MiR-33a inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of ovine adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells by targeting SIRT6

Adipose tissue is important for the regulation of energy balance through its metabolic, cellular, and endocrine functions. Furthermore, the excessive storage of subcutaneous fat can seriously affect the health and carcass traits of domestic animals. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell adipogenic differentiation increases the number of differentiated adipocytes and plays a role in lipid deposition. The adipogenic differentiation of SVF cells is regulated by various factors, including microRNAs and cytokines. Sirt6 and miR-33a are known to be involved in metabolism and adipogenesis, respectively; however, their effects on the adipogenic differentiation of ovine SVF cells were previously unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate this. The results showed that SIRT6 is a binding target for miR-33a. Moreover, overexpression or inhibition of miR-33a was found to change the expression of SIRT6 messenger RNA and protein. Furthermore, modulating SIRT6 altered the expression of adipogenic marker genes. In addition, miR-33a and SIRT6 were found to play opposing roles in adipogenesis. Specifically, we demonstrated that miR-33a is involved in the negative regulation of ovine SVF cell adipogenic differentiation by inhibiting the expression of SIRT6. These findings reveal a key role for miR-33a and SIRT6 in adipogenesis, which will enrich our understanding of the regulatory factors associated with SVF cell adipogenic differentiation and provide a basis for further study on this process.

Model-Independent Study of Structure in B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} Decays

The only anticipated resonant contributions to B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} decays are charmonium states in the D^{+}D^{-} channel. A model-independent analysis, using LHCb proton-proton collision data taken at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, is carried out to test this hypothesis. The description of the data assuming that resonances only manifest in decays to the D^{+}D^{-} pair is shown to be incomplete. This constitutes evidence for a new contribution to the decay, potentially one or more new charm-strange resonances in the D^{-}K^{+} channel with masses around 2.9  GeV/c^{2}.

Cognitive frailty and falls in Chinese elderly people: a population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Falling is considered an important public health problem among older people. A recent cross-sectional study suggested that cognitive frailty (CF) is associated with falls. We aimed to explore whether CF is a risk factor for falls in a population-based longitudinal study.

METHODS

Using data from the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study, physical frailty was assessed according to the modified Fried's phenotype, and the 20% of participants with the lowest scores on the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale were defined as having cognitive impairment (CoI). Cognitive frailty (CF) was defined as the coexistence of physical frailty and CoI, but excluded severe CoI (revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale score ≤ 10). The outcome of number of falls in the previous 12 months was measured using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

At baseline, the prevalence of CF was 2.6% and the prevalence of two or more falls was 6.7%. Cross-sectional analysis found that two or more falls was associated with physical frailty without CoI (odds ratio [OR] 6.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.17-14.56), pre-frailty with CoI (OR 4.54, 95% CI 2.44-8.44) and CF (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.18-10.44). Slow gait with CoI was associated with two or more falls (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.08-4.53). At 3-year follow-up, the prevalence of two or more falls was 10.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the robust and non-CoI elderly groups, the CF elderly group had a higher risk of two or more falls (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.11-10.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive frailty was associated with two or more falls at baseline and might be a risk factor for two or more falls after 3 years. Early screening of CF might be beneficial in the prevention of falls.

Observation of Enhanced Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Lead Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

A study of prompt charm-hadron pair production in proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 30  nb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb experiment. Production cross sections for different pairs of charm hadrons are measured and kinematic correlations between the two charm hadrons are investigated. This is the first measurement of associated production of two charm hadrons in proton-lead collisions. The results confirm the predicted enhancement of double parton scattering production in proton-lead collisions compared to the single parton scattering production.

Time-dependent Microhardness Gradients of Self-adhesive Resin Cements Under Dual- and Self-curing Modes

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Acid-functional monomers in self-adhesive resin cements may decrease their self-curing polymerization ability. Light irradiation optimizes polymerization performance.

