Observation of η'→π+ π π+ π- and η'→π+π- π0 π0

Using a sample of 1.3 × 10(9)  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, we report the first observation of η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-) and η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0)π(0). The measured branching fractions are B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-)) = [8.53 ± 0.69(stat.) ± 0.64(syst.)]×10(-5) and B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0) π(0)) = [1.82 ± 0.35(stat.) ± 0.18(syst.)] × 10(-4), which are consistent with theoretical predictions based on a combination of chiral perturbation theory and vector-meson dominance.

New support vector machine-based method for microRNA target prediction

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays important roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, growth, mobility, and apoptosis. An accurate list of precise target genes is necessary in order to fully understand the importance of miRNAs in animal development and disease. Several computational methods have been proposed for miRNA target-gene identification. However, these methods still have limitations with respect to their sensitivity and accuracy. Thus, we developed a new miRNA target-prediction method based on the support vector machine (SVM) model. The model supplies information of two binding sites (primary and secondary) for a radial basis function kernel as a similarity measure for SVM features. The information is categorized based on structural, thermodynamic, and sequence conservation. Using high-confidence datasets selected from public miRNA target databases, we obtained a human miRNA target SVM classifier model with high performance and provided an efficient tool for human miRNA target gene identification. Experiments have shown that our method is a reliable tool for miRNA target-gene prediction, and a successful application of an SVM classifier. Compared with other methods, the method proposed here improves the sensitivity and accuracy of miRNA prediction. Its performance can be further improved by providing more training examples.

Understanding the structure details when drying hydrate crystals of pharmaceuticals – interpretations from diffuse scattering and inter-modulation satellites of a partially dehydrated crystal

Simplified models for the crystal lattice of the sesquihydrate form of the hemi-sulfate salt of (5S,6S,9R)-5-amino-6-(2,3-difluorophenyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-cyclohepta[b]pyridin-9-yl 4-(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol[4,5b]pyridin-1-yl)-1-piperidine carboxylate (BMS-927711, C28H29F2N6O3+) are used to calculate diffuse diffraction features in order to develop a mechanistic understanding of the dehydration process with respect to disruption of the lattice, since a Bragg model cannot be established. The model demonstrates that what we observe when the water leaves the crystal is partial transformation from the parent form to a child form (a new form, less hydrated and structurally related to the parent). Yet this `dried' structure is not a pure phase. It consists of semi-random layers of both child, parent and an interfacial layer which has a modulated structure that represents a transitory phase. Understanding the fact that a single `dried' crystal can have the disordered layer structure described as well as understanding mechanistic relationships between the phases involved can have implications in understanding the effect of common large scale bulk drying procedures. During the development of BMS-927711, difficulties did arise during characterization of the dried bulk when using only routine solid-state analysis. The material is now better understood from this diffraction study. The diffraction experiments also reveal intermodulation satellites, which upon interpretation yield even more structural information about the crystal transformation. The model suggests the mechanism of transformation is laminar in which layers of the crystal are driven to approach a stableB-centered supercell phase of lower water content.

Effects of Omega-3 fatty acid on major cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

There is considerable discrepancy regarding the protective effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 PUFAs) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) from the early-phase clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a meta-analysis of RCTs to address this issue.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Pubmed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE databases (∼ May 2013) were systematically searched. Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% CI were retrieved by using random-effect model according to heterogeneity. A total of 14 RCTs involving 16,338 individuals in the Omega-3 PUFAs group and 16,318 in the control group were identified. Patients assigned to Omega-3 PUFAs did not demonstrate satisfactory improvements on major cardiovascular events (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.01; P = 0.08; I(2) = 46%). By contrast, the reduced risks of death from cardiac causes, sudden cardiac death and death from all causes (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.96; P = 0.003; I(2) = 0%; OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.98; P = 0.03; I(2) = 29%; and OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.99; P = 0.02; I(2) = 6%; respectively) were shown.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplement of Omega-3 PUFAs in patients with CHD is not associated with a protective effect on major cardiovascular events, while it does exert beneficial effects in reducing death from cardiac causes, sudden cardiac death and death from all causes. However, with currently available cardio-protective therapies, whether dietary supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs should be still considered in patients with CHD is currently debated.

