[Auditory response patterns of mouse primary auditory cortex to sound stimuli]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the auditory response patterns of mouse primary auditory cortex (A1) neurons.

METHODS

In vivo cell-attached recordings and neural network modeling were performed to detect the changes in response patterns of A1 neurons of awake C57BL/6J mice to sound stimulation with varying lengths. A1 neuron signals were recorded for 216 neurons in 20 awake mice using a target sound stimulation sequence, and the classification and response characteristics of A1 neuron response patterns were examined using post-stimulus spike time histograms. To simulate the diversity of the A1 neuron response patterns, an A1 neuron model was established based on the Wilson-Cowan model and integral-firing model. The neuron connection weight parameters in the model were calculated by examining the micro loop structure of the pyramidal neurons, parvalbumin neurons, and somatostatin neurons in the A1 region, and the A1 neural network information coding model was constructed.

RESULTS

The Onset response neurons only had fast spike response within 10 to 40 ms after the beginning of noise stimulation (122 neurons). The Sustained response neurons had spike response continuously during the noise stimulation (26 neurons). The On-off response neurons had fast spike response after the beginning and the end of noise stimulation (40 neurons). The Offset response neurons only had fast spike response within 10 to 40 ms after the end of noise stimulation (22 neurons). In the neural network model, the Onset peak neural activities of A1 pyramidal neurons, parvalbumin neurons, and somatostatin neurons were 0.7483, 0.5236 and 0.9427, respectively, and their response half peak widths were 18.5 ms, 12 ms and 31 ms during the 100 ms noise stimulation, respectively. By changing the feedforward excitation and synaptic inhibition time constants in the model, the neurons generated numerous different types of spike train.

CONCLUSION

The auditory response of mouse A1 neurons to sound stimuli shows mainly the Onset, Sustained, On-off, and Offset response patterns.

[Association between metabolic risk factors and the hepatitis B reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers in Jiangsu province: a cohort study]

Objective: To analyze the impact of metabolic risk factors on the epidemiological characteristics of the reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) and provide effective intervention measures to standardize the management of chronic hepatitis B infections. Methods: Based on the chronic hepatitis B infection cohort established in 2010 in Jiangsu province, six follow-up visits from 2012 to 2020 were conducted to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the hepatitis B reactivation of IHC and the impact of metabolic risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperglycemia. Results: From 2012 to 2020, 2 527 IHC and 17 730 person-years were observed during a median follow-up period of 7.0 person-years. Ninety-eight cases of hepatitis B reactivation, with a cumulative reaction rate, was 3.9%, and the incidence density was 5.53/1 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that age and baseline HBV DNA were independent risk factors of HBV reactivation. Compared with the patients ≥60 years, 40-49 age group (aHR=2.16, 95%CI:1.20-3.90) and 20-29 age group (aHR=5.48, 95%CI:2.07-14.48) were significantly associated with hepatitis B reactivation. Compared with the HBV DNA negative patients at baseline, the risk of hepatitis B reactivation was higher in the group with low HBV DNA level 100-1 999 IU/ml (aHR=1.67, 95%CI:1.11-2.52). Stratification analysis results showed that compared with those without metabolic risk factors, in the ≥50 age group, patients with ≥2 metabolic risk factors showed adjusted HR of 2.73 (95%CI:1.08-6.96). Conclusions: The risk of hepatitis B being reactive is the persistent existence of IHC in communities in Jiangsu province, especially young adults, low-level HBV DNA carriers, and IHC with ≥2 metabolic risk factors. Follow-up for these IHC should be strengthened to reduce the risk of disease progression by antiviral treatment at the right time.

[Effects of gastrectomy on quality of life of patients with gastric cancer and its evaluation methods]

Surgery is the main curative treatment for gastric cancer. As surgical techniques continue to improve, the scope of radical resection and lymph node dissection has formed consensus and guidelines, so people's attention has gradually shifted to the quality of life (QOL) of patients after surgery. Postgastrectomy syndrome is a series of symptoms and signs caused by complications after gastrectomy, which can affect the quality of life of patients with gastric cancer after surgery. Gastrectomy and anastomosis are closely related to postgastrectomy syndrome. The selection of appropriate surgical methods is very important to the quality of life of patients after surgery. This article reviews the effects of gastrectomy procedures on postoperative quality of life of patients with gastric cancer and its evaluation methods.

AB0784 Symptoms compatible with Rome IV functional bowel disorder in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background

Clinical manifestations of gut problems except for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have not been well-established in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). One study investigated that 30% patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms meeting Rome III criteria.[1]

Objectives

To determine the frequency of symptoms meeting Rome IV functional bowel disorder (FBD) in patients with AS, investigate factors associated with FBD symptoms, and assess whether having FBD symptoms might influence AS disease activity.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we consecutively enrolled 153 AS patients without known colonic ulcer and 56 sex- and age-matched controls to evaluate FBD (or its subtypes) symptoms.[2] In AS group, logistic regression models were used to explore whether demographic data, disease activity, level of gut inflammation, drug use, and fibromyalgia [3] were associated with presence of gut symptoms. Finally, potential impacts of gut symptoms on AS disease status were assessed in linear regression models.

