Summary of 3rd Sino-German symposium on fundamentals of advanced nuclear safety technology

The 3rd "Sino-German Symposium on Fundamentals of Advanced Nuclear Safety Technology (SG-FANS)" took place in Xi’an, China, in 2019. Common fields of interests have been identified on both Chinese and German side, such as code benchmarking, common access to experimental facilities and joint experimental data base for nuclear safety analyses.

[The relationship between resting heart rate and all-cause mortality among the Chinese oldest-old aged more than 80: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the association between resting heart rate(RHR) and all-cause mortality among the Chinese oldest-old aged more than 80. Methods: Using a total of seven surveys or follow-ups data (1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). A total of 17 886 elderly over 80 years old were selected as subjects, their resting heart rate were measured though baseline survey and the survival outcome and death time of the subjects were followed up. The subjects were divided into 6 groups according to their resting heart rate. Cox regression model was used to estimate the effect of resting heart rate on mortality risk. The interaction of age, gender and resting heart rate was also analyzed by likelihood ratio test. Results: The age of subjects M (P₂₅, P₇₅) was 92 (86, 100) years old, including 10 531 females (58.9%) and there were 13 598 participants died, the mortality rate was 195.5 per 1 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared to the control group (60-69 pbm/min), the hazard ratio of the elderly are 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.11), 1.09 (95%CI: 1.04, 1.15), 1.23 (95%CI: 1.14, 1.34), 1.25 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.44) in the group of RHR between 70-79, 80-89, 90-99 and ≥100 pbm/min and P values are all less than 0.05. Likelihood ratio test showed that RHR and age had an interaction effect. (P for interaction=0.011). Conclusion: The risk of all-cause death increased with the increase of resting heart rate and this relationship was stronger between the 80-89 years old people.

BMI modifies the association between serum HDL cholesterol and stroke in a hypertensive population without atrial fibrillation

PURPOSE

Both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and body mass index (BMI) have an impact on the prevalence of stroke. However, it is unclear whether BMI can modify the relationship between HDL-C and stroke. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of the BMI on the association between HDL-C and stroke in a hypertensive population without atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

We analyzed data of 10,925 hypertensive patients without AF from the Chinese Hypertension Registry Study. BMI was categorized as < 24 and ≥ 24 kg/m². Multivariate logistic regression and smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) were used to analyze the association between HDL-C and stroke in different BMI groups. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were used to explore the effect of other variables on this relationship.

RESULTS

The results showed a negative association between HDL-C and stroke in the BMI < 24 kg/m² group, but HDL-C was not associated with stroke in the BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² group. In the BMI < 24 kg/m² group, each 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C was associated with a 50% decreased risk of stroke [odds ratio (OR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.66]. No significant relationship between HDL-C and stroke was observed in the BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² group (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.49-1.10). There was a significant interaction between BMI and HDL-C in regard to the prevalence of stroke in the hypertensive population without AF (P_Interaction = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an inverse association between HDL-C and stroke only in the BMI < 24 kg/m² group. The finding suggested that BMI could modify the association between HDL-C and stroke in hypertensive populations without AF.

[Effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and 2 siRNA on the expression of smad2/3/4 protein in hepatic stellate cells]

Objective: To study the effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 siRNA and TIMP-2 siRNA on the expression of smad2/3/4 protein in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Methods: Rat's liver tissues with liver fibrosis after treatment with pre-built TIMP-1siRNA and TIMP-2 siRNA were used as the research subjects. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to detect the protein and corresponding mRNA expression levels on smad2/3/4. TUNEL and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive cells were quantified by double-labeled immunofluorescence. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means between multiple groups, and the SNK test was used for the pairwise comparison of means. Results: The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the protein expressions of smad2, smad3, and smad4 in the TIMP-1 siRNA group and TIMP-2 siRNA group were significantly reduced than those of the model and the negative control group (P < 0.05). In addition, Western blotting results had also shown the same trend. The protein expression of smad2, smad3, and smad4 in the TIMP-1siRNA group and TIMP-2siRNA group were significantly reduced than those of the model and the negative control group (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of smad2, smad3, and smad4 in TIMP-1siRNA group and TIMP-2siRNA group was significantly reduced than those of the model and negative control group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence showed that the apoptosis of activated HSC in the TIMP-1 siRNA group(0.014 3 ± 0.002 4) and TIMP-2 siRNA group(0.010 7 ± 0.004 4) was increased than those of the model(0) and the negative control group (0.002 4 ± 0.002 4, P < 0.05). Conclusion: TIMP-1 siRNA and TIMP-2 siRNA promote the apoptosis of activated HSCs. In addition, it also has a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of smad protein.

Same pandemic but different studies: an exploration of COVID-19 research at the early stage

OBJECTIVE

Scientific research is an essential necessity for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Accelerated paper-sharing makes it possible to explore the responses of scientific communities of different countries and their research focus. This is achieved by examining relevant publications during the early stage of the pandemic. This paper explores a timely research assessment on COVID-19 among China, USA, and EU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Papers indexed in PubMed and published from December 30, 2019, to March 11, 2020, were selected. Papers from China, USA, and EU were assessed by calculating the significance of items in the co-occurrence exported from VOSviewer.

RESULTS

The results showed that Chinese studies focus more on clinical manifestations, while USA and EU focus on experimental research. Furthermore, US research is more geared toward detection techniques and mathematical models, China focuses more on monitoring the epidemic situation, and EU engages in both.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper argues that the above distinctions are caused by differences in the stages of epidemic development, researchers' experience bases for formulating measures, traditions within the different medical cultures, and the distinction between "information" and "knowledge".

