Interface Nanoengineering of PdNi-S/C Nanowires by Sulfite-Induced for Enhancing Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

The interfacial structural design of materials in nanoscale is a promising approach to regulate the physicochemical properties of materials and further optimize material properties for a variety of potential applications. Herein, PdNi-S/C nanowires with inductive sulfite has been successfully crafted through hydrothermal synthesis and applied as a superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. Based on the autocatalytic mechanism, PdNi alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by controlling reduction kinetics with the presence of formic acid. Meanwhile, the sulfite is selected as an effective inductive agent to form PdNi-S/C nanowires with amorphous interfaces. The morphology, composition, and electronic structure of the synthesized PdNi-S/C were studied in detail. The PdNi-S/C manifests excellent HER performance in alkaline solution with an overpotentials of 67 mV at current density of 10 mA cm^-2, a Tafel slope of 69.4 mV dec^-1, and significantly long-term durability. The improvement of HER performance of the PdNi-S/C is attributed to the one-dimensional nanowire structure, abundant sulfur vacancies and defects, and the synergistic effect between PdNi-S nanowires with the graphite carbon. Furthermore, this present work offers a novel method for structure adjustment of materials to effectively control their property and catalytic performance.

Randomized clinical trial of intraoperative dexmedetomidine to prevent delirium in the elderly undergoing major non-cardiac surgery

Background

Delirium is common in elderly patients after surgery and is associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on the incidence of delirium in elderly patients undergoing major surgery.

Methods

This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Elderly patients (aged 60 years or more) scheduled to undergo major non-cardiac surgery were randomized into two groups. Patients in the intervention group received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0·6 μg/kg 10 min before induction of anaesthesia followed by a continuous infusion (0·5 μg per kg per h) until 1 h before the end of surgery. Patients in the control group received volume-matched normal saline in the same schedule. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium during the first 5 days after surgery. Delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for non-ventilated patients and CAM for the Intensive Care Unit for ventilated patients.

Results

In total, 309 patients who received dexmedetomidine and 310 control patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The incidence of delirium within 5 days of surgery was lower with dexmedetomidine treatment: 5·5 per cent (17 of 309) versus 10·3 per cent (32 of 310) in the control group (relative risk (RR) 0·53, 95 per cent c.i. 0·30 to 0·94; P = 0·026). The overall incidence of complications at 30 days was also lower after dexmedetomidine (19·4 per cent (60 of 309) versus 26·1 per cent (81 of 310) for controls; RR 0·74, 0·55 to 0·99, P = 0·047).

Conclusion

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine halved the risk of delirium in the elderly after major non-cardiac surgery. Registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-15007654 (www.chictr.org.cn).

A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering method for simultaneous detection of ketamine and amphetamine

As common psychotropic drugs, ketamine (KET) and amphetamine (AMP) are often consumed by drug users at the same time, which seriously threatens people's health. Therefore, the study of simultaneous detection methods for KET and AMP is imperative. In this study, a novel method for the simultaneous detection of KET and AMP in serum was established on the basis of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The antibodies were attached on Au@Ag core–shell nanoparticles embedded with different Raman reporters as the detection substrates. The labelled antigens KET–BSA and AMP–BSA were linked to carboxyl magnetic beads, and by adopting the principle of competitive immunoassay, the quantitative detections of ketamine and amphetamine were realized at the same time by detecting the Raman signals at different characteristic peaks on the magnetic beads. A good correlation was shown between ketamine and amphetamine and Raman signal response values were in the concentration range of 0–60 ng mL⁻¹ and 0–200 ng mL⁻¹, and the limits of detection were 1.64 and 2.44 ng mL⁻¹. This method had the advantages of simple, rapid operation, and high sensitivity, and can realise double indicator simultaneous detection, which provided a more favorable scientific basis for preventing or reducing drug abuse, and identifying and monitoring drug users.

Successfully synthesized Au-4MBA@Ag and Au-XP013@Ag. By detecting the Raman signal on the magnetic beads, the ketamine and amphetamine simultaneous detection was finally realized.

ANGPTL8 Gene Polymorphism rs2278426 Is Related to Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in T2DM

AIM

ANGPTL8 is a cytokine expressed and secreted by liver and adipose tissue, and is involved in glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. Although studies have shown that ANGPTL8 is elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease, few have examined the association between ANGPTL8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of macrovascular complications in T2DM patients. This study aimed to explore the relationship between rs2278426 and carotid intima-media thickening (cIMT) in T2DM.

METHODS

A total of 217 T2DM patients and 201 healthy control subjects with normal glucose tolerance were recruited in the study. T2DM patients were divided into two groups: T2DM patients without cIM thickening (cIMT <1 mm, 109 cases) and T2DM patients with cIM thickening (cIMT ≥1 mm, 108 cases). rs2278426 genotypes in all 418 subjects were determined and the risk of T2DM and T2DM with cIM thickening analyzed.

RESULTS

CT+TT-genotype frequency in T2DM was higher than in controls with normal glucose tolerance, and the proportion of the CT+TT genotype in the group with cIMT was higher than in the group (P<0.05). In addition, T alleles were associated with waist:hip ratio, triglycerides, high density-lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma glucose at 2 hours' oral glucose tolerance, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Generally, carriers of the T allele at rs2278426 are more likely to develop T2DM, and the risk of cIM thickening is significantly increased for T-allele carriers with T2DM, which indicates an increased risk of macroangiopathy.

