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

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

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

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

[Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio on long-term outcomes of acute myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease]

Objective: Patients with acute coronary syndrome due to multivessel disease (MVD) were at the highest risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was proposed as a marker of cardiovascular risk. Present study evaluated the independent predictive value of NLR for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with MVD. Methods: AMI patients with MVD (n=1 433) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between January 2013 and December 2013 were followed up for 2 years. Patients were divided into 2 sub-groups based on an optimal cut off value of NLR to predict 2-year all-cause mortality. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. The secondary endpoint was long-term major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Results: By receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value of admission NLR to predict 2-year all-cause mortality was 3.39 (area under the curve 0.765, sensitivity 71%, specificity 73%). The high NLR group(n=396) had higher prevalence of prior myocardial infarction, prior PCI and intra-aortic balloon pump use (IABP)(P<0.01). Compared to the low NLR group (n=1 037), patients in the high NLR group were older, had higher level of neutrophil count and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P<0.001), but lower level of lymphocyte count, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and ejection fraction (P<0.001). During the follow-up period, rate of long-term all-cause death was significantly higher in the high NLR group than in the low NLR group (5.1% (20/396) vs. 0.8% (8/1 037), P<0.001). Cardiac death (4.0% (16/396) vs. 0.7% (7/1 037), P<0.001) and MACCE (21.7% (86/396) vs. 12.6% (131/1 037), P<0.001) were also significantly higher in the high NLR group than in the low NLR group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that NLR ≥ 3.39 was determined as an independent predictor of 2-year all-cause mortality (HR=3.23, 95%CI 1.38-7.54, P=0.007) and MACCE (HR=1.58, 95%CI 1.19-2.10, P=0.002) in this patient cohort after adjusting for other risk factors. Correlation analysis showed that the NLR was positively correlated with hs-CRP levels (r=0.241, P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that admission NLR ≥ 3.39 is an independent predictor of long term all cause death and MACCE in AMI patients with MVD post PCI.

[Impact of coronary artery lesion calcification on the long-term outcome of patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the impact of coronary lesion calcification on the long-term outcome of patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total of 10 119 consecutive patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from January 1 to December 31, 2 103 in our hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into non/mild calcification group (8 268 cases) and moderate/severe calcification group (1 851 cases) according to the angiographic results. The primary endpoint was one-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. Results: The patients were (58.3±10.3) years old, and there were 2 355 females (23.3%). Compared with non/mild calcification group, patients in the moderate/severe calcification group were older ((60.0±10.6) years vs. (57.9±10.2) years, P<0.01), and had higher proportion of female (25.4% (470/1 851) vs. 22.8% (1 885/8 268), P=0.02), debates (33.9% (628/1 851) vs. 29.0% (2 399/8 268), P<0.01), hypertension (68.0% (1 259/1 851) vs. 63.7% (5 264/8 268), P<0.01), coronary artery bypass grafting (4.6% (85/1 851) vs. 3.2% (268/8 268), P<0.01), stroke (12.6% (233/1 851) vs. 10.4% (861/8 268), P=0.01), and renal dysfunction (6.2% (115/1 851) vs. 3.7% (303/8 268), P<0.01). Compared with non/mild calcification group, patients in themoderate/severe calcification group experienced longer procedure time (37 (24, 61) min vs. 27 (17,40) min, P<0.01) and stent length was longer (32 (23,48) mm vs. 27 (18,38) mm, P<0.01), and percent of rotational atherectomy was higher (2.56%(57/2 229) vs. 0.03% (3/11 930), P<0.01). One-year follow-up results showed that MACE (7.5% (139/1 846) vs. 4.9% (402/8 243), P<0.01), all-cause death (1.0% (19/1 846) vs. 0.6% (49/8 243), P=0.04), myocardial infarction (2.2% (41/1 846) vs. 1.4% (114/8 243), P=0.01), and target vessel revascularization (5.0% (92/1 846) vs. 3.2% (266/8 243), P<0.01) were all significantly higher in moderate/severe calcification group than in non/mild group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that moderate/severe calcification was an independent predictor of MACE at one-year after the procedure (HR=1.41, 95%CI 1.16-1.72, P<0.01). Conclusion: Moderate/severe calcification in coronary lesion is an independent predictor of long-term poor prognosis in coronary heart disease patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

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

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

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

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

[Relationship between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk index and the severity of coronary artery lesions and long-term outcome in acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk index(TRI) and the severity of coronary artery lesions and long-term outcome in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: A total of 1 663 consecutive AMI patients undergoing PCI between January and December 2013 in Fuwai hospital were prospectively included in this study. The severity of coronary artery lesions was evaluated using the SYNTAX score. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to analyze the optimal cut-off value of TRI on predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years after PCI.The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the optimal cut-off value of TRI:high TRI group (TRI ≥ 23.05, 465 cases) and low TRI group(TRI<23.05, 1 198 cases). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for determining the relationship between TRI and SYNTAX scores≥33. A multivariate Cox regression analyses was used to identify the influence factors of long-term outcome after PCI. Results: SYNTAX score was higher in high TRI group than in low TRI group (13.00(7.00, 20.50) vs.10.25(7.00, 17.00), P<0.001). TRI was independently associated with SYNTAX score ≥ 33 (OR=1.09,95% CI 1.03-1.16, P=0.004). After the 2 years follow-up, rates of all-cause death (4.1% (19/465) vs. 0.3% (4/1 198) , P<0.001), cardiac death (2.6% (12/465) vs. 0.2% (2/1 198) , P< 0.001) and stent thrombosis (1.7% (8/465) vs. 0.5% (6/1 198) , P=0.015) were all significantly higher in high TRI group than in low TRI group. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that TRI≥ 23.05 was an independent risk factor of all-cause death (HR=5.22, 95%CI 1.63-16.72, P=0.005), cardiac death (HR=8.48, 95%CI 1.75-41.07, P=0.008) and stent thrombosis(HR=3.87, 95%CI 1.32-11.41, P=0.014) at 2 years after PCI in AMI patients, but which was not the independent risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (HR=0.96, 95%CI 0.69-1.36, P=0.834) .The area under ROC curve of TRI ≥ 23.05 on predicting 2 years all-cause mortality in AMI patients undergoing PCI was 0.803(95%CI 0.711-0.894, P<0.001). Conclusions: TRI is independently associated with SYNTAX score ≥ 33. TRI is also an independent risk factor of 2 years all-cause death, cardiac death and stent thrombosis in AMI patients undergoing PCI.

