Mocetinostat suppresses epidural fibrosis following laminectomy by inhibiting myofibroblast activation and increasing apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of mocetinostat on diminishing epidural fibrosis. Dysregulated wound repair usually occurs after injury or surgery and is featured by excessive scar tissue contributed by fibrosis. Increasing researches demonstrated that histone acetylation, an epigenetic alteration, plays a crucial role in fibrosis. However, the mechanism of the complicated process remains unclear. In the current study, the effect of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor mocetinostat in a rat model of epidural fibrosis was detected, and it was discovered that mocetinostat suppressed myofibroblast activation and increased apoptosis by reducing Akt/GSK3b signaling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

First, the levels of histone acetylation in the patients' epidural fibroblasts were analyzed. Then, mRNAs and proteins obtained from human fibroblasts following TGF-β activation and mocetinostat treatment in vitro were used to examine the influence of mocetinostat on the activation and survival of fibroblasts, so as to explore the related mechanism of mocetinostat. The laminectomy model was established in rats to observe the therapeutic effect of mocetinostat on epidural scar tissues.

RESULTS

In this research, it was found that the increase of HDAC1 in human dura scar was accompanied by the aggravation of fibrosis. In addition, cell assay demonstrated that mocetinostat inhibited fibroblast activation and accelerated apoptosis by inhibiting Akt/GSK3b pathway. In the rat model, mocetinostat weakened scar hyperplasia and collagen deposition and effectively inhibited the process of epidural fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The above results indicate that mocetinostat inhibits HDAC1 expression and decreases the conduction of the AKT/GSK3b pathway in fibroblasts, leading to myofibroblast activation and apoptosis elevation. Hence, mocetinostat ameliorates epidural fibrosis.

Engineered CRISPR/Cas13d Sensing hTERT Selectively Inhibits the Progression of Bladder Cancer In Vitro

Aptazyme and CRISPR/Cas gene editing system were widely used for regulating gene expression in various diseases, including cancer. This work aimed to reconstruct CRISPR/Cas13d tool for sensing hTERT exclusively based on the new device OFF-switch hTERT aptazyme that was inserted into the 3’ UTR of the Cas13d. In bladder cancer cells, hTERT ligand bound to aptamer in OFF-switch hTERT aptazyme to inhibit the degradation of Cas13d. Results showed that engineered CRISPR/Cas13d sensing hTERT suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induced cell apoptosis in bladder cancer 5637 and T24 cells without affecting normal HFF cells. In short, we constructed engineered CRISPR/Cas13d sensing hTERT selectively inhibited the progression of bladder cancer cells significantly. It may serve as a promising specifically effective therapy for bladder cancer cells.

A novel strategy to reduce the viscosity of cellulose-ionic liquid solution assisted by transition metal ions

The high viscosity of ionic liquids, even at relatively high temperatures, can greatly affect the production of cellulose fibers through the wet-spinning process. The high viscosity mainly by due to the hydrogen bond interaction between the cations and anions of ionic liquids. It is possible to reduce the viscosity by modulating the hydrogen bond interaction. In the present work, copper chloride (CuCl₂) was dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl)-cellulose solution, followed by the formation of a complex with the chloride anions by converting it to [CuCl₄]^2- anion. Through this strategy, the extrusion velocity of the solution improved, and the produced fibers obtained smoother surfaces and shrunken diameters.

Observation of a Near-Threshold Structure in the K^{+} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}(D_{s}^{-}D^{*0}+D_{s}^{*-}D^{0})

We report a study of the processes of e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and K^{+}D_{s}^{*-}D^{0} based on e^{+}e^{-} annihilation samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII at five center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.628 to 4.698 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 3.7  fb^{-1}. An excess of events over the known contributions of the conventional charmed mesons is observed near the D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and D_{s}^{*-}D^{0} mass thresholds in the K^{+} recoil-mass spectrum for events collected at sqrt[s]=4.681  GeV. The structure matches a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, whose pole mass and width are determined as (3982.5_{-2.6}^{+1.8}±2.1)  MeV/c^{2} and (12.8_{-4.4}^{+5.3}±3.0)  MeV, respectively. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the resonance hypothesis is estimated to be 5.3  σ over the contributions only from the conventional charmed mesons. This is the first candidate for a charged hidden-charm tetraquark with strangeness, decaying into D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and D_{s}^{*-}D^{0}. However, the properties of the excess need further exploration with more statistics.

