Immune responses induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-resistant antigen (Mtb-HAg) upon co-administration with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in mice

OBJECTIVES

To preliminarily assess the immunogenicity of Mtb-HAg in mice and the synergistic effect provided by HAg when co-immunised with BCG.

METHODS

Mice were randomly grouped for different immunisations and then spleens were aseptically removed and lymphocytes were extracted for immediate detection of cytokines transcript levels and stimulation index(SI), cytokine secretion and multifunctional antigen-specific T cells were detected after incubation for different times.

RESULTS

HAg extracted from active Mtb is a group of mixed polypeptides with molecular weights of (10-14) kDa. It can significantly stimulate lymphocytes proliferation and increase SI. Injection of HAg alone and in combination with BCG induced significantly higher numbers of multifunctional antigen-specific T cells including CD4+ IFN-γ+, CD4+ IL-2+, CD8+ IFN-γ+, and CD8+ IL-2+ cells than that in BCG-treated mice. Co-immunisation induced the secretion of higher levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-4 and increased their mRNA expression levels. Significant increases in the transcription levels of IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 were observed in the co-immunised group with the assistance of HAg.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that HAg has favourable immunogenicity, triggers a stronger Th1-type immune response and proposed the hypothesis that HAg can be used as a BCG booster to further enhance the benefits of BCG.

Nasal hyperreactivity in allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps: a role for neuronal pathways

BACKGROUND

Nasal hyperreactivity (NHR) is prevalent in all chronic upper airway inflammatory phenotypes, including allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Although NHR in patients with non-allergic rhinitis is mediated by neuronal pathways, AR and CRSwNP are mainly characterized by type 2 inflammation.

METHODS

Eighteen healthy controls and 45 patients with symptomatic AR/CRSwNP underwent a cold, dry air (CDA) provocation test for objective diagnosis of NHR. Before and after, questionnaires were filled out and nasal secretions and biopsies were collected. Markers for neurogenic inflammation (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neurokinin A), epithelial activation (IL-33), and histamine were measured in secretions by ELISA; and expression of neuronal markers PGP9.5, TRPV1, and TRPM8 was studied in biopsies by RT-q-PCR. Effects of histamine on TRPV1/A1 were studied with Ca2+-imaging using murine trigeminal neurons.

RESULTS

CDA-provocation reduced peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) of patients with subjective NHR but not of non-NHR controls/ patients (p.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) Promotes Recombinant Mycobacteria Intracellular Survival via Regulation of Innate Immunity, and Inhibition of Cell Apoptosis

Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), is a significant global public health problem. Mycobacterium tuberculosis expresses a unique family of PE_PGRS proteins that have been implicated in pathogenesis. Despite numerous studies, the functions of most PE_PGRS proteins in the pathogenesis of mycobacterium infections remain unclear. PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) is only found in pathogenic mycobacteria. In this study, we successfully constructed a recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) strain which heterologously expresses the PE_PGRS45 protein. We found that overexpression of this cell wall-associated protein enhanced bacterial viability under stress in vitro and cell survival in macrophages. MS_PE_PGRS45 decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, and TNF-α. We also found that MS_PE_PGRS45 increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and altered macrophage-mediated immune responses. Furthermore, PE_PGRS45 enhanced the survival rate of M. smegmatis in macrophages by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Collectively, our findings show that PE_PGRS45 is a virulent factor actively involved in the interaction with the host macrophage.

Immunological effects of the PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related vaccines

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and its incidence and mortality are increasing. The BCG vaccine was developed in the early 20th century. As the most widely administered vaccine in the world, approximately 100 million newborns are vaccinated with BCG every year, which has saved tens of millions of lives. However, due to differences in region and race, the average protective rate of BCG in preventing tuberculosis in children is still not high in some areas. Moreover, because the immune memory induced by BCG will weaken with the increase of age, it is slightly inferior in preventing adult tuberculosis, and BCG revaccination cannot reduce the incidence of tuberculosis again. Research on the mechanism of Mtb and the development of new vaccines against TB are the main strategies for preventing and treating TB. In recent years, Pro-Glu motif-containing (PE) and Pro-Pro-Glu motif-containing (PPE) family proteins have been found to have an increasingly important role in the pathogenesis and chronic protracted infection observed in TB. The development and clinical trials of vaccines based on Mtb antigens are in progress. Herein, we review the immunological effects of PE/PPE proteins and the development of common PE/PPE vaccines.

Transcriptional analysis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen (Mtb-Ag) is a polypeptide component with a molecular weight of 10-14 kDa that is obtained from the supernatant of the H37Ra strain after heat treatment. It stimulates the activation and proliferation of γδT cells in the blood to produce an immune response against tuberculosis. Mtb-Ag is therefore crucial for classifying and detecting the central genes and key pathways involved in TB initiation and progression.

