MicroRNA-1266 suppresses papillary thyroid carcinoma cell metastasis and growth via targeting FGFR2

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of microRNA-1266 (miR-1266) on metastasis and growth in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells and to provide therapeutic targets for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

By quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), miR-1266 expression level in 38 pairs of papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues and three breast cancer-derived cell lines was examined. After transfection with miR-1266 mimics, the effects of miR-1266 over-expression on cell proliferation, invasion and migration were analyzed. Further, we employed several databases for the target gene prediction. Dual-luciferase activity assay was performed to verify whether FGFR2 was the direct target gene of miR-1266. Western blotting was conducted to detect protein levels.

RESULTS

MiR-1266 was significantly downregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue samples and cell lines. Over-expression of miR-1266 in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells significantly attenuated the cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Dual-luciferase report assay and Western blotting confirmed that FGFR2 was a target gene of miR-1266. Furthermore, up-regulation of FGFR2 partially reversed the suppressive effects of miR-1266 over-expression on cell growth and progression.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-1266 could inhibit cell proliferation and progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma via targeting FGFR2. Our findings might provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

[The treatment effect of opening,debridement and double-row fixation using suture anchor for severe patellar tendinopathy]

Objective: To evaluate clinical treatment efficacy of double-row fixation with bridging suture anchors for chronic, severe patellar tendinopathy. Methods: A retrospective study of 18 patients suffered from severe patellar tendinopathy and underwent surgical treatment during January 2009 and June 2014 at Department of Orthopedic, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University was conducted. All patients had received conservative therapy for more than 6 months(range: 6-30 months) but the effect was unsatisfactory. There were 10 males (12 knees) and 8 females (12 knees)with age of 47.2 years(range: 32-63 years). Seven cases on the left and 17 cases on the right. The surgical treatment included a midline incision at patellar tendon, complete debridement, and double-row fixation with bridging suture anchors. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Lysholm score were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, and compared by paired-t test. The postoperative complications was recorded. Results: All patients were followed up for 35.7 months (range:24-64 months) without any dropout.VAS decreased from 7.5±1.6 preoperative to 1.4±1.0 (t=4.45, P=0.00) postoperative, Lysholm score increased from 48.3±5.2 to 89.6±5.4 (t=-4.88,P=0.00).The Lysholm score was excellent in 3 cases and good in 15 cases.No patellar tendon rupture or suture fixation failure was recorded during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The effect of double-row fixation with bridging suture anchors is satisfactory with few postoperative complications.It can not only improve clinical symptoms of patients, but also restore knee joint function.

Observation of Electroweak Production of a Same-Sign W Boson Pair in Association with Two Jets in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the observation and measurement of electroweak production of a same-sign W boson pair in association with two jets using 36.1  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis is performed in the detector fiducial phase-space region, defined by the presence of two same-sign leptons, electron or muon, and at least two jets with a large invariant mass and rapidity difference. A total of 122 candidate events are observed for a background expectation of 69±7 events, corresponding to an observed signal significance of 6.5 standard deviations. The measured fiducial signal cross section is σ^{fid}=2.89_{-0.48}^{+0.51}(stat)_{-0.28}^{+0.29}(syst)  fb.

P6347Wireless optogenetic inhibition of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity to improve cardiac function and remodeling in chronic post-infarction canines

Background

Our previous study has shown that optogenetic modulation of left stellate ganglion (LSG) nerve activity suppresses ventricular arrhythmia (VA) after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Objective

This study introduced a fully implantable, battery-free wireless optogenetic neuromodulation system to investigate whether chronic optogenetic inhibition of LSG nerve activity could reduce myocardial infarct size and improve left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling in a post-MI canine model.

Methods

Eighteen beagles were randomized into the normal control group (saline injection without MI, n=6), the MI group (AAV2/9-CAG-GFP injection plus MI, n=6) and the optogenetics group (AAV2/9-CAG-ArchT-GFP injection plus MI, n=6). Four weeks after AAV/saline microinjection into LSG, MI was induced and LED device (Figure 1A) was implanted (Figure 1B, C) to perform illumination (565nm) for optogenetic modulation 1h per day for 4 weeks.