Observation of e+e- → γX(3872) at BESIII

With data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring at center-of-mass energies from 4.009 to 4.420 GeV, the process e+e-→ γX(3872) is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.3σ. The measured mass of the X(3872) is (3871.9 ± 0.7s tat ± 0.2 syst)  MeV/c(2), in agreement with previous measurements. Measurements of the product of the cross section σ[e+e- → γX(3872)] and the branching fraction B[X(3872)→π+π-J/ψ] at center-of-mass energies 4.009, 4.229, 4.260, and 4.360 GeV are reported. Our measurements are consistent with expectations for the radiative transition process Y(4260) → γX(3872).

Factors influencing response enthusiasm to telephone follow-up in patients with oesophageal carcinoma after oesophagectomy

Response enthusiasm to telephone follow-up is a precondition for obtaining exhaustive information; however, no study has yet examined this specific issue. This study aimed to investigate possible factors influencing response enthusiasm to telephone follow-up in patients with oesophageal carcinoma after oesophagectomy and to propose corresponding countermeasures. A telephone follow-up was conducted on patients who underwent oesophagectomy. The possible factors influencing response enthusiasm grades were investigated by univariate and logistic regression analyses. The study enrolled 346 eligible patients. Univariate analysis showed that the tumour, nodes, metastasis (TNM) staging (P = 0.004); survival status (P < 0.001); survival time (P < 0.001); complications/co-morbidities (P = 0.001); and the relationship between the patient and his/her contact person (P < 0.001) were significantly different among the three groups. The first group of patients had high response enthusiasm, the second group had moderate response enthusiasm, and the third group had low response enthusiasm. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only the complications/co-morbidities [confidence interval (CI) = -2.310 to -0.665, P < 0.001] and dysphagia status (CI = 0.039-1.509, P = 0.039) were independent factors affecting the response enthusiasm grades. The primary therapeutic results and the current complications and co-morbidities, especially the dysphagia status, were important factors influencing response enthusiasm grades. Planning a follow-up schedule with proper health instructions could be crucial to the quality of follow-up.

DSPP contains an IRES element responsible for the translation of dentin phosphophoryn

The major phosphoprotein in dentin is the aspartic acid and serine-rich protein called dentin phosphophoryn (DPP). DPP appears to be synthesized as a part of a larger compound protein, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). DSPP has never been isolated or detected in dentin extracts. It is now evident that DSPP is a chimeric protein composed of 3 parts: dentin sialoprotein (DSP), DPP, and dentin glycoprotein (DGP). Previous reports have suggested that the BMP1 protease is responsible for processing DSPP. However, unequal amounts of these products are present in the dentin matrix. Here, we provide evidence for an internal ribosome entry site in the DSPP gene that directs the synthesis of DPP. This mechanism would account for unequal amounts of intracellular DSP and DPP. The internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) activity varied in different cell types, suggesting the presence of additional regulatory elements during the translational regulation of DPP. Further, we provide evidence that DPP is transported to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through exosomes. Using tissue recombination and lentivirus-mediated gain-of-function approaches, we also demonstrate that DPP is essential for the formation of well-defined tooth structures with mineralized dentin matrix.

Enhanced minority carrier lifetimes in GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires through shell growth optimization

The effects of AlGaAs shell thickness and growth time on the minority carrier lifetime in the GaAs core of GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition are investigated. The carrier lifetime increases with increasing AlGaAs shell thickness up to a certain value as a result of reducing tunneling probability of carriers through the AlGaAs shell, beyond which the carrier lifetime reduces due to the diffusion of Ga-Al and/or impurities across the GaAs/AlGaAs heterointerface. Interdiffusion at the heterointerface is observed directly using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. We achieve room temperature minority carrier lifetimes of 1.9 ns by optimizing the shell growth with the intention of reducing the effect of interdiffusion.

mTORC1/2 targeted by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of mammary tumorigenesis and tumor progression

