Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and Their Mass Number Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-π^{0}s produced at forward pseudorapidities (2.6<η<4.0) in p+p, p+Al, and p+Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back π^{0} pairs in p+Al and p+Au collisions compared to the p+p data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in p+Au relative to p+Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale Q_{s}^{2} on the mass number A. A linear scaling of the suppression with A^{1/3} is observed with a slope of -0.09±0.01.

Exploration of PDCoV-induced apoptosis through mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and the antagonistic effect of SeNPs

Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an enveloped positive-strand RNA virus that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, is widely spread worldwide, but there is no effective drug or vaccine against it. This study investigated the optimal Selenium Nano-Particles (SeNPs) addition concentration (2 - 10 μg/mL) and the mechanism of PDCoV effect on ST (Swine Testis) cell apoptosis, the antagonistic effect of SeNPs on PDCoV. The results indicated that 4 μg/mL SeNPs significantly decreased PDCoV replication on ST cells. SeNPs relieved PDCoV-induced mitochondrial division and antagonized PDCoV-induced apoptosis via decreasing Cyt C release and Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 activation. The above results provided an idea and experimental basis associated with anti-PDCoV drug development and clinical use.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

[Whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be used in adult patients with sepsis and septic shock?]

Sepsis is a critical medical problem that needs to be solved urgently worldwide. Some patients with sepsis have refractory shock or/and severe respiratory failure, which may require supporting with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Particularly, it is important to choose the optimal mode and grasp the optimal timing of the initiation in the experienced ECMO center. The choice of mode is mainly based on the patient's condition of oxygenation and hemodynamics. During the management of ECMO support, some issues like blood flow, anticoagulation and therapy of antibiotics should be noted. Thus far, the research of ECMO in adult patients with sepsis and septic shock are mainly retrospective, observational and with small sample size. Further exploration is needed in the future.

O-304 An altered microbiota in the lower and upper female reproductive tract of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion

Study question

Whether the vagina, cervical and uterine microbiota have changed in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).

Summary answer

An altered microbial biodiversity in the vagina, cervix and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group was observed.

What is known already

An obstacle to pregnancy, RSA can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, uterine anomalies, autoimmune diseases, and infection. However, the current understanding of the etiology of RSA is still lacking, and half of cases have unknown causes. Studies have demonstrated that two genera (Atopobium and Prevotella) exhibited significantly greater abundance. The characteristics of the microbiota harbored in vaginal secretions in RSA have been revealed but less attention has been given to the cervical and uterine microbiota in RSA patients.

Study design, size, duration

Samples were collected (RSA group: n = 25; Control group: n = 25) in Peking University Third Hospital from December 2020 to June 2021.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Women with two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions were included. Microbiota compositions were acquired and analyzed by16S rRNA sequencing and Th1/Th2/Th17 inflammation cytokines level of uterine flush fluid were tested.

Main results and the role of chance

Beta diversity was significantly higher in the RSA group than in the control group in the vaginal microbiota (p = 0.036), cervical microbiota (p = 0.010) and microbiota from uterine lavage fluid (p = 0.001). In addition, dramatic decreases in IFN-γ and IL-6 cytokine levels were observed in the RSA group. In conclusion, our data suggested altered microbial biodiversity in the vagina, cervix and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group. Moreover, the microbiota composition differed markedly from the lower genital tract to the uterine cavity, and the microbiota in the uterine cavity also distinctly varied between endometrial tissue and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group (p = 0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Due to the limitations of 16S rRNA sequencing, only relative rather than absolute abundances of the microbiota were obtained.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study suggested that significant alterations in the microbial profile of the vagina, cervix and uterine cavity were present in RSA patients, and the key microbiota in different locations of female reproductive tract involved in pathogenic processes were different, which indicated that different treatments should be considered in clinics.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

[Establishment of a culture system for human nasal mucosa organoids with controllable differentiation]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a culture system for human nasal mucosal organoids with controllable differentiation to reproduce the structure and function of the source tissue through staged expansion-differentiation culture.

METHODS

Fresh samples of surgically resected middle turbinate and nasal polyp tissues were collected, from which the nasal mucosa epithelial cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and filtration for continuous culture at the air-liquid interface for expansion (EO group) or staged culture for expansion and differentiation (DO group). Immunohistochemical staining was used to characterize the structure, cellular composition and ciliary function of nasal mucosal organoids in the two groups. The secretion function of the differentiated nasal mucosal organoids in DO group was evaluated using PAS staining.

RESULTS

Both of the two organoid culture systems yielded vacuolar or solid spherical 3D organoids, and their diameters increased progressively with time. On day 16 of culture, more vacuolar organoids occurred in DO group, while more solid spherical organoids were seen in EO group, and the proportion of vacuoles was significantly greater in DO group than in EO group [(54.67±13.26)% vs (21.67±8.57)%, P < 0.05]. Short tandem repeat (STR) test of the nasal mucosal organoids and the source tissue showed a 100% match between them. On day 21 of culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the nasal mucosal organoids identified ultrastructure of cilia in DO group and short villi structure in most of the organoids in EO group. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for P63 (basal cells), β-tubulin (ciliated columnar cells), and MUC5AC (goblet cells) in the organoids. Compared with those in EO group, the organoids in DO group showed significantly greater percentages of ciliated cells [(7.95±1.81)% vs (27.04±5.91)%, P < 0.05] and goblet cells [(14.46±0.93)% vs (39.85±5.43)%, P < 0.05) with a similar percentage of basal cells [(56.91±14.12)% vs (53.42±15.77)%, P > 0.05]. The differentiated nasal mucosal organoids in DO group were positively stained for glycogen.

CONCLUSION

The staged expansion-differentiation culture method allows more stable and prolonged growth of the cultured cells in vitro to produce organoids with controllable differentiation closely resembling the morphological structure and functions (ciliary function and secretory function) of the source tissue.

Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis with or without adjunctive graft material: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical effect of surgical treatment of peri-implantitis alone or in combination with graft material. Literature searches were conducted up to June 20, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical effects of open flap debridement (OFD) alone and OFD with adjunctive graft materials for the treatment of peri-implantitis were included. Probing depth (PD) changes and marginal bone level (MBL) changes were assessed and expressed as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The search yielded 7419 articles, five of which were analysed quantitatively. The adjunctive use of graft materials in OFD did not provide additional PD improvements (SMD 0.46, 95% CI -0.13 to 1.05; P = 0.13), but did yield additional MBL improvements (SMD 1.04, 95% CI 0.71-1.37; P < 0.01). The degradability of the material, number of implants included per patient, and risk of bias did not have significant effects on the results, but the origin of the material may affect the PD improvements. Based on the available evidence, the adjunctive use of graft materials in the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis can significantly improve MBL changes but not PD changes.

[The assistant effects of porcine fibrin sealant in improving stone clearance rate in flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in ex vivo porcine kidney model]

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of using a porcine fibrin sealant to wrap and remove kidney calculi fragments through an isolated porcine kidney model. Methods: In the isolated porcine kidney stone model (implanted with 100 mg, air dried, ≤1 mm human stone fragments, n=6;implanted with 100 mg, air dried, ≤3 mm human stone fragments, n=6), the ureteral soft mirror combined with the 12/14Fr UAS was used to test the effect of stone extraction using only two stone extraction methods: basket extraction (control group, ≤1 mm stone fragments, n=3; ≤3 mm stone fragments, n=3) and basket-sealant extraction (test group, ≤1 mm stone fragments, n=3; ≤3 mm stone fragments, n=3). Compare the stone removal rate and operation time of the two stone retrieval methods. The sealant was put into urine of normal human and observed. Results: Porcine Fibrin Sealant can form a gel in saline and urine and adhere and wrap stone fragments. The time of procedures of test (basket-sealant) and control (basket) group in kidneys implanted with ≤ 1 mm stone fragments were (14.0±4.2) and (29.0±0.7)min (P<0.05) stone clearance rates were (90.9±1.4)% and (48.4±15.7)% (P<0.05), respectively. In kidneys implanted with ≤ 3 mm fragments, time of procedures were (12.8±4.0) and (30.0±0)min (P<0.05) Stone clearance rates were (91.1±5.0)% and (20.7±8.0)% (P<0.05). The Sealant dissolves by itself in normal human urine and normal saline at 37 ℃ for 24 hours. Conclusion: The appropriate concentration of Porcine Fibrin Sealant assisted stone retrieval may become a new method for removing small stone fragments in retrograde intrarenal surgery.

POS0437 CIRC_ 0003972 STUDY ON FIBROBLAST LIKE SYNOVIAL CELLS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS THROUGH IMMUNE REGULATION

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple joint symmetry. The main pathological changes are fibroblast like synovial (FLS) cell proliferation and bone destruction. Circular RNA (circrna) is a special type of noncoding RNA formed by reverse splicing of linear RNA, which has high stability in organisms. Research shows that circ_ 0003972 is a circrna found to be significantly up-regulated in RA patients in recent years, and its level is significantly positively correlated with DAS28 score and patients with joint tenderness (Wen et al, 2020b)[1]. However, The role of CIRC_0003972 in the pathological progression of RA synovium has not been confirmed. Our research aims to reveal Role of Circ_0003972.

Objectives

Circular RNAs (circrnas) have been shown to play an important role in the progression of RA. The purpose of this study is to explore Circ_ 0003972 Role and mechanism of in the progression of RA.

Methods

The gene expression was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The proliferation and apoptosis of human RA fibroblast like synovial (fls-ra) cells were measured by cell counting kit 8, edu staining and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to measure protein expression, and ELISA was used to check the concentration of inflammatory factors. Double luciferase reporter gene detection and rip detection confirmed mir-654-5p and Interaction between Circ_0003972.

Results

Circ_0003972 is expressed in RA patients and fls-ra cells. Circ_ 0003972 knockdown inhibits proliferation and inflammation and promotes TNF-α Flra-induced apoptosis. Mir-654-5p is down regulated in RA patients and fls-RA cells, and it can be expressed by Circ_ 0003972 absorption. Mir-654-5p inhibitor reversed Circ_0003972 silencing on TNF-α Effects of induced hfls-RA on cell proliferation, inflammation and apoptosis.

Conclusion

Circ_0003972 may promote the proliferation and inflammation of FLS-RA cells and accelerate the pathological progress of RA by regulating mir-654-5p.

References

[1]Wen J, Liu J, Zhang P, et al. RNA-seq reveals the circular RNA and miRNA expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis[J]. Bioscience Reports, 2020, 40(4).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

[Safety and learning curve of Da Vinci robotic single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of obesity patients]

