Distinct soil microbial communities under Ageratina adenophora invasions

Ageratina adenophora is one of the most hazardous invasive weeds in China. It can form a single species community quickly and cause extensive ecological harm. The belowground microbial community can participate in nutrient transformation in soil and plays an important role in the invasiveness of exotic plant species. We selected sampling sites with different invasion levels of A. adenophora. The soil property and soil biogeochemical activity were measured in both bulk and rhizosphere soil under the aggressive weed A. adenophora and under adjacent native plants. The composition of bacterial communities was investigated using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that the rhizosphere habitat selectively accumulated Sphingomonas and Steroidobacter and reduced the abundance of Gaiella and Gp6 regardless of plant host. The presence of A. adenophora caused a switch in microbial composition from Aeromicrobium and Marmoricola to Reyranella and Bradyrhizobium in the bulk soil, and from Gp4, Pirellula, Lysobacter and Aridibacterrae to Reyranella and Streptomyces in the rhizosphere soil. We also revealed specific microbes that closely related with N-cycling processes. In addition, soil pH was the main factor affecting microbial communities in both bulk and rhizosphere soil. Our study confirmed that the rhizosphere environment imposed homogenous microbial communities. The invasion of A. adenophora selected specialized bacterial communities in soils and specific microbes that potentially mediated soil nutrition cycling. Our findings provide ecological explanation to explain how the underground microbes help A. adenophora invasive.

Probing the Gluonic Structure of the Deuteron with J/ψ Photoproduction in d+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV in d+Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer -t is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going zero-degree calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the color glass condensate saturation model and the leading twist approximation nuclear shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup process, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.

[Effects of exosomes from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on pulmonary vascular endothelial cells injury in septic mice and its mechanism]

Objective: To investigate the effects of exosomes from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) on pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) injury in septic mice and its mechanism. Methods: The experimental research method was adopted. The primary ADSCs were isolated and cultured from the discarded fresh adipose tissue of 3 patients (female, 10-25 years old), who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University undergoing abdominal surgery, and the cell morphology was observed by inverted phase contrast microscope on the 5th day. The expressions of CD29, CD34, CD44, CD45, CD73, and CD90 of ADSCs in the third passage were detected by flow cytometry. The third to the fifth passage of ADSCs were collected, and their exosomes from the cell supernatant were obtained by differential ultracentrifugation, and the shape, particle size, and the protein expressions of CD9, CD63, tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), and β-actin of exosomes were detected, respectively, by transmission electron microscopy, nano-particle tracking analysis and Western blotting. Twenty-four adult male BALB/c mice were adopted and were divided into normal control group, caecal ligation perforation (CLP) alone group, and CLP+ADSC-exosome group with each group of 8 according to random number table (the same grouping method below) and were treated accordingly. At 24 h after operation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels of mice serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and lung tissue morphology of mice was detected by hematoxylin-eosin and myeloperoxidase staining, and the expression of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) of mouse lung cells was detected by immunofluorescence method. Primary PMVECs were obtained from 1-month-old C57 mice regardless gender by tissue block method. The expression of CD31 of PMVECs was detected by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The third passage of PMVECs was co-cultured with ADSCs derived exosomes for 12 h, and the phagocytosis of exosomes by PMVECs was detected by PKH26 kit. The third passage of PMVECs were adopted and were divided into blank control group, macrophage supernatant alone group, and macrophage supernatant+ADSC-exosome group, with 3 wells in each group, which were treated accordingly. After 24 h, the content of reactive oxygen species in cells was detected by flow cytometry, the expression of 8-OHdG in cells was detected by immunofluorescence, and Transwell assay was used to determine the permeability of cell monolayer. The number of samples in above were all 3. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference t test. Results: The primary ADSCs were isolated and cultured to day 5, growing densely in a spindle shape with a typical swirl-like. The percentages of CD29, CD44, CD73 and CD90 positive cells of ADSCs in the third passage were all >90%, and the percentages of CD34 and CD45 positive cells were <5%. Exosomes derived from ADSCs of the third to fifth passages showed a typical double-cavity disc-like structure with an average particle size of 103 nm, and the protein expressions of CD9, CD63 and TSG101 of exosomes were positive, while the protein expression of β-actin of exosomes was negative. At 24 h after operation, compared with those in normal control group, both the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β of mice serum in CLP alone group were significantly increased (with t values of 28.76 and 29.69, respectively, P<0.01); compared with those in CLP alone group, both the content of TNF-α and IL-1β of mice serum in CLP+ADSC-exosome group was significantly decreased (with t values of 9.90 and 4.76, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 24 h after surgery, the pulmonary tissue structure of mice in normal control group was clear and complete without inflammatory cell infiltration; compared with those in normal control group, the pulmonary tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration of mice in CLP alone group were more obvious; compared with those in CLP alone group, the pulmonary tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration of mice in CLP+ADSC-exosome group were significantly reduced. At 24 h after operation, endothelial cells in lung tissues of mice in 3 groups showed positive expression of CD31; compared with that in normal control group, the fluorescence intensity of 8-OHdG positive cells of the lung tissues of mice in CLP alone group was significantly increased, and compared with that in CLP alone group, the fluorescence intensity of 8-OHdG positive cells in the lung tissues of mice in CLP+ADSC-exosome group was significantly decreased. The PMVECs in the 3rd passage showed CD31 positive expression by immunofluorescence, and the result of flow cytometry showed that CD31 positive cells accounted for 99.5%. At 12 h after co-culture, ADSC-derived exosomes were successfully phagocytose by PMVECs and entered its cytoplasm. At 12 h after culture of the third passage of PMVECs, compared with that in blank control group, the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species of PMVECs in macrophage supernatant alone group was significantly increased (t=15.73, P<0.01); compared with that in macrophage supernatant alone group, the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species of PMVECs in macrophage supernatant+ADSC-exosome group was significantly decreased (t=4.72, P<0.01). At 12 h after culture of the third passage of PMVECs, and the 8-OHdG positive fluorescence intensity of PMVECs in macrophage supernatant alone group was significantly increased; and compared with that in blank control group, the 8-OHdG positive fluorescence intensity of PMVECs in macrophage+ADSC-exosome supernatant group was between blank control group and macrophage supernatant alone group. At 12 h after culture of the third passage PMVECs, compared with that in blank control group, the permeability of PMVECs monolayer in macrophage supernatant alone group was significantly increased (t=6.34, P<0.01); compared with that in macrophage supernatant alone group, the permeability of PMVECs monolayer cells in macrophage supernatant+ADSC-exosome group was significantly decreased (t=2.93, P<0.05). Conclusions: Exosomes derived from ADSCs can ameliorate oxidative damage in mouse lung tissue, decrease the level of reactive oxygen species, 8-OHdG expression, and permeability of PMVECs induced by macrophage supernatant.

