HSPB1 as an RNA-binding protein mediates the pathological process of osteoarthritis

Heat-shock protein beta1 (HSPB1) is a member of the small HSP family, downregulated in osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes and demonstrated the capacity to serve as an RNA-binding protein (RBP). This work aimed to explore the profile of HSPB1 bound RNA and reveal the potential regulation mechanism of HSPB1 in OA. In this work, we captured an unbiased HSPB1-RNA interaction map in Hela cells using the iRIP-seq. The results demonstrated that HSPB1 interacted with plentiful of mRNAs and genomic location toward the CDS region. Functional enrichment of HSPB1-related peaks showed the involvement in gene expression, translation initiation, cellular protein metabolic process, and nonsense-mediated decay. HOMER software analysis showed that HSPB1 bound peaks were over-represented in GAGGAG sequences. In addition, ABLIRC and CIMS algorithm indicated that HSPB1 bound to AU-rich motifs and the proportion of AU-rich peaks in 3' UTR were slightly higher than that in other regions. Moreover, HSPB1-binding targets analysis revealed several gens were associated with OA including EGFR, PLEC, COL5A1, and ROR2. The association of OA-related mRNAs to HSPB1 was additionally confirmed in OA tissues by the quantitative RIP-PCR experiments. Further experiment demonstrated the downregulation of HSPB1 in OA tissues. In conclusion, our current study confirmed HSPB1 as an RNA-binding protein and revealed its potential function in the pathological process of OA, providing a reliable insight to further investigate the molecular regulation mechanism of HSPB1 in OA.

Application effect of PDCA circulation on nursing quality management and risk control in digestive endoscopy room

To explore the application effect of plan, do, check, action (PDCA) cycle on nursing quality management and risk control in digestive endoscope room. Ninety patients who received digestive endoscopy care before undergoing PDCA circulation mode risk control from January 2022 to April 2022 were selected as the Common group. From May 2022 to December 2022, 156 patients who underwent digestive endoscopy care after undergoing PDCA cycle mode risk control were selected as the PDCA group. Compare the infection status of patients in the endoscope room and the qualification of the air in the endoscope room before and after PDCA circulation management. Compare the respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and nursing satisfaction of patients in the Common group and the PDCA group. Compare the qualified rate of endoscopic cavity disinfection before and after PDCA cycle management, the qualified rate of endoscopic external disinfection, and the management score. Four patients in the Common group developed infection, with an infection rate of 4.44%. One case of infection occurred in the PDCA group, with an infection rate of 0.64%. The qualified rate of the endoscope room air in the Common group was 92.22%, while the qualified rate of the endoscope room air in the PDCA group was 98.72%. Compared with the Common group, the infection rate of patients in the PDCA group significantly decreased, and the qualified rate of air in the endoscope room significantly increased. The respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, nursing errors, and nursing complaint rates of patients in the PDCA group were significantly lower than those in the Common group, and nursing satisfaction was significantly higher than those in the Common group. The qualified rate of endoscopic cavity disinfection and endoscopic external disinfection in the PDCA group were significantly higher than those in the Common group. Compared with before management, the scores of post management, nursing safety, disinfection and isolation, instruments, theoretical tests, and operational tests of nursing personnel after management increased significantly. The PDCA cycle is well applied in nursing quality management and risk control in the digestive endoscope room.

[Study of the predictive role of serum HBV RNA on HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To investigate the role of serum hepatitis B virus RNA (HBV RNA) in predicting HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: 175 children aged 1~17 years with chronic hepatitis B who received interferon α (IFNα) for 48 weeks were selected. Patients were divided into HBeAg seroconversion and non-conversion based on whether HBeAg seroconversion occurred at 48 weeks of treatment.T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare between groups; chisquare test or Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the frequency between groups of classified variables; and Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between indicators. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify influencing factors associated with HBeAg serological conversion. The predictive effect of HBV RNA, HBV DNA, and HBsAg on HBeAg serological conversion was compared and analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The seroconversion rate of HBeAg at 48 weeks was 36.0% (63/175). The reduction in HBVRNA levels from baseline to the 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th weeks of antiviral therapy was significantly greater in the HBeAg serological conversion group than that in the non-conversion group, and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that age and a decline in HBV RNA levels at week 12 were independent predictors of HBeAg serological conversion. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of HBV RNA decline at week 12 was 0.677(95% CI∶0.549-0.806, P = 0.012), which was significantly better than the same period of AUROC of HBV DNA (0.657, 95% CI∶0.527-0.788, P = 0.025) and HBsAg (0.660, 95% CI∶0.526-0.795, P = 0.023) decline. HBV RNA levels decreased (>1.385 log10 copies/ml) at week 12, with a positive predictive value of 53.2%, a negative predictive value of 72.2%, a sensitivity of 77.4%, and a specificity of 57.9% for HBeAg seroconversion. Conclusion: HBV RNA level lowering during the 12th week of antiviral therapy can serve as an early predictor marker for HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B.

Enhancement Patterns of Metastatic Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Outcomes after Chemotherapy and Radiation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients with metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (M1-iCCA) have a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Definitive doses of radiation therapy (RT) after upfront chemotherapy (chemo/RT) in this patient population have shown to prolong survival by reducing the risk of tumor-related liver failure compared to chemotherapy alone. Our group has also identified a baseline radiographic feature, the arterial enhancement pattern, which has pathological and prognostic associations for iCCA. We tested the hypothesis that baseline arterial enhancement is independently associated with survival outcomes for patients who receive chemo/RT or chemo alone.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with M1-iCCA from 2010 to 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were grouped into those who underwent chemo alone and those who underwent chemo/RT. The inclusion criteria included confirmed diagnosis of M1-iCCA, availability of baseline multi-phasic computed tomography (CT), and follow-up for at least six months or until death. Tumor arterial enhancement patterns were categorized as previously described into hypovascular or hypervascular, where the tumors that were hypervascular had either peripheral enhancement or central enhancement. Mean tumor density in Hounsfield units was recorded for each patient. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method, and Cox proportional models were used to adjust for prognostic variables.

RESULTS

A total of 281 patients with iCCA were identified and 229 had evaluable CT scans. Demographic and baseline characteristics of patient groups are shown in the Table. On univariate analysis, patient age, ECOG performance status (PS) at diagnosis, treatment type, and arterial enhancement patterns associated with overall survival (OS). On multivariable analysis, the arterial enhancement pattern independently associated with OS after accounting for covariates. Patients with hypervascular tumors had prolonged OS compared to those with hypovascular tumors (HR = 0.72, [0.54 - 0.96], p = 0.02). Prolonged OS was also observed in the chemo/RT group compared to the chemo alone group (HR = 0.37, [0.25-0.54], p< 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Baseline enhancement patterns of M1-iCCA were prognostic in the contexts of chemo alone and chemo/RT. This imaging-based biomarker may improve the ability to stratify patients for therapeutic management.

