(CN)3 (hm-CN) hydrothermally in BiOBr (BOB) as the backbone. The interface between hm-CN and BOB is seamless and formed by covalent bonding to facilitate the transmission of photoinduced electrons from BOB to hm-CN. The transient photocurrents and electrochemical impedance spectra reveal that the modified composite catalyst exhibits a larger electron transfer rate. The photocatalytic activity of hm-CN/BOB increases significantly as indicated by a CO yield that is about four times higher than that of individual components. Density-functional theory calculations verify that the heterojunction improves electron transport and decreases the reaction energy barrier, thus promoting the overall photocatalytic CO2 conversion efficiency. The half-metal nitride coupled semiconductor heterojunctions might have large potential in artificial photosynthesis and related applications.

Advanced Photocatalytic Materials for Environmental and Energy Applications

With the development of modern society, environmental pollution and energy shortage have become the focus of worldwide attention [...].

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.

Neighboring Platinum Atomic Sites Activate Platinum-Cobalt Nanoclusters as High-Performance ORR/OER/HER Electrocatalysts

The rational design of efficient and multifunctional electrocatalysts for energy conversion devices is one of the major challenges for clean and renewable energy transition. Herein, the local electronic structure of cobalt-platinum nanoclusters is regulated by adjacent platinum atomic site encapsulated in N-doped hollow carbon nanotubes (PtSA -PtCo NCs/N-CNTs) by pyrolysis of melamine-orientation-induced zeolite imidazole metal-organic frameworks (ZIF-67) with thimbleful platinum doping. The introduction of melamine can reactivate adjacent carbon atoms and initiate the oriented growth of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes. The systematic analysis suggests the significant role of thimbleful neighboring low-coordinated Pt─N2 in altering the localized electronic structure of PtCo nanoclusters. The optimized PtSA -PtCo NCs/N-CNTs-900 exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/oxygen evolution reaction (OER)/oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)/ catalytic performance reaching the current density of 10 mA cm-2 in 1 m KOH under the low 47 (HER) and 252 mV (OER) overpotentials, and a high half-wave potential of 0.86 and 0.89 V (ORR) in 0.1 m KOH and 0.1 m HClO4 , respectively. Remarkably, the PtSA -PtCo NC/N-CNT-900 also presents outstanding catalytic performances toward water splitting and rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The theoretical calculations reveal that optimal regulation of the electronic structure of PtCo nanoclusters by thimbleful neighboring Pt atomic reduces the reaction energy barrier in electrochemical process, facilitating the ORR/OER/HER performance.

MRI features for prediction of the intravenous chemotherapy effect in patients with retinoblastoma

AIM

To investigate the value of orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in predicting the efficacy of intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) for patients with retinoblastoma (RB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pretreatment clinical and MRI data of 100 eyes from 80 RB patients who underwent IVC were collected retrospectively. There were 59 eyes in the effective group and 41 eyes in the ineffective group, and the baseline data of the two groups were compared statistically. Three radiologists reviewed and evaluated each lesion independently based on 25 MRI features. The predictive values of the MRI features for IVC efficacy were assessed by multi-factor logistic regression analysis, and their odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) with the area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine the predictive abilities. A predictive model was constructed by integrating all independent predictors visualised by the nomogram.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in sex or age between the effective and ineffective groups. The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that laterality, margin, and anterior eye segment enhancement were identified as independent factors that could predict IVC efficacy. The predictive model combining these three features was constructed, and it had an AUC of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.633, 0.831, p<0.01), a sensitivity of 71.2%, and a specificity of 70.7%.

