Spatial separation of phosphatase and kinase activity within the Bub complex is required for proper mitosis

The Bub1 and BubR1 kinetochore proteins support proper chromosome segregation and mitotic checkpoint activity. Bub1 and BubR1 are paralogues with Bub1 being a kinase while BubR1 localizes the PP2A-B56 protein phosphatase to kinetochores in humans. Whether this spatial separation of kinase and phosphatase activity is important is unclear as some organisms integrate both activities into one Bub protein. Here we engineer human Bub1 and BubR1 proteins integrating kinase and phosphatase activities into one protein and show that these do not support normal mitotic progression. A Bub1–PP2A-B56 complex can supports chromosome alignment but results in impairment of the checkpoint due to dephosphorylation of the Mad1 binding site in Bub1. Furthermore, a chimeric BubR1 protein containing the Bub1 kinase domain induces delocalized H2ApT120 phosphorylation, resulting in reduction of centromeric hSgo2 and chromosome segregation errors. Collectively, these results argue that the spatial separation of kinase and phosphatase activities within the Bub complex is required for balancing its functions in the checkpoint and chromosome alignment.

Ferroptosis increases obesity: Crosstalk between adipocytes and the neuroimmune system

Ferroptosis requires not only the accumulation of iron ions, but also changes in many ferroptosis-related regulators, including a decrease in GPX4 and inhibition of SLC7A11 for classical ferroptosis, a deletion of FSP1 or GCH1. Surprisingly, adipose tissue (AT) in the obesity conditions is also accompanied by iron buildup, decreased GSH, and increased ROS. On the neurological side, the pro-inflammatory factor released by AT may have first caused ferroptosis in the vagus nerve by inhibiting of the NRF2-GPX4 pathway, resulting in disorders of the autonomic nervous system. On the immune side, obesity may cause M2 macrophages ferroptosis due to damage to iron-rich ATMs (MFe^hi) and antioxidant ATMs (Mox), and lead to Treg cells ferroptosis through reductions in NRF2, GPX4, and GCH1 levels. At the same time, the reduction in GPX4 may also trigger the ferroptosis of B1 cells. In addition, some studies have also found the role of GPX4 in neutrophil autophagy, which is also worth pondering whether there is a connection with ferroptosis. In conclusion, this review summarizes the associations between neuroimmune regulation associated with obesity and ferroptosis, and on the basis of this, highlights their potential molecular mechanisms, proposing that ferroptosis in one or more cells in a multicellular tissue changes the fate of that tissue.

Development of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines in Recent Years

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a serious disease affecting the global graziery industry. Once an epidemic occurs, it can lead to economic and trade stagnation. In recent decades, FMD has been effectively controlled and even successfully eradicated in some countries or regions through mandatory vaccination with inactivated foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. Nevertheless, FMD still occurs in some parts of Africa and Asia. The transmission efficiency of foot-and-mouth disease is high. Both disease countries and disease-free countries should always be prepared to deal with outbreaks of FMD. The development of vaccines has played a key role in this regard. This paper summarizes the development of several promising vaccines including progress and design ideas. It also provides ways to develop a new generation of vaccines for FMDV and other major diseases.

Metabolic control of CD47 expression through LAT2-mediated amino acid uptake promotes tumor immune evasion

Chemotherapy elicits tumor immune evasion with poorly characterized mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that chemotherapy markedly enhances the expression levels of CD47 in osteosarcoma tissues, which are positively associated with patient mortality. We reveal that macrophages in response to chemotherapy secrete interleukin-18, which in turn upregulates expression of L-amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2) in tumor cells for substantially enhanced uptakes of leucine and glutamine, two potent stimulators of mTORC1. The increased levels of leucine and enhanced glutaminolysis activate mTORC1 and subsequent c-Myc-mediated transcription of CD47. Depletion of LAT2 or treatment of tumor cells with a LAT inhibitor downregulates CD47 with enhanced macrophage infiltration and phagocytosis of tumor cells, and sensitizes osteosarcoma to doxorubicin treatment in mice. These findings unveil a mutual regulation between macrophage and tumor cells that plays a critical role in tumor immune evasion and underscore the potential to intervene with the LAT2-mediated amino acid uptake for improving cancer therapies.

Plasma amyloid-beta levels and risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in the general population

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major health burden worldwide, with significant sex differences in epidemiology and risk factors. Amyloid-β40 (Aβ40) and Amyloid-β42 (Aβ42), the hallmark of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, have recently been linked to prevalence and prognosis of several cardiovascular outcomes including stroke and coronary heart disease. However, whether these biomarkers are associated with incident AF remains largely unknown.

Purpose

To investigate the associations between plasma concentrations of Aβ40 and Aβ42 with new-onset AF.

Methods

4,134 participants without a history of AF at baseline (from 2002 to 2005) with qualified plasma samples in the Rotterdam Study were included in this study. AF was diagnosed by electrocardiograms, general practitioners' and hospital records. Cox proportional hazards regression models with natural cubic splines were used to assess the linear/nonlinear association between biomarkers and risk of new-onset AF. All models were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Mean age was 71.3±7.2 years and 2,383 (57.6%) were women. Median follow-up time was 9.2 years. In the fully adjusted model, higher levels of Aβ40 [hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.16 (1.05–1.28)] and Aβ42 [1.19 (1.09–1.31)], as well as Amyloid-β42 to β40 ratio (Aβ42/40) [1.09 (1.02–1.17)] were significantly associated with incident AF. The observed association between Aβ40 and AF attenuated after mutual adjustment for Aβ42 [1.05 (0.92–1.19)]. In addition, a J-shaped association was found between Aβ40 and AF with the lowest AF risk at Aβ40 values of 212.5 pg/ml.

Conclusions

Both Aβ40 and Aβ42 were independently significantly associated with new-onset AF in the general population independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Findings also suggest a stronger association between AF onset and Aβ42 and AF onset, compared to Aβ40. A nonlinear association was found between Aβ40 and AF, reflecting a substantially increased AF risk among participants with severely increased Aβ40 values.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity and lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation among men and women

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrythmia worldwide, with an increased risk of comorbidity, and significant sex differences in pathophysiology and prognosis. Cardiometabolic disorders, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure commonly coexist with AF. However, the sex-specific patterns and (combined) impact of cardiometabolic disorders on the risk of new-onset AF remains largely unknown.

Purpose

To examine the association between patterns of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and new-onset AF and lifetime risk of AF incidence among men and women.

Methods

4,113 men and 5,432 women free of prevalent AF at baseline (from 1996 to 2008) from the Rotterdam Study were included. AF incidents were assessed by electrocardiograms and general practitioners' and hospital records, and followed up to January 1st, 2014. Sex-specific Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between the amount of cardiometabolic disorders and risks of new-onset AF. Models were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Remaining lifetime risk for AF was estimated across the cardiometabolic multimorbidity groups at index ages of 55, 65, and ≥75 years up to age 108.