Construction of nano receptors for ubiquitin and ubiquitinated proteins based on the region-specific interactions between ubiquitin and polydopamine

Ubiquitination is a prevalent post-translational modification that controls a multitude of important biological processes. Due to the low abundance of ubiquitinated proteins, highly efficient separation and enrichment approaches are required...

Study on the regulation mechanism of lipopolysaccharide on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism of bovine mammary epithelial cells

The long-term feeding of a high-concentrate diet (the concentrate ratio is greater than 60 %) leads to mammary gland inflammatory response in ruminants and decreased quality in dairy cows and affects the robust development of the dairy industry. The main reason is closely related to elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the body. In this experiment, a bovine mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T) was used as a model, and LPS at different concentrations (0 ng/ml, 1 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, 1000 ng/ml, 10000 ng/ml) was added to the cells. The cell survival rate, oxidative stress indicators, total lipid droplet area, triglyceride content and key genes regulating lipid metabolism were detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT), assay kit, microscope observation and RT-PCR methods to explore the regulatory mechanism of mammary health and milk fat synthesis. The results showed that compared with those of the control group, the survival rates of cells were significantly decreased after 9 h of stimulation with 1000 ng/ml and 10000 ng/ml LPS (P<0.01). The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with that of the control group, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cells was significantly increased (P<0.05) after stimulation with 10000 ng/ml LPS for 9 h. After 9 h of stimulation with 100 ng/ml, 1000 ng/ml and 10000 ng/ml LPS, the total lipid drop area and triglyceride (TG) content of MAC-T cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression levels of fatty acid synthesis-related genes Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1) were significantly decreased after 9 h of stimulation with 100 ng/ml, 1000 ng/ml and 10000 ng/ml LPS (P<0.05), while the expression levels of Fatty Acid synthetase (FAS) were significantly decreased after stimulation with 1000 ng/ml and 10000 ng/ml LPS (P<0.05). TG synthesis by the related gene Diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) was significantly lower than that of the control group after stimulation with 1000 ng/ml and 10000 ng/ml LPS for 9 h (P<0.05), and Diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (DGAT2) also showed a significant decrease after 10000 ng/ml LPS stimulation (P<0.05). In conclusion, adding different concentrations of LPS to MAC-T cells not only led to a decrease in cell activity, resulting in oxidative damage, but also affected fatty acid and TG synthesis, which may ultimately be closely related to the decrease in milk fat synthesis.

