Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Branching Fraction Measurements of the Rare B_{s}^{0}→ϕμ^{+}μ^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→f_{2}^{'}(1525)μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

The branching fraction of the rare B_{s}^{0}→ϕμ^{+}μ^{-} decay is measured using data collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 6  fb^{-1}, respectively. The branching fraction is reported in intervals of q^{2}, the square of the dimuon invariant mass. In the q^{2} region between 1.1 and 6.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, the measurement is found to lie 3.6 standard deviations below a standard model prediction based on a combination of light cone sum rule and lattice QCD calculations. In addition, the first observation of the rare B_{s}^{0}→f_{2}^{'}(1525)μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is reported with a statistical significance of 9 standard deviations and its branching fraction is determined.

[Studies of the norm of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale(KPCS)among parents of infants in urban areas of China]

Objective: To establish the norm of the Chinese version of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) in urban areas of China. Methods: From August to December 2017, the parents of 2 216 children (<36 months old) were selected from 15 cities (Beijing, Lianyungang, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Changsha, Jinan, Guiyang, Ningbo, Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Maanshan, Chongqing and Wuhan) in 14 provinces by stratified random sampling. The general demographic characteristics and parents' parenting confidence were collected by a self-made questionnaire and KPCS Chinese version. The percentile norm was established. P₃, P₁₀ and P₂₅ were used as the criteria to define the degree of lack of parenting confidence. Results: The age of mothers was (30.67±4.29). The age of the father was (32.50±4.99) years old. There were 726 (32.76%), 759 (34.25%) and 731 (32.99%) infants in 6-12, 12-23 and 24-35 months old groups. The total scores of P₅₀, P₂₅, P₁₀ and P₃ of KPCS (Chinese version) of infant parents in urban areas in China were 41, 38, 33, and 29 respectively. When the scores of parents were 34-37, 30-33, and ≤ 29, they were judged as mild, moderate, and severe lack of parenting confidence. There was no significant difference in the Chinese version of KPCS between parents of different age groups and parents of different gender (χ²=3.53, P=0.171; χ²=1.41, P=0.236). Each factor score≤P₃ is defined as the boundary score, and the corresponding boundary scores of "parenting" "support" and "competence" were 13, 9, and 5 respectively. Conclusion: The Chinese version of KPCS can be used to assess the parenting confidence of infants in urban areas of China. It can used as one of the bases for scientific and objective evaluation of the parenting status of families.

Prospective evaluation of first-trimester screening strategy for preterm pre-eclampsia and its clinical applicability in China

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate, in a Chinese population, the performance of a screening strategy for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) using The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF)'s competing-risks model and to explore its clinical applicability in mainland China.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study including 10 899 women with singleton pregnancy who sought prenatal care at one of 13 hospitals, located in seven cities in mainland China, between 1 December 2017 and 30 December 2019. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and maternal serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were measured and converted into multiples of the median using Chinese reference ranges. Individualized risk for preterm PE was calculated using the FMF algorithm. Prior risk was calculated based on maternal demographic characteristics and obstetric history. We evaluated the efficiency of the screening strategy using various combinations of biomarkers and analyzed its predictive performance for a composite of placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes, including PE, placental abruption, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth, at fixed false-positive rates for preterm PE.

RESULTS

We identified 312 pregnancies that developed PE, of which 117 cases were diagnosed as preterm PE (< 37 weeks' gestation). There were 386 pregnancies complicated by severe composite placenta-associated adverse outcome, including preterm PE, 146 cases of severe SGA (birth weight < 3^rd percentile) neonate, 61 cases with placental abruption and 109 cases of early preterm birth < 34 gestational weeks. The triple-marker model containing biomarkers MAP, UtA-PI and PAPP-A achieved, at fixed false-positive rates of 10%, 15% and 20%, detection rates for preterm PE of 65.0%, 72.7% and 76.1%, respectively, and detection rates for severe composite placenta-associated adverse outcome of 34.7%, 41.7% and 46.4%, respectively. Replacing PAPP-A with PlGF or adding PlGF to the model did not improve the performance. Of women screening positive for preterm PE at a fixed 5% false-positive rate, an estimated 30% developed at least one placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcome, including PE, placental abruption, SGA (birth weight < 10^th percentile) and preterm birth < 37 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The FMF competing-risks model for preterm PE was found to be effective in screening a mainland Chinese population. Women who screened positive for preterm PE had increased risk for other placenta-associated pregnancy complications. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Elucidating the Cooperative Roles of Water and Lewis Acid-Base Pairs in Cascade C-C Coupling and Self-Deoxygenation Reactions

Water plays pivotal roles in tailoring reaction pathways in many important reactions, including cascade C-C bond formation and oxygen elimination. Herein, a kinetic study combined with complementary analyses (DRIFTS, isotopic study, ¹H solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to elucidate the roles of water in cascade acetone-to-isobutene reactions on a Zn _x Zr _y O _z mixed metal oxide with balanced Lewis acid-base pairs. Our results reveal that the reaction follows the acetone-diacetone alcohol-isobutene pathway. Isobutene is produced through an intramolecular rearrangement of the eight-membered ring intermediate formed via the adsorption of diacetone alcohol on the Lewis acid-base pairs in the presence of cofed water. OH adspecies, formed by the dissociative adsorption of water on the catalyst surface, were found to distort diacetone alcohol's hydroxyl functional group toward its carbonyl functional group and facilitate the intramolecular rearrangement of diacetone alcohol to form isobutene. In the absence of water, diacetone alcohol binds strongly to the Lewis acid site, e.g., at a Zr⁴⁺ site, via its carbonyl functional group, leading to its dramatic structural distortion and further dehydration reaction to form mesityl oxide as well as subsequent polymerization reactions and the formation of coke. The present results provide insights into the cooperative roles of water and Lewis acid-base pairs in catalytic upgrading of biomass to fuels and chemicals.