[Epithelioid glioblastoma with BRAF V600E mutation: a clinicopathological and molecular study]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of the epithelioid glioblastoma (eGBM) with BRAF V600E mutation. Methods: Sixteen cases of eGBM with BRAF V600E mutation diagnosed at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China from 2012 to 2019 were collected. Their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results: The range of patients' age was from 7 to 61 years (median 31.5 years). There were 4 males and 12 females, with a male to female ratio of 1∶3. Eleven cases were newly diagnosed eGBM and five cases had a previous history of astrocytomas. Most of the tumors were located in the cerebral hemisphere, often in the frontal lobe, with an average diameter of 4.6 cm (2.0-8.0 cm). The tumors were composed of relatively uniform, closely packed epithelioid cells, some showing discohesion, with distinct cell membrane, eosinophilic cytoplasm, eccentric nuclei, distinct nucleoli and mitotic activity. Palisaded/coagulative necrosis was seen in all cases. Glomerular microvascular proliferation was seen in most of the cases, while mono-or multi-nucleated tumor giant cells were seen in some cases. Focal sarcomatoid area was seen in 2 cases, and focal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)-like area was seen in 3 cases. Immunohistochemistry showed variable positivity for GFAP, Olig2 and p53. The median Ki-67 index was 30% (10%-50%). Only one case lost ATRX protein expression. Sanger sequencing identified the BRAF V600E mutation in all sixteen patients. Five cases also had mutations in the TERT gene promoter. No IDH1 (R132) or IDH2 (R172) mutation was detected. Surgical resection of the tumors was performed for all patients, and 3 patients also received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Follow-up data were available for 15 patients, with a follow-up time of 1-89 months (median 10 months). Among the 15 patients, 7 patients died of disease and another 5 patients had recurrences. The overall survival time of the patients under 35 years of age was significantly longer than that of the patients aged 35 years or older (P=0.014), but their progression-free survival was not statistically different (P=0.232). Conclusions: eGBM with BRAF V600E mutation is more commonly detected in young women than other the populations (i.e. elderly or male). The epithelioid morphology should include rhabdoid meningioma, anaplastic PXA, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, metastatic tumors, and melanoma in its differential diagnosis. PXA-like area is observed in some eGBM cases, suggesting a relationship of these two types of tumor. eGBM is a high-grade malignant tumor and most of the cases show recurrences or deaths in a short-period time. The younger patients have a relatively better prognosis than the older ones.

Model-Independent Determination of the Spin of the Ω^{-} and Its Polarization Alignment in ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+}

We present an analysis of the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} (Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ, Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯], Λ→pπ^{-}, Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}) based on a dataset of 448×10^{6}  ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron-positron collider. The helicity amplitudes for the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} and the decay parameters of the subsequent decay Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ (Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯]) are measured for the first time by a fit to the angular distribution of the complete decay chain, and the spin of the Ω^{-} is determined to be 3/2 for the first time since its discovery more than 50 years ago.

Broad dual-band temporal compressive imaging with optical calibration

For applications such as remote sensing and bio-imaging, images from multiple bands can provide much richer information compared to a single band. However, most multispectral imaging systems have difficulty in acquiring images for high-speed moving objects. In this paper, we use a DMD-based temporal compressive imaging (TCI) system to obtain high-speed images of moving objects over a broad dual-band spectral range, in the visible and the near-infrared (NIR) bands simultaneously. To deal with the degraded reconstruction caused by the optics, four nonuniform calibration strategies are studied, which can also be implemented into other compressive imaging systems. Moving objects covered by paint or through a diffuser are reconstructed to demonstrate the superior performance of the calibrated broad dual-band TCI system.

Effect and related mechanism of Yinchenhao decoction on mice with lithogenic diet-induced cholelithiasis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, on C57BL/6 mice with lithogenic diet (LD)-induced cholelithiasis. The condition of cholelithiasis was evaluated using a six-level criteria. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the serum and liver tissue were measured using enzyme colorimetry. Concentrations of TC, phospholipids (PL) and total bile acids (TBA) in the bile were measured to calculate the cholesterol saturation index. Liver histopathology was microscopically observed and mRNA expression levels of ABCG5, ABCG8, SRBI, ABCB4, ABCB11 and NPC1L1 involved in cholesterol metabolism were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The results showed that feeding mice the LD induced cholelithiasis, along with abnormal serum biochemical indices and imbalances in biliary cholesterol homeostasis. Increased ALT and ALP levels in the serum and ALT, ALP, TC and LDL-C levels in the serum and liver indicated the existence of hepatocyte injury, which were consistent with the pathological changes. YCHD treatment ameliorated the serum and hepatic biochemical abnormalities and adjusted the biliary imbalance. In addition, elevated expression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 5/8, scavenger receptor class B type I and Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 in the liver and small intestine were observed at the onset of cholelithiasis but were reversed by YCHD. Taken together, results from the present study suggest that YCHD ameliorated LD-induced cholelithiasis mice, which may be caused by improvements in biliary cholesterol supersaturation and regulation of cholesterol metabolism.