Although epidemiological and preclinical studies have shown the preventative effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on breast cancer, inconsistencies still remain in the data and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identified mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which plays an essential role in cell proliferation and breast tumorigenesis, as a target of n-3 PUFAs. In breast cancer cell lines, n-3 PUFAs rapidly and efficiently suppress both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 and their downstream signaling, and subsequently inhibit cell proliferation and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis. Further study indicates that stabilization of the mTOR-raptor complex by n-3 PUFAs may contribute to their inhibitory effect on mTORC1. Importantly, four complementary and well-controlled animal models were utilized to identify the role and molecular target of n-3 PUFAs in the prevention of breast carcinogenesis and progression, namely: (1) chemically induced mammary tumor rats with a high dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs; (2) nude mice implanted with mammary tumor cell lines stably expressing fat-1, a desaturase that catalyzes the conversion of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs and produces n-3 PUFAs endogenously; (3) fat-1 transgenic severe combined immune deficiency mice implanted with breast tumor cells; and (4) the fat-1 transgenic mouse mammary tumor virus-polyoma virus middle T oncogene double-hybrid mice, a model of aggressive breast cancer. In summary, dietary and endogenous n-3 PUFAs abrogate the activity of mTORC1/2 pathways in vitro and in vivo and prevent breast carcinogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Taken together, our findings convincingly clarify the causal relationship between n-3 PUFAs and breast cancer prevention and establish mTORC1/2 as a target of n-3 PUFAs.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We study the process ee+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.260 GeV using a 525  pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross section is measured to be (62.9±1.9±3.7)  pb, consistent with the production of the Y(4260). We observe a structure at around 3.9  GeV/c2 in the π(±)J/ψ mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z(c)(3900). If interpreted as a new particle, it is unusual in that it carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π(±)J/ψ invariant mass spectrum, neglecting interference, results in a mass of (3899.0±3.6±4.9)  MeV/c2 and a width of (46±10±20)  MeV. Its production ratio is measured to be R = (σ(e+ e- → π(±)Z(c)(3900)(∓) → π+ π- J/ψ)/σ(e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ)) = (21.5±3.3±7.5)%. In all measurements the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

Dynamic proteome analysis of spinal cord injury after ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis

STUDY DESIGN

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and common neurologic disorder that has profound influences on modern society from physical, psychosocial and socio-economic perspectives.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the dynamic changes in protein expression during SCI after ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODS

We used two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight MS to give a global analysis of protein dynamic change during SCI after ischemia-reperfusion. Dynamic changes in protein expression were investigated from 6 to 48 h in SCI after ischemia-reperfusion using a proteomics tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-one proteins were identified in total, including neuronal proteins, glycometabolism enzymes, stress-related proteins and cytoskeleton-related proteins. These were divided into upregulated and downregulated groups. Results identified 24 h as a key time point when all proteins were changed dramatically. In addition, changes in Fascin expression were discovered in SCI for the first time.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we observed dynamic proteome change correlated with SCI by ischemia-reperfusion, and provided a clue to this pathological mechanism by protein identification and analysis.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a humanized anti-APRIL antibody

A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is overexpressed in many cancers such as colorectal, gastric and liver. Silence APRIL gene or neutralize its expression may serve as therapeutic strategies to manage those cancers. Current phase I clinical trial shows that heavily pretreated patients were well tolerated high dose intravenous infusion. Herein, we report a humanized antibody (Ab) that neutralizes APRIL protein and inhibits cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. The Ab was generated through conjugating foreign immunodominant T-helper cell (Th) epitopes to the N- or C-terminal of four soluble APRIL mutants. In vitro anti-proliferation effects were evaluated in both Raji and Jurkat cell lines. In vivo inhibition of tumor growth was determined in a tumor xenograft animal model with green fluorescent protein (GFP) positive Raji cell line. In vitro data demonstrated that this Ab significantly inhibited both Raji and Jurkat cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The molecular imaging data demonstrated in vivo tumor growth delay when animals were treated with Ab. In conclusion, we have developed a humanized anti-APRIL Ab, which is effective in inhibiting tumor cell proliferations both in vitro and vivo. The humanized Ab has potential to reduce the immunoresponse in the clinical situation. This Ab also can be used in other APRIL mediated diseases such as Sjogren syndrome, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.