Evidence for Isospin Violation and Measurement of CP Asymmetries in B→K^{*}(892)γ

We report the first evidence for isospin violation in B→K^{*}γ and the first measurement of the difference of CP asymmetries between B^{+}→K^{*+}γ and B^{0}→K^{*0}γ. This analysis is based on the data sample containing 772×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs that was collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e^{+}e^{-} collider. We find evidence for the isospin violation with a significance of 3.1σ, Δ_{0+}=[+6.2±1.5(stat)±0.6(syst)±1.2(f_{+-}/f_{00})]%, where the third uncertainty is due to the uncertainty on the fraction of B^{+}B^{-} to B^{0}B[over ¯]^{0} production in ϒ(4S) decays. The measured value is consistent with predictions of the standard model. The result for the difference of CP asymmetries is ΔA_{CP}=[+2.4±2.8(stat)±0.5(syst)]%, consistent with zero. The measured branching fractions and CP asymmetries for charged and neutral B meson decays are the most precise to date. We also calculate the ratio of branching fractions of B^{0}→K^{*0}γ to B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ.

Rifaximin treatment is associated with reduced risk of cirrhotic complications and prolonged overall survival in patients experiencing hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Rifaximin might decrease the risk of portal hypertension-related complications by controlling small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

AIM

To evaluate whether rifaximin was associated with the risk of death and cirrhotic complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study that included 1042 patients experiencing hepatic encephalopathy (HE): 421 patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; the non-HCC cohort) and 621 patients with HCC (the HCC cohort). The primary endpoint was overall survival and secondary endpoints were recurrence of HE and the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and variceal bleeding.

RESULTS

In the non-HCC cohort, 145 patients received rifaximin plus lactulose (the rifaximin group) and 276 patients received lactulose alone (the control group). The multivariate analysis revealed that rifaximin was significantly associated with lower risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.697; P = .024) and reduced the risk of recurrent HE (aHR, 0.452; P < .001), SBP (aHR, 0.210; P < .001) and variceal bleeding (aHR, 0.425; P = .011) but not HRS (aHR, 0.598; P = .08). In the HCC cohort, 173 patients received rifaximin plus lactulose and 448 patients received lactulose. Rifaximin was not associated with the risk of death (aHR, 1.177; P = .121). Rifaximin was associated with lower risk of SBP (aHR, 0.323; P < .001) but not with variceal bleeding (aHR, 0.660; P = .104) or recurrent HE (aHR, 0.689; P = .057). The risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea was not different between the groups (aHR, 0.028; P = .338).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients without HCC, rifaximin treatment was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival and reduced risks of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, variceal bleeding and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy.

Search for CP Violation and Measurement of the Branching Fraction in the Decay D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}

We report a study of the decay D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} using 921  fb^{-1} of data collected at or near the ϒ(4S) and ϒ(5S) resonances with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The measured time-integrated CP asymmetry is A_{CP}(D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0})=(-0.02±1.53±0.02±0.17)%, and the branching fraction is B(D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0})=(1.321±0.023±0.036±0.044)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is due to the normalization mode (D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0}). These results are significantly more precise than previous measurements available for this mode. The A_{CP} measurement is consistent with the standard model expectation.

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery Outcomes in 331 Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma Cases After a Single Surgeon Learning Curve

OBJECTIVE

The outcomes of recent endoscopic surgery of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are controversial when compared with traditional microscopic surgery. We aimed to assess the outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries performed by 1 surgeon with 7 years of experience and elucidate the predictive factors for surgical outcomes for NFPAs.

METHODS

We included 331 patients (155 men and 176 women) with clinical NFPAs who underwent transsphenoidal surgery because of visual symptoms by a single surgeon in Seoul National University Hospital from March 2010 to May 2016. We assessed the tumor removal rate, hormonal outcomes, visual outcomes, and complications.

