[Analysis of related factors influencing the detection rate of mosaic embryo and the pregnancy outcomes with mosaic embryo transfers]

Objective: To explore the related factors influencing the detection rate of mosaic embryo and the pregnancy outcomes of mosaic embryo transfer in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) based on next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of patients in 745 PGT-A cycles from January 2019 to May 2023 at Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, including 2 850 blastocysts. The biopsy cells were tested using NGS technology, and the embryos were divided into three groups based on the test results, namely euploid embryos, aneuploid embryos and mosaic embryos. The influence of population characteristics and laboratory-related parameters on the detection rate of mosaic embryo were analyzed, and the pregnancy outcomes of 98 mosaic embryo transfer cycles and 486 euploid embryo transfer cycles were compared during the same period, including clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Results: Among the embryos tested (n=2 850), the number and proportion of euploid embryos, aneuploid embryos and mosaic embryos were 1 489 (52.2%, 1 489/2 850), 917 (32.2%, 917/2 850) and 444 (15.6%, 444/2 850), respectively. Among mosaic embryos, 245 (55.2%, 245/444) were segmental mosaic embryos, 118 (26.6%, 118/444) were whole-chromosome mosaic embryos, and 81 (18.2%, 81/444) were complex mosaic embryos. NGS technology was performed in 4 genetic testing institutions and the detection rate of mosaic embryo fluctuated from 13.5% to 27.0%. The distributions of female age, level of anti-Müllerian hormone, PGT-A indications, ovulation-inducing treatments, gonadotropin (Gn) dosage, Gn days, inner cell mass grade, trophectoderm cell grade, genetic testing institutions and developmental stage of blastocyst were significantly different among the three groups (all P<0.05). Multi-factor analysis showed that the trophectoderm cell grade and genetic testing institutions were significantly related to the detection rate of mosaic embryo; compared with the trophectoderm cell graded as A, the detection rate of mosaic embryo was significantly increased in the trophectoderm cell graded as B-(OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.04-2.44, P=0.033); compared with genetic testing institution a, the detection rate of mosaic embryo was significantly higher (OR=2.89, 95%CI: 2.10-3.98, P<0.001) in the testing institution c. The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with mosaic embryos transfer were significantly lower than those of euploid embryos transfer (clinical pregnancy rate: 51.0% vs 65.2%, P=0.008; live birth rate: 39.4% vs 53.2%, P=0.017). After adjustment for age, PGT-A indications, trophectoderm cell grade and days of embryo culture in vitro, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with mosaic embryos transfer were significantly lower than those of euploid embryos transfer (clinical pregnancy rate: OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.32-0.83, P=0.007; live birth rate: OR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.31-0.83, P=0.007). Conclusions: The trophectoderm cell grade and genetic testing institutions are related to the detection rate of mosaic embryo. Compared with euploid embryos transfer, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with mosaic embryos transfer are significantly reduced. For infertile couple without euploid embryos, transplantable mosaic embryos could be recommended according to the mosaic ratio and mosaic type in genetic counseling to obtain the optimal pregnancy outcome.

[Characteristics and diagnostic value of serum bile acids profile in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and asymptomatic hypercholanemia of pregnancy]

Objective: To analyze serum bile acid profiles in pregnant women with normal pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and asymptomatic hypercholanemia of pregnancy (AHP), and to evaluate the application value of serum bile acid profiles in the diagnosis of ICP and AHP. Methods: The clinical data of 122 pregnant women who underwent prenatal examination in Xuzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from June 2022 to May 2023 were collected, including 54 cases of normal pregnancy group, 28 cases of ICP group and 40 cases of AHP group. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the levels of 15 serum bile acids in each group, including cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), glycolcholic acid (GCA), glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to screen differential bile acids. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of differential bile acids and combined indicators between groups. Results: (1) Compared with normal pregnancy group, the serum levels of LCA, GCA, GCDCA, GDCA, GLCA, UDCA, TCA, TCDCA, TDCA, TLCA, GUDCA and TUDCA in ICP group were significantly different (all P<0.05), while the levels of LCA, DCA, GCA, GCDCA, GDCA, GLCA, TCA, TCDCA, TDCA, TLCA, GUDCA and TUDCA in AHP group were significantly different (all P<0.05). Compared with ICP group, the serum levels of CDCA, DCA, UDCA, TDCA, GUDCA and TUDCA in AHP group were significantly different (all P<0.05). (2) In the OPLS-DA model, the differential bile acids between ICP group and AHP group were TUDCA, TCA, UDCA, GUDCA and GCA, and their variable importance in projection (VIP) were 1.489, 1.345, 1.344, 1.184 and 1.111, respectively. TCA, GCDCA, GCA, TDCA, GDCA and TCDCA were the differentially expressed bile acids between AHP group and normal pregnancy group, and their VIP values were 1.236, 1.229, 1.197, 1.145, 1.139 and 1.138, respectively. (3) ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of TUDCA, TCA, UDCA, GUDCA and GCA in the differential diagnosis of ICP and AHP was 0.860, and the sensitivity and specificity were 67.9% and 95.0%, respectively. The AUC of TCA, GCDCA, GCA, TDCA, GDCA and TCDCA in the diagnosis of AHP was 0.964, and the sensitivity and specificity were 95.0% and 93.1%, respectively. Conclusions: There are differences in serum bile acid profiles among normal pregnant women, ICP and AHP. The serum bile acid profiles of pregnant women have potential application value in the differential diagnosis of ICP and AHP and the diagnosis of AHP.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mucosal protective effect of Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaf Granule on ulcerative colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaf Granule (COG) is a commonly used clinical preparation of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cold, but there are folk reports that it can treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, the mechanism of COG in the treatment of ulcerative colitis with diarrhea as the main symptom needs to be studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Combined network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of COG in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the main components of COG were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS); subsequently, a network pharmacology approach was used to screen the effective chemical components and action targets of COG to construct a target network of COG for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and literature reports were combined to identify the potential targets of COG for the treatment of UC. Finally, the predicted results of network pharmacology were validated by animal and cellular experiments.

RESULTS

19 components of COG were characterized by LC-MS, among which 10 bioactive components could act on 377 potential targets of UC. Key therapeutic targets were collected, including SRC, HSP90AA1, PIK3RI, MAPK1 and ESR1. KEGG results are enriched in pathways related to oxidative stress. Molecular docking analysis showed good binding activity of main components and target genes. Animal experiments showed that COG significantly relieved the colitis symptoms in mice, regulated the Treg/Th17 balance, and promoted the secretion of IL-10 and IL-4, along with the inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α. Additionally, COG reduced the apoptosis of colon epithelial cells, and significantly improved the levels of SOD, MAO, GSH-px, and inhibited MDA, iNOS, eNOS in colon. Also, it increased the expression of tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, Claudin1, Occludin and E-cadherin. In vitro experiments, COG inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammatory injury of HCT116 cells induced by LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining network pharmacology and in vitro and in vivo experiments, COG was verified to have a good protective effect in UC, which may be related to enhancing antioxidation in colon tissues.

Pien Tze Huang alleviates Concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis by regulating intestinal microbiota and memory regulatory T cells

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine has used the drug Pien Tze Huang (PTH), a classic prescription, to treat autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, the precise mode of action is still unknown.

AIM

To investigate the mechanism of PTH in an AIH mouse model by determining the changes in gut microbiota structure and memory regulatory T (mTreg) cells functional levels.

METHODS

Following induction of the AIH mouse model induced by Concanavalin A (Con A), prophylactic administration of PTH was given for 10 d. The levels of mTreg cells were measured by flow cytometry, and intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA analysis, while western blotting was used to identify activation of the toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and CXCL16/CXCR6 signaling pathways.

