Real-Time Monitoring of NDM-1 Activity in Live Bacterial Cells by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry: A New Approach To Measure Inhibition of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The "superbug" infection caused by New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) has become an emerging threat. Monitoring NDM-1 has proven challenging due to its shuttling between pathogenic bacteria. Here, we report an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) method that can monitor activity and inhibition of NDM-1 in live bacterial cells in real time. This method has been exemplified by monitoring of the activity and inhibition of the target enzyme and evaluating the breakdown of antibiotics by pathogenic bacteria expressing β-lactamases. Cell-based studies demonstrate that the NDM-1 expressed in bacterial cells was inhibited by four known inhibitors ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), d-captopril, ebselen and azolylthioacetamide with fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 3.8, 48, 0.55, and 17.5 μM, respectively, which are in good agreement with the data from inhibition kinetics using UV-vis and NMR spectroscopy in vivo. This approach could be applied to screen and evaluate small molecule inhibitors of metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs) in whole cells or to identify drug resistant bacteria.

ED50 of intrathecal ropivacaine for cesarean delivery with and without epidural volume extension with normal saline: a randomized controlled study

Background

It was reported that epidural volume extension could decrease the ED₅₀ of intrathecal plain bupivacaine. In this study, we investigated the ED₅₀ of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine followed by epidural normal saline bolus for cesarean section.

Methods

Sixty parturients were allocated into two groups in this prospective study. About 10 mL of epidural normal saline was given after the intrathecal dose of hyperbaric ropivacaine in the Group S (normal saline group), and no epidural injection of normal saline was given after the intrathecal ropivacainve injection in the Group C (control group). The dose of intrathecal ropivacaine for each parturient was decided by up-down allocation method. The initial dose was set as 10 mg. Effective anesthesia was defined as the level of T6 or above achieved within 10 minutes after intrathecal injection and no additional epidural drug to complete operation. The Massey formula was applied to calculate the ED₅₀ of intrathecal ropivacaine.

Results

The ED₅₀ of intrathecal ropivacaine for cesarean section determined by up-and-down method was 7.51 mg (95% CI, 7.09–7.93 mg) in the Group S and 8.29 mg (95% CI, 7.73–8.85 mg) in the Group C, and there was a significant difference in ED₅₀ of ropivacaine between the two groups (P<0.05). Compared with the Group C, the ED₅₀ of intrathecal ropivacaine decreased when followed by epidural normal saline bolus.

Conclusion

The ED₅₀ of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for cesarean section is 8.29 mg, and it is reduced when followed by epidural normal saline bolus (www.chictr.org.cn, registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-17013382).

Divergent roles of three cytochrome c in CTSB-modulating coelomocyte apoptosis in Apostichopus japonicus

Cytochrome c plays crucial roles in apoptosis and the immune response. We previously demonstrated that cathepsin B from Apostichopus japonicus (AjCTSB) induces coelomocyte apoptosis. However, the mechanistic explanation and the regulation of this process have not been investigated. In the present study, we identified three cytochrome c cDNAs from A. japonicus (designated Ajcytc1, Ajcytc-1, and Ajcytc-2) using expressed sequence tag- (EST) and RACE-based approaches. The deduced amino acid sequences of the three cytochrome isoforms contained conserved CXXCH motifs, which are involved in binding heme and maintaining proteolytic activity. Time course expression analysis in vitro and in vivo revealed that the three cytochrome isoforms were induced upon pathogen challenge and LPS exposure. More importantly, AjCTSB knockdown by siRNA dramatically increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in a time-dependent manner based on JC-1 fluorescent probe staining. AjCTSB knockdown also resulted in decreased expression of these three cytochromes 24 h after siAjCTSB transfection. Functional analysis using isoform-specific siRNAs revealed that Ajcytc-1, but not Ajcytc1 or Ajcytc-2, is involved in coelomocyte apoptosis. Moreover, the transcript level of Ajcaspase-3, an apoptosis executioner, was also consistently down-regulated upon silencing of Ajcytc-1 but not Ajcytc1 or Ajcytc-2. Collectively, these results indicate that Ajcytc1, Ajcytc-1, and Ajcytc-2 play distinct roles in mediating the immune response to bacteria according to AjCTSB expression. Moreover, Ajcytc-1 could be released upon dissipation of the ΔΨm, which could further trigger coelomocyte apoptosis through the activation of Ajcaspase-3.

[Imaging diagnostic methods for identification of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with early squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity mucosa: a literature review]

The paper describes properties of clinical visualization approaches which are applied for detection of sentinel lymph nodes in patients suffering from oral cavity squamous cell cancer. Diagnostic efficiency results and technological features of different imaging techniques are discussed.