Results

Chronic optogenetic modulation significantly attenuated LSG function and neural activity as compared to the MI group. Chronic optogenetic modulation significantly reduced myocardial infarction size and improved LV function (LV ejection fraction: 53±1.3% vs. 45.9±1.8%, P<0.05) as compared to the MI group. Furthermore, chronic optogenetic modulation suppressed MI-induced LSG sympathetic remodeling and LV fibrosis.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Chronic optogenetic modulation using this fully implantable, battery-free wireless optogenetic system significantly inhibited LSG nerve activity, reduced myocardial infarction size, improved LV function and remodeling in a post-MI canine model (Figure 1D).

VEGFR2 and VEGF-C Suppresses the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Via YAP in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Whereas retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are known to secrete VEGF-A and VEGFR2, the functions of the autocrine VEGF signaling remain unclear. Meanwhile, anti-VEGF therapies have been applied routinely to treat ocular vascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the functions of the VEGF signaling in RPE cells and evaluate the consequences of its interruption.

METHODS

The genes involved in the VEGF and Hippo signal pathways were knocked down with siRNAs in both ARPE-19 cell line and human primary RPE cells via transient transfection whereas overexpression of VEGFR2 was mediated via adenovirus transduction. Expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the downstream genes of YAP were determined by real-time PCR and Western Blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to determine gene expression in tissue and mouse samples.

RESULTS

Knockdown of VEGFR2 results in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of VEGFR2 suppresses TGF β-mediated EMT in RPE cells. Loss of VEGF-C rather than VEGF-A induces EMT. Mechanistically, the VEGFR2 ablation-induced EMT in RPE cells is mediated by activation of YAP, an effector of the Hippo pathway. Finally, the immunohistochemical analysis of VEGFR2 and YAP in human proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes indicates a tendency of an inverse correlation between VEGFR2-positive and YAP-positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results disclose unexpected novel roles of VEGFR2 and VEGF-C in the process of EMT of RPE cells and in the Hippo pathway. The data shown here demonstrated that VEGFR2 and VEGF-C are important to maintain the normal physiological state of RPE cells.

Complete Measurement of the Λ Electromagnetic Form Factors

The exclusive process e^{+}e^{-}→ΛΛ[over ¯], with Λ→pπ^{-} and Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}, has been studied at sqrt[s]=2.396  GeV for measurement of the timelike Λ electric and magnetic form factors, G_{E} and G_{M}. A data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 66.9  pb^{-1}, was collected with the BESIII detector for this purpose. A multidimensional analysis with a complete decomposition of the spin structure of the reaction enables a determination of the modulus of the ratio R=|G_{E}/G_{M}| and, for the first time for any baryon, the relative phase ΔΦ=Φ_{E}-Φ_{M}. The resulting values are R=0.96±0.14(stat)±0.02(syst) and ΔΦ=37°±12°(stat)±6°(syst), respectively. These are obtained using the recently established and most precise value of the asymmetry parameter α_{Λ}=0.750±0.010 measured by BESIII. In addition, the cross section is measured with unprecedented precision to be σ=118.7±5.3(stat)±5.1(syst)  pb, which corresponds to an effective form factor of |G|=0.123±0.003(stat)±0.003(syst). The contribution from two-photon exchange is found to be negligible. Our result enables the first complete determination of baryon timelike electromagnetic form factors.

[CD40/TNF receptor associated factor 1 expression and NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis]

Objective: To investigatea cellular/molecular mechanism of the CD40/TRAF1 signalling pathway involved in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 16 patients with active RA and 9 patients with Fractures who underwent total knee or hip replacement in The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were included in the study. Synovial tissues (ST) and serum were obtained from each patient. The CD40, TRAF1, NF-κB p65 were detected by ELISA and Immunohistochemistry in serum and tissue respectively. Real time-PCR (RT-PCR) was applied to measure NF-κB-related gene expression. Results: CD40 and TRAF1 positive area (%) in RA patients were 28.7±5.4, 34.3±4.8 respectively, which were significantly higher (P<0.05) than Fracture controls (21.2±9.5, 21.6±8.7 respectively). The expression of total NF-κB p65, and phospho-NF-κB p65 proteins, as well as NF-κB-related gene expression, including cytokines (TNFα, IL-6), chemokines (MCP-1),and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) were significantly higher in the ST of RA patients compared to Fracture controls. Conclusion: It is thus possible that the CD40/TRAF1 pathway acted as a positive regulator through NF-κB activation and NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory genes in RA.

