Identification of lncRNA-NR_104160 as a biomarker and construction of a lncRNA-related ceRNA network for essential hypertension

OBJECTIVES

To identify long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for essential hypertension.

METHODS

An RNA microarray and two-step quantitative real-time PCR were applied to identify differentially expressed RNAs (DE-RNAs), and a luciferase assay was performed to explore the binding relationship between RNAs. A generalized linear model and logistic regression model were used to analyze the associations between different RNAs and of RNAs with hypertension. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was executed to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Bioinformatics analysis was applied for network construction.

RESULTS

In total, 439 DE-RNAs (387 lncRNAs and 52 mRNAs) were identified in the microarray, and 71 'lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA' loops formed the ceRNA network. The first validation confirmed that five RNAs (NR_104160, lnc-GPR63-8:1, lnc-HPRT1-9:1, ID1 and RSL24D1) were significantly upregulated in hypertensives (P < 0.05). NR_104160 was significantly associated with hypertension (OR = 2.863, 95% CI: 1.143-7.172; P = 0.025) after adjusting for confounding factors. NR_104160 was included in the hypertension diagnostic model, with an area under the curve of 0.852 (95% CI: 0.761-0.944). In the second validation, NR_104160 showed a constant significant difference (P = 0.001). An elevated expression level of NR_104160 was associated with the expression of ID1 (β = 0.2235, P = 0.005). Luciferase assays showed hsa-miR-101-3p stimulation significantly inhibited the reporter gene activation ability of the NR_104160 wild-type plasmid (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study constructed a ceRNA network to provide hypotheses regarding the mechanism of hypertension development. lncRNA-NR_104160 was identified as a hub element that participates in hypertension transcriptional regulation and as a potential biomarker.

Nomogram predicting early neurological improvement in ischaemic stroke patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early neurological improvement (ENI) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been associated with favorable outcomes. This study aimed to identify the optimal definition of ENI and develop a nomogram for predicting ENI after EVT in acute ischaemic stroke.

METHODS

Patients with EVT were enrolled from a multicenter registry as the training cohort. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to estimate the optimal threshold for ENI at 24 h of EVT. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to generate the best-fit nomogram for predicting ENI. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). An additional 447 patients from two stroke centers were prospectively recruited as the test cohort for validating the nomogram.

RESULTS

A total of 612 patients with EVT were included in the training cohort. The optimal threshold for predicting 3-month favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was an improvement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score by ≥6 points (AUC 0.875; sensitivity 79.5%; specificity 90.7%). Age, blood glucose, recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) were independently associated with ENI, and were incorporated in the nomogram. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.795 in the training cohort and 0.752 in the test cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

A reduction of NIHSS score ≥6 appeared to be the optimal definition of ENI. The nomogram composed of age, blood glucose, recanalization, sICH and baseline ASPECTS may predict the probability of ENI in ischaemic stroke patients treated with EVT.

MicroRNA-361 regulates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes after ischemic-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role and mechanism of microRNA-361 (miR-361) in apoptosis after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI-R) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the in vivo experiments, the mice model of MI-R injury was established, and miR-361 was up-regulated via lentivirus with miR-298 overexpression. The expression of miR-361 and Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) were detected via Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect the apoptosis in myocardial tissues. MI-R injury was also simulated in vitro experiments, and the relationship between miR-361 and BAX was verified using Luciferase reporter vector. The effect of miR-361 on cardiomyocyte apoptosis was also detected at the cellular level.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments showed that the miR-361 expression was down-regulated at MI-R injury area. The up-regulation of miR-361 significantly decreased the expression of BAX, reduced the myocardial apoptosis and inhibited the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway protein expression, including the cytochrome-c (Cyt-C) and cleaved caspase-3. In vitro experiments revealed that BAX was a target gene of miR-361 and further proved that miR-361 could inhibit the cytochrome-c and cleaved caspase-3 expression, as well as reduce the myocardial apoptosis through BAX.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-361 could improve the myocardial apoptosis through the target gene BAX in MI-R injury.

Associations of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution with cardiac conduction abnormalities in Chinese adults: The CHCN-BTH cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence regarding the effects of long-term and high-level ambient air pollution exposure on cardiac conduction systems remains sparse.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the associations of long-term exposure to air pollution and cardiac conduction abnormalities in Chinese adults and explore the susceptibility characteristics.

METHODS

In 2017, a total of 27,047 participants aged 18-80 years were recruited from the baseline survey of the Cohort Study on Chronic Disease of Communities Natural Population in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei (CHCN-BTH). The three year (2014-2016) average pollutant concentrations were assessed by a spatial statistical model for PM_2.5 and air monitoring stations for PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, O₃ and CO. Residential proximity to a roadway was calculated by neighborhood analysis. Associations were estimated by two-level generalized linear mixed models. Stratified analyses related to demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and cardiometabolic risk factors were performed. Two-pollutant models were used to evaluate the possible role of single pollutants.

RESULTS

We detected significant associations of long-term air pollutant exposure with increased heart rate (HR), QRS and QTc, such that an interquartile range increase in PM_2.5 was associated with 3.63% (95% CI: 3.07%, 4.19%), 1.21% (95% CI: 0.83%, 1.60%), and 0.13% (95% CI: 0.07%, 0.18%) changes in HR, QRS and QTc, respectively. Compared to the other pollutants, the estimates of PM_2.5 remained the most stable across all two-pollutant models. Similarly, significant associations were observed between living closer to a major roadway and higher HR, QRS and QTc. Stratified analyses showed generally greater association estimates in older people, males, smokers, alcohol drinkers, and those with obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with cardiac conduction abnormalities in Chinese adults, especially in older people, males, smokers, alcohol drinkers, and those with cardiometabolic risk factors. PM_2.5 may be the most stable pollutant to reflect the associations.

