Macrocyclic shape-persistency of cyclo[6]aramide results in enhanced multipoint recognition for the highly efficient template-directed synthesis of rotaxanes

Examples of using two-dimensional shape-persistent macrocycles, i.e. those having noncollapsible and geometrically well-defined skeletons, for constructing mechanically interlocked molecules are scarce, which contrasts the many applications of these macrocycles in molecular recognition and functional self-assembly. Herein, we report the crucial role played by macrocyclic shape-persistency in enhancing multipoint recognition for the highly efficient template-directed synthesis of rotaxanes. Cyclo[6]aramides, with a near-planar conformation, are found to act as powerful hosts that bind bipyridinium salts with high affinities. This unique recognition module, composed of two macrocyclic molecules with one bipyridinium ion thread through the cavity, is observed both in the solid state and in solution, with unusually high binding constants ranging from ∼10¹³ M^-2 to ∼10¹⁵ M^-2 in acetone. The high efficacy of this recognition motif is embodied by the formation of compact [3]rotaxanes in excellent yields based on either a "click-capping" (91%) or "facile one-pot" (85%) approach, underscoring the great advantage of using H-bonded aromatic amide macrocycles for the highly efficient template-directed synthesis of mechanically interlocked structures. Furthermore, three cyclo[6]aramides bearing different peripheral chains 1-3 demonstrate high specificity in the synthesis of a [3]rotaxane from 1 and 2, and a [2]rotaxane from 3via a "facile one-pot" approach, in each case as the only isolated product. Analysis of the crystal structure of the [3]rotaxane reveals a highly compact binding mode that would be difficult to access using other macrocycles with a flexible backbone. Leveraging this unique recognition motif, resulting from the shape-persistency of these oligoamide macrocycles, in the template-directed synthesis of compact rotaxanes may open up new opportunities for the development of higher order interlocked molecules and artificial molecular machines.

Moderate drought did not affect the effectiveness of ethylenediurea (EDU) in protecting Populus cathayana from ambient ozone

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ambient ozone (O3) on an O3-sensitive poplar (Populus cathayana) by using ethylenediurea (EDU) as a chemical protectant under two soil water treatments (well-watered (WW) and moderate drought (MD, 50-60% of WW in volumetric soil water content). EDU was applied as foliar spray at 0, 300, 450, and 600ppm. Photosynthetic parameters, pigment contents, leaf nitrogen, antioxidant capacity, growth, and biomass were measured. The 8h (9:00-17:00) average ambient O3 concentration was 71.7ppb, and AOT40 was 29.2ppmh during the experimental period (9 June to 21 September), which was high enough to cause plant injury. MD had significantly negative effects on P. cathayana, as indicated by reduced photosynthesis, growth, and biomass, and higher MDA contents. On the other hand, EDU significantly increased photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll a fluorescence, Vcmax and Jmax, photosynthetic pigments, total antioxidant capacity, tree growth and biomass accumulation, and reduced lipid peroxidation, but there was no significant interaction between EDU and drought for most parameters, indicating that EDU can efficiently protect Populus cathayana against ambient O3 and the protection was not affected by soil water contents when soil water reached moderate drought level. Among all doses, EDU at 450ppm provided maximum protection. Comparison of EDU-treated and non-treated P. cathayana could be used as a biomarker system in risk assessment of the effects of ambient O3 on forest health.

Identification of a PRX variant in a Chinese family with congenital cataract by exome sequencing

BACKGROUND

Congenital cataract is a common cause of childhood vision impairment or blindness with genetic and clinical heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to identify the disease-associated gene in a Chinese family with congenital cataract.

METHODS

A four-generation Chinese family with three enrolled patients suffering from congenital cataract was studied. Detailed family history and clinical data of all the members were collected and recorded. Exome sequencing was applied in the proband to screen potential genetic variants, and then Sanger sequencing was used to verify the variant within the family.

RESULTS

A heterozygous variant, c.3673G > A (p.V1225M), in the periaxin gene (PRX) was identified in three patients and two asymptomatic individuals of the family. The variant was absent in the other three unaffected family members and in 3290 ethnically matched in-house controls from BGI-Shenzhen.

CONCLUSIONS

By utilizing both exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified a missense variant in the PRX gene that is possibly associated with disease in this family. Our finding may broaden the spectrum of genes associated with congenital cataract, and may provide insights into lens development, pathogenic mechanism, future clinical genetic diagnosis and therapy of congenital cataract.