Higher Serum Asprosin Level is Associated with Urinary Albumin Excretion and Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetes

AIM

We detected whether serum asprosin levels play a role in the occurrence and development of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which has not been previously discussed.

METHODS

Based on urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), 207 T2DM patients were divided into T2DM patients with normoalbuminuria (UACR<30 mg/g), microalbuminuria (30≤UACR<300 mg/g), and macroalbuminuria (UACR≥300 mg/g). Serum asprosin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Comparatively, the serum asprosin levels in T2DM patient groups with macroalbuminuria [2.37 (1.63-3.57)] and microalbuminuria [2.10 (1.60-2.90)] were significantly increased than the normoalbuminuria group [1.59 (1.18-2.09)] (P<0.001). Importantly, the serum level of asprosin was positively correlated with UACR (r=0.304, P<0.001), creatinine (r=0.157, P=0.024), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (r=0.244, P<0.001), and negatively with glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r=-0.159, P=0.022). Furthermore, multiple stepwise regression analyses showed that asprosin was significantly and independently related to UACR, BUN, DBP, and LDL-C (P<0.05). Besides, after adjustment for the confounders, the serum asprosin level was constantly and independently associated with the development of albuminuria in T2DM patients [OR (95% CI): 2.003 (1.37~2.928), P <0.001].

CONCLUSION

Obviously, the serum asprosin level was independently correlated with UACR in T2DM patients, which implies circulating asprosin may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Regulation of angiopoietin-like protein 8 expression under different nutritional and metabolic status

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8), a member of the angiopoietin-like protein family, is involved in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy homeostasis and believed to be associated with T2DM. Expression levels of ANGPTL8 are often significantly altered in metabolic diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes mellitus. Studies have shown that ANGPTL8, together with other members of this protein family, such as angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), regulates the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), thereby participating in the regulation of triglyceride related lipoproteins (TRLs). In addition, members of the angiopoietin-like protein family are varyingly expressed among different tissues and respond differently under diverse nutritional and metabolic status. These findings may provide new options for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndromes and other diseases. In this review, the interaction between ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL3 or ANGPTL4, and the differential expression of ANGPTL8 responding to different nutritional and metabolic status during the regulation of LPL activity were reviewed.

Comparison of Hogan pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty in postoperative velopharyngeal function

The purpose of this study was to compare speech and breathing after sphincter pharyngoplasty and the Hogan pharyngeal flap in the management of cleft-related velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). We reviewed 78 patients with VPI who had either the Hogan flap (n=30) or sphincter pharyngoplasty (n=48) between 2009 and 2011. Velopharyngeal function, nasal patency, and speech were compared. In the Hogan flap group, 25 patients had achieved velopharyngeal competence and nine had normal speech. In the sphincter pharyngoplasty group, 29 patients achieved velopharyngeal competence and 20 normal speech. The Hogan flap group had a higher rate of velopharyngeal competence (n=25) than the sphincter pharyngoplasty group (p=0.033), but there was no significant difference in intelligibility of speech. Eighteen patients in the Hogan flap group and 33 in the sphincter pharyngoplasty group reported symptoms of snoring, with no significant difference in nasal ventilation. Our results suggest that a posterior pharyngeal flap is a more effective technique for managing VPI after repair of cleft palate than sphincter pharyngoplasty, and causes no more postoperative complications in nasal breathing.

IKBKE enhances TMZ-chemoresistance through upregulation of MGMT expression in glioblastoma

PURPOSE

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant type of brain tumor. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis of patients with GBM has remained dismal. Multidrug resistance and high recurrence are two of the major challenges in successfully treating brain tumors. IKBKE (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon) is a major oncogenic protein in tumors and can inhibit glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanism of IKBKE enhancing the resistance of glioma cells to temozolomide.

METHODS

For the in vitro experiments, LN18 and U118 glioblastoma cells were treated with a combination of sh/oe-IKBKE lentivirus and TMZ. Cell proliferation was determined by the EdU assay and colony formation assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by the TUNEL assay. In vivo, LN18 NC and LN18 sh-IKBKE cells were implanted into the cerebrums of nude mice to detect the effect of combination therapy. The protein and mRNA levels were assayed by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated that IKBKE enhances the resistance of glioblastoma cells to temozolomide (TMZ) by activating the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway to upregulate the expression of the DNA repair enzyme o6-methylguanine-dna methyltransferase (MGMT). In glioblastoma cells, IKBKE knockdown enhances apoptosis and suppresses cell proliferation, clone formation, and tumor development in vivo induced by TMZ. However, overexpression of IKBKE reduces the effects of TMZ.

CONCLUSION

Our studies suggest that inhibition of IKBKE can enhance the therapeutic effect of TMZ on GBM in vitro and in vivo, providing new research directions and therapeutic targets for the treatment of GBM.

Cell-free Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA test in pleural effusion for tuberculous pleurisy: a diagnostic accuracy study

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculous pleurisy (TP) diagnosis remains difficult, with the sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and mycobacterial culture (culture) only about 30-50%. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of a cell-free Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA test (cf-TB) in pleural effusion for TP.

