ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale score as the predictor of mortality in Poland and the Czech Republic

Background

A novel tool to measure healthy ageing was developed by the ATHLOS consortium (Ageing Trajectories of Health-Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies). ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale, constructed using harmonized data from 16 independent ageing cohorts, was designed to contribute to worldwide research on healthy ageing. The aim of the analysis was to assess the relation between ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale and all-cause mortality in Central European populations.

Methods

Participants of the Polish and Czech HAPIEE cohorts (baseline age 45-69 years) were followed for 14 years. ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale was based on over 40 health indicators related to intrinsic capacity and functional ability. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the relationship between the ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale scores and all-cause mortality.

Results

As many as 9,922 Polish and 8,518 Czech participants had non-missing data on the ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale score and mortality (1828 and 1700 deaths, respectively). After adjustment for age, dose-response associations with mortality in both genders and countries were found (HR for lowest vs. highest quintile of the ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale: 2.98 and 1.96 in Czech and Polish women and 2.83 and 2.66 in Czech and Polish men, respectively). Only modest attenuation was observed when additionally adjusted for education, economic activity, smoking and self-rated health.

Conclusions

The ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale was found to be a good predictor of all-cause mortality in urban populations of Poland and Czechia. This composite indicator seems to be an important contributor to a better assessment of healthy ageing.

Key messages

[Analysis of video-urodynamic and clinical features of non-neuropathic lower urinary tract dysfunction in children]

Objective: To analyze the video-urodynamic(VUDS) and clinical features of non-neuropathic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NNLUTD) in children. Methods: Children diagnosed with NNLUTD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to December 2020 were included. Children with neurological, rectal dysfunction and anatomical abnormalities were excluded. VUDS and urinalysis were performed in all children who were divided into 4 groups accordingly: normal group (Normal group), detrusor overactivity group(DO group), detrusor sphincter dyssynergia group (DSD group) and detrusor underactivity group (DU group). VUDS and clinical features, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infections (UTI) were analyzed. Results: A total of 173 children were included in this study, including 103 males and 70 females, aged (7.2±3.3) years. VUDS showed that 46 cases (26.6%) were in Normal group, 63 cases (36.4%) in DO group, 39 cases (22.5%) in DSD group and 25 cases (14.5%) in DU group. Compared with Normal group and DO group, the proportion of VUR in DSD group and DU group was significantly higher [18(46.2%) and 11(44.0%) vs 7(15.0%) and 14(22.2%), all P<0.05],and the proportion of male children was significantly higher than that of female children with VUR only in DO group [12(32.4%) vs 2(7.7%), P=0.020 ]; Compared with DO group, the proportion of UTI in DSD group and DU group was significantly higher [16(41.0%) and 12(48.0%) vs 12(19.0%), all P<0.05], and the proportion of female children was significantly higher than that of male children with UTI in normal group, DO group and DU group [9(45.0%) vs 4(15.4%), 8(30.8%) vs 4(10.8%)and 7(87.5%) vs 5(29.4%), all P<0.05]. The maximum detrusor pressure in DSD group was significantly higher than that in Normal group, DO group and DU group [(95±47) vs (43±18), (56±18) and (12±9)cmH₂O, all P<0.05, 1 cmH₂O=0.098 kPa).Compared with Normal group and DO group, post void residual in DSD group and DU group was significantly increased [(58±38) and (70±62) vs (8±8) and (8±7)ml, all P<0.05], and the proportion of lower bladder compliance was significantly increased [(15(38.5%) and 11(44%) vs 1(2.2%) and 10(15.9%), all P<0.05]. Compared with normal group, the maximum bladder capacity of DO, DSD and DU group were all significantly decreased [(178±61), (184±81) and (194±93) vs (256±92)ml, all P<0.05]. The proportion of urgency had significant difference in the four groups [13(28.3%) in Normal group, 41(65.1%) in DO group, 22(56.4%) in DSD group and 11(44.0%) in DU group, P=0.001], and the proportion of dysuria had significant difference too [5(10.9%) in Normal group, 18(28.6%) in DO group, 20(51.3%) in DSD group and 15(60.0%) in DU group, P<0.001]. Conclusions: Children with 4 different conditions of NNLUTD have distinct video-urodynamic features. The higher ratio of VUR and UTI in DSD and DU children may be associated with reduced bladder compliance and increased post void residual. VUDS is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of refractory children with NNLUTD.