Preclinical development of 1B7/CD3, a novel anti-TSLPR bispecific antibody that targets CRLF2-rearranged Ph-like B-ALL

Patients harboring CRLF2-rearranged B-lineage acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) face a 5-year survival rate as low as 20%. While significant gains have been made to position targeted therapies for B-ALL treatment, continued efforts are needed to develop therapeutic options with improved duration of response. Here, first we have demonstrated that patients with CRLF2-rearranged Ph-like ALL harbor elevated thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor (TSLPR) expression, which is comparable with CD19. Then we present and evaluate the anti-tumor characteristics of 1B7/CD3, a novel CD3-redirecting bispecific antibody (BsAb) that co-targets TSLPR. In vitro, 1B7/CD3 exhibits optimal binding to both human and cynomolgus CD3 and TSLPR. Further, 1B7/CD3 was shown to induce potent T cell activation and tumor lytic activity in both cell lines and primary B-ALL patient samples. Using humanized cell- or patient-derived xenograft models, 1B7/CD3 treatment was shown to trigger dose-dependent tumor remission or growth inhibition across donors as well as induce T cell activation and expansion. Pharmacokinetic studies in murine models revealed 1B7/CD3 to exhibit a prolonged half-life. Finally, toxicology studies using cynomolgus monkeys found that the maximum tolerated dose of 1B7/CD3 was ≤1 mg/kg. Overall, our preclinical data provide the framework for the clinical evaluation of 1B7/CD3 in patients with CRLF2-rearranged B-ALL.

Early clinical observation of supra-hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion in the treatment of uremic pruritus

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of supra-hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (Supra-HFR) for pruritus in uremic maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

This study prospectively included 60 patients with uremia who underwent maintenance hemodialysis and developed pruritus. Patients were randomly divided into a study group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Patients in the study group underwent dialysis once a week with Supra-HFR and twice a week with HD. The group received HD dialysis 3 times a week. Visual analog scales (VAS) scores, 5-D itch scale scores, and 12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale (12-PSS) were used to evaluate the itching degree of patients. Quality of life was assessed using KDTA and SF-36 scores. Blood levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein, calcium ion (Ca2+), phosphorus ion (P3+ ), free parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were compared between the two groups before treatment and at follow-up 24 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in VAS, 5-D itch scale, and 12-PSS score between the study group and the control group (all p > 0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, the VAS score of the study group (2.82 ± 0.91) was significantly lower than that of the control group (7.47 ± 1.32, p < 0.001), the 5-D itch scale score of the study group (9.47 ± 2.34) was significantly lower than that of the control group (18.53 ± 4.02, p < 0.001), the 12-PSS score of the study group (11.20 ± 1.81) was significantly lower than that of the control group (16.47 ± 2.09, p < 0.001). KDTA of the study group (64.17 ± 8.07 vs. 47.83 ± 13.46, p < 0.001) and SF-36 scores (65.37 ± 6.28 vs. 55.90 ± 14.28, p = 0.002) were significantly higher than that in the control group. The levels of hs-CRP, P3+ , iPTH, and β2-MG in the study group after treatment were lower than those before treatment, and lower than those in the control group after treatment (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Supra-HFR can effectively reduce the itching symptoms of uremia patients and improve their quality of life.

Identification of Tregs-Related Genes with Molecular Patterns in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Related to ILD

Background: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by vasculopathy, digital ulcers, Raynaud’s phenomenon, renal failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and fibrosis. Regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets have recently been found to play crucial roles in SSc with interstitial lung disease (ILD) pathogenesis. This study investigates the molecular mechanism of Treg-related genes in SSc patients through bioinformatic analyses. Methods: The GSE181228 dataset of SSc was used in this study. CIBERSORT was used for assessing the category and proportions of immune cells in SSc. Random forest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were used to select the hub Treg-related genes. Results: Through bioinformatic analyses, LIPN and CLEC4D were selected as hub Treg-regulated genes. The diagnostic power of the two genes separately for SSc was 0.824 and 0.826. LIPN was associated with the pathway of aminoacyl−tRNA biosynthesis, Primary immunodeficiency, DNA replication, etc. The expression of CLEC4D was associated with the pathway of Neutrophil extracellular trap formation, PPAR signaling pathway, Staphylococcus aureus infection, Systemic lupus erythematosus, TNF signaling pathway, and Toll−like receptor signaling pathway. Conclusion: Through bioinformatic analyses, we identified two Treg-related hub genes (LIPN, CLEC4D) that are mainly involved in the immune response and metabolism of Tregs in SSc with ILD. Moreover, our findings may provide the potential for studying the molecular mechanism of SSc with ILD.

Compensating for gyroradius effects in beamlines with small Helmholtz coils

Measurements of lighter, low-energy charged particles in a laboratory beamline are complicated due to the influence of Earth's magnetic field. Rather than nulling out the Earth's magnetic field over the entire facility, we present a new way to correct particle trajectories using much more spatially limited Helmholtz coils. This approach is versatile and easy to incorporate in a wide range of facilities, including the existing ones, enabling measurements of low-energy charged particles in a laboratory beamline.

CD70 is a therapeutic target upregulated in EMT-associated EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance

Effective therapeutic strategies are needed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations that acquire resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) mediated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We investigate cell surface proteins that could be targeted by antibody-based or adoptive cell therapy approaches and identify CD70 as being highly upregulated in EMT-associated resistance. Moreover, CD70 upregulation is an early event in the evolution of resistance and occurs in drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPCs). CD70 promotes cell survival and invasiveness, and stimulation of CD70 triggers signal transduction pathways known to be re-activated with acquired TKI resistance. Anti-CD70 antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and CD70-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell and CAR NK cells show potent activity against EGFR TKI-resistant cells and DTPCs. These results identify CD70 as a therapeutic target for EGFR mutant tumors with acquired EGFR TKI resistance that merits clinical investigation.

[Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a patient with hematopoietic defects]

A 28-year-old male with a history of leukopenia was admitted with complaints of fever, cough, and dyspnea for 3 months. Initial work-up identified reduced circulating levels of granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and NK cells. Computed tomography revealed bilateral reticulonodular opacities and mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Peripheral blood culture and mediastinal lymph node aspiration yielded Mycobacterium avium. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous germline GATA2 mutation (c.1187G>A, R396Q). Despite standard anti-mycobacterial therapy, the patient's dyspnea worsened and subsequent imaging studies revealed diffuse ground-glass opacification. A transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed the development of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Bone marrow transplantation had not been performed due to the unavailability of suitable donors. The disease progressed after whole lung lavage, and the patient died at the age of 31 years from respiratory failure. The current case report emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the rare GATA2 deficiency, which is characterized by hematologic abnormalities, primary immunodeficiency, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.

