ERK inhibition reduces neuronal death and ameliorates inflammatory responses in forebrain-specific Ppp2cα knockout mice

It has been shown that PP2A is critical for apoptosis in neural progenitor cells. However, it remains unknown whether PP2A is required for neuronal survival. To address this question, we generated forebrain-specific Ppp2cα knockout (KO) mice. We show that Ppp2cα KO mice display robust neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory responses in the postnatal cortex. Previous evidence has revealed that PD98059 is a potent ERK inhibitor and may protect the brain against cell death after cardiac arrest. To study whether PD98059 may have any effects on Ppp2cα KO mice, the latter was treated with this inhibitor. We demonstrated that the total number of cleaved caspase3 positive (+) cells in the cortex was significantly reduced in Ppp2cα KO mice treated with PD98059 compared with those without PD98059 treatment. We observed that the total number of IBA1+ cells in the cortex was significantly decreased in Ppp2cα KO mice treated with PD98059. Mechanistic analysis reveals that deletion of PP2Aca causes DNA damage, which may be attenuated by PD98059. Together, this study suggests that inhibition of ERK may be an effective strategy to reduce cell death in brain diseases with abnormal neuronal apoptosis.

[Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics of patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease at high and low altitude areas]

Objective: To explore differences in clinical characteristics and hemoglobin levels between different age groups in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) at high and low altitude areas, so as to provide a basis for further research on the effect of chronic hypoxia on MAFLD. Methods: Liver function indexes, non-invasive fibrosis indexes, metabolic indexes, and routine blood test of 1 458 (Xining area of Qinghai province) and 1 633 cases (Huzhou area, Zhejiang province) with MAFLD who underwent physical examination were retrospectively analyzed. The total population of the two places were compared and analyzed with the hemoglobin reference limit of 180 g/L. The population of Xining was divided into high and low hemoglobin groups for comparative analysis. The population of the two places was divided into five groups according to age stratification (≤30 years old, 31-40 years old, 41-50 years old, 51-60 years old, ≥61 years old). After multivariate adjustment, the characteristics of high and low hemoglobin groups and MAFLD were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test or χ² test. Results: The detected indexes values observed were higher in Xining than Huzhou area population [fibrosis indexes (FIB4, 1.08±0.02 vs. 1.19±0.02), erythrocyte (5.14±0.13 vs. 5.30±0.13), hemoglobin (156.82±0.37 vs. 164.19± 0.39), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 33.70±0.66 vs. 43.68±0.70), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 24.34±0.28 vs. 29.23±0.30), γ-glutamyltransferase (42.40±1.02 vs. 51.82±1.53), alkaline phosphatase (77.92±0.56 vs. 84.63±0.85), triglyceride (TG, 2.07±0.04 vs. 2.74±0.05), uric acid (UA, 383.42±2.15 vs. 406.44±2.36)]. The detected indexes values observed were higher in Huzhou than Xining area population [platelet count (220.54±1.32 vs. 181.62±1.40), total cholesterol (TC, 5.10±0.02 vs. 5.04±0.03), fasting blood glucose (FBG, 5.67±0.04 vs. 5.29±0.04)]. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Xining population UA and body mass index were increased in high hemoglobin group than low hemoglobin group, and the other parameters difference were not statistically significant. After the population in Xining was grouped by age, high and low FIB4, ALT, and AST and UA levels were detected in the age group of 31-40 and 51-60 years old, >61 years old, 31-40 years old, and the difference between hemoglobin groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Patients with MAFLD are more likely to develop fibrosis, liver function impairment, metabolic disorders and so on under high-altitude hypoxic environment. Additionally, there is certain correlation with disease severity and age changes, suggesting that chronic hypoxia can accelerate MAFLD progression.

[The association of posterior tibial slope changes between joint gap contact force and the range of motion in Oxford mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the change of posterior tibial slope (PTS) after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and the contact force at the end stage of knee flexion and extension, as well as the postoperative range of motion. Methods: The data of 38 cases (46 knees) of UKAs undertaken in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from June 2020 to June 2021 were analyzed in this study. A custom-designed force sensor was used to measure gap contact force in the medial gap of UKA. The correlations between each two of the three factors-the change of PTS (∆PTS), the gap contact force of full extension and deep flexion and the range of knee motion were analyzed. Results: Totally of 38 patients (46 knees) were enrolled, including 14 males and 24 females, aged (69.1±7.4) years, with an average follow-up of (11.2±3.7) months. The average gap contact force was (88.3±40.6)N, the adjusted contact force of the full extension gap was 81.7%±33.8%, while that of the deep flexion gap was 55.6%±31.0%. At the last follow-up, the fixed flexion degree[M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 0°(0°, 3°), which was significantly lower than the preoperative value of 0°(0°, 5°) (P<0.05); the postoperative max flexion degree was 115.9°±16.4°, it was increased when compared with the preoperative value of 112.0°±16.8° (P<0.05); and the postoperative PTS was 8.3°±2.7°, and there was no significant difference with the preoperative value (8.6°±2.1°,P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between ∆PTS and both the contact force of full extension gap and the fixed flexion degree (r=0.334 and 0.317, P<0.05). Besides, there was a negative correlation between ∆PTS and the contact force of the deep flexion gap (r=-0.397, P<0.05). However, the correlations between these two factors and the max flexion degree were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: The reduction of PTS in UKA would reduce the contact force of the full extension gap, as well as the postoperative fixed flexion deformity. Besides, it could increase the contact force of the deep flexion gap, but would not influence the max flexion degree of the knee postoperatively.

