An injectable thermosensitive photothermal-network hydrogel for near-infrared-triggered drug delivery and synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy

Near-infrared (NIR)-responsive hydrogels have exhibited remarkable advantages in biomedical applications especially for in situ therapeutic delivery, because of their deep-tissue penetration capacity, minimal invasiveness, and high spatiotemporal selectivity. Nevertheless, conventional NIR-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels suffer from the disadvantages of limited photothermal effect and potential leakage of the physically mixed photothermal nanoagents. To overcome these limitations, we herein designed an injectable thermosensitive photothermal-network hydrogel (PNT-gel) through the host-guest self-assembly of a photothermal conjugated polymers and ɑ-cyclodextrin. The conjugated-polymer backbones can directly convert incident light into heat, endowing the PNT-gel with high photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 52.6%) and enhanced photothermal stability. Meanwhile, the mild host-guest assembly enable the shear-thinning injectability, photothermally-driven and reversible gel-sol conversion of the hydrogel. Consequently, the remotely controlled on-demand release of doxorubicin (DOX) was achieved via photothermal-induced gel-sol transition. Because the backbone of the hydrogel absorbs NIR light and mediates the photothermal conversion itself, the PNT-gel demonstrated the advantage of a prolonged retention time and thus permitting repeatable NIR treatment after a one-time intratumoral injection of this hydrogel. Under repeated NIR laser irradiation (0.15 W cm^-2), the synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy mediated by the PNT-gel almost completely eradicated 4T1 breast cancer. This work not only presents a multifunctional therapeutic platform integrated with inherent photothermal characteristic and reversible stimuli responsiveness for on-demand delivery and combinatorial photothermal-chemotherapy, but also provides a new strategy for the development of the next-generation of light-modulated intelligent hydrogels. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The conventional NIR-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels suffer from the disadvantages of limited photothermal effect and possible leakage of the physically mixed photothermal nano-components. To overcome these limitations, we hereby fabricated a NIR-responsive themosensitive photothermal-network hydrogel through the supramolecular assembly of conjugated polymer. The conjugated polymeric backbones of the hydrogel directly convert NIR light to heat, endowing the hydrogel with good photothermal effect and long-term photothermal stability. Meanwhile, the dynamic crosslinkages via supramolecular assembly enabled the shear-thinning injectability and reversible gel-sol transition of the hydrogel, facilitating the photothermal-induced drug release. Our strategy demonstrated the efficacy of using conjugated polymer as the backbone of hydrogel for the construction of a new injectable NIR-responsive hydrogel system with enhanced photothermal capabilities and improved therapy outcomes.

[Clinical characteristics and next generation sequencing of three cases of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis with complications]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis (LMM) with complications, and analyze the outcomes of next generation sequencing. Methods: Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, imaging features, antibiotics treatment, and next generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed in 3 LMM patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Infectious Diseases of Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from July 2015 to November 2017. Results: The three patients were 1-year-old girl, 2-year-old girl, and 9-year-old boy, with normal immune function. They had eaten refrigerated food, milk or dairy products before onset. Symptoms included fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and convulsions, etc. The complications of two cases (case 2 and 3) were appendicitis and Meckel's diverticulitis. The other one (case 1) was with sepsis and pneumonia. Leukocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid were elevated in all the three cases, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed meningeal or periventricular involvement. All the children were diagnosed with LMM by positive CSF culture. CSF for next generation sequencing was sent after carbapenem antibiotics using, yet all the results were positive. The positive results were returned 2, 9, and 9 days earlier than culture results, respectively. The gene coverage was 5.00%, 7.00%, 0.04%, and the reads was 2 561, 1 011 and 8, respectively. All the three children had recurrent fever despite using cephalosporin. Levels of leukocytes in the blood and CSF further elevated. After using carbapenem antibiotics, patients improved eventually and were discharged from hospital. Conclusions: LMM can occur in children with normal immune function and is usually associated with digestive system symptoms. Listeria monocytogenes can be detected quickly and accurately by the next generation sequencing technology, without being limited to sampling time and antibiotics application.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone mineral density around prostheses and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the effect of zoledronic acid on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

From November 2015 to April 2016, 40 female patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups: a control group (calcium + calcitriol) and a zoledronic acid group (calcium + calcitriol + zoledronic acid). At 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, BMD was obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). At pre-operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, levels of bone metabolism markers were obtained by serum examination.