Results

Mean age at baseline was 65.5±9.4 years. Median follow-up time was 10.8 years. In the fully-adjusted model, a significant association was found between the amount of cardiometabolic disorders and incident AF among women but not men. Compared to women without cardiometabolic disorders, women with 3 (hazard ratios, 95% conference intervals: 2.17 (1.24–3.79)) and ≥4 comorbidities (4.58 (2.22–9.48)) had higher AF risks. The lifetime risk for AF was significantly increased with the number of cardiometabolic disorders among both men and women. At index age of 55 years, the lifetime risks (95% confidence interval) for AF were 25.2% (17.1–33.4), 24.2% (20.0–28.9), 27.1% (23.2–31.0), 30.0% (24.3–35.7) and 34.1% (22.4–45.7), for 0, 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 comorbid cardiometabolic disorders among men, respectively. Corresponding risks were 16.3% (6.68–25.9), 20.3% (16.3–24.3), 27.6% (24.1–31.2), 23.6% (17.8–29.4) and 33.3% (16.0–50.2) among women.

Conclusions

We observed a significant combined impact of cardiometabolic disorders on AF risk, most evidently among women. Participants with cardiometabolic multimorbidity had a significantly increased lifetime risk of AF, especially at a young index age.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Silencing EGFR-upregulated expression of CD55 and CD59 activates the complement system and sensitizes lung cancer to checkpoint blockade

The complement system is a critical immune component, yet its role in tumor immune evasion and CD8⁺ T cell activation is not clearly defined. Here, we demonstrate that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Wnt signaling induces β-catenin-mediated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00973 expression to sponge CD55-targeting miR-216b and CD59-targeting miR-150. The consequently upregulated CD55/CD59 expression suppresses the complement system and cytokine secretion required for CD8⁺ T cell activation. CD55/CD59-neutralizing antibody treatment or mutation of the LINC00973 promoter activates the complement and CD8⁺ T cells, inhibiting tumor growth. Importantly, combined anti-CD55/CD59 and anti-programmed death 1 (anti-PD-1) antibody treatments elicit a synergistic tumor-inhibiting effect. In addition, CD55/CD59 levels are inversely correlated with infiltration of M1 macrophages and CD8⁺ T cells in human lung cancer specimens and predict patient outcome. These findings underscore the critical role of EGFR/Wnt/β-catenin-upregulated CD55/CD59 expression in inhibiting the complement and CD8⁺ T cell activation for tumor immune evasion and immune checkpoint blockade resistance and identify a potential combination therapy to overcome these effects.

Aerobic glycolysis promotes tumor immune evasion by hexokinase2-mediated phosphorylation of IκBα

High expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells contributes to tumor immune evasion. However, whether PD-L1 expression in tumor cells is regulated by the availability of nutrients is unknown. Here, we show that in human glioblastoma cells, high glucose promotes hexokinase (HK) 2 dissociation from mitochondria and its subsequent binding and phosphorylation of IκBα at T291. This leads to increased interaction between IκBα and μ-calpain protease and subsequent μ-calpain-mediated IκBα degradation and NF-κB activation-dependent transcriptional upregulation of PD-L1 expression. Expression of IκBα T291A in glioblastoma cells blocked high glucose-induced PD-L1 expression and promoted CD8⁺ T cell activation and infiltration into the tumor tissue, reducing brain tumor growth. Combined treatment with an HK inhibitor and an anti-PD-1 antibody eliminates tumor immune evasion and remarkably enhances the anti-tumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade. These findings elucidate a novel mechanism underlying the upregulation of PD-L1 expression mediated by aerobic glycolysis and underscore the roles of HK2 as a glucose sensor and a protein kinase in regulation of tumor immune evasion.

Exploiting Data Uncertainty for Improving the Performance of a Quantitative Analysis Model for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The accuracy and precision of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) quantitative analysis are significantly limited by the spectral noise. Normalization and ensemble averaging of multiple spectra were often used to preprocess spectra. However, these methods cannot completely remove the spectral noise. Data uncertainty due to the irremovable spectral noise will affect LIBS quantitative analysis. Therefore, this paper proposes a method using data uncertainty to improve the performance of LIBS quantitative analysis. The proposed method uses several spectra to characterize each sample to preserve some data uncertainty in the calibration data matrix. Thus, the data uncertainty is used to optimize the calibration model for improving the toleration to the spectral signal variation. As a result, the optimized calibration model had better accuracy and robustness than the calibration model trained by conventional method. The best root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of the ash content of coal was 1.152% for the optimized calibration model, while that for the conventional calibration model was 1.718%. The optimized calibration model also showed a lower relative standard deviation (RSD) value of repeated predictions. Moreover, the calibration model for predicting the ash content in biomass was also optimized by the proposed method. The optimized calibration model outperformed the conventional calibration model again, which demonstrated the extensive applicability of the proposed method.

A non-metabolic function of hexokinase 2 in small cell lung cancer: promotes cancer cell stemness by increasing USP11-mediated CD133 stability

Background

Maintenance of cancer stem‐like cell (CSC) stemness supported by aberrantly regulated cancer cell metabolism is critical for CSC self‐renewal and tumor progression. As a key glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase 2 (HK2) plays an instrumental role in aerobic glycolysis and tumor progression. However, whether HK2 directly contribute to CSC stemness maintenance in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to investgate whether HK2 independent of its glycolytic activity is directly involved in stemness maintenance of CSC in SCLC.

Methods

Immunoblotting analyses were conducted to determine the expression of HK2 in SCLC CSCs and their differentiated counterparts. CSC‐like properties and tumorigenesis of SCLC cells with or without HK2 depletion or overexpression were examined by sphere formation assay and xenograft mouse model. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses were performed to identify the binding proteins of CD133. The expression levels of CD133‐associated and CSC‐relevant proteins were evaluated by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry assay. RNA expression levels of Nanog, POU5F1, Lin28, HK2, Prominin‐1 were analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Polyubiquitination of CD133 was examined by in vitro or in vivo ubiquitination assay. CD133⁺ cells were sorted by flow cytometry using an anti‐CD133 antibody.

Results

We demonstrated that HK2 expression was much higher in CSCs of SCLC than in their differentiated counterparts. HK2 depletion inhibited CSC stemness and promoted CSC differentiation. Mechanistically, non‐mitochondrial HK2 directly interacted with CD133 and enhanced CD133 expression without affecting CD133 mRNA levels. The interaction of HK2 and CD133 promoted the binding of the deubiquitinase ubiquitin‐specific protease 11 (USP11) to CD133, thereby inhibiting CD133 polyubiquitylation and degradation. HK2‐mediated upregulation of CD133 expression enhanced the expression of cell renewal regulators, SCLC cell stemness, and tumor growth in mice. In addition, HK2 expression was positively correlated with CD133 expression in human SCLC specimens, and their expression levels were associated with poor prognosis of SCLC patients.