RESULTS

In the liver of mice with AIH, PTH relieved the pathological damage and reduced the numbers of T helper type 17 cells and interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-21 expression. Simultaneously, PTH stimulated the abundance of helpful bacteria, promoted activation of the TLR2 signal, which may enhance Treg/mTreg cells quantity to produce IL-10, and suppressed activation of the TLR4/NF-κB and CXCL16/CXCR6 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

PTH regulates intestinal microbiota balance and restores mTreg cells to alleviate experimental AIH, which is closely related to the TLR/CXCL16/CXCR6/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy: A prospective, multi-center, single arm trial]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, single-arm study was initiated by the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2021 (CRAFT Study, NCT05282563). Participating institutions included Nanyang Central Hospital, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Luoyang Central Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Luohe Central Hospital, the People's Hospital of Hebi, First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Anyang Tumor Hospital, First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan, and Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy;(2) preoperative imaging assessment indicated that R0 resection was feasible; (3) preoperative assessment showed no contraindications to surgery;(4) esophagojejunostomy planned during the procedure; (5) patients volunteered to participate in this study and gave their written informed consent; (6) ECOG score 0-1; and (7) ASA score I-III. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) history of upper abdominal surgery (except laparoscopic cholecystectomy);(2) history of gastric surgery (except endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection); (3) pregnancy or lactation;(4) emergency surgery for gastric cancer-related complications (perforation, hemorrhage, obstruction); (5) other malignant tumors within 5 years or coexisting malignant tumors;(6) arterial embolism within 6 months, such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident; and (7) comorbidities or mental health abnormalities that could affect patients' participation in the study. Patients were eliminated from the study if: (1) radical gastrectomy could not be completed; (2) end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was not performed during the procedure; or (3) esophagojejunal anastomosis reinforcement was not possible. Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed as follows: (1) Open surgery: the full thickness of the anastomosis is continuously sutured, followed by embedding the seromuscular layer with barbed or 3-0 absorbable sutures. The anastomosis is sutured with an average of six to eight stitches. (2) Laparoscopic surgery: the anastomosis is strengthened by counterclockwise full-layer sutures. Once the anastomosis has been sutured to the right posterior aspect of the anastomosis, the jejunum stump is pulled to the right and the anastomosis turned over to continue to complete reinforcement of the posterior wall. The suture interval is approximately 5 mm. After completing the full-thickness suture, the anastomosis is embedded in the seromuscular layer. Relevant data of patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy in the above 12 centers from June 2021 were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was safety (e.g., postoperative complications, and treatment). Other studied variables included details of surgery (e.g., surgery time, intraoperative bleeding), postoperative recovery (postoperative time to passing flatus and oral intake, length of hospital stay), and follow-up conditions (quality of life as assessed by Visick scores). Result: [1] From June 2021 to September 2022,457 patients were enrolled, including 355 men and 102 women of median age 60.8±10.1 years and BMI 23.7±3.2 kg/m2. The tumors were located in the upper stomach in 294 patients, mid stomach in 139; and lower stomach in 24. The surgical procedures comprised 48 proximal gastrectomies and 409 total gastrectomies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 85 patients. Other organs were resected in 85 patients. The maximum tumor diameter was 4.3±2.2 cm, number of excised lymph nodes 28.3±15.2, and number of positive lymph nodes five (range one to four. As to pathological stage,83 patients had Stage I disease, 128 Stage II, 237 Stage III, and nine Stage IV. [2] The studied surgery-related variables were as follows: The operation was successfully completed in all patients, 352 via a transabdominal approach, 25 via a transhiatus approach, and 80 via a transthoracoabdominal approach. The whole procedure was performed laparoscopically in 53 patients (11.6%), 189 (41.4%) underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery, and 215 (47.0%) underwent open surgery. The median intraoperative blood loss was 200 (range, 10-1 350) mL, and the operating time 215.6±66.7 minutes. The anastomotic reinforcement time was 2 (7.3±3.9) minutes for laparoscopic-assisted surgery, 17.6±1.7 minutes for total laparoscopy, and 6.0±1.2 minutes for open surgery. [3] The studied postoperative variables were as follows: The median time to postoperative passage of flatus was 3.1±1.1 days and the postoperative gastrointestinal angiography time 6 (range, 4-13) days. The median time to postoperative oral intake was 7 (range, 2-14) days, and the postoperative hospitalization time 15.8±6.7 days. [4] The safety-related variables were as follows: In total, there were 184 (40.3%) postoperative complications. These comprised esophagojejunal anastomosis complications in 10 patients (2.2%), four (0.9%) being anastomotic leakage (including two cases of subclinical leakage and two of clinical leakage; all resolved with conservative treatment); and six patients (1.3%) with anastomotic stenosis (two who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation 21 and 46 days after surgery, the others improved after a change in diet). There was no anastomotic bleeding. Non-anastomotic complications occurred in 174 patients (38.1%). All patients attended for follow-up at least once, the median follow-up time being 10 (3-18) months. Visick grades were as follows: Class I, 89.1% (407/457); Class II, 7.9% (36/457); Class III, 2.6% (12/457); and Class IV 0.4% (2/457). Conclusion: Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Curcumin alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by recovering memory Th/Tfh subset balance

BACKGROUND

Restoration of immune homeostasis by targeting the balance between memory T helper (mTh) cells and memory follicular T helper (mTfh) cells is a potential therapeutic strategy against ulcerative colitis (UC). Because of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, curcumin (Cur) is a promising drug for UC treatment. However, fewer studies have demonstrated whether Cur can modulate the mTh/mTfh subset balance in mice with colitis.

AIM

To explore the potential mechanism underlying Cur-mediated alleviation of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice by regulating the mTh and mTfh immune homeostasis.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were administered 3% and 2% DSS to establish the UC model and treated with Cur (200 mg/kg/d) by gavage on days 11-17. On the 18th d, all mice were anesthetized and euthanized, and the colonic length, colonic weight, and colonic weight index were evaluated. Histomorphological changes in the mouse colon were observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Levels of Th/mTh and Tfh/mTfh cell subsets in the spleen were detected through flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to detect SOCS-1, SOCS-3, STAT3, p-STAT3, JAK1, p-JAK1, and NF-κB p65 protein expression levels in colon tissues.

RESULTS

Cur effectively mitigates DSS-induced colitis, facilitates the restoration of mouse weight and colonic length, and diminishes the colonic weight and colonic weight index. Simultaneously, it hinders ulcer development and inflammatory cell infiltration in the colonic mucous membrane. While the percentage of Th1, mTh1, Th7, mTh7, Th17, mTh17, Tfh1, mTfh1, Tfh7, mTfh7, Tfh17, and mTfh17 cells decreased after Cur treatment of the mice for 7 d, and the frequency of mTh10, Th10, mTfh10, and Tfh10 cells in the mouse spleen increased. Further studies revealed that Cur administration prominently decreased the SOCS-1, SOCS-3, STAT3, p-STAT3, JAK1, p-JAK1, and NF-κB p65 protein expression levels in the colon tissue.

CONCLUSION

Cur regulated the mTh/mTfh cell homeostasis to reduce DSS-induced colonic pathological damage, potentially by suppressing the JAK1/STAT3/SOCS signaling pathway.

[Analysis of characteristics of types of primary sexual partners and related factors of not being tested for HIV among men who have sex with men]

Objective: To compare the characteristics of MSM with different types of primary sexual partners and to analyze the factors associated with MSM not being tested for HIV in the last six months. Methods: MSM were recruited in nine cities of Shandong Province from April to July 2021, and face-to-face questionnaires were conducted to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, high-risk behaviors, and HIV testing of MSM. Blood samples were taken for serological tests of HIV and syphilis antibodies. Results: A total of 3 008 men who had anal sex with men in the last six months were divided into three groups according to the type of primary sexual partner in the last six months: the fixed sexual partner group (36.83%, 1 108/3 008), the commercial sexual partner group (3.06%, 92/3 008), and casual sexual partner group (60.11%, 1 808/3 008). There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of age, local residence time, education level, the primary place to find male sexual partners, use of new-type drugs in the last six months, consistent condom use every time during same-sex anal sex in the last six months, group sex in the last six months, no HIV testing in the last six months, having had a sexually transmitted disease in the last year, receiving peer education in the last year, and frequency of syphilis testing in the last year among different groups (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that related factors of not being tested for HIV in the last six months in MSM were those aged less than 30 years old (aOR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.06-1.83), married/cohabiting (aOR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.39-2.16), high school education or less (aOR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.15-1.67), had not used new-type drugs in the last six months (aOR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.89-2.71), had not received peer education in the last year (aOR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.28-1.98), had never been tested for syphilis (aOR=11.30, 95%CI: 8.15-15.66), had not been tested in the last year but had been previously tested for syphilis (aOR=5.65, 95%CI: 4.19-7.62), the type of primary sexual partner in the last six months being a commercial sexual partner (aOR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.01-3.20), and the type of primary sexual partner in the last six months being a casual sexual partner (aOR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.26-1.80). Conclusions: The characteristics of MSM with different types of primary sexual partners are different, and the proportion of HIV testing still needs to be improved. In the future, we should make full use of the Internet and peer education to expand the coverage of HIV testing for MSM, targeting the characteristics of MSM with different types of primary sexual partners.