Search for Structure in the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} Invariant Mass Spectrum

The B_{s}^{0}π^{±} invariant mass distribution is investigated in order to search for possible exotic meson states. The analysis is based on a data sample recorded with the LHCb detector corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of pp collision data at sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV. No significant excess is found, and upper limits are set on the production rate of the claimed X(5568) state within the LHCb acceptance. Upper limits are also set as a function of the mass and width of a possible exotic meson decaying to the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} final state. The same limits also apply to a possible exotic meson decaying through the chain B_{s}^{*0}π^{±}, B_{s}^{*0}→B_{s}^{0}γ where the photon is excluded from the reconstructed decays.

Interaction of drought and ozone exposure on isoprene emission from extensively cultivated poplar

The combined effects of ozone (O3 ) and drought on isoprene emission were studied for the first time. Young hybrid poplars (clone 546, Populus deltoides cv. 55/56 x P. deltoides cv. Imperial) were exposed to O3 (charcoal-filtered air, CF, and non-filtered air +40 ppb, E-O3 ) and soil water stress (well-watered, WW, and mild drought, MD, one-third irrigation) for 96 days. Consistent with light-saturated photosynthesis (Asat ), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci ) and chlorophyll content, isoprene emission depended on drought, O3 , leaf position and sampling time. Drought stimulated emission (+38.4%), and O3 decreased it (-40.4%). Ozone increased the carbon cost per unit of isoprene emission. Ozone and drought effects were stronger in middle leaves (13th-15th from the apex) than in upper leaves (6th-8th). Only Asat showed a significant interaction between O3 and drought. When the responses were up-scaled to the entire-plant level, however, drought effects on total leaf area translated into around twice higher emission from WW plants in clean air than in E-O3 . Our results suggest that direct effects on plant emission rates and changes in total leaf area may affect isoprene emission from intensively cultivated hybrid poplar under combined MD and O3 exposure, with important feedbacks for air quality.

Association of C1q Binding Status With De Novo HLA Antibody Clinical Features and Allograft Function in Kidney Transplantation Patients During Eight Years of Dynamic Follow-up

BACKGROUND

C1q-binding donor-specific antibody (DSA) is detrimental to transplanted kidney function. However, the factors that affect C1q binding status are unclear.

METHODS

A total of 519 samples from 129 consecutive kidney transplantation patients during 8 years of dynamic follow-up were collected for HLA antibody (Ab) screening and C1q detection.

RESULTS

Among the detected HLA Abs, the majority were class II, and the DQ subtypes composed the highest proportion. The C1q-binding Abs were all HLA-II, and the DQ subtypes had the highest rate of C1q positivity. With a cutoff mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) value of 7349, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting C1q-binding Abs from all HLA-II Abs were 84.48% and 83.56%, respectively. Additionally, C1q is more likely to be bound by DSA than non-donor-specific antibody (NDSA). Compared with free DSA/NDSA, the MFI values of C1q-binding DSA/NDSA are more closely correlated with serum creatinine levels and reflect the effect of anti-antibody-mediated rejection treatment more sensitively.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA-II Abs (particularly DQ subtypes), high titers of Abs, and DSA are important relevant factors of C1q positivity. The MFI value of C1q-binding DSA may be a useful clinical indicator of HLA antibody-mediated graft injury before the appearance of histologically typical humoral rejection.

Evidence for Exotic Hadron Contributions to Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpπ^{-} Decays

A full amplitude analysis of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpπ^{-} decays is performed with a data sample acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. A significantly better description of the data is achieved when, in addition to the previously observed nucleon excitations N→pπ^{-}, either the P_{c}(4380)^{+} and P_{c}(4450)^{+}→J/ψp states, previously observed in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays, or the Z_{c}(4200)^{-}→J/ψπ^{-} state, previously reported in B^{0}→J/ψK^{+}π^{-} decays, or all three, are included in the amplitude models. The data support a model containing all three exotic states, with a significance of more than three standard deviations. Within uncertainties, the data are consistent with the P_{c}(4380)^{+} and P_{c}(4450)^{+} production rates expected from their previous observation taking account of Cabibbo suppression.