SUMMARY

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate Knoop microhardness of self-adhesive resin cements under dual- and self-curing modes in simulated canals for describing the polymerization behavior.Methods and Materials: Slots in lightproof silicone cylinders with one open end were filled with the following eight materials: a traditional resin cement (Duolink), a core build-up resin material (MultiCore Flow), and six self-adhesive resin cements (RelyX Unicem 2, G-Cem Automix, Maxcem, Biscem, Multilink Speed, and PermaCem 2.0). The resins were exposed to light through the open end and then stored in a lightproof box. The Knoop hardness gradient for each resin was measured after 1 hour and 120 hours. Surface readings were obtained at 1-mm intervals from 1 mm to 10 mm away from the open ends. The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05).Results: All the resin materials had stable Knoop hardness numbers (KHNs) at a certain depth; their KHNs in the self-curing mode did not change (p>0.05). The region above this certain depth was regarded as having undergone the dual-curing mode, and the KHN decreased gradually with depth (p<0.05). Between 1 and 120 hours postexposure, the ratio of the KHN at a 5-mm depth (self-cured) to that at a 1-mm depth (dual-cured) increased in Duolink and MultiCore Flow. However, the ratios of the six adhesive resin cements varied.Conclusion: Without light, most self-adhesive resin cements differed from traditional dual-cured resin materials in terms of Knoop micro-hardness, and they had a lesser capacity for chemical-induced curing.

Construction of porous carbon for the highly efficient visible light-driven degradation methyl violet

A series of nanoporous carbons (NPC) Fe-C/N-900 and C/N-900 have been synthesized from one-step carbonization of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin-Fe (Fe-TCPP) and TCPP, respectively and employed as photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye methyl violet (MV) under UV irradiation. The optimized Fe-C/N-900 (carbonized at 900 oC for 2 h) exhibited an optimal performance in MV degradation. The photodegradation capacity of Fe-C/N-900 has been observed to be higher than that of C/N-900. The photodegradation ability of Fe-C/N-900 as a function of initial MV concentration, catalysis dosage, and pH has been also investigated. The Fe-C/N-900 material showed no apparent loss in MV degradation after four cycles. These features reveal that Fe-C/N-900 may be a promising degradant for dyes removal from water.                     KEY WORDS: Photocatalysis, Nanoporous carbons, Methyl violet, carbonization   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 277-284 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.6

Identification of genes related to intramuscular fat independent of backfat thickness in Duroc pigs using single-step genome-wide association

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important meat-quality trait of pigs, which influences pork's shearing force, hydraulics, tenderness and juicy flavor. However, to achieve a higher percentage of lean meat, pigs with lower backfat thickness (BF) are intensively selected for, which may lead to a reduction in pork quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to locate loci that affect IMF without changing BF. A single-step GWAS was performed on 950 Duroc pigs genotyped by a 50K SNP chip in order to detect genomic variants relevant to IMF and BF. The significant SNPs detected were afterwards divided into a BF subset (seven SNPs), an IMF subset (11 SNPs) and a subset of both traits (12 SNPs), according to their P-value and LD. After SNP and QTL annotation, our results indicated that SSC1: 167938652, 166363826, 164829874 and 167171587 might be associated with IMF without changing BF. In the subset of both traits, we found that the combined effect of ALGA0006602 (SSC1: 159538854) and 12784636 (SSC1: 160773437) might improve the IMF without changing BF. Our gene annotation result showed that TLE3, ITGA11, SMAD6, PAQR5 and [RNF152^A/G × MC4R^A/A ] genes might affect IMF independently of BF. We believe that the SNPs and genes identified in this study will be valuable for the future molecular breeding of IMF in Duroc pigs.

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

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

Sinonasal synovial sarcoma: evaluation of the role of radiological and clinicopathological features in diagnosis

AIM

To explore the value of radiological and clinicopathological features in the diagnosis of sinonasal synovial sarcomas (SS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six patients with sinonasal SS were studied retrospectively using computed tomography (CT; n=6) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n=4). The radiological and clinicopathological findings in this series were reviewed.

RESULTS

Three lesions were located, in both the nasal cavity, and the paranasal sinuses; one was located in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, and the remaining two were located restrictively within the nasal cavity. An aggressive nature (invasion of adjacent structure) was found in four cases. At CT, lesions were found with isodensity with calcification mainly in the peripheral areas. Bony changes were visible in all cases. Five cases showed marked heterogeneous enhancement, and three cases contained necrotic or cystic areas. At MRI, haemorrhage was observed in three cases. All cases demonstrated the "triple sign", and two high-grade SS showed a "cobblestone-like" appearance on T2-weighted imaging (WI). All time-signal intensity curves (TICs) were of the washout type. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the two high-grade cases were lower than those of the low-grade or intermediate-grade cases. Histopathologically, all but one was of the monophasic type. During the 8-40 month period of follow-up, recurrence occurred in four cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A sinonasal tumour exhibiting characteristic calcification and bony change, together with haemorrhage, "triple sign" or "cobblestone-like" appearance, should engender a diagnosis of SS.