Methods

In this study, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from Mtb-Ag-stimulated and control samples to identify differentially expressed genes and used them for gene ontology (GO) and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Meanwhile, we used PPI protein interaction network and Cytoscape analysis to identify key genes and qRT-PCR to verify differential gene expression. Single-gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used further to elucidate the potential biological functions of key genes. Analysis of immune cell infiltration and correlation of key genes with immune cells after Mtb-Ag-stimulated using R language.

Results

We identified 597 differentially expressed genes in Mtb-Ag stimulated PBMCs. KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyzed the cellular pathways related to immune function, and DEGs were found to be primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway, the IL-17 signaling pathway, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Wayne analysis using GSEA, KEGG, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network showed that 34 genes, including PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF and IFN-γ et al., were co-expressed in the five pathways and all were up-regulated by Mtb-Ag stimulation. Twenty-four DEGs were identified using qRT-PCR, including fourteen up-regulated genes (SERPINB7, IL20, IFNG, CSF2, PTGS2, TNF-α, IL36G, IL6, IL10, IL1A, CXCL1, CXCL8, IL4, and CXCL3) and ten down-regulated genes (RTN1, CSF1R CD14, C5AR1, CXCL16, PLXNB2, OLIG1, EEPD1, ENG, and CCR1). These findings were consistent with the RNA-Seq results.

Conclusion

The transcriptomic features associated with Mtb-Ag provide the scientific basis for exploring the intracellular immune mechanisms against Mtb. However, more studies on these DEGs in pathways associated with Mtb-Ag stimulation are needed to elucidate the underlying pathologic mechanisms of Mtb-Ag during Mtb infection.

Particulate matter promotes the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human lung epithelial cells via the ROS pathway

OBJECTS

Epidemiologic studies have linked exposure to airborne pollutant particulate matter (PM) with increased rates of chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, including asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Several investigations have suggested that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may contribute to the complex pathobiology of environmental exposure-mediated pulmonary fibrosis. The present study was designed to characterize the mechanisms of PM-mediated EMT in human lung epithelial cells (HBECs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

PM induced significant dose (0-100 μg/ml) and time (0-72 h)-dependent increases in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and fibronectin (FN) protein levels in HBECs lysates. PM-activated TGFβ and FN protein production in HBECs was prevented by the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, 5 mM). Furthermore, the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 (5 μM) abolished PM-induced FN production in HBECs. Biomarkers of EMT (ACTA2, SNAIL1 and SNAIL2) in PM-treated HBECs were significantly increased at the mRNA level compared to control cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that PM increases protein levels of TGFβ and FN via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways. In addition, PM exposure induces EMT in human lung epithelial cells, supporting a novel mechanism for PM-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Measurements of Normalized Differential Cross Sections of Inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} Production in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV

Based on electron positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the differential cross sections of inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} production as a function of hadron momentum, normalized by the total cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons process, are measured at six center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. Our results, which cover a relative hadron energy range from 0.1 to 0.9, significantly deviate from several theoretical calculations based on existing fragmentation functions.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE8 (Rv1040c) Promotes the Intracellular Survival of Recombinant Mycobacterium by Regulating Host Inflammatory Cytokines and Inhibiting Cell Late Apoptosis

Tuberculosis is an important chronic and often fatal infectious disease mainly caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Mtb is one of the most successful pathogens that harbors several potential virulence factors not found in nonpathogenic mycobacteria. As the Mtb cell envelope is closely associated with its virulence and resistance, it is very important to understand the cell envelope for better treatment of causative pathogen. There is increasing evidence that Pro-Glu (PE) and Pro-Pro-Glu (PPE) proteins are the major effectors of virulence and persistence encoded in the Mtb H37Rv genome. However, the function of PE8 has not been explored to date. In this study, we heterologously expressed PE8 in nonpathogenic, fast-growing M. smegmatis to investigate the interaction between PE8 and the host to determine its possible biological functions. We found that recombinant M. smegmatis cells expressing PE8 were less susceptible to sodium dodecyl sulfate-induced surface stress compared with those expressing the empty vector, suggesting that PE8 may be involved in stress responses. In addition, macrophages infected with PE8-expressing M. smegmatis produced obviously lower levels of the proinflammatory factor IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and higher levels of the inhibitory factor IL-10. We further found that PE8 promoted M. smegmatis survival within macrophages by inhibiting late apoptosis of macrophages. Collectively, selective targeting of the PE/PPE protein family offers an untapped opportunity to the development of more effective and safer drugs against Mtb infection.

Observation of a New X(3872) Production Process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872)

Using 4.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data at center-of-mass energies from 4.661 to 4.951 GeV collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we observe the X(3872) production process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) for the first time. The significance is 7.8σ, including both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) Born cross section and the corresponding upper limit at 90% confidence level at each energy point are reported. The line shape of the cross section indicates that the ωX(3872) signals may be from the decays of some nontrivial structures.

