ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE CTLA-4 EXON 1+49A/G POLYMORPHISM AND THE RELAPSE OF GRAVE'S DISEASE AFTER ATD WITHDRAWAL: A META-ANALYSIS

Background

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecules-4 (CTLA-4) is related to the relapse of Graves' disease (GD) after anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs) withdrawal. We performed a meta-analysis to generate large-scale evidence on whether the CTLA-4 exon 1+49A/G polymorphism can predict the relapse of GD after ATDs withdrawal.

Methods and Results

The PubMed, EMBASE,the Cochrane Library and reference lists of relevant studies were searched to identify eligible studies from inception to Jan, 2021. Ten eligible studies consisting of 1450 GD patients with a total of 848 relapsed patients were included in the meta-analysis.In Caucasians patients, the CTLA-4 exon 1+49A/G polymorphism significantly elevated the relapse risk of GD in additive (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.18-3.62, P=0.011), dominant (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.17-5.41, P=0.02), homozygote model(OR = 3.264, 95% CI: 1.25-8.52, P=0.016), except recessive (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 0.98-4.86, P = 0.062) and heterozygote model (OR = 2.141, 95% CI = 0.958-4.786, P = 0.064). In Asian subgroup, none of these genotypes show any associations with the relapse of GD after ATDs withdrawal.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that the CTLA-4 exon1 +49A/G polymorphism is associated with the relapse risk of GD after ATDs withdrawal in Caucasians, not Asians. Compared with the AA genotype, Caucasian patients with GG genotype have 3.264 times risk of relapse. A more aggressive treatment such as radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy, or longer periods treatment of ATDs should be recommended in Caucasian patients with the GG genotype.

Association between Sedentary Time and 6-Year All-Cause Mortality in Adults: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to prospectively explore the association between sedentary time and the risk of all-cause mortality in adults based on a cohort from rural areas of China.

METHODS

The study population included 20,194 adults at baseline (2007-2008) who participated in the Rural Chinese Cohort Study. Cox's proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of sedentary time and all-cause mortality, and a restricted cubic spline was used to model the dose-response relation. We also carried out a series of sensitivity analyses to verify the robustness of our main results.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 6 years, with a total of 17,265 participants (response rate 85.5%) followed up, and 1,106 deaths observed. Data for 17,048 participants were analyzed, with the mean age of participants being 52.00. Compared with sedentary time <4 h/day group, the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly increased in the 8-11 h/day (HR=1.27, 95%CI:1.03-1.56) and ≥11 h/day groups (HR=1.48, 95%CI:1.20-1.84). With increases in sedentary time, the risk of all-cause mortality increased gradually (Ptrend <0.001). For each 1 h/day increase in sedentary time, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 3% (HR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.05). Sensitivity analyses showed our main results were consistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged sedentary time increases the risk of all-cause mortality in the adult rural Chinese population. Reducing sedentary time may have important implications for reducing mortality risk.

[Third ventricle width measured by transcranial ultrasound and its diagnostic value in patients with Alzheimer's disease]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of third ventricle width (TVW) measured by transcranial ultrasound (TCS) in the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by analyzing and comparing the image characteristics of TVW in AD patients and healthy controls, and its correlation with cranial magnetic resonance medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) visual score and neuropsychological characteristics. Methods: TCS examination, MTA score and neuropsychological tests were performed in 39 confirmed AD and 41 normal controls from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January and July 2021. The correlation of TVW with MTA score and neuropsychological characteristics was analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: A total of thirty-nine AD patients were enrolled, with 28 males and 11 females, aged (73±9) years, including 18 mild, 20 moderate, and 1 severe AD patient. Meanwhile, 41 healthy controls were also included, with 24 males and 17 females, aged (69±6) years old. TVW in AD patients was significantly wider than that in normal controls [0.76(0.66, 0.87) cm vs 0.50(0.44, 0.56) cm, P<0.001]. In neuropsychological tests, compared with normal controls, AD patients showed impaired performances in several cognitive functions, and there were statistically significant differences in delayed memory [0(0, 0) vs 4.0(4.0, 5.0), P<0.001], naming [2.0(1.0, 3.0) vs 3.0(2.0, 3.0), P<0.001], executive function [2.0(2.0, 3.0) vs 3.0(2.5, 3.0), P<0.001], language [0.0(0.0, 2.0) vs 3.0(2.0, 3.0), P<0.001] and other aspects between AD patients and normal controls (all P<0.05). TVW was negatively correlated with immediate memory (r=-0.339, P=0.035), delayed recall (r=-0.523, P<0.001), attention and computing power (r=-0.409, P=0.045), visual space and executive function (r=-0.333, P=0.039), but positively correlated with the atrophy of the medial temporal lobe (r= 0.552, P<0.001). Conclusions: TCS can be used to measure TVW in AD patients. When combined with MTA score and neuropsychological tests, it can provide a reliable objective basis for the clinical diagnosis of AD.

Clinical features and risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to explore the clinical features and risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Through a retrospective analysis of 3,000 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis history or active pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis in the inpatient department of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong Provincial Public Health Clinical Center from January 2017 to January 2021, 70 cases of pulmonary aspergillosis were selected and diagnosed. In addition, 70 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis without other fungal infections in the same period were randomly selected as the control group. The risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis were analyzed by multi-factor logistic analysis, and the clinical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis were analyzed by collecting the basic information of patients, drug use of pulmonary tuberculosis, imaging characteristics, past medical history, and test indicators.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that the single risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis were: the types of pulmonary tuberculosis (initial diagnosis or previous reexamination), hormone application time, antibiotic application time (rifampicin), hemoptysis/sputum blood, C-reactive protein, and pulmonary cavity were significantly correlated with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis (p-value <0.05). The proportion of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis was higher than that of patients with simple pulmonary tuberculosis in the follow-up of pulmonary tuberculosis, the time of antibiotics application ≥ 1 month, the time of hormone application ≥ 1 week and C-reactive protein. The incidence of hemoptysis/blood in sputum in the clinical symptoms of pulmonary aspergillosis group (24/70) was higher than that of simple pulmonary tuberculosis group (20/70), and the difference was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in the two indexes of "hormone application time ≥ 1 week" and "antibiotic application time ≥ 1 month" (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemoptysis/blood in sputum can be considered as the main clinical feature of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis. The main risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with pulmonary aspergillosis were the application time of antibiotics ≥ 1 month and the application time of hormones ≥ 1 week.