[Long-term prognosis of drug eluting stents implantation in elderly patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) for elderly patients with unprotected left main artery (ULM) disease. Methods: A total of 414 patients (327 males and 87 females) who underwent DES implantation were enrolled in the Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2005 to March 2010, with a mean age of (61.5±10.7) years old. The patients were divided into two groups according to age: 300 cases in the group of age <70 years old, and 114 cases in the group of age ≥70 years old. The clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of two groups were compared. Results: In the group of age ≥ 70 years old, the proportion of female was higher (31.6% vs 17.0%, P=0.001) and the incidence of chronic total occlusion (CTO) (P=0.020), hypertension (P=0.018) and cerebrovascular disease (P=0.013) were higher than those in the group of <70 years old. All-cause mortality and cardiac mortality were also higher than those in the group of <70 years old (P=0.025, P=0.013). The follow-up period was (21.4±9.6) months. After adjusting for multiple clinical factors, there were no statistical differences of incidence of the total major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, and revascularization recurrence between the two groups. But all-cause mortality (HR=3.790, 95%CI: 1.271-11.298, P=0.017) and cardiac mortality (HR=17.424, 95%CI: 2.440-124.410, P=0.004) in the group of age ≥70 years old were still remarkably higher than those in the group of <70 years old. Conclusions: Age is an independent risk factor for increased mortality after DES stent implantation in ULM disease. DES stent implantation in age ≥70 years old patients with ULM disease is considered feasible, but it needs to be treated with caution.

Long non-coding RNA WT1-AS inhibits cell aggressiveness via miR-203a-5p/FOXN2 axis and is associated with prognosis in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

Substantial evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The lncRNA Wilms tumor 1 Antisense RNA (WT1-AS) is a potential tumor suppressor in some types of cancers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological roles of WT1-AS in cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in cervical carcinoma. The level of lncRNA WT1-AS in cervical carcinoma tissues and cell lines was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The lentiviral vector encoding WT1-AS (LV-WT1-AS) or miR-203a-5p mimic was transfected into cervical carcinoma cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing and transwell invasion assays were applied to assess the role of WT1-AS in cervical cancer cell growth and migration. WT1-AS directly bound to miR-203a-5p was confirmed using Luciferase reporter assay. The level of forkhead box N2 (FOXN2) was assessed by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis. A xenograft model was constructed to explore the role of WT1-AS in cervical cancer cell growth in vivo.

RESULTS

WT1-AS was down-regulated in both cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Functional analyses indicated that the over-expression of WT1-AS remarkably inhibited cervical carcinoma cell growth, migration and invasion. The results of the Luciferase reporter assays verified that miR-203a-5p is a direct target of WT1-AS. Moreover, FOXN2 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-203a-5p, and the up-regulation of miR-203a-5p reversed the inhibitory effects of WT1-AS in cervical cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that WT1-AS was under-expressed in cervical carcinoma and suppresses cervical cancer cell growth and aggressiveness via a miR-203a-5p/FOXN2 axis.

[Relationship between both duration and quality of sleep, and metabolic syndrome identified by classification tree model in midlife population in Tianjin]

Objective: To study the association of duration and quality of sleep with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to extract data from the '2015 adult chronic disease and nutrition monitoring population project' from 42 communities of 7 districts in Tianjin. A total of 1 388 residents aged 45 to 59 years old were selected to analyze the relationship between both duration and quality of sleep and the metabolic syndrome. χ(2) test, non-conditional logistic regression and classification tree models were used for data analysis. Result: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome appeared as 30.4%, 37.4 % and 43.1% in the poor, common or well sleep groups respectively. The prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome in the sleep time <6.0 h and >7.5 h, 6.0-7.5 h groups were 36.5% and 30.6% respectively. After adjusting for gender and age, results from the logistic regression analysis showed that short or long sleep duration, as well as poor sleep quality all appeared as risk factors on metabolic syndrome (P<0.05). According to the classification tree model, factors as gender (importance: 0.004, standardized importance: 100%), quality of sleep (importance: 0.004, standardized importance: 99.5%), duration of sleep (importance: 0.002, standardized importance: 38.6%), education level (importance: 0.001, standardized importance: 22.3%) and salt intake (importance: 0.001, standardized importance: 22.2%) were all important on metabolic syndrome and with interactive effects. Conclusions: Both quality and duration of sleep were important influencing factors on metabolic syndrome among midlife population in Tianjin. More attention should be paid to sleep and health status among the midlife population. Ability on self-management of health should also be strengthened through health education, to prevent metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases in this population.

