Improving chilling tolerance of peanut seedlings by enhancing antioxidant-modulated ROS scavenging ability, alleviating photosynthetic inhibition, and mobilizing nutrient absorption

Peanut production is threatened by climate change. Damage to seedlings from low temperatures in early spring can limit yield. Plant adaptations to chilling stress remain unclear in peanut seedlings. It is essential to understand how peanut acquires chilling tolerance. We evaluated effects of chilling stress on growth and recovery of peanut seedlings. We compared and analysed biological characteristics, antioxidants, photosynthesis, biochemical and physiological responses, and nutrient absorption at varying levels of chilling. Compared with chilling-sensitive FH18, the reduced impact of chilling stress on chilling-tolerant NH5 was associated with reduced ROS accumulation, higher ascorbate peroxidase activity and soluble sugar content, lower soluble protein content, and smaller reductions in nutrient content during stress. After removal of chilling stress, FH18 had significant accumulation of O2 •- and H2O2, which decreased photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and transport. ROS-scavenging reduced damage from chilling stress, allowed remobilization of nutrients, improved chilling tolerance, and restored plant functioning after chilling stress removal. These findings provide a reference for targeted research on peanut seedling tolerance to chilling and lay the foundation for bioinformatics-based research on peanut chilling tolerance mechanisms.

Survival assessment of nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy in children with unilateral Wilms tumor receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of unilateral Wilms tumor (WT) in children is controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the survival and prognosis of radical nephrectomy (RN) and nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in children with unilateral WT receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on pediatric patients with WT were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing the choice of surgical strategy. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess factors associated with overall survival.

RESULTS

We included 1,825 patients with unilateral WT (<14 years) who received adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Between 2000 and 2019, the percentage of patients treated with NSS increased from 4% in 2000 to 8% in 2019. There was no significant difference in 10-year overall survival between the two surgical strategies [NSS vs. RN, 93.26% (95% CI, 86.88%-100%) vs. 92.17% (95% CI, 90.75%-93.61%), p=0.98]. Patients with unilateral WTs ≤4 cm were more likely to be treated with NSS. There was no survival benefit for patients treated with RN compared with that for those treated with NSS (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.29-1.86; p=0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of NSS in children with unilateral WT has increased over the last two decades. Tumor size is an important influencing factor for the surgical application of NSS. Patients who underwent NSS had an equivalent OS compared with the overall group of patients with unilateral tumors who received RN.

[The clinical application value of brain 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnostics of Parkinsonian syndromes]

Objective: To analyze the PET/CT imaging features of fluoride 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in patients with various types of Parkinson's syndrome (PS), and to establish a "diagnostic tree" model of 18F-FDG PET/CT for PS. Methods: Data of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), patients with multiple system atrophy cerebellar type (MSA-C), and patients with multiple system atrophy Parkinson's type (MSA-P)admitted to the Neurology Department of Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University from January 2019 to December 2021. 18F-FDG PET/CT examination was conducted in all patients. Clinical and follow-up data was collected to determine clinical diagnosis. The specific patterns of brain glucose metabolism in patients with various types of Parkinsonism were observed and their utility in the differential diagnosis of the disease was analyzed. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging"diagnostic tree"model was established and its value in the differential diagnosis of Parkinsonism was verified. Results: A total of 320 patients, 187 males and 133 females, aged (62±9) years, were enrolled in our study, including 80 PD, 90 PSP, 114 MSA-C and 36 MSA-P patients. The differential diagnostic features of cerebral glucose metabolism of Parkinsonism were as follows: the metabolism of putamen increased in PD patients, the metabolism of caudate nucleus, thalamus, midbrain, and frontal lobe decreased in PSP patients, the metabolism of cerebellum decreased in MSA-C patients, and the metabolism of putamen and cerebellum decreased in MSA-P patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the"diagnostic tree"model are 88.75% and 91.25% for PD diagnosis, 54.44% and 96.96% for PSP diagnosis, 87.72% and 86.41% for MSA-C diagnosis, and 55.56% and 91.55% for MSA-P diagnosis, respectively. It could correctly classify 75%(240/320) of patients. Conclusions: Characteristic metabolism patterns of brain in 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging is significant for the differential diagnosis of PD, PSP, MSA-C and MSA-P. The"diagnostic tree"model is valuable for clinical diagnosis.