Clinical Outcomes of Conservative Treatment for Low-Risk Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

AIMS

The current gold standard of treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. However, the increased detection and radical treatment of DCIS did not result in a declined incidence of invasive breast cancers, leading to the debate if DCIS has been overtreated. While ongoing randomised controlled trials on active surveillance of DCIS are still in progress, this systematic review aims to evaluate the best evidence on conservative treatment for DCIS from the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in line with the PRISMA statement. We included all relevant studies published up to June 2022 for analysis. The primary outcomes were overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) of conservative treatment for DCIS.

RESULTS

Three studies, with a total of 34 007 women with low-risk DCIS, were included in the analysis. Active and conservative treatments both resulted in excellent 10-year BCSS, with no statistically insignificant difference (98.6% versus 96.0%, 31 478 women). One study comparing 5-year BCSS of active and conservative treatments only in subjects aged over 80 years also reported [AQ1]an insignificant difference (98.2% versus 96.0%, 2529 women). One study measuring 5- and 10-year overall survival between the treatment groups also reported [AQ1]an insignificant difference (5-year: 96.2% versus 92.4%; 10-year: 85.6% versus 86.7%, 31 106 women).

CONCLUSION

BCSS between active and conservative treatment for women with low-risk DCIS is both excellent and comparable, suggesting that conservative treatment is a possible alternative without compromising survival.

Evidence for the Cusp Effect in η' Decays into ηπ^{0}π^{0}

Using a sample of 4.3×10^{5} η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π^{+}π^{-} mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π^{0}π^{0} with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a_{0}-a_{2} is determined to be 0.226±0.060_{stat}±0.013_{syst}, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.

A Novel Myricetin Derivative with Anti-cancer Properties Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in A549 Cells

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, synthesizing and screening of novel anti-cancer drugs provides an alternative therapeutic strategy for renewal of the chemotherapy regimens against lung cancer. To this end, several compounds were synthesized based on the modification of the original myricetin, and their anti-tumor activity against the human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells were measured. Among the myricetin derivatives, S4-10 has displayed the highest antitumor efficacy in dose-dependent manner. The proliferation of A549 cells were significantly attenuated by given 6 µM of S4-10 both in vitro and in vivo. Further, the treatment of S4-10 also results in the inhibition of cell migration and invasiveness and the induction of cell apoptosis and G2 cycle arrest of A549 cells. Moreover, we found that S4-10 inhibits the progression of A549 cells through the sterol biosynthetic-cell apoptosis axis. These findings shed the light of developing S4-10 as a promising treatment agent for NSCLC.

Study of the Semileptonic Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e}

The study of the Cabibbo-favored semileptonic decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e} is reported using a 4.5  fb^{-1} data sample of e^{+}e^{-} annihilations collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600 GeV to 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The branching fraction of the decay is measured to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e})=(3.56±0.11_{stat}±0.07_{syst})%, which is the most precise measurement to date. Furthermore, we perform an investigation of the internal dynamics in Λ_{c}^{+}→Λe^{+}ν_{e}. We provide the first direct comparisons of the differential decay rate and form factors with those predicted from lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) calculations. Combining the measured branching fraction with a q^{2}-integrated rate predicted by LQCD, we determine |V_{cs}|=0.936±0.017_{B}±0.024_{LQCD}±0.007_{τ_{Λ_{c}}}.

[Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPRO) promotes phagocytic activity of alveolar epithelial cells via activating AKT signal pathway in LPS induced acute lung injury]

Objective To investigate the effect of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPRO) on the phagocytic activity of alveolar epithelial cells in LPS-induced acute lung injury. Methods Mice were randomly divided into the normal control group and LPS stimulation group. The infiltration of inflammatory cells was detected by HE staining. The cytokine TNF-α level in lung was analyzed by ELISA. Western blotting was performed to detect the effect of LPS on PTPRO protein expression in lung. After the expression of PTPRO in MLE-12 cells was silenced by siRNA in vitro, flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of LPS and PTPRO siRNA on the phagocytic activity of MLE-12 cells, and the effects of LPS and PTPRO siRNA on the expression of PTPRO, AKT and phosphorylated AKT protein were measured by Western blotting. Results After the establishment of murine acute lung injury model by LPS injection(1 mg/kg), the infiltrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were markedly increased. The level of TNF-α in lung tissue and the expression of PTPRO in MLE-12 cells were both significantly increased after LPS stimulation. However, the activity of MLE-12 cells to phagocytose fluorescent microbeads was evidently decreased after silencing PTPRO. Furthermore, silencing PTPRO induced a remarkable decrease in the phosphorylation of AKT in MLE-12 cells. Conclusion PTPRO can promote phagocytic activity of MLE-12 cells via activating AKT signaling pathway.