METHODS

Adults (≥18 years) with suspected TP presenting with pleural effusion were consecutively recruited, and pleural effusion specimens were prospectively collected in Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing, China. After centrifuging pleural effusion, sediments were used for culture, Xpert and T-SPOT.TB assay, whereas supernatants were used for cf-TB and adenosine deaminase assay. The diagnostic performance was assessed against a composite reference standard.

RESULTS

From June 2015 to December 2018, we prospectively evaluated 286 adults with suspected TP. One hundred twenty-two participants were classified as definite TP based on the prespecified composite reference standard. The cf-TB produced a sensitivity of 79.5% (97/122, 95% confidence interval (CI) 72.4- 86.7) for definite TP, which was superior to Xpert (38.5% (29.9-47.2); 47/122; p < 0.001) and culture (27.1% (19.2-34.9); 33/122; p < 0.001). With pleural effusion Xpert and/or culture as the reference standard, cf-TB showed 96.6% (57/59, 95% CI 92.0-100.0) sensitivity, which was also significantly higher than Xpert (79.7%, 95% CI 69.4-89.9; 47/59; p 0.004) and culture (55.9%, 95% CI: 43.3-68.6; 33/59; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The cf-TB clearly showed improved sensitivity compared with Xpert and culture. We recommend cf-TB as the first-line test for TP diagnosis.

A Versatile Strategy for Surface Functionalization of Hydrophobic Nanoparticle by Boronic Acid Modified Polymerizable Diacetylene Derivatives

The flourishing advancements in nanotechnology significantly boost their application in biomedical fields. Whereas, inorganic nanomaterials are normally prepared and capped with hydrophobic ligands, which require essential surface modification to increase their biocompatibility and endow extra functions. Phenylboronic acid derivatives have long been known for its capacity for selective recognition of saccharides. Herein, we demonstrated a versatile surface modification strategy to directly convert hydrophobic inorganic nanocrystals into water-dispersible and targeting nanocomposites by employing boronic acid modified photo-polymerizable 10,12-pentacosadiynoicacid and further explore its potentials in selective cancer cell imaging.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) MALAT1 is an important regulatory molecule in many diseases, especially in ovarian cancer. We aimed at exploring the function of MALAT1 in ovarian cancer and at clarifying its mechanisms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of MALAT1 in ovarian cancer tissues, para-carcinoma tissues and ovarian cancer cell lines were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cell proliferation rate was detected by CCK8 assay in SKOV3 and HO8910 cells. Transwell was used to detect the invasion and migration activities in SKOV3 and HO8910 cells. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry analysis. The expression level of Dvl2, GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

The relative expression level of MALAT1 was identified to be aberrantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. The high expression level of MALAT1 was associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. The down-regulation of MALAT1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration, arrested cell cycle progression in S phase and induced cell apoptosis in ovarian cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, the down-regulation of MALAT1 decreased the expression level of DVL2, β-catenin and cyclin D1 and increased the expression level of GSK-3β in SKOV3 and HO8910 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of MALAT1 down-regulation in cell invasion and migration was reversed by SKL2001 activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway and enhanced by XAV939 inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

MALAT1 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer and associated to the poor prognosis. The down-regulation of MALAT1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration, arrested cell cycle progression in S phase and induced cell apoptosis by restraining the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells.

Formulation of Screen-Printable Cu Molecular Ink for Conductive/Flexible/Solderable Cu Traces

Screen printing is the most common method used for the production of printed electronics. Formulating copper (Cu) inks that yield conductive fine features with oxidation and mechanical robustness on low-temperature substrates will open up opportunities to fabricate cost-effective devices. We have formulated a screen-printable Cu metal-organic decomposition (MOD) ink comprising Cu formate coordinated to 3-(diethylamino)-1,2-propanediol, a fractional amount of Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs), and a binder. This simple formulation enables ∼70-550 μm trace widths with excellent electrical [∼8-15 mΩ/□/mil or 20-38 μΩ·cm] and mechanical properties with submicron-thick traces obtained by intense pulse light (IPL) sintering on Kapton and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates. These traces are mechanically robust to flexing and creasing where less than 10% change in resistance is observed on Kapton and ∼20% change is observed on PET. Solderable Cu traces were obtained only with the combination of the Cu MOD precursor, CuNP, and polymer binder. Both thermally and IPL sintered traces showed shelf stability (<10% change in resistance) of over a month in ambient conditions and 10-70% relative humidity, suitable for day-to-day fabrication. To demonstrate utility, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were directly soldered to IPL sintered Cu traces in a reflow oven without the need for a precious metal interlayer. The LEDs were functional not only during bending and creasing of the Cu traces but even after 180 min at 140 °C in ambient air without losing illumination intensity. High definition television antennas printed on Kapton and PET were found to perform well in the ultrahigh frequency region. Lastly, single-walled carbon nanotube-based thin-film transistors on a silicon wafer were fabricated with a screen-printed Cu source and drain electrodes, which performed comparably to silver electrodes with mobility values of 12-15 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and current on/off ratios of ∼10⁵ and as effective ammonia sensors providing parts per billion-level detection.