Hsa_circ_0003928 regulates the progression of diabetic nephropathy through miR-136-5p/PAQR3 axis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the complications of diabetes and has a high mortality, but its specific pathogenesis is not clear. In recent years, researches on the mechanism of circRNAs in DN have been proved a lot, whereas the functional mechanism of circ_0003928 in DN remains open and it must be investigated to value its important role in DN prevention.

METHODS

HK-2 cells were treated with high glucose (HG), normal glucose (NG) or Mannitol. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were performed to detect cell proliferation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to analyze malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD) levels. Flow cytometry and western blot were preformed to measure cell apoptosis. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to test the levels of circ_0003928, miR-136-5p and progestin and adipoQ receptor family member 3 (PAQR3) mRNA. Western blot was executed to detect Bcl2 associated X (Bax), B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), smooth muscle (αSMA), apolipoprotein (C-IV) and PAQR3 levels. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to analyze the target relationship between miR-136-5p and circ_0003928 or PAQR3.

RESULTS

Circ_0003928 and PAQR3 expression were up-regulated, whereas miR-136-5p was decreased in DN serum and HG-induced HK-2 cells. Circ_0003928 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, and inhibit cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in HK-2 cells under HG condition. MiR-136-5p silencing overturned the protective effects of si-circ_0003928 on HG-induced HK-2 cells. MiR-136-5p was targeted by circ_0003928 and directly targeted PAQR3. Overexpression of PAQR3 counteracted the inhibitory functions of circ_0003928 knockdown or miR-136-5p overexpression on HG-induced HK-2 cell injury.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0003928 acted as a sponge of miR-136-5p to up-regulating PAQR3 expression, and then regulate the proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis in HG-induced HK-2 cells.

Effects of early cognitive rehabilitation training on cognitive function and quality of life in critically ill patients with cognitive impairment: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients often develop cognitive dysfunction during admission to the ICU and after being transferred out of the ICU, which leads to physical disorders, sleep disorders, and psychological stress.Cognitive rehabilitation training can significantly improve patients' planning, decision-making ability, and executive function.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of early cognitive rehabilitation training in improving cognitive impairment in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial conducted from January 2017 to June 2021. Critically ill patients with cognitive impairment admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Medicine of The Third Hospital of Mianyang were randomly divided into the control (n = 68) and intervention groups (n = 68). Cognitive rehabilitation training (including digital operating system training, music therapy, aerobic training, and mental health intervention) was applied to the patients in the intervention group for 6 months, while the control group did not receive any cognitive intervention. Before 3 and 6 months after enrolment, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Scale were used to evaluate cognitive function and quality of life, respectively, in both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 136 critical patients were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in sex, age, years of education, complications, intensive care unit hospitalisation time, mechanical ventilation time, or the total score of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale when transferred out of the intensive care unit in 24 hours between the two groups. Six months later, the results of the follow-up showed that the cognitive function score in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (26.69 ± 2.49 vs. 23.03 ± 3.79). The analysis of quality of life showed that the scores in all areas in the intervention group improved. There were significant differences in physical functioning (69.02 ± 8.14 vs. 63.38 ± 11.94), role physical (62.02 ± 12.18 vs. 58.09 ± 8.83), general health (46.00 ± 15.21 vs. 40.38 ± 13.77), vitality (61.00 ± 11.01 vs. 54.38 ± 13.80), social functioning (70.00 ± 10.29 vs. 64.41 ± 13.61), role emotional (78.00 ± 8.00 vs. 72.15 ± 12.18), and mental health (71.00 ± 12.33 vs. 55.37 ± 10.76) between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Early cognitive rehabilitation training can improve cognitive impairment in critically ill patients and their quality of life.

