Search

We report the observation of the X(3823) state in the process e+e-→π+π-X(3823)→π+π-γχc1 with a statistical significance of 6.2σ, in data samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.230, 4.260, 4.360, 4.420, and 4.600 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron positron collider. The measured mass of the X(3823) state is (3821.7±1.3±0.7)  MeV/c2, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic, and the width is less than 16 MeV at the 90% confidence level. The products of the Born cross sections for e+e-→π+π-X(3823) and the branching ratio B[X(3823)→γχc1,c2] are also measured. These measurements are in good agreement with the assignment of the X(3823) state as the ψ(1 3D2) charmonium state.

Using data samples collected at center-of-mass energies of √s= 4.009, 4.226, 4.257, 4.358, 4.416, and 4.599 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we search for the isospin violating decay Y(4260) → J/ψηπ0. No signal is observed, and upper limits on the cross section σ(e+e− → J/ψηπ0) at the 90% confidence level are determined to be 3.6, 1.7, 2.4, 1.4, 0.9, and 1.9 pb, respectively.

We report the first observation of the Dalitz decay η’→γe+e−, based on a data sample of 1.31 billion J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. The η’ mesons are produced via the J/ψ→γη’ decay process. The ratio Γ(η’→γe+e−)/Γ(η’→γγ) is measured to be (2.13±0.09(stat)±0.07(sys))×10−2. This corresponds to a branching fraction B(η’→γe+e−)=(4.69±0.20(stat)±0.23(sys))×10−4. The transition form factor is extracted and different expressions are compared to the measured dependence on the e+e− invariant mass. The results are consistent with the prediction of the vector meson dominance model.

Using a sample of 1.31×109 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the decays J/ψ→φπ+π-π0 and J/ψ→φπ0π0π0 are investigated. The isospin-violating decay J/ψ→φπ0f0(980) with f0(980)→ππ is observed for the first time. The width of the f0(980) obtained from the dipion mass spectrum is found to be much smaller than the world average value. In the π0f0(980) mass spectrum, there is evidence of f1(1285) production. By studying the decay J/ψ→φη′, the branching fractions of η′→π+π-π0 and η′→π0π0π0, as well as their ratio, are also measured.

Based on a sample of 1.31×109 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, Dalitz plot analyses of selected 79,625 η→π+π-π0 events, 33,908 η→π0π0π0 events, and 1,888 η′→π0π0π0 events are performed. The measured matrix elements of η→π+π-π0 are in reasonable agreement with previous measurements. The Dalitz plot slope parameters of η→π0π0π0 and η′→π0π0π0 are determined to be -0.055±0.014±0.004 and -0.640±0.046±0.047, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. Both values are consistent with previous measurements, while the precision of the latter one is improved by a factor of 3. Final state interactions are found to have an important role in those decays.

We present the first upper-limit measurement of the branching fractions of the isospin-violating transitions χc0,2 → π0ηc. The measurements are performed using 106×106ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e+e- collider at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ψ(3686) mass. We obtained upper limits on the branching fractions at a 90% confidence level of B(χc0→ π0ηc)

Using a sample of 1.31 billion J/ψ events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the observation of the decay J/ψ→φπ0, which is the first evidence for a doubly Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka suppressed electromagnetic J/ψ decay. A clear structure is observed in the K+K- mass spectrum around 1.02 GeV/c2, which can be attributed to interference between J/ψ→φπ0 and J/ψ→K+K-π0 decays. Due to this interference, two possible solutions are found. The corresponding measured values of the branching fraction of J/ψ→φπ0 are [2.94±0.16(stat)±0.16(syst)]×10-6 and [1.24±0.33(stat)±0.30(syst)]×10-7.

Using 2.92 fb-1 of electron-positron annihilation data collected at √s = 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the results of a search for the flavor-changing neutral current process D0 →γγ using a double-tag technique. We find no signal and set an upper limit at 90% confidence level for the branching fraction of B(D0 →γγ)< 3.8 × 10-6. We also investigate D0-meson decay into two neutral pions, obtaining a branching fraction of B(D0 →π0π0)= (8.24 ± 0.21(stat) ± 0.30(syst)) × 10-4, the most precise measurement to date and consistent with the current world average.

Using a sample of 1.06×108ψ(3686) events produced in e+e- collisions at s=3.686 GeV and collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we present studies of the decays ψ(3686)→K-ΛΞ¯++c.c. and ψ(3686)→γK-ΛΞ¯++c.c.. We observe two hyperons, Ξ(1690)- and Ξ(1820)-, in the K-Λ invariant mass distribution in the decay ψ(3686)→K-ΛΞ¯++c.c. with significances of 4.9σ and 6.2σ, respectively. The branching fractions of ψ(3686)→K-ΛΞ¯++c.c., ψ(3686)→K-Σ0Ξ¯++c.c., ψ(3686)→γχcJ→γK-ΛΞ¯++c.c. (J=0, 1, 2), and ψ(3686)→Ξ(1690/1820)-Ξ¯++c.c. with subsequent decay Ξ(1690/1820)-→K-Λ are measured for the first time.

