Observation of the Decay X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1}(1P)

Using a total of 9.0  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV collected by the BESIII detector, we search for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{cJ} for J=0, 1, 2. We report the first observation of X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1}, a new decay mode of the X(3872), with a statistical significance of more than 5σ for all systematic fit variations. Normalizing to the previously established process e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ, we find B(X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1})/B(X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ)=0.88_{-0.27}^{+0.33}±0.10, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the corresponding ratios for the decays to π^{0}χ_{c0} and π^{0}χ_{c2} of 19 and 1.1, respectively.

A test method for evaluating the thermal environment of underground coal mine refuge alternatives

Since 2009, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has required mines to install refuge alternatives (RAs) in underground coal mines. One of the biggest concerns with occupied RAs is the possible severity of the resulting thermal environment. In 30 CFR 7.504, the maximum allowable apparent temperature (AT) for an occupied RA is specified as 35 °C (95 °F). Manufacturers must conduct heat/humidity tests to demonstrate that their RAs meet the 35 °C (95 °F) AT limit. For these tests, heat input devices are used to input the metabolic heat of actual miners. A wide variety of test methods, sensors, and heat input devices could be used when conducting such tests. Since 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted over thirty 96-hour heat/humidity tests on four different RAs. This paper discusses the test equipment and procedures used during these investigations. This information is useful for RA manufacturers conducting RA heat/humidity tests, for other researchers investigating RA heat/humidity buildup, and for those who need to assess the thermal environment of any confined space where people may be trapped or are seeking refuge.

Arotinoid trometamol inhibits arsenic trioxide-stimulated keratinocyte proliferation via the Wnt, Shh, and bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways

Arsenic acts as a human carcinogen and contributes to skin cancer via mechanisms that remain largely unknown. Recent evidence implicates the perturbation of Wnt, Shh and BMP signals as a potential mechanism. We initiated studies to examine gene expression changes in these signaling pathways. Meanwhile, the antagonistic effect of retinoic acid was explored. In this study, HaCaT and NHEK cells were treated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3) alone or in combination with arotinoid trometamol (retinoic acid receptor agonist). Flow cytometric analysis, PCR array and Western blot were used to determine the potential mechanism and signaling pathways associated with arsenic carcinogenesis. The results showed that low concentration As2O3 could stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, and arotinoid trometamol inhibited the process via regulating the expression of about 20 genes. These genes included components of Wnt signaling (CSNK1A1L, CTNNB1, SFRP1, Wnt10B, Wnt11, Wnt16, Wnt5A, Wnt8A), Shh signaling (C6orf138, HHIP, PTCHD1) and BMP signaling pathway (BMP2, BMP7). The changes of some differentially expressed genes of these signaling pathways in As2O3 treatment group were counteracted by the subsequent arotinoid trometamol treatment. Our data suggest that dysregulation and cross-talk of Wnt, Shh and BMP signals play great roles in the process of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, which could be antagonized by arotinoid trometamol.

Precision Measurement of the Branching Fractions of η^{'} Decays

Based on a sample of (1310.6±7.0)×10^{6}J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, we present measurements of J/ψ and η^{'} absolute branching fractions using the process J/ψ→γη^{'}. By analyzing events where the radiative photon converts into an e^{+}e^{-} pair, the branching fraction for J/ψ→γη^{'} is measured to be (5.27±0.03±0.05)×10^{-3}. The absolute branching fractions of the five dominant decay channels of the η^{'} are then measured for the first time and are determined to be B(η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-})=(29.90±0.03±0.55)%, B(η^{'}→ηπ^{+}π^{-})=(41.24±0.08±1.24)%, B(η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0})=(21.36±0.10±0.92)%, B(η^{'}→γω)=(2.489±0.018±0.074)%, and B(η^{'}→γγ)=(2.331±0.012±0.035)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.

[Correlation between serum HBV DNA level and HBsAg titer in HBeAg-positive pregnant women and impact of genomic variability of hepatitis B virus pre S/S regions on their correlations]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between serum HBV DNA level and HBsAg titer in hepatitis B e antigen positive pregnant women without antiviral therapy, and investigate the impact of genomic variability of preS/S regions on their correlations. Methods: Prenatal serum samples from 882 pregnant women with chronic HBV infection who were positive for HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA and were not on antiviral therapy were included in the analysis. The Abbott i2000 and m2000 systems were used to qualitatively or quantitatively detect HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels, respectively. HBV genotyping was performed using a type-specific primer nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). In addition, serum samples of pregnant women with HBV DNA levels correlated with HBsAg titer and HBV DNA levels higher than HBsAg titers were used to perform preS/S region amplification by nPCR method. PCR products were directly sequenced and mutation sites were analyzed by MEGA6.0 stasticial software. Mann-Whitney U test was used for the measurement data, and 2-test test for count data. Correlations between variables were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Serum HBsAg titer of HBeAg-positive pregnant women was positively correlated with HBV DNA level (r = 0.754, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, mutation sites A60V (100% vs. 15.38%, χ(2) = 7.61, P < 0.01), V90A (100% vs. 30.77%, χ(2) = 4.43, P < 0.05) and I161T of HBV preS/S region (80.00% vs. 0, χ(2) = 9.14, P < 0.01) showed a significant decrease in HBsAg titer. Conclusion: Serum HBV DNA levels were positively correlated with HBsAg titer in HBeAg-positive pregnant women. Therefore, serum HBsAg titer may be used as a surrogate marker of serum HBV DNA. Single or multiple amino acid mutations sites A60V, V90A, and I161T in preS/S region may be one of the reasons that lead to a significant drop in HBsAg titer and affect its correlation with HBV DNA levels.