Genome-wide Analyses Identify a Novel Risk Locus for Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate

The 3 major subphenotypes observed in patients with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) are nonsyndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO), nonsyndromic cleft lip with palate (NSCLP), and nonsyndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO). However, the genetic architecture underlying NSCPO is largely unknown. Here we performed a 2-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) on NSCPO and replication analyses of selected variants in other NSOFCs from the Chinese Han population. We identified a novel locus (15q24.3) and a known locus (1q32.2) where variants in or near the gene reached genome-wide significance (2.80 × 10^-13 < P < 1.72 × 10^-08) in a test for association with NSCPO in a case-control design. Although a variant from 15q24.3 was found to be significantly associated with both NSCPO and NSCLP, the direction of estimated effects on risk were opposite. Our functional annotation of the risk alleles within 15q24.3 coupled with previously established roles of the candidate genes within identified risk loci in periderm development, embryonic patterning, and/or regulation of cellular processes supports their involvement in palate development and the pathogenesis of cleft palate. Our study advances the understanding of the genetic basis of NSOFCs and provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of NSCPO.

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

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

Study of Open-Charm Decays and Radiative Transitions of the X(3872)

The processes X(3872)→D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0}+c.c.,γJ/ψ,γψ(2S), and γD^{+}D^{-} are searched for in a 9.0  fb^{-1} data sample collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.278 GeV with the BESIII detector. We observe X(3872)→D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯]+c.c. and find evidence for X(3872)→γJ/ψ with statistical significances of 7.4σ and 3.5σ, respectively. No evident signals for X(3872)→γψ(2S) and γD^{+}D^{-} are found, and the upper limit on the relative branching ratio R_{γψ}≡{B[X(3872)→γψ(2S)]}/{B[X(3872)→γJ/ψ]}<0.59 is set at 90% confidence level. Measurements of branching ratios relative to decay X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ are also reported for decays X(3872)→D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯]+c.c.,γψ(2S),γJ/ψ, and γD^{+}D^{-}, as well as the non-D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯] three-body decays π^{0}D^{0}D^{0}[over ¯] and γD^{0}D^{0}[over ¯].

Measurements of Absolute Branching Fractions of Fourteen Exclusive Hadronic D Decays to η

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the first measurements of the absolute branching fractions of 14 hadronic D^{0(+)} decays to exclusive final states with an η, e.g., D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{0}η, K^{+}K^{-}η, K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η, K^{-}π^{+}π^{0}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{0}π^{0}η, and π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}η; D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η, K_{S}^{0}K^{+}η, K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{0}η, π^{+}π^{+}π^{-}η, and π^{+}π^{0}π^{0}η. Among these decays, the D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}η and D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η decays have the largest branching fractions, which are B(D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}η)=(1.853±0.025_{stat}±0.031_{syst})% and B(D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η)=(1.309±0.037_{stat}±0.031_{syst})%, respectively. The charge-parity asymmetries for the six decays with highest event yields are determined, and no statistically significant charge-parity violation is found.

Determination of Strong-Phase Parameters in D→K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-}

We report the most precise measurements to date of the strong-phase parameters between D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} decays to K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} using a sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results provide the key inputs for a binned model-independent determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle γ/ϕ_{3} with B decays. Using our results, the decay model sensitivity to the γ/ϕ_{3} measurement is expected to be between 0.7° and 1.2°, approximately a factor of three smaller than that achievable with previous measurements, based on the studies of the simulated data. The improved precision of this work ensures that measurements of γ/ϕ_{3} will not be limited by knowledge of strong phases for the next decade. Furthermore, our results provide critical input for other flavor-physics investigations, including charm mixing, other measurements of CP violation, and the measurement of strong-phase parameters for other D-decay modes.