Conclusions

These results revealed a critical non‐metabolic function of HK2 in promotion of cancer cell stemness. Our findings provided new insights into the multifaceted roles of HK2 in tumor development.

A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of the expression characteristics, prognostic value, and immune characteristics of TOP1MT

Background: Mitochondria are at the heart of a number of metabolic pathways providing enormous energy for normal cell growth and regulating tumor cell growth as well as survival. Mitochondrial topoisomerase I (TOP1MT) is a type IB topoisomerase found in the mitochondria of vertebrates. However, no pan-cancer analysis of TOP1MT has been reported. This study aims to explore TOP1MT expression in pan-cancer tissues and identify whether it can be a target for mitochondrial anticancer therapy.

Methods and results: The original TOP1MT expression data in 33 different types of cancer patients were downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases. TOP1MT was highly expressed in cancer tissues, including BLCA, BRCA, CHOL, COAD, DLBC, ESCA, GBM, HNSC, KIRC, KIRP, LGG, LIHC, LUAD, LUSC, PAAD, PCPG, PRAD, READ, SKCM, STAD, THYM, UCEC, and UCS. According to Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, high TOP1MT expression in BLCA, HNSC, KIRP, PAAD, UCEC, and LIHC cancer tissues was linked to poor prognosis of cancer patients, i.e., poor OS, disease-specific survival, and PFI. Linkedomics analysis identified a positive correlation of TOP1MT expression with CNA, but a negative correlation with methylation. TOP1MT expression significantly correlated with immune cells and immune checkpoints in the TIMER database. Functional analysis showed a close relationship between TOP1MT expression and ribosomes.

Conclusion: In summary, TOP1MT is a potential biomarker for mitochondrial anticancer therapy and cancer immunotherapy.

Lithium chloride promotes neural functional recovery after local cerebral ischaemia injury in rats through Wnt signalling pathway activation

BACKGROUND

Lithium chloride (LiCl) has a significant neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischaemia. However, to date, there is a paucity of evidence on the role of LiCl in neural restoration after brain ischaemia and the signalling pathways involved remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Therefore, to address this gap, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was used to simulate human ischaemia stroke. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given MCAO for 90 min followed by reperfusion, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1, 5.0 μg/kg) was administered half an hour before MCAO. Rats were then treated with hypodermic injection of LiCl (2.0 mmol/kg) twice a day for 1 week. After treatment, cognitive impairment was assessed by the Morris water maze test. Neurological deficit score, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, brain water content, and histopathology were used to evaluate brain damage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure oxidative stress damage and inflammatory cytokines. Apoptosis of the hippocampal neurons was tested by western blot. The key factors of Wnt signalling pathway in the ischaemic penumbra were detected by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Current experimental results showed that LiCl treatment significantly improved the impaired spatial learning and memory ability, suppressed oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and neuron apoptosis accompanied by attenuating neuronal damage, which subsequently decreased the brain oedema, infarct volume and neurological deficit. Furthermore, the treatment of LiCl activated Wnt signalling pathway. Interestingly, the aforementioned effects of LiCl treatment were markedly reversed by administration of DKK1, an inhibitor of Wnt signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that LiCl exhibits neuroprotective effects in focal cerebral ischaemia by Wnt signalling pathway activation, and it might have latent clinical application for the prevention and treatment of ischaemic stroke.

P-382 Decrease of serum estradiol prior to human chorionic gonadotrophin administration have an impact on live birth in IVF/ICSI cycles

Study question

Whether decrease of serum estradiol prior to human chorionic gonadotrophin administration have an impact on live birth in IVF/ICSI cycles?

Summary answer

The E2 change before the day of hCG administration had significant correlation with live birth. The live birth rate decreased with decreasing serum E2 level.

What is known already

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a decrease of estradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration on in vitro fertilization /intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes, including cycles with long, antagonist and micro stimulus protocols.

Study design, size, duration

In this retrospective cohort study, 1303 patients who received IVF/ICSI non-donor treatment were identified. Patients were divided into two groups according to live birth and the characteristics of IVF/ICSI cycles were compared between groups, including baseline infertility parameters, ovarian stimulation characteristics and embryo laboratory manipulation parameters.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 1303 patients who received IVF/ICSI non-donor treatment were identified. Patients were divided into two groups according to live birth and the characteristics of IVF/ICSI cycles were compared between groups, including baseline infertility parameters, ovarian stimulation characteristics and embryo laboratory manipulation parameters. The multivariate logistic regression model was performed to adjust potential confounders and assess correlation between E2 dynamics before hCG administration and live birth.

Main results and the role of chance

Our results revealed that patients without live birth had higher age (32.13 ± 4.33 vs. 30.21 ± 3.71, P < 0.001) and pervious miscarriages (0.57 ± 0.95 vs. 0.46 ± 0.83, P = 0.0295), while had lower number of oocytes retrieved (8.95 ± 4.69 vs. 12.36 ± 5.54, P < 0.001), day of hCG E2 (8269.53 ± 4104.22 vs. 9580.71 ± 3534.11, P < 0.001) and endometrium thickness (10.37 ± 3.66 vs. 11.50 ± 3.40, P < 0.001) compared with patients with live birth. Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis displayed significant impact of serum E2 change on the live birth, and the achievement of live birth [OR (95%CI) 0.81 (0.71, 0.92), P = 0.001] decreased with the decreasing level of serum E2 before hCG trigger day. Estradiol stratification analyses displayed the OR and 95% CI for the association between △E2 and live birth among patients with different levels of estradiol decline (<25%, 25%–50%, 50%–75%, >75%). Compared with the <25% decline and 25%–50% decline groups, the ORs of 50%–75% and >75% decline groups were 1.66 (95% CI: 1.12-2.45, P = 0.012) and 2.00 (95% CI: 1.39-2.89, P < 0.001), respectively, after adjusting potential confounders.

Limitations, reasons for caution

There was concealment of randomization and blinding of outcome assessments reducing the risk of selection and measurement bias.

Wider implications of the findings

In summary, the E2 change before the day of hCG administration had significant correlation with live birth, and the live birth decreased with the decreasing level of serum E2 before hCG trigger day. The patients with a greater decline in the E2 level more likely to had poor clinical outcomes.

