[The imaging presentations of the fallopian canal cerebrospinal fluid leaking]

Objective: To summarize the imaging presentations of the fallopian canal cerebrospinal fluid leaking (FCCFL). Methods: The high resolution CT (HRCT)and MRI materials of 4 patients (4 ears) with FCCFL confirmed by surgery between August 2016 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, there were 2 males and 2 females, their ages ranged from 6 to 69 years. Results: All of the FCCFL were unilateral, including 2 on the left and 2 on the right.Clinically, the patients with FCCFL suffered from clear nasal fluid flow, ear tightness, and hearing loss. On CT, all of the affected ears were depicted markedly dilatation of the proximal portion of fallopian canal(FC), the labyrinthine segment and geniculate fossa were involved in 4 cases, and involvement of tympanic segment in 1 case at the same time. The geniculate fossa in the affected side were significantly enlarged, protruding upwards into the tympanic cavity, with one case simultaneously involving the cochlea. On MRI, the hyposignal on T1WI and hypersignal on T2WI or water sequence like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were shown in the enlargement FC, without diffusion restriction, and non-enhancing with administration Gadolinium contrast.CSF-like signal effusion was shown in all of the affected tympanum, of which, the CSF-like signal effusion was demonstrated in the area along the superficial petrosal nerve, the right pterygopalatine fossa and the parapharyngeal space. The adjacent intracranial meninges were presented thickening in 3 cases. Conclusion: The imaging appearances of FCCFL present some characteristics:on HRCT, the proximal portions of the affected FC depicts markedly enlargement,especially the geniculate fossa.While they present CSF-like signal, no diffusion restriction, and no enhancement administration, Gadolinium contrast on MRI, accompanying the CSF-like signal effusion in the affected tympanum.

[Research progress on the preventive and therapeutic effects of exercise on gestational diabetes mellitus]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, which poses a serious health risk to mothers and infants. In recent years, many studies have revealed the important role of exercise in preventing GDM, regulating blood glucose and ameliorating insulin resistance, as well as its potential value as an emerging therapeutic approach in improving maternal and infant outcomes and long-term health. This review discusses the latest research progress on the effect of exercise on the prevention and treatment of GDM, aims to deepen the knowledge of exercise therapy for GDM and provides guidance and assistance for the clinical treatment of GDM.

Active screening and patient-placement and cohort-placement strategies to decrease carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli colonization and infection in pediatric patients: A 5-year retrospective observational study in China

Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) colonization screening was initiated across high-risk departments (PICU, NICU, neonatal wards, and hematology departments) in January 2017, and several CR-GNB cohort and patient-placement strategies were introduced throughout the hospital in January 2018. The colonization and infection rates decreased to varying degrees from 2017 to 2021.

[Clinical follow-up analysis of multidisciplinary treatment of children with spinal muscular atrophy]

Objective: To analyze the follow-up and clinical effect of multidisciplinary treatment on the children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: The clinical data including nutritional status, respiratory function, bone health and motor function of 45 children with SMA who received multidisciplinary management 1-year follow-up in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from July 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively collected. Comparisons before and after management were performed using paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, etc. Results: The age of 45 patients (25 boys and 20 girls) was 50.4 (33.6, 84.0) months at the enrollment, with 6 cases of type 1, 22 cases of type 2, and 17 cases of type 3 respectively. After the multidisciplinary management, the cases of SMA patients with malnutrition decreased from 22 to 12 (P=0.030), the level of vitamin D were significantly increased ((45±17) vs. (48±14) nmol/L, t=-4.13, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the forced vital capacity %pred, the forced expiratory volume at 1 second %pred, and the peak expiratory flow %pred ((76±19)% and (76±21)%, (81±18)% and (79±18)%, (81±21)% and (78±17)%; t=-0.24, 1.36, 1.21; all P>0.05). The Cobbs angle of scoliosis also improved significantly (8.0°(0°, 13.0°) vs. 10.0°(0°, 18.5°), Z=-3.01, P=0.003). The Hammersmith functional motor scale expanded scores of children with SMA type 2 and type 3 both showed significant elevation (11.0 (8.0, 18.0) vs. 11.0 (5.0, 18.5) scores, 44.0 (36.5, 53.0) vs. 44.0 (34.0, 51.5) scores, Z=2.44, 3.11, P=0.015, 0.002). Conclusion: Multidisciplinary management is beneficial for delaying the progression of the multi-system impairments of SMA patients, such as malnutrition, restrictive ventilation dysfunction and scoliosis.

[Association between obesity and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese adults aged 18-65 years in 15 provinces in 2018]

Objective: To analyze the association between different types of obesity, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey data in 2018, different types of obesity were defined across different BMI and WC combinations based on Criteria of weight for adults (WS/T 428-2013), including non-obesity, simple general obesity, simple central obesity, and complex obesity. The associations of different types of obesity, BMI, and WC with T2DM risk were explored using two-level mixed-effects logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models. Results: A total of 7 030 subjects aged 18-65 were included in this study. The prevalence of general obesity and central obesity were 16.29% (502/3 082), 42.28% (1 303/3 082) in males, and 14.41% (569/3 948), 37.87% (1 495/3 948) in females. The prevalence of complex obesity was 14.70% and 12.97% in males and females, respectively. The prevalence of T2DM was 11.28% in participants, and the prevalence in complex obesity (18.98%, 22.07%) was higher than in simple central obesity (16.24%, 15.26%) and non-obesity (9.65%, 5.18%) in males and females, respectively. Multilevel regressions showed that males with simple central obesity and complex obesity had 1.61 (95%CI: 1.24-2.08) and 2.11 (95%CI: 1.56-2.86) times the odds of T2DM, respectively, as compared with the non-obesity; and the odds of T2DM in females were 2.70 (95%CI: 1.16-6.28) times for simple general obesity, 2.62 (95%CI: 2.01-3.40) times for simple central obesity, and 4.47 (95%CI: 3.35-5.98) times for complex obesity. A nearly linear positive association was observed between BMI and T2DM risk. WC was also positively associated with T2DM risk and a non-linearly increased risk in females (P for non-linear=0.024). The risk of T2DM increased when BMI ≥22.5 kg/m² and 23.0 kg/m², WC ≥85.0 cm and 80.0 cm in males and females, respectively. Conclusions: Complex obesity adults are more likely to suffer from T2DM. The risk of T2DM increases significantly when BMI is at the normal high values and waist circumference at the stage of pre-central obesity.