Amplitude Analysis of D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η and First Observation of the W-Annihilation Dominant Decays D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+}π^{0} and D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}π^{+}

We present the first amplitude analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η. We use an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.19  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV. We observe for the first time the W-annihilation dominant decays D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+}π^{0} and D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}π^{+}. We measure the absolute branching fraction B(D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+(0)}π^{0^{(}+)},a_{0}(980)^{+(0)}→π^{+(0)}η)=(1.46±0.15_{stat}±0.23_{sys})%, which is larger than the branching fractions of other measured pure W-annihilation decays by at least one order of magnitude. In addition, we measure the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η with significantly improved precision.

Extraction of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Antineutrino Spectra at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first extraction of individual antineutrino spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu fission and an improved measurement of the prompt energy spectrum of reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay. The analysis uses 3.5×10^{6} inverse beta-decay candidates in four near antineutrino detectors in 1958 days. The individual antineutrino spectra of the two dominant isotopes, ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, are extracted using the evolution of the prompt spectrum as a function of the isotope fission fractions. In the energy window of 4-6 MeV, a 7% (9%) excess of events is observed for the ^{235}U (^{239}Pu) spectrum compared with the normalized Huber-Mueller model prediction. The significance of discrepancy is 4.0σ for ^{235}U spectral shape compared with the Huber-Mueller model prediction. The shape of the measured inverse beta-decay prompt energy spectrum disagrees with the prediction of the Huber-Mueller model at 5.3σ. In the energy range of 4-6 MeV, a maximal local discrepancy of 6.3σ is observed.

A radiomics model for determining the invasiveness of solitary pulmonary nodules that manifest as part-solid nodules

AIM

A nomogram model was developed to predict the histological subtypes of lung invasive adenocarcinomas (IAs) and minimally invasive adenocarcinomas (MIAs) that manifest as part-solid ground-glass nodules (GGNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 119 patients with histopathologically confirmed part-solid GGNs assigned to the training (n=83) or testing cohorts (n=36). Radiomic features were extracted based on the unenhanced computed tomography (CT) images. R software was applied to process the qualitative and quantitative data. The CT features model, radiomic signature model, and combined prediction model were constructed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 396 radiomic features were extracted from the preoperative CT images, four features including MaxIntensity, RMS, ZonePercentage, and LongRunEmphasis_angle0_offset7 were indicated to be the best discriminators to establish the radiomic signature model. The performance of the model was satisfactory in both the training and testing set with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.854 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.774 to 0.934) and 0.813 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.955), respectively. The CT morphology of the lesion shape and diameter of the solid component were confirmed to be a significant feature for building the CT features model, which had an AUC of 0.755 (95% CI: 0.648 to 0.843). A nomogram that integrated lesion shape and radiomic signature was constructed, which contributed an AUC of 0.888 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.955).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomic signature could provide an important reference for differentiating IAs from MIAs, and could be significantly enhanced by the addition of CT morphology. The nomogram may be highly informative for making clinical decisions.

Genome-wide detection of genetic loci and candidate genes for teat number and body conformation traits at birth in Chinese Sushan pigs

Body conformation at birth and teat number are economically important traits in the pig industry, as these traits are usually explored to evaluate the growth and reproductive potential of piglets. To detect genetic loci and candidate genes for these traits, we performed a GWAS on 269 pigs from a recently developed Chinese breed (Sushan) using 38  128 informative SNPs on the Affymetrix Porcine SNP 55K Array. In total, we detected one genome-wide significant (P = 1.31e-6) SNP for teat number on chromosome X and 15 chromosome-wide significant SNPs for teat number, body weight, body length, chest circumference and cannon circumference at birth on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18. The most significant SNP had an additive effect of 0.74 × total teat number, explaining 20% of phenotypic variance. Five significant SNPs resided in the previously reported quantitative trait loci for these traits and seven significant SNPs had a pleiotropic effect on multiple traits. Intriguingly, 12 of the genes nearest to the significant SNPs are functionally related to body conformation and teat number traits, including SPRED2, MKX, TMSB4X and ESR1. GO analysis revealed that candidate genes proximal to the significant SNPs were enriched in the G-protein coupled receptor and steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway. Our findings shed light on the genetic basis of the measured traits and provide molecular markers especially for the genetic improvement of teat number in Sushan and related pigs.