A novel TNFAIP8 gene mediates l-arginine metabolism in Apostichopus japonicus

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) family is a newly identified protein with vital roles in maintaining immune homeostasis. In the current study, we first cloned and characterized a TNFAIP8 gene from the invertebrate sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The gene was designated as AjTNFAIP8. The full-length cDNA of AjTNFAIP8 was 1455 bp long and encoded a matured protein of 201 amino acid residues. Structural analysis indicated that AjTNFAIP8 had a death effector domain (DED)-like domain and composed of six α-helices. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis supported that AjTNFAIP8 is a new member of the TNFAIP8 family. Analysis of basal transcription in five tissues revealed the constitutive expression of AjTNFAIP8 in the detected tissues with highest expression in the respiratory tree and minimum expression in the tentacle. Vibrio splendidus infection and LPS stimulation could significantly downregulate the mRNA expression of AjTNFAIP8. More importantly, the transcription of pro-inflammatory molecule NOS and its production of NO content were significantly increased after AjTNFAIP8 silencing, with the suppression of agmatinase transcript and arginase activity. These results clearly indicated that AjTNFAIP8 is an essential negative regulator in innate immunity. Basic information for further exploration of the functional mechanisms of TNFAIP8 family in other marine invertebrate is provided.

miR-92a regulates coelomocytes apoptosis in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus via targeting Aj14-3-3ζ in vivo

miR-92a, a well-documented oncogene, was previously found to be differentially expressed in diseased sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus by high-throughput sequencing. In this study, we identified Aj14-3-3ζ as a novel target of miR-92a in this species and investigated their regulatory roles in vivo. The negative expression profiles between miR-92a and Aj14-3-3ζ protein were detected in both LPS-exposed primary coelomocytes and Vibrio splendidus-challenged sea cucumbers. Over-expression of miR-92a by injection of miR-92a agomir significantly depressed the mRNA and protein expression of Aj14-3-3ζ and promoted coelomocytes apoptosis with 5.04-fold increase in vivo, which was consistent with those from siRNA-mediated Aj14-3-3ζ knockdown assay. In contrast, miR-92a antagomir significantly elevated the mRNA and protein expression of Aj14-3-3ζ and decreased coelomocytes apoptosis. Taken together, our result confirmed that miR-92a is involved in apoptotic signaling pathway regulation perhaps via targeting Aj14-3-3ζ in sea cucumbers, which will enhance our understanding of miR-92a regulatory roles in sea cucumber pathogenesis.

[Surgical technique and early clinical outcomes of direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique of direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty and to report the early clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A series of 100 consecutive, unselected patients who had 116 primary total hip arthroplasty surgeries (16 bilateral) done through direct anterior approach from March 11 2015 to June 21 2016 was reviewed. There were 50 male patients and 50 female patients. The average patient age was 51 years, and the average body mass index was 24.69 kg/m². The preoperative diagnosis included avascular necrosis of femoral head, hip osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis secondary to acetabular dysplasia, sequelae of hip old infection, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and avascular necrosis of femoral head after cannulated screws fixation of femoral neck fracture. There were 7 hips which had surgical history prior to the index hip arthroplasty, including 3 cases with bone graft treatment for avascular necrosis of femoral head through Smith-Peterson approach, 2 cases with acetabular shelf procedures for acetabular dysplasia through Smith-Peterson approach, and 2 cases with cannulated screws fixation for femoral neck fracture (internal fixation residual). All were uncemented hips. The stems used in this study included 67 Triloc stems (DePuy company, USA), 45 Corail stems (DePuy company, USA), 2 Accolade stems (Stryker company, USA), 1 Synergy stem (Smith-Nephew company, USA) and 1 Polarstem (Smith-Nephew company, USA).

RESULTS

The average follow up period was 8.5 months, the average incision scar length was 10 cm, and the average postoperative Harris score was 93.62. There was 95% postoperative leg length discrepancy within 3 mm. The average cup inclination angle was 38.7° with 94.8% in the range of 30° to 50°. The average cup anteversion angle was 14.3° with 94.2% within the target range of 5° to 25°.The were 15 (12.9%) operative complications, including two femoral perforations (changing stem from Triloc to Corail), three calcar fractures (treated with cerclage wires), four greater trochanter fractures (2 were treated wire tension band, and 2 nondisplaced fractures untreated), one deep infection (debridement and retaining of the prothesis), one superficial infection (debridement), one hematoma and three wound healing complications (debridement). All the complications were successfully treated without any sequelae at the end of the latest follow-up. There was no postoperative dislocation. There was no major nerve and vascular injuries. There were 35 cases (30.2%) reporting symptoms of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy.

CONCLUSION

Direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty allows accurate and reproducible cup orientation positioning and leg length restoration and decreases the risk of postoperative dislocation, which is helpful for early rapid postoperative recovery.

[Application of bilateral direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty: a report of 22 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the operation technique and the methods to avoid early complications on the learning curve for bilateral direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied a series of continued cases with bilateral avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) or degenerative dysplastic hip and rheumatoid arthritis that were treated by DAA THA in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. A total of 22 patients with 44 hips were analyzed from June 2014 to August 2016 in this study. There were 17 males and 5 females, and the median age was 48 years (range: 34-67 years). All the surgery was done by DAA method by two senior surgeons. The clinic characters, early surgery treatment results and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

We used the cementless stems in all the cases. The average operating time was (167±23) min; the average blood loss was (775±300) mL;the blood transfusion was in average (327±341) mL; the wound drainage in average was (111±73) mL. Most of the patients could move out of the bed by themselves on the first day after operation, 5 patients could walk without crutches on the first operating day, and 13 patients could squat on the third days after operation. The patients were discharged averagely 4 days after operation. We followed up all the patients for averagely 16 months (range: 8-24 months). There was no loosening or failure case in the latest follow up. In the study, 2 patients had great trochanter fracture, 2 patients had thigh pain, 4 patients had lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, and 3 patients had muscle damage. The Harris scores were improved from 29±8 preoperatively to 90±3 postoperatively (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The DAA THA can achieve faster recovery and flexible hip joint after operation. However it is a kind of surgery with high technique demanding. Carefully selected patients, and skilled technique, can help the surgeon avoid the early complications. It is associated with high complication rate in the learning curve for bilateral DAA THA.