Expression, purification and characterization of three odorant binding proteins from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are critical components in insect olfactory systems where they bind, solubilize and transport odorant molecules to receptors. Here, we cloned three OBPs (PxylGOBP1, PxylGOBP2 and PxylOBP24) from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, one of the most destructive pests of cruciferous crops. These three OBPs were expressed in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins, purified and characterized by fluorescence binding assays with 39 ligands including sex pheromone and plant-derived chemical compounds. PxylGOBP1 and PxylGOBP2 showed significantly different binding affinities to theses ligands, suggesting distinct binding preferences of these two general odorant binding proteins. PxylOBP24 showed no or extremely low binding activities to selected ligands, suggesting it may be involved in non-olfactory functions. Circular dichroism spectral results demonstrated that PxylGOBP1 and PxylGOBP2 shared similar secondary structures while PxylOBP24 was significantly different. This study improves our knowledge of insect OBPs, which will assist in a better understanding of insect olfactory system and developing more environmentally friendly pest control strategies for P. xylostella.

Biotransformation of insecticide flonicamid by Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 via nitrile hydratase catalysed hydration pathway

AIMS

This study evaluates flonicamid biotransformation ability of Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 and the enzyme catalytic mechanism involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Flonicamid transformed by resting cells of Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 was carried out. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 converts flonicamid into N-(4-trifluoromethylnicotinoyl) glycinamide (TFNG-AM). Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 transforms 31·1% of the flonicamid in a 200 mg l^-1 conversion solution in 96 h. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 was inoculated in soil, and 72·1% of flonicamid with a concentration of 0·21 μmol g^-1 was transformed in 9 days. The recombinant Escherichia coli expressing Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 nitrile hydratase (NHase) and purified NHase were tested for the flonicamid transformation ability, both of them acquired the ability to transform flonicamid into TFNG-AM.

CONCLUSIONS

Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 transforms flonicamid into TFNG-AM via hydration pathway mediated by cobalt-containing NHase.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report that bacteria of genus Aminobacter has flonicamid-transforming ability. This study enhances our understanding of flonicamid-degrading mechanism. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 has the potential for bioremediation of flonicamid pollution.

Effect of the baseline pulse wave velocity on short term and long term blood pressure control in primary hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Arterial stiffness may affect antihypertensive response to antihypertensive treatment. However, sufficient clinical evidence is lacking. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the effect of baseline arterial stiffness measured by the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) on response to short-term and long-term enalapril-based treatment in 3310 hypertensive adults from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Blood pressure (BP) measured at three months (short-term) in 2780 subjects, and the time-average on-treatment BP in 3310 subjects during a median of 4.5-year follow-ups (long-term) were analyzed in the study. After short-term antihypertensive treatment, every 1 m/s increase in baPWV denoted a 7% and 6% decreased chance of achieving systolic BP (SBP) control (odds ratio (OR), 0.93; 95% CI 0.90, 0.96; P < 0.001) and BP control (OR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.91, 0.97; P < 0.001), respectively, after adjustment for age, gender and other variables. After long-term treatment, every 1 m/s increase in baPWV posed an 7% and 6% greater risk of failing to attain SBP control (OR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.90, 0.95; P < 0.001) and BP control (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.96; P < 0.001), respectively, not regarding for DBP control after both short- and long-term treatment. Higher baseline baPWV significantly decreased SBP reduction both after three months and the median 4.5-year treatment, while increased DBP reduction after the median 4.5-year treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated baseline baPWV significantly decreased BP response to short-and long-term treatment in adults with primary hypertensive. Arterial stiffness improvement may be an essential target to achieve adequate BP control.

Assessment of Ischemic Volumes by Using Relative Filling Time Delay on CTP Source Image in Patients with Acute Stroke with Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thrombectomy up to 24 hours after stroke onset in patients with specific ischemic brain volumes remains a challenge, because many stroke centers do not apply specialized software to calculate ischemic volumes at advanced imaging. We aimed to establish the association between relative filling time delay on CTP source imaging and ischemic volume parameters and the infarct penumbra to core volume mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and with M1 segment MCA with or without terminal ICA occlusions on baseline CTA and CTP within 24 hours of stroke symptom onset were included. Ischemic volumes were analyzed with software based on CTP maps. Relative filling time delay was classified into 4 grades-grade 0: relative filling time delay = 0 seconds; grade 1: relative filling time delay >0 to ≤4 seconds; grade 2: relative filling time delay >4 to ≤8 seconds; and grade 3: relative filling time delay > 8 seconds. Differences in ischemic volume parameters among relative filling time delay grades were tested.

RESULTS

We recruited 138 patients (median age, 69 years; 62.3% male). Different median volumes of the infarct core (grade 0, 7.3 mL; grade 1, 23.3 mL; grade 2, 45.7 mL; grade 3, 135 mL [P < .001]) and the penumbra (grade 0, 47.6 mL; grade 1, 90 mL; grade 2, 110 mL; grade 3, 92 mL [P = .043]) were observed among relative filling time delay grades. Target mismatch (defined by the criteria of the DEFUSE 3 trial) was identified in 71.7% of the patients (99/138). A relative filling time delay grade ≤ 1 independently predicted target mismatch, with a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.7-0.87) and a specificity of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.49-0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative filling time delay grade based on CTP source imaging is a simple and effective parameter for evaluating ischemic volumes and target mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further studies that compare relative filling time delay grade with clinical functional outcomes are necessary.

The Evaluation and Prediction of Laminoplasty Surgery Outcome in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Using Diffusion Tensor MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DTI has been proved valuable for the diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy, whereas its capacity for predicting the outcome of surgery is still under debate. Here we conduct a prospective cohort study to analyze the capacity of DTI for evaluating and predicting laminoplasty surgery outcome for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 55 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy who underwent DTI before surgery and at 3- and 6-month follow-up stages, and 20 healthy subjects. For clinical assessment, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale was recorded for each patient at different stages. DTI metrics were compared between patients before surgery and healthy subjects. Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic were used to analyze the evaluation and prediction capacity of DTI for the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, respectively. We analyzed different vertebral levels: maximal compression level, average of all compression levels, and C2 level.

