Evaluation of two classical contrast-induced nephropathy definitions for predicting long-term mortality in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a frequent complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and is associated with poor outcome. However, the optimal definition of CIN has been debated because of its different incidence and influence on prognosis. At present, there are limited data regarding th impact of different CIN definitions on long-term mortality in patients undergoing elective PCI.

Purpose

To explore the influence of two classical CIN definitions on long-term mortality and identify which definition was more suitable for predicting long-term mortality in patients undergoing elective PCI..

Methods

We prospectively observed 5600 consenting patients undergoing PCI from January 2012 to December 2018. Two classical CIN definitions include those defined by ESUR[Contrast-media-induced nephrotoxicity (CMN)] and AKIN[contrast induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI)]. CMN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) ≥25% or 0.5 mg/dLabove thebaseline level within 3 days,while CI-AKI wasdefined as an increase in SCr ≥50% or 0.3 mg/dL within 48hs after contrast medium exposure.The association of CIN with long-term mortality was investigated by Cox regression analysis.Interaction analyses were performed for long-term mortality across subgroups.

Results

The incidence of CIN according to ESUR (CMN) and AKIN (CI-AKI) definition were18.3% (n=1023) and 6.1% (n=342), respectively. During a median follow-up of 2 years, after adjusting other potential risk factors, multivariable cox regression analysis revealed CIN was a risk factor for long-term mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 2.021, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.389–2.938, P<0.0001] according to AKIN definition, but not for ESUR definition (HR: 1.344, 95% CI: 0.982–1.838, P>0.05). Further interaction analysis showed that there was a significant interaction between age >75ys and CMN for long-term mortality (P=0.042) while no such association was observed between age >75ys and CI-AKI (P=0.806).

Conclusions

CIN defined by AKIN may be more suitable for predicting long-term mortality in patients undergoing elective PCI. However, in elderly patients, CIN defined by ESUR could also be used for predicting long-term mortality.

Association Between CIN and mortality

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Copy number variation in HOXB7 and HOXB8 involves in the formation of beard trait in chickens

The derived feathering phenotype beard in domestic birds is an ideal resource to investigate the genetic mechanisms controlling feather development and differentiation. In the present study, we performed a GWAS and QTL linkage analysis on the trait of beard in Beijing fatty chicken. One major QTL (1.2-1.9 Mb) was identified that could explain 34% of the phenotypic variation. The copy number variation that was copied from the region (GGA27:3 578 409-3 592 890 bp) containing homebox B7 (HOXB7) and homebox B8 (HOXB8) was validated to be only exhibited in the genome of bearded chickens. Protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that HOXB7 and HOXB8 proteins could highly interact with the HOXB family members, including HOXB4, HOXB5 and HOXB6, whose genomic locations near HOXB7 and HOXB8 suggested that they may regulate their family members to involve in the formation of the beard trait in chickens. Overall, our work provides basic data for understanding the mechanisms regulating beard development and differentiation.

A modified longitudinal incision via transoral sublabial approach for removal of the nasal vestibular cyst: a clinical observation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of the removal of nasal vestibular cysts through a modified longitudinal incision via a transoral sublabial approach.

METHOD

In 28 cases, a nasal vestibular cyst was removed through a modified longitudinal incision via a transoral sublabial approach. A visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate the numbness of the nasal alar and upper lip. Post-operative complications were recorded. Medical photographs were used for assessment.

RESULTS

For all patients, incisions reached clinical primary healing one week after surgery. All patients were free of post-operative haematoma, infection, oronasal fistula and malformation. In the first week and the first month after surgery, numbness of the nasal alar and upper lip was recorded in few cases. The patients were followed up for 2-57 months without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Removal of nasal vestibular cysts via a transoral sublabial approach with a modified longitudinal incision is a minimally invasive and simple surgical method with few complications and a quick recovery.