Measurement of the Dynamics of the Decays D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.19  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fractions B_{D_{s}^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}=(2.323±0.063_{stat}±0.063_{syst})% and B_{D_{s}^{+}→η^{'}e^{+}ν_{e}}=(0.824±0.073_{stat}±0.027_{syst})% via a tagged analysis technique, where one D_{s} is fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode. Combining these measurements with previous BESIII measurements of B_{D^{+}→η^{(')}e^{+}ν_{e}}, the η-η^{'} mixing angle in the quark flavor basis is determined to be ϕ_{P}=(40.1±2.1_{stat}±0.7_{syst})°. From the first measurements of the dynamics of D_{s}^{+}→η^{(')}e^{+}ν_{e} decays, the products of the hadronic form factors f_{+}^{η^{(')}}(0) and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| are determined with different form factor parametrizations. For the two-parameter series expansion, the results are f_{+}^{η}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.4455±0.0053_{stat}±0.0044_{syst} and f_{+}^{η^{'}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.477±0.049_{stat}±0.011_{syst}.

[Female reproductive system dysplasia: a clinical study of 924 cases]

Objective: To explore the relationship between different types of female reproductive system dysplasia and age of visit, clinical manifestations, common types of combined malformations and endometriosis. Methods: The patient's medical records in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2002 to June 2016 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among 924 cases of genital tract dysplasia, uterine dysplasia (65.3%, 824/1 261) was the most common, followed by vaginal dysplasia (28.3%, 357/1 261), hymen atresia and urogenital fistula (3.7%, 47/1 261), and cervical dysplasia (2.6%, 33/1 261). (1) The youngest age was in patients with hymen atresia and urogenital fistula, with a median of 14.5 years old, while the older age were in patients with uterine, vaginal and cervical dysplasia, with median age of 25.0, 24.0 and 23.0 years old, respectively. (2) The clinical manifestations were lack of specificity, mainly abnormal findings of physical examination or accessory examination, primary amenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, infertility, adverse pregnancy history. (3) About other systemic malformations, urological malformations were the most common (4.8%, 44/924), followed by spinal malformations (0.5%, 5/924), inguinal hernia (0.4%, 4/924), heart malformations (0.2%, 2/924), cleft lip and palate (0.2%, 2/924). Oblique vaginal septal syndrome and MRKH syndrome were the most likely to be associated with other system malformations. (4) About combination with endometriosis, there was no significant difference between obstructive genital tract malformations (2.3%, 9/385) and non obstructive genital tract malformations (1.7%, 9/539; P=0.469). Conclusions: Female reproductive system dysplasia is the most common in uterine dysplasia, followed by vaginal dysplasia, hymen atresia and urogenital fistula, and cervical dysplasia. The age of visit is generally older, often found by abnormal findings of physical examination or accessory examination, primary amenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, infertility, adverse pregnancy history;and could be combined with a variety of other system malformations, most seen by urinary system malformations,there is also the risk of endometriosis.

Evidence of a Resonant Structure in the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}D^{0}D^{*-} Cross Section between 4.05 and 4.60 GeV

The cross section of the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}D^{0}D^{*-} for center-of-mass energies from 4.05 to 4.60 GeV is measured precisely using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two enhancements are clearly visible in the cross section around 4.23 and 4.40 GeV. Using several models to describe the dressed cross section yields stable parameters for the first enhancement, which has a mass of 4228.6±4.1±6.3  MeV/c^{2} and a width of 77.0±6.8±6.3  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. Our resonant mass is consistent with previous observations of the Y(4220) state and the theoretical prediction of a DD[over ¯]_{1}(2420) molecule. This result is the first observation of Y(4220) associated with an open-charm final state. Fits with three resonance functions with additional Y(4260), Y(4320), Y(4360), ψ(4415), or a new resonance do not show significant contributions from either of these resonances. The second enhancement is not from a single known resonance. It could contain contributions from ψ(4415) and other resonances, and a detailed amplitude analysis is required to better understand this enhancement.

Determination of the Pseudoscalar Decay Constant f_{D_{s}^{+}} via D_{s}^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ}

Using a 3.19  fb^{-1} data sample collected at an e^{+}e^{-} center-of-mass energy of E_{cm}=4.178  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of the leptonic decay D_{s}^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ} to be B_{D_{s}^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(5.49±0.16_{stat}±0.15_{syst})×10^{-3}. Combining our branching fraction with the masses of the D_{s}^{+} and μ^{+} and the lifetime of the D_{s}^{+}, we determine f_{D_{s}^{+}}|V_{cs}|=246.2±3.6_{stat}±3.5_{syst}  MeV. Using the c→s quark mixing matrix element |V_{cs}| determined from a global standard model fit, we evaluate the D_{s}^{+} decay constant f_{D_{s}^{+}}=252.9±3.7_{stat}±3.6_{syst}  MeV. Alternatively, using the value of f_{D_{s}^{+}} calculated by lattice quantum chromodynamics, we find |V_{cs}|=0.985±0.014_{stat}±0.014_{syst}. These values of B_{D_{s}^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ}}, f_{D_{s}^{+}}|V_{cs}|, f_{D_{s}^{+}} and |V_{cs}| are each the most precise results to date.

Abstract P4-06-05: PanCancer profiling reveals population difference in breast cancer immune microenvironment

BACKGROUND. Breast Cancer (BC) outcome in patients (pts) of African ancestry (AA) is worse than pts of European ancestry (EA) despite accounting for socioeconomic status and access. AA have higher hormone receptor negative (HR-) and Triple Negative (TNBC) tumors, subtypes associated with stronger presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We hypothesize that BC Immune Microenvironment (IME) composition differs by ancestry, and describe IME from two independent datasets.

METHODS. Transcriptome data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (Group 1, Gp1) were used to estimate 22 IME cell types in BC samples by CIBERSORT. Clinical and overall survival (OS) data were accessed from XENA. Gp2 tissue samples were obtained from Women's Circle of Health study and Pathology Resource Network at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and processed using NanoString™ PanCancer Immune Profiling panel, consisting of 770 immunity-related genes describing 24 IME cell types. Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores were derived from an algorithm by Jiang et al.

