Study of e^{+}e^{-}→γωJ/ψ and Observation of X(3872)→ωJ/ψ

We study the e^{+}e^{-}→γωJ/ψ process using 11.6  fb^{-1} e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data taken at center-of-mass energies from sqrt[s]=4.008  GeV to 4.600 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. The X(3872) resonance is observed for the first time in the ωJ/ψ system with a significance of more than 5σ. The relative decay ratio of X(3872)→ωJ/ψ and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ is measured to be R=1.6_{-0.3}^{+0.4}±0.2, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic (the same hereafter). The sqrt[s]-dependent cross section of e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) is also measured and investigated, and it can be described by a single Breit-Wigner resonance, referred to as the Y(4200), with a mass of 4200.6_{-13.3}^{+7.9}±3.0  MeV/c^{2} and a width of 115_{-26}^{+38}±12  MeV. In addition, to describe the ωJ/ψ mass distribution above 3.9  GeV/c^{2}, we need at least one additional Breit-Wigner resonance, labeled as X(3915), in the fit. The mass and width of the X(3915) are determined. The resonant parameters of the X(3915) agree with those of the Y(3940) in B→KωJ/ψ and of the X(3915) in γγ→ωJ/ψ observed by the Belle and BABAR experiments within errors.

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

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

The Effects of Trace Yb Doping on the Electrochemical Performance of Li-Rich Layered Oxides

Layered lithium-rich cathode materials are one of the most promising cathode materials owing to their higher mass energy density than the commercial counterparts. A series of trace Yb-doped lithium-rich cathode materials Li_1.2 Mn_0.54 Ni_0.13 Co_0.13-x Yb_x O₂ (0≤x≤0.050) were synthesized and the effects were investigated by XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution TEM. The participation of Yb ions in electrochemical reactions and the larger binding energy of Yb-O than M-O (M=Mn, Ni, Co), which expands the lithium layer spacing and stabilizes the oxygen stacking, resulted in excellent performance of materials doped with a limited Yb content (x≤0.005). However, higher doping amounts (x>0.005) significantly increased the charge-transfer impedance and led to a sharp deterioration in electrochemical performance. The reason lies in the large difference in ionic radius between the transition metals (Mn, Co, and Ni) and Yb. There is an upper limit to the amount of Yb ions in the lattice. If the amount of Yb is higher than the limit, excess Yb ions enter the Li layers instead of staying in the transition-metal layers or even segregate on the surface and form electrochemically inert oxides.

[Evaluation on the effect of salt reduction intervention among fourth-grade primary school students and their parents in Shandong Province]

In order to evaluate the intervention effect of the school-based salt reduction model, 28 primary schools were selected in Shandong Province in September 2014 and randomly divided into intervention group (1 361 students, 1 306 parents) and control group (1 364 students,1 340 parents). A series of "small hands and big hands" salt reduction intervention activities were conducted in intervention group for 8 months. After the intervention, the total awareness rate of salt reduction knowledge, the total holding rate of related beliefs and the total reporting rate of related behaviors were 70.65%, 80.30% and 67.03% among students, and 85.66%, 93.77% and 87.93% among parents, in the intervention group, which were higher than those in the control group (37.12%, 66.52% and 50.07% among students; 55.11%, 87.52% and 57.96% among parents) (all P values <0.05). The school-based salt reduction model is effective and feasible.

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

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

[Comparison of intraocular pressure reduction in eyes with different intraocular tamponades after pars plana vitrectomy by 20% mannitol]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 20% mannitol in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with different intraocular tamponades after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Sixty-eight patients were administered with 20% mannitol and IOP was noted at regular intervals after simple PPV with ocular hypertension, including 24 males (26 eyes) and 44 females (46 eyes), aged (45.6±19.3) years. These cases were divided into three groups according to different tamponades: silicon-oil tamponade, 23 eyes; gas tamponade, 30 eyes; balanced salt solution (BSS), 19 eyes. The data were analyzed using the t test, variance and q test. Results: There was a significant decrease in IOP in all patients after using 20% mannitol. The IOP in the group of silicon-oil decreased from (33.25±2.56) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (23.21±1.85) mmHg, with a maximum decrease of 30.10%; the reduction in the group of C(3)F(8) was from (33.25±2.84) mmHg to (12.15±1.12) mmHg, with a maximum decrease of 33.44%. The IOP of the two groups dropped to a minimum both at 75 minutes. In the group of BSS, the IOP decreased from (32.95±2.33) mmHg to (17.50±1.35) mmHg, and the maximum extent of the decrease was 45.82% at 45 minutes. The difference in the IOP among the three groups at 20 min, 30 min, 45 min and 60 min was statistically significant (F=34.02, 112.68, 122.07, 34.83, all P=0.00). There were significant differences between the BSS group and the silicone-oil group (q=6.44, 13.04, 15.00, 17.11, all P=0.00), and between the BSS group and the C(3)F(8) group (q=7.68, 12.56, 12.93, 13.61, all P=0.00). Conclusion: In eyes with different intraocular tamponades, 20% mannitol was useful for short-term IOP reduction after vitrectomy, especially in those with BSS within one hour. But after 75 minutes, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:289-293).