Degradation of oxalic acid produced by Botrytis elliptica infection in two ploidy levels of Lilium rosthornii Diels

Oxalic acid (OA) is a crucial pathogenic factor for Sclerotinia spp. fungi, which is closely related to Botrytis spp. fungi. Whether OA is a pathogenic factor for the causal agent of grey mould in lily, Botrytis elliptica, and the response of lily to OA are poorly understood. To address these questions, lesion tissues and deposition of calcium oxalate (CaOX) and callose were observed in diploid and tetraploid leaves of L. rosthornii after inoculation with B. elliptica. Oxalate oxidase (OXO) activity and the transcript levels of some genes related to OA degradation (LrGLP1, LrGLP2 and LrWRKY4), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production/scavenging systems (LrRBOHD, LrGST, LrPOD and LrAPX1) and pathogen-related protein (PR) synthesis (LrCHI, LrBGL and LrPR10) were compared. After diploid and tetraploid leaves inoculation, lesion tissue and callose and CaOX were separately observed around in guard cells and stomata rather than the epidermis in the infected area. OXO activity was triggered at 2 h post-inoculation (hpi) in both ploidy leaves, and it was higher in the latter from 12-48 hpi. Expression of LrGLP1, LrGLP2, LrRBOHD, LrGST, LrPOD, LrCHI, LrBGL and LrPR10 was higher in tetraploids than in diploids from 24(12)-36(48) hpi. In conclusion, for B. elliptica, OA mainly chelates Ca²⁺ from the stomata cell wall. The strong capability to degrade OA and higher expression levels of some genes related to ROS accumulation/scavenging and PR synthesis may partially explain the relatively higher grey mould resistance of tetraploid L. rosthornii.

Are late hernia mesh complications linked to Staphylococci biofilms?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between bacterial biofilms and negative outcomes of hernia repair surgery. As biofilms are known to play a role in mesh-related infections, we investigated the presence of biofilms on hernia meshes, which had to be explanted due to mesh failure without showing signs of bacterial infection.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, 20 paraffin-embedded tissue sections from explanted groin hernia meshes were analysed. Meshes have been removed due to chronic pain, hernia recurrence or mesh shrinkage. The presence and bacterial composition of biofilms were determined. First, specimens were stained with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes, specific for Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, and visualised by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Second, DNA was extracted from tissue and identified by S. aureus and S. epidermidis specific PCR.

Results

Confocal microscopy showed evidence of bacterial biofilms on meshes in 15/20 (75.0%) samples, of which 3 were positive for S. aureus, 3 for coagulase-negative staphylococci and 9 for both species. PCR analysis identified biofilms in 17/20 (85.0%) samples, of which 4 were positive for S. aureus, 4 for S. epidermidis and 9 for both species. Combined results from FISH/microscopy and PCR identified staphylococci biofilms in 19/20 (95.0%) mesh samples. Only 1 (5.0%) mesh sample was negative for bacterial biofilm by both techniques.

Conclusion

Results suggest that staphylococci biofilms may be associated with hernia repair failure. A silent, undetected biofilm infection could contribute to mesh complications, chronic pain and exacerbation of disease.

Machine learning predicts all-cause mortality in patients with severe aortic regurgitation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a common valvular lesion associated with left ventricular (LV) enlargement and dysfunction and increased risk of death with onset of symptoms, significant LV enlargement, or systolic dysfunction. The current guidelines are based on symptoms, LV size and LV function to evaluate the candidacy for surgery in patients with severe AR.

Purpose

 We propose a machine-learning (ML) based algorithm to identify patients at risk for death from AR independent of aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery (patients were censored at AVR event unless the operation occurred within 100 days of the first visit, in which case baseline AVR is included as a predictor).

Methods

The model was trained with 5-fold cross-validation on a dataset of 1035 patients. Model performance is reported on an independent dataset of 207 patients. Optimal predictive performance was observed with a Conditional Random Survival Forest model. A subset of 19 / 41 variables were selected for inclusion in the final model. Variable selection was performed with 10-fold cross validation using Random Survival Forest model; variables that were on an average selected by less than 6/10 splits were excluded.

Results

The mean age of patients was 60 ± 17 years and 198 (18%) were females. The variables included in the models were age, end-diastolic volume, end systolic dimension, body surface area, ejection fraction, NYHA class, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, bicuspid valve, regurgitant volume, filling pressure, mid ascending aorta diameter, mitral tissue early relaxation velocity, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and comorbidities, and the relative variable importances averaged across five splits of cross validation in each repeat were evaluated (Figure). The predictive AUC for predicting survival of the best-performing model was 0.84 at 1 year, 0.86 at 2 years, and 0.87 overall, respectively.

Conclusion

Using commonly observed echo parameters and patient characteristics we successfully trained a ML model to predict survival in patients with severe AR. This technique could identify high-risk patients who would benefit from early intervention, thereby improving patient outcomes. Abstract Figure.