Overweight and high serum total cholesterol were risk factors for the outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles in PCOS patients and a PCOS-specific predictive model of live birth rate was established

PURPOSE

The clinical outcome after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is diverse in infertility patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram based on an association of patients' characteristics to predict the live birth rate in PCOS patients.

METHODS

All women in a public university hospital who attempted to conceive by IVF/ICSI for PCOS infertility from January 2014 to October 2018 were included. The nomogram was built from a training cohort of 178 consecutive patients and tested on an independent validation cohort of 81 patients. PCOS was confirmed in all participants.

RESULTS

Three variates significantly associated with live birth rate of PCOS patients were BMI, total serum cholesterol (TC) and basal FSH. This predictive model built on the basis of BMI, TC, basal FSH, type of embryo transferred and age showed good calibration and discriminatory abilities, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.708 (95% CI 0.632-0.785) for the training cohort. The nomogram showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit and discrimination abilities in the independent validation cohort, with an AUC of 0.686 (95% CI 0.556-0.815).

CONCLUSION

Our simple evidence-based nomogram presents graphically risk factors and prognostic models for IVF/ICSI outcomes in patients with PCOS, which can offer useful guidance to clinicians and patients for individual adjuvant therapy.

Back pain from painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures: discrepancy between the actual fracture location and the location suggested by patient-reported pain or physical examination findings

Caution is necessary when using symptom or physical examination findings to localize the osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs) attributable to the discrepant colocalized relationship.

INTRODUCTION

Whether the location of symptoms or physical examination findings delineates the appropriate spinal range for imaging has not been thoroughly investigated for VFs. The present study aims to analyze the consistency between the fractural vertebrae location and the location suggested by patient-reported pain or physical examination findings.

METHODS

This observational study, following a prospective design, enrolled 358 patients with VFs. The locations of two symptoms (patient-reported back pain [P-RBP], radiating pain [RP]) and findings from two physical examinations (spinal palpation tenderness [SPT], axial spinal percussion pain [ASPP]) were used to locate the VF segments identified using whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The percentage of agreements and kappa coefficient were calculated.

RESULTS

In 20.7% (74/358), the P-RBP site and VF segments were in the same location (kappa = 0.153); 21.2% (76/358) presented with concomitant RP in 93.4% (71/76) of whom the RP dermatome was colocalized with the VF segments (kappa = 0.924); 55.0% (197/358) and 23.2% (83/358) of patients presented with positive SPT and ASPP, respectively; and in 49.2% (97/197) and 96.4% (80/83) of patients with positive SPT (kappa = 0.435) and ASPP (kappa = 0.963), the positive finding and the VF segments were consistently colocalized.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive finding of RP or ASPP is useful in determining the spinal range for imaging tests, while an MRI scan covering the whole thoracic and lumbar spine is necessary in VF-suspected patients with P-RBP or positive SPT, indicating that caution is necessary when using symptoms or physical examination findings to localize VFs.

Long noncoding RNA CASC15 is upregulated in glioma and facilitates cell proliferation and metastasis via targeting miR-130b-3p

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long noncoding RNA CASC15 is upregulated in glioma and facilitates cell proliferation and metastasis via targeting miR-130b-3p, by Y. Xie, Y. Cheng, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (17): 7475-7481-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201909_18857-PMID: 31539135" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18857.

[Epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics of cases with severe and fatal hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by other enterovirus in Hebei province, 2013-2017]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of cases with severe and fatal hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by other enterovirus in Hebei province, 2013-2017. Genetic characteristics of the main pathogen cosackie virus A6 (CoxA6) were also analyzed to further clarifying the characteristics and rules of genetic evolution on this virus. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution of severe and fatal cases with HFMD caused by other enterovirus in Hebei, 2013-2017. The VP1 sequences of CoxA6 were phylogenetically analyzed, using the Mega 5.2 software package. Results: A total of 86 severe and fatal cases with HFMD caused by other enterovirus were reported, accounting for 1.12%, comparing to all the HFMD caused by other enterovirus. Cases began to rise in April, and peaked in May-July. 65.12% of the cases occurred in children between 1 and 5 years old. The sex ratio between male and female was 1.39∶1. A total of 93.02% of the cases were children outside the child care settings. A total of 39 positive strains were identified, with positive isolation rate as 45.35%. Phylogenetic analysis on the VP1 sequences of CoxA6 strains in this study revealed that CoxA6 strains belonged to sub-genotypes D3a and D3b. Conclusions: Severe and fatal HFMD cases that caused by other enterovirus in Hebei province was with seasonal feature, consistent with the overall trend of this disease, 2013-2017. No new evolutionary branch appeared in the CoxA6 strain.

Bone marrow stem cells derived exosomes improve osteoporosis by promoting osteoblast proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes in rats could promote osteoblast proliferation and improve osteoporosis via inhibiting cell apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MSCs in rats were isolated and cultured, followed by the identification of surface antigens via flow cytometry. The differentiation of MSCs was detected by alizarin red staining and oil red staining. After extraction from MSCs by ultracentrifugation, the size distribution of exosomes was detected by tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS). Specific antigens in MSCs-derived exosomes were determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the proliferation and viability of hFOB1.19 cells treated with MSCs-derived exosomes were detected by cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The effect of MSCs-derived exosomes on cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels of apoptosis-related genes in hFOB1.19 cells were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

MSCs differentiated into osteoblasts and lipoblasts under different treatments. Meanwhile, MSCs-derived exosomes exhibited typical elongated morphology after isolation and culture for 1 and 3 days, respectively. Functionally, MSCs-derived exosomes could promote the viability of hFOB1.19 cells, and significantly increase the expression level of GLUT3. In addition, MSCs-derived exosomes remarkably downregulated apoptosis-related genes and decreased apoptosis in hFOB1.19 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MSCs-derived exosomes could promote osteoblast proliferation via inhibiting cell apoptosis, eventually improving osteoporosis.