We report a measurement of the parameter yCP in D0-D-0 oscillations performed by taking advantage of quantum coherence between pairs of D0D-0 mesons produced in e+e- annihilations near threshold. In this work, doubly-tagged D0D-0 events, where one D decays to a CP eigenstate and the other D decays in a semileptonic mode, are reconstructed using a data sample of 2.92 fb-1 collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy of s=3.773 GeV. We obtain yCP=(-2.0±1.3±0.7)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This result is compatible with the current world average.

We report a measurement of the branching fraction for ψ(3770)→γχc1 and search for the transition ψ(3770)→γχc2 based on 2.92 fb-1 of e+e- data accumulated at s=3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We measure B(ψ(3770)→γχc1)=(2.48±0.15±0.23)×10-3, which is the most precise measurement to date. The upper limit on the branching fraction of ψ(3770)→γχc2 at a 90% confidence level is B(ψ(3770)→γχc2)

Using data samples collected at center-of-mass energies of s = 4.009, 4.230, 4.260, and 4.360 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, we perform a search for the process e+e- → γχcJ (J=0, 1, 2) and find evidence for e+e- → γχc1 and e+e- → γχc2 with statistical significances of 3.0σ and 3.4σ, respectively. The Born cross sections σB(e+e- → γχcJ), as well as their upper limits at the 90% confidence level (C.L.) are determined at each center-of-mass energy.

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at nine center of mass energies from 4.21 to 4.42 GeV, we search for the production of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{cJ} (J=0, 1, 2). The process e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c0} is observed for the first time, and the Born cross sections at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV are measured to be (55.4±6.0±5.9) and (23.7±5.3±3.5)  pb, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The ωχ_{c0} signals at the other seven energies and the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} signals are not significant, and the upper limits on the cross sections are determined. By examining the ωχ_{c0} cross section as a function of center of mass energy, we find that it is inconsistent with the line shape of the Y(4260) observed in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. Assuming the ωχ_{c0} signals come from a single resonance, we extract the mass and width of the resonance to be (4230±8±6)  MeV/c^{2} and (38±12±2)  MeV, respectively, and the statistical significance is more than 9σ.

Using a sample of 2.25 × 108 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we search for the J/ψ semileptonic weak decay J/ψ → D-s e+νe+ c.c. with a much higher sensitivity than previous searches. We also perform the first search for J/ψ → D∗-s e+νe + c.c. No significant excess of a signal above background is observed in either channel. At the 90% confidence level, the upper limits are determined to be B(J/ψ → D-s e+νe + c.c. )< 1.3 × 10-6 and B(J=ψ → D∗-s e+νe + c.c. ) < 1.8 × 10-6, respectively. Both are consistent with Standard Model predictions.

Using 1.06 × 108ψ (3686) events recorded in e+e-, collisions at √s = 3.686 GeV with the BESIII at the BEPCII collider, we present searches for C-parity violation in J/ψ → γγ and γφ decays via ψ(3686) → J/ψπ+π-. No significant signals are observed in either channel. Upper limits on the branching fractions are set to be B(J/ψ → γγ) < 2.7 × 10-7, and B(J/ψ → γφ>) < 1.4 × 10-6, at the 90% confidence level. The former is one order of magnitude more stringent than the previous upper limit, and the latter represents the first limit on this decay channel.

Using 2.25 × 108, J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage rings, we observe for the first time the process J/ψ → pp¯a0(980), a0(980) → π0η with a significance of 6.5σ (3.2σ including systematic uncertainties). The product branching fraction of J/ψ → pp¯a0 (980) → pp¯ π0η is measured to be (6.8 ± 1.2 ± 1.3) × 10-5, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. This measurement provides information on the a0 production near threshold coupling to pp and improves the understanding of the dynamics of J/ψ decays to four-body processes.

The process e+e−→ pp̄π0has been studied by analyzing data collected at (formula presented) GeV, at (formula presented) GeV, and during a ψ(3770) line shape scan with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross section of p̄pπ0in the vicinity of the ψ(3770) is measured, and the Born cross section of ψ(3770) → p̄pπ0is extracted considering interference between resonant and continuum production amplitudes. Two solutions with the same probability and a significance of 1.5 σ are found. The solutions for the Born cross section of ψ(3770) → p̄pπ0are 33.8 ± 1.8 ± 2.1 pb and (formula presented) pb (< 0.22 pb at a 90% confidence level). Using the estimated cross section and a constant decay amplitude approximation, the cross section σ(p̄p → ψ(3770)π0) is calculated for the kinematic situation of the planned P̄ANDA experiment. The maximum cross section corresponding to the two solutions is expected to be less than 0.79 nb at 90% confidence level and 122 ± 10 nb at a center-of-mass energy of 5.26 GeV.

Using 2917pb -1 of data accumulated at 3.773GeV, 44.5pb -1 of data accumulated at 3.65GeV and data accumulated during a ψ(3770) line-shape scan with the BESIII detector, the reaction e+e-→pp- is studied considering a possible interference between resonant and continuum amplitudes. The cross section of e+e-→ψ(3770)→pp-, σ(e+e-→ψ(3770)→pp-), is found to have two solutions, determined to be (0.059-0.020+0.070±0.012)pb with the phase angle φ=(255.8-26.6+39.0±4.8)° (

An energy scan near the τ pair production threshold has been performed using the BESIII detector. About 24 pb-1 of data, distributed over four scan points, were collected. This analysis is based on τ pair decays to ee, eμ, eh, μμ, μh, hh, eρ, μρ and πρ final states, where h denotes a charged π or K. The mass of the τ lepton is measured from a maximum likelihood fit to the τ pair production cross-section data to be mτ = (1776.91 ± 0.12-0.13+0.10) MeV=c2, which is currently the most precise value in a single measurement.