Control of the Invasive Agricultural Pest Pomacea canaliculata with a Novel Molluscicide: Efficacy and Safety to Nontarget Species

The golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata is an invasive pest that causes extensive damage to agricultural production. P. canaliculata is also an intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes human eosinophilic meningitis. In this study, the molluscicidal activity and safety profile of a novel molluscicide PBQ [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)urea] were evaluated. PBQ exhibited strong molluscicidal potency against adult and juvenile snails (LC₅₀ values of 0.39 and 0.07 mg/L, respectively). In field trials, PBQ killed 99.42% of the snails at 0.25 g a.i./m². An acute toxicity test in rats demonstrated that PBQ is a generally nonhazardous chemical. PBQ is also generally safe for nontarget organisms including Brachydanio rerio, Daphnia magna, and Apis mellifera L. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that PBQ had a significant impact on the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism pathways, which provided insights into its molluscicidal mechanism. These results suggest that PBQ could be developed as an effective and safe molluscicide for P. canaliculata control.

Tau Pathologies Mediate the Associations of Vascular Risk Burden with Cognitive Impairments in Non-demented Elders: The CABLE Study

BACKGROUND

Studies suggested that vascular dysfunction might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms still remain obscure.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the associations of vascular risk burden with AD core pathologies and investigate the effects of AD core pathologies on relationships between vascular risk burden and cognitive impairments.

DESIGN

The Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestyLE (CABLE) study was principally focusing on aging, as well as the risk factors and biomarkers of AD initiated in 2017.

SETTING

The CABLE study was a large cohort study established in Qingdao, China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 618 non-demented elders were obtained from CABLE study.

MEASUREMENTS

The general vascular risk burden was assessed by the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS). Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of FGCRS with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers and cognition. Casual mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediating effects of AD biomarkers on cognition.

RESULTS

Increased FGCRS was related to higher levels of CSF total tau (t-tau, p < 0.001), phosphorylated tau (p-tau, p < 0.001) as well as the ratio of t-tau and amyloid-β 42 (t-tau/Aβ42, p = 0.010), and lower Chinese-Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (CM-MMSE, p = 0.010) score. Stratified analysis indicated that age modified the associations, with FGCRS being significantly associated with tau pathology (p < 0.001 for t-tau and p-tau) in middle-aged group (<65 years old), instead of older group. The influences of FGCRS on cognitive impairments were partially mediated by tau pathologies (a maximum proportion of 20.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tau pathology might be a pivotal mediator for effects of vascular risk on cognitive decline. Early and comprehensive intervention for vascular risk factors might be a potential approach to delaying or preventing cognitive impairment and AD.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty for failing haemodialysis access: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous fistulas, a major treatment for end-stage kidney disease, frequently require endovascular reinterventions to maintain haemodialysis function. Drug-coated angioplasty balloons (DCBs) were developed with the intention of reducing reintervention rates. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of DCBs in the treatment of failing haemodialysis access.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched systematically to identify all relevant RCTs and any follow-up studies from RCTs. Pooled estimates of dichotomous outcomes were calculated using the odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence interval. Effect data are presented as summary hazard ratio and 95 per cent confidence interval.

RESULTS

Some 19 studies from 18 RCTs and comprising 1898 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with plain balloon angioplasty (PBA), DCB use was associated with higher target-lesion primary patency (HR 0.60, 95 per cent c.i. 0.45 to 0.79), access-circuit primary patency (HR 0.67, 0.56 to 0.80), and less target-lesion revascularization (TLR) within 6 months (OR 0.33, 0.23 to 0.47). No difference was observed between DCB and PBA in 12-month TLR (OR 0.62, 0.28 to 1.37). Mortality after DCB use was similar to that associated with PBA use at 6 months (OR 1.20, 0.65 to 2.21) and 12 months (OR 0.99, 0.66 to 1.49), and was higher at 24 months (23.1 versus 16.6 per cent), although the difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.53, 0.92 to 2.53).

CONCLUSION

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty of haemodialysis fistulas is associated with higher patency rates and lower rates of reintervention in the short to mid term. Although mortality rates appeared to be higher with drug-coated angioplasty at 24 months, this did not reach statistical significance.

Malignant acanthosis nigricans and diseases with extensive oral papillary hyperplasia

Oral papillary lesions represent a variety of developmental and neoplastic conditions. Early diagnoses of different papillary lesions are challenging for oral medicine specialists. Malignant acanthosis nigricans (MAN) is a rare cutaneous disorder and a potential marker of underlying hidden tumours. It is characterized by papillary lesions that always involve the oral mucosa. In oral medicine specialities, MAN is not well understood. When the early signs of MAN are extensive oral lesions and slight cutaneous pigmentation without obvious florid cutaneous papillomatosis, the diagnosis can be incorrect or delayed. Oral medicine specialists should ask affected patients to provide details of their medical history and conduct a timely systemic examination.

Engineering of a Spider Peptide via Conserved Structure-Function Traits Optimizes Sodium Channel Inhibition In Vitro and Anti-Nociception In Vivo

Venom peptides are potent and selective modulators of voltage-gated ion channels that regulate neuronal function both in health and in disease. We previously identified the spider venom peptide Tap1a from the Venezuelan tarantula Theraphosa apophysis that targeted multiple voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in visceral pain pathways and inhibited visceral mechano-sensing neurons contributing to irritable bowel syndrome. In this work, alanine scanning and domain activity analysis revealed Tap1a inhibited sodium channels by binding with nanomolar affinity to the voltage-sensor domain II utilising conserved structure-function features characteristic of spider peptides belonging to family NaSpTx1. In order to speed up the development of optimized Na_V-targeting peptides with greater inhibitory potency and enhanced in vivo activity, we tested the hypothesis that incorporating residues identified from other optimized NaSpTx1 peptides into Tap1a could also optimize its potency for Na_Vs. Applying this approach, we designed the peptides Tap1a-OPT1 and Tap1a-OPT2 exhibiting significant increased potency for Na_V1.1, Na_V1.2, Na_V1.3, Na_V1.6 and Na_V1.7 involved in several neurological disorders including acute and chronic pain, motor neuron disease and epilepsy. Tap1a-OPT1 showed increased potency for the off-target Na_V1.4, while this off-target activity was absent in Tap1a-OPT2. This enhanced potency arose through a slowed off-rate mechanism. Optimized inhibition of Na_V channels observed in vitro translated in vivo, with reversal of nocifensive behaviours in a murine model of Na_V-mediated pain also enhanced by Tap1a-OPT. Molecular docking studies suggested that improved interactions within loops 3 and 4, and C-terminal of Tap1a-OPT and the Na_V channel voltage-sensor domain II were the main drivers of potency optimization. Overall, the rationally designed peptide Tap1a-OPT displayed new and refined structure-function features which are likely the major contributors to its enhanced bioactive properties observed in vivo. This work contributes to the rapid engineering and optimization of potent spider peptides multi-targeting Na_V channels, and the research into novel drugs to treat neurological diseases.