First Observation of D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and Measurement of Its Decay Dynamics

By analyzing a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure for the first time the absolute branching fraction of the D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} decay to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(10.4±1.0_{stat}±0.5_{syst})×10^{-4}. Using the world averaged value of B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}, the ratio of the two branching fractions is determined to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}=0.91±0.13_{(stat+syst)}, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within uncertainty. By studying the differential decay rates in five four-momentum transfer intervals, we obtain the product of the hadronic form factor f_{+}^{η}(0) and the c→d Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| to be f_{+}^{η}(0)|V_{cd}|=0.087±0.008_{stat}±0.002_{syst}. Taking the input of |V_{cd}| from the global fit in the standard model, we determine f_{+}^{η}(0)=0.39±0.04_{stat}±0.01_{syst}. On the other hand, using the value of f_{+}^{η}(0) calculated in theory, we find |V_{cd}|=0.242±0.022_{stat}±0.006_{syst}±0.033_{theory}.

First Observation of D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and Measurement of Its Decay Dynamics

By analyzing a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure for the first time the absolute branching fraction of the D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} decay to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(10.4±1.0_{stat}±0.5_{syst})×10^{-4}. Using the world averaged value of B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}, the ratio of the two branching fractions is determined to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}=0.91±0.13_{(stat+syst)}, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within uncertainty. By studying the differential decay rates in five four-momentum transfer intervals, we obtain the product of the hadronic form factor f_{+}^{η}(0) and the c→d Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| to be f_{+}^{η}(0)|V_{cd}|=0.087±0.008_{stat}±0.002_{syst}. Taking the input of |V_{cd}| from the global fit in the standard model, we determine f_{+}^{η}(0)=0.39±0.04_{stat}±0.01_{syst}. On the other hand, using the value of f_{+}^{η}(0) calculated in theory, we find |V_{cd}|=0.242±0.022_{stat}±0.006_{syst}±0.033_{theory}.

[Prognostic evaluation of P53 and BCL2 proteins in MYC/BCL2 double expression DLBCL]

Objective: To investigate the strong expression (S+) of P53 and BCL2 proteins in MYC/BCL2 double-expression DLBCL (DEL) and whether they can be used for the prognostic evaluation and stratified diagnosis of DELs. Methods: Tissue microarray were made by filed FFPE blocks of 174 DLBCL cases. The translocation of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 genes were detected by FISH, and the proteins were detected by IHC. Data of clinicopathologic features and follow up of patients were collected and OS (overall survival) and PFS (progression free survival) were analyzed by statistics. Results: Eight double-hit lymphomas (DHLs) were identified in all cases, and 45 DELs were selected from 166 remaining cases, which have no significant difference in OS and PFS compared with non-DEL cases (P=0.668 and P=0.790) . Of 42 DEL-cases with follow up data, 24 cases with P53+ or/and BCL2 (S+) are significantly shorter OS and PFS than others (P=0.003 and P=0.000) , in which the cases with P53+/BCL2 (S+) co-expression were the worst prognosis, and P53/BCL2 co-weaker positive DEL cases even have superior OS and PFS than those non-DELs. Although statistics showed that the cases of P53+ or/and BCL2 (S+) have a lower OS and PFS in total cases (P=0.063 and P=0.024) , it is not the case when the DEL-cases take out from total cases, that is the cases with P53+ or/and BCL2 (S+) are as similar OS and PFS as others in non-DEL group (P=0.590 and P=0.550) . Conclusion: The strong expression of P53 and BCL2 proteins can be used as indicators of stratified diagnosis and poor prognosis of DEL.

[Characterization of Echinostoma miyagawai in domestic ducks in Wuhu City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the morphological characteristics of Echinostoma miyagawai in domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and to explore the feasibility of the cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 (Cox1) gene as a molecular marker for the identification of E. miyagawai.

METHODS

E. miyagawai was isolated from free-ranged domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and the parasites were stained and identified. In addition, the mitochondrial Cox1 gene of E. miyagawai was amplified using a PCR assay, and the amplification product was sequenced and aligned with the GenBank database to yield the homology for the identification of parasite species in combination with morphological findings. Intra-species comparison was done based on the Cox1 gene sequence.

RESULTS

The prevalence of E. miyagawai infection was 16.67% in domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and the adult E. miyagawai was 6.6 to 13.2 mm in length. The size of the E. miyagawai Cox1 gene was approximately 660 bp, which had a 99.68% homology to the E. miyagawai accessed in GenBank. The morphological findings were in agreement with molecular identification.

CONCLUSIONS

E. miyagawai infection is common in domestic ducks in Wuhu area, and the mitochondrial Cox1 gene is a feasible marker of intra- and inter-species molecular identification of Echinostoma.

