Comparison of the Intestinal Bacterial Communities between Captive and Semi-Free-Range Red-Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) before Reintroduction in Zhalong National Nature Reserve, China

The wild populations of red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) in west China are gradually decreasing, necessitating the optimization of reintroduction measures. This study used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology to compare the gut microbiota communities of cranes living in two modes (captive and semi-free-range) before their reintroduction in Zhalong National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China. The results showed that Proteobacteria (74.39%) and Firmicutes (25.29%) were the dominant gut bacterial phyla inhabiting these cranes. Significant differences were found in the gut microbiota community composition between semi-free-range and captive cranes (p < 0.01). Psychrobacter, Sporosarcina, and Lactococcus were significantly enriched in captive cranes (p < 0.05), while Pseudomonadaceae_Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Lysobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae_Pseudomonas were more abundant in semi-free-range cranes (p < 0.05). The functions and community structure of gut microbiota were affected by feeding patterns (p < 0.05). The metabolic pathways of ethylbenzene degradation, PPAR signaling pathway, betalain biosynthesis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and shigellosis were up-regulated in semi-free-range cranes (p < 0.05).

Zinc-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Metallothionein Alleviate Arsenic-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Cyprinus Carpio

Arsenic (As) is a natural component of the Earth's crust, and its inorganic form is highly toxic. The problem of As pollution in water is extremely urgent, and its impact on aquatic organisms should be widely considered. Here, 120 common carp were selected as the test subjects and were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of As (2.83 mg L- 1) for 30 days. Histomorphological observations showed the adverse effects of As on the heart: irregular arrangement of myocardial fibers, rupture of muscle fiber bundles, inflammatory infiltration, and hemorrhages. Mechanistically, abnormal expression of factors related to As-induced inflammation (TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway), endoplasmic reticulum stress (CHOP, GRP78, ATF6, PERK, IRE1) and oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, Nrf2, HO-1) was observed. Then, we tried to find a protective agent against As-induced myocardial injury. As one of the important metal elements for maintaining cell growth and immunity, zinc (Zn, 1 mg L- 1) significantly alleviated the pathological abnormalities induced by As, and the changes in physiological and biochemical indices in response to As exposure were significantly alleviated by Zn administration, which was accompanied by the restoration of metallothionein (ZIP8, Znt1, Znt5, Znt7) and heat shock protein (HSP60, HSP70, HSP90) expression. These results suggest for the possibilty of developing Zn as a candidate therapeutic agent for As induced aquatic toxicology.

[Effects of long working hours exposure on occupational stress and depression symptoms in couriers in Zhejiang Province]

Objective: To understand the current situation of long working hours exposure of couriers in Zhejiang Province, and to analyze the influence of long working hours exposure levels on their occupational stress and depression symptoms, and provide a basis for promoting the physical and mental health of couriers. Methods: From September to December 2021 , 1159 couriers from Zhejiang Express Transport Companies were selected as respondents by cluster sampling, and their basic information were collected. The occupational stress and depression symptoms of the couriers were assessed using the Core Occupational Stress Scale (COSS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The effects of long work hours (>48 h per week) on the occupational stress and depression symptoms of the couriers were analyzed. Results: The average age of 1159 courier in Zhejiang Province was (33.24±8.42) years, the average weekly working hours were (63.21±18.77) h, and 75.15% (871/1159) were long-term workers. The detection rates of occupational stress and depression symptoms in courier were 32.44% (376/1159) and 32.53% (377/1159), respectively. There were significant differences in the detection rates of occupational stress and depression symptoms among couriers with different ages, educational background, marital status, monthly average income, length of service, position or post, shift status, drinking status, and average weekly working hours (P <0.05). The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for the influence of confounding factors such as age, educational background, marital status, monthly average income, length of service, position or post, shift status and drinking status, compared with the weekly working hours ≤48 h, weekly working hours of 63-77 h, 78-92 h, ≥93 h were the risk factors for occupational stress (OR=1.547, 95%CI: 1.019-2.350; OR=1.886, 95%CI: 1.184-3.006; OR=2.338, 95%CI: 1.188-4.062) and depression symptoms (OR=1.897, 95%CI: 1.258-2.860; OR=2.041, 95%CI: 1.290-3.230; OR=4.978, 95%CI: 2.551-9.715) of couriers (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Long working hours could increase the risk of occupational stress and depression symptoms among couriers. It is necessary to arrange working hours reasonably to reduce the occurrence of occupational stress and depression symptoms of couriers.

