Direct Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX) and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX), and Observation of the State R(3760) in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX

We report a measurement of the observed cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX based on 3.21  fb^{-1} of data accumulated at energies from 3.645 to 3.891 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider. In analysis of the cross sections, we measured the decay branching fractions of B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX)=(64.4±0.6±1.6)% and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX)=(0.5±0.2±0.1)% for the first time. The energy-dependent line shape of these cross sections cannot be well described by two Breit-Wigner (BW) amplitudes of the expected decays ψ(3686)→J/ψX and ψ(3770)→J/ψX. Instead, it can be better described with one more BW amplitude of the decay R(3760)→J/ψX. Under this assumption, we extracted the R(3760) mass M_{R(3760)}=3766.2±3.8±0.4  MeV/c^{2} , total width Γ_{R(3760)}^{tot}=22.2±5.9±1.4  MeV, and product of leptonic width and decay branching fraction Γ_{R(3760)}^{ee}B[R(3760)→J/ψX]=(79.4±85.5±11.7)  eV. The significance of the R(3760) is 5.3σ. The first uncertainties of these measured quantities are from fits to the cross sections and second systematic.

MiR-30a-5p inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by targeting NUCB2

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant head and neck tumor arising in the nasopharynx. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are elucidated to exert tumor-suppressing function in human cancers. Numerous studies have manifested that miR-30a-5p serves as an anti-oncogene in various cancers.

OBJECTIVE

To research the biological function and molecular mechanism of miR-30a-5p in NPC.

METHODS

The morphology of NPC tissues was revealed by H&E staining. Transwell and wound healing assays were applied to investigate the effects of miR-30a-5p on NPC cell migration. The binding interaction between miR-30a-5p and nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) was identified by luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft nude mice were used to detect the influence of miR-30a-5p on NPC tumor growth.

RESULTS

MiR-30a-5p was downregulated in NPC tissues and cells. The overexpression ofmiR-30a-5p inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of NPC cells. Moreover, NUCB2 was revealed to be a downstream target gene of miR-30a-5p, and knockdown of NUCB2 repressed the malignant behaviors of NPC cells and tumor growth. Additionally, rescue experiments revealed that miR-30a-5p suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells via targeting NUCB2 in vitro. Meanwhile, in vivo assays depicted that NUCB2 overexpression rescued the effects induced by miR-30a-5p upregulation on tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

MiR-30a-5p modulates NPC progression by targeting NUCB2. These findings lay a foundation for exploring the clinical treatment of NPC.

Taraxasterol inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in papillary thyroid cancer cells through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Taraxasterol (TAR) is a kind of active compound extracted from dandelion and its molecular structure resembles steroid hormones. Recently, TAR has been reported to show an anti-tumor activity. However, the specific role of TAR in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of TAR on PTC cell migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1. PTC cells were exposed to TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) and then treated with different concentrations of TAR. We found that TAR showed no obvious cytotoxicity below 10 μg/mL but notably reduced migration and invasion of TGF-β1-treated PTC cells. Moreover, TAR treatment decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels, and obviously affected the expression of EMT markers. We also observed that Wnt3a and β-catenin levels were significantly increased in TGF-β1-treated PTC cells while TAR inhibited these effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, activation of the Wnt pathway by LiCl attenuated the suppressive effect of TAR on TGF-β1-induced migration, invasion and EMT in PTC cells. Taken together, we highlighted that TAR could significantly suppress TGF-β1-regulated migration and invasion by reversing the EMT process via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that TAR may be a potential anti-cancer agent for PTC treatment.

[Clinical characteristics and risk factors of deaths in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of pediatric patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). Methods: This was a case-control study. Clinical data of 165 cases of pediatric patients with WAS, who visited the Department of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2007 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into death group and survival group (control group) according to the prognosis in the follow-up. Two independent samples t-test, Welch approximate t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson χ² test, Yates corrected χ² test, or Fisher exact probability test were used for comparison between groups. Risk factors were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 165 patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome were enrolled in this study, including 40 cases in the death group and 125 cases in the survival group. The WAS score was (4.1±0.8) score in the death group and (3.1±1.2) score in the survival group. The age was 19 (9, 28) months in the death group and 60 (36,86) in the survival group. The episode rates of recurrent infection and (or) severe infection, intracranial hemorrhage and eczema in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group (95.0% (38/40) vs.32.0% (40/125),25.0% (10/40) vs. 2.4% (3/125), 90.0% (36/40) vs. 72.0% (90/125), χ²=48.253, 18.325, 5.440, all P<0.05). Infection (22 cases, 55.0%) and intracerebral hemorrhage (15 cases, 37.5%) were the main causes of death, 3 cases (7.5%) died of severe graft-versus-host disease after transplantation. The Logistic regression model indicated that repeated infection and (or) severe infection and non-use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy were risk factors for death in Chinese WAS patients (OR values were 8.999 and 2.860, 95% CI were (2.041-39.667) and (1.375-5.950), respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: Recurrent and (or) severe infection is the main risk factor of death for WAS patietns. Regular IVIG treatment can improve the survival rate of patients with WAS.