CONCLUSION

The data demonstrate that the orbital MRI features can be used to predict IVC efficiency before RB patients are treated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy plus Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) Blockade for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase II Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aims to assess the anti-tumor activity and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus PD-1 blockade in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This is a single-arm, open-label, prospective phase II study. The key inclusion criteria were treatment-naive patients aged 18-75 years with stage II A2-IVA (FIGO 2018) locally advanced cervical cancer. All patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy including 2 cycle cisplatin (75mg/m2, for three days, every 3 weeks[Q3W]), nedaplatin or carboplatin can be selected for patients who can't tolerate cisplatin. After CCRT, patients achieving complete response (CR), partial responses(PR), stable disease(SD) received adjuvant chemotherapy (docetaxel 75 mg/m2 day 1+ cisplatin DDP 25 mg/m2 day 1-3, Q3W) for 2 cycle. PD-1 blockade Sintilimab and Tislelizumab was administered intravenously at 200 mg every 3 weeks up to 1 year or until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by investigators per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1. Secondary endpoints were the 12, 24-month overall survival (OS) rates, the 12, 24-month disease free survival (DFS) rates and safety.

RESULTS

From February 2020 to June 2022, a total of 15 patients was enrolled. Median age was 57 years (range, 36-74 years). Stage IIA1 was documented in 2 patients, stage IIA2 in two patients, stage IIIA in one patient, stage IIIC1 in eight patients, and stage IVA in two patients. And 66.7% (10/15) of patients had Metastatic lymph node. Four patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The ORR was 100%, with 4 patients achieving CR and 11 PR. The 12 and 24-month OS rates are 93.3% and 84%, the 12 and 24-month DFS rates are 86% and 75.4%, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 86.7% (13/15) of patients. Grade 3 TRAEs are leukocyte (n = 1), thrombocytopenia (n = 1), hepatitis (n = 1), skin reaction (n = 1). No treatment-related deaths occurred. And IFN-γ was significantly elevated after radiotherapy (p = 0.0073).

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus PD-1 blockade showed promising antitumor activity and manageable toxicities in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Long-term outcomes are still pending to further evaluate their therapeutic effects. (ChiCTR2000032856).

Outcomes and Failure Patterns after Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with Positive Lateral Pelvic Lymph Nodes: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) combined with positive lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLN) tends to present worse prognosis. However, for those patients it remains unclear whether other combination high-risk factors affect the prognosis. This study aimed to use propensity score matching (PSM) to examine long-term outcomes and failure patterns in patients with positive vs. negative LPLN.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with LARC were retrospectively divided into LPLN-positive and LPLN-negative groups. LPLN-positivity was defined as lymph node short diameter greater than or equal to 7 mm with specific morphological features. Clinical characteristics were compared between the groups using the chi-square test. PSM was applied to balance these differences. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and local-regional recurrence (LRR) and distant metastasis (DM) rates were compared between the groups using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Prior to PSM, a total of 651 LARC patients were included. The LPLN-positive group had higher rates of lower location (53.1% vs. 43.0%, P = 0.025), mesorectal fascia (MRF)-positive (53.9% vs. 35.4%, P<0.001) and extramural venous invasion (EMVI)-positive (51.2% vs. 27.2%, P<0.001) disease than the LPLN-negative group. After PSM, there were 114 patients for each group along with the balanced clinical factors, and both groups had comparable surgery, pathologic complete response (pCR), and ypN stage rates. The median follow-up time was 45.9 months, 3-year OS (88.3% vs. 92.1%, P = 0.276) and LRR (5.7% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.172) rates were comparable between LPLN-positive and LPLN-negative groups. Meanwhile, despite no statistical difference, 3-year PFS (78.8% vs. 85.9%, P = 0.065) and DM (20.4% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.061) rates slightly differed between the groups. Among 10 patients with LRR, seven (70.0%) had lateral pelvic recurrence, among them, five patients were LPLN-positive, and four (80.0%) of these patients did not receive simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB- IMRT).45 patients were diagnosed with DM, 11 (40.7%) LPLN-positive and 3 (17.6%) LPLN-negative patients were diagnosed with oligometastases (P = 0.109).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows there is a tendency of worse PFS and DM in LPLN-positive than LPLN-negative patients, for LPLN-positive patients, oligometastases account for a large proportion of all distant metastases.