An outbreak of strangles associated with a novel genotype of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in donkeys in China during 2018

BACKGROUND

Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease of equids caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the cause of an outbreak of strangles that occurred on donkey farms within the Shandong Province of China and determine the prevalence of the disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

Samples were taken from clinically affected animals to measure the prevalence of strangles within the population of donkeys at six intensive farms in China and identify the SeM type of isolate recovered from affected animals. Diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial isolation, biochemical tests and PCR. Epidemiological data were analysed using Chi-square test and a Fisher's exact two-sided test. The SeM gene of S. equi isolates recovered from affected animals was determined and compared with the SeM database PubMLST-seM.

RESULTS

In July and August 2018, an outbreak of strangles occurred on six donkey farms within the Shandong Province of China. The overall prevalence of disease within the different donkey herds was 13.4%. Younger animals were worst affected with 40.3% (83/206) of donkey foals aged under 1 year exhibiting clinical signs compared with 12.5% (191/1525) of donkeys aged one to 2 years and 3.8% (17/442) of donkeys over 2 years of age. Analysis of SeM sequencing data identified that the farms were affected by the same strain of S. equi, SD201807, which contains the novel 136 allele of SeM.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Healthy donkeys were not sampled in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of intensive donkey breeding farms in China has risen recently. The higher numbers of animals that are in closer proximity to one another raise the potential for the transmission of infectious diseases such as strangles. This is the first description of a strangles outbreak among donkey herds in China. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The retinoblastoma 1 gene (RB1) modulates the proliferation of chicken preadipocytes

1. The objective of this study was to reveal the role of chicken RB1 (Gallus gallus RB1, gRB1) in the proliferation of preadipocytes. 2. To measure gene expression of gRB1 in the proliferation of chicken preadipocyte, quantitative real-time PCR was used. The expression levels of gRB1 transiently increased during this process. 3. To detect the effect of gRB1 on the proliferation of chicken preadipocyte, MTT assay and cell-cycle analysis were performed. MTT assay showed that overexpression of gRB1 significantly suppressed (P < 0.05) the proliferation of chicken preadipocytes, and knockdown of gRB1 promoted the proliferation of chicken preadipocytes. Cell-cycle analysis showed that the proportion of preadipocytes in the G1 and G2 phases significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the proportion of preadipocytes in the S phase significantly decreased (P < .05) after up-regulation of the expression of gRB1. The proportion of preadipocytes in the S phase significantly increased (P < 0.05) after down-regulation of gRB1. 4. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the effect of gRB1 on the expression of genes related to proliferation of chicken preadipocytes. Gene expression analysis showed that gRB1 knockdown promoted markers indicating proliferation of Ki-67 (MKi67) expression at 96 h (P < 0.05), and overexpression of gRB1 reduced MKi67 expression at 72 h (P < 0.05). 5. This study demonstrated that gRB1 inhibited preadipocyte proliferation at least in part by inhibiting the G1 to S phase transition.

