Experimental Demonstration of Efficient Harmonic Generation via Surface Plasma Compression with Lasers

The efficiency of high-order harmonic generation from a relativistic laser interacting with solid targets depends greatly on surface plasma distribution. The usual method of enhancing efficiency involves tuning the plasma scale length carefully by improving the laser contrast. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that efficient harmonics can be achieved directly by compressing large-scale surface plasma via the radiation pressure of a circularly polarized normally incident prepulse. The harmonic generation efficiency obtained by this method is comparable to that obtained with optimized plasma scale length by high-contrast lasers. Our scheme does not rely on high-contrast lasers and is robust and easy to implement. Thus, it may pave a way for the development of intense extreme ultraviolet sources and future applications with high repetition rates.

Multiphysical graph neural network (MP-GNN) for COVID-19 drug design

Graph neural networks (GNNs) are the most promising deep learning models that can revolutionize non-Euclidean data analysis. However, their full potential is severely curtailed by poorly represented molecular graphs and features. Here, we propose a multiphysical graph neural network (MP-GNN) model based on the developed multiphysical molecular graph representation and featurization. All kinds of molecular interactions, between different atom types and at different scales, are systematically represented by a series of scale-specific and element-specific graphs with distance-related node features. From these graphs, graph convolution network (GCN) models are constructed with specially designed weight-sharing architectures. Base learners are constructed from GCN models from different elements at different scales, and further consolidated together using both one-scale and multi-scale ensemble learning schemes. Our MP-GNN has two distinct properties. First, our MP-GNN incorporates multiscale interactions using more than one molecular graph. Atomic interactions from various different scales are not modeled by one specific graph (as in traditional GNNs), instead they are represented by a series of graphs at different scales. Second, it is free from the complicated feature generation process as in conventional GNN methods. In our MP-GNN, various atom interactions are embedded into element-specific graph representations with only distance-related node features. A unique GNN architecture is designed to incorporate all the information into a consolidated model. Our MP-GNN has been extensively validated on the widely used benchmark test datasets from PDBbind, including PDBbind-v2007, PDBbind-v2013 and PDBbind-v2016. Our model can outperform all existing models as far as we know. Further, our MP-GNN is used in coronavirus disease 2019 drug design. Based on a dataset with 185 complexes of inhibitors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2), we evaluate their binding affinities using our MP-GNN. It has been found that our MP-GNN is of high accuracy. This demonstrates the great potential of our MP-GNN for the screening of potential drugs for SARS-CoV-2. Availability: The Multiphysical graph neural network (MP-GNN) model can be found in https://github.com/Alibaba-DAMO-DrugAI/MGNN. Additional data or code will be available upon reasonable request.

POS1443 IDENTIFYING THE NEW EMERGENCE OF RACIAL DISPARITIES IN GOUT OVER THE PAST 3 DECADES – US NATIONAL SURVEY AND PROSPECTIVE COHORT DATA

Background

Several studies published after 2010 reported a higher frequency of gout and hyperuricemia among US Blacks than Whites.1-4 However, Blacks (in the US and Africa) were previously thought to suffer gout less often than Whites.5 We hypothesized that the racial disparity in Blacks emerged over the past several decades, with flipped prevalence between the two races.

Objectives

To assess trends in racial differences in gout prevalence in the US using both national survey and cohort study data over the past 3 decades.

Methods

Using data from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) III (1988-1994) and latest decade (2007-2016), and data from 5 examination periods in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study between 1988 through 2013, we compared age- and sex-adjusted prevalences and odds ratios (OR) to determine the trend of racial differences in gout prevalence between Blacks and Whites. A time-race interaction term was used to assess differences in the rate of change between the two races.

Results

Among Whites, the sex- and age-standardised prevalence of gout in the NHANES rose from 2.8% (95% CI: 2.4 to 3.2) in 1988-94 to 3.7% (3.2 to 4.1) in 2007/16. Prevalence of gout among Blacks was lower than Whites in 1988-94 (2.6% [2.2 to 3.0]) but rose more sharply over the subsequent decades (p for race-time interaction=0.003), and in 2007/16 came to exceed that of Whites (5.0% [4.4 to 5.6]).