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

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

[Effect of saline nasal irrigation with different temperature on the clinical symptoms and the level of inflammatory factors in patients with allergic rhinitis]

Objective:To study the effect of nasal spray on the clinical symptoms and the level of inflammatory factors in patients with allergic rhinitis by salines with different temperature normal salines.Method:One hundred and twenty patients were divided into control group (n = 60) and experimental group (n = 60) randomly and all the patients were given specific immunotherapy. The patients in control group were treated with saline in 25 degrees for nasal douche, while the patients in the experimental group were treated with saline in 40 degrees. Clinical symptoms and inflammatory factors were compared between two groups.Result:In the experimental group, the total effective rate was 95.00%, while the control group was only 76.67%. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Before treatment, the symptoms scores of nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal itching, sneezing and other symptoms were similar in two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, nasal congestion and sneezing score in experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P< 0.05). The scores of runny nose and nasal itching score is similar in two groups (P> 0.05). Before treatment, the histamine and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), leukotriene C4 and specific IgE inflammatory factor level were similar in two groups (P> 0.05). After treatment, histamine and leukotriene C4 levels in experimental group is lower than that in the control group (P< 0.05).Conclusion:Forty degrees saline nasal irrigation can reduce histamine and leukotriene C4 level in patient with allergic rhinitis, improving the symptoms of nasal congestion and sneezing.

Observation of the Semileptonic Decay D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and Evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we report the observation of D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} and evidence for D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with significances of 6.4σ and 2.9σ, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are determined to be B(D^{0}→a_{0}(980)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{-}→ηπ^{-})=[1.33_{-0.29}^{+0.33}(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10^{-4} and B(D^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e})×B(a_{0}(980)^{0}→ηπ^{0})=[1.66_{-0.66}^{+0.81}(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10^{-4}. This is the first time the a_{0}(980) meson has been measured in a D^{0} semileptonic decay, which would open one more interesting page in the investigation of the nature of the puzzling a_{0}(980) states.

Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of the Inclusive Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X

Based on an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 567  pb^{-1} taken at the center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.6  GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)=(38.2_{-2.2}^{+2.8}±0.9)% using the double-tag method, where X refers to any possible final state particles. In addition, we search for direct CP violation in the charge asymmetry of this inclusive decay for the first time, and obtain A_{CP}≡[B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)-B(Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}→Λ[over ¯]+X)]/[B(Λ_{c}^{+}→Λ+X)+B(Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}→Λ[over ¯]+X)]=(2.1_{-6.6}^{+7.0}±1.6)%, a statistically limited result with no evidence of CP violation.

[Safety and efficacy of a novel abluminal groove-filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions: 5-year results of the TARGET Ⅱ trial]

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FIREHAWK, a novel abluminal groove-filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in patients with moderate-complex coronary lesions (including patients with small vessel disease, long lesion and multi vessel disease), and to validate the ability of the SYNTAX score (SS) to predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with FIREHAWK stent. Methods: TARGETⅡ was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial, a total of 730 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of de novo lesions in native coronary arteries in 24 medical centers in China from August 2011 to February 2012 were enrolled in this study. All patients were exclusively treated with the FIREHAWK stent. Clinical data including patients with diabetes, small vessel disease, long lesion and multi vessel disease were analyzed. The primary composite endpoint was the target lesion failure (TLF) of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction (TV-MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary composite endpoint was patient-oriented endpoint (PoCE), a composite of all death, all myocardial in farction (MI), or any repeat revascularization; definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST) (including acute, late, and very late thrombosis) . SS was calculated in lesions with stenosis more than 50% with coronary artery diameter greater than 1.5 mm. Patients were grouped by tertiles of SS (≤7, >7 to ≤12, >12). Follow-up was performed up to 5 years. Results: A total of 730 patients were enrolled in the TARGET Ⅱ trial. The average SS was 10.9±6.9. 683 (93.6%) patients completed 5-year clinical follow-up. The 5-year incidence of TLF was 8.5%(58/683). The incidence of TLF components was as follows: cardiac death 2.0%(14/683), TV-MI 4.4%(30/683), TLR 3.4%(23/683). The incidence of PoCE was 16.4%(112/683). The incidence of definite/probable stent thrombosis was 0.7%(5/683).Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the diabetes subgroup (HR=1.123, 95%CI 0.623-2.026, P=0.699), the small vessel disease subgroup (HR=0.909, 95%CI 0.526-1.570, P=0.732), the long lesion subgroup (HR=1.561, 95%CI 0.922-2.640, P=0.097), and the multi vessel disease subgroup (HR=1.062, 95%CI 0.611-1.846, P=0.830) did not increase the HR of TLF compared with the counterpart subgroups. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard of TLF was not increased in the middle and high SS groups as compared with the low SS group (HR=1.203,95%CI 0.607-2.385,P=0.597;HR=1.548,95%CI 0.829-2.892,P=0.171). Conclusions: The 5 years follow-up results of TARGET Ⅱ trial shows that the biodegradable polymer of FIREHAWK stents have long-lasting safety and efficacy for patients with moderate-complex coronary lesions. SS is not the predicting factor for the occurrence of TLF in FIREHAWK treated patients with moderate-complex coronary lesions. Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov, NCT0141264.

Observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) Mixing

We report the first observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) mixing in the decays of J/ψ→ϕf_{0}(980)→ϕa_{0}^{0}(980)→ϕηπ^{0} and χ_{c1}→a_{0}^{0}(980)π^{0}→f_{0}(980)π^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}, using data samples of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events and 4.48×10^{8}  ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector. The signals of f_{0}(980)→a_{0}^{0}(980) and a_{0}^{0}(980)→f_{0}(980) mixing are observed at levels of statistical significance of 7.4σ and 5.5σ, respectively. The corresponding branching fractions and mixing intensities are measured and the constraint regions on the coupling constants, g_{a_{0}K^{+}K^{-}} and g_{f_{0}K^{+}K^{-}}, are estimated. The results improve the understanding of the nature of a_{0}^{0}(980) and f_{0}(980).

FOXO1 Inhibits Tumor Cell Migration via Regulating Cell Surface Morphology in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cell surface morphology plays pivotal roles in malignant progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Previous research demonstrated that microvilli play a key role in cell migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we report that Forkhead box class O1 (FOXO1) is downregulated in human NSCLC and that silencing of FOXO1 is associated with the invasive stage of tumor progression.

METHODS

The cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were characterized in vitro, and we tested the expression of the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker by immunofluorescence staining and also identified the effect of FOXO1 on the microvilli by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Functional analyses revealed that silencing of FOXO1 resulted in an increase in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; whereas overexpression of FOXO1 significantly inhibited the migration and invasive capability of NSCLC cells in vitro. Furthermore, cell morphology imaging showed that FOXO1 maintained the characteristics of epithelial cells. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting showed that the E-cadherin level was elevated and Vimentin was reduced by FOXO1 overexpression. Conversely, the E-cadherin level was reduced and Vimentin was elevated in cells silenced for FOXO1. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that FOXO1 overexpression increased the length of the microvilli on the cell surface, whereas FOXO1 silencing significantly reduced their length.

CONCLUSIONS

FOXO1 is involved in human lung carcinogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the migration of human lung cancer.

Precision Study of η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} Decay Dynamics

Using a low background data sample of 9.7×10^{5}  J/ψ→γη^{'}, η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} events, which are 2 orders of magnitude larger than those from the previous experiments, recorded with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the decay dynamics of η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} are studied with both model-dependent and model-independent approaches. The contributions of ω and the ρ(770)-ω interference are observed for the first time in the decays η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} in both approaches. Additionally, a contribution from the box anomaly or the ρ(1450) resonance is required in the model-dependent approach, while the process specific part of the decay amplitude is determined in the model-independent approach.

Finite slice analysis (FINA) of sliced and velocity mapped images on a Cartesian grid

Although time-sliced imaging yields improved signal-to-noise and resolution compared with unsliced velocity mapped ion images, for finite slice widths as encountered in real experiments there is a loss of resolution and recovered intensities for the slow fragments. Recently, we reported a new approach that permits correction of these effects for an arbitrarily sliced distribution of a 3D charged particle cloud. This finite slice analysis (FinA) method utilizes basis functions that model the out-of-plane contribution of a given velocity component to the image for sequential subtraction in a spherical polar coordinate system. However, the original approach suffers from a slow processing time due to the weighting procedure needed to accurately model the out-of-plane projection of an anisotropic angular distribution. To overcome this issue we present a variant of the method in which the FinA approach is performed in a cylindrical coordinate system (Cartesian in the image plane) rather than a spherical polar coordinate system. Dubbed C-FinA, we show how this method is applied in much the same manner. We compare this variant to the polar FinA method and find that the processing time (of a 510 × 510 pixel image) in its most extreme case improves by a factor of 100. We also show that although the resulting velocity resolution is not quite as high as the polar version, this new approach shows superior resolution for fine structure in the differential cross sections. We demonstrate the method on a range of experimental and synthetic data at different effective slice widths.

[Efficacy of staging surgery in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Objective: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a staged invasive treatment strategy for the treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, in the first stage using a catheter-based stent placement, second-stage surgery, and three-stage atrial septal occlusion. Methods: Totally 19 children with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum were enrolled at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2009 to December 2017, including 11 male and 8 female patients. The age was (13.8±7.7) days (ranging from 3 to 35 days). The weight was (3.4±0.5) kg (ranging from 2.8 to 4.1 kg). Among them, there were 13 cases of type Ⅱ and 6 cases of type Ⅲ. Regular follow-up visits for patients with stage Ⅰ arterial duct stenting after 1, 3, and 6 months; and routine follow-ups for 1, 3, and 6 months after stage Ⅱ surgery.The t test was used to compare the oxygen saturation between pre-operation and post-operation. Results: All 19 patients underwent arterial catheterization. The preoperative peripheral oxygen saturation was (64.4±5.3)%, while increased to (86.0±3.0)% after operation (t=16.353, P=0.000). One patient died during follow-up and 2 patients lost follow-up. One patient received stent balloon dilatation due to oxygen saturation decrease.Twelve patients completed the second-stage surgery and 1 case died after surgery. The rest were alive, including 2 cases of double-ventricular correction and 9 cases of semi-ventricular treatment in one room; 2 cases had completed three-stage atrial septal occlusion. Conclusions: Stage Ⅰ arterial duct stent, stage Ⅱ surgery, and stage Ⅲ atrial septal occlusion to treat pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in children is feasible and effective. The method can be used as the important treatment direction for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.