Rural environment reduces allergic inflammation by modulating the gut microbiota

Rural environments and microbiota are linked to a reduction in the prevalence of allergies. However, the mechanism underlying the reduced allergies modulated by rural residency is unclear. Here, we assessed gut bacterial composition and metagenomics in urban and rural children in the EuroPrevall-INCO cohort. Airborne dusts, including mattress and rural henhouse dusts, were profiled for bacterial and fungal composition by amplicon sequencing. Mice were repeatedly exposed to intranasal dust extracts and evaluated for their effects on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation, and gut microbiota restoration was validated by fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from dust-exposed donor mice. We found that rural children had fewer allergies and unique gut microbiota with fewer Bacteroides and more Prevotella. Indoor dusts in rural environments harbored higher endotoxin level and diversity of bacteria and fungi, whereas indoor urban dusts were enriched with Aspergillus and contained elevated pathogenic bacteria. Intranasal administration of rural dusts before OVA sensitization reduced respiratory eosinophils and blood IgE level in mice and also led to a recovery of gut bacterial diversity and Ruminiclostridium in the mouse model. FMT restored the protective effect by reducing OVA-induced lung eosinophils in recipient mice. Together, these results support a cause-effect relationship between exposure to dust microbiota and allergy susceptibility in children and mice. Specifically, rural environmental exposure modulated the gut microbiota, which was essential in reducing allergy in children from Southern China. Our findings support the notion that the modulation of gut microbiota by exposure to rural indoor dust may improve allergy prevention.

Prediction of lifetime cardiovascular risk and individual lifetime treatment benefit in four European risk regions: geographic recalibration of the LIFE-CVD model

Background

The life expectancy free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals without previous CVD can be estimated with the LIFEtime-perspective CardioVascular Disease (LIFE-CVD) model, as recommended by the 2021 ESC CVD prevention guidelines. Our aim was to systematically recalibrate the LIFE-CVD model to four European risk regions using contemporary and representative registry data.

Methods and results

The LIFE-CVD model was systematically recalibrated to four distinct risk regions within Europe, using representative aggregate data on age- and sex-specific expected CVD and non-CVD mortality incidences and risk factor distributions. For external validation, 1,451,077 individuals without previous CVD were included from seven European cohorts, with 53,721 CVD events and 62,902 non-CVD deaths during follow up. After applying the recalibrated risk prediction models to external validation cohorts, C-indices (figure 1) ranged from 0.670 (95% CI 0.650–0.690) to 0.787 (95% CI 0.785–0.789). Predicted risks matched the observed risks in the CPRD data. With the recalibrated LIFE-CVD model, the estimated gain in CVD-free life expectancy from preventive therapy differed per region, for example a 50-year-old smoking women with a systolic blood pressure of 140mm Hg was estimated to gain 0.4 years of CVD-free life from 10 mm Hg SBP reduction in the low risk region, whereas this would be 1.5 years in the very high risk region (figure 2).

Interpretation

By taking into account geographical differences in CVD incidence, the recalibrated LIFE-CVD model provides a more accurate tool for the prediction of lifetime risk and CVD-free life expectancy for individuals without previous CVD, facilitating shared decision-making in cardiovascular prevention options as recommended by the 2021 European Prevention Guidelines.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of a home-based resistance exercise program in elderly participants with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

The effectiveness of home-based resistance exercise in elder participants with osteoporosis remains unclear. This study demonstrates the beneficial effects of this mode of exercise on improving physical function, increasing confidence in exercise, and reducing fear of falling.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a home-based resistance exercise (HBRE) program versus control on physical function, exercise self-efficacy, falling efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial included 72 elderly participants with osteoporosis. Participants in the intervention group received a 12-week HBRE program, and the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was physical function, including muscle strength and balance ability; secondary outcomes were exercise self-efficacy, falling efficacy, and HRQOL. Within-group and between-group changes in outcome were evaluated by t-test and rank-sum test.