[Analysis of occupational pneumoconiosis in Jiangsu province from 2006 to 2017]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics and patterns of occupational pneumoconiosis in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2006 to 2017, and to provide a scientific basis for government departments to develop effective interventions and preventive strategies against occupational pneumoconiosis. Methods: The data of 9327 patients with occupational pneumoconiosis were retrieved from the online report of occupational pneumoconiosis in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2017. Excel worksheet and SPSS 20.0 software were used to organize and analyze the data, respectively. An epidemiological statistical analysis was performed on age of onset, length of dust exposure, type of work, industry category, type of pneumoconiosis, annual incidence of pneumoconiosis, regional distribution, enterprise scale, and economic category in those patients. Results: A total of 9 327 patients with occupational pneumoconiosis were reported in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2017. In those patients, 8 559 were newly diagnosed and 768 had advanced disease. The male-female ratio was 16.34:1.Patients with stage I pneumoconiosis(6 994, 74.99%) were dominant in all the patients. The mean age of onset and length of dust exposure were 58.5±10.7 and 15.3±10.9 years, respectively. Most of the patients (6 012, 64.46%) had an age of onset between 50 and 69 years. For the length of dust exposure, the highest percentage was observed in patients exposed for no more than 5 years (2 231, 23.92%).The largest number of patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis(1 200, 12.87%) was reported in 2010. Most of the patients(7 012, 75.18%) were from four cities, i.e, Wuxi (2 090, 22.41%), Yancheng (1 987, 21.30%), Suzhou (1 552, 16.64%), and Xuzhou (1 383, 14.83%). In all the patients, the incidence of silicosis (6791, 72.81%) was highest, followed by coal worker pneumoconiosis (1 364, 14.62%) and electric welder pneumoconiosis (563, 6.04%).Pneumoconiosis complicated by tuberculosis was found in 28 (0.3%) patients.A total of 1616 (17.33%) patients were reported in health, social security, and social welfare industries, while 1474 (15.80%) patients worked for coal mining and washing. Rock drillers (2 818, 30.21%) were dominant in those patients.State-owned economic enterprises reported the largest number of patients(5 441, 58.34%).Patients from small enterprises (4 323, 46.35%) had the highest percentage. Conclusion: Pneumoconiosis is an occupational disease with a high incidence in Jiangsu Province. Pneumoconiosis patients show an industry- and job-centered distribution. The length of dust exposure is decreasing.

[Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography, fibroscan, acoustic radiation pulse imaging, serological index, and their combination for early stage liver cirrhosis]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), Fibroscan, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI), and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) and their combination for early stage liver cirrhosis. Methods: Three hundred and twenty-two hospitalized patients who had been diagnosed with chronic viral liver disease from March 2016 to April 2018 were included. According to the clinical diagnosis, patients were divided into chronic hepatitis and the early stage liver cirrhosis group (Child-Pugh A grade). All patients were examined by Fibroscan to detect liver stiffness measurement (LSM), ARFI to detect liver virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) value, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and EUS to detect esophagogastric varices, laboratory and imaging examination. The index of EUS, Fibroscan, ARFI, and APRI was analyzed and the regression model was established by binary logistic regression, and the diagnostic efficacy of the above index and regression model for early stage of cirrhosis was evaluated by the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs). Results: An early stage cirrhosis group had significantly higher detection rate with EUS (esophagogastric varices), Fibroscan (LSM), ARFI (VTQ) and APRI than chronic hepatitis group [76.7% vs. 10.7%, 10.4 (7.8, 17.3) vs. 6.1 (5.2, 8.4) kPa, 1.71(1.48, 2.07) m/s vs. 1.25(1.14, 1.43) m/s and 0.65 (0.38, 1.15) vs. 0.38(0.26, 0.62), respectively]. The corresponding chi-square test were 140.86, Z = -9.069, Z = -9.948 and Z = -5.764, respectively and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve and regression model were 0.830 (0.783 ~ 0.877), 0.793 (0.744 ~ 0.841), 0.821 (0.775 ~ 0.868), 0.686 (0.628 ~ 0.744) and 0.947 (0.925 ~ 0.969) for the diagnosis of early stage cirrhosis, respectively. Among them, the regression model of three indices (EUS, LSM and VTQ) had the largest AUROCs (0.947) and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 0.878 and 0.867, respectively. Conclusion: The combination of EUS, LSM and ARFI had a superior diagnostic value for early stage liver cirrhosis, and may improve the diagnosis rate and reduce the misdiagnosis rate.