Transcranial Doppler versus CT angiography: a comparative analysis for the diagnosis of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease

AIMS

To compare the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and clinical usefulness of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound against computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the diagnosis of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

A total of 1,183 sites (vascular segments) of 169 patients who had been diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were evaluated by CTA and TCD for the diagnosis of the arterial lesions.

RESULTS

Lesions were identified in 509 sites and 674 sites did not have lesions according to the DSA examination. Each individual site had higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for TCD than those for CTA, respectively. For all sites, TCD had higher true-positive (p=0.0029) and -negative (p=0.0151) values and fewer false-positive and -negative (p<0.0001 for both) values than those of CTA. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CTA for all sites to detect lesions were 77%, 88%, and 84%, respectively. The same parameters for TCD were 94%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. The beneficial scores for CTA and TCD to detect lesions were 0-0.795 diagnostic confidence and 0-0.91 diagnostic confidence, respectively. Beneficial scores >0.795 and >0.91 indicated a risk of underdiagnosis of lesions at CTA and TCD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with DSA (reference standard) and CTA, the study underscores the use of TCD in cerebrovascular pathology.

ELOVL fatty acid elongase 7 (ELOVL7), upregulated by Mdr2-knockout, predicts advanced liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the correlations between gene alterations induced in Mdr2-knockout (Mdr2-/-) models and liver fibrosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The overlapping genes in Mdr2-/- models were determined and included in logistic regression analysis to identify potential candidates for predicting liver fibrosis. Correlations between the expression levels of the identified candidates and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were addressed. Functional enrichment of the identified candidates was also evaluated via bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two overlapping genes in the GSE4612, GSE8642 and GSE14539 datasets were identified. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that ELOVL fatty acid elongase 7 (ELOVL7) was significantly associated with liver fibrosis S ≥ 2 (OR = 11.8, 95% CI = 2.0 - 69.2, p = 0.006). ELOVL7 was significantly upregulated in patients with various types of liver injury including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and fatty liver diseases, and in multiple liver injury models, including bile duct ligation (BDL), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol injection-induced liver damage models (all p < 0.05). The ELOVL7 levels were significantly higher in HSCs than in other liver cells (all p < 0.05) and were significantly upregulated in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs (all p < 0.05). In addition, ELOVL7 expression was positively associated with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and bone morphogenic protein 9 (BMP9) expression and negatively associated with BMP7 expression. Bioinformatic analysis of functional enrichment indicated that ELOVL7 is mainly involved in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

ELOVL7 could accurately predict advanced liver fibrosis. It might be involved in the activation of HSCs and the TGFβ signaling pathway.

m2ABQ-a proposed refinement of the modified algorithm-based qualitative classification of osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Currently, there is no reproducible, widely accepted gold standard to classify osteoporotic vertebral body fractures (OVFs). The purpose of this study is to refine a method with clear rules to classify OVFs for machine learning purposes. The method was found to have moderate interobserver agreement that improved with training.

INTRODUCTION

The current methods to classify osteoporotic vertebral body fractures are considered ambiguous; there is no reproducible, accepted gold standard. The purpose of this study is to refine classification methodology by introducing clear, unambiguous rules and a refined flowchart to allow consistent classification of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures.

METHODS

We developed a set of rules and refinements that we called m2ABQ to classify vertebrae into five categories. A fracture-enriched database of thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs of patients 65 years of age and older was retrospectively obtained from clinical institutional radiology records using natural language processing. Five raters independently classified each vertebral body using the m2ABQ system. After each annotation round, consensus sessions that included all raters were held to discuss and finalize a consensus annotation for each vertebral body where individual raters' evaluations differed. This process led to further refinement and development of the rules.

RESULTS

Each annotation round showed increase in Fleiss kappa both for presence vs absence of fracture 0.62 (0.56-0.68) to 0.70 (0.65-0.75), as well as for the whole m2ABQ scale 0.29 (0.25-0.33) to 0.54 (0.51-0.58).