[Pathogenicity and drug-resistance analysis of Candida glabrata in patients with oral candidiasis]

Objective: To investigate the detection rate, population features and in vitro antifungal drug susceptibility of Candida glabrata in patients with oral candidiasis. Methods: The saliva fungi culture cases and the ratio of Candida glabrata in patients with oral candidiasis were analyzed during 2014-2018. Fungal species were identified by CHROMagar Candida chromogenic medium and API 20C AUX yeast identification kit. Sixty strains with cfu≥200/ml were collected and performed the in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests by using ATB FUNGUS 3 susceptibility kit. Results: The number of patients with oral candidiasis was 12 401 and the ratio of Candida glabrata was 3.44% (427/12 401) from 2014 to 2018. The positive ratio of infection increased with age increasing.The positive rate of female aged 41 to 50 years old began to increased. Female aged more than 50 years old subgroups demonstrated the tendency towards increased positive rates with increasing age. It was found out through clinical data analyzing that the patients with oral candidiasis were the most and oral lichen planus, Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia carrying high quantity ratios of infection. Candida glabrata had highest resistance(8.3%) to the fluconazole, 6.7% of the isolates were of non-WT phenotype to itraconazole and voriconazole, all of the isolates were of WT phenotype to amphotericin B. Conclusions: The ratio of infection in the patients with oral candidiasis increased with age increasing and the olders are susceptible to infection. Candida glabrata has a certain resistance to azoles and clinically reasonable use of antifungal drugs according to the results of drug susceptibility is very important.

[Effectiveness evaluation of health belief model-based health education intervention for patients with hypertension in community settings]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of health belief model-based health education intervention in improving blood pressure control of patients with hypertension in community settings. Methods: From September 2016 to September 2017, 400 newly diagnosed patients with hypertension were recruited from 6 community healthcare centers with comparable population size and health services in the Shunyi District of Beijing. All community healthcare centers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (206 patients) and the control group (194 patients). Patients in the intervention group received 3 lectures (20-30 min for each) of health belief model-based health education. Patients in the control group received usual care. The basic characteristics, health beliefs, and health literacy were collected, and blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention, respectively. The difference-in-difference model was used to analyze the change of blood pressure and the influencing factors between two groups before and after the intervention. Results: A total of 134 patients in the intervention group and 129 patients in the control group completed the study. After adjusting for the age, gender, family income, medical insurance, chronic diseases and family history, the score of perceived barriers was increased by 1.65 (P=0.016), and perceived seriousness was decreased by 0.73 (P=0.018). The systolic blood pressure of patients was decreased by 7.37 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, P=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure was decreased by 4.07 mmHg (P=0.014), respectively. The β (95%CI) values were -7.37 (-11.88,-2.86) and -4.07 (-7.30, -0.84). The perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy had a significant influence on the blood pressure of patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: Health belief model-based health education intervention could significantly improve the blood pressure control of patients with hypertension in the community settings.

Abstract BS1-1: RNA Methylation in human cancer

Over 150 types of post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been identified in all kingdoms of life. We have discovered the first two RNA demethylases, FTO and ALKBH5, which catalyze oxidative demethylation of the most prevalent modifications of mammalian messenger RNA (mRNA) and other nuclear RNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A). These findings indicate that reversible RNA modification could impact biological regulation analogous to the well-known reversible DNA and histone chemical modifications. We have also characterized proteins that selectively recognize m6A-modified mRNA and affect the translation status and lifetime of the target mRNA, as well as molecular machines that deposit the m6A methylation on mRNA. Functional studies reveal m6A methylation as a critical mechanism to synchronize groups of transcripts for coordinated metabolism, translation, and decay, allowing timely and coordinated protein synthesis and transcriptome switching during cell differentiation and development. Misregulations of these processes lead to embryo lethality and human diseases such as cancer. I will focus on our discoveries of how aberrant expressions of m6A regulators could contribute to human cancer. I will also present effects of m6A regulation on immune response related to cancer progression.

Citation Format: C He. RNA Methylation in human cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr BS1-1.

