Multiparameter spectral CT-based radiomics in predicting the expression of programmed death ligand 1 in non-small-cell lung cancer

AIM

To explore the value of radiomics for predicting the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on multiparameter spectral computed tomography (CT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 220 patients with NSCLC were enrolled retrospectively and divided into the training (n=176) and testing (n=44) cohorts. The radiomics features were extracted from the conventional CT images, mono-energy 40 keV images, iodine density (ID) maps, Z-effective maps, and electron density maps. The logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were employed to build models based on radiomics signatures. The prediction abilities were qualified by the area under the curve (AUC) obtained from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Internal validation was performed on the independent testing dataset.

RESULTS

The combined model for PD-L1 ≥1%, which consisted of the radiomics score (rad-score; p<0.0001), white blood cell (WBC; p=0.027) counts, and air bronchogram (p=0.003), reached the highest performance with the AUCs of 0.873 and 0.917 in the training and testing dataset, respectively, which was better than the radiomics model with the AUCs of 0.842 and 0.886. The combined model for PD-L1 ≥50%, which consisted of rad-score (p<0.0001) and WBC counts (p=0.027), achieved the highest performance in the training and testing dataset with AUCs of 0.932 and 0.903, respectively, which was better than the radiomics model with AUCs of 0.920 and 0.892, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The radiomics model based on the multiparameter images of spectral CT can predict the expression level of PD-L1 in NSCLC. The combined model can obtain higher prediction efficiency and serves as a promising method for immunotherapy selection.

Effect of SIRT1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms on susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in a Han Chinese population

AIMS

SIRT1 deficiency has been associated with diabetes, and a variant of the SIRT1 gene has been found to be involved in human autoimmune diabetes; however, it is unclear whether this genetic variation exists in Han Chinese with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and whether it contributes to development of T1D. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association of the SIRT1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10997866 and rs3818292 in a Han Chinese population with T1D.

METHODS

This study recruited 2653 unrelated Han Chinese individuals, of whom 1289 had T1D and 1364 were healthy controls. Allelic and genotypic distributions of SIRT1 polymorphisms (rs10997866 and rs3818292) were determined by MassARRAY. Basic characteristics, genotype and allele frequencies of selected SNPs were compared between the T1D patients and healthy controls. Further genotype-phenotype association analysis of the SNPs was performed on the T1D patients divided into three groups according to genotype. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Mann‒Whitney U test, Kruskal‒Wallis H test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The allelic (G vs. A) and genotypic (GA vs. AA) distributions of SIRT1 rs10997866 were significantly different in T1D patients and healthy controls (P = 0.039, P = 0.027), and rs10997866 was associated with T1D susceptibility under dominant, overdominant and additive models (P = 0.026, P = 0.030 and P = 0.027, respectively). Moreover, genotype-phenotype association analysis showed the GG genotype of rs10997866 and the GG genotype of rs3818292 to be associated with higher titers of IA-2A (P = 0.013 and P = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SIRT1 rs10997866 is significantly associated with T1D susceptibility, with the minor allele G conferring a higher risk of T1D. Moreover, SIRT1 gene rs10997866 and rs3818292 correlate with the titer of IA-2A in Han Chinese individuals with T1D.

Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ agonist, induces cell death and inhibits the proliferation of hypoxic HepG2 cells by promoting excessive production of reactive oxygen species

Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumors. Hypoxic cancer cells adjust their metabolic characteristics to regulate the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and facilitate ROS-mediated metastasis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor that regulates the transcription of fatty acid metabolism-related genes that have a key role in the survival and proliferation function of hypoxic cancer cells. In the present study, mRNA expression in HepG2 cells under chemically induced hypoxia was assessed. The protein expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) were measured using western blotting. Following treatment with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone, cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, whilst cell proliferation and death were determined using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation staining, and calcein-acetoxymethyl ester and propidium iodide staining, respectively. Cellular ROS production was assessed using dihydroethidium staining. Cobalt chloride was used to induce hypoxia in HepG2 cells, which was evaluated using HIF-1α expression. The results revealed that the mRNA expression of PPARγ, CD36, acetyl-co-enzyme A dehydrogenase (ACAD) medium chain (ACADM) and ACAD short-chain (ACADS) was downregulated in hypoxic HepG2 cells. The PPARγ agonist pioglitazone decreased the cell viability of hypoxic HepG2 cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell death. Following treatment with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone, hypoxic HepG2 cells produced excessive ROS. ROS-mediated cell death induced by the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone was rescued with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The downregulated mRNA expression of PPARγ, CD36, ACADM and ACADS was not reverted by a PPARγ agonist in hypoxic HepG2 cells. By contrast, the PPARγ agonist suppressed the mRNA expression of BCL2, which was upregulated in hypoxic HepG2 cells. In summary, the PPARγ agonist stimulated excessive ROS production to inhibit cell proliferation and increase the death of hypoxic HepG2 cells by decreasing BCL2 mRNA expression, suggesting a negative association between PPARγ and BCL2 in the regulation of ROS production in hypoxic HepG2 cells.

Advances in extracellular vesicle-based combination therapies for spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is a severe insult to the central nervous system that causes persisting neurological deficits. The currently available treatments involve surgical, medical, and rehabilitative strategies. However, none of these techniques can markedly reverse neurological deficits. Recently, extracellular vesicles from various cell sources have been applied to different models of spinal cord injury, thereby generating new cell-free therapies for the treatment of spinal cord injury. However, the use of extracellular vesicles alone is still associated with some notable shortcomings, such as their uncertainty in targeting damaged spinal cord tissues and inability to provide structural support to damaged axons. Therefore, this paper reviews the latest combined strategies for the use of extracellular vesicle-based technology for spinal cord injury, including the combination of extracellular vesicles with nanoparticles, exogenous drugs and/or biological scaffold materials, which facilitate the targeting ability of extracellular vesicles and the combinatorial effects with extracellular vesicles. We also highlight issues relating to the clinical transformation of these extracellular vesicle-based combination strategies for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

The impact of drug-eluting bead (vs. conventional) transarterial chemoembolization on hepatic fibrosis in treating intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Limited studies have reported the impact of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) on hepatic fibrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated multiple hepatic fibrosis indicators, aiming to comprehensively compare the influence of DEB-TACE and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on hepatic fibrosis in treating HCC patients.

METHODS

Intermediate/advanced HCC patients (N = 121) were divided into the DEB-TACE group (n = 62) and the cTACE group (n = 59) based on their chosen treatment. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA), pro-collagen type-III (PC-III), collagen type-IV (IV-C), and laminin (LN) were detected; aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) were calculated; liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by real-time shear wave elastography.

RESULTS

HA, PC-III, IV-C, and LN at 1 month after the second TACE and at 12 months after the first TACE were all decreased in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Then, APRI, FIB-4, and LSM were further assessed, which also showed a decreasing trend at aforementioned timepoints in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DEB-TACE (vs. cTACE) was independently associated with reduced occurrence of severe hepatic fibrosis at 12 months (OR = 0.215, 95%CI: 0.058-0.802, P = .022). Concerning the liver function indexes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin after treatment were not different between the two groups (all P > .050).

CONCLUSION

DEB-TACE displays attenuated hepatic fibrosis progression and noninferior tolerance compared to cTACE in treating intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC patients.

