First Observation of the Decay B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and a Measurement of |V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}|

The first observation of the suppressed semileptonic B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay is reported. Using a data sample recorded in pp collisions in 2012 with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2  fb^{-1}, the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}) is measured to be [1.06±0.05(stat)±0.08(syst)]×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one represents the combined systematic uncertainties. The decay B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, where D_{s}^{-} is reconstructed in the final state K^{+}K^{-}π^{-}, is used as a normalization channel to minimize the experimental systematic uncertainty. Theoretical calculations on the form factors of the B_{s}^{0}→K^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{-} transitions are employed to determine the ratio of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements |V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}| at low and high B_{s}^{0}→K^{-} momentum transfer.

Model-Independent Study of Structure in B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} Decays

The only anticipated resonant contributions to B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} decays are charmonium states in the D^{+}D^{-} channel. A model-independent analysis, using LHCb proton-proton collision data taken at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, is carried out to test this hypothesis. The description of the data assuming that resonances only manifest in decays to the D^{+}D^{-} pair is shown to be incomplete. This constitutes evidence for a new contribution to the decay, potentially one or more new charm-strange resonances in the D^{-}K^{+} channel with masses around 2.9  GeV/c^{2}.

Constraints on the K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Branching Fraction

A search for the decay K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} and collected with the LHCb experiment during 2016, 2017, and 2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The observed signal yield is consistent with zero, yielding an upper limit of B(K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.2×10^{-10} at 90% C.L.. The limit reduces to B(K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.1×10^{-10} at 90% C.L. once combined with the result from data taken in 2011 and 2012.

Caspofungin combined with TMP/SMZ as a first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe PCP in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is limited with adverse events. Caspofungin, by inhibiting the cyst form of Pneumocystis jirovecii, may be an alternative therapy for PCP. However, the availability of clinical data about caspofungin combined with TMP/SMZ in the treatment of PCP in HIV-infected patients is limited. Thus, we aimed to examine the clinical effectiveness and safety of caspofungin combined with TMP/SMZ as a first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe PCP in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2019, data of HIV-infected patients with moderate-to-severe PCP who received either TMP/SMZ alone or caspofungin combined with TMP/SMZ as first-line therapy were retrospectively reviewed to assess the effectiveness and safety of each regimen. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 278 patients met the criteria. The overall positive response rate of PCP treatment was 48.92%, and the overall all-cause in-hospital mortality rate was 33.09%. Patients who received combination therapy consisting of caspofungin and TMP/SMZ had a better positive response rate (59.44% vs. 37.78%, P < 0.001) and lower all-cause in-hospital mortality rate (24.48% vs. 42.22%, P = 0.003). Also, patients who received combination therapy had higher survival rate during a hospital stay (75.52% vs. 57.78%, P = 0.004), and those who received longer combination therapy were more likely to have higher survival rate (P = 0.042). We found that age (P = 0.019), CD4 cell count (P = 0.001) and therapeutic regimen (P = 0.002) were significant risk factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality rate in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only CD4 cell count and therapeutic regimen were statistically significant factors associated with all-cause in-hospital mortality rate. Patients with a CD4 count of > 30 cells/µL and patients who received combination therapy consisting of caspofungin and TMP/SMZ were more likely to survive from PCP (P = 0.011 and P = 0.002, respectively). There were no additional severe adverse events caused by adding caspofungin.

CONCLUSIONS

For HIV-infected patients with moderate-to-severe PCP, combination therapy with caspofungin and TMP/SMZ is an effective and promising first-line therapy with no greater number of adverse events compared with TMP/SMZ monotherapy. Patients who received caspofungin had better positive response rates and lower all-cause in-hospital mortality rates. Also, we recommend early initiation of caspofungin.

Observation of Enhanced Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Lead Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

A study of prompt charm-hadron pair production in proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 30  nb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb experiment. Production cross sections for different pairs of charm hadrons are measured and kinematic correlations between the two charm hadrons are investigated. This is the first measurement of associated production of two charm hadrons in proton-lead collisions. The results confirm the predicted enhancement of double parton scattering production in proton-lead collisions compared to the single parton scattering production.

[An investigation of insulin injection-related needlestick injuries among clinical nurses in Hunan, China]

Objective: To investigate the incidence rate of insulin injection-related needlestick injuries, links causing such injuries, and reporting of occupational exposure among nurses in the wards of general hospitals in Hunan, China. Methods: From January 2017 to March 2019, stratified cluster sampling was performed to select 4368 nurses as respondents from 54 hospitals at different levels in 14 prefectures and cities of Hunan. The current status of insulin injection-related needlestick injuries was investigated, including the high-risk links causing insulin injection-related needlestick injuries during the use of insulin syringe (pen) , time and number of needlestick injuries, infection after needlestick injuries, and reporting of needlestick injuries, and a statistical analysis was performed. Continuous data were described as mean±standard deviation, and categorical data were described by percentage (%) . Results: Among the 3697 nurses who were investigated, 1419 (38.4%) once had needlestick injuries related to insulin injection, among whom 413 (29.1%) had needlestick injuries in the past 1 year. The mean number of insulin injection-related needle stick injuries was 1.92±1.80, with a mean number of 0.57±1.18 caused by insulin syringe, 1.30±1.15 caused by the anterior segment of insulin pen, and 0.32±0.81 caused by the posterior end of insulin pen. Among the 1419 nurses with a history of needlestick injuries, 90 (6.3%) had related infection, mainly HBV infection, and after the occurrence of needlestick injuries, 26.0% (369/1419) of these nurses reported it every time and 15.2% (215/1419) never reported it. "Fear of trouble" was the main reason for no reporting (69.1%, 980/1419) , followed by "the thought of no risk" (43.2%, 613/1419) and "no related policy in hospital" (10.9%, 154/1419) ". Among these 1419 nurses, 49.8% (706/1419) were treated according to the standard process for needlestick injuries in hospital every time, and 3.6% (51/1419) did not know such process or there was no such standard process. Conclusion: The current situation of insulin injection-related needlestick injuries is not optimistic among clinical nurses in Hunan, and the incidence rate of needlestick injuries cannot be ignored.