P03.09 Real world management and prognosis of glioma patients:SYSUCC report from China

Background: The conventional way of patient treatment should be following guidelines. While in clinical practice, patients received treatments very often away from suggested guideline. In this report, we reviewed glioma patients received real world treatment at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) and results of this patient series.

Methods: Total of 1215 glioma patients received surgery at SYSUCC from 2000 to 2017 were enclosed for analysis. The pathologic diagnosis of patients has followed WHO classification (initially 2007 standard, than 2016 standard).

Results: A total of 1001 newly diagnosed brain glioma patients were analyzed, including 90 cases WHO grade I, 307 grade II, 239 grade III and 365 grade IV. The median age of onset was 14 (1–75), 35 (2–69), 41 (8–82) and 50 (2–86) years old, respectively, for grade I, II, III and IV glioma patients. Tumor total resection was achieved in 567 patients (57.5%). Among all patients, 331 high-grade gliomas (54.8%) and 159 low-grade glioma (40.1%) received radiotherapy, whereas 285 high-grade gliomas (47.1%) and 80 low-grade tumors (20.2%) received chemotherapy. Among high-grade gliomas, the median OS of glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors were 17.7 months (15.7–19.7 months), 33.7 months (24.0–43.4 months) and 110.6 months (43.5–177.7 months), respectively, whereas the median OS of low-grade gliomas was not reach. The 5-year survival rate of grade I, II, III and IV gliomas was 94.7%, 73.7%, 45.1% and 18.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that onset age, Karnofsky performance status, tumor location, preoperative seizure, pathological subtype, resection extent and post-surgical treatment were independent predictors of OS for patients with high-grade gliomas. Patients received post-surgical radiotherapy and (or) chemotherapy had better survival than those without adjuvant treatment (grade III: 53.3 vs. 20.6 months, p =0.012; grade IV: 22.9 vs. 12.3 months, p < 0.001). For low-grade gliomas, patients’ age, Ki-67 index, tumor subtype and resection extent were associated with clinical outcomes.

Conclusions: Glioma patients received treatments do not always following guidelines in clinical practice. Although standard care for patients may beneficial for prognosis, personalized treatment may more acceptable for patients and even resulting better outcome which should keep in mind in routine clinical practice.

Elevated biosynthesis of palmitic acid is required for zebrafish against Edwardsiella tarda infection

Mechanisms by which vaccines enhance immunity to combat bacterial pathogens are not fully understood. Recently, we have found that live Edwardsiella tarda vaccine enhances ability against the bacterial challenge by metabolic modulation in zebrafish. Here we first explored the metabolic modulation promoted by inactivated E. tarda to eliminate the pathogen. Inactivated E. tarda vaccine modulated a similar metabolome to combat with the pathogen in zebrafish as live E. tarda vaccine did. Specifically, both vaccines promoted biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and the TCA cycle. However, due to relatively higher activated TCA cycle in inactivated vaccine than live vaccine, live vaccine promoted higher abundance of palmitate than inactivated vaccine. Consistently, the protection against E. tarda challenge was palmitate dose-dependent. Live vaccine activated higher expression of IL-1β, IL-8,Cox-2 genes and lower expression of IL-15, IL-21 genes than inactivated vaccine, which is similar to the results stimulated by high and low doses of palmitate, respectively. These findings indicate live and inactivated E. tarda vaccines stimulate differential abundances of palmitate that contribute to differential innate immunities against bacterial infection. Thus, metabolic environment contributes to immune response.

[Clinical analysis of 555 outpatients with hand, foot and mouth diseases caused by different enteroviruses]

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of outpatients with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by different serotypes of enteroviruses. Methods: This was a prospective study. From February 2017 to March 2018, 563 outpatients with HFMD were enrolled by systematic sampling in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Children's Hospital. Throat swabs were collected to determine the serotypes via PCR. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected by standard questionnaire. All cases were followed up twice at 2 and 9 weeks after the initial outpatient visit through telephone interview. A total of 563 cases were enrolled and 555 (98.6%) cases were positive for human enteroviruses, including 338 (60.9%) males. Analyses were stratified by enterovirus serotypes, Chi square test or Fisher's exact test, Rank sum test was used for comparison among different groups. Results: The age of 555 cases was 24.2 (16.4, 41.3) months. Among them 44.0% (224 cases) were identified as coxsackievirus (CV)-A6, while 189 cases, 35 cases, 14 cases and 73 cases were identified as CV-A16, enterovirus (EV)-A71, CV-A10 and other serotypes, respectively. Fever (≥37.5 ℃) was present in 51.4% (285/555) of laboratory confirmed cases. The proportions of fever in cases of CV-A6 (68.9%(168/244)) and CV-A10 (12/14) were significantly higher than those in cases of CV-A16 (31.7%(60/189),χ(2)=57.344,14.313,both P=0.000), other serotypes (43.8%(32/73),χ(2)=15.101 and 8.242, P=0.000 and 0.004) and EV-A71 (37.1%(13/35), χ(2)=13.506 and 9.441, P=0.000 and 0.002) respectively. There was no significant difference between CV-A6 and CV-A10 in presentation of fever (χ(2)=1.785, P=0.182). There were 359 cases (64.7%) with eruptions in mouth, hands, feet and buttocks. Cases infected with EV-A71 had the highest proportions (74.3%(26/35)) of rash emerging simultaneously in mouth, hands, feet, and buttocks. The proportion in cases of CV-A16, CV-A6, CVA10 and other serotype were 73.5% (139/189), 61.9% (151/244), 7/14 and 49.3% (36/73), respectively. The proportion of rash on other parts of body, such as face, limbs or torso in cases infected with CV-A6 (16.8% (41/244)) was the higherest and the proportion in cases of CV-A16, EV-A71, CV-A10 or other serotypes were 8.5% (16/189) , 5.7% (2/35) , 1/14, 6.8% (5/73) , respectively. None of these cases developed serious complications. Desquamation occurred in 45.5% (179/393) cases 7.5 (5.0, 9.0) days after disease onset and 13.5% (53/393) cases showed onychomadesis 31.0 (18.0, 33.5) days after disease onset. The proportion of desquamation and onychomadesis associated with CV-A6 (64.2% (95/148) and 31.8% (47/148)) was significantly higher than CV-A16 (31.8% (49/154) and 1.3% (2/154), χ(2)=33.601 and 52.482, both P=0.000) and other serotypes (38.0%(19/50) and 6.0%(3/50),χ(2)=10.236 and 12.988, P=0.001 and 0.000). Desquamation appeared more in cases of CV-A6 than in cases of CV-A10 (2/11,χ(2)=9.386, P=0.002), with the proportion of onychomadesis higher in CV-A6 than in EV-A71 (3.3% (1/30),χ(2)=11.088, P=0.001). Conclusion: Clinical manifestation such as fever, rash emerging parts, desquamation and onychomadesis are different among outpatient HFMD cases infected with CV-A16, CV-A6, EV-A71, CV-A10 and other enteroviruses.

Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism confounds efficacy of complement-mediated killing

Serum resistance is a poorly understood but common trait of some difficult-to-treat pathogenic strains of bacteria. Here, we report that glycine, serine and threonine catabolic pathway is down-regulated in serum-resistant Escherichia coli, whereas exogenous glycine reverts the serum resistance and effectively potentiates serum to eliminate clinically-relevant bacterial pathogens in vitro and in vivo. We find that exogenous glycine increases the formation of membrane attack complex on bacterial membrane through two previously unrecognized regulations: 1) glycine negatively and positively regulates metabolic flux to purine biosynthesis and Krebs cycle, respectively. 2) α-Ketoglutarate inhibits adenosine triphosphate synthase, which in together promote the formation of cAMP/CRP regulon to increase the expression of complement-binding proteins HtrE, NfrA, and YhcD. The results could lead to effective strategies for managing the infection with serum-resistant bacteria, an especially valuable approach for treating individuals with weak acquired immunity but a normal complement system.

Serum-resistant bacteria can escape complement killing in the bloodstream. Here, using metabolomics and metabolite perturbations, the authors describe an altered metabolic state in serum-resistant Escherichia coli and show that exogenous glycine potentiates elimination of pathogenic bacteria in vivo.

Spatiotemporal predictions of obesity prevalence in Chinese children and adolescents: based on analyses of obesogenic environmental variability and Bayesian model

OBJECTIVE

To find variations in Chinese obesogenic environmental priorities from 2000 to 2011, predict spatiotemporal distribution of obesity prevalence aged 7-17 years in 31 provinces, and provide foundations for policy-makers to reduce obesity in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Based on data examination of provincial obesity prevalence aged 7-17 years from three rounds of China Health and Nutrition Surveys (in 9 [2000], 9 [2006], and 12 [2011] provinces) and corresponding years' environments in 31 provinces from China Statistical Yearbooks and other sources, 12 predictors were selected. We used 30 surveyed provinces in three rounds as training samples to fit three analytic models with partial least-square regressions and prioritized predictors by variable importance projection to find variations. And fitted a spatiotemporal prediction model with Bayesian analysis to infer in space-time.

RESULTS

Variations of obesogenic environmental priorities were found at different times. A Bayesian spatiotemporal prediction model with deviance information criterion of 155.60 and statistically significant (P < 0.05) parameter estimates of intercept (-717.0400, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -1186.0300, -248.0480), year (0.3584, CI: 0.1245, 0.5924), square of food industry level (0.0003, CI: 0.0002, 0.0004), and log (healthcare) (5.3742, CI: 2.5138, 8.2347) was optimized. Totally inferred average obesity prevalence among children and adolescents were 2.23%, 5.11%, 10.77%, 12.20%, 13.99%, and 17.58% in 31 provinces in China in 2000, 2006, 2011, 2015, 2020, and 2030, respectively. Obesity in north and east of China clusters on predicted maps.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity prevalence in children and adolescents in China is rapidly increasing, growing at 0.3584% annually from 2000 to 2011. From longitudinal observation, prevalence was significantly influenced by food industry ("Amplifier") and healthcare service ("Balancer"). Targeted interventions in north and east of China are pressing. Further researches on the mechanisms underlying the influence of food industry, healthcare service, and so on in children and adolescents are needed.