[Clinical and pathological features and differential diagnosis of fibro-osseous tumors and dysplasias]

Fibro-osseous lesions is a class of diseases with obvious similarities in clinical manifestations and pathological features, which has been attracting the attention of clinicians and pathologists. The latest WHO 2022 Classification (5th edition) included six of these diseases (cemento-osseous dysplasia, segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia, fibrous dysplasia, juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma, psammomatoid ossifying fibroma and familial gigantiform cementoma) in the " fibro-osseous tumours and dysplasias ", and put forward new ideas on the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. According to the latest WHO 2022 Classification (5th edition), the clinical and pathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of these six diseases were described.

[Research progress of tunneling nanotube in bone biology]

Tunneling nanotube (TNT) is a newly discovered communication mode between animal cells in recent years, which have important physiological and pathological significance. However, the role of TNT in bone biology is still unclear. At present, there are many reports about tunneling nanotubes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclast precursor cells, osteoblasts and immune cells. This review describes the research advances of TNT and its research progress in bone biology. It looks forward to the research direction of TNT in oral and maxillofacial bone development and bone biology, to provide new strategies for the maintenance of bone homeostasis and the treatment of bone diseases.

Response of sugar metabolism in the cotyledons and roots of Ricinus communis subjected to salt stress

Ricinus communis is an important oilseed crop worldwide and is also considered one of the best potential plants for salt-affected soil improvement in northeast China. However, little is known about photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in this plant, nor the distribution of carbohydrates in cotyledons and roots under salinity stress. In the present study, seedling growth, gas exchange parameters (P_N , E, g_s and C_i ), carbohydrate (fructose, sucrose, glucose, soluble sugar and starch) metabolism and related enzymes and genes were measured in Ricinus plants. Under salt stress, P_N of cotyledons decreased significantly (P < 0.05), resulting in weak photosynthetic capacity. Furthermore, salt stress increased sucrose and glucose content in cotyledons, but decreased soluble sugar and starch content. However, sucrose increased and starch decreased in roots. This may be correlated with the increasing sugar metabolism under salinity, including notable changes in sugar-related enzyme activities (SPS, SuSy, α-amylase and β-amylase) and gene expression of RcINV, RcSUS, RcAmY, RcBAM and RcGBE1. The results suggest that salinity reduces photosynthesis of cotyledons, alters carbohydrate allocation between cotyledons and roots and also promotes starch utilization in cotyledons and starch biosynthesis in roots, leading to a functional imbalance between cotyledons and roots. Together, these findings provide insights into the crucial role of sugar metabolism in improving salt-tolerance of Ricinus during the early seedling growth stage.

Relationship between Social Support, Sarcopenia, and Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment and sarcopenia have become important challenges for the growing aging population. Social support has been shown to protect against cognitive impairment, but its impact on sarcopenia remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between social support, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults.

METHOD

A multi-stage whole group sampling method was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 720 community-dwelling older people in Shanghai. The definition of sarcopenia was in accordance with the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019. Cognitive impairment was evaluated using a computerized neuropsychological assessment device that had been previously validated. Social support was assessed using the Social Support Rate Scale. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between social support cognitive impairment and sarcopenia, fully adjusting for all potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Our study found that 230 (31.94%) of the participants had cognitive impairment and 97 (13.47%) of the participants had sarcopenia. The mean social support score was 35.10 ± 7.54. Besides, the results showed that cognitive impairment was associated with sarcopenia (OR:1.650, 95% CI: 1.048, 2.596, P=0.030) after adjusting for confounding factors. Older adults with high level social support had the lowest risk of cognitive impairment (OR: 0.297, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.680, P=0.021) and sarcopenia (OR: 0.113, 95% CI: 0.031, 0.407, P=0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis revealed that high level social support was negatively associated with sarcopenia and cognitive impairment. These findings provide strong support for the health promotion effect of social networks against sarcopenia and cognitive impairment in Chinese community-dwelling older adults, with important implications for healthcare policy makers.

[Changes of the World Health Organization 2022 classification (5th edition) of salivary glands tumors]

Pathological diagnosis of salivary gland tumors is one of the most challenging areas in all head and neck surgical pathology. The classification of salivary gland tumors was updated in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours, most of which were based on their molecular pathological characteristerics. This new classification features a description of several new entitiesamong benign and malignant neoplasms, salivary gland tumors with updated naming or diagnostic criteria, and lesions deleted from this section, etc.This present review focuses on the updates and changes in the new classification of salivary gland tumors, and provides some reference for head and neck surgeons and pathologists.

Activation of PI3K/Akt prevents hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced GnRH decline via FOXO3a

Recent studies have suggested that the hypothalamus has an important role in aging by regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-directed gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) decline. Moreover, our previous study has shown that ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury activates NF-κB to reduce hypothalamic GnRH release, thus suggesting that IR injury may facilitate hypothalamic programming of system aging. In this study, we further examined the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, a critical intracellular signal pathway involved in the repair process after IR, in hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR)-associated GnRH decline in vitro. We used GT1-7 cells and primarily-cultured mouse GnRH neurons as cell models for investigation. Our data revealed that the activation of the PI3K/Akt/Forkhead box protein O3a (FOXO3a) pathway protects GnRH neurons from HR-induced GnRH decline by preventing HR-induced gnrh1 gene inhibition and NF-κB activation. Our results further the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of HR-associated hypothalamic GnRH decline.

Antibacterial activity of recently approved antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are considered an important public health problem, and treatment options are limited. Accordingly, in this meta-analysis, we analyzed published studies to survey in vitro activity of recently approved antibiotics against MRSA isolates.

Methods

We searched electronic databases; PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies (until November 30, 2020) that have focused on the in vitro activity of telavancin, dalbavancin, oritavancin, and tedizolid against MRSA isolates. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (version 14.0).

Results

Thirty-eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall in vitro activity of tedizolid on 12,204 MRSA isolates was 0.250 and 0.5 µg/mL for MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀, (minimum inhibitory concentration at which 50% and 90% of isolates were inhibited, respectively), respectively. The overall antibacterial activity of dalbavancin on 28539 MRSA isolates was 0.060 and 0.120 µg/mL for MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀, respectively. The overall antibacterial activity of oritavancin on 420 MRSA isolates was 0.045 and 0.120 µg/mL for MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀, respectively. The overall antibacterial activity of telavancin on 7353 MRSA isolates was 0.032 and 0.060 µg/mL for MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀, respectively. The pooled prevalence of tedizolid, telavancin, and dalbavancin susceptibility was 100% (95% CI: 100–100).