Corresponding age-sex-adjusted ORs for gout in Blacks vs. Whites were 0.93 (0.73 to 1.17) in 1988-94, increasing to 1.46 (1.22 to 1.74) in 2007/16 (Table 1). This disproportionate rise in gout prevalence among Blacks tended to be more prominent among women (OR 1.81 [1.29 to 2.53]) than men (OR 1.26 [1.02 to 1.55]; p for race-time interactions of 0.002 and 0.01, respectively). Similar trends were observed in the ARIC cohort, where the OR for gout among Blacks vs. Whites rose progressively from 0.82 (0.65 to 1.02) in 1987-89 to 1.81 (1.49 to 2.19) in 2011-13.

Table 1.

Temporal Trend of Racial Disparity in Gout Prevalence in NHANES Survey and the ARIC Study Cohort, overall and by sex

Odds Ratio (95% CI) for Gout Among Blacks vs. WhitesOVERALLNHANES1988-19942007-2016Age- and sex-adjusted0.93(0.73 to 1.17)1.46(1.22 to 1.74)ARICVisit 1: 1987-89Visit 2: 1990-92Visit 3: 1993-95Visit 4: 1996-98Visit 5: 2011-13Age- and sex-adjusted0.82(0.65 to 1.02)0.99(0.81 to 1.22)1.24(1.03 to 1.50)1.60(1.35 to 1.90)1.81(1.49 to 2.19)WOMENNHANES1988-19942007-2016Age-adjusted0.98(0.65 to 1.47)1.81(1.29 to 2.53)ARICVisit 1: 1987-89Visit 2: 1990-92Visit 3: 1993-95Visit 4: 1996-98Visit 5: 2011-13Age-adjusted0.92(0.64 to 1.32)1.14(0.82 to 1.59)1.45 (1.07 to 1.96)1.89 (1.45 to 2.46)2.28(1.73 to 3.01)MENNHANES1988-19942007-2016Age-adjusted0.91(0.68 to 1.21)1.26 (1.02 to 1.55)ARICVisit 1: 1987-89Visit 2: 1990-92Visit 3: 1993-95Visit 4: 1996-98Visit 5: 2011-13Age-adjusted0.73 (0.54 to 0.97)0.87 (0.66 to 1.14)1.03(0.79 to 1.33)1.29(1.02 to 1.64)1.34(1.00 to 1.78)

Conclusion

Gout prevalence tended to be lower in Blacks than Whites until late 80’s, then rose and surpassed that of Whites over the past several decades. These trends closely parallel the worsening obesity epidemic during this period,6 particularly in Blacks, partly due to enhanced Western lifestyle. Gout risk genetic profile change would not contribute to this emergence of racial differences, particularly among the same individuals in ARIC, although it remains to be clarified whether Blacks carry genetic profiles that enhance the effect of lifestyle risk factors for gout.

References

[1]PMID 22225548 (2012)

[2]PMID 24330409 (2013)

[3]PMID 24335384 (2014)

[4]PMID: 30618180 (2019)

[5]NEJM PMID: 15014177

[6]JAMA PMID: 12365955

Disclosure of Interests

Natalie McCormick: None declared, Leo Lu: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Amit Joshi: None declared, Yuqing Zhang: None declared, Hyon Choi Consultant of: Ironwood, Selecta, Horizon, Takeda, Kowa, and Vaxart., Grant/research support from: Ironwood and Horizon

[The 495th case: young female-hyperandrogenemia-severe insulin resistance]

A 22-year-old female has complained of hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, enlarged clitoris, and menstrual disorders since puberty. Laboratory examinations revealed hyperandrogenemia. Severe insulin resistance and diabetes were found during hospitalization in our hospital. She was diagnosed with type A insulin resistance syndrome finally. After treatment with metformin, the acanthosis nigricans was significantly relieved, blood glucose was controlled satisfactorily, and the menstrual cycle was restored.