Measurement of CP-Averaged Observables in the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An angular analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. The full set of CP-averaged observables are determined in bins of the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system. Contamination from decays with the K^{+}π^{-} system in an S-wave configuration is taken into account. The tension seen between the previous LHCb results and the standard model predictions persists with the new data. The precise value of the significance of this tension depends on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Observation of New Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryons Decaying to Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}

The Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a data sample of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment. Three Ξ_{c}^{0} states are observed with a large significance and their masses and natural widths are measured to be m[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=2923.04±0.25±0.20±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=7.1±0.8±1.8  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=2938.55±0.21±0.17±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=10.2±0.8±1.1  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=2964.88±0.26±0.14±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=14.1±0.9±1.3  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0} and Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0} baryons are new states. The Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0} state is in the vicinity of the known Ξ_{c}(2970)^{0} baryon; however, their masses and natural widths differ significantly.

AB0727 WORK OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS IN CHINA

Background:

Poorer work productivity due to pain and functional impairment is commonly seen in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, which may contribute to huge social economic burden. However, data about work outcomes and associated factors in Chinese AS patients were barely reported.

Objectives:

To assess work outcomes and identify factors associated with poor work productivity in patients with AS in China.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) fulfilled the 1984 New York modified criteria of AS were enrolled from rheumatology center from Jan 2017 to Aug 2017. All participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, quality of life and the Work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire in AS (WPAI:SpA) to accesses the impact of chronic health conditions on job performance and productivity. Factors associated with work outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 91 patients with AS were included: 87.8% males, 78.02% employed, mean age and disease duration of 30 and 10 years respectively. The mean (SD) activity impairment of all patients was 48.57% (22.02%). For patients with employed work, mean (SD) absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity loss were 10.22% (19.44%), 43.86% (22.48%) and 47.92% (25.81%) respectively. In multivariable analysis, activity impairment was associated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (P<0.01) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) (P<0.01). Absenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=0.03). Presenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=0.04), BASFI (P<0.01) and ASQoL (P<0.01). Work productivity loss was associated with BASFI (P<0.01) and ASQoL (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

Longer disease duration, reduced physical function and poorer quality of life are associated with reduced work productivity in Chinese AS patients.

References:

[1]Boonen A, van der Heijde D, Landewe R, Spoorenberg A, Schouten H, Rutten-van Molken M, et al. Work status and productivity costs due to ankylosing spondylitis: comparison of three European countries. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2002;61(5):429-37.

[2]Martindale J, Shukla R, Goodacre J. The impact of ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis on work productivity. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):512-23.

[3]Castillo-Ortiz JD, Ramiro S, Landewe R, van der Heijde D, Dougados M, van den Bosch F, et al. Work Outcome in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results From a 12-Year Followup of an International Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2016;68(4):544-52.

[4]Sag S, Nas K, Sag MS, Tekeoglu I, Kamanli A. Relationship of work disability between the disease activity, depression and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(3):499-505.

[5]Goh Y, Kwan YH, Leung YY, Fong W, Cheung PP. A cross-sectional study on factors associated with poor work outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore. Int J Rheum Dis. 2019;22(11):2001-8.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[Analysis of complications after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of recent complications in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy(MOWHTO) and its influence on clinical effect. Methods: The clinical data of 131 patients with knee OA who received MOWHTO at Department of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy,Tianjin Hospital from April 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 75 males and 56 females, aged (62.8±5.1) years (range:48 to 70 years). Complications and clinical outcomes of patients were recorded and the proximal medial angle of tibia (MPTA), the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities(WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score(KOOS) were collected before and 1 year after operation and compared between complication group and non-complication group. Data were analyzed by paired-samples t test, independent samples t test and χ(2) test. Results: The follow-up time was (18.5±3.4) months (range:13 to 22 months). Complications occurred in 22 patients(16.8%), including 8 cases(6.1%) of hematoma, 5 cases(3.8%) of neurosensory abnormality, 4 cases(3.1%) of intramuscular venous thrombosis, 2 cases(1.5%) of deep venous thrombosis, 3 cases(2.3%) of loss of correction angle, 3 cases(2.3%) of superficial infection, 2 cases(1.5%) of deep infection, 2 cases(1.5%) of delayed union of fracture, 1 case(0.8%) of postoperative stiffness, 1 case (0.8%) of hinge point cortex fracture. There were no significant difference in MPTA ((86.5±2.0)° vs. (86.7±2.1)°, t=-0.41, P=0.68) , IKDC ((86.4±4.8) vs.(85.5±6.9), t=0.74, P=0.50) , WOMAC ((87.7±6.5) vs. (86.1±5.8), t=1.16, P=0.25). There were no significant difference in knee scores except for the KOOS pain score ((79.4±4.4) vs. (87.2±5.9), t=-5.90, P<0.01) and sports and recreation score ((83.2±3.0) vs. (88.0±4.7), t=-6.14, P<0.01) . Conclusion: Short-term complications of MOWHTO can be managed appropriately through early diagnosis and individualized treatment and have no significant negative effect on knee function recovery of patients.

AB1301-HPR COMORBIDITIES AND FACTORS INFLUENCING RECURRENT GOUT ATTACK IN PATIENTS WITH GOUT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:

Gout attack is characterized by painful arthritis, loss of function and reduced quality of life. Frequent gout attacks can exert negative an influence on gout management [1].

