The SINgapore GERiatric Intervention Study to Reduce Cognitive Decline and Physical Frailty (SINGER): Study Design and Protocol

Background

The SINgapore GERiatric intervention study to reduce cognitive decline and physical frailty (SINGER) randomised controlled trial (RCT) uses a multidomain lifestyle interventions approach, shown to be effective by the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) trial, to delay cognitive decline.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of the SINGER multidomain lifestyle interventions in older adults at risk for dementia to delay cognitive decline.

Participants

1200 participants between 60–77 years old, with Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) dementia risk score ≥6, fulfilling at least one of the following LIBRA index for diet, cognitive activity, physical activity and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥18, ≤27 points, will be recruited across Singapore.

Methods

SINGER is a 2-year multi-site RCT consisting of multidomain interventions: dietary advice, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk factors management. Participants will be randomised into either the Self-Guided Intervention (SGI; general lifestyle and health information and resources) or Structured Lifestyle Intervention (SLI) group. The SLI comprises diet training (6 group and 3 individual sessions over 12 months); exercise (supervised: 1-hour twice weekly for 6 months, unsupervised: 2–3/week for the rest of the study duration); cognitive sessions (15–30 minutes/session, 3/week for 6 months, together with 10 workshops in 24 months). Vascular management takes place every 3–6 months or otherwise as specified by study physicians. The primary outcome is global cognition measured using the modified Neuropsychological Battery assessing performance in various domains, such as episodic memory, executive function and processing speed. Secondary outcome measures include: domain-specific cognition and function, imaging evidence of brain and retinal changes, incidence and progression of chronic diseases, blood biomarkers, quality of life, mental health and cost-benefit analysis.

Conclusions

SINGER is part of the Worldwide-FINGERS international network, which is at the forefront of harmonizing approaches to effective non-pharmacological interventions in delaying cognitive decline in older adults at risk of dementia. By establishing the efficacy of multidomain interventions in preventing cognitive decline, SINGER aims to implement the findings into public health and clinical practices by informing policy makers, and guiding the design of community- and individual-level health promotion initiatives.

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.14283/jpad.2022.5 and is accessible for authorized users.

Chondrocyte Adipogenic Differentiation in Softening Osteoarthritic Cartilage

A chondrocyte-to-osteoblast lineage continuum exists in the growth plate. Adipogenic differentiation of chondrocytes in vivo should be investigated. Here, unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC), which can induce osteoarthritic lesions in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), was applied to 6-wk-old C57BL/6 mice. Matrix loss in TMJ cartilage was obvious, as demonstrated by safranin O staining, and the condylar cartilage elastic modulus values, detected by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), were reduced, indicating cartilage softening that might be linked with loss of the highly charged proteoglycan. By crossing the Rosa26/tdTomato (TdT) mice with Sox9;Cre^ERT2 mice or with Col10;Cre^ERT2 mice, we obtained the Sox9-TdT and Col10-TdT strains, respectively, in which the Sox9- or Col10-expressing cells, accordingly, were labeled by TdT. A few TdT-labeled cells in both strains expressed AdipoQ or DMP-1. The Sox9-TdT⁺AdipoQ⁺ cells were primarily located in the deep zone cartilage and then in the whole cartilage. Col10-TdT⁺AdipoQ⁺ cells, Sox9-TdT⁺DMP-1⁺ cells, and Col10-TdT⁺DMP-1⁺ cells were located in the deep zone region. UAC promoted AdipoQ and DMP-1 expression in cartilage. The percentages of Sox9-TdT⁺AdipoQ⁺ and Col10-TdT⁺AdipoQ⁺ cells to Sox9-TdT⁺ and Col10-TdT⁺ cells, respectively, were increased (both P < 0.05), implying that more chondrocytes were undergoing adipogenic differentiation in the UAC group, the cartilage of which was softened. The percentages of Sox9-TdT⁺DMP-1⁺ and Col10-TdT⁺DMP-1⁺ cells to Sox9-TdT⁺ cells and Col10-TdT⁺ cells, respectively, were increased (both P < 0.05), consistent with our report that UAC enhanced deep zone cartilage calcification, causing stiffening of the deep zone cartilage. Our present data demonstrated that TMJ chondrocyte descendants can become adipogenic in vivo in addition to becoming osteogenic. This potential was promoted in osteoarthritic cartilage, in which deep zone cartilage calcification-associated cartilage stiffening and proteoglycan loss-associated cartilage softening were both stimulated.

CRISPR/Cas9-based functional characterization of the pigmentation gene ebony in Plutella xylostella

Body pigmentation is an important character of insects in adapting to biotic and abiotic environmental challenges. Additionally, based on the relative ease of screening, several genes involved in insect melanization have been used in classic genetic studies or as visual markers in constructing transgenic insects. Here, a homologue of the Bombyx mori melanization-inhibiting gene ebony, associated with the conversion of dopamine to N-β-alanyl dopamine, was identified in a global pest, Plutella xylostella. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was applied to generate multiple Pxebony knockout alleles which were crossed to produce a Pxebony knockout strain, showing darker pigmentation in larvae, pupae and adults, compared with wildtype. Interestingly, we observed that Pxebony heterozygotes displayed an intermediate darkened phenotype, indicating partial dominance between the knockout and wildtype alleles. The fitness costs of Pxebony deficiency were also assessed in the mutant strain, indicating that embryo hatchability and larval survival were significantly reduced, while the eclosion rate was not obviously affected. Our work provides a potential target for exploring CRISPR-based genetics-control systems in this economically important pest lepidopteran.