Research progress on humanistic care ability and influencing factors of intern nursing students

This paper is dedicated to reviewing relative research on humanistic caring ability of intern nursing students and proposing strategies to improve humanistic caring ability. Firstly, current paper collected information from both domestic and foreign literature, and then scientific analysis, summary and overview of research results were conducted with regards to humanistic caring ability of interns nursing students. By analyzing the current situation of intern nursing students' humanistic caring ability, and factors that have influence on humanistic caring ability of intern nursing students, the present paper is determined to come up with feasible change methods and form strategic paths. At present, the humanistic care ability of intern nursing students is relatively low. Students, schools, hospitals, and the society all exert influence on the humanistic care ability of intern nursing students. Although scholars' research is different in topics or focus, the conclusions drawn from this research are highly consistent. Nursing humanistic care is the internal quality of nursing staff concerning morality, humanity, and integration of knowledge, concepts, and attitudes. Nursing humanistic care ability includes caring experience ability and caring behavior ability. The necessary psychological characteristics of personality are regarded as a special ability. It is of great significance to promote the quality of nursing and humanistic care ability of intern nursing students who serve as the backup force of nursing talent team. Meanwhile, it is imperative to strengthen the construction of intern nursing students' humanistic care ability.

Activation of Nrf2 modulates protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in THP1-derived macrophages

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection, is one of the leading causes of death globally and poses a threat to public health. During infection, M. tuberculosis causes redox imbalance and dysfunctions of protective immunity. Transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor (Nrf2) is a major modulator of cellular redox homeostasis via transcriptional induction of cytoprotective genes to protect cell against the damage from insults. Thus, we hypothesize that Nrf2 may regulate protective immunity against M. tuberculosis. RNA-seq and immunoblotting results suggested that the expression of Nrf2 protein increased after M. tuberculosis infection, and decreased upon long-term M. tuberculosis infection, while Keap1 protein maintained a low expression level during M. tuberculosis infection. Furthermore, Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN) decreased proinflammatory cytokines production, phagocytosis and host cell apoptosis, while increasing ROS levels and promoting autophagy in THP1 macrophages infected with M. tuberculosis. In addition, SFN-activated Nrf2 augmented bacterial killing by macrophages, which might be due to the regulation of protective immunity via Nrf2. Combined, our results extend the understanding of the complex innate immunity regulation by Nrf2 against mycobacterial infection. Also, these findings suggested that the regulation of Nrf2 signaling cascade could be used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of TB patients and the development of better anti-TB vaccines.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction and Decay Asymmetry of Λ→nγ

The radiative hyperon decay Λ→nγ is studied using (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII. The absolute branching fraction of the decay Λ→nγ is determined to be (0.832±0.038_{stat}±0.054_{syst})×10^{-3}, which is a factor of 2.1 lower and 5.6 standard deviations different than the previous measurement. By analyzing the joint angular distribution of the decay products, the first determination of the decay asymmetry α_{γ} is reported with a value of -0.16±0.10_{stat}±0.05_{syst}.

Observation of an Isoscalar Resonance with Exotic J^{PC}=1^{-+} Quantum Numbers in J/ψ→γηη^{'}

Using a sample of (10.09±0.04)×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γηη^{'} is performed. The first observation of an isoscalar state with exotic quantum numbers J^{PC}=1^{-+}, denoted as η_{1}(1855), is reported in the process J/ψ→γη_{1}(1855) with η_{1}(1855)→ηη^{'}. Its mass and width are measured to be (1855±9_{-1}^{+6})  MeV/c^{2} and (188±18_{-8}^{+3})  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic, and its statistical significance is estimated to be larger than 19σ.

Observation of an a_{0}-like State with Mass of 1.817 GeV in the Study of D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}π^{0} Decays

Using e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we perform the first amplitude analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}π^{0} and determine the relative branching fractions and phases for intermediate processes. We observe an a_{0}-like state with mass of 1.817 GeV in its decay to K_{S}^{0}K^{+} for the first time. In addition, we measure the ratio {B[D_{s}^{+}→K[over ¯]^{*}(892)^{0}K^{+}]/B[D_{s}^{+}→K[over ¯]^{0}K^{*}(892)^{+}]} to be 2.35_{-0.23stat}^{+0.42}±0.10_{syst}. Finally, we provide a precision measurement of the absolute branching fraction B(D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}π^{0})=(1.46±0.06_{stat}±0.05_{syst})%.