Results

Sixty (39.2%) of 153 AS patients had FBD symptoms, which was more prevalent than controls (23.2%). Besides, symptoms compatible with IBS and chronic diarrhea were detected in 18 and 43 AS patients respectively. For AS group, multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that symptoms of FBD, IBS, and chronic diarrhea were negatively associated with using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and positively associated with comorbid fibromyalgia, respectively. In exploration about effects of FBD (or its subtypes) symptoms on AS disease activity by multivariable linear regression analyses, FBD symptoms and chronic diarrhea had positive associations with assessments of AS respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with AS had frequent symptoms compatible with FBD, IBS, and chronic diarrhea, proportions of which were lower in those with NSAID-use. The improvement of FBD symptoms, especially chronic diarrhea, might be conducive to disease status of AS patients.

References

[1]Wallman JK, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79:159-61.

[2]Mearin F, et al. Gastroenterology. 2016;18:S0016-5085(16)00222-5.

[3]Wolfe F, et al. J Rheumatol. 2011;38:1113-22.

Figure 1.

Frequencies with symptoms meeting FBD criteria

Table 1.

Univariable and multivariable associations between gut symptoms and assessments of AS

Gut symptomsUnivariableMultivariableβpβpASDAS-CRPaFBD symptoms0.2340.1120.294< 0.001IBS symptoms0.0390.863Chronic diarrhea0.2170.1720.3010.002BASDAIbFBD symptoms0.747< 0.0010.764< 0.001IBS symptoms0.2020.560Chronic diarrhea0.7610.0020.845< 0.001BAS-GcFBD symptoms0.936< 0.0010.979< 0.001IBS symptoms0.0590.889Chronic diarrhea0.9030.0030.9490.001ASAS HIdFBD symptoms1.941< 0.0011.6730.003IBS symptoms2.2630.0081.7690.046Chronic diarrhea1.5000.0151.3430.030BASFIeFBD symptoms0.4330.0490.4280.048IBS symptoms0.2960.376Chronic diarrhea0.4480.0600.4250.069BASMIfFBD symptoms-0.3730.190-0.4930.075IBS symptoms-0.4420.304Chronic diarrhea-0.1790.564　　

Besides gut symptoms, other clinical variables (Block-1) being chosen into hierarchical multivariable models were as follows: aHLA-B27, lnCRP, and lnESR; bHLA-B27 and lnESR; cHLA-B27 and lnCRP; dsex and TNFi; eHLA-B27, lnESR, and TNFi; fage and lnESR. Missing data ranging from 1-7%.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Observation of Spin Splitting Torque in a Collinear Antiferromagnet RuO_{2}

Current-induced spin torques provide efficient data writing approaches for magnetic memories. Recently, the spin splitting torque (SST) was theoretically predicted, which combines advantages of conventional spin transfer torque (STT) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) as well as enables controllable spin polarization. Here we provide the experimental evidence of SST in collinear antiferromagnet RuO_{2} films. The spin current direction is found to be correlated to the crystal orientation of RuO_{2} and the spin polarization direction is dependent on (parallel to) the Néel vector. These features are quite characteristic for the predicted SST. Our finding not only presents a new member for the spin torques besides traditional STT and SOT, but also proposes a promising spin source RuO_{2} for spintronics.

Adjuvant Abemaciclib Combined with Endocrine Therapy for High Risk Early Breast Cancer: Safety and Patient-Reported Outcomes From the monarchE Study

BACKGROUND

In monarchE, abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) as adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2-negative, high risk, early breast cancer demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in invasive disease-free survival versus ET alone. Detailed safety analyses conducted at a median follow-up of 27 months and key patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are presented.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The safety population included all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment (n=5591). Safety analyses included incidence, management, and outcomes of common and clinically relevant adverse events (AEs). Patient-reported health-related quality-of-life, ET symptoms, fatigue, and side effect burden were assessed.

RESULTS

The addition of abemaciclib to ET resulted in higher incidence of Grade≥3 AEs (49.7% vs 16.3% with ET alone), predominantly laboratory cytopenias (e.g., neutropenia [19.6%]) without clinical complications. Abemaciclib-treated patients experienced more serious adverse events (SAEs; 13.3% vs 7.8%). Discontinuation of abemaciclib and/or ET due to AEs occurred in 18.5% of patients, mainly due to Grade1/2 AEs (66.8%). AEs were managed with comedications (e.g., antidiarrheals), abemaciclib dose holds (61.7%), and/or dose reductions (43.4%). Diarrhea was generally low grade (Grade1/2: 77%); Grade2/3 events were highest in the first month (20.5%), most short-lived (≤7 days) and did not recur. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) were higher with abemaciclib+ET (2.5%) vs ET (0.6%); in the abemaciclib arm, increased VTE risk was observed with tamoxifen vs AIs (4.3% vs 1.8%). PROs were similar between arms, including being 'bothered by side effects of treatment', except for diarrhea. At ≥3 months, most patients reporting diarrhea reported "a little bit" or "somewhat".