Bone regeneration of hollow tubular magnesium‑strontium scaffolds in critical-size segmental defects: Effect of surface coatings

Segmental defects are formidable challenges for orthopedic surgeons that are caused by large osseous defects such as open injury, comminuted fracture as well as other severe traumas and infection. Current treatment options have practical and clinical shortcomings, calling for innovative bone graft materials. This study is related to hollow tubular magnesium‑strontium (MgSr) alloy scaffolds with autologous morselized bone filled inside and three different coatings were individually applied on MgSr scaffolds, respectively, to study the effects of degradation and bioactivity of the grafts on new bone growth. The optimal coating method was screened using immersion tests, cell proliferation and adhesion, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay in vitro, and 4 weeks' implantation in a critical-size segmental defect in vivo. More new bone formation was observed by radiographic tests and histology along the ulna defects, when magnesium scaffold grafts were implanted. Meanwhile, depression occurred for blank control group with only autologous morselized bone filled, because of rapid absorption rate of morselized bone during initial implantation. Therefore, biodegradable MgSr alloy grafts showed their potential application in treating the critical-size segmental defects. As for different coating methods, CaP chemically deposited (CaP) coated sample showed least H₂ evolution in vivo, demonstrating highest corrosion resistance and relative stable interfaces, however, the least beneficial ion release meanwhile. Micro-arc oxidation coating (MAO) degraded faster comparing with CaP, while with the main composition of MgO. They both indicate insufficient bioactivity in bone formation. The results suggest superior combination of bioactive surface, beneficial ions release and appropriate corrosion rate of Strontium phosphate conversion (SrP) coating, indicating superior comprehensive oeteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of coatings on hollow tubular MgSr alloy scaffold.

Abstract P2-06-13: A novel small molecule JMX0293 inhibits the growth of triple-negative breast cancer via suppressing STAT3 and inducing apoptosis

Approximately 30-40% of breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor negative (ENBC), including the most aggressive triple-negative subtype (TNBC) which spread early and recur frequently with a poor prognosis. ENBCs do not respond to selective ER modulators such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, and therefore, there is an urgent need of non-ER-based therapies for ENBC and TNBC. We recently developed a novel small molecule JMX0293 based on our lead drug candidate HJC0152. Both HJC0152 and JMX0293 were able to suppress cell proliferation of both ER+ (MCF-7, T-47D) and ER- (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) breast cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with significantly lower toxicity against normal mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A) in vitro. JMX0293 exhibited moderately improved anti-proliferative effects against highly invasive TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and ER+ breast cancer cell line MCF-7 with IC50 values of 0.92 and 2.24 μM, respectively. JMX0293 was also demonstrated to induce apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells dose-dependently. Mechanistically, JMX0293 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 residue, leading to the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of apoptotic proteins including Bax, cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-PARP. In addition, JMX0293 reduced the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. In vivo, JMX0293 treatment for 2 weeks at a dose of 10 mg/kg significantly suppressed the growth of TNBC xenograft tumors in mice with minimal impact on general health and body weight. Our results suggest that JMX0293 induces TNBC cell apoptosis and contributes to its anti-proliferative effect through inhibiting transcription factor STAT3, and JMX0293 could be further characterized and optimized for developing a promising therapeutic for treating ENBC and TNBC. This work was supported by grant (R01 CA231150) from the NIH/NCI.

Citation Format: Dong J, Xu J, Kim H, Zhou J, Shen Q. A novel small molecule JMX0293 inhibits the growth of triple-negative breast cancer via suppressing STAT3 and inducing apoptosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-06-13.

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.

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}.

The growing applications of SuFEx click chemistry

SuFEx (Sulfur Fluoride Exchange) is a modular, next generation family of click reactions, geared towards the rapid and reliable assembly of functional molecules.

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.

[Analysis of risk factors for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome after esophagectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the incidence and risk factors for the acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after resection of esophageal carcinoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 422 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine with esophageal carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy from January 2010 to December 2016 in Peking University Cancer Hospital. ALI/ARDS were diagnosed, the patients were divided into ALI/ARDS group and control group without ALI/ARDS, the differences of clinical features were contrasted between the two groups, and the multivariate Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS.