RESULTS

A total of 68 subjects were included in the final analysis. Improvement in physical function was significantly greater in the HBRE group compared with controls. On a psychological level, exercise self-efficacy and falling efficacy improved significantly in the HBRE group; no significant change was observed in the control group. Most of the dimensions of HRQOL demonstrated improvements as well. The adherence was 85.29%, with no adverse events related to the exercise.

CONCLUSION

A 12-week HBRE program was safe non-pharmacological therapy for elderly participants with osteoporosis, improving physical function, exercise self-efficacy, reduced fear of falling, and improved HRQOL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR2100051455. Registered 23.09.21. Retrospectively registered.

Morpho-histology, endogenous hormone dynamics, and transcriptome profiling in Dacrydium pectinatum during female cone development

Dacrydium pectinatum de Laubenfels is a perennial dioeciously gymnosperm species dominant in tropical montane rain forests. Due to deforestation, natural disasters, long infancy, and poor natural regeneration ability, the population of this species has been significantly reduced and listed as an endangered protected plant. To better understand the female cone development in D. pectinatum, we examined the morphological and anatomical changes, analyzed the endogenous hormone dynamics, and profiled gene expression. The female reproductive structures were first observed in January. The morpho-histological observations suggest that the development of the D. pectinatum megaspore can be largely divided into six stages: early flower bud differentiation, bract primordium differentiation, ovule primordium differentiation, dormancy, ovule maturity, and seed maturity. The levels of gibberellins (GA), auxin (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and cytokinin (CTK) fluctuate during the process of female cone development. The female cones of D. pectinatum need to maintain a low level of GA3-IAA-ABA steady state to promote seed germination. The first transcriptome database for female D. pectinatum was generated, revealing 310,621 unigenes. Differential expression analyses revealed several floral (MADS2, AGL62, and LFY) and hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction (CKX, KO, KAO, ABA4, ACO, etc.) genes that could be critical for female cone development. Our study provides new insights into the cone development in D. pectinatum and the foundation for female cone induction with hormones.

Identification of genetic variants of the IL-22 gene in association with an altered risk of COPD susceptibility

The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is related to the interaction between environmental exposure and genetic factors. Far more than 15% of smokers eventually develop COPD. In addition to smoking, genetic susceptibility may be another factor in the development of COPD. IL-22 and its receptors are increased in human and experimental COPD and contribute to pathogenesis. Here, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the association between IL-22 tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and COPD risk. Four tag-SNPs (rs2227478, rs2227481, rs2227484 and rs2227485) were identified according to linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in 30 healthy controls. A total of 513 COPD cases and 504 controls were recruited to perform an association study between these four tag-SNPs and COPD risk. We found that the "C" allele of rs2227478T>C and the "T" allele of rs2227481C>T were obviously related to decreased COPD susceptibility. Genetic model analysis showed that rs2227478T>C and rs2227481C>T were significantly associated with a decreased risk of COPD under dominant models after adjusting for the above factors. In the recessive model, rs2227485T>C was obviously associated with decreased COPD risk. Our data showed that only rs2227485T>C was associated with a decreased COPD risk after Bonferroni correction. The eQTL analysis showed that rs2227485T>C was significantly associated with IL-22 expression. The pGL4-rs2227485-C gene reporter had a higher promoter activity than pGL4-rs2227485-T. In our study, rs2227485T>C, located in the promoter region of IL-22, was associated with a decreased risk of COPD and increased IL-22 promoter activity, suggesting that this variant might modulate COPD susceptibility.

Effects of bone morphogenetic protein 4 on TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation, apoptosis, activation and differentiation in mouse lung fibroblasts via ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Fibroblasts, in particular myofibroblasts, are the critical effector cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly lung disease characterized by abnormal lung remodeling and the formation of "fibroblastic foci". Aberrant activation of TGF-β1 is frequently encountered and promotes fibroblast proliferation, activation, and differentiation in pulmonary fibrosis. Hence, the inhibition of TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast activation holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for IPF. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect and underlying mechanisms of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) on TGF-β1-induced proliferation, apoptosis, activation and myofibroblast differentiation of adult lung fibroblasts. Here, we demonstrated that BMP4 expression was significantly decreased in TGF-β1-stimulated mouse primary lung fibroblasts (PLFs). BMP4 inhibited proliferation and apoptosis resistance of TGF-β1-stimulated mouse PLFs. BMP4 suppressed TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and differentiation in mouse PLFs. We also found that BMP4 inhibited TGF-β1-induced ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Our findings indicate that BMP4 exerts its anti-fibrotic effects by regulating fibroblast proliferation, apoptosis, activation and differentiation via the inhibition of the ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and thus has a potential for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