[Usefulness of the residual SYNTAX score to predict long term outcome in acute coronary syndrome patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To quantify the extent and complexity of residual coronary stenosis following PCI by the residual SYNTAX score, and to evaluate its impact on adverse ischemic outcomes in acute coronary syndrome(ACS) patients. Methods: From January 2013 to December 2013, a total of 1 414 consecutive moderate- and high-risk ACS patients who underwent any PCI with multi-vessel coronary artery disease were evaluated.Patients were stratified by rSS quartiles and their outcomes were compared. Results: The rSS was 4.8±6.7. 591 patients (41.8%) had rSS=0(CR), 233 patients (16.5%) had rSS>0 but ≤ 3, 296 patients (20.9%) had rSS>3 but ≤8 and 294 patients (20.8%) had rSS>8.Clinical risk factors were more frequent in patients with incomplete revascularization(IR) compared with complete revascularization(CR). The 2-year rates of all-caused death(1.2% vs 0.4%, 2.0%, 4.4%, P=0.003), cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE were significantly higher in high rSS group, compared to other groups.By multivariable analysis, rSS was a strong independent predictor of ischemic outcomes at 2-year, including all-cause mortality (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.09, P=0.019), cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE. Conclusions: The rSS is a strong independent predictor of all-caused death, cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE and has moderated predictive ability for those ischemic outcomes.

[Impact of direct bilirubin on the long-term outcome of patients with acute coronary syndrome post percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the impact of direct bilirubin on long-term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients post percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: As a prospective and observational cohort study, a total of 6 431 consecutive ACS patients underwent PCI from January to December 2013 in Fuwai hospital were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles values of direct bilirubin as follows: low direct bilirubin group(<2.2 μmol/L, n=2 219), moderate direct bilirubin group(2.2-3.0 μmol/L, n=2 016), and high direct bilirubin group(>3 μmol/L, n=2 196). The clinical characteristics were compared among the 3 groups, and the impact of direct bilirubin on clinical adverse events (main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events included cardiogenic death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and stent thrombosis) were analyzed at 2 years after PCI. Results: (1) Percent of male patients was 66.5%(1 475/2 219), 78.0%(1 572/2 016), and 86.2%(1 892/2 196), body mass index was(25.7±3.1), (26.0±3.3),and (26.0±3.2) kg/m(2), the ratio of the history of old myocardial infarction was 11.9%(264/2 219), 13.0%(263/2 016),and 14.9%(328/2 196), the ratio of the current smoker was 56.3%(1 249/2 219), 59.1%(1 192/2 016),and 60.0%(1 317/2 196) in low, moderate and high direct bilirubin groups respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01 or 0.05). (2) Two years after PCI, the all-cause mortality was 0.8%(17/2 219), 1.8%(36/2 016), and 1.5%(33/2 196) (P=0.011),the cardiogenic mortality was 0.5%(12/2 219), 1.3%(26/2 016), and 0.6%(13/2 196) (P=0.010),the ratio of myocardial infarction was 2.2%(49/2 219), 2.4%(49/2 016), and 1.4%(31/2 196)(P=0.044),the ratio of revascularization was 8.8%(195/2 219), 8.3%(168/2 016),and 8.9%(196/2 196)(P=0.783),the ratio of stroke was 1.4%(30/2 219),1.1%(22/2 016), and 1.9%(42/2 196)(P=0.076),the ratio of stent thrombosis was 0.9%(19/2 219), 1.2%(24/2 016),and 0.7%(15/2 196)(P=0.210) in low, moderate and high direct bilirubin groups, respectively. (3) Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that, patients in moderate direct bilirubin group faced increased the risk of all-cause mortality compared with patients in the low direct bilirubin group (HR=2.23, 95%CI 1.23-4.05, P= 0.009), and the risk of all-cause mortality was similar between high direct bilirubin group and low direct bilirubin group (HR=1.84, 95%CI 0.99-3.38, P= 0.051). There were no statistically significant difference in the risks of main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events,cardiogenic death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and stent thrombosis in moderate and high direct bilirubin groups compared with low direct bilirubin group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Moderate direct bilirubin level is associated with increased risk of all-cause death at 2 years after PCI compared with low level of direct bilirubin group.

Temporal changes of metal bioavailability and extracellular enzyme activities in relation to afforestation of highly contaminated calcareous soil

Metal bioavailability and extracellular enzyme activity are two important indicators of soil quality in metal-contaminated soil. However, it is unclear how the chronosequence effect modifies these two factors in highly contaminated calcareous soils undergoing afforestation. We used Populus simonii Carr. and the calciphilous Ulmus macrocarpa Hance as contrasting tree species to study the chronosequence effect. We found that afforestation significantly increased soil total nitrogen (N) content as well as soil carbon (C)/phosphorus (P) and N/P ratios, but decreased soil total P content and soil C/N ratio, regardless of the tree species and stand age, suggesting strong P limitation. However, available P did not change significantly with stand age. In both tree species, P mobilization depleted soil organic matter through the priming effect of dissolved organic carbon, whereas the decrease in soil pH in the U. macrocarpa stands enhanced CaCO₃ dissolution, collectively reducing the capacity of the soil to immobilize metals, resulting in increased metal bioavailability with stand age. The activity of oxidase (dehydrogenase) was positively correlated with bioavailable zinc concentration, soil electrical conductivity, and soil total N content. Hydrolase activities (alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and urease) were significantly positively correlated with the ratios of soil C/N and C/P, soil pH, and CaCO₃, but negatively correlated with soil N/P ratio and bioavailable cadmium concentration. Increasing stand age was associated with the gradual recovery of oxidase activity and remarkable inhibition of hydrolase activity. Our results suggest that the combination of soil hydrolase activity and metal bioavailability can predict soil quality in the afforestation of highly contaminated soils.