RESULTS. Gp1 consisted of 183 AA and 752 EA, with median age older in EA (54.5 vs 59). On CIBERSORT IME analysis by race, AA had higher IME infiltrates including macrophages (Mp), dendritic cells (DC) and TILs; notably T regulatory (Treg) and T Follicular Helper (Tfh) cells. The ratios of Tregs and Tfh to total TILs were also elevated. When stratified by subtypes, AAs with TNBC/Basal-like BC had higher Tregs and Tfh cells. CD8+ cells were higher in HR+ and high-grade AA pts only. CD4+/total T-cells was higher in AA across all subtypes, and predicted worse OS (HR 3.15[1.07-9.2]). Gp2 had 190 AA and 177 EA with comparable median age at diagnosis (53 versus 54) and tumor grade. By subtype, TNBC had significantly higher total TILs, CD45+, CD8+, exhausted CD8+, Treg, cytotoxic T cells, B, natural killer (NK), activated NK, DC and Mp; yet significantly lower mast cells and neutrophils (p &lt;0.01). CD8+/Exhausted CD8+ and CD8+/Treg ratios were lower in TNBC and higher-grade tumors, and lowest in HR- grade III. Most of immune pathways were enriched in HR- tumors, with only exception being cell cycle genes being remarkably enriched in HR+ tissues (p &lt;0.01). TIDE demonstrated high immune dysfunction in HR- and high exclusion in HR+ tumors. When compared to EA, AA had more TILs, including B, cytotoxic T-cells, exhausted CD8+, NK, activated NK and Tregs (p &lt;0.01). Neutrophils, Mp and CD8+ were higher in EA. EA also had significantly higher ratio of immune cell types to total TILs across cytotoxic, exhausted CD8+ and Tregs, as well as persistent higher neutrophils, Mp and CD8+ ratios. CD8+/Treg ratio was higher in EA. Consistent with Gp1; CD4+/total T-cell ratio was higher in AA across all subtypes.

CONCLUSION. IME differed significantly by HR, grade and ancestry. Aggressive BC demonstrated stronger overall immune response but dysfunctional IME phenotype (higher Treg, lower granulocytes and mast cells ratios). AA had more TILs across all subtypes, but lower ratios of activator (CD8+, Cytotoxic) to suppressor TILs (Treg, exhausted CD8+), demonstrating immune tolerance and immune-desert model, exception being persistently high fraction of CD4+ ratio predicting worse OS.

Citation Format: Elkhanany A, Takabe K, Khoury T, Omilian A, Cheng D, Katsuta E, Davis W, Yan L, Hong C-C, Bandera E, Ambrosone C, Yao S. PanCancer profiling reveals population difference in breast cancer immune microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-05.

Abstract P1-09-09: Octogenerian breast cancer was associated with higher infiltration of M2 macrophages and tregs and worse disease free survival

Backgrounds: It is known that elderly patients have worse prognosis of breast cancer and commonly the blame is on their medical comorbidities and access to care. We question this dogma and hypothesized that extreme elderly (octogenerians over 80 years old) have biologically worse cancer that can be defined by mutation load, tumor heterogeneity, and its tumor immune microenvironment.

Patients and Methods: Two groups; Control (patients aged 40-65), and octogenerians (age over 80) at the time of breast cancer diagnosis were compared in The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA; n=1093) and the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC; n=2506) cohorts. Cytolytic activity score (CYT), CIBERSORT analysis, tumor mutation load, as well as mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) score were conducted as previously published.

Results: The total number of patients in the control group and octogenarians were 675 and 54 in TCGA, and 1001 and 121 in METABRIC, respectively. Octogenerians had significantly worse disease free survival in addition to overall survival in both cohorts (p&lt;0.01 in both), which suggested that they had worse cancer biology. In terms of subtypes, octogenerians had significantly higher rate of ER positive cancers than control group in both cohorts (75.3% vs 87.0%, p&lt;0.01 in TCGA, 72.9% vs 90.0%, p&lt;0.01 in METABRIC), but there was no significant deference in PgR or Her2 positivity. With regard of PAM50 classification, luminal-A and B subtypes were significantly higher in octogenarians (44.6% vs 34.7%, 31.4% vs 20.5%, respectively, p&lt;0.01), whereas basal (7.4% vs 11.2%) and claudin-low (2.5% vs 11.8%) subtypes were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in octogenarians in METBRIC cohort. Given that octogenerians had subtype with favorable prognosis, we examined whether they had higher mutation load or heterogeneity of the tumor. There were no significant difference in tumor mutation load and MATH score that reflect tumor heterogeneity in both cohorts. On the other hand, breast tumors of octogenerians were significantly associated with immune-suppressive cells, such as M2 type macrophages and regulatory T cells in both cohorts (p&lt;0.05), whereas they were negatively associated with immune- eliminating cells, such as activated memory CD4 T-cells and M1 type of macrophages in METABRIC cohort (p&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in CYT in TCGA cohort.

Conclusion: Our result demonstrated that octogenerians breast tumors were infiltrated with more immune-suppressive cells that may contribute to their biologically worse behavior.

Citation Format: Okano M, Elkhanany A, Qi Q, Yan L, Takabe K. Octogenerian breast cancer was associated with higher infiltration of M2 macrophages and tregs and worse disease free survival [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-09.

Abstract P2-02-04: CD73 expression regulated by estrogen signaling associates with poor prognosis in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer

Introduction: CD73, a cell surface enzyme, catalyzes the generation of adenosine from ATP and ADP in the tumor microenvironment along with CD39. Accumulated extracellular adenosine functions as immune-suppressor, and also binds to adenosine receptors which promotes angiogenesis and cell proliferation that results in accelerate cancer progression. However, the clinical significance and molecular function of CD73 expression in breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods: Utilizing publicly available breast cancer cohorts of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), clinical significance as well as underlying mechanisms were investigated. Molecular experiments were carried out in MCF7 cells, ER-positive breast cancer cell line, to investigate the role of estrogen signaling on CD73/CD39 expression.