POS0155 WHAT DRIVES RACIAL DISPARITIES IN GOUT IN THE US? – POPULATION-BASED, SEX-SPECIFIC, CASUAL MEDIATION ANALYSIS

Background

Traditionally viewed as a disease of White men, global frequency and disability burden of female gout are rising disproportionately to male gout.1 Moreover, emerging US cohort data suggest gout and hyperuricemia impart larger burdens on Black adults than Whites.2 These racial disparities may be largely attributable to differences in non-genetic, mainly modifiable gout risk factors e.g., BMI, diet,3,4 and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, national-level, general population data on racial differences in burden of gout, and potential mediators, are lacking.

Objectives

To determine and quantify sex-specific mediators of racial disparities in gout prevalence among a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Methods

Using recent decadal data (2007-2016) on physician-diagnosed gout and hyperuricemia from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we compared contemporary sex- and race-specific prevalences and conducted sequential causal mediation analysis (adjusting for upstream mediators following causal pathways)5 to determine the proportion of the racial differences attributable to 7 potentially mediating social and clinical factors (see DAG in Figure 1): low education, poverty, body mass index (BMI), alcohol, poor quality diet (poor DASH adherence), diuretic use, and CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min, using the latest equations that do not include a coefficient for Black race6, per National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology recommendations.7)

Results

Age standardised prevalence of gout was 3.5% and 2.0% in Black and White women, respectively (age-adjusted OR =1.8 [95% CI: 1.3 to 2.5]), and 7.0% and 5.4% in Black and White men (age-adjusted OR =1.3 [1.0 to 1.6]). Most risk factors were more frequent/elevated in Blacks than Whites, except alcohol consumption, which was lower in Blacks (both sexes). BMI levels and poverty were higher in Black women, but similar between Black and White men.

Largest mediating factor of excess gout cases among Black women was excess BMI, accounting for 56% of the racial difference (independent of education, poverty, diet, and alcohol), followed by CKD (24%), poverty (17%), and poor diet (12%) (see Table 1).

Table 1.

Indirect (mediation) effects of potential mediators, using sequential mediation analysis, for the association between Black race and odds of gout in US women and men.

WOMENMENEffect Estimate (OR), 95% CIProportion Mediated, %Effect Estimate (OR), 95% CIProportion Mediated, %Indirect (Mediation) EffectEducation (high school or less)1.01 (0.98 to 1.03)2.4%1.01 (0.98 to 1.03)3.3%Poverty1.07 (1.04 to 1.10)16.9%1.00 (0.99 to 1.00)0.53%Alcohol consumption (# drinks/week, continuous)0.99 (0.96 to 1.01)-3.4%0.99 (0.98 to 1.00)-4.5%DASH diet score (continuous; higher scores = ↓ adherence)1.05 (0.96 to 1.01)12.0%1.05 (1.01 to 1.10)19.8%Body mass index (continuous)1.25 (1.14 to 1.37)55.9%1.03 (1.02 to 1.04)11.9%Diuretic use1.03 (1.01 to 1.05)7.6%1.04 (1.02 to 1.06)14.2%Chronic kidney disease1.10 (1.04 to 1.16)23.9%1.12 (1.08 to 1.17)45.6%Direct Effect0.94 (0.68 to 1.30)a−15.2%1.02 (0.83 to 1.26)b9.2%Total Effect1.49 (1.12 to 1.98)100%1.29 (1.05 to 1.57)100%

DASH=Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension;

ap=0.52,

bp=0.83

Among men, CKD was the largest mediator (46%), followed by poor diet (20%) and diuretic use (14%). BMI (12%) and poverty (0.5%) mediated smaller proportions of the racial difference among men compared to women. Mediators of racial differences in hyperuricemia closely agreed with gout results.

Conclusion

Contrasting with historical views, gout is more frequent among Black adults in the US than their White counterparts, especially women (two-times greater in Black women vs. White). Culturally informed efforts to reduce these disparities should focus on excess adiposity, diet quality, and kidney disease while recognising the impact of poverty in female gout.