Genome shuffling of Lactobacillus plantarum 163 enhanced antibacterial activity and usefulness in preserving orange juice

Lactic acid bacteria have been used to inhibit the growth of spoilage bacteria in food and animal feeds. For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum 163 can inhibit efficiently the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In our study, the antibacterial activity of L. plantarum 163 was further improved significantly by genome shuffling. The optimal conditions for protoplast formation and regeneration were 20 mg ml^-1 lysozyme and 5 mg ml^-1 mutanolysin for 30 min at 37°C using 0·5 mol l^-1 sucrose as stabilizer. The protoplasts were inactivated under ultraviolet light for 120 s or heated at 58°C for 20 min. After two rounds of genome shuffling, the inhibitory activity of strain F2-14 was improved by 2·45- and 1·99-fold, respectively, as compared to their parent strains. The prepared antibacterial peptides supernatant (APS) was added to the orange juice to inhibit spores of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (SAA) at 45 and 28°C. Results showed that the growth of A. acidoterrestris was significantly inhibited, and the decrease in total soluble solids, OD value and pH value was also delayed. After treatment with APS, the thermal sensitivity of spores was increased and its D value was reduced to 13·78, 3·87 and 1·47 min at 80, 90 and 95°C respectively.

Observation of the Mass Difference between Neutral Charm-Meson Eigenstates

A measurement of mixing and CP violation in neutral charm mesons is performed using data reconstructed in proton-proton collisions collected by the LHCb experiment from 2016 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}. A total of 30.6 million D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays are analyzed using a method optimized for the measurement of the mass difference between neutral charm-meson eigenstates. Allowing for CP violation in mixing and in the interference between mixing and decay, the mass and decay-width differences are measured to be x_{CP}=[3.97±0.46(stat)±0.29(syst)]×10^{-3} and y_{CP}=[4.59±1.20(stat)±0.85(syst)]×10^{-3}, respectively. The CP-violating parameters are measured as Δx=[-0.27±0.18(stat)±0.01(syst)]×10^{-3} and Δy=[0.20±0.36(stat)±0.13(syst)]×10^{-3}. This is the first observation of a nonzero mass difference in the D^{0} meson system, with a significance exceeding seven standard deviations. The data are consistent with CP symmetry and improve existing constraints on the associated parameters.

[Autologous stem cell transplantation improves outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma receiving proteasome inhibitors and lenalidomide treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on treatment response and survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) receiving treatments with proteasome inhibitors and lenalidomide.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of newly diagnosed MM patients, who were eligible for ASCT and received proteasome inhibitors or lenalidomide-based treatment in our hospital from January, 2015 to December, 2019. The patients were divided into transplantation group and non-transplantation group, and in transplantation group, the patients received 4 to 6 courses of induction therapy with proteasome inhibitors or lenalidomide before ASCT, while those in the non-transplantation group received more than 8 courses of induction and consolidation therapy with proteasome inhibitors or lenalidomide-based regimens. The therapeutic efficacy and survival outcomes of the patinets were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study, including 48 (45.7%) in transplantation group and 57 (54.3%) in non-transplantation group. The two groups were matched for gender, age and treatment response after 4 courses of induction therapy (P > 0.05). The rate of optimal response before relapse differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.000), and the patients receiving ASCT had significantly higher rates of complete response (85.4% vs 54.4%, P= 0.001) and very good partial response or better (95.8% vs 73.7%, P=0.002) than those without ASCT. At the end of follow-up, the median progression-free survival in the transplantation group was not reached, as compared with 29 months in the nontransplantation group (P=0.013). The median overall survival (OS) in the two groups was not reached, but the OS was better in the transplant group than in the non-transplant group (P=0.022).

CONCLUSION

ASCT can further improve the depth of remission and survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed MM receiving treatments with proteasome inhibitors and lenalidomide.

Observation of New Resonances Decaying to J/ψK^{+} and J/ψϕ

The first observation of exotic states with a new quark content cc[over ¯]us[over ¯] decaying to the J/ψK^{+} final state is reported with high significance from an amplitude analysis of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. The analysis is carried out using proton-proton collision data corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The most significant state, Z_{cs}(4000)^{+}, has a mass of 4003±6_{-14}^{+4}  MeV, a width of 131±15±26  MeV, and spin parity J^{P}=1^{+}, where the quoted uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. A new 1^{+}  X(4685) state decaying to the J/ψϕ final state is also observed with high significance. In addition, the four previously reported J/ψϕ states are confirmed and two more exotic states, Z_{cs}(4220)^{+} and X(4630), are observed with significance exceeding 5 standard deviations.

Roadmap Consensus on Carotid Artery Plaque Imaging and Impact on Therapy Strategies and Guidelines: An International, Multispecialty, Expert Review and Position Statement

Current guidelines for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in patients with carotid atherosclerosis are based on the quantification of the degree of stenosis and symptom status. Recent publications have demonstrated that plaque morphology and composition, independent of the degree of stenosis, are important in the risk stratification of carotid atherosclerotic disease. This finding raises the question as to whether current guidelines are adequate or if they should be updated with new evidence, including imaging for plaque phenotyping, risk stratification, and clinical decision-making in addition to the degree of stenosis. To further this discussion, this roadmap consensus article defines the limits of luminal imaging and highlights the current evidence supporting the role of plaque imaging. Furthermore, we identify gaps in current knowledge and suggest steps to generate high-quality evidence, to add relevant information to guidelines currently based on the quantification of stenosis.