Objective: To investigate the safety and learning curve of Da Vinci robotic single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in the treatment of obesity patients. Methods: A descriptive case series study was performed. Clinical data of obesity patients who were treated with Da Vinci robotic SADI-S in China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from March 2020 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Case inclusion criteria: (1) uncomplicated obese patients with body mass index (BMI)≥37.5 kg/m(2); (2) patients with BMI of 28 to <37.5 kg/m(2) complicated with type 2 diabetes or two metabolic syndrome components, or obesity comorbidities; (3) patients undergoing SADI-S by Da Vinci robotic surgery system. Those who received other bariatric procedures other than SADI-S or underwent Da Vince robotic SADI-S as revisional operation were excluded. A total of 77 patients were enrolled in the study, including 31 males and 46 females, with median age of 33 (18-59) years, preoperative body weight of (123.0±26.2) kg, BMI of (42.2±7.1) kg/m(2) and waistline of (127.6±16.3) cm. According to the order of operation date, the patients were numbered as 1-77. The textbook outcome (TO) and Clavien-Dindo grading standard were used to analyze the clinical outcome of each patient and to classify surgical complications, respectively. The standard of textbook outcome was as follows: the operative time less than or equal to the 75th percentile of the patient's operation time (210 min); the postoperative hospital stay less than or equal to the 75th percentile of the patient's postoperative hospital stay (7 d); complication grade lower than Clavien grade II; no readmission; no conversion to laparotomy or death. The patient undergoing robotic SADI-S was considered to meet the TO standard when meeting the above 5 criteria. The TO rate was calculated by cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) method. The curve was drawn by case number as X-axis and CUSUM (TO rate) as Y-axis so as to understand the learning curve of robotic SADI-S. Results: The operative time of 77 robotic SADI-S was (182.9±37.5) minutes, and the length of postoperative hospital stay was 6 (4-55) days. There was no conversion to laparotomy or death. Seven patients suffered from complications (7/77, 9.1%). Four patients had grade II complications (5.2%), including one with duodeno-ileal anastomotic leakage, one with abdominal bleeding, one with peritoneal effusion and one with delayed gastric emptying; two patients were grade IIIb complications (2.6%) and both of them were diagnosed with gastric leakage; one patient was grade IV complication diagnosed with postoperative respiratory failure (1.3%), and all of them were cured successfully. A total of 51 patients met the textbook outcome standard, and the TO rate was positive and was steadily increasing after the number of surgical cases accumulated to the 46th case. Taking the 46th case as the boundary, all the patients were divided into learning stage group (n=46) and mastery stage group (n=31). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, ASA classification, standard liver volume, operative time and morbidity of postoperative complication (all P>0.05). The percent of abdominal drainage tube in learning stage group was higher than that in mastery stage group (54.3% versus 16.1%, P<0.05). The length of postoperative hospital stay in learning stage group was longer than that in mastery stage group [6 (4-22) d versus 6 (5-55) d, P<0.05)]. Conclusion: The Da Vinci robotic SADI-S is safe and feasible with a learning curve of 46 cases.

[A randomized controlled trial of indobufen versus aspirin in the prevention of bridging restenosis after coronary artery bypass grafting]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety between indobufen and aspirin in the prevention of restenosis of bridge vessels at 1 year after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study. We selected 152 patients who received coronary artery bypass grafting in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from December 2016 to December 2018. Patients were divided into the indobufen group and the aspirin group. Patients in the aspirin group were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel, and patients in the indobufen group were treated with indobufen and clopidogrel. During the 1-year follow-up, the rate of restenosis of saphenous vein bridge and internal mammary artery bridge, the rate of adverse cardiac events and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. The levels of fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D-D), thrombomodulin (TM) and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) were compared before and after antiplatelet therapy. Results: There were 76 cases in the indobufen group, including 57 males (75.0%), aged (60.3±6.6) years. There were 76 cases in the aspirin group, including 62 males (81.6%), aged (59.7±7.2) years. Baseline data were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up, 3 cases were lost to follow up. Follow-up was completed in 74 patients in the indobufen group and 75 in the aspirin group. A total of 268 bridging vessels were grafted in the indobufen group and 272 in the aspirin group. One year after surgery, the patency rates of great saphenous vein bridge and internal mammary artery bridge were 94.5% (189/200) and 97.1% (66/68) in the indobuphen group, and 91.3% (189/207) and 96.9% (63/65) in the aspirin group, respectively. There was no significant difference in patency rate of great saphenous vein bridge and internal mammary artery bridge between the two groups (χ²=0.282, 0.345, P>0.05). The total incidence of adverse cardiac events was 5.4% (4/74) in the indobufen group and 6.7% (5/75) in the aspirin group (χ²=0.126, P>0.05). The overall incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions was significantly lower in the indobufen group than in the aspirin group (4.1% (3/74) vs. 13.3% (10/75), χ²=4.547, P<0.05). The levels of FIB, D-D, TM and TAFI in the two groups were lower than those before surgery (P<0.05), and there was no statistical significance between the two groups at baseline and post-operation (P>0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of indobufen combined with clopidogrel in the prevention of 1-year restenosis after coronary artery bypass graft is similar to that of aspirin combined with clopidogrel, but the incidence of adverse reactions is lower, and the safety is higher in patients treated with indobufen combined with clopidogrel compared to aspirin combined with clopidogrel strategy.

Measurements of Proton High-Order Cumulants in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) within -0.5<y<0 and 0.4<p_{T}<2.0  GeV/c. In the most central 0%-5% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be C_{4}/C_{2}=-0.85±0.09 (stat)±0.82 (syst), which is 2σ below the Poisson baseline with respect to both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our C_{4}/C_{2} in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in C_{4}/C_{2} is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3 GeV.

Measurements of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H midrapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV. _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221±15(stat)±19(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{3}H and 218±6(stat)±13(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{4}H. The p_{T}-integrated yields of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of _{Λ}^{4}H is different for 0%-10% and 10%-50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the _{Λ}^{3}H yield well, while underestimating the _{Λ}^{4}H yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

[A comparative study of multiple parallel mediation analysis methods]

Objective: To introduce and compare four analysis methods of multiple parallel mediation model, including pure regression method, method based on inverse probability weighting, extended natural effect model method and weight-based imputation strategies. Methods: For the multiple parallel mediation model, the simulation experiments of three scenarios were carried out to compare the performance of different methods in estimating direct and indirect effects in different situations. Dataset from UK Biobank was then analyzed by using the four methods. Results: The estimation biases of the regression method and the inverse probability weighting method were relatively small, followed by the extended natural effect model method, and the estimation results of the weight-based imputation strategies were quite different from the other three methods. Conclusions: Different multiple parallel mediation analysis methods have different application situations and their own advantages and disadvantages. The regression method is more suitable for continuous mediator, and the inverse probability weighting method is more suitable for binary mediator. The extended natural effect model method has better performances when the residuals of two parallel mediators are positively correlated and the correlation degree is small. The weight-based imputation strategies might not be appropriate for parallel mediation analysis. Therefore, appropriate methods should be selected according to the specific situation in practice.