Expression and significance of MiR-126 and VEGF in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression and significance of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-126 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vitreous body and proliferative membrane tissues of affected eyes and plasma in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 PDR patients admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to January 2018 were collected, including 17 cases in stage IV, 20 cases in stage V, and 13 cases in stage VI according to the DR staging criteria. Another 30 patients with an idiopathic macular hole were selected as control group. After admission, the examinations were performed, venous blood was drawn, and vitrectomy was performed, during which the vitreous body and proliferative membrane tissues were taken. The plasma VEGF content was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The VEGF protein expression level was detected via Western blotting in vitreous body and proliferative membrane tissues. Moreover, the miR-126 expression was detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

RESULTS

In the vitreous body tissues, proliferative membrane tissues and plasma, the expression level of miR-126 was significantly lower in control group than that in stage IV, V, and VI groups (p<0.05). The miR-126 expression was significantly lower in stage IV group than that in stage V and VI groups (p<0.05), meanwhile, miR-126 expression was significantly lower in stage V group than that in stage VI group (p<0.05). In the vitreous body tissues, proliferative membrane tissues and plasma, the VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in control group than those in stage IV, V, and VI groups (p<0.05). The VEGF expressions were significantly higher in stage IV group than those in stage V and VI groups (p<0.05). In addition, VEGF expressions were significantly higher in stage V group than those in stage VI group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the VEGF expression level was negatively correlated with the miR-126 expression level.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the abnormally high expression of miR-126 negatively regulates VEGF, which may be one of the important mechanisms of occurrence of PDR. The miR-126 and VEGF content can serve as important predictors for the condition of PDR.

Comparison of Fragmentation Functions for Jets Dominated by Light Quarks and Gluons from pp and Pb+Pb Collisions in ATLAS

Charged-particle fragmentation functions for jets azimuthally balanced by a high-transverse-momentum, prompt, isolated photon are measured in 25  pb^{-1} of pp and 0.49  nb^{-1} of Pb+Pb collision data at 5.02 TeV per nucleon pair recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are compared to predictions of Monte Carlo generators and to measurements of inclusively selected jets. In pp collisions, a different jet fragmentation function in photon-tagged events from that in inclusive jet events arises from the difference in fragmentation between light quarks and gluons. The ratios of the fragmentation functions in Pb+Pb events to that in pp events are used to explore the parton color-charge dependence of jet quenching in the hot medium. In relatively peripheral collisions, fragmentation functions exhibit a similar modification pattern for photon-tagged and inclusive jets. However, photon-tagged jets are observed to have larger modifications than inclusive jets in central Pb+Pb events.

AraR, an L-Arabinose-Responding Transcription Factor, Negatively Regulates Resistance of Mycobacterium smegmatis to Isoniazid

L-Arabinose is an important component of mycobacterial cell wall. L-Arabinose is involved in the synthesis of arabinogalactan, lipoarabinomannan, and other sugar compounds, which suggests that it can modulate cell wall permeability and drug resistance. However, whether L-arabinose affects mycobacterial antibiotic resistance and the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we characterized a new transcription factor of Mycobacterium smegmatis, AraR, that responds to L-arabinose and regulates mycobacterial sensitivity to isoniazid (INH). AraR specifically recognizes two conserved 15-bp motifs within the upstream regulatory region of the arabinose (araR) operon. AraR functions as a transcriptional repressor that negatively regulates araR expression. In contrast to the effect of AraR, overexpression of the araR operon contributes to the mycobacterial INH resistance. L-arabinose acts as an effector and derepresses transcriptional inhibition by AraR. The araR-deficient strain is more resistant to INH than the wild-type strain, whereas the araR-overexpressing strain is more sensitive to INH. Addition of L-arabinose to the medium can significantly increase the resistance to INH of the wild-type strain, but not of the araR knockout strain. Therefore, we identified a new L-arabinose-responding transcription factor and revealed its effect on the bacterial antibiotic resistance. These findings can provide new insights in the regulatory mechanisms mediated by sugar molecules and their relationship with drug resistance in mycobacteria.