MicroRNA-421 promotes inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting SPRY1

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether microRNA-421 could participate in the proliferative, migratory and inflammatory changes of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting SPRY1.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expressions of microRNA-421 and SPRY1 in synovial tissues and FLS were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The binding condition between microRNA-421 and SPRY1 was verified by the Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay. MicroRNA-421 mimics and inhibitor were constructed and transfected. The levels of extracellular interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and COX2 in FLS after microRNA-421 mimics or inhibitor transfection were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The regulatory effect of microRNA-421 on the proliferation and migration of FLS was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay, respectively. Furthermore, collagen-induced RA mouse model was constructed to confirm the specific effect of microRNA-421 on regulating RA development.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-421 was highly expressed in the synovial tissues of RA patients. SPRY1 expression in FLS was negatively regulated by microRNA-421. Moreover, the overexpression of microRNA-421 significantly promoted proliferative, invasive potentials and inflammatory response of FLS. In vivo, RA mouse model indicated that downregulated microRNA-421 and upregulated SPRY1 were observed in mice injected with cortisone and microRNA-421 inhibitor when compared with those of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-421 promotes the inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating the SPRY1 expression.

Measurement of CP-Averaged Observables in the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An angular analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-})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. The full set of CP-averaged observables are determined in bins of the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system. Contamination from decays with the K^{+}π^{-} system in an S-wave configuration is taken into account. The tension seen between the previous LHCb results and the standard model predictions persists with the new data. The precise value of the significance of this tension depends on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Observation of New Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryons Decaying to Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}

The Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a data sample of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment. Three Ξ_{c}^{0} states are observed with a large significance and their masses and natural widths are measured to be m[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=2923.04±0.25±0.20±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=7.1±0.8±1.8  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=2938.55±0.21±0.17±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=10.2±0.8±1.1  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=2964.88±0.26±0.14±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=14.1±0.9±1.3  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0} and Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0} baryons are new states. The Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0} state is in the vicinity of the known Ξ_{c}(2970)^{0} baryon; however, their masses and natural widths differ significantly.

Caveolin-1 improves lung injury in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease partially through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Caveolin-1 on lung injury in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity (FEV0.3/ FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were determined. The total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil ratio (NEUT%), mononuclear macrophage ratio (MNM%), lymphocyte ratio (LY%) and protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. Both FEV0.3/FVC and PEF significantly declined in the COPD group compared with those in the Control group, while they significantly rose in the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group compared with those in the COPD group. HE staining showed that there were alveolar dilatation and enlargement with obviously increased intercept in the COPD group, while there were basically no changes in the alveoli in the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group. Massive apoptosis of alveolar tissues was observed in COPD group, and there was only a little apoptosis in IWR-1 group and Daidzin group. In COPD group, WBC, NEUT% and protein concentration in BALF were obviously increased, MNM% was obviously decreased, and there was no obvious difference in LY% compared with those in the Control group. In the the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group, WBC, NEUT%, protein concentration, MNM% and LY% in BALF had no obvious differences compared with those in the Control group. In the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group, WBC, NEUT% and protein concentration evidently declined, MNM% evidently rose, and there was no obvious difference in LY% compared with those in the COPD group. Caveolin-1, Wnt-1 and β-catenin in lung tissues were remarkably higher in the COPD group than those in the Control group. Caveolin-1 was remarkably higher in the IWR-1 group than that in the Control group. And Wnt-1 and β-catenin were higher in the Daidzin group than those in the Control group. In addition, Wnt-1 and β-catenin in lung tissues markedly declined in the IWR-1 group compared with those in the COPD group. Caveolin-1, Wnt-1 and β-catenin in lung tissues also markedly declined in the Daidzin group compared with those in the COPD group. Caveolin-1 can improve lung injury in COPD rats through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

THU0252 CORRELATION BETWEEN DISEASE ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH IN SLE PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTION STUDY WITH SELF-ASSESSMENTS BASED ON SMART SYSTEM OF DISEASE MANAGEMENT (SSDM) MOBILE TOOLS

Background:

WHO survey showed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Chinese population and Chinese patients with chronic diseases were between 3.1% - 4.2% and 3.1% - 7.3%, respectively. SLEDAI-2K and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) are commonly used to evaluate SLE patients’ disease activity and mental health. All the Assessments were mainly performed by health professionals (HCPs) with paper questionnaire previously. SSDM is a novel smart disease management tool that allows patients to do self-assessments on SLEDAI-2K and HADS by mobile App.

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with SLE and to analyze the potential association between disease activity of SLE and mental health.

Methods:

Under the guidance and training by HCPs, SLE patients downloaded SSDM and performed self-assessments bundle of SLEDAI-2K and HADS with SSDM. SLEDAI-2K <=4, 5-9, 10-14 and >=15 are defined SLE inactive, low (LDA), moderate (MDA) and high (HDA) disease activity, respectively. SLEDAI-2K score <= 4 is set as the main criteria for Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and achievement of T2T. HADS score >=8 can be diagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Results:

From June 2016 to Jan 2020, 3,332 SLE patients (199 male, 3,133 female) with a mean age of 36.34 ± 12.80 (10-91) years and the median disease duration of 3.43 years from 216 hospitals performed bundle self-assessments for 4,967 times in total. According to the HADS and SLEDAI-2K Assessment results, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in all patients was 36.7% and 39.3% respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the WHO survey in Chinese population and chronic disease patients. The proportion of patients achieved and failed on LLDAS was 53% and 47%, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety (A) and depression (D) was 19% and 27% among LLDAS achievers; 41% and 47% among LLDAS failures, respectively (pA<0.01, pD<0.01).

According to SLEDAI-2K, in LLDAS, LDA, MDA and HDA subgroups, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 19%, 30%, 37%, 54% and 27%, 36%, 44%, 61%, respectively. The correlation coefficients of anxiety (A) and depression (D) with SLEDAI-2K were rA=0.9957 and rD=0.9819. It suggested that with the increase of disease activity, the proportion of SLE patients with anxiety and depression increased significantly. (Figure 1)

Conclusion:

Conclusion: Higher prevalence of anxiety and depression were Associated with higher levels of disease activity in SLE patients. SSDM is an effective mobile interface to monitor and study entanglement of disease activity and mental health in SLE patients, which build a foundation for proactive interventions physically and mentally in future.