[Preliminary audiological evaluation of the SoundBite bone conduction devices in adults with single-sided deafness]

Objective: The auditory deficits of single-sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a novel intra-oral device, SoundBite, which delivers sound by applying vibratory signal to the teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and benefit of the bone conduction device for Chinese adults with SSD. Methods: Eighteen patients aged 19-66 yrs with acquired, permanent sensorineural SSD and no current treatment by any other devices for SSD, were recruited in a prospective controlled, nonrandomized, unblinded study. They were requested the continually daily wear of the new device over a 30-day free trial period. The intra-oral hearing device was placed around two maxillary teeth and was similar to a small partial denture or retainer. The audiological tests included pure tone air conduction thresholds, monosyllable word recognition score (WRS) in quiet and sentence reception thresholds in noise (via CMNmatrix test). The benefit was determined with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Results: The monosyllable WRS and the 50% threshold of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR₅₀) were significantly better in all aided conditions. The head shadow effect, assessed by the SNR₅₀ via CMNmatrix test improved an average of 2.6 dB after 30 days' wearing compared with unaided condition (P<0.001). The APHAB scores improved (P<0.05) for all subjects for the Global and Ease of Communication, Reverberation, Background Noise subscales. The SSQ scores improved (P<0.05) for all subjects for Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing subscales. Conclusion: The SoundBite is a good alternative to the well-established implantable bone conduction devices in patients with SSD. An improvement in listening ability in noise and quiet as well as a decrease of the head shadow effect is validated as the expected.

[A multi-center retrospective study of perioperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer based on real-world data]

Objective: To explore the effect of perioperative chemotherapy on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients under real-world condition. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Real world data of gastric cancer patients receiving perioperative chemotherapy and surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy in 33 domestic hospitals from January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2016 were collected. Inclusion criteria: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma was confirmed by histopathology, and clinical stage was cT2-4aN0-3M0 (AJCC 8th edition); (2) D2 radical gastric cancer surgery was performed; (3) at least one cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was completed; (4) at least 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) [SOX (S-1+oxaliplatin) or CapeOX (capecitabine + oxaliplatin)] were completed. Exclusion criteria: (1) complicated with other malignant tumors; (2) radiotherapy received; (3) patients with incomplete data. The enrolled patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy were included in the perioperative chemotherapy group, and those who received only postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were included in the surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to control selection bias. The primary outcome were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after PSM. OS was defined as the time from the first neoadjuvant chemotherapy (operation + adjuvant chemotherapy group: from the date of operation) to the last effective follow-up or death. PFS was defined as the time from the first neoadjuvant chemotherapy (operation + adjuvant chemotherapy group: from the date of operation) to the first imaging diagnosis of tumor progression or death. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival rate, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the independent effect of perioperative chemo therapy on OS and PFS. Results: 2 045 cases were included, including 1 293 cases in the surgery+adjuvant chemotherapy group and 752 cases in the perioperative chemotherapy group. After PSM, 492 pairs were included in the analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, tumor stage before treatment, and tumor location between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group, patients in the perioperative chemotherapy group had higher proportion of total gastrectomy (χ(2)=40.526, P<0.001), smaller maximum tumor diameter (t=3.969, P<0.001), less number of metastatic lymph nodes (t=1.343, P<0.001), lower ratio of vessel invasion (χ(2)=11.897, P=0.001) and nerve invasion (χ(2)=12.338, P<0.001). In the perioperative chemotherapy group and surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group, 24 cases (4.9%) and 17 cases (3.4%) developed postoperative complications, respectively, and no significant difference was found between two groups (χ(2)=0.815, P=0.367). The median OS of the perioperative chemotherapy group was longer than that of the surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy group (65 months vs. 45 months, HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89, P=0.001); the median PFS of the perioperative chemotherapy group was also longer than that of the surgery+adjuvant chemotherapy group (56 months vs. 36 months, HR=0.72, 95% CI:0.61-0.85, P<0.001). The forest plot results of subgroup analysis showed that both men and women could benefit from perioperative chemotherapy (all P<0.05); patients over 45 years of age (P<0.05) and with normal body mass (P<0.01) could benefit significantly; patients with cTNM stage II and III presented a trend of benefit or could benefit significantly (P<0.05); patients with signet ring cell carcinoma benefited little (P>0.05); tumors in the gastric body and gastric antrum benefited more significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Perioperative chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

[Spatiotemporal distribution of measles in China, 2001-2016]

Objective: To understand the spatial-temporal distribution and spatial clusters of measles cases in China. Methods: Measles incidence data was collected from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses were conducted by using software ArcGIS 10.2 and spatial-temporal scan was conducted by using software SaTScan 9.6. Results: A total of 1 012 537 cases of measles were reported in China from 2001 to 2016 and the annual incidence showed a sharp downward trend. There was global spatial clustering of measles cases during 2001-2004, 2005-2008, and 2009-2012, and their Moran's I coefficients were 0.29, 0.26, and 0.31, respectively. The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were high- high clustering areas of measles at all time periods, especially in western China. Guangdong province was detected as a separate high-low scattered area from 2005 to 2008 and no low-low clustering area was detected. The spatial-temporal scan statistics showed that there was a wide clustering area covering western, central and northern China, and Shanxi province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2001-2008. Conclusion: The incidence of measles in China has a certain clustering in both space and time during 2001-2016, the results provide evidence for the development of future strategy of measles prevention and control in China.

Role of visfatin in promoting proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by downregulating SDF-1/CXCR4-mediated miR-140-3p expression

OBJECTIVE

Visfatin is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its exact role in CRC progression and the regulatory mechanism involved in this process have not been fully illuminated. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of visfatin in CRC progression and the potential molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro, two CRC cell lines (DLD-1 and SW480) were transfected with visfatin, si-visfatin, and their control vectors. Some cells were transfected with miR-140-3p mimics or miRNA negative control. Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell invasive assays were used to detect cell proliferation and invasion ability. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm whether CXC motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) directly targets miR-140-3p. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analyses were respectively conducted to evaluate the protein and mRNA levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and CXCR4. In vivo, DLD-1 cells transfected with visfatin construct or vector control were inoculated into nude mice. After 5 weeks, the mice were sacrificed, and the tumor nodules were weighed. The expression of visfatin, SDF-1, and CXCR4 in tumor tissues was detected via immunohistochemistry analysis.