Objectives:

The objective was to identify the comorbidities of gout, to compare gender difference and to identify independent factors of multiple gout attacks.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed to collect demographic, clinical variables, self-reported comorbidities, and relevant testing. Group comparison and correlation of serum uric acid (sUA) levels with other variables was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to detect independent risk factors of sUA.

Results:

653 gout patients were enrolled, including 553 (84.7%) males. The mean age was 48.3±15.8 years old, with a disease duration of 8.0±6.4 years. 170 (26.0%) patients had hypertension, and 57 (8.7%) had hyperlipidemia. Elevated total cholesterol (TC) was observed in 173 (26.5%) cases. 42 (37.1%) cases presented with increased triglycerides (TG) and 270 (41.3%) had increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C). Abnormalities including nephrolithiasis (29.4%), hydronephrosis (3.2%), and gallstones (11.9%) were detected in the patients who underwent ultrasound examination. Although female patients had a longer disease duration, they had lower levels of sUA, creatine and C-reactive protein (CRP). A positive correlation with sUA was found in TG and CRP (P<0.05) in female patients, which was not observed in males. Only gout duration (OR=1.406,P<0.001), sUA (OR=1.006,P<0.001) and LDL-C (OR=0.530,P=0.006) were independent factors of gout attack (>20 times).

Conclusion:

Comorbidity screening involving dyslipidemia is often neglected in gout patients. Gout duration and sUA level are risk factors of multiple gout attacks.

References:

[1]Wang Y, Yan S, Li C et al. Risk Factors for Gout Developed From Hyperuricemia in China: A Five-Year Prospective Cohort Study.Rheumatol Int. 2013; 3: 705-10.

Table 1.

Comparisons of clinical and laboratory variables between male and female patients with gout

VariableMale (n=553)Female (n=100)pAge (years)47.7±15.951.3±14.50.040*BMI (kg/ m2)24.5 (22.0-27.0)23.3 (20.3-25.3)0.001*Gout duration (years)6.0 (3.0-11.0)9.5 (4.0-15.0)0.001*Gout attack times•≤5209 (37.5)33 (33.0)•6-1097 (17.5)22 (22.0)•11-2070 (12.7)22 (23.0)•>20177 (32.0)23 (23.0)ComorbidiesHypertension, n (%)138 (25.0)32 (32.0)0.140Coronary heart disease, n (%)57 (10.3)10 (10.0)0.926Fatty liver disease53 (9.6)4 (4.0)0.069Laboratory testing•ALT(U/L)25.0 (17.0-40.0)19.2 (14.6-29.0)0.003*•ALB(g/L)43.5±6.342.4±3.90.025*•TB (μmol/L)12.7 (9.0-17.3)14.5 (12.1-17.4)0.002*•BUN (mmol/L)4.85 (3.98-6.27)4.85 (3.91-4.82)0.588•Creatine (mmol/L)94.0 (81.4-108.1)73.8 (67.4-87.2)<0.001*•UA (μmol/L)528.4±141.1363.8±122.9<0.001*•Glucose (mmol/L)5.62±1.675.43±1.170.317•TC (mmol/L)5.05±1.155.09±1.100.726•TG (mmol/L)2.11±1.661.94±1.860.335•HDL-C (mmol/L)1.14±0.301.52±0.41<0.001*•LDL-C (mmol/L)3.25±0.973.39±0.920.182•ESR (mm/h)40.1±32.437.4±20.80.402•CRP (mg/L)28.0±40.310.5±18.6<0.001*

*p< 0.05; BMI: body mass index; sUA: serum uric acid; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; ALB: albumin; TB: Total bilirubin; BUN: blood urea nitrogen; UA: uric acid; TC: total cholesterol; TG: triglycerides; HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein; LDL-C: Low-density lipoprotein; ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate; CRP: C-reactive protein

Acknowledgments:

None.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Search for the Rare Decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-}

A search for the decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} is performed using data collected with the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 2  fb^{-1}, respectively. No signal is observed. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} decays, an upper limit on the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<9.4(11.2)×10^{-9} is obtained at 90(95)% confidence level. If no B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} contribution is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<2.5(3.0)×10^{-9} is determined at 90(95)% confidence level. These upper limits are more than one order of magnitude lower than the previous values.

Modelling laser machining of nickel with spatially shaped three pulse sequences using deep learning

Femtosecond laser machining is a complex process, owing to the high peak intensities involved. Modelling approaches for the prediction of final sample quality based on photon-atom interactions are therefore challenging to extrapolate up to the microscale and beyond. The problem is compounded when multiple exposures are used to produce a final structure, where surface modifications from previous exposures must be taken into consideration. Neural network approaches allow for the automatic creation of a model that accounts for these challenging processes, without any physical knowledge of the processes being programmed by a specialist. We present such a network for the prediction of surface quality for multi-exposure femtosecond machining on a 5µm electroless nickel layer deposited on copper, where each pulse is uniquely spatially shaped using a spatial light modulator. This neural network modelling method accurately predicts the surface profile after three, sequential, overlapping exposures of dissimilar intensity patterns. It successfully reproduces such effects as the sub-diffraction limit machining feasible with multiple exposures, and the smoothing effect on edge-burr from previous exposures expected in multi-exposure laser machining.

