CircRNA_25487 inhibits bone repair in trauma-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head by sponging miR-134-3p through p21

We aimed to identify specific circular RNAs (circRNAs) involved in bone repair of trauma-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (TIONFH) and to explore the potential mechanism. CircRNA sequencing on the blood sample collected from patients with and without TIONFH was performed to select cirRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed, followed by qRT-PCR confirmation. Furthermore, the functions of one selected circRNA and the potential mechanisms in bone repair of TIONFH were validated based on the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and osteoclast-like cells (OLCs) through CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell assay, luciferase reporter assay, and western blot. A total of 234 upregulated and 148 downregulated differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, and qRT-PCR showed that circRNA_25487 was significantly upregulated in the peripheral blood of TIONFH patients. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding effect between miR-134-3p and circRNA_25487. CircRNA_25487 suppression and miR-134-3p overexpression could promote cell proliferation and invasion while inhibited apoptosis of BMSCs and OLCs. miR-134-3p could target p21. CircRNA_25487 inhibited bone repair in TIONFH by sponging miR-134-3p to upregulate the expression of p21.

Search for Axionlike Particles Produced in e^{+}e^{-} Collisions at Belle II

We present a search for the direct production of a light pseudoscalar a decaying into two photons with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB collider. We search for the process e^{+}e^{-}→γa, a→γγ in the mass range 0.2<m_{a}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of (445±3)  pb^{-1}. Light pseudoscalars interacting predominantly with standard model gauge bosons (so-called axionlike particles or ALPs) are frequently postulated in extensions of the standard model. We find no evidence for ALPs and set 95% confidence level upper limits on the coupling strength g_{aγγ} of ALPs to photons at the level of 10^{-3}  GeV^{-1}. The limits are the most restrictive to date for 0.2<m_{a}<1  GeV/c^{2}.

Rapamycin repairs damaged nerve cells and neurological function in rats with spinal cord injury through ERK signaling pathway

The object of this study was to explore the effect of rapamycin regulating the proliferation of Schwann cells through activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway on rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The rat Schwann cells were cultured and divided into solvent (DMSO) group, rapamycin (Rapa) group (1.5 nM, 3.0 nM, 6.0 nM, 12.0 nM, 24.0 nM and 48.0 nM), and Rapa + ERK inhibitor (PD98059) group (40 mM). The proliferation of Schwann cells was detected by MTS. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of ERK and p-ERK protein. Moreover, the spinal cord compression injury rat model was established, and the rats were divided into normal control group, SCI group and Schwann cell transplantation group. The animal experiment ended 7 weeks after Schwann cells had been injected every day into the injured rats. In the second animal experiment, the rats were divided into DMSO group, Rapa group and Rapa + PD98059 group. The motor recovery of rats was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score every week, and the proliferation of Schwann cells at the site of SCI was detected using immunohistochemistry. It was verified that lowdose rapamycin (1.5 nM) could significantly promote the proliferation of Schwann cells cultured in vitro (P<0.001), most significantly at 48 h. Rapamycin could activate the ERK signaling pathway. The results of the first animal experiment showed that the BBB score in Schwann cell transplantation group rose with time compared with that in SCI group (P<0.05). The BBB score was obviously increased in Rapa group compared with that in DMSO group and Rapa + PD98059 group (P<0.05). According to the results of Ki67 immunohistochemistry, the proliferation ability of Schwann cells at the site of SCI was remarkably stronger than that in the other two groups. Rapamycin regulates the proliferation of Schwann cells through the ERK signaling pathway. The proliferation of Schwann cells can effectively repair the damaged nerve cells and neurological function in SCI rats.