[Evidence-based interventional radiology: past, present and future]

Evidence-based interventional radiology is the result of the evolution and integration of evidence-based medicine and interventional radiology. It adopts the concepts and methods of evidence-based medicine to guide the best clinical practice in interventional radiology. We aim to systematically elaborate on the status quo of Clinical Research, Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis and Clinical Practice Guidelines in interventional radiology, analyze the existing problems, and put forward thoughts and suggestions on promoting the development of evidence-based interventional radiology in the future.

Fast Screening and Primary Diagnosis of COVID-19 by ATR-FT-IR

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to substantial infections and mortality around the world. Fast screening and diagnosis are thus crucial for quick isolation and clinical intervention. In this work, we showed that attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) can be a primary diagnostic tool for COVID-19 as a supplement to in-use techniques. It requires only a small volume (∼3 μL) of the serum sample and a shorter detection time (several minutes). The distinct spectral differences and the separability between normal control and COVID-19 were investigated using multivariate and statistical analysis. Results showed that ATR-FT-IR coupled with partial least squares discriminant analysis was effective to differentiate COVID-19 from normal controls and some common respiratory viral infections or inflammation, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.9561 (95% CI: 0.9071-0.9774). Several serum constituents including, but not just, antibodies and serum phospholipids could be reflected on the infrared spectra, serving as "chemical fingerprints" and accounting for good model performances.

Fast Screening and Primary Diagnosis of COVID-19 by ATR-FT-IR

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to substantial infections and mortality around the world. Fast screening and diagnosis are thus crucial for quick isolation and clinical intervention. In this work, we showed that attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) can be a primary diagnostic tool for COVID-19 as a supplement to in-use techniques. It requires only a small volume (∼3 μL) of the serum sample and a shorter detection time (several minutes). The distinct spectral differences and the separability between normal control and COVID-19 were investigated using multivariate and statistical analysis. Results showed that ATR-FT-IR coupled with partial least squares discriminant analysis was effective to differentiate COVID-19 from normal controls and some common respiratory viral infections or inflammation, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.9561 (95% CI: 0.9071-0.9774). Several serum constituents including, but not just, antibodies and serum phospholipids could be reflected on the infrared spectra, serving as "chemical fingerprints" and accounting for good model performances.

Inter-observer agreement of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on gross tumor volume delineation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: an initial study

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver tumor, and local radiotherapy has a positive effect on patients with an unresectable tumor. Accurate delineation of gross tumor volume (GTV) is crucial to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the consistency of CT, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and Gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI on GTV delineation of ICC.

Methods

Fourteen patients with ICC underwent CT (Plain and Portal, CT scans before and 70 s after the injection of Omnipaque, respectively), DWI, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (EOB 70 s and EOB 15 min, mDIXON scans at 70 s and 15 min after the injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA, respectively) examinations before radiotherapy. Volumes of GTV delineation on CT and MRI images were recorded. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated to evaluate the spatial overlap.

Results

Tumor volume on DWI and EOB 15 min were larger than that on EOB 70 s significantly (both P=0.004). DSC of DWI was significantly larger than that of other CT and MRI sequences (all P≤0.002). DSC of EOB 15 min tended to be larger than that of other CT sequences and EOB 70 s, however, without significances (all P>0.005). Significant correlation was found between DSC and tumor volume (R=0.35, P=0.003).

Conclusions

DWI had significantly higher agreement on GTV delineation of ICC. GTV delineations of ICC on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI showed excellent inter-observer agreement. Fusion of CT and MRI images should be considered to improve the accuracy of GTV delineation.