POS1024 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF RISANKIZUMAB (RZB) FOR ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA): 52-WEEK RESULTS FROM KEEPsAKE 1

Background

RZB, a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits the p19 subunit of the human cytokine IL-23, is being investigated as a treatment for PsA.

Objectives

To compare efficacy and safety of RZB vs. placebo (PBO) in patients with PsA who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD-IR).

Methods

KEEPsAKE 1 (NCT03675308) is an ongoing, phase 3 study that includes a screening period; a 24-week double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group period (period 1); and an open-label extension period (period 2). Eligible patients aged ≥18 years with active PsA (symptom onset ≥6 months prior to screening, meeting the Classification Criteria for PsA [CASPAR], and ≥5 swollen and ≥5 tender joints) and who had an inadequate response or intolerance to ≥1 csDMARD-IR, were randomized 1:1 to receive RZB 150 mg or placebo (PBO) at weeks 0, 4, and 16. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ≥20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) response at week 24. Period 2 started at week 24, and patients were switched to receive open-label RZB 150 mg every 12 weeks through week 208. Mixed-effect model repeated measures and nonresponder imputation methods were used to assess continuous and binary variables, respectively. Efficacy and safety were analyzed in all patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug through week 52. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were summarized using exposure-adjusted event rates (EAERs, events/100 patient-years [PY]).

Results

At week 24, a greater proportion of RZB-treated (N=483) vs PBO-treated (N=481) patients achieved ACR20 (55.3% and 32.8%, respectively). At week 52, 70% of patients who were randomized to receive RZB and 63% of patients who were randomized to receive PBO and switch to RZB at week 24 achieved ACR20. In patients with ≥3% of body surface area affected at baseline, 52.7% of RZB-treated patients (N=273) and 9.9% of PBO-treated patients (N=272) achieved ≥90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) at week 24; 67.8% who were randomized to receive RZB and 59.9% who were randomized to receive PBO and switch to RZB at week 24 achieved PASI 90 at week 52. Similar results were observed for other efficacy measures. RZB was well tolerated through 52 weeks of treatment. EAERs of adverse events were stable between weeks 24 and 52. At the week 52 data cut-off (19 April 2021), the total EAER of any TEAE in patients receiving RZB was 143.1/100 PY.

Conclusion

Continuous RZB treatment provided durable efficacy and a consistent safety profile through 52 weeks of treatment in patients with active PsA who were csDMARD-IR.

Acknowledgements

AbbVie, Inc. participated in the study design; study research; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. AbbVie funded the research for this study. Medical writing assistance, funded by AbbVie, was provided by Jay Parekh, PharmD, of JB Ashtin.

Disclosure of Interests

Lars Erik Kristensen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Biogen, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, MAURO KEISERMAN Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Kim Papp Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Astellas, Bausch Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Dermavant, Dermira, Incyte, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Astellas, Bausch Health, Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Coherus, Dermavant, Dermira, EMD Serono, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, Gilead, Incyte, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Lilly, Meiji Seika Pharma, Merck, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Takeda, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Astellas, Bausch Health, Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Coherus, Dermavant, Dermira, EMD Serono, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, Gilead, Incyte, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Leslie McCasland Consultant of: Lilly, Douglas White Speakers bureau: AbbVie and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie and Novartis, Wenjing Lu Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Ahmed M. Soliman Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Ann Eldred Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Lisa Barcomb Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Frank Behrens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Chugai, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Chugai, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Chugai, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi

POS1036 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF RISANKIZUMAB (RZB) FOR ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA): 52-WEEK RESULTS FROM KEEPsAKE 2

Background

RZB, a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits the p19 subunit of the human cytokine interleukin-23, is being investigated as a treatment for PsA.