Precise Measurements of Decay Parameters and CP Asymmetry with Entangled Λ-Λ[over ¯] Pairs

Based on 10 billion J/ψ events collected at the BESIII experiment, a search for CP violation in Λ decay is performed in the difference between CP-odd decay parameters α_{-} for Λ→pπ^{-} and α_{+} for Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+} by using the process e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ→ΛΛ[over ¯]. With a five-dimensional fit to the full angular distributions of the daughter baryon, the most precise values for the decay parameters are determined to be α_{-}=0.7519±0.0036±0.0024 and α_{+}=-0.7559±0.0036±0.0030, respectively. The Λ and Λ[over ¯] averaged value of the decay parameter is extracted to be α_{avg}=0.7542±0.0010±0.0024 with unprecedented accuracy. The CP asymmetry A_{CP}=(α_{-}+α_{+})/(α_{-}-α_{+}) is determined to be -0.0025±0.0046±0.0012, which is one of the most precise measurements in the baryon sector. The reported results for the decay parameter will play an important role in the studies of the polarizations and CP violations for the strange, charmed and beauty baryons.

First Observation of the Direct Production of the χ_{c1} in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation

We study the direct production of the J^{PC}=1^{++} charmonium state χ_{c1}(1P) in electron-positron annihilation by carrying out an energy scan around the mass of the χ_{c1}(1P). The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. An interference pattern between the signal process e^{+}e^{-}→χ_{c1}(1P)→γJ/ψ→γμ^{+}μ^{-} and the background processes e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}J/ψ→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} and e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} is observed by combining all the data samples. The χ_{c1}(1P) signal is observed with a significance of 5.1σ. This is the first observation of a C-even state directly produced in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation. The electronic width of the χ_{c1}(1P) resonance is determined to be Γ_{ee}=(0.12_{-0.08}^{+0.13})  eV, which is of the same order of magnitude as theoretical calculations.

Evidence for a Neutral Near-Threshold Structure in the K_{S}^{0} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}, as well as their charge conjugated processes, at five center-of-mass energies between 4.628 and 4.699 GeV, using data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.8  fb^{-1} collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, we find evidence of a structure near the thresholds for D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and D_{s}^{*+}D^{-} production in the K_{S}^{0} recoil-mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0}. Fitting with a Breit-Wigner line shape, we find the mass of the structure to be (3992.2±1.7±1.6)  MeV/c^{2} and the width to be (7.7_{-3.8}^{+4.1}±4.3)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} signal is found to be 4.6σ including both the statistical and systematic uncertainty. We report the Born cross section multiplied by the branching fraction at different energy points. The mass of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is close to that of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}. Assuming SU(3) symmetry, the cross section of the neutral channel is consistent with that of the charged one. Hence, we conclude that the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is the isospin partner of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}.

Observation of Resonance Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) and Mass Measurement of ψ_{2}(3823)

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the product of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) cross section and the branching fraction B[ψ_{2}(3823)→γχ_{c1}]. For the first time, resonance structure is observed in the cross section line shape of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) with significances exceeding 5σ. A fit to data with two coherent Breit-Wigner resonances modeling the sqrt[s]-dependent cross section yields M(R_{1})=4406.9±17.2±4.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{1})=128.1±37.2±2.3  MeV, and M(R_{2})=4647.9±8.6±0.8  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{2})=33.1±18.6±4.1  MeV. Though weakly disfavored by the data, a single resonance with M(R)=4417.5±26.2±3.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R)=245±48±13  MeV is also possible to interpret data. This observation deepens our understanding of the nature of the vector charmoniumlike states. The mass of the ψ_{2}(3823) state is measured as (3823.12±0.43±0.13)  MeV/c^{2}, which is the most precise measurement to date.

[Establishment of a THP-1 macrophage model infected by recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing green fluorescent protein]

Objective To establish a THP-1 macrophage model infected by Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), to quickly locate and visually detect Mycobacterium smegmatis, and to provide a tracer tool to identify the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and develop new tuberculosis vaccines. Methods The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene sequence was amplified by PCR using pEGFP-N1 plasmid as a template to obtain the coding gene of EGFP, and the amplified product was cloned into the vector pALACE to establish the recombinant plasmid pALACE-EGFP. Electroporation transformed the pALACE-EGFP into Mycobacterium smegmatis, and recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis clones were screened by hygromycin resistance. After expanded culture, the smears were observed by fluorescence microscopy. The THP-1 macrophages were infected with recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the expression of EGFP was observed. Results The recombinant plasmid pALACE-EGFP was constructed appropriately. The recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis was observed under fluorescence microscope. And it was confirmed that EGFP was expressed in recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis, and THP-1 macrophages emitted green fluorescence after infection. Conclusion The successful establishment of recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing EGFP protein provides insights for investigating infection and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Observation of a State X(2600) in the π^{+}π^{-}η' System in the Process J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η'

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the process J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η^{'} is studied using two largest decay channels of the η^{'} meson, η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→ηπ^{+}π^{-}, η→γγ. A new resonance, which we denote as the X(2600), is observed with a statistical significance larger than 20σ in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant mass spectrum, and it has a connection to a structure around 1.5  GeV/c^{2} in the π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum. A simultaneous fit on the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} and π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectra with the two η^{'} decay modes indicates that the mass and width of the X(2600) state are 2618.3±2.0_{-1.4}^{+16.3}  MeV/c^{2} and 195±5_{-17}^{+26}  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical, and the second systematic.