RESULTS

In the study, 41 ALI/ARDS cases were diagnosed, making up 9.7% (41/422) of all the enrolled patients undergoing esophagectomy. Comparisons of the ALI/ARDS group and the control group indicated significant statistical differences in the average length of their hospital stay [(18.9±9.7) d vs. (14.8±3.6) d, P=0.011], the proportion of the patients who needed mechanical ventilation support [51.2% (21/41) vs. 9.4% (36/381), P<0.001] and in-hospital mortality [31.7% (13/41) vs. 5.0% (19/381), P<0.001]. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the patients with ALI/ARDS and without ALI/ARDS in smoking history (P=0.064), preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (P=0.020), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (P=0.011), body weight index (BMI) (P=0.044), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification (P=0.049) and one lung ventilation duration (P=0.008), while multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative FEV1/FVC (OR=1.053, P=0.016, 95%CI 1.010-1.098), ASA physical status classification (OR=2.392, P=0.033, 95%CI 1.073-5.335) and one lung ventilation duration (OR=0.994, P=0.028, 95%CI 0.989-0.999) were the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy.

CONCLUSION

ALI/ARDS was a serious complication in patients undergoing esophagectomy associated with increment in length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative FEV1/FVC, ASA classification and one lung ventilation duration were the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy. Carefully assessing the patient before operation, shortening one lung ventilation duration were the key points in preventing ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy.

[Relevant molecular characteristics analysis on malignant transformation of interstitial cells induced by tumor stem cells in glioma microenvironment]

Objective: A variety of interstitial cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) based on glioma stem cells(GSC) have the function to promote malignant progression of tumors, but whether these interstitial cells have already undergone malignant transformation and their related molecular characteristics are still poorly understood. Methods: Human SU3-RFP glioma stem cells (GSC) stably transfected with red fluorescent protein (RFP) and interstitial cells from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic nude mice were co-cultured in vitro. SU3-RFP cells were also inoculated in different tissues of EGFP-Balb/c nude mice. Immortal EGFP(+) cells were monocloned either from co-culture cells in vitro, or from their xenografts in vivo. These immortal EGFP(+) cells were confirmed to bear characteristics of tumor cell via chromosomal analysis and tumorigenicity assay. Related molecular phenotypes of these cells were further detected through RT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunochemistry(IHC) techniques. Results: (1) Two EGFP(+) cell lines were obtained in vitro, and 5 EGFP(+) cell lines were obtained in vivo tumorigenic experiments. Seven EGFP(+) cell lines all have characteristics of self-renewal, heteroploid of chromosomes and 100% tumorigenicity. (2) Cell surface marker analysis showed cell origin of these cell lines were macrophages (tMΦ1 and tMΦ2 ), dendritic cells (tDC1 and tDC2), fibroblasts (tFB), oligodendrocytes (tOG) and BMSC cells (tBMSC), respectively. (3)All of these seven cell lines co-expressed Sca-1 and c-myc, and have Sox-2 or Nanog expression also, which suggest that they may bear molecular characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells or pluripotent stem cells. Conclusions: (1) Tumor stromal cells in TME have undergone malignant transformation, which is related to the tissue remodeling of TME by GSCs, and not limit to the specific type of their parasitic tissues. (2) Tumor cells originated from GSC and tumor interstitial cells, respectively, are two major types of tumor cells with different origins in glioma parenchyma, can not be simply regarded as tumor heterogeneity, transformed interstitial cells of TME may have the potential to serve as new targets for target diagnosis and therapy.

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.

Down-regulation of miR-192 protects against rat ischemia-reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

DJ-1-phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PTEN/PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway plays a role in the regulation of ischemic reperfusion (I-R) injury. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that there is a complementary binding site between microRNA-192 (miR-192) and the 3'-UTR of DJ-1 mRNA. This study investigated the role of miR-192 in regulating DJ-1-PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and myocardial I-R injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miR-122 and DJ-1 mRNA expressions in myocardial tissue were detected by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR). DJ-1, PTEN, and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) protein expressions were tested by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was measured by flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity were detected by the kits. I-R treatment was performed at 72 h after transfection. Cell apoptosis was evaluated with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared with sham group, miR-192, PTEN expressions and MDA content were significantly increased (p<0.05), while DJ-1, p-AKT levels and SOD activities were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in myocardial tissue of I-R group. Compared with control, I-R treatment significantly up-regulated miR-192 level, significantly decreased DJ-1 and p-AKT proteins, significantly elevated PTEN expression, and significantly induced apoptosis and ROS production in H9C2 cells (p<0.05). Transfection of miR-192 inhibitor significantly enhanced DJ-1 level, declined PTEN expression, elevated p-AKT level, and restrained apoptosis, ROS production and MDA content, and promoted SOD activity in H9C2 cells under I-R condition.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of miR-192 increased significantly, while the expression of DJ-1 reduced obviously during I-R injury after myocardial infarction. Down-regulation of miR-192 markedly enhanced DJ-1 expression and PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway activity, inhibited cell apoptosis and ROS generation, and reduced I-R injury in cardiomyocytes.