RESULTS

Loss of BMD was significantly more pronounced in the control group than in the ZOL group in zones 1, 4, 6, and 7 at 6 months and in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 at 12 months after the operation. The levels of bone-resorption marker (β-CTX) were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The levels of bone-formation marker (TP1NP) performed statistically differences only at 12 months after the operation in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Receiving an intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid after THA can effectively reduce periprosthetic BMD loss and improve bone remodeling in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid significantly inhibited bone mass loss in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 after THA and inhibited bone-resorption marker (β-CTX) to improve bone remodeling. Zoledronic acid treatment is potentially important for patients with osteoporosis after THA.

Tests of General Relativity with GW170817

The recent discovery by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo of a gravitational wave signal from a binary neutron star inspiral has enabled tests of general relativity (GR) with this new type of source. This source, for the first time, permits tests of strong-field dynamics of compact binaries in the presence of matter. In this Letter, we place constraints on the dipole radiation and possible deviations from GR in the post-Newtonian coefficients that govern the inspiral regime. Bounds on modified dispersion of gravitational waves are obtained; in combination with information from the observed electromagnetic counterpart we can also constrain effects due to large extra dimensions. Finally, the polarization content of the gravitational wave signal is studied. The results of all tests performed here show good agreement with GR.

Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of dementia amongst older adults even in the absence of stroke

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation increases risk of stroke, and thus risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Emerging evidence suggests an association also in the absence of stroke. We aimed to examine the association between atrial fibrillation and incident dementia, with and without exclusion of individuals with stroke, and if sex and genetic factors modify the possible association.

METHODS

In 2000-2001, a population-based sample of 70-year-olds (N = 561) underwent comprehensive somatic and neuropsychiatric examinations, as part of the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies. Participants were followed up at age 75 and 79. Atrial fibrillation at baseline was identified through ECG, proxy-reports and the National Patient Register (NPR). Stroke at baseline and follow-up was identified through self-reports, proxy-reports and the NPR. Dementia at baseline and follow-up was diagnosed according to the DSM-III-R criteria based on neuropsychiatric examinations, proxy-reports and the NPR.

RESULTS

Individuals with atrial fibrillation had an almost threefold increased risk of dementia during 12-year follow-up (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-5.7; P = 0.004), and this risk remained after excluding individuals with stroke at baseline and follow-up. After stratification for sex, the association was only found amongst men (HR 4.6; 95% CI 1.9-11.2; P < 0.001, interaction sex*atrial fibrillation; P = 0.047) and noncarriers of the APOE ε4 allele (HR 4.2; 95% CI 1.8-9.7; P < 0.001, interaction APOE*atrial fibrillation; P = 0.128). Population attributable risk for dementia resulting from atrial fibrillation was 13%.

CONCLUSION

The relevance for atrial fibrillation as an indicator of subclinical brain vascular risk needs to be further explored. In addition, patients with atrial fibrillation should be screened for cognitive symptoms.

Integrating transcriptome-wide association study and mRNA expression profiling identifies novel genes associated with bone mineral density

To scan novel candidate genes associated with osteoporosis, a two-stage transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) of bone mineral density (BMD) was conducted. The BMD-associated genes identified by TWAS were then compared with the gene expression profiling of BMD in bone cells, B cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. We identified multiple candidate genes and gene ontology (GO) terms associated with BMD.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by decrease in BMD. Our objective is to scan novel candidate genes associated with OP.

METHODS

A transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was performed by integrating the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary of bone mineral density (BMD) with two pre-computed mRNA expression weights of peripheral blood and muscle skeleton. Then, another independent GWAS data of BMD was used to verify the discovery results. The BMD-associated genes identified between discovery and replicate TWAS were further subjected to gene ontology (GO) analysis implemented by DAVID. Finally, the BMD-associated genes and GO terms were further compared with the mRNA expression profiling results of BMD to detect the common genes and GO terms shared by both DNA-level TWAS and mRNA expression profile analysis.

RESULTS

TWAS identified 95 common genes with permutation P value < 0.05 for peripheral blood and muscle skeleton, such as TMTC4 in muscle skeleton and DDX17 in peripheral blood. Further comparing the genes detected by discovery-replicate TWAS with the differentially expressed genes identified by mRNA expression profiling of OP patients found 18 overlapped genes, such as MUL1 in muscle skeleton and SPTBN1 in peripheral blood. GO analysis of the genes identified by discovery-replicate TWAS detected 12 BMD-associated GO terms, such as negative regulation of cell growth and regulation of glycogen catabolic process. Further comparing the GO results of discovery-replicate TWAS and mRNA expression profiles found 6 overlapped GO terms, such as membrane and cell adhesion.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified multiple candidate genes and GO terms for BMD, providing novel clues for understanding the genetic mechanism of OP.