Observation of J/ψ Electromagnetic Dalitz Decays to X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)

Using a sample of about 10^{10}  J/ψ events collected at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV with the BESIII detector, the electromagnetic Dalitz decays J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}π^{+}π^{-}η^{'}, with η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}η, have been studied. The decay J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is observed with a significance of 15σ, and also an e^{+}e^{-} invariant-mass dependent transition form factor of J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is presented for the first time. The intermediate states X(2120) and X(2370) are also observed in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant-mass spectrum with significances of 5.3σ and 7.3σ. The corresponding product branching fractions for J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X, X→π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} [X=X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)] are reported.

Probing CP symmetry and weak phases with entangled double-strange baryons

Though immensely successful, the standard model of particle physics does not offer any explanation as to why our Universe contains so much more matter than antimatter. A key to a dynamically generated matter-antimatter asymmetry is the existence of processes that violate the combined charge conjugation and parity (CP) symmetry1. As such, precision tests of CP symmetry may be used to search for physics beyond the standard model. However, hadrons decay through an interplay of strong and weak processes, quantified in terms of relative phases between the amplitudes. Although previous experiments constructed CP observables that depend on both strong and weak phases, we present an approach where sequential two-body decays of entangled multi-strange baryon-antibaryon pairs provide a separation between these phases. Our method, exploiting spin entanglement between the double-strange Ξ- baryon and its antiparticle2 [Formula: see text], has enabled a direct determination of the weak-phase difference, (ξP - ξS) = (1.2 ± 3.4 ± 0.8) × 10-2 rad. Furthermore, three independent CP observables can be constructed from our measured parameters. The precision in the estimated parameters for a given data sample size is several orders of magnitude greater than achieved with previous methods3. Finally, we provide an independent measurement of the recently debated Λ decay parameter αΛ (refs. 4,5). The [Formula: see text] asymmetry is in agreement with and compatible in precision to the most precise previous measurement4.

Disease Burden and Attributable Risk Factors of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia in China from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Updated information on the burden of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are of great importance for evidence-based health care planning. However, such an estimate has been lacking in Chinese populations at both national and provincial levels.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the temporal trends and the attributable burdens of selected risk factors of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in China.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is an observational description of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019 (GBD 2019). Data on incidence, mortality, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia were derived from the GBD 2019 study at both national and provincial levels in China.

MEASUREMENTS

Six indicators were used: incidence, mortality, prevalence, DALYs, YLLs, and YLDs. Absolute numbers in detail by age, sex, region, and age-standardized rates (with 95% uncertainty intervals) were calculated.

RESULTS

There were notable increasing trends in the number of deaths (247·9%), incidence (264·8%), prevalence (296·5%), DALYs (228·1%), YLDs (308·7%) and YLLs (201·7%) from 1990 to 2019, respectively. The corresponding age-standardized rates increased by 6·2%, 19·3%, 33·6%, 10·7%, 33·4% and 3·1%. Smoking, high body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and metabolic risks were the four leading risk factors. Higher burden was observed among females versus males and in the more developed regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The disease burden in China were increasing substantially. Regional differences of the disease burden are accompanied by discrepancies of economic level and geographical location, as well as different levels of exposure to risk factors. Targeted prevention and control strategies are urgently needed to reduce the disease burden.

Observation of the Singly Cabibbo Suppressed Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+}

The singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 7.3σ by using 3.9  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.612 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. The branching fraction of Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} is measured to be (6.6±1.2_{stat}±0.4_{syst})×10^{-4}. By taking the upper limit of branching fractions of Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{0} from the Belle experiment, the ratio of branching fractions between Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{0} is calculated to be larger than 7.2 at the 90% confidence level, which disagrees with most predictions of the available phenomenological models. In addition, the branching fractions of the Cabibbo-favored decays Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+} and Λ_{c}^{+}→Σ^{0}π^{+} are measured to be (1.31±0.08_{stat}±0.05_{syst})×10^{-2} and (1.22±0.08_{stat}±0.07_{syst})×10^{-2}, respectively, which are consistent with previous results.

Measurement of the Cross Section for e^{+}e^{-}→Hadrons at Energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV

Based on electron-positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider II storage rings, the value of R≡σ(e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons)/σ(e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}) is measured at 14 center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. The resulting uncertainties are less than 3.0% and are dominated by systematic uncertainties.

