Taurine Reduces Liver Damage in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model in Rats by Down-Regulating IL-9 and Tumor Growth Factor TGF-β

The study employed a rat model to examine the effects of taurine (Tau) on prevention and therapy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In model rats maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD), the serum levels of ALT, AST, triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL were higher than the corresponding levels in normal control and NP groups (p<0.05). In Tau-prevention and Tau-treatment groups, the serum levels of AST and triglycerides were lower than in HFD rats (p<0.05). In HFD rats, diffuse fatty degeneration and infiltration with inflammatory cells was observed in the liver; in the ileal mucosa, the villi were fractured or absent, the epithelium was exfoliated and infiltrated with inflammatory cells. The levels of TGF-β, IL-9, and their mRNA in the liver and ileal mucosa of HFD rats were significantly higher than in normal control and NP groups (p<0.05). In Tau-prevention and Tau-treatment groups, these levels were significantly lower than in HFD rats (p<0.05). Thus, TGF-β and IL-9 can be implicated in NAFLD genesis, while Tau can preventively or therapeutically diminish the damage to the liver and ileal mucosa in rats with this disease by down-regulating the expression of TGF-β and IL-9.

Environment and food safety: a novel integrative review

Environment protection and food safety are two critical issues in the world. In this review, a novel approach which integrates statistical study and subjective discussion was adopted to review recent advances on environment and food safety. Firstly, a scientometric-based statistical study was conducted based on 4904 publications collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. It was found that the research on environment and food safety was growing steadily from 2001 to 2020. Interestingly, the statistical analysis of most-cited papers, titles, abstracts, keywords, and research areas revealed that the research on environment and food safety was diverse and multidisciplinary. In addition to the scientometric study, strategies to protect environment and ensure food safety were critically discussed, followed by a discussion on the emerging research topics, including emerging contaminates (e.g., microplastics), rapid detection of contaminants (e.g., biosensors), and environment friendly food packaging materials (e.g., biodegradable polymers). Finally, current challenges and future research directions were proposed.

Variation characteristics of fine particulate matter and its components in diesel vehicle emission plumes

A rapid reaction occurs near the exhaust nozzle when vehicle emissions contact the air. Twenty diesel vehicles were studied using a new multipoint sampling system that is suitable for studying the exhaust plume near the exhaust nozzle. The variation characteristics of fine particle matter (PM_2.5) and its components in diesel vehicle exhaust plumes were analyzed. The PM_2.5 emissions gradually increased with increasing distance from the nozzle in the plume. Elemental carbon emissions remained basically unchanged, organic carbon and total carbon (TC) increased with increasing distance. The concentrations of SO₄^2-, NO₃^- and NH₄⁺ (SNA) directly emitted by the vehicles were very low but increased rapidly in the exhaust plume. The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reduced 42.7% TC, 40% NO₃^- emissions, but increased 104% SO₄^2- and 36% NH₄⁺ emissions, respectively. In summary, the SCR reduced 29% primary PM_2.5 emissions for the tested diesel vehicles. The NH₄NO₃ particle formation maybe more important in the plume, and there maybe other forms of formation of NH₄⁺ (eg. NH₄Cl). The generation of secondary organic carbon (SOC) plays a leading role in the generation of secondary PM_2.5. The SCR enhanced the formation of SOC and SNA in the plume, but comprehensive analysis shows that the SCR more enhanced the SNA formation in the plume, which is mainly new particles formation process. The inconsistency between secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and primary organic aerosol definitions is one of the important reasons for the difference between SOA simulation and observation.

Mass absorption cross-section of black carbon from residential biofuel stoves and diesel trucks based on real-world measurements

Black carbon (BC) as an important part of atmospheric aerosols imposes adverse effects on atmospheric visibility, health, and climate change. Mass absorption cross-section (MAC_BC) is an essential parameter in BC quantitative and model research, which is of growing concern in recent decades. In this study, we conducted real-world measurements on BC emissions from two major sources of residential biofuel stoves and diesel trucks. BC emissions and MAC_BC values are quantified based on the photoacoustic and thermo-optical methods. The impacts of typical factors from biofuel stoves (biofuel and stove types) and diesel trucks (vehicle types, emission standards, and driving conditions) on BC/EC, MAC_BC values, and the relationships between BC and EC, BC/PM_2.5 and MAC_BC are analyzed comprehensively. We find the BC and EC emissions from these two sources present good correlations, and those emissions are almost equal from diesel trucks, while the EC emissions from biofuel burning are slightly higher than BC. The typical factors for analysis may affect the optical properties of BC, and then will affect the mass ratio of BC/EC, indirectly. We have calculated the equivalent MAC_BC values and compared those with previous studies. Then, we further divided the equivalent MAC_BC values under several typical factors, which are 5.84 and 2.71 m²/g for improved and simple biofuel stoves, and 5.91 and 4.64 m²/g for light-duty and heavy-duty diesel trucks, respectively. Furthermore, the MAC_BC and BC/PM_2.5 under the main operational metrics generally present good correlations. Our results will help to enhance the understanding of MAC_BC and provide effective data support for BC quantification and atmospheric model research.