[Epidemiological characteristics and trends of cardiometabolic risk factors in residents aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces of China]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and trends of cardiometabolic risk factors in residents aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces (autonomous regions,municipalities) of China, and to analyze the impact of demographic characteristics on cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: 19 827 adults aged 18-64 from the "China Health and Nutrition Survey" in 2009, 2015 and 2018 were selected as subjects. Using the data of demographic and economic factors, blood biochemical measurements and physical measurements, the trend of detection rates of metabolic risk factors in different years was analyzed by Joinpoint regression model. The association between risk factors and demographic characteristics was analyzed by multinomial logit model. Results: Among all the risk factors, overweight and central obesity had the highest detection rates (36.41% and 39.93%, respectively). In addition, among the three years, the clustering of risk factors was highest in 2015 and decreased slightly in 2018. Joinpoint regression model analysis showed that the detection rates of most metabolic risk factors expressing an overall upward trend from 2009 to 2018 but there was no significantly statistical difference in annual percentage change (APC). Among the risk factors under APC>0, the APC of obesity and diabetes was the largest (APC=5.37%, t=3.26, P=0.190; APC=5.52%, t=7.70, P=0.082), while among the risk factors with APC<0, high hs-CRP appeared as the largest (APC=-6.95%, t=-4.17, P=0.150). Multinomial logit model showed that male had higher risk of developing all metabolic risk factors than female except LDL-C, TC and hs-CRP. The risk of other risk factors except HDL-C in adults aged 45-64 years was higher than that in the younger age group aged 18-44 years, and was more significant in hypertension and elevated HbA1c, which were 4.67 (95%CI:4.07-5.37) times and 3.73 (95%CI:2.91-4.77) times of the younger age group, respectively. Residents living in the eastern areas had the highest risk of obesity, borderline high LDL-C, hypertension, elevated blood glucose and diabetes, and the lowest risk of elevated TG and high hs-CRP. People from the western region had the lowest risk of central obesity, elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Conclusions: In the three years, the detection rate and clustering of most risk factors were the highest in 2015, and there was little change in 2018. Gender, age and geographical distribution were the main influencing factors of cadiometabolic risk factors. It is suggested to adopt targeted prevention strategies and intervention measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

From cradle to grave? A global hotspot and new species of the genus Lobaria discovered in the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains

In this study, the East Asian diversity of green-algal Lobaria was evaluated by applying both morphological and phylogenetic approaches. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of 72 green-algal Lobaria specimens was performed using a three-locus and time-calibrated species-tree approach. The analyses demonstrate that pairs of sexually and vegetatively reproducing lineages split into highly supported monophyletic clades. Taxonomically, 11 green-algal Lobaria species were identified as new to science, while 10 were previously described species. The species differentiated during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. The coincidence of paleoclimatic events with estimated dates of divergence support a bioclimatic hypothesis for species evolution in the green-algal Lobaria. Molecular phylogenies, a summary of diversity, detailed new species descriptions and geographical analyses are provided. Special recognition of species with a long evolutionary history, which merit high conservation priority, will be critical for preserving geographically restricted endemics in the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains, where habitat loss is driving rapid declines.

[Clinical follow-up analysis of nusinersen in the disease-modifying treatment of pediatric spinal muscular atrophy]

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of disease-modifying drug nusinersen on children with spinal muscular atrophy. Methods: The baseline and longitudinal clinical data of 15 children who were treated with nusinersen in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from October 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively collected. The general data (gender, age, genotype, and clinical classification, etc.), motor function, nutritional status, scoliosis and respiratory function were analyzed. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparing multi-system conditions before and after treatment. Results: The age of 15 cases (7 males, 8 females) was 6.8 (2.8, 8.3) years, with 2 cases of type 1, 6 cases of type 2, and 7 cases of type 3 respectively, and the course of disease was 55.0 (21.0, 69.0) months. After 9.0 (9.0, 24.0) months of treatment, the motor function scale evaluations of the Hammersmith neurological examination section 2 (13.0 (7.0, 23.0) vs. 18.0 (10.0, 25.0) scores, Z=-2.67, P=0.018) of 15 children, the Hammersmith functional motor scale expanded (38.0 (18.5, 45.5) vs. 42.0 (23.0, 51.0) scores, Z=-2.38, P=0.018), and the revised upper limb module (27.0 (19.5, 32.0) vs. 33.0 (22.5, 35.5) scores, Z=-2.52, P=0.012) of children with type 2 and 3 had significantly improved. Thirteen patients achieved clinically significant motor function improvement, and 2 of them had kept stable scale scores. Subjective reports also indicated that the muscle strength and daily exercise ability of these children improved after treatment, and no serious adverse reactions were reported. Supplemented by the multi-disciplinary team management, the levels of some indicators such as Cobbs angle of scoliosis and forced vital capacity all had significantly improved (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Nusinersen can improve the motor function of patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy, which is also proved safe to be used in children. The drug treatment supplemented by the multi-disciplinary team management is helpful to improve the multi-system function of the children with spinal muscular atrophy.