CONCLUSION

The m2ABQ system demonstrates moderate interobserver agreement and practical feasibility for classifying osteoporotic vertebral body fractures. Future studies to compare the method to existing studies are warranted, as well as further development of its use in machine learning purposes.

The role of neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer progression, metastasis and therapy

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released by activated neutrophils typically consist of DNA-histone complexes and granule proteins. NETs were originally identified as a host defense system against foreign pathogens and are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases. However, a novel and predominant role of NETs in cancer is emerging. Increasing evidence has confirmed that many stimuli can facilitate NET formation in an NADPH oxidase (NOX)-dependent/NOX-independent manner. In cancer, NETs have been linked to cancer progression, metastasis, and cancer-associated thrombosis. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current available knowledge regarding NET formation and focused on the role of NETs in cancer biological behaviors. The potential target for cancer therapy will be further discussed.

Parathyroid hormone-induced vascular smooth muscle cells calcification by endoplasmic reticulum stress

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in vascular calcification, which is associated with enhanced mortality in chronic kidney disease. To ascertain the concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) that induces apoptosis of VSMCs and to explore whether the mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in PTH-induced calcification of VSMCs. The appropriate concentration and intervention time of PTH-inducing apoptosis of VSMCs were screened by flow cytometry. To investigate the effects of PTH on ER stress-related and apoptotic proteins in VSMCs, they were divided into four groups. These were the control group, the PTH group, the siC/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) + PTH group (in which siCHOP was used to knockdown the expression of CHOP at first), and the sp600125 + PTH group (in which the cells were pretreated with sp600125 at a concentration of 10 ng/ml for 24 h at first). Then, all groups except the control group were given 1x10^-6 mol/L PTH to stimulate VSMCs. The changes in ER stress and apoptosis-related proteins in each group were detected, and the cell calcification was tested by Alizarin Red staining. Flow cytometry showed that the concentration of 1x10^-6 mol/L PTH induced apoptosis most significantly. The apoptosis rate of the cells increased with the extension of stimulation time. The apoptosis of VSMCs pretreated with the Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) antagonist sp600125 was significantly reduced. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, PERK, IRE1, and CHOP was detected by Western blot analysis when cells were stimulated with 10^-6 mol/L PTH for 14 days. After the knockdown of the CHOP expression by siCHOP, cleaved caspase-3 expression was significantly reduced. Alizarin Red staining showed siCHOP and sp600125 inhibits the VSMCs' calcification induced by PTH. In conclusion: the ER stress mechanism is involved in VSMCs' calcification induced by PTH.

[Lipoprotein apheresis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: a single center research]

Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of lipoprotein apheresis (LA) in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) who can't reach low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) target goals with the maximal tolerated dose of lipid-lowering agents. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Between February 2015 and November 2019, patients with FH who were admitted in Fuwai hospital and treated with LA were consecutively enrolled. Based on intensive lipid-lowering agents, these patients received LA by double filtration plasma pheresis (DFPP) method. The changes of lipid levels such as LDL-C and lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] were compared before and after LA treatment, and the changes of immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration and LA-related adverse effects were also discussed. Results: A total of 115 patients with FH were enrolled in this study, of which 8 cases were homozygous FH and 107 cases were heterozygous FH. The age was (43.9±12.2) years and there were 75 (65.2%) males, and 108 (93.8%) with coronary artery disease. For pre-and immediately after LA treatment, the LDL-C was (5.20±2.94) mmol/L vs. (1.83±1.08) mmol/L, Lp(a) concentration was 428.70(177.00, 829.50)mg/L vs. 148.90(75.90, 317.00) mg/L (P<0.001), with a decrease of 64.2% and 59.8% respectively. The levels of IgG and IgA measured 1 day after LA treatment were both in the normal range and IgM concentration was below the reference value, the reductions of which were 15.1%, 25.0% and 58.7% respectively (P<0.001). Six patients had mild symptoms of nausea, hypotension dyspnea and palpitation, the symptoms were relieved by symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: For patients with FH who do not achieve LDL-C target goal with the maximal tolerated lipid-lowering agents, especially those with elevated Lp(a) levels, LA, which can significantly further reduce LDL-C and Lp(a) levels, is an effective and safe option.