References:

Acknowledgments:

SSDM was developed by Shanghai Gothic Internet Technology Co., Ltd.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Search for the Rare Decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-}

A search for the decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} is performed using data collected with the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 2  fb^{-1}, respectively. No signal is observed. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} decays, an upper limit on the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<9.4(11.2)×10^{-9} is obtained at 90(95)% confidence level. If no B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} contribution is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<2.5(3.0)×10^{-9} is determined at 90(95)% confidence level. These upper limits are more than one order of magnitude lower than the previous values.

0973 Maternal Depression And Infant Sleep Duration Trajectory In The First 3 Years: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction

The study was to investigate trajectories of infant sleep duration and associations with trajectories of maternal depression status during 3 years post-partum.

Methods

Data were from the Child Health Promotion Project in Shanghai (CHPPS). Mothers were recruited at the third trimester of pregnancy and followed up together with the infants until 36 months postpartum. Between 2012 and 2013, 262 women (Mage=29.5, SDage=3.2, range: 22-39 years old) were recruited and were followed from June 2012 to August 2015. Sleep duration of the children was assessed using Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) at 42 days, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, and 36 months postpartum. Center for Epidemiological Survey-Depression Scale (CESD), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were used to measure the mother’s depression status at late pregnancy, 42 days postpartum, and 12-36 months postpartum, respectively. The group-based trajectory models (GBTM) were used to estimate patterns of infant sleep duration development and maternal depression status.

Results

Two trajectories of infant day sleep duration were identified, defined as “initial short sleepers” (54.8%) and “initial long sleepers” (45.2%). Three trajectories of infant night sleep duration were identified, labeled as “increasing” (8.5%), “stable” (61.7%), and “mild declining” (29.8%). Two trajectories infant total sleep duration were identified, defined as “initial short sleepers” (51.5%) and “initial long sleepers” (48.5%). Two trajectories of maternal depression status were identified, labeled as “low” (74.2%) and “high” (25.8%). After controlling for covariates, women who have higher depression status had infants of shorter day sleep duration. There was no significant association with infant night sleep duration.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that maternal postpartum depression is associated with short infant day sleep duration, but not with infant night sleep duration.

Support

Supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation of China (81773443, 81728017, 81602870, 81601162, 81602868)

0955 Does Primary Caregiver Influence Sleep in Preschoolers? Evidence from a Large-Scale Longitudinal Study in China

Introduction

The aim of the study is to characterize sleep disturbances and sleep patterns in preschoolers, and to examine the potential role of primary caregivers and particularly its transition on children’s sleep in a large-scale cohort study in China.

Methods

A representative sample of 20324 newly enrolled preschoolers(age 3-4 years) were recruited in Shanghai,China at 2016.11. Sleep disturbances were examined at 3 timepoints from age 3-4 years to 5-6 years by the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire(CSHQ). Data on bedtime, onset time and offset time were included, along with primary caregivers derived from each follow-up. Prevalence and trend estimates of sleep disturbances and sleep patterns were presented. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-adjusted models for sleep disturbances at wave3 on different caregiving models were analysed adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, family characteristics, maternal mental health and CSHQ total score at baseline.

Results

Prevalence of global sleep disturbances (CSHQ total score&gt;41) steadily fell from 84.2% to 73.8%. Specifically, behavioral sleep problem domains of “Bedtime besistance”and “Sleep anxiety” decreased from 66.4% to 47.3% and 53.4% to 37.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, Bedtime gradually delayed from 21:04(SD=0:37) to 21:20(SD=0:33) while offset time changed slightly from 7:13(SD=0:29) to 7:17(SD=0:27). Compared with counterparts in western countries, children slept for a shorter nocturnal sleep duration (NSD) with 9.51(SD=0.57) hours at wave1, 9.42(SD=0.57) hours at wave2 and 9.42(SD=0.52) hours at wave3. Different caregiving models were independently associated with sleep disturbances at wave3. Taking “Predominant parental care” as reference, “Predominant grandparental care” and “Transition from parental to grandparental care” were associated with higher odds of sleep disturbances (OR=1.32, 95% CI [1.17, 1.48], p&lt;0.001 and OR=1.25, 95% CI [1.03, 1.52], p=0.020, respectively). While “Transition from grandparental to parental care” has no significant effect(OR=1.04, 95%CI [0.94, 1.15], p=0.436).

Conclusion

Grandparental care is associated with increased risk of sleep disturbances among preschoolers in China. Parenting and Grandparenting factors should be considered when assessing and treating sleep disturbances and optimizeing sleep health in preschoolers.

Support

Supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation of China (81773443, 81728017, 81728017); Ministry of Science and Technology (2016YFC1305203); Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (17XD1402800, 18695840200, 2018SHZDZX05, 18JC1420305);

0972 Persistence, Remission, Acquisition Of Sleep Disturbances Contributes To The Transition Of Emotional/behavioral Problems In Preschool Children

Introduction

Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have consistently reported associations between sleep disturbances and emotional/behavioral problems in children. However, few studies have examined whether the remission, acquisition of sleep disturbances contribute to the transition of emotional and behavioral problems during preschool years.

Methods

This study used data from the Shanghai Children’s Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation-Preschool (SCHEDULEA-P), a prospective, population-based cohort study of newly enrolled preschoolers in Shanghai kindergartens in Nov. 2016. In total, 17182 children with complete data on parent-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) both at school enrollment(wave 1) and the third year(wave 2) were included in the study. Children’s sleep disturbances were measured using Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) at both waves.

Results

The 17182 participants included 8935(52.0%) males, with a mean (SD) age of 3.73(0.29) years at wave 1. 66.9%, 7.2%, 17.4% and 8.5% of these children were divided into persistent sleep disturbance, acquired, remitted group and persistent normal sleep group, respectively. The proportion of persistent, acquired, remitted emotional/behavioral problems and normal group was 13.7%, 9.4%, 21.1%, 55.8%. SDQ scores of acquired sleep disturbances group stayed high at wave 3, while SDQ scores of remitted sleep disturbances group decreased sharply during the preschool years. After adjusted for confounding factors, the odds of remission from emotional/behavioral problems among children who experienced remission of sleep disturbances, who had persistent normal sleep were both much higher compared to those who had persistent sleep disturbances (OR=2.53(2.12-3.01), p&lt;0.001; OR=2.74(2.01-3.75), p&lt;0.001). Meanwhile, the odds of acquisition of emotional/behavioral problems at wave 2 among subjects who newly acquired sleep disturbances at wave 2 and who had persistent sleep disturbances was similarly higher than those who never have sleep disturbances(OR= 2.75, P&lt;0.001 VS OR=2.77, P&lt;0.001). Besides, those who experience remission of sleep disturbances still have 1.48 times the odds of acquisition of emotional / behavioral problems(P=0.006).