Conclusion

Telavancin, dalbavancin, oritavancin, and tedizolid had potent in vitro activity against MRSA isolates. The low MICs and high susceptibility rates of these antibiotics recommend a hopeful direction to introduce useful antibiotics in treating MRSA infections in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12941-022-00529-z.

Abstract 1827: CD70 is a novel therapeutic target for EGFR mutant NSCLC with acquired, EMT-associated EGFR TKI resistance

Approximately 15% of all patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and nearly 35% of Asian patients with NSCLC harbor activating mutations within the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Although these patients are initially highly sensitive to first or second generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) including erlotinib or third-generation inhibitors including osimertinib, EGFR TKI-refractory disease inevitably emerges. While therapeutic strategies to target resistant disease that emerges though secondary EGFR mutations or MET amplification have been developed, there remains a void of therapeutic options for patients where resistance occurs through EGFR-independent mechanism such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) or transformation to small cell lung cancer (SCLC). To identify cell surface proteins that could be targeted by antibody-based or adoptive cell therapy approaches we interrogated RNAseq data from EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines (HCC827 and HCC4006) and their associated EGFR TKI resistant variants previously shown to have developed resistance through EMT and filtered gene expression data to include only genes which transcribed proteins localized to the cell surface. We identified CD70 as a being highly upregulated in EGFR TKI resistant cells (p = 7.2e-42). Given that CD70 expression is highly restricted and only transiently expressed on immune cells, CD70 was selected as a top candidate cell surface protein for targeting studies. Western blotting and flow cytometry analysis confirmed CD70 protein levels to be highly upregulated in EGFR TKI resistant cells that had undergone EMT but not in cells harboring secondary EGFR mutations or MET amplifications. We also observed CD70 upregulation in osimertinib-treated drug tolerant persister cells, indicating that CD70 upregulation is an early event in the evolution of TKI resistance. Moreover, patient-derived models of acquired EGFR TKI resistance also exhibited CD70 positivity. Our data also indicated that in EGFR mutant NSCLC cells, CD70 could be upregulated through decreased CD70 promoter methylation as well as by the EMT regulators, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and ZEB1, both of which were upregulated in TKI resistant cells. In EGFR TKI resistant cells, CD70 knockdown impaired cell viability and invasiveness, and stimulation of CD70 using the exogenous binding partner CD27 resulted in activation of AKT and MAPK, pathways known to be re-activated with acquired TKI resistance. CD70-targeting approaches including anti-CD70 antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and CD70-targeting CAR T cell and CAR NK cells showed promising in vitro and in vivo activity against CD70 positive tumor cells and in osimertinib drug-tolerant persister cells. These results identify CD70 as a novel therapeutic target for EGFR mutant tumors with acquired EGFR TKI resistance that merits further investigation in the clinic.

OP0113 FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS IN PRIMARY T CELLS AND MONOCYTES IDENTIFIES MECHANISMS BY WHICH GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY LOCI INFLUENCE SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS RISK

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component. However, the underlying mechanism by which genetics increase disease risk is still unknown. The most recent GWAS studies have identified 27 independent signals associated to SSc [1]. However, the majority of these signals affect regulatory elements that can regulate genes often located hundreds of kilobases away.

The challenge in the post-GWAS era is to use functional genomics to translate genetic findings into patients’ benefit, particularly in disease-relevant cell types.

Objectives

In this study we use chromatin conformation and gene expression analysis in patient derived primary cells and healthy individuals to assess potential mechanisms by which GWAS variants increase disease risk. We identify the potentially affected genes in a cell type specific manner and potential drug targets already in use or with potential for re-purposing.

Methods

Promoter capture Hi-C (pCHi-C) and RNA sequencing experiments were performed in a total of 15 CD4+ T cells and CD14+ monocytes samples each isolated from peripheral blood from SSc patients and healthy controls. We linked SSc-associated variants with their target genes and performed differential expression and differential interaction analyses between both cell types. Potential drug targets were identified using a protein-protein interaction model and queried against the OpenTargets database.

Results

We linked SSc-associated loci to 39 new potential target genes, confirming 7 previously assigned genes. We highlight novel causal genes, such as CXCR5 as the most probable candidate gene for the DDX6 locus (Figure 1). We confirm some previously linked SSc genes such as IRF8, STAT4, or CD247 which interestingly showed cell type specific interactions. We also identified 15 potential drug targets already in use in other similar immune-mediated diseases that could be repurposed for SSc treatment. Furthermore, we observed that interactions are directly related with the expression of important genes implicated in cell type specific pathways.

Figure 1.

Promoter Capture Hi-C interactions linking the DDX6 GWAS loci with the promoter of CXCR5 in CD4+ T cells and CD14+ monocytes. CD4+ T cells show significantly stronger interactions as well as CXCR5 gene expression.

Conclusion

Our study reveals potential causal genes for SSc-associated loci, some of them acting in a cell type specific manner, suggesting novel drug targets and biological mechanisms that may mediate SSc pathogenesis.

References

[1]López-Isac E, Acosta-Herrera M, Kerick M, et al (2019) GWAS for systemic sclerosis identifies multiple risk loci and highlights fibrotic and vasculopathy pathways. Nat Commun 10:. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12760-y

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grants RTI2018101332-B-100 and SAF2015-66761-P), the Cooperative Research Thematic Network (RETICS) programme (RD16/0012/0013) (RIER) from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness), the Wellcome Trust (award references 207491/Z/17/Z and 215207/Z/19/Z), Versus Arthritis (award reference 21754), and the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. DGS was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the FPI programme (SAF2015-66761-P).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0035 GENE REGULATION IN T-CELLS FROM PsA PATIENTS DIFFERS BETWEEN PERIPHERAL BLOOD AND THE INFLAMED JOINTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF GWAS SIGNALS

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified variants that are associated with complex diseases such as Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). The majority of these variants do not affect the coding sequence of proteins but rather regulatory elements which are highly cell type and state specific, and can affect distally located genes via chromatin interaction mechanisms.

We and others have previously analysed GWAS loci for multiple conditions (including PsA and Rheumatoid Arthrtitis) in cell lines using functional genomics techniques, providing putative mechanisms to many loci with previously unknown function [1].

However, multiple studies have identified large differences in gene regulatory mechanisms between cell lines and primary cells, which could significantly alter the proposed mechanisms. Differences between between samples from healthy volunteers and patients, in particular from the affected tissue, have although not been exhaustively investigated.

Objectives

To assess the impact of using primary cells derived from PsA patients compared to healthy volunteers in functional genomics studies.

Methods

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were isolated from peripherial blood from 10 healthy controls and 48 PsA patients and from 6 PsA synovial fluid samples.