RESULTS

The gross total resection rate of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for NFPAs by a single surgeon was 74.9%. Cavernous sinus invasion, a high Knosp grade, large tumor size, previous surgery, and lack of surgical experience in the neurosurgeon elevated the risk for residual tumors. Visual deficits were improved in 73.4% of the patients, which was associated with tumor size, preoperative visual impairment score, previous radiation, and surgical experience. Hormonal status was improved in 15.4% and aggravated in 32.9% after surgery. There were no predictors for hormonal recovery. Transient diabetes insipidus (DI) was the most common complication (9.1%), and among these patients, 3.0% had persistent DI.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery by a well-experienced surgeon was an effective and safe treatment for NFPAs, but the hormonal outcomes were not changed compared with previous reports of microscopic surgery. Large tumor size and cavernous sinus invasion were still the barriers for achieving total resection.

Association Between Obesity and Chronic Kidney Disease, Defined by Both Glomerular Filtration Rate and Albuminuria, in Korean Adults

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has often been defined based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) alone. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guideline highlights albuminuria in the CKD definition. Thus, we investigated the association between obesity and CKD, as defined by both GFR and albuminuria, in Korean adults.

METHODS

We used Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014 data (N = 19,331, ≥19 years old) representing the national Korean population. CKD was classified by (1) estimated GFR (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD_GFR); (2) albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/gram (CKD_ACR); and (3) eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or ACR ≥30 mg/gram (CKD_Risk). Associations between obesity and each CKD category were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of CKD_GFR, CKD_ACR, and CKD_Risk were 2.2%, 6.7%, and 8.1%, respectively. Compared with the normal body mass index (BMI; 18.5-22.9 kg/m²) group, men with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² had 1.88 times greater risk of CKD_GFR in the adjusted model [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26-2.80; P = 0.002]; BMI was not significantly associated with CKD_GFR in women. In contrast, both men and women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² had 1.58 and 1.40 times higher risk of CKD_ACR (95% CI, 1.21-2.07 and 1.08-1.81, respectively, both P < 0.01). Obese men and women had 1.65 and 1.38 times higher risk of CKD_Risk (95% CI, 1.29-2.12 and 1.09-1.75, respectively, both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity was significantly associated with an increased ACR-based CKD risk. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the role of overweight and obesity in the development and progression of CKD.

Arterial Embolism Occurring During Percutaneous Thrombectomy of Dialysis Graft

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, management methods and follow-up results of arterial embolism during percutaneous thrombectomy of hemodialysis grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, the radiologic database of our department for percutaneous thrombectomy procedure in hemodialysis access was retrospectively reviewed. Between 1998 and June 2014, 2975 percutaneous thrombectomy procedures using thromboaspiration technique were performed in 1524 patients with thrombosed hemodialysis grafts. After thrombectomy, angioplasty was performed for significant stenoses. The incidence of arterial embolism was analyzed according to the location/shape of the arteriovenous graft. Percutaneous management methods of arterial embolism and long-term follow-up results by fistulography were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Arterial embolism was documented by angiography in 117 cases (3.9%). Of these, three were symptomatic and subsided after embolectomy. The incidence was significantly correlated with the location/shape of the graft (p = 0.001). Arterial emboli were retrieved using occlusion balloon/Fogarty balloon (n = 58), guiding catheter-assisted aspiration (n = 36), sheath-assisted aspiration (n = 2) and back-bleeding technique (n = 3). Others were observed without intervention (n = 17) or surgically removed (n = 1). Arterial emboli were completely retrieved in 86 cases and partially retrieved in 13 cases. Ulnar artery rupture occurred in one case due to over-inflation of the occlusion balloon. Follow-up fistulography performed in 60 patients among whom 99 percutaneous embolectomies were done revealed arterial stenosis/occlusion in 7 and residual emboli in one patient. In observed patients without intervention, follow-up documented complete resolution of the emboli without arterial stenosis in 9 patients.

CONCLUSION

Radiologically perceivable arterial embolism is uncommon during percutaneous thrombectomy of thrombosed dialysis grafts. The majority of the emboli can be retrieved by percutaneous techniques, but may induce arterial damage in some patients. Clinical observation can be another option for patients without ischemic symptoms.

Granulocyte macrophage - colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly enhances articular cartilage repair potential by microfracture

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can be used to increase the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in blood clots formed by microfracture arthroplasty (MFX) and whether it can improve the therapeutic outcome for cartilage repair.