[Debulking strategy of endovascular treatment for lower extremity artery lesions]

Objective: To explore the debulking strategy of lower extremity artery lesions. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 101 patients underwent debulking therapy at Department of Vascular Surgery,Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from June 2019 to June 2020.There were 74 males and 27 females,aged (73.2±11.7)years (range:35 to 93 years).There were 31 cases in Rutherford class 3,39 cases in class 4 and 31 cases in class 5. Hypertension occurred in 72 patients. One hundred and forty lesions were treated in 101 patients. Among them, there were 13 lesions(9.3%) in iliac artery,72 lesions(51.4%) in superficial femoral artery,41 (29.3%) lesions in popliteal artery,10 lesions(7.1%) in tibiofibular trunk,and 4 lesions(2.9%) in below the knee artery.Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) was mainly used in acute thrombosis,excimer laser ablation (ELA) was mainly used for chronic in-stent restenosis and chronic stenosis or totally occlusive lesions,while directional atherectomy (DA) was mainly used for short calcified lesions. Results: All of the patients underwent debulking therapy. Eighty-two lesions(58.6%,82/140) were treated by PMT, 56 (40.0%,56/140) were treated by ELA,and 2 (1.4%,2/140) were treated by DA.The ankle-brachial index of the patient was 0.44±0.19 before surgery, 0.87±0.17 immediately after surgery (t=-16.26, P<0.01), and 0.81±0.20 at 6 months after surgery(t=-14.67,P<0.01),and 0.79±0.15 (t=-14.12,P<0.01) at 12 months after surgery. At 12 months,the primary patency was 86.1% (87/101),mortality was 5.0% (5/101), freedom from major-amputation survival rate was 93.1% (94/101),and target lesion reintervention rate was 9.9% (10/101). Conclusions: Debulking is feasible and effective to eliminate the arterial contents and maximize the acquisition of lumen.Selection of suitable debulking methods for different segments and lesions would be helpful to improve the technical success and obtain satisfactory results.

Untargeted lipidomics analysis in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the plasma lipid profiles in women with normal pregnancies and those with mild or severe intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Our goal was to reveal lipidome-wide alterations in ICP and delve into the pathogenesis of ICP from a lipid metabolism perspective.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study, including women with normal pregnancies, women with mild ICP and women with severe ICP.

SETTING

Gansu Provincial Hospital.

POPULATION

Women with ICP were recruited from October 2019 to March 2020 in Gansu, China.

METHODS

Untargeted lipidomics was used to analyse differentially expressed plasma lipids in controls, in women with mild ICP and in women with severe ICP (n = 30 per group). For lipidomics, liquid chromatography and Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap mass spectrometry were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Differentially expressed lipids.

RESULTS

Thirty-three lipids were differentially expressed in the severe and mild ICP groups, compared with the control group, and 20 of those were sphingolipids (ceramide, six species; sphingomyelin, 14 species). All differentially expressed sphingolipids in women with mild ICP were also differentially expressed in women with severe ICP; the fold change and significance of the differential expression were positively correlated with disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

We systematically characterized the lipidome-wide alterations in mild and severe ICP groups. The results indicated a link between ICP and disordered sphingolipid homeostasis.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Abnormal sphingolipid metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of ICP.

Malignant acanthosis nigricans and diseases with extensive oral papillary hyperplasia

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

Predisposing Factors for Person-to-Person Transmission of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Bunyavirus

Person-to-person transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a new threat to human health. Here we report an outbreak of nosocomial person-to-person transmission of SFTS. Among eight persons with face-to-face contact distance ≤50 centimeters and/or exposure time ≥30 minutes to the index patient, six became were infected. Only one of the 17 persons with exposure distance ≥ 50 centimeters and exposure time ≤ 30 minutes was infected (75% vs. 6.25%, p <0.001). Epidemiological investigation revealed high viral load, bloody secretions and bleeding, exposure time and distance as the key factors in person-to-person transmission.

Strigolactones positively regulate abscisic acid-dependent heat and cold tolerance in tomato

Strigolactones are carotenoid-derived phytohormones that impact plant growth and development in diverse ways. However, the roles of strigolactones in the responses to temperature stresses are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that strigolactone biosynthesis is induced in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) by heat and cold stresses. Compromised strigolactone biosynthesis or signaling negatively affected heat and cold tolerance, while application of the synthetic strigolactone analog GR245DS enhanced heat and cold tolerance. Strigolactone-mediated heat and cold tolerance was associated with the induction of abscisic acid (ABA), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) accumulation, C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR 1 (CBF1) transcription, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Importantly, a deficiency in ABA biosynthesis compromised the GR245DS effects on heat and cold stresses and abolished the GR245DS-induced transcription of HSP70, CBF1, and antioxidant-related genes. These results support that strigolactones positively regulate tomato heat and cold tolerance and that they do so at least partially by the induction of CBFs and HSPs and the antioxidant response in an ABA-dependent manner.

[Assessment of biological activities of exopolysaccharides with different relative molecular masses extracted from Rhizopus nigricans]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities of exopolysaccharides with different molecular masses isolated from Rhizopus nigricans.

METHODS

Three polysaccharides with different molecular masses, namely RPS-1, RPS-2 and RPS-3, were separated from the fermentation broth of Rhizopus nigricans by fractional ethanol precipitation, and their capacity for scavenging DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals was assessed. Cell counting kit-8 was used to analyze the changes in the viability of MFC, A549 and RAW 264.7 cells following treatments with the 3 polysaccharides; The level of nitric oxide in the supernatant of RAW 264.7 cells was detected using a nitric oxide detection kit, and the apoptosis rate of A549 cells was analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

All the 3 polysaccharides had good antioxidant activities, and among them RPS-1 with a medium molecular mass exhibited the strongest scavenging capacity for DPPH and ABTS radicals (P < 0.05) while RPS-3 with the lowest molecular mass had the best scavenging activity for hydroxyl radicals (P < 0.01). All the 3 polysaccharides were capable of inhibiting the proliferation of MFC cells and A549 cells, activating the macrophages RAW 264.7 cells, and inducing apoptosis of A549 cells. RPS-2 with the highest molecular mass showed the strongest inhibitory effects against MFC and A549 cells (P > 0.05), and RPS-2 had the strongest activity for inducing apoptosis in A549 cells (P < 0.05). Compared with the other two polysaccharides, RPS-2 more strongly promoted the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells and enhanced NO release from the cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 3 polysaccharides all have antioxidant, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities, and among them RPS-1 and RPS-3 have better antioxidant activities, and RPS-2 has stronger anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities.