Trial registration number

Chi CTR1900026088

Iguratimod Restrains Circulating Follicular Helper T Cell Function by Inhibiting Glucose Metabolism via Hif1α-HK2 Axis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Iguratimod (IGU) is a novel disease modified anti-rheumatic drug, which has been found to act directly on B cells for inhibiting the production of antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, a key T cell subsets in supporting B cell differentiation and antibody production, have been shown to play critical roles in RA. However, whether IGU can inhibit RA Tfh cells which further restrains B cell function remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the roles of IGU in regulating RA circulating Tfh (cTfh) cell function and investigate the potential mechanism associated with cell glucose metabolism. In our study, we found that IGU could act on RA-CD4⁺ T cells to reduce T cell-dependent antibody production. IGU decreased the percentage of RA cTfh cells and the expression of Tfh cell-related molecules and cytokines which were involved in B cell functions. Importantly, our data showed that IGU significantly restrained the cTfh cell function by inhibiting glucose metabolism, which relied on Hif1α-HK2 axis. In summary, we clarified a new target and mechanism of IGU by restraining RA cTfh cell function via inhibiting Hif1α-HK2-glucose metabolism axis. Our study demonstrates the potential application of IGU in the treatment of diseases related to abnormal metabolism and function of Tfh cells.

Topological analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma tumour microenvironment based on imaging mass cytometry reveals cellular neighbourhood regulated reversely by macrophages with different ontogeny

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour microenvironment (TME) is highly complex with diverse cellular components organising into various functional units, cellular neighbourhoods (CNs). And we wanted to define CN of HCC while preserving the TME architecture, based on which, potential targets for novel immunotherapy could be identified.

DESIGN

A highly multiplexed imaging mass cytometry (IMC) panel was designed to simultaneously quantify 36 biomarkers of tissues from 134 patients with HCC and 7 healthy donors to generate 562 highly multiplexed histology images at single-cell resolution. Different function units were defined by topological analysis of TME. CN relevant to the patients' prognosis was identified as specific target for HCC therapy. Transgenic mouse models were used to validate the novel immunotherapy target for HCC.

RESULTS

Three major types of intratumour areas with distinct distribution patterns of tumorous, stromal and immune cells were identified. 22 cellular metaclusters and 16 CN were defined. CN composed of various types of cells formed regional function units and the regional immunity was regulated reversely by resident Kupffer cells and infiltrating macrophages with protumour and antitumour function, respectively. Depletion of Kupffer cells in mouse liver largely enhances the T cell response, reduces liver tumour growth and sensitises the tumour response to antiprogrammed cell death protein-1 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal for the first time the various topological function units of HCC TME, which also presents the largest depository of pathological landscape for HCC. This work highlights the potential of Kupffer cell-specific targeting rather than overall myeloid cell blocking as a novel immunotherapy for HCC treatment.

Women-specific risk factors and risk of incident atrial fibrillation in UK Biobank

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and carries a large morbidity and mortality risk. Recent evidence suggests differences in epidemiology and pathophysiology of AF between women and men and underscores a poorer prognosis of AF among women. This calls for further investigation regarding the impact of women-specific risk factors on AF development.

Purpose

To investigate the association between women-specific risk factors and new-onset AF.

Methods

235,191 women (mean [standard deviation] age: 55.7 [8.1] years) free of AF and without a history of hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy from the UK Biobank were included. Various women-specific risk factors were assessed from 2006 to 2010. Follow-up of new-onset AF occurred through October 2020. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to investigate prospective associations between each risk factor and incident AF. Additionally, natural splines were used to identify any potential nonlinear associations.

Results

After a median follow-up of 11.6 (interquartile range: 10.9–12.3) years, 4,629 (2%) women experienced new-onset AF. In fully adjusted models, having experienced irregular menstrual cycle was significantly associated with increased new-onset AF risk [hazard ratio (HR); 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34; 1.01-1.79]. In addition, nonlinear associations were found between menopausal age, menarcheal age, number of live births, and number of total reproductive years with incident AF. Compared to the reference, early menopause (menopause <45 years of age) or delayed menopause (>60 years) significantly increased risks of incident AF (HR; 95CI: 1.24; 1.10-1.39 and 1.34; 1.01-1.78, respectively). Compared to the reference, both early menarche (menarche ≤11 years) and late menarche (menarche ≥13 years) were associated with AF incidence (HR; 95CI: 1.10; 1.00-1.21 and 1.08; 1.00-1.17, respectively). Compared to women with one or two children, having no children (HR; 95CI: 1.13; 1.04-1.24), or more than six children (HR; 95%CI: 1.67; 1.03-2.70) were associated with higher AF risks. Having reproductive years ≤20 years was significantly associated with incident AF (HR; 95CI: 1.74; 1.07-2.86).

Conclusions

Having experienced early or delayed menopause, early or late menarche, or irregular menstrual cycles conferred higher risks of incident AF among women in the UK Biobank. Interestingly, both nulliparity and multiparity, compared to having one or two children, were associated with an increased AF risk. Our results highlight the importance of knowledge regarding the reproductive history of women in devising screening strategies for AF prevention.

Preparation of AIE Functional Single-chain Polymer Nanoparticles and Its Application in H2 O2 Detection through Intermolecular Heavy-atom Effect

Single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) are soft matter constructed by intrachain crosslink, with promising prospects in detection and catalysis. Herein, the fluorescent core (SCNPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was prepared, applying for H₂ O₂ detection through intermolecular heavy-atom effect. In detail, the SCNPs precursors were synthesized by ring-opening copolymerization. Then the SCNPs were prepared by intramolecularly cross-linking via olefin metathesis. Imitating the structure of AIE dots, SCNPs were encapsulated by H₂ O₂ -responsive polymers. Probably due to the stable secondary structure of SCNPs, the obtained micelles show stable fluorescence performance. Furthermore, as the heavy-atom, tellurium was introduced into the carriers to construct the heavy-atom effect. In this micelle-based system, the SCNPs act as the fluorescent core, and the stimuli-responsive polymer acts as the carrier and the fluorescent switch. The hydrophilicity of the tellurium-containing segment is affected by the concentration of H₂ O₂ , resulting in a change in the distance from the SCNPs, which ultimately leads to a change in the fluorescence intensity. And tellurium is particularly sensitive to H₂ O₂ , which can detect low concentrations of H₂ O₂ . The SCNPs were merged with AIE materials, hoping to explore new probe design. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Choline Kinase Alpha2 Promotes Lipid Droplet Lipolysis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma

Background

Rapid tumor growth inevitably results in energy stress, including deficiency of glutamine, a critical amino acid for tumor cell proliferation. However, whether glutamine deficiency allows tumor cells to use lipid droplets as an energy resource and the mechanism underlying this potential regulation remain unclear.

Methods

We purified lipid droplets from H322 and H358 human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells under glutamine deprivation conditions and performed immunoblotting to determine the binding of choline kinase (CHK) α2 to lipid droplets. Immunofluorescence was used to quantify lipid droplet numbers and sizes. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting were performed to examine AMPK activation and CHKα2 phosphorylation. Cellular fatty acid levels, mitochondrial acetyl coenzyme A and ATP production, and cell apoptosis and proliferation were measured. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the expression levels of ACC pS79 and CHKα2 pS279 in tumor specimens from NSCLC patients. The prognostic value of ACC pS79 and CHKα2 pS279 was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models.