Comprehensive Analysis of Universal Stress Protein Family Genes and Their Expression in Fusarium oxysporum Response of Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis Louche Based on the Transcriptome

Universal stress proteins (USPs) are typical stress-inducible proteins that function directly in a variety of biotic or abiotic stresses and effectively protect plants from complex, adverse environments. However, the expression patterns of USP genes under pathogen stress and their molecular mechanisms in stress resistance have not been reported in detail. In this study, 46 USP genes were identified from Populus trichocarpa (PtrUSPs), and their biological characteristics were comprehensively analyzed based on phylogeny, physicochemical properties of proteins, and gene structures. The promoter regions of PtrUSPs contain a variety of cis-acting elements related to hormone and stress response. The results of a collinearity analysis showed that PtsrUSPs were highly conserved with homologous genes from four other representative species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Eucalyptus grandis, Glycine max, and Solanum lycopersicum). Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis showed that the expression of 46 USPs from P. davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis Louche (PdpapUSPs) was significantly induced by Fusarium oxysporum. The co-expression network and gene ontology analysis of PtrUSPs showed that they participated in the response to stress and response to stimulus through precise coordination. The results of this paper systematically revealed the biological characteristics of PtrUSPs and the characteristics of their response to F. oxysporum stress, which will lay a theoretical foundation for improving genetic traits and the breeding of poplar disease-resistant varieties in subsequent studies.

Genotypic Effects of the TOMM40'523 Variant and APOE on Longitudinal Cognitive Change over 4 Years: The TOMMORROW Study

BACKGROUND

The 523 poly-T length polymorphism (rs10524523) in TOMM40 has been reported to influence longitudinal cognitive test performance within APOE ε3/3 carriers. The results from prior studies are inconsistent. It is also unclear whether specific APOE and TOMM40 genotypes contribute to heterogeneity in longitudinal cognitive performance during the preclinical stages of AD.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of these genes on longitudinal cognitive change in early preclinical stages of AD, we used the clinical trial data from the recently concluded TOMMORROW study to examine the effects of APOE and TOMM40 genotypes on neuropsychological test performance.

DESIGN

A phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

Academic affiliated and private research clinics in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.

PARTICIPANTS

Cognitively normal older adults aged 65 to 83.

INTERVENTION

Pioglitazone tablet.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants from the TOMMORROW trial were stratified based on APOE genotype (APOE ε3/3, APOE ε3/4, APOE ε4/4). APOE ε3/3 carriers were further stratified by TOMM40'523 genotype. The final analysis dataset consists of 1,330 APOE ε3/3 carriers and 7,001 visits. Linear mixed models were used to compare the rates of decline in cognition across APOE groups and the APOE ε3/3 carriers with different TOMM40'523 genotypes.

RESULTS

APOE ε3/4 and APOE ε4/4 genotypes compared with the APOE ε3/3 genotype were associated with worse performance on measures of global cognition, episodic memory, and expressive language. Further, over the four years of observation, the APOE ε3/3 carriers with the TOMM40'523-S/S genotype showed better global cognition and accelerated rates of cognitive decline on tests of global cognition, executive function, and attentional processing compared to APOE ε3/3 carriers with TOMM40'523-S/VL and VL/VL genotypes and compared to the APOE ε3/4 and APOE ε4/4 carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that both APOE and TOMM40 genotypes may independently contribute to cognitive heterogeneity in the pre-MCI stages of AD. Controlling for this genetic variability will be important in clinical trials designed to slow the rate of cognitive decline and/or prevent symptom onset in preclinical AD.