[An analysis on senior pupil's tobacco use and exposure in Shandong province in 2012 and 2019]

Objective: To analyze the changes in tobacco use and exposure in primary school students in Shandong province in 2012 and 2019. Methods: A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used in the survey. In 2012 and 2019, 5 861 and 4 021 students from 3 different cities of Shandong province were selected as the study population. The questionnaire was filled anonymously by the subjects. χ² test was conducted to compare the difference of groups. Results: In 2012 and 2019, the rate of attempting smoking among pupils under this study in Shandong province were 6.0％and 6.3%, respectively, while the current smoking rate were 1.2％and 2.3%, respectively. The sex ratio of male and female students attempting to smoke was 2.56∶1 in 2012 and 1.31∶1 in 2019. The sex ratio of current smoking rate was 2.43∶1 and 2.00∶1, respectively in 2012 and in 2019. The rate of tobacco exposure in the public places was 50.5％and 41.4%, respectively. The rate of tobacco exposure in family was 49.7% and 46.4%, respectively. Two rates of tobacco exposure decreased, but the reduction in family (3.3%) was far less than that in public places (9.1%). In 2019, the rate of tobacco exposure in family was higher than that in public places. Conclusions: The tobacco exposure rate declined in senior pupils in Shandong province. However, the situation is still grim for the current smoking rate, growth trend of girls tobacco use, and tobacco exposure in family.

Heat Transport in Herbertsmithite: Can a Quantum Spin Liquid Survive Disorder?

One favorable situation for spins to enter the long-sought quantum spin liquid (QSL) state is when they sit on a kagome lattice. No consensus has been reached in theory regarding the true ground state of this promising platform. The experimental efforts, relying mostly on one archetypal material ZnCu_{3}(OH)_{6}Cl_{2}, have also led to diverse possibilities. Apart from subtle interactions in the Hamiltonian, there is the additional degree of complexity associated with disorder in the real material ZnCu_{3}(OH)_{6}Cl_{2} that haunts most experimental probes. Here we resort to heat transport measurement, a cleaner probe in which instead of contributing directly, the disorder only impacts the signal from the kagome spins. For ZnCu_{3}(OH)_{6}Cl_{2}, we observed no contribution by any spin excitation nor obvious field-induced change to the thermal conductivity. These results impose strong constraints on various scenarios about the ground state of this kagome compound: while certain quantum paramagnetic states other than a QSL may serve as natural candidates, a QSL state, gapless or gapped, must be dramatically modified by the disorder so that the kagome spin excitations are localized.

[Multi-level scanning of environmental factors of body mass index of children and adolescents aged 7-17 years in China]

Objective: To investigate the influence of environmental factors on body mass index of children and adolescents in China. Methods: Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, the research object to 7 - 17 years old children and adolescents who participated in 2000, 2006, 2011, and 2015 round of survey with complete data, a total of 6 626 children and adolescents (male 3 473, female 3 153) were investigated under univariate analysis for each environmental factor variable before using Partial Least Square Regression fitting a linear model for further screening. Finally, we fitted a three-level linear mixed-effects model distinct by urban and rural area for analysis. Results: The three-level null model, log likelihood=-17 034.68, χ²=483.06, P<0.001. Intern-class correlation coefficient (ICC) showed that community-level was 9.97%, and both community and individual were 39.38%. The three-level model also showed that urban model's urbanization index (β=-0.05, 95%CI: -0.09--0.01, P<0.05), the park location (β=-0.88, 95%CI: -1.72 - -0.04, P<0.05), 15 - 17 age group (β=-1.04, 95%CI:-1.78 - -0.30, P<0.05) were negatively correlated with BMI. The distance to the gym (β=0.12, 95%CI: 0.02 - 0.22, P<0.05), the number of home TV sets (β=0.50, 95%CI: 0.08 - 0.92, P<0.05) and the frequency of parents' alarm of fiction TV program contents (β=1.85, 95%CI: 0.70 - 3.00, P<0.05) were correlated with BMI. Rural urbanization index (β=-0.04, 95%CI:-0.07 - -0.01, P<0.05). Rural per capita income (β=-7.29e^-4, 95%CI:-1.00e^-3 - -6.77e^-5, P<0.05), parents' restricted frequency of watching TV (β=-1.29, 95%CI:-2.36 - -0.21, P<0.05), adipo-energy ratio (β=-0.03, 95%CI:-0.06 - -1.00e^-3, P<0.05) were negatively correlated with the BMI. Factors as the frequency of parents' alarm of fiction TV program contents (β=3.01, 95%CI: 0.03 - 6.00, P<0.05), the survey time was 2015 (β=4.83, 95%CI: 1.96 - 7.69, P<0.05) were correlated with BMI. Conclusions: Environmental factors could indirectly influence the change of BMI of children and adolescents to different degrees and various aspects. Urbanization index and rural per capita income had a slight protective effect on increasing BMI of children and adolescents. At the community level, attention should be paid to the setting of activity places around the living environment of children and adolescents. Family members should also guide their children and adolescents to develop nice behavior in watching TV.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) mediates resistance to EGFR inhibition in non-small-cell lung carcinoma

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are current standard of care for patients with EGFR mutation and metastatic non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), but most patients using EGFR TKIs acquire resistance later. So, overcoming resistance of EGFR TKIs has become an important issue in the treatment of NSCLC. Previously, therapeutics targeting Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) have been successful in treating several hematologic malignancies. However, the role of BTK in NSCLC is still unknown. In this study, by examining surgical specimens from 80 NSCLC patients and their clinicopathologic parameters, we found significant correlation between high BTK expression and tumor differentiation, p-stage, lymph node metastatic status, maximum tumor size, and poor prognosis of patients. Using two NSCLC cell lines A540 and PC9, we demonstrated that BTK^pos cells exhibited more stemness (OCT4, SOX2) and EMT (E-Cadherin, Slug) markers than BTK^neg cells. Knockdown of BTK sensitized the NSCLC cells to Gefitinib. Meanwhile, the second-generation BTK inhibitor Acalabrutinib effectively suppressed SOX2, STAT3/JAK2/Akt axis and potentiated the anti-proliferative effect of Gefitinib and Osimertinib in NSCLC cells, including the T790M H1975 cells. Furthermore, Acalabrutinib and Osimertinib combination exhibited significant tumor growth inhibition of H1975-derived tumors in vivo. Our findings suggested that BTK mediates stemness and EMT properties, and inhibition of BTK potentiates the effect of Gefitinib and Osimertinib in NSCLC cells resistant to TKI. This implies a new approach to treat the NSCLC patients with resistance to previous TKI treatment.