miR-137 modulates coelomocyte apoptosis by targeting 14-3-3ζ in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in the host immune response and play a pivotal role in host-pathogen interactions by suppressing the transcriptional and post-transcriptional expression of target genes. miR-137, a well-documented tumor repressor, was previously found by high-throughput sequencing to be differentially expressed in diseased specimens of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. In this study, we identified 14-3-3ζ protein (Aj14-3-3ζ) as a novel target of miR-137 using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and transcriptome screening. Expression analysis indicated that consistently depressed expression profiles of miR-137 and Aj14-3-3ζ were detected in both LPS-exposed primary coelomocytes and Vibrio splendidus-challenged sea cucumbers, suggesting a positive regulatory interaction. Consistently, miR-137 overexpression or inhibition in vitro and in vivo showed no effect on Aj14-3-3ζ mRNA levels, but the concentration of Aj14-3-3ζ protein was induced or repressed, respectively. Moreover, siRNA-mediated Aj14-3-3ζ knockdown in vivo decreased both mRNA and protein expression levels of Aj14-3-3ζ and significantly promoted coelomocyte apoptosis as assessed by flow cytometry, consistent with miR-137 inhibition. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of miR-137 regulatory roles in sea cucumber pathogenesis.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of cathepsin B from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Cathepsin B (CTSB), a member of lysosomal cysteine protease, is involved in multiple levels of physiological and biological processes, and also plays crucial roles in host immune defense against pathogen infection in vertebrates. However, the function of CTSB within the innate immune system of invertebrates, particularly in marine echinoderms, has been poorly documented. In this study, the immune function of CTSB in Apostichopus japonicus (designated as AjCTSB), a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture specie, was investigated by integrated molecular and protein approaches. A 2153 bp cDNA representing the full-length of AjCTSB was cloned via overlapping ESTs and RACE fragments. AjCTSB contained an open reading frame of 999 bp encoding a secreted protein of 332 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 36.8 kDa. The deduced amino acid of AjCTSB shared a typical activity center containing three conserved amino acid residues (Cys¹⁰⁸, His²⁷⁷ and Asn²⁹⁷). Phylogenetic tree analysis also supported that AjCTSB was a new member of CTSB family with clustering firstly with invertebrate CTSBs. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that AjCTSB was ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues with the highest levels in intestine. The Vibrio splendidus challenged sea cucumber and LPS-exposed coelomocytes could both significantly boost the expression of AjCTSB. Moreover, the purified recombinant AjCTSB exhibited dose-dependent CTSB activities at the concentration ranged from 0 to 0.24 μg μL^-1. Further functional analysis indicated that coelomocytes apoptosis was significantly inhibited by 0.16-fold in vivo and the apoptosis execution Ajcaspase 3 was extremely reduced in Apostichopus japonicus coelomocytes treated with specific AjCTSB siRNA. Collectively, all these results suggested that AjCTSB was an important immune factor and might be served as apoptosis enhancers in pathogen challenged sea cucumber.

Matrix metalloproteinase 12 is an indicator of intervertebral disc degeneration co-expressed with fibrotic markers

OBJECTIVE

Recent evidence suggests a role of fibrogenesis in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. We aim to explore if fibrotic genes may serve as IVD degeneration indicators, and if their expression is associated with myofibroblast activity.

DESIGN

Transcriptional expression of fibrosis markers (COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, HSP47, MMP12, RASAL1) were analyzed in degenerated (D) and non-degenerated (ND) human nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, along with traditional (SOX9, ACAN) and newly established degeneration markers (CDH2, KRT19, KRT18, FBLN1, MGP, and COMP). Protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in human IVDs, and in rodent IVDs undergoing natural ageing or puncture-induced degeneration. Co-expression with myofibroblast markers was examined by double staining on human and rat specimens. Disc degeneration severity and extent of fibrosis were determined by histological scoring and picrosirius red staining respectively.

RESULTS

Human D-NP showed more intensive staining for picrosirius red than ND-NP. Among the genes examined, D-NP showed significantly higher MMP12 expression along with lower KRT19 expression. Protein expression analysis revealed increased MMP12(+) cells in human D-IVD. Histological scoring indicated mild degeneration in the punctured rat discs and discs of ageing mouse. Higher MMP12 positivity was found in peripheral NP and AF of the degenerative rat discs and in NP of the aged mice. In addition, human D-NP and D-AF showed increased α-SMA(+) cells, indicating enhanced myofibroblast activity. MMP12 was found co-expressed with α-SMA, FSP1 and FAP-α in human and rat degenerative IVDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that in addition to a reduced KRT19 expression, an increased expression of MMP12, a profibrotic mediator, is characteristic of disc degenerative changes. Co-expression study indicates an association of the increased MMP12 positivity with myofibroblast activity in degenerated IVDs. Overall, our findings implicate an impact of MMP12 in disc cell homeostasis. The precise role of MMP12 in IVD degeneration warrants further investigation.