Comparative analysis of intestinal flora between rare wild red-crowned crane and white-naped crane

Introduction

Animal intestines are extremely rich in microbial ecosystems. Numerous studies in different fields, such as epidemiology and histology, have revealed that gut microorganisms considerably mediate the survival and reproduction of animals. However, gut microbiology studies of homogeneously distributed wild cranes are still rare. This study aimed to understand the structural composition of the gut microbial community of wild cranes and elucidate the potential roles of the microorganisms.

Methods

We used high-throughput sequencing to analyze the gut microbial community structure of wild cranes in the Zhalong Nature Reserve.

Results

A total of 1,965,683 valid tags and 5248 OTUs were obtained from 32 fecal samples. Twenty-six bacteria phyla and 523 genera were annotated from the intestinal tract of the red-crowned crane. Twenty-five bacteria phyla and 625 genera were annotated from the intestine of the white-naped crane. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes are the dominant bacterial phyla in the intestinal tract of red-crowned cranes, while Catellicoccus, Lactobacillus, Neisseria, and Streptococcus were the dominant genera. The dominant bacterial phyla in the intestinal tract of white-naped cranes were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Epsilonbacteraeota, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria. However, the dominant genera were Catellicoccus, Lactobacillus, Neisseria, Campylobacter, Streptococcus, Anaerobiospirillum, Romboutsia, Turicibacter, Haemophilus, and Lautropia. Firmicutes had significantly higher relative abundance in the intestine of the red-crowned than white-naped cranes (P &lt; 0.05). However, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the intestines of white-naped than red-crowned cranes. The diversity of the intestinal flora between the two crane species was significantly different (P &lt; 0.05). Besides, the alpha diversity of the intestinal flora was higher for white-naped than red-crowned cranes. Eight of the 41 functional pathways differed in the gut of both crane species (P &lt; 0.05).

Discussion

Both species live in the same area and have similar feeding and behavioral characteristics. Therefore, host differences are possibly the main factors influencing the structural and functional differences in the composition of the gut microbial community. This study provides important reference data for constructing a crane gut microbial assessment system. The findings have implications for studying deeper relationships between crane gut microbes and genetics, nutrition, immunity, and disease.

Influence of bacterial community diversity, functionality, and soil factors on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under various vegetation types in mangrove wetlands

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are prevalent organic pollutants in coastal ecosystems, particularly in mangrove wetlands. However, it is still largely unclear how PAHs affect the soil bacterial community under various vegetation types in the Greater Bay Area. Here, we selected soil samples from four sites with different vegetation types (native mangrove forest dominated by Kandelia candel, invasive mangrove forest dominated by Sonneratia apetala, unvegetated mudflat, and riverine runoff outlet) in the Qi'ao and Futian Nature Reserves. We investigated the effects of PAHs on soil bacterial community composition and diversity, function, and co-occurrence via 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. PAHs obviously reduced soil bacterial community diversity and richness. Based on PICRUSt 2, PAHs demonstrated positive influences on PAHs degradation metabolism related bacterial genes. Meanwhile, we predicted that riverine runoff outlets can potentially degrade PAHs, may donate to sustain healthy mangrove ecosystem. Also, PAHs and total nitrogen (TN) were crucial factors driving the soil bacterial community in Qi'ao sites, whereas in the Futian sites, PAHs and SOC were more important. PAHs, SOC and TN showed negative effects on specific bacteria abundance. Subsequently, environmental factors and PAHs levels influenced the soil bacterial ecological functions community. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed non-random assembly patterns of the bacterial communities. SBR1031 and A4b were the keystone genera and played a crucial role whgich played an irreplaceable role in PAHs degradation in Qi'ao and Futian sites. PAHs inhibited specific microbial activity and metabolism in native mangrove forest, while affects positively to bacterial community in riverine runoff outlet which might profoundly affect the whole soil quality under various vegetation types. Overall, this study might identify existing health problems and provide insights for enhancing protection and utilization management for mangrove ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area.

