N-Type Small Molecule Electron Transport Layers with Excellent Surface Energy and Moisture Resistance Siloxane for Non-Fullerene Organic Solar Cells

Electron transport layers (ETLs) generally contain polar groups for enhancing performance and reducing the work function. Nevertheless, the polar group with high surface energy may cause inferior interfacial compatibility, which challenges the ETLs to balance stability and performance. Here, two conjugated small molecules of ETLs with low surface energy siloxane, namely PDI-Si and PDIN-Si, are synthesized. The siloxane with low surface energy not only enhances the interfacial compatibility between ETLs and active layers but also improves the moisture-proof stability of the device. Impressively, the amine-functionalized PDIN-Si can simultaneously exhibit conspicuous n-type self-doping properties and outstanding moisture-proof stability. The optimization of interfacial contact and morphology enables the PM6:Y6-based OSC with PDIN-Si to achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.87%, which is slightly superior to that of classical ETL PDINO devices (15.27%), and when the PDIN-Si film thickness reaches 28 nm, the PCE remains at 13.19% (≈83%), which indicates that PDIN-Si has satisfactory thickness insensitivity to facilitate roll-to-roll processing. Excitingly, after 120 h of storage in an environment with humidity above 45%, the unencapsulated device with PDIN-Si as ETL remains at 75% of the initial PCE value, while the device with PDINO as ETL is only 50%.

Doping of ZnO Electron Transport Layer with Organic Dye Molecules to Enhance Efficiency and Photo-Stability of the Non-Fullerene Organic Solar Cells

The solution-processed zinc oxide (ZnO) electron transport layer (ETL) always exhibits ubiquitous defects, and its photocatalytic activity is detrimental for the organic solar cell (OSC) to achieve high efficiency and stability. Herein, an organic dye molecule, PDINN-S is introduced, to dope ZnO, constructing a hybrid ZnO:PDINN-S ETL. This hybrid ETL exhibits improved electron mobility and conductivity, particularly post-light exposure. The catalytic activity of ZnO is also effectively suppressed.Consequently, the efficiency and photo-stability of inverted non-fullerene OSCs are synergistically enhanced. The devices based on PM6:Y6/PM6:BTP-eC9 active layer with ZnO:PDINN-S as ETL give impressive power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 16.78%/17.59%, significantly higher than those with pure ZnO as ETL (PCEs = 15.31%/16.04%). Moreover, ZnO:PDINN-S-based device shows exceptional long-term stability under continuous AM 1.5G illumination (T80 = 1130 h) , overwhelming the reference device (T80 = 455 h). In addition, Incorporating PDINN-S into ZnO alleviate mechanical stress within the inorganic lattice, making ZnO:PDINN-S ETL more suitable for the fabrication of flexible devices. Overall, doping ZnO with organic dye molecules offers an innovative strategy for developing multifunctional and efficient hybrid ETL of the non-fullerene OSCs with excellent efficiency and photo-stability.

Decline in Cancer Diagnoses during the 'Zero COVID' Policy in Hong Kong: Indirect Spillover Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

AIMS

Despite a largely successful 'zero COVID' policy in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine cancer services in the city of Hong Kong. The aims of this study were to examine the trends in cancer incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and estimate missed cancer diagnoses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used population-based data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry 1983-2020 to examine the trends of age- and sex-standardised cancer incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied: (i) the annual average percentage change (AAPC) calculated using the Joinpoint regression model and (ii) the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to forecast cancer incidence rates in 2020. Missed cancer diagnoses in 2020 were estimated by comparing forecasted incidence rates to reported rates. A subgroup analysis was conducted by sex, age and cancer site.