Differential MicroRNA Expression Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a clinical challenge due to its poor prognosis. Therefore, the early diagnosis of PDAC is extremely important for achieving a cure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as a potential biomarker for the early detection and prognosis of PDAC. In this work we analyzed plasma samples from healthy persons and PDAC patients to assess differential miRNA expression profiles by next generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis. In this way, 165 mature miRNAs were found to be significantly deregulated in the patient group, of which 75 and 90 mature miRNAs were up- and down-regulated compared with healthy individuals, respectively. Furthermore, 1029 novel miRNAs were identified. In conclusion, plasma miRNA expression profiles are different between healthy individuals and patients with PDAC. These data provide a possibility for use of miRNA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of PDAC.

Genetic parameters of the thick-to-thin albumen ratio and egg compositional traits in layer-type chickens

1. Generating a robust egg albumen is one of the major factors contributing to interior egg quality owing to its nutritive value and superior appearance. However, the genetic factors regulating the proportion of thick albumen are poorly understood. 2. In this study, 1330 eggs were collected from 450 Rhode Island White layers, aged 40 weeks, to measure egg compositional traits for three successive days. The restricted maximum likelihood method was applied to estimate genetic parameters for the thick-to-thin albumen ratio and other egg compositional traits. A univariate animal model was fitted to calculate heritability for each trait. 3. The heritabilities of egg weight, yolk weight, albumen height, Haugh units, percentages of yolk, thick albumen, thin albumen and the thick-to-thin albumen ratio were 0.32, 0.34, 0.28, 0.47, 0.61, 0.39, 0.31, and 0.45, respectively. The percentage of thick albumen was negatively correlated genetically with all traits, and percentage of thin albumen was negatively correlated genetically with all traits except for Haugh units. The thick-to-thin albumen ratio was positively correlated genetically with egg weight, albumen height and Haugh units, with correlations ranging from 0.21 to 0.54. 4. The results indicated that the percentage of thick albumen and the thick-to-thin albumen ratio were found to be moderately to highly heritable, and selection for the thick-to-thin albumen ratio could be conducive to the improvement of egg albumen quality.

Observation of an Excited B_{c}^{+} State

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.5  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, the observation of an excited B_{c}^{+} state in the B_{c}^{+}π^{+}π^{-} invariant-mass spectrum is reported. The observed peak has a mass of 6841.2±0.6(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV/c^{2}, where the last uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the B_{c}^{+} mass. It is consistent with expectations of the B_{c}^{*}(2^{3}S_{1})^{+} state reconstructed without the low-energy photon from the B_{c}^{*}(1^{3}S_{1})^{+}→B_{c}^{+}γ decay following B_{c}^{*}(2^{3}S_{1})^{+}→B_{c}^{*}(1^{3}S_{1})^{+}π^{+}π^{-}. A second state is seen with a global (local) statistical significance of 2.2σ (3.2σ) and a mass of 6872.1±1.3(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV/c^{2}, and is consistent with the B_{c}(2^{1}S_{0})^{+} state. These mass measurements are the most precise to date.

Observation of a Narrow Pentaquark State, P_{c}(4312)^{+}, and of the Two-Peak Structure of the P_{c}(4450)^{+}

A narrow pentaquark state, P_{c}(4312)^{+}, decaying to J/ψp, is discovered with a statistical significance of 7.3σ in a data sample of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays, which is an order of magnitude larger than that previously analyzed by the LHCb Collaboration. The P_{c}(4450)^{+} pentaquark structure formerly reported by LHCb is confirmed and observed to consist of two narrow overlapping peaks, P_{c}(4440)^{+} and P_{c}(4457)^{+}, where the statistical significance of this two-peak interpretation is 5.4σ. The proximity of the Σ_{c}^{+}D[over ¯]^{0} and Σ_{c}^{+}D[over ¯]^{*0} thresholds to the observed narrow peaks suggests that they play an important role in the dynamics of these states.

Observation of CP Violation in Charm Decays

A search for charge-parity (CP) violation in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays is reported, using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.9  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. The flavor of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in D^{*}(2010)^{+}→D^{0}π^{+} decays or from the charge of the muon in B[over ¯]→D^{0}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}X decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays is measured to be ΔA_{CP}=[-18.2±3.2(stat)±0.9(syst)]×10^{-4} for π-tagged and ΔA_{CP}=[-9±8(stat)±5(syst)]×10^{-4} for μ-tagged D^{0} mesons. Combining these with previous LHCb results leads to ΔA_{CP}=(-15.4±2.9)×10^{-4}, where the uncertainty includes both statistical and systematic contributions. The measured value differs from zero by more than 5 standard deviations. This is the first observation of CP violation in the decay of charm hadrons.