SAT0140 SAFETY OF TOFACITINIB THERAPY IN HBSAG CARRIERS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background:

Targeted synthetic DMARDs (ts-DMARDs) are becoming more available and affordable in developing countries, where the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still an important public health issue. The safety of ts-DMARDs therapy in terms of the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection need more concern. Rare data from a prospective study focus on the use of ts-DMARDs in patients with concurrent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and HBV infection were available by now.

Objectives:

To evaluate the influence of tofacitinib on reactivation of HBV infection in HBsAg carriers with RA.

Methods:

In this 52 weeks observation, HBsAg carriers with active RA (DAS28>5.1) despite failed combined treatment with MTX and other non-biological DMARDs were enrolled. Patients must have normal liver function prior to study. All patients received therapy with tofacitinib (5mg twice daily) and concomitant MTX (10-12.5mg/w). Entecavir was prescribed preventively for patients who had a baseline HBV load >2000 copy/ml (group 1), and Lamivudin for patients with HBV load ≤ 2000 copy/ml (group 2). Liver enzymes (AST/ALT) and HBV viral load were monitored every 4 weeks. Increased viral load and abnormal liver function were managed according to expert opinion.

Results:

Thirteen patients (10 female) were recruited. Nine patients had a baseline viral load >2000 copy/ml (group 1, with preventive Entecavir), and the other 4 patients had a viral load ≤ 2000 copy/ml (group 2, with preventive Lamivudin). Two patients from group 1 discontinued tofacitinib at week 12 due to ineffectiveness, and both continued taking Entecavir for another 3 months after the discontinuation of tofacitinib.

No reactivation of hepatitis B was observed in patients from group 1. One patients (female, 54 years old) from group 2 underwent a mild increase of both ALT and AST (67 and 56 IU/L, respectively) at week 16. An elevated viral load (4.9e6 copies/ml, baseline 1.4e3) and a HBV YMDD mutant was also found. The tofacitinib treatment continued. After prescription of Adefovir (combined with the pre-existing Lamivudin), both liver enzyme and viral load decreased to normal range in 8 weeks and remained normal throughout the study.

Conclusion:

An aggressive Tofacitinib + MTX therapy may be a safe option for HBsAg carriers with cs-DMARDs refractory RA. More active and effective prophylaxis strategy may be recommended to reduce the risk of HBV reactivation during the treatment.

References:

[1]Chen YM, Huang WN, Wu YD, et al. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving tofacitinib: a real-world study. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:780-2.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

AB0347 INCREASING TO OPTIMAL METHOTREXATE DOSE MIGHT BE A BETTER TRADITIONAL DMARD STRATEGY IN RA TREATMENTS: A RANDOMIZED CASE-CONTROL TRIAL OF HAKKA PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN CHINA

Background:

The optimal methotrexate (MTX) dose is defined as 0.3mg/kg/week or ≥ 20mg/week at 6 months. [1] Considering average weight of Chinese, [2] the optimal MTX should be >15mg/w. However, not more than 30% in 25191 RA cases ever had MTX treatment in CREDIT (Chinese Registry of Rheumatoid arthritis). [3] The biggest concern is side effects of MTX. Our study is to investigate whether increasing MTX would get better results accompanied with more side effects to Chinese people.

Objectives:

Hakka people have the purest genes of the majority people-Han in China. It is planned to recruit 160 RA patients in Meizhou, where is a gathering place of Hakka people.

Methods:

The RA volunteers had no relief with 10 mg/w oral dose of MTX with/without other 1-2 inadequate dose of DMARDs for at least 3 months. They were randomly divided into 1:1 groups*. The experimental group would be treated with original DMARDs and incremental MTX (gradually increased to the optimal oral dose (0.3 mg/k/w) in the first 12 weeks and folic acid (the dose adjusted on demand with range from 5 mg/w to 5mg tid). While the control group would be treated with original MTX dose(10mg/w) but incremental original DMARDs(gradually increased to the maximum dose in the first 12 weeks). The two groups would keep the treatment at 12thweek last to the 36thweek, and the efficacy and safety indexes would be evaluated during the whole study.

Results:

1)We planned to recruit 160 RA patients in our study. 46 Hakka RA patients were enrolled in the study so far. 2 of 46 finished the 24thweek visit and 24 finished the 36thweek visit. The average age is 54.2± 9.3 years old, the average weight is 59.1±11.1kg, and the female to male ratio is 41:5.

2)The average Folic acid dose is 14.4±9.5mg/w in the experimental group at the 12thweek.