[Analysis of factors influencing radiation-induced liver injury caused by stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the factors influencing radiation-induced liver injury after receiving Cyberknife stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: 278 cases with primary hepatocellular carcinoma from July 2016 to April 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Stereotactic radiosurgery with a prescription dose of 48-55gy/5-8 times were given. Liver function, coagulation function, Child-Pugh score, and liver imaging changes were dynamically observed before and after treatment to evaluate the occurrence of radiation-induced liver injury. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing radiation-induced liver injury. Results: Among 278 cases, 3 cases of tumor progression were excluded, and a total of 275 cases were included for analysis. The overall survival rate after 8 months of treatment was 100%. Among them, 22 cases were diagnosed as radiation-induced liver injury, with an incidence rate of 8%, and all cases were recovered after symptomatic treatment. Multivariate analysis result suggested that the peripheral white blood cell count was factors influencing the occurrence of radiation-induced liver injury. Conclusion: Cyberknife stereotactic radiotherapy has a low incidence of radiation-induced liver injury in patients with liver cancer, and it is a relatively safe treatment method. Patients with low peripheral white blood cell counts before treatment should be closely monitored for early detection and treatment.

[Research progress of hidden hearing loss in occupational health surveillance]

According to the research on the pathogenesis of the hidden hearing loss in recent years, the occurrence of the hidden hearing loss is earlier than the permanent hearing threshold shift. This paper reviews the risk factors of hidden hearing loss, the pathogenesis of noise-induced hidden hearing loss, and the detection methods of hidden hearing loss. To explore the significance of hidden hearing loss in occupational health surveillance, and to provide reference for hearing protection of workers exposed to noise and hearing loss early in the future.

Expression of miR-207 in renal tissue of renal fibrosis rats and its correlation analysis with protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to analyze the expression of miR-207 in renal tissue of renal fibrosis rats and its correlation with the protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat models with renal fibrosis were established via unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Then, the expression levels of miR-207, TGF-β1 and Smad3 in renal tissue of rats were intervened by over-expression vector miR-207 mimic, miR-207 inhibitor and TGF-β/Smad3 signal SIS3 free base, and the effect and mechanism of action of miR-207 on renal fibrosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

In UUO models established in this study, the expression levels of fibrosis related factors TGF-β1, Smad3, Smad2, α-SMA, BMP-7, MMP7 and MMP9 were elevated, and staining results showed that evident fibrosis occurred in renal tissue of rats. Moreover, we also found that the miR-207 expression increased in UUO model rats. After inhibiting miR-207 expression, their degree of renal fibrosis also reduced significantly, and the expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, Smad2, α-SMA, BMP-7, MMP7 and MMP9 were inhibited. Besides, miR-207 had a positive correlation with TGF-β1/Smad3 expression. We designed a group of rats, and found that while miR-207 expression was up-regulated, TGF-β1/Smad3 signals were inhibited, and compared with those with up-regulation of miR-207 expression, the severity of renal fibrosis reduced significantly, and the expression of other fibrosis indicators Smad2, α-SMA, BMP-7, MMP7 and MMP9 also reduced dramatically.

CONCLUSIONS

The miR-207 expression in renal tissue of rats with renal fibrosis increased, which was positively correlated with TGF-β1/Smad3, and miR-207 could promote the progression of renal fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signals.

Circular RNA circ-PRKCI promotes lung cancer progression by binding to microRNA-1324 to regulate MECP2 expression

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the expression and specific molecular mechanism of circ-PRKCI in lung cancer (LCa).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The relationship between the expression level of circ-PRKCI and the prognosis of patients was analyzed. The impacts of circ-PRKCI on the invasiveness of LCa cells were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments, clone formation experiments, and transwell invasion experiments. Subcellular localization of circ-PRKCI was determined through nuclear separation experiments. Downstream target genes that can bind to circ-PRKCI was predicted through bioinformatics analysis, and was then verified by Dual-Luciferase experiments, quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments, and Western blot experiments.

RESULTS

Circ-PRKCI level was remarkably elevated in LCa tumor tissues and cell lines. At the same time, highly expressed circ-PRKCI was correlated with the poor prognosis of LCa patients. In vitro cell experiments revealed that inhibition of circ-PRKCI in LCa cell lines remarkably inhibited cell invasiveness and proliferation. In addition, circ-PRKCI can compete with MECP2 to bind microRNA-1324 and thus affect the progression of LCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows for the first time that circ-PRKCI modulates the progression of LCa through microRNA-150-5p/MECP2 axis.

AB0639 EXOSOMES DERIVED FROM ENDOTHELIAL CELLS PREVENT OSTEOBLAST APOPTOSIS IN STEROID-INDUCED OSTEONECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD RAT MODEL VIA THE PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 SIGNAL PATHWAY

Background:

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common disease caused by many trauma factors and un-trauma factors. Among those un-trauma factors, steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SNFH) accounted for a large proportion and mainly concentrated in young people. SNFH has been reported as an irreversible disease and associated with the damage of blood vessels and the loss balance of bone homeostasis. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs), one part of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), are immature precursor cells with proliferative potential. The damage of vascular endothelial cells in SNFH has been confirmed by many studies, but the changes of CECs and CEPCs in the peripheral blood of patients with SNFH have not been studied yet.

Objectives:

The objective of the study is to explore the number of CECs and CEPCs in SNFH patients and normal people and then investigate whether EC-secreted exosomes (EC-exos) could prevent the progression of SNFH in rat model and its mechanism of action.