Conclusion

The remission of sleep disturbances contributed to the remission of emotional/behavioral problems, while the emergence of sleep disturbances throughout preschool years increased the risk of the acquisition of emotional/behavioral problems.

Support

Supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation of China (81773443, 81728017, 81602870, 81601162, 81602868)

The posterior cervical transdural approach for retro-odontoid mass pseudotumor resection: report of three cases and discussion of the current literature

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of a retro-odontoid pseudotumor mass associated with severe spinal cord compression is challenging due to the complex regional anatomy. Here, we present an attractive treatment option involving a single-stage posterior transdural microsurgical resection followed by instrumented cervical reconstruction.

METHODS

We describe three patients presenting with clinical signs of cervical myelopathy and an imaging finding of mucoid and fibrous soft or semi-soft retro-odontoid pseudotumor mass with significant spinal cord compression at the C1/C2 level. Given the severity of the symptoms, surgical decompression was planned and fusion was necessitated by the severe degenerative osteoarthritis seen at the C1/C2 level with signs of instability. Using a standard posterior approach to the spine, a suboccipital decompression by craniectomy and laminectomy of C1, C2 and C3 was performed. The masses were visualized and confirmed with ultrasound imaging, and intraoperative neurosurgical monitoring was applied. The dura was then opened from the level of C0-C2. Exiting C2-C3 nerve roots were identified and protected throughout the procedure, and the dentate ligament was cut to facilitate access. Incision of the anterior dura provided easy access to the lesion for resection without any spinal cord retraction. Multiple intraoperative samples were sent to pathology for tissue diagnosis. The dura was closed with sutures and an overlay of fibrin sealant with collagen matrix sponge. The fusion procedures were performed using a standard occipital cervical plate and screws technique with contoured titanium rods.

CONCLUSIONS

The posterior cervical transdural approach is a safe alternative procedure for mucoid and fibrous soft or semi-soft retro-odontoid pseudotumor mass removal. Preoperative CT scan can evaluate tissue characteristics and distinguish between a soft or ossified mass in front of the spinal cord. Local anatomical conditions facilitate less bleeding and adhesions, together with less spinal cord traction, in the intradural space. Cranio-cervical and suboccipital stabilization can be easily and safely performed with this exposure.

[Impact of water body environments on the microbial community of Oncomelania hupensis snails in marshlands around the eastern Dongting Lake]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of water body environments on the microbial community of Oncomelania hupensis snails in marshlands of the eastern Dongting Lake where natural extinction of O. hupensis snails are found, so as to explore the correlation between the natural extinction of O. hupensis snails and the microbial community in snails.

METHODS

Snails were caged water bodies in the Qianliang Lake marshland (Qianliang Lake regions) where natural extinction of snails was found and in the Junshan Park marshland (Junshan Park regions) in the eastern Dongting Lake for 30 days, and then all snails were collected and identified for survival or death. DNA sequencing of the fungi and bacteria was performed in snails before and after immersion in waters, and the biodiversity and abundance were analyzed.

RESULTS

The survival rates of O. hupensis snails were 28.0% (70/250) and 64.8% (162/250) in Qianliang Lake regions and Junshan Park regions 30 days after immersion in waters, respectively (χ² = 81.365, P < 0.01). The number of the fungal community and the biodiversity of the bacterial community were both greater in snails caged in Qianliang Lake regions post-immersion than pre-immersion, and there was a significant difference in the structure of the fungal and bacterial communities. The microbial community with a significant difference included Flavobacteriaceae,which was harmful to O. hupensis snails.

CONCLUSIONS

The water body environment affects the composition of the microbial community in O. hupensis snails in marshlands with natural snail distinction around the eastern Dongting Lake; however, further studies are required to investigate whether the natural distinction of snails is caused by water body environments-induced changes of the microbial spectrum in O. hupensis snails.

Measurement of f_{s}/f_{u} Variation with Proton-Proton Collision Energy and B-Meson Kinematics

The ratio of the B_{s}^{0} and B^{+} fragmentation fractions f_{s} and f_{u} is studied with B_{s}^{0}→J/ψϕ and B^{+}→J/ψK^{+} decays using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at 7, 8, and 13 TeV center-of-mass energies. The analysis is performed in bins of B-meson momentum, longitudinal momentum, transverse momentum, pseudorapidity, and rapidity. The fragmentation-fraction ratio f_{s}/f_{u} is observed to depend on the B-meson transverse momentum with a significance of 6.0σ. This dependency is driven by the 13 TeV sample (8.7σ), while the results for the other collision energies are not significant when considered separately. Furthermore, the results show a 4.8σ evidence for an increase of f_{s}/f_{u} as a function of collision energy.

Isospin Amplitudes in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ(Σ^{0}) and Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΞ^{0}(Λ) Decays

Ratios of isospin amplitudes in hadron decays are a useful probe of the interplay between weak and strong interactions and allow searches for physics beyond the standard model. We present the first results on isospin amplitudes in b-baryon decays, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.5  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector in pp collisions at center of mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The isospin amplitude ratio |A_{1}(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΣ^{0})/A_{0}(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ)|, where the subscript on A indicates the final-state isospin, is measured to be less than 1/21.8 at 95% confidence level. The Cabibbo suppressed Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ decay is observed for the first time, allowing for the measurement |A_{0}(Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ)/A_{1/2}(Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΞ^{0})|=0.37±0.06±0.02, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

First Observation of Excited Ω_{b}^{-} States

We report four narrow peaks in the Ξ_{b}^{0}K^{-} mass spectrum obtained using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. Referring to these states by their mass, the mass values are m[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]=6315.64±0.31±0.07±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]=6330.30±0.28±0.07±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]=6339.71±0.26±0.05±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6350)^{-}]=6349.88±0.35±0.05±0.50  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and the last is due to the knowledge of the Ξ_{b}^{0} mass. The natural widths of the three lower mass states are consistent with zero, and the 90% confidence-level upper limits are determined to be Γ[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]<2.8  MeV, Γ[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]<3.1  MeV and Γ[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]<1.5  MeV. The natural width of the Ω_{b}(6350)^{-} peak is 1.4_{-0.8}^{+1.0}±0.1  MeV, which is 2.5σ from zero and corresponds to an upper limit of 2.8 MeV. The peaks have local significances ranging from 3.6σ to 7.2σ. After accounting for the look-elsewhere effect, the significances of the Ω_{b}(6316)^{-} and Ω_{b}(6330)^{-} peaks are reduced to 2.1σ and 2.6σ, respectively, while the two higher mass peaks exceed 5σ. The observed peaks are consistent with expectations for excited Ω_{b}^{-} resonances.