RESULTS

The cancer incidence in Hong Kong declined by 4.4% from 2019 to 2020 (male 8.1%; female 1.1%) compared with the long-term AAPC of 0.5% from 2005 to 2019 (95% confidence interval 0.3, 0.7). The gap between the reported and forecasted incidence for 2020 ranged from 5.1 to 5.7% (male 8.5%, 9.8%; female 2.3%, 3.5%). We estimated 1525-1596 missed cancer diagnoses (ARIMA estimate -98, 3148; AAPC 514, 1729) in 2020. Most missed diagnoses were in males (ARIMA 1361 [327, 2394]; AAPC 1401 [1353, 1460]), with an estimated 479-557 missed cases of colorectal cancer (ARIMA 112, 837; AAPC 518, 597) and 256-352 missed cases of prostate cancer (AAPC 231, 280; ARIMA 110, 594).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of new cancer diagnoses declined in 2020 contrary to the long-term increase over the previous decades. Significantly lower diagnoses than expected were observed in males, particularly for colorectal and prostate cancers. Fewer reported cancer cases indicate missed diagnoses and could lead to delayed treatment that could impact future health outcomes.

Recent Advances of Benzodithiophene-Based Donor Materials for Organic Solar Cells

Recently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) has increased dramatically, making a big step toward the industrial application of OSCs. Among numerous OSCs, benzodithiophene (BDT)-based OSCs stand out in achieving efficient PCE. Notably, single-junction OSCs using BDT-based polymers as donor materials have completed a PCE of over 19%, indicating a dramatic potential for preparing high-performance large-scale OSCs. This paper reviews the recent progress of OSCs based on BDT polymer donor materials (PDMs). The development of BDT-based OSCs is concisely summarized. Meanwhile, the relationship between the structure of PDMs and the performance of OSCs is further described in this review. Besides, the development and prospect of single junction OSCs are also discussed.

A170 ADVERSE EVENTS & SEROLOGICAL RESPONSES FOLLOWING SARS-COV-2 VACCINATION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Background

The rapid development and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has raised concerns surrounding vaccine safety in immunocompromised populations, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Purpose

We described adverse events (AEs) following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in those with IBD and determined relationships between AEs to post-vaccination antibody titres.

Method

Individuals with IBD from a prospective cohort in Calgary, Canada (n=670) who received a 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and/or 4^th dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and/or AstraZeneca) were interviewed via telephone for AEs using the Adverse Events Following Immunization form. Subsequently, we assessed injection site reaction as a specific AE outcome. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody (anti-S) levels within 1–12 weeks of vaccination and injection site reaction following 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dose vaccination. Models were adjusted for age, sex, IBD type, IBD medications, vaccine type, and prior COVID-19 infection. Additionally, we evaluated the risk of flare of IBD within 30 days of vaccination via chart review.

Result(s)

Table 1 describes AEs in individuals with IBD following 1^st dose (n=331), 2^nd dose (n=331), 3^rd dose (n=195), and 4^th dose (n=100) of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. AEs were reported in 83.3% of participants after 1^st dose, 79.1% after 2^nd dose, 77.4% after 3^rd dose, and 67.0% after 4^th dose. Injection site reaction (pain, redness, etc.) was the most common AE (50.8% of AEs), with fatigue and malaise (18.1%), headache and migraine (8.6%), musculoskeletal discomfort (8.2%), and fever and chills (6.5%) also commonly reported. Multivariable logistic regression determined no associations between anti-S concentration and injection site reaction for all doses. Age above 65 years was associated with decreased injection site reaction following 1^st and 3^rd doses, while female sex and mRNA vaccine type were associated with increased injection site reaction following 1^st and 2^nd doses. Prior COVID-19 infection, IBD type, and medication class were not associated with injection site reaction with any dose. Only one participant was diagnosed with a severe AE requiring hospitalization: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following 2^nd dose of a Pfizer vaccination. No cases of IBD flare occurred within 30 days of vaccination.

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Conclusion(s)

AEs following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are generally mild and become less common with each consecutive dose. Antibody levels following each dose of the vaccine were not associated with injection site reactions. Females, those under 65 years of age, and those administered mRNA vaccines were more likely to experience an injection site reaction. Prior COVID-19 infection, IBD type, and IBD medication class did not predict injection site reactions. Vaccination was not associated with IBD flare within 30 days of vaccination.