RESULTS

DTI metrics were significantly different between patients before surgery and healthy subjects. Before surgery, DTI for the maximal compression level or DTI for the average of all compression levels had no significant correlation with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. For all stages, DTI at the C2 level was correlated with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. DTI metrics at the C2 level before surgery were significantly correlated with the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale recovery rate. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that fractional anisotropy at C2 was capable of predicting the postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale recovery rate (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The DTI metrics before laminoplasty surgery, especially fractional anisotropy at the C2 level, have the potential for evaluating and predicting the degenerative cervical myelopathy surgery outcome.

Magnesium-Dependent Promotion of H2O2 Production Increases Ecological Competitiveness of Oral Commensal Streptococci

The pyruvate oxidase (SpxB)-dependent production of H₂O₂ is widely distributed among oral commensal streptococci. Several studies confirmed the ability of H₂O₂ to antagonize susceptible oral bacterial species, including caries-associated Streptococcus mutans as well as several periodontal pathobionts. Here we report a potential mechanism to bolster oral commensal streptococcal H₂O₂ production by magnesium (Mg²⁺) supplementation. Magnesium is a cofactor for SpxB catalytic activity, and supplementation increases the production of H₂O₂ in vitro. We demonstrate that Mg²⁺ affects spxB transcription and SpxB abundance in Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii. The competitiveness of low-passage commensal streptococcal clinical isolates is positively influenced in antagonism assays against S. mutans. In growth conditions normally selective for S. mutans, Mg²⁺ supplementation is able to increase the abundance of S. sanguinis in dual-species biofilms. Using an in vivo biophotonic imaging platform, we further demonstrate that dietary Mg²⁺ supplementation significantly improves S. gordonii oral colonization in mice. In summary, our results support a role for Mg²⁺ supplementation as a potential prebiotic to promote establishment of oral health-associated commensal streptococci.

[Analysis on the efficacy and safety of fibrinolytic therapy in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 epidemic]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fibrinolysis strategy in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to provide reference value for optimization of fibrinolytic process on the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff. Methods: The efficacy and safety of fibrinolysis were retrospectively analyzed in 7 patients with acute STEM, who hospitalized from February 29, 2020 to April 3, 2020 in the Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. To optimize the fibrinolytic process on the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff, a full-time medical team in charge of fibrinolysis under third-grade protection was established. The acute STEMI patients were treated immediately in a fixed and isolated area in emergency department before receiving green channel fibrinolysis. Blood samples for complete blood count, COVID-19 antibody test and nasopharyngeal swab samples for COVID-19 nucleic acid test were made before fibrinolysis, while the chest CT examination was accomplished after fibrinolysis. By comparing differences of time from the first electrocardiogram (ECG) to fibrinolysis before and after the improvement of fibrinolytic process, the effect of optimization of the fibrinolytic process was evaluated. Results: In the present study, seven patients with acute STEMI received fibrinolysis therapy, 6 of them achieved reperfusion and no bleeding was observed in all of the patients. Five out of the 7 patients were hospitalized after fibrinolysis, and the hospitalization days were 19.6 days on average. By following up to April 14, 2020, none of the 7 patients died. The first 2 patients were treated according to the routine medical procedure and the time from the first ECG to fibrinolysis were 201 and 106 minutes, respectively. After the optimization of the fibrinolytic process, the time from the first ECG to fibrinolysis of the last 5 patients were 42, 46, 51, 43 and 54 minutes, respectively，which was significantly shorter than that before optimization. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 epidemic, fibrinolysis in patients with acute STEMI is safe, effective and easy to implement. Therefore, it is recommended as the top priority for the patients with acute STEMI with indications for fibrinolysis. On the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff, the duration of myocardial ischemia can be shortened by optimization of the fibrinolytic process.

[Effect of alprostadil in early wound healing of rats with deep partial-thickness scald]

Objective: To explore the effect of alprostadil in early wound healing of rats with deep partial-thickness scald. Methods: Ninety specific pathogen free healthy Sprague-Dawley rats (half males and half females) were divided into sham scald group, simple scald group, and alprostadil group using the random number table with 30 rats in each group. Rats in sham scald group were sham injured, and rats in the other 2 groups were inflicted with deep partial-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area on the back. Immediately after scald, rats in the 3 groups received anti-shock treatment. Two hours post scald, rats in sham scald group and simple scald group were injected intraperitoneally with 1 mL normal saline, and rats in alprostadil group were injected intraperitoneally with 1 mL alprostadil injection, once a day and continued for 14 days. On post scald day (PSD) 3, 7, and 14, 10 rats in each group were collected for observing the general wound conditions and the wound healing rates of rats in 2 scald groups were calculated, abdominal aortic blood of 2 mL from each rat were collected to detect serum thromboxane B2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and wound tissue on the back was collected to examine pathomorphological change by hematoxylin-eosin staining and to detect wound microvessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemical staining. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance of factorial design, t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) There was no scald wound in rats in sham scald group. On PSD 3, wounds of rats in simple scald group and alprostadil group formed dry eschar. On PSD 7 and 14, wound areas of rats in alprostadil group were significantly smaller than those of rats in simple scald group, and with less exudation. (2) On PSD 3, the wound healing rates of rats in simple scald group and alprostadil group were similar (t=1.167, P>0.05). On PSD 7 and 14, the wound healing rates of rats in alprostadil group were significantly higher than those in simple scald group (t=8.657, 33.050, P<0.01). (3) On PSD 3, 7, and 14, the levels of serum thromboxane B2 of rats in simple scald group and alprostadil group were (541±22), (607±47), (688±21), (326±25), (271±21), (135±27) pg/mL, significantly higher than (17±6), (16±4), (16±4) pg/mL of rats in sham scald group (t=72.977, 39.685, 102.076, 37.033, 37.253, 13.845, P<0.01). On PSD 3, 7, and 14, the levels of serum thromboxane B2 of rats in alprostadil group were significantly lower than those in simple scald group (t=20.637, 20.651, 51.680, P<0.01). (4) Normal epidermis and dermis were seen in rats in sham scald group. On PSD 3, a large number of necrotic tissue and inflammatory cells infiltration were seen in wounds of rats in simple scald group, while a little new epithelium formation and some inflammatory cells infiltration were seen in wounds of rats in alprostadil group. On PSD 7 and 14, the new epithelium of rats in alprostadil group was significantly thicker than that in simple scald group, and epidermis formed gradually in alprostadil group. (5) On PSD 3, 7, and 14, the wound MVD of rats in simple scald group and alprostadil group were significantly higher than those in sham scald group (Z=-3.780, -3.781, -3.780, -3.780, -3.781, -3.780, P<0.01). On PSD 3, the wound MVD of rats in simple scald group and alprostadil group were similar (Z=-1.965, P>0.05). On PSD 7 and 14, the wound MVD of rats in alprostadil group were significantly higher than those in simple scald group (Z=-3.780, -3.780, P<0.01). Conclusions: The early intervention with alprostadil can significantly improve microcirculation of deep partial-thickness scald wound, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, promote the formation of new blood vessels, thus promoting wound healing.