Identification of a 62-kDa major allergen from Artemisia pollen as a putative galactose oxidase

BACKGROUND

Around 20 years ago, a 60- to 70-kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties.

METHODS

Sera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia-allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60- to 70-kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60- to 70-kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia-allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen.

RESULTS

Immunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N-glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen-allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The previously reported 60- to 70-kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62-kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7.

Precision Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} Cross Section Near Threshold

The cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} process is measured with unprecedented precision using data collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=4574.5, 4580.0, 4590.0 and 4599.5 MeV. The nonzero cross section near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} production threshold is cleared. At center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4574.5 and 4599.5 MeV, the higher statistics data enable us to measure the Λ_{c} polar angle distributions. From these, the Λ_{c} electric over magnetic form-factor ratios (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) are measured for the first time. They are found to be 1.14±0.14±0.07 and 1.23±0.05±0.03, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

HPV16 DNA and integration in normal and malignant epithelium: implications for the etiology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Molecular evidence suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) has a role in the etiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is unclear.

Patients and methods

We conducted a case–control study using tumor tissue specimens from 300 LSCC patients and vocal cord polyp specimens from 300 cancer-free controls. HPV genotype, HPV16 viral load and viral integration status, and p16 expression were determined.

Results

The prevalence of HPV (all types) was higher in cases than controls [21 (7.0%) versus 10 (3.3%), adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.37, 95% CI 1.08–5.21]. The prevalence of HPV16 was higher in cases than controls [20 (6.7%) versus 8 (2.7%), aOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.21–6.68]. The risk of LSCC associated with HPV16 DNA positivity was even higher in patients aged 55 years or younger (aOR 3.52, 95% CI 1.07–11.54), males (aOR 4.74, 95% CI 1.33–16.90), never-smokers (aOR 5.57, 95% CI 1.41–22.10), and never-drinkers (aOR 3.72, 95% CI 1.09–12.72). HPV DNA was partly or fully integrated in all 20 HPV16-positive cases but was episomal in all 8 HPV16-positive controls; however, the HPV16-positive cases and controls had similar viral loads (P = 0.28). P16 immunostaining was positive in 31 of the 300 cases (10.3%) and negative in all 300 controls.

Conclusion

These results suggest that prior infection with HPV16 may play a role in the etiology of some LSCC. This larger case–control study will offer for the first time the possibility to address in depth the understanding of a tissue-specific role of HPV in laryngeal carcinogenesis. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement-based approach for the monitoring of hepatitis B patients with antiviral therapy: A 2-year prospective study

Liver biopsy is not routinely performed in treated chronic hepatitis B. Liver stiffness measurement has been validated for noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment in pretreatment chronic hepatitis B but has not been assessed for fibrosis monitoring during antiviral therapy. Liver stiffness was systemically monitored by Fibroscan^® every 6 months in a cohort of patients with hepatitis B receiving antiviral therapy and compared with liver biopsies at baseline and week 104. A total of 534 hepatitis B e antigen-positive treatment-naive patients receiving telbivudine-based therapy with qualified liver stiffness measurement at baseline and week 104 were analyzed, 164 of which had adequate paired liver biopsies. Liver stiffness decreased rapidly (-2.2 kPa/24 weeks) in parallel with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from 8.6 (2.6-49.5) kPa at baseline to 6.1 (2.2-37.4) kPa at week 24. Interestingly, liver stiffness decreased slowly (-0.3 kPa/24 weeks) but continually from week 24 to week 104 (6.1 vs 5.3 kPa, P < .001) while ALT levels remained stable within the normal range. More importantly, liver stiffness declined significantly irrespective of baseline ALT levels and liver necroinflammation grades. From baseline to week 104, the proportion of patients with no or mild fibrosis (Ishak, 0-2) increased from 74.4% (122/164) to 93.9% (154/164). Multivariate analysis revealed that percentage decline of 52-week liver stiffness from baseline was independently associated with 104-week liver fibrosis regression (odds ratio, 3.742; P = .016). Early decline of 52-week liver stiffness from baseline may reflect the remission of both liver inflammation and fibrosis and was predictive of 104-week fibrosis regression in treated patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Characterization of CD45RO+ memory T lymphocytes in keloid disease

BACKGROUND

Memory T cells, a highly effective subset of T lymphocytes, have been reported to be involved in many inflammatory skin disorders. However, the potential role of memory T cells in keloid disease (KD) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Due to their important role in regulating inflammation, we investigated the characteristics of CD45RO⁺ memory T cells in KD.

METHODS

Primary cutaneous cells were isolated from keloid scars and normal skin by enzymic digestion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from a related blood sample, and flow cytometry was applied to identify the phenotypic and functional abnormalities of memory T cells in KD.