RESULTS

In vitro, the transfection of visfatin promoted the proliferation and invasion of CRC cells, as well as upregulated the expression of SDF-1/CXCR4. MiR-140-3p directly targets the 3'untranslated region of CXCR4. MiR-140-3p expression was downregulated by treatment with visfatin, and miR-140-3p exerted similar effects to those of visfatin knockdown on the proliferation and invasion of CRC cells. In vivo, visfatin stimulated CRC tumor growth and downregulated miR-140-3p expression, whereas it upregulated SDF-1/CXCR4 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Visfatin promotes CRC progression by downregulating the SDF-1/CXCR4-mediated expression of miR-140-3p both in vitro and in vivo.

First Simultaneous Acceleration of Multiple Charge States of Heavy Ion Beams in a Large-Scale Superconducting Linear Accelerator

Experimental studies of the simultaneous acceleration of three-charge-state ^{129}Xe^{49+,50+,51+} beam from 17 to 180  MeV/nucleon in a superconducting linear accelerator are presented. The beam parameters for each individual- and multiple-charge-state beam were measured and compared with the particle tracking simulations. Detailed measurements were performed to characterize the multiple-charge-state beam's recombination after a second-order achromat and isopath 180° bending system. As a result of the recombination of three charge states in the six-dimensional phase space, the xenon beam intensity was increased by 2.5-fold compared to the single-charge-state beam. The results presented in the Letter fully validate the possibility to produce and utilize high-quality multiple-charge-state heavy-ion beams in a large-scale superconducting linac to increase the available beam power on an isotope production target.

Relationship between miR-375 regulating Ndrg2/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and diabetic retinopathy in rats

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-375 in regulating the N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (Ndrg2)/interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly divided into Control group (n=10), Model group (n=10), and miR-375 inhibitor group [miR-375 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, n=10]. The rats in Model group were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) via the tail vein to prepare into rat models of diabetes. The body weight, fasting blood glucose, and retinal barrier permeability of rats in each group were detected. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat serum were measured using kits. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to determine the apoptosis of optic ganglion cells in rat retinal tissues. Additionally, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of Ndrg2, IL-6 and STAT3 in rat retinal tissues were detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with Control group, Model group had reduced body weight of rats, increased blood glucose and retinal permeability of rats, raised serum MDA content, decreased SOD activity, up-regulated apoptotic rate of optic ganglia, and notably elevated mRNA and protein levels of Ndrg2, IL-6 and STAT3 in retinal tissues. Compared with those in Model group, the body weight of rats declined, the blood glucose of rats rose, the retinal permeability of rats was decreased significantly, the serum MDA content was reduced, the SOD activity was raised, the apoptotic rate of optic ganglia was decreased, and the mRNA and protein levels of Ndrg2, IL-6 and STAT3 in retinal tissues were also decreased significantly in miR-375 siRNA group.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-375 inhibitors are able to reduce blood glucose, retinal permeability, and optic ganglion apoptosis in rats with DR, and the mechanism of action may be related to the regulation on the Ndrg2/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Observation of a Near-Threshold Structure in the K^{+} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}(D_{s}^{-}D^{*0}+D_{s}^{*-}D^{0})

We report a study of the processes of e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and K^{+}D_{s}^{*-}D^{0} based on e^{+}e^{-} annihilation samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII at five center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.628 to 4.698 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 3.7  fb^{-1}. An excess of events over the known contributions of the conventional charmed mesons is observed near the D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and D_{s}^{*-}D^{0} mass thresholds in the K^{+} recoil-mass spectrum for events collected at sqrt[s]=4.681  GeV. The structure matches a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, whose pole mass and width are determined as (3982.5_{-2.6}^{+1.8}±2.1)  MeV/c^{2} and (12.8_{-4.4}^{+5.3}±3.0)  MeV, respectively. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the resonance hypothesis is estimated to be 5.3  σ over the contributions only from the conventional charmed mesons. This is the first candidate for a charged hidden-charm tetraquark with strangeness, decaying into D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and D_{s}^{*-}D^{0}. However, the properties of the excess need further exploration with more statistics.

Model-Independent Determination of the Spin of the Ω^{-} and Its Polarization Alignment in ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+}

We present an analysis of the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} (Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ, Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯], Λ→pπ^{-}, Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}) based on a dataset of 448×10^{6}  ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron-positron collider. The helicity amplitudes for the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} and the decay parameters of the subsequent decay Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ (Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯]) are measured for the first time by a fit to the angular distribution of the complete decay chain, and the spin of the Ω^{-} is determined to be 3/2 for the first time since its discovery more than 50 years ago.