Molecular Diagnostics and In Utero Therapeutics for Orofacial Clefts

Orofacial clefts and their management impose a substantial burden on patients, on their families, and on the health system. Under the current standard of care, affected patients are subjected to a lifelong journey of corrective surgeries and multidisciplinary management to replace bone and soft tissues, as well as restore esthetics and physiologic functions while restoring self-esteem and psychological health. Hence, a better understanding of the dynamic interplay of molecular signaling pathways at critical phases of palate development is necessary to pioneer novel prenatal interventions. Such pathways include transforming growth factor-β (Tgfβ), sonic hedgehog (Shh), wingless-integrated site (Wnt)/β-catenin, bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp), and fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) and its associated receptors, among others. Here, we summarize commonly used surgical methods used to correct cleft defects postnatally. We also review the advances made in prenatal diagnostics of clefts through imaging and genomics and the various in utero surgical corrections that have been attempted thus far. An overview of how key mediators of signaling that drive palatogenesis are emphasized in the context of the framework and rationale for the development and testing of therapeutics in animal model systems and in humans is provided. The pros and cons of in utero therapies that can potentially restore molecular homeostasis needed for the proper growth and fusion of palatal shelves are presented. The theme advanced throughout this review is the need to develop preclinical molecular therapies that could ultimately be translated into human trials that can correct orofacial clefts at earlier stages of development.

Predicting pungency and understanding the pungency mechanism of capsaicinoids using TOPS-MODE approach

Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models were developed for predicting the pungency of a set of capsaicinoids. Multiple linear regression (MLR) coupled with topological substructural molecular descriptor (TOPS-MODE) approach was used. The best MLR model based on only five orthogonalized TOPS-MODE variables allowed us to obtain a coefficient of determination of 0.954 on the training set. The predictive power of the model was validated through a test set and several external validation parameters. This showed that the TOPS-MODE descriptors weighted by bond dipole moments, van der Waals atomic radii, and the total solute hydrogen bond basicity affected pungency. The contributions of certain bonds and fragments to pungency were used to understand the pungency mechanism of capsaicinoids. The selected model can more accurately predict pungency of capsaicinoids compared than those found in the literature, and especially bring insights into the structural features and chemical factors related to pungency.

Nkx2.1 downregulation is involved in brain abnormality induced by excess retinoic acid

Abnormal development of central nervous system (CNS) caused by neural tube defects is not only a major contributor in the prevalence of stillbirths and neonatal deaths but also causes lifelong physical disability in surviving infants. Due to insufficient known investigated causes, CNS developmental abnormality has brought sever burden on health around the world. From previous results of high throughput transcriptome sequencing, we selected transcription factor Nkx2.1 as a candidate to investigate its role on brain abnormalities induced by excessive retinoic acid. The result of in situ hybridization showed that Nkx2.1 was mainly expressed in mouse brain. After the Nkx2.1 gene was silenced, retarded proliferation and accelerated apoptosis were found in mouse Neuro-2a (N2a) cells. Furthermore, our results indicated that the main components of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway were affected in Nkx2.1-silenced cells, implying that Nkx2.1 plays an important role in the development of mouse brain by regulating Shh signaling pathway.

SAT0250 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE DISEASE ACTIVITY OF BEHCET’S DISEASE IN CHINA: A STUDY BASED ON SMART SYSTEM OF DISEASE MANAGEMENT (SSDM)

Background:

Behcet´s disease (BD) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems with recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers and skin lesions. Behcet´s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) and Electronic Medical Record-based Activity Index (EMRAI) are commonly used internationally to evaluate the disease activity of BD.

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, the level of disease activity, and the incidence of anxiety and depression for Chinese BD patients. Patients can perform self-management of disease with SSDM.

Methods:

SSDM is a series of doctor-patient interactive applications for self-management of patients with chronic diseases. Patients can perform self-assessment with SSDM and upload the data to their authorized doctors. The SSDM patients’ application system integrates the BDCAF and EMRAI into one scoring system. Patients could obtain scores of BDCAF and EMRAI by responding to one questionnaire through SSDM.

Results:

From Apr 2017 to Jan 2020, 719 BD patients from 166 hospitals used SSDM, with a mean age of 38.97±12.71 (14~81) years old, and median disease duration of 20.8 months. 719 patients performed BDCAF and EMRAI self-assessment 1321 times, 252 patients repeat assessments for 855 times. The mean score of BDCAF and EMRAI are 3.57±2.17 and 3.44±1.90, respectively. The matching degree of the two score was 0.8747.