[The study of the impact by atractylenolide-1 on inflammatory cytokine, autophagy and apoptosis in alveolar macrophages of silicosis patients]

Objective: To explore the effect of atractylenolide-1 (ATL-Ⅰ) on alveolar macrophages in silicosis patients. Methods: In December 2019, 12 male silicosis patients treated in Beidaihe Sanatorium for Chinese Coal Miners from July to September 2019 were selected by random sampling. Their alveolar macrophages were collected and divided into control group, ATL-Ⅰ group (100 μmol/L) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group (100 μmol/L) . The exprossion levels of inflammatory factor interleukin-1β (IL-1β) , interleukin-6 (IL-6) , tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of autophagy associated protein microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) , autophagy substrate protein p62, lysosome associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) , apoptosis associated protein Cleaved caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and its phosphorylated form (p-NF-κB) were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group and DMSO group, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α in alveolar macrophages decreased significantly in the ATL-Ⅰ group (P<0.05) , and the expression levels of p-NF-κB, the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ also decreased significantly in the ATL-Ⅰ group (P<0.05) . However, the expression levels of NF-κB, LAMP2, p62 and Cleaved caspase-3 in the ATL-Ⅰ group were not statistically different from those in the control group and DMSO group (P>0.05) . There was no statistically significant differences in the expression of the above indexes between the control group and DMSO group (P>0.05) . Conclusion: ATL-Ⅰ may reduce the release of inflammatory factors from alveolar macrophages and inhibit the activity of autophagy in silicosis patients, but it may not reduce the level of apoptosis.

Endoscopic sinus surgery improves Eustachian tube function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a multicenter prospective study

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) often have Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptoms. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on improvement of Eustachian tube function in CRS patients with ETD from a Chinese population and determine factors associated with improvement.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed in CRS patients with ETD who underwent ESS from 3 tertiary medical centers in south China. The Eustachian tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ-7), Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), tympanograms, endoscopic findings and Valsalva maneuver were recorded and analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively at 8-12 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 70 CRS patients with ETD were included in this study. The ETDQ-7 score and the ability of positive Valsalva maneuver in CRS patients were significantly improved postoperatively at 8-12 weeks. The number of patients with type A tympanogram was increased postoperatively. Reduced Eustachian tube mucosal inflammation was also observed postoperatively. In addition, ESS appeared to reverse slight tympanic membrane atelectasis after 8-12 weeks. Moreover, improvement in tympanogram was presented in more than half of CRS patients with concomitant otitis media with effusion postoperatively at 8-12 weeks. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed failure of normalization of ETDQ-7 postoperatively was associated with concomitant allergic rhinitis and higher preoperative SNOT-22 score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms Eustachian tube function is often improved after ESS in CRS patients with ETD. Concomitant allergic rhinitis and higher preoperative SNOT-22 score are associated with failure of normalization of ETD symptoms.

[Evaluation of kurtosis on hearing loss caused by non-steady state noise in general equipment manufacturing industry]

Objective: To study the effect of occupational exposure to non-steady state noise on hearing loss in the general equipment manufacturing industry, and to explore the feasibility of applying kurtosis index to evaluate hearing loss caused by non-steady state noise. Methods: A total of 233 workers exposed to non-steady state noise in 6 general equipment manufacturing enterprises were selected as the observation group, and 237 workers exposed to steady noise in 4 textile enterprises were selected as the control group between 2012 and 2018. Personal normalized continuous A-weighted sound pressure level equivalent to an 8 h-working-day (L(Aeq, 8 h)) was determined by a noise dosimeter. Cumulation noise exposure (CNE) was calculated from L(Aeq, 8 h) and related working age, and the CNE was adjusted by using noise kurtosis (CNE' after adjustment) . Meanwhile, questionnaires and hearing loss tests were performed for all subjects. The changes in the threshold of high-frequency hearing and the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss caused by noise in the two groups were compared before and after the adjustment of the kurtosis of CNE. The correlation between CNE and the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss before and after kurtosis adjustment was analyzed. Results: There was an difference between the 3000-8000 Hz hearing threshold of workers in different CNE groups (P<0.05) . logistic regression analysis showed that CNE was a risk factor of high-frequency hearing loss for workers in the observation group (OR=1.189, P<0.05) , and trend Chi-square test showed that the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss increased with CNE levels (χ(2)(trend)=34.415, P<0.05) .Before the kurtosis adjustment, in the CNE 95~<110 dB (A) ·year level group, the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss and the high-frequency hearing threshold in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . After kurtosis adjustment, there was no significant difference in the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss between the observation group and the control group in each level group (P>0.05) . The correlation between CNE after kurtosis adjustment and the incidence of high-frequency hearing loss was better than that before adjustment (after R(2) adjustment >before R(2) adjustment) . Conclusion: The effect of non-steady state noise on high-frequency hearing loss of workers in general equipment industry increases with the increase of CNE, and the effect of non-steady state noise on high-frequency hearing loss of workers is greater than that of steady noise. CNE' can be used to evaluate the hearing loss caused by non-steady state noise.