[The comparison of prognosis and risk factors after radical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between China Pancreas Data Center and SEER]

Objectives: To compare the prognosis of patients underwent radical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results(SEER) and China Pancreas Data Center(CPDC), and to compare the prognostic factors for PDAC in both databases. Methods: The data of patients underwent radical resection for PDAC in CPDC database from January 2016 to December 2017 and SEER database from January 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The prognosis of patients in both databases was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, Log-rank method, and propensity score matching, and the Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the independent prognosis factors for PDAC. Results: There were 1 977 cases and 2 220 cases of pancreatic cancer that underwent radical resection from CPDC and SEER, respectively. There were more male patients(60.90%,1 204/1 977) than female patients(39.10%,773/1 977) in CPDC, while nearly 1∶1 ratio(male:1 112 cases,female:1108)was observed between male and female in SEER(χ²=48.977,P<0.01). The proportion of patients under 45 years old was the smallest in both databases, and the age group with the most significant proportion was 60 to 74 years old. The ratio of patients over 75 years old in the SEER(24.28%,539/2 220) was higher than that of CPDC(7.89%,156/1 977)(χ²=202.090,P<0.01), while the proportion of patients between 45 and 59 years old in CPDC(33.69%,666/1 977) was higher than that in SEER(19.77%,439/2 220)(χ²=103.640,P<0.01). There were more pancreatic head cancers than body and tail cancers in both databases, and no statistical difference was found in tumor size between the two databases (W=2 181 502,P=0.740). More positive and examined lymph nodes were found in SEER patients (W=3 265 131,W=2 954 363,all P<0.01); and the proportion of patients who had at least 15 lymph nodes dissected was higher in SEER(63.24%,1 404/2 220)(χ²=532.130,P<0.01). There were more patients without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy in CPDC(57.16%,1 130/1 977) than that in SEER(24.91%,553/2 220)(χ²=451.390,P<0.01). After propensity score matching, the overall survival for CPDC was better than that for SEER(Log-rank test:χ²=4.500,P=0.034), and the median overall survival was 24 months and 23 months respectively. Cox regressional analysis showed the common independent prognosis factors in both databases were ≥75 years old, pancreatic head cancer, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors, T stage, N stage(All P<0.05). Neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy was a protective factor in both databases(CPDC:Wald=27.082;SEER:Wald=212.285, all P<0.01) and 45 to 59 years old was protective factor in the SEER database(Wald=5.212,P=0.020). Conclusions: The data in both databases have a good consistency. However, in terms of data quality, examined lymph nodes count, and neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy rate, the CPDC differs greatly from the SEER.

Study on Catalytic Oxidation, Flocculation and Sedimentation of Acidizing and Fracturing Wastewater

The acidizing and fracturing waste fluid in a wellsite in northern Shaanxi was treated by catalytic oxidation and flocculation precipitation. It investigated the effect of different coagulants and their dosage and the wastewater pH on coagulation precipitation. As for chemical oxidation experiment, it investigated the effect of oxidant dosage and reaction time on its treatment effect. The results showed that when 30% hydrogen peroxide (volume percentage) was added at the dosage of 0.3% and oxidized for 50 min, the pH was adjusted to 7.5 and 350 mg/L polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and 4 mg/L polyacrylamide were added (PAM); after processing the waste liquid, total iron, chemical oxygen demand (COD), chromaticity, and average corrosion rate were reduced from 252.75 mg/L, 3427.50 mg/L, 624.15°, and 0.1226 mm/a to 0.12 mg/L, 275.18 mg/L, 125° and 0.0217 mm/a, respectively; effective removal of iron and color, reduced COD, and controlled corrosion was achieved.

[Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured in 3D System Inhibit Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Through p38 MAPK and CXCR4/AKT Pathways by IL-24 Regulating]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is prevalent worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Even if mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are suggested as cancer treatment, the studies of their effects on NSCLC cells contradict each other, mainly due to utilization of two-dimensional (2D) culture system. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems resemble tissue organization in vivo. Here we comprehensively explore the inhibitory effects of MSCs on NSCLC cells in a 3D culture system. We confirmed that the inhibitory effects of 3D-cultured MSCs (3D-MSCs) on the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells are greater than that of the 2D-cultured MSCs. 3D-MSCs overexpress IL-24, which serve as the key factor enhancing antitumor effects of MSCs. In these cells, IL-24 affects p38 MAPK and CXCR4/AKT pathways. Overall, this study provides the support for use of MSCs in tumor.

[Association of sepM gene mutation with mutacin Ⅳ production by Streptococcus mutans]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the types of sepM gene mutations and their distribution in clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and explore the association of sepM gene mutation with the capacity of mutacin Ⅳ production by S. mutans.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the capacity of mutacin Ⅳ production in 80 clinical isolates of S. mutans using an inhibition zone assay. The minimum spanning tree and phylogenetic tree of these isolates were constructed using core genome multilocus sequence typing and maximum likelihood method, respectively. GeneMarkS software was used to predict the coding genes of these isolates, and the predicted genes were blasted against the sepM gene sequence of the reference genome UA159 to determine sepM gene mutations and their distribution characteristics in the clinical isolates. The mutation types affecting mutacin Ⅳ production were identified by analyzing the differentially distributed mutations between mutacin Ⅳ-producing isolates and mutacin Ⅳ-free isolates and by comparing the inhibition zones between isolates with sepM gene mutations and those without mutations.