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Disclosure of Interest

A. Markovinovic: None Declared, M. Herauf: None Declared, J. Quan: None Declared, L. Hracs: None Declared, J. Windsor: None Declared, N. Sharifi: None Declared, S. Coward: None Declared, L. Caplan: None Declared, J. Gorospe: None Declared, C. Ma Grant / Research support from: Ferring, Pfizer, , Consultant of: AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Ferring, Pfizer, Takeda, , Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Ferring, Pfizer, Takeda, R. Panaccione Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Ferring, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Consultant of: Abbott, AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Arena, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Cosmos Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, Elan, Eli Lilly, Ferring, Galapagos, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Merck, Mylan, Oppilan Pharma, Pandion Therapeutics, Pandion Pharma, Pfizer, Progenity, Protagonist, Roche, Sandoz, Satisfai Health, Schering-Plough, Shire, Sublimity Therapeutics, Takeda, Theravance, UCB, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Arena, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Ferring, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Shire, Takeda, R. Ingram: None Declared, J. Kanji: None Declared, G. Tipples: None Declared, J. Holodinsky: None Declared, C. Berstein Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, D. Mahoney: None Declared, S. Bernatsky: None Declared, E. Benchimol: None Declared, G. Kaplan Grant / Research support from: Ferring, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer

A193 DEMOGRAPHIC, SOCIAL AND OCCUPATIONAL FACTORS THAT PREVENTED EXPOSURE TO SARS-COV-2 IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a rapidly evolving public health emergency in which mundane behaviors such as grocery shopping or restaurant dining are considered high-risk for some, such as persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are often immunodeficient due to medications. Research on the behavioral exposures experienced by populations with IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking.

Purpose

We aim to better understand how the behaviors of persons with IBD are associated with COVID-19 diagnoses.

Method

We conducted a prospective serosurveillance cohort study in Calgary to assess exposure to SARS-CoV-2 from Nov. 1, 2020 to Aug. 8, 2022 in 485 individuals with IBD. A diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was defined as a molecular-confirmed PCR test, a self-report home antigen test, or a positive nucleocapsid antibody level. Participants completed a self-report electronic questionnaire on social and occupational risk activities stratified across two time periods: Jan. 2020 to Mar. 2020 (before lockdown) and post-Jun. 2020 (post lockdown). Univariate analyses (χ² and Fischer’s exact if n≤5) were performed on social activities that occurred following the lockdown among those with IBD who were and were not diagnosed with COVID-19. Occupational exposures were compared across essential workers (EW) (i.e., frontline workers at high risk of COVID) and non-EWs.

Result(s)

Overall, 37.5% (n=182) of our cohort was diagnosed with COVID-19. Seniors were less likely to be infected with COVID-19 (22.7%) compared to those under the age of 65 (40.8%) (p=0.002). A greater proportion of females (42.6 %) compared to males (32.5%) were COVID positive (p=0.02). Those with Crohn’s disease (38.3%) were as likely to test positive for COVID-19 as those with ulcerative colitis (36%) (p=0.65). COVID positive patients were less likely to have 4 vaccine doses (28.5%) compared to those who tested negative (71.5%) (p=0.4).

Statistically significant decreases (p<0.001) in engagement post-Jun. 2020 were observed for: bar use (11.6% to 2.1%), visiting a friend (44.5% to 15.2%), having visitors over (38.7% to 12.1%), restaurant dining (38% to 9%), indoor fitness (31.9% to 8.4%), and transit use (11% to 1.3%). There was an increase in regular use of outdoor fitness (31.9% to 67.1%, p<0.003).

Persons with IBD who tested positive for COVID-19 were more likely to regularly dine in a restaurant (16.8% vs. 4.7% for COVID negative, p<0.001), engage in indoor fitness activities (14% vs. 5.1%, p<0.001), and travel outside Calgary (21% vs. 11.2%, p=0.004) post-lockdown.

Post-lockdown, a greater proportion of EW were COVID positive (50.4%) compared to non-EW (38.6%) (p=0.04).

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Conclusion(s)

Over a two-year period, two-thirds of our cohort did not test positive for COVID-19. Those with IBD who avoided COVID tended to be older, male, have 4 doses of vaccine, and reduce their risk of exposure through social and occupational modifications, perhaps in response to public health guidance.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

A195 DURABILITY OF SEROLOGICAL RESPONSES AFTER SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH DOSE OF SARS-COV-2 VACCINATION IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background

Adequate serological responses following two-dose regimens and additional doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been demonstrated for the vast majority of those with IBD. However, antibody levels following 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may decrease over time in the IBD population.