Tumorigenic potential is restored during differentiation in fusion-reprogrammed cancer cells

Detailed understanding of the mechanistic steps underlying tumor initiation and malignant progression is critical for insights of potentially novel therapeutic modalities. Cellular reprogramming is an approach of particular interest because it can provide a means to reset the differentiation state of the cancer cells and to revert these cells to a state of non-malignancy. Here, we investigated the relationship between cellular differentiation and malignant progression by the fusion of four independent mouse cancer cell lines from different tissues, each with differing developmental potentials, to pluripotent mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Fusion was accompanied by loss of differentiated properties of the four parental cancer cell lines and concomitant emergence of pluripotency, demonstrating the feasibility to reprogram the malignant and differentiative properties of cancer cells. However, the original malignant and differentiative phenotypes re-emerge upon withdrawal of the fused cells from the embryonic environment in which they were maintained. cDNA array analysis of the malignant hepatoma progression implicated a role for Foxa1, and silencing Foxa1 prevented the re-emergence of malignant and differentiation-associated gene expression. Our findings support the hypothesis that tumor progression results from deregulation of stem cells, and our approach provides a strategy to analyze possible mechanisms in the cancer initiation.

[Estimation of femoral version based on broach geometry after femoral-neck osteotomy]

OBJECTIVE

To find out whether it is accurate to estimate femoral version based on femoral broach after femoral neck osteotomy using computed tomography scans.

METHODS

In 32 total hip arthroplasty (THA), we performed CT scans before and after operation. Four possible levels (lesser trochanter, 5 mm above, 10 mm above and 15 mm above the lesser trochanter) of broach version were calculated based on the preoperative CT scan. Stem versions were measured on the postoperative CT scan. We determined the difference between the preoperative broach version and the postoperative stem version using the Student's t test for paired samples assuming equal variance.

RESULTS

For the operated hips, preoperative hip version differed according to the level of measurement. Our findings showed that the average femoral version was 37.0°±11.0° at the level of the lesser trochanter (section 1), 34.3°±10.6° at 5 mm above the lesser trochanter (section 2), 28.1°±10.9° at 10 mm above the lesser trochanter (section 3), and 22.4°± 13.7° at 15 mm above the lesser trochanter (section 4), and that the average version for the femoral neck (FNV) was 12.9°±13.8°. The postoperative hip version was the stem version (FSV), which we found to be an average of 26.1°±11.0°. The mean femoral version for section 1 and 2 was larger than the mean postoperative stem version (P<0.01); the mean version for sections 3 and 4 did not differ from the mean postoperative stem version (P>0.05). The mean femoral neck version was less than the mean postoperative stem version (P<0.01); the difference was 13.2°±11.1° of the increased anteversion on average for the FSV compared with FNV.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of estimated femoral version after arthroplasty depends on broach level. When it is 10 mm above the lesser trochanter, stem version estimation is accurate, but below that level, there is a tendency to overestimate.

Pathway fraction of bromate formation during O₃ and O₃/H₂O₂ processes in drinking water treatment

Ozone process has been widely used for drinking water treatment recently. In the oxidation process, bromate is formed by three pathways, i.e., the direct pathway, the direct-indirect pathway and the indirect-direct pathway. This study developed a method to calculate the percentage of these three pathways for bromate formation during O3 process and O3/H2O2 process. Two kinds of water, distilled water containing bromide (DW) and surface water from the Yellow River (SW) were selected as raw rater. The result showed that in natural water systems, the direct-indirect pathway was dominant for bromate formation during the oxidation process. When 3 mg L(-1) O3 was used as the only oxidant, nearly 26% of bromide ion was transferred into bromate in two kinds of water after 80 min. The dominant pathway in DW was the direct pathway (48.5%) and the direct-indirect pathway (46.5%), while that was the direct-indirect pathway (68.9%) in SW. When O3/H2O2 were used as oxidants, as the H2O2 dosage increased, the fractions of bromate formation by direct pathway and direct-indirect pathway decreased, while that by indirect-direct pathway increased. The conversion ratio from bromide to bromate first kept stable or increased, then decreased and reached its minimum when [H2O2]/[O3] ratio was 1.0 in DW and 1.5 in SW. Under this condition the indirect-direct pathway took the largest fraction of 70.7% in DW and 64.0% in SW, respectively.

Effects of epidural block combined with general anesthesia on antitumor characteristics of T helper cells in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

This study discusses the changes of T helper cells (Th cells) of patients who received different anesthesia methods in liver cancer resection. We selected 122 patients who were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and underwent liver cancer resection and divided them into a general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia group (group A) and general anesthesia group (group B). Peripheral blood was collected to detect Th cells on the day of surgery, and on the second and seventh days after surgery. Th1 and Th2 cell frequency and mRNA expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) of all patients significantly rose on the second day but recovered to the previous level on the seventh day. Th1/Th2 increased remarkably on the seventh day compared to the second day. Compared to the day of surgery, Th17, regulatory T (Treg)cells as well as mRNA expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and FoxP3 had no obvious changes on the second day, but dramatically declined on the seventh day. Compared to group B, Th1 cell frequency and Th1/Th2 in group A had a slight increase on the second day, and a remarkable increase on the seventh day; but Th2, Th17 and Treg cell frequency in group A slightly decreased on the second day and remarkably decreased on the seventh day. mRNA of IFN-γ, cytokine levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 of group A were all higher than group B on the seventh day, while mRNA of IL-17, concentration of IL-17 as well as concentration of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in group A were much lower than group B. These findings suggest that improving antitumor activity of Th cells can benefit patients who receive liver cancer resection.