[Evaluating the efficiency of endoscope-assisted septo-rhinoplasty via intranasal approach]

Objective: To observe the functional and esthetic results of endoscope-assisted septo-rhinoplasty via intranasal approach. Methods: The clinical data of 12 patients with septal deviation and nasal deformity in the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were analyzed, including 8 males and 4 females, aging 28 to 58 years. All patients were operated under general anesthesia. The septal deviation was corrected by hemitransfixion incision, combined with intercartilaginous incision and other intranasal or extranasal incisions to perform osteotomy, hump resection and saddle nose correction. Patient satisfaction with postoperative functional and aesthetic improvements was assessed through Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).SPSS 25 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The correction of nasal septum deviation was satisfactory in all 12 patients. Nasal obstruction was relieved, with NOSE score and VAS score of nasal ventilation decreased [(21.67±10.30) vs (70.83±14.12), (1.83±1.03) vs (8.33±0.89), t value was 9.49 and 16.30, respectively, both P<0.05]. The nasal appearance of 10 patients with crooked nose deformity was improved, with ROE score and VAS score of nasal appearance increased [(21.30±2.31) vs (8.10±3.31), (8.90±0.99) vs (3.80±1.62), t value was -11.85 and -9.33, respectively, both P<0.05];The nasal vestibule morphology of 2 patients with abnormal nasal vestibule was improved. During the follow-up of 12 to 24 months, no postoperative complication such as nasal septum perforation, nasal cavity adhesion or nasal dorsal collapse occurred in all patients. Conclusion: Endoscope-assisted septo-rhinoplasty via intranasal approach can resolve both functional and esthetic problems at the same time, improving outcomes while reducing surgical trauma.

[Effect of information-knowledge-attitude-practice theory-based health education on clonorchiasis control among community residents and primary school students in Zhongshan City]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of information-knowledge-attitude-practice (IKAP) theory-based health education interventions on clonorchiasis control among community residents and primary school students in Torch High-tech Development Zone of Zhongshan City, so as to provide insights into formulation of clonorchiasis control strategies among different types of populations.

METHODS

Residents were randomly sampled from two communities and students from two primary schools using a random cluster sampling method in Torch High-tech Development Zone, Zhongshan City from 2019 to 2021, and health education pertaining to clonorchiasis control was performed based on the IKAP theory. The changes in the awareness of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge and belief, self-reported risk of Clonorchis sinensis infections and dietary behaviors were compared among community residents and primary school students before and after health education interventions.

RESULTS

The participants included 146 male and 151 female community residents and 158 male and 153 female primary school students, with no significant difference detected in gender distribution (χ2 = 0.16, P > 0.05). The mean awareness of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge increased by 44.71% and 43.28% among primary school students and community residents 6 months following health education, and there were significant differences in the awareness of each item of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge before and after health education (χ2 = 41.53 to 284.44, all P values < 0.05). The proportions of primary school students and community residents thinking very high and high risks of C. sinensis infections increased from 9.35% and 6.71% before health education to 22.15% and 37.75% after health education, but only the difference of the attitudes in community residents achieve statistical significance (χ2 = 92.18, P < 0.05). The frequency of separation of raw and cooked foods with chopping board and knife significantly increased among community residents and primary school students following health education (χ2 = 16.04 to 62.65, all P values < 0.05). The frequency of eating raw freshwater fish (χ2 = 32.85, P < 0.05), fish congee (χ2 = 7.02, P < 0.05) and fish fillet hot pot (χ2 = 4.88, P < 0.05) significantly reduced among primary school students following health education, while only the frequency and proportions of eating raw freshwater fish have significantly reduced in community residents (χ2 = 11.77, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Health education interventions based on the IKAP theory are effective to increase the awareness of clonorchiasis control knowledge and improve dietary behaviors associated with C. sinensis infections among community residents and primary school students in Zhongshan City.

Changes and Relationship in Nutrition Impact Symptoms, Malnutrition during Esophageal Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The aim of this study was to assess the changes and relationship between nutritional impact symptoms (NIS) and malnutrition incidence during radiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A prospective observational study recruited hospitalized patients with esophageal cancer who received radiotherapy or did not receive chemotherapy. 283 patients with esophageal carcinoma were followed up before and during the fourth week of radiotherapy. Nutritional parameters were collected during radiotherapy.

RESULTS

According to the patient 's assessment of NIS and subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), at the mid-term of radiotherapy, the proportion of patients with NIS≥3 increased from 20.8% to 61.13%. Inappetence (37.1%) and abdominal distension (28.6%) were the most common nutritional symptoms. Severe malnutrition increased from 39% to 58.1%.NIS (odds ratio (OR) 30.93, 95% CI 15.92, 60.10, p <0.001) and weight loss of ≥5% (odds ratio (OR) 24.1, 95% CI 11.98, 48.47, p <0.001) were independently associated with severe malnutrition during radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Strengthen the nutritional support therapy during mid-radiotherapy for esophageal cancer patient, and NIS can directly predict malnutrition.PG-SGA and NIS can be used for nutritional monitoring in esophageal cancer patients.

Effects of Serotonin on Cell Viability, Permeability of Bovine Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells and Their Transcriptome Analysis

Serotonin (5-HT) has been reported to play an important role in mammary gland involution that is defined as the process through which the gland returns to a nonlactating state. However, the overall picture of the regulatory mechanisms of 5-HT and the effects of serotonylation on mammary gland involution still need to be further investigated. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-HT on global gene expression profiles of bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) and to preliminarily examine whether the serotonylation involved in the mammary gland involution by using Monodansylcadaverine (MDC), a competitive inhibitor of transglutaminase 2. Results showed that a high concentration of 5-HT decreased viability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in MAC-T cells. Transcriptome analysis indicated that 2477 genes were differentially expressed in MAC-T cells treated with 200 μg/mL of 5-HT compared with the control group, and the Notch, p53, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were enriched. MDC influenced 5-HT-induced MAC-T cell death, fatty acid synthesis, and the formation and disruption of tight junctions. Overall, a high concentration of 5-HT is able to accelerate mammary gland involution, which may be regulated through the Notch, p53, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Serotonylation is involved in bovine mammary gland involution.

Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Deep Head and Neck Space Lesions: Technical Feasibility, Histopathologic Yield, and Safety

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ultrasound is generally considered to have a minor role in guiding biopsies for deep head and neck space lesions. However, the ultrasound fusion technique may have the potential to change this opinion. This study evaluated the feasibility, histopathologic yield, and safety of ultrasound fusion-guided core needle biopsies for deep head and neck space lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2021 to April 2022, patients with primary deep head and neck space lesions were prospectively included in this study. Ultrasound fusion was performed with contemporaneous CT, MR imaging, or PET/CT studies, and ultrasound fusion-guided core needle biopsy was performed by using a Micro-Convex probe via 4 different needle approaches. Feasibility, histopathologic results, and biopsy-related complications were observed. Descriptive statistics were applied.

RESULTS

Ultrasound-guided biopsy was feasible in all 16 patients (11 women and 5 men; mean age 46 [SD, 16] years; range, 16-76 years). The lesions were located in the parapharyngeal space, infratemporal fossa, and skull base, with a median diameter of 3.8 cm (range, 2.2-6.5 cm). An adequate and definite histopathologic yield was obtained in 15/16 (93.8%) patients; among them, 4/15 lesions (26.7%) were malignant, and 11/15 (73.6%) were benign. No major complications occurred. Minor complications were noted in 2 of the 16 (12.5%) patients (self-limiting inflammation in 1 and bleeding in 1).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy of deep head and neck space lesions is feasible and safe, with a high histopathologic yield.