Purpose

We assessed the durability of serological responses to 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination over time in a cohort of IBD patients.

Method

Adults with IBD who received at least one dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (n=559) were evaluated for serological response to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using the Abbott IgG II Quant assay with a seroconversion threshold of ≥ 50 AU/mL. The geometric mean titer (GMT) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and stratified by weeks (1–8, 8–16, 16–24, 24+ weeks) after each vaccine dose. We compared stratified GMTs with Mann–Whitney U tests using a significance level of 0.05.

Result(s)

Our cohort (n=559) comprised the following patient characteristics: 82.8% were 18–65 years-old (n = 463), 53.1% were female (n =297), and 71.6% had Crohn’s disease (n =400). IBD medications were classified in the following mutually exclusive groups: No immunosuppressives 10.5% (n = 59), anti-TNF monotherapy 35.8% (n = 200), immunomodulatory monotherapy 2.1% (n =12 ), vedolizumab 11.8% (n =66 ), ustekinumab 20.4% (n =114 ), tofacitinib 1.2% (n =7 ), combination therapy 15.9% (n = 89), and prednisone 2.1% (n =12). For vaccine type, 85.6% and 82.3% had Pfizer for 3^rd and 4^th dose, respectively, while the remainder had Moderna. Seroconversion rates 1–8 weeks after 3^rd and 4^th dose were both 99.9%.

Figure 1 compares GMTs with 95% CI by weeks after each vaccine dose. GMTs are highest 1–8 weeks after 2^nd dose (4053 AU/mL; 95% CI: 3468, 4737 AU/mL; n=337), 3^rd dose (12116 AU/mL; 10413, 14098 AU/mL; n=256), and 4^th dose (14337 AU/mL; 10429, 19710 AU/mL; n=67). Subsequently, antibody levels decay from 1–8 weeks to 8–16 weeks (p<0.001) for 2^nd dose (mean difference: –2224 AU/mL), 3^rd dose (mean difference: –7526 AU/mL), and 4^th dose (mean difference: –9715 AU/mL). Compared to 16–24 weeks after 2^nd dose, antibody levels 24+ weeks after were similar (GMTs: 795 AU/mL vs. 1043 AU/mL, p=0.52). For third dose, antibody levels 8–16 weeks and 16–24 weeks after vaccination were similar (4590 AU/mL vs. 4073 AU/mL, p=0.73) along with 16–24 weeks compared to 24+ weeks after vaccination (4073 AU/mL vs. 5876 AU/mL, p=0.18).

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Conclusion(s)

Within 1–8 weeks after each dose of vaccine, serological responses spikes with each subsequent dose yielding a higher GMT. While antibody levels decay 8–16 weeks after each dose, similar GMT levels beyond 16 weeks may indicate durability of antibody levels over a longer duration of time.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Small-Molecule Electron Transport Layer with Siloxane-Functionalized Side Chains for Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells

Active layer materials with silicone side chains have been broadly reported to have excellent long-term stability in harsh environments. However, the application of conjugated materials with silicone side chains in electron transport layers (ETLs) has rarely been reported. In this research, we synthesized for the first time a siloxane-modified perylene-diimide derivative (PDI-OSi) consisting of a side-chain substituent of siloxane and a conjugated group of perylene-diimide (PDI). The inserted siloxane functional groups not only can strengthen the light transmittance of PDI-OSi but also can remarkably expand its solubility and improve the film-forming ability and air stability of the material. Second, introducing siloxane-containing side chains can dramatically lower the work function and interfacial barrier of the electrode, thereby achieving a favorable ohmic contact. In addition, the moderate surface energy of siloxane functional groups makes PDI-OSi hydrophobic, which is conducive to forming excellent miscibility with hydrophobic active layers to promote charge transfer. When PDI-OSi is used as an ETL in organic solar cells (OSCs), operative exciton dissociation and more favorable surface morphology enable OSCs to realize a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.99%. These results indicate that side-chain engineering with siloxane pendants is a facile strategy for constructing efficient OSCs.