Model-Independent Evidence for J/ψp Contributions to Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} Decays

The data sample of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, is inspected for the presence of J/ψp or J/ψK^{-} contributions with minimal assumptions about K^{-}p contributions. It is demonstrated at more than nine standard deviations that Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays cannot be described with K^{-}p contributions alone, and that J/ψp contributions play a dominant role in this incompatibility. These model-independent results support the previously obtained model-dependent evidence for P_{c}^{+}→J/ψp charmonium-pentaquark states in the same data sample.

Measurement of the CP Asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} Mixing

The CP asymmetry in the mixing of B_{s}^{0} and B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} mesons is measured in proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Semileptonic B_{s}^{0} and B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} decays are studied in the inclusive mode D_{s}^{∓}μ^{±}ν[over (-)]_{μ}X with the D_{s}^{∓} mesons reconstructed in the K^{+}K^{-}π^{∓} final state. Correcting the observed charge asymmetry for detection and background effects, the CP asymmetry is found to be a_{sl}^{s}=(0.39±0.26±0.20)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the most precise measurement of a_{sl}^{s} to date. It is consistent with the prediction from the standard model and will constrain new models of particle physics.

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Kuonen A, Kurek K, Kvaratskheliya T, Lacarrere D, Lafferty G, Lai A, Lambert D, Lanfranchi G, Langenbruch C, Langhans B, Latham T, Lazzeroni C, Le Gac R, van Leerdam J, Lees JP, Lefèvre R, Leflat A, Lefrançois J, Lemos Cid E, Leroy O, Lesiak T, Leverington B, Li Y, Likhomanenko T, Liles M, Lindner R, Linn C, Lionetto F, Liu B, Liu X, Loh D, Longstaff I, Lopes JH, Lucchesi D, Lucio Martinez M, Luo H, Lupato A, Luppi E, Lupton O, Lusardi N, Lusiani A, Machefert F, Maciuc F, Maev O, Maguire K, Malde S, Malinin A, Manca G, Mancinelli G, Manning P, Mapelli A, Maratas J, Marchand JF, Marconi U, Marin Benito C, Marino P, Marks J, Martellotti G, Martin M, Martinelli M, Martinez Santos D, Martinez Vidal F, Martins Tostes D, Massafferri A, Matev R, Mathad A, Mathe Z, Matteuzzi C, Mauri A, Maurin B, Mazurov A, McCann M, McCarthy J, McNab A, McNulty R, Meadows B, Meier F, Meissner M, Melnychuk D, Merk M, Michielin E, Milanes DA, Minard MN, Mitzel DS, Molina Rodriguez J, Monroy IA, Monteil S, Morandin M, Morawski P, Mordà A, Morello MJ, Moron J, Morris AB, Mountain R, Muheim F, Müller D, Müller J, Müller K, Müller V, Mussini M, Muster B, Naik P, Nakada T, Nandakumar R, Nandi A, Nasteva I, Needham M, Neri N, Neubert S, Neufeld N, Neuner M, Nguyen AD, Nguyen TD, Nguyen-Mau C, Niess V, Niet R, Nikitin N, Nikodem T, Novoselov A, O’Hanlon DP, Oblakowska-Mucha A, Obraztsov V, Ogilvy S, Okhrimenko O, Oldeman R, Onderwater CJG, Osorio Rodrigues B, Otalora Goicochea JM, Otto A, Owen P, Oyanguren A, Palano A, Palombo F, Palutan M, Panman J, Papanestis A, Pappagallo M, Pappalardo LL, Pappenheimer C, Parkes C, Passaleva G, Patel GD, Patel M, Patrignani C, Pearce A, Pellegrino A, Penso G, Pepe Altarelli M, Perazzini S, Perret P, Pescatore L, Petridis K, Petrolini A, Petruzzo M, Picatoste Olloqui E, Pietrzyk B, Pilař T, Pinci D, Pistone A, Piucci