[Pancreas multidisciplinary team optimizes the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas-related diseases and improves the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients]

Objectives: To evaluate the role of pancreas multidisciplinary team(MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases,patient compliance with MDT advice,and the impact of MDT on the postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included 927 patients(554 males,373 females,aged (58.1±13.3)years (range: 15 to 89 years)) that had visited the pancreas MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital from May 2015 to December 2021,and 677 patients(396 males, 281 females, aged (63.6±8.9)years(range: 32 to 95 years)) who underwent radical surgery and with pathologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 2012 to December 2020,of whom 79 patients had attended the pancreas MDT. The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for drawing the survival curve and calculating the survival rate. The univariate analysis was done by Log-rank test and the multivariate analysis was done by COX proportional hazards model. Survival rates were compared using χ2 test. Results: Among the 927 patients that had visited the MDT clinic,233 patients(25.1%) were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. A direct diagnosis was made in 109 cases (46.8%,109/233) by the MDT clinic, of which 98 were consistent with the final diagnosis,resulting in an accuracy of 89.9%(98/109). The direct diagnosis rate in the recent years(36.6%(41/112),from June 2019 to December 2021) decreased compared to that in the previous years(56.2%(68/121),from May 2015 to May 2019),yet the accuracy in the recent years(90.2%,37/41) was basically the same as before (89.7%,61/68). The rate of compliance of the entire cohort was 71.5%(663/927), with the compliance rate in the recent two and a half years(81.4%,338/415) remarkably higher than that in the previous four years(63.4%,325/512). Patients with pancreatic cancer that attended the MDT exhibited a trend toward longer median postoperative survival than patients that did not attend the MDT,but the difference was not statistically significant(35.2 months vs.30.2 months,P>0.05). The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients that attended the MDT were significanly higher than patients that did not attend the MDT(88.6% vs. 78.4%,P<0.05;32.9% vs. 21.9%,P<0.05,respectively),but the 5-year survival rate was not statistically different(7.6% vs. 4.8%,P>0.05). Conclusions: The pancreas MDT clinic is an accurate and convenient way to diagnose intractable pancreatic diseases,and in the recent years the patients' compliance rate with MDT advice has increased. Pancreatic cancer patients that have attended the MDT have higher 1-year and 3-year postoperative survival rates,but the long-term survival benefits of MDT still needs to be proved by clinical studies on a larger scale.

A systematic review of the nutritional status of adults experiencing homelessness

OBJECTIVES

To identify, appraise, and describe studies focussing on the nutritional characteristics of people experiencing homelessness (PEH).

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic (narrative) review.

METHODS

We identified full-text studies of any design and in the English language of adults (≥18 years) fulfilling the European Typology criteria for homelessness, based in community or hospital settings, and which report nutritional measures. Five electronic databases, 13 grey literature sources, reference lists, and forward citations were searched. Data on study characteristics and nutrition measures were collected and synthesised narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using relevant checklists for each study type.

RESULTS

A total of 1130 studies were identified and retrieved. After screening, six studies were included for review: three cross-sectional studies; two case-control studies; and one randomised control trial, involving a total of 1561 participants from various settings including shelters, drop-in centres, hospitals, and hostels. All included studies were from high-income countries. Studies reported a range of nutrition measures including anthropometry (e.g., body mass index (BMI)), serum micronutrients and biomarkers, and dietary intake. Between 33.3% and 68.3% of participants were overweight or obese; 3.5%-17% were underweight; and low blood levels of iron, folate, vitamins C, D, and B12, and haemoglobin were prevalent. PEH consumed high amounts of dietary fats and alcohol, and low amounts of fruits and vegetables compared with national guidelines and housed individuals. There was moderate to high risk of selection and measurement bias and confounding in included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of PEH are within unhealthy BMI ranges and are deficient in serum micronutrients and nutritional biomarkers. Studies using large data sets that examine multiple aspects of nutrition are needed to describe the nutritional characteristics of PEH.

REGISTRATION

This systematic review is based on a prespecified protocol registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42021218900).

Deleterious effects of nervous system in the offspring following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is universally susceptible to all types of populations. In addition to the elderly and children becoming the groups of great concern, pregnant women carrying new lives need to be even more alert to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies have shown that pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to brain damage and post-birth psychiatric disorders in offspring. It has been widely recognized that SARS-CoV-2 can affect the development of the fetal nervous system directly or indirectly. Pregnant women are recommended to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the fetus through vaccination, nutritional supplements, and psychological support. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms of the nervous system effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on their offspring during the pregnancy and analyzes the available prophylactic and treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of fetal-related neuropsychiatric diseases after birth.