The most common clinical characteristics were oral ulcers (83.73%), ocular symptoms (62.03%), joint pain (50.07%). The comparative study between males and females revealed significant difference in the aspects of epididymitis (10.94% vs 0, p<0.001), genital ulcer (35.09% vs 44.93%, p=0.01), headache (24.15% vs 33.92%, p=0.01) and superficial thrombophlebitis (24.15% vs 33.92%, p=0.01). Table 1.

Table 1.

Clinical Characteristics of different systems in Chinese BD patients.

Presence of clinical characteristicsTotalMalesFemalesP valueOral ulcer83.73% (602)86.42% (229)82.16% (373)0.14Genital ulcer41.31% (297)35.09% (93)44.93% (204)0.01*Epididymitis4.03% (29)10.94% (29)0 (0)<0.001**Erythema29.49% (212)29.43% (78)29.52% (134)0.98Skin lesions26.84% (193)28.68% (76)25.77% (117)0.4Superficial thrombophlebitis30.32% (218)24.15% (64)33.92% (154)0.01*Headache30.32% (218)24.15% (64)33.92% (154)0.01*Joint pain50.07% (360)51.32% (136)49.34% (224)0.61Arthritis14.60% (105)14.72% (39)14.54% (66)0.95Gastrointestinal involvement24.90% (179)27.92% (74)23.13% (105)0.15Ocular symptoms62.03% (446)62.64% (166)61.67% (180)0.79Nervous involvement23.78% (171)25.66% (68)22.69% (103)0.37Vascular involvement15.72% (113)18.11% (48)14.32% (65)0.18

*P values are for the comparison between the males and females.

Conclusion:

Chinese BD patients can effectively perform BDCAF and EMRAI self-assessment with SSDM. The results of the assessment conducted by the two scoring systems are similar. The clinical characteristics of Chinese BD were different depending on gender.

Acknowledgments: :

Smart system of disease management (SSDM) was developed by Shanghai Gothic Internet Technology Co., Ltd.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Thumb lengthening using a three-dimensional half-ring distraction frame

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a three-dimensional half-ring distraction frame for thumb phalangeal lengthening. From February 2009 to March 2015, 23 patients (23 thumbs) with thumb loss were treated with a half-ring distraction frame. Active movements of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint were measured with a goniometer. These measurements were compared with the opposite hand. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Clinical outcome was assessed based on the modified Mayo score. Bone union and good alignment were achieved in all patients. The mean distraction time was 44 days (range, 35-62 days). The mean time to union was 20 days (range, 49-86 days). The mean palmar and radial abduction of the thumb was 60° (range, 53°-65°) and 63° (range, 58°-70°), respectively; on the uninjured side, these measurements were 62° (range, 56°-65°) and 64° (range, 60°-73°), respectively (p>0.05). The mean extension-flexion arc of the MCP joint was 46° (range, 40°-50°); the measurement on the uninjured side was 48° (40°-54°) (p>0.05). The mean follow-up period was 51 months (4.25 years) (range, 48-65 months). The mean modified Mayo Score was 138 (range, 113-145). There were 19 excellent, 3 good, and 1 fair results. The half-ring distraction frame is a viable alternative for thumb lengthening as it provides stable, three-dimensional fixation, resulting in good hand function.

Measurement of R(D) and R(D^{*}) with a Semileptonic Tagging Method

The experimental results on the ratios of branching fractions R(D)=B(B[over ¯]→Dτ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→Dℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}) and R(D^{*})=B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}ℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}), where ℓ denotes an electron or a muon, show a long-standing discrepancy with the standard model predictions, and might hint at a violation of lepton flavor universality. We report a new simultaneous measurement of R(D) and R(D^{*}), based on a data sample containing 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. In this analysis the tag-side B meson is reconstructed in a semileptonic decay mode and the signal-side τ is reconstructed in a purely leptonic decay. The measured values are R(D)=0.307±0.037±0.016 and R(D^{*})=0.283±0.018±0.014, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are in agreement with the standard model predictions within 0.2, 1.1, and 0.8 standard deviations for R(D), R(D^{*}), and their combination, respectively. This work constitutes the most precise measurements of R(D) and R(D^{*}) performed to date as well as the first result for R(D) based on a semileptonic tagging method.