Lowering the Schottky barrier height of G/WSSe van der Waals heterostructures by changing the interlayer coupling and applying external biaxial strain

Graphene-based van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures composed of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and graphene show great potential in the design and manufacture of field effect transistors.

Seroma prevention strategies in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) has been increasing in popularity over the years. Seroma formation is a common complication of LVHR. The aim of this study is to review the current evidence on seroma prevention strategies following LVHR.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase (1946-13 February 2019) and Medline (1946-13 February 2019) databases was conducted using terms which include "seroma", "hernia, ventral" and "laparoscopy". All studies are comparative retrospective or prospective human adult studies in peer-reviewed journals describing at least one intra-operative intervention designed to decrease the rate of seroma formation in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

RESULTS

The database searches identified 3762 citations, and 21 studies were included for final analysis. Five studies compared the different methods of mesh fixation, nine studies compared primary defect closure (PFC) and bridged repair, two studies compared the effect of different types of meshes, two studies looked into the use of electrical cauterization, one study compared single- site laparoscopy with conventional laparoscopy, one study looked into the use of fibrin sealant and one study compared transabdominal preperitoneal placement of mesh with conventional repair. PFC appears to be the most promising with large studies showing a low rate of seroma formation with additional benefits of decreasing wound infection and recurrence rate. Cauterisation of hernia sac and injection of fibrin sealant also show promising results but are mainly derived from small studies. Other strategies did not demonstrate benefit.

CONCLUSION

Currently, primary fascial closure appears to be the most promising strategy available to decrease seroma formation after LVHR based on the results of large studies. Other promising strategies that decrease dead space such as cauterisation of the sac and fibrin sealant injection will require further multicentre trials to confirm benefit before an increase in operative time and cost can be justified for their routine use.

[Significance of prostate central gland/total gland volume ratio combined with PSA in the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients]

Objective: To explore the significance of prostate central gland/total gland volume (PVc/PV) ratio combined with PSA in the diagnosis of PSA 4-20 ng/ml prostate cancer patients. Methods: Data of patients undergoing prostate puncture in Minghang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital from July 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The anteroposterior, transverse and axial diameters of the prostate and the central prostate gland were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The differences of tPSA, f/tPSA, PSAD and PVc/PV between the prostate cancer group and non-prostate cancer group were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of prostate cancer diagnosis were plotted according to tPSA, f/tPSA, PSAD, PVc/PV alone and PVc/PV combined with tPSA, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and compared using tPSA as the reference. Results: There was no significant difference in tPSA between the two groups (P>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in f/tPSA, PSAD and PVc/PV between the two groups (P<0.05). The AUC value of PVc/PV combined with tPSA, PVc/PV and PSAD was 0.901 2,0.866 7 and 0.848 1,respectively, which were statistically different from that of tPSA (P<0.05). The AUC value of f/tPSA was 0.716, which was not statistically different from that of tPSA (P>0.05). Conclusion: The PVc/PV ratio combined with tPSA can be used as an important reference index for the diagnosis of prostate cancer in PSA 4-20 ng/ml patients.

Downregulation of kynureninase restrains cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and represses the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

The protein kynureninase (KYNU) has recently been reported to participate in the pathological processes of various diseases.

AIM

To explore the expression and the biological function of KYNU in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

METHODS

Expression of KYNU in cSCC cell lines and tissues was firstly evaluated based on the Gene Expression Omnibus and the Oncomine databases. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of KYNU in cSCC cell lines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used for silencing KYNU. The effect of KYNU on the growth and motility of cSCC cells was determined by cell counting kit-8, wound-healing and Transwell assays, and western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of KYNU, AKT, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated (p)-AKT and p-PI3K.

RESULTS

KYNU was significantly upregulated in cSCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of KYNU using siRNA noticeably suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of SCL-1 cells (P < 0.01). Western blotting revealed that phosphorylation of AKT and PI3K was markedly inhibited after silencing KYNU. The ratios of p-AKT/AKT and p-PI3K/PI3K were significantly decreased in the si-KYNU group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Depletion of KYNU could inhibit the growth of cSCC cells, possibly through modulating PI3K/AKT pathway. These data indicate that KYNU takes a key part in the malignant progression of cSCC, and could be considered as a promising therapeutic target for cSCC treatment.