Results: In treatment naïve TCGA cohort, CD73 expression level was significantly lower in ER-positive breast cancers compared to ER-negative tumors. Higher CD73 expression was associated with worse overall survival in whole cohort (p=0.021) and ER-positive tumors (p=0.003), but not in ER-negative tumors. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that estrogen response gene sets (Early; NES=-1.57, p=0.043, Late; NES=-1.61, p=0.021) were significantly enriched in CD73 low expressing ER-positive tumors, suggesting estrogen signaling may repress CD73 expression. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the expression of CD73 and CD39 in MCF7 cells treated with estrogen, tamoxifen or both. Our data revealed that estrogen treatment suppressed CD73 and CD39 expression, whereas tamoxifen treatment enhanced expression of the genes. These findings suggest that CD73 and CD39 gene expression is suppressed by estrogen signaling, whereas binding of ER antagonists such as tamoxifen can remove the repressive effect on gene expression. On the other hand, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (Normalized Enrichment Score; NES=2.41, p&lt;0.001) and angiogenesis (NES=2.33, p&lt;0.001) gene sets were significantly enriched in CD73 high expressing ER-positive tumors. CIBERSORT, which is an algorithm to estimate infiltrating immune cells by gene expression, demonstrated that CD73 high expressing ER-positive tumors have less infiltrating CD8-positive T cells, memory B cells and plasma cells, implying that CD73 high expressing tumors have immune suppressive environment, which is in agreement with the notion that CD73 high tumors are immunosuppressive. Finally, we found that CD73 expression was significantly elevated post-chemotherapy compared to tumors prior to the treatment (p=0.007), and CD73 high expression patients showed worse relapse-free survival in neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients cohort (p=0.003).

Conclusion: Molecular studies revealed that CD73 expression is regulated by estrogen signaling. Increased expression of CD73 significantly correlates with worse outcomes in ER-positive breast cancer patients. This may be due to upregulated pro-metastatic gene signatures such as EMT and angiogenesis as well as less infiltration of anti-cancer immune cells by adenosine generated by CD73 in the tumor microenvironment. Our data reveals an intriguing mechanism which may be responsible for recurrence and metastasis of ER-positive breast cancer.

Citation Format: Katsuta E, Anand V, Yan L, Dasgupta S, Takabe K. CD73 expression regulated by estrogen signaling associates with poor prognosis in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-04.

Abstract P2-01-19: Sphingosine-1-phosphate affects tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer patients

Background: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are considered to be one of the key players in the tumor microenvironment, which regulates cancer invasion and metastases. TAMs can be divided into two phenotypes with opposite functions. While M1 macrophages are known to exert anti-tumor activity by promoting pro-inflammatory effects and immune responses such as intereukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), M2 macrophages influence an anti-inflammatory response, wound healing, and pro-tumorigenic properties. A bioactive lipid mediator, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has emerged as a key regulatory molecule in cancer progression. We previously demonstrated that S1P generated by sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), is a crucial mediator of breast cancer-induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and promotes its metastasis. In particular, we found that SPHK1 is highly expressed in HER2 negative breast cancer, and the patients who developed lymph node metastasis demonstrated significantly higher levels of S1P (J Surg Res 2016). Although we have previously reported the role of S1P in recruitment of TAMs in vivo (Cancer Res 2018), its relevance in patients is yet to be uncovered. Here, we test our hypothesis that S1P signaling affects TAMs in human patients with breast cancer.

Materials and Methods: The expression level of each enzyme-encoding gene involved in S1P production was evaluated by retrieving RNA sequencing and gene expression quantification data using the Genomics Data Commons (GDC) data portal of the The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Gene expression levels were derived using normalization methods provided in the DESeq2 package. We compared the difference in expression levels of tumor associated macrophage related genes, including CD68, CD163, IL-6, andTNF-α between SPHK1-high breast tissue, and SPHK1-low breast tissue in the group of HER2 negative or positive patients. Unpaired t-tests were performed to compare expression differences between SPHK1-high and SPHK1-low breast tissue. All tests were two-sided and P values &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: CD68, pan-macrophage marker, is significantly increased in SPHK1-high breast cancer tissues both in HER2 negative and positive breast cancer patients (p=&lt;0.001, &lt;0.01). CD163 which is a scavenger receptor that is regarded as highly specific for M2 macrophages is significantly increased in SPHK1-high breast cancer tissues in HER2 negative breast cancer patients, but not in HER2 positive breast cancer patients (p=&lt;0.001, 0.2). IL-6, which characterize M1 phenotype is significantly increased in SPHK1-high breast cancer tissues both in HER2 negative and positive breast cancer patients (p=&lt;0.001, &lt;0.001). TNF-α, which also characterizes M1 phenotype, is significantly increased in SPHK1-high breast cancer tissues in HER2 negative breast cancer patients, but not in HER2 positive breast cancer patients (p=&lt;0.001, 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that S1P affects TAMs in breast cancer patients, which implicate the important roles of S1P in the complicated immune system related to tumor progression. Our results also indicate that S1P have a large role in HER2 negative breast cancer patients. Further investigations are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Citation Format: Tsuchida J, Nagahashi M, Moro K, Ikarashi M, Koyama Y, Sakata J, Kobayashi T, Kameyama H, Qi Q, Yan L, Takabe K, Wakai T. Sphingosine-1-phosphate affects tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-19.

Abstract P3-06-15: Young breast cancer patients demonstrate worse survival associated with aggressive oncogene expression but not with mutation load, tumor heterogeneity or pro-tumor immune cell infiltrations

INTRODUCTION: Young breast cancer patients have more aggressive subtypes and higher mortality rates. This study investigates the biologic, immunologic, and oncogenic differences between Young (≤40 yo) and Non-Young (&gt;40 yo) patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=1095) and the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC; n=1894) were used for analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed on breast cancer patients in TCGA. We calculated mutation load using both TCGA and METABRIC. We also calculated the Cytolytic Activity Score (CYT), Mutant-Allele Tumor Heterogeneity (MATH), T-Cell Receptor (TCR)-Richness, and Ki67 mRNA expression in TCGA.