A Light-Inducible Split-dCas9 System for Inhibiting the Progression of Bladder Cancer Cells by Activating p53 and E-cadherin

Optogenetic systems have been increasingly investigated in the field of biomedicine. Previous studies had found the inhibitory effect of the light-inducible genetic circuits on cancer cell growth. In our study, we applied an AND logic gates to the light-inducible genetic circuits to inhibit the cancer cells more specifically. The circuit would only be activated in the presence of both the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and the human uroplakin II (hUPII) promoter. The activated logic gate led to the expression of the p53 or E-cadherin protein, which could inhibit the biological function of tumor cells. In addition, we split the dCas9 protein to reduce the size of the synthetic circuit compared to the full-length dCas9. This light-inducible system provides a potential therapeutic strategy for future bladder cancer.

Viral communities associated with porcine diarrhoeal disease and genetic characterization of a bufavirus in Tibetan pigs in China

To investigate the viral communities in diarrhoeal faeces of Tibetan pigs, 146 diarrhoeic samples were collected from 16 pigs farms on the Tibetan plateau. Nineteen viruses belonging to eleven viral taxonomic families were identified in a pooled library. Metagenomics analysis revealed that the viruses were mainly small linear and circular DNA viruses. Furthermore, sequences of 10 NS1 genes and two complete genomes of PBuVs were obtained by PCR amplification. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that the PBuVs from Tibetan pigs displayed more abundant genetic diversity than those from domestic pigs. This is the first description of the faecal viral community in Tibetan pigs associated with diarrhoea.

The effective coupling coefficient for a completed PIN-PMN-PT array

The computation of the electromechanical coupling coefficient (EMCC) of a fully assembled medical ultrasound transducer array is directly computed with closed form expressions. The Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear regression algorithm (LMA) is employed to help confirm the EMCC calculated prediction (k_EFF) and provide statistical insights. The complex electrical impedance spectra of a 1-3 composite array with two matching layers operating at a 3.75 MHz center frequency using PIN-PMN-PT single crystal material is measured in air both before and after oven heating at 160 °C for 15 min. The oven heating produces changes in the EMCC of -4.9%, clamped dielectric constant of -11%, and effective transducer longitudinal velocity of -2.5%. Utilizing the pre- and post-heating array impedance data, the calculated EMCC values from the new closed form expressions agree well with the complete KLM model based LMA, and also exhibit approximately one tenth the error as compared to the formulas for a flat, unloaded transducer.

Interlinking Primary Grains with Lithium Boron Oxide to Enhance the Stability of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2

Destructive effects of surface lithium residues introduced in synthesis and degradation of the microstructure and electrode/electrolyte interface during cycling of Ni-rich cathode materials are the major problems hindering their wide application. Herein, we demonstrate an exquisite surface modification strategy that can utilize lithium residues on the surface of LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ to form a uniform coating layer of lithium boron oxide on the surface of the material. The resulting lithium boron oxide layer can not only efficiently serve as a protective layer to alleviate the side reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface but also tightly interlink the primary grains of the LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ material to prevent the material from degradation of the microstructure. As a result, the optimized lithium boron oxide-coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ material exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 202.1 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 C with a great capacity retention of 93.59% after 100 cycles at 2 C. Thus, the uniform lithium boron oxide coating endows the NCA material with excellent structural stability and long-term cycling capability.

Long noncoding RNA SOX2OT maintains the stemness of pancreatic cancer cells by regulating DEK via interacting with miR-200a/141

The article "Long noncoding RNA SOX2OT maintains the stemness of pancreatic cancer cells by regulating DEK via interacting with miR-200a/141, by C.-S. Liu, Q. Zhou, Y.-D. Zhang, Y. Fu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (5): 2368-2379-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202003_20504-PMID: 32196588" has been withdrawn from the authors stating that "to validate the effect of lncRNA-SOX2OT, we constructed SOX2OT overexpressed cells using lentiviral vector with -IRES2-EGFP to easily visualize the transfection efficiency. Therefore, the stably transfected cells were carrying the green fluorescence. However, during our Flow cytometry assay, we took PC cells (Control) with no fluorescence to standardize our equipment and measured the negative control (NC) and overexpressed-Sox2ot (oe-Sox2ot) according to the manufacturer's guidance, without removing the disturbance that the green fluorescence caused. This means that, despite having performed the standard assay, the results obtained in Figure 2D were wrong and unscientific". The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/20504.