[Quality of life and influencing factors of postoperative accelerated rehabilitation of esophageal cancer patients]

Objective: To explore the quality of life and its influencing factors of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) of esophageal cancer patients. Methods: The quality of life of 134 esophageal cancer patients was assessed using the quality of life assessment scale (EORTC QLQ-C30) developed by the European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization. Student's t test, One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression statistical methods were used to analyze the effects of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on patients' quality of life. Results: The overall score of quality of life (74.00) was lower than that of the general population (75.30). However, the scores of emotion and cognition in function dimension (93.97 and 95.77) were better than those of the general population (82.80 and 86.50). The results of fatigue, pain, insomnia and constipation in symptom dimension (14.18, 10.94, 11.69 and 5.72) were better than those of the general population (28.80, 20.50, 20.40 and 10.70). The pathological stage, body mass index and dietary were independent influencing factors for the quality of life of patients with esophageal cancer (P<0.05). Conclusions: ERAS can partially improve the quality of life of esophageal cancer patients. More attention should be paid to the esophageal cancer patients after surgery and take targeted measures to improve their quality of life.

[Clinical characteristics and risk factors of pericardial effusion after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with thalassemia major]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of thalassemia major (TM) children with pericardial effusion (PE) after allo-geneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Clinical data of 446 TM children received allo-HSCT at Shenzhen Children's Hospital between January 2012 and December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into PE and non-PE group according to the occurrence of PE. Chi-square tests were used to investigate the risk factors that were associated with the development of PE. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis of the 2 groups. Results: Twenty-five out of 446 patients (5.6%) developed PE at a time of 75.0 (66.5, 112.5) days after allo-HSCT. Among these patients, 22 cases (88.0%) had PE within 6 months after allo-HSCT and 19 patients (76.0%) had PE within 100 days after allo-HSCT. The diagnoses of PE were confirmed using echocardiography. Pericardial tamponade was observed in only 1 patient, who later undergone emergency pericardiocentesis. The rest of patients received conservative managements alone. PE disappeared in all patients after treatment. Risk factors that were associated with the development of PE after allo-HSCT included the gender of patients, the type of transplantation, the number of mononuclear cells (MNC) infuse, pulmonary infection after HSCT and transplantation associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) (χ²=3.99, 10.20, 14.18, 36.24, 15.03, all P<0.05). In 239 patients that received haploidentical HSCT, the development of PE was associated with the gender of patients, pulmonary infection after HSCT and TA-TMA (χ²=4.48, 20.89, 12.70, all P<0.05). The overall survival rates of PE and non-PE groups were 96.0% (24/25) and 98.6% (415/421). The development of PE was not associated with the overall survival of TM children after allo-HSCT (χ²=1.73, P=0.188). Conclusions: PE mainly develop within 100 days after allo-HSCT in pediatric TM recipients. Haploidentical grafts, female gender, pulmonary infection after HSCT and TA-TMA are the main risk factors associated with PE development after transplant. However, the presence of PE don't have a significant impact on the outcomes of pediatric TM patients after allo-HSCT.

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

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

[Progress on clinical trials of common gastrointestinal cancer drugs in China from 2012 to 2021]

Objective: Systematically summarize the research progress of clinical trials of gastric cancer oncology drugs and the overview of marketed drugs in China from 2012 to 2021, providing data and decision-making evidence for relevant departments. Methods: Based on the registration database of the drug clinical trial registration and information disclosure platform of Food and Drug Administration of China and the data query system of domestic and imported drugs, the information on gastric cancer drug clinical trials, investigational drugs and marketed drugs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021 was analyzed, and the differences between Chinese and foreign enterprises in terms of trial scope, trial phase, treatment lines and drug type, effect and mechanism studies were compared. Results: A total of 114 drug clinical trials related to gastric tumor were registered in China from 2012 to 2021, accounting for 3.7% (114/3 041) of all anticancer drug clinical trials in the same period, the registration number showed a significant growth rate after 2016 and reached its peak with 32 trials in 2020. Among them, 85 (74.6%, 85/114) trials were initiated by Chinese pharmaceutical enterprise. Compared with foreign pharmaceutical enterprise, Chinese pharmaceutical enterprise had higher rates of phase I trials (35.3% vs 6.9%, P=0.001), but the rate of international multicenter trials (11.9% vs 67.9%, P<0.001) was relatively low. There were 76 different drugs involved in relevant clinical trials, of which 65 (85.5%) were targeted drugs. For targeted drugs, HER2 is the most common one (14 types), followed by PD-1 and multi-target VEGER. In the past ten years, 3 of 4 marketed drugs for gastric cancer treatment were domestic and included in the national medical insurance directory. Conclusions: From 2012 to 2021, China has made some progress in drug research and development for gastric carcinoma. However, compared with the serious disease burden, it is still insufficient. Targeted strengthening of research and development of investment in many aspects of gastric cancer drugs, such as new target discovery, matured target excavating, combination drug development and early line therapy promotion, is the key work in the future, especially for domestic companies.

[Fast determination of bongkrekic acid in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a method for rapid determination of bongkrekic acid (BA) in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Methods: In November 2020, plasma samples were extracted by methanol and acetonitrile (1∶1) and purified directly. The samples were separated by C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out with 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate water acetonitrile solution as mobile phase. Under the optimized instrument conditions, the electrospray ionization multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used, and the external standard method was used for quantitative analysis. Results: The linear relationship of BA in plasma was good in the concentration range of 2-100 μg/L, the correlation coefficient was 0.9998, the average recovery was 83.7%-112.0%, the relative standard deviation within and between batches was less than 10%, the detection limit of the method was 0.7 μg/L and the lower limit of quantification was 2.0 μg/L. Conclusion: The method is simple, rapid, accurate and sensitive, and can meet the requirements for the determination of BA in blood samples of poisoning patients.