AB1442 A PREDICTIVE MODEL OF CATASTROPHIC ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a life-threatening form of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), with rarely occurrence but high mortality. Current classification diagnosis criteria require more than 3 organs involvement in 1-week time and pathological evidence in patient with persistent positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), which could result the delaying diagnosis and treatment. A predictive model could help identify CAPS patients earlier and initiate early intervention.

Objectives

To develop a predictive model of CAPS in APS patients in a single-center prospective APS cohort.

Methods

Data of consecutive APS patients referred into Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2013 to October 2021 was collected. A binary logistic regression method was used to identify predictors of CAPS, coefficient B was assigned with score value in the development of prediction model, and risk-stratification was based on the calculated score using the predictive model. The performance of the model was assessed by Nagelkerke’s R2, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, Omnibus test, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 27 CAPS (11.9%) occurred in 226 APS patients. CAPS were more likely to occur in male secondary APS patients with history of arterial thrombosis. Precipitating factors (OR 108.961, 95% CI 23.299 to 509.572), thrombocytopenia (OR 14.765, 95% CI 3.088 to 70.612) and elevated serum creatine (OR 5.339, 95% CI 1.301 to 21.907) were selected by the binary logistic regression. The scores of precipitating factors, thrombocytopenia and elevated serum creatine were 5, 3 and 2. The risk scores were divided into high-risk (7-10) and low-risk (0-6), the risk for CAPS were 73.3% and 2.6%, with sensitivity of 81.5% and specificity of 96%. The Nagelkerke’s R2 (0.696), the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 =2.192, df=4, p=0.701) and the Omnibus test (χ2 =101.307, df=3, p=0.000) indicated the logistic regression model has a good fit. The AUC was 0.969 (95% CI 0.947 to 0.991, SE=0.011, p=0.000) indicated the model has good discrimination.

Conclusion

A predictive model of CAPS was developed with precipitating factors, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum creatine. This model helps physicians identify CAPS in high-risk patients, could achieve early intervention and improve prognosis.

Table 1.

Characteristics and predicting factors of CAPS in PUMCH-APS cohort

CAPS（N=27）Non-CAPS（N=199）pOdds ratiopCoefficient ΒScoreGender（M）14(51.9)64(32.2)0.043Age (y)36.3±15.236.2±12.50.975Disease duration (m)49.7±77.753.9±72.30.777Secondary APS14(51.9)52(26.1)0.006APS diagnosisVenous thrombosis17(63.0)106(53.3)0.342Arterial thrombosis22(81.5)79(39.7)0.000Pregnancy morbidity5(18.5)68(34.2)0.103LA22(81.5)155(77.9)0.671aCL21(77.8)123(61.8)0.105a-β2GP123(85.2)155(77.9)0.384Precipitating factors24(88.9)19(9.5)0.000108.961(23.299-509.572)0.0004.6915WBC(×109/L)9.0±6.36.6±2.90.067HGB(g/L)82.7±20.4130±23.80.000Hemolytic anemia15(55.6)20(10.1)0.000PLT(×109/L)61.1±67.1132±84.00.000Thrombocytopenia24(88.9)80(40.2)0.00014.765(3.088-70.612)0.0012.6923Cr(μmol/L)224.5±225.874.4±28.40.002Elevated Cr15(55.6)34(17.1)0.0005.339(1.301-21.07)0.0201.6752LDH(U/L)476.4±227.0226.9±92.30.000 Elevated LDH25(92.6)54(27.1)0.000Proteinuria18(66.7)28(14.1)0.000Hematuria15(55.6)20(10.1)0.000Figure 1.

(A). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve of the predictive model. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.969, the cut-off value of 7 were with sensitivity of 81.5% and specificity of 96%. (B). Calibration curve in internal validation.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Role of depressive symptoms in the prognosis of heart failure and its potential clinical predictors

Aims

This study aims to analyse the factors associated with prognosis in hospitalized patients with heart failure, particularly the role of depressive symptoms, and to develop a prediction model for depressive symptoms based on clinical characteristics in hospitalized patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

Baseline information was collected at admission, and patients were followed up after discharge. The endpoint events were being hospitalized for heart failure or all‐cause death. Depressive symptoms were evaluated and defined via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)‐2 and PHQ‐9. The bidirectional elimination was used to screen independent predictors of heart failure with depression symptoms. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) optimized the predictor variables, and the prediction model was constructed. The model was internally validated by the bootstrap sampling method (Bootstrap), and its performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration. The mean age of patients with heart failure was 69.43 ± 12.15 years, and the proportion of males was 66.67%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalized patients with heart failure was 46.83%, and the prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms was 11.62%. Eighty cases (30.30%) were readmitted for heart failure, and 13 cases (4.92%) were all‐cause deaths. Depressive symptoms (HR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.55–3.80) and the PHQ‐9 score (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06–1.16) were both independent risk factors for endpoint events (P < 0.001). For heart failure patients combined with depressive symptoms, obesity (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.77, P = 0.015), N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT‐proBNP) level (lnNT‐proBNP: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20–2.01, P < 0.001) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.47, P = 0.004) were the independent factors. Six variables, including cardiovascular disease hospitalization history, obesity, renal insufficiency, NT‐proBNP level, neutrophil ratio and RDW, were included to construct the prediction model. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.730 in the original data, and the calibration curve was approximately distributed along the reference line in Bootstrap (500 resamplings), indicating the high level of discrimination and calibration of this model.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms and the PHQ‐9 score are both independent risk factors for the prognosis of hospitalized patients with heart failure. In hospitalized patients with heart failure, the risk prediction model developed in this study has good predictive power for depressive symptoms.