Using a sample of 1.3 × 10(9)  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, we report the first observation of η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-) and η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0)π(0). The measured branching fractions are B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-)) = [8.53 ± 0.69(stat.) ± 0.64(syst.)]×10(-5) and B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0) π(0)) = [1.82 ± 0.35(stat.) ± 0.18(syst.)] × 10(-4), which are consistent with theoretical predictions based on a combination of chiral perturbation theory and vector-meson dominance.

By using a 2.92 fb-1 data sample taken at √s = 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, we search for the radiative transitions ψ(3770) → γηc and γηc(2S) through the hadronic decays ηc(ηc (2S)) → K0SK±π+. No significant excess of signal events above background is observed. We set upper limits at a 90% confidence level for the product branching fractions to be B(ψ(3770) →γηc) ±B(ηc → K0SK±π+) < 1.6× 10-5 and B(ψ(3770) →γηc(2S)) ×B(ηc(2S) → K0SK+π+) 6.8 × 10-4 and B(ψ(3770) → γηc(2S)) < 2.0 × 10-3 at a 90% confidence level.

With 1.06 × 108 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, the branching fraction of ψ (3686) → ωK+K- is measured to be (1.54 ± 0.04 ± 0.11) × 10-4. This is the most precise result to date, due to the largest ψ(3686) sample, improved signal reconstruction efficiency, good simulation of the detector performance, and a more accurate knowledge of the continuum contribution. Using the branching fraction of J/ψ → ωK+K-, the ratio β(ψ(3868) → ωK+K-)/β(J/ψ → ωK+K-) is determined to be (18.4 ± 3.7)%. This constitutes a significantly improved test of the 12% rule, with the uncertainty now dominated by the J/ψ branching fraction.

We study D0D̅0 pairs produced in e+e− collisions at √ s = 3.773 GeVusing a data sample of 2.92 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector. We measuredthe asymmetry ACPKπ of the branching fractions of D → K−π+ in CP-odd and CP-even eigenstates to be (12.7 ± 1.3 ± 0.7) × 10−2. ACPKπ can be used to extract the strong phase difference δKπ between the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed process D̅0 → K−π+ and the Cabibbo-favored process D0 → K−π+. Using world-average values of external parameters, we obtain cos δKπ = 1.02 ±0.11 ±0.06 ±0.01. Here, the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, while the third uncertainty arises from the external parameters. This is the most precise measurement of δKπ to date.

Superconducting undulators provide higher magmatic field to increase the brilliance and photon energy of synchrotron light sources. To quantify the amount of beam-based heat load of storage rings and optimize the design of cryogenic system, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) proposed a cryogenic calorimeter to perform the working condition of superconducting undulators. The calorimeter has been developed by Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP) and installed on storage ring of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF). Also, online experiments started in September of 2012. This paper describes the cryogenic system and beam-based heat load measurement system. Also, some measurement results are given in the paper.

Based on a sample of (225.3 ± 2.8) × 106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the electromagnetic Dalitz decays of J/ψ → Pe+e- (P = η'/η/π∗0) are studied. By reconstructing the pseudoscalar mesons in various decay modes, the decays J/ψ → η' e+e-, J/ψ → η e+e-, and J/ψ → π0 e+e- are observed for the first time. The branching fractions are determined to be B(J/ψ → η' e+e-) = (5.81 ± 0.16 ± 0.31) × 10-5, B(J/ψ → η e+e-) = (1.16 ± 0.07 ± 0.06) × 10-5, and B(J/ψ → π0 e+e-) = (7.56 ± 1.32 ±0.50) × 10-7, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones systematic.

Using (106.41 ± 0.86) × 106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we study for the first time the decay χcJ → η'K+K- (J = 1, 2), where η' → γρ0 and η' → ηπ+π-. A partial wave analysis in the covariant tensor amplitude formalism is performed for the decay χc1 → η'K+K-. Intermediate processes χc1 → η' f0 (980), χc1 → η' f0 (1710), χc1 → η' f2' (1525) and χc1 → K∗0 (1430)± K∓ (K∗0 (1430)± → η' K±) are observed with statistical significances larger than 5σ, and their branching fractions are measured.

A search for the rare decays of J/ψ → Dsρ+ + c.c. and J/ψ → D0K∗0 + c.c. is performed with a data sample of 225.3-million J/ψ events collected with the Beijing Spectrometer III detector. No evident signal is observed. Upper limits on the branching fractions are determined to be B(J/ψ → Ds ρ+ + c.c.) < 1.3 × 10-5 and B(J/ψ → D0K ∗0+ c.c.) < 2.5 × 10-6 at the 90% confidence level.