The STING-IRF3 pathway is involved in lipotoxic injury of pancreatic β cells in type 2 diabetes

Lipotoxic injury of pancreatic β cells is an important pathological feature in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) can recognize its own DNA leaked into the cytoplasm from damaged mitochondria or nuclei of the host cell, thus activating its downstream factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), causing inflammation and apoptosis. The STING-IRF3 signaling pathway is closely related to glycolipid metabolism, but its relationship with the lipotoxicity of pancreatic β cells has rarely been reported. Here, we investigated the role of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in lipotoxicity-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and dysfunction of pancreatic β cells. We examined the activation of STING and IRF3 in islets of db/db mice and identified the role of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxic injury of INS-1, a rat insulinoma cell line. STING and phosphorylated IRF3 including downstream interferon-β were upregulated in islets of db/db mice and PA-induced INS-1 cells. Gene silencing of STING or IRF3 ameliorated PA-induced INS-1 cell inflammation and apoptosis, and reversed impaired insulin synthesis. Additionally, PA induced downregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathway, and impaired high glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was reversed after knockdown of STING or IRF3. Our results suggest that activation of the STING-IRF3 pathway triggers inflammation and apoptosis of pancreatic β cells, leading to β-cell damage and dysfunction. Hence, inhibition of this signaling pathway may represent a novel approach for β-cell protection in T2DM.

Determination of Strong-Phase Parameters in D→K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-}

We report the most precise measurements to date of the strong-phase parameters between D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} decays to K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} using a sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results provide the key inputs for a binned model-independent determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle γ/ϕ_{3} with B decays. Using our results, the decay model sensitivity to the γ/ϕ_{3} measurement is expected to be between 0.7° and 1.2°, approximately a factor of three smaller than that achievable with previous measurements, based on the studies of the simulated data. The improved precision of this work ensures that measurements of γ/ϕ_{3} will not be limited by knowledge of strong phases for the next decade. Furthermore, our results provide critical input for other flavor-physics investigations, including charm mixing, other measurements of CP violation, and the measurement of strong-phase parameters for other D-decay modes.

[Changing trends regarding the rates of prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension and the differences by demographic and economic factors, among adult farmers in nine provinces in China, from 1991 to 2015]

Objective: To analyze the changes on the rates of prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension as well as the differences of the disease by demographic and economic factors, among adult farmers in nine provinces of China. Methods: Adult farmers, (including fishermen and hunters) with completed data on demographics, socio-economic characteristics, disease histories and physical measurements were selected from the 1991-2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Hypertension was defined based on the Chinese guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of demographic and economic factors on the rates of prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension among those adult farmers in 2015. Results: A total of 18 236 participants were included. From 1991 to 2015, rates of prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension among the adult farmers in nine provinces all significantly increased (P<0.05). Results from the multivariate analysis showed that farmers aged ≥45 years were 98% more likely to suffer from hypertension than those aged 18-44 years. Farmers who were overweight or obese were 1.58 times and 5.21 times more likely to suffer from hypertension than those in the control group (BMI<24.0 kg/m(2)), respectively. The rates on awareness of hypertension among farmers with junior high school education (OR=0.23) or above (OR=0.12) or with junior high school education (OR=0.30) were both lower than those with primary school education or below. Rates on the awareness and treatment of hypertension in obese farmers were 5.77 times and 7.52 times of those in the control group. Conclusions: The rates of prevalence of hypertension showed increasing trends during 1991-2015, with a slower increase in the rates of awareness and treatment in the farmers. Age ≥45 year-olds, and being obese were the risk factors for farmers to have hypertension, which suggested the above population should be focused on hypertension prevention strategy and practice.

γ-Mangostin isolated from Garcinia mangostana L. suppresses inflammation and alleviates symptoms of osteoarthritis via modulating miR-124-3p/IL-6/NF-κB signaling

Osteoarthritis (OA) a disease associated with joints and become severe with age, due to softening, inflammation and degradation of cartilage in joints. The agents that can target OA is needed, specifically without any side effects. Garcinia mangostana L. (Mangosteen) a tropical fruit used to treat many skin and stomach associated ailments. γ- Mangostin (γ-MS) a key bioactive substance present in mangosteen. Here, we aimed to explore γ-MS potential in targeting the pro-inflammatory cytokine, factors and miRs in OA progression. Significantly, γ-MS suppresses the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and INF- γ) and factors (NF-κB, STAT3, and COX-2) which regulates/participate in the catabolic process of cartilage destruction. Result of Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining of tissue sections of OA joints of γ-MS treated and non-treated mice confirm γ-MS improves the signs of injuries, and maintains the structural integrity of the articular cartilage (epiphyseal disk joints and bone marrow) and reduces inflammation. Mechanistically, γ-MS targets miR-98-5p and miR-124-3p which are found to suppress the expression IL-6 and NF-κB, respectively. But in OA these miRs are inhibited, especially miR-124-3p which regulates not only NF-κB but also TNF-α, IL-6 and MMP7. With a further investigation underway, γ-MS represents an important source for treating and managing OA.

