[Mage-D1 binding to activated p75NTR positively regulates mineralization of rat ectomesenchymal stem cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the binding of Mage-D1 with activated p75NTR and explore their role in regulating mineralization of ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs).

METHODS

EMSCs were isolated from the tooth germs of embryonic SD rats (19.5 days of gestation) by tissue explant culture and were identified for surface markers using flow cytometry. The cultured cells were divided into blank control group, 100 ng/mL nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation group, and lentivirus-mediated Mage-D1 interference (SH-Mage-D1) group. Proximity ligation assay was used to detect the binding of Mage-D1 with activated p75NTR in the EMSCs, and the binding strength was compared among the 3 groups. Alizarin red staining and ALP staining were used to observe mineralization of the induced cells. The expressions of ALP, Runx2, OCN, BSP, OPN, Msx1 and Dlx1 at both the mRNA and protein levels were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The isolated EMSCs expressed high levels of cell surface markers CD44, CD90, CD29, CD146, and CD105 with a low expression of CD45. The results of proximity ligation assay showed that the binding of Mage-D1 with activated p75NTR in the cells increased over time, and the binding strength was significantly greater in NFG-treated cells than in the cells in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Alizarin red staining and ALP staining of the induced cells showed that the changes in the mineralization nodules were consistent with those of ALP activity. The cells treated with 100 ng/mL NGF exhibited significantly increased expressions of ALP, Runx2, OCN, BSP, OPN, Col1, Msx1 and Dlx1 as compared with the cells in the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mage-D1 directly binds to activated p75NTR in embryonic rat EMSCs to positively regulate the mineralization of the EMSCs.

Clinical benefits of TNF-α inhibitors in Chinese adult patients with NLRP3-associated autoinflammatory disease

BACKGROUND

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-associated autoinflammatory disease (NLRP3-AID) is a rare, heterogeneous disease entity associated with mutations in NLRP3. Biologic therapy for NLRP3-AID yields diverse results.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of Chinese adult patients with NLRP3-AID who were treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors.

METHODS

Five patients with NLRP3-AID were diagnosed and treated with TNF-α inhibitors at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2017 and 2020 and were followed up for 6 to 12 months. All patients were systematically studied for treatment outcomes, including clinical manifestations and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

All five adult NLRP3-AID patients were Chinese Han, and four patients were males. The mean age at disease onset was 4.2 ± 4.1 years, and the mean time of diagnosis delay was 19.8 ± 6 years. All patients received TNF-α inhibitors with or without methotrexate/prednisone. During follow-up, all patients achieved remarkable clinical remission of skin lesions and polyarthritis and showed improvements in acute-phase reactants, inflammatory cytokines, patient visual analogue scale, physician global assessment and 36-item Short Form (SF-36).

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis and effective therapy for NLRP3-AID are essential for avoiding irreversible organ damage. TNF-α inhibitors might serve as a therapeutic alternative for patients with NLRP3-AID who have unsatisfactory responses or no access to interleukin-1 inhibitors.

BGL3 inhibits papillary thyroid carcinoma progression via regulating PTEN stability

PURPOSE

BGL3, a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays a crucial role in several human malignancies. However, the clinical significance and biological function of BGL3 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have not been explored. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of BGL3 in human PTC.

METHODS

A total of 85 pairs of PTC and normal tissues were collected for clinicopathological analysis. Expression of BGL3 was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of BGL3 on PTC cells ware determined by CCK-8, colony formation, EdU and wound healing assays. The molecular mechanism underlying BGL3 was tested by ChIP, Co-IP, RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. In vivo experiments were conducted using xenografts in nude mice.

RESULTS

BGL3 was significantly decreased in PTC tissues compared to adjacent normal thyroid tissues, and it was transcriptionally repressed by oncogene Myc. Low BGL3 is positively related to larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, later TNM stage and poor prognosis. Overexpression of BGL3 inhibited PTC cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and reduced tumor size and lung metastasis nodules in vivo. BGL3 was mainly located in the cytoplasm, in which interacted with PTEN and recruited OTUD3, enhancing the de-ubiquitination effect of OTUD3 on PTEN, resulting in increasing PTEN protein stability and inactivating carcinogenic PI3K/AKT signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data underscore the critical tumor-inhibiting role of BGL3 in PTC via post-translational regulation of PTEN protein stability, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in human PTC.