We report a measurement of the branching fraction B(D+→μ+νμ)= [3.71±0.19(stat)±0.06(sys)]×10-4 based on 2.92fb-1 of data accumulated at s=3.773GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. This measurement, in conjunction with the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |Vcd| determined from a global Standard Model fit, implies a value for the weak decay constant fD+=(203.2±5.3±1.8)MeV. Additionally, using this branching fraction measurement together with a lattice QCD prediction for fD+, we find |Vcd|=0.2210±0.0058±0.0047. In either case, these are the most precise results for these quantities to date.

We perform an analysis of the D+→ K0Sπ+π0 Dalitz plot using a data set of 2.92 fb-1 of e+e- collisions at the ψ(3770) mass accumulated by the BESIII experiment, in which 166694 candidate events are selected with a background of 15.1%. The Dalitz plot is found to be well represented by a combination of six quasitwo- body decay channels [K0Sρ+, K0Sρ(1450)+, K∗0π+, K0 (1430)0π+, K (1680)0π+, κ0π+] plus a small nonresonant component. Using the fit fractions from this analysis, partial branching ratios are updated with higher precision than previous measurements.

Shi Zuo,1,* Wei Zou,2,3,* Rong-Min Wu,4 Jing Yang,5 Jian-Nan Fan,2 Xue-Ke Zhao,5 Hai-Yang Li1 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Sports Medicine, The Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Ultrasonography, The Maternity Hospital of Guizhou, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Infectious Disease, The Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hai-Yang LiDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, No.28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail haiyangli666@sohu.comJian-Nan FanDepartment of Sports Medicine, The Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, No.28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail publetscientific@126.comObjective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive matrix destruction of articular cartilage. This study aimed to investigate the potential antioxidative and chondroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of Icariin (ICA) in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of OA cartilage.Methods: Human chondrocyte cell line HC-A was treated with different doses of ICA, and then MTT assay and PI staining were used to estimate ICA-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Intracellular ROS and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured after treatment by IL-1β with or without ICA. The mRNA and protein expression levels of redox transcription factor Nrf2 and the downstream effector SOD-1, SOD-2, NQO-1 and HO-1 were assayed to explore the detailed mechanism by which ICA alleviates ECM degradation. Finally, to expound the role of Nrf2 in ICA-mediated chondroprotection, we specifically depleted Nrf2 in human chondrocytes and then pretreated them with ICA followed by IL-1β.Results: ICA had no cytotoxic effects on human chondrocytes and 10−9 M was selected as the optimum concentration. ROS induced by IL-1β could drastically activate matrix-degrading proteases and ICA could significantly rescue the matrix degradation and excess ROS generation caused by IL-1β. We observed that ICA activated the Nrf2/ARE pathway, consequently upregulating the generation of GPX and SOD. Ablation of Nrf2 abrogated the chondroprotective and antioxidative effects of ICA in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes.Conclusion: ICA alleviates IL-1β-induced matrix degradation and eliminates ROS by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.Keywords: icariin, Nrf2 signaling, ROS, human chondrocyte, ECM degradation

Rui Gong,1,2 Yuan He,1,2 Xiao-Yun Liu,1,2 Hai-Yun Wang,1,2 Li-Yue Sun,1,2 Xin-Hua Yang,1,2 Bin Li,3 Xin-Kai Cao,3 Zu-Lu Ye,1,2 Ling-Heng Kong,1,4 Da-Dong Zhang,3 Yu-Hong Li,1,5 Rui-Hua Xu,1,5 Jian-Yong Shao1,21State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, People’s Republic of China; 3Research and Development Institute of Precision Medicine, 3D Medicine Inc., Shanghai, 201114, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaBackground: Genetic factors play an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, yet the prevalence and spectrum of germline cancer susceptibility gene mutations among unselected Chinese CRC patients is largely undetermined.Methods: We performed next-generation sequencing with a 73-genes panel and analyzed the prevalence and spectrum of germline mutations in 618 unselected Chinese CRC patients. We classified all identified germline alterations for pathogenicity and calculated the frequencies of pathogenic mutations. Clinical characteristics were assessed by age and mutation status. Protein expressions and interactions of MLH1 missense variants were evaluated by western blot and co- immunoprecipitation.Results: Overall, 112 (18.1%) of 618 unselected Chinese CRC patients were found to carry at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant (totaling 97 variants), including 70 (11.3%) Lynch syndrome (LS) mutation carriers and 42 (6.8%) non-LS mutation carriers. LS mutation carriers were significantly younger at CRC diagnosis and were more likely to have right-sided, poorly differentiated, early stage, high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or dMMR CRC and a family history of cancer compared with noncarriers. Non-LS mutation carriers were more likely to be proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) than noncarriers (p=0.039). We found four clinical variables (gender, tumor histological stage, cancer stage and mutation status) that showed significant differences between patients younger and older than 50 years old. Higher mutation rates were found in patients under 50 years old (p=0.017). Thirty-three novel variants were discovered and evaluated as pathogenic mutations by our study.Conclusion: Given the high frequency and wide spectrum of mutations, genetic testing with a multigene panel should be considered for all Chinese CRC patients under 50 years old and is also needed to determine whether a gene is associated with CRC susceptibility and to promote clinical translation.Keywords: genetic factor, germline mutations, Lynch syndrome, next-generation sequencing