Molecular cloning of the goose GnRH gene and identification of GnRH polymorphisms associated with laying traits

1. Egg-laying traits are important economic characteristics in goose production (Anser cygnoides). The gene GnRH, which encodes gonadotropin-releasing hormone, is a strong candidate gene for egg-laying traits in avian species. 2. In this study, a 3520 bp genomic sequence and a 279 bp mRNA sequence for GnRH, which encoded 92 amino acids, were determined. The GnRH DNA sequence contains four exons and three introns, and the DNA and deduced amino acid sequences were highly conserved across mammals (human, macaque, cow, and sheep) and avians (chicken, fulmar and quail). 3. Using a direct sequencing method, 46 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the GnRH genomic sequence that were shared between two Sichuan White goose populations (217 and 208 individuals). Furthermore, 44 haplotypes were constructed using a sliding window approach. Association analysis between the SNPs and haplotypes and egg-laying traits showed that 10 SNPs affected the first egg weight, average egg weight, egg number at 48 weeks and egg number at 64 weeks. 4. These results lay the foundation for further studies of the function of GnRH in geese and provide a theoretical basis for marker-assisted selection of egg-laying traits in the Sichuan white goose population.

Measurement of f_{s}/f_{u} Variation with Proton-Proton Collision Energy and B-Meson Kinematics

The ratio of the B_{s}^{0} and B^{+} fragmentation fractions f_{s} and f_{u} is studied with B_{s}^{0}→J/ψϕ and B^{+}→J/ψK^{+} decays using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at 7, 8, and 13 TeV center-of-mass energies. The analysis is performed in bins of B-meson momentum, longitudinal momentum, transverse momentum, pseudorapidity, and rapidity. The fragmentation-fraction ratio f_{s}/f_{u} is observed to depend on the B-meson transverse momentum with a significance of 6.0σ. This dependency is driven by the 13 TeV sample (8.7σ), while the results for the other collision energies are not significant when considered separately. Furthermore, the results show a 4.8σ evidence for an increase of f_{s}/f_{u} as a function of collision energy.

Isospin Amplitudes in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ(Σ^{0}) and Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΞ^{0}(Λ) Decays

Ratios of isospin amplitudes in hadron decays are a useful probe of the interplay between weak and strong interactions and allow searches for physics beyond the standard model. We present the first results on isospin amplitudes in b-baryon decays, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.5  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector in pp collisions at center of mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The isospin amplitude ratio |A_{1}(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΣ^{0})/A_{0}(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ)|, where the subscript on A indicates the final-state isospin, is measured to be less than 1/21.8 at 95% confidence level. The Cabibbo suppressed Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ decay is observed for the first time, allowing for the measurement |A_{0}(Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΛ)/A_{1/2}(Ξ_{b}^{0}→J/ψΞ^{0})|=0.37±0.06±0.02, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Uric acid level and risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage in ischaemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are limited data on the association between uric acid (UA) and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) in patients who have undergone mechanical thrombectomy [endovascular treatment (EVT)]. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of serum UA level in SICH after EVT in a real-world practice.

METHODS

Patients were selected from the Endovascular Treatment for Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke (ACTUAL) registry. SICH was identified using the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between serum UA and SICH.

RESULTS

Among 611 enrolled patients, 90 (14.7%) were diagnosed with SICH within 72 h after EVT. Patients with SICH had a significantly higher level of serum UA (median, 341.0 vs. 302.0 μmol/L; P = 0.003) than those without SICH. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with UA levels in the fourth quartile, compared with the first quartile, were more likely to have SICH (odds ratio, 2.846; 95% confidence intervals, 1.429-6.003; P = 0.003). The association remained significant after multivariable adjustment for potential confounders. Furthermore, the multiple-adjusted spline regression model showed an inverted U-shaped association between UA and SICH (P = 0.047 for non-linearity).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that increased serum UA level was independently associated with SICH after EVT in acute ischaemic stroke.

[Analysis of registration data for clinical trials of pneumoconiosis]

Objective: To investigate the registration characteristics and development trend of clinical trials of pneumoconiosis, analyze the clinical research characteristics and current situation of prevention and treatment pneumoconiosis. Methods: In December 2018, the databases of primary registries certified by International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) , such as Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) , Clinical Trials. gov, and Japan Primary Registries Network (JPRN) were retrieved. All clinical trials related to pneumoconiosis were included from the database establishment until December 1, 2018, and the characteristics of registered clinical trials were analyzed. Results: A total of 23 clinical trials related to pneumoconiosis were inclued. The number of registrations in China and Brazil are 9 and 3 respectively, while the registration numbers of Clinical Trials. gov and ChiCTR are 10 and 5 respectively. Fourteen trials have been completed; five trials are ongoing, and four trials are unknown for the research progress. Ten trials were for silicosis patients. Eight trials with a sample size less than 50. Twelve trials were randomized controlled trials. Interventions of five clinical trial are pulmonary rehabilitation. There were six trials with a 12-month course of treatment. Conclusion: At present, the number of registered studies in clinical trials of pneumoconiosis is relatively less; the proportion of published clinical research results is low, and some clinical research status is unknown. It should increase the publicity of the registration of clinical trials for pneumoconiosis, improve the awareness of registration and the intensity of research design to promote the development of high-quality clinical trials.

First Observation of Excited Ω_{b}^{-} States

We report four narrow peaks in the Ξ_{b}^{0}K^{-} mass spectrum obtained using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. Referring to these states by their mass, the mass values are m[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]=6315.64±0.31±0.07±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]=6330.30±0.28±0.07±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]=6339.71±0.26±0.05±0.50  MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6350)^{-}]=6349.88±0.35±0.05±0.50  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and the last is due to the knowledge of the Ξ_{b}^{0} mass. The natural widths of the three lower mass states are consistent with zero, and the 90% confidence-level upper limits are determined to be Γ[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]<2.8  MeV, Γ[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]<3.1  MeV and Γ[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]<1.5  MeV. The natural width of the Ω_{b}(6350)^{-} peak is 1.4_{-0.8}^{+1.0}±0.1  MeV, which is 2.5σ from zero and corresponds to an upper limit of 2.8 MeV. The peaks have local significances ranging from 3.6σ to 7.2σ. After accounting for the look-elsewhere effect, the significances of the Ω_{b}(6316)^{-} and Ω_{b}(6330)^{-} peaks are reduced to 2.1σ and 2.6σ, respectively, while the two higher mass peaks exceed 5σ. The observed peaks are consistent with expectations for excited Ω_{b}^{-} resonances.