RESULTS

We observed that the majority of T lymphocytes in keloid scars had the memory phenotype, and a greater number of the CD8⁺ memory T cells in keloid scars produced lower levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. This abnormal cytokine production was even more distinct in Forkhead box (FOX)P3^-  CD8^- memory T cells, with lower TNF-α production and enhanced interferon-γ production. Furthermore, FOXP3⁺  CD8^- memory T cells in keloid scars were abnormal, including showing reduced CD25 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 expression and interleukin-10 production. In addition, a significant decrease in the number of CD4⁺  CD25^high  FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells was identified in patients with multiple keloid scars. We also found that there was significantly increased infiltration of CD103⁺  CD8⁺ memory T cells in keloid scars.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings preliminarily elucidate the abnormalities of CD45RO⁺ memory T cells in keloid scars and provide early evidence that a disrupted T-cell response contributes to the progression of KD.

CT quantitative parameters to predict the invasiveness of lung pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs)

AIM

To investigate the value of computed tomography (CT) quantitative parameters in predicting the invasiveness of lung pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chest CT images and pathological findings of 163 pGGNs in 154 consecutive patients were reviewed. According to the clinical management strategies, cases were divided into pre-invasive and MIA groups (atypical adenomatous hyperplasia [AAH], adenocarcinoma in situ [AIS], and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma [MIA]) and invasive group (invasive adenocarcinoma [IAC]). CT quantitative parameters including maximum diameter, largest diameter perpendicular to the maximum diameter, maximum cross-sectional area, volume, mass, and mean attenuation value were measured and compared between two groups. Their diagnostic performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Significant differences existed for all the CT quantitative parameters in both groups (p<0.01). The values of area under the curve (AUC) were 0.783 of maximum diameter (95% CI: 0.711-0.843), 0.779 of longest diameter perpendicular to maximum diameter (95% CI: 0.707-0.840), 0.796 of largest cross-sectional area (95% CI: 0.726-0.855), 0.781 of volume (95% CI: 0.710-0.842), 0.794 of mass (95% CI: 0.722-0.865) and 0.625 of mean attenuation value (95% CI: 0.546-0.700), respectively. A pairwise-manner comparison showed the AUC of mean attenuation value was the smallest (p<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed the largest cross-sectional area (OR=2.307, 95% CI: 1.689-3.150) was the independent predictor for IAC with a cut-off value of 2.22 cm².

CONCLUSIONS

CT quantitative parameters could predict the invasiveness of lung pGGNs. The largest cross-sectional area is the most valuable independent predictor and the mean attenuation value is less valuable.

Note: Development of a multichannel magnetic probe array for magnetohydrodynamic activity studies in Sino-United Spherical Tokamak

A 30-channel movable magnetic probe radial array measuring the poloidal magnetic field's time derivative Ḃ_θ has been developed and installed on the Sino-United Spherical Tokamak to investigate the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activities in ohmic discharges. The probe array consists of thirty identical commercial chip inductors mounted on a slim printed circuit board and shielded by a customized quartz tube of 14 mm in outer diameter. With the application of instrumentation amplifiers, the system exhibits a good signal to noise ratio and the measured vertical field spatial distribution agrees well with the simulation result. The measured spatial and temporal distribution of Ḃ_θ during the MHD activities exhibits a clear phase reversal layer, which is a direct proof of tearing mode and provides a reliable indication of the magnetic island chain position.

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults: the utility of family surveys in a single-center study from China

Background

This study investigated the clinical characteristics of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults, including immunological markers, pedigree findings, and conditions of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT).

Methods

The study included clinical data of 18 adult patients with primary HLH treated in our center from June 2010 to January 2017.

Results

Of these 18 cases, pathogenic variants were found in the following genes: PRF1 (n = 11), UNC13D (n = 5), SH2D1A (n = 2), RAB27a (n = 1), and LYST (n = 2). One patient had pathogenic variants in both PRF1 and UNC13D genes, one patient had pathogenic variants in both LYST and UNC13D genes and another patient had pathogenic variants in both PRF1 and SH2D1A genes. Additionally, 3 of the 18 cases involved homozygous pathogenic variants, while 2 cases involved hemizygous pathogenic variants. The remaining 13 cases involved compound heterozygous pathogenic variants. The natural killer (NK) cell activity test was conducted in all 18 cases where 14(77.8%)patients showed reduction in NK cell activity. Furthermore, this article presents 3 representative results of the pedigree findings from 12 patients who underwent family surveys. The 8 patients who underwent Allo-HSCT had a median survival of 27.2 months, as compared with the median survival of 7 months for the10 patients who did not undergo Allo-HSCT, a significant difference between the two groups of patients (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

PRF1 was one of the most commonly mutated gene in adult patients with primary HLH. Family surveys and immunological markers were important for the HLH diagnosis and the selection of an appropriate donor. Allo-HSCT was an effective therapy for adult primary HLH.