Mental health response to COVID-19 in China and impact on psychiatrists

The COVID-19 outbreak has raised numerous challenges for mental health service system in China. The pandemic has many affects on clinical, research and teaching, due to the strict quarantine in china. Fight the COVID-19 became the most important thing in work. We outlined major mental health needs during COVID-19 outbreak from the exiting studies and challenges for mental health professionals, and how to manage these challenges in China. To reduce the risk of negative psychological outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Health Authority of China and different national academic societies have integrated mental health crisis interventions into the general deployment of disease prevention and treatment. The NHCC developed a mental health triage strategy to provide four levels of psychological crisis interventions. More than 20 specific guidelines and expert consensus for mental health services for the COVID-19 outbreak were disseminated by the end of February 2020 to provide timely guidance for frontline health care professionals. External mental health expert teams in other provinces were also established to provide emergency mental health services in Hubei province, China. In addition, widespread adoption of online public education, psychological counseling, and hotline services have been set up for those in need. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been under control in China, we should take a proactive lead to share its protocol of emergency mental health services with other countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also international cooperation is urgely needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Large-scale epidemiological surveys should be conducted to examine the prevalence of mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to inform the development of appropriate mental health services in future.

P–547 Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies molecular regulations associated with poor maturation performance on rescue in vitro matured oocytes

Study question

What is the transcriptome signature associated with rescuein vitro matured (rIVM) oocytes?

Summary answer

GATA–1/CREB1/WNT signaling axis was repressed in rIVM oocytes of poor quality.

What is known already

rIVM aims to produce mature oocytes (MII) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) through IVM of immature oocytes collected from stimulated ovaries. It is less popular due to limited success rate in infertility treatment. Genetic aberrations, cellular stress, and the absence of cumulus cell support in oocytes could account for the failure of rIVM.

Study design, size, duration

We applied single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to capture the transcriptomes of human in vivo (IVO) oocytes (n = 10) from 7 donors and rIVM oocytes (n = 10) from 10 donors, followed by studying the maternal age effect and ovarian responses on rIVM oocyte transcriptomes.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Human oocytes were collected from donors aged 28–41 years with a body mass index of &lt; 30. RNA extraction, cDNA generation, library construction and sequencing were performed in one preparation. scRNA-seq data were then processed and analyzed. Selected genes in therIVM vs. IVO comparison were validated by quantitative real-time PCR.

Main results and the role of chance

The transcriptome profiles of rIVM/IVO showed distinctive differences. A total of 1559 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, genes with at least two-fold change and adjusted p &lt; 0.05) were found to be enriched in metabolic processes, biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. Among these DEGs, we identified a repression of WNT/β-catenin signaling in rIVM when compared with IVO oocytes. We found that estradiol level exhibited a significant age-independent correlation with the IVO mature oocyte ratio (MII ratio). rIVM oocytes with higher MII ratio showed over-represented cellular processes such as anti-apoptosis. To further identify targets that contribute to the poor outcomes of rIVM, we compared oocytes collected from young donors with high MII ratio versus donors of advanced maternal age and revealed CREB1was an important regulator in rIVM. Our study identified GATA–1/CREB1/WNT signaling was repressed in both rIVM condition and rIVM oocytes of low-quality.

Limitations, reasons for caution

In the rIVM oocytes of high- and low-quality comparison, the number of samples was limited after data filtering with stringent selection criteria. For the oocyte stage identification, we were unable to predict the presence of oocyte spindle so polar body extrusion was the only indicator.

Wider implications of the findings: This study showed that GATA–1/CREB1/WNT signaling and antioxidant actions were repressed in rIVM condition and was further downregulated in rIVM oocytes of low-quality, providing us the foundation of subsequent follow-up research on human subjects.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–134 Zygote morphokinetic parameters (ZMP) differs between fertilized and non-fertilized (in vitro maturation) oocytes

Study question

Is there any difference on the ZMP between the fertilized and the non-fertilized oocytes in an IVM cohort?

Summary answer

The zona pellucida (zp_g) , cytoplasm greyscale（cm_g),the cytoplasm size (cm_size), radius (cm_r) and deviation (cm_d) showed different patterns from the two groups.

What is known already

We developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) based algorithm that provides instant and bias-free analytical outcomes of oocyte morphological segmentation. The mature but not-fertilized oocytes tend to be static while the fertilized oocytes are more dynamic for preparing its following biological events.