Social exclusion influences conditioned fear acquisition and generalization: A mediating effect from the medial prefrontal cortex

Fear acquisition and generalization play key roles in promoting the survival of mammals and contribute to anxiety disorders. While previous research has provided much evidence for the repercussions of social exclusion on mental health, how social exclusion affects fear acquisition and generalization has received scant attention. In our study, participants were divided into two groups according to two Cyberball paradigm conditions (exclusion/inclusion). Both groups underwent a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and skin conductance response (SCR) assessments. We aimed to determine the effects of social exclusion on fear acquisition and generalization and whether modulation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) mediates this relationship. Our results showed that socially excluded participants featured significantly higher and lower shock risk scores to safety stimuli (conditioned stimulus, CS-) and threatening stimuli (CS+), respectively, than did socially included subjects during fear acquisition. The exclusion group had increased skin conductance responses (SCRs) to CS and exhibited heightened shock risk and increased SCRs to generalized stimuli compared with the inclusion group. The fNIRS results demonstrated that the CS ​+ ​evoked larger oxy-Hb changes in the mPFC in the inclusion group than in the exclusion group during fear acquisition. Furthermore, the oxy-Hb of left mPFC of CS ​+ ​mediated the effect on the association between social exclusion and perceived risk of CS+ in the fear acquisition. Our results indicate that social exclusion impairs fear acquisition and generalization via the mediation of the mPFC and that social exclusion increases susceptibility to anxiety disorders through bias processing of fear discrimination in fear acquisition and generalization. By studying the role of social relationship in fear acquisition and generalization, our research provides new insights into the pathological mechanisms of anxiety disorder.

CTXA hip: the effect of partial volume correction on volumetric bone mineral density data for cortical and trabecular bone

This study compares the results of computed tomography X-ray absorptiometry (CTXA) hip volumetric BMD (vBMD) analyses of cortical and trabecular bone with and without partial volume correction. For cortical bone in some circumstances, corrected cortical volumes were negative and corrected vBMD was very high. For trabecular bone, the correction effects are smaller. CTXA volumetric data should be interpreted with caution.

PURPOSE

Previous studies have reported concerns about the reliability of CTXA hip cortical vBMD measurements generated using partial volume (PV) correction (the "default" analysis, with cortical PV correction). To date, no studies have examined the results of the alternative ("new") analysis (with trabecular PV correction). This study presents in vivo and phantom data comparing the corrected and uncorrected data for cortical and trabecular bone respectively.

METHODS

We used the commercial QCTPro CTXA software to analyze CT scans of 129 elderly Chinese men and women and an anthropomorphic European Proximal Femur phantom (EPFP) and accessed data for two alternative scan analyses using the database dump utility. The CTXA software gives the user two methods of performing the PV correction: (1) a default analysis in which only cortical bone results are corrected; (2) a new analysis in which only trabecular bone results are corrected. Both methods are based on a numerical recalculation of vBMD values without any change in volume of interest (VOI) placement.

RESULT

In vivo, the results of the two analyses for integral bone were the same while cortical and trabecular results were different. PV correction of cortical bone led to a decrease of cortical volume for all four VOIs: total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), trochanter (TR), and intertrochanter (IT) volumes were reduced on average by 7.8 cm³, 0.9 cm³, 2.5 cm³, and 4.3 cm³ respectively. For TR, where cortex was thinnest, average corrected cortical volume was negative (- 0.4± 1.3 cm³). Corrected cortical vBMD values were much larger than uncorrected ones for TH, FN, and IT. Scatter plots of corrected cortical vBMD against cortical bone thickness showed that elevated results correlated with thinner cortices. When trabecular bone was corrected for the PV effect, trabecular volumes of TH, FN, TR, and IT were reduced on average by 7.9 cm³, 0.8 cm³, 2.6 cm³, and 4.4 cm³ respectively, while vBMD measurements were increased correspondingly. The trabecular volume and vBMD measurements of the two datasets both had highly positive correlations. For the EPFP, the PV-corrected FN data deviated from the nominal phantom value, but was closer for the TR and IT VOIs. Both corrected and uncorrected data overestimated trabecular vBMD, with the corrected results showing greater deviation from nominal values.

CONCLUSION

The default and new CTXA analyses for volumetric data generate different results, both for cortical and trabecular bone. For cortical bone, the uncorrected results are subject to partial volume effects but the correction method of the default analysis overcorrects the effect leading to in part unreasonable results for cortical bone volume and BMD. For trabecular bone, the correction effects are smaller. CTXA volumetric data should be interpreted with caution.

Stable expression ratios of five pyroptosis-inducing cytokines in the spleen and thymus of mice showed potential immune regulation at the organ level

BACKGROUND

The immune system is one of the most complex regulatory systems in the body and is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis. Despite recent breakthroughs in immunology, the regulation of the immune system and the etiology of autoimmune diseases such as lupus remain unclear. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease with abnormally and inconsistently expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death that is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. The thymus and spleen are important immune organs involved in systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, this study investigated the difference in expression of pyroptosis-inducing pro-inflammatory cytokines between the spleen and thymus in lupus model mice and in control mice, to describe immune regulation at the organ level.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differences in the expression of pyroptosis-inducing cytokines in the spleen and thymus and to explore immune regulatory networks at the organ level.