Molecular cloning, characterisation, and expression analysis of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein gene in Xupu goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus)

1. Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) plays a key role in fatty acid uptake and intracellular transport. The objective of the present study was to identify and characterise the A-FABP gene in Xupu goose.2. The full-length cDNA of goose A-FABP gene was cloned from the liver tissue using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The distribution of the goose A-FABP in different tissues was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).3. The results showed that the full-length cDNA sequence of goose A-FABP was 657 bp, containing a 5'-UTR of 52 bp, a 3'-UTR of 206 bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 399 bp, which encoded a polypeptide of 132 amino acids (AA).4. The AA sequence of goose A-FABP showed 76.52%, 75.00%, 93.18% and 99.24% identities with previously described homologues from humans (Homo sapiens), mouse (Mus musculus), chicken (Gallus gallus), and duck (Anas platyrhynchos), respectively, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship among them. The transcript of Xupu goose A-FABP was ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues, and showed a high-level expression in abdominal fat, sebum and liver.5. A significant positive correlation was identified between A-FABP mRNA abundance in the three adipose tissues and liver weight, ratio of liver to body weight, TG content, and VLDL concentration in the plasma of Xupu goose. A significant negative correlation was observed between the mRNA level of A-FABP and HDL concentration in the plasma of Xupu goose.6. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the function and mechanism of A-FABP in the fat deposition process.

Type-II InSe/ g-C3N4 Heterostructure as a High-Efficiency Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

We propose a conceptual design of InSe/ g-C₃N₄ van der Waals heterostructure to achieve highly efficient and spontaneous water splitting. InSe/ g-C₃N₄ possesses a direct band gap of 2.04 eV with type-II band alignment, which is beneficial to the separation of electrons and holes and exhibits proper valence and conduction-band positions for the redox reactions of H₂O. In addition, the adsorption of multiple water molecules and the changes of free energy on InSe/ g-C₃N₄ have been calculated to understand the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process of water splitting. The free energies of reaction on three sides are all downhill, and the values of Δ G reduce to about -0.406 eV, indicating that the OER of water splitting is a thermodynamically permissible reaction without the aid of any other substance. Therefore, the water-splitting reaction could be thermodynamically continued using InSe/ g-C₃N₄ as a photocatalyst, which indicates that InSe/ g-C₃N₄ is an excellent candidate for photocatalyst or photoelectronic applications.

Telomerase insufficiency induced telomere erosion accumulation in successive generations in dyskeratosis congenita family

Background

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare heritable bone marrow failure syndrome that is associated with telomere dysfunction, and has high genetic heterogeneity and varied features.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the underlying genetic etiology of a DC family with more severe symptoms in the younger generation and to explore the relationship between the genetic causes and the severity of DC phenotype.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the proband to screen the candidate causative gene. The protein structure was then predicted by SWISS‐MODEL software. Telomere length (TL) assay was performed on family members along with large‐scale population controls. The prenatal diagnosis (PND) was performed on the fetus of parents with secondary pregnancy.

Results

Novel heterozygous mutations in TERT (NM_198253.2), c.1796G>A (p.Arg599Gln), c.2839T>C (p.Ser947Pro), and c.3346G>C (p.Glu1116Gln) were identified in the proband. His TL was below the first percentile of the peers, which also appeared on the fetus with epidermal dyskeratosis through PND. The TL data of large‐scale population and members of the DC family implied the accumulation of telomere erosion in successive generations in this family.

Conclusions

Our study identified three clinical pathologic TERT mutations and implied that telomere erosion might be accumulated through successive generations, contributing to the severity of DC in the younger generation.