METHODS

Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) GM-CSF, (3) MFX, and (4) GM-CSF + MFX. GM-CSF was administrated intravenously (IV) at 10 μg/kg body weight 20 min before the MFX surgery. The repaired tissues were retrieved and examined by histological observation, quantitative assessment, and biochemical assays at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The number of MSCs was measured in the blood clots by the colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay. The kinetic profile and distribution of GM-CSF in vivo was also evaluated by near-Infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay.

RESULTS

In the histological observations and chemical assays examined at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, the MFX after GM-CSF administration showed better cartilage repair than the one without GM-CSF. The CFU-F assay showed a significantly larger amount of MSCs present in the blood clots of the GM-CSF + MFX group than in the blood clots of the other groups. The blood concentration of GM-CSF peaked at 10 min and decreased back to almost the initial level after a couple of hours. GM-CSF was distributed in many organs including the bone marrow but was not observed clearly in the joint cavity.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous administration of GM-CSF together with MFX could be a promising therapeutic protocol to enhance the repair of cartilage defects.

Prognostic impact of the length of the longitudinal resection margin in colon cancer

AIM

Although several guidelines recommend a longitudinal resection margin (LRM) of at least 5 cm, the impact of the LRM on survival is still unknown. The study assessed the prognostic significance of the LRM in patients with colon cancer.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed 1343 primary colon cancer patients without distant metastasis who underwent curative resection between January 2004 and December 2012. Patients were classified into three groups: LRM < 3 cm (n = 186), LRM ≥ 3 and <5 cm (n = 376) and LRM ≥5 cm (n = 781). Clinicopathological characteristics and the oncological outcome in the three groups were compared.

RESULTS

The median LRM length was 5.0 cm (range 0.5-26.0 cm). With increasing LRM, the number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) tended to increase (19.5 ± 12.0, 22.1 ± 12.8 and 30.0 ± 16.2; P < 0.001). After a median follow-up period of 45 (1-128) months, 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) (89.2%, 89.0% and 87.0%; P = 0.629) and 5-year overall survival (OS) (89.0%, 92.1% and 91.8%; P = 0.679) were not significantly different between the three groups. When confounders were adjusted, LRM was not significantly associated with either DFS or OS, but the number of retrieved LNs (< 12) was an independent risk factor for both DFS (hazard ratio 1.748, 95% confidence interval 1.048-2.917) and OS (hazard ratio 1.929, 95% confidence interval 1.046-3.559).

CONCLUSION

LRM was not associated with oncological outcome, but care should be taken to obtain an adequate number of LNs for better survival.

Emergence of CTNNB1 mutation at acquired resistance to KIT inhibitor in metastatic melanoma

PURPOSE

The KIT inhibitor, imatinib, has shown promising efficacy in patients with KIT-mutated melanoma; however, acquisition of resistance to imatinib occurs rapidly in the majority of patients. The mechanisms of acquired resistance to imatinib in melanoma remain unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed biopsy samples from paired baseline and post-treatment tumor lesions in one patient with KIT-mutated melanoma who had had an initial objective tumor regression in response to imatinib treatment followed by disease progression 8 months later.

RESULTS

Targeted deep sequencing from post-treatment biopsy samples detected an additional mutation in CTNNB1 (S33C) with original KIT L576P mutation. We examined the functional role of the additional CTNNB1 S33C mutation in resistance to imatinib indirectly using the Ba/F3 cell model. Ba/F3 cell lines transfected with both the L576P KIT mutation and the CTNNB1 S33C mutation demonstrated no growth inhibition despite imatinib treatment, whereas growth inhibition was observed in the Ba/F3 cell line transfected with the L576 KIT mutation alone.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first identification of the emergence of a CTNNB1 mutation that can confer acquired resistance to imatinib. Further investigation into the causes of acquired resistance to imatinib will be essential to improve the prognosis for patients with KIT-mutated melanoma.

Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of oltipraz, a liver X receptor alpha-inhibitory dithiolethione in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Oltipraz is a synthetic dithiolethione with an antisteatotic effect by inhibiting the activity of liver X receptor alpha (LXR-α). Recent studies demonstrated the disruptive role of oltipraz on LXR-α-dependent lipogenesis in hepatocytes and a high-fat diet mouse model.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oltipraz for reducing liver fat in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We performed a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study. Subjects with a liver fat >20% and hypertransaminasemia were randomised to the three groups: placebo (n = 22), 30 mg of oltipraz (n = 22) or 60 mg of oltipraz (n = 24) twice daily for 24 weeks. Changes in the liver fat from baseline to 24 weeks quantified using magnetic resonance spectroscopy were the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group (-3.2 ± 11.1%), absolute changes in the liver fat content increased in a dose-dependent manner: -7.7 ± 7.0% and -13.9 ± 10.7% for the low-dose and high-dose groups (P = 0.13 and P < 0.01). Per cent reduction in the liver fat content was also significantly greater in the high-dose group than in the placebo group (-34.6 ± 29.4% vs. -0.6 ± 62.9%, P = 0.046). Body mass indices (-1.0 ± 0.9% vs. -0.5 ± 1.4%, P = 0.04) significantly decreased in the high-dose group compared to the placebo group. However, absolute changes in insulin resistance, liver enzymes, lipids and cytokines were not significantly different among groups. The incidence of adverse events was comparable among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-four-week oltipraz treatment significantly reduced the liver fat content in patients with NAFLD. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01373554).

Abstract P2-01-12: Development of prediction model for omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy in T1 breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a standard method for axillary nodal staging in the treatment of breast cancer. However, along with the trends to SLN performed only without additional axillary lymph node dissection, it's time to be considered omission of SLN for selective patients. We developed a prediction model to assess the negative probability of sentinel lymph node metastasis, specifically focus on the patients with clinical T1 breast cancer.

METHODS and MATERIALS

The study group consisted of 513 consecutive patients with clinical T1 breast cancer, who had undergone primary surgery between 2007 and 2012. The clinicopathologic factors and imaging modalities including breast ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chest computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) were evaluated. Patients who fulfilled our inclusion criteria were randomized into experimental and validation set by 3:1 ratio. In the experimental group (n = 256), multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of each variable with the likelihood of SLN metastases. A prediction model was developed based on the patients in the experimental group and was validated with internal patient cohorts.

RESULTS

Of the 513 patients, 119 (23.1%) were found to have SLN metastases. In univariate analysis, presence of lymphovascular invasion (P &lt; 0.001) and suspicious finding of preoperative image studies (US, PET, and MRI, P &lt; 0.001) were independent positive predictors of SLN metastases. In multivariate analysis of experimental group, estrogen receptor status (P = 0.012), presence of lymphatic invasion (P &lt; 0.001), and suspicious finding of preoperative image studies (US, PET, and MRI, P &lt; 0.001) were each associated with involvement of SLN. A prediction model based on this analysis consists of 9 rows including 6 variables (age, estrogen receptor status, presence of lymphatic invasion, and results of preoperative US, PET or CT, MRI). The sum of assigned points for all six variables made corresponding value of negative probability of SLN metastasis. The accuracy of prediction model applied to the validation group, as measured by the area under the receiver operating curve was 0.789.

CONCLUSIONS

The prediction model developed here may be a useful tool to assess SLN involvement for clinical T1 breast cancer patients. And prospective study for additional validation of the prediction model is currently in preparation, exploring the possibility of SLN biopsy omission.

Citation Format: Cho JN, Song EJ, Lee MH, Jung S-Y, Lee S, Kang H-S, Sim SH, Park IH, Lee KS, Kim YJ, Kim S-K, Kwon Y, Nam B-H, Lee ES. Development of prediction model for omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy in T1 breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-12.