Xiaohe K Xu,1 Brian P Harvey,2 Kenneth R Lutchen,2 Brian D Gelbman,3 Stephen L Monfre,1 Robert E Coifman,1 Charles E Forbes1 1Feather Sensors, LLC, Millville, NJ 08332, USA; 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; 3Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA Purpose: This study supports the use of thin-film micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) airflow sensors in the forced oscillation technique. Materials and methods: The study employed static testing using air flow standards and computer-controlled sound attenuations at 8 Hz. Human feasibility studies were conducted with a testing apparatus consisting of a pneumotach and thin-film MEMS air flow sensors in series. Short-time Fourier transform spectra were obtained using SIGVIEW software. Results: Three tests were performed, and excellent correlations were observed between the probes. The thin-film MEMS probe showed superior sensitivity to higher frequencies up to 200 Hz. Conclusion: The results suggest that lower-cost thin-film MEMS can be used for forced oscillation technique applications (including home care devices) that will benefit patients suffering from pulmonary diseases such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. Keywords: pulmonary disease, pulmonary impedance, airway resistance, short-time Fourier transform, glottis closure

Xiaokai Yan,1,* Haifeng Wan,1 Xiangyong Hao,2 Tian Lan,1 Wei Li,1 Lin Xu,1,3 Kefei Yuan,1,3,* Hong Wu1,3 1Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; 2Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China; 3Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background and aim: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common tumors with a poor prognosis. The current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, based on the anatomical features of tumors, is insufficient to predict PC outcomes. The current study is endeavored to identify important prognosis-related genes and build an effective predictive model. Methods: Multiple public datasets were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and survival-related genes (SRGs). Bioinformatics analysis of DEGs was used to identify the main biological processes and pathways involved in PC. A risk score based on SRGs was computed through a univariate Cox regression analysis. The performance of the risk score in predicting PC prognosis was evaluated with survival analysis, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC), and calibration plots. A predictive nomogram was built through integrating the risk score with clinicopathological information. Results: A total of 945 DEGs were identified in five Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and four SRGs (LYRM1, KNTC1, IGF2BP2, and CDC6) were significantly associated with PC progression and prognosis in four datasets. The risk score showed relatively good performance in predicting prognosis in multiple datasets. The predictive nomogram had greater C-index and AUC values, compared with those of the AJCC stage and risk score. Conclusion: This study identified four new biomarkers that are significantly associated with the carcinogenesis, progression, and prognosis of PC, which may be helpful in studying the underlying mechanism of PC carcinogenesis. The predictive nomogram showed robust performance in predicting PC prognosis. Therefore, the current model may provide an effective and reliable guide for prognosis assessment and treatment decision-making in the clinic. Keywords: risk score, nomogram, TCGA, GEO

Mao Mu,1,* Shi Zuo,2,* Rong-Min Wu,3 Kai-Sheng Deng,1 Shuang Lu,1 Juan-Juan Zhu,1 Gao-Liang Zou,1 Jing Yang,1 Ming-Liang Cheng,1 Xue-Ke Zhao1 1Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; 2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; 3Department of Ultrasonography, The Maternity Hospital of Guizhou, Guiyang, Guizhou, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: Liver fibrosis is a worldwide health issue. Development of effective new drugs for treatment of this disease is of great importance. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of ferulic acid on liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo.Materials and methods: Human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC) LX-2 was used for in vitro assays. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was used to induce hepatic fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Western blot was used to detect protein levels of collagen I, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), p-Smad2, p-Smad3, p-p38, and p-JNK. Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. Fluorescence staining was used to determine localization of Smad4. CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in SD rats was used as an in vivo model. Histological features were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hexadecenoic acid (HA), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) were measured by ELISA.Results: TGF-β1 treatment significantly increased levels of collagen I, fibronectin, α-SMA, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and Smad4 in LX-2 cells. Ferulic acid improved TGF-β1-induced hepatic fibrosis via regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Consistent with in vitro data, CCl4 caused severe hepatic fibrosis in SD rats, as determined by ALT, AST, HA, and Hyp upregulation. Protein levels of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 in liver tissues were significantly increased following treatment with CCl4. All CCL4-induced changes were markedly attenuated by ferulic acid treatment.Conclusion: Ferulic acid potently improved hepatic fibrosis via inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in vitro and in vivo. These findings provided evidence for potential use of ferulic acid to treat or prevent liver fibrosis. Keywords: ferulic acid, TGF-β1, CCl4, hepatic fibrosis, Smad signaling pathway