Objectives

Evaluate longer-term safety and efficacy of RZB in patients with active PsA who experienced inadequate response or intolerance to 1 or 2 biologic therapies and/or to at least 1 csDMARD therapy.

Methods

KEEPsAKE 2 (NCT03671148) is an ongoing, phase 3, multicenter study that includes a screening period; a 24-week double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group period (period 1); and an open-label extension period (period 2). Eligible patients were ≥18 years of age with active PsA (symptom onset ≥6 months before screening, meeting Classification Criteria for PsA [CASPAR], and ≥5 tender and ≥5 swollen joints) and had inadequate response or intolerance to 1 or 2 biologic therapies (Bio-IR) and/or ≥1 conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD-IR). Patients received RZB 150 mg or placebo (PBO) at weeks 0, 4, and 16 (1:1). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ACR20 response at week 24. Period 2 started at week 24, and patients were switched to receive open-label RZB 150 mg every 12 weeks through week 208. Efficacy and safety were analyzed in patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug through week 52. Mixed-effect model with repeated measures and nonresponder imputation methods were used to assess continuous and binary variables, respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were summarized using exposure-adjusted event rates (EAERs, events/100 patient-years [PY]).

Results

At week 24, 51,3% of RZB-treated (N=224) and 26.5% of PBO-treated (N=219) patients achieved ACR20. At week 52, 58.5% of patients who were randomized to RZB and 55.7% of patients who were randomized to PBO and then switched to RZB at week 24 achieved ACR20. In patients with ≥3% of body surface area affected at baseline, 55.0% of RZB-treated patients (N=123) and 10.2% of PBO-treated patients (N=119) achieved PASI 90 at week 24. At week 52, 64.2% of patients randomized to RZB and 59.7% of patients who were randomized to PBO and then switched to RZB at week 24 achieved PASI 90. For other efficacy measures, similar trends were observed. RZB was well tolerated through 52 weeks of treatment, and EAERs of adverse events were stable between weeks 24 and 52. At the week 52 data cutoff (19 April 2021), the total EAER of any TEAE in patients receiving RZB was 184.2/100 PY.

Conclusion

Continuous RZB treatment resulted in maintained efficacy responses with a consistent safety profile through 52 weeks of treatment in patients with active PsA who were Bio-IR and/or csDMARD-IR.

Acknowledgements

AbbVie, Inc. participated in the study design; study research; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. AbbVie funded the research for this study and provided writing support for this abstract. Medical writing assistance, funded by AbbVie, was provided by Jay Parekh, PharmD, of JB Ashtin.

Disclosure of Interests

Andrew Ostor Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Filip van den Bosch Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Kim Papp Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Bausch Health (Valeant), Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Coherus, Dermira, EMD Serono, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Lilly, LEO Pharma, MedImmune, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Takeda, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Bausch Health (Valeant), Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Coherus, Dermira, EMD Serono, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Lilly, LEO Pharma, MedImmune, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Takeda, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Bausch Health (Valeant), Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Coherus, Dermira, EMD Serono, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Lilly, LEO Pharma, MedImmune, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Takeda, and UCB, CECILIA ASNAL Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Genentech, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and R-Pharm., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Genentech, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and R-Pharm., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Genentech, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and R-Pharm., Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, and Roche., Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, and Roche., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Merck, and Roche, Jacob Aelion Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Galapagos/Gilead, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Lilly, Mallinckrodt, Nektar Therapeutics, Nichi-Iko, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Selecta Biosciences, and UCB., Wenjing Lu Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Zailong Wang Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Ahmed M. Soliman Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Ann Eldred Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Byron Padilla Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Alan Kivitz Shareholder of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Flexion, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, and UCB., Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Flexion, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, and UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Flexion, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, and UCB.