POS0287 A PHASE III, RANDOMISED, DOUBLE-BLIND, ACTIVE-CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL TO COMPARE BAT1806/BIIB800, A PROPOSED TOCILIZUMAB BIOSIMILAR, WITH TOCILIZUMAB REFERENCE PRODUCT IN SUBJECTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH AN INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE THERAPY

Background

BAT1806/BIIB800 is a proposed biosimilar to reference tocilizumab (TCZ). A Phase III randomised, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted as part of a biosimilar development programme.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and immunogenicity of BAT1806/BIIB800 in comparison with EU-sourced TCZ in subjects with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis with inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

The study was conducted at 55 centres in China and Europe, between June 2018 and January 2021. Eligible subjects were randomised in a 2:1:1 ratio to one of three treatment groups: (1) BAT1806/BIIB800 up to Week 48, (2) TCZ up to Week 48, or (3) TCZ up to Week 24, followed by BAT1806/BIIB800 from Week 24 to Week 48, administered intravenously every 4 weeks at a dose of 8mg/kg. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects achieving an ACR20 response at timepoints pre-specified to meet the requirements of different Regulatory Agencies: Week 12, for EMA; Week 24, for FDA and NMPA. Equivalence margins applied to differences in ACR20 response rates in the BAT1806/BIIB800 and TCZ treatment groups were pre-specified as follows: +/- 14.5% for EMA (95% confidence interval (CI)); -12.0%,15% for FDA (90% CI); +/- 13.6% for NMPA (95% CI). Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics, safety and immunogenicity.

The ICH E9(R1) estimands framework including intercurrent events (related or unrelated to the COVID19 pandemic) was implemented for the ACR20 evaluation. A logistic regression model including ‘region’ (China and Eastern Europe) and ‘previous biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD use’ (Yes/No) as captured in Interactive Web Response System as stratification factors was utilised to assess equivalence for the primary endpoint. The difference in response rates was estimated and corresponding confidence intervals were derived to assess equivalence for the primary endpoint. This abstract presents results up to Week 24.

Results

In total, 621 subjects were randomised to receive BAT1806/BIIB800 (N=312), TCZ (N=155), or TCZ followed by BAT1806/BIIB800 (N=154). The groups were comparable in terms of baseline demographics and disease characteristics, including age, gender, disease activity and disease duration. The estimated proportions of subjects achieving an ACR20 response in the BAT1806/BIIB800 vs. the TCZ groups, respectively, were 68.97% vs. 64.82% at Week 12 and 69.89% vs. 67.94% at Week 24. The estimated difference between ACR response rates was 4.15% (95% CI -3.63, 11.93) at week 12, and 1.94% (90% CI -4.04, 7.92; 95% CI -5.18, 9.07) at Week 24. The CIs for the estimated differences between the treatment groups were within the pre-defined equivalence margins (Figure 1). The treatment groups were comparable in terms of serum trough levels, incidence of TEAEs and ADA/NAb positivity (Table 1).

Table 1.

Safety and Immunogenicity up to Week 24, and Pharmacokinetics at Week 24

TCZ (N =309) n (%)BAT1806/BIIB800 (N=312) n (%)TEAE196 (63.4)201 (64.4)Related TEAE151 (48.9)148 (47.4)Serious TEAE13 (4.2)11 (3.5)Related Serious TEAE7 (2.3)2 (0.6)Fatal TEAE1 (0.3)3 (1.0)ADA positive a42 (13.6%)64 (20.5%)NAb positive a42 (13.6%)63 (20.2%)PK, n271276Serum trough level (ug/mL), mean (SD)15.4 (17.1)15.8 (12.3)Serum trough level (ug/mL), geometric mean (CV%)12.3 (140.3)12.9 (121.3)Below limit of quantification, n (%)43 (15.9)28 (10.1)

TEAE, treatment emergent adverse events

a subjects with ≥1 ADA/NAb positive results up to week 24

Conclusion

BAT1806/BIIB800 has demonstrated equivalent efficacy at Week 12 and Week 24 and a similar PK, safety and immunogenicity profile as reference tocilizumab up to Week 24.