METHODS

Two groups of lupus mice and two groups of control mice were utilized for this study. Using the thymus and spleen of experimental animals, mRNA expression levels of five pyroptosis-inducing cytokines (interleukin 1β, interleukin 18, NLRP3, caspase-1 and TNF-α) were determined via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, tissue distribution of these cytokines was investigated via immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

All five pyroptosis-inducing inflammatory cytokines showed higher expression in the spleen than in the thymus (p < 0.05). Moreover, the spleen/thymus expression ratios of all five pyroptosis-inducing cytokines were not statistically different between the four experimental groups. Expression of all five cytokines exhibited a stable ratio (spleen/thymus ratios). This distinctive stable spleen/thymus ratio was consistent in all four experimental groups. The stable spleen/thymus ratios of the five inflammatory cytokines were as follows: interleukin 1β (2.02 ± 0.9), interleukin 18 (2.07 ± 1.06), caspase-1 (1.93 ± 0.66), NLRP3 (3.14 ± 1.61) and TNF-α (3.16 ± 1.36). Immunohistochemical analysis showed the cytokines were mainly expressed in the red pulp region of the spleen and the medullary region of the thymus, where immune-activated cells aggregated.

CONCLUSION

The stable spleen/thymus expression ratios of pyroptosis-inducing cytokines indicated that immune organs exhibit strictly regulated functions to maintain immune homeostasis and adapt to the environment.

MR Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging-Based Assessment of Brain Microstructural Changes in Patients with Moyamoya Disease before and after Revascularization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventional imaging examinations are insufficient to accurately assess brain damage in patients with Moyamoya disease. Our aim was to observe brain microstructural changes in patients with Moyamoya disease by diffusional kurtosis imaging and provide support data for application of this technique in individualized assessment of disease severity and surgical outcome among patients with Moyamoya disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 64 patients with Moyamoya disease and 15 healthy volunteers underwent diffusional kurtosis imaging, and a second scanning was offered to surgical patients 3-4 months after revascularization. The diffusional kurtosis imaging parameter maps were obtained for mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, radial kurtosis, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. The parameter values were measured in sensory pathway-related regions for all subjects. Differences in diffusional kurtosis imaging parameters of these brain regions were examined for healthy volunteers, patients without acroparesthesia, and asymptomatic and symptomatic sides of patients with acroparesthesia. Changes in diffusional kurtosis imaging parameters of patients with Moyamoya disease before and after revascularization were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with Moyamoya disease showed decreased mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, radial kurtosis, and fractional anisotropy in the corona radiata. Similarly, mean kurtosis, radial kurtosis, and fractional anisotropy decreased in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, whereas axial kurtosis decreased and radial kurtosis increased in the thalami of patients with Moyamoya disease compared with healthy volunteers. Compared with the asymptomatic contralateral hemisphere, the symptomatic group showed increased mean kurtosis in the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex, increased fractional anisotropy in the contralateral corona radiata and posterior limb of the internal capsule, and decreased axial kurtosis in the contralateral thalamus. Among patients with Moyamoya disease with acroparesthesia, mean kurtosis decreased in the primary somatosensory cortex on the operated side following revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

The diffusional kurtosis imaging technique is applicable to patients with Moyamoya disease for detecting brain microstructural changes in white and gray matter before and after revascularization; this feature is useful in the assessment of disease severity and surgical outcome.

Circular RNA_LARP4 inhibits the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer by regulating the expression of SMAD7

OBJECTIVE

Researchers have uncovered the importance of circular RNAs (circ) in malignant tumors. Circ LARP4 has been found to serve as a tumor suppressor gene in gastric cancer. However, the exact function of circ LARP4 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to uncover the role of circ LARP4 in the tumorigenesis of NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression level of circ LARP4 in NSCLC tissues was detected through Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the association between expression and patients' prognosis was analyzed. Circ LARP4 lentivirus was constructed and transfected into NSCLC cells. The effect of circ LARP4 on NSCLC cell migration and invasion was detected by function assays. Furthermore, Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of predicted protein of circ LARP4.

RESULTS

Compared with adjacent tissues, circ LARP4 was lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues. Meanwhile, expression of circ LARP4 was associated with the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Downregulated circ LARP4 was found in NSCLC cell lines as well. The migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells were significantly inhibited via overexpression of circ LARP4. SMAD7, the predicted protein of circ LARP4, increased remarkably via overexpression of circ LARP4.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ LARP4 could suppress the metastasis of NSCLC by up-regulating SMAD7.

Road network intersection density and childhood obesity risk in the US: a national longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Road intersection density is an important indicator of walkability. The objectives of this study were to examine the trends in intersection density in the US from 2007 to 2011 and assess the associations between intersection density and childhood obesity risk at the state level.

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal analyses were conducted to assess the spatial-temporal changes of population-weighted intersection density in relation to the risk of childhood obesity in the US.

METHODS

Road network data from the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) (2007-2011), the prevalence of overweight and obesity data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) (2007-2011), and the American Community Survey (ACS) (2011) were used. Geographic information system (GIS) visualization and spatial and regression analyses were conducted. Mixed-effect models were fit to assess the longitudinal relationship between intersection density and childhood obesity.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2011, population-weighted intersection density remained relatively stable in most states. Low-intersection-density states were clustered in the Southeastern region in both 2007 and 2011. The high-intersection-density states were clustered in the Middle Atlantic Division. California and Nevada also were identified as high-intersection-density clusters in 2011. States with lower road intersection density corresponded with states with higher childhood obesity prevalence. Our mixed-effect model estimates suggested that increased intersection density was associated with decreased obesity prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided empirical evidence for longitudinal associations between neighborhood intersection density and childhood obesity prevalence based on national data and offered a new perspective of the role that road network plays in childhood obesity prevention.