CONCLUSION

In patients with high risk EBC, adjuvant abemaciclib+ET has an acceptable safety profile and tolerability is supported by PRO findings. Most AEs were reversible and manageable with comedications and/or dose modifications, consistent with the known abemaciclib toxicity profile.

Modification of PVC/CPE Blends with Coupling Agent and its Mechanism

In this thesis, the modification of PVC/CPE blends was investigated. Addition of aromatic diamines into PVC/CPE blends as a coupling agent, greatly increases the impact strength of the blends. At the same time, other mechanical properties such as the tensile and bending strength can be improved as well.

With the aid of solvent etching, the multiphase microstructure of the blends has been studied using a scanning electron microscope. The relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of the blends has been discussed.

It was shown that there were coupling and crosslinking reactions in the blends with coupling agents. The concentration of the reacted coupling agent was related to the mechanical properties of the blends quantitatively.

Using probability methods, the concentration of the coupled molecules formed in the blends can be calculated. The influence of the ratio of PVC to CPE on the coupling effectiveness can be predicted.

[C-reactive protein is associated with impaired working capacity in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis in paid employment: the real-world evidence from Smart-phone SpondyloArthritis Management System]

To investigate the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and work impairment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on real-world evidence. Outpatients with confirmed AS at Chinese PLA General Hospital were recruited consecutively by Smart-phone SpondyloArthritis Management System (SpAMS) from April 2016 to April 2018. The relationship between CRP and work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire (WPAI) were evaluated. Five hundred and fifty-one outpatients with AS in paid employment were recruited. The presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment rates increased by 1.4% (1.1%, 1.8%), 1.1% (0.5%, 1.6%), and 1.7% (1.3%, 2.1%), respectively, for every 10 mg/L increase in the CRP level (all P value<0.01). However, the CRP level was not associated with absenteeism after adjusting for covariates [0.5%(-0.4%, 1.0%),P>0.05]. There is a significant association between increased serum CRP levels at baseline and the previous 7-day work impairment in patients with AS. Higher CRP levels contribute to worse presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment rates, which suggests the necessity of monitoring CRP on treatment, and also indicates that anti-inflammatory therapy may be effective for improving work productivity.

The Effects of Bletilla striata Polysaccharides on Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities of Mice In Vivo

Bletilla striata polysaccharide is a well-known antioxidant and immunomodulatory ingredient used in a variety of traditional Chinese medicine applications. A mouse aging model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose to explore the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of B. striata polysaccharides. B. striata polysaccharide was found to boost antioxidant capacity and retard aging in a subacutely aged mouse. In comparison to the cyclophosphamide alone group, the groups given 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg of B. striata polysaccharide showed considerably higher levels of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, with significantly lower malondialdehyde levels. To investigate the moderating effect of B. striata polysaccharide on immunological deficit, cyclophosphamide was injected into the abdominal cavity to create an immunocompromised mouse model. B. striata polysaccharide attenuated immunosuppressive effects of cyclophosphamide. The histological staining demonstrated that both liver and spleen cells in the control group were densely packed, with distinct nuclei and qualitative characteristics. The liver and spleen of the immunocompromised mice benefited significantly from 450 mg/kg B. striata polysaccharide. Taken together, B. striata polysaccharide exhibits an antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects in vivo.

Spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment and combined pollution of antibiotics in natural waters adjacent to mariculture areas in the Laizhou Bay, Bohai Sea

The spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment and combined pollution of 14 antibiotics in natural waters adjacent to mariculture farms of Laizhou Bay in the Bohai Sea were studied. The contribution proportion and quantity of each potential pollution source to antibiotics in natural water bodies were quantitatively described. The correlations between heavy metals and antibiotics and their underlying mechanisms in natural and aquaculture water environment were analyzed. Fourteen antibiotics were detected in natural water and sediment in the coastal area of Laizhou Bay. The maximum concentrations of sulfamethazine and trimethoprim in water reached tens or even hundreds of μg/L in winter. Trimethoprim was the main antibiotic in natural water bodies in winter and summer, and enrofloxacin was the principal antibiotic in sediments. Enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and oxytetracycline were detected in all underground water samples; thus, control of these antibiotics needs to be made a priority to mitigate groundwater contamination. PCA-MLR revealed that the potential sources of antibiotics in natural waters of Laizhou Bay include the mariculture wastewater (18.3%), the domestic sewage (63.3%) and the livestock wastewater (18.4%). Therefore, the antibiotic burden of Laizhou Bay was principally from the domestic sewage. In natural water, the concentration of Cu was positively correlated with antibiotics, which might be related to the common sources, the competitive adsorption in sediments and the easy complexation characteristic of Cu and antibiotics. Positive correlations among antibiotics and heavy metals were observed in mariculture sediments, while negative relationships were observed in natural sediments.