Correlation study between apparent diffusion coefficients and the prognostic factors in breast cancer

AIM

To analyse the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) derived from intratumoural and peritumoural regions with prognostic factors and immune-inflammatory markers in breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 89 patients (age range, 28-66 years; median, 45 years) with a diagnosis of invasive BC who underwent routine blood tests and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. The study cohort was stratified according to tumour maximum cross-section ≥20 mm, lymph node metastasis (LNM), time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type, and receptor status. Minimum, maximum, mean, and heterogeneity values of tumour ADC (ADC_tmin, ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_heter), maximum values of peritumoural ADC (ADC_pmax), and the ratio of peritumoural-tumour ADC (ADC_ratio) were obtained on the ADC maps. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between immune-inflammatory markers, prognostic factors and ADC values.

RESULTS

HER-2 was positively associated with ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_pmax values (β = 0.306, p=0.004; β = 0.283, p=0.007; β = 0.262, p=0.007, respectively), while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was positively associated with ADC_pmax and ADC_ratio values (β = 0.227, p=0.020; β = 0.231, p=0.020, respectively). Among ADC parameters, ADC_pmax showed the highest predictive values for evaluating the presence of LNM (AUC, 0.751; sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 77.1%).

CONCLUSION

The ADC_pmax value could provide additional assistance in predicting prognostic factors of BC.

Genetic influences of the effect of circulating inflammatory cytokines on osteoarthritis in humans

OBJECTIVE

The causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and Osteoarthritis (OA) has not been well investigated. This study investigated the causal role of inflammatory cytokines in the risk of OA and total joint arthroplasty using the Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

METHOD

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly associated with inflammatory cytokines were used as instrumental variables. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method with false discovery rate (FDR) adjusted P-value (q-value) for multiple comparisons were used as the main MR method to estimate causal effects based on the summary-level data for OA (knee and hip OA, respectively) and total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of the results and ensured the absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

RESULTS

After FDR adjustment, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were identified as causally associated with knee OA (MCSF, odds ratio [OR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.23, q = 5.05 × 10^-5; VEGF, OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15, q = 0.011). We also observed that genetically predicted MCSF and VEGF were positively associated with the risk of TJA, and MCP3 was negatively associated with for the risk of TJA, although the effects seem fairly modest. Sensitivity analysis further excluded the influence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory cytokines, namely MCSF and VEGF, were causally associated with knee OA, which could enhance our understanding of inflammation in OA pathology.

Effects of Running in Minimal and Conventional Footwear on Medial Tibiofemoral Cartilage Failure Probability in Habitual and Non-Habitual Users

This study examined the effects of minimal and conventional running footwear on medial tibiofemoral cartilage mechanics and longitudinal failure probability. The current investigation examined twenty males who habitually ran in minimal footwear and 20 males who habitually ran in conventional footwear. Kinematic data during overground running were collected using a motion-capture system and ground reaction forces using a force plate. Medial tibiofemoral loading was examined using musculoskeletal simulation and cartilage failure probability via probabilistic modelling. In habitual minimal footwear users, peak medial tibiofemoral cartilage force, stress and strain were significantly greater in conventional (force = 7.43 BW, stress = 5.12 MPa and strain = 0.30), compared to minimal footwear (force = 7.11 BW, stress 4.65 MPa and strain = 0.28), though no significant differences in these parameters were evident in non-habitual minimal footwear users (conventional: force = 7.50 BW, stress = 5.05 MPa and strain = 0.30; minimal: force = 7.40 BW, stress = 4.77 MPa and strain = 0.29). However, in both habitual and non-habitual minimal footwear users, the probability of medial tibiofemoral cartilage failure was significantly greater in conventional (habitual = 47.19% and non-habitual = 50.00%) compared to minimal footwear (habitual = 33.18% and non-habitual = 32.81%) users. The observations from this investigation show that compared to minimal footwear, conventional footwear appears to have a negative influence on medial tibiofemoral cartilage health.

Sarcopenia: Body Composition and Gait Analysis

Background

Age-induced sarcopenia negatively affects walking stability and increases the risk of falls, which is the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze and contrast body composition and gait characteristics in those with sarcopenia in relation to healthy controls to shed some light on the prevention of falls in elderly patients with sarcopenia.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 68 community dwellers were scanned by the Hologic QDR-4500A Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) results were used to distinguish the normal participants from those with sarcopenia: 24 in the sarcopenia group, and 44 into the normal group. The participants were asked to undergo gait analysis on a plantar pressure measurement system. Statistical analysis was conducted to contrast both groups' gait and butterfly parameters from their gait test, and then a gait forward dynamics method was performed to quantify the analysis for both groups.

Results

The ALMI of the female was not related to their age (r = 0.06) while that of the male was weakly related (r = 0.17). Body mass index (BMI) from both groups was normal, although with a statistically greater BMI from the normal group compared with sarcopenia (p &lt; 0.001). Greater values and significant differences were found in step length and stride length from the normal elderly group (p &lt; 0.01), and so was the length of the gait line and single support line (p &lt; 0.05). Gait forward dynamics analysis results showed no motor neural or musculoskeletal disorders in their gait performance from the sarcopenia group.

Conclusion

For the elderly, age did not largely affect the ALMI, BMI, or T-score, but BMI and ALMI were strongly correlated. In this study, significant differences were found in certain gait parameters between the elderly with sarcopenia and the normal elderly, which were related to absolute muscle strength, suggesting that sarcopenia was a disease mainly caused by decreased muscle mass. In addition, when abnormities were identified in step length, stride length, length of gait line, or length of single support line, it is proposed to take a DXA scan to confirm whether the elderly suffer from sarcopenia.

P-154 growth hormone supplementation decline quality of maternally aged oocytes via reducing aneuploidy

Study question

Does growth hormone (GH) supplementation ameliorate the quality of oocytes in aged mice via reducing aneuploidy?

Summary answer

Daily injections of growth hormone for 2 months improve the age-related decline in ovarian reserve, and promote oocyte quality by reducing the aneuploidy rate.

What is known already

Women of advanced maternal age, particular over 35 years, could consequently bear poor quality oocytes, which are mainly caused by chromosomal aneuploidy. Age-related decline in GH levels may be related to the insufficient reproductive potential in women of advanced maternal age. To date, the role of GH in in vitro fertilization remains controversial. GH has been reported to affect oocyte quality, and studies in vivo have shown that intraperitoneal administration of GH reduces the occurrence rate of spindle/chromosome defects.

Study design, size, duration

The young (6-week-old) and aged (8-month-old) C57BL/6J mice were used in the study. In the in vivo experiment, aged mice were intraperitoneally injected daily with GH (1.6 mg/kg body weight, n = 85) or the equivalent volume of NS (n = 81) for consecutive for two months. In the in vitro experiment, GV oocytes from aged mice were treated with GH (Gene Science Pharmaceuticals, Changchun, China) (200ng/ml) in M16 medium for 14∼16 hours.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We analyzed the number of oocytes and hormone levels to assess ovarian reserve, by immunohistochemistry and ELISA methods. The expression of GHR was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Time–lapse incubator was utilized to record the developmental potential of oocytes and embryos. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess parameters of oocyte quality (mitochondrial functions, ROS level, spindle/chromosome defects, and DNA damage). Chromosome spread and single-cell DNA sequencing were used to analyze chromosome aneuploidy rate.