[Correlation of serum ADAMTS13 and TSP1 levels with myocardial injury and prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate serum levels of von Willebrand factor lytic protease (ADAMTS13) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) in patients with different types of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their correlation with the patients' clinical prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

According to their disease history, results of angiography and clinical biochemical tests, a total of 405 patients undergoing coronary angiography, were divided into unstable angina (UAP) group (n=215), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group (n=96), and angiographically normal group (n=94). Serum ADAMTS13 and TSP1 levels were detected in all the patients, who were followed up for 15 months to evaluate the occurrence of long-term major cardiac adverse events (MACE).

OBJECTIVE

Serum ADAMTS13 level was significantly lower and TSP1 level was significantly higher in AMI group and UAP group than in the normal group (P < 0.001). Serum ADAMTS13 and TSP1 levels were negative correlated in ACS patients (R=-0.577, P < 0.001). The patients experiencing MACE had significantly different serum TSP1 level from those without MACE (P < 0.05). Cox proportion regression model analysis showed that TSP1 was a risk factor affecting the occurrence of MACE in ACS patients; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the patients with high levels of TSP1 had a higher incidence of longterm MACE than those with low TSP1 levels.

OBJECTIVE

A lowered serum ADAMTS13 level and an elevated TSP1 level can support the diagnosis of ACS. An elevated TSP1 level may serve as an indicator for predicting the risk of MACE in patients with ACS.

Particle number emissions from light-duty gasoline vehicles in Beijing, China

Humans are more likely to be exposed to ultrafine particles (UFPs) emitted by light-duty gasoline vehicles (LDGVs) in urban road traffic, which can cause serious bodily harm. In this study, we conducted on-road measurement of the Particle Number (PN) emissions from 18 China-3, China-4, and China-5 LDGVs on representative roads in Beijing. To clarify the impact of key parameters (standards, driving conditions, and technology) on the PN emissions, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the emission results. We found the PN emission factors (EFs) of port fuel injection (PFI) vehicles have declined considerably under stricter standards. Furthermore, we found the average EF of China-5 LDGVs with gasoline direct injection (GDI) was 10 times that of PFI vehicles, and the PN EFs of PFI vehicles increase as the age of the engine increases (R² = 0.59). In different operating conditions, the PN EFs of all test vehicles under highway driving conditions were lower than those under non-highway driving conditions (6.5%-82.0%). The PN EFs of PFI LDGVs going uphill are 1.4-2.8 times those when going downhill. The PN EFs of LDGVs under start-up were 18-47% higher than under hot-running. PN emissions were high under positive engine power and increased with vehicle specific power. The dilution ratio has a significant impact on the test results, especially in a higher vehicle specific power interval, indicating that a high dilution ratio may lead to deviation of test values. Further research needs to determine the optimal dilution ratio to minimize test deviation. This study provides important data support for PN emission control. The optimal upper limit of the primary dilution ratio should be further studied and specified as a standard.

Utility of Contrast-Enhanced T2 FLAIR for Imaging Brain Metastases Using a Half-dose High-Relaxivity Contrast Agent

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Efficient detection of metastases is important for patient' treatment. This prospective study was to explore the clinical value of contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR in imaging brain metastases using half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro signal intensity of various gadolinium concentrations was explored by spin-echo T1-weighted imaging and T2 FLAIR. Then, 46 patients with lung cancer underwent nonenhanced T2 FLAIR before administration of half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine and 3 consecutive contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR sequences followed by 1 spin-echo T1WI after administration of half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine. After an additional dose of 0.05 mmol/kg, 3D brain volume imaging was performed. All brain metastases were classified as follows: solid-enhancing, ≥ 5 mm (group A); ring-enhancing, ≥ 5 mm (group B); and lesion diameter of <5 mm (group C). The contrast ratio of the lesions on 3 consecutive phases of contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR was measured, and the percentage increase of contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR among the 3 groups was compared.