FPR2 enhances colorectal cancer progression by promoting EMT process

Formyl peptide receptor-2 (FPR2) has been shown to promote various tumors, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been clearly illuminated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FPR2 interference on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, pro-angiogenesis of CRC cells, and also the mechanisms involved. Quantitative PCR assays were applied to assess the expression levels of FPR2 in CRC tissues. CRC cell line SW1116 was chosen to perform this study. We knocked down FPR2 gene by sh-RNA. Then, the cell proliferation was assayed by soft agar colony formation assay, the cell migration capacity was checked by wound healing assay, and cell invasion ability was detected by transwell assay. In addition, flow cytometric analysis was used to detect apoptosis, while endothelial tube formation assay was used to evaluate the effects of FPR2 on pro-angiogenesis in vitro. Tumorigenesis experiment in vivo was performed in nude mice. EMT-related proteins were studied by western blotting. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that FPR2 mRNA was highly expressed in the colorectal cancer tissues. SW1116 cells' capacities of proliferation, migration, invasion, anti-apoptosis and pro-angiogenesis were distinctly suppressed after silencing FPR2 in SW1116 by sh-RNA. Suppression FPR2 mRNA in SW1116 cells suppressed tumorigenicity in nude mice. The expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, Slug and vimentin was changed after suppressing FPR2. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that FPR2 could promote CRC cells progression in vitro and in vivo that may relate to promoting EMT.

[Epidemiological characteristics of imported acute infectious diseases in the border areas of Yunnan province, 2008-2017]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of imported acute infectious diseases between 2008 and 2017 in the border areas of Yunnan province. Methods: All the cases occurred between January 2008 and December 2017 and related information was from the Chinese CDC infectious disease report information management system, according to definition of imported cases diagnosed by clinicians. Epidemiological characteristics of the imported cases of related information were gathered. Results: A total of 13 157 imported acute infectious diseases were reported from the border areas of Yunnan province, which accounted for 6.03% (13 157/218 284) of the total number of acute infectious diseases in the same areas from 2008 to 2017. Malaria, dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease were accounted for 56.05% (7 374/13 157), 21.82% (2 871/13 157) and 4.62% (608/13 157), of all the case, respectively. The number of imported malaria cases decreased annually. However, dengue fever showed a sharp increase. Peaks of the epidemics appeared as: May for malaria and October for dengue fever. Male patients were accounting for the majority (73.22%, 9 634/13 157), so as the patients with Chinese nationality (54.91%, 7 225/13 157). The age distribution appeared as: 67.12% (8 829/13 157) for the 15-44 year olds and 19.26% (2 535/13 157) were children below 14 years of age. Proportions of occupation appeared as: farmers (45.23%, 5 596/13 157), migrant workers (21.30%, 2 802/13 157) and children living at home (11.12%, 1 463/13 157). Most of the imported cases were coming from Myanmar and appearing in the following three counties: Ruili city, Tengchong city, and Yingjiang of Yunnan province. Cities/counties that with number of imported cases more than 10% of the local reported cases, would include Ruili city, Tengchong city, Zhenkang county and Mangshi of Yunnan province. Conclusions: Imported acute infectious disease was a serious public health problem in Yunnan province, 2008-2017. The main imported acute infectious diseases were malaria, dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease. The majority imported cases were accounting for Chinese, male, young adults and farmers. It is also important for immigration workers to carry out surveillance, prevention and control programs on infectious diseases when working in neighboring countries.

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.

Improving genomic prediction for two Yorkshire populations with a limited size using the single-step method

In this study, we conducted genomic prediction for two Yorkshire purebred populations (Yichun and Chifeng) from two different provinces of China that both had a limited population size. Two growth traits (age adjusted to 100 kg weight, AGE; back-fat thickness adjusted to 100 kg weight, BF) and one reproduction trait (total number of piglets born, TNB) were analyzed with four prediction strategies: one-population BLUP, joint two-population BLUP, one-population single-step BLUP (SSBLUP) and joint two-population SSBLUP. Our results illustrate that accuracies of genomic estimated breeding values were improved for BF and TNB for the Yichun population and for BF for the Chifeng population by genomic prediction (one-population SSBLUP and joint two-population SSBLUP). The accuracy of TNB for the Yichun population was increased two fold when comparing the one-population SSBLUP to the one-population BLUP prediction. Meanwhile, prediction biases were dramatically reduced for AGE for the Yichun population and for TNB for the Chifeng population. The conclusions of this study are as follows: first, genomic prediction is useful for improving prediction accuracy for purebred pig breeding farms with a limited population size; second, joint genomic prediction for different populations of the same breed with certain genetic links has the trend to further improve prediction accuracy.

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.