RESULTS: There were 97 and 116 Young patients and 994 and 1788 Non-Young patients in the TCGA and METABRIC databases respectively. Young patients had a lower DFS (p=0.012) in TCGA. Young patients had a lower DSS (p&lt;0.001) in METABRIC. There were less Stage I (13.5% vs 17.3%) and II (54.2% vs 58.3%) patients and more Stage III (31.2% vs 22.4%) patients in the Young group. There were more basal-like subtypes in the Young in TCGA (17.8% vs 16.1%) and METABRIC (28.4% vs 9.3%). Mutation load in TCGA was lower in the Young (p=0.030), but not significantly different in the METABRIC database. MATH, which reflects tumor heterogeneity, was not significantly different between the groups. These results were unexpected since Young patients have a higher proportion of basal-like subtype which is known to be rich in mutations and more immunogenic. In TCGA, Young patients were found to have higher amounts of activated dendritic cells (p=0.049). In METABRIC, Young patients had higher amounts of Plasma cells (p=0.016), CD4 memory-activated T-cells (p&lt;0.001), NK resting cells (p=0.015), and M1 Macrophages (p=0.002). We also found that regulatory T-cells (p=0.029), activated NK cells (p=0.016), M2 Macrophages (p&lt;0.001), and resting Mast cells (p=0.006) were lower in the Young. This unexpectedly showed that anti-tumor immune cells were more enriched in Young patients. Indeed, the CYT, which reflects tumor killing activity, and TCR-Richness, which reflects T-cell function, were both significantly higher in Young patients (p=0.034, p=0.004, respectively), which was opposite from what we expected due to its biological aggressiveness. GSEA was then used to analyze the TCGA database to clarify gene sets that are enriched in Young patients. Of the 50 Hallmark gene sets analyzed, 4 gene sets were found to be enriched in Young patients; G2M Checkpoint (p=0.002), Hallmark MYC Targets V1 (p=0.004), HALLMARK E2F Targets (p=0.035), and Hallmark Unfolded Protein Response (p=0.038). Ki67 which reflects cell proliferation was significantly higher in Young vs Non-Young patients (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Both TCGA and METABRIC cohorts demonstrated that Young patients have more basal-like subtype and significantly worse survival. Our results support the notion that Young patients have more aggressive cancer not because of mutations, tumor heterogeneity or immune cell infiltrations, but because of aggressive oncogene expressions.

Citation Format: Young JS, Asaoka M, Katsuta E, Kawaguchi T, Qi Q, Liu S, Yan L, Takabe K. Young breast cancer patients demonstrate worse survival associated with aggressive oncogene expression but not with mutation load, tumor heterogeneity or pro-tumor immune cell infiltrations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-06-15.

First Measurement of the Form Factors in D_{s}^{+}→K^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} and D_{s}^{+}→K^{*0}e^{+}ν_{e} Decays

We report on new measurements of Cabibbo-suppressed semileptonic D_{s}^{+} decays using 3.19  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data sample collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results include branching fractions B(D_{s}^{+}→K^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})=[3.25±0.38(stat)±0.16(syst)]×10^{-3} and B(D_{s}^{+}→K^{*0}e^{+}ν_{e})=[2.37±0.26(stat)±0.20(syst)]×10^{-3}, which are much improved relative to previous measurements, and the first measurements of the hadronic form-factor parameters for these decays. For D_{s}^{+}→K^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}, we obtain f_{+}(0)=0.720±0.084(stat)±0.013(syst), and for D_{s}^{+}→K^{*0}e^{+}ν_{e}, we find form-factor ratios r_{V}=V(0)/A_{1}(0)=1.67±0.34(stat)±0.16(syst) and r_{2}=A_{2}(0)/A_{1}(0)=0.77±0.28(stat)±0.07(syst).

Observation of D^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} and Improved Measurements of D→ρe^{+}ν_{e}

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, we present an analysis of the decays D^{0}→π^{-}π^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} and D^{+}→π^{-}π^{+}e^{+}ν_{e}. By performing a partial wave analysis, the π^{+}π^{-} S-wave contribution to D^{+}→π^{-}π^{+}e^{+}ν_{e} is observed to be (25.7±1.6±1.1)% with a statistical significance greater than 10σ, besides the dominant P-wave contribution. This is the first observation of the S-wave contribution. We measure the branching fractions B(D^{0}→ρ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})=(1.445±0.058±0.039)×10^{-3}, B(D^{+}→ρ^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})=(1.860±0.070±0.061)×10^{-3}, and B(D^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e},f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-})=(6.30±0.43±0.32)×10^{-4}. An upper limit of B(D^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e},f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-})<2.8×10^{-5} is set at the 90% confidence level. We also obtain the hadronic form factor ratios of D→ρe^{+}ν_{e} at q^{2}=0 assuming the single-pole dominance parametrization: r_{V}={[V(0)]/[A_{1}(0)]}=1.695±0.083±0.051, r_{2}={[A_{2}(0)]/[A_{1}(0)]}=0.845±0.056±0.039.

[Clinical significance of exosomal miR-1231 in pancreatic cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of exosomal miR-1231 in plasma of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients and pancreatic cancer cells. Methods: A total of 16 patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Hunan Cancer Hospital were collected from April 2016 to August 2017. Meanwhile, 16 healthy volunteers were recruited as the healthy control group at the same period. The plasma exosomes were extracted, and the levels of miR-1231 were detected by qRT-PCR in PC and healthy control groups. Moreover, the clinicopathological significance of exosomal miR-1231 expression was analyzed. Furthermore, the expression of exosomal miR-1231 was detected in several pancreatic cancer cells (MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, SW1990, AsPC-1 and BxPc-3) and two normal pancreatic epithelial cells (HPDE and human primary pancreatic epithelial cell). Results: qRT-PCR results showed that the expression level of miR-1231 in plasma exosomes of pancreatic cancer patients (1.06±0.46) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (2.30±0.99; P<0.05). The levels of exosomal miR-1231 in patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ (1.515±0.531), no distant metastasis (1.236±0.461) and no lymph node metastasis (1.337±0.522) were significantly higher than those with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (0.848±0.224), distant metastasis (0.757±0.278) and lymph node metastasis (0.838±0.261), respectively (P<0.05 for all). In addition, there were no correlation between exosomal miR-1231 expression and age, sex, smoking history, CA19-9 levels and tumor sites (P>0.05). Furthermore, the expression level of exosomal miR-1231 in pancreatic cancer cell lines (0.142±0.135) was significantly lower than that in normal epithelial cells (1.127±0.179; P<0.05). Conclusions: The downregulation of exosomal miR-1231 in plasma of pancreatic cancer patients and pancreatic cancer cells suggests that it is related to the initiation and development of PC. It may be a new diagnostic and prognostic marker for PC.