Observation of a Neutral Charmoniumlike State Z_{c}(4025)^{0} in e^{+}e^{-}→(D^{*}D[over ¯]^{*})^{0}π^{0}

We report a study of the process e^{+}e^{-}→(D^{*}D[over ¯]^{*})^{0}π^{0} using e^{+}e^{-} collision data samples with integrated luminosities of 1092 pb^{-1} at sqrt[s]=4.23 GeV and 826 pb^{-1} at sqrt[s]=4.26 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. We observe a new neutral structure near the (D^{*}D[over ¯]^{*})^{0} mass threshold in the π^{0} recoil mass spectrum, which we denote as Z_{c}(4025)^{0}. Assuming a Breit-Wigner line shape, its pole mass and pole width are determined to be (4025.5_{-4.7}^{+2.0}±3.1) MeV/c^{2} and (23.0±6.0±1.0) MeV, respectively. The Born cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(4025)^{0}π^{0}→(D^{*}D[over ¯]^{*})^{0}π^{0} are measured to be (61.6±8.2±9.0) pb at sqrt[s]=4.23 GeV and (43.4±8.0±5.4) pb at sqrt[s]=4.26 GeV. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Neddylation controls basal MKK7 kinase activity in breast cancer cells

The c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) pathway has been implicated in mammary tumor development. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating JNK activity in breast cancer cells remain unclear. Here, we report that the inhibition of ubiquitination-like post-translational modification neddylation through different strategies results in enhanced basal JNK phosphorylation in human breast cancer cells. The upregulation of basal JNK phosphorylation upon neddylation inhibition is independent of the deneddylation of Cullins, the well-characterized neddylation substrates. Since augmented basal JNK phosphorylation via ectopic MKK7 expression impedes proliferation and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, the neddylation system might contribute to mammary tumor development partially through limiting basal JNK phosphorylation. Further exploration reveals that MKK7, a JNK-specific MAP2K, undergoes neddylation in human breast cancer cells. MKK7 co-precipitates with a fragment of Ran-binding protein 2 (RanBP2), a large multimodular and pleiotropic protein that has been recognized as a SUMO E3 ligase. Knockdown of RanBP2 attenuates MKK7 neddylation and augments basal JNK phosphorylation without affecting the neddylation of Cullins, whereas ectopic expression of a RanBP2 fragment possessing SUMO E3 activity (RanBP2ΔFG) manifests the opposite effects. In vitro neddylation assays confirm that RanBP2ΔFG works as the neddylation E3 ligase for MKK7. The basal kinase activity of endogenous MKK7 increases upon RanBP2 knockdown but decreases upon the ectopic expression of RanBP2ΔFG. Furthermore, purified MKK7 shows reduced basal kinase activity after in vitro neddylation by RanBP2ΔFG. Consistently, RanBP2 knockdown leads to reduced proliferation and impaired EMT phenotype in human breast cancer cells and the effects of RanBP2 knockdown are reversed by simultaneous MKK7 knockdown. Taken together, our data suggest that MKK7 undergoes neddylation in human breast cancer cells, which limits its basal kinase activity.

Observation of Z_{c}(3900)^{0} in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{0}π^{0}J/ψ

Using a data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we observe a new neutral state Z_{c}(3900)^{0} with a significance of 10.4σ. The mass and width are measured to be 3894.8±2.3±3.2  MeV/c^{2} and 29.6±8.2±8.2  MeV, respectively, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The Born cross section for e^{+}e^{-}→π^{0}π^{0}J/ψ and the fraction of it attributable to π^{0}Z_{c}(3900)^{0}→π^{0}π^{0}J/ψ in the range E_{c.m.}=4.19-4.42  GeV are also determined. We interpret this state as the neutral partner of the four-quark candidate Z_{c}(3900)^{±}.

Observation and Spin-Parity Determination of the X(1835) in J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η

We report an observation of the process J/ψ→γX(1835)→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η at low K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} mass with a statistical significance larger than 12.9σ using a data sample of 1.31×10^{9} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. In this region of phase space the K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} system is dominantly produced through the f_{0}(980). By performing a partial wave analysis, we determine the spin parity of the X(1835) to be J^{PC}=0^{-+}. The mass and width of the observed X(1835) are 1844±9(stat)_{-25}^{+16}(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 192_{-17}^{+20}(stat)_{-43}^{+62}(syst)  MeV, respectively, which are consistent with the results obtained by BESIII in the channel J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η^{'}.

Observation of the ψ(1 3D2) State in e+e-→π+π-γχc1 at BESIII

We report the observation of the X(3823) state in the process e+e-→π+π-X(3823)→π+π-γχc1 with a statistical significance of 6.2σ, in data samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.230, 4.260, 4.360, 4.420, and 4.600 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron positron collider. The measured mass of the X(3823) state is (3821.7±1.3±0.7)  MeV/c2, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic, and the width is less than 16 MeV at the 90% confidence level. The products of the Born cross sections for e+e-→π+π-X(3823) and the branching ratio B[X(3823)→γχc1,c2] are also measured. These measurements are in good agreement with the assignment of the X(3823) state as the ψ(1 3D2) charmonium state.

Enrichment of committed human nucleus pulposus cells expressing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans under alginate encapsulation

OBJECTIVE

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with a malfunction of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Alginate culturing provides a favorable microenvironment for the phenotypic maintenance of chondrocyte-like NP cells. However, NP cells are recently evidenced to present heterogeneous populations, including progenitors, fibroblastic cells and primitive NP cells. The aim of this study is to profile the phenotypic changes of distinct human NP cells populations and describe the dynamic expression of chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (CS-GAGs) in extended alginate encapsulation.