Disclosure of Interests

Xiaomei Leng: None declared, Piotr Leszczynski: None declared, Sławomir Jeka: None declared, Shengyun Liu: None declared, Huaxiang Liu: None declared, Malgorzata Miakisz: None declared, Jieruo Gu: None declared, Lali Kilasonia Speakers bureau: Sandoz, Amgen, Takeda, Mykola Stanislavchuk Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Orion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Xiaolei Yang Shareholder of: Employee of the Bio-thera Solutions Ltd. with shares as a part of Stock incentive plan., Employee of: Employee of the Bio-thera Solutions Ltd., Yinbo Zhou Shareholder of: Employee of Bio-thera Solutions Ltd. with share as part of Stock incentive plan, Employee of: Employee of Bio-thera Solutions Ltd., Qingfeng Dong Shareholder of: Employee of Bio-thera Solutions Ltd. with shares as part of Stock incentive plan, Employee of: Employee of Bio-thera Solutions Ltd., Marian Mitroiu Shareholder of: Employee of Biogen and may hold stocks, Employee of: Employee of Biogen, Janet Addison Shareholder of: Employee of Biogen and holds stock in Biogen, Employee of: Employee of Biogen, Xiaofeng Zeng: None declared

Construction of multifunctional porcine acellular dermal matrix hydrogel blended with vancomycin for hemorrhage control, antibacterial action, and tissue repair in infected trauma wounds

Prevention of bacterial infection and reduction of hemorrhage, the primary challenges posed by trauma before hospitalization, are essential steps in prolonging the patient's life until they have been transported to a trauma center. Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel is a promising biocompatible material for accelerating wound closure. However, due to the lack of antibacterial properties, this hydrogel is difficult to be applied to acute contaminated wounds. This study formulates an injectable dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel (porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM)) as a scaffold for skin defect repair. The hydrogel combines vancomycin, an antimicrobial agent for inducing hemostasis, expediting antimicrobial activity, and promoting tissue repair. The hydrogel possesses a porous structure beneficial for the adsorption of vancomycin. The antimicrobial agent can be timely released from the hydrogel within an hour, which is less than the time taken by bacteria to infest an injury, with a cumulative release rate of approximately 80%, and thus enables a relatively fast bactericidal effect. The cytotoxicity investigation demonstrates the biocompatibility of the ADM hydrogel. Dynamic coagulation experiments reveal accelerated blood coagulation by the hydrogel. In vivo antibacterial and hemostatic experiments on a rat model indicate the healing of infected tissue and effective control of hemorrhaging by the hydrogel. Therefore, the vancomycin-loaded ADM hydrogel will be a viable biomaterial for controlling hemorrhage and preventing bacterial infections in trauma patients.

[Effect of primary lesion resection on the prognosis of patients with advanced breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the effect of the resection of the primary lesion on the prognosis for patients with stage Ⅳ breast cancer. Methods: A total of 132 breast cancer patients who were first diagnosed as stage Ⅳ in the Hebei Cancer Hospital from June 2008 to June 2015 were divided into two groups: the primary resection group (n=85) and the unresection group (n=47). The influences of primary resection, timing of operation, lymph node removal or dissection and radiotherapy on the prognosis of stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients were analyzed. Results: Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that visceral metastasis was an independent influencing factor for primary lesion resection in stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients (OR=2.590, 95% CI: 1.090-6.159). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that primary resection was an independent factor for the improvement of prognosis in stage Ⅳ breast cancer patients (OR=0.582, 95% CI: 0.400-0.847). The median overall survival (OS) was 37.20 months in the resection group, which was higher than 24.10 months in the unresection group (χ(2)=8.108, P=0.004). Among patients aged ≥50 years old, the median OS was 39.30 months in the resection group and 23.03 months in the unresection group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=14.191, P<0.001). The median OS was 38.00 months in the 66 patients with the operation time from diagnosis to resection of primary lesion<6 months (n=66), and 35.20 months for ≥6 months (n=19) (χ(2)=4.430, P=0.035), the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.430, P=0.035). The median OR of axillary lymph node dissection and axillary lymph node excision group were 45.37 months and 33.44 months, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=7.832, P=0.005). The median OS of postoperative radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy group were 44.80 months and 33.20 months, respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=2.950, P=0.086). Conclusion: Resection of the primary lesion may prolong the survival time of some advanced breast cancer patients.