Ultrabright Electron Bunch Injection in a Plasma Wakefield Driven by a Superluminal Flying Focus Electron Beam

We propose a new method for self-injection of high-quality electron bunches in the plasma wakefield structure in the blowout regime utilizing a "flying focus" produced by a drive beam with an energy chirp. In a flying focus the speed of the density centroid of the drive bunch can be superluminal or subluminal by utilizing the chromatic dependence of the focusing optics. We first derive the focal velocity and the characteristic length of the focal spot in terms of the focal length and an energy chirp. We then demonstrate using multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations that a wake driven by a superluminally propagating flying focus of an electron beam can generate GeV-level electron bunches with ultralow normalized slice emittance (∼30  nm rad), high current (∼17  kA), low slice energy spread (∼0.1%), and therefore high normalized brightness (>10^{19}  A/m^{2}/rad^{2}) in a plasma of density ∼10^{19}  cm^{-3}. The injection process is highly controllable and tunable by changing the focal velocity and shaping the drive beam current. Near-term experiments at FACET II where the capabilities to generate tens of kA, <10  fs drivers are planned, could potentially produce beams with brightness near 10^{20}  A/m^{2}/rad^{2}.

Erratum: Using Diffuse Scattering to Observe X-Ray-Driven Nonthermal Melting [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 015703 (2021)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.015703.

Visibility, wind speed, and dew point temperature are important factors in SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility

The aim of this study is to provide evidence for the influencing factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) virus mutation by determining the impact of geographical and meteorological factors on SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and the different impacts of SARS-CoV-2 variant strains. From January 20 to March 10, 2020, we collected a number of daily confirmed new cases and meteorological factors in all cities and regions in China and Italy affected by the Alpha "variants of concern" (VOC). We also collected the daily confirmed cases of the Delta VOC infection in China and Italy from May 21 to November 30, 2021. The relationships between daily meteorological data and daily verified new cases of SARS-CoV-2 transmission were then investigated using a general additive model (GAM) with a log link function and Poisson family. The results revealed that latitude was substantially connected with daily confirmed new instances of the Alpha VOC, while there was no such correlation with Delta VOC transmission. When visibility is greater than 7 m, the propagation of the Alpha and Delta VOCs in Italy and China can be controlled. Furthermore, greater temperatures and increased wind speed reduce the transmission of the Alpha and Delta VOCs. In conclusion, geographical and meteorological factors play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility and should be considered in virus mitigation strategies.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate enhances the BMP9-BMPR2-Smad1/5/9 signaling pathway in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of STS in treating pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting the pulmonary vascular remodeling and suppressing the abnormally elevated proliferation and migration of PASMCs. However, the roles of STS on pulmonary vascular endothelium remain largely known.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of STS on pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction by using a chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) rat model, as well as in primarily cultured rat PMVECs and human ESC-ECs cell models.

RESULTS

Firstly, a 21-day treatment of STS significantly prevents the disease development of HPH by normalizing the right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy, improving the cardiac output. Then, STS treatment markedly inhibits the hypoxia-induced medial wall thickening of the distal intrapulmonary arteries. Notably, STS significantly inhibits the hypoxia-induced apoptosis in both the pulmonary endothelium of HPH rats and primarily cultured PMVECs, through the stabilization of BMPR2 protein and protection of the diminished BMP9-BMPR2-Smad1/5/9 signaling pathway. In mechanism, STS treatment retrieves the hypoxic downregulation of BMPR2 by stabilizing the BMPR2 protein, inhibiting the BMPR2 protein degradation via lysosome system, and promoting the plasma membrane localization of BMPR2, all of which together reinforcing the BMP9-induced signaling transduction in both PMVECs and human ESC-ECs. However, these effects are absent in hESC-ECs expressing heterozygous dysfunctional BMPR2 protein (BMPR2^+/R899X).

CONCLUSION

STS may exert anti-apoptotic roles, at least partially, via induction of the BMP9-BMPR2-Smad1/5/9 signaling transduction in pulmonary endothelium and PMVECs.

Transcriptomic Mapping of Human Parotid Gland at Single-Cell Resolution

As the largest salivary gland in oral cavity, the parotid gland plays an important role in initial digesting and lubricating food. The abnormal secretory function of the parotid gland can lead to dental caries and oral mucosal inflammation. In recent years, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been used to explore the heterogeneity and diversity of cells in various organs and tissues. However, the transcription profile of the human parotid gland at single-cell resolution has not been reported yet. In this study, we constructed the cell atlas of human parotid gland using the 10× Genomics platform. Characteristic gene analysis identified the biological functions of serous acinar cell populations in secreting digestive enzymes and antibacterial proteins. We revealed the specificity and similarity of the parotid gland compared to other digestive glands through comparative analyses of other published scRNA-seq data sets. We also identified the cell-specific expression of hub genes for Sjögren syndrome in the human parotid gland by integrating the results of genome-wide association studies and bulk RNA-seq, which highlighted the importance of immune cell dysfunction in parotid Sjögren syndrome pathogenesis.