Study design, size, duration

This was a case-control study on oocytes including 631 normal fertilized oocytes and 100 IVM oocytes from 01/08/2017 to 31/12/2019 conducted in the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We used the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to segment the ZMPs of the cytoplasm and zona pellucida of the oocytes. The ZMPs include cm_g, cm_size, cm_r, cm_d, zp_g, thickness of zona pellucida and the area of perivitelline space. For the ZMPs that did not change with time, we used t-test to test the significance and for the parameters changed with time we used dynamic warp timing and similarity test to find the difference.

Main results and the role of chance

The IVM group had a higher intensity of zp_g of 142.03 (128.52–158.70) compared with the fertilized group of 137.04 (121.69–154.37). The cm_g of IVM group was higher than fertilized group [122.55 (114.87–137.62) vs 119.37(108.88–132.87)]. The cm_size, cm_r and cm_d as parameters changed with time and showed a different pattern in two groups. The IVM group decreased the cm_size faster than the fertilized group but the fertilized group had a more dynamic change in the shape of cytoplasm (cm_d) during the development. The cm_r changed with the same pattern of cm_size provided evidence supporting the finding above.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The ZMPs in the IVM group was captured for 21 hours from the first polar body extrusion. Though the duration was similar to the one from fertilized to the first cleavage. The morphology change during that period may not represent the holistic one of IVM oocytes.

Wider implications of the findings: The IVM oocytes have different morphokinetic performance from fertilized oocytes. We used a novel method based on CNN to confirm the differences between the two groups showing that our algorithm was able to describe the morphokinetic changes in a quantitative way and corresponded with embryologist’s experience.

Trial registration number

The Hong Kong Obstetrical & Gynaecological Trust Fund

Mesoscopic Mapping of Ictal Neurovascular Coupling in Awake Behaving Mice Using Optical Spectroscopy and Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators

Unambiguously identifying an epileptic focus with high spatial resolution is a challenge, especially when no anatomic abnormality can be detected. Neurovascular coupling (NVC)-based brain mapping techniques are often applied in the clinic despite a poor understanding of ictal NVC mechanisms, derived primarily from recordings in anesthetized animals with limited spatial sampling of the ictal core. In this study, we used simultaneous wide-field mesoscopic imaging of GCamp6f and intrinsic optical signals (IOS) to record the neuronal and hemodynamic changes during acute ictal events in awake, behaving mice. Similar signals in isoflurane-anesthetized mice were compared to highlight the unique characteristics of the awake condition. In awake animals, seizures were more focal at the onset but more likely to propagate to the contralateral hemisphere. The HbT signal, derived from an increase in cerebral blood volume (CBV), was more intense in awake mice. As a result, the “epileptic dip” in hemoglobin oxygenation became inconsistent and unreliable as a mapping signal. Our data indicate that CBV-based imaging techniques should be more accurate than blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD)-based imaging techniques for seizure mapping in awake behaving animals.

Effects of radiation on toxicity, complications, revision surgery and aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction: An argument about timing and techniques

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (RT) combined with breast reconstruction can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increase the survival rate. However, this approach seems to worsen aesthetic outcomes and increase complication rates. The impact of breast reconstruction timing and techniques on clinical outcomes, however, remains unclear. For this reason, we aimed to perform a more comprehensive analysis of a series of patients undergoing RT and breast reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the timing of reconstruction (before RT and after RT) and surgical technique (heterologous reconstruction and autologous reconstruction (AR)). The median time between RT and reconstruction, number of revision surgeries, incidence of complications, toxicity, aesthetics and associated clinical risk factors were used to assess the clinical outcomes. An objective system of skin toxicity evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were included in this study. No significant differences in the median time between RT and reconstruction, incidence of complications, toxicity or aesthetics were noted between different timings or techniques of reconstruction. Patients undergoing AR needed more revision surgeries to complete reconstruction. However, the total number of surgical procedures was similar between the groups. In a comparison between the treated and untreated breasts by an objective system, RT produced an increase in erythema and pigmentation and a decrease in elasticity in the treated breast (p<0.05 for all parameters). On multivariate analysis, smoking was a significant predictor associated with complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined breast reconstruction and RT seem to be successful regardless of the order of treatment or the type of reconstruction.