Antiviral Effect of Selenomethionine on Porcine Deltacoronavirus in Pig Kidney Epithelial Cells

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging porcine intestinal coronavirus in recent years, which mainly causes different degrees of vomiting and diarrhea in piglets and has caused great harm to the swine husbandry worldwide since its report. Selenium is an essential trace element for organisms and has been demonstrated to have antiviral effects. In this study, pig kidney epithelial (LLC-PK) cells were used to study the antiviral activity of selenomethionine (Se-Met) (2, 4, 8, and 16 μM) against PDCoV by detecting the replication of the virus, the expression of the mitochondrial antiviral signal protein (MAVS) protein, and the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3), IFN-α, and IFN-β, and the changes in glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activity, and hydrogen peroxide content in the cells. The results showed that Se-Met at higher than physiological concentrations (16 μM) could significantly inhibit the replication of PDCoV in LLC-PK cells and enhance the expression of MAVS protein and the phosphorylation of IRF-3. In addition, Se-Met also improved the intracellular production of IFNα/β and antioxidant capacity with increasing doses. These data suggest that the availability of selenium through selenomethionine supports the antiviral response in porcine kidney cells, and the specific mechanism is attributed to the improved cellular antioxidant capacity and activation of the MAVS pathway by Se-Met.

Search for the Chiral Magnetic Effect via Charge-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations Relative to Spectator and Participant Planes in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) refers to charge separation along a strong magnetic field due to imbalanced chirality of quarks in local parity and charge-parity violating domains in quantum chromodynamics. The experimental measurement of the charge separation is made difficult by the presence of a major background from elliptic azimuthal anisotropy. This background and the CME signal have different sensitivities to the spectator and participant planes, and could thus be determined by measurements with respect to these planes. We report such measurements in Au+Au collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. It is found that the charge separation, with the flow background removed, is consistent with zero in peripheral (large impact parameter) collisions. Some indication of finite CME signals is seen in midcentral (intermediate impact parameter) collisions. Significant residual background effects may, however, still be present.

[Predictive value of left ventricular ejection fraction for the occurrence of postoperative myocardial infarction after coronary endarterectomy in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of ejection fraction for the postoperative myocardial infarction after coronary endarterectomy (CE) in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease (DCAD). Methods: Patients who underwent cardiac artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and CE in Beijing Anzhen Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from May 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Baseline features including age, sex and echocardiography parameters were obtained. Left ventricular ejection fraction(EF) was measured by echocardiography. The patients were divided into postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI) group and non-PMI group according to PMI occurrence. Linear regression analysis, logistic regression model, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve were used to analyze the correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction and PMI and the influencing factors. Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 32 patients (27%) in the PMI group (male 27(84%), age (62±8)), inferior myocardial infarction occurred in 24 (75%) patients. There were 88 patients (73%) in the non-PMI group (male 70(80%), age (62±8)). EF (55% (49%, 64%) vs. 62% (55%, 67%), P=0.01) was significantly lower in the PMI group than in the non-PMI group. Perioperative TNI, IABP use and length of hospitalization were significantly higher in the PMI group than in the non-PMI group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that lower EF was an independent risk factor of PMI (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.89-0.98, P=0.01) after adjusting age, sex and body mass index. ROC curve analysis showed that EF<60% could sufficiently predict the occurrence of PMI (AUC= 0.67, sensitivity 64%, specificity 69%, P=0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (OR=-0.52, 95%CI:-1.13-0.60, P<0.001), graft flow in left anterior descending (OR=-0.20, 95%CI:-0.15-0.01, P=0.02) and history of diabetes (OR=-0.28, 95%CI:-8.25-1.85, P=0.002) were negatively correlated with preoperative EF value. Conclusion: Lower preoperative EF is an independent risk factor for PMI after CABG and CE in DCAD patients, closely related to the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, graft flow in left anterior descending artery and diabetes mellitus.

A242 STOOL FROM IBS-D PATIENT WITH A HISTORY OF A DYSBIOTIC AND NON-DYSBIOTIC ONSET MODULATE NEURONAL EXCITABILITY VIA DIFFERENT MECHANISMS

Background

We have shown that Irritable Bowel Syndrome diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) patients with a history of a dysbiotic-like onset have distinct stool metabolomic profiles versus those with a non-dysbiotic-like onset. IBS stool supernatants can sensitize mouse colonic afferent nerves via both histamine and proteases. However, it is unknown if stool supernatants from the two IBS-D subgroups modulate the excitability of nociceptive neurons via different neuroactive mediators

Aims

To evaluate whether there are differences in neuroactive mediators within stool supernatants from subgroups of IBS-D patients that can modulate the excitability of nociceptive neurons.

Methods

Stool samples from healthy control (HC) (N=5) and IBS-D patients with a dysbiotic (N=7) or non-dysbiotic-like (N=7) onset, was homogenized with Krebs solution and filtered. Proteolytic activity was assessed using casein as a substrate with and without protease inhibitors. Histamine was quantified by ELISA. DRG neurons from C57BL/6 mice were incubated overnight or acutely (30 min) with stool supernatants. Some neurons were pre-incubated with PAR2 (GB83, 10 μM) or H1R (pyrilamine, 1μM) antagonists prior to supernatant incubation. Changes in neuronal excitability were assessed with perforated patch-clamp by measuring the rheobase (current that elicits an action potential).