4D-MRI Guided Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study evaluated the feasibilities and outcomes following four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4D-MRI) guided stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

MATERIALS/METHODS

From March 2018 to January 2022, we identified 76 unresectable CRLM patients with 123 lesions who received 4D-MRI guided SBRT in our institution. 4D-MRI simulation with or without abdominal compression was conducted for all patients. The prescription dose was 50-65 Gy in 5-12 fractions. The image quality of computed tomography (CT) and MRI were compared using the Clarity Score. Clinical outcomes and toxicity profiles were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 4D-MRI significantly improved the image quality compared with CT images (mean Clarity Score: 1.67 vs 2.88, P < 0.001). The abdominal compression significantly reduced motions in cranial-caudal direction (P = 0.03) with 2 phase T2 weighted images assessing tumor motion. The median follow-up time was 12.5 months. For 98 lesions assessed for best response, the complete response, partial response and stable disease rate were 57.1 %, 30.6 % and 12.2 %, respectively. The local control (LC) rate at 2 year was 97.3%. 46.1% of patients experienced grade 1-2 toxicities and only 2.6% patients experienced grade 3 hematologic toxicities.

CONCLUSION

The 4D-MRI technique allowed precise target delineation and motion tracking in unresectable CRLM patients. High LC rate and mild toxicities were achieved. This study provided evidence for using 4D-MRI guided SBRT as an alternative treatment in unresectable CRLM.

30 Gy vs. 45 Gy Consolidative Thoracic Radiation (cTRT) for Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC): A Multicenter, Randomized, Phase 3 Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (cTRT) showed potential benefit to extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). However, the optimum dose of cTRT is unknown. The purpose of this randomized trial was to compare the effect of 45 Gy in 15 fractions with 30 Gy in 10 fractions cTRT in ES-SCLC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This phase III, randomized trial was conducted in 12 public hospitals in China. Eligible patients with pathologically confirmed ES-SCLC who responded to 4-6 cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) or carboplatin (EC) chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive either 30 Gy in 10 fractions or 45 Gy in 15 fractions cTRT. The primary outcome was 2-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included 2-year progression-free survival (PFS), 2-year local control (LC) and radiation treatment related toxicity. The primary objective was to detect an OS improvement in 45 Gy cTRT group at 2 years from 13% to 26% assuming a two-sided a = 0.05 and power of 85%, with a planned sample size of 186 patients. This trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov, number NCT02675088.

RESULTS

Between January 15, 2016, and September 20, 2022, 90 patients were randomly assigned either 30 Gy in 10 fractions (n = 50) or 45 Gy in 15 fractions (n = 40) cTRT group. Recruitment to the trial closed early due to slow accrual since first-line chemoimmunotherapy has become the new standard of care for ES-SCLC. The median age of patients was 58 years, 87.8% were male, 76.7% had a smoking history, 95.6% received IMRT, and 58.9% received prophylactic cranial irradiation. At a median follow-up of 39.9 months (IQR 27.2-59.2), there was no significant difference in the 2-year OS between the 45 Gy group and the 30 Gy group, at 43.4% (95% CI 29.3%-64.3%) and 40.0% (95% CI 27.9%-59.1%), respectively (log-rank p = 0.62; HR 1.13 [95% CI 0.69-1.84]). The 2-year PFS was 12.1% (95% CI 4.3%-33.8%) in the 45 Gy group and 9.0% (95% CI 3.2%-25.2%) in the 30 Gy group (log-rank p = 0.25, HR 0.76(95% CI [0.478-1.22]). There were also no significant differences in locoregional recurrence free survival (log-rank p = 0.75; HR 0.888 [95% CI 0.423-1.863]) and distant metastasis free survival (log-rank p = 0.95; HR 1.015 [95% CI 0.624-1.651]) between two groups. No grade 5 toxicity was observed in both groups. Patients treated with higher cTRT dose presented with increased incidence of grade 3+ radiation pneumonitis (10% vs 2%) and hematological toxicity (20% vs 12.5%).