OBJECTIVE

Among the 80 clinical isolates of S. mutans, 25 isolates were capable of mutacin Ⅳ production and 55 did not produce mutacin Ⅳ. The minimum spanning tree showed that the allelic differences were less among the mutacin Ⅳproducing isolates than among the mutacin Ⅳ-free isolates, and the origins of the mutacin Ⅳ-producing isolates were similar. We identified a total of 34 single base mutations in the 80 clinical isolates, and among them, C31T (P=0.001), G533A (P < 0.001), C756T (P=0.025), and C1036T (P=0.003) showed significant differential distributions between the mutacin Ⅳ-producing and mutacin Ⅳ-free isolates. These differentially distributed mutations were positively correlated with the capacity of mutacin Ⅳ production of the bacteria.

OBJECTIVE

sepM gene mutations that affect the capacity of mutacin Ⅳ production are present in the clinical strains of S. mutans.

Nano-TiO2 particles inhibit the biological behavior and mineralization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transfected with CXCR4

OBJECTIVE

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) are widely used as experimental cells with potential differentiation function. Nanomaterials are currently a research hotspot. We assessed nano-TiO2 particles' effect on the biological behavior and mineralization of CXCR4 transfected BMSCs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After transfection of BMSC with CXCR4, cells were divided into blank group (no transfection), control group (transfection with CXCR4) and observe group (transfection with CXCR4 containing nanoparticles). Then, cell proliferation and ALP staining were measured along with analysis of Runx2 and BGP level by Western blot or RT-PCR and mineralization detection.

RESULTS

With increased culture time, the observed fractionation on day 14 showed significantly reduced activity; 3 mn nano-TiO2 particles significantly inhibited cell proliferation and bone formation after CXCR4 transfection with an inhibitory effect on the osteogenic ability of CXCR4-transfected BMCS cells in a time-dependent manner. The longer the culture time, the more significantly inhibitory effect; 3 mn nano-TiO2 particles can inhibit the mineralization of BMSCs after transfection of CXCR4 to a certain extent.

CONCLUSIONS

TiO2 nanoparticles have an inhibitory effect on the biological behavior and mineralization of BMSC cells transfected with CXCR4. The longer the culture time, the greater the inhibitory effect on osteogenic differentiation of BMSC cells transfected with CXCR4.

Similarities and Differences in Interoceptive Bodily Awareness Between US-American and Japanese Cultures: A Focus-Group Study in Bicultural Japanese-Americans

Interoceptive awareness is the conscious perception of sensations that create a sense of the physiological condition of the body. A validation study for the Japanese translation of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) surprised with a factor structure different from the original English-language version by eliminating two of eight scales. This prompted an exploration of the similarities and differences in interoceptive bodily awareness between Japanese and European Americans. Bicultural Japanese-Americans discussed concepts and experiences in the two cultures. We conducted focus groups and qualitative thematic analyses of transcribed recordings. 16 participants illustrated cross-cultural differences in interoceptive bodily awareness: switching between languages changes embodied experience; external versus internal attention focus; social expectations and body sensations; emphasis on form versus self-awareness; personal space; and mind-body relationship; context dependency of bodily awareness and self-construal. The participants explained key concepts that present challenges for a Japanese cultural adaptation of the MAIA, specifically the concept of self-regulation lost in the factor analysis. In Japanese culture, self-regulation serves the purpose of conforming to social expectations, rather than achieving an individual self-comforting sense of homeostasis. Our findings will inform the next phase of improving the MAIA's cross-cultural adaptation.

Yak milk-derived exosomes alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/C3 pathway activation

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) are important parts of the mucosal barrier, whose function can be impaired upon various injury factors such as lipopolysaccharide. Although food-derived exosomes are preventable against intestinal barrier injuries, there have been few studies on the effect of yak milk-derived exosomes and the underlying mechanism that remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the effect of exosomal proteins derived from yak and cow milk on the barrier function of IEC-6 treated with lipopolysaccharide and the relevant mechanism involved. Proteomics study revealed 392 differentially expressed proteins, with 58 higher expressed and 334 lower expressed in yak milk-derived exosomes than those in cow exosomes. Additionally, the top 20 proteins with a relatively consistent higher expression in yak milk exosomes than cow milk exosomes were identified. Protein CD46 was found to be a regulator for alleviating inflammatory injury of IEC-6. In vitro assay of the role of yak milk exosomes on survival of IEC-6 in inflammation by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay confirmed the effectiveness of yak milk exosomes to increase IEC-6 survival up to 18% for 12 h compared with cow milk exosomes (up to 12%), indicating a therapeutic effect of yak milk exosomes in the prevention of intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, yak and cow milk exosomes were shown to activate the PI3K/AKT/C3 signaling pathway, thus promoting IEC-6 survival. Our findings demonstrated an important relationship between yak and cow milk exosomes and intestinal inflammation, facilitating further understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation-driven epithelial homeostasis. Interestingly, compared with cow milk exosomes, yak milk exosomes activated the PI3K/AKT/C3 signaling pathway more to lower the incidence and severity of intestine inflammation, which might represent a potential innovative therapeutic option for intestinal inflammation.

[Chaihu Guizhi decoction produces antidepressant-like effects via sirt1-p53 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu Guizhi decoction (CGD).