Main results and the role of chance

The expression of GHR decreased in aged oocyte (21.68±1.08) and increased after GH treatment(30.64±0.70, P &lt; 0.001). GH ameliorated decline in ovarian reserve of aged mice, with increased ovarian index (0.040%±0.0031 vs 0.023%±0.0019, P &lt; 0.01), number of preantral follicles (7.33±0.89 vs 4.12±0.58, P &lt; 0.05) and antral follicles (8.67±1.2 vs 3.33±0.88, P &lt; 0.05) compared to the aged controls, but no other hormonal differences were detected. After GH supplementation, aged oocyte showed better quality and developmental potential, including restored mitochondrial functions (P &lt; 0.05) and decreased ROS level (19.83±1.50 vs 23.6±1.72, P &lt; 0.05). As expected, GH effectively promoted the fertilization rate (39.9%±1.10 vs 14.4%±0.62, P &lt; 0.001) and early embryo development (P &lt; 0.01). In addition, the spindle/chromosome defects (31.6%±2.12 vs 48.9%±1.83, P &lt; 0.01), DNA damage (16.37±1.76 vs 49.35±2.52, P &lt; 0.001) and aneuploidy rate (21.5%±1.61 vs 34.6%±1.84, P &lt; 0.01) were lower in GH group than that in control group. Overall, GH treatment restored age-related decline in ovarian reserve, and decreased the occurrence rate of aneuploidy caused by spindle/chromosome defects, inducing a better oocyte quality in aged mice.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The molecular and mechanism of GH to regulate spindle/chromosome function remains to be determined. Besides, future work should be extended to human oocyte to determine whether this mechanism is conserved between mice and humans.

Wider implications of the findings

Our work expounds a theoretical basis for application of GH to improve the fertility of aged women. Besides, the results also feed new ideas for the prevention and treatment of oocyte quality decline in assisted reproductive technology.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-759 Comparison of DNA methylation profiles of human embryo cultured in either uninterrupted or interrupted incubators

Study question

Are there are differences in the DNA methylation profiles of human embryos cultured in Time-lapse imaging (TLI) and standard incubators (SI)?

Summary answer

The genome-wide DNA methylation landscape was globally similar between the SI and TLI groups.

What is known already

Early embryonic development is a special biological process, along with dynamic changes of DNA methylation. In vitro culturing ensured the successful development of human embryo, and is the most important step of ART cycle. TLI is one type of newly developed ART embryo culture systems, which allows for continuous assessment of embryonic development. Our previous study performed transcriptome analysis to compare SI and TLI and found that the global transcriptomic profiles were similar between the two groups. However, whether there are differences in the DNA methylation profiles of human embryos cultured in TLI and SI still unknown.

Study design, size, duration

This study was designed to explore the influence of SI and TLI incubator culturing on genome-wide DNA methylation of human eight-cell embryos. A total of 9 women who received IVF treatment, ≤ 30 years old (range: 20–30 years), without a history of genetic diseases or smoking were included in this study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Transvaginal oocyte retrieval was performed 36 h after HCG injection. Cumulus-enclosed oocytes were collected in 2.5 mL IVF medium and incubated in 5% O2, 6% CO2, and 37 °C incubators for insemination. The fertilized oocytes were transferred into pre-equilibrated Embryoslides. Then the embryoslides were cultured in either TLI or SI at 37 °C with 5% O2 and 6% CO2 until embryo transfer on Day 3. Samples were sequenced by the Illumina HiSeq 4000 with a 150-bp paired-end.

Main results and the role of chance

The genome-wide methylation patterns and CpG methylation levels in transposable elements and imprinting control regions of TLI-cultured embryos were similar to those of the SI-cultured embryos. However, a small number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected, and these DMRs mainly occurred in exons other than promoters. Functional annotation revealed that the genes in DMRs tended to execute functions such as cell cycle, DNA damage stimulus, histone modification, mitochondrial, glucose import, and MAPK signaling pathway.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Small sample size.

Wider implications of the findings

Evaluated the safety of TLI culture system from the perspective of DNA methylation at single-cell level, and provided an important reference for understanding the association between embryo culture condition and epigenetic regulation.

Trial registration number

not applicable

A multimodality intervention to improve musculoskeletal health, function, metabolism, and well-being in spinal cord injury: study protocol for the FIT-SCI randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating, life-changing event that has profoundly deleterious effects on an individual's health and well-being. Dysregulation of neuromuscular, cardiometabolic, and endocrine organ systems following an SCI contribute to excess morbidity, mortality and a poor quality of life. As no effective treatments currently exist for SCI, the development of novel strategies to improve the functional and health status of individuals living with SCI are much needed. To address this knowledge gap, the current study will determine whether a Home-Based Multimodality Functional Recovery and Metabolic Health Enhancement Program that consists of functional electrical stimulation of the lower extremity during leg cycling (FES-LC) plus arm ergometry (AE) administered using behavioral motivational strategies, and testosterone therapy, is more efficacious than FES-LC plus AE and placebo in improving aerobic capacity, musculoskeletal health, function, metabolism, and wellbeing in SCI.

METHODS

This single-site, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial will enroll 88 community-dwelling men and women, 19 to 70 years of age, with cervical and thoracic level of SCI, ASIA Impairment Scale grade: A, B, C, or D, 6 months or later after an SCI. Participants randomized to the multimodality intervention will undergo 16 weeks of home-based FES-LC and AE training plus testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone undecanoate injections will be administered by study staff in clinic or by a visiting nurse in the participant's home. The control group will receive 16 weeks of home-based FES-LC and AE exercise plus placebo injections. The primary outcome of this trial is peak aerobic capacity, measured during an incremental exercise testing protocol. Secondary outcomes include whole body and regional lean and adipose tissue mass; muscle strength and power; insulin sensitivity, lipids, and inflammatory markers; SCI functional index and wellbeing (mood, anxiety, pain, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms); and safety.

DISCUSSION

We anticipate that a multimodality intervention that simultaneously addresses multiple physiological impairments in SCI will result in increased aerobic capacity and greater improvements in other musculoskeletal, metabolic, functional and patient-reported outcomes compared to the control intervention. The findings of this study will have important implications for improving the care of people living with an SCI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov :  ( NCT03576001 ). Prospectively registered: July 3, 2018.

[Interference of P2X4 receptor expression in tumor-associated macrophages suppresses migration and invasion of glioma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of interference of P2X4 receptor expression in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) on invasion and migration of glioma cells.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mouse models bearing gliomas in the caudate nucleus were examined for glioma pathology with HE staining and expressions of Iba-1 and P2X4 receptor with immunofluorescence assay. RAW264.7 cells were induced into TAMs using conditioned medium from GL261 cells, and the changes in mRNA expressions of macrophage polarization-related markers and the mRNA and protein expressions of P2X4 receptor were detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The effect of siRNA-mediated P2X4 interference on IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and protein expressions in the TAMs was detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. GL261 cells were cultured in the conditioned medium from the transfected TAMs, and the invasion and migration abilities of the cells were assessed with Transwell invasion and migration experiment.

RESULTS

The glioma tissues from the tumor-bearing mice showed a significantly greater number of Iba-1-positive cells, where an obviously increased P2X4 receptor expression was detected (P=0.001), than the brain tissues of the control mice (P < 0.001). The M2 macrophage markers (Arg-1 and IL-10) and M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and TNF-α) were both significantly up-regulated in the TAMs derived from RAW264.7 cells (all P < 0.01), but the up-regulation of the M2 macrophage markers was more prominent; the expression levels of P2X4 receptor protein and mRNA were both increased in the TAMs (P < 0.05). Interference of P2X4 receptor expression significantly lowered the mRNA(P < 0.01)and protein (P < 0.01, P < 0.05)expression levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the TAMs and obviously inhibited the ability of the TAMs to promote invasion and migration of the glioma cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Interference of P2X4 receptor in the TAMs suppresses the migration and invasion of glioma cells possibly by lowering the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18.