We performed RNA-seq and ATAC-seq on these two cell types to analyse the global patterns of gene expression and chromatin activity.

Results

We find subtle differences between PsA patients and healthy controls in cells isolated from blood. RNA-seq analysis identified only a handful of differentially expressed genes whilst ATAC-seq analysis identified only 28 differential loci.

On the other hand, T cells isolated from synovial fluid showed significant differences compared to T cells isolated from patient’s blood. Interestingly, we find that CD4+ T cells show substantially more differentially expressed genes compared to CD8+ T cells (1168 vs 346 Log2FoldChange > 1, FDR < 0.01). Genes overexpressed in synovial CD4+ T cells are more strongly enriched for immune pathways such as cytokine signaling and T cell proliferation compared to synovial CD8+ T cells

We also find that synovial CD4+ T cells highly overexpress MHC class II genes (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Normalized counts of the alpha chains of MHC class 2 genes in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells purified from blood from healthy subjects and patients and synovial fluid.

Conclusion

This preliminary analysis suggests that T cells isolated from peripherial blood do not seem to differ significantly between PsA patients and healthy controls. In contrast, cells isolated from synovial fluid are highly specialized and activated. Moreover, these cells do not resemble canonically activated T cells which means that this state can not be easily emulated in vitro.

This study indicates the importance of not only studying GWAS loci in relevant primary cells from patients, but also that attention needs to be given to cells isolated from the affected site.

References

[1]Shi C, Ray-Jones H, Ding J, et al (2021) Chromatin Looping Links Target Genes with Genetic Risk Loci for Dermatological Traits. J Invest Dermatol 141:1975–1984. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JID.2021.01.015

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the Wellcome Trust (award references 207491/Z/17/Z and 215207/Z/19/Z), the Versus Arthritis (award reference 21754), the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, and the Medical Research Council (award reference MR/N00017X/1).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

OP0222 IDENTIFICATION OF CAUSAL GENES AND MECHANISMS BY WHICH GENETIC VARIATION MEDIATES JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS SUSCEPTIBILITY USING FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS AND CRISPR-CAS9

Background

We recently performed the largest juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) genome-wide association study (GWAS) to date 1. Disease-associated loci contain multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), and the majority map to non-coding enhancers, making it challenging to define causal variants and genes.

Functional genomics datasets in disease-relevant tissues have shown to be essential for the functional interpretation of GWAS loci. In particular, capture Hi-C (CHi-C) has been successful in detecting chromosomal interactions linking GWAS loci to their target genes. However, such datasets are lacking in JIA.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to bridge this gap and advance the knowledge of the biological mechanisms that underpin susceptibility to JIA, by integrating GWAS with public epigenomics datasets and in-house generated CHi-C from JIA patients. We focus on CD4+ T-cells, which have been shown to be one of the most relevant cell types in JIA. In addition, we use CRISPR-Cas9 to validate the regulatory effect of prioritised variants on their predicted target genes.

Methods

Credible SNP sets for the top JIA risk loci (P < 5x10-6) were annotated using EpiMap data 2. Low input whole genome promoter CHi-C (PCHi-C) was performed on CD4+ T-cells isolated from blood from 3 JIA oligoarthritis patients, and data was analysed using CHiCAGO 3. GWAS and PCHi-C data were combined to prioritise causal genes using the Capture Hi-C Omnibus Gene Score (COGS) pipeline 4. We subsequently employed CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) in Jurkats to assess whether prioritized JIA variants were capable of regulating the expression of the interacting genes.

Results

614 credible SNPs (out of 735) were found to overlap active enhancers in CD4+ T-cells, and were prioritized for further analysis.

We identified numerous significant chromatin interactions in 19 out of 44 non-MHC JIA associated loci, linking JIA SNPs mapping to T-cell enhancers to a total of 61 target genes and revealing potential novel disease pathways. Moreover, COGS prioritised a total of 7 genes (RGS14, ERAP2, HIPK1, CCR4, CCRL2, CCR2, CCR3).

A JIA associated locus on chromosome 3 contains 39 SNPs. It maps to an intergenic region and the causal gene/s are unclear. Our PCHi-C data revealed that this JIA locus presents chromatin interactions with the promoters of several genes, such as CCRL2, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5, three of which were prioritised by COGS. Two variants were selected for further analysis: rs79815064, which had the highest posterior probability, and rs8005404,the only variant within a CD4+ T-cell enhancer linked to surrounding gene activity.

When both SNPs were targeted with CRISPRa and CRISPRi, we observed an increased and decreased expression, respectively, of CCRL2, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5, confirming their role in disease. These genes belong to the chemokine receptor family and are important regulators of the inflammatory response.

Conclusion

Our work shows how functional genomics can help identify biological mechanisms by which GWAS variants increase risk of JIA, which in turn will benefit patients through personalised medicine and the identification of therapeutic targets.

References

[1]López-Isac, E. et al. Combined genetic analysis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis clinical subtypes identifies novel risk loci, target genes and key regulatory mechanisms. Ann. Rheum. Dis.80, 321–328 (2021).

[2]Boix, C. A., James, B. T., Park, Y. P., Meuleman, W. & Kellis, M. Regulatory genomic circuitry of human disease loci by integrative epigenomics. Nat. 2021 5907845590, 300–307 (2021).

[3]Cairns, J. et al. CHiCAGO: Robust detection of DNA looping interactions in Capture Hi-C data. Genome Biol.17, 1–17 (2016).

[4]Javierre, B. M. et al. Lineage-Specific Genome Architecture Links Enhancers and Non-coding Disease Variants to Target Gene Promoters. Cell167, 1369 (2016).

Disclosure of Interests

Antonio Frantzesko: None declared, Valeriya Malysheva: None declared, Chenfu Shi: None declared, James Ding: None declared, John Bowes: None declared, Wendy Thomson: None declared, Stephen Eyre: None declared, Mikhail Spivakov Shareholder of: co-founder and shareholder of Enhanc3D Genomics Ltd, Gisela Orozco: None declared

Observational Subseasonal Variability of the PM2.5 Concentration in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Area during the January 2021 Sudden Stratospheric Warming

It is still not well understood if subseasonal variability of the local PM_2.5 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region is affected by the stratospheric state. Using PM_2.5 observations and the ERA5 reanalysis, the evolution of the air quality in BTH during the January 2021 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is explored. The subseasonal variability of the PM_2.5 concentration after the SSW onset is evidently enhanced. Stratospheric circumpolar easterly anomalies lasted for 53 days during the January-February 2021 SSW with two evident stratospheric pulses arriving at the ground. During the tropospheric wave weakening period and the intermittent period of dormant stratospheric pulses, the East Asian winter monsoon weakened, anomalous temperature inversion developed in the lower troposphere, anomalous surface southerlies prevailed, atmospheric moisture increased, and the boundary layer top height lowered, all of which favor the accumulation of pollutant particulates, leading to two periods of pollution processes in the BTH region. In the phase of strengthened East Asian winter monsoon around the very beginning of the SSW and another two periods when stratospheric pulses had reached the near surface, opposite-signed circulation patterns and meteorological conditions were observed, which helped to dilute and diffuse air pollutants in the BTH region. As a result, the air quality was excellent during the two periods when the stratospheric pulse had reached the near surface. The increased subseasonal variation of the regional pollutant particulates after the SSW onset highlights the important role of the stratosphere in the regional environment and provides implications for the environmental prediction.