Genome-wide association study identified genes in the response to Salmonella pullorum infection in chickens

Pullorum is a bacterial disease that threatens the modern poultry industry. Over the years, research on this topic has focused mainly on its epidemiology, whereas the hosts' genetic basis of infection is still vague. In order to identify chickens' genes associated with pullorum, we sequenced 300 New Pudong chicken by double digest genotyping-by-sequencing. We obtained 1 527 953 SNPs for a genome-wide association analysis, which identified 43 genome-wide significant markers. Most of the significant SNPs were in the interval of 57.7-59.0 Mb on chromosome 5. The gene set enrichment analysis suggests a potential manner for bacterial infection and remaining inside the host. This work provides basic data for the purification, prevention and treatment of pullorum disease.

[Inhibitory Eefects of the novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor BGJ398 against human leukemic cell line KG-1 cells]

目的

探讨针对FGFR1的酪氨酸激酶抑制剂BGJ398对人急性髓系白血病细胞株KG-1细胞的影响及可能的作用机制。

方法

CCK-8法检测BGJ398对KG-1细胞增殖的影响；流式细胞术Annexin Ⅴ/PI双重染色法检测BGJ398对细胞凋亡的影响；RQ-PCR检测细胞凋亡相关基因的表达；Western blot法检测凋亡相关蛋白、FGFR1OP2-FGFR1融合蛋白及信号通路分子磷酸化水平的表达变化。

结果

BGJ398能有效抑制KG-1细胞增殖，抑制率呈剂量依赖性升高，并能诱导细胞凋亡。BGJ398作用KG-1细胞48 h后，与对照组比较凋亡相关基因Bcl-2表达下降（0.342±0.054对1.026±0.165，t=3.94，P=0.017），caspase-3表达上调（0.456±0.189对1.008±0.091，t=16.44，P<0.001），差异均有统计学意义。与对照组相比，BGJ398作用组caspase-3活化蛋白表达增加，同时Bcl-2蛋白表达下调；FGFR1OP2-FGFR1融合蛋白水平及AKT、S6K1磷酸化水平下调，差异均有统计学意义（P值均<0.01），但ERK磷酸化表达水平无明显改变。

结论

BGJ398能有效抑制KG-1细胞增殖并诱导细胞凋亡，其机制可能与抑制FGFR1表达、下调Bcl-2水平、促进Caspase-3活化及抑制AKT和S6K磷酸化有关。

Abstract P1-09-15: DNA methylation markers influenced by BMI are associated with breast cancer

Body mass index (BMI) is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism through which BMI acts on breast cancer remain largely unknown. DNA methylation plays a critical role in regulating gene expression. Aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in breast cancer development. We hypothesize that BMI influences DNA methylation that in turn leads to breast cancer. We therefore conducted a molecular epidemiological study to identify DNA methylation markers that are associated with BMI in healthy women and further determine the association of these DNA methylation changes with breast cancer development and occurrence. We analyzed 270 normal breast tissue from healthy women and 109 tumor tissue from breast cancer patients for genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using the Illumina Truseq® Methyl Capture EPIC sequencing technology. After data quality control, approximately 3 million CpG sites (sequencing depth≥10) were retained and included in further statistical analysis. Linear regression was performed to examine the association between BMI and each of CpG sites, adjusting for age and race. Bonferroni correction was used for control for multiple comparisons. We further investigated whether these BMI-associated DNA methylation markers were differentially methylated in normal and breast tissue. We found that 30 CpG sites were significantly associated with BMI (P&lt; 1.5x 10-8) in normal breast tissue. Many of these GpG sites were also differentially methylated in tumor and normal breast tissue. Top CpG hits are near novel and putative cancer genes mainly involved in lipid metabolism and related reproductive phenotypes that increase breast cancer risk, including KIAA0232, SHZ2, LACTB, PAPPA, and DLGAP2. The most significant CpG site associated with BMI is on chr. 4 in KIAA0232 gene. Little is known about the function of this gene, but genetic variant near the gene are associated with platelet count and volume in GWAS. The second most significant hit is on chr.20 in gene TSHZ2. This gene is found downregulated in breast and prostate cancer. LACTB gene is a tumor suppressor that modulates lipid metabolism and cell state. Its mechanism of action involves alteration of mitochondrial lipid metabolism and differentiation of breast cancer cells. PAPPA gene plays a role in inflammation and promote invasion of cancer cells. DLGAP2 is an imprinted gene, and SNPs near DLGAP2 are associated with age at menarche in AA women. Our results suggest DNA methylation may intermediate the observed association between BMI and breast cancer. Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger studies as well as to understand the regulatory network by linking data with gene expression.