METHOD

Non-degenerated (ND-NPC) and degenerated (D-NPC) NP cells were expanded in monolayers, and subject to 28-day culture in alginate after serial passaging. CS-GAG compositional expression in monolayer-/alginate-cultured NP cells was evaluated by carbohydrate electrophoresis. Cellular phenotypic changes were assessed by immunologic detection and gene expression analysis.

RESULTS

Relative to D-NPC, ND-NPC displayed remarkably higher expression levels of chondroitin-4-sulfate GAGs over the 28-day culture. Compared with monolayer culture, ND-NPC showed increased NP marker expression of KRT18, KRT19, and CDH2, as well as chondrocyte markers SOX9 and MIA in alginate culture. In contrast, expression of fibroblastic marker COL1A1, COL3A1, and FN1 were reduced. Interestingly, ND-NPC showed a loss of Tie2+ but gain in KRT19+/CD24+ population during alginate culture. In contrast, D-NPC showed more consistent expression levels of NP surface markers during culture.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate for the first time that extended alginate culture selectively enriches the committed NP cells and favors chondroitin-4-sulfate proteoglycan production. These findings suggest its validity as a model to investigate IVD cell function.

[Assessment of quality of life after multiple arthroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of conducting multiple arthroplasty to treat multiple joints disease in terms of quality of life (QOL) and function improvement.

METHODS

We compared our results with the reported results of single and dual arthroplasty to see if there is any improvement in QOL, functional scores or complications. In this study, 13 patients admitted to Department of Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan hospital from 2005 to 2009 were included. Questionnaires SF-36 were used to evaluate the QOL. Harris hip score, American Knee Society Score (KSS) were used to evaluate the joint function. The patients were evaluated before surgery to the latest follow up.

RESULTS

SF-36 has changed as follow: physical function 4.17 ± 14.43 → 65.83 ± 24.76, role physical 25.00 ± 26.11 → 60.42 ± 45.8, bodily pain 23.83 ± 21.41 → 76.88 ± 20.89, general health 53.33 ± 33.87 → 76.67 ± 14.67, vitality 50.42 ± 17.25 → 71.67 ± 16.28, social functioning 29.17 ± 33.50 → 73.96 ± 33.90, role emotional 22.08 ± 35.61 → 77.77 ± 41.03, mental health 53.33 ± 25.70 → 82.67 ± 14.41, which indicated that they all improved greatly after the surgery (P < 0.05). Harris score increased from 37.68 ± 14.71 before the surgery to 83.36 ± 13.54 after the surgery. KSS has also showed sharp improvement (P < 0.001) in both clinical score (42.52 ± 23.83 → 77.74 ± 20.67) and function score (-2.61 ± 22.56 → 65.65 ± 30.76).

CONCLUSION

Multiple arthroplasty is one of the most effective methods which can markedly improve the quality of life in patients with multiple joints disease. But complications are common and joint functions are relatively poor.

Study of e(+)e(-)→ωχ(cJ) at center of mass energies from 4.21 to 4.42 GeV

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at nine center of mass energies from 4.21 to 4.42 GeV, we search for the production of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{cJ} (J=0, 1, 2). The process e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c0} is observed for the first time, and the Born cross sections at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV are measured to be (55.4±6.0±5.9) and (23.7±5.3±3.5)  pb, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The ωχ_{c0} signals at the other seven energies and the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} signals are not significant, and the upper limits on the cross sections are determined. By examining the ωχ_{c0} cross section as a function of center of mass energy, we find that it is inconsistent with the line shape of the Y(4260) observed in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. Assuming the ωχ_{c0} signals come from a single resonance, we extract the mass and width of the resonance to be (4230±8±6)  MeV/c^{2} and (38±12±2)  MeV, respectively, and the statistical significance is more than 9σ.

Analysis of immunity index and immunopathogenesis pattern of lupus nephritis patients

Joint detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-U1RNP, anti-SM antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies, anti-nucleosome antivodies (Anua), anti-histone antibodies (AHA) and antinuclear antibodies brings to the early diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and speculation of renal lesion degree of lupus nephritis patients in order to choose a specific therapeutic schedule. This paper analyzed the abnormal immunology features and connections of each pathological pattern of LN renal biopsy and probed into the essence in order to provide basis for diagnosis, treatment, pathological pattern speculation and forward assessment of LN. We chose 97 cases, treated them with renal biopsy and pathological pattern classification, analyzed pathological pattern distribution, different pathological patterns and the correlation of immunity index with anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-U1RNP, anti-Sm antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies, Anua, AHA and ANA of the first renal biopsy were taken as the experiment index. The results showed that the morbidity of the male was distinctly lower than the female and the age of onset was much lower (P < 0.05); pattern I, pattern II, pattern III, pattern IV, pattern V, and pattern VI accounted for 1.0%, 3.1%, 12.4%, 47.4%,16.5%, 15.5%, 4.1%, 0%,respectively; among all the LN patients, there were respectively 59, 43, 28, 52, 51, 48, 36 and 93 cases in which anti-dsDNA antibody, anti-U1RNP antibody, anti-Sm antibody, anti-SSA antibody, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies, Anua, AHA and ANA had increased and the positive rate was 60.8%, 44.3%, 28.9%, 53.6%, 52.6%, 49.5%, 37.1% and 95.9%, respectively. In conclusion, pattern IV is the most common of all pathological patterns of LN. Among the immunity index, anti- U1RNP antibodies and anti-SSA antibodies are positively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibodies; Anua is positively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibodies and AHA; anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti U1RNP antibodies, anti-Sm antibodies, anti SSA antibodies, AHA, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies and ANA have no obvious correlation with LN renal lesions degree; Anua level of serum is positively correlated with LN renal lesions degree.

