Shear stress and ROS-responsive biomimetic micelles for atherosclerosis via ROS consumption

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-known important initiating factors required for atherosclerosis formation, which leads to endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation. Most of the existing antithrombotic therapies use ROS-responsive drug delivery systems, which have a certain therapeutic effect but cannot eliminate excess ROS. Therefore, the atherosclerosis cannot be treated from the source. Moreover, nanoparticles are easily cleared by the immune system during blood circulation, which is not conducive to long-term circulation. In this study, we developed an intelligent response system that could simultaneously respond to ROS and the shear stress microenvironment of atherosclerotic plaques. This system was formed by red blood cells (RBCs) and simvastatin-loaded micelles (SV MC). The micelles consisted of poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-polypropylene sulfide (PGED-PPS). The hydrophobic PPS could react with excess ROS to become hydrophilic, which forced the micelle rupture, resulting in drug release. Most importantly, PPS could also significantly deplete the ROS level, realizing the synergistic treatment of atherosclerosis with drugs and materials. The positively charged SV MC and negatively charged RBCs were self-assembled through electrostatic adsorption to obtain SV MC@RBCs. The SV MC@RBCs could respond to the high shear stress at the atherosclerotic plaque, and the shear stress induced SV MC desorption from the RBC surface. Using biomimetic methods to evade the SV MC@RBCs elimination by the immune system and to reduce the ROS plays a vital role in improving atherosclerosis treatment. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SV MC@RBCs could effectively treat atherosclerosis. Moreover, not only does the SV MC@RBCs system avoid the risk of bleeding, but it also has excellent in vivo safety. The study results indicate that the SV MC@RBCs system is a promising therapeutic nanomedicine for treating ROS-related diseases.

CircRNA_010763 promotes growth and invasion of lung cancer through serving as a molecular sponge of miR-715 to induce c-Myc expression

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effect of circRNA_010763 on the growth and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of circRNA_010763 and c-Myc in human NSCLC tissues and cells. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the A549 cells proliferation and transwell assay was performed to evaluate the A549 cells migration. The correlation between miR-715 and circRNA_010763 was detected by statistical analysis. Bioinformatics prediction and Luciferase assay were performed to explore the interaction and binding site of circRNA_010763 and miR-715, miR-715 and c-Myc, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that both circRNA_010763 and c-Myc were upregulated in human NSCLC tissues and cells. qRT-PCR and CCK-8 assay showed that circRNA_010763 expression is associated with the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Transwell assay showed that circRNA_010763 regulated the migration ability of NSCLC cells. The bioinformatics prediction and Luciferase assay demonstrated that circRNA_010763 can sponge with miR-715, serving as a molecular sponge to further regulate the expression of c-Myc.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that circRNA_010763 was highly expressed in human NSCLC tissues, which could promote tumor proliferation, migration and invasion through serving as a molecular sponge by modulating the inhibitory effect of miR-715 on oncogene c-Myc.

[The value of MRI plain scan and DWI in the diagnosis of brain metastases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plain scan and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of brain metastases. Methods: The MRI plain imaging findings of 105 cases with brain metastases and 103 cases without brain metastases confirmed by enhanced MRI examination and clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. The comparisons of plain MRI findings including T1 weighted image (T1WI), T2WI, T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR), DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were made between brain metastases and non-brain metastases. Results: The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T1WI in the brain metastatic group were 54, 23, 9 and 19, respectively, while the numbers of hypo-intensity and iso-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group were 52 and 51, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T2WI in the brain metastatic group were 1, 9, 72 and 23, respectively, while the numbers of iso-intensity and hyper-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group were 11 and 92, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of DWI in the brain metastatic group were 4, 31 and 65, respectively, while the number of hyper-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group was 4 and others were iso-intensity, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T2WI/FLAIR in the brain metastatic group were 4, 5, 60 and 36, respectively, while all cases in the non-brain metastatic group were hyper-intensity, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The number of lesion accompanied with peripheral edema in the brain metastatic group were 69 cases, significantly higher than 0 cases in the non-brain metastatic group (P<0.001). The mean ADC value in the brain metastatic group were (0.919±0.019)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, significantly lower than (1.098±0.012)×10(-3) mm(2)/s of non-brain metastatic group (P<0.05). Conclusions: For patients with a history of primary malignancy, the MRI plain scan signals of T1WI, T2WI, T2WI/FLAIR and DWI are significantly different between brain metastatic tumor and non-metastatic tumor. The mixed signal, peripheral edema and the restriction of DWI diffusion indicate brain metastases. The combined application of the above parameters can improve the diagnostic efficacy of predicting brain metastases, and contrast enhancement MRI examination should be performed for the confirmation of diagnosis.

Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Global polarization of Ξ and Ω hyperons has been measured for the first time in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements of the Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+} hyperon polarization have been performed by two independent methods, via analysis of the angular distribution of the daughter particles in the parity violating weak decay Ξ→Λ+π, as well as by measuring the polarization of the daughter Λ hyperon, polarized via polarization transfer from its parent. The polarization, obtained by combining the results from the two methods and averaged over Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, is measured to be ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩=0.47±0.10(stat)±0.23(syst)% for the collision centrality 20%-80%. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to be slightly larger than the inclusive Λ polarization and in reasonable agreement with a multiphase transport model. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to follow the centrality dependence of the vorticity predicted in the model, increasing toward more peripheral collisions. The global polarization of Ω, ⟨P_{Ω}⟩=1.11±0.87(stat)±1.97(syst)% was obtained by measuring the polarization of daughter Λ in the decay Ω→Λ+K, assuming the polarization transfer factor C_{ΩΛ}=1.

Development and validation of circulating tumour cell enumeration (Epic Sciences) as a prognostic biomarker in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prognostic significance of circulating tumour cell (CTC) number determined on the Epic Sciences platform in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with an androgen receptor signalling inhibitor (ARSI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A pre-treatment blood sample was collected from men with progressing mCRPC starting either abiraterone or enzalutamide as a first-, second- or third-line systemic therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Discovery cohort, N = 171) or as a first- or second-line therapy as part of the multicenter PROPHECY trial (NCT02269982) (Validation cohort, N = 107). The measured CTC number was then associated with overall survival (OS) in the Discovery cohort, and progression-free survival (PFS) and OS in the Validation cohort. CTC enumeration was also performed on a concurrently obtained blood sample using the CellSearch® Circulating Tumor Cell Kit.

RESULTS

In the MSKCC Discovery cohort, CTC count was a statistically significant prognostic factor of OS as a dichotomous (<3 CTCs/mL versus ≥ 3 CTCs/mL; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.3-3.0]) and a continuous variable when adjusting for line of therapy, presence of visceral metastases, prostate-specific antigen, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. The findings were validated in an independent datas et from PROPHECY (HR [95% CI] = 1.8 [1.1-3.0] for OS and 1.7 [1.1-2.9] for PFS). A strong correlation was also observed between CTC counts determined in matched samples on the CellSearch® and Epic platforms (r = 0.84).

CONCLUSION

The findings validate the prognostic significance of pretreatment CTC number determined on the Epic Sciences platform for predicting OS in men with progressing mCRPC starting an ARSI.

The gene regulatory network in different brain regions of neuropathic pain mouse models

OBJECTIVE

Neuropathic pain is directly developed from lesions or somatosensory nervous system diseases that are associated with emotion regulation. In general population, the incidence of neuropathic pain ranges from 7% to 10%, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Neuropathic pain is often associated with structural and functional abnormalities in multiple brain regions, and its regulation has been shown to correspond with the forebrain, including nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate the molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain across different brain regions, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the spared nerve injury model (SNI) mice suffering neuropathic pain and the control Sham mice in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions, and mapped these genes onto a comprehensively functional association network. Thereafter, novel neuropathic pain genes in these three regions were identified using With Random Walk with Restart (RWR) analysis, such as Asic3, Cd200r1 and MT2, besides well-known Capn11 and CYP2E1.

RESULTS

Interactions or cross talks among DEGs in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions were discovered.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide novel insights into neuropathic pain and help to explore therapeutic targets in the treatment.