Shape-memory collagen scaffold for enhanced cartilage regeneration: native collagen versus denatured collagen

OBJECTIVE

Nowadays, it is still questionable whether denatured collagen (DCol) can replace the native collagen (Col) as a bioactive protein in cartilage engineering. We sought to study the advantages of Col with a triple-helical structure in the collagen-based composite materials for cartilage engineering.

METHODS

We presented new three-dimensional (3D) Col and DCol scaffolds with shape memory properties. The effects of Col and DCol scaffolds on rabbit chondrocytes' proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and interaction with matrix were investigated. Tissue compatibility was performed in a subcutaneous Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model. The repair ability of different scaffolds with chondrocytes for full-thickness articular cartilage defects in knee joints of New Zealand white rabbits were investigated.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the Col scaffolds (with concentration 1.6wt% and 0.8wt%, respectively) promoted the proliferation, adhesion and redifferentiation of chondrocytes, as well as chondrocyte-matrix interaction, to a greater degree than the DCol scaffolds. In the animal experiment, the Col scaffolds filled in the defect hole significantly maintained chondrocytes function, promoted cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration, compared with the DCol scaffolds, and the scaffolds loaded with chondrocytes were better than the cell-free scaffolds, especially in the case of the Col scaffolds (1.6 wt%).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these insights suggest that the better proliferation, adhesion and redifferentiation of chondrocytes in Col scaffolds with the triple-helical structure may contribute to the greater cartilage repair ability. Col scaffolds may be more appropriate for repairing cartilage defects than DCol scaffolds, and DCol cannot as an alternative when using collagen-based materials for cartilage engineering applications.

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.

[Development and Optimization of Therapeutic Analogues of Anti-TNFα Antibody Infliximab]

Previously, we have reported the crystal structures of Fab fragment of Infliximab in complex with TNFα. The structurally identified epitope on TNFα revealed the mechanism of TNFα inhibition by partially overlapping with the TNFα-receptor interface and the possibility to optimize the binding affinity. In this study, we launched a screen of a phage display library to isolate novel anti-TNFα antibodies based on the infliximab epitope. To develop novel anti-TNFα antibodies, structural analysis, the phage display antibody isolation, step by step antibody optimization, CDR residues random mutagenesis, and binding affinity characterization were performed. One of the novel antibodies generated on the backbone of infliximab, Inf3D6, has the superior binding affinity to TNFα, thus, demonstrating the potential for structure guided optimization for improvement of existing antibody-based therapeutics.

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.

Efficacy of Nd-YAG laser for treatment of pyogenic granuloma on the fingers and toes

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common benign vascular proliferation which often occurs on the head, neck, hands, and feet. Among the various treatment options for PG, surgical excision is the most effective treatment which offers the lowest overall recurrence rates and also provides the exact diagnosis. However, it could have difficulties to do the surgery when lesions are located on the fingers and toes, especially very near to the nails, so laser may be a very good alternative choice. In this article, we evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for treatment of PG located on the fingers and toes. Twenty-one patients with 21 PGs located on the fingers and toes were treated by multispot Nd-YAG laser. We chose monopulse (pulse width 10.5-13.5 ms; energy 100-125 J/cm²); treatment interval was 3-4 weeks. All lesions disappeared after one or two treatments. There was no apparent scar formation, no impact on the function of the fingers and toes, no damage to nail growth, and no recurrence in more than 12-month follow-up. Nd-YAG is an effective and safety treatment option for treatment of PG located on the fingers and toes.