The direct effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on proliferation of granulosa cells and development of follicles in goose

1. The study objectives were to determine the direct effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and the development of follicles in geese (Anser cygnoides) by colorimetry and ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) cell proliferation assays, in which primary GCs were treated with different concentrations of GnRH agonist (alarelin acetate) and an antagonist (cetrorelix acetate). Differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-sequencing and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. 2. The EdU assays showed that the proliferation of GCs was affected by the GnRH agonist and antagonist in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of treatment on cell proliferation was statistically significant at the concentrations of 10^-5 mol/l alarelin and 1 mg/l cetrorelix acetate. A total of 134 DEGs (76 downregulated and 58 upregulated for alarelin treatment) and 226 DEGs (90 downregulated and 136 upregulated for cetrorelix) were identified by RNA-sequencing analysis, respectively. Enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were enriched in the GO terms of cell-cell signalling and cell junctions. The pathways that regulate the development of follicles were identified, including the biological progress of cAMP accumulation, ovulation cycle and vasculature that are essential to follicular selection. 3. The results suggested that GnRH might directly regulate GC proliferation via autocrine or paracrine pathways related to cell junctions. In particular, it was confirmed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of the oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) gene, a negative transcription factor involved in follicular maturation and ovulation, were affected by GnRH agonist or antagonist in GCs. 4. In conclusion, GnRH might play an important role in follicular development by changing the expression of genes that participate in cAMP accumulation, ovulation cycle and cell junctions in ovarian GCs.

Search for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

Searches are performed for both promptlike and long-lived dark photons, A^{'}, produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. These searches look for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.5  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector. Neither search finds evidence for a signal, and 90% confidence-level exclusion limits are placed on the γ-A^{'} kinetic mixing strength. The promptlike A^{'} search explores the mass region from near the dimuon threshold up to 70 GeV and places the most stringent constraints to date on dark photons with 214<m(A^{'})≲740  MeV and 10.6<m(A^{'})≲30  GeV. The search for long-lived A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays places world-leading constraints on low-mass dark photons with lifetimes O(1)  ps.

Observation of Several Sources of CP Violation in B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} Decays

Observations are reported of different sources of CP violation from an amplitude analysis of B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} decays, based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded with the LHCb detector. A large CP asymmetry is observed in the decay amplitude involving the tensor f_{2}(1270) resonance, and in addition significant CP violation is found in the π^{+}π^{-}S wave at low invariant mass. The presence of CP violation related to interference between the π^{+}π^{-}S wave and the P wave B^{+}→ρ(770)^{0}π^{+} amplitude is also established; this causes large local asymmetries but cancels when integrated over the phase space of the decay. The results provide both qualitative and quantitative new insights into CP -violation effects in hadronic B decays.

Fasudil alleviates hepatic fibrosis in type 1 diabetic rats: involvement of the inflammation and RhoA/ROCK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are recognized to be involved in many pathophysiological processes caused by hyperglycemia. We performed experiments to evaluate the effects of fasudil, the Rho/ROCK inhibitor, on preventing hepatic fibrosis in type 1 diabetic rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (NC), untreated diabetic (DM), low-dose fasudil-treated (L-Fas), high-dose fasudil-treated (H-Fas) and captopril-treated (Cap) groups. Streptozotocin was injected to establish the diabetes model. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used for histological observations. The expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), collagen type Iα (Coll α1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and ROCK-1 were measured to investigate the mechanisms involved in fibrosis.

RESULTS

The DM group exhibited hepatic fibrosis with remarkable liver damage and inflammation reaction by the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Treatment with fasudil or captopril suppressed not only the inflammation reaction but also the accumulation of the extracellular matrix due to the downregulation of TGF-β1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1, which induces the amelioration of the liver fibrosis with diabetes. Furthermore, fasudil significantly attenuated the activation of ROCK-1 and NF-κB in the livers of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that fasudil exert anti-inflammation actions and markedly decrease the accumulation of extracellular matrix. Fasudil is a good candidate agent for treating hepatic fibrosis in diabetes.

Search for Lepton-Flavor Violating Decays B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{±}e^{∓}

A search for the lepton-flavor violating decays B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{±}e^{∓} is performed using a sample of proton-proton collision data, collected with the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. No significant signal is observed, and upper limits on the branching fractions are set as B(B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{-}e^{+})<7.0(9.5)×10^{-9} and B(B^{+}→K^{+}μ^{+}e^{-})<6.4(8.8)×10^{-9} at 90% (95)% confidence level. The results improve the current best limits on these decays by more than one order of magnitude.