[Two-year follow-up study in type 2 diabetic patients with mild visual impairment]

Objective: To determine the 2-year visual prognosis in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with mild visual impairment and identify the predictors factors. Method: This was a 2-year population-based cohort study. The study population consisted of 650 type 2 diabetic patients with bilateral mild visual impairment in 2014 who were followed up in 2016. The demographic information, systemic and ophthalmological examination results for each participant was collected. Mild visual impairment was defined as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)<20/25 to ≥20/63, moderate and severe visual impairment was defined as BCVA<20/63 to ≥20/400, blindness was defined as BCVA<20/400 following the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) 2002 definition. The two-year visual prognosis was divided into three groups: visual impairment regression, progression, and stable. Using chi-square test or independent t-test, the predictor factors of visual prognosis and the leading causes of visual impairment were studied. Results: 605 patients completed the follow-up in 2016. Among them, 477 were still bilateral mild visual impairment, accounting for 78.8% (477/605). The level of unilateral or bilateral visual impairment regressed in 8.1% (49/605), while progressed in 13.1% (79/605). Young age (t=2.7, P<0.05), short duration of diabetes (t=2.5, P<0.05), low blood glycemic hemoglobin (t=2.5, P<0.05) and total cholesterol (t=2.8, P<0.05) were associated with regression of visual impairment. Low levels of education (t=5.2, P<0.05), high blood glycemic hemoglobin (t=2.4, P<0.05) and total cholesterol (t=2.4, P<0.05)were associated with progression of visual impairment. Cataracts and diabetic retinopathy were the first and second cause of mild, moderate severe visual impairment or blindness. Conclusions: The percentage of 2-year visual acuity decline is relatively high in type 2 diabetic patients with mild visual impairment. We should strengthen blood glucose and cholesterol control to reduce the progress of visual impairment.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 766-771).

Measurements of the Branching Fractions of the Semileptonic Decays Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} and the Asymmetry Parameter of Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}

Using data samples of 89.5 and 711  fb^{-1} recorded at energies of sqrt[s]=10.52 and 10.58 GeV, respectively, with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider, we report measurements of branching fractions of semileptonic decays Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} (ℓ=e or μ) and the CP-asymmetry parameter of Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} decay. The branching fractions are measured to be B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})=(1.31±0.04±0.07±0.38)% and B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ})=(1.27±0.06±0.10±0.37)%, and the decay parameter α_{Ξπ} is measured to be 0.63±0.03±0.01 with much improved precision compared with the current world average. The corresponding ratio B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}) is 1.03±0.05±0.07, which is consistent with the expectation of lepton flavor universality. The first measured asymmetry parameter A_{CP}=(α_{Ξ^{-}π^{+}}+α_{Ξ[over ¯]^{+}π^{-}})/(α_{Ξ^{-}π^{+}}-α_{Ξ[over ¯]^{+}π^{-}})=0.024±0.052±0.014 is found to be consistent with zero. The first and the second uncertainties above are statistical and systematic, respectively, while the third ones arise due to the uncertainty of the Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} branching fraction.

Probiotic and prebiotic interventions for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Many studies have associated altered intestinal bacterial communities and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but the putative effects are inconclusive. The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through randomised intervention trials. Literature searches were performed until March 2020. For each outcome, a random NMA was performed, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was determined. A total of 22 randomised trials comparing prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic treatments included 1301 participants. Considering all seven results (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, weight, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) together, the highest SUCRA values are probiotics (94%), synbiotics (61%) and prebiotics (56%), respectively. NMA results provide evidence that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, due to the lack of high-quality randomised trials, this research also has some limitations.

[A case report of orbital epithelioid hemangioendothelioma]

A 70-year-old male patient, who had a right upper eyelid tumor excision 4 years ago, complained of eyelid swelling and ptosis for 3 months. Orbital CT and MRI showed an orbital cystic lesion with hemorrhage in the right eye. The tumor was resected under general anesthesia. The pathological diagnosis was epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57:696-698).

Flupentixol/melitracen for chronic refractory cough after treatment failure with other neuromodulators

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin and baclofen are recommended for the treatment of chronic refractory cough (CRC). We investigated the efficacy of flupentixol/melitracen in patients unresponsive to these neuromodulators.METHODS: A total of 101 patients with CRC who failed to respond to gabapentin and baclofen were recruited, and treated with flupentixol/melitracen. The prevalence of cough resolution and changes in the Cough Symptom Score (CSS), cough thresholds to capsaicin, Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 were evaluated after treatment.RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients (97.0%) completed the study. The overall successful cough resolution rate was 62.4% (63/101). Cough resolution was accompanied by an obvious decrease in the CSS and HARQ score and a remarkable increase in cough thresholds to capsaicin challenge and LCQ score, whereas anxiety and depression scores did not change significantly. The prevalence of adverse effects (e.g., insomnia and dizziness) was 21.8%. The prevalence of cough recurrence within 2 weeks after treatment cessation was 17.8%.CONCLUSION: Flupentixol/melitracen may be an efficacious option for CRC unresponsive to other neuromodulators.

First pregnancy in China after ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first case of pregnancy after frozen-thawed ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was performed in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) before multi-agent chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, she showed complete remission from MDS, and six frozen-thawed ovarian tissue strips were transplanted into the peritoneal pocket.

RESULTS

The patient's ovarian activity was restored 3 months after transplantation, and pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting. Until now, the pregnancy has progressed for 30 weeks, and the repeated ultrasound showed normal fetal development.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pregnancy resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

MTT and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption within Asymptomatic Vascular WM Lesions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

White matter lesions of presumed ischemic origin are associated with progressive cognitive impairment and impaired BBB function. Studying the longitudinal effects of white matter lesion biomarkers that measure changes in perfusion and BBB patency within white matter lesions is required for long-term studies of lesion progression. We studied perfusion and BBB disruption within white matter lesions in asymptomatic subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anatomic imaging was followed by consecutive dynamic contrast-enhanced and DSC imaging. White matter lesions in 21 asymptomatic individuals were determined using a Subject-Specific Sparse Dictionary Learning algorithm with manual correction. Perfusion-related parameters including CBF, MTT, the BBB leakage parameter, and volume transfer constant were determined.

RESULTS

MTT was significantly prolonged (7.88 [SD, 1.03] seconds) within white matter lesions compared with normal-appearing white (7.29 [SD, 1.14] seconds) and gray matter (6.67 [SD, 1.35] seconds). The volume transfer constant, measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, was significantly elevated (0.013 [SD, 0.017] minutes-1) in white matter lesions compared with normal-appearing white matter (0.007 [SD, 0.011] minutes-1). BBB disruption within white matter lesions was detected relative to normal white and gray matter using the DSC-BBB leakage parameter method so that increasing BBB disruption correlated with increasing white matter lesion volume (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.44; P < .046).

CONCLUSIONS

A dual-contrast-injection MR imaging protocol combined with a 3D automated segmentation analysis pipeline was used to assess BBB disruption in white matter lesions on the basis of quantitative perfusion measures including the volume transfer constant (dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging), the BBB leakage parameter (DSC), and MTT (DSC). This protocol was able to detect early pathologic changes in otherwise healthy individuals.