Salvia miltiorrhiza extract may exert an anti-obesity effect in rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity by modulating gut microbiome and lipid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that a high-fat diet (HFD) can alter gut microbiota (GM) homeostasis and participate in lipid metabolism disorders associated with obesity. Therefore, regulating the construction of GM with the balance of lipid metabolism has become essential for treating obesity. Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (Sal), a common traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven effective against atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and other dyslipidemia-related diseases.

AIM

To investigate the anti-obesity effects of Sal in rats with HFD-induced obesity, and explore the underlying mechanism by focusing on GM and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

Obesity was induced in rats with an HFD for 7 wk, and Sal (0.675 g/1.35 g/2.70 g/kg/d) was administered to treat obese rats for 8 wk. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by body weight, body fat index, waistline, and serum lipid level. Lipid factors (cAMP, PKA, and HSL) in liver and fat homogenates were analyzed by ELISA. The effect of Sal on GM and lipid metabolism was assessed by 16S rRNA-based microbiota analysis and untargeted lipidomic analysis (LC-MS/MS), respectively.

RESULTS

Sal treatment markedly reduced weight, body fat index, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein, glucose, free fatty acid, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipocyte vacuolation, and increased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in rats with HFD-induced obesity. These effects were associated with increased concentrations of lipid factors such as cAMP, PKA, and HSL in the liver and adipose tissues, enhanced gut integrity, and improved lipid metabolism. GM analysis revealed that Sal could reverse HFD-induced dysbacteriosis by promoting the abundance of Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria, and decreasing the growth of Firmicutes and Desulfobacterita. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that Sal decreased TGs (TG18:2/18:2/20:4, TG16:0/18:2/22:6), DGs (DG14:0/22:6, DG22:6/22:6), CL (18:2/ 18:1/18:1/20:0), and increased ceramides (Cers; Cer d16:0/21:0, Cer d16:1/24:1), (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs; OAHFA18:0/14:0) in the feces of rats. Spearman’s correlation analysis further indicated that TGs, DGs, and CL were negatively related to the abundance of Facklamia and Dubosiella, and positively correlated with Blautia and Quinella, while OAHFAs and Cers were the opposite.

CONCLUSION

Sal has an anti-obesity effect by regulating the GM and lipid metabolism.

Curcumin alleviates experimental colitis via a potential mechanism involving memory B cells and Bcl-6-Syk-BLNK signaling

BACKGROUND

Immune dysfunction is the crucial cause in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is mainly related to lymphocytes (T or B cells, incl-uding memory B cells), mast cells, activated neutrophils, and macrophages. As the precursor of B cells, the activation of memory B cells can trigger and differentiate B cells to produce a giant variety of inducible B cells and tolerant B cells, whose dysfunction can easily lead to autoimmune diseases, including IBD.

AIM

To investigate whether or not curcumin (Cur) can alleviate experimental colitis by regulating memory B cells and Bcl-6-Syk-BLNK signaling.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in mice with a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) solution in drinking water. Colitis mice were given Cur (100 mg/kg/d) orally for 14 con-secutive days. The colonic weight, colonic length, intestinal weight index, occult blood scores, and histological scores of mice were examined to evaluate the curative effect. The levels of memory B cells in peripheral blood of mice were measured by flow cytometry, and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-7A, and TNF-α expression in colonic tissue homogenates were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was used to measure the expression of Bcl-6, BLNK, Syk, and other signaling pathway related proteins.

RESULTS

After Cur treatment for 14 d, the body weight, colonic weight, colonic length, colonic weight index, and colonic pathological injury of mice with colitis were ameliorated. The secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-7A was statistically decreased, while the IL-35 and IL-10 levels were considerably increased. Activation of memory B cell subsets in colitis mice was confirmed by a remarkable reduction in the expression of IgM, IgG, IgA, FCRL5, CD103, FasL, PD-1, CD38, and CXCR3 on the surface of CD19⁺ CD27⁺ B cells, while the number of CD19⁺ CD27⁺ IL-10⁺ and CD19⁺ CD27⁺ Tim-3⁺ B cells increased significantly. In addition, Cur significantly inhibited the protein levels of Syk, p-Syk, Bcl-6, and CIN85, and increased BLNK and p-BLNK expression in colitis mice.

CONCLUSION

Cur could effectively alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating memory B cells and the Bcl-6-Syk-BLNK signaling pathway.

Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaf Granule Ameliorates DSS-Induced Acute Colitis Through Treg Cell Improvement, Oxidative Stress Reduction, and Gut Microflora Modulation

The rising incidence of ulcerative colitis has become a new challenge for public health. Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaf granule (COG) is a natural medicine used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, which has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the therapeutic effect of COG in ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been reported. Here, the experimental colitis was treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and COG. After treatment with high (30 g/kg), medium (15 g/kg), and low (7.5 g/kg) doses of COG for 11 consecutive days, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, colon weight index, and the pathological score of mice were effectively improved. COG significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in UC mice in vitro and in vivo and restored the secretion levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in the colon. Meanwhile, compared to mice with colitis, COG-treated mice showed lower levels of MDA, MPO, NO, and eNOS and higher levels of GSH-Px and MAO, which indicated that oxidative stress damage in colitic mice was alleviated by COG. Moreover, less Th17 and more Tregs were observed in the COG-treated groups. In addition, COG improved the diversity and relative abundance of gut microflora in the colon of colitic mice, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 were obviously regulated at the genus level. In summary, COG has a protective effect on DSS-induced experimental colitis, mainly through inhibition of immune-inflammatory responses and oxidative stress and regulation of mTreg cell responses and intestinal flora composition.

Curcumin regulates the homeostasis of Th17/Treg and improves the composition of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice with colitis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common complications in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Curcumin has a wide range of bioactive and pharmacological properties and is commonly used as an adjunct to the treatment of UC and DM. However, the role of curcumin in UC complicated by DM has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study was conducted to construct a model of UC complicating diabetes by inducing UC in DB mice (spontaneously diabetic) with dextran sodium sulfate. In this study, curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) significantly improved the symptoms of diabetes complicated by UC, with a lower insulin level, heavier weight, longer and lighter colons, fewer mucosal ulcers and less inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, compared to untreated DB mice with colitis, curcumin‐treated mice showed weaker Th17 responses and stronger Treg responses. In addition, curcumin regulated the diversity and relative abundance of intestinal microbiota in mice with UC complicated by DM at the phylum, class, order, family and genus levels. Collectively, curcumin effectively alleviated colitis in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus by restoring the homeostasis of Th17/Treg and improving the composition of the intestinal microbiota

[Effect of Sishen Pills and its split prescriptions on Tfr/Tfh9/Tfh17 cells in colitis mice]

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effect of Sishen Pills(SSP) and its split prescriptions Ershen Pills(EP) and Wuweizi Powder(WP) on T follicular helper(Tfh) cell subset in the dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis mice and the mechanism. A total of 60 male SPF BALB/c mice were used, 10 of which were randomly selected as the normal group. The rest 50 were induced with 3% DSS solution for colitis modeling. After modeling, they were randomized into 5 groups: model group, SSP group, EP group, WP group, and mesalazine group. Body mass, colon mass, colon mass index, colon length, and unit colon mass index in each group were observed. After hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the pathological injury of colon tissue was scored. The expression levels of molecules related to the STAT/SOCS signaling pathway in colon tissues were analyzed by Western blot. Differentiation levels of Tfh cells such as CD4~+CXCR5~+IL-9~+(Tfh9), CD4~+CXCR5~+IL-17~+(Tfh17), and CD4~+CXCR5~+Foxp3~+(Tfr) in peripheral blood of mice were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed each treatment group demonstrated significant increase in body mass and colon length, decrease in colon mass, colon mass index, unit colon mass index, and histopathological score(P<0.05, P<0.01), reduction of the expression of p-STAT3, STAT3, p-STAT6, and STAT6(P<0.05, P<0.01), rise of the expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3(P<0.05, P<0.01), decrease of Tfh9 and Tfh17 cells, and increase of Tfr cells(P<0.05, P<0.01) compared with the model group. These results indicated that SSP and the split EP and WP may alleviate ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the activation of STAT/SOCS signaling pathway and regulating the balance of Tfr/Tfh9/Tfh17 cells.