RESULTS

In vitro, the maximal signal intensity was achieved in T2 FLAIR at one-eighth to one-half of the contrast concentration needed for maximal signal intensity in T1WI. In vivo, the mean contrast ratio values of metastases on contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR for the 3 consecutive phases ranged from 63.64% to 83.05%. The percentage increase (PI) values of contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR were as follows: PI_A < PI_B (P = .001) and PI_A < PI_C (P < .001). The degree of enhancement of brain metastases on contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR was lower than on 3D brain volume imaging (P < .001) in group A, and higher than on 3D brain volume imaging (P < .001) in group C.

CONCLUSIONS

Small or ring-enhancing metastases can be better visualized on delayed contrast-enhanced T2 FLAIR using a half-dose high-relaxivity contrast agent.

Polycyclic and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution characteristics and carcinogenic risk assessment of indoor kitchen air during cooking periods in rural households in North China

Medium-flow atmospheric samplers were used to collect particulate (PM_2.5) and gaseous samples from the indoor kitchen of each of 35 randomly selected rural houses in North China while a meal was being cooked. The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 9 nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) in the samples were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This study provided the real PAH and NPAH pollution characteristics and carcinogenic risk produced by cooking in rural indoor kitchens in North China. The mean PAH and NPAH concentrations in air in the indoor kitchens during cooking periods were 4049.1 and 1741.6 ng/m³, respectively. The PAH and NPAH concentrations were lower in the particulate phase than the gaseous phase. The mean PAH and NPAH concentrations were much higher for cooking using coal than for cooking using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or electricity. The PAH and NPAH benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalent (TEQ_BaP) concentrations for cooking using coal were 1823.3 and 2760.9 ng/m³, respectively. Lower PAH and NPAH concentrations were found in kitchens with than without range hoods. Range hoods decreased the PAH and NPAH TEQ_BaP concentrations by 68.8% and 61.9%, respectively. Appropriate fuel and ventilation choice will improve air pollution in indoor kitchens during cooking. The results provide important evidence for changing cooking habits and developing policies for cooking in rural China.

The effect of SO2 on the structural evolution of a supported Mn2V2O7 catalyst and its DeNOx performance

Mn₂V₂O₇/TiO₂ can decompose to form sulfated VO_x and MnSO₄ on TiO₂ in the presence of SO₂, and the corresponding DeNO_x efficiency increases above 250 °C but it decreases below 250 °C.

Degradation of the mixture of ethyl formate, propionic aldehyde, and acetone by Aeromonas salmonicida: A novel microorganism screened from biomass generated in the citric acid fermentation industry

Microorganisms play important roles in the degradation of volatile organic compounds. Aeromonas salmonicida strain (AEP-3) generated from biomass in the citric acid fermentation industry was screened and subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The growth conditions of AEP-3 in Luria-Bertani broth were optimized at 25 °C and approximately pH 7. AEP-3 was used to degrade ethyl formate, propionic aldehyde, or acetone alone and their mixture. The concentrations of ethyl formate, propionic aldehyde, and acetone were below 7500, 600, and 800 mg L^-1, respectively, and their maximum degradation efficiencies were 100%, 92.41%, and 34.75%. AEP-3 first degraded acetone and propionic aldehyde in the mixture, followed by ethyl formate. The degradation pathways of these organic compounds in the mixture and their substrate interactions during degradation were explored. Propionic aldehyde was first converted into propionic acid in the metabolic process and was involved in the subsequent carboxylic acid cycle. By contrast, ethyl formate was first hydrolyzed into formic acid and ethanol. Then, formic acid participated in the cyclic metabolism of carboxylic acid, whereas, ethanol was hydrolyzed into acetaldehyde and acetic acid through alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Additionally, acetone directly interacted with nitrate in the medium under the action of hydrogen ions and produced carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen. Overall, this study provides a new degrading bacterium biodegradability toward the exhaust gas of citric acid fermentation.

The association between napping and the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Background

Napping is a habit prevalent worldwide and occurs from an early age. Some sleep specialists have suggested it as a potential public health tool due to the prevalence of sleep disorder. However, the association between napping and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality remains unclear.