Methods:

We collect peripheral blood of 3 SNFH patients and 3 heathy people and detected the levels of CECs and CEPCs by Flow cytometer. TEM, NTA and western blot was used to characterize the isolated EC-exos. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining with flow cytometric analysis and western blot were used to evaluate MC3T3-E1 cells apoptosis. CCK-8, scratching experiment and transwell were used to evaluate MC3T3-E1 cells viability and migration ability. Micro-CT and morphological staining were used to evaluate the progress of SNFH in rat model.

Results:

Firstly, we found that the number of CECs and CEPCs in the peripheral blood was decreased in SNFH patients than normal people. Then our results indicated that EC-exos could improve the migration, viability and prevent apoptosis of osteoblasts under dexamethasone by activating the PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 signal pathway in vitro. Finally, our Micro-CT and morphological staining results in SNFH rat model revealed that EC-exos prevented the progression of SNFH.

Conclusion:

EC-exos could enhance the cell viability and migration ability of osteoblasts under dexamethasone and play an anti-apoptosis role against steroids-induced osteoblast apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 signal pathway. EC-exos prevented the progression of SNFH in rat model.

References:

[1]Zalavras CG, Lieberman JR. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: evaluation and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2014;22(7):455-64.

[2]Microsurgery Department of the Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor A, Group from the O, Bone Defect Branch of the Chinese Association of R, Reconstructive S, Microsurgery, Reconstructive Surgery Group of the Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical A. Chinese Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Adults. Orthop Surg. 2017;9(1):3-12.

[3]Mont MA, Jones LC, Hungerford DS. Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: ten years later. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(5):1117-32.

[4]Yuan HF, Zhang J, Guo CA, Yan ZQ. Clinical outcomes of osteonecrosis of the femoral head after autologous bone marrow stem cell implantation: a meta-analysis of seven case-control studies. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2016;71(2):110-3.

[5]Houdek MT, Wyles CC, Packard BD, Terzic A, Behfar A, Sierra RJ. Decreased Osteogenic Activity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Corticosteroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head. J Arthroplasty. 2016;31(4):893-8.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

[Research advances on the roles of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in wound healing and prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars]

Skin is an important defense barrier of human body and one of the most vulnerable organs. Wounds are the result of damage to the integrity of skin. Chronic wounds and hypertrophic scar formation are the results of abnormal wound healing, and are also the clinical problems those need to be resolved urgently in the field of wound repair. In recent years, researchers have found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote wound healing, improve wound healing quality, and reduce scar formation. The therapeutic effect of MSCs may be derived from the exosomes derived from them. This paper reviews the research advances of exosomes derived from MSCs in wound healing and prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars in recent years and looks up to the prospect for the clinical application.

[Preoperative treatment of uterine fibroids with low-dose mifepristone: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of oral mifepristone (10 mg/day) versus placebo in the preoperative treatment of uterine fibroids. Methods: This study was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo, parallel controlled trial. A total of 132 patients with uterine fibroids were randomly divided into study group and control group, with 66 cases in each group. The patients in the study group orally took 1 tablet/day of mifepristone (dose of 10 mg/tablet), the patients in the control group orally took 1 tablet/day of placebo, and both groups were treated for 3 months. The primary efficacy evaluation indicators were the change rate of maximum fibroid volume; the secondary efficacy evaluation indicators included amenorrhea rate, improvement of subjective symptoms and anemia; the safety evaluation indicators included the analysis of adverse events and changes in laboratory biochemical indicators. Results: At the end of treatment, the maximum leiomyoma volume was reduced by 25.97% (95%CI: -34.79%--15.95%) in the study group and reduced by 1.51% (95%CI: -13.03%-11.54%) in the control group. The change rate of the maximum leiomyoma volume before and after treatment in the study group was significantly greater than that in the control group, and the difference in the change rate of the maximum leiomyoma volume between the two groups was -24.84% (95%CI: -36.56%--10.94%), which was much higher than the 10% superiority threshold goal set by this study within the 95%CI interval. At the end of treatment, the complete amenorrhea rate [84% (52/62)], dysmenorrhea elimination rate [98% (61/62)], and menstrual blood loss disappearance rate [87% (54/62)] in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). At the end of treatment, the mean hemoglobin [(131±13) g/L], red blood cell count [(4.5±0.4)×10¹²/L] and hematocrit (0.39±0.03) in the study group were significantly increased compared with the baseline, and the differences had statistical significance (all P<0.05); after treatment, the differences in the above three indicators between the two groups had statistical significance (all P<0.01). The serum estradiol level in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the end of treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in follicle-stimulating hormone and cortisol levels before and after treatment between the two groups (P>0.05). The overall incidences of any adverse event were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Abdominal pain was the most common adverse event in the study group [9% (6/65)], but the incidence was not significantly increased compared with the control group [3% (2/64); P>0.05]. Conclusion: Compared with placebo, oral mifepristone 10 mg/day is significantly superior to placebo in reducing the size of uterine fibroids and improving anemia, without significant adverse reactions, and could be used as a drug treatment for patients with of uterine fibroids before surgery.