Citation Format: He C, Lin N, Castle J, Liu J, Liu Y, Wang C. DNA methylation markers influenced by BMI are associated with breast cancer [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 P1-09-15.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields: promising treatment for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is considered to be a well-defined disease which results in high morbidity and mortality. In patients diagnosed with OP, low bone mass and fragile bone strength have been demonstrated to significantly increase risk of fragility fractures. To date, various anabolic and antiresorptive therapies have been applied to maintain healthy bone mass and strength. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are employed to treat patients suffering from delayed fracture healing and nonunions. Although PEMFs stimulate osteoblastogenesis, suppress osteoclastogenesis, and influence the activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and osteocytes, ultimately leading to retention of bone mass and strength. However, whether PEMFs could be taken into clinical use to treat OP is still unknown. Furthermore, the deeper signaling pathways underlying the way in which PEMFs influence OP remain unclear.

Size, Aspect Ratio and Anatomic Location of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Consecutive Series of 415 Patients from a Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

To analyze the size and location distribution of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) helps to provide evidence for clinical treatment of unruptured IAs using this feature of aneurysms. In this study, 415 patients who presented with an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by IAs were enrolled from eight tertiary referral centers between June 2016 and March 2018. The size, aspect ratio and anatomic location of ruptured IAs were defined and reported by patient sex. In the study cohort of 415 patients (60.5% women) with saccular ruptured IAs, the three most common locations of ruptured IAs were posterior communicating artery (32.0%), anterior communicating artery (28.7%), and middle cerebral artery (13.5%). The mean size of all ruptured IAs was 5.3±3.1 mm (range 1.1-28.5 mm), but the size varied considerably by location. For example, ruptured IAs of the posterior communicating artery had a mean size of 5.8±3.1 mm, whereas the mean size of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms was 4.6±1.7 mm. The mean AR in all ruptured IAs was 1.66±0.76. Of those aneurysms, 243 (58.6%) had an AR smaller than 1.6 and 318 (76.6%) had an AR smaller than 2.0. Our results suggested that the size of the most ruptured IAs are smaller than 7 mm or even 5 mm. The size and AR varied by sex and location. With the knowledge of size, location and AR, multiplicity should be considered for treatment strategies of unruptured IAs.

[The application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery in stage T(1b) renal cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in stage T(1b) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients . Methods: Between March 2014 and June 2017, 52 stage T(1b) RCC cases (36 males, 16 females) treated with retroperitoneal laparoscopic NSS in Zhongshan Hospital and Central Hospital of Minhang District were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed, with a tumor size range of 4.0 to 6.8 cm, and a mean size of(4.7±0.45)cm.The anatomic characteristics of tumors, operative time, intra-operative blood loss, warm ischemia time, intra- and post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, and oncological outcomes were reviewed. Results: Only 2 cases converted to open surgery due to uncontrollable bleeding in operation. The rest 50 cases successfully underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic NSS, with mean operative time of (122±20.86) min (range: 100-220 min), mean blood loss of (140±128.85)ml (range: 50-800 ml), mean warm ischemia time of (30±3.52)min (range: 25-42 min), pre-operative mean serum creatinine of (100±23.54)μmol/L (range: 65-148 μmol/L), mean serum creatinine three monthsafter operation of (104±30.84)μmol/L (range: 72-224 μmol/L), mean drainage of (180±82.33)ml (range: 80-550 ml), mean length of hospital stay after operation of (8±1.56)d (range: 5-15 d). There was no significant difference in renal function between pre- and post-operation (P=0.056). One patient suffered pulmonary embolism was cured conservatively. Fifty patients were followed up, among which 47 cases with malignant pathology were followed up for 3-29 months, and two of them suffered from pulmonary metastasis. Conclusions: After pre-operative comprehensive assessment of tumors, stage T(1b) renal cell carcinoma could be treated with retroperitoneal laparoscopic NSS safely.