[Antitumor effects of AZD2014, a dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor, against human hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antitumor effects of AZD2014 (a dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor) against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) xenograft in mice.

METHODS

HCCLM3 cells were injected subcutaneously in the right flank of nude mice, and when the tumors were macroscopic, the mice were randomized into 2 groups for daily intraperitoneal injection of AZD2014 (5 mg/kg, n=5) or vehicle (5 mL/kg, n=5) for 24 days. Tumor growth was assessed using calipers every 4 days and the tumor growth curve was drawn. After the final injection, the mice were euthanized and the tumors were dissected for measuring tumor weight and histopathological analysis with HE staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, CD31, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (Ecadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin) in the tumor tissue.

RESULTS

Daily treatment with AZD2014 significantly suppressed HCC growth as compared with the control group. HE staining showed significantly increased tumor necrosis in AZD2014-treated mice. AZD2014 treatment inhibited tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and EMT progression as shown by decreased expressions of Ki-67, CD31, N-cadherin, and vimentin and increased expression of E-cadherin in the tumor tissue, and significantly promoted tumor cell apoptosis as shown by an increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 in AZD2014-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

AZD2014 is a highly potent antitumor agent for HCC in nude mice bearing HCC xenografts. AZD2014 can effectively inhibit tumor proliferation, angiogenesis and EMT progression and induce tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis.

TDP-43 maintains chondrocyte homeostasis and alleviates cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent age-related disorder due to cartilage degradation. Previous studies have identified aberrant chondrocyte homeostasis under extracellular stress as a key pathological mechanism behind cartilage degradation in OA. TDP-43, a DNA/RNA-binding protein has been demonstrated to participate in processing many extracellular stress responses; however, understanding of the role of TDP-43 in OA is limited. This study aims to investigate the role of TDP-43 in chondrocyte homeostasis and cartilage degradation in OA.

METHODS

The role of TDP-43 during degradation of cartilage is examined by experimental posttraumatic OA animal models and human cartilage specimens. Cartilage degradation is assessed by histological analysis, qPCR, and Western blot. The molecular mechanisms are investigated in vitro using human primary chondrocytes.

RESULTS

TDP-43 decreases significantly in degenerated cartilage. TDP-43 concentration is positively correlated with IL-1β concentration in synovial fluid derived from OA patients (Pearson r = 0.95, CI (95%) [0.80, 0.99], P < 0.0001). Intra-articular injection of recombinant TDP-43 significantly alleviates cartilage degradation and subchondral bone remodeling in vivo. In vitro mechanistic analyses show that TDP-43 maintains chondrocyte homeostasis under oxidative stress through regulating stress granule dynamics via G3BP1.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that TDP-43 maintains chondrocyte homeostasis under oxidative stress and alleviates cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis, identifying TDP-43 as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of knee OA.

Pairing Forces Govern Population of Doubly Magic ^{54}Ca from Direct Reactions

Direct proton-knockout reactions of ^{55}Sc at ∼220  MeV/nucleon were studied at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Populated states of ^{54}Ca were investigated through γ-ray and invariant-mass spectroscopy. Level energies were calculated from the nuclear shell model employing a phenomenological internucleon interaction. Theoretical cross sections to states were calculated from distorted-wave impulse approximation estimates multiplied by the shell model spectroscopic factors, which describe the wave function overlap of the ^{55}Sc ground state with states in ^{54}Ca. Despite the calculations showing a significant amplitude of excited neutron configurations in the ground-state of ^{55}Sc, valence proton removals populated predominantly the ground state of ^{54}Ca. This counterintuitive result is attributed to pairing effects leading to a dominance of the ground-state spectroscopic factor. Owing to the ubiquity of the pairing interaction, this argument should be generally applicable to direct knockout reactions from odd-even to even-even nuclei.

OP0201 DYNAMIC CHANGES IN O-GLCNACYLATION REGULATE OSTEOCLAST DIFFERENTIATION AND BONE LOSS IN ARTHRITIS

Background:

Bone remodeling is a constant process maintained by the balance between osteoclast-triggered bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. In inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the pro-inflammatory environment favors osteoclast differentiation and skews the balance towards resorption, leading to progressive bone erosion and bone loss. O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification, which transfers a single N-acetylglucosamine molecule to the serine or threonine of the target protein. The modification is accomplished by a single pair of enzymes, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA). Unlike other glycosylation, O-GlcNAcylation occurs in multiple cellular compartments, including the nucleus. Although O-GlcNAcylation is one of the most common modifications, its role in bone homeostasis is still poorly understood.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the role of O-GlcNAcylation in osteoclastogenesis under pro-inflammatory milieus. We also focused on dissecting the signaling pathways affected by O-GlcNAcylation during osteoclast differentiation.

Methods:

We examined the levels of O-GlcNAc during in vitro osteoclastogenesis by western blotting. The levels of O-GlcNAc in tissue from RA patients and experimental arthritis were detected by immunofluorescence. Pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockout were used to manipulate O-GlcNAcylaiton during osteoclastogenesis. RNA sequencing was performed to study O-GlcNAc-mediated pathways.

Results:

We demonstrate the dynamic changes in O-GlcNAcylation during osteoclastogenesis. The elevated O-GlcNAcylation was found in the early differentiation stages, whereas its downregulation was detected in the maturation process. TNFα elaborates the dynamic changes in O-GlcNAcylation, which further intensifies osteoclast differentiation.

Targeting OGT by selective inhibitor and genetic knockout restrain O-GlcNAcylation and hinder the expression of the early differentiation marker Nfatc1. Inhibition of OGA, which forces high levels of O-GlcNAcylation throughout the differentiation, reduces the formation of multinucleated mature osteoclasts. Consistent with our in vitro data, suppressing OGT and OGA both ameliorate bone loss in experimental arthritis. We detected a reduced number of TRAP-expressing precursors and mature osteoclasts in the mice subjected to OGT inhibition. While inhibiting OGA only lowers the number of TRAP+F4/80– mature osteoclasts without affecting the number of TRAP+F4/80+ precursors.

Transcriptome profiling reveals that O-GlcNAcylation regulates several biological processes. Increased O-GlcNAcylation promotes cytokine signaling and oxidative phosphorylation. The downregulation of O-GlcNAcylation is essential for cytoskeleton organization and cell fusion.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate that the dynamic changes of O-GlcNAcylation are essential for osteoclast differentiation. These findings reveal the therapeutic potential of targeting O-GlcNAcylation in pathologic bone resorption.