Cloning and functional identification of a novel BCA3 splice

The human breast cancer-associated gene (BCA3) was first discovered in breast and prostate cancer cells lines. In vivo studies have shown that BCA3 is mainly expressed in breast tumor cells and not in normal breast and prostate tissues. To date, 3 splice variants of BCA3 have been reported: a double-absent variant lacking exon 3 and exon 5 (BCA3-1), an exon 3-absent variant (BCA3-2), and full-length BCA3. In this study, we investigated whether a novel BCA3 splice variant exists that lacks only the exon 5-encoding sequence. BCA3 variant splices were subcloned and sequenced using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The preliminary biological functions of the splices were identified using confocal microscopy and a luciferase assay. The absence of exon 3 and exon 5 influenced the subcellular localization of BCA3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB)-dependent gene expression. Exon 3 and exon 5 of BCA3 may function together to provide a nuclear localization signal or transport sequence to enter the nucleus, and exon 3 may contain specific sequence(s) or domain(s) that influence the NF-κB signal cascade. The discovery of novel BCA3 splicing indicates a new cancer research area, which may increase the understanding of cancer generation and development.

Observation of e(+)e(-)→π(0)π(0)hc and a neutral charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020)(0)

Using data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=4.23, 4.26, and 4.36 GeV, we observe e(+)e(-)→π(0)π(0)hc for the first time. The Born cross sections are measured and found to be about half of those of e(+)e(-)→π(+)π(-)hc within less than 2σ. In the π(0)hc mass spectrum, a structure at 4.02  GeV/c(2) is found. It is most likely to be the neutral isospin partner of the Zc(4020)(±) observed in the process of e(+)e(-)→π(+)π(-)hc being found. A fit to the π(0)hc invariant mass spectrum, with the width of the Zc(4020)(0) fixed to that of its charged isospin partner and possible interferences with non-Zc(4020)(0) amplitudes neglected, gives a mass of (4023.9±2.2±3.8)  MeV/c(2) for the Zc(4020)(0), where the first error is statistical and the second systematic.

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

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

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → (D* D*)± π∓ at √s = 4.26 GeV

We study the process e+ e- →(D* D*)± π∓ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.26 GeV using a 827  pb(-1) data sample obtained with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, the Born cross section is measured to be (137±9±15)  pb. We observe a structure near the (D* D*)± threshold in the π∓ recoil mass spectrum, which we denote as the Zc±(4025). The measured mass and width of the structure are (4026.3±2.6±3.7)  MeV/c2 and (24.8±5.6±7.7)  MeV, respectively. Its production ratio σ(e+ e- → Zc±(4025)π∓ → (D* D*)± π∓)/σ(e+ e- → (D* D*)± π∓) is determined to be 0.65±0.09±0.06. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

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

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

Observation of a charged (DD*)± mass peak in e+ e- → πDD* at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We report on a study of the process e+ e- → π± (DD*)∓ at sqrt[s] = 4.26  GeV using a 525 pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. A distinct charged structure is observed in the (DD*)∓ invariant mass distribution. When fitted to a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, the pole mass and width are determined to be Mpole = (3883.9±1.5(stat)±4.2(syst))  MeV/c2 and Γpole = (24.8±3.3(stat)±11.0(syst))  MeV. The mass and width of the structure, which we refer to as Zc(3885), are 2σ and 1σ, respectively, below those of the Zc(3900) → π± J/ψ peak observed by BESIII and Belle in π+ π- J/ψ final states produced at the same center-of-mass energy. The angular distribution of the πZc(3885) system favors a JP = 1+ quantum number assignment for the structure and disfavors 1- or 0-. The Born cross section times the DD* branching fraction of the Zc(3885) is measured to be σ(e+ e- → π± Zc(3885)∓)×B(Zc(3885)∓ → (DD*)∓) = (83.5±6.6(stat)±22.0(syst))   pb. Assuming the Zc(3885) → DD* signal reported here and the Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ signal are from the same source, the partial width ratio (Γ(Zc(3885) → DD*)/Γ(Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ)) = 6.2±1.1(stat)±2.7(syst) is determined.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020) and search for the Zc(3900) in e+e-→π+π-hc

We study e+e-→π+π-hc at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV by using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections are measured at 13 energies and are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e+e-→π+π-J/ψ but with a different line shape. In the π±hc mass spectrum, a distinct structure, referred to as Zc(4020), is observed at 4.02  GeV/c2. The Zc(4020) carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π±hc invariant mass spectrum, neglecting possible interferences, results in a mass of (4022.9±0.8±2.7)  MeV/c2 and a width of (7.9±2.7±2.6)  MeV for the Zc(4020), where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The difference between the parameters of this structure and the Zc(4025) observed in the D*D[over ¯]* final state is within 1.5σ, but whether they are the same state needs further investigation. No significant Zc(3900) signal is observed, and upper limits on the Zc(3900) production cross sections in π±hc at center-of-mass energies of 4.23 and 4.26 GeV are set.