[The effect of cancer nodules on survival prognosis of gastric cancer patients]

Objective: To explore the relationship between cancer nodules and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer, and analyze its impact on survival prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2 386 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical surgery from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015 in the Third Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University was performed. The relationship between cancer nodules and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer and its impact on survival prognosis of gastric cancer patients were analyzed. Results: Among the 2 386 patients, there were 459 cases (19.24%) with cancer nodules, and 1 927 cases (80.76%) without cancer nodules. Logistic multivariate analysis showed that pT staging (P=0.036), pN staging (P=0.024), pTNM staging (P=0.032), Borrmann classification (P=0.008), vascular tumor thrombus (P=0.001) were independent risk factors for cancer nodules. The complete follow-up date of 2 273 cases (95.26%) of 2 386 patients with gastric cancer were obtained. A total of 1 259 patients relapsed and 1 152 died during the follow-up period. The 5-years overall survival (OS) rate was 49.32%, and the 5-years disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 44.61%. Among them, the 5-years OS rate and DFS rate of those with cancer nodules were 26.76% and 24.94%, while the 5-years OS rate and DFS rate of those without cancer nodules were 54.75% and 49.34%, respectively (P<0.001). Patients with positive cancer nodules were divided into 3 groups according to the number of cancer nodules: 1 (115 cases), 2 to 3 (202 cases), and more than 4 (124 cases). The 5-years OS rates of 3 groups were 41.74%, 30.69% and 10.48%, respectively (P<0.001). The 5-years DFS rates were 40.00%, 28.22% and 9.68%, respectively (P<0.001). Cox multivariate analysis showed that histological type (P=0.004), pT staging (P=0.007), pN staging (P=0.004), pTNM staging (P=0.002), vascular tumor thrombus (P=0.034), cancer nodules (P=0.005) and the number of cancer nodules (P=0.001) were independent risk factors for the prognosis of gastric cancer patients, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.043) was a protective factor for the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Conclusion: Cancer nodules are closely related to the tumor stage and prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The number of cancerous nodules is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

[A model analysis on the knowledge-attitude-practice of children guardians in Jiangxi, Shanghai and Qinghai]

Objective: To understand the knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) on vaccination among children's parents in Jiangxi, Shanghai, and Qinghai and explore the factors influencing KAP. Methods: The study selected two counties/districts in Jiangxi, Shanghai, and Qinghai, respectively, by stratified sampling and used a unified questionnaire to investigate the parental KAP of vaccination. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore factors influencing parental KAP, as well as the relationship between knowledge and behavior. Results: Of the 760 valid questionnaires, the knowledge of vaccination among children's parents was better, and the vaccination knowledge of parents in Qinghai and Shanghai were slightly better than those in Jiangxi. Parents mainly obtained vaccination knowledge through medical staff and vaccination manuals. The fitting degree of SEM was relatively good; the root mean square error of approximation of the model is 0.033. The higher the parents' education level, the better their knowledge of vaccination (β̂=0.082). Parental vaccination knowledge could influence whether the vaccinated children stay for half an hour in the clinics (β̂=0.541). It could also impact whether parents giving up vaccinating their children in the face of media reports about the adverse effects of vaccinations (β̂=0.515). Conclusions: The knowledge of vaccination among the parents in Jiangxi, Shanghai, and Qinghai was quite good. Moreover, we should pay more attention to the mass media programs and vaccination knowledge among parents with low or middle education backgrounds. Vaccination knowledge can be disseminated through medical staff, vaccination manuals, or mobile applications.

[Efficacy and safety of Kangbingdu granules in the treatment of influenza: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, positive-drug parallel control multicenter clinical trial]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Kangbingdu granules (KBD) in the treatment of influenza. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, and positive-drug parallel control trial was conducted in 27 Grade ⅢA hospitals in China and the subjects were randomly assigned to the KBD test group or the oseltamivir phosphate capsule control group at a ratio of 1∶1. 200 subjects were planned to be enrolled in each group. The experimental group was given KBD (18g each time, 3 times a day) and oseltamivir phosphate simulator orally, while the control group was given oseltamivir phosphate capsule (75 mg each time, twice a day) and KBD simulator orally for 5 days. The primary efficacy indicators included the remission time of major clinical symptoms and the time of complete defervescence. The secondary efficacy indicators included dosage of acetaminophen, the change of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and the remission time of other important clinical symptoms. The efficacy of KBD in the test group and Oseltamivir phosphate control group were compared. Adverse events or adverse reactions were observed at the same time to evaluate the safety of KBD Granules. Results: A total of 393 subjects from 27 Grade ⅢA hospitals in China were enrolled. The experimental group included 195 subjects and 191 subjects (97.95%) completed the trial, While the control group included 198 subjects and 195 subjects (98.48%) completed the trial. There was no significant difference in the shedding rate and rejection rate between the two groups (P>0.05). In the Full Analysis Set (FAS), the mean age of the experimental group was (34.9±14.4) years old, with 83 males (42.78%). The mean age of the control group was (33.3±13.5) years old, with 78 males (39.59%). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic data, physical examination, viral pathogen detection, total score of TCM syndromes and scores of each symptom at baseline (P>0.05). In the FAS, the remission time M (Q₁, Q₃) of major clinical symptoms was 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) days in the experimental group and 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) days in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The time M (Q₁, Q₃) of complete defervescence was 34.0 (20.3, 49.0) hours in the experimental group and 36.5 (19.6, 48.8) hours in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). KBD granules had the same effect as Oseltamivir phosphate capsule (P>0.05) in terms of acetaminophen dosage, TCM syndrome effect and disappearance rate of most important clinical symptoms. Meanwhile, the disappearance rate of dizziness and chest distress on day 3 in the KBD granules group was better than that of oseltamivir phosphate capsule (P<0.05). Conclusion: KBD granules have the same efficacy as Oseltamivir Phosphate capsule in the treatment of influenza and the drug safety is good.