[Outcome of patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) . Methods: From January to December 2013, 10 445 consecutive patients who underwent PCI in Fuwai Hospital and the LVEF value was available were prospectively included. The patients were divided into LVEF≥50% group (9 896 cases) and LVEF<50% group (549 cases) . The in-hospital and 2-year clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The association between LVEF<50% and clinical outcomes was assessed using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results: (1) Compared with LVEF ≥50% group, LVEF< 50% group had higher rates of in-hospital all-cause death (1.1% (6/549) vs. 0.2% (17/9 896) , P<0.01) , cardiac death (1.1% (6/549) vs. 0.1% (12/9 896) , P<0.01) , in-stent thrombosis (0.7% (4/549) vs. 0.2% (18/9 896) , P<0.01) , myocardial infarction (2.4% (13/549) vs. 1.2% (121/9 896) , P<0.05) ,and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) which including death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, in-stent thrombosis, and stroke (3.6% (20/549) vs. 1.4% (137/9 896) , P<0.01) . (2) A total of 10 388 (99.5%) patients completed 2-year follow-up. Compared with LVEF ≥50% group, LVEF<50% group had higher rates of 2-year all-cause death (4.7% (26/549) vs. 1.0% (101/9 896) , P<0.01) , cardiac death (4.0% (22/549) vs. 0.5% (50/9 896) , P<0.01) , in-stent thrombosis (3.1% (17/549) vs. 0.7% (71/9 896) , P<0.001) , myocardial infarction (4.2% (23/549) vs. 1.9% (186/9 896) , P<0.01) ,and MACCE (17.9% (98/549) vs. 11.8% (1 172/9 896) , P<0.01) . There were no significant differences on the rates of 2-year target-vessel revascularization, bleeding and stroke between the two groups. (3) The multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that LVEF< 50% was the independent risk factor of 2-year all-cause death (HR=2.47, 95%CI 1.49-4.08, P<0.01) , cardiac death (HR=3.25, 95%CI 1.79-5.90, P<0.01) , in-stent thrombosis (HR=4.19, 95%CI 2.39-7.34, P<0.01) , myocardial infarction (HR=2.00, 95%CI 1.26-3.16, P<0.01) , and MACCE (HR=1.40, 95%CI 1.13-1.74, P<0.01) . (4) After propensity score matching, all in-hospital outcomes were similar between the two groups, including all-cause death, cardiac death, in-stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, revascularization, bleeding, stroke, and MACCE (all P>0.05) . After propensity score matching,the multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that LVEF<50% was still an independent risk factor of 2-year all-cause death (HR=3.08, 95%CI 1.37-6.89, P<0.01) , cardiac death (HR= 4.12, 95%CI 1.53-11.07, P<0.01) ,and in-stent thrombosis (HR=3.82, 95%CI 1.27-11.5, P<0.05) . Conclusion: LVEF< 50% is an independent risk factor of 2-year all-cause death, cardiac death, and in-stent thrombosis in patients undergoing PCI, but it does not increase the risk of target-vessel revascularization, bleeding or stroke.

[Efficacy comparison of 3 strategies for real-world stable coronary artery disease patients with three-vessel disease]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or medical therapy (MT) alone for real-world stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) patients with three-vessel disease (TVD) in mainland China. Methods: A total of 8 943 consecutive cases with TVD hospitalized in our center from April 2004 to February 2011 were screened for this study. In this cohort, 3 435 cases diagnosed as SCAD were analyzed. PCI, CABG, MT alone were performed in 1 313 (38.2%), 1 259 (36.7%) and 863 (25.1%) patients, respectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis using nearest neighbor matching with a 1∶1 ratio was applied, and 758 pairs of CABG and PCI groups, 552 pairs of PCI and MT groups, 639 pairs of CABG and MT groups were selected, respectively. 1- and 2-year clinical outcomes were evaluated among PCI, CABG and MT group. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression method were used for survival analysis. Results: Significant differences were found at baseline between PCI, CABG and MT group, including age, gender, body mass index, family history of coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, stroke, previous revascularization, peripheral vascular disease, SNYTAX score, left ventricular ejection fraction, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, triglyceride and medication (all P<0.05) . All-cause death rates of 1- and 2-year follow-up of PCI, CABG and MT group were 0.6% (8/1 313), 1.1% (14/1 259), 3.4% (29/863) (P<0.001) and 1.1%(14/1 313), 1.5%(19/1 259), 7.3%(63/863) (P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that 1-year MACCE rate (HR=0.51, 95%CI 0.33-0.77, P=0.001) was significantly reduced, due to the significant decrease of myocardial infarction (MI) rate (HR=0.09, 95%CI 0.01-0.76, P=0.027) and repeat revascularization rate (HR=0.21, 95%CI 0.10-0.41, P<0.001) in CABG group compared to PCI group, while all-cause death (HR=1.21, 95%CI 0.48-3.00, P=0.69) and stroke rate (HR=2.31, 95%CI 0.82-6.47, P=0.112) were similar between 2 groups. 2-year outcome showed CABG was associated with higher stroke rate (HR=2.20, 95%CI 1.06-4.55, P=0.034) and lower MI (HR=0.19, 95%CI 0.06-0.59, P=0.004) and repeat revascularization rate (HR=0.22, 95%CI 0.13-0.37, P<0.001), and lower MACCE rate (HR=0.49, 95%CI 0.36-0.68, P<0.001). Compared to MT group, 2-year all-cause death (HR=0.22, 95%CI 0.12-0.42, P<0.001) and MACCE rate (HR=0.63, 95%CI 0.47-0.83, P=0.001) were lower in PCI group, while 2-year all-cause death (HR=0.21, 95%CI 0.13-0.37, P<0.001), MACCE (HR=0.31, 95%CI 0.23-0.42, P<0.001), MI (HR=0.19, 95%CI 0.06-0.60, P=0.004) and repeat revascularization rate (HR=0.24, 95%CI 0.13-0.41, P<0.001) were lower in CABG group. Results of multivariate Cox regression analysis after PSM were consistent with above results. Conclusion: For SCAD patients with TVD, CABG shows better effectiveness by reducing MI and revascularization risk as compared to PCI, even though stroke risk is somehow higher in CABG patients. Patients received MT alone are associated with worse outcomes than those undergoing revascularization strategies.