Association of Subjective Cognitive Decline with Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Longitudinal Studies

BACKGROUND

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) as an early pathological manifestation of brain aging has become more prevalent among older adults.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the associations of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) with the combined risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

DESIGN

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis via searching Embase, PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases from January 1 st 1970 to June 4th, 2020.

SETTING

Prospective cohort studies Participants: Healthy individuals were recruited from community, clinics and population.

MEASUREMENTS

Healthy individuals with SCD were classified into exposure groups, while those without were considered as the reference group. Adjusted relative risks (RR) were estimated in a random-effects model. Both primary and subgroup analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Of 28,895 identified studies, 21 studies containing 22 cohorts were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. SCD increased the risk of subsequent cognitive disorders (RR=2.12, 95% confidence intervals [CI] =1.75-2.58, I2=87%, P<0.01). To be specific, SCD conferred a 2.29-fold excess risk for cognitive impairment (RR=2.29, 95% CI=1.66-3.17, I2=83%, P<0.01) and a 2.16-fold excess risk for dementia (RR=2.16, 95% CI=1.63-2.86, I2=81%, P<0.01). In subgroup analyses, participants with SCD in the subgroup of 65-75 years old, long-education (>15 years) subgroup and subgroup of clinics showed a higher risk of developing objective cognitive disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

SCD is associated with an increased combined risk of cognitive impairment and incident dementia and should be considered a risk factor for objective cognitive disorders.

Evolution of AITR family genes in cotton and their functions in abiotic stress tolerance

Abiotic stresses are major environmental factors inhibiting plant growth and development. AITRs (ABA-induced transcription repressors) are a novel family of transcription factors regulating ABA (abscisic acid) signalling and plant responses to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis. However, the composition and evolution history of AITRs and their roles in the cotton genus are largely unknown. A total of 12 putative AITRs genes were identified in cultivated tetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis of GhAITRs in these tetraploid cottons and their closely related species implicate ancient genome-wide duplication occurring after speciation of Gossypium, and Theobroma could generate duplicates of GhAITRs. Duplicated GhAITRs were stably inherited following diploid speciation and further allotetraploidy in Gossypium. Homologous GhAITRs shared common expression patterns in response to ABA, drought and salinity treatments, and drought tolerance induced in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GhAITR-A1. Together, our findings reveal that duplicates in the GhAITRs gene family were achieved by whole genome duplication rather than three individual duplication events, and that GhAITRs function as transcription repressors and are involved in the regulation of plant responses to ABA and drought stress. These results provide insights towards the improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in cotton using GhAITRs.