Results

Glutamine deficiency induces AMPK-mediated CHKα2 S279 phosphorylation, which promotes the binding of CHKα2 to lipid droplets, resulting in recruitment of cytosolic lipase ATGL and autophagosomes and subsequent lipolysis of lipid droplets to sustain tumor cell survival and proliferation. In addition, the levels of ACC pS79 and CHKα S279 were much higher in human NSCLC specimens than in their adjacent normal tissues and positively correlated with each other. Notably, ACC pS79 and CHKα pS279 expression levels alone were associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients, and combined values of both phosphorylation levels were correlated with worse prognosis of the patients.

Conclusion

CHKα2 plays a critical role in lipolysis of lipid droplets in NSCLC. ACC pS79 and CHKα2 pS279 alone or in combination can be used as prognostic markers in NSCLC.

Regulation of gene expression by glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes

Gene transcription and cell metabolism are two fundamental biological processes that mutually regulate each other. Upregulated or altered expression of glucose metabolic genes in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis is a major driving force of enhanced aerobic glycolysis in tumor cells. Importantly, glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes in tumor cells acquire moonlighting functions and directly regulate gene expression by modulating chromatin or transcriptional complexes. The mutual regulation between cellular metabolism and gene expression in a feedback mechanism constitutes a unique feature of tumor cells and provides specific molecular and functional targets for cancer treatment.

Fate of thiamethoxam from treated seeds in mesocosms and response of aquatic invertebrate communities

Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely applied in the Canadian Prairies. It has been detected in surface waters of agro-ecosystems, including wetlands, but the potential effects on non-target invertebrate communities in these wetlands have not been well characterized. In an effort to understand better the fate of thiamethoxam in wetlands and the response of invertebrates (zooplankton and emergent insects), model systems were used to mimic wetland flooding into planted fields. Outdoor mesocosms were treated with a single application of thiamethoxam-treated canola seeds at three treatment levels based on a recommended seeding rate (i.e., 6 kg/ha; 1×, 10×, and 100× seeding rate) and monitored over ten weeks. The mean half-life of thiamethoxam in the water column was 6.2 d. There was no ecologically meaningful impact on zooplankton abundances or community structure among treatments. Statistically significant differences were observed in aquatic insect abundance between control mesocosms and the two greatest thiamethoxam treatments (10× and 100× seeding rate). The observed results indicate exposure to thiamethoxam at environmentally relevant concentrations likely does not represent a significant ecological risk to abundance and community structure of wetland zooplankton and emergent insects.

Increased oxidative stress contributes to impaired peripheral CD56dimCD57+ NK cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by loss of immune tolerance and imbalance of immune cell subsets. Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to regulate both the innate and adaptive immune response. In this study, we aimed to detect alterations of peripheral NK cells and explore intrinsic mechanisms involving in NK cell abnormality in SLE.

Methods

Blood samples from healthy controls (HCs) and patients with SLE and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were collected. The NK count, NK subsets (CD56^bright, CD56^dimCD57⁻, and CD56^dimCD57⁺), phenotypes, and apoptosis were evaluated with flow cytometer. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and total ROS levels were detected with MitoSOX Red and DCFH-DA staining respectively. Published data (GSE63829 and GSE23695) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).

Results

Total peripheral NK count was down-regulated in untreated SLE patients in comparison to that in untreated RA patients and HCs. SLE patients exhibited a selective reduction in peripheral CD56^dimCD57⁺ NK cell proportion, which was negatively associated with disease activity and positively correlated with levels of complement(C)3 and C4. Compared with HCs, peripheral CD56^dimCD57⁺ NK cells from SLE patients exhibited altered phenotypes, increased endogenous apoptosis and higher levels of mtROS and ROS. In addition, when treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), peripheral CD56^dimCD57⁺ NK cell subset was more prone to undergo apoptosis than CD56^dimCD57⁻ NK cells. Furthermore, this NK cell subset from SLE patients exhibited impaired cytotoxicity in response to activated CD4⁺ T cells in vitro.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a selective loss of mature CD56^dimCD57⁺ NK cell subset in SLE patients, which may caused by preferential apoptosis of this subset under increased oxidative stress in SLE. The attenuated in vitro cytotoxicity of CD56^dimCD57⁺ NK cells may contribute to the impaired ability of eliminating pathogenic CD4⁺ T cells in SLE.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02731-y.

Multidimensional, High Precision Measurements of Beam Single Spin Asymmetries in Semi-inclusive π^{+} Electroproduction off Protons in the Valence Region

High precision measurements of the polarized electron beam-spin asymmetry in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) from the proton have been performed using a 10.6 GeV incident electron beam and the CLAS12 spectrometer at Jefferson Lab. We report here a high precision multidimensional study of single π^{+} SIDIS data over a large kinematic range in Bjorken x, fractional energy, and transverse momentum of the hadron as well as photon virtualities Q^{2} ranging from 1-7  GeV^{2}. In particular, the structure function ratio F_{LU}^{sinϕ}/F_{UU} has been determined, where F_{LU}^{sinϕ} is a twist-3 quantity that can reveal novel aspects of emergent hadron mass and quark-gluon correlations within the nucleon. The data's impact on the evolving understanding of the underlying reaction mechanisms and their kinematic variation is explored using theoretical models for the different contributing transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions.

Cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment: fostering each other?

The changes associated with malignancy are not only in cancer cells but also in environment in which cancer cells live. Metabolic reprogramming supports tumor cell high demand of biogenesis for their rapid proliferation, and helps tumor cell to survive under certain genetic or environmental stresses. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic alteration is ultimately and tightly associated with genetic changes, in particular the dysregulation of key oncogenic and tumor suppressive signaling pathways. Cancer cells activate HIF signaling even in the presence of oxygen and in the absence of growth factor stimulation. This cancer metabolic phenotype, described firstly by German physiologist Otto Warburg, insures enhanced glycolytic metabolism for the biosynthesis of macromolecules. The conception of metabolite signaling, i.e., metabolites are regulators of cell signaling, provides novel insights into how reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other metabolites deregulation may regulate redox homeostasis, epigenetics, and proliferation of cancer cells. Moreover, the unveiling of noncanonical functions of metabolic enzymes, such as the moonlighting functions of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), reassures the importance of metabolism in cancer development. The metabolic, microRNAs, and ncRNAs alterations in cancer cells can be sorted and delivered either to intercellular matrix or to cancer adjacent cells to shape cancer microenvironment via media such as exosome. Among them, cancer microenvironmental cells are immune cells which exert profound effects on cancer cells. Understanding of all these processes is a prerequisite for the development of a more effective strategy to contain cancers.