Results

Proteolytic activity in dysbiotic-like (57.9 U/μg, p&lt;0.05) but not non-dysbiotic like (37.4 U/μg) stool supernatant was increased compared to HC (25.2 U/μg). Serine inhibitor decreased proteolytic activity of dysbiotic (46.6%, p&lt;0.05) and non-dysbiotic (34.2%, p&lt;0.01) supernatant whereas cysteine, aspartic and metalloproteases inhibitors had no effect. Histamine was increased 78% (p&lt;0.05) in IBS-D compared to HC. No differences in proteolytic activity and histamine concentration between IBS-D subtypes were found. In patch-clamp recordings, overnight incubation with dysbiotic (19%, p&lt;0.05) and non-dysbiotic (22%, p&lt; 0.01) stool supernatant decreased rheobase of DRG neurons compared to HC. No difference in rheobase was observed between IBS-D subtypes. GB83 blocked the overnight actions of supernatants from both subgroups, but pyrilamine had no effect. In contrast, following acute incubation, pyrilamine blocked the hyperexcitability evoked by dysbiotic like supernatant (60pA vs 48pA, p&lt;0.001) but had no effect on non-dysbiotic like supernatants.

Conclusions

Proteases in stool supernatants from IBS-D patients increase neuronal excitability but only those with a history of dysbiotic like onset acutely increase neuronal excitability through H1 receptors. These findings suggest that stool supernatants from subgroups of IBS-D may modulate nociceptor excitability via different mechanisms.

Funding Agencies

CIHRAmerican Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society

A239 COMBINED CANNABINOID RECEPTOR 1 AND MU-OPIOID RECEPTOR AGONISTS SYNERGISTICALLY INHIBIT VISCERAL PAIN IN VIVO WITHOUT ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS OR TOLERANCE

Background

Previously we have shown that both cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) and mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists inhibit mechanosensitivity of colonic nociceptive nerves. However, it is unknown whether agonists of cannabinoid and opioid receptors have a synergistic interaction, such that very low doses of these agonists can be employed to reduce visceral pain and side effects.

Aims

To determine the effects of combined cannabinoid and opioid receptor agonists on visceral pain and its side effects.

Methods

Telemetric transmitters were surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity of C57/BL6 mice, with electrodes sutured to the external oblique muscle to measure the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention using a 4F arterial embolectomy catheter (volume range 20–80 µL). Mice were injected intraperitoneally with vehicle, arachidonyl-2’-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a selective CB1R agonist (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg), HU-308, a selective CB2R agonist (0.3, 1, 3mg/kg), morphine, a MOR agonist (0.3, 3 mg/kg), or a combination, 30-minutes prior to distention. To assess side effects, pulse oximetry, heart rate, fecal pelleting, and locomotion (via an open-field maze) were measured. Data was analyzed with one or two-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni multiple comparisons test.

Results

ACEA dose-dependently reduced VMR (P&lt;0.01 vs. vehicle, N=5); at the 80 µL distention, reductions of 35% (P&lt;0.01) and 62% (P&lt;0.01) were observed for 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg respectively. In contrast, HU-308 did not reduce VMR at any dose (P=0.17, N=8). Morphine (0.3 mg/kg) did not reduce VMR (P&gt;0.99), while a higher dose (3 mg/kg) attenuated VMR (P&lt;0.01 vs. vehicle, N=5); reductions of 32% (P&lt;0.01) and 61% (P&lt;0.01) at 60 and 80 µL distentions respectively. Interestingly, a combination of sub-analgesic doses of ACEA (0.3 mg/kg) and morphine (0.3 mg/kg) significantly reduced VMR (P&lt;0.01 vs vehicle, N=5); compared to vehicle, VMR was reduced by 21% at 40 µL (P&lt;0.05), 27% at 60 µL (P&lt;0.01) and 60% at 80 µL (P&lt;0.01). Chronic administration (2x/day for 6 days) of this combination did not alter the magnitude of its inhibitory effect (P=0.67, N=5), suggesting tolerance did not develop. While analgesic doses of morphine (3mg/kg) decreased oxygen saturation (P&lt;0.01), heart rate (P&lt;0.01) and fecal pelleting (i.e., GI motility; P&lt;0.05), the sub-analgesic combination of ACEA and morphine had no effect (P&gt;0.99 for all, N=5). Locomotion was unchanged by the agonists alone or combined (P=0.17).

Conclusions

A combination of sub-analgesic doses of CB1R and MOR agonists significantly inhibits visceral pain in vivo, without development of sides effects or tolerance with chronic use. Thus, combining low doses of CB1R and MOR agonists may be an effective visceral pain management strategy.

Funding Agencies

NSERC

A53 A NOVEL PH-SENSITIVE OPIOID ANALOGUE PROVIDES SUSTAINED ANALGESIA DURING COLONIC INFLAMMATION AND LACKS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

Background

Opioids provide effective pain relief during flares of inflammatory bowel disease but are limited by serious side effects. We showed that acute administration of a novel pH-sensitive opioid agonist, NFEPP, had potent analgesic effects in inflamed acidified colonic tissues without opioid typical side effects. However, the effects of repeated application of NFEPP during the course of an acute flare of colonic inflammation are unknown.

Aims

To assess the analgesic and side effect profile resulting from repeated NFEPP applications during the course of acute colitis.

Methods

Acute colitis in C57BL/6 mice was induced via 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium dissolved in drinking water for 5 days. Mice were then randomly group assigned to either vehicle, fentanyl or NFEPP. Drugs and vehicle were administered sc. BID for 5 days (0.4 mg/kg), with a final injection on Day 6 (Day 1–6). Visceral nociception was evaluated by performing visceromotor responses (VMRs) to colorectal distension at different time points during colitis. Side effects were assessed using 1) a combination of oral contrast-enhanced abdominal CT-scans (before/after treatment) and defecation assessments to analyze gastrointestinal transit and isometric tension recordings to evaluate colon motility 2) pulse oximeter measurements to reveal cardiorespiratory effects. Inflammation was assessed by histological scoring, myeloperoxidase activity assay and tissue pH measurement of colon samples.