[Clinical characteristics, surgical treatment and prognosis of rolandic and perirolandic drug-resistant epilepsies]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and prognosis of rolandic and perirolandic drug-resistant epilepsies (DREs). Methods: The clinical data of 53 patients diagnosed with rolandic or perirolandic DRE who were admitted to Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2008 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into resective therapy group and non-resective therapy group [bipolar electrocoagulation on cortex, stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation, and vagus nerve stimulation]. The outcomes of epilepsy and post-surgical limb function were compared and analyzed. Results: A total of 53 patients were included, aged from 3 to 45 years old [(19±11) years], with 33 males and 20 females. Thirty patients received resective therapy and 23 patients received non-resective therapy. The curative effect of the resective therapy group was significantly better than that of the non-resective therapy group. The rate of Engel Ⅰ in resective therapy group was higher than that of non-resective group [83.3% (25/30) vs 39.1% (9/23), P=0.011). Compared with the non-resective group, the incidence of muscle strength decline in the resective group was higher both at 1 week [73.3% (22/30) vs 21.7% (5/23), P=0.006] and 3 months [30% (9/30) vs 0, P=0.016] after surgery. Conclusions: During the diagnosis and treatment, the multimodal method is conducive to the qualitative and localized diagnosis of the rolandic or perirolandic epilepsy, while SEEG has important value in the diagnosis, functional localization and treatment of the disease. Resective therapy is still the most effective method to terminate epilepsy, but it has a higher risk of post-surgical dysfunction.

Survey of risk factors in coronary heart disease: novel recruitment strategy and preliminary results

Introduction

SURF CHD (Survey of Risk Factors in Coronary Heart Disease) is a clinical audit on secondary prevention among CHD patients aiming to simplify recording and assessment of risk factors and medication. The second wave of the study (SURF CHD II) uses a novel recruitment strategy that provides a wider and more representative picture of CHD secondary prevention.

Methods

The survey is conducted during outpatient visits and collects data on demographics, risk factor history and measurements, and medications. The novel recruitment strategy is based on the network of European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC). National Cardiovascular disease Prevention Coordinators (NCPC) appointed by the EAPC were invited; national cardiac societies (NCS) were invited in countries without NCPCs; and interested clinicians may also participate. SURF researchers discussed tailor-made approaches to implement the audit with national representatives.

Results

48 NCPCs, 11 NCS and 9 individual contacts were invited. 95 centres in 31 countries are participating and have enrolled 6966 participants in 5 regions: 109 in Eastern Mediterranean, 5170 in Europe, 108 in Americas, 1563 in South East Asia and 16 in Western Pacific. 24.4% of participants were female and mean age was 63.8±18 years. 75.3% of the study population had BMI≥25kg/m2 and 20.0% were smokers. Blood pressure &lt;140/90mmHg was recorded in 61.8% of participants, 26.4% had LDL &lt;1.8 mmol/l and 40,1% had HbA1c&lt;7%. South East Asia recorded the lowest prevalence of BMI≥25kg/m2 and LDL levels. Lowest use of statins was recorded in Europe and of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in Americas.

Conclusions

The novel recruitment strategy proved to be practicable. Preliminary results indicate regional variations in risk factors and secondary prevention. SURF will continue to collaborate with NCPCs and NCS to achieve a broader insight on CHD secondary prevention with a simplified tool.

Key messages

Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence in coronary patients is high and presents regional variations. SURF is a simplified clinical auditing tool useful to assess risk factor recording and management. Centre enrolment for the study based on the network of a renowned association of cardiology is practicable and helps to provide a wide picture of secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

[Mage-D1 binding to activated p75NTR positively regulates mineralization of rat ectomesenchymal stem cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the binding of Mage-D1 with activated p75NTR and explore their role in regulating mineralization of ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs).