[Higher proportion of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma combined with metabolic diseases in patients receiving antiviral therapy]

Objective: To investigate the proportion of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who have received antiviral therapy and compare the clinical characteristics of HCC patients who have received antiviral therapy with those who have not received antiviral therapy. Methods: Data of 2590 newly diagnosed hepatitis B-related HCC cases who were hospitalized in Nanfang Hospital from 2015 to 2017 were collected. Two independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ(2) test were used to compare the clinical characteristics of hepatitis B-related HCC patients who had received antiviral therapy and those who had not received antiviral therapy. Propensity score was used to match some clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients, and the differences in clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients after matching were further compared. Patients with HCC who had not received antiviral therapy were used as reference, and then the clinical characteristics of HCC patients who had received antiviral treatment were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among the 2 590 patients with hepatitis B-related HCC, only 18.10% of patients had received antiviral therapy, while 82.20% of patients who did not receive antiviral therapy met the treatment criteria. HCC patients who had received antiviral therapy were older (P < 0.05), had a higher proportion of liver cirrhosis (P < 0.001), and lower levels of platelets and alanine aminotransferases and smaller maximum tumor diameter (P < 0.001). In terms of metabolic disease, patients who had received antiviral treatment had higher prevalence of diabetes (14.50% vs. 7.70%, P < 0.001), hypertension (16.60% vs. 11.20%, P < 0.05), obesity (28.50% vs. 22.30%, P < 0.05), overweight (53.80% vs. 43.50%, P < 0.001) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (18.30% vs.8.00%, P < 0.001). After matching other different clinical characteristics, the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients who received antiviral therapy was still higher than that of patients who did not receive antiviral therapy (14.50% vs. 9.80%, P < 0.05; 16.60% vs. 10.20%, P < 0.05; 18.30% vs. 7.00%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HCC patients who had received antiviral therapy had a higher risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (OR: 2.054, 95% CI: 1.404~3.004) than those who had not received antiviral therapy. Conclusion: Among patients with hepatitis B-related HCC, the proportion of patients who have received antiviral therapy is significantly low (under 20%), which suggests that the popularization and promotion of antiviral therapy has a long way to go. Compared with HCC patients who have not received antiviral therapy, the proportion of HCC patients who have received antiviral therapy combined with metabolic diseases is higher; therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to the role of metabolic factors in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B-related HCC.

[Effect of FVIII doses on joint structure and function in adolescents with severe hemophilia A: mid-term results of a prospective cohort study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical phenotype and changes in joint structure and function in adolescent patients with severe hemophilia A under different doses of FVIII.

OBJECTIVE

Forty- three adolescents with severe hemophilia A aged 4-18 years were divided into on-demand group (n=7), low-dose group (FVIII dose of 10-15 U/kg, 2-3 times a week, and ≤30 U/kg a week; n=17), and intermediate-dose group (FVIII dose of 15-20 U/kg, 2-3 times a week, and 45-60 U/kg a week (n=19). The 3 groups were compared for their clinical bleeding phenotype, annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR), annual the most severe joint bleeding rate, joint imaging scores (ultrasound HEAD-US score and IPSG MRI score), Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) within 24 months.

OBJECTIVE

Compared with that in on-demand group, the ABR was significantly reduced in the low- and intermediate-dose groups (P=0.004 and 0.000, respectively), and was reduced by 32.87% in the intermediate-dose group as compared with the low-dose group. The AJBR (P < 0.01) and annual the most severe joint bleeding rate (P < 0.05) also differed significantly among the 3 groups. The number of bleeding episodes increased progressively with time in the on-demand group, remained stable in the low- dose group, and tended to decrease in the intermediate-dose group. The imaging scores of the most severe joints showed lesion progression in all the 3 groups. The ultrasound scores, which increased steadily in the on-demand group, showed significantly lowered increment rates in the low- and intermediate-dose groups (P=0.002 and 0.000, respectively). The MRI scores showed also delayed increment in the low- and intermediate-dose groups as compared with the on-demand group (P=0.041 and 0.000, respectively), and the increment was accelerated in the on-demand and low-dose group but remained stable in the intermediate-dose group. The increment of the HJHS scores was significantly higher in the on-demand group than in the lowand intermediate-dose groups (P=0.003 and 0.000, respectively), and the scores increased at a steady rate in the on-demand group but tended to decrease in the latter two groups. The FISH score was decreased by 0.29±3.09 in the on-demand group but was increased significantly in the low- and intermediate-dose groups compared with the on-demand group (P=0.000).

OBJECTIVE

In Chinese adolescents with severe hemophilia A, low- and intermediate-dose FVIII prophylaxis, especially at the intermediate dose, is better than on- demand treatment for protecting joint structure and function.

Deposition of resistant bacteria and resistome through FMT in germ-free piglets

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has received considerable attention in recent years due to its remarkable efficacy in restoring a normal gut microbiome. Here, we established the groups of post-FMT recipient piglets using germ-free piglets during early life to characterize the colonization of gut microbiota composition and the enrichment of resistance gene acquisition. By metagenomic analysis, we identified 115 bacterial phyla and 2111 bacterial genera that were acquired by the FMT recipients. We found that early-life microbial colonization and the spread of resistomes in recipient piglets were age dependent. A total of 425, 425 and 358 AR genes primarily belonging to 114, 114 and 102 different types were detected in the donors, post-FMT recipients in the FMT-3D group and post-FMT recipients in the FMT-15D group respectively. Genes that encoded tetracycline, macrolide and chloramphenicol resistance proteins were the most dominant AR genes, and the results corresponded with the exposure of antibiotic consumption at farm. Bacteroides, Escherichia, Clostridium, Parabacteroides, Treponema, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were significantly correlated with the distribution of AR genes. More importantly, the relative abundance of AR genes was positively correlated with the levels of mobile genetic elements. Our results indicate that early-life microbial colonization can persistently shape the gut microbiota and antibiotic resistome.

