MC3R links nutritional state to childhood growth and the timing of puberty.

The state of somatic energy stores in metazoans is communicated to the brain, which regulates key aspects of behaviour, growth, nutrient partitioning and development1. The central melanocortin system acts through melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) to control appetite, food intake and energy expenditure2. Here we present evidence that MC3R regulates the timing of sexual maturation, the rate of linear growth and the accrual of lean mass, which are all energy-sensitive processes. We found that humans who carry loss-of-function mutations in MC3R, including a rare homozygote individual, have a later onset of puberty. Consistent with previous findings in mice, they also had reduced linear growth, lean mass and circulating levels of IGF1. Mice lacking Mc3r had delayed sexual maturation and an insensitivity of reproductive cycle length to nutritional perturbation. The expression of Mc3r is enriched in hypothalamic neurons that control reproduction and growth, and expression increases during postnatal development in a manner that is consistent with a role in the regulation of sexual maturation. These findings suggest a bifurcating model of nutrient sensing by the central melanocortin pathway with signalling through MC4R controlling the acquisition and retention of calories, whereas signalling through MC3R primarily regulates the disposition of calories into growth, lean mass and the timing of sexual maturation.

Isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree atrioventricular block in the fetus: natural history and predictive factors for spontaneous recovery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical course of fetal isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and the factors associated with spontaneous recovery in these cases. METHODS: Fetuses with isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB were recruited prospectively between 2014 and 2022. These fetuses were divided into two groups: those which recovered spontaneously and those which did not. Maternal and fetal characteristics and intrauterine and postnatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The study cohort included 20 fetuses with isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB, diagnosed at a median gestational age of 22.0 (range, 17.0-35.0) weeks. In 12 fetuses, 1:1 atrioventricular conduction was restored spontaneously in utero and there was no recurrence during the postnatal follow-up period. In the remaining eight fetuses, second-degree AVB was maintained and, in six of these, the pregnancy was terminated on parental request. Of the two liveborn children who had persistent second-degree AVB prenatally, one had progressed to complete AVB at the latest follow-up, at the age of 34 months, but was asymptomatic, without heart enlargement or dysfunction. The other child progressed to complete AVB after delivery and was diagnosed with type-2 long QT syndrome. This infant died aged 2 months. Fetuses in the group that recovered spontaneously had earlier gestational age at diagnosis (median, 20.0 (range, 17.0-26.0) vs 24.5 (range, 18.0-35.0) weeks; P = 0.004) and higher atrial rate at diagnosis (median, 147 (range, 130-160) vs 138 (range, 125-149) bpm; P = 0.006) in comparison with the group that did not recover spontaneously. The best cut-off values for prediction of failure to recover spontaneously were 22.5 weeks' gestational age at diagnosis and 144 bpm atrial rate at diagnosis, with sensitivities of 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, and specificities of 92.0% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of 60% of fetuses with isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB was favorable. Earlier gestational age and higher atrial rate at diagnosis were associated with spontaneous reversion to normal sinus rhythm. Prenatal genetic testing should be performed in cases with persistent AVB, to exclude heritable disorders including long QT syndrome. These findings provide important information for clinical management and prenatal counseling in these cases. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Application of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung].