Purpose

To assess the association between napping and the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases from inception through December 2019 for prospective cohort studies investigating the association between napping and the risk of CVD and/or all-cause mortality. Overall estimates were calculated using random effect models with inverse variance weighting. Dose-response meta-analysis was performed using restricted cubic spline models. The results were reported as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 313651 participants (57.8% female, 38.9% took naps) from 20 cohort studies were included in the analysis. Overall, pooled analysis detected no association between daytime nap and CVD (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.99–1.28). However, in subgroup analysis including only participants who were female (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.58), older (age&gt;65 years) (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07–1.72), or took a longer nap (nap time&gt;60 minutes) (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.63), napping was significantly associated with a higher risk of CVD comparing to not napping. All-cause mortality was associated with napping overall (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12–1.26), and effect sizes were even more pronounced in females (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.31), older participants (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11–1.45) and those who took a long nap (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.12–1.47). Furthermore, after stratifying participants by night sleep time (&lt;6 and &gt;6h/day), no significant association was detected except those who slept &gt;6h/day at night and took a long nap (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.24). Dose-response analysis showed a J-curve relation between nap time and CVD (Figure 1). The HR decreased from 0 to 25 min/day, followed by a sharp increase in the risk at longer times. A positive linear relationship between nap time and all-cause mortality was also observed.

Conclusion

Long napping over 60 minutes per day is associated with increased risks of CVD and all-cause mortality. Night sleep duration may play a role in the relation between napping and all-cause mortality. Further, large-scale prospective cohort studies need to confirm our conclusion and investigate the underlying mechanisms driving these associations.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Café-au-lait macules overlying segmental macular hyperpigmentation in a pediatric patient: an early sign for mosaic neurofibromatosis type 1

The presentation of multiple café-au-lait macules (CALMs) in children is a common reason for referral to a dermatologist. Segmental CALMs, a subtype of CALMs, is usually limited to a specific part of the body. Mosaic neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; OMIM 162200) is a common congenital disorder associated with segmental CALMs with an incidence of about 1 case/40000 patients, which is lower than the prevalence of patients with germline NF1 mutations1,2 .

Demonstrating a Continuous Set of Two-Qubit Gates for Near-Term Quantum Algorithms

Quantum algorithms offer a dramatic speedup for computational problems in material science and chemistry. However, any near-term realizations of these algorithms will need to be optimized to fit within the finite resources offered by existing noisy hardware. Here, taking advantage of the adjustable coupling of gmon qubits, we demonstrate a continuous two-qubit gate set that can provide a threefold reduction in circuit depth as compared to a standard decomposition. We implement two gate families: an imaginary swap-like (iSWAP-like) gate to attain an arbitrary swap angle, θ, and a controlled-phase gate that generates an arbitrary conditional phase, ϕ. Using one of each of these gates, we can perform an arbitrary two-qubit gate within the excitation-preserving subspace allowing for a complete implementation of the so-called Fermionic simulation (fSim) gate set. We benchmark the fidelity of the iSWAP-like and controlled-phase gate families as well as 525 other fSim gates spread evenly across the entire fSim(θ,ϕ) parameter space, achieving a purity-limited average two-qubit Pauli error of 3.8×10^{-3} per fSim gate.

A preliminary study: proteomic analysis of exosomes derived from thyroid-stimulating hormone-stimulated HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. However, little is known about the role that exosomes play in the process of TSH-induced lipotoxicity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As a preliminary step, the present study set out to investigate alterations in protein expression in exosomes derived from TSH-stimulated HepG2 cells.

METHODS

HepG2 cells were treated with TSH, exosomes were collected, and proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to analyze the identified proteins.

RESULTS

TSH treatment significantly increased exosomal production and changed the exosomal proteomic profile in HepG2 cells. Among the 1728 proteins, 140 identified proteins were upregulated and seven proteins were downregulated. GO analysis and KEGG analysis revealed that these proteins were involved in multiple processes including metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary study demonstrated that exosomes derived from TSH-stimulated hepatocytes were increased and showed a specific altered spectrum of proteins, many of which were involved in metabolism, signal transduction, apoptosis, and inflammation. This study offers new insights into the pathogenesis of TSH-induced lipotoxicity in NAFLD.

Identification of a TH 2-high psoriasis cluster based on skin biomarker analysis in a Chinese psoriasis population

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory disease with diverse phenotypes. However, its biological diversity has not been well-characterized in Chinese psoriasis population.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize psoriasis biological heterogenicity using gene expression profiles of lesional skin biopsy specimens in a Chinese psoriasis population.