Positive selection signatures in Anqing six-end-white pig population based on reduced-representation genome sequencing data

Anqing six-end-white (AQ) pig performs well on resistance to coarse fodder and disease, reproduction and meat quality, offering high potential for exploitation. Environmental conditions and strict selections from local farmers have cultivated the AQ pig to be an outstanding and unique local pig breed. Thus we aim to detect genetic positive selection signatures within the AQ pig population to explore underlying genetic mechanisms. A relative extended haplotype homozygosity (REHH) test was performed in the population of 79 AQ pigs to seek evidence demonstrating that selective actions have left an imprint on the whole genome. In total, 430 500 REHH tests were performed on 53 067 core regions with average REHH tests of 8.11, average lengths of 11.50 kb and an overall length of 610.38 Mb which accounted for 26.94% of the whole genome. Finally, a total of 1819 core haplotypes (P < 0.01) and 586 candidate genes were obtained. These genes were mainly related to meat quality (MYOG, SNX19), resistance to disease (CRISPLD2, CD14) and reproduction traits (ERBB2, NRP2). A panel of genes within the 30 top significant REHH tests was mainly categorized to traits of meat quality and disease resistance. Among 13 KEGG pathways, MAPK, GnRH and Oxytocin signaling pathways, associated with the biological processes of crucial economic traits, were noteworthy. The excellent characteristics of the AQ pig benefited from the combination of natural and human factors. We provide a sketch map that shows the distribution of selection footprints on the whole genome of AQ pig and found potential genes for future studies.

Dose-response relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 and liver fat content in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIM

Although serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels are associated with liver fat content in non-alcoholic liver fat disease (NAFLD), the precise nature of the association remains undetermined. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential dose-response relationship between FGF21 and liver fat content in NAFLD.

METHODS

For this exploratory study from a randomized trial, 220 NAFLD patients with central obesity were recruited via community-based screening and randomly assigned to either control, moderate or vigorous-moderate exercise groups for 12 months. After this exercise intervention, patients were followed-up for a further 12 months. Serum FGF21 levels were measured by ELISA. Intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content was determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Of the 220 patients, 149 (67.7%) were female; mean age was 53.9 ± 7.1 years and mean BMI was 28.0 ± 2.9 kg/m² for all patients. Baseline IHGT increased gradually (P = 0.029 for trend) according to baseline serum FGF21 quartiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 (212.3, 358.9, 538.7 and 793.5 pg/mL, respectively). On grouping the distribution of serum FGF21 level changes into quartiles at month 12, the relative IHTG loss increased as serum FGF21 levels were reduced (P = 0.004 for trend). A similar trend was observed at month 24 (P = 0.006 for trend). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that changes in serum FGF21 levels were independently associated with changes in IHTG at both month 12 [β (SE), 0.136 (0.118); P = 0.048] and month 24 [β (SE), 0.152 (0.139); P = 0.041]. Using restricted cubic spline regression, changes in serum FGF21 were strongly and positively associated with their corresponding relative IHTG loss at both month 12 and follow-up (P_overall = 0.017, P_non-linear = 0.044 and P_overall = 0.020, P_non-linear = 0.361, respectively, for dose-response).

CONCLUSION

Serum FGF21 is strongly associated with liver fat content in a dose-response manner in centrally obese NAFLD patients. These findings support the use of serum FGF21 as a biomarker of liver fat content in NAFLD.

Cinnamic Acid Increased the Incidence of Fusarium Wilt by Increasing the Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum and Reducing the Physiological and Biochemical Resistance of Faba Bean, Which Was Alleviated by Intercropping With Wheat

BACKGROUND

Continuous cropping has resulted in the accumulation of self-toxic substances in faba beans which has restricted their global production. Intercropping is widely used to alleviate these problems.

AIMS

To explore the role of cinnamic acid stress in faba bean physiology and disease resistance, and the potential mitigating effects of intercropping the faba bean with wheat.

METHODS

Faba bean seedlings were grown with or without wheat in both field and hydroponic conditions in the presence of different cinnamic acid concentrations and Fusarium oxysporum (FOF), the occurrence of. Fusarium-mediated wilt and oxidative stress, as well as plant growth indices and the anti-pathogen defense system were analyzed.

RESULTS

Cinnamic acid significantly increased Fusarium pathogenicity, inhibited the activity of defense enzymes and reduced the ability of plants to resist pathogens, indicating the importance of cinnamic acid in the promotion of Fusarium wilt resulting in reduced seedling growth. Intercropping with wheat improved plant resistance by alleviating cinnamic acid-induced stress, which promoted crop growth and decreased the incidence and disease index of Fusarium wilt.

CONCLUSION

Cinnamic acid promotes Fusarium wilt by stimulating pathogen enzyme production and destroying the defense capability of faba bean roots. Intercropping reduces Fusarium wilt by alleviating the damage caused by cinnamic acid to the defense system of the faba bean root system.