Self-monitoring diabetes with multiple mobile health devices

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of multiple mobile health technologies to generate and transmit data from diverse patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in between clinic visits. We examined the data to identify patterns that describe characteristics of patients for clinical insights.

METHODS

We enrolled 60 adults with T2DM from a US healthcare system to participate in a 6-month longitudinal feasibility trial. Patient weight, physical activity, and blood glucose were self-monitored via devices provided at baseline. Patients also responded to biweekly medication adherence text message surveys. Data were aggregated in near real-time. Measures of feasibility assessing total engagement in device submissions and survey completion over the 6 months of observation were calculated.

RESULTS

It was feasible for participants from different socioeconomic, educational, and racial backgrounds to use and track relevant diabetes-related data from multiple mobile health devices for at least 6 months. Both the transmission and engagement of the data revealed notable patterns and varied by patient characteristics.

DISCUSSION

Using multiple mobile health tools allowed us to derive clinical insights from diverse patients with diabetes. The ubiquitous adoption of smartphones across racial, educational, and socioeconomic populations and the integration of data from mobile health devices into electronic health records present an opportunity to develop new models of care delivery for patients with T2DM that may promote equity as well.

Nonmonotonic Energy Dependence of Net-Proton Number Fluctuations

Nonmonotonic variation with collision energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) of the moments of the net-baryon number distribution in heavy-ion collisions, related to the correlation length and the susceptibilities of the system, is suggested as a signature for the quantum chromodynamics critical point. We report the first evidence of a nonmonotonic variation in the kurtosis times variance of the net-proton number (proxy for net-baryon number) distribution as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}] with 3.1  σ significance for head-on (central) gold-on-gold (Au+Au) collisions measured solenoidal tracker at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Data in noncentral Au+Au collisions and models of heavy-ion collisions without a critical point show a monotonic variation as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}].

A novel hydrophilic fluorescent probe for Cu2+ detection and imaging in HeLa cells

Copper is an essential element in living systems and plays an important role in human physiology; therefore, methods to detect the concentration of copper ions in living organisms are important. Herein, we report a highly water-soluble naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe that can be used for the detection of Cu²⁺. The probe, BNQ, has high selectivity and sensitivity. The fluorescence intensity of the probe at 520 nm was visible to the naked eye under a UV lamp; upon the gradual addition of Cu²⁺, there was a colour change from green to nearly colourless. Furthermore, the detection limit of BNQ for Cu²⁺ was 45.5 nM. The detection mechanism was investigated using a Job's plot and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, owing to great biocompatibility, we were able to successfully use BNQ to detect Cu²⁺ in living HeLa cells with low toxicity.

Probe BNQ was successfully used for detection of exogenous Cu²⁺ in cells using a rare ESDPT sensing mechanism.

Effect of front-of-package nutrition labeling on food purchases: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This study systematically reviewed evidence from interventions on the effect of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling on food purchases.

STUDY DESIGN

The study design used in this study is a systematic review.

METHODS

Keyword search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (10 randomized controlled trials, four pre-post studies, and one case-control study) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Five studies were conducted in a controlled setting through the establishment of an online virtual supermarket or physical laboratory food store solely for the intervention. In contrast, the remaining ten studies were conducted in a naturalistic setting where people commonly purchase foods (e.g., supermarket, grocery store, school/hospital cafeteria, or vending machine). FOP labels assessed included traffic lights, health star rating, daily intake guides, health warnings, and high sugar symbol labels. Compared with the control, FOP labels were effective for helping participants make healthier food purchase decisions in five of the 12 studies that assessed traffic lights labels, in one of the two studies that assessed health warning labels, and in one study that assessed high sugar symbol labels. Three assessed health star ratings and one assessed daily intake guide labels, but none revealed an effect on food purchases compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings on the effectiveness of FOP nutrition labels in 'nudging' consumers toward healthier food purchases remain mixed and inconclusive. Future studies should examine other types of FOP labels beside the traffic lights labels and explore the different effects by consumer affordability, population subgroup, and shopping environment.