TIMP-1: A Circulating Biomarker for Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosis Among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and induces increased mortality among COPD patients. However, there are no blood biomarkers to identify PH in COPD. Here, we investigated whether circulating angiogenic factors and cytokines could serve as (a) biomarker (s) for COPD-PH patients. Using Angiogenesis and Cytokine proteome profile array assay, we measured the level of 36 cytokines and 55 angiogenesis-associated proteins in plasma from four COPD patients with PH (COPD-PH) and four COPD patients without PH (COPD), respectively, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and thrombospondin 1(TSP-1) were significantly different between the two groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to measured TIMP-1 and TSP-1 in a validation cohort (COPD-PH, n = 28; COPD, n = 18), and TIMP-1 was the only factor that was significantly different between COPD-PH and COPD patients (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that elevated TIMP-1 was an independent risk factor for COPD-PH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.258, 95% CI: 1.005–1.574, P < 0.05). Next, we explored the expression level and function of TIMP-1 in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) exposed to cigarette smoking extract (CSE, a major etiological factor of COPD). In cultured hPASMCs, CSE treatment increased both TIMP-1 protein level and cell proliferation, and exogenous TIMP-1 (25 ng/mL) treatment inhibited CSE-induced hPASMCs proliferation. Overall, our results indicated that TIMP-1 elevation could serve as a circulating biomarker to diagnose PH among COPD patients, and TIMP-1 elevation in COPD-PH could be adaptive.

Performance of a cryo-cooled crystal monochromator illuminated by hard X-rays with MHz repetition rate at the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser

Due to the high intensity and MHz repetition rate of photon pulses generated by the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser, the heat load on silicon crystal monochromators can become large and prevent ideal transmission in Bragg diffraction geometry due to crystal deformation. Here, we present experimental data illustrating how heat load affects the performance of a cryogenically cooled monochromator under such conditions. The measurements are in good agreement with a depth-uniform model of X-ray dynamical diffraction taking beam absorption and heat deformation of the crystals into account.

Efficacy and safety of Bufei Huoxue capsules in the management of convalescent patients with COVID-19 infection: A multicentre, double-blind, and randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As of September 17, 2021, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 226 million people in a worldwide pandemic, with conservative estimates suggesting that there are more than 204 million convalescent patients with COVID-19. Previous studies have indicated that patients in the recovery phase exhibit decreased function of multiple organs. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment is recommended in the rehabilitation period of COVID-19; however, the safety and efficacy of such treatment remain to be confirmed.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bufei Huoxue (BFHX) in restoring the functional status and exercise tolerance of patients recovering from COVID-19.

METHODS

A total of 131 patients in the rehabilitation period of COVID-19 infection were randomly divided into a Bufei Huoxue (BFHX) group (n = 66) and a placebo group (n = 65). BFHX or placebo was given orally three times a day (1.4 g/dose) for 90 days. The primary outcomes was to evaluate improvements in exercise tolerance and imaging manifestations on chest computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS

After the exclusion of two patients who withdrew prior to receiving any medications, 129 patients were recruited, including 64 patients in the BFHX group and 65 patients in the placebo group. After 3 months of treatment, the BFHX group exhibited greater attenuation of pneumonia lesions on chest CT than the placebo group (P<0.05). Improvements in 6-min walk distance (6MWD) relative to baseline were also significantly better in the BFHX group than in the placebo group (P<0.01). Scores on the Fatigue Assessment Inventory (FAI) were lower in the BFHX group than in the placebo group (P<0.05). Although the rate of adverse events was higher in the BFHX group than in the placebo group (9.38% vs. 4.62%), the difference was not significant (P=0.3241).

CONCLUSIONS

BFHX may exert strong rehabilitative effects on physiological activity in patients recovering from COVID-19, which may in turn attenuate symptoms of fatigue and improve exercise tolerance.