MiR-299-5p targets cell cycle to promote cell proliferation and progression of osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

Osteosarcoma is a common primary bone tumor with high mortality. MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is a small RNA with 20-25 nucleotides, which could regulate diverse biological processes by targeting 3'-UTR of gene to degrade it. MiR-299-5p has been reported to participate in the progression of many diseases, but the role in osteosarcoma is still uncertain. The aim of this work was to investigate the expression of miR-299-5p in osteosarcoma and its clinical significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The datasets of osteosarcoma miRNA was searched in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, including GSE65071, GSE39040, and GSE39055. Osteosarcoma U2 and MG-63 cells were cultured in our study. Cell proliferation level after transfection was detected by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and colon formation assay. Cell cycles were explored using flow cytometer and cell protein expression levels after that the transfection was detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

We found that ROC curve analysis showed that miR-299-5p was a sensitivity diagnostic criteria and GSEA indicated that miRNA-299-5p may regulate cell cycle. Gain of function assay showed that miR-299-5p promotes cell cycle transition and proliferation. Reversely, the opposite results were observed with loss of function assay. At last, Western blotting assay showed that miR-299-5p may promote cell cycle transition by regulating CDK family.

Hepatitis B virus infection status is not associated with poor prognosis in classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients

Few studies focused on the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). This study was to evaluate the impact of HBV infection on the treatment outcome and survival of cHL patients. Clinical data of 352 cHL patients treated with ABVD regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine and dacarbazine) between January 2002 and January 2018 were retrospectively collected. According to HBV infection status, the patients were divided into three groups: with HBV infection [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive], with past HBV infection [HBsAg-negative but anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc)-positive], and without HBV infection (HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-negative). The incidence of HBV infection and past HBV infection in cHL patients were 7.4% (26/352) and 16.5% (58/352), respectively. The median age of patients without HBV infection was lower than those in other two groups (p<0.001). The complete remission rates after first-line therapy were different among 3 groups (65.4% for the group with HBV infection, 87.9% for the group with past HBV infection, and 76.1% for the group without HBV infection, respectively, p=0.049). After a median follow-up of 34.6 months, the 3-year progression-free survival rates for the three groups were 69%, 74% and 80%, respectively (p=0.566) and the 3-year overall survival rates were 72%, 91% and 87%, respectively (p=0.096). No HBV reactivation was observed during chemotherapy among 3 groups, but 1 patient in the group with HBV infection experienced delayed HBV reactivation when prophylactic entecavir was discontinued 12 months after the last cycle of chemotherapy. HBV infection status did not affect the clinical outcome and prognosis of cHL patients, especially in the era of prophylactic antiviral therapy.

Measurement of Charged Hadron Production in Z-Tagged Jets in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV

The production of charged hadrons within jets recoiling against a Z boson is measured in proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=8  TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment. The charged-hadron structure of the jet is studied longitudinally and transverse to the jet axis for jets with transverse momentum p_{T}>20  GeV and in the pseudorapidity range 2.5<η<4. These are the first measurements of jet hadronization at these forward rapidities and also the first where the jet is produced in association with a Z boson. In contrast to previous hadronization measurements at the Large Hadron Collider, which are dominated by gluon jets, these measurements probe predominantly light-quark jets which are found to be more longitudinally and transversely collimated with respect to the jet axis when compared to the previous gluon dominated measurements. Therefore, these results provide valuable information on differences between quarks and gluons regarding nonperturbative hadronization dynamics.

Amplitude Analysis of B^{±}→π^{±}K^{+}K^{-} Decays

The first amplitude analysis of the B^{±}→π^{±}K^{+}K^{-} decay is reported based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded in 2011 and 2012 with the LHCb detector. The data are found to be best described by a coherent sum of five resonant structures plus a nonresonant component and a contribution from ππ↔KK S-wave rescattering. The dominant contributions in the π^{±} K^{∓} and K^{+} K^{-} systems are the nonresonant and the B^{±}→ρ(1450)^{0}π^{±} amplitudes, respectively, with fit fractions around 30%. For the rescattering contribution, a sizable fit fraction is observed. This component has the largest CP asymmetry reported to date for a single amplitude of (-66±4±2)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. No significant CP violation is observed in the other contributions.

Search for the Lepton-Flavor-Violating Decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} and B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}

Results are reported from a search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} and B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}, where the τ lepton is reconstructed in the channel τ^{-}→π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}ν_{τ}. These processes are effectively forbidden in the standard model, but they can potentially occur at detectable rates in models of new physics that can induce lepton-flavor-violating decays. The search is based on a data sample corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions recorded by the LHCb experiment in 2011 and 2012. The event yields observed in the signal regions for both processes are consistent with the expected standard model backgrounds. Because of the limited mass resolution arising from the undetected τ neutrino, the B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} signal regions are highly overlapping. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}, the upper limit B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓})<4.2×10^{-5} is obtained at 95% confidence level. If no contribution from B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓} is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓})<1.4×10^{-5} is obtained at 95% confidence level. These results represent the first limit on B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}) and the most stringent limit on B(B^{0}→τ^{±}μ^{∓}).

MiR-181d promotes steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by targeting SMAD3 to inhibit osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate whether miR-181d may be involved in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and its underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-181d in bone marrow of 5 cases of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and 5 cases of femoral head necrosis secondary to femoral neck fractures. Marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were obtained from bone marrow samples and identified. Subsequently, the effects of miR-181d on osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was performed to detect the levels of osteoblast-specific genes.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-181d in the bone marrow of patients with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head was significantly higher than that in the control group. When the expression of miR-181d in MSCs was upregulated, the ALP staining became lighter and the number of calcified nodules, as well as the expression of osteoblast-specific genes, decreased significantly. Meanwhile, the opposite results were observed when miR-181d expression was inhibited. Western blot and luciferase reporting assay proved that miR-181d could negatively regulate the expression of SMAD3.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-181d can inhibit the differentiation of hBMSCs into osteoblasts by regulating the expression of SMAD3.