Shu-Wei Chen,1–3,* Quan Zhang,1–3,* Zhu-Ming Guo,1–3 Wen-Kuan Chen,1–3 Wei-Wei Liu,1–3 Yan-Feng Chen,1–3 Qiu-Li Li,1–3 Xue-Kui Liu,1–3 Hao Li,1–3 Dian Ou-Yang,1–3 Wei-Chao Chen,1–3 Xiao-Yan Fu,1–3 Xi-Di Wang,1–3 An-Kui Yang,1–3 Jin-Xin Bei,2–4 Ming Song1–3 1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 2State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, 3Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 4Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Global data demonstrate minimal improvement in the survival rate for oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients. We wished to know whether or not clinical features and survival rate have changed over time for OCC patients receiving initial treatment and follow-up at a large cancer center in China. Methods: Clinical features and survival data were collected on patients diagnosed during the successive decades of 1960–1969 (n=253), 1970–1979 (n=497), 1980–1989 (n= 659), 1990–1999 (n=793), and 2000–2009 (n=1,160) at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Results: Over time, the overall 5-year survival rate for OCC patients was 52.0%. According to tumor localization, this rate was 71.4% for lip cancer, 56.3% for oral tongue cancer, and 42.7% for other parts of the oral cavity. From the 1960s to the 2000s, the 5-year survival rate steadily improved from 47.8% to 55.6% (P

Qintai Yang,1 Hui Li,2,* Weijun Wu,2,* Xuekun Huang,1 Bo Tu,2 Yukun Ma,2 Huiyi Deng,1 Meijiao Li,1 Hongfeng He,2 Can Li,2 Yongqi Yang2 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on nasal symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) remains controversial. In addition, possible mechanism(s) remains unclear. Objective: To examine whether CPAP contributes to the onset and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis (AR) in OSAHS patients based on patient-reported changes in nasal symptoms with and without CPAP therapy and the detection of house dust mites (HDMs) in CPAP filters and household environments. Materials and methods: In a cohort of OSAHS patients, 350 patients who were undergoing CPAP therapy and 100 patients who declined CPAP therapy were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were contacted by telephone and asked to compare their nasal symptoms before and after CPAP therapy. HDMs in air conditioner and CPAP device filters and in household dust samples were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: The prevalence of AR was higher in the CPAP group vs the non-CPAP group (15.8% vs 7.0%, respectively; P = 0.025). The onset of AR among the OSAHS patients with no previous history of AR significantly increased within the first year of CPAP therapy compared with the control group (5.7% vs 0%, respectively; P = 0.031). Meanwhile, the patients with a history of AR were more likely to experience exacerbated rhinitis symptoms within the second year of treatment compared with the control group (7.5% vs 0%, respectively; P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in HDM concentrations between the CPAP and air conditioner filters, yet the concentrations in both the filters were higher than the concentrations in the bedroom dust samples (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: CPAP is associated with the onset and exacerbation of AR in OSAHS patients. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of HDM allergens may be a significant factor. Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome, continuous positive airway pressure, allergic rhinitis, house dust mites, allergens

Wenrui Wu,1,2,* Xingkang He,3,4,* Liya Yang,1,2 Qing Wang,1,2 Xiaoyuan Bian,1,2 Jianzhong Ye,1,2 Yating Li,1,2 Lanjuan Li1,2 1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; 2Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China; 3Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, China; 4Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: The morbidity and mortality of pancreatic cancer vary considerably around the world. The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate recent changes in incidence and incidence-based mortality in the USA. Methods: Incidence and incidence-based mortality data were based on the 18 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries through SEER*Stat software. We adopted joinpoint regression to analyze the temporal trends stratified by age, gender, ethnicity, stage, tumor site, and size. Results: Based on 18 SEER data sets, the age-adjusted incidence of pancreatic cancer increased from 11.85/100,000 in 2000 to 14.70/100,000 in 2014, increasing by an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 1.6 (95% CI 1.5–1.8, p

Li-Juan Zhi,1,2,* Li Wang,2,3,* Xing-Kai Chen,4 Xiao-Ying Zhai,3 Li Wen,3 Lei Dong,1,2 Evelyne Jacqz-Aigrain,5,6 Zhong-Ren Shi,2,* Wei Zhao1,2,4,* 1Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China; 2Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Hôpital Robert Debré, APHP, Paris, France; 6Clinical Investigation Center CIC1426, INSERM, Paris, France *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: Cefathiamidine, a first-generation cephalosporin, has approval from the China Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria in both adults and children. As pharmacokinetic data are limited in the pediatric population, we aimed to evaluate the population pharmacokinetics of cefathiamidine in children and to define the appropriate dose in order to optimize cefathiamidine treatment.Methods: Blood samples were collected from children treated with cefathiamidine, and concentrations were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using NONMEM software.Results: Fifty-four children (age range: 2.0–11.8 years) were included. Sparse pharmacokinetic samples (n=120) were available for analysis. A two-compartment model with first-order elimination showed the best fit with the data. A covariate analysis identified that bodyweight had a significant impact on cefathiamidine pharmacokinetics. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that the currently used dosing regimen of 100 mg/kg/day q12h was associated with a high risk of underdosing in pediatric patients. To reach the target 70% fT>MIC, a dose of 100 mg/kg/day cefathiamidine q6h is required for effective treatment against Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusion: A population pharmacokinetics model of cefathiamidine in children with hematologic disease was established. A dosing regimen of 100 mg/kg/day cefathiamidine q6h should be used in clinical practice against H. influenza infections. Keywords: cefathiamidine, pharmacokinetics, dosing, children