Observation of a Resonant Structure in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}

A partial-wave analysis is performed for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} at the center-of-mass energies ranging from 2.000 to 2.644 GeV. The data samples of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider with a total integrated luminosity of 300  pb^{-1}, are analyzed. The total Born cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}, as well as the Born cross sections for the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→ϕπ^{0}π^{0}, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), are measured versus the center-of-mass energy. The corresponding results for e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} and ϕπ^{0}π^{0} are consistent with those of BABAR with better precision. By analyzing the cross sections for the four subprocesses, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), a structure with mass M=(2126.5±16.8±12.4)  MeV/c^{2} and width Γ=(106.9±32.1±28.1)  MeV is observed with an overall statistical significance of 6.3σ, although with very limited significance in the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-} and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892). The resonant parameters of the observed structure suggest it can be identified with the ϕ(2170), thus the results provide valuable input to the internal nature of the ϕ(2170).

Histological changes, lipid metabolism, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the liver of laying hens exposed to cadmium concentrations

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cadmium (Cd) on histological changes, lipid metabolism, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver of layers. A total of 480 hens at 38 wk of age were randomly assigned in 5 groups that were fed a basal diet or basal diet supplemented with CdCl₂ 2.5H₂O at 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 mg Cd/kg feed for 9 wk. The results showed that accumulation of Cd was the greatest in the kidney, followed by the liver, pancreas, and lung. Diet contaminated with 30 mg Cd/kg induced antioxidant defenses accompanied by the increase of the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, while dietary supplementation with 60 mg Cd/kg decreased the antioxidant levels significantly (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed Cd induced reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocytes. Exposure to 60 mg Cd/kg significantly upregulated the expression of cytochrome C, caspase 3, caspase 9, caspase 7, Grp78, and Chop (P < 0.05). Histopathology and quantitative real-time PCR results presented periportal fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, and periportal inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver accompanied by upregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in the 30- or 60-mg Cd/kg groups. Oil Red O staining and RT-qPCR results showed dietary supplementation with 7.5, 15, and 30 mg Cd/kg promoted the synthesis of lipid droplets and upregulated the expression of fatty acid synthase, while dietary supplementation with 60 mg Cd/kg attenuated the synthesis of lipid droplets and downregulated the expression of acyl-CoA oxidase 1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, and perixisome proliferation-activated receptor α (P < 0.05). Besides, the expression of vitellogenin (VTG) II and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein were upregulated in the 7.5-mg Cd/kg group, and the expressions of apolipoprotein B, vitellogenin II, and apolipoprotein very-low-density lipoprotein-II were downregulated in the 30- and/or 60-mg Cd/kg groups (P < 0.05). Conclusively, although low-dose Cd exposure promoted the synthesis of lipids and lipoproteins in the liver, the increase of Cd exposure could trigger liver injury through inducing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress and negatively affect lipid metabolism and yolk formation in laying hens.

[Analysis on detection status of cardio-metabolic related risk factors in women aged 15-49 years in 15 provinces in China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence, co-prevalence of cardiovascular metabolic (CM) risk factors in women aged 15-49 years in China, and describe the influence of social economic factors on them. Methods: The project data of Nutritional Status and Health Transition of Chinese Residents in 2015 were used. The changes in epidemiological characteristics of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, FPG and TG, decreased HDL-C and co-prevalence of the risk factors in women aged 15-49 years were analyzed. According to the definition of the metabolic syndrome released by the International Diabetes Federation in 2005, five cardio-metabolic risk factors appeared as central obesity, increased triglycerides, decreased HDL-C, increased blood pressure and increased plasma glucose. Co-prevalence of risk factors was defined as detecting 2 or more risk factors in a person at the same time. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and metabolic risk factors. Results: In 2015, in women aged 15-49 years in 15 provinces, the detection number (rates) of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, FPG and TG, decreased HDL-C, at least one CM risk factor and co-detection rate of CM risk factors were 944 (47.4%), 464 (23.3%), 123 (6.2%), 327 (16.4%), 1 025 (51.5%), 1 501 (75.4%), and 874 (43.9%), respectively. Compared with women aged 15-19 years, the women in age group of 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, and 45-49 years were more likely to have central obesity (P<0.05), the women in age group of 30- 35-, 40-, and 45-49 years were more likely to have elevated blood pressure (P<0.05), the women aged 45-49 years were more likely to be affected by one or more CM risk factors (P<0.05), but the women in age group 25-29 years group had lower risk for elevated FPG (P<0.05). The odds of having central obesity, elevated blood pressure, FPG and TG, decreased HDL-C, at least one CM risk factor and co-prevalence of CM risk factors in women with BMI≥24.0 kg/m(2) were 14.16, 3.05, 2.46, 2.49, 2.42, 9.79 and 7.39 times higher than those in the women with BMI of 18.5-24.0 kg/m(2), respectively. The odds of having elevated FPG and TG in women aged 15-49 years in western China and the odds of having elevated blood pressure and FPG in women aged 15-49 years in eastern China were significantly higher than those in central China. No significant correlations were found between the prevalence and co-prevalence of CM risk factors and income level or urban and rural area residences in women aged 15-49 years. Conclusions: Age, BMI level and living area were the major influencing CM risk factors. The precise prevention and control measures should be taken in time for the adverse changes in CM risk factor prevalence.

Measurement of Proton Electromagnetic Form Factors in e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] in the Energy Region 2.00-3.08 GeV

The process of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is studied at 22 center-of-mass energy points (sqrt[s]) from 2.00 to 3.08 GeV, exploiting 688.5  pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross section (σ_{pp[over ¯]}) of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is measured with the energy-scan technique and it is found to be consistent with previously published data, but with much improved accuracy. In addition, the electromagnetic form-factor ratio (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) and the value of the effective (|G_{eff}|), electric (|G_{E}|), and magnetic (|G_{M}|) form factors are measured by studying the helicity angle of the proton at 16 center-of-mass energy points. |G_{E}/G_{M}| and |G_{M}| are determined with high accuracy, providing uncertainties comparable to data in the spacelike region, and |G_{E}| is measured for the first time. We reach unprecedented accuracy, and precision results in the timelike region provide information to improve our understanding of the proton inner structure and to test theoretical models which depend on nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Measurement of the Cross Section for e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} and Observation of an Excited Ξ Baryon