References

[1]Xia; PMID 31624843

[2]PMID 24335384

[3]Rai BMJ PMID 28487277

[4]Yokose JAMA IM (2022)

[5]VanderWeele; PMID 25580377

[6]NEJM PMID 34554658

[7]JASN PMID 34556489

Disclosure of Interests

Natalie McCormick: None declared, Leo Lu: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Amit Joshi: None declared, Tony Merriman: None declared, Kenneth Saag Consultant of: Arthrosi, Atom Bioscience, Horizon Therapeutics, LG Pharma, Mallinkrodt, SOBI, Takeda, Grant/research support from: Horizon Therapeutics, SOBI, Shanton, Yuqing Zhang: None declared, Hyon Choi Consultant of: Ironwood, Selecta, Horizon, Takeda, Kowa, and Vaxart.

Grant/research support from: Ironwood, Horizon

OP0166 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND AMPLIFICATION OF SERUM URATE IMPACT ON GOUT RISK: POPULATION-BASED STUDY OF > 450,000 UK BIOBANK PARTICIPANTS

Background

Serum urate (SU) is a necessary causal factor for development of gout, while chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers, cytokines, and reduced AMPK activity levels. Furthermore, CKD has been found to be associated with an increased risk of incident gout, even beyond (i.e., independent of) SU levels. As such, the impact of SU may be enhanced by presence of CKD, but this hypothesis has not been evaluated.

Objectives

To prospectively examine whether CKD modifies the relation between SU levels and risk of incident gout.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort analysis of UK Biobank participants with urate and creatinine levels available from baseline blood samples (2006-2010), and no prior diagnosis of gout or urate lowering therapy use. CKD Stage ≥ 3 status (eGFR <60 mL/min) was determined from latest CKD-Epi equations (NEJM 2021; JASN 2021).1,2 Incident cases of gout were ascertained from linked hospitalisation, primary care, and death records. Participants were followed from baseline up to 10 years or until gout diagnosis, death, or end of study period (Dec 31/19).

We calculated 10-year cumulative incidence of gout according to baseline SU category and CKD status and evaluated their individual and joint impact on gout risk using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

We further assessed for additive and multiplicative interactions3 between levels of SU and inverted eGFR, on a standardized continuous scale per SD.

Results

We included 458,244 individuals (45% male, mean age 56.5 years), of whom 6,559 had CKD at baseline, and documented 5,847 cases of incident gout over 4,442,866 person-years.

10-year cumulative incidence of gout ranged from 0.2% (baseline SU < 5 mg/dL) to 33% (baseline SU ≥ 10 mg/dL), and in each category incidence was higher for those with CKD than without (Table 1; Figure 1-left), Multivariable hazard ratio (HR) for the joint effect of CKD and highest SU level (≥ 10 mg/dL), compared to non-CKD and lowest SU (<5mg/dL), was 242 (95% CI: 189 to 309) (Figure 1-right).

Table 1.

Cumulative incidence and hazard ratio (HR) of incident gout according to baseline serum urate levels and CKD status

CKD Stage ≥ 3Hyperuricemia (Dichotomous)Serum urate, mg/dL<55.0 to < 6.06.0 to < 7.07.0 to < 8.08.0 to < 9.09.0 to < 10.0≥10<7.0≥7.0N cases6152895150104874943610-Year Cumulative Incidence0.6%1.1%1.7%7.6%19.1%28.0%42.0%1.2%16.6%Incidence Rate Ratio1.0 (Ref)1.72.712.333.856.1107.71.0 (Ref)15.2No CKDSerum urate, mg/dL<55.0 to < 6.06.0 to < 7.07.0 to < 8.08.0 to < 9.09.0 to < 10.0≥10<7.0≥7.0N cases393446105617691251363841,8953,46710-Year Cumulative Incidence,0.2%0.4%1.4%6.0%15.6%23.5%27.5%0.5%8.8%Incidence Rate Ratio1.0 (Ref)2.18.034.696.9155.9198.81.0 (Ref)20.2Joint Effect of Serum Urate and CKDSerum urate, mg/dL<55.0 to < 6.06.0 to < 7.07.0 to < 8.08.0 to < 9.09.0 to < 10.0≥10<7.0≥7.0Age-, Sex-, and Race- Adjusted HRNo CKD1.0 (Ref)1.97.029.883.0133.3170.31.0 (Ref)15.7CKD3.25.17.834.193.3155.9302.32.530.5Fully adjusted HR*No CKD1.0 (Ref)1.86.425.869.4108.7132.91.0 (Ref)12.5CKD3.14.76.828.975.2121.1241.82.322.4

*Adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index, hypertension, diuretic use, smoking, and consumption of alcohol, coffee, meat, fish, poultry, and milk.