METHODS

EMSCs were isolated from the tooth germs of embryonic SD rats (19.5 days of gestation) by tissue explant culture and were identified for surface markers using flow cytometry. The cultured cells were divided into blank control group, 100 ng/mL nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation group, and lentivirus-mediated Mage-D1 interference (SH-Mage-D1) group. Proximity ligation assay was used to detect the binding of Mage-D1 with activated p75NTR in the EMSCs, and the binding strength was compared among the 3 groups. Alizarin red staining and ALP staining were used to observe mineralization of the induced cells. The expressions of ALP, Runx2, OCN, BSP, OPN, Msx1 and Dlx1 at both the mRNA and protein levels were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The isolated EMSCs expressed high levels of cell surface markers CD44, CD90, CD29, CD146, and CD105 with a low expression of CD45. The results of proximity ligation assay showed that the binding of Mage-D1 with activated p75NTR in the cells increased over time, and the binding strength was significantly greater in NFG-treated cells than in the cells in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Alizarin red staining and ALP staining of the induced cells showed that the changes in the mineralization nodules were consistent with those of ALP activity. The cells treated with 100 ng/mL NGF exhibited significantly increased expressions of ALP, Runx2, OCN, BSP, OPN, Col1, Msx1 and Dlx1 as compared with the cells in the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mage-D1 directly binds to activated p75NTR in embryonic rat EMSCs to positively regulate the mineralization of the EMSCs.

Clinical benefits of TNF-α inhibitors in Chinese adult patients with NLRP3-associated autoinflammatory disease

BACKGROUND

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-associated autoinflammatory disease (NLRP3-AID) is a rare, heterogeneous disease entity associated with mutations in NLRP3. Biologic therapy for NLRP3-AID yields diverse results.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of Chinese adult patients with NLRP3-AID who were treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors.

METHODS

Five patients with NLRP3-AID were diagnosed and treated with TNF-α inhibitors at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2017 and 2020 and were followed up for 6 to 12 months. All patients were systematically studied for treatment outcomes, including clinical manifestations and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

All five adult NLRP3-AID patients were Chinese Han, and four patients were males. The mean age at disease onset was 4.2 ± 4.1 years, and the mean time of diagnosis delay was 19.8 ± 6 years. All patients received TNF-α inhibitors with or without methotrexate/prednisone. During follow-up, all patients achieved remarkable clinical remission of skin lesions and polyarthritis and showed improvements in acute-phase reactants, inflammatory cytokines, patient visual analogue scale, physician global assessment and 36-item Short Form (SF-36).

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis and effective therapy for NLRP3-AID are essential for avoiding irreversible organ damage. TNF-α inhibitors might serve as a therapeutic alternative for patients with NLRP3-AID who have unsatisfactory responses or no access to interleukin-1 inhibitors.

BGL3 inhibits papillary thyroid carcinoma progression via regulating PTEN stability

PURPOSE

BGL3, a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays a crucial role in several human malignancies. However, the clinical significance and biological function of BGL3 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have not been explored. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of BGL3 in human PTC.

METHODS

A total of 85 pairs of PTC and normal tissues were collected for clinicopathological analysis. Expression of BGL3 was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of BGL3 on PTC cells ware determined by CCK-8, colony formation, EdU and wound healing assays. The molecular mechanism underlying BGL3 was tested by ChIP, Co-IP, RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. In vivo experiments were conducted using xenografts in nude mice.

RESULTS

BGL3 was significantly decreased in PTC tissues compared to adjacent normal thyroid tissues, and it was transcriptionally repressed by oncogene Myc. Low BGL3 is positively related to larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, later TNM stage and poor prognosis. Overexpression of BGL3 inhibited PTC cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and reduced tumor size and lung metastasis nodules in vivo. BGL3 was mainly located in the cytoplasm, in which interacted with PTEN and recruited OTUD3, enhancing the de-ubiquitination effect of OTUD3 on PTEN, resulting in increasing PTEN protein stability and inactivating carcinogenic PI3K/AKT signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data underscore the critical tumor-inhibiting role of BGL3 in PTC via post-translational regulation of PTEN protein stability, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in human PTC.