[Epidemic characteristics and dynamic changes of spatio-temporal distribution of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Guangzhou, 2010-2019]

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics and spatio-temporal distribution of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2019 and provide a basis for prevention and control strategies. Methods: The data of HFRS was from National Disease Reporting Information System and the epidemic investigation. A descriptive analysis was used. OpenGeoDa 1.2.0 software was used for global spatial autocorrelation and local spatial autocorrelation analysis. SatScan 9.6 software was used for detecting the hot spot area in time and space. ArcGIS 10.2 software was used for map visualization. Results: 1 298 cases of HFRS were reported, and three patients died in Guangzhou in 2010-2019. The annual incidence rate was 0.99/100 000. The proportion of 21-50 years old cases accounted for 70.88% and the male to female ratio was 2.98∶1. Most patients were house workers or unemployed, accounting for 31.28%, followed by business servants (accounting for 17.33%). The incidence peak in spring and winter accounted for 33.74% and 26.35% of the year. All districts reported cases in recent ten years. A total of 407 cases had been reported in Haizhu district, accounting for 31.36% of the total number of cases in the whole city. The annual incidence rate was 2.52/100 000. The number of reported cases and the annual incidence rate were the highest in Guangzhou. The clustered area showed that there was spatio-temporal clustering in Guangzhou. The aggregation area was mainly concentrated in the urban villages adjacent to Wan-mu orchard and the Haizhu Lake Wetland Park in Haizhu district (logarithmic likelihood ratio was 44.08, P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence and concentration of HFRS in winter and spring Guangzhou city from 2010 to 2019, showed a high incidence. Young and middle-aged men engaged in domestic and unemployed, and commercial services appeared the main risk groups. The urban-rural junction with many immigrants and low health environment, streets adjacent to Wan-mu orchard, and the Haizhu Lake Wetland Park in Haizhu district were the important regions for preventing and controlling HFRS. The government should formulate prevention and control measures to curb the rise and spread of the HFRS epidemic.

Adipokinetic hormone enhances CarE-mediated chlorpyrifos resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the principal stress-responsive neurohormone in insects, has been implicated in insect responses to insecticides. However, the functionality of AKH and its mode of signalling in insecticide resistance are unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that the enhanced activity of carboxylesterases (CarEs) is involved in the chlorpyrifos resistance in Nilaparvata lugens [brown planthopper (BPH)]. Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly induced the expression of AKH and its receptor AKHR in the susceptible BPH (Sus), and these two AKH signalling genes were over-expressed in the chlorpyrifos-resistant strain (Res) compared to Sus. RNA interference (RNAi) against AKH or AKHR decreased the CarE activity and suppressed the BPH's resistance to chlorpyrifos in Res. Conversely, AKH peptide injection elevated the CarE activity and enhanced the BPH's survival against chlorpyrifos in Sus. Furthermore, five CarE genes were identified to be positively affected by the AKH pathway using RNAi and AKH injection. Among these CarE genes, CarE and Esterase E4-1 were found to be over-expressed in Res compared to Sus, and knockdown of either gene decreased the BPH's resistance to chlorpyrifos. In conclusion, AKH plays a role in enhancing chlorpyrifos resistance in the BPH through positive influence on the expression of CarE genes and CarE enzyme activity.

A Hybrid-Learning Algorithm for Online Dynamic State Estimation in Multimachine Power Systems

With the increasing penetration of distributed generators in the smart grids, having knowledge of rapid real-time electromechanical dynamic states has become crucial to system stability control. Conventional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)-based dynamic state estimation (DSE) techniques are limited by the slow sampling rates, while the emerging phasor measurement units (PMUs) technology enables rapid real-time measurements at network nodes. Using generator bus terminal voltages, we propose a hybrid-learning DSE (HL-DSE) algorithm to estimate the synchronous machine rotor angle and speed in real time. The HL-DSE takes the power system model into account and trains neuroestimators with real-time data in an online manner. Compared with traditional DSE methods, the HL-DSE overcomes limitations by using a data-driven approach in conjunction with the physical power system model. The time efficiency, accuracy, convergence, and robustness of the proposed algorithm are tested under noises and fault conditions in both small- and large-scale test systems. Simulation results show that the proposed HL-DSE is much more computationally efficient than widely used Kalman filter (KF)-based methods while maintaining comparable accuracy and robustness. In particular, HL-DSE is over 100 times faster than square-root unscented KF (SR-UKF) and 80 times faster than extended KF (EKF). The advantages and challenges of the HL-DSE are also discussed.