A, Playfer S, Plo Casasus M, Poikela T, Polci F, Poluektov A, Polyakov I, Polycarpo E, Popov A, Popov D, Popovici B, Potterat C, Price E, Price JD, Prisciandaro J, Pritchard A, Prouve C, Pugatch V, Puig Navarro A, Punzi G, Qian W, Quagliani R, Rachwal B, Rademacker JH, Rama M, Rangel MS, Raniuk I, Rauschmayr N, Raven G, Redi F, Reichert S, Reid MM, dos Reis AC, Ricciardi S, Richards S, Rihl M, Rinnert K, Rives Molina V, Robbe P, Rodrigues AB, Rodrigues E, Rodriguez Lopez JA, Rodriguez Perez P, Roiser S, Romanovsky V, Romero Vidal A, W. Ronayne J, Rotondo M, Rouvinet J, Ruf T, Ruiz Valls P, Saborido Silva JJ, Sagidova N, Sail P, Saitta B, Salustino Guimaraes V, Sanchez Mayordomo C, Sanmartin Sedes B, Santacesaria R, Santamarina Rios C, Santimaria M, Santovetti E, Sarti A, Satriano C, Satta A, Saunders DM, Savrina D, Schael S, Schiller M, Schindler H, Schlupp M, Schmelling M, Schmelzer T, Schmidt B, Schneider O, Schopper A, Schubiger M, Schune MH, Schwemmer R, Sciascia B, Sciubba A, Semennikov A, Sergi A, Serra N, Serrano J, Sestini L, Seyfert P, Shapkin M, Shapoval I, Shcheglov Y, Shears T, Shekhtman L, Shevchenko V, Shires A, Siddi BG, Silva Coutinho R, Silva de Oliveira L, Simi G, Sirendi M, Skidmore N, Skwarnicki T, Smith E, Smith E, Smith IT, Smith J, Smith M, Snoek H, Sokoloff MD, Soler FJP, Soomro F, Souza D, Souza De Paula B, Spaan B, Spradlin P, Sridharan S, Stagni F, Stahl M, Stahl S, Stefkova S, Steinkamp O, Stenyakin O, Stevenson S, Stoica S, Stone S, Storaci B, Stracka S, Straticiuc M, Straumann U, Sun L, Sutcliffe W, Swientek K, Swientek S, Syropoulos V, Szczekowski M, Szczypka P, Szumlak T, T’Jampens S, Tayduganov A, Tekampe T, Teklishyn M, Tellarini G, Teubert F, Thomas C, Thomas E, van Tilburg J, Tisserand V, Tobin M, Todd J, Tolk S, Tomassetti L, Tonelli D, Topp-Joergensen S, Torr N, Tournefier E, Tourneur S, Trabelsi K, Tran MT, Tresch M, Trisovic A, Tsaregorodtsev A, Tsopelas P, Tuning N, Ukleja A, Ustyuzhanin A, Uwer U, Vacca C, Vagnoni V, Valenti G, Vallier A, Vazquez Gomez R, Vazquez Regueiro P, Vázquez Sierra C, Vecchi S, van Veghel M, Velthuis JJ, Veltri M, Veneziano G, Vesterinen M, Viaud B, Vieira D, Vieites Diaz M, Vilasis-Cardona X, Vollhardt A, Volyanskyy D, Voong D, Vorobyev A, Vorobyev V, Voß C, de Vries JA, Waldi R, Wallace C, Wallace R, Walsh J, Wandernoth S, Wang J, Ward DR, Watson NK, Websdale D, Weiden A, Whitehead M, Wilkinson G, Wilkinson M, Williams M, Williams MP, Williams M, Williams T, Wilson FF, Wimberley J, Wishahi J, Wislicki W, Witek M, Wormser G, Wotton SA, Wright S, Wyllie K, Xie Y, Xu Z, Yang Z, Yu J, Yuan X, Yushchenko O, Zangoli M, Zavertyaev M, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Zhelezov A, Zhokhov A, Zhong L, Zhukov V, Zucchelli S. A precise measurement of the [Formula: see text] meson oscillation frequency

The oscillation frequency, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] mesons is measured using semileptonic decays with a [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] meson in the final state. The data sample corresponds to 3.0[Formula: see text] of pp collisions, collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text] = 7 and 8[Formula: see text]. A combination of the two decay modes gives [Formula: see text], where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This is the most precise single measurement of this parameter. It is consistent with the current world average and has similar precision.