Curcumin Inhibits T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis

Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) regulate the differentiation of germinal center B cells and maintain humoral immunity. Notably, imbalances in Tfh differentiation often lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Curcumin, a natural product derived from Curcuma longa, is effective in relieving IBD in humans and animals, and its mechanisms of immune regulation need further elaboration. In this study, dextran sodium sulfate induced ulcerative colitis in BALB/c mice, and curcumin was administered simultaneously for 7 days. Curcumin effectively upregulated the change rate of mouse weight, colonic length, down-regulated colonic weight, index of colonic weight, colonic damage score and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, IL-23 and TGF-[Formula: see text]1 in colonic tissues of colitis mice. Importantly, curcumin regulated the differentiation balance of Tfh and their subpopulation in colitis mice; the percentages of Tfh (CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]BCL-6[Formula: see text], CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]PD-1[Formula: see text], CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]PD-L1[Formula: see text], CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]ICOS[Formula: see text], Tfh17 and Tem-Tfh were downregulated significantly, while CD4[Formula: see text]CXCR5[Formula: see text]Blimp-1[Formula: see text], Tfh1, Tfh10, Tfh21, Tfr, Tcm-Tfh and Tem-GC Tfh were upregulated. In addition, curcumin inhibited the expression of Tfh-related transcription factors BCL-6, p-STAT3, Foxp1, Roquin-1, Roquin-2 and SAP, and significantly upregulated the protein levels of Blimp-1 and STAT3 in colon tissue. In conclusion, curcumin may be effective in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by regulating Tfh differentiation.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorated experimental colitis by regulating the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the homeostasis of intestinal flora

Aberrant M1/M2 macrophage polarization and dysbiosis are involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Ginsenoside Rg1 exhibits optimal immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in treating UC of humans and animals, but the action mechanism through the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization and intestinal flora composition remain unclear. Here, experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice using dextran sulfate sodium, and Rock1 inhibitor Y27632 was used to explore the action mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1. Following treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 (200 mg/kg/day) and Y27632 (10 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days, the rate of change in mouse body weight, mouse final weight, colonic weight, colonic length, colonic weight index and pathological damage scores of colitis mice were effectively improved, accompanied by less ulcer formation and inflammatory cell infiltration, lower levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-33, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and higher IL-4 and IL-10. Importantly, ginsenoside Rg1 and Y27632 significantly down-regulated CD11b⁺F4/80⁺, CD11b⁺F4/80⁺Tim-1⁺ and CD11b⁺F4/80⁺TLR4⁺ macrophages, and CD11b⁺F4/80⁺iNOS⁺ M1 macrophages, and significantly up-regulated CD11b⁺F4/80⁺CD206⁺ and CD11b⁺F4/80⁺CD163⁺ M2 macrophages in colitis mice; concomitantly, ginsenoside Rg1 improved the diversity of colonic microbiota and regulated Lachnospiraceae, Staphylococcus, Bacteroide and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 at genus level in colitis mice, but the flora regulated by Y27632 was not identical to it. Moreover, ginsenoside Rg1 and Y27632 down-regulated the protein levels of Rock1, RhoA and Nogo-B in colitis mice. These results suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 and Y27632 ameliorated colitis by regulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization and microbiota composition, associated with inhibition of the Nogo-B/RhoA signaling pathway.

Direct Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX) and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX), and Observation of the State R(3760) in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX

We report a measurement of the observed cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX based on 3.21  fb^{-1} of data accumulated at energies from 3.645 to 3.891 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider. In analysis of the cross sections, we measured the decay branching fractions of B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX)=(64.4±0.6±1.6)% and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX)=(0.5±0.2±0.1)% for the first time. The energy-dependent line shape of these cross sections cannot be well described by two Breit-Wigner (BW) amplitudes of the expected decays ψ(3686)→J/ψX and ψ(3770)→J/ψX. Instead, it can be better described with one more BW amplitude of the decay R(3760)→J/ψX. Under this assumption, we extracted the R(3760) mass M_{R(3760)}=3766.2±3.8±0.4  MeV/c^{2} , total width Γ_{R(3760)}^{tot}=22.2±5.9±1.4  MeV, and product of leptonic width and decay branching fraction Γ_{R(3760)}^{ee}B[R(3760)→J/ψX]=(79.4±85.5±11.7)  eV. The significance of the R(3760) is 5.3σ. The first uncertainties of these measured quantities are from fits to the cross sections and second systematic.

[PD-1/PD-L1 expression and its interaction with interferon-γ in Toxoplasma gondii-infected mice at middle and late pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the dynamic expression of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 at the maternal-fetal interface of mice post-infection with Toxoplasma gondii at early pregnancy and examine its interaction with interferon-γ (IFN-γ).

METHODS

A total of 20 mice at day 0 of pregnancy were randomly assigned into 4 groups, including the 12-day pregnancy control group (12 dpn group), 12-day pregnancy and infection group (12 dpi group), 18-day pregnancy control group (18 dpn group) and 18-day pregnancy and infection group (18 dpi group), respectively. On the 6th day of the pregnancy, mice in the 12 dpi and 18 dpi groups were injected intraperitoneally with 150 tachyzoites of the T. gondii PRU strain, while mice in the 12 dpn and 18 dpn groups were injected with the same volume of PBS. All mice in the four groups were sacrificed on 12th and 18^th day of the pregnancy, and the number of placenta and fetus was counted and the weight of placenta and fetus was measured. Then, the placental and uterine tissues of the pregnant mice in each group were sampled for pathological examinations. The mRNA expression of PD-1, PD-L1, T. gondii surface antigen SAG-1 and IFN-γ genes was quantified using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the correlation between PD-1 and IFN-γ expression was examined. In addition, the 12 dpn group, 12 dpi group, 18 dpn group, 18 dpi group, PBS negative control of the 12 pdi group and PBS negative control of the 18 dpi group were assigned, and the PD-1 expression was determined in the uterine and placenta tissues of the pregnant mice.

RESULTS

Adverse pregnant outcomes were seen in mice in the 12 dpi and 18 dpi groups, including placental dysplasia and fetal maldevelopment, and the placental weights and fetal body weights were significantly lower in mice in the 12 dpi and 18 dpi groups than those in the 12 dpn and 18 dpn groups (t = 5.52, 11.44, 12.63 and 11.67, all P < 0.01). The histopathological examinations showed that the decidua and junctional regions of the placental tissues were loosely connected in the 12 dpi and 18 dpi groups, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration and congestion were seen in the placental and uterine tissues. qPCR assay detected significant differences in PD-1, PD-L1, IFN-γ and SAG-1 expression in the placental and uterine tissues among the 12 dpn, 12 dpi, 18 dpn and 18 dpi groups (F = 22.48, 51.23, 9.61, 47.49, 16.08, 21.52, 28.66 and 238.90, all P < 0.05), and the PD-1, PD - L1, IFN - γ and SAG - 1 expression was all significantly higher in the placental and uterine tissues of mice in the 12 dpi group than in the 12 dpn group (all P values < 0.05). The PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was significantly lower in the placental tissues of mice in the 18 dpi group than in the 18 dpn group (all P values < 0.05), and the IFN-γ and SAG-1 expression was significantly higher in the placental and uterine tissues of mice in the 18 dpi group than in the 18 dpn group (all P values < 0.05), while the PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was significantly lower in the placental and uterine tissues of mice in the 18 dpi group than in the 12 dpi group (all P values < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed PD-1 expression in the inflammatory cells of the placental tissues of mice in the 12 dpi group, and no apparent PD-1 expression in the 18 dpi group, while strongly positive PD-1 expression was found in the uterine epithelium of mice in the 12 dpi group, and mildly strong expression was in the 18 dpi group. In addition, the IFN-γ mRNA expression was positively correlated with the PD-1 mRNA expression in placental (r_s = 0.99, P < 0.01) and uterine tissues of mice in the 12 dpi group (r_s = 0.97, P < 0.01) and in placental (r_s = 0.82, P < 0.01) and uterine tissues of mice in the 18 dpi group (r_s = 0.81, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Following T. gondii infection at early pregnancy, the PD-1 and PD-L1 expression shows a remarkable rise at middle pregnancy and a reduction at late pregnancy in placental and uterine tissues of mice, which appears the same tendency with IFN-γ expression during the same time period, and PD-1 expression positively correlates with IFN-γ expression. The dynamic expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on the maternal-fetal interface of mice may be mutually mediated by IFN-γ induced by T. gondii infection.