CONCLUSION

This randomized trial did not find a higher probability of survival improvement in patients with ES-SCLC receiving cTRT of 45 Gy in 15 fractions compared with 30 Gy in 10 fractions. In contrast, there was an increase in toxicity, especially radiation pneumonitis. Additional randomized studies investigating the role of cTRT in ES-SCLC after a response to chemoimmunotherapy are warranted.

Anatomy-Guided Deep Learning Model for Accurate and Robust Gross Tumor Volume Segmentation in Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In lung cancer radiation therapy, clinicians must outline the gross tumor volume (GTV) precisely on the planning computed tomography (pCT) for accurate radiation dose delivery. However, due to the limited contrast between tumor and normal tissues in lung parenchyma, accurate delineation of tumor boundaries is difficult leading to large inter-observer variation. In this study, we develop an anatomy-guided lung GTV deep segmentation model using a training cohort of multi-center datasets. The quantitative segmentation performance is evaluated on an independent dataset, where the inter-observer delineation variation is also assessed.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We collected and curated four publicly available lung datasets with GTV annotations (Lung-PET-CT-Dx, LIDC-IDRI, NSCLC-Radiogenomics and RIDER-CT) for deep learning model development. A total of 871 CT scans of patients, who were diagnosed with T1-T4 NSCLC, were available for training after data curation. The GTV annotations of primary tumor were examined and edited by two experienced radiation oncologists following the RTOG 1106 protocol. An anatomy-guided deep learning model was proposed, which consisted two deep networks. The first deep network used CT scan as input and segmented 4 anatomic organs (airway, heart, pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein), while the second deep network took both CT scan and these pre-segmented 4 organs as input and segmented the lung GTV. With the help of anatomic priors from 4 pre-segmented organs, the second deep network could more easily locate the GTV. We used nnUNet as the deep segmentation network. For evaluation, we used NSCLC-Radiomics as the testing dataset, which contains 20 CT scans each annotated by 5 radiation oncologists. The auto-segmented GTV were compared against each of the manual GTV reference. Inter-observer variation was also assessed using the 5 manual GTV references.

RESULTS

The proposed anatomic-guided lung GTV segmentation model achieved a mean Dice score of 82.4% and 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95) of 6.9mm when averaged cross 20 patients and 5 GTV references (Table 1), which outperformed the basic deep GTV segmentation model by markedly reducing 19.4% HD95 error. The performance of proposed model was also comparable to the inter-observer variation (Dice score: 82.4% vs. 81.9%, HD95 6.9 vs. 6.4mm), indicating that our model had similar reproducibility as human observers.

CONCLUSION

We developed and tested an anatomy-guided deep learning model for segmenting GTV in NSCLC patients. The model achieves high quantitative segmentation performance, which is comparable to the human observer variation. It can be potentially used in radiotherapy practice to improve GTV delineation consistency and reduce workloads of radiation oncologists.

Observation of New Ω_{c}^{0} States Decaying to the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} Final State

Two new excited states, Ω_{c}(3185)^{0} and Ω_{c}(3327)^{0}, are observed in the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} invariant-mass spectrum using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Five previously observed excited Ω_{c}^{0} states are confirmed, namely Ω_{c}(3000)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3050)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3065)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3090)^{0}, and Ω_{c}(3119)^{0}. The masses and widths of these seven states are measured with the highest precision to date.

Evidence of a J/ψK_{S}^{0} Structure in B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} decays is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. Evidence with a significance of 4.0 standard deviations of a structure in the J/ψK_{S}^{0} system, named T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0}, is seen, with its mass and width measured to be 3991_{-10}^{+12} _{-17}^{+9}  MeV/c^{2} and 105_{-25}^{+29} _{-23}^{+17}  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0} state is likely to be the isospin partner of the T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{+} state, previously observed in the J/ψK^{+} system of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. When isospin symmetry for the charged and neutral T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000) states is assumed, the signal significance increases to 5.4 standard deviations.