METHODS

Lesional tissues and blood samples from Chinese psoriasis patients (n = 40), atopic dermatitis (AD) patients (n = 25) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 19) were investigated by using real-time PCR array, histological evaluation and flow cytometry. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed using gene expression profiles of patients with psoriasis.

RESULTS

Two distinct psoriasis clusters were identified. Both clusters indicated high T_H 17 activation. One cluster (n = 6 of 40 consecutive psoriasis patients) indicated a strong T_H 2 component in skin lesions, with early onset and low peripheral blood eosinophil level. Significantly higher IL-4, IL-13, IL-25, IL-31 and TSLP gene induction typified this cluster of psoriasis patients, even compared with AD patients. Both psoriasis clusters were characterized by neutrophilic microabscess formation. Histologically, the T_H 2 high psoriasis cluster indicated a low percentage of perivascular eosinophils.

CONCLUSIONS

Two distinct psoriasis clusters were identified. One presented early onset and a low eosinophil level, indicating T_H 17 polarization and a strong T_H 2 component. These results laid the foundation for further demonstrating the pathogenesis of psoriasis in Chinese population.

Real-time measurements of black carbon and other pollutant emissions from residential biofuel stoves in rural China

Biofuel stoves are an important source of black carbon (BC) emissions, which have adverse effects on the environment and human health, especially in rural areas. However, there have been only limited studies of BC emissions from residential biofuel stoves based on real-time measurements. In this study, a photo-acoustic extinctiometer (PAX)-based real-time measurement system was employed to monitor the emission characteristics of corncobs, corn stalks, cotton stalks and poplar branches in simple or improved stoves (with a total of 16 units) in Hebei Province, China. The real-time and phased emissions of BC, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) were assessed, and the effects of stove type and fuel on emissions were analyzed. Under the same conditions, polar branches were associated with the highest BC emission factors (EFs) of up to 2.64 ± 0.42 g kg^-1, while the EFs for improved stoves were higher than those for simple stoves. During the ignition phase, BC emissions were found to be low, while the later addition of fuel dramatically increased emissions, followed by a gradual decrease until the next fuel addition. The phased results show that the flaming phase had the highest BC emission rate, the fuel addition phase was associated with the highest BC EF. The BC emission rates and EFs for the ignition, fuel addition, flaming and smoldering phases ranged from 0.0014-0.014, 0.11-6.32, 0.18-2.24 and 0.03-0.32 mg s^-1, and from 0.04-0.18, 0.38-9.53, 0.45-3.55 and 0.12-1.01 g kg^-1, respectively. This study assessed the BC emissions from residential biofuel stoves using a larger sample size than in prior work. The results increase our understanding of the BC emissions process, which is helpful in terms of improving the accuracy of BC EF estimations. The real-time measurement process described herein is also expected to provide new approaches to minimizing BC emissions.

Particle Size and Mixing State of Freshly Emitted Black Carbon from Different Combustion Sources in China

Modeling studies have highlighted that accurate simulations of radiative effect of black carbon (BC) require knowledge about the particle size and mixing state of freshly emitted BC from combustion sources. However, the information is absent in China due to lack of available measurements. In this study, we present the particle size and mixing state of fresh BC emitted from diesel vehicles (DV), brick kilns (BK), residential crop residue burnings (CR), and residential firewood burnings (FW) in September-October 2014 at North China Plain by field measurement. The mass median diameters of BC cores (whole particles including cores and coatings) above the limit of measurement (i.e., > 70 nm) from these sources are ∼155 (∼194), ∼230 (∼306), ∼250 (∼438) and ∼273 (∼426) nm, respectively, and corresponding size ratios (i.e., mixing state) are ∼1.25, ∼1.33, ∼1.75, and ∼1.56, respectively. Compared with the values commonly used in model based on the laboratory experiments and the field measurements in developed countries, larger particle sizes and higher mixing sate of freshly emitted BC in China may enhance their light absorption and cloud condensation nuclei activities during atmospheric transport. The available data could be used to improve future model development on radiative effect of BC in China.

Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous multiple primary colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Multiple primary colorectal cancers (MPCCs) are different from solitary colorectal cancers in many aspects, which are not well studied. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MPCCs.