Myricetin Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Lipid Accumulation in Liver Cells by Reducing Fatty Acid Biosynthesis

SCOPE

Alcoholic liver disease is a serious threat to human health. The development of drug candidates from complementary and alternative medicines is an attractive approach. Myricetin can be found in fruit, vegetables, and herbs. This study investigates the protective effect of myricetin on ethanol-induced injury in mouse liver cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Oil-red O staining, assays of oxidative stress and measurements of inflammatory markers in mouse AML12 liver cells collectively demonstrate that myricetin elicits a curative effect on ethanol-induced injury. Next, the role of myricetin in the metabolic regulation of ethanol pathology in liver cells is assessed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Myricetin inhibits ethanol-stimulated fatty acid biosynthesis. Additionally, dodecanoic acid may be proposed as a potential biomarker related to ethanol pathology or myricetin therapy. It is also observed that myricetin enhances ethanol-induced inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Moreover, fumaric acid is found to be a candidate biomarker related to ethanol toxicity or myricetin therapy. Quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR shows that ethanol-induced fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c mRNA levels are alleviated by myricetin. Finally, myricetin increases ethanol-induced inhibition of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

CONCLUSION

These results elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of myricetin on ethanol-induced lipid accumulation.

Switchable Smiles Rearrangement for Enantioselective O-Aryl Amination

Asymmetric assembly of atropisomeric anilines from abundant and readily available precursors is one of the most challenging but valuable processes in organic synthesis. The use of highly efficient Smiles rearrangement to accomplish switchable enantioselective amination reactions of O-arenes provides access to nonsymmetric 2'-amino[1,1'-binaphthalen]-2-ol (i.e., NOBIN-type) and [1,1'-binaphthalene]-2,2'-diamine (i.e., BINAM-type) derivatives. This transition metal-free strategy provides a powerful way to access a wide range of advanced highly functionalized enantioenriched anilines.

Decreased circulating levels of ANGPTL8 in Graves' disease patients

BACKGROUND

Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8), a newly identified hormone, has been recently characterized as a metabolic regulator which can affect energy homeostasis and has interesting potentials as a metabolic disease therapy. However, little is as yet known as to whether circulating ANGPTL8 levels are altered in thyroid dysfunction. This study measured serum ANGPTL8 levels in patients with Graves' disease and explored the correlations between its serum levels and thyroid index in Graves' disease.

METHODS

The concentration of ANGPTL8 was analyzed in blood samples of 128 well-characterized individuals whose anthropometric parameters, biochemical parameters, and thyroid index were measured. The participants were divided into Graves' disease patients (n = 60) and healthy control subjects (n = 68). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between ANGPTL8 and Graves' disease.

RESULTS

Serum ANGPTL8 levels were more significantly decreased in Graves' disease patients than in healthy control subjects (177.67 ± 135.07 vs 326.41 ± 194.72 pg/mL; p < 0.001). Serum ANGPTL8 was negatively correlated with free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) while being positively correlated with thyrotropin (TSH). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that serum ANGPTL8 was significantly associated with Graves' disease (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating concentrations of ANGPTL8 showed a significant reduction in Graves' disease patients. Thus, it is suggested that thyroid function should be taken into consideration when evaluating the results of ANGPTL8.

Accuracy and precision of the RABBIT technique

One of the most ubiquitous techniques within attosecond science is the so-called reconstruction of attosecond beating by interference of two-photon transitions (RABBIT). Originally proposed for the characterization of attosecond pulses, it has been successfully applied to the accurate determination of time delays in photoemission. Here, we examine in detail, using numerical simulations, the effect of the spatial and temporal properties of the light fields and of the experimental procedure on the accuracy of the method. This allows us to identify the necessary conditions to achieve the best temporal precision in RABBIT measurements. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measurement of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics with X-rays'.

[Analysis on the short-term outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease]

Objective: To investigate the short-term outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease. Methods: A total of 24 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main artery disease hospitalized in Fuwai hospital from June 2012 to May 2018 were included. The clinical data were analyzed,and the patients were divided into survivor group (11 cases) and death group (13 cases) according to survival status at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock. The patients were further divided into thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI) flow grade 0-2 group (11 cases) and TIMI flow grade 3 group (13 cases) according to TIMI flow grade after the procedure. The patients were then divided into non-three-vessel lesions group (14 cases) and three-vessel lesions group (10 cases) according to coronary angiography results. Results: Compared with survivor group, patients in death group presented with lower worst systolic blood pressure within 24 hours after admission (50(48, 70) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. 73(70, 80) mmHg, P<0.01), lower worst diastolic blood pressure with in 24 hours after admission ((33.5±12.4) mmHg vs. (48.9±9.4) mmHg, P<0.01), higher respiratory rates ((27.3±2.5) times/min vs. (21.5±4.0) times/min, P<0.01), less 24 hours urine output ((422±266) ml vs. (1 680±863) ml, P<0.01), lower platelet counts ((161.9±81.9)×10(9)/L vs. (241.6±94.0)×10(9)/L, P=0.03), higher serum creatinine ((250.0±36.8) μmol/L vs. (132.7±34.2) μmol/L, P<0.01), higher alanine aminotransferase (288(76,846) IU/ml vs. 81(42, 109) IU/ml, P=0.04), lower artery pH (7.11±0.17 vs. 7.39±0.09, P<0.01), higher lactic acid ((10.29±3.62) mmol/L vs. (4.21±2.85) mmol/L, P<0.01), higher incidence of invasive ventilation (7/13 vs. 2/11, P=0.02), higher scores of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ (35.4±6.8 vs. 18.7±1.7, P<0.01) and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) Ⅱ (73.5±17.4 vs. 47.0±4.3, P<0.01), and higher incidence of target vessel TIMI flow grade 0-2 (10/13 vs. 1/11, P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that survival rate at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock in TIMI flow grade 3 group was higher than that in TIMI flow grade 0-2 group (76.9% vs. 9.1%, log-rank test, P<0.01), and mortality rate was similar at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock between non-three-vessel lesions group and three-vessel lesions group (35.7% vs. 60.0%, log-rank test, P=0.14). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with TIMI flow grade 0-2 group, the OR value of death at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock in TIMI flow grade 3 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease was 0.030(95%CI 0.003-0.340, P<0.01). Conclusion: Short-term outcomeof patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease remains poor, and final flow of TIMI grade 3 is confirmed as independent protective factor of death at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock in these patients.