[Efficacy of deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops on early recovery after pterygium surgery]

Objective: To investigate the effect of deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops on early postoperative recovery in primary pterygium patients. Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Patients diagnosed with primary pterygium in single eye at affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University during March 2016 to May 2016 were enrolled. After Pterygium excision with autologous conjunctival transplantation, patients were randomly assigned into four groups by a random number table, treated with anti-inflammaroty drugs only (control group) or combined with the following agents: deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops (DCBE group), carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops (CMC group), and recombinant human epidermal growth factor eye drops (rEGF group). Short-form McGill pain questionnaire, slit lamp and corneal fluorescein sodium staining, non-contact intraocular pressure, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acquity (BCVA) as well as redness score of bulbar conjunctiva were performed before surgery (d0) and on day 1 (d1), day 2 (d2), day 3 (d3), day 7 (d7) and day 14 (d14) after surgery. Results: One hundred and fourteen patients including 43 males and 71 females, aged (48.9±12.5) years, were eventually included in this study. The McGill scores gradually decreased after surgery in all groups. On d2, the McGill score in DCBE group, control group, CMC group and rEGF group was (1.42±0.67), (2.21±0.88), (1.93±1.08) and (1.77±1.18), respectively; On d3, the score was (1.32±0.54), (1.93±0.72), (1.79±0.87) and (1.52±0.77), respectively. On d2 and d3, statistical difference was recorded among groups (d2, F=3.43, P=0.019; d3, F=4.047, P=0.009), and the McGill score of DCBE group was significantly lower than that of CMC group (d2, P=0.047, d3, P=0.017). On d2, the percentage of corneal epithelium defect in DCBE group, control group, CMC group and rEGF group was 8.6%±1.9%, 11.7%±1.7%, 11.5%±1.9% and 10.4%±1.8%, respectively; On d3, the percentage was 4.5%±2.2%, 9.2%±2.4%, 7.4%±2.5% and 5.9%±2.3%, respectively. On d2 and d3, statistical difference of corneal epithelium defect percentage was recorded among groups (d2, F=17.17, P<0.001; d3, F=21.4, P<0.001). On d2, the percentage of corneal epithelium defect in DCBE group was significantly lower than the other three groups (P<0.01); On d3, the percentage of corneal epithelium defect in DCBE group was significantly lower than control group and CMC group (P<0.001), while no difference was found between DCBE group and rEGF group (P>0.05). However, no statistical differences were recorded in the number of patients with vision improvement among the groups (P>0.05). The intraocular pressure remained stable. No differences in the conjunctival redness score were found among the groups after surgery (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our data demonstrated the efficacy of deproteinized calf blood extract eye drops on the postoperative management in patients with primary patients, with faster pain relief and promoted epithelium recovery. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:134-140).

Portable refuge alternatives temperature and humidity tests

Federal regulations require refuge alternatives in underground coal mines to sustain life for 96 h while maintaining an apparent temperature below 35 °C (95 °F). Research by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has shown that heat and humidity buildup is a major concern with refuge alternatives because they have limited ability to dissipate heat, and high internal air temperature and relative humidity (RH) may expose occupants to heat stress. The heat transfer process within and surrounding a refuge alternative is complex and not easily defined, analytically or experimentally. To investigate heat and humidity buildup in refuge alternatives, NIOSH conducted multiple in-mine, 96-h tests on a 10-person tent-type refuge alternative, a 23-person tent-type refuge alternative and a six-person metal-type refuge alternative. The results show that when moisture was introduced to represent perspiration and respiration from miners (wet tests), the average temperature at midheight increased by 10.5 °C (18.9 °F) and the RH approached 88 percent for the 10-person tent-type refuge alternative; the average temperature at midheight increased by 9.4 °C (16.9 °F) and the RH approached 94 percent for the 23-person tent-type refuge alternative; and the average temperature at midheight increased by 7.7 °C (13.9 °F) and the RH approached 95 percent for the six-person metal-type refuge alternative. For the dry tests, where no moisture was introduced, the average internal temperature increased by 12.6 °C (22.7 °F) for the 10-person tent-type refuge alternative, by 10.3 °C (18.5 °F) for the 23-person tent-type refuge alternative and by 8.4 °C (15.1 °F) for the six-person metal-type refuge alternative. These results may provide refuge alternative manufacturers and mine operators with guidelines and considerations for evaluating temperature profiles for portable refuge alternatives. The information may then be used to make decisions on occupancy ratings and heat mitigation strategies based on the thermal environment in which the refuge alternatives will be installed.

Study of the D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} Dynamics and Test of Lepton Flavor Universality with D^{0}→K^{-}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} Decays

Using e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.773  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} with significantly improved precision: B_{D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(3.413±0.019_{stat}±0.035_{syst})%. Combining with our previous measurement of B_{D^{0}→K^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}}, the ratio of the two branching fractions is determined to be B_{D^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{0}→K^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}}=0.974±0.007_{stat}±0.012_{syst}, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within the uncertainty. A study of the ratio of the two branching fractions in different four-momentum transfer regions is also performed, and no evidence for lepton flavor universality violation is found with current statistics. Taking inputs from global fit in the standard model and lattice quantum chromodynamics separately, we determine f_{+}^{K}(0)=0.7327±0.0039_{stat}±0.0030_{syst} and |V_{cs}|=0.955±0.005_{stat}±0.004_{syst}±0.024_{LQCD}.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of the Inclusive Semileptonic Λ_{c}^{+} Decay

Using a data sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 567  pb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.6  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive semileptonic Λ_{c}^{+} decay with a double-tag method. We obtain B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Xe^{+}ν_{e})=(3.95±0.34±0.09)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Using the known Λ_{c}^{+} lifetime and the charge-averaged semileptonic decay width of nonstrange charmed mesons (D^{0} and D^{+}), we obtain the ratio of the inclusive semileptonic decay widths Γ(Λ_{c}^{+}→Xe^{+}ν_{e})/Γ[over ¯](D→Xe^{+}ν_{e})=1.26±0.12.