[Sleep status associated with psychological and behavioral problems in adolescents and children]

Objective: To examine whether sleep status and social jet lag are related to the mental health behaviors in children and adolescents, providing a reference for preventing and improving children and adolescents' mental health behaviors. Methods: A large cross-section was conducted in Baoan District, Shenzhen, from April to May 2019. A total of 30 188 adolescents and children in grades 1-12 in 14 schools were included. The growth trajectory and health index questionnaire of primary and secondary school students were designed to evaluate the sleep status. Mental health behavior problems among students were accessed using the parents' and students' versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. After controlling for confounding factors of demographic variables, including gender, age, parental education level, academic performance, learning burden, and noise impact, a multivariate logistic regression model was used for statistical analyses. Results: The sleep duration of four grades students were 90.4％,90.1％, 98.2％, and 98.4％, respectively. 19.9％ did not have a post-lunch nap. 19.6％ had a wake-up delay of more than or equal to 2 h weekend morning. 35.1％ had an inconsistent bedtime and 15.5％ had an inconsistent awakening time. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that compared with 8-9 h, the sleep duration of elementary school juniors at night less than or equal to 7 h, 7-8 h increased the risk of psychological behavior problems. The sleep time more than 9 h was negatively correlated with psychological behavior problems. The sleep duration of elementary school seniors less than or equal to 7 h increased the risk of psychological behavior problems. The sleep duration of middle school and high school students less than or equal to 6 h increased psychological behavior problems. The ORs (95％CI) appeared as 2.53(1.85-3.47), 2.41(1.11-5.25), respectively. The ones with a sleep time more than 9 h also increased the risk, and ORs (95％CI) appeared as 2.37(1.40-4.01), 5.38 (1.79-16.1), respectively. Both the absence of post-lunch nap and the nap time less than 0.5 h were risk factors for psychological behavior problems in primary and middle school students. The nap time over 1-2 h was also a risk factor for high school students' psychological behavior problems. Waking up at irregular times in the morning, going to bed at varying times in the evening, and delaying getting up for more than or equal to 2 h on weekends were all risk factors for psychological and behavioral problems among primary and middle school students. The ORs (95％CI) of psychological behavior problems of elementary school juniors and seniors, middle school and high school students were 2.07 (1.45-2.97), 1.57 (1.09-2.26), 2.66 (2.06-3.44), 2.48 (1.96-3.15), respectively. Conclusions: Sleep duration, no post-lunch sleep, and daily intraindividual variability of sleep is positively associated with poor mental health. Additionally, social jet lag is associated with mental health problems in students. It is noted that delaying sleep within half an hour on the weekends of elementary school juniors is significantly associated with an increase in bad mental behavior.

The value of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging combined with detection of CA125 and HE4 in the diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical application value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT imaging combined with detection of serum tumor molecular markers (carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4)) in the diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data about 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and serum CA125 and HE4 of 69 ovarian cancer patients after the first cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical application value of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging combined with detection of CA125 and HE4 in the diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer was evaluated.

RESULTS

The 18F-FDG PET/CT images of recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer showed hypermetabolism. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, predictive positive value, and predictive negative value of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging for the diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer were 90.74%, 86.67%, 89.86%, 96.08%, and 72.22%, respectively; those of CA125 for the diagnosis of them were 77.78%, 86.67%, 79.71%, 95.45% and 52.00%, respectively, and those of HE4 for the diagnosis of them were 70.37%, 93.33%, 76.84%, 97.44%, and 48.39% respectively. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with detection of serum CA125 and HE4 for the diagnosis were 100.00% and 100.00%, respectively, significantly higher than those of separate 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, detection of serum CA125, and detection of serum HE4 (c2 = 5.243, 13.500, 18.783, p = 0.022, 0.000, 0.000; c2 = 4.000, 8.525, 9.864, p = 0.046, 0.004, 0.002), and the accuracy of the combination use of them was 95.65%, also significantly higher than that of separate CA125 and HE4 (c2 = 8.118, 10.315, p = 0.004, 0.001, both p < 0.01). Furthermore, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging for recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer focuses was significantly positively correlated with serum CA125 and HE4 levels (r = 0.596, p = 0.000; r = 0.431, p = 0.002), and the serum CA125 level was also significantly positively correlated with serum HE4 level in patients with recurrent or metastasized ovarian cancer (r = 0.198, p = 0.043,).

CONCLUSIONS

18F-FDG PET/CT imaging combined with detection of serum CA125 and HE4 can significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency to recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer and is conducive to the early diagnosis of the recurrence and metastasis, which provides a basis for further clinical intervention.

Angular Analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

We present an angular analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}(→K_{S}^{0}π^{+})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay using 9  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the full set of CP-averaged angular observables is measured in intervals of the dimuon invariant mass squared. Local deviations from standard model predictions are observed, similar to those in previous LHCb analyses of the isospin-partner B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay. The global tension is dependent on which effective couplings are considered and on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

[The relationship between migration time and the prevalence of myopia of children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old in Shenzhen]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between migration time and the prevalence of myopia of children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years old in Shenzhen. Methods: From April to May 2019, 26 618 children and adolescents from 14 schools in six streets of Baoan District, including Fuyong, Shajing, Xin'an, Xixiang, Songgang and Shiyan, were included in the study by using random cluster sampling method. The demographic characteristics, migration status, self-reported myopia, screen time in the last seven days, outdoor activities in the last one month and other information were collected through the questionnaire. The differences of myopia among children and adolescents with different characteristics were compared by χ² test, and the relationship between migration time and the prevalence of myopia was analyzed by multivariate unconditional logistic regression model. Results: The age of 26 618 study participants was (12.37±3.49) years old, and the overall prevalence of myopia was 49.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for relevant confounding factors, compared with migrant children and adolescents of migrant workers who migrated for 1-2 years, those of migrant workers who had migrated for more than 6 years had a higher risk of myopia [OR (95%CI): 1.48 (1.14-1.92)]. After being grouped by phase of school, in the lower grade group of primary school, the children and adolescents of migrant workers who had migrated for more than 6 years had a higher risk of myopia compared with those of migrant workers who migrated for 1-2 years [OR (95%CI): 1.96 (1.20-2.74)]. In the high school group, compared with the children and adolescents of migrant workers who migrated for 1-2 years, those of migrant workers who had migrated for 3-5 years and ≥6 years had a higher risk of myopia [OR (95%CI): 6.03 (1.29-28.15) and 6.52 (1.51-28.11), respectively]. Conclusion: The migration time is related to the prevalence of myopia of the children and adolescents of migrant workers.