Mental health response to COVID-19 in China and impact on psychiatrists

The COVID-19 outbreak has raised numerous challenges for mental health service system in China. The pandemic has many affects on clinical, research and teaching, due to the strict quarantine in china. Fight the COVID-19 became the most important thing in work. We outlined major mental health needs during COVID-19 outbreak from the exiting studies and challenges for mental health professionals, and how to manage these challenges in China. To reduce the risk of negative psychological outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Health Authority of China and different national academic societies have integrated mental health crisis interventions into the general deployment of disease prevention and treatment. The NHCC developed a mental health triage strategy to provide four levels of psychological crisis interventions. More than 20 specific guidelines and expert consensus for mental health services for the COVID-19 outbreak were disseminated by the end of February 2020 to provide timely guidance for frontline health care professionals. External mental health expert teams in other provinces were also established to provide emergency mental health services in Hubei province, China. In addition, widespread adoption of online public education, psychological counseling, and hotline services have been set up for those in need. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been under control in China, we should take a proactive lead to share its protocol of emergency mental health services with other countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also international cooperation is urgely needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Large-scale epidemiological surveys should be conducted to examine the prevalence of mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to inform the development of appropriate mental health services in future.

P–547 Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies molecular regulations associated with poor maturation performance on rescue in vitro matured oocytes

Study question

What is the transcriptome signature associated with rescuein vitro matured (rIVM) oocytes?

Summary answer

GATA–1/CREB1/WNT signaling axis was repressed in rIVM oocytes of poor quality.

What is known already

rIVM aims to produce mature oocytes (MII) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) through IVM of immature oocytes collected from stimulated ovaries. It is less popular due to limited success rate in infertility treatment. Genetic aberrations, cellular stress, and the absence of cumulus cell support in oocytes could account for the failure of rIVM.

Study design, size, duration

We applied single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to capture the transcriptomes of human in vivo (IVO) oocytes (n = 10) from 7 donors and rIVM oocytes (n = 10) from 10 donors, followed by studying the maternal age effect and ovarian responses on rIVM oocyte transcriptomes.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Human oocytes were collected from donors aged 28–41 years with a body mass index of &lt; 30. RNA extraction, cDNA generation, library construction and sequencing were performed in one preparation. scRNA-seq data were then processed and analyzed. Selected genes in therIVM vs. IVO comparison were validated by quantitative real-time PCR.

Main results and the role of chance

The transcriptome profiles of rIVM/IVO showed distinctive differences. A total of 1559 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, genes with at least two-fold change and adjusted p &lt; 0.05) were found to be enriched in metabolic processes, biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. Among these DEGs, we identified a repression of WNT/β-catenin signaling in rIVM when compared with IVO oocytes. We found that estradiol level exhibited a significant age-independent correlation with the IVO mature oocyte ratio (MII ratio). rIVM oocytes with higher MII ratio showed over-represented cellular processes such as anti-apoptosis. To further identify targets that contribute to the poor outcomes of rIVM, we compared oocytes collected from young donors with high MII ratio versus donors of advanced maternal age and revealed CREB1was an important regulator in rIVM. Our study identified GATA–1/CREB1/WNT signaling was repressed in both rIVM condition and rIVM oocytes of low-quality.

Limitations, reasons for caution

In the rIVM oocytes of high- and low-quality comparison, the number of samples was limited after data filtering with stringent selection criteria. For the oocyte stage identification, we were unable to predict the presence of oocyte spindle so polar body extrusion was the only indicator.

Wider implications of the findings: This study showed that GATA–1/CREB1/WNT signaling and antioxidant actions were repressed in rIVM condition and was further downregulated in rIVM oocytes of low-quality, providing us the foundation of subsequent follow-up research on human subjects.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–134 Zygote morphokinetic parameters (ZMP) differs between fertilized and non-fertilized (in vitro maturation) oocytes

Study question

Is there any difference on the ZMP between the fertilized and the non-fertilized oocytes in an IVM cohort?

Summary answer

The zona pellucida (zp_g) , cytoplasm greyscale（cm_g),the cytoplasm size (cm_size), radius (cm_r) and deviation (cm_d) showed different patterns from the two groups.

What is known already

We developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) based algorithm that provides instant and bias-free analytical outcomes of oocyte morphological segmentation. The mature but not-fertilized oocytes tend to be static while the fertilized oocytes are more dynamic for preparing its following biological events.