Search for an Invisibly Decaying Z^{'} Boson at Belle II in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}(e^{±}μ^{∓}) Plus Missing Energy Final States

Theories beyond the standard model often predict the existence of an additional neutral boson, the Z^{'}. Using data collected by the Belle II experiment during 2018 at the SuperKEKB collider, we perform the first searches for the invisible decay of a Z^{'} in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'} and of a lepton-flavor-violating Z^{'} in e^{+}e^{-}→e^{±}μ^{∓}Z^{'}. We do not find any excess of events and set 90% credibility level upper limits on the cross sections of these processes. We translate the former, in the framework of an L_{μ}-L_{τ} theory, into upper limits on the Z^{'} coupling constant at the level of 5×10^{-2}-1 for M_{Z^{'}}≤6  GeV/c^{2}.

Dimeric Thymosin β4 Loaded Nanofibrous Interface Enhanced Regeneration of Muscular Artery in Aging Body through Modulating Perivascular Adipose Stem Cell-Macrophage Interaction

Regenerating nonthrombotic and compliant artery, especially in the aging body, remains a major surgical challenge, mainly owing to the inadequate knowledge of the major cell sources contributing to arterial regeneration and insufficient bioactivity of delivered peptides in grafts. Ultrathin nanofibrous sheaths stented with biodegrading elastomer present opening channels and reduced material residue, enabling fast cell recruitment and host remodeling, while incorporating peptides offering developmental cues are challenging. In this study, a recombinant human thymosin β4 dimer (DTβ4) that contains two complete Tβ4 molecules is produced. The adult perivascular adipose is found as the dominant source of vascular progenitors which, when stimulated by the DTβ4-loaded nanofibrous sheath, enables 100% patency rates, near-complete structural as well as adequate functional regeneration of artery, and effectively ameliorates aging-induced defective regeneration. As compared with Tβ4, DTβ4 exhibits durable regenerative activity including recruiting more progenitors for endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, when incorporated into the ultrathin polycaprolactone sheath. Moreover, the DTβ4-loaded interface promotes smooth muscle cells differentiation, mainly through promoting M2 macrophage polarization and chemokines. Incorporating artificial DTβ4 into ultrathin sheaths of fast degrading vascular grafts creates an effective interface for sufficient muscular remodeling thus offering a robust tool for vessel replacement.

Observation of the Radiative Decays of ϒ(1S) to χ_{c1}

We report the first observation of the radiative decay of the ϒ(1S) into a charmonium state. The significance of the observed signal of ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1} is 6.3 standard deviations including systematics. The branching fraction is calculated to be B[ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1}]=[4.7_{-1.8}^{+2.4}(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.4}(sys)×10^{-5}]. We also searched for ϒ(1S) radiative decays into χ_{c0,2} and η_{c}(1S,2S), and set upper limits on their branching fractions. These results are obtained from a 24.9  fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider at a center-of-mass energy equal to the ϒ(2S) mass using ϒ(1S) tagging by the ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-} transitions.

Search for a Variation of the Fine Structure Constant around the Supermassive Black Hole in Our Galactic Center

Searching for space-time variations of the constants of Nature is a promising way to search for new physics beyond general relativity and the standard model motivated by unification theories and models of dark matter and dark energy. We propose a new way to search for a variation of the fine-structure constant using measurements of late-type evolved giant stars from the S star cluster orbiting the supermassive black hole in our Galactic Center. A measurement of the difference between distinct absorption lines (with different sensitivity to the fine structure constant) from a star leads to a direct estimate of a variation of the fine structure constant between the star's location and Earth. Using spectroscopic measurements of five stars, we obtain a constraint on the relative variation of the fine structure constant below 10^{-5}. This is the first time a varying constant of nature is searched for around a black hole and in a high gravitational potential. This analysis shows new ways the monitoring of stars in the Galactic Center can be used to probe fundamental physics.