[Effect and mechanism of PRDX1 in epithelial mesenchymal transformationin of gastric cancer cells]

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of peroxiredoxin1 (PRDX1) in epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of gastric cancer cells. Methods: The expression of PRDX1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 70 paraffin specimens of cancer and normal mucosa adjacent to gastric cancer, and the relationship between PRDX1 protein and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Then PRDX1-small interfering RNA (siRNA) was synthetized and transfected into human gastric cancer cell line AGS, and 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to test cell proliferation. Transwell chamber assay was employed to test invasion of cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot were utilized to test the expressions of PRDX1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin-1. Results: The positive rate of PRDX1 protein expression in gastric cancer was 81.4%, higher than that in normal mucosa (27.1%, P<0.05). The expression of PRDX1 protein was related to invasive depth and lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer (P<0.05). The expressions of PRDX1 mRNA and protein in AGS cells (2.216±0.445, 1.212±0.136), were higher than those in GES-1 cells (0.342±0.041, 0.328±0.038) (P<0.05). When PRDX1-siRNA was transfected into AGS cells, the proliferation of AGS cells was significantly inhibited (all P<0.05). The invasion and migration rate of AGS cells in the transfection group [(112.00±17.98), (50.87±9.79)%] were significantly lower than those of the negative control group [(192.50±22.02), (83.03±8.67)%] and blank control group [(193.83±22.40), (82.40±7.21)%] (all P<0.05). The expressions of mRNA and protein of N-cadherin, vimentin and claudin-1 decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin increased when PRDX1-siRNA was transfected into AGS cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: PRDX1 may promote the development of gastric cancer by regulating the EMT of gastric cancer cells.

Pyridoxine for prevention of hand-foot syndrome caused by chemotherapy agents: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common systemic skin toxicity syndrome caused by chemotherapy agents. However, there is no uniform clinical treatment for HFS. It is reported that pyridoxine (vitamin B6) can be used to prevent HFS, but the evidence is insufficient.

AIM

To determine whether pyridoxine can be used to prevent HFS caused by chemotherapy agents.

METHODS

Literature database searches were performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The efficacy of pyridoxine was evaluated by the incidence of HFS (any grade) or severe HFS (grade ≥ 2).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies involving 1570 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the pyridoxine and control groups in the prevention of HFS (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.67-1.05, P = 0.09) or in the incidence of grade ≥ 2 HFS (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.70-1.09, P = 0.39, respectively). The subgroup analysis of pyridoxine dose also showed no significant difference between the two groups in preventing HFS grade ≥ 2 (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.62-0.99, P = 0.30).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find adequate evidence to support the idea that the use of pyridoxine can prevent HFS and reduce the incidence of HFS grade ≥ 2. However, the preventive use of pyridoxine might have a tendency to reduce the incidence of HFS.

Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor A3 is increased in IBD patients and functions as an anti-inflammatory modulator

Growing evidence shows that a homozygous 6·7-kb deletion of the novel anti-inflammatory molecule leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor A3 (LILRA3) is associated with many autoimmune disorders. However, its effects on pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have yet not been clarified. LILRA3 is mainly expressed in monocytes, whereas its effects on biological behaviors of monocytes have not been systematically reported. In our study, to investigate the association between LILRA3 polymorphism and IBD susceptibility, LILRA3 polymorphism was assessed in 378 IBD patients and 509 healthy controls. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to detect the LILRA3 expression in IBD patient blood and intestinal samples. The human U937 monocyte cell line was employed to establish LILRA3 over-expressing cells and the effects of LILRA3 on the biological behaviors of U937 cells were systematically explored. Although no association of the polymorphism with IBD development was found, LILRA3 expression was markedly increased in IBD patients compared with healthy controls. Over-expression of LILRA3 in monocytes led to significant decreases in secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. Additionally, LILRA3 abated monocyte migration by reducing the expression of several chemokines and enhanced monocyte phagocytosis by increasing CD36 expression. Furthermore, LILRA3 promoted monocyte proliferation through a combination of Akt and extracellular receptor kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Erk/MEK) signaling pathways. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, that LILRA3 is related to IBD and functions as an anti-inflammatory modulator in U937 cells.

The decision-making of treatment and outcome in elderly patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis

Background

The prevalence of aortic stenosis (AS) steadily increases with age. There is a consensus that intervention should be advised in patients with symptomatic severe AS. However, decision to operate raises complex issues in the elderly due to the increasing operative comorbidity and mortality. There is limited information regarding the characteristics and outcome of elderly patients with symptomatic severe AS who were denied intervention and the reasons leading to the denial.

Purpose

To analyze the decision-making and the prognosis in elderly patients with symptomatic severe AS.

Methods

In a cohort of 8929 patients aged ≥60 years with significant valvular heart disease, we divided patients with severe (valve area ≤1 cm2 or peak velocity ≥4.0 m/s or mean gradient ≥40 mmHg), symptomatic (angina or NYHA II-IV or syncope) AS into three groups by final treatment decision: intervention group, doctor-deny group, patient-deny group. The impact of characteristics on decision-making was evaluated and 1-year mortality among three groups were compared.

Results

Among 546 patients with severe symptomatic AS, the interventional decision was taken in 338 patients (61.9%), 134 patients (24.5%) were denied intervention by doctor after evaluation and 74 patients (13.5%) refused intervention due to personal preference. In multivariable analysis, age [OR=1.104, 95% CI (1.068–1.142)], multi-comorbidities [OR=4.706, 95% CI (2.355–9.403)] and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) [OR=1.021, 95% CI (1.001–1.042)] were markedly associated with the conservative decision made by doctor, while LVEF &gt;50% [OR=0.260, 95% CI (0.082–0.823)] was significantly linked with the interventional decision. Lower mortality was observed in intervention group during 1-year follow-up compared with either doctor-deny group or patient-deny group (both P&lt;0.001 after adjustment). Further, diabetes [HR=2.513, 95% CI (1.243–5.084)], syncope [HR=2.856, 95% CI (1.338–6.098)], atrial fibrillation (AF) [HR=2.764, 95% CI (1.305–5.855)], stroke [HR=2.921, 95% CI (1.252–6.851)] and multi-comorbidities [HR=3.120, 95% CI (1.363–7.142)] were strong 1-year mortality predictors, whereas interventional treatment [HR=0.195, 95% CI (0.091–0.417)] and LEVF &gt;50% [HR=0.960, 95% CI (0.938–0.984)] were related to lower mortality.