[CART therapy followed by allo-HSCT for patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapsing after the first hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

目的

观察嵌合抗原受体T细胞（CART）序贯二次异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）治疗移植后复发急性B淋巴细胞白血病（B-ALL）的疗效。

方法

回顾性分析2015年10月至2020年6月在河北燕达陆道培医院接受二次allo-HSCT的41例B-ALL患者的临床资料，入选患者均为移植后骨髓形态学或髓外复发且二次移植前接受CART治疗。

结果

全部41例患者中男21例、女20例，二次移植时中位年龄为16（3～46）岁。移植后骨髓复发31例（75.6％）、髓外复发5例（12.2％）、骨髓和髓外复发5例（12.2％）。复发后接受CD19-CART治疗35例（85.4％）、CD22-CART治疗2例（4.9％）、CD19-CART联合CD22-CART治疗4例（9.8％）。二次移植后预期3年总生存（OS）率为48.9％（95％ CI 23.0％～70.6％）、无白血病生存（LFS）率为41.8％（95％ CI 17.3％～64.9％），累积复发率（RI）为8.8％（95％ CI 2.9％～26.4％），非复发相关死亡率（NRM）为51.1％（95％ CI 31.2％～83.6％）。首次移植后复发时间≤6个月组（10例）二次移植后1年OS率低于复发时间>6个月组（31例）［45.0％（95％ CI 12.7％～73.5％）对75.0％（95％ CI 51.4％～88.8％），P＝0.017］。

结论

CART序贯二次allo-HSCT可使部分造血干细胞移植后复发B-ALL患者获得长生存，但NRM较高，移植方案有待进一步改进。

[Comparison of the clinical outcomes of haploidentical and matched-sibling donor stem cell transplantation for T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in complete remission]

目的

比较亲缘单倍型造血干细胞移植（HIDT）和同胞相合造血干细胞移植（MSDT）治疗完全缓解期（CR）急性T淋巴细胞白血病（T-ALL）的疗效。

方法

回顾性分析2012年5月至2017年5月间在河北燕达陆道培医院接受HIDT（81例）和MSDT（17例）的CR期T-ALL患者的临床特点和预后。

结果

HIDT组、MSDT组移植后100 d Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD发生率分别为51.9％（95％CI42.0％～64.0％）、29.4％（95％CI 14.1％～61.4％）（P＝0.072），Ⅲ/Ⅳ度急性GVHD发生率分别为9.8％（95％CI 5.1％～19.1％）、11.8％（95％CI 3.2％～43.3％）（P＝1.000），巨细胞病毒（CMV）血症发生率分别为53.1％（95％CI 43.3％～65.2％）、29.4％（95％CI 14.1％～61.4％）（P＝0.115），EB病毒（EBV）血症发生率分别为35.8％（95％CI 26.8％～47.9％）、11.8％（95％CI 3.2％～43.3％）（P＝0.048）。HIDT、MSDT两组移植后5年总生存（OS）率分别为60.5％（95％CI 5.4％～49.0％）、68.8％（95％CI 11.8％～40.0％）（P＝0.315），无白血病生存（LFS）率分别为58.0％（95％CI 5.5％～46.5％）、68.8％（95％CI11.8％～40.0％）（P＝0.258），累积复发率分别为16.1％（95％ CI 9.8％～26.4％）、11.8％（95％ CI3.2％～43.3％）（P＝0.643），非复发死亡率（NRM）分别为25.9％（95％CI 17.9％～37.5％）、19.4％（95％CI6.9％～54.4％）（P＝0.386）。

结论

对于CR期T-ALL患者，当缺乏合适供者时，HIDT可作为替代选择。

[Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and possible role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) at the maternal-fetal interface following Toxoplasma gondii infection during early pregnancy.

METHODS

Twenty pregnant C57BL/6 mice, each weighing 16 to 20 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the 12-d control group, 12-d infection group, 18-d control group and 18-d infection group. Mice in the 12-d and 18-d infection groups were injected intraperitoneally with 150 tachyzoites of the T. gondii PRU strain on day 6 of pregnancy, while mice in the 12-d control and 18-d control groups were injected with the same volume of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Mice in the control and infection groups were sacrificed on days 12 and 18 of pregnancy, and the placental and uterine specimens of the pregnant mice in each group were sampled for pathological examinations. The mRNA expression of HIF-1α, HIF-1β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was quantified using quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR (qPCR) assay in the placental and uterine specimens, and the correlation between HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA expression was examined. In addition, and the HIF-1α expression was detected using immunohistochemical staining in the placental and uterine specimens of pregnant mice.

RESULTS

Compared with the 12-d and 18-d control groups, adverse pregnant outcomes were observed in mice in 12-d and 18-d infection groups, such as teratism and placental dysplasia. HE staining showed swelling and blood stasis of cells, sinusoid reduction and inflammatory cell infiltration in the labyrinth area of the placenta specimens of mice in 12-d and 18-d infection groups relative to 12-d and 18-d control groups, and columnar epithelial cell injury and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in the mouse uterine specimens in both infection groups. qPCR assay detected significantly higher HIF-1α (F = 132.6, P < 0.05) and HIF-1β mRNA expression (F = 286.9, P < 0.05) in the placental specimens and lower HIF-1α (F = 111.5, P < 0.05) and HIF-1β mRNA expression (F = 55.2, P < 0.05) in the uterine specimens in the 12-d infection group than in the 12-day control group, and significantly lower HIF-1α and HIF-1β mRNA expression was detected in the placental and uterine specimens in the 18-d infection group than in the 18-day control group (F = 215.8, 418.9, 156.8 and 200.1; all P values < 0.05). Significantly lower VEGF-A (F = 426.2, P < 0.05), VEGF-B (F = 104.6, P < 0.05) and VEGF-C mRNA expression (F = 566.9, P < 0.05) in the placental specimens and higher VEGF-A (F = 426.2, P < 0.05), VEGF-B (F = 104.6, P < 0.05) and VEGF-C mRNA expression (F = 566.9, P < 0.05) in the uterine specimens were detected in the 12-d infection group than in the 12-d control group, and higher VEGF-A, VEGF-B and VEGF-C mRNA expression was found in the placental and uterine specimens in the 18-d infection group than in the 18-d control group (F = 521.9, 100.6, 275.9, 224.6, 108.2 and 333.4; all P values < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed strongly and mildly positive HIF-1α expression in the mouse placental labyrinth area in the 12-d and 18-d infection groups relative to 12-d and 18-d control groups, while no HIF-1α expression was detected in mouse uterine specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

HIF-1α expression appears a tendency towards a rise in the second trimester and a reduction in the third trimester in mice following T. gondii infection during early pregnancy, which is contrary to the changing tendency of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and VEGF-C expression. It is hypothesized that HIF-1α inhibits placental angiogenesis in mice during pregnancy through suppressing VEGF expression, resulting in adverse pregnant outcomes.