Absent Cortical Venous Filling Is Associated with Aggravated Brain Edema in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Predicting malignant cerebral edema can help identify patients who may benefit from appropriate evidence-based interventions. We investigated whether absent cortical venous filling is associated with more pronounced early brain edema, which leads to malignant cerebral edema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion in the MCA territory who presented between July 2017 and September 2019 to our hospital were included. Collateral filling was rated using the modified Tan scale on CTA, and good collaterals were defined as a score of 2-3. The Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) was calculated, and absent cortical venous filling was defined as a score of 0. Early brain edema was determined using net water uptake on baseline CT images. Malignant cerebral edema was defined as a midline shift of ≥5 mm on follow-up imaging or a massive cerebral swelling leading to decompressive hemicraniectomy or death. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were performed to analyze data.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were included. Net water uptake was significantly higher in patients with absent than in those with favorable cortical venous filling (8.1% versus 4.2%; P < .001). In the multivariable regression analysis, absent cortical venous filling (β = 2.04; 95% CI, 0.75-3.32; P = .002) was significantly and independently associated with higher net water uptake. Absent cortical venous filling (OR, 14.68; 95% CI, 4.03-53.45; P < .001) and higher net water uptake (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.58; P = .016) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of malignant cerebral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with absent cortical venous filling were associated with an increased early brain edema and a higher risk of malignant cerebral edema. These patients may be targeted for optimized adjuvant antiedematous treatment.

[Association between parental education level and left ventricular hypertrophy in childhood]

Objective: To examine the relationship between parental education level and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in children. Methods: The data comes from the baseline survey of the Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study (HCCH) conducted in Huantai County, Zibo City, Shandong Province. A convenient cluster sampling method was used to select a primary school in Huantai County, Zibo City, Shandong Province as a survey point. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2017 to January 2018. A total of 1 316 children aged 6-11 years with complete data were included. LVH was defined as left ventricular mass index ≥ sex-and age-specific 90th percentile values of this population. Education levels of both parents were divided into junior high school or lower, high school, university or higher, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between parental education level and LVH in children. Results: The age of 1 316 participants was (8.9±1.5) years old. Among them, there were 703 boys (53.4%).After adjusting for gender, age, intake of vegetables and fruits, intake of carbonated drinks, physical activity, sleep time, screen time, overweight or obesity, and occasional hypertension, the logistic regression model results show that compared with those children whose parents' education level is junior high school or below, paternal or maternal education level of college or higher was associated with odds of LVH (father: OR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.33-0.87; mother: OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.32-0.87; father/mother: OR=0.54,95%CI: 0.32-0.91). Conclusion: Parental education level is inversely associated with LVH in childhood. The probability of LVH in childhood decreases with the increase of parental education levels.

Survey of risk factors in coronary heart disease (SURF CHD) II: rationale, methods for a novel recruitment strategy and preliminary results

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): European Association of Preventive Cardiology

Introduction

SURF CHD (Survey of Risk Factors in Coronary Heart Disease) is a clinical audit on risk factors and secondary prevention among CHD patients. The first wave of the study showed usefulness of the tool and poor control of risk factors, however the centres were identified by personal contacts. A more formal recruitment strategy was required to increase representativeness in the second wave of the study (SURF CHD II). Purpose: SURF CHD II aims to simplify recording and assessment of risk factor management and medication in CHD patients, while using a novel recruitment strategy that improves representativeness of results and provides a wider picture of secondary prevention of CHD. Methods: The survey is conducted electronically during routine outpatient visits. Data on demographics, risk factors, laboratory and physical measurements and medications is collected and summarized. The novel recruitment strategy is based on the pre-existing network of a renowned association of preventive cardiology, which designates a National Cardiovascular disease Prevention Coordinator (NCPC) for several countries. NCPCs were invited to participate in the clinical audit; selected national cardiac societies were invited to pilot recruitment in countries without a designated NCPC; and clinicians that independently showed interest in SURF were welcome to participate too. The SURF team and interested country representatives held meetings to discuss a tailor-made approach for the implementation of the audit in each country. Results: A total of 48 NCPCs, 11 national cardiac societies and 9 individual contacts were invited to SURF. In 18 meetings with country representatives, enrolment of centres adapting to the countries’ characteristics were discussed. To date, 95 centres in 31 countries have agreed to participate and have enrolled 6145 participants: 88 in Eastern Mediterranean, 4786 in Europe, 108 in the Americas, 1069 in South East Asia and 13 in Western Pacific. 80.11% of the centres are public and 96.73% are located in urban areas. 25.21% of participants were female and mean age was 63.82 ± 18 years. 75.99% of the study population were overweight or obese and 16.6% were smokers. Blood pressure lower than &lt;140/90mmHg was reported in 61.05% of participants, 20.58% had LDL &lt;1.8 mmol/l and 39.58% had  HbA1c &lt; 7%. 27.15% of participants attended cardiac rehabilitation. South East Asia recorded the lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity and LDL levels. Lowest use of statins was recorded in Europe (78.94%), and of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the Americas (14.18%). Conclusions: The recruitment strategy based on the preventive cardiology association’s network is successful. Preliminary results indicate regional variations in risk factors and secondary prevention. SURF will continue to collaborate with NCPCs national cardiac societies to promote the survey and achieve a broader insight on secondary prevention of CHD with a simplified tool.