Higher content of microcystin-leucine-arginine promotes the survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells via regulating SET resulting in the poorer prognosis of patients

Background & Aims

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has over the last 10 years become the focus of increasing concern largely due to its rising incidence and high mortality rates worldwide. Microcystin‐leucine‐arginine (MC‐LR) has been reported to be carcinogenic, but there are no data on the linkage between MC‐LR and ICC. This study aimed to explore whether the content levels of MC‐LR in the tumour tissues of ICC patients be associated with the prognosis and if so, to characterize the mechanism in ICC cells.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the prognostic value of MC‐LR in ICC after resection. All patients were divided into two groups according to the content of MC‐LR in tumour via immunohistochemistry: low‐MC‐LR group (n = 28) and high‐MC‐LR group (n = 30).

Results

Multivariate analysis showed high‐MC‐LR level was the prognostic factor for OS and RFS after hepatectomy (P = .011 and .044). We demonstrated that MC‐LR could promote the survival of human ICC cell lines and SET was identified as an important mRNA in the progression via RNA array.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that MC‐LR was an independent prognostic factor for ICC in humans by modulating the expression of SET in human ICC cells.

Real world cardiovascular risk assessment using reduced DAD, SCORE and Framingham equations in a German HIV cohort

Introduction

People living with HIV are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, prevention of CVD should be integrated in HIV care. Although several risk scores exist to predict the risk of developing CVD, none of this specifically addresses the fact of HIV. Previously, the reduced Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drug score (D:A:D-R) model has been proposed to assess the CVD risk for HIV patients. However, this score has not been validated in an independent cohort, or compared to traditional CVD prediction models established in the non-HIV population.

Purpose

We aim to compare the predictive value of the CVD risk scores D:A:D-R, SCORE and Framingham CVD in a German HIV population and evaluate their CVD risk in a real world setting.

Methods

This is a prospective, cross-sectional, single center study. Patients with HIV and older than 30 years were enrolled between January 2018 and December 2019. Exclusion criteria were preexisting CVD and statin therapy. CVD risk estimates were calculated using the D:A:D-R, Framingham CVD (FRS), and SCORE models. Agreement between estimates was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. The indication for statin therapy was calculated using the AHA and EACS guidelines.

Results

488 patients with HIV and a median age of 47.8 years were included. Median time since HIV diagnosis was 9.9 years. All, but one Patient were on ART for a median time of 5.9 years. 61% were female. Using the D:A:D-R score, the highest proportion of patients with high or very high risk for CVD were identified (17.8%). In comparison, using SCORE and FRS only 4.7% and 13.7% of patients were identified as high or very high risk, respectively. There was a poor agreement between D:A:D-R and SCORE (k=0.11), and D:A:D-R and FRS (k=0.33). Based on the calculated CVD risk using the three models, indication for primary statin medication varied between 34.8% to 92%.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that standard CVD risk scores underestimate the CVD risk in patients with HIV. Using SCORE and FRS, a high proportion of patients with HIV and at high risk for CVD would be underestimated and miss the indication for statin medication. Therefore, using scores including HIV specific parameters should be considered in this patient population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Loss of platelet BMP4 reduces vascular inflammation and ameliorates vascular remodelling after carotid wire injury

Background

Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGFβ superfamily. They have distinct functions during hemostasis and play a central role in various pathologic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. Recent findings demonstrate that BMPs are also expressed in platelets. However, their function is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of platelet BMP4 during vascular inflammation and vascular remodelling.

Methods

BMP4 floxed mice were crossed with PF4 Cre mice to generate platelet-specific deletion of BMP4 (BMP4Plt−/−). Intravital microscopy of mesenteric veins was performed to evaluate leukocyte adhesion upon stimulation with TNFα. Expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines were analysed by RT-PCR and Western Blot. P-selectin and platelet-leukocyte aggregates were evaluated using flow cytometry. For carotid wire injury, BMP4Plt−/− were further crossed with LDLr−/− mice (BMP4Plt−/−/LDLr−/−). At 8 weeks of age, BMP4Plt−/−/LDLr−/− mice and control littermates received a 2-week diet containing 15.8% wt/wt fat and 1.25% cholesterol. Carotid wire injury was performed at the age of 10 weeks. Re-endothelialisation and neointimal hyperplasia were evaluated.