Clinical application of a free radial artery superficial palmar branch flap for soft-tissue reconstruction of digital injuries

Unsuccessful reconstruction of injured fingers can lead to poor outcomes. The aim of this article was to investigate the clinical application of the radial artery superficial palmar branch flap for soft-tissue reconstruction of the finger. We treated 125 patients with various finger injuries who underwent free radial artery superficial palmar branch flap reconstruction between October 2010 and March 2015. There were 46 distal finger injuries, 25 distal finger amputation following failed replantation and 54 palmar digital injuries with tendon, bone or joint exposure requiring soft-tissue reconstruction. Of the 125 cases, 114 flap reconstructions were considered successful. We believe that a free radial artery superficial palmar branch flap transfer is credible and useful for reconstructing various finger injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Anti-inflammatory effects of simvastatin in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced small bowel injury

Small bowel injury can occur as the result of a multifaceted process that includes increased acid secretion, generation of reactive oxygen species, and cyclooxygenase inhibition. However, no effective medication for small bowel ulceration is available. Simvastatin is an important lipid-lowering agent with anti-inflammatory activity. We aimed to validate the effects of simvastatin in vitro and in vivo. In presence or absence of simvastatin, IEC-6 small bowel cell line with 50 ng/ml of tumor nectosis factor α (TNF-α) was investigated by western blotting, qRT-PCR, and DCF-DA assay. In addition, an in vivo study of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-induced small bowel inflammation was performed using 7-week-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice. Simvastatin treatment reduced the mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by approximately 50% in TNF-α-stimulated IEC-6 cells. Treatment with a combination of 50 ng/ml TNF-α and μM simvastatin decreased activation of Akt, IκBα, and nuclear factor-κB p65 level in IEC-6 cells. By DCF-DA staining, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was increased in TNF-α-stimulated cells, and treatment with simvastatin decreased the level of ROS. In addition, in vivo mouse model of NSAID-induced small bowel inflammation, the administration of simvastatin reduced the number of small bowel hemorrhagic lesions and the level of ROS production as determined by gross examination and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine immunohistochemistry of small bowel tissue, respectively. Simvastatin reduced NSAID-induced injuries by both suppression of ROS generation and modulation of inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, has potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for NSAID-induced small bowel injury.

First-Line Use of Core Needle Biopsy for High-Yield Preliminary Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although core needle biopsy was introduced as a diagnostic alternative to fine-needle aspiration, the utility and safety of core needle biopsy for thyroid nodules in a large population has yet to be studied comprehensively. We evaluate core needle biopsy yields on a large-scale basis to investigate its potential in the preliminary diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2005 and December 2013, 2448 initially detected thyroid nodules from 2120 consecutive patients who underwent core needle biopsy were retrospectively evaluated. Of these, 72 thyroid nodules from 63 patients were excluded due to prior fine-needle aspiration attempts. The inconclusive and conclusive result rates, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and unnecessary surgery rate of core needle biopsy were evaluated.

RESULTS

With core needle biopsy as the first-line method, the inconclusive result rate was 11.9% (283/2376) and the conclusive result rate was 88.1% (2093/2376). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of malignancy were 96.7% (1160/1200), 89.7% (347/387), 100% (813/813), 100% (347/347), and 95.3% (813/853), respectively. There were no major complications and 12 minor complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that first-line use of core needle biopsy may well improve diagnostic accuracy in thyroid nodules, reducing inconclusive or false-negative results and unnecessary operations. Such benefits underscore the promising role of core needle biopsy in managing thyroid nodules and optimizing related surgical decision-making.

A Carcinoid Tumor of the Esophagus Treated with Endoscopic Ablation Therapy

Esophageal carcinoids are exceedingly rare and only a few limited cases have been reported. Because knowledge about esophageal carcinoid is based primarily on case reports, the treatment of choice has not been settled. We report here on a localized carcinoid tumor in the esophagogastric junction. As our initial biopsy was nearly equal for the excision, we only performed coagulation ablation therapy instead of a wide excision which is traditionally recommended. The patient is free of recurrence so far during 50-month follow-up. Our report suggests that esophageal carcinoids may be not particularly associated with a poor prognosis.