Diagnostic panel of serum miR-125b-5p, miR-182-5p, and miR-200c-3p as non-invasive biomarkers for urothelial bladder cancer

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify a diagnostic panel of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) for the early detection of bladder cancer (BC).

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 112 BC patients and 112 normal controls (NCs). A three-stage selection was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs as candidates to construct the diagnostic panel. Further, to explore their potential roles in urothelial BC, bioinformatics analyses, including target genes prediction and functional annotation, were used.

RESULTS

Six downregulated miRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-143-3p, and miR-200c-3p) and one upregulated, miR-182-5p, in BC patients' serum were detected compared to NCs and were selected to establish the diagnostic panel. Based on a backward stepwise logistic regression analysis, miR-125b-5p, miR-182-5p, and miR-200c-3p comprehended the diagnostic panel [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.959, sensitivity = 91.67%, specificity = 92.5%].

CONCLUSION

The panel of three miRNAs had an excellent diagnostic capability, representing a potential non-invasive method for early BC detection.

[Identification of rare variants in exons of NLRC4 gene in patients with type 1 diabetes and their impact on gene function]

Objective: To identify rare variants in exon and exon-intron boundary of containing NLR family CARD domain protein 4 (NLRC4) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients, and to explore their effects on gene function. Methods: A total of 508 T1DM patients and 527 healthy controls in the Department of Metabolic Endocrinology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from August 2017 to September 2020 were selected. The case group included 264 males and 244 females, and the age [M (Q₁, Q₃)] was [27 (11, 43)] years. The control group included 290 males and 237 females, and their age［M（Q₁，Q₃）］was [47 (36, 60)] years old. Identification of rare variants in exons of NLRC4 gene in T1DM patients and healthy controls was performed and verified by next-generation sequencing and sanger sequencing. The NLRC4 gene wild-type and mutant plasmids were constructed and transfected into 293T cells. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression of NLRC4 protein and cleavage products of pro-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase(procaspase-1). Cycloheximide (CHX) was added to 293T cells transfected with wild-type or mutant NLRC4 plasmid to detect the degradation of NLRC4 protein. The localization of NLRC4 protein was detected by immunofluorescence, and the concentration of IL-1β in the cell supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The sequencing results showed that 4 patients and 2 healthy controls had a heterozygous variant c.208C>T in exon 3 of the NLRC4 gene. Two patient had a heterozygous variant c.1564T>C in exon 4, and 1 patients had c.1219G>C in exon 4. These three variants might be pathogenic variants in T1DM. In 293T cells transfected with NLRC4 wild-type and c.208C>T、c.1564T>Cc.1219G>C mutant plasmids, the expression level, degradation rate, localization of NLRC4 protein and the content of cleavage products of procaspase-1 did not change significantly. However, the concentration of IL-1β secreted by 293T cells transfected with c.1219G>C and c.208C>T plasmid [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 15.25 (12.98, 17.52) and 15.44 (13.81, 17.07) ng/L, respectively, which was lower than 18.70 (16.59, 20.81) ng/L of 293T cells transfected wild-type plasmid (P=0.020, 0.010). Conclusions: NLRC4 gene rare variants c.208C>T, c.1564T>C and c.1219G>C may not change the protein expression, degradation and localization, but c.208C>T and c.1219G>C may inhibit the secretion of IL-1β. This result suggests that NLRC4 rare variants may have an impact on gene function.

The influence of CYP2R1 polymorphisms and gene-obesity interaction with hypertension risk in a Chinese rural population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Several studies have reported that variants in CYP2R1 have been linked with an increased risk of hypertension. However, the interaction between CYP2R1 variants and environmental factors on the susceptibility of hypertension remained unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of CYP2R1 polymorphisms on hypertension susceptibility, and explored the interaction effect of CYP2R1 variations and obesity on the disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 766 incident hypertension cases matched with non-hypertension controls in a 1:1 ratio by sex, age (within 3 years). Two loci in CYP2R1 gene (rs10766197 and rs12794714) were genotyped by TaqMan probe assays. The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D was determined by human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The associations of CYP2R1 polymorphisms and risks of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) were analyzed by logistic regression. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to analyze the gene-environment interaction. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the effect of CYP2R1 gene variations, and the interaction between CYP2R1 variation and obesity on hypertension susceptibility. The results showed that rs10766197 (GG vs. AA) and rs12794714 (GG vs. AA) polymorphisms were both associated with an increased risk of VDD (OR = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-2.05 and OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.19-2.25, respectively), after adjustment for potential risk factors. We also found that rs12794714 polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of hypertension under the dominant model (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01-1.56). In addition, the interactions between rs12794714 with both general obesity (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 2.72-5.68) and central obesity (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.29-4.52) have significant effects on hypertension susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provided further evidence that CYP2R1 variation was associated with a higher risk of hypertension in Chinese rural population. The interaction between CYP2R1 rs12794714 and obesity may increase the risk of hypertension.

MRI characterization of hemodynamic patterns of human fetuses with cyanotic congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVES

To characterize, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the distribution of blood flow and oxygen transport in human fetuses with subtypes of congenital heart disease (CHD) that present with neonatal cyanosis.

METHODS

Blood flow was measured in the major vessels of 152 late-gestation human fetuses with CHD and 40 gestational-age-matched normal fetuses, using cine phase-contrast MRI. Oxygen saturation (SaO₂ ) was measured in the major vessels of 57 fetuses with CHD and 40 controls.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, we found lower combined ventricular output in fetuses with single-ventricle physiology, with the lowest being observed in fetuses with severe forms of Ebstein's anomaly. Obstructive lesions of the left or right heart were associated with increased flow across the contralateral side. Pulmonary blood flow was reduced in fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly, while those with Ebstein's anomaly and tricuspid atresia had reduced umbilical flow. Flow in the superior vena cava was elevated in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries, normal in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart, tetralogy of Fallot or tricuspid atresia and reduced in fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly. Umbilical vein SaO₂ was reduced in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart or tetralogy of Fallot. Ascending aorta and superior vena cava SaO₂ were reduced in nearly all CHD subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with cyanotic CHD exhibit profound changes in the distribution of blood flow and oxygen transport, which result in changes in cerebral, pulmonary and placental blood flow and oxygenation. These alterations of fetal circulatory physiology may influence the neonatal course and help account for abnormalities of prenatal growth and development that have been described in newborns with cyanotic CHD. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Intervention effects of four exercise modalities on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four exercise modalities on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase were searched for relevant studies. The literature search was restricted to those published between January 2010 and June 2021. Randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions on NAFLD were collected. Data were presented as statistical graphics using ADDIS 1.16.5 and R-Studio 4.1.

RESULTS

Seventeen controlled studies analyzing 1627 patients with NAFLD were included. Patients were divided into the control group (n=688), aerobic training group (AT, n=554), resistance training group (RT, n=232), high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n=53), and aerobic training with resistance training group (AT+RT, n=100). Results of the statistical analysis showed that the combined exercise intervention had the most significant effect on the total serum cholesterol of patients' mean difference [MD=0.47(0.23, 0.73), p<0.05]. Levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were improved, but no significant difference was found in their levels in the four groups of exercise intervention. The intervention effect of the four exercises on blood lipid and liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD was in the order of AT+RT > HIIT > RT > AT > control.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise interventions are recommended as stand-alone or adjunctive therapy. For patients with NAFLD who can tolerate various exercises, priority should be given to AT+RT exercise 4-5 times per week. The exercise intensity should be 50%-70% of the maximum heart rate and performed for >3 months to improve the effectiveness of the exercise supervision intervention.