Results

Platelet morphology and function did not differ between BMP4Plt−/− and control mice. Stimulation with TNFα resulted in increased rolling and adherence of leukocytes to the vessel wall which was reduced in BMP4Plt−/− mice (175±25 versus 50±7 rolling cells and 16±3 versus 7±2 adherent cells, respectively). Expression of P-selectin, adhesion molecules and the chemokines RANTES and PF-4 were reduced in BMP4Plt−/− mice. Platelet activation by thrombin was reduced in BMP4Plt−/− mice, resulting in diminished P-Selectin and JONA expression. Furthermore, monocyte infiltration and circulating leukocyte-platelet complexes were reduced in BMP4Plt−/− mice. Loss of platelet BMP4 prevented neointima formation after carotid wire injury (4.2x104±0.9x104μm2 versus 14.9x104±2.2x104μm2 in BMP4Plt−/−/LDLr−/− and control mice, respectively). Interestingly, endothelial regeneration after injury was decelerated in BMP4Plt−/− mice. This is further demonstrated in-vitro, where platelet BMP4 promoted endothelial cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

Platelet-BMP4 deficiency reduced vascular inflammation and ameliorated intima hyperplasia after wire injury. This is partly mediated by inhibition of platelet activation, reduced expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory response. Our finding suggests that BMP4 is a promising target for the treatment of vascular inflammation and restenosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Else-Kröner Fresenius Foundation; German Cardiac Society

Abscisic acid and hydrogen peroxide are involved in drought priming-induced drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Drought is one of the major stress factors in wheat production on a global scale. Drought priming during the early growth stage can enhance drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) are important signal molecules in the adaptation of plants to drought stress. However, the roles of ABA and H₂ O₂ in drought priming-induced drought tolerance are not clear. In the present study, we evaluated the responses of wheat to an ABA inhibitor, H₂ O₂ scavenger and an inhibitor to investigate the (i) relationship between ABA and H₂ O₂ in osmotic adjustment after drought priming in the vegetative stage and (ii) responses to drought stress during grain filling. In the drought priming alone treatments, chemical application resulted in the scavenging of ABA and H₂ O₂ , weakening the alleviation effects of drought priming on drought stress, as demonstrated by the lower leaf water potential and grain yield. The ABA inhibitor completely inhibited accumulation of ABA and H₂ O₂ ; the ABA inhibitor inhibited respiratory burst oxidase homologue expression, whereas the H₂ O₂ inhibitor resulted in higher 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase expression and ABA concentration in primed plants, indicating that ABA scavenging inhibited H₂ O₂ biosynthesis while H₂ O₂ scavenging did not inhibit ABA biosynthesis. The results further demonstrated that NADPH oxidase-mediated H₂ O₂ production functions downstream of ABA, which induces osmolyte transcript expression and accumulation, and thus contributes to drought priming-induced stress tolerance. These results provide a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in drought priming-induced tolerance in wheat plants.

MiR-92b inhibited cells EMT by targeting Gabra3 and predicted prognosis of triple negative breast cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer without the three markers, which has a poor prognosis than other types. Recently, studies have identified that microRNA-92b (miR-92b) acted as potential oncogene in tumor progression, however, the biological roles of miR-92b in TNBC remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of miR-92b and verify its effect on the regulation of Gabra3 in TNBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was recruited to confirm whether miR-92b directly binds to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of Gabra3 mRNA in TNBC. Transwell assay was employed to analyze the capacities of migration and invasion. Western blot was applied to evaluate the expression of the special proteins that including Gabra3, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and GAPDH.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that miR-92b was remarkably low expressed in TNBC tissues and cell lines, and particularly in inhibiting the migration, invasion and EMT of TNBC cells. On the contrary, Gabra3 was significantly overexpressed in TNBC tissues and cell lines in comparison with the corresponding paracancerous tissues and the normal breast epithelial cell line. The expression of miR-92b had a negative correlation with the expression of Gabra3 in TNBC tissues. Downregulation of Gabra3 could inhibit the migration, invasion and EMT of TNBC cells. MiR-92b mediated the expression of Gabra3 through directly binding to the 3'-UTR of Gabra3 mRNA. In addition, low expression of miR-92b or overexpression of Gabra3 predicted poor prognosis of TNBC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-92b inhibited the migration and invasion-mediated EMT through directly targeting the 3'-UTR of Gabra3 mRNA in triple negative breast cancer. The newly identified miR-92b/Gabra3 axis may make it to be a new target for clinical diagnosis and treatment of TNBC.