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

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

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

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

[Study on the current status of smoking, intention of tobacco concession and related risk factors among 18-65-year olds patients with chronic diseases in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the status, attitude and related risk factors on smoking among 18-65 years old patients with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma in Beijing. Methods: Data was gathered from the 2014 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. Multiple classified cluster sampling method was used and 19 815 participants aged 18-65 were sampled from 16 districts in Beijing. Results: Among all the 18 405 participants, male hypertensive patients showed a higher rate on current smoking than the other groups (χ(2)=17.695, P<0.001). Male patients with dyslipidemia had higher current smoking rate than the other groups (χ(2)=39.292, P<0.001). However, female patients with COPD or with asthma showed higher rate on current smoking than the other groups (χ(2)=6.276, P=0.012), (χ(2)=8.245, P=0.004). Among the smokers, hypertensive patients presented lower rate (χ(2)=20.487, P<0.001) on intention of smoking concession, than the other groups. Patients with COPD showed greater intention in quitting smoking (χ(2)=6.085, P=0.048), than the other groups. Male patients with diabetes (χ(2)=9.219, P=0.010) or dyslipidemia (χ(2)=13.513, P=0.001) who had stopped smoking tobacco appeared having higher rates in keeping the current status. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that smoking was the risk factor for hypertension (OR=1.17), dyslipidemia (OR=1.25), COPD (OR=1.78), and asthma (OR=1.57). Conclusions: Patients with certain kinds of chronic diseases showed higher rate of current smoking and lower rate of quitting. Cigarette consumption appeared an important risk factor for patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, COPD, or asthma in Beijing.

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.

Abstract P3-06-09: Discovery of novel oridonin-derivatives for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

Metastasis to other organs is the major cause of death from breast cancer. The 5-year survival rate is approximately 99% for localized breast cancer, but sharply drops to approximately 26% for patients with distant metastasis. However, there are currently no effective, targeted therapies available for treating metastatic breast cancer. Oridonin, a complex ent-kaurane diterpenoid isolated from Chinese traditional herb Rabdosia rubescens, has demonstrated great potential in the treatment of various human cancers. However, relatively low aqueous solubility and bioavailability limited its development into clinical applications. Herein, a number of novel nitrogen-enriched heterocyclic oridonin derivatives and dienone analogs such as YD0514, CYD0618, and CYD0686 have been generated from oridonin. These derivative analogs showed improved anti-proliferation effects against breast cancer cells, compared to oridonin. YD0514, CYD0618, and CYD0686 also displayed significant suppression of migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 cell, a highly metastatic triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Furthermore, YD0514, CYD0618 and CYD0686 also inhibited the endothelial adhesion of GI101 and its derived, highly metastatic sublines, to the endothelium. We next found that YD0514, CYD0618, and CYD0686 can significantly inhibit the expression and phosphorylation of FAK and block the expression of integrin family members in those highly metastatic breast cancer cell lines. Further pathway analysis demonstrated that YD0514, CYD0618, and CYD0686 inhibited cellular motility potentially by decreasing RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that novel oridonin-derivatives, YD0514, CYD0618, and CYD0686 have the great potential to be developed as effective therapeutics for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This work was supported by Grants P50 CA097007, and P30DA028821 (JZ) from the NIH, CPRIT (JZ), John Sealy Memorial Endowment Fund (JZ), DFI Grants from MD Anderson Cancer Center (QS), and Holden Family Research Grant in BC Prevention (QS).

Citation Format: Li D, Zhang Z, Ding Y, Zheng Z, Dong J, Kim H, Xu J, Chen H, Zhou J, Shen Q. Discovery of novel oridonin-derivatives for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-06-09.

Abstract P5-21-19: Suppression of breast carcinogenesis and metastasis by targeting glucose metabolism with HJC0152