3)The morning stiffness time, PGA, PhGA, HAQ, DAS28 were better in experimental group after 12 weeks though slightly worse during 0-12 weeks. 100%(12) patients in experimental group, while 66.67%(8/12) in control group reach ACR20.

4) Only 1 case(5.9%,1/23)had adverse event while 6 cases (26%,6/23) occurred adverse events. All events were mild level. 1 case (4.2%,1/23) in control group withdrew from the study because the disease was getting worse during 0-24 weeks.

Conclusion:

Hakka patients in China might have better outcomes due to increasing MTX to the 0.3mg/kg/w dose than increasing the other DMARDs. Therefore, We recommended the Chinses patients choose MTX as first incremental DMARD. The appropriate dose of Folic acid plus with the optimal dose of MTX in our study is higher than previous studies (such as 13.0±4.8mg/w reported by Gaujoux-Viala, 2018[1]). We recommended Chinese patients take 15mg/w folic acid to prevent MTX side effects in view of lower folic acid level in Chinese population.[3]

References:

[1]Gaujoux-Viala C, Rincheval N, Dougados M, et al. Optimal methotrexate dose is associated with better clinical outcomes than non-optimal dose in daily practice: results from the ESPOIR early arthritis cohort. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Dec;76(12):2054-2060.

[2]Nan Jiang, Mengtao Li, Yanhong Wang, et al. Baseline characteristics and treatments among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the CREDIT study in China, 2016-2018. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019 Jun; 78 (Suppl 2) 1404-1405.

[3]He Y, Pan A, Hu FB,et al. Folic acid supplementation, birth defects, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Chinese women: a population-based mega-cohort study, Lancet, 2016 Oct,Volume 388, Number 1, pp. S91-S91-(1)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

New Imaging Findings of Incomplete Partition Type III Inner Ear Malformation and Literature Review

Incomplete partition type III, also referred to as X-linked deafness, is a rare genetic inner ear malformation. Its characteristic CT findings, including bulbous dilation of the internal auditory canal and absence of the modiolus with the interscalar septa present, have been well-recognized. In this series of 19 cases, we report the abnormalities of the vestibule and semicircular canals and provide a comprehensive description of their CT and MR imaging findings. The inner ear malformations in incomplete partition type III were bilateral and basically symmetric, with involvement of the internal auditory canal, nerve canals in the fundus, cochlea, vestibule, semicircular canals, vestibular aqueduct, otic capsule, round window, oval window, and stapes. An irregular vestibule with a cystic appearance is also a distinctive imaging feature, which could be seen in about 90% of our patients, with a cystic appearance of the semicircular canals present in nearly half of the cases.

[Clinical and pathological analysis of 64 patients with primary neoplasms of the lacrimal drainage system]

Objective: To analyze the pathological classification and age distribution of primary neoplasms of the lacrimal drainage system. Methods: Retrospective case series study. A total of 64 patients (65 eyes) were diagnosed with primary neoplasms of the lacrimal drainage system and received surgery at Tianjin Eye Hospital from January 2006 to December 2016. All the clinical data of the patients were analyzed, including gender, diseased eye, age, clinical manifestations, composition of benign and malignant masses, and prognosis. The histopathological composition and age distribution of patients with primary lacrimal mass, lacrimal duct mass and lacrimal sac mass were analyzed according to the different diseased sites. Results: Twenty-three patients (24 eyes) were male, and 41 patients (41 eyes) were female. The right eye was involved in 36 patients, the left eye in 27 patients, and both eyes in one patient. The age at diagnosis ranged from 12 to 78 years old [mean, (46±4) years]. The course of disease was (13.1±4.2) months, ranging from 1 month to 7 years. The chief complaint was tear discharge in 43 patients, tumor in 19 patients, and abscess discharge in 2 patients. There were 29 patients with angular displacement and 21 patients with swelling pain. There were 51 patients with benign lesions, 4 with borderline lesions, and 9 with malignantlesions. These neoplasms consisted of primary peripunctal neoplasms in 17 patients, primary canalicular neoplasms in 2 patients, and primary lacrimal sac neoplasms in 45 patients. All primary peripunctal neoplasms (17 cases) were benign, among which nevi (10 cases) occupied the first place. All primary canalicular neoplasms (2 cases) were benign, there were 1 case of epidermoid cysts and 1 case of degenerative disease. Among the primary benign lacrimal sac masses (32 cases), mucous epithelial cysts (9 cases), dermoid cysts (6 cases), and epidermoid cysts (6 cases) occupied the first three places. Among the primary borderlin lacrimal sac masses (4 cases), there were 2 cases of giant cell tumor of soft tissue, 1 case of solitary fibrous tumor, and 1 case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. The primary malignant mass of lacrimal sac (9 cases) was dominated by squamous cell carcinoma (3 cases). In terms of age distribution, the patients with primary peripunctal mass were mainly in the group of 40-59 years old (14 cases). The primary benign mass of lacrimal sac mainly occurred in the group of less than 40 years old (15 cases) and the group of 40-59 years old (11 cases). The patients with primary lacrimal sac borderline and malignant masses were all in the groups of over 40 years old. A total of 49 patients were followed up for 27 months to 16 years. The average follow-up time was (57.2±3.8) months. Lacrimal sac transitional cell carcinoma relapsed 7 months after surgery in one patient, and lacrimal sac melanoma relapsed 1 year after surgery in one patient. The patients did not relapse in 24 months and 38 months after surgery respectively. There were no recurrence of other cases. Conclusions: Primary peripunctal neoplasms are mostly characterized with benign lesions, among which nevi are most common. Mucous epithelial cysts, epidermoid cysts, and dermoid cysts are the major benign lacrimal sac neoplasms. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common malignant lacrimal sac neoplasms. The malignant tumor of lacrimal sac often occurs in the middle-aged and elderly patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 364-369).