Objective: To examine the efficacy of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 33 patients with tuberculous destroyed lung who had received uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection from June 2020 to May 2022 in Department of Surgery, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 20 females, aged (47.5±16.2) years (range: 19 to 68 years). The course of the disease was from 15 days to 8 years. All 33 cases had pleural adhesions, including 30 cases with total pleural adhesions and atresia. There were 21 cases of calcification of the thoracic lymph node, 17 cases of aspergillus infection, 4 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The surgical incision was located at the midline of the fifth intercostal axilla, length 4 to 5 cm. The principle of separating pleural adhesions was easy first and difficult later, and then appropriate procedures were selected to resect the diseased lung based on the exploration situation. There were 12 cases that underwent superior lobectomy, 11 cases that underwent superior lobectomy and dorsal segmentectomy, 3 cases that underwent inferior lobectomy, 3 cases that underwent pneumonectomy, 2 cases that underwent middle and inferior lobectomy, and 1 case that underwent superior lobectomy, dorsal segmentectomy and basal segment wedgectomy. The surgical techniques, perioperative evaluation and treatment, management of complications, and the outcome were summarized. Results: Six cases were converted to thoracoscope assisted small incision or thoracotomy. For 27 cases who successfully underwent uniportal VATS, the operation time was (238.7±76.8) minutes (range: 60 to 420 minutes), the intraoperative bleeding was (400.4±315.9) ml (range: 50 to 1 200 ml). The duration of postoperative drainage was (12.7±8.3) days (range: 3 to 42 days). The postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±7.9) days (range: 6 to 43 days). Persistent postoperative pulmonary leakage occurred in 12 cases. There were 2 cases of active thoracic bleeding, one of which was cured with conservative treatment. The other case underwent secondary operation. One case of bronchopleural fistula was cured after continuous thoracic drainage to control infection and implantation of one-way bronchial valve through a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Conclusion: For selected patients with tuberculous destroyed lung, choosing the reasonable surgical procedures and techniques, the uniportal VATS could reduce surgical trauma.

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

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

Search for Λ[over ¯]-Λ Baryon-Number-Violating Oscillations in the Decay J/ψ→pK

We report on the first search for Λ[over ¯]-Λ oscillations in the decay J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c. by analyzing 1.31×10^{9} J/ψ events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The J/ψ events are produced using e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center of mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097 GeV. No evidence for hyperon oscillations is observed. The upper limit for the oscillation rate of Λ[over ¯] to Λ hyperons is determined to be P(Λ)=[B(J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ+c.c.)/B(J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c.)]<4.4×10^{-6} corresponding to an oscillation parameter δm_{ΛΛ[over ¯]} of less than 3.8×10^{-18} GeV at the 90% confidence level.

Correlation study between apparent diffusion coefficients and the prognostic factors in breast cancer.

AIM: To analyse the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) derived from intratumoural and peritumoural regions with prognostic factors and immune-inflammatory markers in breast cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 89 patients (age range, 28-66 years; median, 45 years) with a diagnosis of invasive BC who underwent routine blood tests and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. The study cohort was stratified according to tumour maximum cross-section ≥20 mm, lymph node metastasis (LNM), time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type, and receptor status. Minimum, maximum, mean, and heterogeneity values of tumour ADC (ADCtmin, ADCtmax, ADCtmean, and ADCheter), maximum values of peritumoural ADC (ADCpmax), and the ratio of peritumoural-tumour ADC (ADCratio) were obtained on the ADC maps. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between immune-inflammatory markers, prognostic factors and ADC values. RESULTS: HER-2 was positively associated with ADCtmax, ADCtmean, and ADCpmax values (ß = 0.306, p=0.004; ß = 0.283, p=0.007; ß = 0.262, p=0.007, respectively), while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was positively associated with ADCpmax and ADCratio values (ß = 0.227, p=0.020; ß = 0.231, p=0.020, respectively). Among ADC parameters, ADCpmax showed the highest predictive values for evaluating the presence of LNM (AUC, 0.751; sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 77.1%). CONCLUSION: The ADCpmax value could provide additional assistance in predicting prognostic factors of BC.

Development and validation of a multiphase CT radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion in patients with gastric cancer.

AIM: To develop a nomogram to predict lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in gastric cancer by integrating multiphase computed tomography (CT) radiomics and clinical risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-two gastric cancer patients (121 training and 51 validation) with preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images and clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively. The clinical risk factors were selected by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Radiomic features were extracted and selected from the arterial phase (AP), venous phase (VP), and delayed phase (DP) CT images of each patient. Clinical risk factors, radiomic features, and integration of both were used to develop the clinical model, radiomic models, and nomogram, respectively. RESULTS: Radiomic features from AP (n=6), VP (n=6), DP (n=7) CT images and three selected clinical risk factors were used for model development. The nomogram showed better performance than the AP, VP, DP, and clinical models in the training and validation datasets, providing areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.890 (95% CI: 0.820-0.940) and 0.885 (95% CI:0.765-0.957), respectively. All models indicated good calibration, and decision curve analysis proved that the net benefit of the nomogram was superior to that of the clinical and radiomic models throughout the vast majority of the threshold probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram integrating multiphase CT radiomics and clinical risk factors showed favourable performance in predicting LVI of gastric cancer, which may benefit clinical practice.

[Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in detection of endoleak after endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm].

Objective: To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detecting endoleak after endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR). Methods: The postoperative follow-up data of 102 patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with EVAR in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from August 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 79 males and 23 females, aged 50-91 (69.6±7.6) years old. Using CT angiography (CTA) as the gold standard for diagnosing endoleaks, the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and CDUS in detecting endoleaks was evaluated by paired design chi-square test, and the Kappa value was calculated for consistency test. Patients were divided into groups according to body mass index (BMI), and the number of false-negative endoleaks detected by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in each group was calculated, and its ratio to the actual number of endoleaks was calculated to evaluate whether BMI was related to false-negative ultrasound-enhanced ultrasound. Results: A total of 203 follow-up visits met the inclusion criteria. Endoleaks were detected 36 times (17.7%) by CTA, 31 times (15.3%) by contrast-enhanced ultrasound, 16 times (7.9%) by CDUS, and they all detected type Ⅰ, type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ endoleaks. There was no significant difference between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and CTA in endoleak detection rate and determination of endoleak types (endoleak detection rate: 15.3% vs 17.7%; determination of endoleak types: type Ⅰ 4 vs 4, type Ⅱ 26 vs 31, type Ⅲ 1 vs 1; all P>0.05). CDUS and CTA had statistically significant differences in the detection rate of endoleaks and determination of endoleak types (endoleak detection rate: 7.9% vs 17.7%; determination of endoleak types: type Ⅰ 4 vs 4, type Ⅱ 11 vs 31, type Ⅲ 1 vs 1; all P<0.001). Compared with CTA, contrast-enhanced ultrasound has a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 99.4%, a Youden index of 0.827, a coincidence rate of 96.6%, a positive predictive value of 96.8%, a negative predictive value of 96.5%, and a Kappa value of 0.875(P<0.001). The two showed excellent diagnostic consistency. All 6 endoleaks not detected by contrast-enhanced ultrasound were type Ⅱ endoleak that did not require treatment, and 3(15.8%) occurred in obese patients with a BMI≥32 kg/m2. Compared with CTA, CDUS had a sensitivity of 38.9%, a specificity of 98.8%, a Youden index of 0.377, a coincidence rate of 88.2%, a positive predictive value of 87.5%, a negative predictive value of 88.2%, and a Kappa value of 0.482 (P<0.001). The two showed moderate diagnostic agreement. The correlation coefficient of the maximum diameter of aneurysms measured by ultrasound and CT was r=0.873(P<0.001). Conclusions: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is accurate in detecting endoleak after infrarenal EVAR, and its sensitivity to endoleak detection in obese patients with BMI≥32 kg/m2 will be reduced. CDUS is not suitable for detection of endoleak after infrarenal EVAR, but it can be used to monitor the change of the largest diameter of aneurysm after EVAR.

[Early results of left ventricular assist device implantation for the treatment of heart failure].

Twenty-four male patients who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation due to advanced heart failure in Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively included. The age of patients was 32-61 (48.4±8.4) years. Everheat-Ⅰ, HeartCon and Corheart 6 left ventricular assist systems were used in 10, 6 and 8 cases, respectively. All patients were discharged successfully without mechanical failure, thrombosis or secondary thoracotomy for hemostasis. Early postoperative hemodynamics were significantly improved, left ventricular systolic diameter was reduced, left ventricular ejection fraction was gradually improved, and no hemolysis occurred. The patients were followed up for 3 to 39 (17.9±8.6) months, the cardiac function was restored to grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ, and the 6-minute walking test distance increased significantly. Therefore, satisfactory early results can be achieved with left ventricular assist device implantation for the treatment of heart failure.

[Chest hemorrhage after left total pulmonary resection for secondary rifampin-resistant tuberculosis:a case report].