There was a significant additive interaction between continuous SU and eGFR (relative excess risk due to interaction=0.16 [0.09 to 0.24], p < 0.001), with HRs of 3.7 (3.6 to 3.8) per SD increase of SU, 1.2 (1.2 to 1.3) per SD increase of inverted eGFR, and 4.1 (3.9 to 4.2) for their joint effect. Their multiplicative interaction was also significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These large prospective cohort data suggest CKD presence enhances the effect of elevated SU levels on risk of incident gout. They support roles of CKD-associated factors beyond SU in developing gout, such as reduced AMPK activity levels and altered inflammatory factors in CKD, which warrant further investigation.

References

[1]PMID 34554658

[2]PMID 34556489

[3]ARD (2021) PMID 34857519

Disclosure of Interests

Natalie McCormick: None declared, Leo Lu: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Amit Joshi: None declared, Yuqing Zhang: None declared, Hyon Choi Consultant of: Ironwood, Selecta, Horizon, Takeda, Kowa, and Vaxart., Grant/research support from: Ironwood and Horizon

[Gene-lifestyle interaction on coronary heart disease in adult twins of China]

Objective: To explore the gene-lifestyle interaction on coronary heart disease (CHD) in adult twins of China. Methods: Participants were selected from twin pairs registered in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR). Univariate interaction model was used to estimate the interaction, via exploring the moderation effect of lifestyle on the genetic variance of CHD. Results: A total of 20 477 same-sex twin pairs aged ≥25 years were recruited, including 395 CHD cases, and 66 twin pairs both had CHD. After adjustment for age and sex, no moderation effects of lifestyles, including current smoking, current drinking, physical activity, intake of vegetable and fruit, on the genetic variance of CHD were found (P>0.05), suggesting no significant interactions. Conclusion: There was no evidence suggesting statistically significant gene-lifestyle interaction on CHD in adult twins of China.

[Recurrence and metastasis of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma after tumor resection and clinical characteristics analysis]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of recurrence or metastasis of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) patients after primary tumor resection, and to compare the differences of clinical indicators between patients with or without recurrence or metastasis. Methods: This study is a retrospective study. All 157 patients were followed up after tumor resection in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2008 to 2016. We obtained the basic information [age of diagnosis, gender, height, weight and body mass index (BMI)], the onset status of PPGL (age of onset, course of disease, family history, tumor location, whether the tumor is bilateral or multiple, and preoperative blood pressure), clinical and pathological features of PPGL tumor (tumor size, whether it could adhere, invade or infiltrate during operation, whether the tumor capsule is smooth and complete on the postoperative pathological diagnosis, whether there is infiltration growth and cystic necrosis on tumor pathology and Ki-67 index), and laboratory examination results [24 hours urinary norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), dopamine (DA) before operation]. According to the outpatient or telephone follow-up, the postoperative incidences of recurrence and metastasis were explored, and the basic information, status of onset, clinical and pathological characteristics of tumors, and laboratory test results of patients were compared. Results: A total of 157 patients, 69 males and 88 females, were with an average age of (42.4±13.4) years old. There were 103 patients with PCC and 54 with PGL. The average follow-up time was (9.5±2.0) years. Of the 103 patients with PCC, 13 (12.6%) had postoperative recurrence and 9 (8.7%) had distant metastasis. Compared with the patients without recurrence and metastasis, the onset age of the 13 patients with recurrence was younger [(27.3±15.7) years vs (39.3±12.2) years, P=0.003], the course of disease was longer [48.0 (23.0, 141.0) months vs 12.0 (4.0, 60.0) months, P=0.010]. The tumor size of 9 patients with distant metastasis was larger [8.0 (6.1, 12.8) cm vs 5.0 (4.0, 7.0) cm, P=0.027]. Of the 54 patients with PGL, 8 (14.8%) had postoperative recurrence and 5 (9.3%) had distant metastasis. Compared with the patients without recurrence and metastasis, the course of disease of the 8 patients with recurrence was longer [90.0 (36.3, 165.0) months vs 24.0 (8.0, 72.0) months, P=0.009], and the proportion of primary tumors with multiple lesions was higher (4/8 vs 4.4%, P=0.003). The preoperative diastolic blood pressure was higher in 5 patients with distant metastasis [(146.0±32.1) mmHg vs (120.6±25.3) mmHg, P=0.043] (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and the proportion of primary tumors with multiple lesions was higher (2/4 vs 4.4%, P=0.029). Conclusion: PPGL patients are prone to have recurrence or metastasis. PPGL patients with postoperative recurrence or distant metastasis had younger onset age, longer course of disease, larger tumor size and higher proportion of multiple lesions.