A large-scale genome-wide association analysis reveals QTL and candidate genes for intramuscular fat content in Duroc pigs

This study aimed at identifying genomic regions and genes associated with intramuscular fat content (IMF) in Duroc pigs using a weighted single-step GWAS. Data from 3912 pigs, of which 3770 animals were genotyped with GeneSeek Porcine 50K Bead chip, were used for the association analysis. We identified 19 genomic regions that each explained >1% of the additive genetic variance associated with IMF. Notably, a consistent QTL on SSC7 (117.42-117.92 Mb) was confirmed, explaining 3.70% of the additive genetic variance, and two genes, BDKRB2 and ATG2B, were highlighted as promising candidates for IMF. Two QTL (SSC7, 94.19-94.64 Mb; SSC14, 123.25-123.75 Mb), which harbored MED6 and MAP3K9 genes and TCF7L2 gene respectively, were newly identified as associated with IMF. In conclusion, we identified a consistent QTL and additional genomic regions and genes that contributed to the genetic variance of IMF using a large-scale sample size of genotyped pigs and genealogical information.

A246 THE GLOBAL INCIDENCE OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS IS INCREASING OVER TIME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Historically, acute pancreatitis has been considered a disease with multiple etiologies and risk factors but is driven by alcohol and biliary disease. Multiple studies have shown that the incidence of acute pancreatitis is increasing globally among both adults and children.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess temporal trends in incidence of acute pancreatitis globally.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search to identify population-based studies reporting the annual incidence of acute pancreatitis. Abstracts were independently assessed in duplicate to identify applicable papers for full-text review and data extraction. Joinpoint temporal trend analyses were performed to calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The AAPCs were pooled in a meta-analysis to capture the overall and regional trends in acute pancreatitis incidence over time. Temporal data were summarized in a static map and an interactive, web-based map to illustrate global differences.

Results

Forty-five studies reported the temporal incidence of acute pancreatitis (static map provided, online interactive map: https://kaplan-acute-pancreatitis-ucalgary.hub.arcgis.com/). The incidence of acute pancreatitis has increased from 1961 to 2016 (AAPC = 2.89%; 95% CI: 2.26, 3.52; n=41). Increasing incidence was observed in North America (AAPC = 2.71%; 95% CI: 1.93, 3.50; n=10) and Europe (AAPC = 2.79%; 95% CI: 1.95, 3.63; n=24). The incidence of acute pancreatitis was stable in Asia (AAPC = −0.28%; 95% CI: −5.03, 4.47; n=2).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the global incidence of acute pancreatitis over the last five decades and demonstrates a steadily rising incidence over time in most countries of the Western world. More studies are needed to better define the changing incidence of acute pancreatitis in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Funding Agencies

None

Protective effect of sonic hedgehog signaling pathway activation on acute myocardial infarction

To study changes in the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the protective effect of changes in Shh signaling pathway activity on AMI, specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6 mice were treated with left anterior descending (LAD) ligation to establish an AMI model. The samples were collected on the 1st, 3rd, 14th, and 21st days after AMI induction. After the operations, the mice were administered the Shh signaling pathway receptor agonist SAG1.3 (5 mg/kg/d) and antagonist SANT-1 (3.3 mg/kg/d) by intraperitoneal injection. The myocardial ischemia model was established by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro. The AMI mouse model and the in vitro OGD-induced myocardial ischemia model were established. The Smo agonist SAG1.3 was used to activate the Shh signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. The number of apoptotic cells was reduced. Administration of the antagonist SANT-1 inhibited Shh signaling pathway activity by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, and the number of apoptotic cells increased. In conclusion, activation of the Shh signaling pathway improved cardiac functions and myocardial remodeling and reduced the apoptosis of myocardial cells.