Search for CP Violation in D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}, D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}, and D^{+}→ϕπ^{+} Decays

A search for charge-parity (CP) violation in Cabibbo-suppressed D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}, D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+}, and D^{+}→ϕπ^{+} decays is reported using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.8  fb^{-1}, collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. High-yield samples of kinematically and topologically similar Cabibbo-favored D_{(s)}^{+} decays are analyzed to subtract nuisance asymmetries due to production and detection effects, including those induced by CP violation in the neutral kaon system. The results areA_{CP}(D_{s}^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+})=(1.3±1.9±0.5)×10^{-3},A_{CP}(D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}K^{+})=(-0.09±0.65±0.48)×10^{-3},A_{CP}(D^{+}→ϕπ^{+})=(0.05±0.42±0.29)×10^{-3},where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. They are the most precise measurements of these quantities to date, and are consistent with CP symmetry. A combination with previous LHCb measurements, based on data collected at 7 and 8 TeV, is also reported.

Comparison between irradiating and autoclaving citrus wastes as substrate for solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus aculeatus

Agricultural or food processing wastes cause serious environmental burden and economic losses. Solid-state fermentation using these wastes is an attractive option to valorize these wastes. However, conventional autoclaving of substrate may degrade nutrients and generate toxins. Unsterilization of the substrate will cause undesired microbial contamination. Therefore, we compared irradiation with autoclaving to treat citrus wastes as substrate for solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus aculeatus. By comparing microbial growth, enzymes tested and medium consumption, irradiated substrate had higher biomass and extracellular protein, more sugar consumption and higher enzyme production than those with autoclaved substrate. Irradiation prevented the generation of cell-inhibiting components such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) whereas preserved the flavonoids well that are often enzyme inducers. These findings suggest that irradiation of agricultural and food processing wastes as substrate has advantages over autoclaving for solid-state fermentation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study proposes irradiation as an alternative to sterilize agricultural residues rich in nutrients and thermosensitive compounds, such as citrus wastes for fungal solid-state fermentation and production of enzymes.

MicroRNA-584-3p reduces the vasculogenic mimicry of human glioma cells by regulating hypoxia-induced ROCK1 dependent stress fiber formation

We report in this study that microRNA-584-3p (miR-584-3p) is related to the vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of human glioma cells. Unsurprisingly, the postoperative survival time was significantly prolonged in those glioma patients without VM phenomena compared with those with positive VM. miR-584-3p may function as a potent tumor suppressor by inhibiting VM of malignant glioma. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties remain poorly understood. Our preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that miR-584-3p suppressed the VM by disturbing hypoxia-induced stress fiber formation and migration of glioma cells. Specifically, we defined ROCK1 as a potential functionally relevant target of miR-584-3p involved in this process in glioma cells. Our results demonstrate a tumor suppressor function for miR-584-3p in glioma, where it inhibits the VM of tumor cells by antagonizing hypoxia-induced ROCK1-dependent stress fiber formation. Our findings have potential implications for glioma gene therapy by targeting miR-584-3p and suggest that VM could represent a prognostic indicator for gliomas.

Pretransplant Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance and Fasting Plasma Glucose Predict New-Onset Diabetes After Renal Transplant in Chinese Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The present study aims to determine if homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and plasma insulin (Ins) are able to predict development of new onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) for kidney recipients.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective study of 123 nondiabetic patients receiving a first renal transplant. The NODAT was diagnosed between 1 month and 1 year post transplant. Both univariate and multivariable analyses, including logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards model, were applied to dissect potential pretransplant risk factors of NODAT.

RESULTS

A total of 26.8% (33/123) of recipients developed NODAT in the first year post transplant. The NODAT patients showed higher HOMA-IR index and increased levels of FPG and Ins than non-NODAT. Interestingly, we consistently revealed that both FPG (logistic: odds ratio [OR], 3.17 [1.41-6.45]; P = .01; Cox: OR, 2.75 [1.26-4.56]; P = .02) and HOMA-IR index (logistic: OR, 1.73 [1.21-2.87]; P = .02; Cox: OR, 1.72 [1.21-2.46]; P = .002) robustly predicted the development of NODAT. However, these analyses showed that neither plasma Ins nor hemoglobin A_1c was associated with NODAT.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that pretransplant HOMA-IR and FPG are independent predictors for the development of NODAT in Chinese nondiabetic patients receiving a first renal transplant.

All-optical inhibitory dynamics in photonic neuron based on polarization mode competition in a VCSEL with an embedded saturable absorber

An all-optical spike inhibition scheme based on polarization-mode competition (PMC) in a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with an embedded saturable absorber is proposed and investigated numerically. The inhibitory dynamics is characterized by spike amplitude and first-spike latency (FSL) for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The effects of time differences between inhibitory and excitatory inputs, inputs strengths, bias current, as well as noise on the spike amplitude and FSL are examined. The results show that a spike can be triggered in the y-polarization mode by excitatory input and can be inhibited in the presence of inhibitory input due to PMC.