Measurement of the Ratios of Branching Fractions R(D^{*}) and R(D^{0})

The ratios of branching fractions R(D^{*})≡B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) and R(D^{0})≡B(B^{-}→D^{0}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B^{-}→D^{0}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) are measured, assuming isospin symmetry, using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν_{τ}ν[over ¯]_{μ}. The measured values are R(D^{*})=0.281±0.018±0.024 and R(D^{0})=0.441±0.060±0.066, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The correlation between these measurements is ρ=-0.43. The results are consistent with the current average of these quantities and are at a combined 1.9 standard deviations from the predictions based on lepton flavor universality in the standard model.

Measurement of the Prompt D^{0} Nuclear Modification Factor in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The production of prompt D^{0} mesons in proton-lead collisions in both the forward and backward rapidity regions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The nuclear modification factor of prompt D^{0} mesons is determined as a function of the transverse momentum p_{T}, and the rapidity in the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass frame y^{*}. In the forward rapidity region, significantly suppressed production with respect to pp collisions is measured, which provides significant constraints on models of nuclear parton distributions and hadron production down to the very low Bjorken-x region of ∼10^{-5}. In the backward rapidity region, a suppression with a significance of 2.0-3.8 standard deviations compared to parton distribution functions in a nuclear environment expectations is found in the kinematic region of p_{T}>6  GeV/c and -3.25 Collapse

Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Measurement of the Time-Integrated CP Asymmetry in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} Decays

The time-integrated CP asymmetry in the Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.7  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. The D^{0} mesons are required to originate from promptly produced D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} decays, and the charge of the companion pion is used to determine the flavor of the charm meson at production. The time-integrated CP asymmetry is measured to be A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})=[6.8±5.4±1.6]×10^{-4} where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The direct CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, a_{K^{-}K^{+}}^{d} and a_{π^{-}π^{+}}^{d}, are derived by combining A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+}) with the time-integrated CP asymmetry difference, ΔA_{CP}=A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), and other inputs, giving a_{K^{-}K^{+}}^{d}=(7.7±5.7)×10^{-4},a_{π^{-}π^{+}}^{d}=(23.2±6.1)×10^{-4},with a correlation coefficient corresponding to ρ=0.88. The compatibility of these results with CP symmetry is 1.4 and 3.8 standard deviations for D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, respectively. This is the first evidence for direct CP violation in a specific D^{0} decay.

Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯]) and B(B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])

Searches for the rare hadronic decays B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] and B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] are performed using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Significances of 9.3σ and 4.0σ, including statistical and systematic uncertainties, are obtained for the B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] and B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] signals, respectively. The branching fractions are measured relative to the topologically similar normalization decays B^{0}→J/ψ(→pp[over ¯])K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-}) and B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→pp[over ¯])⁢ϕ(→K^{+}K^{-}). The branching fractions are measured to be B(B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])=(2.2±0.4±0.1±0.1)×10^{-8} and B(B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])=(2.3±1.0±0.2±0.1)×10^{-8}. In these measurements, the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third one is due to the external branching fraction of the normalization channel.

First Observation of Cyclotron Radiation from MeV-Scale e^{±} following Nuclear β Decay

We present an apparatus for detection of cyclotron radiation yielding a frequency-based β^{±} kinetic energy determination in the 5 keV to 2.1 MeV range, characteristic of nuclear β decays. The cyclotron frequency of the radiating β particles in a magnetic field is used to determine the β energy precisely. Our work establishes the foundation to apply the cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy (CRES) technique, developed by the Project 8 Collaboration, far beyond the 18-keV tritium endpoint region. We report initial measurements of β^{-}'s from ^{6}He and β^{+}'s from ^{19}Ne decays to demonstrate the broadband response of our detection system and assess potential systematic uncertainties for β spectroscopy over the full (MeV) energy range. To our knowledge, this is the first direct observation of cyclotron radiation from individual highly relativistic β's in a waveguide. This work establishes the application of CRES to a variety of nuclei, opening its reach to searches for new physics beyond the TeV scale via precision β-decay measurements.