The LEPR K109R and Q223R Might Contribute to the Risk of NAFLD: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Leptin and insulin resistance have been pointed out to play a role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Increasing genes were shown to be associated with the risk of NAFLD.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the genetic association between two leptin receptor (LEPR) polymorphisms (Q223R and K109R) and the NAFLD risk.

METHODS

Studies were retrieved and included by using PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and EMBASE database. Genetic associations were assessed with pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Five case-control studies with 1711 NAFLD patients and 1732 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. The K109R was significantly associated with NAFLD in allelic model in Southeast Asian subgroup (p=0.01, OR=0.59, 95% CI [0.39- 0.90]), but not in Chinese subgroup (p=0.24, OR=1.10, 95% CI [0.94-1.29]). The Q223R was significantly associated with NAFLD in both allelic and recessive models (allelic model: p<0.001, OR=0.57, 95% CI [0.50-0.65]; recessive model: p=0.001, OR=0.67, 95% CI [0.52-0.85]). However, subgroup analysis showed that the significant association between Q223R and NAFLD in allelic model cannot be found in Southeast Asians subgroup (p=0.07, OR=0.67, 95% CI [0.52-0.85]).

CONCLUSION

LEPR K109R might be a susceptible factor for NAFLD in Southeast Asian population. And LEPR Q223R might be a susceptible factor for NAFLD in Chinese population.

Notch3 signaling activation in smooth muscle cells promotes extrauterine growth restriction-induced pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early postnatal life is a critical developmental period that affects health of the whole life. Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) causes cardiovascular development problems and diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterized by proliferation, migration, and anti-apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). However, the role of PASMCs in EUGR has not been studied. Thus, we hypothesized that PASMCs dysfunction played a role in EUGR-induced pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here we identified that postnatal nutritional restriction-induced EUGR rats exhibited an elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling at 12 weeks old. PASMCs of EUGR rats showed increased cell proliferation and migration features. In EUGR-induced PAH rats, Notch3 signaling was activated. Relative mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3 intracellular domain (Notch3 ICD), and Notch target gene Hey1 in PASMCs were upregulated. We further demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of Notch3 activity by using a γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, which blocked the cleavage of Notch proteins to ICD peptides, could effectively inhibit PASMC proliferation. Specifically knocked down of Notch3 in rat PASMCs by shRNA restored the abnormal PASMC phenotype in vitro. We found that administration of Notch signaling inhibitor DAPT could successfully reduce mean pulmonary arterial pressure in EUGR rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that upregulation of Notch3 signaling in PASMCs was crucial for the development of EUGR-induced PAH. Blocking Notch3-Hey1 signaling pathway in PASMCs provides a potential therapeutic target for PAH.

Differential tissue expression of erythroblast macrophage protein in a MRL/lpr mouse model of lupus

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to observe the expression features of erythroblast macrophage protein (EMP) between the tissues of MRL/lpr mice, a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and control mice.

METHODS

We examined the serum ANA in both mice groups through indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Expression features of EMP in bone marrow, liver, renal, spleen, brain, and lung tissues of the MRL/lpr mice and control mice groups were followed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Meanwhile, the expression of EMP was located through immunohistochemical (IHC) studies and the expressive cell identified through double immunofluorescent labeling.

RESULTS

IIF showed that lupus mice have strong positive fluorescence, but no significant fluorescence was observed in control mice. Q-PCR detection revealed that EMP was expressed in the marrow, liver, renal, spleen, lung, and brain tissues of lupus mice. The highest levels were observed in the bone marrow, but there was no statistical difference between these tissues. EMP mRNA expression in the liver (t = 2.747, p = 0.01) and bone marrow (t = 3.853, p = 0.008) of lupus mice was significantly higher than in the control mice. However, no differences in EMP mRNA expression were observed in the renal, spleen, lung, and brain tissues between the lupus and control mice (p > 0.05). In addition, the IHC results showed that EMP protein is ubiquitously expressed in all of the tissues of the lupus and control mice. The positive expression rate in the bone marrow and liver tissues of the lupus mice was higher than in the control mice, but without an obvious difference in the other tissues. The double IF staining method shows that EMP protein was expressed in macrophages in the tissues of the lupus mice and the control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that EMP is ubiquitously expressed in macrophages at all of the tissues of the lupus and control mice. However, the expression of EMP in bone marrow and liver tissues of lupus mice was higher than in the control mice, which indicates that EMP may be important in the development of SLE.

Abstract PD9-12: Integrative molecular profiling of breast cancer brain metastasis and patient-derived xenograft organoids from resected breast cancer brain metastases to interrogate and prioritize therapeutic personalized strategies

Background: Breast cancer brain metastasis (BM) is an area of unmet need in metastatic breast cancer patients. Novel therapeutic interventions to help prevent and treat BM are warranted. We conducted integrative molecular profiling of BM and matched primary tumors (PT) using next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing to examine the molecular landscape. In addition, we established patient-derived xenograft/organoid (PDX/PDO) to examine drug sensitivity according to the molecular and clinical features of the BM.

Methods: Archived, formalin fixed paraffin-embedded BM was collected retrospectively. BM were also collected prospectively at the time of clinically indicated surgical resection through the central nervous system tissue banking and the Michigan Oncology Sequencing Center (MI-ONCOSEQ) protocols. Matched archived PT tissues were collected when available. Integrative next-generation sequencing was conducted using the MI-ONCOSEQ platform. The prospectively collected BM were further used to establish PDXs/ PDOs. Successfully established PDXs/PDOs were used for ex vivo drug testing via MiDrugScreen, a novel drug sensitivity testing platform, where testing was performed in a dose-response format with drug selection prioritized by clinical scenario and molecular alterations if known a priori.