The human urobiome

Traditionally, the healthy urinary bladder has been considered to be sterile. Several teams have used metagenomic (DNA-dependent) and metaculturomic (culture-dependent) methods to debunk this longstanding dogma. In fact, resident microbial communities (urobiome) have been detected in both adult females and males. Although the field is young, several observations have been made. For example, the urobiome differs between men and women, likely due to anatomical and hormonal differences. Importantly, the urobiome has been associated with a variety of lower urinary tract disorders, including overactive bladder and post-operative urinary tract infection, raising the possibility that clinicians might one day treat symptoms by modifying the urobiome instead of killing the suspected uropathogen. Little is known concerning the relationship between the urobiome and host genetics; so far, only a single paper has reported such a study. However, major efforts have gone into understanding the genomics of the urobiome itself, a process facilitated by the fact that many urobiome studies have used metaculturomic methods to detect and identify microbes. In this narrative review, we will introduce the urobiome with separate sections on the female and male urobiomes, discuss challenges specific to the urobiome, describe newly discovered associations between the urobiome and lower urinary tract symptoms, and highlight the one study that has attempted to relate host genetics and the urobiome. We will finish with a section on how metagenomic surveys and whole genome sequencing of bacterial isolates are improving our understanding of the urobiome and its relationship to lower urinary tract health and disorders.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of primary hypoparathyroidism in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of primary hypoparathyroidism in children. Methods: The clinical data including age, symptoms, laboratory examination and cranial CT of 13 children with primary hypoparathyroidism diagnosed in the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from May 2017 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. These children and their parents also had gene detected by whole exome sequencing and (or) copy number variation sequencing. Results: Among the 13 patients, 7 were male and 6 female. The onset age was 3 years (1 day-12 years) old. The time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 2 months (2 days-10 years). The clinical manifestations included convulsion (9 cases), tetany (2 cases), muscle pain (1 case), mental retardation (5 cases), deafness (1 case), and initially misdiagnosed epilepsy (5 cases). The lab examination showed average blood calcium level of (1.7±0.3) mmol/L, blood phosphorus of (2.8±0.4) mmol/L, and parathyroid hormone of 8.2 (3.9-28.7)ng/L. Head CT found 7 cases of ectopic calcification. Among the 7 cases who had genetic abnormalities according to the gene detection, 5 had heterozygous deletion of 22q11.2 region, and only one of whom was diagnosed with typical DiGeorge syndrome. As for the rest 2 cases, one had autosomal dominant hypocalcemia caused by novel heterozygous variation of CaSR gene c.2495T>G (p.F832C), and the other was hypoparathyroidism-deafness-renal dysplasia syndrome caused by GATA3 c.708dupC (p.S237Qfs*66) novel heterozygous variation. Conclusions: Primary hypoparathyroidism in children is mainly characterized by hypocalcemia and usually accompanied with diverse symptoms which may indicate genetic disorders. The detection of large fragment deletion should be considered to exclude 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

MiR-223-3p promotes the growth and invasion of neuroblastoma cell via targeting FOXO1

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have crucial roles in cancer development. We investigated the involvement of miR-223-3p in neuroblastoma (NB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MiR-223-3p expression in NB cell lines and normal cell line was analyzed with real-time quantitative PCR method. Cell proliferation, cell invasion, and cell apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, Dual-Luciferase reporter assays, and Western blot analysis were conducted to identify the connection of miR-223-3p and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1).

RESULTS

MiR-223-3p level was found highly expressed in NB cell lines compared with normal cell line. Knockdown miR-223-3p expression decreased cell growth and invasion but increased cell apoptosis. MiR-223-3p was able to bind with the 3'-untranslated region of FOXO1, and thereby resulting in a reduction of FOXO1 expression. The knockdown of FOXO1 increased the malignant capacity of NB cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, given the fact that miR-223-3p suppressed FOXO1 expression to promote NB progression, targeting miR-223-3p may be an effective method for NB treatment.

High expression of XRCC5 is associated with metastasis through Wnt signaling pathway and predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Metastasis is one of the main causes of leading recurrence and death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). XRCC5 can affect several types of human cancers. The aim of the present study is to explore the metastasis correlation between the expression level of XRCC5 protein in HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials and the prognosis of patients with HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines used in this study include MHCC97-H, MHCC97-L, HepG2, and HL-7702.

RESULTS

XRCC5 was widely expressed in HCC cell lines analyzed by Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR and Western blotting. The levels of XRCC5 protein and mRNA were positively correlated with the migration and invasion capability of HCC cell lines. SiRNA-XRCC5 significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that high-expressed XRCC5 in patients with HCC was associated with advanced tumors, size, and microvascular invasion and lower overall survival time than the low-expressed. The expression levels of CTNNB1 and MMP9 decreased by knocked down XRCC5 which may promote the progression of HCC via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the high expression of XRCC5 predicts poor prognosis in patients with HCC, and XRCC5 may be a potential biomarker to inhibit the invasion and migration of HCC.