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe for differential detection of HSO3- and ClO- and application in cell imaging and tumor recognition

By connecting 1,8-naphthalimide and indole sulfonate, a ratio fluorescent probe capable of differential detection of hydrogen sulfite and hypochlorite was synthesized for the first time. It was able to achieve the qualitative detection of HSO₃^- and ClO^- with high sensitivity and selectivity, respectively. It provides a multi-purpose probe and is based on different emission channels without mutual interference. The probe has the advantages of larger Stokes shift (ClO^-: 115 nm, HSO₃^-: 88 nm), longer λ_em (ClO^-: 515 nm, HSO₃^-: 548 nm) and better water solubility (DMF/PBS = 1:99, v/v). In addition, the probe is a ratio fluorescence probe, which can detect fluorescence intensity with two different emission waves. It provides internal self-calibration, reduces interference from the background and increases detection accuracy. In vitro cytotoxicity and imaging experiments show that the probe can effectively perform the detection of exogenous HSO₃^- and ClO^- in cells. It can also achieve the detection of HSO₃^- and ClO^- in the plasma environment. Because the probe can detect endogenous ClO^-, it also has a good prospect for biological application in identifying tumor cells. Graphical abstract.

Correlation between changes in the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes and survival rate in patients with cervical cancer after radio-chemotherapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the absolute numbers of various types of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood before and after chemotherapy following radio-chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer, so as to explore the correlation between the changes in the absolute numbers of peripheral various types of lymphocytes and the overall survival rate of patients.

METHODS

Data of 205 patients with cervical cancer admitted to the hospital from June 2014 to August 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients underwent concurrent radio-chemotherapy, followed by chemotherapy. The absolute numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes and subtypes were compared before and after re-chemotherapy.

RESULTS

For patients with a good prognosis, the number of lymphocytes, T cells, and cytotoxic T cells (Tc) significantly decreased (P<0.05) after re-chemotherapy, while this phenomenon was not observed in patients with poor prognosis. Kaplan-Meier univariate analysis showed that patients with cervical cancer who had an advanced FIGO stage before treatment, presence of lymph node metastasis, and increased numbers of Tc and T helper cells after re-chemotherapy showed a low 30-month survival rate; the overall log-rank analysis showed significant differences (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, presence of lymph node metastasis: HR=9.718, P=0.002, 95% CI=0.183-0.679; Tc grouping: HR=3.239, P=0.0.072, 95% CI=0.950-03.347; Th group: HR=3.197, P=0.074, 95% CI=0.943-3.564.

CONCLUSIONS

After radio-chemotherapy, in patients with advanced cervical cancer, the change in the numbers of peripheral blood Tc and Th before and after re-chemotherapy was associated with the 30-month overall survival rate of patients. It can be considered as a predictor of the survival of patients with advanced cervical cancer.

Coordination of primary metabolism and virulence factors expression mediates the virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus towards cultured shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

AIMS

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus has emerged as a severe bacterial disease of cultured shrimp. To identify the key virulence factors, two AHPND-causing V. parahaemolyticus (Vp_AHPND ) strains (123 and 137) and two non-Vp_AHPND strains (HZ56 and ATCC 17082) were selected.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Challenge tests showed that the four strains exhibited different virulence towards shrimp with cumulative mortalities at 48 h postinfection (hpi) ranging from 10 to 92%. The expression of pirAB^VP in strain 123 and 137 was not significantly different. Genomic analysis revealed that the two Vp_AHPND strains contain a plasmid with the PirAB^VP toxins (pirAB^VP ) flanked by the insertion sequence (ISVal1) that has been identified in various locations of chromosomes in Vp_AHPND strains. The two Vp_AHPND strains possessed almost identical virulence factors, while ISVal1 disrupted three genes related to flagellar motility in strain 137. Phenotype assay showed that strain 123 possessed the highest growth rate and swimming motility, followed by strain 137, suggesting that the disruption of essential genes mediated by ISVal1 significantly affected the virulence level. Transcriptome analysis of two Vp_AHPND strains (123 and 137) further suggested that virulence genes related to the capsule, flagella and primary metabolism were highly expressed in strain 123.