OBJECTIVE

Chaihu Guizhi decoction at the daily dose of 17 g/kg and solvent vehicle were administered by gavage in 12 and 14 male C57BL/6J mice for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Forced swimming test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, open field test (OFT) and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSF) were performed to assess the depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and motor ability of the mice. We further used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and social interaction test to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CGD in comparison with the solvent vehicle. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to detect the expressions of sirt1, p53, acetylated p53, and the neuron plasticity-related genes including synapsin I (Syn1), Rab4B, SNAP25 and tubulin beta4b in the hippocampus of the mice.

OBJECTIVE

In FST, the immobility time of CGDtreated mice was decreased significantly (P < 0.05); no significant differences were found in the performances in EPM, NSF and OFT tests between the two groups. In social interaction test, the mouse models of CSDS treated with CGD showed significantly increased time in the interaction zone (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the vehicle group, the CGD-treated mouse models exhibited significantly increased protein level of SIRT1 and decreased p53 acetylation (P < 0.05) with up-regulated synapsin I mRNA expression in the hippocampus (P < 0.05); no significant difference were found in Rab (P=0.813), SNAP (P=0.820), or Tubb mRNA expressions (P=0.864) between the two groups.

OBJECTIVE

CGD produces antidepressant-like effects in mice possibly through the sirt1-p53 signaling pathway and synaptic plasticity.

[Application of fecal DNA methylation biomarkers detection in gastric cancer screening]

Objective: Explore the feasibility of fecal gene methylation for screening gastric cancer and its relationship with clinical characteristics of gastric cancer patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six stool samples of patients in general surgery or digestive department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from August 2018 to December 2019 were collected, detailed clinical information of gastric cancer patients were recorded. All patients and normal controls were divided into two sets including train sets (n=52)and test sets (n=104). Stool DNA was extracted for detection of methylation (SDC2, SFRP2, RASSF2 and TERT). Meanwhile, hemoglobin in stool samples were detected by immunoassays. A logistic regression model was built to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of single fecal DNA biomarker in detecting gastric cancer by Ct values of each stool-based DNA biomarker; Based on Akaike information criterion (AIC), the gastric cancer early screening model was constructed with each biomarker and the combinations, and evaluate the performance of the model in the test sets. Results: The accuracy of each stool biomarkers and their ranks were showed as SDC2(71.2%)>TERT(67.3%)=RASSF2(67.3%)>Hb(63.5%)>SFRP2(61.5%). By stepwise regression analysis, a combination composed of the methylation of SDC2 and TERT, fecal occult blood testing was well-behaved in the screening of gastric cancer.This combination showed a sensitivity of 66.7% for gastric cancer in train sets and test sets at the specificity of 78.9%. In different stages and parts of gastric cancer samples, the combination of this marker has the highest sensitivity in stage I gastric cancer(78.6%) and gastric body cancer(75.0%). Conclusion: The methylation of SDC2, SFRP2, TERT, RASSF2 has higher accuracy rate in the screening of gastric cancer, which is a potential fecal biomarker of gastric cancer.

Gene mapping reveals the association between tyrosine protein kinase Abl1 and the silk yield of Bombyx mori

The Z chromosome of the silkworm contains a major gene that influences silk yield. This major locus on chromosome Z accounts for 35.10% of the phenotypic variance. The location and identification of the gene have been a focus of silkworm genetics research. Unfortunately, identification of this gene has been difficult. We used extreme phenotype subpopulations and selected from a backcross population, BC₁ M, which was obtained using the high-yield strain 872B and the low-yield strain IS-Dazao as parents, for mapping the gene on the chromosome Z. The candidate region was narrowed down to 134 kb at the tip of the chromosome. BmAbl1 in this region correlated with silk gland development by spatiotemporal expression analysis. This gene was differentially expressed in the posterior silk glands of the high- and low-yield strains. In BmAbl1, an insertion-deletion (indel) within the 10th exonic region and an SNP within the 6th intronic region were detected and shown to be associated with cocoon shell weight in 84 Bombyx mori strains with different yields. Nucleotide diversity analysis of BmAbl1 and its 50 kb flanking regions indicated that BmAbl1 has experienced strong artificial selection during silkworm domestication. This study is the first to identify the genes controlling silk yield in the major QTL of the Z chromosome using forward genetics.

A proof-of-concept study of an automated solution for clinical metagenomic next-generation sequencing

AIMS

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been utilized for diagnosing infectious diseases. It is a culture-free and hypothesis-free nucleic acid test for diagnosing all pathogens with known genomic sequences, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. While this technique greatly expands the clinical capacity of pathogen detection, it is a second-line choice due to lengthy procedures and microbial contaminations introduced from wet-lab processes. As a result, we aimed to reduce the hands-on time and exogenous contaminations in mNGS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We developed a device (NGSmaster) that automates the wet-lab workflow, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR-free library preparation and purification. It shortens the sample-to-results time to 16 and 18·5 h for DNA and RNA sequencing respectively. We used it to test cultured bacteria for validation of the workflow and bioinformatic pipeline. We also compared PCR-free with PCR-based library prep and discovered no differences in microbial reads. Moreover we analysed results by automation and manual testing and found that automation can significantly reduce microbial contaminations. Finally, we tested artificial and clinical samples and showed mNGS results were concordant with traditional culture.

CONCLUSION

NGSmaster can fulfil the microbiological diagnostic needs in a variety of sample types.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study opens up an opportunity of performing in-house mNGS to reduce turnaround time and workload, instead of transferring potentially contagious specimen to a third-party laboratory.