Effects of Mixing Garlic Skin on Fermentation Quality, Microbial Community of High-Moisture Pennisetum hydridum Silage

Garlic skin, a by-product of garlic processing, was supposed to improve the fermentation quality of high-moisture silages because of its low moisture content and active compounds. Thus, fermentation and microbial characteristics of high-moisture Pennisetum hydridum ensiled with the addition of 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt% garlic skin (on a fresh matter basis) were analyzed during a 60-days fermentation. Results showed that the addition of garlic skin increased the dry matter content and lactic acid production, and decreased the pH and ammonia-N content of the silage. Adding garlic skin changed the relative abundance of bacterial communities with an increase in Lactobacillus and a decrease in Clostridium relative abundance. In conclusion, co-ensiling of high-moisture Pennisetum hydridum with garlic skin could be a simple approach to improve the silage quality and nutrients preservation.

[Mechanism of high expression of high mobility group protein 1 in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular mechanism triggering pyroptosis of synovial fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)and the release of high mobility group protein 1(HMGB1)in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).

METHODS

Twelve SD rats were randomized equally into blank control group without any treatment and KOA group with anterior cruciate ligament amputation (ACLT) to induce KOA.HE staining and Mankin score were used to evaluate the damage of knee cartilage.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 in the synovial tissue.In the cell experiment, rat FLSs were treated with PBS (control group), LPS+ATP (to induce cell pyroptosis), or LPS+ATP+siRNAs (to inhibit pyroptosis of the FLSs), and the cellular expressions of apoptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 were detected using Western blotting; the level of HMGB1 in the culture supernatant was detected with ELISA.

RESULTS

In the rat models of KOA, the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 in the synovial tissue and Mankin score were significantly increased as compared with those in the control group(P < 0.05).In cultured rat FLSs, the expressions of apoptosis related proteins and HMGB1 were significantly higher in the pyroptosis group than in the control group and in cells transfected with the siRNAs targeting NLRP1, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1(P < 0.05).The protein level of HMGB1 in the culture supernatant was significantly higher in pyroptosis group than in the control and siRNA groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the pathological process of KOA, NLRPs inflammasome-mediated FLS pyroptosis causes massive release of HMGB1, which is associated with the activation of the downstream molecule caspase-1.

Rediscovering potential molecular targets for glioma therapy through the analysis of the cell of origin, microenvironment, and metabolism

Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumors. Despite significant medical advances, gliomas remain incurable and are associated with high mortality. Although numerous biomarkers of diagnostic value have been identified and significant progress in the prognosis of the outcome has been made, the treatment has not been parallelly improved during the last three decades. This review summarizes and discusses three aspects of recent discoveries related to glioma, with the objective to highlight the advantages of glioma-specific drugs targeting the cell of origin, microenvironment, and metabolism. Given the heterogeneous nature of gliomas, various cell populations have been implicated as likely sources of the tumor. Depending on the mutation(s) acquired by the cells, it is believed that neuronal stem/progenitor cells, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, mature neurons, and glial cells can initiate cell transformation into a malignant phenotype. The level of tumorigenicity appears to be inversely correlated with the maturation of a given cell population. The microenvironment of gliomas includes non-cancer cells such as immune cells, fibroblasts, and cells of blood vessels, as well as secreted molecules and the extracellular matrix, and all these components play a vital role during tumor initiation and progression. We will discuss in detail how the tumor microenvironment can stimulate and drive the transformation of non-tumor cell populations into tumor-supporting cells or glioma cells. Metabolic reprogramming is a key feature of gliomas and is thought to reflect the adaptation to the increased nutritional requirements of tumor cell proliferation, growth, and survival. Mutations in the IDH gene can shape metabolic reprogramming and may generate some vulnerabilities in glioma cells, such as abnormal lipid metabolism and sensitivity to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). We will analyze the prominent metabolic features of malignant gliomas and the key pathways regulating glioma metabolism. This review is intended to provide a conceptual background for the development of glioma therapies based on the properties of tumor cell populations, microenvironment, and metabolism.

Sex-dependent associations of maternal androgen levels with offspring BMI and weight trajectory from birth to early childhood

CONTEXT

In preclinical studies, high androgen levels during pregnancy are associated with low birth weight and rapid postnatal weight gain in the offspring. However, human data linking prenatal androgens with birth weight and early life weight gain in the offspring are scarce.

DESIGN

We evaluated 516 mother-child pairs enrolled in the New England birth cohorts of the Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959-1966). We assayed androgen bioactivity in maternal sera during third-trimester using a receptor-mediated luciferase expression bioassay. Age and sex-specific BMI Z-scores (BMIz), defined using established standards, were assessed at birth, 4 months, 1 year, 4 years, and 7 years. We used linear mixed models to evaluate the relation of maternal androgens with childhood BMIz overall and by sex. We examined the association of maternal androgens with fetal growth restriction. The association of weight trajectories with maternal androgens was examined using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Higher maternal androgen levels associated with lower BMIz at birth (β = - 0.39, 95% CI: - 0.73, - 0.06); this relation was sex-dependent, such that maternal androgens significantly associated with BMIz at birth in girls alone (β = - 0.72, 95% CI: - 1.40, - 0.04). The relation of maternal androgens with fetal growth restriction revealed dose threshold effects that differed by sex. There was no significant association between maternal androgens and weight trajectory overall. However, we found a significant sex interaction (p = 0.01); higher maternal androgen levels associated with accelerated catch-up growth in boys (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.03).

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide evidence that maternal androgens may have differential effects on the programming of intrauterine growth and postnatal weight gain depending on fetal sex.

Physical investigation of acoustic waves induced by the oscillation and collapse of the single bubble

The objective of this paper is to apply both experimental and numerical methods to investigate acoustic waves induced by the oscillation and collapse of a single bubble. In the experiments, the schlieren technique is used to capture the temporal evolution of the bubble shapes, and the corresponding acoustic waves. The results are presented for the single bubble generated by a low-voltage bubble generator in the free field of water. During the numerical simulations, a three-dimensional (3D) weakly compressible model is introduced to investigate the single bubble dynamics, including the generation and propagation of acoustic waves. The results show that (1) Compression wave, rarefaction wave and shock wave are generated during expansion stage, collapse stage and rebound stage of the bubble respectively. (2) Compression waves are induced by the rapid expansion of the bubble and eventually steepen into one shock wave propagating outward in the liquid, then another strong shock wave is emitted at the final collapse stage. The velocity and pressure of the liquid field increases after the shock wave. (3) Rarefaction waves are generated during the collapse stage due to the contraction of the bubble. The rarefaction wave reduces the liquid pressure and its spatial distribution is dispersive. The pressure of these acoustic waves and their effect on the liquid velocity attenuate with the increase of propagation distance.

Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Impairment and Inflammation in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the combined action of folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive performance and inflammation in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN

This was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (n=120) diagnosed clinically as probable AD and in stable condition from Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

MEASUREMENTS

Individuals were randomly divided into the intervention group (n=60, folic acid 1.2 mg/d + vitamin B12 50 μg/d) and the placebo group (n=60). Cognitive performance, blood folate, vitamin B12, one carbon cycle metabolite, and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured at baseline and after 6 months. The data were analyzed using linear mixed models for repeated measures.