CONCLUSIONS

Here for the first time, it is demonstrated that the virulence of Vp_AHPND is not only determined by the expression of pirAB^VP , but also is mediated by ISVal1 which affects the genes involved in flagellar motility and primary metabolism.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The genomic and transcriptomic analysis of Vp_AHPND strains provides valuable information on the virulence factors affecting the pathogenicity of Vp_AHPND.

What troponin I level post PCI in SIHD is predictive of higher risk of MACE?

Background

According to the 4th universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI), post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) MI is defined as an elevation of cardiac troponin values more than five times above the 99th percentile upper reference limit. The ISCHEMIA Trial in stable ischaemic heart disease (SIHD) patients reported post PCI troponin rise as part of the primary endpoint. What represents a clinically significant troponin rise post PCI has not been clearly established.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to correlate the level of troponin I rise with adverse events post PCI in SIHD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of our PCI registry in patients with SIHD between 2014 and 2018. Patients with acute coronary syndrome were excluded. HS-troponin I was measured one day after the procedure. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, MI, stent thrombosis (ST) and need for repeat revascularization within 12 months from index procedure.

Results

Between 2014 and 2018, 920 patients (mean age 67.5 years, 78% male) underwent PCI for SIHD. Troponin rise post PCI was a common event and a level more than 100ng/L (reference range &lt;26 ng/L) occurred in 54% of patients. Mean and median troponin I level post PCI was 675 ng/L±2530 and 118 ng/L respectively. In patients with MACE, mean troponin I level was 1361 ng/L compared with 611 ng/L in patients without MACE (P=0.0176). Correlation of troponin I level with one year MACE rates are shown in the Graph. MACE rates were steady at 8.5% with troponin I levels below 2500 ng/L after which there was a significant increase in the MACE rates. At troponin I level above 5000 ng/L MACE was 13.6% and above 10,000 ng/L it was 33.3%.

Conclusion

Troponin I levels above 2500 ng/L (x100 upper limit normal) correlated with an increase in the risk of MACE in patients undergoing PCI for SIHD. Our results suggest that current definitions of procedural MI overestimate the clinical significance of post PCI troponin rise.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Optimization of GRACE risk stratification by NT-proBNP combined with D-dimer in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

GRACE risk score is the most widely used tool to predict the risk of death and myocardial infarction in patients with Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Some biomarkers have been shown to have a high predictive value for prognosis. But the models constructed using these studies have some drawbacks, including the using biomarkers that are not routinely monitored.

Aims

To explore the optimizing role of multiple biomarkers in GRACE risk stratification in NSTEMI and then develop a new scoring system based on GRACE.

Methods

1.This multi-center, prospective, cohort study enrolled 1357 patients (mean age 65±12 years; 57% male). Common clinical indicators were collected within the first 12h after admission. 2.The outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE: all-cause death,unstable angina, heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction and stroke). 3.Cox multivariate anlysis was used to quantify the biomarker effect. C-index, NRI and IDI were calculated to verify that the biomarkers improve the predictive accuracy of GRACE.

Results

1. During follow-up (mean: 339 days), 57 participants died and 211 participants had 231 MACE. In COX analysis, NT-proBNP (P&lt;0.0001), and d-dimer (P=0.0092) were significant independent biomarkers for death. NT-proBNP (P&lt;0.0001), fibrinogen (P=0.0177) and d-dimer (P&lt;0.0001) were significant independent biomarkers for MACE. 2. For all-cause death, the combination of NT-proBNP and D-dimer improved the predictive accuracy of GRACE the most. For MACE, trigeminal combination of NT-proBNP, fibrinogen, and D-dimer improved GRACE the most 3. NT-proBNP, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and GRACE comprise a new scoring system for assessing 1-year clinical events. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant rise in 1-year mortality and MACE between different score groups.

Conclusions

The combination of NT-proBNP, and d-dimer added the prognostic value of GRACE for all-cause death and MACE. Our newly developed scoring system can be easily calculated in clinical practice and strongly correlated with all-cause mortality and MACE.

Risk score and survival curve

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Major Science and Technology Projects of Tianjin Science and Technology Commission in 2016; Key Project of Healthcare Industry of Tianjin in 2016