The patient had received five courses of anti-tuberculosis treatment for recurrent tuberculosis. The drug sensitivity test results of the first three courses showed drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis, and the fourth diagnosis was rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type Ⅱ respiratory failure, pulmonary heart disease, and heart failure (grade Ⅲ). The patient stopped taking the anti-tuberculosis drugs on his own in the eighth month of receiving the resistant treatment. After admission, the symptoms improved temporarily after receiving oxygen therapy, anti-infection, and anti-tuberculosis treatment. Because of hemoptysis, the patient underwent arterial embolization by catheterization, but a large amount of hemoptysis occurred shortly thereafter. Emergency left total lung resection and gauze packing for hemostasis were performed. After surgery, the patient's vital signs were maintained with mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. Forty-eight hours after surgery, the gauze was removed, and the patient underwent tracheotomy, enteral nutrition, and anti-tuberculosis treatment. After discharge, the patient underwent rehabilitative exercise and anti-resistant tuberculosis therapy. The patient's condition remained stable for more than six months of follow-up.

[Study on the resistance of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis to anti-tuberculosis drugs in group A].

Objective: To summarize the resistance of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis to anti-tuberculosis drugs in group A. Methods: In the retrospective study, a total of 1 226 clinical isolates from suspected multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Beijing TB control system from 2016 to 2021 were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains by MPB64 antigen detection test. Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) strains were screened by the phenotypic drug susceptibility using the proportion method. The drug susceptibilities of Levofloxacin(LFX), Moxifloxacin(MFX), Bedaquiline(BDQ) and Linezolid(LZD)were detected by the phenotypic drug susceptibility with microplate method. The drug resistance rate, drug resistance level and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution of four anti-tuberculosis drugs in group A were analyzed. We calculated the demographic distribution of RR-TB, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB), pre-extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB), extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) patients and the cross resistance of LFX and MFX, then summarized the drug-resistance spectrum of BDQ-resistant and LZD-resistant strains and the treatment outcome of RR-TB patients. Measurement data were expressed as rate or composition ratio,χ2 test was used between and within groups, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 1 226 suspected multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients, the detection rates of RR/MDR/pre-XDR/XDR-TB patients were 20.8%(255/1 226), 15.2%(186/1 226), 5.7%(70/1 226), 0.5%(6/1 226), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of patients with the four types of drug resistance in terms of age and treatment history (χ2=14.95, P=0.020;χ2=15.91, P=0.001). The drug resistance rates of LFX, MFX, BDQ and LZD in RR-TB patients were 27.5% (70/255), 27.5% (70/255), 0.4% (1/255) and 2.4% (6/255), respectively. The MICs of LFX, MFX and LZD-susceptible MTB were mainly at 0.25 mg/L, and the MIC of BDQ-susceptible MTB was mainly concentrated at 0.03 mg/L. 25.1% (64/255) of the RR MTB were resistant to both LFX and MFX, and 6 strains were resistant to LFX or MFX, showing incomplete two-way cross resistance. One BDQ-resistant strain and six LZD-resistant strains were detected. The treatment success rate of RR-TB patients was 74.4% (151/203), and there were statistically significant differences in treatment outcomes between resistant and sensitive patients on the LFX-containing treatment regimen (Fisher's exact test, P=0.012). Conclusions: The prevalence of fluoroquinolones (LFX and MFX) resistance in rifampicin-resistant MTB is very serious. LFX and MFX show incomplete bidirectional cross-resistance. BDQ and LZD have the most promising future in the treatment of MDR-TB. Improve drug-resistance testing will help to further improve the success rate of treatment.

[Evaluation of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication in treatment of drug-resistant tuberculous empyema].

Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication in treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis empyema. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2020, 122 cases of tuberculous empyema treated by decortication in Department of Surgery, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 100 males and 22 females, aged(M(IQR)) 29.5(28.0) years (range: 13 to 70 years). According to the surgical approach and drug resistance, patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication were included in group A (n=22), and those who underwent thoracotomy decortication were included in group B (n=28). Drug-sensitive patients who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication were included in group C (n=72). There was no statistical difference in the baseline data of the three groups (P>0.05). The operation, early postoperative recovery, and prognosis-related indicators were compared among three groups by Kruskal-Wallis test and χ2 test by Mann-Whitney U test and Bonferroni method between groups A and B, groups A and C. Results: The intraoperative blood loss of group A, group B, and group C was 200(475) ml, 300(200) ml, and 225(300) ml, respectively. There was no significant difference in intraoperative hemorrhage (H=2.74, P=0.254) and treatment outcome (χ2=4.76, P=0.575) among the three groups. Compared with group B, the operation time of group A (302.5(187.5) minutes vs. 200.0(60.0) minutes, U=171.0, P=0.007) and postoperative pulmonary reexpansion duration (4.5(3.0) months vs. 3.0 (2.2) months, U=146.5, P=0.032) were longer, and the postoperative drainage duration (9.5(7.8) days vs. 13.0(10.0) days, U=410.0, P=0.044), and the postoperative hospitalization time (12.0(7.8) days vs. 14.5(4.8) days, U=462.2, P=0.020) were shorter. There was no significant difference in complications between group A and group B (63.6%(14/22) vs. 71.4%(20/28), χ2=0.34, P=0.558). Compared with group C, the postoperative drainage duration of group A (9.5(7.8) days vs. 7.0(4.0) days, U=543.5, P=0.031), the postoperative hospitalization time (12.0(7.8) days vs. 9.0(4.0) days, U=533.0, P=0.031) and postoperative pulmonary reexpansion duration (4.5(3.0) months vs. 3.0(2.0) months, U=961.5, P=0.001) were longer. The operation time (302.5(187.5) minutes vs. 242.5(188.8) minutes, U=670.5, P=0.278), and complications (63.6%(14/22) vs. 40.3%(29/72), χ2=3.70, P=0.054) were not different between group A and group C. Conclusions: For drug-resistant tuberculous empyema, the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication can achieve the same good therapeutic effect as drug-sensitive tuberculous empyema, and it is as safe as thoracotomy. At the same time, it has the advantage of minimally invasive and can accelerate the early postoperative recovery of patients.

First Measurement of Polarizations in the Decay D

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector, the decay D^{0}→ωϕ is observed for the first time. The branching fraction is measured to be (6.48±0.96±0.40)×10^{-4} with a significance of 6.3σ, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. An angular analysis reveals that the ϕ and ω mesons from the D^{0}→ωϕ decay are transversely polarized. The 95% confidence level upper limit on longitudinal polarization fraction is set to be less than 0.24, which is inconsistent with current theoretical expectations and challenges our understanding of the underlying dynamics in charm meson decays.

Observation of J/ψ Electromagnetic Dalitz Decays to X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370).

Using a sample of about 10^{10} J/ψ events collected at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097 GeV with the BESIII detector, the electromagnetic Dalitz decays J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}π^{+}π^{-}η^{'}, with η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}η, have been studied. The decay J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is observed with a significance of 15σ, and also an e^{+}e^{-} invariant-mass dependent transition form factor of J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is presented for the first time. The intermediate states X(2120) and X(2370) are also observed in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant-mass spectrum with significances of 5.3σ and 7.3σ. The corresponding product branching fractions for J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X, X→π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} [X=X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)] are reported.

Observation of the Singly Cabibbo Suppressed Decay Λ_{c}

The singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 7.3σ by using 3.9 fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.612 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. The branching fraction of Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} is measured to be (6.6±1.2_{stat}±0.4_{syst})×10^{-4}. By taking the upper limit of branching fractions of Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{0} from the Belle experiment, the ratio of branching fractions between Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{0} is calculated to be larger than 7.2 at the 90% confidence level, which disagrees with most predictions of the available phenomenological models. In addition, the branching fractions of the Cabibbo-favored decays Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+} and Λ_{c}^{+}→Σ^{0}π^{+} are measured to be (1.31±0.08_{stat}±0.05_{syst})×10^{-2} and (1.22±0.08_{stat}±0.07_{syst})×10^{-2}, respectively, which are consistent with previous results.

Measurement of the Cross Section for e

Based on electron-positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider II storage rings, the value of R≡σ(e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons)/σ(e^{+}e^{-}→µ^{+}µ^{-}) is measured at 14 center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. The resulting uncertainties are less than 3.0% and are dominated by systematic uncertainties.

Effects of ruminal protozoa on methane emissions in ruminants-A meta-analysis.