Results: 12 matched BM-PT pairs were analyzed: 6 triple negative, 5 HER2 positive, and 1 ER positive HER2 negative. All except one (11/12) had TP53 mutations. When present, TP53 mutations in BM were also found in PT (except for 1 unknwon case in PT due to low coverage). ER+HER2- was the only one without TP53 mutation but had hyper-mutation (APOBEC signature). Driver mutations and unique copy number alterations (CDKN2A loss in 1/12, mutations in PIK3CA in 1/12 and ESR1 in 1/12, CCNE1 amplification in 1/12) were noted in BMs. In 75% of cases, mutational burden was higher in BM vs. PT. 2 PDX/PDO were available for drug testing. PDO-BC9 was noted to have RB1 (splice acceptor) and LOH. As predicted by this alteration, PDO-BC9 was insensitive to CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, abemaciclib) tested on MiDrugScreen panel. PDX-BC4 was established from PIK3CA and ESR1 mutated BM from an ER+HER2- patient who had previously progressed on endocrine therapy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. As predicted, the PDX-BC4 was resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitor but interestingly sensitive to PIK3CA, ERK, and MEK inhibitors.

Conclusions: TP53 mutation was highly prevalent and may be a biomarker for increased risk of BM. Further study is warranted to see if specific TP53 mutations are associated with a risk of BM development and can be used in risk stratification for BM specific intervention. Unique molecular alterations in BM compared to matched PT may have a therapeutic implication as a target or resistance biomarker. Conducting drug testing in addition to molecular profiling has the strong potential of being informative in tailoring or prioritizing therapeutic agents in the era of precision medicine. Additional BM PDXs/PDOs from breast and other solid tumors are being examined using this novel therapeutic tailoring approach with the combination of MIONCOSEQ and MiDrugScreen.

Citation Format: Morikawa A, Robinson DR, Soellner M, Wu Y-M, Lonigro R, Gilani R, Cheng X, Lachacz E, Thomas D, McMurray K, Smerage J, Henry NL, Heth J, Chinnaiyan A, Hayes DF, Merajver S. Integrative molecular profiling of breast cancer brain metastasis and patient-derived xenograft organoids from resected breast cancer brain metastases to interrogate and prioritize therapeutic personalized strategies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD9-12.

Synthesis, optical properties and theoretical modelling of discrete emitting states in doped silicon nanocrystals for bioimaging

The creation of multiple emission pathways in quantum dots (QDs) is an exciting prospect with fundamental interest and optoelectronic potential. For the first time, we report multiple emission pathways in semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) where the number of emission pathways desired is controlled by the number of dopant atoms per quantum dot. The origin of additional emission pathways is explained by interactions between dopant states and NC energy levels. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of undoped 2.3 nm silicon (Si NCs) and the same NCs doped with 2 interstitial Cu atoms show good agreement to experiment. Such calculations provide valuable data to explain the changes in optical transitions due to the Cu dopant in terms of transition energies, quantum yield and dopant position as a function of dopants per NC. Changes in the optical properties of Si NCs induced by dopant concentration include extended excitation range and enhanced absorption coefficients, emission redshifts of up to 60 nm, and a two-fold increase in quantum yields up to 22%. The optical properties of doped NCs lead to significant bioimaging improvements illustrated by in vitro cell imaging, including redshifted excitation wavelengths away from natural autofluorescence and enhanced fluorescent signals.

Disparate effects of antibiotics on hypertension

Gut microbiota are associated with a variety of complex polygenic diseases. The usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics by patients affected by such diseases is an important environmental factor to consider, because antibiotics, which are widely prescribed to curb pathological bacterial infections, also indiscriminately eliminate gut commensal microbiota. However, the extent to which antibiotics reshape gut microbiota and per se contribute to these complex diseases is understudied. Because genetics play an important role in predisposing individuals to these modern diseases, we hypothesize that the extent to which antibiotics influence complex diseases depends on the host genome and metagenome. The current study tests this hypothesis in the context of hypertension, which is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used to test the blood pressure (BP) and microbiotal effects of three different antibiotics, neomycin, minocycline, and vancomycin, on two well-known, preclinical, genetic models of hypertension, the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat and the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), both of which develop hypertension, but for different genetic reasons. Regardless of the class, oral administration of antibiotics increased systolic blood pressure of the S rat, while minocycline and vancomycin, but not neomycin, lowered systolic blood pressure in the SHR. These disparate BP effects were accompanied by significant alterations in gut microbiota. Our study highlights the need to consider an individualized approach for the usage of antibiotics among hypertensives, as their BP could be affected differentially based on their individual genetic and microbiotal communities.

IL-37 inhibits IL-4/IL-13-induced CCL11 production and lung eosinophilia in murine allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

IL-37 is emerging as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, particularly in innate inflammation. However, the role of IL-37 in Th2-mediated allergic lung inflammation remains uncertain. We sought to determine the role and the underlying mechanisms of IL-37 in the development of house dust mites (HDM)-induced murine asthma model.

METHODS

We examined the effect of IL-37 administration during the sensitization or challenge phase on Th2-mediated allergic asthma induced by inhaled HDM. Cellular source of CCL11 and distribution of IL-37 receptors, IL-18Rα and IL-1R8, were determined in HDM-exposed lungs. Finally, we examined the effect of IL-37 on CCL11 production and STAT6 activation in different primary lung structural cell types upon IL-4/IL-13 stimulation.

RESULTS

IL-37 had no effect on HDM sensitization, but when administrated during the challenge phase, significantly attenuated pulmonary eosinophilia, CCL11 production, and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR). Interestingly, IL-37 treatment had no significant effects on lung infiltrating T cells and Th2 cytokine production. Intranasal co-administration of CCL11 reversed the inhibiting effect of IL-37 on HDM-induced pulmonary eosinophilia and AHR. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCL11 was primarily expressed by fibroblasts and airway smooth muscle cells (AMSC), while IL-37 receptors by tracheobronchial epithelial cells (TEC). In vitro study showed that IL-37 inhibited IL-4/IL-13-induced STAT6 activation and CCL11 production by fibroblasts and AMSC, which was dependent on its direct action on TEC. Moreover, cell contact was required for the inhibitory effect of IL-37-treated TEC.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-37 attenuates HDM-induced asthma, possibly by inhibiting IL-4/IL-13-induced CCL11 production by fibroblasts and AMSC via its direct act on TEC.