METHODS

The data of 64 patients with MPCCs out of 2300 patients with colorectal cancers (CRCs) from January 2009 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Stratified analysis was conducted based on subtypes and microsatellite status.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of MPCC was 2.8% and the median follow-up duration was 51.5 (range 1-120) months. Metachronous CRCs (MCRCs) are more likely to appear in the right colon (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences regarding age, sex, BMI, tumor size, smoking/drinking history, TNM stage, family history of cancer, and 5-year survival rate were observed between synchronous CRC (SCRC) and MCRC. Advanced TNM stage (III) and the presence of polyps were found to be independent poor prognostic factors for MPCCs. The prevalence of mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) in MPCCs was 28.1%. Deficient MMR is more likely to appear in younger, lighter MPCC patients with polyps (p < 0.05). Of four mismatch repair proteins, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6, and PMS-2 were negative in nine, nine, five, and nine patients, respectively. The 5-year survival rate did not differ significantly between MMR-proficient (pMMR) and dMMR groups (p = 0.752).

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous CRC (SCRC) and MCRC might represent similar disease entities with different courses. Deficient MMR is more likely to appear in younger, lighter MPCC patients with polyps and it is an essential indicator for screening Lynch syndrome.

Adsorption behavior of multicomponent volatile organic compounds on a citric acid residue waste-based activated carbon: Experiment and molecular simulation

A considerable amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is emitted, and a vast amount of citric acid residue (CAR) waste is simultaneously produced during citric acid production. Thus, a suitable method realizing the clean production of citric acid must be developed. This study investigated the adsorption of the multicomponent VOCs in a homemade CAR waste-based activated carbon (CAR-AC). A fixed-bed experimental setup was used to explore the adsorption and desorption of single- and multi-component VOCs. Surface adsorption and diffusion molecular models with different defects were built to study the underlying adsorption and diffusion mechanisms of multicomponent VOCs on CAR-AC. The adsorption amount of ethyl acetate in CAR-AC from multicomponent VOCs was 3.04 and 5.91 times higher than those of acetone and acetaldehyde, respectively, and the interaction energy between ethyl acetate and C surfaces was low at -13.41 kcal/mol. During desorption, the most weakly adsorbed acetaldehyde desorbed from the surface of CAR-AC first, followed by acetone and ethyl acetate. The regeneration efficiencies of acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethyl acetate reached 88.77, 85.55, and 91.46 %, respectively, after four adsorption/desorption cycles. We aimed to provide a new strategy to realize the recycle use of CAR and the clean production of citric acid.

Protecting medical staff from skin injury/disease caused by personal protective equipment during epidemic period of COVID-19: experience from China

Linked articles: COVID‐19 SPECIAL FORUM. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: e210–e216.

Involvement of nitrogen in storage root growth and related gene expression in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Nitrogen (N) could affect storage root growth and development of sweet potato. To manage external N concentration fluctuations, plants have developed a wide range of strategies, such as growth changes and gene expression. Five sweet potato cultivars were used to analyse the functions of N in regulating storage root growth. Growth responses and physiological indicators were measured to determine the physiological changes regulated by different N concentrations. Expression profiles of related genes were analysed via microarray hybridization data and qRT-PCR analysis to reveal the molecular mechanisms of storage root growth regulated by different N concentrations. The growth responses and physiological indicators of the five cultivars were changed by N concentration. The root fresh weight of two of the sweet potato cultivars, SS19 and GS87, was higher under low N concentrations compared with the other cultivars. SS19 and GS87 were found to be having greater tolerance to low N concentration. The expression of N metabolism and storage root growth related genes was regulated by N concentration in sweet potato. These results reveal that N significantly regulated storage root growth. SS19 and GS87 were more tolerant to low N concentration and produced greater storage root yield (at 30 days). Furthermore, several N response genes were involved in both N metabolism and storage root growth.

Excessive daytime sleepiness with snoring or witnessed apnea is associated with handgrip strength: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is emerging as an important public health problem, and evidences have determined that poor sleep is associated with muscle strength, but the potential effects of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), snoring and witnessed apnea on handgrip strength have not been evaluated.

AIM

We aimed to examine the association between EDS, snoring, witnessed apnea and muscle strength in an adult population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 19 434 adults. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. EDS was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale, snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep were reported through simple yes/no questions. Analysis of covariance was carried out to determine the association between EDS with snoring or witnessed apnea and muscle strength.

RESULTS

The means (95% confidence interval) for average handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg) across symptoms categories were 0.396 (0.333-0.472), 0.393 (0.330-0.467), 0.396 (0.333-0.471) and 0.386 (0.325-0.460) (P < 0.0001), respectively. Similar results were observed with maximal handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported EDS accompanied with snoring or apnea is associated with lowest handgrip strength, independently of confounding factors. Whether improvement of EDS, snoring and apnea, can ameliorate age-associated decline in muscle strength warrants further studies.