The effects of different ruminal protozoa (RP) on CH4 emissions from ruminants were evaluated in a meta-analysis, using 64 publications reporting data from 79 in vivo experiments. Experiments included in the database reported CH4 emissions (g/d) and total RP (TRP, log10 cells/mL) from the same group of animals. The relationship between CH4 emissions and RP (TRP, entodiniomorphids, and isotrichids), and TRP-, entodiniomorphid-, and isotrichid-based CH4 emission prediction models, were evaluated as mixed models with experiment as a random effect and weighted by the reciprocal of the standard error of the mean and centered around one. Positive associations existed between TRP and isotrichids with CH4 emissions but not between entodiniomorphids and CH4 emissions. A reduction in CH4 emissions was observed, averaging 7.96 and 4.25 g/d, per log unit reduction in TRP and isotrichid concentrations, respectively. Total RP and isotrichids were important variables in predicting CH4 emissions from ruminants. Isotrichid CH4 prediction model was more robust than the TRP, evidenciated by lower predicted sigma hat study (%), and error (%), and with higher concordance correlation coefficient. Both TRP and isotrichid models can accurately predict CH4 emissions across different ruminant types, as shown by the low square root of the mean square prediction error, with 6.59 and 4.08% of the mean of root of the mean square prediction error in the TRP and isotrichid models, respectively. Our results confirm that isotrichids are more important than entodiniomorphids in methanogenesis. Distinguishing these 2 populations yielded a more robust CH4 prediction model than combining them as total protozoa.

Effects of choline chloride on the ruminal microbiome at 2 dietary neutral detergent fiber concentrations in continuous culture.

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of unprotected choline chloride (Cho) on the ruminal microbiome at 2 dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations. We hypothesized that the effects of Cho on ruminal bacterial populations would depend on NDF. Eight dual-flow continuous-culture fermentors were arranged in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square as a 2 × 2 factorial with the following treatments: (1) 30% NDF-control (30% NDF diet, no supplemental choline); (2) 30% NDF-Cho (30% NDF diet plus 1.9 g of choline ion per kg of dry matter); (3) 40% NDF-control (40% NDF diet, no supplemental choline); and (4) 40% NDF-Cho (40% NDF diet plus 1.9 g of choline ion per kg of dry matter). We did 4 fermentation periods of 10 d each and used the last 3 d for collection of samples of solid and liquid digesta effluents for DNA extraction. Overall, 32 solid and 32 liquid samples were analyzed by amplification of the V4 variable region of bacterial 16S rRNA. Data were analyzed with R (R Project for Statistical Computing) and SAS (SAS Institute Inc.) to determine effects of Cho, NDF, and NDF × Cho on taxa relative abundance. The correlation of propionate molar proportion with taxa relative abundance was also analyzed. At the phylum level, relative abundance of Firmicutes in the liquid fraction tended to be greater when Cho was supplemented with a 30% NDF diet. At the order level, Cho increased Coriobacteriales in solid fraction and decreased Fibrobacterales in liquid fraction. Moreover, Cho decreased abundance of Clostridiales and increased Selenomonadales in the solid fraction, only with the 30% NDF diet. For genera, lower abundance of Pseudobutyrivibrio resulted from Cho in solid and liquid fractions. Greater abundance of Succinivibrio in solid and Selenomonas and Selenomonas 1 in liquid resulted from Cho with the 30% NDF diet. Propionate molar proportion was positively correlated with relative abundance of order Selenomonadales in solid and liquid fractions, and with genus Succinivibrio in solid and genera Selenomonas and Selenomonas 1 in liquid. Our results indicate that Cho primarily decreases abundance of bacteria involved in fiber degradation and increases abundance of bacteria mainly involved in nonstructural carbohydrate degradation and synthesis of propionate, particularly when a diet with 30% NDF is provided.

Gas production by Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis WDCO4 is increased in Cheddar cheese containing sodium gluconate.

Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis can use gluconate (GLCN) as well as galactose as an energy source and because sodium GLCN can be added during salting of Cheddar cheese to reduce calcium lactate crystal formation, our primary objective was to determine if the presence of GLCN in cheese is another risk factor for unwanted gas production leading to slits in cheese. A secondary objective was to calculate the amount of CO2 produced during storage and to relate this to the amount of gas-forming substrate that was utilized. Ribose was added to promote growth of Pa. wasatchensis WDC04 (P.waWDC04) to high numbers during storage. Cheddar cheese was made with lactococcal starter culture with addition of P.waWDC04 on 3 separate occasions. After milling, the curd was divided into six 10-kg portions. To the curd was added (A) salt, or salt plus (B) 0.5% galactose + 0.5% ribose (similar to previous studies), (C) 1% sodium GLCN, (D) 1% sodium GLCN + 0.5% ribose, (E) 2% sodium GLCN, (F) 2% sodium GLCN + 0.5% ribose. A vat of cheese without added P.waWDC04 was made using the same milk and a block of cheese used as an additional control. Cheeses were cut into 900-g pieces, vacuum packaged and stored at 12°C for 16 wk. Each month the bags were examined for gas production and cheese sampled and tested for lactose, galactose and GLCN content, and microbial numbers. In the control cheese, P.waWDC04 remained undetected (i.e., <104 cfu/g), whereas in cheeses A, C, and E it increased to 107 cfu/g, and when ribose was included with salting (cheeses B, D, and F) increased to 108 cfu/g. The amount of gas (measured as headspace height or calculated as mmoles of CO2) during 16 wk storage was increased by adding P.waWDC04 into the milk, and by adding galactose or GLCN to the curd. Galactose levels in cheese B were depleted by 12 wk while no other cheeses had residual galactose. Except for cheese D, the other cheeses with GLCN added (C, E and F) showed little decline in GLCN levels until wk 12, even though gas was being produced starting at wk 4. Based on calculations of CO2 in headspace plus CO2 dissolved in cheese, galactose and GLCN added to cheese curd only accounted for about half of total gas production. It is proposed that CO2 was also produced by decarboxylation of amino acids. Although P.waWDC04 does not have all the genes for complete conversion and decarboxylation of the amino acids in cheese, this can be achieved in conjunction with starter culture lactococcal. Adding GLCN to curd can now be considered another confirmed risk factor for unwanted gas production during storage of Cheddar cheese that can lead to slits and cracks in cheese. Putative risk factors now include having a community of bacteria in cheese leading to decarboxylation of amino acids and release of CO2 as well autolysis of the starter culture that would provide a supply of ribose that can promote growth of Pa. wasatchensis.

Effects of lactic acid-producing bacteria as direct-fed microbials on the ruminal microbiome.

The objective of this study was to evaluate ruminal microbiome changes associated with feeding Lactobacillus plantarum GB-LP1 as direct-fed microbials (DFM) in high-producing dairy cow diets. A dual-flow continuous culture system was used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. A basal diet was formulated to meet the requirements of a cow producing 45 kg of milk per day (16% crude protein and 28% starch). There were 4 experimental treatments: the basal diet without any DFM (CTRL); a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 × 109 cfu/g, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii, 2 × 109 cfu/g [MLP = 0.01% of diet dry matter (DM)]; and 2 different levels of L. plantarum, 1.35 × 109 cfu/g (L1 = 0.05% and L2 = 0.10% of diet DM). Bacterial samples were collected from the fluid and particulate effluents before feeding and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding; a composite of all time points was made for each fermentor within their respective fractionations. Bacterial community composition was analyzed through sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequenced data were analyzed on DADA2, and statistical analyses were performed in R (RStudio 3.0.1, https://www.r-project.org/) and SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.); orthogonal contrasts were used to compare treatments. Different than in other fermentation scenarios (e.g., silage or beef cattle high-grain diets), treatments did not affect pH or lactic acid concentration. Effects were mainly from overall DFM inclusion, and they were mostly observed in the fluid phase. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, family Lachnospiraceae, and 6 genera decreased with DFM inclusion, with emphasis on Butyrivibrio_2, Saccharofermentans, and Ruminococcus_1 that are fibrolytic and may display peptidase activity during fermentation. Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group also decreased in the fluid phase, and their relative abundances were positively correlated with NH3-N daily outflow from the fermentors. Specific effects of MLP and L. plantarum were mostly in specific bacteria associated with proteolytic and fibrolytic functions in the rumen. These findings help to explain why, in the previous results from this study, DFM inclusion decreased NH3-N concentration without altering pH and lactic acid concentration.