A High Energy X-ray Diffraction Study of Amorphous Indomethacin

Amorphous pharmaceuticals often possess a wide range of molecular conformations and bonding arrangements. The x-ray pair distribution function (PDF) method is a powerful technique for the characterization of variations in both intra-molecular and inter-molecular packing arrangements. Here, the x-ray PDF of amorphous Indomethacin is shown to be particularly sensitive to the preferred orientations of the chlorobenzyl ring found in isomers in the crystalline state. In some cases, the chlorobenzyl ring has no preferred torsional angle in the amorphous form, while in others evidence of distinct isomer orientations are observed. Amorphous samples with no preferred torsion angles of the chlorobenzyl ring are found to favor enhanced inter-molecular hydrogen bonding, and this is reflected in the intensity of the first sharp diffraction peak. These significant variations in structure rule out amorphous Indomethacin as a possible standard for x-ray PDF measurements. At high humidity, time resolved PDF's for >40 h reveal water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with Indomethacin molecules. A simple linear hydrogen bond model indicates that water molecules in the wet amorphous form have similar hydrogen bond strengths to those found between Indomethacin dimers or chains in the dry amorphous form.

Overexpression of CD200 is a Stem Cell-Specific Mechanism of Immune Evasion in AML

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cells (LSCs) are capable of surviving current standard chemotherapy and are the likely source of deadly, relapsed disease. While stem cell transplant serves as proof-of-principle that AML LSCs can be eliminated by the immune system, the translation of existing immunotherapies to AML has been met with limited success. Consequently, understanding and exploiting the unique immune-evasive mechanisms of AML LSCs is critical.

METHODS

Analysis of stem cell datasets and primary patient samples revealed CD200 as a putative stem cell-specific immune checkpoint overexpressed in AML LSCs. Isogenic cell line models of CD200 expression were employed to characterize the interaction of CD200⁺ AML with various immune cell subsets both in vitro and in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-humanized mouse models. CyTOF and RNA-sequencing were performed on humanized mice to identify novel mechanisms of CD200-mediated immunosuppression. To clinically translate these findings, we developed a fully humanized CD200 antibody (IgG1) that removed the immunosuppressive signal by blocking interaction with the CD200 receptor while also inducing a potent Fc-mediated response. Therapeutic efficacy of the CD200 antibody was evaluated using both humanized mice and patient-derived xenograft models.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that CD200 is selectively overexpressed in AML LSCs and is broadly immunosuppressive by impairing cytokine secretion in both innate and adaptive immune cell subsets. In a PBMC-humanized mouse model, CD200⁺ leukemia progressed rapidly, escaping elimination by T cells, compared with CD200^- AML. T cells from mice with CD200⁺ AML were characterized by an abundance of metabolically quiescent CD8⁺ central and effector memory cells. Mechanistically, CD200 expression on AML cells significantly impaired OXPHOS metabolic activity in T cells from healthy donors. Importantly, CD200 antibody therapy could eliminate disease in the presence of graft-versus-leukemia in immune competent mice and could significantly improve the efficacy of low-intensity azacitidine/venetoclax chemotherapy in immunodeficient hosts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of CD200 is a stem cell-specific marker that contributes to immunosuppression in AML by impairing effector cell metabolism and function. CD200 antibody therapy is capable of simultaneously reducing CD200-mediated suppression while also engaging macrophage activity. This study lays the groundwork for CD200-targeted therapeutic strategies to eliminate LSCs and prevent AML relapse.

[Audio-visual Emotion Regulation System Based on TGAM Module]

OBJECTIVE

Based on the TGAM PCB module, a system of emotion control using audio-visual feedback is designed.

METHODS

TGAM collects EEG information through the electrode in contact with the forehead skin. The system analyzes the user's emotion through the STM32F103ZET6 of the main control chip, and finally controls the control end of the system to regulate the user's emotion.

RESULTS

It can be seen from the test results that the system can precisely recognize the user's emotions, and at the same time effectively adjust the user's emotions from both audio-visual aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

The system has high recognition accuracy and good adjustment effect.

HSP25 Vaccination Attenuates Atherogenesis via Upregulation of LDLR Expression, Lowering of PCSK9 Levels and Curbing of Inflammation

[Figure: see text].

[Value of the application of enhanced CT radiomics and machine learning in preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the value of machine learning models in preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT radiomics features. Methods: The data of 148 patients [106 males and 42 females, with an average age of (58±11) years] with HCC confirmed by pathology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2015 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 88 cases of positive MVI and 60 cases of negative MVI. According to the ratio of 7∶3, the patients were randomly divided into the training and validation sets, respectively. The three-dimensional (3D) radiomics features of HCC in arterial phase (AP) and portal venous phase (PP) were extracted by MaZda software, and the optimal feature subset was obtained by combining three feature selection methods (FPM method) and Lasso regression. Then, six machine learning methods were used to build the prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the prediction ability of the aforementioned models, and the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: Radiomics features of HCC in AP and PP were extracted by MaZda software, with 239 in each phase. There were 7 optimal features in AP and 14 optimal features in PP selected by FPM method and Lasso regression, respectively. The AUCs of decision tree, extreme gradient boosting, random forest, support vector machine (SVM), generalized linear model, and neural network based on the 7 optimal features in AP in the validation set were 0.736, 0.910, 0.913, 0.915, 0.897, 0.648, respectively. The SVM had the highest AUC in the validation set, with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 95.35%, 95.83% and 94.74%, respectively. Likewise, the AUCs of machine learning models in prediction of MVI in HCC based on the 14 optimal features in PP in the validation set were 0.873, 0.876, 0.913, 0.859, 0.877, 0.834, respectively, and there were no significant differences (all P>0.05). The random forest had the highest AUC in the validation set, with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 90.70%, 87.50% and 94.74%, respectively. Conclusion: Machine learning models based on dual-phase enhanced CT radiomics features can be used in preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC, particularly the SVM and random forest models have high prediction efficiency.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 11 Due to a Mutation in Plasmid-Borne bla kpc-2 to bla kpc-33, in Henan, China

Purpose

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a serious problem worldwide. Herein, we describe the evolution of ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA) resistance by sequencing clinical isolates from a patient with CRKP infection undergoing CZA treatment.