Glutamine synthetase licenses APC/C-mediated mitotic progression to drive cell growth

Tumors can reprogram the functions of metabolic enzymes to fuel malignant growth; however, beyond their conventional functions, key metabolic enzymes have not been found to directly govern cell mitosis. Here, we report that glutamine synthetase (GS) promotes cell proliferation by licensing mitotic progression independently of its metabolic function. GS depletion, but not impairment of its enzymatic activity, results in mitotic arrest and multinucleation across multiple lung and liver cancer cell lines, patient-derived organoids and xenografted tumors. Mechanistically, GS directly interacts with the nuclear pore protein NUP88 to prevent its binding to CDC20. Such interaction licenses activation of the CDC20-mediated anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome to ensure proper metaphase-to-anaphase transition. In addition, GS is overexpressed in human non-small cell lung cancer and its depletion reduces tumor growth in mice and increases the efficacy of microtubule-targeted chemotherapy. Our findings highlight a moonlighting function of GS in governing mitosis and illustrate how an essential metabolic enzyme promotes cell proliferation and tumor development, beyond its main metabolic function.

Rationally designed water-soluble AIE fluorescent polyester for the detection of oligomers based on the characteristics of HEWL amyloid fibrosis

According to the fibrotic characteristics of HEWL, a water-soluble stimulus-responsive AIE polymer was designed and successfully used for oligomer detection.

The Mitochondrial Protein C1QBP Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Enhancing Cell Survival, Migration and Invasion

Backgrounds: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of death-causing cancer whose pathological mechanisms are not fully understood. In addition, the identification of effective biomarkers for HCC prognosis is in emergency. Although a variety of studies have shown that Complement C11 binding protein (C1QBP) may play a tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive role in cancer, the functions and mechanisms of C1QBP in HCC progression are under-investigating.

Methods and results: Bioinformatic approaches were employed for checking the expression of C1QBP in HCC patient samples and the association between C1QBP mRNA expression and survival rates of patients with HCC or the promoter methylation of C1QBP. MTT analysis, PI/Annexin V staining, transwell and metabolic flux assays were performed to examine the effects of C1QBP on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and oxidative phosphorylation of HCC cells. In the present study, we observed that C1QBP is lower expressed in HCC samples and cell lines. Moreover, high levels of C1QBP were associated with unfavorable outcomes of HCC patients. Loss-of-function assays showed that proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells were mitigated while cell apoptosis was augmented upon the loos of C1QBP. Moreover, the oxidative phosphorylation was moderately decreased when C1QBP was depleted. Furthermore, we also investigated the methylation status and copy number variation of C1QBP and analyzed their correlation with its mRNA expression in HCC patients. Finally, we suggested that C1QBP is correlated with genes encoding ribosome RPL-related proteins and mitochondrial MRPL-related proteins in HCC patients.

Conclusions:C1QBP is correlated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients and promotes the survival, migration and invasion of HCC cells.

Predictive Value of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Older Adult Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To compare the association of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scores with malnutrition, and to study their association with clinical outcomes in older adult cancer patients.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis was conducted on 854 older adult cancer patients collected from 34 hospitals in 18 cities in China between June and September 2014. Anthropometric and hematological examination results at admission were collected, and subjective global assessment was used. Clinical outcomes, such as complications, length of hospital stays, and hospital costs, were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of the two nutritional assessment tools for malnutrition. The association between GNRI and CONUT score and clinical outcomes was analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, or rank sum test.

RESULTS

Among 854 patients with cancer, the prevalence of malnutrition was 42.7%. Compared with subjective global assessment, the GNRI had a significantly higher accuracy than the CONUT score in predicting malnutrition (area under the curve 0.704, 95% confidence interval, 0.658 - 0.750, P < 0.001). The GNRI was significantly associated with the occurrence of complications (χ2 = 4.985, P = 0.026), and low GNRI (≤98) was associated with a longer length of hospital stay (t = -2.179, P = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

The GNRI may be used to assess malnutrition in older adult cancer patients and can predict poor clinical outcomes in these patients.

The global prevalence of sexual violence against pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

When committed against pregnant women, sexual violence may have adverse health consequences for both the mother and the unborn child. To date, no studies have systematically summarized the global prevalence of sexual violence against pregnant women. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from inception dates to January 2021 for studies reporting the prevalence of sexual violence against pregnant women. Prevalence was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. Differences by study level characteristics were estimated through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 10 cross-sectional studies (a total of 8,439 participants) were included. The pooled proportion of sexual violence was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.22-0.40). Subgroup analyses showed higher prevalence of sexual violence against pregnant women in the 2010-2019 period (0.35, 95% CI0.15-7.53) and developing countries (0.32, 95% CI0.19-0.45). Almost one in three (31%) pregnant women around the world has been a victim of sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual violence against pregnant women continues to be a major public health challenge. The global prevalence of sexual violence against pregnant women warrants the collective attention of the entire society.

Differential Variation in Non-structural Carbohydrates in Root Branch Orders of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. Seedlings Across Different Drought Intensities and Soil Substrates

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) facilitate plant adaptation to drought stress, characterize tree growth and survival ability, and buffer against external disturbances. Previous studies have focused on the distribution and dynamics of NSCs among different plant organs under drought conditions. However, discussion about the NSC levels of fine roots in different root branch orders is limited, especially the relationship between fine root trait variation and NSC content. The objective of the study was to shed light on the synergistic variation in fine root traits and NSC content in different root branch orders under different drought and soil substrate conditions. The 2-year-old Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. potted seedlings were planted in three different soil substrates (humus, loam, and sandy-loam soil) and subjected to four drought intensities (CK, mild drought, moderate drought, and severe drought) for 2 months. With increasing drought intensity, the biomass of fine roots decreased significantly. Under the same drought intensity, seedlings in sandy-loam soil had higher root biomass, and the coefficient of variation of 5th-order roots (37.4, 44.5, and 53% in humus, loam, and sandy-loam soil, respectively) was higher than that of lower-order roots. All branch order roots of seedlings in humus soil had the largest specific root length (SRL) and specific root surface area (SRA), in addition to the lowest diameter. With increasing drought intensity, the SRL and average diameter (AD) of all root branch orders increased and decreased, respectively. The fine roots in humus soil had a higher soluble sugar (SS) content and lower starch (ST) content compared to the loam and sandy-loam soil. Additionally, the SS and ST contents of fine roots showed decreasing and increasing tendencies with increasing drought intensities, respectively. SS and ST explained the highest degree of the total variation in fine root traits, which were 32 and 32.1%, respectively. With increasing root order, the explanation of the variation in root traits by ST decreased (only 6.8% for 5th-order roots). The observed response in terms of morphological traits of different fine root branch orders of F. mandshurica seedlings to resource fluctuations ensures the maintenance of a low cost-benefit ratio in the root system development.