[Spatial and temporal distribution and predictive value of chest CT scoring in patients with COVID-19]

Objective: To explore a modified CT scoring system, its feasibility for disease severity evaluation and its predictive value in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: This study was a multi-center retrospective cohort study. Patients confirmed with COVID-19 were recruited in three medical centers located in Beijing, Wuhan and Nanchang from January 27, 2020 to March 8, 2020. Demographics, clinical data, and CT images were collected. CT were analyzed by two emergency physicians of more than ten years' work experience independently through a modified scoring system. Final score was determined by average score from the two reviewers if consensus was not reached. The lung was divided into 6 zones (upper, middle, and lower on both sides) by the level of trachea carina and the level of lower pulmonary veins. The target lesion types included ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, overall lung involvement, and crazy-paving pattern. Bronchiectasis, cavity, pleural effusion, etc., were not included in CT reading and analysis because of low incidence. The reviewers evaluated the extent of the targeted patterns (GGO, consolidation) and overall affected lung parenchyma for each zone, using Likert scale, ranging from 0-4 (0=absent; 1=1%-25%; 2=26%-50%; 3=51%-75%; 4=76%-100%). Thus, GGO score, consolidation score, and overall lung involvement score were sum of 6 zones ranging from 0-24. For crazy-paving pattern, it was only coded as absent or present (0 or 1) for each zone and therefore ranging from 0-6. Results: A total of 197 patients from 3 medical centers and 522 CT scans entered final analysis. The median age of the patients was 64 years, and 54.8% were male. There were 76(38.8%) patients had hypertension and 30(15.3%) patients had diabetes mellitus. There were 75 of the patients classified as moderate cases, as well as 95 severe cases and 27 critical cases. As initial symptom, dry cough occurred in 170 patients, 134 patients had fever, and 125 patients had dyspnea. Reparatory rate, oxygen saturation, lymphocyte count and CURB 65 score on admission day varied among patients with different disease severity scale. There were 50 of the patients suffered from deterioration during hospital stay. The median time consumed for each CT by clinicians was 86.5 seconds. Cronbach's alpha for GGO, consolidation, crazy-paving pattern, and overall lung involvement between two clinicians were 0.809, 0.712, 0.678, and 0.906, respectively, showing good or excellent inter-rater correlation. There were 193 (98.0%) patients had GGO, 147 (74.6%) had consolidation, and 126(64.0%) had crazy-paving pattern throughout clinical course. Bilateral lung involvement was observed in 183(92.9%) patients. Median time of interval for CT scan in our study was 7 days so that the whole clinical course was divided into stages by week for further analysis. From the second week on, the CT scores of various types of lesions in severe or critically patients were higher than those of moderate cases. After the fifth week, the course of disease entered the recovery period. The CT score of the upper lung zones was lower than that of other zones in moderate and severe cases. Similar distribution was not observed in critical patients. For moderate cases, the ground glass opacity score at the second week had predictive value for the escalation of the severity classification during hospitalization. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.849, the best cut-off value was 5 points, with sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 75.0%. Conclusions: It is feasible for clinicians to use the modified semi-quantitative CT scoring system to evaluate patients with COVID-19. Severe/critical patients had higher scores for ground glass opacity, consolidation, crazy-paving pattern, and overall lung involvement than moderate cases. The ground glass opacity score in the second week had an optimal predictive value for escalation of disease severity during hospitalization in moderate patients on admission. The frequency of CT scan should be reduced after entering the recovery stage.

[Study on the mechanisms of the intestinal tight-junction destruction caused by Blastocystis hominis infection in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of the intestinal barrier damage caused by Blastocystis hominis infections in rats.

METHODS

Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, of 6 rats in each group. Rats in each infection group were orally infected with B. hominis trophozoites at a density of 2 × 10⁸ parasites per rat, and the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate buffered saline solution. The 7-hour urine samples were collected 1, 3, 6 and 9 weeks post-infection for the measurement of the intestinal permeability. Then, rats were sacrificed using the cervical dislocation method, and the cecum specimens were collected for the detection of the intestinal epithelial cell permeability. The expression of tight junction-related Occludin and Claudin - 1 genes and apoptosis-related Bcl - 2 and Bax genes was quantified in cecum epithelial cells using the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay, and cell apoptosis was detected in the rat cecum using the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTS

The median urinary lactolose to mannitol ratios were 0.29, 0.72, 0.44, 0.46 and 0.38 in the control group, and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H = 12.09, P < 0.05). B. hominis invasion and epithelial injury were observed in intestinal epithelial cells of rats infected with B. hominis, and transmission electron microscopy displayed the destruction of tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells. The relative expression of Occludin, Claudin-1, Bcl-2 and Bax genes was 1.04, 0.62, 0.71, 0.68 and 0.96; 1.03, 0.61, 0.63, 0.76 and 0.86; 1.08, 0.70, 0.75, 0.74 and 1.03; and 1.00, 1.57, 1.33, 1.35 and 1.10 in the control group and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, respectively, and all differences were statistically significant (F = 2.86, 2.85, 3.37 and 4.45, all P values < 0.05). The median number of positive staining cells were 1.00, 13.00, 9.00, 3.50 and 1.00 in rat cecum specimens in the control group, and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H = 22.95, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

B. hominis infection may cause an increase in the rat intestinal permeability through triggering the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells to destroy the tight junction between intestinal epithelial cells, thereby destroying the intestinal barrier function.

Model-Independent Determination of the Spin of the Ω^{-} and Its Polarization Alignment in ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+}

We present an analysis of the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} (Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ, Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯], Λ→pπ^{-}, Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}) based on a dataset of 448×10^{6}  ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron-positron collider. The helicity amplitudes for the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} and the decay parameters of the subsequent decay Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ (Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯]) are measured for the first time by a fit to the angular distribution of the complete decay chain, and the spin of the Ω^{-} is determined to be 3/2 for the first time since its discovery more than 50 years ago.

Curcumin Regulated the Homeostasis of Memory T Cell and Ameliorated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Experimental Colitis

Immune memory is protective against reinvasion by pathogens in the homeostatic state, while immune memory disorders can cause autoimmune disease, including inflammatory bowel disease. Curcumin is a natural compound shown to be effective against human inflammatory bowel disease and experimental colitis, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in this study. Significant changes in the percentages of naïve, central memory T (TCM), and effector memory (TEM) cells and their CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ subsets were found in the peripheral blood of mice with colitis using flow cytometry. After 7 days of continuous curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) administration, the DSS-induced experimental colitis was effectively relieved, with significant decreases in the ratio of day weight to initial body weight, colonic weight, pathological injury score, levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, colonic mucosal ulceration, and amount of inflammatory infiltrate. Importantly, curcumin significantly restored the percentages of naïve, TCM, and TEM cells and their CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ subpopulations. In addition, curcumin significantly inhibited the activation of the JAK1/STAT5 signaling pathway, downregulation of JAK1, STAT5, and p-STAT5 proteins in colon tissue, and upregulation of PIAS1 proteins. These results suggested that curcumin effectively regulated the differentiation of naïve, TCM, and TEM cells in the peripheral blood to alleviate DSS-induced experimental colitis, which might be related to the inhibition of JAK1/STAT5 signaling activity.

Regulatory effect of Zuojin Pill on correlation with gut microbiota and Treg cells in DSS-induced colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a classic prescription and commercial Chinese patent medicine, Zuojin Pill (ZJP) has been used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) effectively for many years. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

METHODS: Mice with dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis were treated with ZJP for 7 d. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of ZJP was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic observation; regulatory T (Treg) cells and their subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry; and the composition of gut microbiota was tested by 16S rRNA analysis. Activation of the phosphoinostide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was observed by western blotting.

RESULTS

The pathological damage was attenuated and expression of proinflammatory cytokines was decreased. While the diversity of intestinal microflora was regulated, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, and Sphingobacteriia was modified. Meanwhile, the level of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ and PD-L1⁺ Treg cells improved. These changes maintained a positive correlation which was analyzed statistically. Our results also showed that ZJP inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

ZJP regulates crosstalk between intestinal microflora and Treg cells to attenuate experimental colitis via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and Evidence for D^{+}→K^{+}ω

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the first observation of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is reported. After removing decays that contain narrow intermediate resonances, including D^{+}→K^{+}η, D^{+}→K^{+}ω, and D^{+}→K^{+}ϕ, the branching fraction of the decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is measured to be (1.13±0.08_{stat}±0.03_{syst})×10^{-3}. The ratio of branching fractions of D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} over D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}π^{0} is found to be (1.81±0.15)%, which corresponds to (6.28±0.52)tan^{4}θ_{C}, where θ_{C} is the Cabibbo mixing angle. This ratio is significantly larger than the corresponding ratios for other doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of charge-conjugated decays D^{±}→K^{±}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{0} is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found. In addition, the first evidence for the D^{+}→K^{+}ω decay, with a statistical significance of 3.3σ, is presented and the branching fraction is measured to be B(D^{+}→K^{+}ω)=(5.7_{-2.1}^{+2.5}_{stat}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}.