[Influencing factors of postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery]

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after cardiac surgery using levosimendan or dobutamine, and explore the effect of positive inotropic drugs on AKI. Methods: The clinical data of 417 patients undergoing cardiac surgery from January to June 2018 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital and treated with levosimendan or dobutamine during perioperative period were retrospectively reviewed and collected. Patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group according to whether AKI occurred. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors related to the occurrence of AKI. The statistically significant factors (P<0.05) were further included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Totally, 417 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of (58.2±10.4) years old and a male rate of 65.0% (n=271), and the AKI incidence rate was 25.2% (105/417). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that male, chronic kidney disease, high serum creatinine level in preoperative period, aortic obstruction time ≥ 120 minutes and extracorporeal circulation time ≥ 120 minutes were risk factors for AKI (all P<0.05). Vasodilator and levosimendan treatment during perioperative period were protective factors (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that chronic kidney disease (OR=17.291, 95%CI: 4.335-68.960, P<0.001) and high serum creatinine level (OR=1.097, 95%CI: 1.074-1.121, P<0.001) in preoperative period were independent risk factors for AKI. Perioperative application of levosimendan (OR=0.533, 95%CI: 0.288-0.984, P=0.044) was an independent protective factor. Conclusions: Risk factors for AKI after cardiac surgery include chronic kidney disease and high serum creatinine level in preoperative period. The use of levosimendan during preoperative period has the potential effect to protect against AKI.

Observation of a Resonant Structure in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}

A partial-wave analysis is performed for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} at the center-of-mass energies ranging from 2.000 to 2.644 GeV. The data samples of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider with a total integrated luminosity of 300  pb^{-1}, are analyzed. The total Born cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}, as well as the Born cross sections for the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→ϕπ^{0}π^{0}, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), are measured versus the center-of-mass energy. The corresponding results for e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} and ϕπ^{0}π^{0} are consistent with those of BABAR with better precision. By analyzing the cross sections for the four subprocesses, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), a structure with mass M=(2126.5±16.8±12.4)  MeV/c^{2} and width Γ=(106.9±32.1±28.1)  MeV is observed with an overall statistical significance of 6.3σ, although with very limited significance in the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-} and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892). The resonant parameters of the observed structure suggest it can be identified with the ϕ(2170), thus the results provide valuable input to the internal nature of the ϕ(2170).

Ethanol combined with coil embolisation for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations in a patient with Parkes Weber syndrome

Parkes Weber syndrome is a rare congenital condition of the vascular system with severe symptoms and life-threatening complications. The challenge is to manage the arteriovenous malformations, and there is no consensus on optimal treatment. We report the case of an 18-year-old woman with Parkes Weber syndrome who was treated with ethanol combined with coil embolisation at an early stage. After two sessions of embolisation, a significant devascularisation was achieved. No sign of recurrence was observed two years after the initial procedure. The patient's symptoms and signs were greatly relieved during the follow-up period. This case raises awareness of Parkes Weber syndrome and highlights the importance of timely intervention, as well as offering a promising therapeutic option for this condition.