Graphene oxide-film-coated splitting ratio-adjustable Mach-Zehnder interferometer for relative humidity sensing

In this paper, a splitting ratio-adjustable Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) for the measurement of relative humidity (RH) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensing head contains three sections of single mode fiber (SMF) and two sections of multimode fiber (MMF), in which the two MMFs are spliced among the three SMFs. The MMFs are corroded with hydrofluoric acid and act as mode couplers to split and recombine light owing to the core diameter mismatch with the SMF. A layer of graphene oxide (GO) is coated on the MMFs by dip-coating and natural evaporation. The effective refractive index of the GO will vary when it absorbs the water molecules. As a result, the intensity of the transmission light in the core and cladding of the single mode fiber can be adjusted. Thus, the intensity of the resonant dip will vary when the relative humidity changes. The experimental results show that a humidity sensitivity of 0.263 dB/RH% with a linear correlation coefficient of 99% can be achieved in a relative humidity range of 35% to 85%.

Au nanorod-coupled microfiber optical humidity sensors

We demonstrate a high-sensitivity relative humidity (RH) sensor taking advantage of single-band narrow plasmon resonance of a single Au nanorod coupled to a whispering gallery cavity mode of a polyacrylamide microfiber. From the resonance peak shift, the sensor could achieve a sensitivity up to 0.51 nm/% RH with a cavity size of about 2 μm. By coupling multiple Au nanorods along the microfiber axis, we demonstrate a position-dependent microfiber optical humidity sensor with a 1.5-mm spatial resolution, which can be potentially reduced to micrometer level, paving a way toward high-resolution distributed microfiber optical sensors.

Distribution of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes in Lake Tai, China

Lake Tai is China's third largest freshwater lake and an important water resource for agriculture, industrial sectors, and as drinking water for several large cities. In this study, the occurrence of five antibiotic resistance genes (sul1, bla_TEM, bla_NDM-1, bla_CTX-M-32, mcr-1) was investigated in water and sediment samples collected from Lake Tai. Antibiotic resistances are currently increasing, posing a significant threat to public health. The sulfonamide resistance gene sul1 was highly abundant in all analyzed water and sediment samples. In addition, the two β-lactamase genes bla_TEMand bla_NDM-1 - encoding clinically relevant antibiotic resistances - were detected in 67.1 and 7.3% of the water samples and in 70.7 and 15.4% of the sediment samples. The third β-lactamase gene, bla_CTX-M-32, was only detected in water samples (13.4%), while the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 was not detected in any of the samples. No significant variations between different sampling sites or time points could be observed. The investigation of drinking water treatment at Lake Tai, using lake water as influent, showed a significant reduction of the antibiotic resistance genes through the treatment process. Microbial source tracking showed only low fecal contamination by humans, ruminants, and pigs, indicating the relevance of other sources such as fish farms. Overall, our results provide important insights into the occurrence and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in the Lake Tai water system and their elimination via drinking water treatment.

Constraining the p-Mode-g-Mode Tidal Instability with GW170817

We analyze the impact of a proposed tidal instability coupling p modes and g modes within neutron stars on GW170817. This nonresonant instability transfers energy from the orbit of the binary to internal modes of the stars, accelerating the gravitational-wave driven inspiral. We model the impact of this instability on the phasing of the gravitational wave signal using three parameters per star: an overall amplitude, a saturation frequency, and a spectral index. Incorporating these additional parameters, we compute the Bayes factor (lnB_{!pg}^{pg}) comparing our p-g model to a standard one. We find that the observed signal is consistent with waveform models that neglect p-g effects, with lnB_{!pg}^{pg}=0.03_{-0.58}^{+0.70} (maximum a posteriori and 90% credible region). By injecting simulated signals that do not include p-g effects and recovering them with the p-g model, we show that there is a ≃50% probability of obtaining similar lnB_{!pg}^{pg} even when p-g effects are absent. We find that the p-g amplitude for 1.4  M_{⊙} neutron stars is constrained to less than a few tenths of the theoretical maximum, with maxima a posteriori near one-tenth this maximum and p-g saturation frequency ∼70  Hz. This suggests that there are less than a few hundred excited modes, assuming they all saturate by wave breaking. For comparison, theoretical upper bounds suggest ≲10^{3} modes saturate by wave breaking. Thus, the measured constraints only rule out extreme values of the p-g parameters. They also imply that the instability dissipates ≲10^{51}  erg over the entire inspiral, i.e., less than a few percent of the energy radiated as gravitational waves.