Clinical and genetic spectrum of a Chinese cohort with SCN4A gene mutations

Skeletal muscle sodium channelopathies due to SCN4A gene mutations have a broad clinical spectrum. However, each phenotype has been reported in few cases of Chinese origin. We present detailed phenotype and genotype data from a cohort of 40 cases with SCN4A gene mutations seen in neuromuscular diagnostic service in Huashan hospital, Fudan University. Cases were referred from 6 independent provinces from 2010 to 2018. A questionnaire covering demographics, precipitating factors, episodes of paralysis and myotonia was designed to collect the clinical information. Electrodiagnostic studies and muscle MRI were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical spectrum of patients included: 6 Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (15%), 18 Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (45%), 7 sodium channel myotonia (17.5%), 4 paramyotonia congenita (10%) and 5 heterozygous asymptomatic mutation carriers (12.5%). Review of clinical information highlights a significant delay to diagnosis (median 15 years), reports of pain and myalgia in the majority of patients, male predominance, circadian rhythm and common precipitating factors. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed subclinical myotonic discharges and a positive long exercise test in asymptomatic carriers. Muscle MRI identified edema and fatty infiltration in gastrocnemius and soleus. A total of 13 reported and 2 novel SCN4A mutations were identified with most variants distributed in the transmembrane helix S4 to S6, with a hotspot mutation p.Arg675Gln accounting for 32.5% (13/40) of the cohort. Our study revealed a higher proportion of periodic paralysis in SCN4A-mutated patients compared with cohorts from England and the Netherlands. It also highlights the importance of electrodiagnostic studies in diagnosis and segregation studies.

Protective effects of zingerone on high cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis through lipid regulatory signaling pathway

AIM

A high cholesterol diet (HCD) is known to cause metabolic dysregulation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases and atherogenesis. Zingerone is a pharmacologically active component of dry ginger. Zingerone has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological properties, including scavenging free radicals, high antioxidant activity, suppressing lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Zingerone on HCD-induced atherosclerosis in rats.

METHODS

Animals were divided into four categories (n = 6). Group I: normal control, Group II: zingerone control (20 mg/kg b.wt.), group III: HCD-induced atherosclerosis, Group IV: HCD + zingerone, respectively, for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The HCD-fed rats resulted in a significant increase in an atherosclerotic lesion, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, high-density lipoprotein concentration, cardiac markers, body weight, reduced antioxidant status, and displayed atherosclerosis. These findings were conventional by up-regulated expression of lipid regulatory genes like sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein-c (SREBP-c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), liver X receptor-alpha (LXR-α), and down-regulated expression of acetyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) in HCD-fed rats. These significant changes were observed in the zingerone-treated rats for the last 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that zingerone reduced atherosclerosis by modulated the atherosclerotic lesion, lipid profile, antioxidant status and lipid regulatory gene expression in HCD-fed rats.

MiR-224-5p targets EGR2 to promote the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Various microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the role of miR-224-5p in PTC progression remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to illuminate the function of miR-224-5p in PTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression of miR-224-5p and EGR2 was examined in PTC by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blot analysis was used to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The relationship between miR-224-5p and EGR2 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase assay.

RESULTS

Upregulation of miR-224-5p and downregulation of EGR2 expression were detected in PTC tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR-224-5p was found to be associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, it also predicted poor prognosis in PTC patients. Functionally, upregulation of miR-224-5p promoted cell metastasis and EMT in PTC. In addition, miR-224-5p was detected to directly target EGR2. EGR2 expression was negatively correlated with EGR2 expression in PTC. Of note, overexpression of EGR2 attenuated the carcinogenic effects of miR-224-5p in PTC.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-224-5p promotes cell migration, invasion, and EMT in PTC by targeting EGR2.

Acellular bovine pericardium matrix in immediate breast reconstruction compared with conventional implant-based breast reconstruction

Background

Acellular Bovine Pericardium Matrix (ABPM) is a new material in implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR). Few studies have reported on its outcome and complications worldwide and most studies were without a control group. Our aim was to compare its use in IBBR with the other two conventional implant-based reconstruction methods.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing IBBR from January to December 2018 was performed. Patients were assigned to the ABPM-assisted IBBR (group A), latissimus dorsi-assisted IBBR (group B) and two-stage IBBR (group C). Patients’ post-operative complications, cost-effectiveness and Quality of Life were compared.

Results

100 patients with 100 breasts were included in the study. No complications occurred in group C (n = 11). No significant differences were noted between group A (n = 44) and group B (n = 45) in terms of overall complications (9.1% vs 11.1%, p = 0.973). Group B had the longest operative duration (310.8 ± 62.3 min, p<0.001). The cost of hospitalization forthe three groups was $8051.3 ± 849.2, $7566.0 ± 1172.7 and $7896.5 ± 1762.2, respectively (p = 0.128). The postoperative Breast-Q scores  were similar across the three groups.

Conclusions

ABPM demonstrated acceptable complication rates, cost-effectiveness and quality of life outcomes when compared to LD-assisted IBBR and two-stage IBBR.