Search for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

Searches are performed for both promptlike and long-lived dark photons, A^{'}, produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. These searches look for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.5  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector. Neither search finds evidence for a signal, and 90% confidence-level exclusion limits are placed on the γ-A^{'} kinetic mixing strength. The promptlike A^{'} search explores the mass region from near the dimuon threshold up to 70 GeV and places the most stringent constraints to date on dark photons with 214<m(A^{'})≲740  MeV and 10.6<m(A^{'})≲30  GeV. The search for long-lived A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays places world-leading constraints on low-mass dark photons with lifetimes O(1)  ps.

Observation of Several Sources of CP Violation in B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} Decays

Observations are reported of different sources of CP violation from an amplitude analysis of B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} decays, based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded with the LHCb detector. A large CP asymmetry is observed in the decay amplitude involving the tensor f_{2}(1270) resonance, and in addition significant CP violation is found in the π^{+}π^{-}S wave at low invariant mass. The presence of CP violation related to interference between the π^{+}π^{-}S wave and the P wave B^{+}→ρ(770)^{0}π^{+} amplitude is also established; this causes large local asymmetries but cancels when integrated over the phase space of the decay. The results provide both qualitative and quantitative new insights into CP -violation effects in hadronic B decays.

Malnutrition and Physical Frailty among Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between malnutrition and physical frailty among nursing home older adults in China.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A cross-sectional study in 15 nursing homes in Changsha, China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 705 nursing home residents who were aged 60 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Physical frailty was identified based on the following five components: slow gait speed, low physical activity, weight loss, exhaustion, and low grip strength. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between nutritional status and physical frailty.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 82.5 (8.1) years old (range, 60-106 years), and 226 (32%) was men. Of those participants, 5.1% and 55.6% were malnourished and at risk of malnutrition, respectively; 60.3% and 36.2% were identified as being frail and prefrail, respectively. Compared with participants who were well-nourished, those who were at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were two times more likely to be physically frail (adjusted odds ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 7.00), after adjustment for age, education level, cognitive status, depressive symptoms, and disability in activities of daily living. No significant association was observed between malnutrition and physical prefrailty.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that poor nutritional status and physical frailty are highly prevalent in nursing home older adults in China, and that poor nutritional status is associated with increased odds of physical frailty.

Search for Lepton-Flavor Violating Decays B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{±}e^{∓}

A search for the lepton-flavor violating decays B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{±}e^{∓} is performed using a sample of proton-proton collision data, collected with the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. No significant signal is observed, and upper limits on the branching fractions are set as B(B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{-}e^{+})<7.0(9.5)×10^{-9} and B(B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{+}e^{-})<6.4(8.8)×10^{-9} at 90% (95)% confidence level. The results improve the current best limits on these decays by more than one order of magnitude.

Measurement of Charged Hadron Production in Z-Tagged Jets in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV

The production of charged hadrons within jets recoiling against a Z boson is measured in proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=8  TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment. The charged-hadron structure of the jet is studied longitudinally and transverse to the jet axis for jets with transverse momentum p_{T}>20  GeV and in the pseudorapidity range 2.5<η<4. These are the first measurements of jet hadronization at these forward rapidities and also the first where the jet is produced in association with a Z boson. In contrast to previous hadronization measurements at the Large Hadron Collider, which are dominated by gluon jets, these measurements probe predominantly light-quark jets which are found to be more longitudinally and transversely collimated with respect to the jet axis when compared to the previous gluon dominated measurements. Therefore, these results provide valuable information on differences between quarks and gluons regarding nonperturbative hadronization dynamics.

Amplitude Analysis of B^{±}→π^{±}K^{+}K^{-} Decays

The first amplitude analysis of the B^{±}→π^{±}K^{+}K^{-} decay is reported based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded in 2011 and 2012 with the LHCb detector. The data are found to be best described by a coherent sum of five resonant structures plus a nonresonant component and a contribution from ππ↔KK S-wave rescattering. The dominant contributions in the π^{±} K^{∓} and K^{+} K^{-} systems are the nonresonant and the B^{±}→ρ(1450)^{0}π^{±} amplitudes, respectively, with fit fractions around 30%. For the rescattering contribution, a sizable fit fraction is observed. This component has the largest CP asymmetry reported to date for a single amplitude of (-66±4±2)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. No significant CP violation is observed in the other contributions.

Search for the Lepton-Flavor-Violating Decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} and B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}

Results are reported from a search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} and B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}, where the τ lepton is reconstructed in the channel τ^{-}→π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}ν_{τ}. These processes are effectively forbidden in the standard model, but they can potentially occur at detectable rates in models of new physics that can induce lepton-flavor-violating decays. The search is based on a data sample corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions recorded by the LHCb experiment in 2011 and 2012. The event yields observed in the signal regions for both processes are consistent with the expected standard model backgrounds. Because of the limited mass resolution arising from the undetected τ neutrino, the B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} signal regions are highly overlapping. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}, the upper limit B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓})<4.2×10^{-5} is obtained at 95% confidence level. If no contribution from B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓})<1.4×10^{-5} is obtained at 95% confidence level. These results represent the first limit on B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}) and the most stringent limit on B(B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}).

[Study on prevalence and vertical transmission rate of Toxoplasma gondii infections among parturient women in Wuhu City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and vertical transmission rate of Toxoplasma gondii infections among in parturient women in Wuhu City, so as to provide reference for the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the city.

METHODS

Parturient women's venous blood samples and neonatal heel blood samples were collected in Wuhu City and prepared into filter-paper blood samples. The prevalence and vertical transmission rate of T. gondii infections were detected using the loop -mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay among the parturient women.