Bidirectional Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationships between body mass index and polycystic ovary syndrome

STUDY QUESTION

What are the causal relationships between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and body mass index (BMI)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses suggest that increased BMI is causal for PCOS while the reverse is not the case.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The contribution of obesity to the pathogenesis of PCOS is controversial. To date, published genetic studies addressing this question have generated conflicting results and have not utilized the full extent of known single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with body mass index (BMI).

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This cross-sectional Mendelian randomization (MR) and genetic association study was conducted in 750 individuals of European origin and with PCOS and 1567 BMI-matched controls.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Cases and controls were matched for BMI as well as for distribution of weight categories (normal weight, overweight, obese). Two-sample MR using inverse variance weighting (IVW) was conducted using a 92-SNP instrument variable for BMI with PCOS as the outcome, followed by two-sample MR with a 16-SNP instrument variable for PCOS with BMI as the outcome. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger and maximum likelihood methods. Secondary analyses assessed associations of genetic risk scores and individual SNPs with PCOS, BMI and quantitative androgen-related and glucose homeostasis-related traits.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Each standard deviation genetically higher BMI was associated with a 4.89 (95% CI 1.46-16.32) higher odds of PCOS. Conversely, genetic risk of PCOS did not influence BMI. Sensitivity analyses yielded directionally consistent results. The genetic risk score of 92 BMI SNPs was associated with the diagnosis of PCOS (OR 1.043, 95% CI 1.009-1.078, P = 0.012). Of the 92 BMI risk variants evaluated, none were associated individually with PCOS after considering multiple testing. The association of FTO SNP rs1421085 with BMI was stronger in women with PCOS (β = 0.071, P = 0.0006) than in controls (β = 0.046, P = 0.065).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The current sample size, while providing good power for MR and genetic risk score analyses, had limited power to demonstrate association of individual SNPs with PCOS. Cases and controls were not matched for age; however, this was mitigated by adjusting analyses for age. Dietary and lifestyle data, which could have been used to explore the greater association of the FTO SNP with BMI in women with PCOS, was not available.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Increasing BMI appears to be causal for PCOS but having PCOS does not appear to affect BMI. This study used the most comprehensive set of SNPs for BMI currently available. Prior studies using fewer SNPs had yielded conflicting results and may have been confounded because cases and controls were not matched for weight categories. The current results highlight the potential utility of weight management in the prevention and treatment of PCOS.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

National Institutes of Health Grants R01-HD29364 and K24-HD01346 (to R.A.), Grant R01-DK79888 (to M.O.G.), Grant U54-HD034449 (to R.S.L.), Grant U19-HL069757 (to R.M.K.). The funders had no influence on the data collection, analyses or conclusions of the study. No conflict of interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Prevalence and Potential Associated Factors of Depression among Chinese Older Inpatients

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the current representative depression situation among Chinese older inpatients. The aim of this study is to examine prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among Chinese older inpatients by a large-scale cross-sectional national survey.

METHODS

This study is based on baseline survey data from a large-scale cohort study in a representative sample of Chinese older inpatients. The procedure of this study involves physical examination and face-to-face questionnaire interviews. Depression was assessed based on the Geriatric Depression Scale 15. Mixed-effect Poisson regression model was used to examine the relationship between depression and covariates by controlling the cluster effect of hospital wards.

RESULTS

Of all 9727 respondents, the mean age of all respondents was 72.4±5.7 years, from 65 to 97. The average GDS score was 2 (1, 4). The prevalence rate of depression was 16.7% (95%CI: 15.8-17.4%) among older inpatients. The prevalence rates were 14.6% for males and 19.5% for females respectively. After controlling the cluster effect of hospital wards, age, gender, ADL score, educational level, BMI, frail, marriage, falls, alcohol drinking, cognitive function, living conditions, vision, hearing, sleep and defecation function were associated with depression. Emaciation (OR=1.176, 95%CI: 1.107-1.249), frail (OR=1.562, 95%CI: 1.489-1.639), divorced or widowed (OR=1.083 95%CI: 1.017-1.153), living in the bungalow (OR=1.075, 95%CI: 1.023-1.130), falls (OR=1.078, 95%CI: 1.030-1.128), cognitive function (OR=1.142, 95%CI: 1.091-1.195), vision dysfunction (OR=1.125, 95%CI: 1.076-1.177), hearing dysfunction (OR=1.061, 95%CI: 1.011-1.113), sleep dysfunction (OR=1.237, 95%CI: 1.194-1.282), defecation dysfunction (OR=1.160, 95%CI: 1.103-1.221) could increase prevalence risk of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of depression among Chinese older inpatients. Demographic characteristics, physical and mental conditions indicators have strong effect on prevalence and strength of depression. Therefore, it is essential to assess depression and perform comprehensive measures to improve physical and mental conditions in order to manage depressive symptoms in older inpatients.