Xiao-kun Liu,1 Shui-yuan Xiao,1,2 Liang Zhou,3 Mi Hu,2 Wei Zhou,4 Hui-ming Liu5 1Mental Health Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; 2Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; 3Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; 4Hospital Administration Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; 5Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate the distribution of sleep quality and its relationship with the prevalence of pain among rural Chinese people and to explore the association between sleep quality and pain intensity among the general population in real-life settings.Methods: This cross-sectional survey included a total of 2052 adults from rural areas in Liuyang, Hunan Province, recruited through random multistage sampling. The distributions of sleep quality and pain prevalence among the participants over a 4-week period were described. Because of multicollinearity among variables, the influence of self-rated sleep quality and psychosocial covariates on pain intensity was explored using a ridge regression model.Results: The data showed that participants reporting all categories of sleep quality experienced some degree of pain. Sleep quality, along with physical and mental health, was a negative predictor of pain intensity among the general population. Symptoms of depression positively predicted pain intensity.Conclusion: Poor sleep quality increased pain intensity among the participants. Both previous research and the present data suggest that improving sleep quality may significantly decrease pain intensity in the general population. The relationship between sleep and pain may be bidirectional. This finding also suggests that treatment for sleep disorders and insomnia should be addressed in future efforts to alleviate pain intensity. Keywords: sleep, pain, depression symptoms, mental health

Information on the distribution of vernalization genes and their association with growth habit is crucial to understanding the adaptability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to different environments. In this study, 278 Chinese wheat cultivars were characterized with molecular markers for the vernalization genes Vrn-A1, -B1, -D1, and -B3 Heading time was evaluated in a greenhouse under long days without vernalizaton. The dominant Vrn-D1 allele showed the highest frequency in the Chinese wheat cultivars (37.8%), followed by the dominant Vrn-A1, -B1, and -B3 alleles. Ninety-two winter cultivars carried recessive alleles of all four vernalization loci, whereas 172 spring genotypes contained at least one dominant Vrn allele. All cultivars released in the North China Plain Winter Wheat Zone were winter type. Winter (53.0%), spring (36.1%), and early-heading (10.9%) cultivars were grown in the Yellow and Huai River Valley Winter Zone. Most of the spring genotypes from this zone carried only the dominant Vrn-D1 allele, which was also predominant (64.1%) in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Valley Winter Zone and Southwestern Winter Wheat Zone. In three spring-sown wheat zones, all cultivars were early-heading spring types that frequently possessed the strongest dominant Vrn-A1a allele and combinations with other dominant Vrn gene(s). The Vrn-D1 allele is associated with the latest heading time, Vrn-A1 the earliest, and Vrn-B1 intermediate values. The information is important for breeding programs in countries interested in using Chinese wheats.

Yun Ye,1,2,* Su-Liang Li,2,* Yao Wang,2 Yang Yao,2 Juan Wang,1 Yue-Yun Ma,1 Xiao-Ke Hao1 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: There are a number of studies which show that expression of CD147 is increased significantly in prostate cancer (PCa). However, conflicting conclusions have also been reported by other researchers lately. In order to arrive at a clear conclusion, a meta-analysis of eligible studies was conducted.Materials and methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to identify all the published case–control studies on the relationship between the expression of CD147 and PCa until February 2016. In the end, a total of 930 patients in eight studies were included in the meta-analysis.Results: CD147 expression in the PCa patients increased significantly (odds ratio [OR], 4.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.52–6.14; Z=10.79; P

Jingya Li,1,* Ruizhen Zhao,1,* Xiaoli Li,1 Wenjun Sun,1 Miao Qu,1 Qisheng Tang,1 Xinke Yang,1 Shujing Zhang2 1Third Affiliated Hospital, 2School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang (SJF) is composed of eight Chinese medicinal herbs. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating postpartum depression (PPD). Previous studies have shown that SJF treats PPD through the neuroendocrine mechanism. Aim: To further investigate the effect of SJF on the immune system, including the inflammatory response system and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Materials and methods: Sprague Dawley rats were used to create an animal model of PPD by inducing hormone-simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal. After hormone withdrawal, the PPD rats were treated with SJF or fluoxetine for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Levels of Treg cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry analysis. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI, IL-6Rα, and gp130 in the hippocampus were observed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results: Serum IL-1β in PPD rats increased at 2 weeks and declined from then on, while serum IL-6 increased at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Both IL-1β and IL-6 were downregulated by SJF and fluoxetine. Changes in gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI and gp130 in PPD rats were consistent with changes in serum IL-1β, and were able to be regulated by SJF and fluoxetine. The levels of Treg cells were negatively correlated with serum IL-1β and IL-6, and were decreased in PPD rats. The levels of Treg cells were increased by SJF and fluoxetine. Conclusion: Dysfunction of proinflammatory cytokines and Tregs in different stages of PPD was attenuated by SJF and fluoxetine through the modulation of serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6, expressions of IL-1RI, and gp130 in the hippocampus, and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in peripheral blood. Keywords: postpartum depression, inflammatory cytokines, antidepressant drugs, Chinese herbal medicine, shenqi jieyu fang, animal model