First Measurement of Polarizations in the Decay D^{0}→ωφ

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.773  GeV by the BESIII detector, the decay D^{0}→ωϕ is observed for the first time. The branching fraction is measured to be (6.48±0.96±0.40)×10^{-4} with a significance of 6.3σ, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. An angular analysis reveals that the ϕ and ω mesons from the D^{0}→ωϕ decay are transversely polarized. The 95% confidence level upper limit on longitudinal polarization fraction is set to be less than 0.24, which is inconsistent with current theoretical expectations and challenges our understanding of the underlying dynamics in charm meson decays.

[Prokaryotic expression and identification of PPE15 protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and preparation of rabbit polyclonal antibodies]

Objective To clone, express and purify PPE15 recombinant protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv), as well as prepare and characterize its rabbit polyclonal antibody. Methods By The PPE15 gene was amplified from the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by PCR, and the His-tagged prokaryotic PPE15 prokaryotic expression plasmid pET28a-PPE15 was constructed by homologous recombination cloning technique, and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). PPE15 expression was induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Recombinant PPE15 was identified by SDS-PAGE, and further purified by affinity chromatography with a Ni-NTA column. The renaturation purified PPE15 protein was used to immunize New-Zealand rabbit to prepare polyclonal antibodies. The antibody specificity was analyzed by Western blot analysis, and antibody titer was determined by indirect ELISA. Results Recombinant prokaryotic PPE15 protein was successfully expressed and purified with a molecular weight of 38 kDa. The purified PPE15 protein exhibited positive reaction with the serum of TB patients and the PPE15 protein, the titer of the polyclonal antibodies reaches more than 1:1 300 480. Conclusion The recombinant protein PPE15 was successfully expressed and purified, and high titer rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody was prepared which provided an experimental basis for further functional studies of PPE15 protein.

Codon Optimization, Soluble Expression and Purification of PE_PGRS45 Gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Preparation of Its Polyclonal Antibody Protein

Studies have demonstrated that PE_PGRS45 is constitutively expressed under various environmental conditions (such as nutrient depletion, hypoxia, and low pH) of the in vitro growth conditions examined, indicating that PE_PGRS45 protein is critical to the basic functions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, there are few reports about the biochemical function and pathogenic mechanism of PE_PGRS45 protein. The fact that this M. tuberculosis gene is not easily expressed in E. coli may be mainly due to the high content of G+C and the use of unique codons. Fusion tags are indispensable tools used to improve the soluble expression of recombinant proteins and accelerate the characterization of protein structure and function. In the present study, His6, Trx, and His6-MBP were used as fusion tags, but only MBP-PE_PGRS45 was expressed solubly. The purification using His6-MBP tag-specific binding to the Ni column was easy to separate after the tag cleavage. We used the purified PE_PGRS45 to immunize New Zealand rabbits and obtained anti- PE_PGRS45 serum. We found that the titer of polyclonal antibodies against PE_PGR45 was higher than 1:256000. The result shows that purified PE_PGRS45 can induce New Zealand rabbits to produce high-titer antibodies. In conclusion, the recombinant protein PE_PGRS45 was successfully expressed in E. coli and specific antiserum was prepared, which will be followed by further evaluation of these specific antigens to develop highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for tuberculosis.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of D_{s}^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ} via τ^{+}→e^{+}ν_{e}ν[over ¯]_{τ}

Using a dataset of 6.32  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4178 and 4226 MeV, we have measured the absolute branching fraction of the leptonic decay D_{s}^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ} via τ^{+}→e^{+}ν_{e}ν[over ¯]_{τ}, and find B_{D_{s}^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ}}=(5.27±0.10±0.12)×10^{-2}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The precision is improved by a factor of 2 compared to the previous best measurement. Combining with f_{D_{s}^{+}} from lattice quantum chromodynamics calculations or the |V_{cs}| from the CKMfitter group, we extract |V_{cs}|=0.978±0.009±0.012 and f_{D_{s}^{+}}=(251.1±2.4±3.0)  MeV, respectively. Combining our result with the world averages of B_{D_{s}^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ}} and B_{D_{s}^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ}}, we obtain the ratio of the branching fractions B_{D_{s}^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ}}/B_{D_{s}^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ}}=9.72±0.37, which is consistent with the standard model prediction of lepton flavor universality.