Using a total of 11.0  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.009 and 4.6 GeV and collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we measure fifteen exclusive cross sections and effective form factors for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} by means of a single baryon-tag method. After performing a fit to the dressed cross section of e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, no significant ψ(4230) or ψ(4260) resonance is observed in the Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} final states, and upper limits at the 90% confidence level on Γ_{ee}B for the processes ψ(4230)/ψ(4260)→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} are determined. In addition, an excited Ξ baryon at 1820  MeV/c^{2} is observed with a statistical significance of 6.2-6.5σ by including the systematic uncertainty, and the mass and width are measured to be M=(1825.5±4.7±4.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(17.0±15.0±7.9)  MeV, which confirms the existence of the J^{P}=3/2^{-} state Ξ(1820).

CD47-SIRPα Signaling Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stemness and Links to a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with high mortality rates, is one of the most diagnosed head and neck cancers. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are two keys for therapy-resistance, relapse, and distant metastasis. Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrantly expressed cluster of differentiation (CD)47 is associated with cell-death evasion and metastasis; however, the role of CD47 in the generation of CSCs in OSCC is not clear. Methods: We investigated the functional roles of CD47 in OSCC cell lines SAS, TW2.6, HSC-3, and FaDu using the bioinformatics approach, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and assays for cellular migration, invasion, colony, and orosphere formation, as well as radiosensitivity. Results: We demonstrated increased expression of CD47 in OSCC patients was associated with an estimated poorly survival disadvantage (p = 0.0391) and positively correlated with the expression of pluripotency factors. Silencing CD47 significantly suppressed cell viability and orosphere formation, accompanied by a downregulated expression of CD133, SRY-Box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), and c-Myc. In addition, CD47-silenced OSCC cells showed reduced EMT, migration, and clonogenicity reflected by increased E-cadherin and decreased vimentin, Slug, Snail, and N-cadherin expression. Conclusion: Of therapeutic relevance, CD47 knockdown enhanced the anti-OSCC effect of radiotherapy. Collectively, we showed an increased CD47 expression promoted the generation of CSCs and malignant OSCC phenotypes. Silencing CD47, in combination with radiation, could provide an alternative and improved therapeutic efficacy for OSCC patients.

Absence of Magnetic Thermal Conductivity in the Quantum Spin Liquid Candidate EtMe_{3}Sb[Pd(dmit)_{2}]_{2}

We present the ultralow-temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity measurements on single crystals of triangular-lattice compound EtMe_{3}Sb[Pd(dmit)_{2}]_{2}, which has long been considered as a gapless quantum spin liquid candidate. In specific heat measurements, a finite linear term is observed, consistent with the previous work [S. Yamashita et al., Nat. Commun. 2, 275 (2011)NCAOBW2041-172310.1038/ncomms1274]. However, we do not observe a finite residual linear term in the thermal conductivity measurements, and the thermal conductivity does not change in a magnetic field of 6 T. These results are in sharp contrast to previous thermal conductivity measurements on EtMe_{3}Sb[Pd(dmit)_{2}]_{2} [M. Yamashita et al., Science 328, 1246 (2010)SCIEAS0036-807510.1126/science.1188200], in which a huge residual linear term was observed and attributed to highly mobile gapless excitations, likely the spinons of a quantum spin liquid. In this context, the true ground state of EtMe_{3}Sb[Pd(dmit)_{2}]_{2} has to be reconsidered.

Observation of the Semileptonic D^{+} Decay into the K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0} Axial-Vector Meson

By analyzing a 2.93  fb^{-1} data sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider, we report the first observation of the semileptonic D^{+} transition into the axial-vector meson D^{+}→K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with a statistical significance greater than 10σ. Its decay branching fraction is determined to be B[D^{+}→K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}]=(2.30±0.26_{-0.21}^{+0.18}±0.25)×10^{-3}, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, and the third originates from the input branching fraction of K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{0}.

Observation of the Leptonic Decay D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ}

We report the first observation of D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ} with a significance of 5.1σ. We measure B(D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ})=(1.20±0.24_{stat}±0.12_{syst})×10^{-3}. Taking the world average B(D^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ})=(3.74±0.17)×10^{-4}, we obtain R_{τ/μ}=Γ(D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ})/Γ(D^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ})=3.21±0.64_{stat}±0.43_{syst}., which is consistent with the standard model expectation of lepton flavor universality. Using external inputs, our results give values for the D^{+} decay constant f_{D^{+}} and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| that are consistent with, but less precise than, other determinations.

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.

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.

Astragalus polysaccharide (PG2) Ameliorates Cancer Symptom Clusters, as well as Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Metastatic Disease, through Modulation of the Inflammatory Cascade

Background: Improving patients' quality of life (QoL) is a principal objective of all treatment in any clinical setting, including oncology practices. Cancer-associated inflammation is implicated in disease progression and worsening of patients' QoL. Conventional anticancer therapeutics while selectively eliminating cancerous cells, are evaded by stem cell-like cells, and associated with varying degrees of adverse effects, thus reducing patients' QoL. This necessitates novel therapeutic approaches with enhanced efficacy, minimal or no treatment-related adverse effects, and improved QoL in patients with cancer, especially those with metastatic/advance stage disease. Methods: Sequel to our team's previous publication, the present study explores probable effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (PG2) on cancer-related inflammatory landscape and known determinants of QoL, as well as the probable link between the two to provide mechanistic insight. In an exploratory double blind randomized controlled trial using patients with metastatic disease (n = 23), we comparatively evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of high (500 mg) or low (250 mg) dose PG2 administered intravenously (i.v.), with particular focus on its suggested anti-inflammatory function and the probable effect of same on QoL indices at baseline, then at weeks 4 and 8 post-PG2 treatment. Results: All 23 patients with metastatic disease treated with either low or high PG2 experienced reduced pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, as well as better appetite and sleep, culminating in improved global QoL. This was most apparent in the high dose group, with significant co-suppression of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, monocytes chemotactic protein (MCP)1, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor growth factor (TGF)-β1, interferon (IFN)-γ, and immune suppressors IL-10 and IL-12. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that IL-1β, IL-13 and GM-CSF are independent prognosticators of improved QoL. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study provides premier evidence of functional association between PG2 anti-inflammatory effects and improved QoL in patients with advanced stage cancers, laying the groundwork for future larger cohort blinded controlled trials to establish the efficacy of PG2 as adjuvant anticancer therapy in metastatic or advanced stage clinical settings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Key space enhancement of optical chaos secure communication: chirped FBG feedback semiconductor laser