Conjugated polyelectrolyte nano field emission adlayers

Here we report on a straightforward and rapid means of enhancing the field electron emission performance of nascent vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes by introducing a polar zwitterionic conjugated polyelectrolyte adlayer at the vacuum-emitter interface. We attribute the observed 66% decrease in turn-on electric field to the augmented emitter micro-morphology and shifted surface band structure. The composite emitters can be optically modulated by exploiting the absorption cross-section of the solution cast adlayer, which increases the local carrier concentration which broadens the effective electrostatic shape of the emitter during optical excitation. Assessment via scanning anode field emission microscopy reveals a 25% improvement in DC time stability, a significant reduction in long-term hysteresis shift, and a threefold increase in bandwidth during pulsed mode operation.

Primary Cilia and Intraflagellar Transport Proteins in Bone and Cartilage

Primary cilia, present on most mammalian cells, function as a sensor to sense the environment change and transduce signaling. Loss of primary cilia causes a group of human pleiotropic syndromes called Ciliopathies. Some of the ciliopathies display skeletal dysplasias, implying the important role of primary cilia in skeletal development and homeostasis. Emerging evidence has shown that loss or malfunction of primary cilia or ciliary proteins in bone and cartilage is associated with developmental and function defects. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins are essential for cilia formation and/or function. In this review, we discuss the role of primary cilia and IFT proteins in the development of bone and cartilage, as well as the differentiation and mechanotransduction of mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. We also include the role of primary cilia in tooth development and highlight the current advance of primary cilia and IFT proteins in the pathogenesis of cartilage diseases, including osteoarthritis, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma.

Molecular cloning of the SMAD4 gene and its mRNA expression analysis in ovarian follicles of the Yangzhou goose (Anser cygnoides)

Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) is an important protein in animal reproduction. It plays pivotal roles in cellular pathways, including apoptosis. The expression profile of the SMAD4 gene in goose ovarian follicles has not been reported. In this study, the SMAD4 coding sequence was cloned from the Yangzhou goose. A phylogenetic analysis was performed and mRNA expression was examined in various tissues using quantitative real-time PCR. An alternative splice form of SMAD4, SMAD4-b having 1656 bp, was identified. SMAD4-a mRNA was widely expressed in various healthy tissues, whereas SMAD4-b was very weakly expressed. SMAD4 mRNA in the ovary and oviduct was significantly higher than that in the pituitary and hypothalamus. SMAD4 mRNA expression analysis in hierarchical follicles showed that the level of SMAD4 mRNA was higher in large white follicles and post-ovulatory follicles than in the other follicles. The results indicate that SMAD4 might be involved in the recruitment of hierarchical follicles.

Treatment of clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas with dopamine agonists

OBJECTIVE

Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) remains the only pituitary tumor subtype for which no effective medical therapy is available or recommended. We evaluated dopamine agonist (DA) therapy for preventing growth of postsurgical pituitary tumor remnants.

DESIGN

The study design included historical cohort analysis of clinical results at two pituitary referral centers with different standard practices for postoperative NFPA management: DA therapy or conservative follow-up.

METHODS

Seventy-nine patients followed for 8.8±6.5 years were treated with DA, initiated upon residual tumor detection on postoperative MRI (preventive treatment (PT) group, n=55), or when tumor growth was subsequently detected during follow-up (remedial treatment (RT) group, n=24). The control group (n=60) received no medication. Tumoral dopamine and estrogen receptor expression assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining were correlated with response to treatment.

RESULTS

Tumor mass decreased, remained stable, or enlarged, respectively, in 38, 49, and 13% of patients in the PT group, and in 0, 53, and 47% of control subjects; shrinkage or stabilization was achieved in 58% of enlarging tumors in the RT group, P < 0.0001.Fifteen-year progression-free survival rate was 0.805, 0.24, and 0.04, respectively, for PT, RT, and control groups (P<0.001). About 42% of patients in the control group required additional surgery or radiotherapy, compared with 38 and 13% subjects in the RT and PT groups, respectively (P=0.002). Outcome measures were not related to NFPA D2R abundance.

CONCLUSIONS

Dopamine agonist therapy in patients with NFPA is associated with decreased prevalence of residual tumor enlargement after transsphenoidal surgical resection.