[Cyto-inactivation instantly induced by microwave ablation on thyroid nodules]

Objective: To explore the effect of microwave ablation on thyroid nodules cell activity by the reaction of key enzyme of cell activation. Methods: From November 2017 to February 2018, 104 patients with 120 thyroid nodules underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation at Super-minimally Invasive Medicals, Shanghai International Medical Center, aged 14-55 years, 42 males and 62 females.Twice core needle biopsy were performed before and after thermal ablation.The specimen were using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and enzyme histochemical staining with include succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), respectively, and observe under microscope. Results: Enzyme histochemical staining showed that the positive rate of SDH and NADPH-d in the marginal region and transitional region were 100% before ablation, and were 0% immediately after ablation.The positive rate of SDH and NADPH-d histochemical staining in the same area before and immediately after ablation was statistically significant (P<0.05). Shortly after microwave ablation, the tissue structure and cell morphology showed no obvious alteration in HE stained sections, but in sections with enzyme histochemical staining, the activity of SDH and NADPH-d in ablated tissue disappeared.The accuracy rate of pathologic diagnosis was 100% after ablation. Conclusions: SDH and NADPH-d enzyme activity may be better in evaluating the short-term efficacy of microwave ablation of thyroid nodules than HE staining.

Measurement of the Branching Fraction For the Semileptonic Decay D^{0(+)}→π^{-(0)}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and Test of Lepton Flavor Universality

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider, we perform an analysis of the semileptonic decays D^{0(+)}→π^{-(0)}μ^{+}ν_{μ}. The branching fractions of D^{0}→π^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and D^{+}→π^{0}μ^{+}ν_{μ} are measured to be (0.272±0.008_{stat}±0.006_{syst})% and (0.350±0.011_{stat}±0.010_{syst})%, respectively, where the former is of much improved precision compared to previous results and the latter is determined for the first time. Using these results along with previous BESIII measurements of D^{0(+)}→π^{-(0)}e^{+}ν_{e}, we calculate the branching fraction ratios to be R^{0}≡B_{D^{0}→π^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{0}→π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}}=0.922±0.030_{stat}±0.022_{syst} and R^{+}≡B_{D^{+}→π^{0}μ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{+}→π^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}}=0.964±0.037_{stat}±0.026_{syst}, which are compatible with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within 1.7σ and 0.5σ, respectively. We also examine the branching fraction ratios in different four-momentum transfer square regions, and find no significant deviations from the standard model predictions.

The prognostic significance of serum HBeAg on the recurrence and long-term survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis

The effects of serum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after hepatectomy remain controversial. Our aim was to explore the prognostic significance of serum HBeAg on the prognosis of patients with HCC using a propensity matching model. Between January 2009 and March 2015, 953 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy in West China Hospital were analysed. Propensity matching analysis was applied, and survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model. All patients with HCC were classified into an HBeAg(-) group (n = 775, 81.3%) or an HBeAg(+) group (n = 178, 18.7%). Patients with positive serum HBeAg had poorer recurrence-free survival and overall survival before and after propensity matching. Similar results were found in patients within the Milan criteria. For patients beyond the Milan criteria, the HBeAg(+) group had poor overall survival before and after propensity matching. In term of recurrence-free survival, there was no statistically significant impact after propensity matching (P = .055), although there was a trend for HBeAg(+) patient to have reduced recurrence-free survival. Positive serum HBeAg, positive HBV-DNA load, largest tumour size, multiple tumours, microvascular invasion and a high serum level of preoperative alpha-fetoprotein were risk factors for recurrence. Our propensity model confirmed that positive serum HBeAg had a negative impact on the recurrence and long-term survival irrespective of tumour stages. HBeAg seroconversion might be beneficial for reducing the rate of recurrence.

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.

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.

Evodiamine inhibits gastrointestinal motility via CCK and CCK1 receptor in water-avoidence stress rat model

AIM

Evodiamine (EVO) has been reported to play an important role in regulating gastrointestinal motility, but the evidence is insufficient, and the mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible role of EVO in stress-induced colonic hypermotility and the potential mechanisms via both in vivo and in vitro investigations.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS) for 1 h or sham WAS daily for 10 consecutive days to construct the rat model. The colonic contractile activity was studied in an organ bath system. The serum CCK-8 level was detected using an enzyme immunoassay kit, and gastrointestinal transit was detected by intragastric administration of India ink.

RESULTS

WAS induced gastrointestinal hypermotility in male rats. EVO significantly inhibited the contractile activity of colonic muscle strips; this effect was not blocked by TTX and the CCK₁ receptor antagonist devazepide. Chronic WAS induced a slight but nonsignificant increase in the serum CCK-8 level, while EVO elevated the serum CCK-8 level in the WAS rats in a dose-dependent manner. Exogenous CCK-8 significantly inhibited the contractile activity of the colonic muscle strips; this effect was not blocked by TTX but was completely blocked by devazepide. Both EVO and CCK-8 inhibited gastrointestinal transit, and the effect of EVO could be partially blocked by devazepide.

SIGNIFICANCE

EVO can reverse stress-induced gastrointestinal hypermotility. This effect may partially occur as a result of promoting the release of CCK and then activating the CCK₁ receptor instead of directly activating the CCK₁ receptor.