Transcriptome sequencing and gene expression profiling of Pinus sibirica under different cold stresses

Cold stress is a major abiotic factor that affects plant growth and geographical distribution. Pinus sibirica is extremely frigostable tree species. To understand the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance by P. sibirica, physiological responses were analyzed and transcriptome profiling was conducted to the plants treated by cold stress. The physiological data showed that membrane permeability relative conductivity (REC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA) content, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity, soluble sugar, soluble protein and proline contents were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in response to cold stress. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 871, 1397 and 872 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after cold treatment for 6 h, 24 h and 48 h at -20°C, respectively. The signaling pathway mediated by Ca²⁺ as a signaling molecule and abscisic acid pathways were the main cold signal transduction pathways in P. sibirica. The APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) and MYB transcription factor families also play an important role in the transcriptional regulation of P. sibirica. In addition, many genes related to photosynthesis were differentially expressed under cold stress. We also validated the reliability of transcriptome data with quantitative real-time PCR. This study lays the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms related to cold responses in P. sibirica.

Involvement of impaired CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Immune dysfunction is one of the mechanisms to promote polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Various immune cells have been reported to be involved in the development of PCOS. Meanwhile, the disturbance of metabolism is closely related to PCOS. The aim of this study is to explore the association of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with the metabolic dysfunction in PCOS.

METHODS

68 PCOS patients and 40 controls were recruited in this study and we collected the peripheral blood of participants' during their follicular phase. The frequencies of MAIT cells and MDSCs were determined by flow cytometry after being stained with different monoclonal antibodies. And the concentrations of cytokines were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared to controls with normal metabolism, the frequency of MDSCs, CD8⁺MAIT cells and CD38⁺CD8⁺MAIT cells were significantly decreased in PCOS patients with normal metabolism, however, proportion of CD4⁺MAIT cells exhibited a noticeable increase. Similar results of CD8⁺MAIT, CD38⁺CD8⁺MAIT cells and reduced expression of IL-17 were observed in PCOS patients with metabolic dysfunction as compared to controls with metabolic disorders. PCOS patients with excessive testosterone levels displayed significantly decreased levels of CD8⁺MAIT, CD38⁺CD8⁺MAIT cells, MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs as compared to PCOS patients with normal testosterone concentrations. PCOS patients with abnormal weight showed a lower level and activation of CD8⁺MAIT cells. On the contrary, they displayed an enrichment of CD4⁺MAIT cells. PCOS patients with glucose metabolic disorder displayed a remarkable dysregulation of MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs. MDSCs were positively correlated with MAIT cells. Negative correlations between the frequency of CD8⁺MAIT cells, CD38⁺CD8⁺MAIT cells and body mass index were revealed. CD4⁺MAIT cells positively correlated with BMI. Mo-MDSCs were found to be negatively related to the levels of 2hour plasma glucose and HOMA-IR index.

CONCLUSION

The impairment of CD8+MAIT cells and MDSCs is involved in the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS.

Standard practice of presacral exposure during transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for sacrocolpopexy

We describe the standard practice of presacral exposure during transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for sacrocolpopexy in women with uterine prolapse. In this video, we demonstrate the key techniques: identifying the right hypogastric nerve (rHN) before opening the pelvic peritoneum; removing the fat and loose connective tissue along the rHN to expose the presacral fascia; incising the presacral fascia to reach the presacral space to expose the middle sacral vasculature and the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) of the first sacral vertebra (S1) below the promontory; attaching the mesh to the ALL to avoid vessel injury; and completing the peritonealisation.

Optimizing the quantitative analysis of solid biomass fuel properties using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with a kernel partial least squares (KPLS) model

The rapid analysis of fuel properties is important for the utilization of solid biomass due to its great variation in feedstock. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology combined with quantitative analysis models can be used for this analysis. Most existing prediction models used in LIBS for fuel property analysis are linear methods, such as the partial least squares (PLS) model, which fail to reflect the non-linear relationships between the LIBS spectrum and the fuel property index being predicted. In the present work, LIBS data combined with a kernel partial least squares (KPLS) method are used to analyze the gross calorific value, and the volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon content of the solid biomass fuel. Quantitative analysis performance of the KPLS model was compared to that of the widely used PLS method, with the results showing some improvements. The KPLS model was further improved using three data normalization methods (i.e., C internal standardization, total intensity standardization and standard normal variate). The best quantitative analysis results of the volatile matter and ash content were obtained when the KPLS model was combined with C internal standardization, with root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.365% and 0.290%, and average standard deviations (ASD) of 0.277% and 0.080%, respectively. The best quantitative analysis results of the gross calorific value and fixed carbon content were obtained when using KPLS without normalization. The RMSEP and ASD of the gross calorific value and fixed carbon content were 0.198 MJ kg^-1 and 0.746%, and 0.070 MJ kg^-1 and 0.111% respectively.

Study on a new manner of the magnetization switching actuated by a unidirectional pulse current

A new writing scheme with a unidirectional pulse current is proposed for spin transfer torque (STT) based magnetic random-access memory (MRAM). To investigate the feasibility of the writing scheme, bilayered nano-pillars composed of a soft layer with small in-plane shape anisotropy and a hard layer with either large perpendicular anisotropy (PMA) or in-plane anisotropy (IMA) are designed and their switching behaviors are studied. It is found that in either type of bilayered nano-pillars, with the aid of the attached hard layer, the magnetization of the soft layer can be switched back and forth under a unidirectional pulse current. In an IMA/IMA nano-pillar, the magnetization of the free layer (FL) can achieve excellent alignment, which is in contrast to the IMA/PMA nano-pillar. By optimizing the dimensions and magnetic parameters of the IMA/IMA nano-pillar, a decently low switching current density (4.3 × 10¹¹A m^-2) and ultrashort switching time (<1 ns) can be reached. Based on these results, the unidirectional writing scheme is practical if an IMA/IMA bilayer is used to replace the FL in a magnetic tunnel junction. Considering that a unidirectional writing scheme can enable the application of materials with high spin polarization such as half metals, and avoid the injection of writing current into junction using a special design, it may be very promising for STT-MRAM.

Imaging-based body fat depots and new-onset atrial fibrillation in general population

Background

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether different body fat depots differentially associate with AF development remains largely unknown.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the associations between various body fat depots and the risk of new-onset AF among middle-aged and elderly individuals from general population.