Study design, size, duration

This was a case-control study on oocytes including 631 normal fertilized oocytes and 100 IVM oocytes from 01/08/2017 to 31/12/2019 conducted in the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We used the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to segment the ZMPs of the cytoplasm and zona pellucida of the oocytes. The ZMPs include cm_g, cm_size, cm_r, cm_d, zp_g, thickness of zona pellucida and the area of perivitelline space. For the ZMPs that did not change with time, we used t-test to test the significance and for the parameters changed with time we used dynamic warp timing and similarity test to find the difference.

Main results and the role of chance

The IVM group had a higher intensity of zp_g of 142.03 (128.52–158.70) compared with the fertilized group of 137.04 (121.69–154.37). The cm_g of IVM group was higher than fertilized group [122.55 (114.87–137.62) vs 119.37(108.88–132.87)]. The cm_size, cm_r and cm_d as parameters changed with time and showed a different pattern in two groups. The IVM group decreased the cm_size faster than the fertilized group but the fertilized group had a more dynamic change in the shape of cytoplasm (cm_d) during the development. The cm_r changed with the same pattern of cm_size provided evidence supporting the finding above.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The ZMPs in the IVM group was captured for 21 hours from the first polar body extrusion. Though the duration was similar to the one from fertilized to the first cleavage. The morphology change during that period may not represent the holistic one of IVM oocytes.

Wider implications of the findings: The IVM oocytes have different morphokinetic performance from fertilized oocytes. We used a novel method based on CNN to confirm the differences between the two groups showing that our algorithm was able to describe the morphokinetic changes in a quantitative way and corresponded with embryologist’s experience.

Trial registration number

The Hong Kong Obstetrical & Gynaecological Trust Fund

Effects of radiation on toxicity, complications, revision surgery and aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction: An argument about timing and techniques

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (RT) combined with breast reconstruction can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increase the survival rate. However, this approach seems to worsen aesthetic outcomes and increase complication rates. The impact of breast reconstruction timing and techniques on clinical outcomes, however, remains unclear. For this reason, we aimed to perform a more comprehensive analysis of a series of patients undergoing RT and breast reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the timing of reconstruction (before RT and after RT) and surgical technique (heterologous reconstruction and autologous reconstruction (AR)). The median time between RT and reconstruction, number of revision surgeries, incidence of complications, toxicity, aesthetics and associated clinical risk factors were used to assess the clinical outcomes. An objective system of skin toxicity evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were included in this study. No significant differences in the median time between RT and reconstruction, incidence of complications, toxicity or aesthetics were noted between different timings or techniques of reconstruction. Patients undergoing AR needed more revision surgeries to complete reconstruction. However, the total number of surgical procedures was similar between the groups. In a comparison between the treated and untreated breasts by an objective system, RT produced an increase in erythema and pigmentation and a decrease in elasticity in the treated breast (p<0.05 for all parameters). On multivariate analysis, smoking was a significant predictor associated with complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined breast reconstruction and RT seem to be successful regardless of the order of treatment or the type of reconstruction.

Absent Cortical Venous Filling Is Associated with Aggravated Brain Edema in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Predicting malignant cerebral edema can help identify patients who may benefit from appropriate evidence-based interventions. We investigated whether absent cortical venous filling is associated with more pronounced early brain edema, which leads to malignant cerebral edema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion in the MCA territory who presented between July 2017 and September 2019 to our hospital were included. Collateral filling was rated using the modified Tan scale on CTA, and good collaterals were defined as a score of 2-3. The Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) was calculated, and absent cortical venous filling was defined as a score of 0. Early brain edema was determined using net water uptake on baseline CT images. Malignant cerebral edema was defined as a midline shift of ≥5 mm on follow-up imaging or a massive cerebral swelling leading to decompressive hemicraniectomy or death. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were performed to analyze data.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were included. Net water uptake was significantly higher in patients with absent than in those with favorable cortical venous filling (8.1% versus 4.2%; P < .001). In the multivariable regression analysis, absent cortical venous filling (β = 2.04; 95% CI, 0.75-3.32; P = .002) was significantly and independently associated with higher net water uptake. Absent cortical venous filling (OR, 14.68; 95% CI, 4.03-53.45; P < .001) and higher net water uptake (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.58; P = .016) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of malignant cerebral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with absent cortical venous filling were associated with an increased early brain edema and a higher risk of malignant cerebral edema. These patients may be targeted for optimized adjuvant antiedematous treatment.