Spatial self-organization resolves conflicts between individuality and collective migration

Collective behavior can spontaneously emerge when individuals follow common rules of interaction. However, the behavior of each individual differs due to existing genetic and non-genetic variation within the population. It remains unclear how this individuality is managed to achieve collective behavior. We quantify individuality in bands of clonal Escherichia coli cells that migrate collectively along a channel by following a self-generated gradient of attractant. We discover that despite substantial differences in individual chemotactic abilities, the cells are able to migrate as a coherent group by spontaneously sorting themselves within the moving band. This sorting mechanism ensures that differences between individual chemotactic abilities are compensated by differences in the local steepness of the traveling gradient each individual must navigate, and determines the minimum performance required to travel with the band. By resolving conflicts between individuality and collective migration, this mechanism enables populations to maintain advantageous diversity while on the move.

How bacteria migrate collectively despite individual phenotypic variation is not understood. Here, the authors show that cells spontaneously sort themselves within moving bands such that variations in individual tumble bias, a determinant of gradient climbing speed, are compensated by the local gradient steepness experienced by individuals.

[Usefulness of the residual SYNTAX score to predict long term outcome in acute coronary syndrome patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To quantify the extent and complexity of residual coronary stenosis following PCI by the residual SYNTAX score, and to evaluate its impact on adverse ischemic outcomes in acute coronary syndrome(ACS) patients. Methods: From January 2013 to December 2013, a total of 1 414 consecutive moderate- and high-risk ACS patients who underwent any PCI with multi-vessel coronary artery disease were evaluated.Patients were stratified by rSS quartiles and their outcomes were compared. Results: The rSS was 4.8±6.7. 591 patients (41.8%) had rSS=0(CR), 233 patients (16.5%) had rSS>0 but ≤ 3, 296 patients (20.9%) had rSS>3 but ≤8 and 294 patients (20.8%) had rSS>8.Clinical risk factors were more frequent in patients with incomplete revascularization(IR) compared with complete revascularization(CR). The 2-year rates of all-caused death(1.2% vs 0.4%, 2.0%, 4.4%, P=0.003), cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE were significantly higher in high rSS group, compared to other groups.By multivariable analysis, rSS was a strong independent predictor of ischemic outcomes at 2-year, including all-cause mortality (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.09, P=0.019), cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE. Conclusions: The rSS is a strong independent predictor of all-caused death, cardiac death, revascularization and MACCE and has moderated predictive ability for those ischemic outcomes.

miR-26a suppresses autophagy in swine Sertoli cells by targeting ULK2

A large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been detected from porcine testicular tissues thanks to the development of high-throughput sequencing technology. However, the regulatory roles of most identified miRNAs in swine testicular development or spermatogenesis are poorly understood. In our previous study, ULK2 (uncoordinated-51-like kinase 2) was predicted as a target gene of miR-26a. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-26a in swine Sertoli cell autophagy. The relative expression of miR-26a and ULK2 levels has a significant negative correlation (R²  = .5964, p ≤ .01) in nine developmental stages of swine testicular tissue. Dual-luciferase reporter assay results show that miR-26a directly targets the 3'UTR of the ULK2 gene (position 618-624). In addition, both the mRNA and protein expression of ULK2 were downregulated by miR-26a in swine Sertoli cells. These results indicate that miR-26a targets the ULK2 gene and downregulates its expression in swine Sertoli cells. Based on the expression of marker genes (LC3, p62 and Beclin-1), overexpression of miR-26a or knock-down of ULK2 inhibits swine Sertoli cell autophagy. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that miR-26a suppresses autophagy in swine Sertoli cells by targeting ULK2.

Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) inhibits intestinal inflammation through regulation of epithelial barrier function

Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. Our results demonstrated that SNIP1 was markedly decreased in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) from IBD patients compared with healthy controls. Impaired expression of SNIP1 caused a significant decrease of transepithelial electrical resistance but an increase of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran flux in Caco-2 monolayers, whereas overexpression of SNIP1 reversed such effects. Overexpression of SNIP1 also inhibited the activity of NF-κB p65 and proinflammatory cytokine production (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8) by IEC. Importantly, supplementation of exogenous SNIP1 significantly ameliorated intestinal mucosal inflammation in experimental colitis, characterized by less-severe intestinal epithelial barrier damage and decreased proinflammatory cytokine production. Our data thus demonstrated a novel mechanism whereby SNIP1 regulates intestinal inflammation through modulating intestinal epithelial barrier function. Targeting SNIP1 may provide a therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBD.

Identification of glutathione S-transferases in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and evidence that GSTd7 helps explain the difference in insecticide susceptibility between B. tabaci Middle East-Minor Asia 1 and Mediterranean

The Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera:Aleyrodidae) species complex includes invasive and destructive pests of field crops, and the sibling species MEAM1 and MED are its two most damaging members. Previous research indicated that the replacement of Middle East-Minor Asia 1 (MEAM1) by Mediterranean (MED) as the dominant B. tabaci species in China can be mainly attributed to MED's greater tolerance to insecticides. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play important roles in the detoxification of hydrophobic toxic compounds. To increase our understanding of differences in insecticide resistance between B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED, we searched the genomic and transcriptomic databases and identified 23 putative GSTs in both B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED. Through measuring mRNA levels of 18 of the GSTs after B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED adults were exposed to the insecticide imidacloprid, we found that the expression levels were increased more in B. tabaci MED than in MEAM1 (in particular, the expression level of GST-d7 was increased by 4.39-fold relative to the control). Knockdown of GST-d7 in B. tabaci MED but not in B. tabaci MEAM1 resulted in a substantial increase in the mortality of imidacloprid-treated adults. These results indicate that differences in GST-d7 may help explain why insecticide tolerance is greater in B. tabaci MED than in B. tabaci MEAM1.

Analysis of sensitive skin barrier function: basic indicators and sebum composition

OBJECTIVES

Sensitive skin (SS) is a condition characterised by high reactivity, low tolerance, and susceptibility to allergies of the skin. Owing to changes in the environment and marketing strategies, as well as the increasing public awareness about skin care, attention to skin condition is gradually increasing. The aim of this study is to explore the differences in the skin barrier of SS and normal skin (NS).

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted and basic indicators of the skin barrier were analysed. It was found that sebum secretion in the SS group was lower than that in the NS group, suggesting that the development of SS might be associated with sebum secretion and its specific components. Next, an ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used to identify facial sebum components in female volunteers.

RESULTS

The results showed that the sebum of female volunteers with SS had high levels of ceramides, glycerophosphoethanolamines, and diacylglycerols, and low levels of glucosylceramides, glycerophosphoserines, glycerophosphocholines, and triacylglycerols.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of lipid functions suggested that the main reason for SS development in women might be a barrier dysfunction caused by excessive apoptosis and lack of water. Therefore, anti-allergy additives in cosmetic products that could inhibit apoptosis of keratinocytes and methods to maintain the stability of water molecules in the skin should be further studied.

Symmetries in mirror nuclei 31S and 31P

Excited states in mirror nuclei 31S and 31P were populated in the 1n and 1p exit channels, respectively, of the reaction 20Ne + 12C. The beam of 20Ne, with an energy of 33 MeV, was delivered for the first time by the Piave-Alpi accelerator of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. Angular correlations of coincident pairs and Doppler-shift attenuation lifetime measurements in 31S and 31P were performed using the multidetector array GASP in conjunction with the EUCLIDES charged particle detector. A comparison of the determined B(E1) strengths of the analog mirror 7/2- → 5/2+ transitions indicates the presence of a violation of isospin symmetry.