The characteristics of internet-based venue sex-seeking and mobility among money boys in Tianjin, China

OBJECTIVES

Internet-based venue sex-seeking is prevalent among money boys (MBs), as is a high degree of mobility, which is crucial for HIV transmission in key populations with high risks of HIV infection. However, correlation studies in MBs are scarce because of the secretive nature of this hard-to-reach subpopulation. We conducted this project to explore the characteristics of MBs.

METHODS

This survey was conducted from December 2014 to June 2015 in Tianjin; a total of 330 MBs were recruited by convenience sampling. Demographic and behavioural data were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the investigated MBs, 38 (11.52%) were HIV positive, 147 (44.55%) reported using internet-based venues to seek sexual partners and 257 (77.88%) had travelled to two or more destinations in the past 6 months. Compared with non-internet-based venue-using MBs, internet-based venue-using MBs were more likely to have part-time employment as MBs, to have a longer duration of working in the sex trade, to engage in finger intercourse and to present a history of substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections. However, internet-based venue-using MBs were less likely to exhibit consistent condom usage and undergo HIV testing. Origin of residence data showed that most MBs were from northern China, with Tianjin, Beijing and Shanghai as the main travel destinations. Mobile MBs were characterized as a group who were fully engaged in the sex trade and frequently took part in sexual activities but had a weak sense of self-protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based venue sex-seeking and mobility are prevalent in MBs. Renewed efforts in internet-based health promotion and school-based primary health examination programmes may benefit more mobile and/or internet-based venue sex-seeking MBs.

3.7 kW monolithic narrow linewidth single mode fiber laser through simultaneously suppressing nonlinear effects and mode instability

In this paper, we report a 3.7 kW all fiber narrow linewidth single mode fiber laser. The full width at half-maximum is about 0.30 nm, and the beam quality is Mx2=1.358, My2=1.202 at maximum output power. The laser is achieved by simultaneously suppressing nonlinear effects and mode instability (MI). Different seeds are injected into the main amplifier to study stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effect. The results show that the phase modulated single frequency seed is benefit to suppress the SRS effect. For the phase modulated single frequency seed, inserting a filter in preamplifier will suppress amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and decrease the backward power. By optimizing the coiling of active fiber, the MI effect is suppressed.

Eavesdropping and Jamming Selection Policy for Suspicious UAVs Based on Low Power Consumption over Fading Channels

Traditional wireless security focuses on preventing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications from suspicious eavesdropping and/or jamming attacks. However, there is a growing need for governments to keep malicious UAV communications under legitimate surveillance. This paper first investigates a new surveillance paradigm for monitoring suspicious UAV communications via jamming suspicious UAVs. Due to the power consumption limitation, the choice of eavesdropping and jamming will reflect the performance of the UAVs communication. Therefore, the paper analyses the UAV's eavesdropping and jamming models in different cases, and then proposes the model to optimize the data package in the constraints of lower power consumption, which can be solved by the proposed selection policy. The simulation results validate our proposed selection policy in terms of power consumption and eavesdropped packets. In different fading models, power consumption increases with time, regardless of distances, and our proposed policy performs better in Weibull fading channels in terms of eavesdropped packets.

Abstract P1-09-12: TP53 expression in relation to clinical and etiologic factors in breast cancer subtypes

TP53 is a well-known tumor suppressor gene and mutations in TP53 are the most frequent genomic event in most cancers including breast cancer. Recent studies have shown that the frequency, spectrum, timing, and clinical implications of TP53 mutations varied in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. For example, the frequency of TP53 mutations is the highest in basal-like subtype and lowest in luminal A tumors. However, the evaluation of TP53 protein expression, as a surrogate for TP53 mutations, in large studies in the context of tumor subtypes is limited. In addition, the etiologic relevance of TP53 expression is yet to be investigated. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association of clinical and breast cancer risk factors with TP53 expression, measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC), in breast cancer molecular subtypes. The analysis included 7,226 women with invasive breast cancer who were diagnosed and treated in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. Subtypes were defined as Luminal A: ER+ and PR+, HER2–, and low grade (grades 1 or 2); luminal B/HER2–: ER+ and/or PR+, HER2–, and high grade (grade 3); luminal B/HER2+: ER+ and/or PR+, HER2+ (regardless of grade); HER2-enriched: ER–, PR–, and HER2+; Triple-negative (TN): ER–, PR–, and HER2–. As expected, positive TP53 staining showed the lowest frequency in the luminal A (46%) and highest in the TN (61%) and HER2-enriched (63%) subtypes (P-value &lt;0.001). Overall and particularly in luminal A patients, positive TP53 staining was associated with higher frequencies of aggressive tumor features such as higher grade, larger tumor size, higher proliferative index, and EGFR expression. Compared with TP53– patients, TP53+ patients were more likely to have younger ages at onset and increased parity, but these associations were largely driven by the luminal A subtype [OR (95% CI) vs nulliparity = 2.67 (1.59, 4.51); 2.63 (1.52, 4.55); 3.68 (2.01, 6.72) for 1, 2, and ≥3 children, respectively (P-trend = 0.006)]. Luminal A/TP53+ patients were also more likely to have breastfed [OR (95% CI) ever vs never = 1.38 (1.03, 1.85)] than luminal A/TP53– patients. These findings suggest that TP53 IHC staining might be used to further refine the classification of luminal A breast cancer into subgroups with distinct clinical and etiologic relevance.