Circle Representation for Medical Object Detection

Box representation has been extensively used for object detection in computer vision. Such representation is efficacious but not necessarily optimized for biomedical objects (e.g., glomeruli), which play an essential role in renal pathology. In this paper, we propose a simple circle representation for medical object detection and introduce CircleNet, an anchor-free detection framework. Compared with the conventional bounding box representation, the proposed bounding circle representation innovates in three-fold: (1) it is optimized for ball-shaped biomedical objects; (2) The circle representation reduced the degree of freedom compared with box representation; (3) It is naturally more rotation invariant. When detecting glomeruli and nuclei on pathological images, the proposed circle representation achieved superior detection performance and be more rotation-invariant, compared with the bounding box. The code has been made publicly available: https://github.com/hrlblab/CircleNet.

Exosomal lncRNA TUG1 from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes liver cancer cell migration, invasion, and glycolysis by regulating the miR-524-5p/SIX1 axis

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is crucial for tumor progression; however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms are not well characterized.

Methods

The expression levels of TUG1, miR-524-5p, and sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The regulatory relationships were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit 8 and transwell assays. Glucose uptake, cellular levels of lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected using commercially available kits. Silencing of TUG1 or SIX1 was performed by lentivirus transduction. Protein levels were measured by immunoblotting.

Results

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-secreted exosomes promoted migration, invasion, and glycolysis in HepG2 cells by releasing TUG1. The promotive effects of CAFs-secreted exosomes were attenuated by silencing of TUG1. TUG1 and SIX1 are targets of miR-524-5p. SIX1 knockdown inhibited the promotive effects of miR-524-5p inhibitor. Silencing of TUG1 suppressed tumor growth and lung metastasis and therefore increased survival of xenograft model mice. We also found that TUG1 and SIX1 were increased in HCC patients with metastasis while miR-524-5p was decreased in HCC patients with metastasis.

Conclusions

CAFs-derived exosomal TUG1 promoted migration, invasion, and glycolysis in HCC cells via the miR-524-5p/SIX1 axis. These findings may help establish the foundation for the development of therapeutics strategies and clinical management for HCC in future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00309-9.

[An investigation on serum antibody level of varicella-zoster virus in healthy population in Beijing]