Functional inhibition of regulatory CD4+CD25+T cells in peripheral blood of patients with pemphigus vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune bullous disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Its pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported to play a significant role in regulating immune homeostasis in autoimmune disorders, such as PV.

AIM

To investigate the potential role of Tregs in the immunopathogenesis of PV.

METHODS

We enrolled 15 patients with PV and 15 healthy controls (HCs). Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants before treatment. This was followed by flow cytometric, real-time reverse transcription PCR, and in vitro inhibition-based functional assays to explore the immunopathogenesis of Tregs in PV.

RESULTS

Our results showed no statistically significant differences in total CD4+CD25+ cells and CD4+CD25^high cells. In addition, expression levels of FOXP3 mRNA and the corresponding FOXP3 protein remained unchanged in the patients with PV and the HCs. However, the in vitro suppressive activity of CD4+CD25+ T cells was impaired in patients with PV compared with HCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that inhibition of suppressive activity of Treg cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of PV.

[Design and application of static progressive ankle foot orthosis]

The scar contracture of Achilles tendon in burn patients after operation is easy to cause " foot drop" , which leads to ankle dorsiflexion dysfunction. To solve this problem, the authors designed and made a static progressive ankle foot orthosis. The foot support part and the crus support part of the orthotic device are connected by rivets, and the distal end of the foot support part and the proximal end of the crus support part are pulled by the traction belt on both sides, gradually improving the ankle dorsiflexion function. This static progressive ankle foot orthosis is simple, practical, cost-effective, and worthy of clinical promotion.

Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and Evidence for D^{+}→K^{+}ω

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the first observation of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is reported. After removing decays that contain narrow intermediate resonances, including D^{+}→K^{+}η, D^{+}→K^{+}ω, and D^{+}→K^{+}ϕ, the branching fraction of the decay D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} is measured to be (1.13±0.08_{stat}±0.03_{syst})×10^{-3}. The ratio of branching fractions of D^{+}→K^{+}π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} over D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}π^{0} is found to be (1.81±0.15)%, which corresponds to (6.28±0.52)tan^{4}θ_{C}, where θ_{C} is the Cabibbo mixing angle. This ratio is significantly larger than the corresponding ratios for other doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of charge-conjugated decays D^{±}→K^{±}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{0} is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found. In addition, the first evidence for the D^{+}→K^{+}ω decay, with a statistical significance of 3.3σ, is presented and the branching fraction is measured to be B(D^{+}→K^{+}ω)=(5.7_{-2.1}^{+2.5}_{stat}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}.

[Expression of SOX-11 and TFE3 in solid-pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas and its clinical significance]

Objective: To investigate the expression status and diagnostic value of SRY related high mobility group box 11 (SOX-11) and transcription factor E-3 (TFE3) in solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas (SPTPs). Methods: Thirty-eight cases of SPTPs, 36 cases of well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) and six cases of pancreatic acinar cell carcinomas (PACCs) were collected at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from 2012 to 2019. The expression of SOX-11, TFE3 and β-catenin was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the TFE3 gene status was detected by FISH in 18 cases of SPTPs. Results: Among the 38 SPTP patients, 29 were female and 9 were male, with a mean age of 50 years; among 36 PanNET patients, 32 were female and 4 were male, with a mean age of 39 years; for the six PACC patients, four were male and two were female, with a mean age of 60 years. β-catenin was positive in all 38 SPTPs, but was negative in all 36 PanNETs and 5/6 PACCs. SOX-11 was positive in 35/38 (92.1%) of SPTPs, but was negative in all 36 PanNETs and 6 PACCs. TFE3 was positive in 36/38 (94.7%) of SPTPs, but was negative in all 36 PanNETs and 6 PACCs. Among these three tumors, the specificity and sensitivity of β-catenin were 97.6% and 100.0%, the specificity and sensitivity of SOX-11 were 92.1% and 100.0%, the specificity and sensitivity of TFE3 were 94.7% and 100.0%, respectively. There was a significant difference of the expression status of all three markers in SPTPs compared with PanNETs and PACCs (P<0.01). The results of SOX-11 and TFE3 immunostaining showed high consistency (Kappa>0.6). No gene rearrangement (0/18) of TFE3 was found in SPTPs. Conclusion: SOX-11 and TFE3 are highly expressed in SPTPs, and their specificity in the differential diagnosis of SPTPs is better than that of β-catenin.