Methods

In the prospective population-based cohort study, body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, android and gynoid fat were analyzed (N=3468). Liver fat and epicardial fat were assessed using computed tomography (CT) (N=2145). A body fat score was defined by adding tertiles of each fat depot. All participants were followed for the occurrence of AF until 1st Jan. 2014. Principle component analysis was conducted to identify body fat distribution patterns. Time-to-event analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence-intervals (95% CI), adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, were calculated.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) of age for participants in DXA study and CT study was 74.42 (6.85) and 68.66 (6.41) years, respectively. AF incidence rate was 13.1 per 1000 person-years during a median follow-up time of 9.62 years. In the adjusted model, fat mass (HR; 95% CI: 1.33; 1.05–1.68), lean mass (1.40; 1.15–1.72), gynoid fat mass (1.36; 1.12–1.65), and total body mass (1.51; 1.21–1.89) were significantly associated with new-onset AF. Of note, android-to-gynoid fat ratio was inversely associated with incident AF (HR; 95% CI: 0.81; 0.70–0.94). Larger body fat score was associated with increased risk of incident AF (P for trend &lt;0.01). Two fat distribution patterns were identified. Adherence to the fat- and gynoid fat- pattern (P for trend = 0.035), but not muscle- and visceral fat- pattern (P for trend = 0.35), was significantly associated with larger risk of new-onset AF.

Conclusions

Various body fat depots were associated with new-onset AF. Larger values of total body mass carried the highest risk for incident AF. The inverse association between android to gynoid fat ratio with AF presents a novel finding. A significant dose-response relationship between body fat accumulation and risk of new-onset AF was observed, implying a collective impact of fat depots on AF development. Findings also suggest that various fat depots, characterized by different fat distribution patterns, may exert differential combined effect on the risk of incident AF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Fat depots and atrial fibrillation

Constipation is associated with worse prognosis of thrombolytic AIS: a single-center prospective study

Background and purpose

Previous clinical studies have found that constipation was associated with the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients. This information may provide new ideas for thrombolytic AIS (acute cerebral arterial thrombosis) patients' short-term prognostic assessment. Our study was designed to investigate the risk factors of constipation and its association with the prognosis in thrombolytic AIS patients.

Methods

The prospective cohort study included 97 AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Three days without defecation in thrombolytic patients was recorded as constipation in clinic. The risk factors for constipation included demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and partial treatments. Scores of NIHSS and mRS and length of stay (LOS) in ICU and hospital were used to evaluate the effect of constipation on patients' neurological function and short-term prognosis.

Results

The incidence of constipation was 49.48% in the first three days after intravenous thrombolysis. The use of stomach tube and antibiotics made patients more prone to constipation (odds ratio OR: 5.01, 95% CI: 2.04–12.32, P=0.000; odds ratio: 6.06, 95% CI: 2.35–15.61, P=0.000). The occurrence of constipation resulted in significantly longer ICU and hospital LOS (2.29±1.63 versus 4.75±4.22, P=0.000; 11.08±10.01 versus 15.73±12.36, P=0.044). Moreover, constipation worsened the thrombolytic AIS patients' short-term neurological recovery (mRS at 3 months: 1.53±1.72 versus 2.41±1.92, P=0.02). Oral probiotics for constipation during hospitalization not only prolonged patients' stay in the ICU (2.91±2.28 versus 6.44±4.88, P=0.003), but also resulted in poorer short-term neurological functional outcomes (mRS at 3 months: 1.57±1.53 versus 3.26±1.91, P=0.002).

Conclusions

The occurrence of constipation in the first three days was associated with the longer ICU and hospital stay and a worse short-term prognosis, suggesting that constipation may be a predictor of thrombolytic AIS patients' prognosis. Further studies of constipation and its appropriate therapy strategy are needed to solve the plight of thrombolytic AIS with constipation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Distribution and risk profile of atrial fibrillation patterns among women and men from the general population

Background

In a clinical setting, atrial fibrillation (AF) subgroups are defined, including paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF. These subgroups differ in terms of clinical characteristics, management strategy, and long-term outcomes. Application of clinical classifications in population-based settings is challenging as they are based on the duration of symptoms, recurrence, and treatment.

Purpose

We aim to develop an objective and standardized classification for AF patterns in the general population and examine the associated cardiovascular risk profiles and outcomes for the identified AF patterns.

Methods

Participants with only one reported AF episode were categorized as single-documented AF, if at least two separate AF episodes were reported as multiple-documented AF and as longstanding persistent AF if at least two consecutive ECG's at the research center showed AF, not followed by an ECG showing sinus rhythm. We fitted mixed effect models with age as time scale to characterize sex-specific cardiovascular risk factor trajectories preceding each AF pattern. We further used Cox proportional hazard modelling to describe the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality following AF.

Results

We included 14,620 men and women aged ≥45 years. 1137 participants were categorized as single-documented AF, 208 as multiple-documented AF, and 57 as longstanding persistent AF. We identified significant differences in the preceding trajectories of weight, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio with various AF patterns. In general, both men and women with persistent-elevated levels of these risk factors were prone to longstanding persistent AF.

AF was associated with a large risk for subsequent CHD, HF, stroke, and mortality in the general population. Among the different AF patterns, single-documented AF conferred the largest risk of CHD [hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.92 (1.19–3.03)] and mortality [1.70 (1.41–2.07)] as compared to multiple-documented AF, and as compared to longstanding persistent AF [1.45 (0.72–2.90) and 3.66 (2.25–5.95), respectively].

Conclusion

We developed a classification for AF patterns within a general population. We identified differences in risk factor trajectories preceding each AF pattern, which implies differences in pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF. Participants with single-documented AF showed worse prognosis than those with multiple AF episodes. This might be due to the subgroup definition, since participants should live for a longer period of time to be categorized in the multiple-documented AF and longstanding persistent AF groups. This can also imply that participants suffering from multiple AF episodes are more frequently monitored, and treated for other risk factors. However, this could also suggest that singular AF episodes are not as innocent as commonly thought.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): - Erasmus MC Mrace grant. - Netherlands Organization for the Health Research and Development (ZonMw) Figure 1Figure 2. Progosis of various AF patterns

Prognostic nutrition index predicts outcomes in critically ill stroke patients: a database-based cohort study

Background

Although there are many indicators to assess nutritional status, a more comprehensive and objective indicator is still needed in clinical practice. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and clinical outcomes in patients with critically ill stroke.

Methods

Subjects who were diagnosed as stroke in the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2001 and 2012 were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database. PNI was calculated as 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm3). The multivariate logistic regression and the Cox regression analysis were performed to assess the impact of PNI on 3-month and 4-year mortality in stroke patients.

Results

A total of 624 subjects were included in this study. Compared with the high-PNI group, those in the Low PNI group had lower body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and albumin. On the contrary, Age, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine (Cre), simplified acute physiologic scoreII (SAPSII) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of the low PNI group were higher than the high PNI group. After adjusting for other confounders, PNI was independently associated with 3-month mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.910; 95% confidence interval, 1.244–2.933; P=0.003). By the Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients in the low PNI group presented significantly shorter survival time and higher death rate. The Cox regression model indicated low PNI as an independent risk factor of 4-year all-cause mortality of stroke patients (hazard ratio = 1.824; 95% CI, 1.340–2.483; P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Low PNI is independently associated with short-term and long-term prognosis in patients with critically ill stroke.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.