Optical chaos communication has advantages of high speed and long transmission distance. Unfortunately, the key space of the traditional transceiver, i.e. semiconductor laser with mirror feedback, is limited due to the time delay signature. In this paper, we propose and numerically demonstrate a key space enhancement by using semiconductor laser with optical feedback from a chirped fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The chirped FBG feedback can make feedback delay a key parameter by eliminating the time delay signature. Moreover, the grating dispersion and center frequency can also be used as new keys. As a result, the dimension of key space is increased. By taking a bidirectional communication scheme as an example, numerical results show that the key space is raised by 2⁴⁴ times as against mirror feedback with a data rate of 2.5 Gb/s and a coupling strength of 0.447. As the coupling strength decreases, the key space increases due to the fact that chaos synchronization becomes more sensitive to parameter mismatch.

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}.

A Successful Case of Liver Transplantation in an Adult With Congenital Hepatic Arteriovenous Fistulae Associated Cardiac Dilatation and Heart Failure

Congenital hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (CHAVF) are direct communications between the hepatic artery and portal vein or hepatic vein. Clinical symptoms of CHAVF depend mainly on the location, duration, and blood flow volume of the fistulae, which are manifested by portal hypertension, hepatic fibrosis, cardiac enlargement, and eventually heart failure. Here we report a female patient aged 54 who was first admitted to our hospital due to recurrent chest tightness and palpitations in March 2014. Metoprolol tartrate and diltiazem hydrochloride were prescribed to control the symptom since nothing unusual was found in coronary angiography and abdominal ultrasound. Until April 2015, the patient's syndrome relapsed and abdominal computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography revealed diffuse arteriovenous fistulae between the branches of hepatic artery and vein. Subsequently, 3 attempts at hepatic arterial embolization were performed; however, her abdominal pain aggravated and her heart discomfort could not be relieved eventually. Therefore, orthotopic liver transplantation as the salvage treatment was performed using a hepatic graft from a 19-year-old cardiac-death donor performed on January 1, 2017. Upon operation, the enlarged right hepatic artery whose diameter was approximately 1.5 cm in this recipient. And we also demonstrated a novel manner that the graft's celiac artery patch was anastomosed to the recipient's proper hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery patch, which could reduce the blood flow successfully. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home on the postoperatively 15th day. Since her liver transplantation, she has not complained of cardiac discomfort and abdominal pain, and her heart size has returned to normal on echocardiography. The hepatic artery peak velocity reduced to normal and the heart shadow also recovered. Nevertheless, for complex and diffuse intrahepatic vascular fistulae after failed hepatic artery embolization, liver transplantation should be strongly considered as the definitive treatment of choice.

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.

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.

[Analysis on cardio-metabolic related risk factors in farmers of 15 provinces in China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and co-prevalence of cardio-metabolic related risk factors in farmers aged ≥18 years in China, to explore the influence of population economic factors on them. Methods: A total of 3 367 farmers, including fishermen or hunters, aged ≥18 years were selected as study subjects from the database of Nutritional Status and Health Transition of Chinese Residents Project in 2015. Basic information (age, gender), data on anthropometric (body height, weight and waist size), blood biochemical and socioeconomic (occupation, income, education level and living area) were included. According to the definition of the metabolic syndrome released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2005, five cardio-metabolic risk factors appeared as central obesity, increased triglycerides, decreased HDL-C, increased blood pressure and increased plasma glucose. Co-prevalence of risk factors was defined as detecting 2 or more risk factors in a person at the same time. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and metabolic risk factors. Results: In 3 367 framers of 15 provinces (autonomous region and municipality), the prevalence rates of central obesity, increased blood pressure, increased plasma glucose, increased triglycerides and decreased HDL-C were 51.8%, 59.0%, 17.0%, 25.5% and 38.7% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risks for central obesity (OR=3.69, 95%CI: 3.17-4.28) and decreased HDL-C (OR=3.28, 95%CI: 2.81- 3.82) were higher in women than in men, and the risks for increased blood pressure (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.63-0.84), increased blood glucose (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.67-0.97) were lower in women than in men. Age was positively correlated with the prevalence or co-prevalence of metabolic risk factors (trend P<0.05). Framers in western China had obviously lower risk for central obesity compared with farmers in central China. No significant correlation was found between farmers' income level, education level or the prevalence of metabolic risk factors. Conclusion: In 15 provinces of China, the prevalence of at least 1 kind of cardio-metabolic risk factor was found in 85.5% of the farmers, and the co-prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factor was found in 60% of farmers. The prevalence and co-prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors were significantly associated with age and gender. It is suggested to take targeted nutritional intervention and health education according to the distribution characteristics of prevalence and co-prevalence of cardio-metabolic factors and strengthen the early prevention and control programs of the diseases.