Combination of cetuximab and rapamycin enhances the therapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly cancers worldwide. It is well known that the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, growth and proliferation, and its inhibitors have been used as therapeutic drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cetuximab, a chimerical monoclonal EGFR IgG1 antibody, can block the binding of EGF or other ligands to EGFR and thus inhibit ligands-induced receptor phosphorylation. In the present study, we found that rapamycin could enhance the antiproliferation effect of cetuximab in both HepG2 cells and Huh-7 cells and arrest the cell cycle. Cetuximab in combination with rapamycin had synergistic effects on inhibiting the phosphrylation of proteins in PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Combination of cetuximab with rapamycin treatment significantly suppressed the HCC development in HepG2 cells-xenografted mice and improved the survival. Cetuximab and rapamycin inhibited the growth of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that the combination therapy using the inhibitors for both EGFR and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways may be a novel therapeutic approach for HCC.

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

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

Rho-associated protein kinase isoforms stimulate proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through ERK and induction of cyclin D1 and PCNA

Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) plays an important role in vascular diseases. The Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is now well recognized for its role in VSMC migration and proliferation. Recently, a number of studies revealed that different isoforms of ROCK have distinct functions in VSMCs. We have reported that ROCK1, rather than ROCK2, induces platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-stimulated migration of VSMCs. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the roles of ROCK1/2 in PDGF-induced rat aorta VSMC proliferation by manipulating ROCK gene expression. The results revealed that knock-down of both ROCK1 and ROCK2 by siRNA technology decreased PDGF-BB-generated VSMC proliferation by inhibiting the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1. In addition, up-regulation of ROCK1 expression through transfection, further increased the proliferation of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. The ERK inhibitor U0126 reduced the proliferation and expression of PCNA and cyclinD1, and ROCK1 and ROCK2 siRNA decreased the level of ERK in the nucleus. These results demonstrated that ROCK1 and ROCK2 could promote VSMC proliferation through ERK nuclear translocation, regulating the expression of PCNA and cyclin D1 protein.

Observation of two new N* resonances in the decay ψ(3686)→ppπ0

Based on 106×10(6)ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII facility, a partial wave analysis of ψ(3686)→ppπ0 is performed. The branching fraction of this channel has been determined to be B(ψ(3686)→ppπ0)=(1.65±0.03±0.15)×10(-4). In this decay, 7 N* intermediate resonances are observed. Among these, two new resonances, N(2300) and N(2570) are significant, one 1/2+ resonance with a mass of 2300(-30-0)(+40+109)  MeV/c2 and width of 340(-30-58)(+30+110)  MeV/c2, and one 5/2- resonance with a mass of 2570(-10-10)(+19+34)  MeV/c2 and width of 250(-24-21)(+14+69)  MeV/c2. For the remaining 5 N* intermediate resonances [N(1440), N(1520), N(1535), N(1650) and N(1720)], the analysis yields mass and width values that are consistent with those from established resonances.

Evidence for the direct two-photon transition from ψ(3686) to J/ψ

The two-photon transition ψ(3686)→γγJ/ψ is studied in a sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected by the BESIII detector. The branching fraction is measured to be (3.1±0.6(stat)(-1.0)(+0.8)(syst))×10(-4) using J/ψ→e(+)e(-) and J/ψ→μ(+)μ(-) decays, and its upper limit is estimated to be 4.5×10(-4) at the 90% confidence level. This work represents the first measurement of a two-photon transition among charmonium states. The orientation of the ψ(3686) decay plane and the J/ψ polarization in this decay are also studied. In addition, the product branching fractions of sequential E1 transitions ψ(3686)→γχ(cJ) and χ(cJ)→γJ/ψ(J=0,1,2) are reported.

First observation of the M1 transition ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S)

Using a sample of 106×10(6) ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, we have made the first measurement of the M1 transition between the radially excited charmonium S-wave spin-triplet and the radially excited S-wave spin-singlet states: ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S). Analyses of the processes ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S) with η(c)(2S)→K(S)(0)K(±)π(∓) and K(+)K(-)π(0) give an η(c)(2S) signal with a statistical significance of greater than 10 standard deviations under a wide range of assumptions about the signal and background properties. The data are used to obtain measurements of the η(c)(2S) mass (M(η(c)(2S))=3637.6±2.9(stat)±1.6(syst) MeV/c(2)), width (Γ(η(c)(2S))=16.9±6.4(stat)±4.8(syst) MeV), and the product branching-fraction (B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))×B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ)=(1.30±0.20(stat)±0.30(syst))×10(-5)). Combining our result with a BABAR measurement of B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ), we find the branching fraction of the M1 transition to be B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))=(6.8±1.1(stat)±4.5(syst))×10(-4).

Measurements of the mass and width of the η(c) using the decay ψ(3686)→γη(c)

The mass and width of the lowest-lying S-wave spin singlet charmonium state, the η(c), are measured using a data sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. We use a model that incorporates full interference between the signal reaction, ψ(3686)→γη(c), and a nonresonant radiative background to describe the line shape of the η(c) successfully. We measure the η(c) mass to be 2984.3±0.6±0.6 MeV/c(2) and the total width to be 32.0±1.2±1.0 MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

First observation of η(1405) decays into f(0)(980)π0

The decays J/ψ → γ π+ π- π0 and J/ψ → γ π0 π0 π0 are analyzed using a sample of 225×10(6) J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. The decay of η(1405) → f(0)(980)π0 with a large isospin violation is observed for the first time. The width of the f(0)(980) observed in the dipion mass spectra is anomalously narrower than the world average. Decay rates for three-pion decays of the η' are also measured precisely.