Immunity cells in the small intestinal mucosa of newborn yaks

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the main markers of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG plasmocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells of the intestinal mucosa of newborn yaks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten newborn yaks (2-4 weeks old) were choosed. Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the immune cell distribution and specific markers at the mRNA expression level in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

RESULTS

The results showed in the epithelium, CD3-positive T lymphocyte levels were higher than other immune cell levels (P<0.05). Additionally, in the lamina propria, the number of cells positive for CD3, CD68, and signal inhibitory regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) were higher in the villi, while CD79α, IgA, and IgG cells were more common at the base of the crypt. Moreover, both in the epithelium and lamina propria, the number of CD3, CD68 and SIRPα were decreased from the duodenum to the ileum (P<0.05), additionally the number of CD79α, IgA and IgG positive cells were increased from the duodenum to the ileum of newborn yaks (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of CD3ε, CD68, and SIRPα increased from the duodenum to the ileum (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of CD79α, IgA, and IgG decreased from the duodenum to the ileum.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical characterization and expression levels of immune factors in the small intestinal mucosa of newborn yaks suggest that the intestinal mucosa is an important part of the natural barrier and provides useful references for immunity functions of newborn yak intestinal mucosa.

Observation of D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, the observation of the D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} semileptonic decay is presented. The statistical significance of the decay D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} is greater than 10σ. The branching fraction of D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} is measured to be (1.09±0.13_{-0.16}^{+0.09}±0.12)×10^{-3}. Here, the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third originates from the assumed branching fraction of K_{1}(1270)^{-}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{-}. The fraction of longitudinal polarization in D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} is determined for the first time to be 0.50±0.19_{stat}±0.08_{syst}.

First Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}

The absolute branching fraction of Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} is reported for the first time based on an e^{+}e^{-} annihilation sample of 10×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV. The branching fraction is determined to be B(Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})=[1.48±0.21(stat)±0.08(syst)]×10^{-4}, which is improved by about 30% in precision over the previous indirect measurements. Combining this result with the world average of B(Λ→pe^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}), we obtain the ratio {[Γ(Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})]/[Γ(Λ→pe^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e})]} to be 0.178±0.028, which agrees with the standard model prediction assuming lepton flavor universality. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} and Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]μ^{+}ν_{μ} is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Represses the Warburg Effect and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxic NSCLC Cells via the HIF-1α/PFKP Axis

BACKGROUND

Tumor cells initiate hypoxia-induced mechanisms to fuel cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, largely mediated by low O2-responsive Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF-1α). Therefore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is now being studied in cancer patients, but its impact upon non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell metabolism remains uncharacterized.

METHODS

We employed the NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 for in vitro studies. Glucose uptake, pyruvate, lactate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays were used to assess aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). A quantitative glycolytic flux model was used to analyze the flux contributions of HIF-1α-induced glucose metabolism genes. We used a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) murine model to measure lung tumorigenesis in C57BL/6J mice.

RESULTS

HBO suppressed hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression and downstream HIF-1α signaling in NSCLC cells. One HIF-1α-induced glucose metabolism gene-Phosphofructokinase, Platelet (PFKP)-most profoundly enhanced glycolytic flux under both low- and high-glucose conditions. HBO suppressed hypoxia-induced PFKP transactivation and gene expression via HIF-1α downregulation. HBO's suppression of the Warburg effect, suppression of hyperproliferation, and suppression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hypoxic NSCLC cell lines is mediated by the HIF-1α/PFKP axis. In vivo, HBO therapy inhibited murine LLC lung tumor growth in a Pfkp-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

HBO's repression of the Warburg effect, repression of hyperproliferation, and repression of EMT in hypoxic NSCLC cells is dependent upon HIF-1α downregulation. HIF-1α's target gene PFKP functions as a central mediator of HBO's effects in hypoxic NSCLC cells and may represent a metabolic vulnerability in NSCLC tumors.

Notoginsenoside R1 protects hypoxia-reoxygenation deprivation-induced injury by upregulation of miR-132 in H9c2 cells

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common perioperative complication of heart and great vessels surgery, aggravating the original myocardial damage and seriously affecting the postoperative recovery of cardiac function. The aim of this study was to reveal the functional effects and potential mechanisms of notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1) in myocardial cells injured by hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R).

METHODS

The rat cardiomyocyte line H9c2 was subjected to H/R with or without NG-R1 treatment. The levels of miR-132 and HBEGF in the cell were altered by microRNA or short-hairpin RNA transfection. Cell viability, apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored. Dual luciferin was used to detect the relationship between miR-132 and HBEGF.

RESULTS

NG-R1 (20 μM) had no impact on H9c2 cells, but cell viability was significantly reduced at 80 μM. NG-R1 (20 μM) protected H9c2 cells against H/R-induced cell damage, accompanied by increased cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, and downregulation of LDH and MDA. Furthermore, the level of miR-132 was decreased in response to H/R exposure but then increased after NG-R1 treatment. When miR-132 was overexpressed, H/R-induced cell damage could be recovered. Downregulation of miR-132 limited the protective effect of NG-R1 on H/R damage. We also found that HBEGF was a direct target of miR-132. The expression of HBEGF was increased upon H/R damage, and this increase was reversed after NG-R1 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that NG-R1 markedly protected H9c2 cells against H/R-induced damage via upregulation of miR-132 and downregulation of its target protein HBEGF.