First Observation of D^{0}-D[over ¯]^{0} Oscillations in D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} Decays and Measurement of the Associated Coherence Parameters

Charm meson oscillations are observed in a time-dependent analysis of the ratio of D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} to D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{-}π^{+} decay rates, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. The measurements presented are sensitive to the phase-space averaged ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored amplitudes r_{D}^{K3π} and the product of the coherence factor R_{D}^{K3π} and a charm mixing parameter y_{K3π}^{'}. The constraints measured are r_{D}^{K3π}=(5.67±0.12)×10^{-2}, which is the most precise determination to date, and R_{D}^{K3π}y_{K3π}^{'}=(0.3±1.8)×10^{-3}, which provides useful input for determinations of the CP-violating phase γ in B^{±}→DK^{±}, D→K^{∓}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{±} decays. The analysis also gives the most precise measurement of the D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} branching fraction, and the first observation of D^{0}-D[over ¯]^{0} oscillations in this decay mode, with a significance of 8.2 standard deviations.

Search for Violations of Lorentz Invariance and CPT Symmetry in B_{(s)}^{0} Mixing

Violations of CPT symmetry and Lorentz invariance are searched for by studying interference effects in B^{0} mixing and in B_{s}^{0} mixing. Samples of B^{0}→J/ψK_{S}^{0} and B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} decays are recorded by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. No periodic variations of the particle-antiparticle mass differences are found, consistent with Lorentz invariance and CPT symmetry. Results are expressed in terms of the standard model extension parameter Δa_{μ} with precisions of O(10^{-15}) and O(10^{-14})  GeV for the B^{0} and B_{s}^{0} systems, respectively. With no assumption on Lorentz (non)invariance, the CPT-violating parameter z in the B_{s}^{0} system is measured for the first time and found to be Re(z)=-0.022±0.033±0.005 and Im(z)=0.004±0.011±0.002, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.

Single-agent capecitabine as maintenance therapy after induction of XELOX (or FOLFOX) in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

The optimal strategy of maintenance therapy for patients with mCRC is controversial. This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy with capecitabine versus observation following inductive chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase III trial, patients who received 18-24 weeks of induction chemotherapy with XELOX or FOLFOX and achieved disease control were randomly assigned centrally (1:1) to receive maintenance therapy of capecitabine or only observation until disease progression. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) from randomization; the secondary end points included overall survival (OS), PFS from induction treatment (PFS2) and safety. Analyses were done by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02027363.

RESULTS

Between 30 July 2010 and 15 September 2013, 274 patients were enrolled in the study from 11 sites in China and randomly assigned to maintenance group (n = 136) or observation group (n = 138). Clinicopathological characteristics were balanced in two groups. The median follow-up time from randomization was 29.0 months [interquartile range (IQR) 21-36 months]. The primary end point of PFS was statistically significantly longer in capecitabine maintenance group than in observation group {6.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.26-7.71] versus 3.43 (2.83-4.16) months, HR 0.54 (0.42-0.70), P < 0.001}. The median OS of capecitabine maintenance group was longer than that of observation group, but not statistically significant [25.63 (22.46-27.80) versus 23.30 (19.68-26.92) months; HR 0.85 (0.64-1.11), P = 0.2247]. Similar safety profiles were observed in both arms. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities in capecitabine maintenance group versus observation group were neutropenia, hand-foot syndrome, and mucositis.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintenance therapy with a single agent of capecitabine can be considered an appropriate option following the induction of XELOX or FOLFOX in mCRC patients with acceptable toxicities.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

NCT02027363.

[Quantities and function of NK cells in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test and cytopenia]

OBJECTIVE

To test NK cell quantities and function in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test (CBCPC) and cytopenia and to explore how NK cell participate in the progress of this disease.

METHODS

The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in peripheral blood lymphocytes, the expression of activating receptor (NKG2D, NKp46, NKp44), inhibitory receptor (CD158a, CD158b), perforin and granzyme-β were detected by flow cytometry. All samples were taken from 42 patients (22 newly diagnosed and 20 in remission) and 12 healthy volunteers. The correlation between the above parameters and patients' clinical profile were evaluated.

RESULTS

①The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patients were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(10.04 ± 5.33)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%; (11.62 ± 6.80)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%, all P<0.01]. ② The expression of activating receptor NKG2D in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly higher than that in remission group and healthy control [(74.03±18.24)% vs (45.97±29.45)%; (74.03±18.24)% vs (41.89± 15.34)% , P <0.01]. ③The expression of inhibitory receptor CD158a in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly lower than that in remission group and healthy control (median: 3.72% vs 16.10%, P= 0.015; 3.72% vs 11.04%, P=0.025). ④The expression of perforin in new diagnosed and remitted CBCPC patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(75.71±10.14) % vs (57.20±18.85)%, P= 0.018; (77.88±22.82)% vs (57.20±18.85)%, P=0.008]. ⑤The product of NK cell percentage and perforin expression in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.68±4.54)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.011; (8.24±5.80)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.023]. The product of NK cell percentage and granzyme-β expression in the new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.83±5.26)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.008; (8.37 ± 6.83)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.012].