Cortical stroke affects activity and stability of theta/delta states in remote hippocampal regions

Cognitive impairment is a common outcome of ischemic stroke. Our previous work has shown that an experimental stroke in the cortex reduces activity in remote hippocampal layers in rats. This study seeks to uncover the underlying functional connections between these areas by analyzing changes to oscillatory activity, signal power, and communication. We induced an ischemic stroke in the left somatosensory cortex of rats and used linear micro-electrode arrays to simultaneously record from cortex and hippocampus under urethane anesthesia at two weeks and one month after stroke. We found significant increase in signal power, as well as an increase in the number of brain state changes in response to stroke. Our results suggest that the cortex modulates the activity and stability of hippocampal oscillations, which is disrupted following cortical stroke that can lead to cognitive impairment.

Phenotypic analysis of atopic dermatitis in children aged 1-12 months: elaboration of novel diagnostic criteria for infants in China and estimation of prevalence

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disorder in infancy. However, the diagnosis and definite significance of infantile AD remains a debated issue.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the phenotypes of AD in infancy, to establish diagnostic criteria and to estimate the prevalence of this condition in China.

METHODS

This is a multicentric study, in which 12 locations were chosen from different metropolitan areas of China. Following careful and complete history-taking and skin examination, the definite diagnosis of AD was made and the severity based on the SCORAD index was determined by local experienced dermatologists. Based on the detailed phenotyping, the major and representative clinical features of infantile AD were selected to establish the diagnostic criteria and evaluate their diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

A total of 5967 infants were included in this study. The overall point prevalence of AD was 30.48%. The infantile AD developed as early as at the second month of life, and its incidence peaked in the third month of life at 40.81%. The proportion of mild, moderate and severe AD was 67.40%, 30.57% and 2.03%, respectively. The most commonly seen manifestations in the infantile AD were facial dermatitis (72.07%), xerosis (42.72%) and scalp dermatitis (27.93%). We established the novel diagnostic criteria of infants, which included: (i) onset after 2 weeks of birth; (ii) pruritus and/or irritability and sleeplessness comparable with lesions; and (iii) all two items above with one of the following items can reach a diagnosis of AD: (i) eczematous lesions distributed on cheeks and/or scalp and/or extensor limbs, and (ii) eczematous lesions on any other parts of body accompanied by xerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In China, the prevalence of AD in infancy is 30.48% according to clinical diagnosis of dermatologists. The novel Chinese diagnostic criteria for AD in infants show a higher sensitivity and comparable specificity.

[Computer-aided assessment of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B: an exploratory research]

Objective: To establish automatic liver fibrosis classification models by using traditional machine learning and deep learning methods and preliminaryly evaluate the efficiency. Methods: Gray scale ultrasound images and corresponding elastic images of 354 patients, 247 males and 107 females, mean age (54±12) years undergoing partial hepatectomy in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from November 2014 to January 2016 were enrolled in this study. By using traditional machine learning and deep learning methods, an automatic classification model of liver fibrosis stages (S0 to S4) were established through feature extraction and classification of ultrasound image data sets and the accuracy in different classification categories of each model were calculated, by using liver biopsy as the reference standard. Results: Pathological examination showed 73 cases in pathological stage S0, 40 cases in S1, 49 cases in S2, 41 cases in S3, and 151 cases in S4. The traditional machine classification model based on support vector machine (SVM) classifier and sparse representation classifier and the deep learning classification model based on LeNet-5 neural network, their accuracy rates in the two categories (S0/S1/S2 and S3/S4) were 89.8%, 91.8% and 90.7% respectively; the accuracy rates in the three categories (S0/S1 and S2/S3 and S4) were 75.3%, 79.4% and 82.8% respectively; the accuracy in the three categories (S0 and S1/S2/S3 and S4) were 79.3%, 82.7% and 87.2% respectively. Conclusions: Computer-aided assessment of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B has a high accuracy, and can achieve a more detailed classification. This method is expected to be applied in the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B in clinical work in the future.