Time-restricted feeding mitigates high-fat diet-enhanced mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-PyMT mice

Erratic eating behavior disrupts the daily feeding and fasting pattern and leads to metabolic dysfunction and chronic diseases including cancer. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that time-restricted feeding of a high-fat diet (HFD) to the dark phase does not enhance mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-PyMT mice. Female mice were assigned to 3 groups and fed the standard AIN93G diet or an HFD with or without dark phase restricted feeding (12 hours). The duration of restricted feeding was 8 weeks. The HFD group had 24% more body fat mass than the AIN93G group; the body fat mass of the restricted group remained similar to that of the AIN93G group. Energy intake of the restricted group was similar to that of the HFD and AIN93G groups. The median mammary tumor latency was 5.8, 7.0, and 6.4 weeks for the AIN93G, HFD, and restricted groups, respectively. Mammary tumor progression was 241% higher in the HFD group than that in the AIN93G group; there was no significant difference in tumor progression between the restricted and AIN93G groups. Plasma concentrations of leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, angiopoietin-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor were significantly higher in the HFD group than those in the control group; these measurements were similar between the restricted and control groups. In conclusion, feeding restricted to the dark phase mitigates the HFD-enhanced mammary tumorigenesis; this may be related to the lower body adiposity and associated inflammatory and angiogenic signals.

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).

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.

[The advance of detection technology of HIV self-testing]

At present, China's AIDS testing increased rapidly, but there are still many people living with HIV do not recognize their status, thus postponing the antiviral treatment time. HIV self-testing (HST) is an effective method to expand the testing, not only simple operation, easy to get a result, effectively protect the detection privacy, expand the selection of testers, suit to the entire population, but also the premise and basis of other AIDS comprehensive prevention measures, all over the world are promoting it. Because the HST has controversies in the window period, price and before and after controversial, and our country is in the initial stage of HST, so it is not to develop related policies, but more and more countries are in accordance with their own situations are modified or developed to allow to use rapid detection of AIDS policy to regulate the field. This paper analyzed and summarized the advantage and influence factors of HST promotion, HST believes that in the long term, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, we need to formulate relevant policies, and improve the sensitivity of the kit, shorten the window period of time, production and promotion of operation standard of video, specification and testing the operating practices, preventing and reporting the possible social harm, investigation and understanding of the needs of the people of the crowd, to maximize the advantages of HST, find more infection, so as to curb the epidemic of AIDS.

Effects of soybean isoflavones on Wnt/β-catenin and the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in renal tissue of type 2 diabetic rats

To observe the effect of Soyisoflavones (SI) on the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway elements, transforming growth factor-β (THGF-β) and its related proteins in the renal interstitia of diabetic nephropathic (DN) rats, 48 DN rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: DN model group (group DN), soybean isoflavone treatment group (group DA), DN model group + losartan treatment group (group DL), DN model group + soybean isoflavones combined with losartan treatment group (group SL). Each group comprised 12 rats. Twelve healthy Wistar rats were selected as normal controls (group N). After 12 weeks of continuous administration of soybean isoflavone or losartan or those two combined, the body weight of rats was recorded and serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Scr) were measured. The expression of Wnt4, β-catenin, and TGF-β1 proteins, as well as mRNA, in the renal interstitium were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR). In all the groups, Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 protein were only expressed in renal interstitial and renal tubular epithelial cells. There was no significant difference between group DA and group DL (P>0.05). FQ-PCR results showed that Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 mRNA were consistent with the expression of these proteins in the renal tissue of each group. Soy isoflavones can reduce 24-h urinary protein quantification, alleviate renal interstitial pathological damage, and regulate the expression of Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 in the renal interstitium. This suggests that soybean isoflavones could delay the process of renal interstitial fibrosis in DN rats by decreasing the expression of Wnt4, β-catenin and TGF-β1 in the renal interstitium, thus demonstrating that soybean isoflavones plus losartan have the best protective effects against diabetes-induced renal fibrosis.

[Molecular typing characterization of food-borne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in China]

Objective: To analyses the antimicrobial resistance and molecular characterization of 21 MRSA isolates cultured from retail foods from different provinces in China, and evaluate the molecular typing methods. Methods: Twenty-one MRSA isolates were obtained from national foodborne pathogen surveillance network in 2012 (Chinese salad, n=3; milk, n=1; cake, n=2; rice, n=1; cold noodle, n=1; spiced beef, n=1; dumpling, n=1; packed meal, n=1; salad, n=1; raw pork, n=9). The antimicrobial resistance of 21 strains to 12 antimicrobial agents was tested by broth dilution method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed to obtain the genetic types of MLST (ST) and spa typing. The clonal complex (CC) was assigned by eBURST soft and the MLVA type (MT) and MLVA complex (MC) were identified via the database of the MLVA website (http://www.mlva.net). SmaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (SmaⅠ-PFGE) was also carried out to obtain the PFGE patterns of 21 strains. The genetic diversity and discriminatory power of typing were calculated by the Simpson's index of diversity (diversity index, DI) to find out the best genotyping method for MRSA. Results: All MRSA isolates showed multi-drug resistance(MDR), and were resistant to oxacillin, benzylpenicillin, clindamycin and erythromycin, and 71.4% (15/21), 47.6% (10/21), 42.9% (9/21) and 28.6% (6/21) of the MRSA isolates were resistant to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin, respectively. Moreover, one strain was found to be resistant to all three antimicrobials of levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and rifampicin. Great diversity was found in these food-associated MRSA (6 STs, 7 spa types, and 9 MTs). PFGE patterns were more diverse than those of other three molecular typing methods (19 pulse types). The index of diversity (DI) of PFGE, MLVA, spa typing and MLST was 0.99, 0.80, 0.73, and 0.61, respectively. Among the MRSA isolates, CC9-ST9-t899-MT929-MC2236 (PFGE Cluster Ⅴ) was the most prevalent clone, which were all cultured from raw pork (9 isolates). Besides, two MRSA were identified as CC59-ST338-t437-MT621-MC621 (PFGE Cluster Ⅳ). Different clone had their own resistance spectrum profiles. Conclusion: The food-borne MRSA isolates were all MDR in this study. Different clones had their own resistance spectrum profiles. MLVA represented a promising tool for molecular epidemiology tracing of MRSA in foodborne disease events.

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.