RESULTS

There were three positive samples detected in the 475 filter-paper blood samples from the parturient women, with a mean positive rate of 0.63%. The prevalence of T. gondii infection was 0 in pregnant women at ages of < 20 years (0/5) and at an advanced maternal age (0/24), while the prevalence was 0.67% (3/446) in pregnant women at an appropriate maternal age. T. gondii infection was detected in 2 filter-paper blood samples from newborns, with a vertical transmission rate of 66.67%.

CONCLUSIONS

There is T. gondii infection in the parturient women and a high vertical transmission rate of T. gondii infection is detected in Wuhu City. The awareness of the potential risk factors of toxoplasmosis should be improved among pregnant women to prevent the damages of toxoplasmosis to humans.

IKKε aggravates inflammatory response via activation of NF-κB in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, whereas its cause still remains elusive. Typical pathological manifestations of RA include persistent synovitis and bone degeneration in the surrounding joints. Although the incidence of RA is high in population, currently there have been no effective cures for it. The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and main mechanism of IKKε (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase ε) in collagen II induced- Rheumatoid Arthritis (CIA) mice model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IKKε-/- and wild-type (WT) littermate control mice were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg collagen II monoclonal antibody cocktail (Cab) for 5 days. After that, the nociception threshold and clinical rheumatoid arthritis articular damage score of mice were evaluated. After 5 days-CAb treatment, serum levels of a series of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon (IFN) were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in both groups. Besides, Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of these inflammatory cytokines in plantar tissues. In addition, Western blot was performed to investigate the protein levels of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B) signaling pathway. Moreover, WT mice receiving CAb were further applied with or without IKK inhibitor amlexanox (25 mg/kg) to investigate the expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

Our work showed that IKKε-/- mice with CIA displayed less nociception and suppressed inflammatory response than WT mice. Meanwhile, the clinical rheumatoid arthritis articular damage scores were significantly decreased in IKKε-/- mice. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in serum and plantar tissues in IKKε-/- mice were significantly lower than those in WT mice. Besides, NF-κB expression in IKKε-/- mice was significantly decreased. Similarly, the same phenotype was observed in WT mice administrated with IKKε inhibitor amlexanox as that of IKKε-/- mice, indicating that inflammatory and nociception responses were remarkably decreased than those of the negative controls.

CONCLUSIONS

IKKε plays an important role in promoting nociception and inflammatory response in CIA. Our research demonstrated that knockout of IKKε may serve as a new direction for clinical prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. IKKε inhibitor amlexanox may become a new drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

[Diagnosis and treatment of cervical migratory foreign bodies caused by sharp esophageal foreign bodies]

Objective:Imaging findings and treatment of sharp foreign bodies penetrating the esophagus to migrate in the neck were collected. Method:All of 9 cases were determined by CT imaging. The foreign bodies were removed in 8 cases through the lateral cervical approach. The last case was taken out by bronchoscope. Eight cases successfully removed the foreign bodies. No definite foreign body was found in 1 case. Result:There were no postoperative complications in 8 patients that successful removed of foreign bodies. All patients begin to eat normally after operation and were discharged from hospital in 7 days. Tracheoesophageal fistula occurred that happened to the patient that no foreign body was found in operation. So gastric tube was retained for 7 days. Conclusion:CT imaging should be performed to determine whether there is the possibility of foreign body penetrating out of the esophagus, for the patients who had explicit history but the foreignbodies could not be found by barium meal examination. If necessary, three-dimensional CT reconstruction of the neck should be performed to locate the foreign body. Surgical exploration should be done as soon as possible to avoid aimless migration of foreign bodies, and it is difficult to find it during operation.

Effects of three different first-aid training methods on knowledge retention of caregivers and teachers: a randomized and longitudinal cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of pediatric first-aid training methods on caregivers' and teachers' knowledge retention.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized longitudinal cohort study.

METHODS

A stratified random sampling method was used to select 1282 caregivers and teachers with the help of local education authorities in 18 districts and 1 county of Shanghai, China. The selected caregivers and teachers were randomly allocated into groups that were exposed to 3 models of training, including an interactive training model (group A), lecture-based training model (group B), and video instruction training model (group C), for pediatric first-aid training for caregivers and teachers (PedFACTs). Before and after the training, a descriptive questionnaire composed of demographic information and 37 simple-choice questions about first aid was administered. During the follow-up, 120 caregivers and teachers from each of the three methods were randomized and retested 9 months after their training and 120 caregivers and teachers were randomly reselected in each of the three methods and retested 4 years after their training.

RESULTS

Immediately after training, there was a significant difference in the postassessment results between groups A and B (P = 0.002) as well as between groups A and C (P < 0.001). The average interactive training model score was the highest, followed by the instruction training model and video instruction training model. There was no significant difference among the three groups in the reassessment scores at 9 months and 4 years after training (P = 0.744, P = 0.595). The difference in passing the assessment among the three groups at 9 months or 4 years after training was not maintained at a significant level.

CONCLUSION

The three training methods did not affect knowledge retention of the caregivers and teachers at nine months or four years after training completion. Video instruction may be an effective, convenient, and feasible method to train caregivers and teachers.

Observation of New Resonances in the Λ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} System

We report the observation of a new structure in the Λ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} spectrum using the full LHCb data set of pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected at sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV. A study of the structure suggests its interpretation as a superposition of two almost degenerate narrow states. The masses and widths of these states are measured to be m_{Λ_{b}(6146)^{0}}=6146.17±0.33±0.22±0.16  MeV,m_{Λ_{b}(6152)^{0}}=6152.51±0.26±0.22±0.16  MeV,Γ_{Λ_{b}(6146)^{0}}=2.9±1.3±0.3  MeV,Γ_{Λ_{b}(6152)^{0}}=2.1±0.8±0.3  MeV,with a mass splitting of Δm=6.34±0.32±0.02  MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic. The third uncertainty for the mass measurements derives from the knowledge of the mass of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon. The measured masses and widths of these new excited states suggest their possible interpretation as a doublet of Λ_{b}(1D)^{0} states.