Evaluation of Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging in Sub-acute Ischemic Stroke: Comparison with Rehabilitation Treatment Effect

Stroke is a serious worldwide medical condition that causes neurological function disability. Diffusional kurtosis imaging, which measures the non-Gaussianity of water diffusion, has been demonstrated to be a sensitive biomarker in many neuro-pathologies. This study explores the relationship between neural function recovery and transformation of the ischemic lesion and/or corticospinal tract during the sub-acute phase after stroke by using diffusional kurtosis imaging. We performed a prospective study of function recovery and K metrics of 43 patients with sub-acute ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory. The effect of rehabilitation treatment was evaluated using both the Fugl-Meyer motor function score and modified Barthel index score at post-treatment compared with admission, and patients were allocated to two groups: good and poor rehabilitation effect (GRE and PRE). Metrics of diffusional kurtosis imaging within ischemic lesion and along the corticospinal tract were acquired, respectively. All three relative axial diffusional kurtoses (rKas) along the corticospinal tract in the GRE group ( n = 21) were significantly larger than those of the PRE group ( n = 22), including rKa in the posterior limb of internal capsule, rKa in the cerebral peduncle, and rKa in the basal part of the pons ( p = 0.014, 0.005, and 0.021, respectively). This multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging study showed that diffusional kurtosis imaging has the potential to complement existing stroke imaging techniques and revealed its own advantages in elucidating the possible biophysical mechanism of functional restoration underlying ischemic stroke.

Abstract P3-12-05: Fractionation patterns in adjuvant breast radiotherapy in Ontario, Canada from 2009 to 2015

Purpose: To report the patterns of use of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) (≤16 fractions)in breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients in Ontario, Canada from 2009 to 2015 and identify factors related to HFRT use.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of Ontario women diagnosed with breast cancer or DCIS followed by adjuvant breast or chest wall radiation (RT) from 2009 to 2015 was conducted using data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with HFRT use. Physician was included as a random effect. To calculate the potential amount of time that could be saved if all patients were to receive 16 fractions of HFRT, the number of extra RT treatments after the 16th visit was multiplied by the median amount of time spent to treat one patient at our cancer centre (8.76 minutes). This time was found with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre data collected from October 2017 to March 2018 (n=523) and represents the amount of time from when a patient enters the RT unit for treatment setup, until the RT beam is turned off.

Results: A total of 42,072 patients were included. Most patients were aged between 50 and 69 years old (56.7%) with stage I or II breast cancer (74.6%) and had breast conserving surgery (BCS) (76.9%). Half previously received chemotherapy and 7.9% were DCIS patients. Use of sequential boost, simultaneous boost, and regional nodal RT was 17.2%, 3.1%, and 31.7% respectively. Institutional variation in HFRT use ranged from 27.5% to 71.6%. HFRT use has increased in all patient populations over the study period. HFRT use was more common in breast cancer and DCIS patients with BCS than in chest wall and nodal RT. Simultaneous boost (OR=0.09), nodal RT (OR=0.08), previous chemotherapy (OR=0.7), stage 0, II, and III breast cancer (OR=0.06 relative to stage I), were correlated with less HFRT use. Older age, later year of diagnosis, sequential boost (OR=0.09), BCS and no surgery (OR=1.2, 1.5 relative to mastectomy) were correlated with higher HFRT use. Institution was significantly correlated to HFRT use. The variance estimate for the physician random effect was 0.33 (p&lt;0.0001). For breast cancer patients with BCS and breast RT specifically, 62,396 extra visits occurred from 2009 to 2015, corresponding to ˜9100 hours of treatment if all patients received HFRT. For the entire patient population, a total of 190,726 extra visits occurred or ˜27,900 hours.

Trends in the use of HFRT (%) from 2009 to 2015 for DCIS and breast cancer patients in Ontario.YearStage I-IV + BCS + Breast RTStage I-IV + BCS + Breast + Nodal RTStage I-IV + Mastectomy + Breast RTStage I-IV + Mastectomy + Breast + Nodal RTDCIS + BCS200962.610.329.09.545.2201062.06.323.76.951.2201162.24.121.34.752.7201263.79.621.711.452.0201365.112.629.315.057.3201469.37.835.415.164.5201573.711.839.217.573.4BCS: breast conserving surgery, RT: radiation treatment

Conclusions: HFRT use in Ontario has increased over time for all patient populations, and reflects the current evidence supporting HFRT in different patient populations, with lower HFRT use seen in chest wall and nodal RT and higher HFRT use in early-stage breast cancer patients with BCS.

Citation Format: Chow E, Chan S, Yao Z, Sutradhar R, Lee J, Wan BA, Paszat L. Fractionation patterns in adjuvant breast radiotherapy in Ontario, Canada from 2009 to 2015 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-12-05.