Results

NFEPP decreased VMRs to colorectal distension over the entire period of acute DSS colitis (Day 6: 40.54%, p&lt;0.001, reduction compared to baseline). However, strongest VMR inhibition was observed at Day 3 (66.7%, p&lt;0.05), concordant with the peak of inflammation (MPO: 3.5 U/mg tissue, p&lt;0.001; tissue Damage-Score: 3.0, p&lt;0.001; tissue pH: ΔpH= -0.28, p=0.001, all compared to healthy control). Treatment with NFEPP did not delay gastrointestinal transit (GIT, p=0.37, compared to baseline) nor fecal output (p=0.45, compared to vehicle) whereas fentanyl decreased transit (GIT: p&lt;0.05; fecal output: p&lt;0.05). Colonic contractile responses evoked by electrical field stimulation were reduced in fentanyl treated mice compared to NFEPP (10 Hz: p&lt;0.05). Fentanyl significantly reduced oxygen saturation (15 min: 85% SpO2, p&lt;0.01) and caused a sustained reduction in heart rate at Day 2 (60 min: Δ BPM -91.8 from baseline, p=0.001) whereas NFEPP did not affect oxygen saturation (p=0.95) and revealed minor, transient effects on heart rate (15 min: Δ BPM -75.6, p&lt;0.01) which recovered after 60 min.

Conclusions

Prolonged NFEPP administration effectively inhibits visceral nociception during acute colitis in a preclinical mouse model without altering gastrointestinal transit, colon motility and oxygen saturation.

Funding Agencies

CCC

Improved three-dimensional thermal multiphase lattice Boltzmann model for liquid-vapor phase change

Modeling liquid-vapor phase change using the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method has attracted significant attention in recent years. In this paper, we propose an improved three-dimensional thermal multiphase LB model for simulating liquid-vapor phase change. The proposed model has the following features. First, it is still within the framework of the thermal LB method using a temperature distribution function and therefore retains the fundamental advantages of the thermal LB method. Second, in the existing thermal LB models for liquid-vapor phase change, the finite-difference computations of the gradient terms ∇·u and ∇T usually require special treatment at boundary nodes, while in the proposed thermal LB model these two terms are calculated locally. Moreover, in some of the existing thermal LB models, the error term ∂_{t_{0}}(Tu) is eliminated by adding local correction terms to the collision process in the moment space, which causes these thermal LB models to be limited to the D2Q9 lattice in two dimensions and the D3Q15 or D3Q19 lattice in three dimensions. Conversely, the proposed model does not suffer from such an error term and therefore the thermal LB equation can be constructed on the D3Q7 lattice, which simplifies the model and improves the computational efficiency. Numerical simulations are carried out to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed thermal multiphase LB model for simulating liquid-vapor phase change.

[Study on the diagnostic value of transient elastography, APRI and FIB-4 for liver fibrosis in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of transient elastography, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4) for liver fibrosis in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 100 cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Hunan Children's Hospital between August 2015 to October 2020 to collect liver tissue pathological and clinical data. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to analyze the diagnostic value of liver stiffness measurement (LSM), APRI and FIB-4 in the diagnosis of different stages of liver fibrosis caused by NAFLD in children. Results: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of LSM, APRI and FIB-4 for diagnosing liver fibrosis (S≥1) were 0.701 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.579 ~ 0.822, P = 0.011], 0.606 (95%CI: 0.436 ~ 0.775, P = 0.182), and 0.568 (95%CI: 0.397 ~ 0.740, P = 0.387), respectively. The best cut-off values were 6.65 kPa, 21.20, and 0.18, respectively. The AUCs value of LSM, APRI, and FIB-4 for diagnosing significant liver fibrosis (S≥ 2) were 0.660 (95% CI: 0.552 ~ 0.768, P = 0.006), 0.578 (95% CI: 0.464 ~ 0.691, P = 0.182) and 0.541 (95% CI: 0.427 ~ 0.655, P = 0.482), respectively. The best cut-off values were 7.35kpa, 24.78 and 0.22, respectively. The AUCs value of LSM, APRI and FIB-4 for the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis (S≥ 3) were 0.639 (95% CI: 0.446 ~ 0.832, P = 0.134), 0.613 (95% CI: 0.447 ~ 0.779, P = 0.223) and 0.587 (95% CI: 0.411 ~ 0.764, P = 0.346), respectively. The best cut-off values were 8.55kpa, 26.66 and 0.27, respectively. Conclusion: The transient elastography technique has a better diagnostic value than APRI and FIB-4 for liver fibrosis in children with NAFLD.

Genetic Variants miR-126, miR-146a, miR-196a2, and miR-499 in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Alterations in certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes have reported in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other disease of the female reproductive system, and so may be potential biomarkers. We hypothesised alterations in the prevalence of four miRNAs single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants miR-126 rs4636297, miR-146a rs2910164, miR-196a2 rs11614913, and miR-499 rs3746444 in women with PCOS in comparison to healthy controls.

Methods: SNPs in the four miRNAs were determined in 385 patients and 385 controls by standard RT-PCR techniques.

Results: SNPs in miR-126 and miR-246a were significant linked with PCOS under the allelic, dominant, co-dominant, and recessive models (all p ≤ 0.01). The SNP in miR-499 was linked to PCOS in allelic (T, p = 0.002), dominant (p = 0.035) and recessive (p = 0.003) models. The SNPs -196a was significant linked to PCOS only in the recessive model (p = 0.037). Combining these SNPs in miR-499, mi146a, miR-196a and miR-126 respectively into allele haplotypes found highly significant odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.40 (0.29–0.54) (p < 0.001) for the C-G-C-G haplotype, and 0.46 (0.30–0.70) (p = 0.002) for the C-C-C-A haplotype (p = 0.002) for PCOS.