OP0145 VALIDATION OF 3 PREDICTION MODELS FOR THROMBOSIS IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME PATIENTS BASED ON A PROSPECTIVE COHORT

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare and complicated acquired autoimmune thrombophilia characterized by arterial/venous thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy loss. Thrombosis is the first cause of death of APS patients. However, there has been no generally acknowledged model to predict thrombosis. Only adjusted global APS score (aGAPSS) was developed for prediction but based on a cross-sectional study1. Additionally, the predictive ability of Padua score and Caprini score has not been validated in APS patients.

Objectives

Aim to validate the ability of aGAPSS, Padua score and Caprini score to predict thrombosis in APS patients basing on a prospective cohort.

Methods

Consecutive APS patients who fulfilled the 2006 Sydney Revised Classification Criteria for APS, referred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital were included. Clinical data, aGAPSS, Padua score, and Caprini score at the time of diagnosis were collected. Patients with less than 1-year follow-up were excluded. Harrell c-index and calibration curve were used to validate the prediction models.

Results

A total of 302 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 32±12 years old, and 202 (66.9%) were female (Table 1). Patients were followed up for a median of 36 months. During the follow-up period, there were 62 thrombotic events, with 40 (13.25%) venous and 22 (7.28%) arterial thrombosis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year thrombosis risks were 8.9%, 16.9%, and 21.3% respectively (Figure 1A). The Harrell c-indexes for predicting thrombosis of aGAPSS, Padua score, and Caprini score were 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.60), 0.58 (95% CI, 0.54-0.62), and 0.61 (95%CI, 0.57-0.65) respectively. The model predicting venous thrombosis with the best discrimination was Padua score whose Harrell c-index was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.68), and the model predicting arterial thrombosis with the best discrimination was Caprini score whose Harrell c-index was 0.62 (95%CI, 0.56-0.68). The calibration curves illustrated that the calibration for predicting thrombosis within 3 years after diagnosis of all the 3 models was poor (Figure 1B-D).

Table 1.

Demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations at baseline

N=302N=302Age, mean±SD32±12Clinical manifestationsFemale, n (%)202 (66.9)Venous thrombosis, n (%)156 (51.7)Disease duration (months), median (Q1, Q3)11.50 (3.00, 44.00)Deep venous thrombosis, n (%)112 (37.1)Secondary to SLE, n (%)73 (24.2)Pulmonary embolism, n (%)70 (23.2)Smoking history, n (%)63 (20.9)Visceral venous thrombosis, n (%)12 (4.0)Hypertension, n (%)59 (19.5)Cranial venous sinus thrombosis, n (%)13 (4.3)Hyperlipidemia, n (%)151 (50.0)Arterial thrombosis, n (%)113 (37.4)BMI, mean±SD23.96±3.89Stroke/TIA, n (%)62 (20.5)LA positive, n (%)241 (79.8)Myocardial infarction, n (%)14 (4.6)aCL positive, n (%)208 (68.9)Arterial thrombosis of lower extremities, n (%)22 (7.3)aβ2GPI positive, n (%)242 (80.1)Visceral arterial thrombosis, n (%)18 (6.0)Triple aPL positive, n (%)165 (54.6)Thrombocytopenia, n (%)118 (39.1)Obstetric manifestations, n (%)N=202Valvular lesions, n (%)24 (7.9)Pregnancy morbidity103 (51.0)Early miscarriages (<10 weeks)13 (6.4)Fetal death (>= 10 weeks)68 (33.7)Preeclampsia, eclampsia and placental dysfunction36 (17.8)Figure 1.

The Kaplan-Meier curve and the calibration curve of 3 prediction models within 3 years after diagnosis. A: The Kaplan-Meier curve of venous, arterial and both venous and arterial thrombosis. B: The calibration curves for venous thrombosis. C: The calibration curves for arterial thrombosis. D: The calibration curves for both venous and arterial thrombosis.

Conclusion

The ability of aGAPSS, Padua score and Caprini score to predict thrombosis in APS patients is relatively poor. Construction of a new prediction model specifically for APS patients is required to help with early prevention and treatment.