CONCLUSION

Deceased quantities and impaired total NK function might play a role in pathogenesis of CBCPC.

Measurement of the Difference of Time-Integrated CP Asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} Decays

A search for CP violation in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays is performed using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, collected using the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The flavor of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} and D^{*-}→D[over ¯]^{0}π^{-} decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, ΔA_{CP}≡A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), is measured to be [-0.10±0.08(stat)±0.03(syst)]%. This is the most precise measurement of a time-integrated CP asymmetry in the charm sector from a single experiment.

Migration of a cemented fixed-bearing, polished titanium tibial baseplate (Genesis II) at ten years : a radiostereometric analysis

AIMS

The purpose of the present study was to examine the long-term fixation of a cemented fixed-bearing polished titanium tibial baseplate (Genesis ll).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients enrolled in a previous two-year prospective trial (n = 35) were recalled at ten years. Available patients (n = 15) underwent radiostereometric analysis (RSA) imaging in a supine position using a conventional RSA protocol. Migration of the tibial component in all planes was compared between initial and ten-year follow-up. Outcome scores including the Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, 12-item Short Form Health Survey, Forgotten Joint Score, and University of California, Los Angeles Activity Score were recorded.

RESULTS

At ten years, the mean migration of the tibial component was less than 0.1 mm and 0.1° in all planes relative to the post-operative RSA exam. Maximum total point movement increased with time (p = 0.002) from 0.23 mm (sd 0.18) at six weeks to 0.42 mm (sd 0.20) at ten years.

CONCLUSION

The low level of tibial baseplate migration found in the present study correlates to the low rate of revision for this implant as reported in individual studies and in joint replacement registries.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Overall, the implant was found to be well fixed at ten years, supporting its continued clinical use and the predictive power of RSA for determining long-term fixation of implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:616-21.

Observation of B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} and Evidence for B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*}^{0}K_{S}^{0} Decays

The first observation of the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode and evidence for the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode are reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} collected in pp collisions by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[4.3±0.5(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.3(frag)±0.6(norm)]×10^{-4},B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[2.8±1.0(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.2(frag)±0.4(norm)]×10^{-4},where the uncertainties are due to contributions coming from statistical precision, systematic effects, and the precision of two external inputs, the ratio f_{s}/f_{d} and the branching fraction of B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0}, which is used as a calibration channel.

[Characteristics of social supportive network serving the older female sex workers in Qingdao]

OBJECTIVE

To overview the status of social support on older female sex workers (OFSWs) in Qingdao and to better understand the characteristics of this egocentric social support networks.

METHODS

Ucinet 6 software was used to analyze the characteristics of egocentric social networks which involving 400 OFSWs who were recruited by respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in Qingdao during March 2014 to June. Structural equation model (SEM) was used for data analysis, fitted test and estimation.

RESULTS

A total of 400 OFSWs of Qingdao nominated 1 617 social supportive members, and the average size of egocentric social networks of OFSWs was (4.0 ± 1.5). Among all the alter egos (social support network members of the egos), 613 were female sex workers fellows, accounted for the most important part of all the social ties (37.91%). Characteristics of small size and non-relative relationships were seen more obviously among OFSWs with non-local registration and the ratings of emotional support (4.42±2.38) was significantly lower than the tangible support (5.73 ± 1.69) (P<0.05). Result of the SEM showed that homogeneity, joint strength and the network structure were significantly related to the ratings of average support. The total standard effects of which were 0.110, 0.925 and -0.069 respectively. It seemed that homogeneity can affect the degree of support, both directly and indirectly.

CONCLUSION

OFSWs in Qingdao tended to ask for social support from friends who were also female sex workers. Stronger the joint strength between egos and alters, greater the homogeneity between the two was seen. Tighter relations among the alter egos, higher degree of average social support of the egos were acquired.