Disclosure of Interests:

Chih-Wei Chen: None declared, Yi-Nan Li: None declared, Thuong Trinh-Minh: None declared, ZHU Honglin: None declared, Alexandru-Emil Matei: None declared, Xiao Ding: None declared, Cuong Tran Manh: None declared, Xiaohan Xu: None declared, Christoph Liebel: None declared, Ruifang Liang: None declared, Min-Chuan Huang: None declared, Neng-Yu Lin: None declared, Andreas Ramming Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Janssen, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Gilead, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Jörg H.W. Distler Shareholder of: 4D Science, Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Paid instructor for: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Actelion, Active Biotech, Anamar, ARXX, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, JB Therapeutics, Medac, Pfizer, RuiYi and UCB, Grant/research support from: Anamar, Active Biotech, Array Biopharma, aTyr, BMS, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis, RedX, UCB, Employee of: FibroCure

Increasing adiposity and metabolic dysfunction prolong QTc interval and increase risk of ventricular arrhythmias: results from the UK Biobank

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute for Health Research

Background/purpose: Small-scale studies have associated obesity and metabolic ill-health with QTc interval prolongation. Whether these associations are modulated by an underlying genetic predilection and translate into higher risks of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) is unknown.

Methods

 Using the UK Biobank and adjusted multivariate regression analysis, we studied the associations between QTc and clinical measures of adiposity and metabolic ill-health. A polygenic risk score was used to determine whether these associations are modulated by a genetic predilection for QTc prolongation. We compared QTc between four clinical phenotypes defined according to presence (+) or absence (-) of obesity (Ob), and metabolic ill-health (MU). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for VA amongst these groups.

Results

 23,683 individuals (11,563 male, mean age 61.0 + 7.5years) had ECG and clinical data available. QTc prolongs with increasing body mass index (0.76ms/kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.68-0.83ms/kg/m2), body fat (0.45ms/%, 95%CI:0.39-0.50ms/%), hip girth (0.35ms/cm, 95%CI:0.31-0.39ms/cm) and waist girth (0.32ms/cm, 95%CI:0.29-0.35ms/cm); all p &lt; 0.001. Genetically determined repolarisation reserve has no significant modulatory effect on the QTc-prolonging effects of increasing adiposity. Referenced to Ob-MU-, Ob + MU- and Ob-MU+ independently prolong QTc to a comparable extent, and Ob + MU+ has an additive effect on QTc prolongation. With reference to Ob-MU-, OR for VA in Ob-MU+ males and females were 5.96 (95%CI:4.70-7.55) and 5.10 (95%CI:3.34-7.80), respectively. OR for Ob + MU+ were 6.99 (95%CI:5.72-8.54) and 3.56 (95%CI:2.66-4.77) in males and females, respectively, (all p &lt; 0.001, see Table).

Conclusion

 Adiposity and metabolic perturbation prolong QTc to a similar extent, and their co-existence exerts an additive effect. These effects are independent of genetically determined repolarisation reserve. Despite their comparable QTc prolonging effects, metabolic ill-health is associated with higher OR for VA than obesity. VA in obesity and metabolic dysfunctionReference phenotypeOb + MU-Ob-MU+Ob + MU+Ob-MU+male1.10(0.87-1.39)ns5.96 (4.70-7.55)***6.99(5.72-8.54)***female0.87(0.64-1.18)ns5.10(3.34-7.80)***3.56(2.66-4.77)***Ob + MU-male--6.01(4.98-7.26)***female--5.61(4.18-7.52)***Ob + MU+male--1.25(1.05-1.49)*female--1.16(0.80-1.68)nsOb, obese; MU, metabolically unhealthy; +, presence; -, absence; ns, non-significant; *p &lt; 0.05; ***p &lt; 0.001. Abstract Figure. QTc in obesity and metabolic dysfunction

POS0327 INACTIVATION OF ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE 3A2 INHIBITS FIBROBLAST ACTIVATION AND TISSUE FIBROSIS

Background:

The aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) superfamily composes a group of 20 enzymes that catalyze aldehyde oxidation. Within this enzyme family, ALDH3A2 stands out for its central role in the oxidation of long-chain aldehydes. Of particular interest, the substrates of ALDH3A2 include also profibrotic lipid mediators such as sphingosine 1-phosphate or leukotrienes, which have been reported to be deregulated in the context of SSc.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the role of ALDH3A2 in fibrotic tissue remodeling in SSc.

Methods:

Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition was analyzed by quantification of ACTA2/αSMA, by assessment of stress fiber formation and mRNA and protein levels of type I collagens. ALDH3A2/Aldh3a2 siRNAs were employed to specifically knockdown ALDH3A2 in dermal fibroblasts both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of ALDH3A2 was achieved by ALDH3A2-pcDNA transfection. The role of ALDH3A2 was investigated in three different mouse models: Bleomycin- and cGvHD-induced dermal fibrosis as well as fibrosis induced by overexpression of a constitutively active TGFβ receptor I (TBRICA). Target genes of ALDH3A2 in fibroblasts were identified by RNA sequencing.

Results:

The expression of ALDH3A2 was modestly reduced in dermal fibroblasts of SSc skin as compared to matched healthy controls. This reduction in ALDH3A2 expression was phenocopied by activation of TGFβ signaling, whereas selective inhibition of TGFβ signaling prevented the downregulation of ALDH3A2 in experimental fibrosis. ALDH3A2 overexpression promoted fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition with increased levels of αSMA, enhanced formation of stress fibers and reduced collagen release. In contrast, knockdown of ALDH3A2 in dermal fibroblasts inhibited fibroblast activation and collagen release. Moreover, in vivo knockdown of ALDH3A2 in the skin of mice ameliorated dermal thickening, myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition in three different murine models of skin fibrosis: Bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and sclerodermatous GvHD-as models of inflammatory stages of SSc and TBRICA-induced fibrosis as an inflammation-independent model of SSc. RNA sequencing of ALDH3A2-knockdown fibroblasts demonstrated that ALDH3A2 regulates the activity of a network of profibrotic developmental pathways including TGFβ, Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog signaling.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate that ALDH3A2 regulates a network of profibrotic pathways to control fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. ALDH3A2 is modestly downregulated in SSc fibroblasts as result of an endogenous, TGFβ-driven feedback loop. Although this modest downregulation is not sufficient to counterbalance the aberrant fibroblast activation in SSc, augmentation of this endogenous regulation by knockdown of ALDH3A2 demonstrates potent antifibrotic potential in experimental dermal fibrosis, thereby providing first evidence for ALDH3A2 as a target for antifibrotic therapies.

Disclosure of Interests:

Xiaohan Xu: None declared, Yi-Nan Li: None declared, Chih-Wei Chen: None declared, Thuong Trinh-Minh: None declared, Georg Schett: None declared, Jörg H.W. Distler Consultant of: Actelion, Active Biotech, Anamar, ARXX, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, JB Therapeutics, Medac, Pfizer, RuiYi and UCB, Grant/research support from: Anamar, Active Biotech, Array Biopharma, ARXX, aTyr, BMS, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis, RedX, UCB

[Mechanism of hepatocyte mitochondrial NDUFA13 deficiency-induced liver fibrogenesis: the role of abnormal hepatic stellate cell activation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of hepatocyte mitochondrial NDUFA13 loss in the liver fibrogenesis in mice and explore the possible mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

We used liver-specific NDUFA13 heterozygous knockout mouse models (NDUFA13^fl/-; Alb-Cre) established previously by intercrossing NDUFA13^fl/fl and Alb-Cre mice, with their littermate control NDUFA13^fl/fl mice as the control (n=8). The mice were euthanized at the age of 4 weeks and 2 years, and the liver tissues were collected for HE and Masson staining to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis phenotypes. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of NDUFA13 protein in the liver tissues, and the infiltration of F4/80⁺ macrophages and the expressions of TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The expression levels of α-SMA, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases 1 (TIMP-1), collagen-Ⅰ and collagen-Ⅲ were assayed by immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVE

HE and Masson staining showed obvious inflammatory infiltration but no significant fibrosis in the liver tissues of 4-week-old NDUFA13^fl/- mice, but severe liver damage with massive fibrosis was observed in 2-year-old NDUFA13^fl/- mice. NDUFA13 expression in 2-year-old NDUFA13^fl/- mice markedly decreased compared with that in the control NDUFA13^fl/fl mice as shown by Western blotting (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed obvious infiltration of F4/80⁺ macrophages in the liver tissue with a large amount of TGF-β1 production (P < 0.05) and TNF-α and IL-1β secretions in NDUFA13^fl/- mice (P < 0.05). NDUFA13 knockout obviously promoted α-SMA expression (P < 0.05) and collagen-Ⅰ and collagen-Ⅲ deposition (P < 0.05) while significantly decreased MMP-9 and increased TIMP-1 expression in the liver (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocytes-specific NDUFA13 deficiency can trigger spontaneous and chronic liver fibrosis phenotypes in mice probably in association with abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells induced by macrophages and inflammatory factors.

Analysis of recently duplicated TYRP1 genes and their effect on the formation of black patches in Oujiang-color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color)

Tyrp1 gene, as a member of the tyrosinase family, has undergone a recent duplication event during fourth-round whole genome duplication in common carp. In this research, three Tyrp1 genes were identified in Oujiang-color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color). The similar expression patterns and close phylogenetic relationship indicated that Tyrp1c is homologous to Tyrp1b and possibly originated from the ancient Tyrp1b. The rates of synonymous and non-synonymous substitution (K_a /K_s ) in Tyrp1 across teleost phylogeny indicated that Tyrp1a is more likely to be in the process of purifying selection. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to disrupt the Tyrp1 genes in zebrafish and the WB (black patches on white skin) strain of Oujiang-color common carp. The Tyrp1 loss of function variants in zebrafish and WB carp showed severe melanin deficiency in the skin. Meanwhile, inactivation of a single Tyrp1 gene did not obstruct melanin synthesis, which proved that the functional redundancy of Tyrp1 genes existed in both zebrafish and Oujiang-color common carp. Among the mosaic individuals with Tyrp1 genes in disrupted-color common carp, various mutations in Tyrp1b gene induced gray or brown phenotypes, suggesting that it may be bifunctional in Oujiang-color common carp. In addition, the phenotype of WB variants was different from that of WW (whole white skin), suggesting that Tyrp1 genes were not the key factor that caused the difference between WB and WW.

Heterotrimeric G protein signalling in plant biotic and abiotic stress response

Heterotrimeric G proteins act as molecular switches to participate in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside of cells. G proteins have three subunits, Gα, Gβ and Gγ, which function mutually to modulate many biological processes in plants, including plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. In plants, the number of Gγ subunits is larger than that of the α and β subunits. Based on recent breakthroughs in studies of plant G protein signal perception, transduction and downstream effectors, this review summarizes and analyses the connections between different subunits and the interactions of G proteins with other signalling pathways, especially in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Based on current progress and unresolved questions in the field, we also suggest future research directions on G proteins in plants.

Factors associated with erectile dysfunction diagnosis in men with HIV infection: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

HIV infection is associated with increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, factors associated with ED remain unclear. We evaluated the prevalence of ED among men living with HIV and factors associated with ED diagnosis in the US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study evaluated participants in the NHS, a cohort of HIV-positive active duty members and beneficiaries with HIV infection. Men with a diagnosis of ED after HIV diagnosis were included. Cohort controls without ED diagnosis were matched 2:1 by age at HIV diagnosis and duration of follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with ED.

RESULTS

A total of 543 of 5682 male participants (9.6% prevalence) had a diagnosis of ED, of whom 488 were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age at ED diagnosis was 43 (37.0-49.0) years and the time from HIV diagnosis to antiretroviral therapy (ART) start was longer for cases (5.0 years, IQR: 2.0-9.0) than for controls (3.0 years, 1.0-6.0; P < 0.01). Cases had higher proportions of multiple comorbid conditions, including depression (33.4% vs. 21.7%), tobacco use (19.7% vs. 9.0%) and sleep apnoea (14.8% vs. 4.2%) compared with controls (P < 0.01 for all). Logistic regression showed increased odds of ED for delayed ART initiation > 4 years [odds ratio (OR) = 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56-2.71], protease inhibitor use ≥ 1 year (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.38-2.38) and sleep apnoea (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.68-4.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Erectile dysfunction was common in men with HIV and associated factors included both HIV-related and traditional factors.

Test of Lepton-Flavor Universality in B→K^{*}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Decays at Belle

We present a measurement of R_{K^{*}}, the branching fraction ratio B(B→K^{*}μ^{+}μ^{-})/B(B→K^{*}e^{+}e^{-}), for both charged and neutral B mesons. The ratio for the charged case R_{K^{*+}} is the first measurement ever performed. In addition, we report absolute branching fractions for the individual modes in bins of the squared dilepton invariant mass q^{2}. The analysis is based on a data sample of 711  fb^{-1}, containing 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events, recorded at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The obtained results are consistent with standard model expectations.

[Application and value of excimer laser ablation in the treatment of lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans]

Objective: To evaluate the results of excimer laser ablation (ELA) in the treatment of lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans (ASO). Methods: From June 2019 to March 2020, patients who underwent ELA combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) for lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans (ASO) were enrolled. Demographics, lesion characteristics, procedure-related outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled, including 21 males and 9 females. The mean age was (76.5±10.5) years. The mean lesion length was (11.7±6.4) cm. A total of 41 lesions, including in-stent restenosis (ISR) in 12 (29.3%), chronic totally occlusion (CTO) at initial treatment in 24 (58.5%), and severe stenosis in 5 (12.2%) patients. Sixteen (51.6%) patients were classified as Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring System (PACSS) category 4. The technical success rate was 93.5%. Incidence of distal embolization and bailout stenting was 12.9% and 6.5%, respectively. The mean follow-up time was (6.6±3.0) months. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was significantly increased from 0.43(0.32,0.55) preoperatively to 0.91(0.87,1.01) postoperatively (Z=-5.43, P<0.01) and 0.82(0.73,1.02) (Z=-3.99, P<0.01) three months after surgery. The 3-month major-amputation free survival rate was 96.7%, primary patency rate was 100%, the target lesion reintervention (TLR) rate was 0 and ulcer healing rate was 76.9%. Conclusion: Debulking of ELA is feasible and effective for both ISR and CTO at initial treatment, providing a new option for DCB preparation and reducing stent implantation.

[The safety of atropine for myopia prevention and control]

Atropine is a classical drug with a wide use in clinical practice. In ophthalmology, atropine can be used for cycloplegia before optometry, and the treatment of amblyopia, iridocyclitis, malignant glaucoma, etc. In recent years, the "old drugs with new application " research and application of atropine for myopia prevention and control has become a hotspot and the efficacy of atropine has been preliminarily recognized. However, before the widely used in clinical, the safety of atropine draws attention. Researches concerning side effects of atropine were searched. The most common problem is photophobia due to dilated pupils, followed by poor near visual acuity, allergy and inflammation, local irritation. Other side effects include withdraw rebound, dry eyes, elevation of intraocular pressure, system reactions, photic damage and toxicity. Among them, some side effects are theoretical yet, and the long-term effects of some side reactions are not clear. Further research and exploration is needed to serve clinical evidence. At present, investigational usage for myopia prevention and control in clinical trials of atropine can be beneficial. Safety observation and efficacy evaluation are equally important in the course of application. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 299-304).

[Forcasting the prevalence of myopia among students aged 6-18 years in China from 2021 to 2030]

Objective: To predict the prevalence of myopia among Chinese students aged 6-18 years under different intervention scenarios from 2021 to 2030. Methods: The multi-state Markov model was developed based on the transition process of study stages and myopia statuses. The development of myopia was simplified into two statuses: non-myopia and myopia. Students aged 6-18 years were also divided according to their study stages including senior kindergarten, primary school (from Grade 1 to 6), junior school (from Grade 1 to 3) and high school (from Grade 1 to 3). The parameters were extracted from the National Myopia Investigation in 2018 and published articles of cohort studies. The transition probability was applied to simulate the intervention scenarios, and sensitivity analysis was carried out. Results: The cumulative incidence of myopia among Chinese school-aged children and adolescents would increase consistently. It would be 91.3% (min to max: 83.7% to 96.7%) upon graduation from high school. Without any intervention, the myopia prevalence would increase to 61.8% (min to max: 55.4% to 69.5%) by 2030 among Chinese school-aged children and adolescents. And the myopia prevalence among students in primary schools, junior schools and high schools would be 45.6% (min to max: 40.2% to 54.3%), 81.3% (min to max: 72.6% to 91.0%) and 90.5% (min to max: 82.4% to 96.7%), respectively, all higher than the national target. If the interventions could achieve 70% of the desired effect, the myopia prevalence would be lower than the national target at each stage. Conclusions: Without effective interventions, the prevalence of myopia among students aged 6-18 years may keep increasing in the next ten years. If the interventions achieve the desired effect, the national target for myopia prevention and control could be reached. It is urgent to identify more effective interventions and call on the whole society to participate in the myopia prevention action to achieve the national goal by 2030. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 261-267).

[Profile of China National Birth Cohort]

With the rapid changes in lifestyle, natural and social environment, the reproductive health status of couples in childbearing age continues to decline, and long-term outcomes of the rapidly increasing offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) needs to be evaluated urgently. Therefore, the focus of research now needs to be extended from death and severe diseases to full life cycle and full disease spectrum. In order to meet the demand for such research, we launched the China National Birth Cohort (CNBC) study, an ongoing prospective and longitudinal study aiming to recruit 30 000 families underwent ART and 30 000 families with spontaneous pregnancies. Long-term follow-up programs will be conducted for both spouses and their offspring. Data of couples and their offspring, such as environmental exposure, reproductive history, psychological and behavioral status, will be collected during follow-up. Peripheral blood, urine, umbilical blood, follicular fluid, semen were also collected at different follow-up nodes. Based on high-quality data and biological samples, CNBC will play an extremely important supporting role and have a far-reaching impact on maternal and children's health care and reproductive health in China. This paper is exactly a brief introduction to the construction and basic design of CNBC.

Evidence for X(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} Produced in Single-Tag Two-Photon Interactions

We report the first evidence for X(3872) production in two-photon interactions by tagging either the electron or the positron in the final state, exploring the highly virtual photon region. The search is performed in e^{+}e^{-}→e^{+}e^{-}J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}, using 825  fb^{-1} of data collected by the Belle detector operated at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. We observe three X(3872) candidates, where the expected background is 0.11±0.10 events, with a significance of 3.2σ. We obtain an estimated value for Γ[over ˜]_{γγ}B(X(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}) assuming the Q^{2} dependence predicted by a cc[over ¯] meson model, where -Q^{2} is the invariant mass squared of the virtual photon. No X(3915)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} candidates are found.

LINC00657 promotes malignant progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via regulating microRNA-150

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that LINC00657 is a cancer-promoting gene. However, the role of LINC00657 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been reported. This study was designed to investigate the role of LINC00657 in OSCC and its regulatory mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the levels of LINC00657 and microRNA-150 in 32 pairs of OSCC tissues and normal ones, and the correlation between LINC00657 and clinical indicators and OSCC patient's prognosis was analyzed. qRT-PCR further verified the levels of LINC00657 and microRNA-150 in OSCC cells. In addition, LINC00657 overexpression and knockdown models were constructed using lentivirus in OSCC cell lines Fadu and Tca8113, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), plate clone experiment, and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were carried out to evaluate the influence of LINC00657 on the biological functions of OSCC cells. Further, Luciferase reporter gene and recovery experiments were used to explore its potential mechanism.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR showed that LINC00657 expression in OSCC tissue specimens was increased in comparison to normal ones. Patients with high LINC00657 expression had higher pathological staging and lower overall survival. Besides, the cell proliferation ability of the LINC00657 silencing group was remarkably decreased, while the opposite result was observed in LINC00657 overexpression group. Subsequently, qRT-PCR demonstrated a significant decrease in microRNA-150 expression in OSCC cell lines and tissues and a negative correlation with LINC00657. Luciferase assay demonstrated that LINC00657 could be targeted by microRNA-150 in certain binding sites. In addition, cell reverse experiment also confirmed that LINC00657 and microRNA-150 can be mutually regulated, thereby jointly modulating the malignant progression of OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00657, remarkably upregulated in OSCC tissues, showed a close association with the poor prognosis of OSCC patients. Additionally, it may accelerate the malignant progression of OSCC via regulating microRNA-150.

Highly expressed lncRNA FOXD3-AS1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression via regulating miR-127-3p/mediator complex subunit 28 axis

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FOXD3 antisense RNA 1 (FOXD3-AS1) in lung cancer tissues and to explore its underlying mechanisms in mediating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR; lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion were determined by in vitro functional assays; protein levels were determined by Western blot assay; xenograft nude mice model was used to evaluate the in vivo tumor growth of lung cancer cells; Luciferase reporter assay determined the interactions among FOXD3-AS1, miR-127-3p, and mediator complex subunit 28 (MED28).

RESULTS

Data mining and analysis of the clinical sample showed that FOXD3-AS1 expression was significantly up-regulated in lung cancer tissues. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that FOXD3-AS1 overexpression promoted NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion, while FOXD3-AS1 knockdown exerted tumor-suppressive effects on NSCLC cells. Moreover, FOXD3-AS1 interacted with miR-127-3p by acting as a competing endogenous RNA to suppress miR-127-3p expression, while miR-127-3p repressed MED28 expression by targeting MED28 3' untranslated region in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, the oncogenic effects of FOXD3-AS1 overexpression were significantly attenuated by miR-127-3p overexpression and MED28 knockdown in NSCLC cells. In the xenograft mice model, FOXD3-AS1 knockdown suppressed in vivo tumor growth of A549 cells, and also up-regulated miR-127-3p expression and repressed MED28 expression in the xenograft tumors. In the clinical aspect, the downregulation of miR-127-3p and up-regulation of MED28 were respectively detected in lung cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided new evidence that the FOXD3-AS1 regulated NSCLC progression via targeting the miR-127-3p/MED28 axis.

LiCl Promotes Recovery of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis and Dysgeusia

Oral mucositis and taste dysfunction are frequently complained by patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy, challenging the clinical outcome of cancer treatment. Recent studies have indicated the protective role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) and its pivotal role in the development and self-renewal of taste buds. The current study hypothesizes that lithium chloride (LiCl), a potent activator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, can promote the postirradiation restoration of oral mucosa integrity and taste function. To validate this hypothesis, we established a RIOM mouse model and evaluated the treatment efficacy of LiCl on oral mucositis and taste dysfunction in comparison with keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), an agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral mucositis. The results showed that LiCl alleviated the weight loss and tongue ulceration of RIOM mice, promoted proliferation of basal epithelial cells, and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tongue mucosa. More important, elevated taste bud renewal and dysgeusia recovery toward sweetness were observed in RIOM mice treated with LiCl as compared to those treated by KGF. Collectively, our data demonstrate that LiCl can mitigate oral mucositis and rescue taste alteration induced by irradiation, and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may represent a promising therapy to improve the quality of life of patients receiving radiotherapy.

[Analysis of diagnostic value of UGT1A1 gene detection in Gilbert syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis method of Gilbert syndrome (GS) and the relationship between UGT1A1 gene polymorphism distribution with serum bilirubin. Methods: Clinical data of 115 GS cases diagnosed in our hospital from January 2013 to November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability method, t-test, and non-parametric test were used for data analysis. Results: 115 cases with GS had an average age of (36.89 ± 12.77) years and an average serum total bilirubin level of (44.01 ± 18.78) μmol/L.UGT1A1*28/*28 (21, 18.3%), UGT1A1*1/*28 (17, 14.8%), and UGT1A1*1/*6 (17, 14.8%) were the most common single-site mutations. UGT1A1*1/*28 + *1/*6 (26, 22.6%), UGT1A1*28/*28 + *1/*27 (5, 4.3%) and UGT1A1*1/*28 + *1/*6 + *1/* 27 (5, 4.3%) were the most common multiple-site mutations. Among 110 cases with Gilbert syndrome combined with non-hemolytic diseases, pairwise comparisons showed that the total bilirubin levels of patients with UGT1A1*28/*28 mutations were significantly higher than UGT1A1*6/*6 and UGT1A1*1/*28 + *1/*6 mutation (P < 0.05). Additionally, with the increase of UGT1A1*28 distribution, the serum total bilirubin level had gradually increased (P = 0.028), but UGT1A1*6 was opposite (P = 0.021). There were no significant differences in gene distribution and bilirubin level between GS group (67 cases) and GS combined with viral hepatitis group (32 cases) (P > 0.05). Conclusion: UGT1A1 gene sequencing detection is a simple, safe, specific and sensitive effective method to assist GS diagnosis. It can reduce the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of clinical jaundice, thus reducing the patients' psychological burden and saving the limited medical resources. It is worthy of clinical application.