[Cytotoxicity of Malondialdehyde and Cytoprotective Effects of Taurine via Oxidative Stress and PGC-1α Signal Pathway in C2C12 Cells]

One of the end-products of ROS-induced peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), induces the cross-links in proteins, which leads to perturbation of the physiological functions of cells and contributes to abnormal biological regulation and various disorders. Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, Tau) aids in adjusting normal physiological functions to confer stress resistance. The protective effects of Tau against MDA stress in vitro or in vivo were reported previously. In this study, we had investigated the protective effects of taurine on viability, oxidative stress levels and mitochondrial biogenesis in mouse muscle C2C12 cells undergoing MDA induced stress. We show that the treatment with 100 μM MDA leads to increase in cell oxidative stress levels, inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis and the reduction of the cell survival rates. The pretreatment with 0.1 μM taurine reduced MDA-induced death rate via inhibition of oxidative stress, restoration of mitochondrial functions of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP production. In MDA stress, the pre-treatment with 0.1 μM taurine leads to upregulation of the factors of mitochondrial biogenesis. These observations suggest that the cytoprotective effects of taurine may be due to an induction of mitochondrial biogenesis.

[Characteristics of initial diagnosis in autoimmune liver disease: an 18-year, retrospective single-center study]

Objective: To analyze the chorological changes of diagnosis in patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD) and related factors for early diagnosis. Methods: A total of 581 patients with age ranged from 16 to 81 were retrospectively analyzed, who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital with AILD during January 2000 to December 2017. Age at diagnosis, diagnostic method and cirrhosis at diagnosis were compared in different groups according to admission period as 2000-2005, 2006-2011, 2012-2017. Results: The diagnostic rate of AILD showed an upward trend during the past near two decades. The proportion of AILD patients diagnosed via health examination was increasing year by year mainly by elevated transaminases (P<0.001). The mean age at diagnosis in our AILD patients were younger at present, especially in men (P=0.044). The proportion of cirrhosis at diagnosis was gradually reduced in three different periods respectively [77.78%(21/27), 41.58% (79/190), 25.00%(91/364), P<0.001], which were coincident in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) (P<0.001). The shrinking trend of cirrhosis at diagnosis was significantly correlated with the increasing application of health examination (r=-0.549, P<0.001). Conclusions: Extensive application of health examination expands the diagnostic rate of AILD. During the past 18 years, more young patients are diagnosed with AILD. The proportion of severe cases such as cirrhosis at diagnosis is decreasing. Screening of immunological examinations in patients with abnormal transaminases is needed and critical to the early diagnosis of asymptomatic AILD.

BRAF inhibitors: efficacious and tolerable in BRAF-mutant acral and mucosal melanoma

BRAF inhibitors substantially have impressive clinical efficacy in cutaneous melanoma. However, their role in acral and mucosal melanoma remains unclear. Records were reviewed of patients with metastatic or unresectable BRAF-mutant acral and mucosal melanoma hospitalized and administrated BRAF inhibitors during January 2011 and March 2016. Clinical data were collected to determine PFS, ORR, DCR, OS, and safety. Among 28 acral and 12 mucosal melanoma patients treated with BRAF inhibitors, median PFS were 3.6 (95%CI 3.0-6.4) and 4.4 (95%CI 0.8-12.7) months, median OS were 6.2 (95%CI 6.1-12.1) and 8.2 (95%CI 6.6-19.9) months; ORRs were 38.1% and 20.0%, DCRs were 81.0% and 70.0% in acral and mucosal melanoma, respectively. BRAF inhibitors were well tolerated. The most common adverse effects (AEs) were cutaneous and hematological. Grade 3/4 AEs were relatively rare. In conclusion, BRAF inhibitors have acceptable efficacy and good tolerance in BRAF mutant acral and mucosal melanoma.