Observation of a New Excited D_{s}^{+} Meson in B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} Decays

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, the B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} decay is studied. A new excited D_{s}^{+} meson is observed decaying into the D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} final state with large statistical significance. The pole mass and width, and the spin parity of the new state are measured with an amplitude analysis to be m_{R}=2591±6±7  MeV, Γ_{R}=89±16±12  MeV, and J^{P}=0^{-}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Fit fractions for all components in the amplitude analysis are also reported. The new resonance, denoted as D_{s0}(2590)^{+}, is a strong candidate to be the D_{s}(2^{1}S_{0})^{+} state, the radial excitation of the pseudoscalar ground-state D_{s}^{+} meson.

Long noncoding RNA ILF3-AS1 regulates myocardial infarction via the miR-212-3p/SIRT1 axis and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiac disease due to its high incidence and mortality worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play an essential role in the pathological progress of various cardiovascular diseases. ILF3-AS1 is a newly identified lncRNA, and many studies have demonstrated that ILF3-AS1 affects the development of various malignancies. However, the biological function of ILF3-AS1 and its underlying mechanism in MI are still unknown. In the present study, the function of ILF3-AS1 and the possible mechanisms against hypoxia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H9c2 cells were exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) to mimic the in vitro model of MI. The levels of lncRNA ILF3-AS1 and microRNA miR-212-3p were measured by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Transfection was performed to upregulate the levels of ILF3-AS1 and miR-212-3p. Western blot assays were carried out to measure protein expression. The relationship between ILF3-AS1 and miR-212-3p was verified by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We found that ILF3-AS1 was downregulated by hypoxia. Overexpression of ILF3-AS1 resulted in the relief of hypoxia-induced damage to H9c2 cells by rescuing cell viability, migration, and invasion and suppressing apoptosis, while downregulation of ILF3-AS1 had the opposite effects. Moreover, ILF3-AS1 could negatively regulate miR-212-3p expression, and upregulation of ILF3-AS1 could alleviate hypoxic injury via downregulation of miR-212-3p. Moreover, miR-212-3p negatively regulated SIRT1 expression. Further investigations revealed that ILF3-AS1 activated PI3K/Akt signaling and that application of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 could abrogate the protective effects of ILF3-AS1 against hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we concluded that ILF3-AS1 provides protection against hypoxia-induced injury via the PI3K/Akt pathway, which may provide clues for the treatment of patients with MI.

Potential probiotics Lactobacillus casei K11 combined with plant extracts reduce markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice

AIMS

Probiotics and plant extracts have been used to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study aimed to explore the effect of the interaction between potential probiotics and bitter gourd extract (BGE) or mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on T2DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Potential probiotics were tested for their gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation combined with BGE and MLE in vitro. The diabetes model was constructed in C57BL/6 mice, and the potential effect and mechanism of regulating blood glucose were verified. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), gas chromatography (GC), ELISA, and RT-PCR were also used for analysis. The results showed that Lactobacillus casei K11 had outstanding gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation with plant extracts. Administration of L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly reduced blood glucose levels and ameliorated insulin resistance in diabetic mice than the administration of Lactobacillus paracasei J5 combined with BGE and MLE. Moreover, in L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE groups, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were regulated. Furthermore, the results indicated that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE improved free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) upregulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE modified the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to improve T2DM.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study identified a new modality for evaluating interactions between potential probiotics and plant extracts. Our findings revealed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly promoted the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to inhibit T2DM.

Observation of Multiplicity Dependent Prompt χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) Production in pp Collisions

The production of χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) hadrons is studied as a function of charged particle multiplicity in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2  fb^{-1}. For both states, the fraction that is produced promptly at the collision vertex is found to decrease as charged particle multiplicity increases. The ratio of χ_{c1}(3872) to ψ(2S) cross sections for promptly produced particles is also found to decrease with multiplicity, while no significant dependence on multiplicity is observed for the equivalent ratio of particles produced away from the collision vertex in b-hadron decays. This behavior is consistent with a calculation that models the χ_{c1}(3872) structure as a compact tetraquark. Comparisons with model calculations and implications for the binding energy of the χ_{c1}(3872) state are discussed.

Measurement of CP Violation in the Decay B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0}

A measurement of CP violation in the decay B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0} is reported using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV. The CP asymmetry is measured to be 0.025±0.015±0.006±0.003, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to an external input. This is the most precise measurement of this quantity. It confirms and significantly enhances the observed anomalous difference between the direct CP asymmetries of the B^{0}→K^{+}π^{-} and B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0} decays, known as the Kπ puzzle.

The safety and efficacy of Cyberknife® for thymic malignancy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cyberknife® (CK) for the treatment of primary or recurring thymic tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients (16 tumour lesions) with primary or recurring thymic tumours who were treated with CK between March 2008 and October 2017. Their data was stored in prospectively collected database. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival curves.

RESULTS

Five patients (41.7%), who had inoperable disease or refused surgery, were treated with CK initially, and 7 patients (58.3%) were treated with CK when they had recurrence diseases. The disease sites treated with CK were primary tumour site (5), regional lymph nodes (4), tumour bed (3), chest wall (2), pleura (1), and bone (1). The median target volume was 43.8 cm³ (range, 13.1-302.5cm³) for the 16 tumour lesions. The median follow-up time was 69.3 months (range, 9.7-124.8 months). The median survival time was 48.2 months, and the 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 68.2% and 45.5%, respectively. A high response rate for the tumour lesions irradiated with CK was obtained. Only one patient (8%) experienced in-field recurrence, and the 5-year local recurrence free survival was 90.9%. A case indicated that CK may induce the abscopal effect, which provides the potential to combine CK and immunotherapy. No severe radiation related toxicities were observed, and no treatment related death occurred.

CONCLUSION

CK treatment resulted in good outcomes, particularly local control, with minimal side effects, in highly selected patients with primary and recurring thymic tumours. More studies with larger sample are needed.