References

[1]Sciascia, S., et al., GAPSS: the Global Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome Score. Rheumatology (Oxford), 2013. 52(8): p. 1397-403.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

[Impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy for primary liver cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on clinical outcomes of patients receiving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study among 215 patients with primary liver cancer receiving immunotherapy between June, 2018 and October, 2020. The patients with balanced baseline characteristics were selected based on propensity matching scores, and among them 33 patients who used NSAIDs were matched at the ratio of 1∶3 with 78 patients who did not use NSAIDs. We compared the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease control rate (DCR) between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in OS between the patients using NSAIDs (29.7%) and those who did not use NSAIDs (70.2%). Univariate and multivariate analyses did not show an a correlation of NSAIDs use with DCR (univariate analysis: OR=0.602, 95% CI: 0.299-1.213, P=0.156; multivariate analysis: OR=0.693, 95% CI: 0.330-1.458, P=0.334), PFS (univariate analysis: HR=1.230, 95% CI: 0.789-1.916, P=0.361; multivariate analysis: HR=1.151, 95% CI: 0.732-1.810, P=9.544), or OS (univariate analysis: HR=0.552, 95% CI: 0.208-1.463, P=0.232; multivariate analysis: HR=1.085, 95% CI: 0.685-1.717, P=0.729).

CONCLUSION

Our results show no favorable effect of NSAIDs on the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced primary liver cancer, but this finding still needs to be verified by future prospective studies of large cohorts.

Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of HSK3486, a Novel 2,6-Disubstituted Phenol Derivative as a General Anesthetic

Background: The purpose of this study was to characterize the novel sedative/hypnotic agent HSK3486, a 2,6-disubstituted alkylphenol analogue.

Methods: The mechanism of action of HSK3486 was studied in competitive binding assays and whole-cell patch clamp assays. HSK3486 was administered by bolus intravenous injection to dogs and rats, and the loss of righting reflex as well as effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems were assessed. The in vitro metabolism of HSK3486 was analyzed by CYP450 genotyping and enzyme inhibition.

Results: HSK3486 competed with t-butylbicycloorthobenzoate (TBOB) and t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) for binding to the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptor. HSK3486 potentiated GABA-evoked chloride currents at lower concentrations while activating GABA_A receptor at higher concentrations. HSK3486 induced hypnosis in rats and dogs, and had a higher therapeutic index than propofol in rats. The hypnotic potency of HSK3486 was approximately 4-5 fold higher than that of propofol. HSK3486 exerted minimal effects on the cardiovascular system.

Conclusions: HSK3486 is a positive allosteric regulator and direct agonist of GABA_A receptor. It has a promising sedative/hypnotic effect and good in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, which justify further studies towards its clinical application.

Sulforaphane improves cognitive dysfunction after surgery and anesthesia in mice: the role of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling

Anesthesia and surgery are likely causing cognitive dysfunction in patients, especially the elderly. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms largely remain unclear. Accumulating evidence suggest that signaling between Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of brain dysfunction, while sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound acting as an Nrf2 agonist, can improve brain function. In the present study, we used 9-month-old mice to perform tibial fracture surgery under isoflurane general anesthesia. Hierarchical cluster analysis of Morris water maze test (MWMT) analysis was performed to classify mice into post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) versus non-POCD phenotypes. Expression levels of Keap1 and Nrf2 were significantly decreased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus and liver, but not in the nucleus accumbens, muscle and gut of POCD mice compared to control and non-POCD mice. Interestingly, both pretreatment and posttreatment with SFN significantly improved the abnormal behaviors of mice in the MWMT, in parallel with the up-regulated levels of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in the mPFC, hippocampus and liver. In conclusion, these results suggest that decreased Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in the mPFC, hippocampus and liver may contribute to the onset of POCD, and that SFN exerts facilitating effects on POCD symptoms by increasing Keap1-Nrf2 signaling.

Measurement of the Cross Sections of Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} Baryons and of the Branching-Fraction Ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential cross sections of prompt charm-strange baryons Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The Ξ_{c}^{0} baryon was reconstructed via both the semileptonic decay (Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}) and the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}) channels. The Ξ_{c}^{+} baryon was reconstructed via the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}) channel. The branching-fraction ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=1.38±0.14(stat)±0.22(syst) was measured with a total uncertainty reduced by a factor of about 3 with respect to the current world average reported by the Particle Data Group. The transverse momentum (p_{T}) dependence of the Ξ_{c}^{0}- and Ξ_{c}^{+}-baryon production relative to the D^{0} meson and to the Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}- and Λ_{c}^{+}-baryon production are reported. The baryon-to-meson ratio increases toward low p_{T} up to a value of approximately 0.3. The measurements are compared with various models that take different hadronization mechanisms into consideration. The results provide stringent constraints to these theoretical calculations and additional evidence that different processes are involved in charm hadronization in electron-positron (e^{+}e^{-}) and hadronic collisions.