Citation Format: Yang XR, Abubakar M, Guo C, Koka H, Sung H, Guida J, Deng J, Zhou B, Hu N, Lu N. TP53 expression in relation to clinical and etiologic factors in breast cancer subtypes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-12.

Pulmonary toxicity of inhaled nano-sized cerium oxide aerosols in Sprague-Dawley rats

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs), used in some diesel fuel additives to improve fuel combustion efficiency and exhaust filter operation, have been detected in ambient air and concerns have been raised about their potential human health impact. The majority of CeO₂NP inhalation studies undertaken to date have used aerosol particles of larger sizes than the evidence suggests are emitted from vehicles using such fuel additives. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inhaled CeO₂NP aerosols of a more environmentally relevant size, utilizing a combination of methods, including untargeted multi-omics to enable the broadest possible survey of molecular responses and synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy to investigate cerium speciation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by nose-only inhalation to aerosolized CeO₂NPs (mass concentration 1.8 mg/m³, aerosol count median diameter 40 nm) for 3 h/d for 4 d/week, for 1 or 2 weeks and sacrificed at 3 and 7 d post-exposure. Markers of inflammation changed significantly in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which, combined with results from lung histopathology and gene expression analyses suggest an inflammatory response greater than that seen in studies using micron-sized ceria aerosols. Lipidomics of lung tissue revealed changes to minor lipid species, implying specific rather than general cellular effects. Cerium speciation analysis indicated a change in Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ ratio within lung tissue. Collectively, these results in conjunction with earlier studies emphasize the importance of aerosol particle size on toxicity determination. Furthermore, the limited effect resolution within 7 d suggested the possibility of longer-term effects.

Anchoring ultrafine PtNi nanoparticles on N-doped graphene for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

One-step rapid synthesis of ultrafine PtNi nanoparticles anchored on –NH₂ and N doped graphene for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction.

Grape berry surface bacterial microbiome: impact from the varieties and clones in the same vineyard from central China

AIMS

Bacterial microbiome on grape berry surface may play an important role in grape quality and health. This study aims to investigate the impact of grape varieties and clones on grape berry surface bacterial microbiome from the same vineyard.

METHODS AND RESULTS

High-throughput sequencing strategy was used to investigate the bacterial diversity and abundance on the grape surfaces of 12 clones belonging to six varieties grown in the same vineyard of Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute in Henan Province. In total, 45 bacterial phyla and 933 genera were detected from all samples. Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most abundant and prevalent phyla, while Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes were grape clone specific phyla. The nonrank genus from phylum Cyanobacteria occupied 30-81% of grape clones from Italian Riesling (GRX), Cabernet Franc (PLZ), Pinot Blanc (BBN) and Riesling (LSL). Interestingly, Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Lactococcus were the only three prevalent genera found on all the clones. Furthermore, the predicted functional activities of grape surface bacterial communities varied according to the clones.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that in addition to the grape varieties, the variations in grape clone background may also affect the bacterial microbiome on grape surfaces which may ultimately determine their functional activities.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This research provides an important information for grape planting and wine fermentation that not only the grape varieties need to be paid attention but also grape clones from the specific variety need to be concerned.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Nucleotide-binding, oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) gene polymorphism was reported to be associated with susceptibility, disease activity or anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the roles of NLRP3 inflammasome in the development of RA have not yet been elucidated fully. The present study aimed to study the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in RA. NLRP3 inflammasome activation in synovial tissues from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients were assessed by Western blot. Active caspase-1 in synovia was stained by a FAM-FLICA caspase-1 probe. Mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with MCC950, a selective NLRP3 inhibitor, or vehicle for 2 weeks. The clinical score of arthritis, synovial inflammation and cartilage erosion were assessed. Proinflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that NLRP3 inflammasome was highly activated in both synovia from RA patients and CIA mice. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome occurred mainly in the infiltrating monocyte/macrophages in synovia, but not in fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Treatment with MCC950 resulted in significantly less severe joints inflammation and bone destruction. NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the synovia was inhibited significantly by MCC950 with reduced production of interleukin (IL)-1β. The inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by MCC950 was confirmed further in a human monocytic cell line, THP-1. In conclusion, NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome with a small molecule inhibitor might be a novel therapeutic strategy for RA.