Energy Scan of the e^{+}e^{-}→h_{b}(nP)π^{+}π^{-} (n=1, 2) Cross Sections and Evidence for ϒ(11020) Decays into Charged Bottomoniumlike States

Using data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider, we measure the energy dependence of the e^{+}e^{-}→h_{b}(nP)π^{+}π^{-} (n=1, 2) cross sections from thresholds up to 11.02 GeV. We find clear ϒ(10860) and ϒ(11020) peaks with little or no continuum contribution. We study the resonant substructure of the ϒ(11020)→h_{b}(nP)π^{+}π^{-} transitions and find evidence that they proceed entirely via the intermediate isovector states Z_{b}(10610) and Z_{b}(10650). The relative fraction of these states is loosely constrained by the current data: The hypothesis that only Z_{b}(10610) is produced is excluded at the level of 3.3 standard deviations, while the hypothesis that only Z_{b}(10650) is produced is not excluded at a significant level.

First Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay of a Charmed Baryon: Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}π^{-}

We report the first observation of the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}π^{-} using a 980  fb^{-1} data sample collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. This is the first observation of a doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay of a charmed baryon. We measure the branching ratio of this decay with respect to its Cabibbo-favored counterpart to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}π^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})=(2.35±0.27±0.21)×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

MicroRNA Profile of Granulosa Cells after Ovarian Stimulation Differs According to Maturity of Retrieved Oocytes

Background: Recent animal studies demonstrated that regulating the microRNA (miRNA) in granulosa cells (GCs) modulates the meiotic competence of oocytes. However, the difference in expression profiles of miRNAs in human GCs according to the maturity of the oocyte still remains to be elucidated. Objective: This observational study investigated whether the miRNA profile of human GCs differs according to the maturity of the retrieved oocyte after controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Ten women who underwent ovarian stimulation cycles with GnRH agonist long protocols were recruited. The follicular fluid (FF) from dominant follicles was individually aspirated at oocyte retrieval. Oocytes were divided into two groups according to oocyte maturity ("mature group" vs. "immature group"). GCs were collected from the FF and miRNA was analyzed using real-time PCR. Results: Mean number of MII oocytes in the mature group was 1.6 ± 0.9 with none in the immature group (p = 0.008). Mean number of MI oocytes was 5.6 ± 2.1 in the mature group and 1.0 ± 0.0 in the immature group (p = 0.008). The total number of retrieved oocytes was 8.8 ± 1.9 in the mature group and 2.0 ± 1.2 in the immature group (p = 0.008). The GCs of the mature group showed a significantly lower expression of hsa-let-7b compared to the GCs of the immature group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Taken together, the miRNA expression profiles of human GCs obtained from dominant follicles are associated with maturity of the adjacent oocyte and may be useful as a prognosticator of IVF outcome.

The effects of body mass index on the hereditary influences that determine peak bone mass in mother-daughter pairs (KNHANES V)

A daughter's bone mineral density (BMD) is significantly correlated with her mother's BMD, but the daughter's body mass index (BMI) could modulate this association. Maternal inheritance dominantly affects daughters with a lower BMI, but BMI could compensate for hereditary influences in daughters with a higher BMI in terms of daughter's BMD.

INTRODUCTION

Achieving optimal peak bone mass at a young age is the best way to protect against future osteoporosis and subsequent fractures. Although environmental components influence bone mass accrual, but peak bone mass is largely programmed by inheritance. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of maternal inheritance on the daughter's bone mass and to assess whether these influences differ according to the daughter's body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

We used data obtained from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V and included 187 mother-daughter pairs. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (LS), femur neck (FN), and total hip (TH) by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The daughter group was stratified into two groups according to the mean BMI (21.4 kg/m(2)).

RESULTS

The daughters' BMD correlated significantly with both their BMI and their mothers' Z-score for each skeletal site. In the daughters with a lower BMI (≤21.4 kg/m(2)), the BMDs at the FN and TH were affected more by the mothers' Z-score than by the daughters' BMI. Meanwhile, the influence of the daughters' BMI on their BMD was higher than that of their mothers' Z-score in daughters with a higher BMI (>21.4 kg/m(2)). Moreover, the mothers' Z-scores were a significant predictor of their daughters having Z-scores < -1.0 only in daughters with a lower BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that maternal inheritance is an important determinant of the daughters' bone mass, but that this hereditary factor may vary according to the daughters' BMI.