Objective: To assess the level and trend of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody among healthy population in Beijing in 2017, after the five-year implementation of the two doses varicella vaccination strategy in 2012, and to provide evidence for scientific evaluation of immunization strategy. Methods: A total of 2 144 subjects in ten age groups from 8 districts of Beijing city were recruited in this study using cross-sectional survey based on multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Serum samples were collected and VZV antibody was detected by ELISA. The influencing factors of antibody concentration and positive rate were analyzed and compared with the study in 2012. The antibody concentration and antibody positive rate were analyzed by nonparametric test and χ² test respectively. Results: The ratio of subjects with registered residence in Beijing city to other provinces was 1∶1. The ratio of male to female was 1∶1.08. The median concentration of VZV antibody was 341.4 (78.6, 1 497.8) mIU/ml, and the total antibody positive rate was 71.1% (1 524/2 144). There were significant differences in antibody positive rate (χ²=736.39, P<0.01) and antibody concentration (χ²=740.34, P<0.01) among different age groups. The antibody positive rate generally increased with age (χ²_trend=7.32, P_trend<0.01). Among 862 children under 14 years old, the antibody positive rate of two doses vaccination 72.8% (182/250) was significantly higher than that of one dose vaccination 51.9% (154/297) (χ²=25.14, P<0.01). There was significant difference between 1-4 years old group (χ²=11.71, P<0.01) and 10-14 years old group (χ²=5.95, P=0.02), but not in 5-9 years old group (χ²=3.00, P=0.07). Compared with the study in 2012, the antibody positive rate increased in 5-9 years old group (χ²=14.35, P<0.01) and decreased in 1-4 years old group (χ²=11.51, P=0.01) in 2017. Conclusion: The recommended varicella booster vaccination has significantly improved the VZV antibody level of children in Beijing city. In the future, it is necessary to explore a more optimized two doses varicella vaccination schedule for children in combination with epidemiological evidence.

Search for Relativistic Magnetic Monopoles with Eight Years of IceCube Data

We present an all-sky 90% confidence level upper limit on the cosmic flux of relativistic magnetic monopoles using 2886 days of IceCube data. The analysis was optimized for monopole speeds between 0.750c and 0.995c, without any explicit restriction on the monopole mass. We constrain the flux of relativistic cosmic magnetic monopoles to a level below 2.0×10^{-19}  cm^{-2} s^{-1} sr^{-1} over the majority of the targeted speed range. This result constitutes the most strict upper limit to date for magnetic monopoles with β≳0.8 and up to β∼0.995 and fills the gap between existing limits on the cosmic flux of nonrelativistic and ultrarelativistic magnetic monopoles.

Evidence of a shared binding site for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis cadherin

Insect midgut cadherins function as receptors and play critical roles as protein receptors of insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins used as biopesticides and in Bt transgenic crops worldwide. Here, we cloned and characterized the full-length midgut cadherin (CmCad) cDNA from the rice leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), a destructive pest of rice in many Asian countries. Expression of recombinant proteins corresponding to the extracellular domain of CmCad allowed testing binding of Cry proteins. Results from in vitro ligand blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays supported that the extracellular domain of CmCad contains regions recognized by both Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa. Molecular modelling and docking simulations indicated that binding to both Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa is localized primarily within a CmCad motif corresponding to residues T1417-D1435. A recombinant CmCad protein produced without residues T1417-D1435 lacked binding to Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa, confirmed our modelling predictions that CmCad has a shared Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa binding site. The potential existence of a shared binding region in CmCad suggests that caution should be taken when using combinations of Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa in pyramided transgenic rice, as their combined use could speed the evolution of resistance to both toxins.

Multi-Institutional Validation of Two-Streamed Deep Learning Method for Automated Delineation of Esophageal Gross Tumor Volume Using Planning CT and FDG-PET/CT

Background

The current clinical workflow for esophageal gross tumor volume (GTV) contouring relies on manual delineation with high labor costs and inter-user variability.

Purpose

To validate the clinical applicability of a deep learning multimodality esophageal GTV contouring model, developed at one institution whereas tested at multiple institutions.

Materials and Methods

We collected 606 patients with esophageal cancer retrospectively from four institutions. Among them, 252 patients from institution 1 contained both a treatment planning CT (pCT) and a pair of diagnostic FDG-PET/CT; 354 patients from three other institutions had only pCT scans under different staging protocols or lacking PET scanners. A two-streamed deep learning model for GTV segmentation was developed using pCT and PET/CT scans of a subset (148 patients) from institution 1. This built model had the flexibility of segmenting GTVs via only pCT or pCT+PET/CT combined when available. For independent evaluation, the remaining 104 patients from institution 1 behaved as an unseen internal testing, and 354 patients from the other three institutions were used for external testing. Degrees of manual revision were further evaluated by human experts to assess the contour-editing effort. Furthermore, the deep model’s performance was compared against four radiation oncologists in a multi-user study using 20 randomly chosen external patients. Contouring accuracy and time were recorded for the pre- and post-deep learning-assisted delineation process.