RESULTS

A total of 101 participants (51 in the intervention group and 50 in the placebo group) completed the trial. Folic acid plus vitamin B12 supplementation had a beneficial effect on the MoCA total scores (P=0.029), naming scores (P=0.013), orientation scores (P=0.004), and ADAS-Cog domain score of attention (P=0.008), as compared to those of the control subjects. Moreover, supplementation significantly increased plasma SAM (P<0.001) and SAM/SAH (P<0.001), and significantly decreased the levels of serum Hcy (P<0.001), plasma SAH (P<0.001), and serum TNFα (P<0.001) compared to in the control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation showed a positive therapeutic effect in AD patients who were not on a folic acid-fortified diet. The findings of this study help to delineate nutrient intervention as far as public health management for the prevention of dementia is concerned.

Combined use of microwave ablation and cell immunotherapy induces nonspecific immunity of hepatocellular carcinoma model mice

Microwave ablation (MWA) has been widely used in the treatment of solid tumors. Studies have been less conducted on the efficacy of MWA used with cell immunotherapy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study aimed at exploring the efficacy of MWA in combination with cell immunotherapy in treating HCC. Hepa1-6 HCC mice were treated by MWA, blockade, or the combined therapy (MWA used with blockade), or left untreated. Survival rates of the mice were plotted by Kaplan-Meier Curve, followed by log-rank test. 25 days after the operation, surviving mice were monitored for tumor recurrence, and tumor volumes were calculated every 5 days. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were performed to detect the numbers of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells in the tumors and spleens of mice. The expressions of related cytokines were detected and measured by ELISPOT and ELISA. The results showed that MWA combined with anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4 not only increased the survival time, protected the mice against tumor recurrence, but also enhanced the intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocyte and systemic T-cell immune responses induced by MWA through activation of synergistically specific antitumor immunity. In addition, the combined therapy increased T-helper 1 cell (Th1-type) cytokines, but reduced Th2-type cytokines, resulting in the polarization of Th1 cells. T-cell immune responses of HCC cells were activated by MWA. In addition, the combined therapy of MWA and anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4 induced Th1-type immune response, and showed specific antitumor immunity.

Dynamic behavior of a single bubble between the free surface and rigid wall

The objective of this paper is to apply high-speed photography and schlieren method to investigate the bubble dynamics between the free surface and a rigid wall. The temporal evolution of the bubble shape and the free surface motion are recorded by two synchronous high-speed cameras. Experiments are carried out for a single bubble generated at various normalized stand-off distances from bubble center to the free surface and to the rigid wall. The results show that (1) three distinctive patterns are identified with the morphology of the bubble and free surface, namely single toroidal bubble without spike (STB), single toroidal bubble with a spike (STBS) and double toroidal bubbles with a spike (DTBS). (2) The dynamic characteristics of the bubble at collapse and rebound stage vary evidently at different patterns, including the bubble shape variations and free surface motion. In detail, the schlieren images show the formation and propagation of shock waves, which explains the radiative process of bubble collapse energy. (3) Qualitative comparisons are carried out for the bubble and free surface at the same pattern. And quantitative analyses are conducted for the jet velocity, bubble collapse position, bubble collapse time and spike height, etc. for different values of bubble-rigid wall distance.

Treatment outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases: a retrospective comparative study

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of adrenal metastasis (AM), and to compare with adrenalectomy (Adx).

METHODS

From June 2008 to August 2018, a total of 60 patients with AM treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed, of whom 29 treated by RFA (RFA group) and 31 by Adx (Adx group). The technical success, local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS) after the treatment were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

In RFA group, the first technical success was 72.4% and the second technical success was 86.2%. In Adx group, all the AMs were successfully resected. After 24.5 ± 19.1 months follow-up period, a total of 8 patients (6 in RFA group and 2 in Adx group) were detected LTP. The 1-, 2- and 3- LTP rates after treatment were 17.1%, 30.9% and 44.7% in RFA group, and 6.5%, 6.5% and 6.5% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.028). However, for AM ≤ 5 cm, the LTP between the two groups were comparable (P = 0.068). The 1-, 2- and 3- OS rates after treatment for AM were 85.0%, 42.4% and 27.8% in RFA group, and 93.0%, 66.1% and 52.3% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.057). RFA offered shorter treatment time (23.6 ± 16.9 vs. 155.6 ± 58.8 min, P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (7.8 ± 3.9 vs. 15.0 ± 4.9 days, P < 0.001), and lower hospital cost ($3405.7 ± 1067.8 vs. $5248.0 ± 2261.3, P = 0.003) than Adx.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with Adx, percutaneous US-guided RFA, as an alternative treatment, is feasible and effective in controlling AM, especially in AM ≤ 5 cm in diameter.

[Therapeutic effect of tonsillectomy on IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation]

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of tonsillectomy on IgA nephropathy (IgAN) after renal transplantation. Methods: From March 2011 to July 2018, 201 kidney transplantation recipients who were diagnosed of IgAN by transplant renal biopsy in the Department of Organ Transplantation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively reviewed, of which 18 patients underwent tonsillectomy after renal biopsy. The clinical data of the 18 patients were collected, patient and kidney survival time and function of the transplanted kidney were analyzed. Results: Of the 18 recipients, 13 were male and 5 were female, with an average age of (36.0±10.9) years. All 18 patients survived during follow-up. Two patients returned to dialysis treatment 10 months and 14 months after tonsillectomy, respectively. The creatinine was 94 (78, 133) μmol/L, 95 (74, 139) μmol/L, 106 (87, 158) μmol/L and 95(81, 147) μmol/L before tonsillectomy, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years after tonsillectomy, respectively (P=0.206). Urinary protein quantification was 0.31 (0.16, 1.38) g/24 h, 0.34 (0.10, 1.42) g/24 h, 0.33 (0.11, 0.56) g/24 h and 0.25 (0.10, 0.50) g/24 h at the same time points, respectively (P=0.104). The two patients who returned to dialysis were diagnosed of IgAN by transplant renal biopsy because of elevated creatinine, proteinuria and hematuria, 9 years and 4 years after kidney transplant respectively. Renal biopsy suggested that glomerular and segmental sclerosis were 7/24, 5/24 and 1/6, 2/6, respectively. Additionally, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) were both occupied 30% in the biopsies, and tonsillectomy was performed 461 days and 1 077 days after diagnosis of IgAN, respectively. Conclusions: Tonsillectomy can maintain the stability of renal function and prevent the aggravation of proteinuria in IgAN patients after renal transplantation. However, if pathology suggests obvious glomerulosclerosis or IF/TA, tonsillectomy may not be effective.

CRISPR-dCas9-mediated knockdown of prtR, an essential gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely distributed non-fermentative Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that is often responsible for nosocomial infections. Gene interference is a potentially valuable tool for investigating essential genes in P. aeruginosa. To establish a gene interference platform in P. aeruginosa, CRISPR system was used with an inactive Cas9 protein. The CRISPR-dCas9 system was cloned into pHERD20T, a shuttle vector with arabinose inducible promoter, and was further modified to target a regulatory gene prtR that is essential for the viability of P. aeruginosa. Cells expressing the prtR-targeting CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) showed growth defect in an arabinose dose-dependent manner. A high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis of bacterial cells with or without the CRISPRi-mediated prtR inhibition indicated that prtRis a global regulator affecting multiple biological processes. In conclusion, the CRISPR-dCas9-based gene knockdown system has been successfully implemented in P. aeruginosa and demonstrated to be an effective tool in the investigation of essential or difficult-to-inactivate genes in this species.