Conclusions

Intervention was denied in about forty percent of elderly patients with symptomatic severe AS. Patients with advanced age, multi-comorbidities and increased LVEDD tended to be denied intervention by doctors, whereas interventions were more likely to be performed on patients with normal LVEF. Diabetes, syncope, AF, stroke and multi-comorbidities were the predictive factors of 1-year mortality. Elderly patients with symptomatic severe AS could benefit from intervention. Patient education needs to be strengthened, to encourage more patients accept the appropriate intervention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Twelfth Five-year Science and Technology Support Projects by Ministry of Science and Technology of China

Optimal timing of delayed percutaneous coronary intervention in stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

There is ongoing controversy and limited data about the optimal timing to perform delayed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who have missed opportunities for acute reperfusion therapy and are in absence of ongoing ischemia.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of timing of delayed PCI on short- and long-term safety outcomes in stable STEMI patients.

Methods

A cohort of 3,048 stable STEMI patients without acute reperfusion therapy who underwent delayed PCI were included in the study. Procedural timing was stratified into three groups: &lt;3d, 3–7d, &gt;7d. Primary outcomes were 30-day and 12-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of death and reinfarction. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were performed.

Results

After multivariate adjustment, restricted cubic splines revealed a monotonic decrease in the risk of MACE with prolonged procedural timing (Figure-1). Delayed PCI on 3–7d and &gt;7d were strongly associated with lower risks of MACE at 30 days (3–7d: Hazard ratio (HR) 0.43 [95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.99], P=0.046; &gt;7d: HR 0.40 [95% CI 0.19–0.87], P=0.020) and 12 months (3–7d: HR 0.49 [95% CI 0.25–0.95], P=0.036; &gt;7d: HR 0.42 [95% CI 0.22–0.77], P=0.006) compared with that on &lt;3d. Delayed PCI on &gt;7d also showed improvement in 12-month mortality (HR 0.45 [95% CI 0.22–0.91], P=0.026) over that on &lt;3d, whereas procedure on 3–7d did not (HR 0.52 [95% CI 0.24–1.11], P=0.091). MI location and cardiac function had significant interactions with procedural timing for 12-month MACE (P-interaction=0.141 and 0.137). Procedural timing had more significant effects on MACE in patients with anterior MI or cardiac insufficiency.

Conclusion

Delayed PCI over a week after symptom onset had significant improvement in short- and long-term safety in stable STEMI patients especially with anterior MI or cardiac insufficiency. Decision-making on optimal timing should identify the high-risk individuals and balance between ischemic benefits and safety.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Twelfth Five-year Science and Technology Support Projects by Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Progress and current status of molecule-targeted therapy and drug resistance in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. In China, its morbidity and mortality are second only to lung cancer. Chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy brings survival benefits to patients with advanced gastric cancer. Targets for targeted therapy of gastric cancer include human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Claudin 18.2 (CLDN 18.2). The main challenge of tumor molecule-targeted drugs is resistance. The main mechanisms of drug resistance include tumor establishment of compensatory signaling pathways, target protein changes, tumor microenvironment changes, tumor heterogeneity and tumor adaptation to targeted drugs. The combined action of multiple drug resistance mechanisms promotes the development of targeted drug resistance. In order to attract the attention of researchers, this paper reviews the mechanisms of drug resistance in gastric cancer-targeted therapy. In addition, the research status of drug resistance in molecule-targeted therapy of gastric cancer is summarized. It is of great clinical significance to explore the drug resistance mechanisms of targeted drugs and reverse drug resistance in gastric cancer. Last, the future development of molecule-targeted therapy is prospected.

Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and Evidence for D^{+}→K^{+}ω

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the first observation of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is reported. After removing decays that contain narrow intermediate resonances, including D^{+}→K^{+}η, D^{+}→K^{+}ω, and D^{+}→K^{+}ϕ, the branching fraction of the decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is measured to be (1.13±0.08_{stat}±0.03_{syst})×10^{-3}. The ratio of branching fractions of D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} over D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}π^{0} is found to be (1.81±0.15)%, which corresponds to (6.28±0.52)tan^{4}θ_{C}, where θ_{C} is the Cabibbo mixing angle. This ratio is significantly larger than the corresponding ratios for other doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of charge-conjugated decays D^{±}→K^{±}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{0} is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found. In addition, the first evidence for the D^{+}→K^{+}ω decay, with a statistical significance of 3.3σ, is presented and the branching fraction is measured to be B(D^{+}→K^{+}ω)=(5.7_{-2.1}^{+2.5}_{stat}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}.

[The value of ultrasonic elastography in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma]

Objective: To explore the role of the scoring and strain ratio methods of ultrasonic elastography in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with choroidal melanoma treated in the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from July to October 2016 were included in this study. There were 13 males and 12 females, with an average age of (48±12) years old. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with choroidal hemangioma treated in the same period were selected for differential diagnosis, including 12 males and 13 females, with an average age of (37±13) years. The lesions were examined by ultrasound elastography and scored, and the strain ratio of the tumor to the orbital tissue was measured. Two independent sample t test was used to compare the difference in the elasticity score and strain ratio between choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated to analyze the value of the two methods in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. Results: The elastography score of choroidal melanoma was (3.48±0.77) points, including 2 points in 3 cases, 3 points in 8 cases, 4 points in 13 cases, and 5 points in 1 case. The elastography score of hemangioma was (2.28±0.46) points, including 2 points in 18 cases and 3 points in 7 cases. The difference in the elasticity score between patients with the two kinds of tumors was statistically significant (t=6.694, P<0.01). The strain ratio was 42.97±15.83 and 12.21±9.24 in the patients with choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (t=8.392, P<0.01). Using 3 points as the diagnostic critical point of the elastography score, the sensitivity was 88.0%, the specificity was 72.0%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.80 (95% cofidence interval: 0.663 to 0.900, P<0.01). Using 21.67 as the diagnostic critical point of the strain ratio, the sensitivity was 92.0%, the specificity was 92.0%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% cofidence interval: 0.808 to 0.978, P<0.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound elastography plays a role in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. The differential diagnostic value of the strain ratio method is higher than the scoring method. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 676-680).

Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy via MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of melatonin on diabetic retinopathy rats through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 48 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=12), model group (n=12), melatonin group (n=12), and inhibitor group (n=12). The rats in normal group received no treatment. Those in model group, melatonin group, and inhibitor group were prepared into models of diabetic retinopathy and intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, melatonin, and SB 203580, respectively. After 7 days of intervention, the materials were taken. The expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected through immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein expression levels of p38 MAPK, phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK, and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were measured via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. The apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL).

RESULTS

Based on immunohistochemistry, model group, melatonin group, and inhibitor group exhibited significantly increased positive expression of Bax but notably decreased positive expression of Bcl-2 in comparison with normal group (p<0.05). Compared with those in model group, the positive expression of Bax was clearly reduced, while the positive expression of Bcl-2 was overtly raised in melatonin group and inhibitor group (p<0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that there was no difference in the protein expression of p38 MAPK among all groups (p>0.05). Compared with normal group, the other three groups had remarkably elevated protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK and Caspase-3 (p<0.05). The protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK and Caspase-3 in melatonin group and inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in model group decreased (p<0.05). QPCR assay revealed that the mRNA expression of Bax was markedly lower in normal group than that in the other three groups, while the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher in normal group than that in the other three groups (p<0.05). Compared with model group, melatonin group, and inhibitory group showed clearly declined mRNA expression level of Bax and notably increased mRNA expression level of Bcl-2 (p<0.05). TUNEL results revealed that the apoptosis rate was remarkably elevated in the other three groups compared with that in normal group (p<0.05). In comparison with model group, melatonin group and inhibitor group exhibited significantly reduced apoptosis rate (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy by repressing the MAPK pathway.

Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy via MAPK pathway

The article "Melatonin inhibits the inflammation and apoptosis in rats with diabetic retinopathy via MAPK pathway, by Y. Ma, Q. Zhao, Y. Shao, M.-Z. Cao, M. Zhao, D. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (3 Suppl): 1-8-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201908_18620-PMID: 31389568" has been withdrawn from the authors. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18620.

Clinical characteristics of non-critically ill patients with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in a Fangcang Hospital

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients in a Fangcang Hospital.

METHODS

Non-critically ill individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests admitted between 7 February and 12 February 2020 to Dongxihu Fangcang Hospital, which was promptly constructed because of the rapid, exponential increase in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, were included; clinical course through to 22 February was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1012 non-critically ill individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests were included in the study. Thirty (of 1012, 3.0%) individuals were asymptomatic on admission. During hospitalization, 16 of 30 (53.3%) asymptomatic individuals developed different symptoms. Fourteen of 1012 patients (1.4%) remained asymptomatic from exposure to the end of follow up, with a median duration of 24 days (interquartile range 22-27). Fever (761 of 1012, 75.2%) and cough (531 of 1012, 52.4%) were the most common symptoms. Small patchy opacities (355 of 917, 38.7%) and ground-glass opacities (508 of 917, 55.4%) were common imaging manifestations in chest CT scans. One hundred patients (9.9%) were transferred to designated hospitals due to aggravation of illness. Diarrhoea emerged in 152 of 1012 patients (15.0%). Male, older age, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chills, dyspnoea, So2 value of ≤93%, white blood cell counts of >10 × 109/L and large consolidated opacities on CT images were all risk factors for aggravation of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-critically ill individuals had different clinical characteristics from critically ill individuals. Asymptomatic infections only accounted for a small proportion of COVID-19. Although with a low incidence, diarrhoea was observed in patients with COVID-19, indicating the possibility of faecal-oral transmission.

Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} Polarization in the J/ψ and ψ(3686) Decays

From 1310.6×10^{6}  J/ψ and 448.1×10^{6}  ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII experiment, we report the first observation of Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} spin polarization in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ[ψ(3686)]→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} decays. The relative phases of the form factors ΔΦ have been measured to be (-15.5±0.7±0.5)° and (21.7±4.0±0.8)° with J/ψ and ψ(3686) data, respectively. The nonzero value of ΔΦ allows for a direct and simultaneous measurement of the decay asymmetry parameters of Σ^{+}→pπ^{0}(α_{0}=-0.998±0.037±0.009) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}(α[over ¯]_{0}=0.990±0.037±0.011), the latter value being determined for the first time. The average decay asymmetry, (α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})/2, is calculated to be -0.994±0.004±0.002. The CP asymmetry A_{CP,Σ}=(α_{0}+α[over ¯]_{0})/(α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})=-0.004±0.037±0.010 is extracted for the first time, and is found to be consistent with CP conservation.