MiR-645 promotes proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting TP53I11

OBJECTIVE

To research the expression and biological function of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-645 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to further explore the regulatory relationship between miR-645 and tumor protein p53 inducible protein 11 (TP53I11).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 41 tissue samples were collected from NSCLC patients, and RNAs were extracted from these tissues and reversely transcribed. Then, the expression level of miR-645 in the 41 tissue samples of patients, as well as that in NSCLC cells and human bronchial mucosal epithelial cells, was detected by quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). In vitro functional assays [methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay] were conducted to explore the effects of miR-645 on the proliferation and migration abilities of NSCLC cells. Finally, the downstream target genes of miR-645 were predicted by bioinformatics, screened via qRT-PCR and Western blotting experiments, and verified through Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR results showed that the miR-645 expression was upregulated in the tissue samples of 35 out of 41 NSCC cases. Besides, the miR-645 expression was upregulated in NSCC cells compared with that in human bronchial mucosal epithelial cells. After interfering with miR-645 expression, in vitro functional assay (MTT assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay) results revealed that the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were inhibited. According to the results of qRT-PCR and Western blotting, after knocking down the expression of miR-645 in NSCLC cells, the expression of TP53I11 was upregulated, and the results of Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-645 could directly bind to TP53I11.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-645 expression is upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells are promoted by targeted regulation on the TP53I11 expression.

Neuroprotective effect of miR-204-5p downregulation against isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment via targeting EphB2 and inhibiting neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Isoflurane, one of the most commonly used inhalational anesthetics, is usually used in surgery patients and often causes long-term learning and memory impairment. The aim of this study was to explore the role of microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) in isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment in rats.

METHODS

The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to estimate the spatial learning and memory abilities of laboratory rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in the hippocampal tissues. The expression level of miR-204-5p was determined by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The potential target genes of miR-204-5p were predicted and verified by the TargetScan and dual-luciferase reporter assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Isoflurane-induced rats showed significantly higher neurological function scores, higher escape latency and shorter time spent in the original quadrant. Isoflurane could significantly induce neuroinflammation, and the expression of miR-204-5p was increased in the hippocampal tissue of rats exposed to isoflurane. Moreover, downregulation of miR-204-5p attenuated the effect of isoflurane treatment on the escape latency and the time in the original quadrant, and inflammatory cytokines level was downregulated by inhibiting the expression of miR-204-5p. EphB2 was verified as a direct target gene of miR-204-5p.

CONCLUSION

Downregulated miR-204-5p exerts protective effects against isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment via targeting EphB2 and inhibiting neuroinflammation. MiR-204-5p could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the lightening of cognitive dysfunction induced by isoflurane.

Long-term results of a randomized partial irradiation trial compared to whole breast irradiation in the early stage and low-risk breast cancer patients after conservative surgery

PURPOSE

To report long-term results of a randomized trial comparing accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) to whole-breast irradiation (WBI) in terms of efficacy, toxicity, and cosmesis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

WBI group was treated with 3D conformal external irradiation, 2 Gy daily/fraction, 5 fractions/week, to a total dose of 50 Gy. APBI group was treated with 3D conformal external irradiation 3.75 Gy/fraction, twice a day, 5 fractions/week, to a total dose of 37.5 Gy in the APBI group. Patients were followed up every 6 months up to 5 years and yearly thereafter. During follow-up visits, the clinician evaluated chronic toxicity and scored cosmetic results with a four-scale system.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 43 patients in each group (84%) are alive without disease. One patient died after disease progression in the APBI arm, and there was no death in the WBI arm. The rest of the patients died from another disease different than breast cancer, similarly between groups. There was greater fibrosis in the APBI group (9 patients grade 1 and one grade 2) compared to WBI (3 patients grade 1 and one grade 2); p = 0.18. Regarding cosmesis, in APBI group, 19 and 21 (43.2 and 47%) patients had excellent or good results, similar to the WBI group with 18 patients (40.9%) in each cosmesis outcome. The WBI group did not have any patient with poor cosmesis but the APBI had 3 (6.8%; p = 0.24).