MiR-18a Inhibits PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway to Regulate PDGF BB-Induced Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Phenotypic Transformation

The increased proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a key process in the formation of airway remodeling in asthma. In this study, we focused on the expression of mircoRNA-18a (miR-18a) in airway remodeling in bronchial asthma and its related mechanisms. ASMCs are induced by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) for in vitro airway remodeling. The expression of miR-18a in sputum of asthmatic patients and healthy volunteers was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of miR-18a was over-expressed or interfered with in PDGF-BB-treated ASMCs. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were detected by MTT, flow cytometry and Transwell, respectively; the expression of contractile phenotype marker proteins (SM-22α, α-SM-actin, calponin) and key molecules of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway (PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT and p-AKT) in ASMCs were detected by Western blot. The expression of miR-18a was down-regulated in the sputum and PDGF-BB-treated ASMCs of asthma patients. PDGF-BB could promote the proliferation and migration of ASMCs and inhibit their apoptosis; it could also promote the phenotypic transformation of ASMCs and activate the PI3K/AKT pathway. MiR-18a could inhibit the proliferation, migration ability and phenotypic transformation of ASMCs induced by PDGF-BB to a certain extent and alleviate the effect of PDGF-BB in supressing apoptosis, while miR-18a could inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. MiR-18a inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, migration and phenotypic conversion of ASMCs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, thus attenuating airway remodeling in asthma.

Muscle-brain communication in pain: The key role of myokines

Pain is the most common reason for a physician visit, which accounts for a considerable proportion of the global burden of disease and greatly affects patients' quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets involved in pain. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a well known phenomenon observed worldwide. However, the available evidence demonstrates that the mechanisms of EIH remain unclear. One of the most accepted hypotheses has been the activation of several endogenous systems in the brain. Recently, the concept that the muscle acts as a secretory organ has attracted increasing attention. Proteins secreted by the muscle are called myokines, playing a critical role in communicating with other organs, such as the brain. This review will focus on several myokines and discuss their roles in EIH.

Correlation of Four Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the RELN Gene With Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the RELN gene and schizophrenia.

METHODS

134 patients aged 16 to 58 (mean, 38.0) years who were diagnosed with acute or chronic schizophrenia at the Zhongshan Third People's Hospital between January 2018 and April 2020 were recruited, as were 64 healthy controls aged 22 to 59 (mean, 45.6) years who matched with the age and sex of the patients. MassARRAY mass spectrometry genotyping technology was used to determine the genotypes of four SNPs of RELN (rs2073559, rs2229864, rs362691, and rs736707).

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group or between-sex differences in terms of genotype, allele frequency, or haplotype frequency of the SNPs (all p > 0.05). In the association analysis between genotypes and quantitative traits in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, rs2229864 and rs736707 were associated with the scores for items P3 (hallucinatory behaviour) and G11 (attention disorder), and rs362691 was associated with G10 (disorientation). However, the associations did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSION

Multiple pathogenic polymorphisms of RELN might be associated with hallucinatory behaviour and attention disorder in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.

Λ_{c}^{+} Production and Baryon-to-Meson Ratios in pp and p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV at the LHC

The prompt production of the charm baryon Λ_{c}^{+} and the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} production ratios were measured at midrapidity with the ALICE detector in pp and p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. These new measurements show a clear decrease of the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} ratio with increasing transverse momentum (p_{T}) in both collision systems in the range 2<p_{T}<12  GeV/c, exhibiting similarities with the light-flavor baryon-to-meson ratios p/π and Λ/K_{S}^{0}. At low p_{T}, predictions that include additional color-reconnection mechanisms beyond the leading-color approximation, assume the existence of additional higher-mass charm-baryon states, or include hadronization via coalescence can describe the data, while predictions driven by charm-quark fragmentation processes measured in e^{+}e^{-} and e^{-}p collisions significantly underestimate the data. The results presented in this Letter provide significant evidence that the established assumption of universality (colliding-system independence) of parton-to-hadron fragmentation is not sufficient to describe charm-baryon production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.

Experimental Evidence for an Attractive p-ϕ Interaction

This Letter presents the first experimental evidence of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a ϕ meson. The result is obtained from two-particle correlations of combined p-ϕ⊕ p[over ¯]-ϕ pairs measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The spin-averaged scattering length and effective range of the p-ϕ interaction are extracted from the fully corrected correlation function employing the Lednický-Lyuboshits approach. In particular, the imaginary part of the scattering length vanishes within uncertainties, indicating that inelastic processes do not play a prominent role for the p-ϕ interaction. These data demonstrate that the interaction is dominated by elastic p-ϕ scattering. Furthermore, an analysis employing phenomenological Gaussian- and Yukawa-type potentials is conducted. Under the assumption of the latter, the N-ϕ coupling constant is found to be g_{N-ϕ}=0.14±0.03(stat)±0.02(syst). This work provides valuable experimental input to accomplish a self-consistent description of the N-ϕ interaction, which is particularly relevant for the more fundamental studies on partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclear medium.

Tuning Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction via an electric field at the Co/h-BN interface

The Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction (DMI) at the Co/h-BN interface can emerge and be enhanced by applying a downward electric field. The height of the Co atom relative to the h-BN layer with the electric field determines the variation of DMI. One half reduction of J₁ is beneficial to generate skyrmions. Tuning the DMI by an electric field sheds new light for research on skyrmions.