MiR-17-5p promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting transforming growth factor-β receptor 2

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in post-translational gene expression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of miR-17-5p in cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifteen clinical cervical cancer tissue samples, as well as their paired adjacent noncancerous tissues, were collected. The microarray was performed to identify differential miRNAs in cervical cancer. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the target gene of selected miRNA. SiHa was transfected with mimics, inhibitors as well as negative controls of miR-17-5p and Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor 2 (TGFBR2) open reading frame or siRNA. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell experiment were performed to detect the proliferation rate and metastasis, respectively. Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were used to analyze TGFBR2 expression. Balb/c nude mice were utilized to verify the effect of miR-17-5p in vivo.

RESULTS

Microarray analysis identified miR-17-5p as our interesting miRNA, and luciferase reporter assay identified TGFBR2 as its target gene. MiR-17-5p overexpression significantly enhanced cervical cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. In-vivo study also verified that miR-17-5p overexpression stimulated cervical cancer growth.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-17-5p enhances cervical cancer proliferation and metastasis via targeting TGFBR2. It is proposed that targeting miR-17-5p may be a promising therapeutic approach for cervical cancer.

Effect of polyvinylphosphonic acid on resin-dentin bonds and the cytotoxicity of mouse dental papilla cell-23

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Polyvinylphosphonic acid (PVPA) could be used as a biomimetic remineralization analog and a matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitor. However, studies are lacking regarding the performance of PVPA in dental bonding systems for maintaining the durability of the resin-dentin bond.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of PVPA on the durability of resin-dentin bonds and the viability of mouse dental papilla cell-23 (MDPC-23). The mechanical properties of resin-dentin interfaces during long-term storage were analyzed, and the potential application of PVPA as a biomimetic remineralization analog in adhesive dentistry was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five extracted noncarious human third molars were collected and randomly divided into 5 groups, and then the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) data and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to evaluate the preservation condition of resin-dentin bonds after 1 day, 6 months, and 1 year of storage. The cytotoxicity of PVPA was detected by cell proliferation assay and cell apoptosis assay.

RESULTS

Compared with the control and chlorhexidine (CHX) groups, the combined group (treated with both 200-μg/mL PVPA and biomimetic remineralization) had excellent bond durability. The exposed collagen fibril from the PVPA-treated groups (included 200-μg/mL and 500-μg/mL PVPA groups and a combined group) still showed integrity after 1 year of storage when compared with the control group. PVPA up to 500 μg/mL showed no cytotoxicity to MDPC-23 and did not inhibit cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offered evidence that PVPA did not result in cytotoxicity at low concentrations as an MMP inhibitor and a biomimetic remineralization analog. In addition, the application of PVPA improved bond strength and preserved collagen integrity after 1 year of in vitro storage.

Observation of New Resonances in the Λ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} System

We report the observation of a new structure in the Λ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} spectrum using the full LHCb data set of pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected at sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV. A study of the structure suggests its interpretation as a superposition of two almost degenerate narrow states. The masses and widths of these states are measured to be m_{Λ_{b}(6146)^{0}}=6146.17±0.33±0.22±0.16  MeV,m_{Λ_{b}(6152)^{0}}=6152.51±0.26±0.22±0.16  MeV,Γ_{Λ_{b}(6146)^{0}}=2.9±1.3±0.3  MeV,Γ_{Λ_{b}(6152)^{0}}=2.1±0.8±0.3  MeV,with a mass splitting of Δm=6.34±0.32±0.02  MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic. The third uncertainty for the mass measurements derives from the knowledge of the mass of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon. The measured masses and widths of these new excited states suggest their possible interpretation as a doublet of Λ_{b}(1D)^{0} states.

P604Clinical feasibility assessment of a novel Quantitative Multi-contrast Atherosclerosis Characterization (qMATCH) sequence for carotid plaque quantification

Background

Conventional protocol contrast MRI (cMRI) for evaluating carotid artery atherosclerosis is clinically under-utilized due to complex scanning procedures and long scan time. Recently, the Quantitative Multi-contrast Atherosclerosis Characterization (qMATCH) has been proposed, which allows comprehensive and quantitative assessment of atherosclerosis including MRA, dark-blood vessel wall morphology, and T1/T2 mapping with an 8-minute single scan (Figure1). However, the diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of qMATCH has not been validated in clinical circumstances.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative plaque analysis of qMATCH compared with cMRI

Method

We prospectively enrolled 43 patients who have carotid plaques diagnosed by carotid ultrasound. cMRI was performed along with qMATCH scan. All imaging data were acquired with a clinical 3T scanner using a 64-channel head & neck coil. In the current analysis, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of qMATCH in the quantitative assessment of carotid plaque. Plaque area measurements using dark-blood wall images with qMATCH were compared with corresponding cross-sectional T1/T2-weighted images with cMRI as references values (Figure 2). These inter-technique comparisons included linear regression with Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses to assess the mean inter-technique differences (biases) and limits of agreements.

Result

Among 90 segments, mean plaque areas measured by cMRI and qMATCH were 43.83±21.21 mm2 and 42.47±19.23mm2, respectively (mean differences, −1.36±8.12mm2; p for a paired t-test, 0.073). Correlation coefficient showed excellent correlation between plaque areas measured by cMRI and qMATCH (r=0.943, p<0.001) (Figure 3). Bland-Altman plot showed excellent agreement in plaque areas between the two methods (Figure 4).

Conclusion

Quantitative carotid plaque burden analysis by a novel sequence with qMATCH is feasible and accurate compared with conventional MRI. Given that qMATCH can reduce scan time and allow quantitative relaxometry mapping, fast and accurate carotid plaque analysis would be feasible. Further studies to evaluate the accuracy of qualitative plaque analysis should be performed to confirm the “all-in-one” assessment of carotid atherosclerosis using qMATCH.