Conclusion: Single SNPs and haplotype combinations in certain SNPs in miR-126, miR-146a, miR-196a2 and miR-499 are strongly linked to PCOS, and so may be useful predictors of this condition.

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Chronic Carotid Artery Occlusion on High-Resolution MR Vessel Wall Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chronic carotid artery occlusion remains a poorly understood risk factor for subsequent stroke, and potential revascularization is dependent on understanding the anatomy and nature of the occlusion. Luminal imaging cannot assess the nature of an occlusion, so the internal structure of the occlusion must be inferred. The present study examines the signal characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid occlusion that may point to management differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively recruited patients who were diagnosed with chronic carotid artery occlusion defined as longer than 4 weeks and confirmed by DSA. All patients underwent high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging examinations after enrollment. Baseline characteristics, vessel wall imaging features, and DSA features were collected and evaluated. The vessel wall imaging features included segment involvement, signal intensity, contrast enhancement, and vessel wall thickness. The symptomatic and asymptomatic chronic carotid artery occlusions were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients with 48 lesions were included in this study from February 2020 to December 2020. Of the 48 lesions, 35 (72.9%) were symptomatic and 13 (27.1%) were asymptomatic. There was no difference in baseline and DSA features. On vessel wall imaging, C1 and C2 were the most commonly involved segments (91.7% and 68.8%, respectively). Compared with symptomatic lesions, asymptomatic lesions were more often isointense (69.2%) in the distal segment (P = .03). Both groups had diffuse wall thickening (80% and 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Signal characteristics between those with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery occlusions differ in a statistically significant fashion, indicating a different structure of the occlusion.

[Modern prerequisites for creating a collagen-based artificial analogue of the corneal stroma]

Despite the fact that various collagen biomaterials have been actively used in ophthalmology for more than 30 years, the problem of creating a material that could replace the donor cornea have not been solved. Recent advances in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have shifted the focus of approaches to solving the problem of creating an artificial cornea towards laying conditions for the restoration of its specific layers through mechanisms of its own cellular regeneration. In this regard, extracellular matrices based on collagen are gaining popularity. This review discusses general limitations and advantages of collagen for creating an artificial cornea.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

[The effect of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS+ HIPEC) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal carcinoma (CRC PC). Methods: The clinical and follow-up data of 90 consecutive CRC PC patients underwent CRS+ HIPEC in Beijing Shijitan Hospital from January 2015 to June 2018 were collected. Kaplan-Meier method and parallel Log rank test were used for survival analysis. Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 90 CRC PC patients underwent CRS+ HIPEC, the median age was 53 years (rage: 13 to 81 years), and 51 cases were male, while other 39 were female. The median overall survival (mOS) was 21.9 months (95%CI: 15.7, 28.1). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 77.8%, 48.6%, 21.1%, and 5.5%, respectively. The incidence rate of serious adverse event (SAE) was 8.9% (8/90). The mortality rate of perioperative period was 2.2% (2/90). Univariate analysis showed the age (P=0.040), primary tumor site (P=0.020), preoperative carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level (P<0.001), peritoneal cancer index (PCI) (P<0.001), completeness of cytoreduction (CC) (P<0.001), ascites (P=0.012) and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the OS. Multivariate Cox-analysis identified preoperative CA125 level(P=0.033), CC of 0 to 1 (P=0.014), and adjuvant chemotherapy postoperative (P=0.002) were independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusions: CRS+ HIPEC can improve survival for CRC PC patients with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Stringent patient selection and complete CRS are two key factors for better survival.

The Triangle Relationship Between Long Noncoding RNA, RIG-I-like Receptor Signaling Pathway, and Glycolysis

Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA), a noncoding RNA over 200nt in length, can regulate glycolysis through metabolic pathways, glucose metabolizing enzymes, and epigenetic reprogramming. Upon viral infection, increased aerobic glycolysis providzes material and energy for viral replication. Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is the only protein-specified downstream of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) that bridges the gap between antiviral immunity and glycolysis. MAVS binding to RIG-I inhibits MAVS binding to Hexokinase (HK2), thereby impairing glycolysis, while excess lactate production inhibits MAVS and the downstream antiviral immune response, facilitating viral replication. LncRNAs can also regulate antiviral innate immunity by interacting with RIG-I and downstream signaling pathways and by regulating the expression of interferons and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Altogether, we summarize the relationship between glycolysis, antiviral immunity, and lncRNAs and propose that lncRNAs interact with glycolysis and antiviral pathways, providing a new perspective for the future treatment against virus infection, including SARS-CoV-2.

Application of a shear-wave elastography prediction model to distinguish between benign and malignant breast lesions and the adjustment of ultrasound Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classifications

AIM

To explore a real-time shear-wave elastography (SWE) prediction model distinguishing benign from malignant breast lesions and to determine its application in adjusting ultrasound Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-eight patients with 488 breast lesions were enrolled. Patients underwent hollow-needle puncture or surgical resection for histopathological examinations. Ultrasound examinations, both conventional ultrasound and real-time SWE, were performed <2 weeks prior to sampling. Statistical analyses were implemented to distinguish benign from malignant breast lesions and adjust ultrasound BI-RADS 3 and 4a classifications.

RESULTS

The real-time SWE indicators Emax and Ecol showed the highest diagnostic efficiency in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions through quantitative and qualitative indicators, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for Emax was 0.837 while that for Ecol was 0.828. The AUC of the real-time SWE prediction model, constructed by multivariate logistic regression, for diagnosing benign and malignant breast lesions was 0.850.

CONCLUSION

The real-time SWE prediction model aids in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions but cannot replace conventional ultrasound. The model improves the diagnostic performance of ultrasound BI-RADS 3 and 4a classifications.