MiRNA-155 promotes the invasion of colorectal cancer SW-480 cells through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in the potential invasion of colon cancer cell and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of miR-155 in colon cancer and adjacent normal tissues was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). miR-155 mimics (miR-155), or siRNA against β-catenin (β-catenin siRNA), was transfected into human colon cancer cell line SW-480 using Lipofectamine 2000, respectively. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of miR-155 and β-catenin mRNA, and β-catenin protein expression level was detected by Western blot. The in-vitro cell invasion abilities were determined by transwell invasion assays after up-regulating miR-155 or knocking down of β-catenin.

RESULTS

MiR-155 directly regulates β-catenin at the transcriptional level, and promotes the invasion potential of colon cancer cell, at least partly through the upregulation of β-catenin.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that miR-155 and β-catenin may have a unique potential as a novel biomarker candidate for diagnosis and treatment of tumor metastasis.

Potential roles of lncRNA-Cox2 and EGR1 in regulating epidural fibrosis following laminectomy

OBJECTIVE

Epidural fibrosis, one of the common complications after spinal surgery, seriously affects the surgical decompression effect. Effectively inhibiting the fibrous tissue hyperplasia is pivotal to reduce the scar adhesion. Previous studies showed that early growth response 1 (EGR1) is associated with the fibroblast reactivity induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and plays a vital regulatory role in scar formation; however, the upstream targets and mechanisms still remain unclear. In this work, it was found that the level of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA)-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) was significantly negatively correlated with EGR1 expression and the severity of the scar. Therefore, it was conjectured that lncRNA-COX2 may decrease fibroplasia and scar formation by negatively regulating EGR1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TGF-β was used to activate the embryonic and adult rat fibroblasts. Rats underwent laminectomy to establish the epidural fibrosis model. The changes in the levels of fibroplasia-related genes were measured and analyzed through messenger RNA (mRNA), lncRNA, and micro RNA expression profile chips. Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to determine the levels of EGR1 and lncRNA-COX2, and Western blotting was adopted to detect the content of EGR1, collagen I (Col-1), Col-3, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The scar formation was reflected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining, and the expression level of α-SMA in the scar tissues was measured via immunohistochemistry. Finally, micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to examine the different degrees of epidural fibroplasia.

RESULTS

It was found that the reactivity of embryonic rat fibroblasts to the TGF-β stimulation was different from that of adult rat fibroblasts. LncRNA-COX2 was highly expressed in the embryonic rat fibroblasts, but lowly expressed in the adult rat fibroblasts, which had negative correlations with the EGR1 level in embryonic and adult rat fibroblasts. In addition, it was revealed that the expression of EGR1 in the adult rat fibroblasts was remarkably higher than that in the embryonic rat fibroblasts after the activation with TGF-β. Meanwhile, the level of lncRNA-COX2 was lowered after the activation, especially in the adult rat fibroblasts. It was discovered in the in-vivo model that the degree of fibroplasia was positively associated with EGR1 level and negatively correlated with lncRNA-COX2 level.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this research elucidated that the down-regulation of lncRNA-COX2 is involved in the epidural scar formation and related to the elevated EGR1 level which regulates the activation of fibroblasts and secretion of massive extracellular matrixes, suggesting that lncRNA-COX2 may modulate the role of fibroblasts in scar formation as an upstream action target of EGR1.

Measurement of CP-Violating and Mixing-Induced Observables in B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ Decays

A time-dependent analysis of the B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ decay rate is performed to determine the CP -violating observables S_{ϕγ} and C_{ϕγ} and the mixing-induced observable A_{ϕγ}^{Δ}. The measurement is based on a sample of pp collision data recorded with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The measured values are S_{ϕγ}=0.43±0.30±0.11, C_{ϕγ}=0.11±0.29±0.11, and A_{ϕγ}^{Δ}=-0.67_{-0.41}^{+0.37}±0.17, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the first measurement of the observables S and C in radiative B_{s}^{0} decays. The results are consistent with the standard model predictions.

Ultrafast extreme rejuvenation of metallic glasses by shock compression

Structural rejuvenation of glasses not only provides fundamental insights into their complicated dynamics but also extends their practical applications. However, it is formidably challenging to rejuvenate a glass on very short time scales. Here, we present the first experimental evidence that a specially designed shock compression technique can rapidly rejuvenate metallic glasses to extremely high-enthalpy states within a very short time scale of about 365 ± 8 ns. By controlling the shock stress amplitude, the shock-induced rejuvenation is successfully frozen at different degrees. The underlying structural disordering is quantitatively characterized by the anomalous boson heat capacity peak of glasses. A Deborah number, defined as a competition of time scales between the net structural disordering and the applied loading, is introduced to explain the observed ultrafast rejuvenation phenomena of metallic glasses.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients in endometrial cancer with bone metastases]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients in endometrial cancer with bone metastases. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was performed to analyze patients with endometrial cancer who developed bone metastases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from January 2004 to December 2017, including patients with bone metastases at the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and at recurrence of endometrial cancer. The patient's clinicopathological features, bone metastasis characteristics, treatment process and prognoses were also analyzed. Results: The incidence of bone metastasis of endometrial cancer in PUMCH from 2004 to 2017 was 0.57% (14/2 458). (1) General clinical pathological features: the median age of the 7 patients with bone metastases diagnosed at the time of initial diagnosis was 50 years old, and the main pathological type was endometrioid carcinoma (n=5). The median age of the other 7 patients was 57 years old, with no significant difference comparing to the former groups (P=0.559). (2) The majority site of bone metastasis in endometrial cancer were discovered in pelvic bones, followed by the tibia. (3) Treatment: according to the staging of endometrial cancer, a comprehensive treatment based on surgery was performed, and one patient with isolated bone metastases underwent resection of bone metastasis. (4) Prognosis: nine out of the 14 patients died during the follow-up period. The median over all survival time was 25.5 months (range: 7.7-258.0 months). The median survival of population after diagnosis of bone metastases was 15.0 months (range: 3.0-51.0 months). The survival rate of endometrial cancer at 1-year after diagnosis of bone metastasis was 71.4%. The 2-year survival rate was 40.8%. (5) No independent prognostic factors affecting survival was found (P>0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of bone metastasis in endometrial cancer is less than 1%. Bone metastasis could occur at the diagnosis of endometrial cancer or recurrence of endometrial cancer. Bone metastasis suggests a poor prognosis. There is no standard follow-up and treatment protocols so that individualized treatment is needed.