Tissue factor cytoplasmic domain exacerbates post-infarct left ventricular remodeling via orchestrating cardiac inflammation and angiogenesis

Introduction

The coagulation protein tissue factor (TF) regulates inflammation and angiogenesis via its cytoplasmic domain in infection, cancer and diabetes. While TF is highly abundant in the heart and implicated in cardiac injuries and dysfunction, the contribution of its cytoplasmic domain in cardiac pathology remains unclear.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the contribution of the cytoplasmic domain of TF to post-infarct myocardial injury and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods and results

Myocardial infarction was induced by permanent occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Male mice with C57BL/Jax background were used for the study. Compared with wild-type mice, mice lacking the TF cytoplasmic domain (TFΔCT) had a higher survival rate (90.5% versus 70%, p=0.0298) during a 28-day follow-up after myocardial infarction. Among surviving mice, TFΔCT mice had better cardiac function and less LV remodeling (ESV: 114.5±13.1mL for WT, 67.06±10.8mL for TFΔCT, p&lt;0.001; EDV: 146.6±12.4mL for WT, 99.97±11.71mL for TFΔCT, p&lt;0.001) than wild-type mice. Bone marrow chimerism indicated that deletion of the TF cytoplasmic domain in either bone marrow-derived cells or cardiac resident cells could alleviate post-infarct cardiac dysfunction. Speckle-tracking strain analysis revealed that the overall improvement of post-infarct cardiac performance in TFΔCT mice was attributed to reduced myocardial deformation in the peri-infarct region (strain-%: 11.14±0.97 for WT, 15.34±1.10 for TFΔCT, p=0.007; strain rate-/s: 3.89±0.26 for WT, 5.18±0.21 for TFΔCT, p=0.0005). Histological analysis demonstrated that TFΔCT hearts had in the infarct area greater proliferation of endothelial cells and myofibroblasts accompanied with better scar formation. Compared with wild-type hearts, infarcted TFΔCT hearts showed less infiltration of proinflammatory cells with concomitant lower expression of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1)-Rac1 axis. Furthermore, infarcted TFΔCT hearts presented markedly higher peri-infarct vessel density associated with enhanced endothelial cell proliferation and higher expression of PAR2 and PAR2-associated pro-angiogenic pathway factors.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the TF cytoplasmic domain exacerbates post-infarct cardiac injury and adverse LV remodeling via differential regulation of inflammation and angiogenesis. Targeted inhibition of the TF cytoplasmic domain-mediated intracellular signaling may ameliorate post-infarct LV remodeling without perturbing coagulation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National University Health System of Singapore

Allergic contact dermatitis in healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common occupational skin disease among healthcare workers (HCWs).

AIMS

This study describes causes of allergic contact dermatitis in New Zealand HCWs.

METHODS

All HCWs undergoing patch testing between July 2008 and January 2020 at a public hospital patch test clinic and between June 2019 and January 2020 at a private dermatology clinic were included. Data collected included patient demographics, occupation, results of patch testing and pre- and post-patch test diagnoses.

RESULTS

Out of 837 patients tested, 67 were HCWs. The mean age of HCWs was 41 years (SD 14) and 58 (87%) were female. The most common occupations were nurses (40%), allied health (22%) and doctors (18%). Forty-six (69%) patients had a background of atopic dermatitis. Hand dermatitis was the most common presentation (49%), followed by facial/neck dermatitis (25%). Thirty-eight (57%) had at least one positive reaction on patch testing, including 19 (28%) with a positive result of current relevance. There were 16 relevant reactions to rubber accelerators, 11 to fragrances, 10 to preservatives and 6 to corticosteroids. The most frequent relevant allergens were methylisothiazolinone/methylchloroisothiazolinone (4%), hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (4%) and methylisothiazolinone (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common allergens in HCWs were rubber chemicals, fragrances, preservatives and topical corticosteroids. Important allergens for patch testing HCWs are outlined, in particular, those with hand dermatitis should be tested to a rubber series.

Do patient characteristics matter when calculating sample size for eczema clinical trials?

Background

The Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) is the core outcome instrument recommended for measuring patient‐reported atopic eczema symptoms in clinical trials. To ensure that the statistical significance of clinical trial results is meaningful, trials are often designed by specifying the target difference in the primary outcome as part of the sample size calculation. One method used to specify the target difference is a score that corresponds to a standardized effect size.

Objectives

to assess how the standardized effect size of POEM scores vary across age, gender, ethnicity and disease severity.

Methods

This study combined data from five UK‐based randomized clinical trials of eczema treatments in order to assess differences in self‐reported eczema symptoms (POEM) corresponding to a standardized effect size (0.5 SD of baseline POEM scores) across age, gender, ethnicity and disease severity.

Results

POEM scores corresponding to 0.5 SD_(baseline) were remarkably consistent across participants of varying ages, gender, ethnicity and disease severity from datasets of five UK trials in children (range 2.99–3.45).