CONCLUSION

After a follow-up of 10 years, there were no differences in efficacy between the 2 treatment arms. Despite slight greater toxicity in the APBI group, the cosmesis was similar and satisfactory in both groups.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

MiR-526b suppresses cell proliferation, cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer by targeting Twist1

OBJECTIVE

The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) acts as crucial regulators in the tumorigenesis of breast cancer (BC). The aim of the study is to investigate the functional effects of miR-526b expression in breast cancer progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of miR-526b in breast cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity was detected by CCK-8 cell proliferation, colony formation, and transwell invasion assays after up-regulating or down-regulating miR-526b expression in breast cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis and Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to demonstrate that Twist1 was a target of miR-526b. Western blot analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

We showed that miR-526b expression was significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Lower miR-526b expression was associated with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. Function assays showed that upregulation of miR-526b expression suppressed cell proliferation, cell colony formation, and cell invasion ability in breast cancer. Furthermore, the upregulation of miR-526b suppressed EMT makers Vimentin expression but increased the E-cadherin expression. Mechanically, we showed that miR-526b inhibited cell EMT process by targeting Twist1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, our evidence indicated that miR-526b may serve as a potential target of breast cancer treatment.

MiR-20a acted as a ceRNA of lncRNA PTENPL and promoted bladder cancer cell proliferation and migration by regulating PDCD4

OBJECTIVE

Bladder cancer is the most frequent tumor of the urinary system. Despite variety of new treatment options, bladder cancer remains a main global medical problem. Our purpose was to explore the potential molecular and therapeutic targets of bladder cancer diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of miR-20a in tissues and cell lines. Counting Cell Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was carried out to evaluate cell proliferation. Cell migration was calculated using the transwell assay.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-20a increased and PDCD4 decreased in bladder cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Overexpression of miR-20a promoted T24 cell proliferation and migration, while miR-20a inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and migration. MiR-20a targeted PDCD4 to regulate its expression in T24 cells. MiR-20a is inversely related to PDCD4 and PTENPL in bladder cancer tissues. Upregulation of PDCD4 suppressed T24 cell proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONS

The PTENP1/miR-20a/PTEN axis was involved in the progression of bladder cancer. Our study investigated the function of miR-20a in bladder cancer and provided new insights into the treatment of bladder cancer.

Effects of subacute ruminal acidosis on colon epithelial morphological structure, permeability, and expression of key tight junction proteins in dairy goats

The hindgut epithelial barrier plays an important role in maintaining absorption and immune homeostasis in ruminants. However, little information is available on changes in colon epithelial barrier structure and function following grain-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of grain-induced SARA on colon epithelial morphological structure, permeability, and gene expression involved in epithelial barrier function. Twelve mid-lactating (136 ± 2 d in milk; milk yield = 1.68 ± 0.15 kg/d) Saanen dairy goats with 62.13 ± 4.76 kg of body weight were randomly divided into either the control (CON) treatment (n = 6) or SARA treatment (n = 6). The CON goats were fed a basal diet with a nonfiber carbohydrates to neutral detergent fiber ratio of 1.15 for 60 d. The SARA goats were fed 4 diets with increasing nonfiber carbohydrates to neutral detergent fiber ratio at 1.15, 1.49, 2.12, and 2.66 to induce SARA, with each diet (referred to as period) being fed for 15 d, including 12 d for adaptation and 3 d for sampling. Continuous ruminal pH recordings were used to diagnose the severity of SARA. Additionally, colonic tissues were collected to evaluate the epithelial morphological structure, permeability, and expression of tight junction proteins using transmission electron microscopy, Ussing chamber, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blotting. Profound disruption in the colonic epithelium was mainly manifested as the electron density of tight junctions decreased, intercellular space widened, and mitochondria swelled in SARA goats. Colon epithelial short-circuit current, tissue conductance, and the mucosal-to-serosal flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa were increased and potential difference was decreased in SARA goats compared with CON goats. Subacute ruminal acidosis increased mRNA and protein expression levels of CLDN1 and OCLN in the colonic epithelium. Overall, the data of the present study demonstrate that SARA can impair the barrier function of the colonic epithelium at both structural and functional levels, which is associated with severe epithelial structural damage and increased permeability and changes in the expression of tight junction proteins.