Patients and Methods

In this study, six CRKP strains were isolated from sputum and blood samples of a patient with CRKP infection after intracerebral hemorrhage. Two strains were selected for whole-genome analysis.

Results

Drug susceptibility testing showed that the MIC of CZA for CRKP strains isolated after 6 days of CZA treatment was 64-fold higher than that for three CRKP strains isolated before CZA treatment (4 vs >256 μg/mL), whereas the MIC of imipenem and meropenem was 128-fold (>32 vs 0.25 μg/mL) and 16-fold (> 32 vs 2 μg/mL) lower relatively, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing showed that all six CRKP strains isolated from the patient were ST11 and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed that they were of the same clone. Two strains were selected for whole-genome analysis. The aspartic acid residue at position 179 in the Ω loop was replaced by a tyrosine residue in the resistant strain, and the plasmid carried a bla_KPC-2 to bla_KPC-33 mutation. The results of the modified carbapenem inactivation method and the carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement and colloidal gold enzyme immunochromatographic assays for bla_KPC-33 were negative.

Conclusion

This is the first report from Henan to show that treatment with CZA for 6 days can cause mutations and change the phenotype from CZA sensitive to resistant. Therefore, routine testing for drug susceptibility and carbapenemase phenotypes should be conducted during treatment with CZA, and genotype determination is essential.

LncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 inhibits many cellular processes in colorectal cancer by sponging miR-21-5p and regulating PNRC2

Accumulating evidence has revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in regulating cellular process of various cancers. There have been many studies on the biological functions of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this research, we explored the role and mechanism of lncRNA ovarian tumor domain containing 6B antisense RNA1 (OTUD6B-AS1) in CRC. Here, we detected OTUD6B-AS1 expression in CRC tissues and cells by RT-qPCR. Functional experiments were performed to test alterations in different cellular processes. Moreover, to verify the binding ability among the indicated RNA molecules, we carried out RIP, RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. According to our data, OTUD6B-AS1 expression was low in CRC tissues and cells. Functionally, overexpression of OTUD6B-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, and promoted cell apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis and mechanistical experiments confirmed that OTUD6B-AS1 could act as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to upregulate Proline-Rich Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2 (PNRC2) expression by sequestering miR-21-5p. Further rescue experiments validated the inhibitory function of the OTUD6B-AS1/miR-21-5p/PNRC2 axis in cellular process of CRC. Overall, OTUD6B-AS1 inhibits cellular development in CRC by sponging miR-21-5p and upregulating PNRC2, providing a novel insight into the exploration on CRC treatment.

MiR-221 affects the proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of MiR-221 on proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LipofectamineTM 2000 liposomes were used to transfer MiR-221 analogue, MiR-221 NC into Hep-2 cells of laryngeal carcinoma. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect the expression of MiR-221, MTT method was used to detect the proliferation of cells, flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle, Western blotting was used to detect the expression of apoptosis proteinase-1 (Apaf-1) and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK1, CDK2) protein and the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT).

RESULTS

Compared with MiR-221 NC group, the expression of MiR-221 in MiR-221 analogue group was up-regulated (p<0.01), the cell proliferation rate was decreased (p<0.01), the cell cycle was stagnated in the G1 phase (p<0.01), the expression levels of Cyclin A, CDK1, CDK2, PI3K, and p-AKT were significantly down-regulated (p<0.01), and the expression levels of Bax and Apaf-1 were significantly up-regulated (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-221 analogues can significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of Hep-2 cells in laryngeal cancer, and this is achieved by blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which also indicates that MiR-221 affects the proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Induction of mesenchymal stem cell‑like transformation in rat primary glial cells using hypoxia, mild hypothermia and growth factors

The transformation of rat primary glial cells into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is intriguing as more seed cells can be harvested. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of growth factors, hypoxia and mild hypothermia on the transformation of primary glial cells into MSCs. Rat primary glial cells were induced to differentiate by treatment with hypoxia, mild hypothermia and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were then used to determine the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nestin, musashi-1, neuron specific enolase (NSE) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN), in each treatment group. bFGF and EGF increased the proportion of CD44⁺ and CD105⁺ cells, while anaerobic mild hypothermia increased the proportion of CD90⁺ cells. The combination of bFGF and EGF, and anaerobic mild hypothermia increased the proportion of CD29⁺ cells and significantly decreased the proportions of GFAP⁺ cells and NSE⁺ cells. Treatment of primary glial cells with bFGF and EGF increased the expression levels of nestin, Musashi-1, NSE and NeuN. Anaerobic mild hypothermia increased the expression levels of Musashi-1 and decreased the expression levels of NSE and NeuN in glial cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that bFGF, EGF and anaerobic mild hypothermia treatments may promote the transformation of glial cells into MSC-like cells, and that the combination of these two treatments may have the optimal effect.

Construction of porous carbon for the highly efficient visible light-driven degradation methyl violet

A series of nanoporous carbons (NPC) Fe-C/N-900 and C/N-900 have been synthesized from one-step carbonization of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin-Fe (Fe-TCPP) and TCPP, respectively and employed as photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye methyl violet (MV) under UV irradiation. The optimized Fe-C/N-900 (carbonized at 900 oC for 2 h) exhibited an optimal performance in MV degradation. The photodegradation capacity of Fe-C/N-900 has been observed to be higher than that of C/N-900. The photodegradation ability of Fe-C/N-900 as a function of initial MV concentration, catalysis dosage, and pH has been also investigated. The Fe-C/N-900 material showed no apparent loss in MV degradation after four cycles. These features reveal that Fe-C/N-900 may be a promising degradant for dyes removal from water.                     KEY WORDS: Photocatalysis, Nanoporous carbons, Methyl violet, carbonization   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 277-284 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.6

[A summary of China's 70 years of development in optometric technology]

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the optometric technology has developed rapidly. Our peers have created breakthroughs in the field exploration and technology evolution, which have made the optometric technology in China reach the highest level in the world. We review the development and driving force of optometric technology in our country. We would like to send congratulations on the 70th anniversary of Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology with this article. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56:721-725).