The KMT2A gene: mRNA differential expression in the ovary and a novel 13-nt nucleotide sequence variant associated with litter size in cashmere goats

A genome-wide association study had shown that lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A), which encodes the histone 3 lysine 4 methyltransferase and reportedly can regulate gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and development as well as other biological processes, is a potential candidate gene influencing litter size in the dairy goat, suggesting its key function in animal reproduction. Here, we aimed to explore the genetic effects of the KMT2A gene on litter size in females of the Chinese indigenous cashmere goat, using a large sample size (n > 1,000), based on their levels of RNA transcription and DNA variation. First, mRNA expression levels of this gene in ovarian tissues between the low-prolific group (first-born litter size = 1) and high-prolific group (first-born litter size ≥2) were significantly different, revealing the potential functioning of KMT2A in goat prolific. Moreover, a novel 13-nt nucleotide sequence variant was identified in Shaanbei white cashmere goats (n = 1,616). In accordance with the independent chi-square (χ²) analysis, the distribution of genotypes (P = 2.57 × 10^-9) and allelotypes (P = 3.00 × 10^-7) between the low- and high-prolific groups differed significantly, indicating the 13-nt mutation was associated with litter size. Further analysis showed that the insertion/insertion (II) genotype was significantly different with insertion/deletion (ID) (P = 1.76 × 10^-9) and deletion/deletion (DD) (P = 7.00 × 10^-6), with goats having the DD genotype producing an average litter size larger than the other genotypes. Taken together, these findings suggest KMT2A can serve as a candidate gene for breeding goats, which may have implications for improving the future development of the goat industry.

Pivotal role of H2 in the isomerisation of isosorbide over a Ru/C catalyst

DFT calculations combined with experiments unveil the key role of the H2 coverage on Ru/C catalyst in the isomerization of isosorbide.

Relationship between serum hepcidin levels and cardiovascular disease in patients with maintenance hemodialysis

Background

To investigate the serum level of hepcidin and its relationship with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.

Methods

Blood was obtained from 75 MHD patients before undergoing hemodialysis and 20 healthy controls. Serum hepcidin, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between serum hepcidin and other parameters.

Results

The serum level of hepcidin, AOPP and IL-6 was significantly up-regulated in MHD patients compared with the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum hepcidin levels in patients with CVD were higher than those in patients without CVD (P < 0.05). In all MHD patients, serum hepcidin level was correlated positively with erythropoietin (EPO) dose per week (ρ = 0.251, P = 0.030), EPO resistance index (ρ = 0.268, P = 0.020), ferritin (ρ = 0.814, P < 0.001), transferin saturation (TSAT, ρ = 0.263, P = 0.023), AOPP (ρ = 0.280, P = 0.049), high sensitive C reactive protein (ρ = 0.151, P = 0.006), IL-6 (ρ = 0.340, P = 0.003) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI, ρ = 0.290, P = 0.033). Moreover, it was negatively correlated with serum pre-albumin (ρ = -0.266, P = 0.021), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC, ρ = -0.458, P < 0.001), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC, ρ = -0.473, P < 0.001) and transferrin (ρ = -0.487, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that ferritin (β = 0.708, P < 0.001), TIBC (β = -0.246, P = 0.032) and IL-6 (β = 0.209, P = 0.041) were independently associated with hepcidin. Results of binary logistic regression analysis suggested that higher serum hepcidin level (>249.2 ng/mL) was positively and independently related to CVD (OR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.20-9.56], P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Serum hepcidin level is associated with CVD in MHD patients, indicating that hepcidin may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CVD.

Morphological and microstructural brain changes in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: a combined voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging study

PURPOSE

To explore the morphological and microstructural changes of grey and white matter in the patients of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).

METHODS

Twenty-five TAO patients and 25 well-matched healthy controls were recruited. Structural T1- and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry and voxel-based analysis of diffusion tensor imaging.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, TAO group showed significantly decreased grey matter volume in the brain region of the right middle frontal gyrus. Meanwhile, TAO group showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA), but increased mean, axial and radial diffusivities in the brain regions of the right superior occipital gyrus, middle occipital gyrus and cuneus in TAO group. In addition, the FA value in significant brain regions showed a positive correlation with visual acuity (r = 0.456, P = 0.025) and a negative correlation with disease duration (r =  - 0.609, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Significant morphological and microstructural abnormalities in areas corresponding to known functional deficits of vision and cognition could be found in TAO patients. These results extended our understanding of neural relationships with TAO.

[Cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of primary prophylaxis (PP) with pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF), PP with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and no prophylaxis in women with early-stage breast cancer in China. Methods: Two phase Markov models were constructed for a hypothetical cohort of patients aged 45 with stage Ⅱ breast cancer. The first phase modelled costs and outcomes of 4 cycles docetaxel combined with cyclophosphamide [TC×4, febrile neutropenia (FN) risk>20%] chemotherapy, which assumptions based on literature reviews, including FN rates [base-case (deterministic sensitivity analysis range), 0.29 (0.24-0.35)] and related events [FN case-fatality, 3.4 (2.7-4.1)]. Second phase modelled the long term survival which was link with the relative dose intensity (RDI) [mortality hazard ratio (HR) of RDI < 85% vs ≥85%, 1.45 (1.00-2.32)]. Clinical effectiveness, therapeutic costs, and economic utilities were estimated from peer-reviewed publications and expert opinions in case of unavailability of published evidences. Results: Compared to rhG-CSF PP and no prophylaxis, the cost of PEG-rhG-CSF PP increased to 5 208.19 RMB and 5 222.73 RMB, respectively. The quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) enhanced to 0.066 and 0.297, respectively. Accordingly, the incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are 79 146.3 RMB and 17 558.77 RMB per QALY, which were both below the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of three times GDP per capita (18, 000 RMB) recommended by the WHO. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the more clinically effective the primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. And the lower the mortality HR of RDI<85% vs ≥85% is, the more cost-effective primary prophylaxis with PEG-rhG-CSF will be. Conclusion: Although the cost of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is higher, considering the additional benefits, the administrating of PP PEG-rhG-CSF is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to PP rhG-CSF and no prophylaxis in patients with early stage breast cancer whose FN risks are more than 20% in China.