[Outcome of neck dissection for 154 cN0/cN1 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharynx and prognostic analysis]

Objective: To determine the relationship between nodal disease distribution patterns and oncological outcome and optimum management of cN0/cN1 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC). Methods: The collected clinical data and the follow-up disease-free survival (DFS) information from 154 patients with HPSCC treated between 2001 and 2014 in Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate DFS rate. Log-rank test and Cox regression model were performed to evaluate the survival prognostic factors for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Among 154 patients (63 cN0 patients, 91 cN1 patients) with HPSCC,in whom 148 were male, 6 were female, with an arerage age of (58.6±9.9), 63 cN0 patients received lateral neck dissection, of whom 9 were histologically positive nodes. Particularly, occult metastasis rate was 15.6%(7/45) for HPSCC in pyriform sinus and 18.2%(2/11) for HPSCC in posterior pharyngeal wall. Among 91 cN1 HPSCC, 34 underwent radical neck dissection and 54 underwent selective neck dissection. DFS for patients(T3-4N1) with radical neck dissection was lower than that for patient with selective neck dissection(15.2% vs.39.5%, χ(2)=5.153, P<0.05). The DFS of cN0 HPSCC was overestimated by the false-negative patients (cN0→pN+) for cN0 HPSCC and the DFS of cN1 HPSCC was underestimated by the false-positive(cN1→pN0) for cN1 HPSCC. Conclusions: For cN1 HPSCC, compared with radical neck dissection, selective neck dissection may be considered as a more adequate method for removal of metastatic lymph nodes. Postoperative combined therapy and follow-up strategy should be established according to pathological N staging.

Search for the Production of a Long-Lived Neutral Particle Decaying within the ATLAS Hadronic Calorimeter in Association with a Z Boson from pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

This Letter presents a search for the production of a long-lived neutral particle (Z_{d}) decaying within the ATLAS hadronic calorimeter, in association with a standard model (SM) Z boson produced via an intermediate scalar boson, where Z→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} (ℓ=e, μ). The data used were collected by the ATLAS detector during 2015 and 2016 pp collisions with a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV at the Large Hadron Collider and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36.1±0.8  fb^{-1}. No significant excess of events is observed above the expected background. Limits on the production cross section of the scalar boson times its decay branching fraction into the long-lived neutral particle are derived as a function of the mass of the intermediate scalar boson, the mass of the long-lived neutral particle, and its cτ from a few centimeters to one hundred meters. In the case that the intermediate scalar boson is the SM Higgs boson, its decay branching fraction to a long-lived neutral particle with a cτ approximately between 0.1 and 7 m is excluded with a 95% confidence level up to 10% for m_{Z_{d}} between 5 and 15 GeV.

NP30 stimulates Th17 differentiation through DC in Schistosomiasis Japonicum

The murine monoclonal anti‐idiotypic antibody, NP30, is a potential vaccine candidate against Schistosoma japonicum. Previous studies have revealed that NP30 has an immunoregulatory effect, but the underlying mechanism for this effect remains unknown. This study shows that NP30 induces dendritic cell (DC) maturation and increases the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The expression of CD86 and MHC II was upregulated in DCs following stimulation with NP30 in vitro. Moreover, NP30 induced Th17 polarization by increasing the production of IL‐6 and TGF‐β. In vivo, Th17 differentiation was induced by the production of key pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6and TGF‐β, from DCs of NP30‐immunized mice. These results indicate that NP30 promotes Th17 polarization through DC activation, preventing serious schistosomiasis.

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.

The applied anatomy and clinical significance of the proximal, V1 segment of vertebral artery

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to probe the morphological features of the proximal segment (V1) of vertebral artery (VA) in a sample of Chinese cadavers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The origin, course and outer diameter at origin of the pre-vertebral part of the VAs were evaluated in 119 adult cadavers.

RESULTS

It was found that 94.12% of the VAs originated from the subclavian arteries, bilaterally. The variant origins were present in 5.88% of the cadavers and all originated directly from the arch of the aorta. All the variations were observed on the left side of male cadavers. The average outer diameters at origin of the normal and variation groups were 4.35 ± 1.00 mm and 4.82 ± ± 1.42 mm, respectively, p = 0.035. In the normal group, but not in the variation group, the average diameter in the males was significantly larger than that in the females (4.50 ± 0.99 mm, 3.92 ± 0.92 mm, respectively, p = 0.000). In addition, only 5 cadavers in the normal group had hypoplastic VAs (4.20%, 4 males, 3 right-sided). Vertebral artery dominance (VAD) was present in 91 (69 males) out of 112 cadavers and more common on the left (n = 48). In addition, 3 cadavers satisfied conditions for coexistence of VAD and vertebral artery hypoplasia. All 7 cadavers in the variation group exhibited VAD, which was more common on the right side (n = 5).

CONCLUSIONS

The morphologic variations and frequencies described above have implications for the early prevention, abnormal anatomy detection, accurate diagnosis, safe surgery and endovascular treatment of cardiovascular and neurological disease.