First Observation of the Radiative Decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λγ

The radiative decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λγ is observed for the first time using a data sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.7  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Its branching fraction is measured exploiting the B^{0}→K^{*0}γ decay as a normalization mode and is found to be B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λγ)=(7.1±1.5±0.6±0.7)×10^{-6}, where the quoted uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and systematic from external inputs, respectively. This is the first observation of a radiative decay of a beauty baryon.

miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in gastric cancer patients and the relationship with circRNA

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor that affects individuals worldwide, and miRNA and mRNA are closely connected to this disease. However, it is still unclear how these molecules affect GC and whether their effects are associated with circRNA in GC patients. Therefore, we obtained the miRNA, mRNA and circRNA expression profiles of GC patients from the GEO database. For comparison, shared miRNAs and mRNAs from the results of microarrays were annotated by gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis. We also identified mRNAs that were targeted by miRNA through TargetScan 7.2 and circRNAs that were targeted by miRNA through CircInteractome. A comprehensive analysis of the microarray results revealed 72 shared miRNAs, and the expression profiles of 6 miRNAs were significantly different between the tumor and control groups (the absolute value of fold change>2, P<0.05). Hsa-miR-1, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-95, hsa-miR-133a and hsa-miR-181d were upregulated in GC, whereas hsa-miR-375 was downregulated. The analysis results also revealed 1201 shared mRNAs and 27 mRNAs, respectively, by microarray and TargetScan. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the Glypican pathway, Proteoglycan syndecan-mediated signalling events, Glypican 1 network and PAR1-mediated thrombin signalling events play important roles. GO analysis revealed significant enrichment in the three terms cellular component, molecular function and biological process, suggesting that organelles, enzyme binding, RNA-binding and nitrogen metabolism may have a strong relationship in GC. The increase in PAX6 in GC may be related to hsa-miR-375. Three circRNAs, hsa_circ_0001658, hsa_circ_0004928 and hsa_circ_0000376, were then found to be significantly differentially expressed between GC and normal tissues (the absolute value of fold change>2, P<0.05). In conclusion, the circ0001658/circ0004928/circ0000376-miR-375-PAX6 axis may represent a new regulatory network that should be further investigated, and the results of this study provide a better understanding of GC.

Observation of an Excited B_{c}^{+} State

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.5  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, the observation of an excited B_{c}^{+} state in the B_{c}^{+}π^{+}π^{-} invariant-mass spectrum is reported. The observed peak has a mass of 6841.2±0.6(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV/c^{2}, where the last uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the B_{c}^{+} mass. It is consistent with expectations of the B_{c}^{*}(2^{3}S_{1})^{+} state reconstructed without the low-energy photon from the B_{c}^{*}(1^{3}S_{1})^{+}→B_{c}^{+}γ decay following B_{c}^{*}(2^{3}S_{1})^{+}→B_{c}^{*}(1^{3}S_{1})^{+}π^{+}π^{-}. A second state is seen with a global (local) statistical significance of 2.2σ (3.2σ) and a mass of 6872.1±1.3(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV/c^{2}, and is consistent with the B_{c}(2^{1}S_{0})^{+} state. These mass measurements are the most precise to date.

Measurement of the Mass Difference Between Neutral Charm-Meson Eigenstates

We report a measurement of the mass difference between neutral charm-meson eigenstates using a novel approach that enhances sensitivity to this parameter. We use 2.3×10^{6} D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays reconstructed in proton-proton collisions collected by the LHCb experiment in 2011 and 2012. Allowing for CP violation in mixing and in the interference between mixing and decay, we measure the CP-averaged normalized mass difference x_{CP}=[2.7±1.6(stat)±0.4(syst)]×10^{-3} and the CP-violating parameter Δx=[-0.53±0.70(stat)±0.22(syst)]×10^{-3}. The results are consistent with CP symmetry. These determinations are the most precise from a single experiment and, combined with current world-average results, yield the first evidence that the masses of the neutral charm-meson eigenstates differ.

The bHLH Protein Nulp1 is Essential for Femur Development Via Acting as a Cofactor in Wnt Signaling in Drosophila

Background:

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein families are a large class of transcription factors, which are associated with cell proliferation, tissue differentiation, and other important development processes. We reported that the Nuclear localized protein-1 (Nulp1) might act as a novel bHLH transcriptional factor to mediate cellular functions. However, its role in development in vivo remains unknown.

Methods:

Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants are generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal. Expression of Wg target genes are analyzed by qRT-PCR. We use the Top-Flash luciferase reporter assay to response to Wg signaling.

Results:

Here we show that Drosophila Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal, are partially homozygous lethal and the rare escapers have bent femurs, which are similar to the major manifestation of congenital bent-bone dysplasia in human Stuve-Weidemann syndrome. The fly phenotype can be rescued by dNulp1 over-expression, indicating that dNulp1 is essential for fly femur development and survival. Moreover, dNulp1 overexpression suppresses the notch wing phenotype caused by the overexpression of sgg/GSK3β, an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt cascade. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analyses show that seven target genes positively regulated by Wg signaling pathway are down-regulated in response to dNulp1 knockout, while two negatively regulated Wg targets are up-regulated in dNulp1 mutants. Finally, dNulp1 overexpression significantly activates the Top-Flash Wnt signaling reporter.

Conclusion:

We conclude that bHLH protein dNulp1 is essential for femur development and survival in Drosophila by acting as a positive cofactor in Wnt/Wingless signaling.

Observation of a Narrow Pentaquark State, P_{c}(4312)^{+}, and of the Two-Peak Structure of the P_{c}(4450)^{+}

A narrow pentaquark state, P_{c}(4312)^{+}, decaying to J/ψp, is discovered with a statistical significance of 7.3σ in a data sample of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays, which is an order of magnitude larger than that previously analyzed by the LHCb Collaboration. The P_{c}(4450)^{+} pentaquark structure formerly reported by LHCb is confirmed and observed to consist of two narrow overlapping peaks, P_{c}(4440)^{+} and P_{c}(4457)^{+}, where the statistical significance of this two-peak interpretation is 5.4σ. The proximity of the Σ_{c}^{+}D[over ¯]^{0} and Σ_{c}^{+}D[over ¯]^{*0} thresholds to the observed narrow peaks suggests that they play an important role in the dynamics of these states.