Lanzhou Lily polysaccharide fragment protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells from radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks

Background

Radiotherapy is widely used in the treatment of tumors. However, while killing tumor cells, radiation may also cause damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Therefore, it is very important to find safe and effective radiation protection agents.

Purpose

To investgate the radiation protection effect of Lanzhou Lily polysaccharide fragments (LLP). Methods: The crude polysaccharides of Lanzhou Lily were extracted from the dried bulb powder of Lilium lilium by ultrasonic-assisted hot water method, and then five different fragments were separated from the polysaccharides by DEAE-52-cellulose column. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, neutral comet and immunofluorescent staining were used to investigate the effect of LPe fragment on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) survival and the possible radioprotective mechanism.

Results

The LPe fragment (composing of mannose and glucose, with a ratio of 5.5:2.9, and the average molecular weight is 8629.8 Da), significantly promoted the proliferation of HUVECs and protected cells from X-ray-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, in which pretreatment with the LPe fragment at 100 μg/mL showed the most pronounced protection. In addition, the occurrence of X-ray-induced γH2AX foci was significantly reduced by treatment with the LPe fragment at 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, caffeine or wortmannin in combination with the LPe fragment at 25 μg/mL significantly reduced the number of X-ray-induced γH2AX foci, indicating phosphoinositide-3 kinases (PI3K) is involved in H2AX phosphorylation in HUVECs.

Conclusion

These results indicate the LPe fragment has a protective effect against radiation-induced DSBs and may be used as a natural antioxidant agent.

[Clinical applicational comparison of digital impression and silicon rubber impression technique in posterior implant-supported single crown restoration]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and satisfaction of partially edentulous patients restored with posterior implant-supported single crown by digital impression technique and traditional silicon rubber impression, in order to provide clinical reference. Methods: Sixty-four partially edentulous patients who visited the Department of Prosthodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University between March 2018 and January 2021 were enrolled. There were 31 male and 33 female, and the age of the group of patients was (49.3±13.3) years. The 113 implants placed in this group of patients were divided into digital impression group (n=70) and silicone rubber impression group (n=43) according to different impression techniques, and were restored with screw-retained full zirconia single crown, and the patients were followed up for 3-36 months after treatment. The implant survival rate, upper prosthesis, peri-implant soft tissue status, marginal bone loss and patients satisfaction were recorded to evaluate the clinical effects of two impression techniques in posterior implant-supported single crown. Results: In sixty-four patients, digital impression accounted for 62% (40/64), and silicon rubber impression accounted for 38% (24/64), the survival rate of 113 implants was 100% (113/113). The prevalence of interproximal contact loss, food impaction and mechanical complication of the upper full zirconia single crown restorations were 22.7% (41/181), 8.0% (9/113) and 2.7% (3/113) separately. All the mechanical complications were abutment screw loosening. All patients maintained good oral hygiene status, the incidences of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis were 0.9% (1/113) and 4.4% (5/113) respectively. The marginal bone loss was (0.24±0.11) mm. The median of satisfaction visual analogue scale score in patients was 9-10, but no statistically significant differences of all the above results were observed between the two impression techniques (P>0.05). Conclusions: The clinical effect of partially edentulous patients restored with posterior implant-supported single crown using two different impression techniques is good and the satisfaction of patients is high, but the long-term clinical effect remains to be further observed.

Clinical significance of PSMA, TERT and PDEF in malignant tumors of the prostate

The article "Clinical significance of PSMA, TERT and PDEF in malignant tumors of the prostate, by J. Situ, H. Zhang, L. Lu, K. Li, C. Hu, D.-J. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21 (15): 3347-3352-PMID: 28829509" has been withdrawn from the authors due to inaccuracies in the research design. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/13198.