Tunable anomalous Hall conductivity through volume-wise magnetic competition in a topological kagome magnet

Magnetic topological phases of quantum matter are an emerging frontier in physics and material science. Along these lines, several kagome magnets have appeared as the most promising platforms. Here, we explore magnetic correlations in the kagome magnet Co3Sn2S2. Using muon spin-rotation, we present evidence for competing magnetic orders in the kagome lattice of this compound. Our results show that while the sample exhibits an out-of-plane ferromagnetic ground state, an in-plane antiferromagnetic state appears at temperatures above 90 K, eventually attaining a volume fraction of 80% around 170 K, before reaching a non-magnetic state. Strikingly, the reduction of the anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) above 90 K linearly follows the disappearance of the volume fraction of the ferromagnetic state. We further show that the competition of these magnetic phases is tunable through applying either an external magnetic field or hydrostatic pressure. Our results taken together suggest the thermal and quantum tuning of Berry curvature induced AHC via external tuning of magnetic order.

Effects of quercetin on cadmium-induced toxicity in rat urine using metabonomics techniques

This study aimed to analyse the protective effects of quercetin on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) using metabonomics techniques. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): control group (C), low-dose quercetin-treated group (Q1; 10 mg/kg bw/day), high-dose quercetin-treated group (Q2; 50 mg/kg bw/day), Cd-treated group (D; 4.89 mg/kg bw/day), low-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated group (DQ1) and high-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated group (DQ2). The rats continuously received quercetin and Cd via gavage and drinking water for 12 weeks, respectively. The rat urine samples were collected for metabonomics analysis. Finally, 10 metabolites were identified via the metabonomics profiles of the rat urine samples. Compared with the control group, the intensities of taurine, phosphocreatine, l-carnitine and uric acid were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and those of LysoPC (18: 2 (9Z, 12Z)), guanidinosuccinic acid, dopamine, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman and allantoic acid were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the Cd-treated group. However, the intensities of the aforementioned metabolites had restorative changes in the high-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated groups unlike those in Cd-treated group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Results indicated that quercetin exerts protective effects on Cd-induced toxicity by regulating energy and lipid metabolism, enhancing the antioxidant defence system and protecting liver and kidney function and so on.

Analysis of Protein Synthesis in Cucumber Leaves after Inoculation with Corynespora cassiicola: A Proteomic Approach

Cucumber target leaf spot (TLS) disease caused by Corynespora cassiicola has become one of the most important fungal foliar diseases of cultivated cucumbers. However, the defense mechanisms of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) against C. cassiicola are still poorly understood. Here, proteins from resistant cucumber plants were analyzed using iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) method. A total of 286 differentially expressed proteins were identified (p < 0.05, ratio > 1.2 or < 0.83) 6 and 24 h after pathogen inoculation in the resistant cultivar Jinyou 38 (the data are available via ProteomeXchange; identifier, PXD012903). Some of the early responses to C. cassiicola infection were revealed, and four factors related to the resistance of cucumber plants to TLS were discovered. First, the proteomic approach revealed modulation of signaling pathways in resistant cucumber plants in response to C. cassiicola infection. Second, the plant immune system recognizes the pathogen and initiates expression of immune response proteins, including those related to plant defense, stress response, signal transduction, cell metabolism, and redox regulation. Third, C. cassiicola activates common stress response pathways; in particular, mildew resistance locus O (MLO) proteins were found to play a crucial role in the TLS prevention. Fourth, rapid activation of the carbohydrate and secondary metabolic pathways, modification and reinforcement of cell walls, and adjustment of the apoplastic environment to the highly stressful conditions were crucial in the cucumber resistance to TLS. Overall, our data contribute to the understanding of interactions between plants and their pathogens and provide new insight into molecular processes involved in the resistance of cucumber plants to disease.