[Comparison of islet autoantigen-specific T cell response detected by direct enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and accelerated co-cultured dendritic cells (acDCs) assay]

Objective: To investigate the effect of enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) on accelerated co-cultured dendritic cells (acDCs) and direct detection of islet full-length antigen-specific T cell response in peripheral blood of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: Sixteen patients with T1DM[9 males, 7 females, mean age(28.5±9.4)years] and 12 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were selected in the Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, the Second Xiangya Hospital between March 2012 and August 2014. The numbers of IFN-γ secreting CD4(+)T cells responding to glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD(65)), C-peptide (CP) and insulin (INS) were detected by ELISPOT-acDCs and ELISPOT-direct assays, respectively. The positive rate of islet autoantigen and associated antigen reactive T cells under different detection assays were compared. Results: The positive rate for GAD(65), INS, and CP antigen reactive T cells detected by ELISPOT-acDCs was 1/16, 6/16 and 4/16, respectively, and T cells positive for INS in T1DM patients were higher than that in the controls (0/12) (P=0.024). Combining GAD(65), CP and INS-ELISPOT-acDCs detection, the positive rate for CD4(+) T cells in T1DM patients was higher than that in the controls (9/16 vs 1/12, P=0.016). The positive rate for GAD(65), INS, and CP antigen reactive T cells detected by ELISPOT-direct detection was 2/16, 1/16 and 7/16, respectively, and T cells positive for CP was higher than that in the controls (1/12), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.088). Likewise, the positive rate for CD4(+) T cells was higher in T1DM patients than that in the controls by combined GAD(65), CP and INS-ELISPOT-direct detection (8/16 vs 1/12, P=0.039). Compared with the ELISPOT-direct assay, the positive rate of INS antigen specific T cell response detected by ELISPOT-acDCs was higher (P=0.041). No statistical differences of other antigens were found between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Both multiple islet antigens-combined CD4(+)-ELISPOT-acDCs and direct assays could provide diagnostic value of cellular immunology for T1DM patients. The ELISPOT-acDCs assay is superior to the ELISPOT-direct assay in the detection of INS antigen-specific T cell response.

Antimicrobial resistance in southern China: results of prospective surveillance in Dongguan city, 2017

BACKGROUND

Few studies have estimated the burden of infections due to antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens in China.

AIM

To summarize antimicrobial resistance and assess the frequency of community-associated infections (CAIs) and healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) due to AMR pathogens in Dongguan city, China.

METHODS

Seven acute care hospitals provided antimicrobial susceptibility data for 2017, from which 'bug-drug' combinations were analysed. To calculate incidence proportions of CAI and incidence densities of HCAI, data from three tertiary care hospitals were merged with patient data, obtained from the Dongguan Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System.

FINDINGS

A total of 16,548 pathogens were analysed. Non-susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 43.9% and 30.2%, respectively. Non-susceptibility to carbapenems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii was 29.5% and 50.9%, respectively. A quarter of Staphylococcus aureus (26.3%) were non-susceptible to oxacillin. The incidence density of HCAI due to E. coli non-susceptible to 3GCs and fluoroquinolones combined was 0.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.11) per 1000 patient-days. Both E. coli and K. pneumoniae were the predominant pathogens isolated from blood. Compared with the 2017 European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network report, the incidence proportion of bloodstream infections due to multidrug-resistant E. coli was significantly higher (14.9% and 4.6%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of non-susceptible bug-drug combinations in Dongguan city was lower compared with China as a whole. Non-susceptible bug-drug combinations were significantly more frequent in HCAI compared with CAI. The incidence proportion of bloodstream infections due to multidrug-resistant pathogens in Dongguan City was higher compared with Europe.

0898 The Accuracy Of Split-night Study In Assessing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) In Children And Adolescents

Introduction

Split-night polysomnography (PSG) can be used for the diagnosis of OSA, if clinically appropriate, per AASM recommendation based on adult data. However, there are limited data in pediatric population. The aim of our study is to assess the accuracy of split-night-PSG compared with a full-night-PSG in children with OSA.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed in children and adolescents who were diagnosed with OSA during a diagnostic PSG (oAHI &gt;1). Sleep and respiratory parameters from the full-night-PSG(F) were compared with the first three hours of the same PSG(S). Subgroup analysis was performed for age and OSA severity. The results were reported as mean±SD. All variables were compared with paired T-test.

Results

226 met the criteria for entry into analysis. The mean age was 7.8y±5.8. For the whole cohort, there were no significant differences in the mean AHI and oAHI [7.3±11.7(F)vs6.9±13.9(S),p=0.26] between full-night and split-night studies. Subgroup analysis revealed that children aged 2-12 yo (n=120) had significant differences in the mean AHI [6.1±7.1(F)vs4.8±6.4(S)p=0.002] and the mean oAHI [4.8±5.6(F)vs3.9±5.4(S)p=0.03]. In addition, subgroup analysis of mild OSA (n=137) showed a significant difference in the mean AHI (p=0.006), but not in the mean oAHI (p=0.08). There were no significant differences in the mean AHI and oAHI in the moderate to severe OSA group. Based on the first 3 hours of PSG, 16.8%(n=38) of patients were inaccurately classified to have no OSA, while the severity was misclassified in 37.6%(n=85) of patients (underestimated in 30%(n=68) and overestimated in 7.5%(n=17)).

Conclusion

Although there were no differences in the mean AHI and oAHI, split-night-PSG misclassified diagnosis and severity in a significant proportion of our pediatric cohort. In addition, the accuracy of split-night-PSG is influenced by age and severity of OSA. Further studies are needed to identify factors that play a role in these differences.

Support

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Children’s Foundation

Long-term follow-up of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta.

METHODS

The clinical data of 623 patients with pernicious placenta previa combined with placenta accrete, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent abdominal aortic balloon occlusion combined with cesarean section, and 78 patients underwent sequential bilateral uterine artery embolization. We analyzed the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion volume, intraoperative and postoperative complications, fetal radiation exposure time and dose, and the Apgar score of the newborns. We also performed other evaluations to ascertain the efficacy and safety of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion treatment for dangerous placenta previa with placenta accrete.

RESULTS

Of the 623 patients, 545 underwent only abdominal aortic balloon occlusion, and 78 underwent uterine artery embolization due to intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. The uterus was successfully preserved in all patients. Except for five cases of right lower extremity arterial thrombosis, the remaining patients did not have postoperative lower extremity arteriovenous thrombosis, renal insufficiency, late postpartum hemorrhage, ectopic embolism, spinal cord or peripheral nerve damage, pelvic infection, or other serious complications. The mean operative time was 65.3 (±14.5) min. The mean intraoperative blood loss was620 (±570) ml. Ninety-six patients (15.4%, 96/623) were treated with blood transfusion, and the average amount of blood transfused was 750 (±400) ml. The average number of hospitalization days was 6.8 (±3.4) days, the average time of fetal ray exposure was 5.2 (±1.6) s, and the average radiation dose was 4.1 (±2.7) mGy. The neonatal Apgar score, was 8.4 (±0.6) points at 1 ​min, and 9.6 (±0.4) points at 5 ​min. In the follow-up to May 31, 2019, 29 patients were lost to follow-up, 96 were lactating, and 498 were menstruating. Except for the cases lost to follow-up, the remaining 596 surviving newborns (including 2 twins) showed no abnormalities at the 42-day postnatal outpatient follow-up examination.

CONCLUSION

Balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta is a safe and effective method for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta.