Observation of the Semileptonic Decay D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and Evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we report the observation of D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with significances of 6.4σ and 2.9σ, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are determined to be B(D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{-}→ηπ^{-})=[1.33_{-0.29}^{+0.33}(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10^{-4} and B(D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{0}→ηπ^{0})=[1.66_{-0.66}^{+0.81}(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10^{-4}. This is the first time the a_{0}(980) meson has been measured in a D^{0} semileptonic decay, which would open one more interesting page in the investigation of the nature of the puzzling a_{0}(980) states.

[Influence of SOX10 on the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of SOX10 on the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

SOX10 protein in prostate cancer cell lines PC3, DU145 and LNcap was detected by Western blotting analysis. The expression of SOX10 in prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145) were knocked down by small interfering RNAs, and the efficiency of SOX10 by small interfering RNAs was confirmed using Western blotting analysis. CCK-8 assays were conducted to assess the influences of SOX10 on the proliferation of PC3 and DU145 cells, and invasion assays were conducted to assess the influences of SOX10 on the invasion of PC3 and DU145 cells.

RESULTS

After SOX10 in prostate cancer cells was knocked down by small interfering RNAs, the proliferation of prostate cancer cells PC3 and DU145 was significantly inhibited. Results of CCK-8 assays showed that the absorbance of PC3 and DU145 in SOX10-silenced groups was decreased compared with those in control groups (PC3: 0 d: 0.166±0.01, 0.162±0.012 vs. 0.155 ±0.01, P>0.05; 1 d: 0.210±0.011, 0.211±0.018 vs. 0.252±0.023, P>0.05; 2 d: 0.293±0.017, 0.280±0.028 vs. 0.433±0.030, P<0.01; 3 d: 0.363±0.071, 0.411±0.038 vs. 0.754±0.045, P<0.01; 4 d: 0.592±0.065, 0.670±0.093 vs. 1.456±0.111, P<0.01. DU145: 0 d: 0.168±0.018, 0.164±0.01 vs. 0.153 ±0.012, P>0.05; 1 d: 0.218±0.007, 0.206±0.024 vs. 0.255±0.02, P>0.05; 2 d: 0.297±0.013, 0.291±0.012 vs. 0.444±0.023, P<0.05; 3 d: 0.378±0.058, 0.419±0.026 vs. 0.762±0.039, P<0.01; 4 d: 0.681±0.094, 0.618±0.050 vs. 1.419±0.170, P<0.01). Meanwhile, knocking down SOX10 significantly suppressed the invasion of prostate cancer cells PC3 and DU145. Results of invasion assays showed that the numbers of invaded cells in SOX10-silenced groups were significantly less than those in control groups (PC3: 142±38, 171±17 vs. 304±55; DU145: 96±22, 134±23 vs. 341±34, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

SOX10 might promote prostate cancer progression by accelerating the ability of the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells, and SOX10 might be a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of the Inclusive Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X

Based on an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 567  pb^{-1} taken at the center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.6  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)=(38.2_{-2.2}^{+2.8}±0.9)% using the double-tag method, where X refers to any possible final state particles. In addition, we search for direct CP violation in the charge asymmetry of this inclusive decay for the first time, and obtain A_{CP}≡[B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)-B(Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}→Λ[over ¯]+X)]/[B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)+B(Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}→Λ[over ¯]+X)]=(2.1_{-6.6}^{+7.0}±1.6)%, a statistically limited result with no evidence of CP violation.

Recombinant phosphoglucomutase and CAMP factor as potential subunit vaccine antigens induced high protection against Streptococcus iniae infection in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

AIMS

The aim of this study was to screen vaccine candidates from virulence factors of Streptococcus iniae in flounder model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The immunogenicity of recombinant phosphoglucomutase (rPGM) and rCAMP factor was confirmed by Western blot. The percentage of surface membrane immunoglobulin-positive (sIg⁺ ) lymphocytes in peripheral blood leucocytes, the specific and total serum IgM and the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) and peroxidase (POD) in flounder were determined with flow cytometry, ELISA and commercial enzyme activity kits, respectively, after intraperitoneal immunization with rPGM and rCAMP factor. The results showed that rPGM and rCAMP factor could induce significant rise in sIg⁺ lymphocytes, specific serum IgM and activities of ACP and POD. Additionally, the relative percent survival rate of the vaccinated flounder was 64 and 54% in challenge experiment using S. iniae, respectively. These results indicated that rPGM and rCAMP factor could evoke humoural and innate immune response in flounder and provide high-efficiency immunoprotection against S. iniae infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and CAMP factor were promising vaccine candidates against S. iniae in flounder.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Phosphoglucomutase and CAMP factor have the potential to be vaccine candidates, which provide important information for us to develop the effective subunit vaccines, especially the multivaccine, against S .iniae in aquaculture.

The Fate of In Situ Lens Regeneration is Determined by Capsulorhexis Size

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Lens regeneration is an optimal strategy for cataract patients to regain visual acuity with accommodation. We recently designed a novel, minimally invasive capsulorhexis surgical method for cataract removal that achieved functional lens regeneration in human infants. However, small anterior capsulorhexis requires advanced surgical expertise. To examine whether the quality of the regenerated lens can be maintained with enlarged anterior capsulorhexis, we investigated the shape and transparency of the regenerated lenses with different anterior capsulorhexis diameters (ACDs).

METHODS

Thirty-six 4-week-old New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly divided into three groups which underwent lens extraction with different ACDs (Group A: 2.0±0.5 mm, Group B: 4.0±0.5 mm, Group C: 6.0±0.5 mm). The anterior capsule opening area (ACOA) was quantified, and the morphology, weight, and histological characteristics of the regenerated lenses were examined.

RESULTS

Lens regeneration was observed in all three groups. In Group A, the regenerated lenses were relatively complete and transparent. In Groups B and C, the regenerated lenses were doughnut-shaped and opaque. The speed of lens regeneration in Group A was significantly faster than that in Groups B and C. The ACOA in Group A healed quickly and completely approximately 2 weeks after surgery. However, in Groups B and C, ACOA did not heal completely until 12 weeks after surgery. Histological examination showed that in Group A, most of the lens epithelial cells differentiated into well-organized lens fibers. However, in Groups B and C, the regenerated lens fibers were disorganized.

CONCLUSION

Capsulorhexis size is a critical determinant of integrity and transparency in lens regeneration.

Effects of Training on Lateralization for Simulations of Cochlear Implants and Single-Sided Deafness

While cochlear implantation has benefitted many patients with single-sided deafness (SSD), there is great variability in cochlear implant (CI) outcomes and binaural performance remains poorer than that of normal-hearing (NH) listeners. Differences in sound quality across ears-temporal fine structure (TFS) information with acoustic hearing vs. coarse spectro-temporal envelope information with electric hearing-may limit integration of acoustic and electric patterns. Binaural performance may also be limited by inter-aural mismatch between the acoustic input frequency and the place of stimulation in the cochlea. SSD CI patients must learn to accommodate these differences between acoustic and electric stimulation to maximize binaural performance. It is possible that training may increase and/or accelerate accommodation and further improve binaural performance. In this study, we evaluated lateralization training in NH subjects listening to broad simulations of SSD CI signal processing. A 16-channel vocoder was used to simulate the coarse spectro-temporal cues available with electric hearing; the degree of inter-aural mismatch was varied by adjusting the simulated insertion depth (SID) to be 25 mm (SID25), 22 mm (SID22) and 19 mm (SID19) from the base of the cochlea. Lateralization was measured using headphones and head-related transfer functions (HRTFs). Baseline lateralization was measured for unprocessed speech (UN) delivered to the left ear to simulate SSD and for binaural performance with the acoustic ear combined with the 16-channel vocoders (UN+SID25, UN+SID22 and UN+SID19). After completing baseline measurements, subjects completed six lateralization training exercises with the UN+SID22 condition, after which performance was re-measured for all baseline conditions. Post-training performance was significantly better than baseline for all conditions (p < 0.05 in all cases), with no significant difference in training benefits among conditions. Given that there was no significant difference between the SSD and the SSD CI conditions before or after training, the results suggest that NH listeners were unable to integrate TFS and coarse spectro-temporal cues across ears for lateralization, and that inter-aural mismatch played a secondary role at best. While lateralization training may benefit SSD CI patients, the training may largely improve spectral analysis with the acoustic ear alone, rather than improve integration of acoustic and electric hearing.

Observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) Mixing

We report the first observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) mixing in the decays of J/ψ→ϕf_{0}(980)→ϕa_{0}^{0}(980)→ϕηπ^{0} and χ_{c1}→a_{0}^{0}(980)π^{0}→f_{0}(980)π^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}, using data samples of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events and 4.48×10^{8}  ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector. The signals of f_{0}(980)→a_{0}^{0}(980) and a_{0}^{0}(980)→f_{0}(980) mixing are observed at levels of statistical significance of 7.4σ and 5.5σ, respectively. The corresponding branching fractions and mixing intensities are measured and the constraint regions on the coupling constants, g_{a_{0}K^{+}K^{-}} and g_{f_{0}K^{+}K^{-}}, are estimated. The results improve the understanding of the nature of a_{0}^{0}(980) and f_{0}(980).

Sleep Quality and Related Psychosocial Variables Among Renal Transplant Patients

BACKGROUND

Several studies have examined sleep quality in the post renal transplant population of China, but few studies have actually confirmed the related psychosocial variables of sleep quality in renal transplant recipients with home care.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates sleep quality and its related psychosocial variables among renal transplant patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling approach. Self-report questionnaires were applied to 485 renal transplant patients. All participants completed the General Data Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Three-Dimensional Inventory of Character Strengths, and the Flourishing Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 438 valid questionnaires were included in the analysis. The global PSQI score was 5.86 (SD, 3.20), significantly lower than the norm; 128 (29.2%) recipients were classified as having poor sleep quality (global PSQI > 7). In the component score of PSQI, sleep onset latency was the highest; the others from high to low are sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction, subjective sleep quality, sleep efficiency, sleep duration, and use of hypnotic medication. A total of 19.6% reported sleeping fewer than 6 hours a night, 64.8% reported that they had to get up to use the bathroom, and 50.0% woke up in the middle of the night or early morning at least 1 night per week in the past month. Significant differences in the PSQI scores were observed in renal transplant patients of different sex, age, residence, career, length of post-renal transplant period, comorbidity, kidney function, and depressive symptoms (P < .05). The PSQI scores were positively correlated with depression (Self-Rating Depression Scale) (P < .01) but negatively correlated with inquisitiveness (Three-Dimensional Inventory of Character Strengths-inquisitiveness) and psychological well-being (Flourishing Scale) (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The sleep quality of renal transplant patients was lower than that of the general population. Character strengths and well-being can increase the level of sleep quality in renal transplant patients. Psychosocial intervention is necessary for improving the sleep quality of renal transplant recipients in China.

[Incidence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in community-based patients with diabetes]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence rate and effects of risk factors on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Chinese patients with diabetes, based on Electronic Health Records (EHRs) from the Chinese Electronic health Records Research in Yinzhou (CHERRY) Study.

METHODS

Using the CHERRY cohort study with the individual-level information on chronic disease management; and health administrative, clinical and laboratory databases, patients with diabetes without kidney disease at baseline were enrolled and followed up from January 2009 through December 2016. CKD was defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) <60 mL/(min×1.73 m²) or urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR)≥3 mg/mmol. Standardized incidence rates of CKD in diabetic population were calculated according to the 2010 China census data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore the association of risk factors on CKD in patients with diabetes.

RESULTS

Over a median 3.2 years of follow-up, 13 829 patients with diabetes were included in this analysis and 1 087 developed CKD. The crude and standardized incidence rate was 23.7(95%CI: 22.3-25.2) and 14.8(95%CI:12.1-17.6) per 1 000 person-years respectively. The incidence rate for developing CKD in patients with diabetes aged over 60 years was higher than those aged 60 and below (26.6 vs. 11.5 per 1 000 person-years, P<0.05). Cox proportional hazards models showed that age over 60 years(HR=1.88, 95%CI: 1.51-2.35), hypertension (HR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.56-2.10), total cholesterol (HR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.00-1.14) and duration of diabetes (HR per year increment=1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.03) and the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC, HR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.40-0.61) were significantly associated with CKD. No statistical significance was found for sex, smoking status, alcohol use and average level of fasting glucose (All P>0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that even when the lipid levels were well-controlled, comorbidity of hypertension was still associated with CKD in the patients with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Incidence rate of chronic kidney disease in this Chinese population with diabetes was high. Age and comorbidity of hypertension were the most important risk factors for CKD, suggesting the priority for CKD screening in patients with diabetes in China. Control of blood pressure and lipid were especially crucial to prevent CKD in patients with diabetes.

[Effectiveness of different screening strategies for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in a rural northern Chinese population]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the potential health benefit of screening strategies for cardiovascular diseases primary prevention in a rural northern Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 6 221 adults aged 40-74 years old, from rural Beijing, China and free from cardiovascular diseases at baseline were included. The following screening strategies were compared: Strategy 1, the strategy based on numbers of risk factors recommended by the Chinese Guideline for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in people aged 40-74; Strategy 2, screening people aged 40-74 based on the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China (China-PAR) risk prediction model; Strategy 3, screening people aged 50-74 using the China-PAR risk prediction model. Participates who were classified into medium- or high-risk by the corresponding strategies would be introduced to lifestyle intervention, while high risk population would take medication in addition. Markov model was used to compare the potential health benefits within 10 years in each scenario, which applied the parameters from this rural northern Chinese cohort, published literatures, meta-analyses and systematic reviews, clinical trials and other cohort studies of Chinese population. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) events/deaths could be prevented and number needed to be screened (NNS) per QALY gained/per CVD event prevented/per CVD death prevented were calculated to compare the effectiveness. One-way sensitivity analysis concerning uncertainty of cardiovascular disease incidence rate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis about the uncertainty of hazard ratios were conducted.

RESULTS

Compared with non-screening strategy, the potential health benefits of each strategy were: Strategy 1 would gain QALY of 498 (95%CI: 103-894) and prevent 298 (95%CI: 155-441) CVD events; Strategy 2 would gain QALY of 691 (95%CI: 233-1 149) and prevent CVD events of 374 (95%CI: 181-567); Strategy 3 would gain QALY of 654 (95%CI: 199-1 108) and prevent CVD events of 346 (95%CI: 154-538). Screening strategy based on ChinaPAR risk prediction model (strategy 2 or 3) would be generally better in terms of QALY gained, CVD events/deaths prevented and NNS than the strategy based on numbers of CVD risk factors (all P<0.05 except NNS per QALY gained and NNS per CVD event prevented in 40-74 years). Similar benefits were obtained for the strategy 2 and 3. The results were consistent in the sensitivity analyses on the parameters of incidence rates and hazard ratios.

CONCLUSION

Screening people to target increased risks of cardiovascular diseases in this rural northern Chinese population is necessary. Screening strategy based on China-PAR risk prediction model could gain more health benefits than that based on numbers of CVD risk factors.

Precision Study of η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} Decay Dynamics

Using a low background data sample of 9.7×10^{5}  J/ψ→γη^{'}, η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} events, which are 2 orders of magnitude larger than those from the previous experiments, recorded with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the decay dynamics of η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} are studied with both model-dependent and model-independent approaches. The contributions of ω and the ρ(770)-ω interference are observed for the first time in the decays η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} in both approaches. Additionally, a contribution from the box anomaly or the ρ(1450) resonance is required in the model-dependent approach, while the process specific part of the decay amplitude is determined in the model-independent approach.

En bloc resection of pelvic sarcomas with sacral invasion: a classification of surgical approaches and outcomes

Aims

The sacrum is frequently invaded by a pelvic tumour. The aim of this study was to review our experience of treating this group of patients and to identify the feasibility of a new surgical classification in the management of these tumours.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 141 patients who, between 2005 and 2014, had undergone surgical excision of a pelvic tumour with invasion of the sacrum. In a new classification, pelvisacral (Ps) I, II, and III resections refer to a sagittal osteotomy through the ipsilateral wing of the sacrum, through the sacral midline, or lateral to the contralateral sacral foramina, respectively. A Ps a resection describes a pelvic osteotomy through the ilium and a Ps b resection describes a concurrent resection of the acetabulum with osteotomies performed through the pubis and ischium or the pubic symphysis. Within each type, surgical approaches were standardized to guide resection of the tumour.

Results

The mean operating time was 5.2 hours (sd 1.7) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1895 ml (sd 1070). Adequate margins were achieved in 112 (79.4%) of 141 patients. Nonetheless, 30 patients (21.3%) had local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) lower-limb function score was 68% (sd 19; 17 to 100). According to the proposed classification, 92 patients (65%) underwent a Ps I resection, 33 patients (23%) a Ps II resection, and 16 (11%) patients a Ps III resection. Overall, 82 (58%) patients underwent a Ps a resection and 59 (42%) patient a Ps b resections. The new classification predicted surgical outcome.

Conclusion

We propose a comprehensive classification of surgical approaches for tumours of the pelvis with sacral invasion. Analysis showed that this classification helped in the surgical management of such patients and had predictive value for surgical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:798-805.

The effect of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents on fibroblasts obtained from arthrofibrotic tissue: An in vitro and in vivo study

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine whether the administration of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents affect the proliferation, viability, and expression of markers involved in the fibrotic development of the fibroblasts obtained from arthrofibrotic tissue in vitro, and to evaluate the effect of the agents on arthrofibrosis prevention in vivo.

Methods

Dexamethasone, diclofenac, and decorin, in different concentrations, were employed to treat fibroblasts from arthrofibrotic tissue (AFib). Cell proliferation was measured by DNA quantitation, and viability was analyzed by Live/Dead staining. The levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) were evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In addition, the expressions of fibrotic markers were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fibroblasts isolated from healthy tissue (Fib) served as control. Further, a rabbit model of joint contracture was used to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of the three different agents.

Results

Dexamethasone maintained the viability and promoted the proliferation of AFib. Diclofenac decreased the viability and inhibited the cell proliferation during the first week of cultivation. However, decorin inhibited AFib proliferation and downregulated the expressions of fibrotic markers. Additionally, decorin could improve the flexion contracture angle and inhibit the deposition of interstitial matrix components in the rabbit joint model.

Conclusion

Decorin decreased the expression of myofibroblast markers in AFib, inhibited the proliferation of AFib, and prevented the initial procedure of arthrofibrosis in vivo, suggesting that decorin could be a promising treatment to inhibit the development of arthrofibrosis.Cite this article: X. Tang, S. Teng, M. Petri, C. Krettek, C. Liu, M. Jagodzinski. The effect of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents on fibroblasts obtained from arthrofibrotic tissue: An in vitro and in vivo study. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:213-222. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.73.BJR-2017-0219.R2.

Additivity of standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in mixed diets containing multiple protein sources for growing pigs fed three crude protein levels

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels of semi-purified diets on the additivity of values for standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in mixed diets from multiple protein sources for growing pigs. A total of 28 barrows (initial BW, 66.4 ± 1.3 kg) were surgically fitted with simple T-cannulas at the distal ileum and assigned to a replicated 14 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 14 diets and 4 periods. The 14 experimental diets consisted of a nitrogen-free diet; a corn-based diet (80 g CP/kg); nine semi-purified diets containing soya bean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM) or corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS), each type (protein source) of semi-purified diets supplied 80, 120 or 160 g CP/kg, respectively; three mixed diets based on corn, SBM, CM and cDDGS formulated to contain 120, 160 and 200 g CP/kg respectively. Pigs were fed each of the 14 diets during a seven-day period, and ileal digesta were collected from 08:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m on day 6 and 7. Chromic oxide was added as an indigestible marker. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA were not affected by CP levels (p > .05). Values for SID of AA were additive (p > .05) with the exception of His and Lys; Arg and Lys; Arg, Lys, Thr, Asp, Cys and Gly in the mixed diets containing 120, 160 and 200 g CP/kg respectively (p < .05). In conclusion, additivity of SID values of AA in the mixed diets at different CP levels was not affected by the CP levels of semi-purified diets for growing pigs. Therefore, it is recommended that SID values of AA should be used to formulate practical diets containing multiple ingredients for pigs.

[Progress in research of family-based cohort study on common chronic non-communicable diseases in rural population in northern China]

Family-based cohort study is a special type of study design, in which biological samples and environmental exposure information of the member in a family are collected and related follow up is conducted. Family-based cohort study can be applied to explore the effect of genetic factors, environmental factors, gene-gene interaction, and gene-environment interaction in the etiology of complex diseases. This paper summarizes the objectives, methods and results, as well as the opportunities and challenges of the family-based cohort study on common chronic non-communicable diseases in rural population in northern China.

Bactericera cockerelli vitellogenin-6 like, a vitellogenin without a direct reproductive function?

Vitellogenin-like proteins are members of the large lipid transfer proteins, a family of proteins involved in reproduction, lipid circulation and immune defences. In this study, we identified a new Bactericera cockerelli vitellogenin-like (Vg-like) transcript, and named it BcVg6-like based on its similarity to Acyrthosiphon pisum Vg6. In silico analyses predicted different conserved domains in BcVg6-like compared with the conventional Ba. cockerelli vitellogenin, BcVg1-like, previously described by our research group. Phylogenetic analyses determined that BcVg6-like clustered with Vg-like-B proteins and not the conventional vitellogenins involved in vitellogenesis. Also, the expression analyses showed differences in BcVg6-like transcript expression between 7-day-old males and 3- and 7-day-old females. BcVg6-like was not upregulated after exogenous application of juvenile hormone III, but its relative expression increased significantly in alimentary canals of adult females exposed to tomato plants infected by the bacterial plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'. Our results suggest that in Ba. cockerelli, both vitellogenin genes may have different functions: BcVg1-like is a conventional vitellogenin that conserved its ancestral function as an egg yolk precursor whereas BcVg6-like might have acquired a function in lipid and/or other molecule transport, and could potentially play a role in immune defence.

Precision Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} Cross Section Near Threshold

The cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} process is measured with unprecedented precision using data collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=4574.5, 4580.0, 4590.0 and 4599.5 MeV. The nonzero cross section near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} production threshold is cleared. At center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4574.5 and 4599.5 MeV, the higher statistics data enable us to measure the Λ_{c} polar angle distributions. From these, the Λ_{c} electric over magnetic form-factor ratios (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) are measured for the first time. They are found to be 1.14±0.14±0.07 and 1.23±0.05±0.03, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

[Application and reliability verification of Beijing-based cognitive assessment scale of montreal in cognitive function of adult OSAHS]

Objective:To evaluate the cognitive function of adult OSAHS patients by MoCA-BJ, and to evaluate the reliability and efficacy of MoCA-BJ. Method:A study was conducted on the cognitive function of 94 patients with mild, moderate and severe OSAHS and 28 healthy controls using the MoCA-BJ and the simple mental state examination scale (MMSE). After 14 days, 10 subjects in the healthy control group were tested for MoCA-BJ again. The internal consistency of MoCA-BJ and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to test the retest reliability. In addition, the simultaneous validity of MoCA-BJ was assessed by comparison with MMSE. Result:The MoCA-BJ internal consistency of the Kronbach coefficient α was reliable (0.810). The Pearson correlation coefficient test was highly reproducible (r=0.898, P<0.001). The overall score of MoCA-BJ in the control group was significantly higher than that in the OSAHS group (P<0.01). In the visual spatial ability, the performance of severe OSAHS group was significantly weaker than that of the control group (P<0.01) and non-severe patients (P<0.01). In the executive ability, the control group was significantly higher than the OSAHS group (P<0.05), and the performance of patients with severe OSAHS was weaker than that of non-severe group (P<0.01) and control group (P<0.05), but there was no difference among every group in the trail making test. Attention, the difference between the control group and the patients was significant (P<0.01), but no difference between severe patients and non-severe patients. The total score of the language,the difference between the control group and the patient group was significant (P<0.01), while there was no difference between severe and non-severe patients. The study also found that the results of language repetition, delayed recall and the total score of the language was exactly the same. Orientation,there was also significant difference between the control group and the severe group (P<0.05). There was also significant difference between the severe and non-severe patients (P<0.05). The optimal cutoff between the control and patient groups was 25.5 points (total MoCA score). In addition, in the visual spatial subscale, the cutoff between non-severe and severe OSAHS groups was 2.5 points. The correlation between MoCA score and MMSE score was statistically significant (r=0.764, P<0.01). Conclusion:In summary, our study shows that MoCA-BJ is reliable, stable and effective in evaluating adult OSAHS cognitive function. MoCA-BJ can detect cognitive dysfunction through visual space, executive ability and total score, while distinguishing healthy controls and OSAHS patients from attention, language total score, language repetition, delayed recall, but can not distinguish between severe and non-severe OSAHS patients. In addition, Orientation in the distinction between normal controls and severe patients, severe and non-severe patients play a role, but can not distinguish between normal controls and OSAHS patients.

[Anterior corneal high-order aberrations in eyes with senile cataract in a Chinese population]

Objective: To investigate the distribution of anterior corneal high-order aberrations (HOAs) in Chinese eyes with cataract and their correlations with age and axial length for the choice of aspheric intraocular lens. Methods: Retrospective study. Six hundred twenty-five Chinese patients with cataract[male: 260, female: 365, age: (71.2±8.0) years] were categorized into 4 groups in accordance with their axial lengths. Anterior corneal HOAs in the central 6- mm zone was measured with an iTrace wavefront analyzer. The correlations between axial length, age and total HOAs, spherical aberration, trefoil aberration, and coma aberration were analyzed using Spearman analysis. The differences in total HOAs, spherical aberration, trefoil aberration, and coma aberration among 4 groups were assessed using the Krusal-Wallis H test. Results: Anterior corneal HOAs showed the nonnormal distribution. The median of corneal total HOAs was 0.666 μm (range 0.246 to 4.115 μm). Medians of coma aberration, spherical aberration and trefoil aberration were 0.313 μm (range 0.015 to 1.879 μm), 0.275 μm (range 0.005 to 1.797 μm) and 0.341 μm (range 0.019 to 2.319 μm), respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between axial length and total HOAs, coma aberration, spherical aberration, trefoil aberration (r=-0.230, -0.235, -0.143, -0.153, P<0.05). But no correlation was found between age and them (r=0.056, 0.045, 0.065, 0.022, P>0.05). Differences in total HOAs, coma aberration, spherical aberration, trefoil aberration were found among various axial groups (H=21.953, 20.665, 15.368, 16.881, P<0.05). Conclusions: Anterior corneal HOAs varied greatly among the majority of the patients. A significant negative correlation was found between axial length and anterior corneal HOAs, but no correlation was found between age and them. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 828-834).

[The situation and associated factors of satisfaction with follow-up management of HIV/AIDS cases conducted by Community Health Service Center in Hongkou district of Shanghai]

Objective: To analyze satisfaction with follow-up management of HIV/AIDS cases conducted by Community Health Service Center (CHS) and related factors in Hongkou district, Shanghai. Methods: Out of 302 HIV/AIDS cases followed up by CHS in Hongkou district from 2012 to 2016, 263 HIV/AIDS cases were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study assessed by self-designed questionnaire-based interview during October 1, 2016 and October 20, 2016, with efficiency of 87.1%. Information of basic characteristics including sociodemographic, routes of infection, CD4(+)T cell counts, diagnose of AIDS and status of receiving ART were collected, as well as satisfaction with follow-up management conducted by CHS including service professionalism, service attitude, service environment, referral service, privacy protection, health education, psychological support, and care and assistance. Factors related to satisfaction were analyzed using multiple binary logistic regression. Results: Among 263 HIV/AIDS cases, the average age was 42.0±13.5, 93.2% (245 cases) were male and the proportion of overall satisfaction was 72.2% (190 cases). Out of 8 items of satisfaction, service attitude and health education got the highest score with a total number of 235 (89.4%) answering "very satisfied" or "satisfied" , while care and assistance got the lowest score with a total number of 69 (26.2%) answering "dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied" . Compared to HIV/AIDS local residents and followed up by CHS <12 months, those who were non-local residents and followed up by CHS ≥12 months were more likely to be satisfied, the OR (95%CI) were 2.66 (1.30-5.44) and 2.52 (1.01-6.29), respectively. Compared to HIV/AIDS ≤30 years old and receiving ART, those who were 31-50 years or >50 years old and not receiving ART were less likely to be satisfied, the OR (95%CI) were 0.36 (0.15-0.89), 0.32 (0.10-0.97) and 0.11 (0.01-0.90), respectively. Conclusion: Satisfaction with follow-up management conducted by CHS in Hongkou district is relatively high. Age, residence, status of receiving ART and cumulative time of following up by CHS are significantly associated with satisfaction, suggesting that CHS should improve their professional abilities during follow-up management, as well as be more targeted and focus on different aspects.

[Research progress and significance of sleep apnea biomarkers]

To review the application of proteomics and metabolomics in the study of OSAHS biomarkers,and to open a new perspective for the study of OSAHS. At present,these studies are still in a very preliminary stage,the results are not always consistent,and far from the clinical application requirements. However,compared with traditional chemical methods,quantitative protein and metabolomics methods still have many advantages and have great clinical potential. Further studies of larger populations for more detailed grouping in the future are necessary to validate these results,and a more structured investigation in cell and animal models is necessary to determine their molecular mechanisms. In addition,the combination of different analytical platforms will be the ideal method for OSAHS biomarker research. In conclusion,the proteomics and metabolomics methods help us to better understand the potential mechanisms of OSAHS and to discover and develop personalized screening,diagnosis,prognostic and therapeutic strategies for future research.

A clip domain serine protease involved in moulting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cloning, characterization, expression patterns and functional analysis

Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by one or more conserved clip domains, are essential components of extracellular signalling cascades in various biological processes, especially in innate immunity and the embryonic development of insects. Additionally, CLIPs may have additional non-immune functions in insect development. In the present study, the clip domain serine protease gene Bombyx mori serine protease 95 (BmSP95), which encodes a 527-residue protein, was cloned from the integument of B. mori. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that BmSP95 is a typical CLIP of the subfamily D and possesses a clip domain at the N terminus, a trypsin-like serine protease (tryp_spc) domain at the C terminus and a conserved proline-rich motif between these two domains. At the transcriptional level, BmSP95 is expressed in the integument during moulting and metamorphosis, and the expression pattern is consistent with the fluctuating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titre in B. mori. At the translational level, BmSP95 protein is synthesized in the epidermal cells, secreted as a zymogen and activated in the moulting fluid. Immunofluorescence revealed that BmSP95 is distributed into the old endocuticle in the moulting stage. The expression of BmSP95 was upregulated by 20E. Moreover, expression of BmSP95 was downregulated by pathogen infection. RNA interference-mediated silencing of BmSP95 led to delayed moulting from pupa to moth. These results suggest that BmSP95 is involved in integument remodelling during moulting and metamorphosis.

Determination of the Spin and Parity of the Z_{c}(3900)

The spin and parity of the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} state are determined to be J^{P}=1^{+} with a statistical significance larger than 7σ over other quantum numbers in a partial wave analysis of the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. We use a data sample of 1.92  fb^{-1} accumulated at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV with the BESIII experiment. When parametrizing the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} with a Flatté-like formula, we determine its pole mass M_{pole}=(3881.2±4.2_{stat}±52.7_{syst})  MeV/c^{2} and pole width Γ_{pole}=(51.8±4.6_{stat}±36.0_{syst})  MeV. We also measure cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(3900)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} and determine an upper limit at the 90% confidence level for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(4020)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}.

[Predictive values of different critical scoring systems for mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory failure supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the predictive values of different critical scoring systems for mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory failure (ARF) supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO).

METHODS

Forty-two patients with severe ARF supported by VV-ECMO were enrolled from November 2009 to July 2015.There were 25 males and 17 females. The mean age was (44±18) years (rang 18-69 years). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Simplified Acute Physiology Score Ⅱ (SAPS) Ⅱ, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), ECMO net, PRedicting dEath for SEvere ARDS on VVECMO (PRESERVE), and Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) scores were collected within 6 hours before VV-ECMO support. The patients were divided into the survivors group (n=17) and the nonsurvivors group (n=25) by survival at 180 d after receiving VV-ECMO. The patient clinical characteristics and aforementioned scoring systems were compared between groups. Scoring systems for predicting prognosis were assessed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the surviving curve, and the survival of the patients was analyzed by the Log-rank test. The risk factors were assessed for prognosis by multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

(1) Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) 6 hours prior to VV-ECMO support in the survivors group [(9.7±5.0)cmH2O, (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa)] was lower than that in the nonsurvivors group [(13.2±5.4)cmH2O, t=-2.134, P=0.039]. VV-ECMO combination with continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT) in the nonsurvivors group (32%) was used more than in the survivors group (6%, χ(2)=4.100, P=0.043). Duration of VV-ECMO support in the nonsurvivors group [(15±13) d] was longer than that in the survivors group [(12±11)d, t=-2.123, P=0.041]. APACHE Ⅱ, APACHE Ⅲ, APACHE Ⅳ, ECMO net, PRESERVE, and RESP scores in the survivors group were superior to the nonsurvivors group (all P<0.05). (2) The areas under the ROC curve of APACHE Ⅳ score for predicting death were largest (0.792±0.076, 95%CI: 0.643-0.940, P<0.05). The best cutoff point was 48 for APACHE Ⅳ score with a sensitivity of 92.0%, specificity of 64.7%, and overall accuracy of 81%. (3) Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that 180 d survival rate of the low APACHE Ⅳ score group was higher than the high APACHE Ⅳ score group (χ(2)=11.331, P<0.05). (4) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that PEEP (OR=1.555, 95%CI: 1.097-2.204, P<0.05), APACHE Ⅳ score (OR=1.152, 95%CI: 1.021-1.301, P<0.05), and PRESERVE score (OR=4.984, 95%CI: 1.531-16.227, P<0.05) were independent risk factors associated with mortality of patients supported by VV-ECMO.

CONCLUSION

The critical scoring systems proved to have good prognostic ability in predicting hospital mortality for severe ARF patients supported by VV-ECMO. Compared to other scoring systems, APACHE Ⅳ score system predicted more accurately, while specific scoring systems in predicting hospital mortality showed no advantage.

Validation of combinatorial probe-anchor ligation-based sequencing as non-invasive prenatal test for trisomy at a central laboratory

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical validity of a new ultrahigh-throughput non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) based on combinatorial probe-anchor ligation (cPAL) sequencing of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) using centralized testing.

METHODS

Maternal plasma samples were obtained from 10 594 singleton pregnancies in high-risk populations at 20 centers in China, including 8155 that were collected retrospectively and 2439 prospectively. Fetal outcome data and karyotyping results were documented as gold standard and were double blinded during NIPT. The clinical performance of the ultrahigh-throughput sequencing method, cPAL, for NIPT was validated by evaluating its sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) in detecting trisomies 21, 18 and 13 as the centralized testing mode in the reference laboratory. To ensure stable and reproducible performance of centralized cPAL-based NIPT in detecting trisomies, a series of quality-control systems, including sequencing of two sets of artificial samples, were employed and evaluated.

RESULTS

Ten prospective cases were excluded from the study because of incomplete clinical data. Four prospective samples failed to generate a NIPT result due to assay failure, presenting a failure rate of 0.16% (4/2429). A total of 168 retrospective cases and 47 prospective cases had a positive NIPT result for trisomy, giving respective positive rates of 2.06% and 1.94%. Four false-positive and no false-positive cases were observed in the retrospective and prospective groups, respectively, resulting in PPV of 97.62% (95% CI, 94.02-99.35%) and 100% (95% CI, 92.45-100%), respectively. In the retrospective group, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% (95% CI, 97.07-100%) and 99.98% (95% CI, 99.94-100%) for trisomy 21, 100% (95% CI, 97.75-100%) and 99.98% (95% CI, 99.94-100%) for trisomy 18, and 100% (95% CI, 15.81-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.95-100%) for trisomy 13. In the prospective group, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% (95% CI, 90.75-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.85-100%) for trisomy 21, 100% (95% CI, 63.06-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.85-100%) for trisomy 18, and 100% (95% CI, 2.50-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.85-100%) for trisomy 13.

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter study with a full quality-control system, NIPT by centralized cPAL-based testing showed high stability and performance comparable to those of previous validation studies in high-risk populations. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Endovascular aortic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm of short neck with Endurant stent graft]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Endurant stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm cases with proximal neck length <10 mm. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis. From January 2010 to May 2015, 22 consecutive abdominal aortic aneurysm patients with proximal neck length <10 mm were treated with endovascular aortic repair by Endurant stent graft in Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. There were 19 (86.3%) male cases, aging from 57 to 84 years. All patients underwent preoperative CT angiography and the anatomic parameters of abdominal aortic aneurysm were measured. All patients performed standard endovascular aortic repair first and if there was obvious proximal typeⅠ endoleak, the CUFF or the chimney technology were applied to observed the perioperative technical and the clinical success rate. During follow-up, the incidence of adverse events and the reintervention rate were observed. Results: These 22 cases had proximal neck length 5 to 9 mm with the average of (7.2±1.4) mm. Immediate endoleak occurred in 5 patients with 4 cases of proximal typeⅠ endoleak, 3 cases were implanted proximal CUFF, 1 case implanted CUFF and left renal artery chimney. One case died perioperatively, the clinical success rate was 95.4%, the technical success rate was 77.3%. During the follow-up of 6 to 54 months, there was 1 case with delayed proximal type-1 endoleak, during operation the patient had no endoleak, but disappeared 6 months later without further intervention. So the incidence of adverse event was 4.5% and reintervention rate was 0. Conclusion: The Endurant stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm cases with proximal neck length < 10 mm is safe and effective.

Measures of and changes in heart rate variability in pediatric heart transplant recipients

Heart rate variability is primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Heart transplant recipients undergo surgical denervation of the graft, which results in interruption of autonomic innervation with resultant diminished heart rate variability although some degree of autonomic control may return. This study aimed to characterize heart rate variability in this population. We report a retrospective review of Holter monitor data from transplanted patients between 2005 and 2013. Studies with significant atrial or ventricular arrhythmias were excluded. We evaluated changes over time and compared standard time domain measures to published pediatric normal values. Data were reviewed from 582 monitors in 152 patients. We found that pediatric heart transplant recipients have lower heart rate variability than age-matched controls and higher average heart rate in recipients older than 3 years. There is an increase in measures of variability through the first 3 years post-transplant with plateau after that time. Surgical technique in regard to interruption of the vagus nerve does not affect variability, nor does underlying congenital vs acquired heart disease.