[Construction and evaluation of a novel diagnosis pathway for 2019-Corona Virus Disease]

Objective: To construct and evaluate a diagnosis pathway (Xiangya pathway) for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Consecutive subjects aged ≥12 years old who were screened for COVID-19 were included in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 23 to February 3, 2020, and the subjects were further divided into the inception cohort and the validation cohort. The gender, age, onset time of disease of the subjects were recorded. The information of epidemiological history, fever, and the declined blood lymphocytes were collected as clinical indicators, CT scan was used to evaluate the possibility of COVID-19 and range of lung involvement. According to the current Chinese national standards, throat swabs of suspected cases were collected and the nucleic acid of COVID-19 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The Xiangya pathway was constructed with multi-indexes, compared with clinical indicators, CT results and Chinese national standards, their effectiveness of detecting confirmed cases were verified in the inception and validation cohort. Results: A total of 382 consecutive adults who was screened for COVID-19 were included, and 261 cases were in the inception cohort and 121 cases were in the validation cohort. Among the 382 cases, 192 were males (50.3%) and 190 were females (49.7%), with a median age of 35 years (range: 15-92 years). There were 183 cases (47.9%) with epidemiological history, 275 cases (72.0%) with fever, 212 cases (55.5%) with decreased peripheral blood lymphocytes, 114 cases (29.8%) with positive CT findings, 43 cases (11.3%) with positive CT-COVID-19, and 30 cases (7.9%) with positive virus nucleic acid by throat swab. Compared with clinical indicators, the sensitivity and specificity of CT were 0.950 and 0.704, respectively. The accuracy of CT to make a definite diagnosis was higher than that of epidemiological history, fever, and declined blood lymphocyte count (0.809 vs 0.660, 0.532, 0.596, P=0.001, 0.002, 0.003, respectively). The sensitivity of this pathway and the pathway recommended by the Health Commission of China were both high (all were 1.000), while the specificity and accuracy of the Xiangya pathway were higher than the one recommended by the Health Commission (0.872 vs 0.765, 0.778 vs 0.592, both P<0.001). The CT-COVID-19 reduced the missed diagnosis rate caused by false negative of nucleic acid test (31 vs 64), with difference rate of 51.6%, and the positive rate of nucleic acid test was 64.5% (20/31). In validation cohort, the specificity and accuracy of the Xiangya pathway was 0.967, the positive rate of nucleic acid test was 76.9%(10/13). Conclusions: The Xiangya pathway can predict the nucleic acid test results of COVID-19, and can be applied as a reliable strategy to screen patients with suspected COVID-19 among people aged ≥12 years in areas other than Hubei during the epidemic period of COVID-19. The cohort size needs to be increased for further validation.

A28 RELATIVE RATES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS TO CROHN’S DISEASE: PARALLEL EPIDEMIOLOGIES IN NEWLY VS. HIGHLY INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) first presents in a population as cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) followed by cases of Crohn’s disease (CD). Newly industrialized countries (NIC) show a prallel epidemiology of IBD to highly industrialized countries (HIC) in the previous century; one marker of this is the relative incidence/prevalence rates of UC to CD, which approximates 1 over time.

Aims

Provide evidence for the UC:CD ratio as a proxy for disease penatrance in a population.

Methods

Systematic review of MedLine and Embase for studies reporting incidence or prevalence of UC and CD. Log-linear regression (by region and NIC/HIC [2019 United Nations definitions]) was used to calculate average annual percent change (AAPC) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Data were plotted on an online, interactive map to show trends (link provided).

Results

We extracted data from 218 studies compising population-level data from 69 countries. We found negative AAPCs as the prevalence ratio of UC:CD significantly decreased over time in East Asia, West Asia, North Europe, and South Europe; 6/12 global regions displayed significantly decreasing incidence ratios. No AAPC was found to be significantly increasing (Table 1). When examing HIC/NIC, we found a significant effect of NIC on the UC:CD prevalence ratio after 2000 (AAPC:−3.83;95%CI:−6.28,−1.31) while HIC regions remained stable (AAPC:2.14;95%CI:−1.40,5.82). Looking at all available data, both HICs and NICs show significantly decreasing UC:CD prevalence ratios (HIC:AAPC:−3.72;95% CI:−4.46,−2.97; NIC:AAPC:−2.62;95%CI:−4.13,−1.08).