[Prognostic analysis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in complete remission in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors]

目的

探讨在酪氨酸激酶抑制剂（TKI）时代Ph染色体阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病（Ph⁺ALL）在完全缓解（CR）状态下行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）的预后和影响因素。

方法

回顾性分析2012年5月至2017年5月河北燕达陆道培医院收治的116例在CR状态下行allo-HSCT的Ph⁺ALL患者的预后及其影响因素。

结果

116例患者中男72例，女44例。中位年龄20（4～64）岁。同胞全相合移植21例，亲缘单倍型移植77例，非血缘移植18例。5年总生存（OS）率为73.2％（95％CI 63.8％～80.5％），其中诊断至移植间隔时间<180 d的亚组5年OS率为87.5％。5年无病生存（DFS）率为61.4％（95％CI 51.8％～69.7％）。5年细胞形态及分子学水平复发累积发生率为18.5％（95％CI 12.6％～27.3％）。5年移植相关死亡率（TRM）为19.9％（95％CI 13.8％～28.7％）。多因素分析显示，15～39岁（HR＝2.730，P＝0.044）、诊断至移植间隔时间≥180 d（HR＝4.534，P＝0.010）、发生Ⅲ～Ⅳ度急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD）（HR＝7.558，P＝0.000）是影响患者OS的不利因素；发生局限型慢性移植物抗宿主病（cGVHD）是影响患者OS的有利因素（HR＝0.300，P＝0.034）。而性别、起病时WBC（<30×10⁹/L，≥30×10⁹/L）、BCR-ABL融合基因类型、体细胞突变类型、移植前状态（CR₁，>CR₁）、移植前微小残留病（MRD）水平（MRD阴性，MRD阳性）、预处理方案（全身照射方案，白消安为基础方案）、预处理方案强度、移植类型、GVHD预防方案（环孢素A，他克莫司）、抗胸腺细胞免疫球蛋白的种类、巨细胞病毒和EB病毒血症的有无对OS的影响无统计学意义。

结论

TKI时代Ph⁺ALL在CR状态下行allo-HSCT时，影响生存的因素有年龄、诊断至移植间隔时间和发生重度aGVHD。

[Clinical study of anti-human T cell porcine immunoglobulin with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc in the treatment of 35 cases of grade III/IV acute graft-versus-host disease after allo-HSCT]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-human T lymphocyte porcine immunoglobulin (P-ATG) with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor Ⅱ:IgG Fc fusion protein (rhTNFR∶Fc, Etanercept) on grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: Thirty-five patients with Grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ aGVHD who received P-ATG with etanercept therapy after allo-HSCT were retrospectively analyzed. P-ATGs (5 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) were administrated for 3 to 5 days, and then 5mg/kg was sequentially administrated, QOD to BIW. Etanercepts were administrated 25 mg, twice a week (12.5 mg, BIW for pediatric patients) . Results: Among the 35 patients with grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ aGVHD, 21 were males and 14 females, with a median age of 10 (3-54) years. A total of 19 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 13 of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 1 of severe aplastic anemia, 1 of myelodysplastic syndrome, and 1 of mixed phenotypic acute leukemia were noted. The overall response (OR) rate of P-ATG with etanercept was 85.7% (30/35) , with complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) rates of 34.3% (12/35) and 51.4% (18/35) , respectively, on day 28. The OR rate of grade Ⅲ aGVHD group was higher than of grade IV aGVHD group [100% (19/19) vs. 68.8% (11/16) , P=0.004]. On day 56, the OR rate became 77.2% (27/35) , with CR and PR rates of 62.9% (22/35) and 14.3% (5/35) , respectively. The OR rate of grade Ⅲ aGVHD group was also higher than of grade Ⅳ aGVHD group [89.5% (17/19) vs. 62.5% (10/16) , P=0.009]. Thirty-five patients had no adverse effects such as fever, chills, and rash during the P-ATG infusion, and no obvious liver and kidney function damage was observed after treatment. The main treatment-related complication was infection. The reactivation rates of CMV and EBV were 77.1% (27/35) and 22.9% (8/35) , respectively, and the bacterial infection rate was 48.6% (17/35) . With a median follow-up time of 13 (1-55) months after HSCT, the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were (68.1±8.0) % and (64.3±8.4) % , respectively. The 1-year OS rate of grade Ⅲ aGVHD group was superior to grade Ⅳ aGVHD group [ (84.2±8.4) % vs. (47.6±13.1) % , χ(2)=3.38, P=0.05]. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that P-ATG with etanercept was effective and safe in treating grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD after allo-HSCT.

Sishen Pill Treatment of DSS-Induced Colitis via Regulating Interaction With Inflammatory Dendritic Cells and Gut Microbiota

Sishen Pill (SSP) is a typical prescription in the pharmacopeia of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is usually used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is known that inflammatory dendritic cells (DCs) and imbalance of gut microbiota play significant roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. However, it is not clear whether SSP can treat IBD by regulating interaction of DCs and gut microbiota. In the present study, the levels of inflammatory DCs and gut microbiota were analyzed by flow cytometry and 16S rDNA analysis. SSP relieved the pathological damage to the colon of mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). As typical indicators of inflammatory DCs, the levels of CD11c⁺CD103⁺E-cadherin⁺ cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, -4, -9, and -17A] were decreased in mice with colitis treated by SSP for 10 days. Simultaneously, the gut microbiota composition was regulated, and beneficial bacteria were increased and pathogenic bacteria were reduced. The results indicated that SSP regulated the interaction between inflammatory DCs and gut microbiota to treat DSS-induced colitis.

Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} Polarization in the J/ψ and ψ(3686) Decays

From 1310.6×10^{6}  J/ψ and 448.1×10^{6}  ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII experiment, we report the first observation of Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} spin polarization in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ[ψ(3686)]→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} decays. The relative phases of the form factors ΔΦ have been measured to be (-15.5±0.7±0.5)° and (21.7±4.0±0.8)° with J/ψ and ψ(3686) data, respectively. The nonzero value of ΔΦ allows for a direct and simultaneous measurement of the decay asymmetry parameters of Σ^{+}→pπ^{0}(α_{0}=-0.998±0.037±0.009) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}(α[over ¯]_{0}=0.990±0.037±0.011), the latter value being determined for the first time. The average decay asymmetry, (α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})/2, is calculated to be -0.994±0.004±0.002. The CP asymmetry A_{CP,Σ}=(α_{0}+α[over ¯]_{0})/(α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})=-0.004±0.037±0.010 is extracted for the first time, and is found to be consistent with CP conservation.