[Effect of alprostadil on wound healing of scalded rats and the mechanism]

Objective: To explore effect of alprostadil on wound healing of scalded rats and the mechanism. Methods: According to random number table method, forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were divided into sham scald group, simple scald group, lithium chloride group, and alprostadil group, with 12 rats in each group. Rats in sham injury group were sham injured on the back, and rats in the other three groups were inflicted with 30% total body surface area deep partial thickness scald on the back.Immediately after scald, rats in sham scald group and simple scald group were injected with 1 mL saline through caudal vein, and rats in lithium chloride group and alprostadil group were injected respectively with 1 mL lithium chloride and alprostadil through caudal vein. Saline, lithium chloride, and alprostadil were injected once in a day and lasted for 14 days. General wound appearance and wound healing rate on post scald day (PSD) 7, 10, 14 were observed and calculated. Expressions of protein and mRNA of Wnt1 and β-catenin on PSD 14 were detected. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, Student Newman Keuls q test, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On PSD 7, wounds of scalded rats in each group formed dry eschar and had little exudation. On PSD 10, wounds of rats in simple scald group were covered with eschar, with little exudation, and wounds of rats in lithium chloride group were covered with eschar, and partial wounds healed under the eschar. On PSD 10, partial eschar of rats in alprostadil group desquamated; partial wounds healed; newly burned skin was ruddy. On PSD 14, partial wounds of rats in simple scald group were healed under eschar with little exudation. On PSD 14, most of the eschar of rats in lithium chloride group were desquamated with patial wounds healed and little exudation. On PSD 14, wounds of rats in alprostadil group were basically healed with vigorously growing hair on the back. (2) On PSD 7, the wound healing rates of rats in simple scald group, lithium chloride group, and alprostadil group were close (F=0.41, P>0.05). On PSD 10 and 14, wound healing rate of rats in lithium chloride group and alprostadil group were significantly higher than that in simple scald group (q=5.73, 17.45, 26.30, 11.28, P<0.05), and wound healing rate of rats in alprostadil group was significantly higher than that in lithium chloride group (q=32.03, 28.73, P<0.05). (3) On PSD 14, the mRNA expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin of rats in lithium chloride group and alprostadil group were significantly higher than those in simple scald group (q=65.40, 19.16, 66.79, 18.41, P<0.05), and the mRNA expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin of rats in simple scald group was significantly higher than those in sham scald group (t=14.86, 4.46, P<0.05). (4) On PSD 14, the protein expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin of rats in lithium chloride group and alprostadil group were 0.98±0.05, 0.98±0.06, 0.97±0.06, and 1.00±0.06, which were significantly higher than 0.49±0.04 and 0.66±0.04 of rats in simple scald group (q=34.62, 22.38, 33.61, 23.47, P<0.05). On PSD 14, the protein expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin of rats in simple scald group was significantly higher than 0.29±0.03 and 0.31±0.03 of rats in sham scald group (q=14.73, 23.88, P<0.05). Conclusions: Alprostadil can accelerate wound healing through activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway and upregulating the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin.

Discovery of 4 exonic and 1 intergenic novel susceptibility loci for leprosy

Seven new risk coding variants have been identified through an exome-wide association study (EWAS), which studied the contributions of protein-coding variants to leprosy susceptibility. But some potential susceptibility loci were not studied in the previous EWAS study because of the project consideration. Seventeen unstudied potential susceptibility loci of the previous EWAS were validated in 3169 cases and 9814 controls in this study. Four disease-associated exonic loci were identified: rs671 in ALDH2 (P = 2.0 × 10^-20 , odds ratio [OR] = 1.35), rs13259978 in SLC7A2 (P = 1.74 × 10^-8 , OR = 1.28), rs925368 in GIT2 (P = 9.18 × 10^-17 , OR = 1.44), and rs75680863 in TCN2 (P = 8.37 × 10^-21 , OR = 0.74). Potentially implicating ZFP36L1 as a new susceptibility gene, 1 intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1465788 (P = 7.81 × 10^-6 , OR = 0.88), was also suggested to be associated with leprosy. A luciferase reporter assay showed that the rs1465788 risk allele notably decreased the transcription activity of the flanking sequence. These findings suggest the possible involvement of lipid metabolism, NF-κB homeostasis and macrophage antimicrobial pathways in leprosy pathogenesis.

Comparison of heat transfer models with databank of supercritical fluid

Because of the large variation of thermal–physical properties near pseudo-critical point, heat transfer of supercritical water shows abnormal behavior. Thus, an accurate prediction of heat transfer between the cladding and fluid plays a very important role. It is necessary to investigate the reliably of heat transfer models in the vicinity of the pseudo-critical point. In the frame of evaluating the present HT models and developing new reliable prediction models, databank of heat transfer of supercritical water flowing in tube were established by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) with more than 35,000 experimental data. A thorough analysis and assessment was carried out, to give an insight into the characters of the database. Experimental data from different sources are compared to figure out the deviation between different sources and to present the reliability of the database.

Mechanistic prediction of post dryout heat transfer and rewetting

Post dryout heat transfer and rewetting are important processes determining the level and the time duration of high temperature phase and the integrity of the fuel cladding. In spite of extensive studies in the past decades, reliable prediction methods are still missing due to the complexity of processes involved, which consist mainly of interaction between solid wall, main gas flow and droplets. In the present study, a phenomenological model is proposed considering the three individual heat transfer processes between the three parts. Main new features of the present model compared to the models available in the open literature are the mechanistic modeling of (a) droplet concentration and droplet size, (b) turbulent fluctuation velocity of droplets and its critical value, (c) evaporation rate of droplets arriving the wall. Comparison of the new model with selected experimental data shows at least qualitatively good agreement. The experimental behavior of wall temperature can be well explained. According to the new model the Leidenfrost effect results in the hysteresis behavior of wall temperature.