Enhancement by Nano-Diamino-Tetrac of Antiproliferative Action of Gefitinib on Colorectal Cancer Cells: Mediation by EGFR Sialylation and PI3K Activation

Drug resistance complicates the clinical use of gefitinib. Tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac) and nano-diamino-tetrac (NDAT) have been shown in vitro and in xenografts to have antiproliferative/angiogenic properties and to potentiate antiproliferative activity of other anticancer agents. In the current study, we investigated the effects of NDAT on the anticancer activities of gefitinib in human colorectal cancer cells. β-Galactoside α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6Gal1) catalyzes EGFR sialylation that is associated with gefitinib resistance in colorectal cancers, and this was also investigated. Gefitinib inhibited cell proliferation of HT-29 cells (K-ras wild-type), and NDAT significantly enhanced the antiproliferative action of gefitinib. Gefitinib inhibited cell proliferation of HCT116 cells (K-ras mutant) only in high concentration, and this was further enhanced by NDAT. NDAT enhancedd gefitinib-induced antiproliferation in gefitinib-resistant colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting ST6Gal1 activity and PI3K activation. Furthermore, NDAT enhanced gefitinib-induced anticancer activity additively in colorectal cancer HCT116 cell xenograft-bearing nude mice. Results suggest that NDAT may have an application with gefitinib as combination colorectal cancer therapy.

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

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

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

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

Histone demethylase JARID1B/KDM5B promotes aggressiveness of non-small cell lung cancer and serves as a good prognostic predictor

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Recently, epigenetic dysregulation has been known to promote tumor progression and therefore may be a therapeutic target for anticancer therapy. JARID1B, a member of histone demethylases, has been found to be related to tumorigenesis in certain kinds of cancers. However, its biological roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain largely unclear.

Methods

We firstly examined the expression of JARID1B in surgical specimens and six NSCLC cell lines. Then, we evaluated the relationship between JARID1B expression and clinicopathologic parameters in 72 NSCLC patients, thereby established its prognostic importance. We subsequently studied the functional roles of JARID1B in tumorigenesis to verify its clinicopathologic significance.

Results

Our results showed that JARID1B was overexpressed in NSCLC cells and JARID1B overexpression was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, advanced stages, and poor overall survival in NSCLC patients. JARID1B overexpression resulted in increased cell proliferation and formation of tumorspheres and correlated positively with the expression of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, while the c-Met signaling pathway was actively involved. It also correlated with the strength of resistance to cisplatin and doxorubicin. On the contrary, downregulation of JARID1B expression by applying shRNA or JARID1B inhibitor PBIT reversed these phenomena.

Conclusions

JARID1B worsens prognosis of NSCLC patients by promotion of tumor aggressiveness through multiple biological facets which were associated with activation of the c-Met signaling, and can be a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0533-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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).

[Prevalence of cardio metabolic risk factors and related socio-demographic factors in adults aged 18-59 years in 15 provinces of China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and co-prevalence of cardio metabolic (CM) risk factors in adults in China. Methods: The project data of 2015 Nutritional Status and Health Transition of Chinese Residents were used, and 5 456 adults aged 18-59 years with complete socio-demographic, anthropometric, and blood biochemical data were selected as the study subjects. The definition released by the International Diabetes Federation in 2005 were used to define each CM risk factors, including central obesity, elevated TG, reduced HDL-C, elevated blood pressure and elevated FPG. The co-prevalence of the risk factors was defined as adults having ≥2 risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between CM risk and socio-demographic factors. Results: About 80.8% of adults had at least 1 risk factor, and 54.0% had co-prevalence of risk factors. Gender, age, education level and living area were significantly associated with the prevalence of major metabolic risk factors. After adjusting for other factors, compared with men, women were more likely to have central obesity and reduced HDL-C, but not more likely to have elevated blood pressure, elevated FPG and elevated TG (P<0.01). Compared with adults aged 18-44 years, adults aged 45-59 years were more likely to have central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated FPG and elevated TG (P<0.01). The odds of having central obesity, elevated blood pressure and elevated fasting plasma glucose in the adults in eastern China were significantly higher than those in the central and western China. Conclusions: In 2015, less than 20% of the adults aged 18-59 years in China had no cardio metabolic risk factors, and more than half of them had two or more risk factors. Gender, age and living areas were the major influencing factors. It is necessary to take effective intervention measures targeting adults at high-risk for the early prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Prognostic value of localization of epidermal growth factor receptor in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

The nuclear translocation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been considered to play a role in carcinogenesis. However, the relevance of differentially located EGFR proteins in lung cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We examined 161 patients with primary lung adenocarcinoma to detect EGFR expression in lung cancer cells using immunohistochemistry and determined the correlations of EGFR expression with clinical characteristics, EGFR mutations, and survival time. Moreover, we graded complete membranous staining with strong intensity as high membranous EGFR (mEGFR) expression, and nuclear EGFR staining with strong intensity as high nuclear (nEGFR) expression.

Results

The prevalence of high mEGFR and nEGFR expression in lung adenocarcinoma was 42.86 and 39.13%, respectively. After multivariate analyses, high mEGFR expression was associated with a significantly reduced mortality risk in older patients, those with a history of smoking, and those without brain metastasis (hazard ratio[95% confidential interval], HR[95% CI] = 0.55[0.32~ 0.92]; 0.51[0.26~ 0.98] and 0.56[0.33~ 0.94], in overall survival, respectively). An association between high nEGFR expression and early recurrence was observed in patients with metastasis (HR[95% CI] =1.68[1.05~ 2.68], in progression-free survival). Notably, patients with low mEGFR and low nEGFR expression had the lowest survival rate in cases without brain metastasis (p = 0.018) and with a history of smoking (p = 0.062) and total EGFR (any high mEGFR or nEGFR) expression indicated a more favorable response to platinum-based chemotherapy regardless of EGFR mutations (HR[95% CI] =0.33[0.12–0.92]; adjusted HR[95% CI] = 0.36[0.13~ 1.02] with the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor).

Conclusions

EGFR proteins at different cellular locations in lung adenocarcinoma might influence the biology of cancer cells and are an independent indicator of more favorable prognosis and treatment response.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12929-018-0451-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.