Effect of Sishen Pill on Memory T Cells From Experimental Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium

Immune memory has a protective effect on the human body, but abnormal immune memory is closely related to the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sishen Pill (SSP) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, which is often used to treat chronic colitis, but it is not clear whether SSP can alleviate experimental colitis by remodeling immune memory. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of SSP on chronic colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was evaluated by colonic length, colonic weight index, macroscopic and microscopic scores, and pathological observation. The cytokine levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the percentages of central memory T (Tcm) and effector memory T (Tem) cells were analyze\d by flow cytometry; and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling proteins was measured by western blotting. After 7-days' treatment, SSP alleviated DSS-induced colitis, which was demonstrated by decreased colonic weight index, colonic weight, histopathological injury scores, restored colonic length, gradual recovery of colonic mucosa, and lower levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-12, and IL-15, while SSP increased IL-10 expression. SSP obviously regulated the quantity and subpopulation of Tcm and Tem cells. Furthermore, SSP markedly inhibited activation of PI3K, Akt, phospho-Akt, Id2, T-bet, forkhead box O3a, Noxa, and C-myc proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and activated Rictor, Raptor, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1, TSC2, phospho-AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-α, AMPK-α, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2, kinesin family member 2a, and 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase. These results indicate that SSP effectively controls Tem cells in the peripheral blood to relieve experimental colitis induced by DSS, which were potentially related with inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Study of Open-Charm Decays and Radiative Transitions of the X(3872)

The processes X(3872)→D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0}+c.c.,γJ/ψ,γψ(2S), and γD^{+}D^{-} are searched for in a 9.0  fb^{-1} data sample collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.278 GeV with the BESIII detector. We observe X(3872)→D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯]+c.c. and find evidence for X(3872)→γJ/ψ with statistical significances of 7.4σ and 3.5σ, respectively. No evident signals for X(3872)→γψ(2S) and γD^{+}D^{-} are found, and the upper limit on the relative branching ratio R_{γψ}≡{B[X(3872)→γψ(2S)]}/{B[X(3872)→γJ/ψ]}<0.59 is set at 90% confidence level. Measurements of branching ratios relative to decay X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ are also reported for decays X(3872)→D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯]+c.c.,γψ(2S),γJ/ψ, and γD^{+}D^{-}, as well as the non-D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯] three-body decays π^{0}D^{0}D^{0}[over ¯] and γD^{0}D^{0}[over ¯].

Measurements of Absolute Branching Fractions of Fourteen Exclusive Hadronic D Decays to η

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the first measurements of the absolute branching fractions of 14 hadronic D^{0(+)} decays to exclusive final states with an η, e.g., D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{0}η, K^{+}K^{-}η, K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η, K^{-}π^{+}π^{0}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{0}π^{0}η, and π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}η; D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η, K_{S}^{0}K^{+}η, K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}η, K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{0}η, π^{+}π^{+}π^{-}η, and π^{+}π^{0}π^{0}η. Among these decays, the D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}η and D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η decays have the largest branching fractions, which are B(D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}η)=(1.853±0.025_{stat}±0.031_{syst})% and B(D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η)=(1.309±0.037_{stat}±0.031_{syst})%, respectively. The charge-parity asymmetries for the six decays with highest event yields are determined, and no statistically significant charge-parity violation is found.

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.

First Observation of D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and Measurement of Its Decay Dynamics

By analyzing a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure for the first time the absolute branching fraction of the D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} decay to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(10.4±1.0_{stat}±0.5_{syst})×10^{-4}. Using the world averaged value of B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}, the ratio of the two branching fractions is determined to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}=0.91±0.13_{(stat+syst)}, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within uncertainty. By studying the differential decay rates in five four-momentum transfer intervals, we obtain the product of the hadronic form factor f_{+}^{η}(0) and the c→d Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| to be f_{+}^{η}(0)|V_{cd}|=0.087±0.008_{stat}±0.002_{syst}. Taking the input of |V_{cd}| from the global fit in the standard model, we determine f_{+}^{η}(0)=0.39±0.04_{stat}±0.01_{syst}. On the other hand, using the value of f_{+}^{η}(0) calculated in theory, we find |V_{cd}|=0.242±0.022_{stat}±0.006_{syst}±0.033_{theory}.

First Observation of D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} and Measurement of Its Decay Dynamics

By analyzing a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure for the first time the absolute branching fraction of the D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ} decay to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}=(10.4±1.0_{stat}±0.5_{syst})×10^{-4}. Using the world averaged value of B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}, the ratio of the two branching fractions is determined to be B_{D^{+}→ημ^{+}ν_{μ}}/B_{D^{+}→ηe^{+}ν_{e}}=0.91±0.13_{(stat+syst)}, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within uncertainty. By studying the differential decay rates in five four-momentum transfer intervals, we obtain the product of the hadronic form factor f_{+}^{η}(0) and the c→d Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| to be f_{+}^{η}(0)|V_{cd}|=0.087±0.008_{stat}±0.002_{syst}. Taking the input of |V_{cd}| from the global fit in the standard model, we determine f_{+}^{η}(0)=0.39±0.04_{stat}±0.01_{syst}. On the other hand, using the value of f_{+}^{η}(0) calculated in theory, we find |V_{cd}|=0.242±0.022_{stat}±0.006_{syst}±0.033_{theory}.

Regulatory Effect of Sishen Pill on Tfh Cells in Mice With Experimental Colitis

The T follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is regulated by the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. Some studies have suggested that regulating activation of the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway should be an effective method to treat IBD. Sishen Pill (SSP) has been used frequently to treat chronic colitis. Its mechanism is related to the downstream proteins in the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. However, it is unknown whether SSP regulates the function and differentiation of Tfh cells to treat IBD. In the present study, chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate and treated with SSP for 7 days. SSP effectively treated chronic colitis, regulated the balance between Tfh10, Tfh17 and T follicular regulatory cells, while SSP increased the Blimp-1 level, inhibited expressions of Bcl-6, T-cell costimulator, programmed death (PD)-1 and PD-ligand 1 on the surface of Tfh cells. SSP inhibited activation of BcL-6, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT)3, signal lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein but improved Blimp-1 and STAT3 expression in colonic tissues. The results indicated that SSP regulated the differentiation and function of Tfh cells to treat IBD, which was potentially related with inhibiting the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway.

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).

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).

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.

[Drugs endocrine therapy improves lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with prostate cancer and analysis of related factors]

Objective: To study the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms and related influencing factors in patients with prostate cancer complicated with lower urinary tract symptoms after drugs endocrine therapy. Methods: The clinical data of 80 patients with prostate cancer with lower urinary tract symptoms and receiving drug endocrine therapy in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from March 2015 to June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were followed up, and the mode of administration of the endocrine therapy, the time of administration, and the international prostate symptom score (IPSS2) and quality of life score (QOL2) after treatment were recorded. The improvement of IPSS score and quality of life score after endocrine therapy was observed. The correlation between variance and age, the prostate volume, PSA, tumor stage, Gleason score, symptom severity, medication mode, and medication time were analyzed by variance, chi-square test and paired sample t test. Results: The differences of QOL and IPSS before and after therapy were statistically significant (P<0.05). Chi-square test found that the effective rate of drug endocrine therapy was not related to age (χ²=0.800; P=0.371), tumor stage (χ²=0.094; P=0.759), PSA (χ²=0.651; P=0.420), prostate volume (χ²=0.216; P=0.642), Gleason score (χ²=0.157; P=0.692), symptom severity (χ²=0.457; P=0.499), medication mode (χ²=2.910; P=0.233), and medication time (χ²=4.159; P=0.385). Analysis of variance found that prostate volume and the severity of symptoms was significantly associated with improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms. Conclusions: Drug endocrine therapy can effectively improve the lower urinary tract symptoms of patients with prostate cancer, and the more severe the symptoms and prostate volumeof the patients, the more obvious the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms. The age, tumor stage, PSA, Gleason score, time and manner of administration were not significantly correlated with improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms.

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.

Pharmacological mechanism of Sishen Wan® attenuated experimental chronic colitis by inhibiting wnt/β-catenin pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sishen Wan (SSW) is a commercial and frequently used Chinese patent medicine listed in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, which is usually used to treat chronic colitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We explored the pharmacological mechanism of Sishen Wan attenuated experimental chronic colitis by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental chronic colitis was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The therapeutic effect of SSW were analyzed by index of colonic weight, colonic length, pathological score. Cytokines expression were analyzed by ELISA, while the apoptosis level was checked by TUNEL staining. These proteins of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot assay.

RESULTS

Rats with TNBS-induced chronic colitis were treated by SSW for 10 days. The efficacy of SSW was demonstrated by improved macroscopic and microscopic colonic damage. SSW increased the level of ATP in colonic mucosa, while SSW inhibited β-catenin, ubiquitination of Nemo-like-kinase-associated ring finger protein and T-cell factor, and expression of Wnt/β-catenin downstream proteins (including c-Myc, cyclo-oxygenase-2, cyclin D1, survivin, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and zipper-interacting protein kinase), and improved lymphoid enhancer factor ubiquitination and β-TrCP activity, followed by excessive apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

SSW effectively attenuated experimental chronic colitis induced by TNBS, which was realized by inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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.