[The changes of plasma coagulation function in patients with glioma and its correlation with malignant grade of glioma]

Objective: To investigate the changes of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time(TT), fibrinogen(FIB) and platelet counts(PLT) in plasma of patients with glioma, and to explore the correlations between PT, APTT, TT, FIB and PLT with malignant grades of glioma. Methods: One hundred and seventy-two patients with glioma and 47 health controls were investigated in a retrospective analysis. All patients were diagnosed and identified the WHO grade by pathologist after operation. Including 40 cases with glioblastoma multiforme, WHO Ⅳ grade, 45 cases with anaplastic astrocytoma, WHO Ⅲ grade, 46 cases with astrocytoma and oligodendroglia astrocytoma, WHO Ⅱ grade, and 41 cases with pilocytic astrocytoma. Results: PT was significantly shorter in patients with WHO Ⅰ-Ⅳ grade glioma than that in normal controls (P<0.05); APTT was significantly shorter in patients with WHO Ⅲ and Ⅳ grade glioma than that in normal controls and WHO Ⅰ grade glioma patients (P<0.05); FIB of WHO Ⅳ grade glioma was higher than that in normal control and WHO Ⅰ to Ⅲ grade glioma (P<0.05). While, there was no significant difference of TT and PLT among patients with WHO Ⅰ to Ⅳ and normal controls (P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was negative correlation between APTT and WHO grade (r=-0.200, P=0.007) as well as positive correlation between FIB and WHO grade (r=0.175, P=0.020); Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that there was negative correlation between APTT and Ki67 in patients with glioma. Conclusions: the levels of FIB and APTT in patients with glioma were correlated with WHO grade of glioma, and higher FIB, shorter APTT and PT in patients with WHO Ⅳ grade glioma indicated that there exist hypercoagulation states.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Ultracompact Binaries in Advanced LIGO's First Observing Run

We present the first Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo search for ultracompact binary systems with component masses between 0.2  M_{⊙}-1.0  M_{⊙} using data taken between September 12, 2015 and January 19, 2016. We find no viable gravitational wave candidates. Our null result constrains the coalescence rate of monochromatic (delta function) distributions of nonspinning (0.2  M_{⊙}, 0.2  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.0×10^{6}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} and the coalescence rate of a similar distribution of (1.0  M_{⊙}, 1.0  M_{⊙}) ultracompact binaries to be less than 1.9×10^{4}  Gpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} (at 90% confidence). Neither black holes nor neutron stars are expected to form below ∼1  M_{⊙} through conventional stellar evolution, though it has been proposed that similarly low mass black holes could be formed primordially through density fluctuations in the early Universe and contribute to the dark matter density. The interpretation of our constraints in the primordial black hole dark matter paradigm is highly model dependent; however, under a particular primordial black hole binary formation scenario we constrain monochromatic primordial black hole populations of 0.2  M_{⊙} to be less than 33% of the total dark matter density and monochromatic populations of 1.0  M_{⊙} to be less than 5% of the dark matter density. The latter strengthens the presently placed bounds from microlensing surveys of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) provided by the MACHO and EROS Collaborations.

GW170817: Measurements of Neutron Star Radii and Equation of State

On 17 August 2017, the LIGO and Virgo observatories made the first direct detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of a neutron star binary system. The detection of this gravitational-wave signal, GW170817, offers a novel opportunity to directly probe the properties of matter at the extreme conditions found in the interior of these stars. The initial, minimal-assumption analysis of the LIGO and Virgo data placed constraints on the tidal effects of the coalescing bodies, which were then translated to constraints on neutron star radii. Here, we expand upon previous analyses by working under the hypothesis that both bodies were neutron stars that are described by the same equation of state and have spins within the range observed in Galactic binary neutron stars. Our analysis employs two methods: the use of equation-of-state-insensitive relations between various macroscopic properties of the neutron stars and the use of an efficient parametrization of the defining function p(ρ) of the equation of state itself. From the LIGO and Virgo data alone and the first method, we measure the two neutron star radii as R_{1}=10.8_{-1.7}^{+2.0}  km for the heavier star and R_{2}=10.7_{-1.5}^{+2.1}  km for the lighter star at the 90% credible level. If we additionally require that the equation of state supports neutron stars with masses larger than 1.97  M_{⊙} as required from electromagnetic observations and employ the equation-of-state parametrization, we further constrain R_{1}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km and R_{2}=11.9_{-1.4}^{+1.4}  km at the 90% credible level. Finally, we obtain constraints on p(ρ) at supranuclear densities, with pressure at twice nuclear saturation density measured at 3.5_{-1.7}^{+2.7}×10^{34}  dyn cm^{-2} at the 90% level.