Heat shock protein 27 immune complex altered signaling and transport (ICAST): Novel mechanisms of attenuating inflammation

Blood levels of heat shock protein (HSP27) and natural IgG auto-antibodies to HSP27 (AAbs) are higher in healthy controls compared to cardiovascular disease patients. Vaccination of mice with recombinant HSP25 (rHSP25, murine ortholog of human rHSP27) increased AAb levels, attenuated atherogenesis and reduced plaque inflammation and cholesterol content. We sought to determine if the HSP27 immune complex (IC) altered MΦ inflammation signaling (Toll Like Receptor 4; TLR4), and scavenger receptors involved in cholesterol uptake (SR-AI, CD-36). Combining a validated polyclonal IgG anti-HSP27 antibody (PAb) with rHSP27 enhanced binding to THP-1 MΦ cell membranes and activation of NF-κB signaling via TLR4, competing away LPS and effecting an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile. Similarly, adding the PAb with rHSP27 enhanced binding to SR-AI and CD-36, as well as lowered oxLDL binding in HEK293 cells separately transfected with SR-AI and CD-36, or THP-1 MΦ. Finally, the PAb enhanced the uptake and internalization of rHSP27 in THP-1 MΦ. Thus, the HSP27 IC potentiates HSP27 cell membrane signaling with receptors involved in modulating inflammation and cholesterol uptake, as well as HSP27 internalization. Going forward, we are focusing on the development of HSP27 Immune Complex Altered Signaling and Transport (ICAST) as a means of modulating inflammation.

The Heat Shock Protein 27 Immune Complex Enhances Exosomal Cholesterol Efflux

Previously, we demonstrated that Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP27) reduces the inflammatory stages of experimental atherogenesis, is released by macrophage (MΦ) exosomes and lowers cholesterol levels in atherosclerotic plaques. Recently, we discovered that natural autoantibodies directed against HSP27 enhance its signaling effects, as HSP27 immune complexes (IC) interact at the cell membrane to modulate signaling. We now seek to evaluate the potential role of the HSP27 IC on MΦ exosomal release and cholesterol export. First, in human blood samples, we show that healthy control subjects have 86% more exosomes compared to patients with coronary artery disease (p < 0.0001). Treating human THP-1 MΦ with rHSP27 plus a validated anti-HPS27 IgG antibody increased the abundance of exosomes in the culture media (+98%; p < 0.0001) as well as expression of Flotillin-2, a marker reflective of exosomal release. Exosome cholesterol efflux was independent of Apo-A1. THP-1 MΦ loaded with NBD-labeled cholesterol and treated with the HSP27 IC showed a 22% increase in extracellular vesicles labeled with NBD and a 95% increase in mean fluorescent intensity. In conclusion, exosomal abundance and secretion of cholesterol content increases in response to HSP27 IC treatment, which may represent an important therapeutic option for diseases characterized by cholesterol accumulation.

Tumour biomarkers: association with heart failure outcomes

BACKGROUND

There is increasing recognition that heart failure (HF) and cancer are conditions with a number of shared characteristics.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between tumour biomarkers and HF outcomes.

METHODS

In 2,079 patients of BIOSTAT-CHF cohort, we measured six established tumour biomarkers: CA125, CA15-3, CA19-9, CEA, CYFRA 21-1 and AFP.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 21 months, 555 (27%) patients reached the primary end-point of all-cause mortality. CA125, CYFRA 21-1, CEA and CA19-9 levels were positively correlated with NT-proBNP quartiles (all P < 0.001, P for trend < 0.001) and were, respectively, associated with a hazard ratio of 1.17 (95% CI 1.12-1.23; P < 0.0001), 1.45 (95% CI 1.30-1.61; P < 0.0001), 1.19 (95% CI 1.09-1.30; P = 0.006) and 1.10 (95% CI 1.05-1.16; P < 0.001) for all-cause mortality after correction for BIOSTAT risk model (age, BUN, NT-proBNP, haemoglobin and beta blocker). All tumour biomarkers (except AFP) had significant associations with secondary end-points (composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, HF hospitalization, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and non-CV mortality). ROC curves showed the AUC of CYFRA 21-1 (0.64) had a noninferior AUC compared with NT-proBNP (0.68) for all-cause mortality (P = 0.08). A combination of CYFRA 21-1 and NT-proBNP (AUC = 0.71) improved the predictive value of the model for all-cause mortality (P = 0.0002 compared with NT-proBNP).

CONCLUSIONS

Several established tumour biomarkers showed independent associations with indices of severity of HF and independent prognostic value for HF outcomes. This demonstrates that pathophysiological pathways sensed by these tumour biomarkers are also dysregulated in HF.

Intracapsular carcinoma ex basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland

Malignant transformation of basal cell adenoma is extremely rare. We report the case of a 63-year-old Chinese woman, who had noticed a slowing growing mass in her right parotid gland with slight pain for 1 month. Based on physical and ultrasound examinations, a diagnosis of benign salivary gland tumour was made before the surgery. A frozen biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis was basal cell adenoma, with the tumour cells infiltrating the capsule. Routine histopathological examination was performed after the surgery, and a final diagnosis of intracapsular basal cell adenocarcinoma ex basal cell adenoma was made. The patient received a further total parotidectomy and recovered well without any evidence of facial nerve palsy. This case suggests that during frozen biopsy, adequate sectioning including the capsule should be made. With regard to the treatment, we suggest a complete excision of the tumour with tumour-free margins, without any additional auxiliary therapy.

0638 Evaluation of an Oral Drug Pyridostigmine Bromide in Patients with Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled clinical study with pyridostigmine bromide (PYD) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients ranging from mild to moderate disease was conducted to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety.

Methods

Six diagnosed male patients with averages of age 48 yr (38 - 57 yr), BMI 28 (26 - 33), AHI 19.2 (15 - 26.2), minimum oxygen saturation (Min SaO2) 81% (75 - 87%) were enrolled to the study. The study consisted one-night acclimatization period followed immediately by a 2-night double-blind treatment period when subjects received either a single dose of PYD (a cholinesterase inhibitor, 90 mg) or placebo before sleep. Subjects were required to maintain in a supine position, and monitored by a standard polysomnography all the time. Sleep questionnaires (The SMH Sleep Questionnaire and ESS) were taken daily immediately after sleep and at the evening to evaluate the sleep satisfaction and the day-time quality, respectively. Safety of the drug was monitored and evaluated.

Results

Reductions of AHI (28.1%, p &lt; 0.01), apnea index (37.2%, p &lt; 0.05), % of total apnea/hypopnea time (36.4%, p &lt; 0.05) were observed in the treatment group compared with the placebo between 2-7 hours of sleep. Min SaO2 was increased, no change, or decreased by PYD in 3, 2, or 1 subject(s), respectively. PYD was generally well tolerated with minimum minor incidents. Subjects reported to have more satisfied sleep and more clear-headed in the treatment night, and more energy, more concentrated and less sleepy during the daytime following the treatment night.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the initial effectiveness of the PYD treatment for OSA, indicating that it may provide a new treatment option if the efficacy can be maintained in a large-scale clinical trial.

Support

N/A