Safety, quality and effect of complete mesocolic excision vs non-complete mesocolic excision in patients with colon cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The application of complete mesocolic excision (CME) in colon cancer is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety, quality and effect of CME with non-complete mesocolic excision (NCME) in patients with colon cancer.

METHOD

We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library and Scopus to identify studies comparing CME with NCME in colon cancer. We focused on three study outcome areas: safety (operation time, blood loss, complications, mortality); quality (large bowel length, distance from the tumour to the high vascular tie, area of mesentery, total lymph nodes); and effect (long-term survival).

RESULTS

A total of 8586 patients from 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. CME was associated with greater intra-operative blood loss [weighted mean difference (WMD) 79.87, 95% CI: 65.88-93.86], more postoperative surgical complications (relative risk 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40), longer large bowel resection (WMD 47.06, 95% CI: 10.49-83.62), greater distance from the tumour to the high vascular tie (WMD 17.51, 95% CI: 15.16-19.87), larger area of mesentery (WMD 36.09, 95% CI: 18.06-54.13) and more lymph nodes (WMD 6.13, 95% CI: 1.97-10.28) than NCME. CME also had positive effects on 5-year survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.81], 3-year survival (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.86) and 3-year survival for Stage III disease (HR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60-0.80) compared with NCME.

CONCLUSION

Limited evidence suggests that CME is a more effective strategy for improving specimen quality and survival but with a higher complication rate.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis in the patients of stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: From January 2013 to December 2013, 10 724 consecutive patients undergoing PCI including acute coronary syndrome and stable angina pectoris were enrolled.A two years' follow up was conducted among these patients to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with stroke and of those without. A comparison was done between the two groups. Results: One hundred and forty-five patients had stroke (1.4%) during the follow-up period after PCI, including 124 cases with ischemic stroke (1.2%), out of whom 4 (3.2%) patients died; 21 cases with hemorrhagic stroke, out of whom 9 patients (42.9%) died.There was more female, and more patients with risks factors, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, etc. in the patients with stroke.During the 2-year follow-up, patients with stroke experienced higher incidence of all-cause mortality (9% vs 1.1%, P<0.000 1). There were no significant differences in the incidences of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular event rates between the two groups.COX regression analysis showed that stroke after PCI was associated with the increased mortality (HR=8.387, 95%CI: 4.725-14.855, P<0.000 1). Meanwhile, after propensity score matched analyses (129 pairs), the trend was not changed, and stroke was still an independent risk factor of all-cause mortality (HR=6.737, 95%CI: 1.52-29.85, P=0.012). Conclusions: The patients underwent PCI, who had stroke later, had more clinical risk factors, and more serious degree of atherosclerosis.The incidence of stroke is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI.

Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Delay Retinal Degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons Rats Through Anti-Apoptotic and VEGF-Mediated Neuroprotective Effects

Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for retinal degeneration (RD). Our study investigated the effects of human adipose derived stem cell (hADSCs) on Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats.

METHODS

Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled hADSCs were transplanted subretinally into RCS rats at postnatal (PN) 21 days to explore potential therapeutic effects, while adeno-associated viral vector (AAV2)-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and siVEGF-hADSCs were used to aid the mechanistic dissections. Visual function was evaluated by Electroretinogram (ERG) recording. Potential transdifferentiations were examined by Immunofluorescence (IF) and gene expressions were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Apoptotic retinal cells were detected by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay and the cytokines secreted by hADSCs were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The visual function of RCS rats began to decrease one week after their eyes opened at PN week 3 and almost lost in PN 5 weeks, accompanied by the loss of retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL). Subretinal transplantation of hADSCs significantly improved the visual function 2 weeks after the transplantation and such therapeutic effect persisted up to 8 weeks after the treatment (PN 11 weeks), with 3-4 rows of photoreceptors remained in the ONL and reduced apoptosis. Consistent with these phenotypic changes, the gene expression of rod photoreceptor markers Rhodopsin (Rho), Crx and Opsin (Opn1) in RCS rats showed obvious decreasing trends over time after PN 3 weeks, but were elevated with hADSC treatment. hADSC transplantation also repressed the expressions of Bax, Bak and Caspase 3, but not the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, including Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. Finally, substantial VEGF, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) secretions from hADSCs were detected, while endogenous Vegf expression level decreased over time in RCS rats. The treatment of AAV2-VEGF showed comparable therapeutic effects as hADSCs but siRNA knockdown of VEGF in hADSCs essentially abolished the therapeutic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Subretinal transplantation of hADSCs in RCS rats effectively delayed the retinal degeneration, enhanced the retinal cell survival and improved the visual function. Mechanistically this was mainly due to hADSC dependent anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects through its secretion of growth and neurotrophic factors including VEGF. Clinical application of hADSCs merits further investigation.

A new dispersion interferometer on HL-2A

In order to avoid a fringe jump caused by high plasma density and pellet injection [Y. Zhou et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 11E107 (2016)], a new CO₂ dispersion interferometer is designed and commissioned on HL-2A for average line-density measurement and density feedback control. The second harmonic technology in this system eliminates the phase shift caused by mechanical vibration. Signals are processed by a digital phase comparator and can be monitored in real time. A series of experiments are conducted to study the characteristics of the system such as a second harmonic coefficient and long-term stability. The resolution of density measurement is less than 8 × 10¹⁷/m³, and the experiment result on HL-2A demonstrates the interferometer's capability to track plasma density evolution with rapid change. The system also shows good stability against mechanical vibrations.