Conclusions

This study provides information that can support those designing clinical trials to determine their sample size and can aid individuals interpreting trial results. Further exploration of differences in populations beyond the United Kingdom is needed.

Multiharmonic Correlations of Different Flow Amplitudes in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, using higher-order symmetric cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium when compared to correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. A comparison to Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.

P–363 Poor Ovarian Response is Associated with Anti-ovarian Antibody, and Pro-inflammatory Immune Responses in Women Underwent Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles

Study question

To investigate if the anti-ovarian antibody (AOA) is associated with poor ovarian response (POR) and pro-inflammatory immune responses in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.

Summary answer

The POR patients have a higher prevalence of AOAs. Women with autoimmune POR (POR(+)/AOA(+)) have dysregulated pro-inflammatory immune responses and metabolic factors.

What is known already

It has been proved that AOAs play important role in diseases that related to human reproduction such as premature ovarian failure (POF) which also termed as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in vitro fertilization (IVF) implantation failure, and in poor ovarian response in IVF stimulation. The POR women had elevated inflammatory immune responses: increased NK cell count and cytotoxicity, B cell counts, Th1/Th2 ratio and elevated metabolic factors such as higher homocysteine and plasminogen activator inhibitor–1 (PAI–1) level.

Study design, size, duration

This study is a retrospective cohort study between December 2015 and February 2019. 248 women who underwent ART cycles were included. Study patients were divided into four groups based on AOA test and POR diagnose defined by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology consensus: POR(-)/AOA (-) group (N = 148), POR(+)/AOA(-) group (N = 34), POR (-)/AOA (+) group (N = 44), POR(+)/AOA(+) group (N = 22). Peripheral blood was collected during the early follicular phase when they enter the program.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The natural killer (NK) cell levels and cytotoxicity, T helper (Th) 1/Th2 cell ratios were measured by flowcytometry. Anti-phospholipid Antibodies (APA) was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AOA, 25 (OH) vitamin D level, homocysteine, PAI–1 level was tested by Immunofluorescence Assay.One way ANOVA was applied to compare the continuous variables among study groups. Chi-squared analysis or Fisher’s exact test were performed to compare the categorical variables.

Main results and the role of chance

The POR patients have a significantly higher prevalence of AOA than non-POR patients (39.3% vs. 22.9%, P = 0.017, OR 2.176 95% CI 1.156–4.099). Peripheral blood CD56+ NK cell level (%), NK cytotoxicity, CD19+CD5+ B–1 cell level (%) and IFN-g/IL–10 producing Th1/Th2 cell ratios were significantly higher in POR(+)/AOA(+) group than those of other groups (P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). TNF-a/IL–10 producing Th1/Th2 cell ratio of POR(+)/AOA (+) group was significantly higher than those of POR(+)/AOA(-) and POR(-)/AOA(-) groups (P &lt; 0.05, respectively). Peripheral blood homocysteine and vitamin D levels of the POR(+)/AOA (+) group were significantly lower than those of other groups (P &lt; 0.005, respectively). Peripheral blood PAI–1 level of POR(+)/AOA(+) group was significantly higher than that of POR(-)/AOA(-) group (P &lt; 0.05). In POR(+)/AOA(+) group, the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody was significantly higher than that of POR(+)/AOA(-) group (54.5% vs 20.5%, P = 0.005, OR 4.667, 95% CI 1.532–14.216).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a single center study, results need to be validated across different center and study population.

Wider implications of the findings: The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for AOA (+) autoimmune POR patients should be differentiated from those for non-autoimmune POR.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Targeting STING attenuates ROS induced intervertebral disc degeneration

OBJECTIVE

DNA damage induced by ROS is considered one of the main causes of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells degeneration during the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). cGAS-STING pathway acts as DNA-sensing mechanism for monitoring DNA damage. Recent studies have proved that cGAS-STING contributes to the development of various diseases by inducing inflammation, senescence, and apoptosis. This work explored the role of STING, the main effector of cGAS-STING signaling pathway, in NP degeneration.

METHOD

Immunohistochemistry was conducted to measure STING protein levels in the nucleus pulposus tissues from human and puncture-induced IVDD rat models. TBHP induces degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells in vitro. For in vivo experiments, lv-NC or lv-STING were injected into the central intervertebral disc space. The degeneration level of IVDD was assessed by MRI, X-ray, HE, and Safranin O staining.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of STING was upregulated in human and rat degenerated NP tissue as well as in TBHP-treated NP cells. Overexpression of STING promoted the degradation of extracellular matrix; it also promoted apoptosis and senescence of TBHP-treated and untreated NP cells. Knock-down of STING significantly reversed these effects. Mechanistically, STING activated IRF3, whereas blockage of IRF3 attenuated STING-induced apoptosis, senescence and ECM degradation. In vivo experiments revealed that STING knock-down alleviated puncture-induced IVDD development.

CONCLUSION

STING promotes IVDD progress via IRF3, while suppression of STING may be a promising treatment for IVDD.