[Simultaneous determination of 12 rodenticides in whole blood and urine samples by high performance liquid chromatography-tandemmass spectrometry]

Objective: To develop a method for Simultaneous and rapid determination of 12 rodenticides including pindone, vacor, coumatetralyl, warfarin, diphacinone, coumachlor, chlorphacinon, difenacoum, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone and flocoumafen in whole blood and urine samples by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass (LC-MS-MS) . Methods: The whole blood samples were precipitated with acetonitrile, purified by OstroTM 96-well plate, The urine samples were extracted by acetonitrile, and then separated on a ODS column, analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) . The external standard calibration were tested. Results: A good linearity was observed in their respective concentration ranges of 12 rodenticides. The related coefficients were 0.993 0~0.999 8. The limit of detections were 0.05 μg/L~1.4 μg/L. The rates of recovery were 92.5%~118.0%. The relative standard deviations were between 0.8%~17.3%. Conclusion: The method was simple, rapid, sensitive, accurate and suitable for simultaneous detection of the 12 rodenticides in whole blood and urine samples of intoxicated patients.

Hydrogen peroxide-induced mitophagy contributes to laryngeal cancer cells survival via the upregulation of FUNDC1

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to investigate an underlying mechanism that hydrogen peroxide-induced mitophagy contributed to laryngeal cancer cells survivals under oxidative stress condition.

METHODS

Tumor tissue and serum samples were collected from patients with laryngeal cancer. The Hep2 cell, a human laryngeal carcinoma cell, was used in in vitro experiments. The levels of lipid peroxidation were analyzed by ELISA. Knockdown of FUNDC1 was performed by RNAi. The changes of target proteins were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. The cells were analyzed for changes in proliferation using cell counting kit-8 and mitophagy by the mitochondrial membrane potential assay and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

FUNDC1 in laryngeal cancer tissues were relative to the levels of lipid peroxidation in laryngeal cancer patients, which suggested that FUNDC1 was associated with the status of oxidative stress in the laryngeal cancer patients. Hydrogen peroxide significantly induced the elevation of FUNDC1, a mitophagic factor, in a time- and dose-dependent manner in laryngeal cancer cells, which was dependent on ERK signal activation. Knockdown of FUNDC1 by the siRNA attenuated the survival of laryngeal cancer cells under hydrogen peroxide stimulation. Moreover, the elevated FUNDC1 was required for the occurrence of mitophagy under hydrogen peroxide stimulation, which was identified by transmission electron microscopy, the alterations of mitochondrial permeability transition and the specific mitochondrial protein, hsp60. Inhibition of mitophagy with cyclosporine A could also effectively attenuate the laryngeal cancer cells survival under hydrogen peroxide stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrogen peroxide upregulated the expression of FUNDC1 through the activation of ERK1/2 signal to trigger a mitophagic response, giving laryngeal cancer cells a befit for survival. These findings suggested that FUNDC1 might be a potential target for the treatment of laryngeal cancer accompanied with high lipid peroxidation status.

The Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Risk Factors for the Morbidity and Prognosis of Bone Metastasis in Patients With Prostate Cancer

Background: Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in males and fifth leading cancer-related cause of death. To build a reliable predictive system for screening performance, the study looking into the risk factors of BM in prostate cancer patients is warranted. Aim: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) to assess the incidence, and risk factors of morbidity and prognosis for bone metastases in initial metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 249,331 prostate cancer patients who were diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 in SEER database were obtained to investigate the risk factors for developing bone metastasis, and 9925 of them who registered before 2013 were retrieved (with at least 1 year follow-up) to explore the prognostic factors for bone metastasis. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression were used to identify risk factors and prognostic factors for bone metastases, respectively. Results: Totally, 12,794 patients (5.1%) were diagnosed with bone metastases at the initial diagnosis. Older age, unmarried status, higher tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, metastases at lung brain and liver were the homogeneous risk factors for the morbidity and prognosis of bone metastasis in prostate cancer. Race and histologic differentiation grade were the heterogeneities associated factors. Black race was positively associated with bone metastasis morbidity; however, it has no significant effect on the prognosis. Poor differentiated grade may be the risk factors for developing bone metastasis; however, grade II was negatively associated with prognosis of bone metastasis. Conclusion: The survival of prostate cancer was poor with the bone metastasis approximate 5%. The prostate cancer has homogeneous and heterogeneities risk factors for incidence and prognosis of bone metastasis, which may provide potential guideline for the screening and preventive treatment of the bone metastasis of prostate cancer.