The phosphorylation of hCDC14A modulated by ZIPK regulates autophagy of murine pancreatic islet β-TC3 cells upon glucose stimulation

OBJECTIVE

Depletion of islet β cells plays a crucial role in the onset of diabetes mellitus. Cell autophagy, as a self-healing process, contributes to maintaining metabolic homeostasis and can protect islet β cells from apoptosis upon starvation or high glucose stress. However, the underlying regulatory network of the autophagic process in islet β cells has not been fully explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Murine β-TC3 cells treated with different concentrations of glucose, and wild-type or the Ser484 mutant human cell division cycle gene 14A (hCDC14A) was transfected. Cell viability, proliferation and autophagy as well as islet secretion were studied. The mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways were investigated by western blots. Zipper-interacting protein kinase was studied using mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Overexpression of wild-type hCDC14A, but not the Ser484 mutant hCDC14A, promoted cell viability, proliferation and autophagy accompanied by enhanced islet secretion and reduced cell apoptosis via mTOR pathway inhibition as well AMPK pathway activation in β-TC3 cells and vice versa. Furthermore, Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK), also known as DAPK3, was found to interact with hCDC14A primarily for Ser484 phosphorylation, and ZIPK knockdown could affect the phosphorylation of hCDC14A and weaken cell death or cell cycle modulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results may provide new insight into the role of hCDC14A in the autophagy of islet β cells and suggest the potential therapeutic value of hCDC14A phosphorylation in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Changes in the hepatitis B surface antibody in childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia survivors after treatment with the CCLG-ALL 2008 protocol

Antibody levels after hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination may be affected by suppression of the immune system due to cancer therapy. As such, childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) survivors are at risk of HBV infection due to immunosuppression secondary to chemotherapy. However, the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)-seropositive rate of childhood ALL survivors after chemotherapy is unknown, and the need to revaccinate HBsAb-seronegative ALL survivors is not appreciated in China. To assess the changes in HBsAb before and after chemotherapy, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 547 patients treated with the Chinese Children Leukaemia Group (CCLG)-ALL 2008 protocol from 1 April 2008 to 30 August 2019. The results revealed that 416 patients (76·1%) were HBsAb-seropositive at diagnosis, and at the time of the cessation of chemotherapy, 177 patients (32·4%) were HBsAb-seropositive and 370 patients (67·6%) were HBsAb-seronegative. Interestingly, 11 patients who were HBsAb-seronegative at diagnosis converted to seropositive at the time of the cessation of chemotherapy. HBsAb titres were decreased after chemotherapy (P < 0·0001). Further, patients with higher HBsAb titres at diagnosis were more likely to maintain protective antibody titres at the completion of chemotherapy (P < 0·0001). The loss of antibody was more remarkable in younger patients (≤ 10 years) both at diagnosis (P = 0·009) and at the completion of chemotherapy (P = 0·006). In summary, this study showed that 67·6% of patients were HBsAb-seronegative at the time of the cessation of chemotherapy, which indicates that ALL survivors are at high risk of HBV. As a result, HBV revaccination after chemotherapy should be highly valued in ALL survivors.

T2 mapping histogram at extraocular muscles for predicting the response to glucocorticoid therapy in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

AIM

To evaluate the performance of T2 mapping histograms at the extraocular muscles (EOMs) in predicting the response to glucocorticoid therapy in the patients with active and moderate-severe thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty active and moderate-severe TAO patients (responsive group, n=20; unresponsive group, n=10) were enrolled, and evaluated using T2 mapping before treatment. Histogram parameters (mean, median, max, min, 10th, 90th percentiles, skewness, and kurtosis) of T2 relaxation time (T2RT) at the EOMs for each orbit, and clinical variables (age, sex, disease duration, anti-thyroid treatment, smoking habit, pre-treatment thyroid function, thyrotrophin receptor antibody, diplopia presence, activity and severity scores) were collected and compared between groups. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to assess the predictive value of identified independent variables for treatment response.

RESULTS

The responsive group showed significantly shorter disease duration (p=0.003), while higher T2RT_min than unresponsive group (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that T2RT_min and disease duration were independent predictors for responsive TAOs. ROC curve analyses indicated that setting a cut-off value of ≥54.3 for T2RT_min demonstrated the optimal predicting specificity for responsive TAOs (100%), while a combination of T2RT_min ≥54.3 and disease duration ≤4.5 showed optimal predicting efficiency and sensitivity (area under the curve, 0.820; sensitivity, 65%).

CONCLUSIONS

Histogram analysis can help to exhibit the heterogeneity of T2RT at the EOMs. T2RT_min, together with disease duration may be the promising marker for predicting response to glucocorticoid therapy in the patients with active and moderate-severe TAO.

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveals potential candidate genes affecting drip loss in pork

Drip loss is an essential evaluation indicator for pork quality. It is closely related to other meat quality indicators, including water-holding capacity, water loss rate and pH value at 45 min (pH₁ ) and 24 h post-mortem (pH₂ ), and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors and their interactions. We previously conducted differentially expressed gene analysis to identify candidate genes affecting drip loss using eight individuals with extremely high- and low-drip loss selected from 28 purebred Duroc pigs. Using 28 identical samples, in the present study, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis with drip loss and drip loss-related traits, including water-holding capacity, water loss rate, pH₁ and pH₂ . A total of 25 modules were identified, and five of them correlated with at least two drip loss or drip loss-related traits. After functional enrichment analysis of genes in the five modules, three modules were found to be critical, as their genes were significantly involved in amino acid metabolism, immune response and apoptosis, which have potential relationships with drip loss. Furthermore, we identified five candidate genes affecting drip loss in one critical module, AASS, BCKDHB, ALDH6A1, MUT and MCCC1, as they overlapped with differentially expressed genes detected in our previous study, exhibited protein-protein interactions and had potential biological functions in affecting drip loss according to the literature. The outcomes of the present study enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying drip loss and will aid in improving the pork quality.