Conclusions

In some HICs (eg. Canada), the UC:CD incidence ratio was &lt;1 in the earliest available data (1966), explaining the stable AAPC in North America (AAPC:−0.24;95%CI:−1.12,0.65). However, in NICs (eg. Southern Asia), the AAPC is rapidly decreasing (AAPC:−24.68;95%CI:−37.85,−8.71) as areas like Sri Lanka rapidly fall from an incidence ratio of 7.5 (2007) to 2.8 (2012), mimicking trends in IBD epidimeology of HICs in the previous century.

Funding Agencies

None

miR-142-3p Inhibits the Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating HMGB1 Gene Expression

BACKGROUND

Non-coding small RNAs are involved in organism development, and their aberrant regulation induces various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their exact mechanisms have not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the role of miR-142-3p on HMGB1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Expression levels of miR-142-3p in HCC tissues and cultured cells were measured by RT-PCR. The invasion and metastasis abilities of HepG2 cells according to Transwell migration and invasion assays, and protein expression was measured by western blotting.

RESULTS

The present study reported that miR-142-3p promotes the invasion and migration of HCC cells. miR-142-3p levels are lower in HCC tissues than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues, suggesting a tumor suppressor role for miR-142-3p. Highmobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is an oncogene that promotes the metastasis of HCC. miR-142-3p or HMGB1 knockdown alone inhibits the invasion and migration of HCC cells, and HMGB1 overexpression impedes the effect of miR-142-3p. Further studies showed that HMGB1 is a direct target gene of miR-142-3p in HCC. miR-142-3p represses HMGB1 gene transcription by directly binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of HMGB1, thereby inhibiting cancer cell invasion and migration.

CONCLUSION

This study, for the first time, reports that miR-142-3p is a novel tumor suppressor that inhibits the invasion and migration of HCC cells by directly regulating gene transcription of HMGB1. Thus, miR-142-3p may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for HCC patients.

The potential markers of endocrine resistance among HR+ /HER2+ breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Breast cancer with positive hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is a special subgroup with different clinical features and survival, especially the endocrine therapy resistance. The main purpose of the study is to find the potential markers to predict the survival and endocrine therapy resistance of patients with HR+ /HER2+ breast cancer.

METHODS

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to collect patients' clinical information and tumor features including age, tumor size, grade, stage and long-term survival; the BioPortal for Cancer Genomics (https://cbioportal.org) was used to download the gene data for specific patient group; cluster analyses of gene expression were conducted through the DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.8 software.

RESULTS

All of the included patients were diagnosed as HR positive breast cancer, but the PR positive rates were more common in HER2- group and also the ER+ /PR+ disease. Patients in HR+ /HER2+ group were more likely to present as stage III-IV and grade III disease. Among HR+ /HER2+ patients, 68.6% received chemotherapy, while only 28.9% in HR+ /HER2- group received chemotherapy (P < 0.0001). The survival of HR+ /HER2+ group was poorer. From TCGA database, series genes which were differed between HR+ /HER2+ and HR+ /HER2- were screened out that related to ERBB2 closely: IKZF3, LASP1, CDK12, MLLT6, and RARA. The first three candidate genes were associated with patients' survival, especially in patients who received hormone therapies.

CONCLUSION

This study analyzed the clinical characteristics and survival of patients with HR+/HER2+ breast cancer as a special subgroup. ERBB2, IKZF3, LASP1, and CDK12 were the potential markers of the resistance of endocrine therapy, and they will provide new strategies for clinicians.

ICOS/ICOSL upregulation mediates inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

ICOS/ICOSL plays a crucial part in various disease-mediated immune responses. However, the exact role of ICOS/ICOSL in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the role of ICOS/ICOSL in the pathogenesis of T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes (CD3) and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with high-glucose (HG) or advanced glycation end products (AGEs). A portion of CD3 cells was co-cultured with HUVECs and treated with different mediums or anti-ICOS mAbs. The ICOS/ICOSL and caspase-3 protein expression was measured by Western blotting. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), and NOx production assays were respectively used to detect cytokines level, cell viability and the production of NOx.