Lack of targeted strategies for preventing and treating estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer (ENBC) is an unmet clinical challenge. ENBCs including triple-negative BCs (TNBC) constitute 30-40% of BC cases and are prone to develop remote metastasis and local recurrence, resulting in the majority of deaths in BC patients. Dysregulated glucose and energy metabolism is critically involved in the development and progression of various cancers via promoting aberrant cell growth, malignant transformation and metastasis. Nevertheless, the potential role of glucose/energy metabolism in ENBC carcinogenesis has sparsely been explored, thus representing a key knowledge gap and a potential avenue for effective targeted therapies. Despite a substantial amount of effort has been made towards anticancer metabolic and biogenetic medications, none has progressed into clinical use, due to their limited potency, specificity or drug properties such as toxicity and poor bioavailability. We recently developed HJC0152, a novel small molecule anticancer agent, using structure- and fragment-based drug design strategies and molecular modeling techniques in our initial attempt to develop non-peptide STAT3 inhibitors for anticancer use. HJC0152 significantly inhibits proliferation of BC cells, induces apoptosis, reduces ER-negative mammary tumor development, suppresses ENBC xenograft tumor growth, and blocks lung metastasis in vivo. Intriguingly, HJC0152 differentially modulates expression of glycolytic enzymes including HK1, PFK-L, PFKFB2, ENO2, PDH, PDK1, PGAM1 and ALDOA in a time-dependent manner. HJC0152 also regulates the transcription of genes involved in glucose and mitochondrial energy metabolism, including the subunits of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. Functional assessments further demonstrate that HJC0152 significantly modulates respiratory chain complex function. Via in silico and Unique Polymer Technology (UPT) strategy, we identified a number of putative HJC0152-interacting targets for validation studies. Our findings suggest that HJC0152 is capable of reprogramming/restoring the dysregulated glucose metabolism by inducing specific glycolytic enzyme expression and mitochondrial respiratory chain function, likely via targeting upstream key signal molecule(s) that regulates glucose and energy metabolism, thereby suppressing breast cancer development and progression to metastasis. This work was supported by Grants P50 CA097007, and P30DA028821 (JZ) from the NIH, CPRIT (JZ), John Sealy Memorial Endowment Fund (JZ), DFI Grants from MD Anderson Cancer Center (QS), Holden Family Research Grant in BC Prevention (QS), and NCI PREVENT Program HHSN26100002 (QS).

Citation Format: Dong J, Kim H, Xu J, Li D, Zhang Z, Zheng Z, Ye N, Chen H, Zhou J, Shen Q. Suppression of breast carcinogenesis and metastasis by targeting glucose metabolism with HJC0152 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-21-19.

Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-based treatment of acute hepatitis C in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients undergoing haemodialysis is prevalent and aggressive. The treatment of chronic hepatitis C has been revolutionised by the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, the safety, efficacy, and tolerance of DAAs in the treatment of acute HCV infection in patients with end-stage renal disease who are on haemodialysis are unknown.

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir in this specific, difficult-to-treat population.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective and observational study of end-stage renal disease patients who were undergoing haemodialysis and were acutely infected with HCV. Patients received a half dose of sofosbuvir (200 mg) and a full dose of daclatasvir (60 mg) daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained virological responses (SVRs); the other primary outcomes were safety and tolerability.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were enrolled in the study. The median HCV RNA viral load at baseline was 6.8 log₁₀ IU/mL. Twenty-four patients were infected with HCV genotype 2a, seven patients with 1b, and two patients with 2a+1b. All patients achieved a SVR at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The treatment was well tolerated, and there were no drug-related serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

A half dose of sofosbuvir (200 mg once daily) plus a full dose of daclatasvir (60 mg once daily) were suitable for the treatment of acute HCV-infected patients who were undergoing end-stage renal disease and were on haemodialysis.

Identification of serum metabolites associated with obesity and traditional risk factors for metabolic disease in Chinese adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obesity is a major worldwide health problem and is often associated with many metabolic diseases. Levels of several serum-specific metabolites may be altered in patients with these metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate the associations of serum metabolite levels with obesity and traditional risk factors for metabolic disease in Chinese individuals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six-hundred Chinese individuals undergoing annual physical exams were recruited and categorized into overweight/obese and control groups (1:1 ratio). We simultaneously quantified the serum lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), aromatic amino acids (AAA), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), and Gln/Glu ratio levels using our previously established targeted serum metabolomic method. The overweight/obesity group had significantly higher levels of BCAA, AAA, and Glu, as well as lower levels of unsaturated LPC, Gln, and Gln/Glu, than the control group. Correlation analyses revealed significant and positive relationships of saturated LPC, BCAA, AAA, and Glu with blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while unsaturated LPC, Gln, Gln/Glu, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D exhibited an opposite trend. In the multifactor logistic regression model, low unsaturated LPC and Gln/Glu, as well as high BCAA and AAA levels, were found to be independent risk factors for obesity; the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile were 0.241 (0.139-0.417), 0.436 (0.252-0.755), 3.944 (2.094-7.430), and 2.357 (1.274-4.361) (P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

LPC, BCAA, AAA, and Gln/Glu are significantly related to obesity development and risk factors of some metabolic diseases.