Qiuchen Chu,1,* Hong Xu,2,* Meng Gao,1 Xin Guan,1 Hongyan Liu,1 Sa Deng,1 Xiaokui Huo,1 Kexin Liu,1 Yan Tian,1 Xiaochi Ma1 1College of Pharmacy, 2College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: Liver cancer remains a major problem around the world. Resibufogenin (RBG) is a major bioactive compound that was isolated from Chansu (also called toad venom or toad poison), which is a popular traditional Chinese medicine that is obtained from the skin secretions of giant toads. RBG has strong antitumor effects, but its poor aqueous solubility and its cardiotoxicity have limited its clinical use. The aim of this study was to formulate RBG-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate nanoparticle (RPTN) to enhance the treatment of liver cancer. RPTN, RBG-loaded PLGA nanoparticle (RPN), and RBG/coumarin-6-loaded PLGA-D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate nanoparticle (RCPTN) were prepared. The cellular uptake of RCPTN by HepG2 and HCa-F cells was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Apoptosis was induced in HepG2 cells by RPTN, RBG solution (RS), and 5-fluorouracil solution (used as the negative controls), as assayed using flow cytometry. LD50 (median lethal dose) values were determined for RS and RPTN, and the liver-targeting properties were determined for RCPTN in intravenously injected mice. A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in rats, and the in vivo therapeutic effects of RPTN, RPN, and RS were examined in a mouse tumor model. The results showed that RCPTN simultaneously delivered both coumarin-6 and RBG into HepG2 and HCa-F cells. The ratio of apoptotic cells was increased in the RPTN group. The LD50 for RPTN was 2.02-fold higher than the value for RS. Compared to RS, RPTN and RPN both showed a significant difference in vivo not only in the pharmacodynamic study but also in anticancer efficacy, and RPTN performed much better than RPN. The detection indexes for drug concentration and fluorescence inversion microscopy images both demonstrated that RCPTN was much better at targeting the liver than RS. The liver-targeting RPTN, which displayed enhanced pharmacological effects and decreased toxicity for the loaded drug RBG, is therefore a promising intravenous dosage form that may be useful in the treatment of liver cancer. Keywords: Resibufogenin, PLGA-TPGS, nanoparticles, liver cancer, HepG2 cells, HCa-F cells

Mu M, Zuo S, Wu RM, et al. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:4107–4115. An error has been found in a couple of the image labels for Figure 3F. On page 4112, the original Figure 3F image appears as: Read the original article:

Xuming Liu,1 Zhihan Yan,2 Tingyu Wang,1 Xiaokai Yang,1 Feng Feng,3 Luping Fan,1 Jian Jiang4 1Department of Radiology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 2Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 3Peking Union Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 4Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China Objective: The aim of this study was to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique to explore the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) differences of the bilaterial cerebellum posterior lobe (CPL) after normal sleep (NS) and after sleep deprivation (SD). Methods: A total of 16 healthy subjects (eight males, eight females) underwent an fMRI scan twice at random: once following NS and the other following 24 hours’ SD, with an interval of 1 month between the two scans. The fMRI scanning included resting state and acupuncture stimulation. The special activated regions located during the acupuncture stimulation were selected as regions of interest for rsFC analysis. Results: Bilateral CPLs were positively activated by acupuncture stimulation. In the NS group, the left CPL showed rsFC with the bilateral CPL, bilateral frontal lobe (BFL), left precuneus and right inferior parietal lobule, while the right CPL showed rsFC with the bilateral temporal lobe, right cerebellum anterior lobe, right CPL, left frontal lobe, left anterior cingulate, right posterior cingulate, and bilateral inferior parietal lobule. In the SD group, the left CPL showed rsFC with the left posterior cingulate gyrus bilateral CPL, left precuneus, left precentral gyrus, BFL, and the left parietal lobe, while the right CPL showed rsFC with bilateral cerebellum anterior lobe, bilateral CPL, left frontal lobe and left temporal lobe. Compared with the NS group, the left CPL had increased rsFC in the SD group with the right inferior frontal gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, right cingulate gyrus, right thalamus, and bilateral precuneus, and decreased rsFC with the BFL, while the right CPL had increased rsFC with the left superior frontal gyrus and decreased rsFC with the left precentral gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, and the BFL. Conclusion: Bilateral CPL are possibly involved in acupuncture stimulation in different manners, and the right CPL showed more rsFC impairment. Keywords: fMRI, functional connectivity, acupuncture, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

Huanli Xu,1 Xin Zhao,2 Xiaohui Liu,1 Pingxiang Xu,1 Keming Zhang,2 Xiukun Lin11Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 302 Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaAbstract: Defects in apoptosis are common phenomena in many types of cancer and are also a critical step in tumorigenesis. Targeting the apoptotic pathway has been considered an intriguing strategy for cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in the People’s Republic of China for thousands of years, and many of the medicines have been confirmed to be effective in the treatment of a number of tumors. With increasing cancer rates worldwide, the antitumor effects of TCMs have attracted more and more attention globally. Many of the TCMs have been shown to have antitumor activity through multiple targets, and apoptosis pathway-related targets have been extensively studied and defined to be promising. This review focuses on several antitumor TCMs, especially those with clinical efficacy, based on their effects on the apoptotic signaling pathway. The problems with and prospects of development of TCMs as anticancer agents are also presented.Keywords: traditional Chinese medicine, antitumor effects, apoptotic pathway