RESULTS

HG and AGEs significantly upregulated ICOS/ICOSL expressions in T cells and HUVECs. T cell contact with HUVECs secreted more IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 compared to non-contact cells, while cytokines from IL-6-, IL-1β-, and CM- (the conditioned medium) treated cells did not differ from the control. A significant increase of IL-8 and IL-6 was found in HUVECs under both contact and non-contact conditions vs. control cells. Similar results were also observed in the comparison between CM1- (T cell condition medium) or CM2- (co-culture condition medium) treated cells and control cells. However, CM1 and CM2 treatment significantly inhibited cell viability and increased caspase-3 and NOx production; blocking ICOS/ICOSL remarkably decreased cytokines secretion, enhanced cell viability and reduced caspase-3 and NOx production.

CONCLUSIONS

HG and AGEs cause T cell inflammatory response and vascular endothelial dysfunction by upregulating ICOS/ICOSL, which may be one of the possible mechanisms of cardiovascular complications development in T2DM patients.

mcr-1 facilitated selection of high-level colistin-resistant mutants in Escherichia coli

OBJECTIVES

The mcr-1 gene is the first reported plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene. It has caused worldwide concern about the colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this research was to study the impact of mcr-1 on the selection of high-level colistin resistance (HLCR) mutations in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

METHODS

We detected the HLCR mutation rates of Enterobacteriaceae strains (K. pneumoniae XH209, KP10, and E. coli Q3, ATCC 25922) and their transformants harbouring the mcr-1 gene. Further analysis of the HLCR mutants was conducted by sequencing, plasmid elimination experiment, and real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

For XH209, mean mutation rate of XH209-pMCR was 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-2.54) × 10^-8, while XH209 and XH209-pCR2.1 showed mutation rates of 2.0 (95% CI, 1.32-2.67) × 10^-8 and 2.3 (95% CI 1.47-3.13) × 10^-8. For KP10 and its derived strains KP10-pCR2.1, KP10-pMCR, the mutation rates were 3.5 (95% CI 0.77-6.13) × 10^-8, 4.8 (95% CI 0.69-8.94) × 10^-8 and 4.2 (95% CI 0.95-7.54) × 10^-8 respectively. The mutation rates of E. coli strains Q3-pMCR and ATCC25922-pMCR were 3.4 (95% CI 0.19-7.47) × 10^-8 and 1.54 (95% CI 0.27-2.8) × 10^-9, which were significantly higher than their corresponding non-mcr-1-carrying strains (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Beside the knowledge that mcr-1 mediates low-level colistin resistance, this gene also facilitates selection of HLCR mutants in E. coli, but does not affect K. pneumoniae.

Diabetes incidence and prevalence in Hong Kong, China during 2006-2014

AIMS

To estimate recent secular changes in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes among Hong Kong Chinese adults, and thus show possible future trends for developing mainland China.

METHODS

Based on a complete census of the public sector health records of 6.4 million people from 2006 to 2014, diabetes cases were ascertained using different methods including the World Health Organization (WHO) 2011 guidelines (HbA_1c , fasting plasma glucose and glucose tolerance test), American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2015 guidelines (plus random plasma glucose), and additionally recorded diagnosis codes and medication dispensation. Pre-diabetes was defined using ADA 2015 guidelines.

RESULTS

We identified 697 201 people with diabetes (54.2% were incident cases); and 1 229 731 people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. In 2014, the overall incidence of diabetes was 9.46 per 1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.38 to 9.54], and overall prevalence was 10.29% (95% CI: 10.27% to 10.32%). Incidence of diabetes decreased significantly from 2007 to 2014 (quadratic trend, P < 0.001). From 2006 to 2014, the prevalence of diabetes increased significantly in both sexes and across all age groups (quadratic trend, P < 0.001). The overall incidence of pre-diabetes in 2014 was 18.88 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 18.76 to 18.99), and the overall prevalence of pre-diabetes was 8.90% (95% CI: 8.87% to 8.92%).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to other developed western and Asian populations, diabetes (and pre-diabetes) incidence in Hong Kong Chinese appeared to have stabilized and there have been small declines during the period of observation. Ageing and survivorship will likely drive a continued increase in the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes, albeit with a decelerating growth rate if past trends persist.