Psychological stress and its correlates in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome

Funding Acknowledgements

None.

Background

Psychological stress is associated with high incidence of coronary heart disease and increases the risk of mortality and poor health status. Although a few studies have investigated psychological stress in this population, this problem is usually unrecognized and untreated in most Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome. There is insufficient information regarding the features of psychological stress and associated factors among this population.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the level of psychological stress and to identify its correlates in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

Patients aged over 18 years and with acute coronary syndrome were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey in two tertiary public hospitals in China, from June to July 2019. A total of 332 patients completed measures of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, psychological stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale), and illness perception (Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire). Independent sample t-tests, bivariate correlations, and multivariable linear regression were performed to analyze potential correlates, including age, gender, education level, employment status, income, episode of illness, revascularization procedure, comorbidities, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, and illness perception.

Results

The average patient age was 62.2 years, 67.5% were male, and 54.2% had less than high school education. The mean score for psychological stress was 21.30 ± 3.99 and 66.9% of patients had high psychological stress (score ≥ 20). Multivariable regression analysis showed that being overweight/obesity versus normal weight (body mass index:  ≥ 24 kg/m2 versus &lt; 24 kg/m2) was associated with lower psychological stress (β =  -0.134, p = 0.007). Having a high level of fasting blood glucose (≥ 6.1 mmol/L) versus normal fasting blood glucose (&lt; 6.1 mmol/L) was associated with high psychological stress (β = 0.123, p = 0.017). Additionally, negative cognitive illness perception (β = 0.190, p = 0.01), negative emotional illness perception (β = 0.290, p &lt; 0.001), and poor illness understanding (β = 0.118, p = 0.032) were associated with high psychological stress.

Conclusions

Patients with acute coronary syndrome experience high psychological stress that is significantly correlated with body mass index, fasting blood glucose, and illness perception. Health professionals should recognize this issue and interventions looking to relive psychological stress may benefit from targeting these correlates.

POS0884 THE ENHANCED LIVER FIBROSIS (ELF) SCORE AS A BIOMARKER OF SKIN FIBROSIS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Serum fibrotic markers for systemic sclerosis (SSc) remain limited. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score, originally derived and validated in patients with chronic liver disease, is an algorithm combining 3 serum markers, known as procollagen type III amino terminal propeptide (PIIINP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and hyaluronic acid (HA). The combined score was proved to be superior to the single components in reflecting the severity of liver fibrosis. However, the performance of ELF score and its components has not been fully validated in SSc.

Objectives:

To investigate PIIINP, TIMP-1, HA, and the combined algorithm ELF score as fibrotic markers for SSc skin involvement.

Methods:

Eighty SSc patients (44 dcSSc and 36 lcSSc), fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria with the absence of chronic liver diseases, were enrolled. Eighty age- and sex- matched healthy controls were also included. Serum PIIINP and HA levels were quantified by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum TIMP-1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ELF score was calculated using the formula ELF score= 2.494 + 0.846*ln(HA) + 0.735*ln(PIIINP) + 0.391*ln(TIMP-1). Results were correlated with clinical profiles including modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Results:

Compared with healthy controls, patients with SSc showed significantly elevated serum PIIINP (11.2±4.8 vs. 5.73±1.4μg/L, p<0.001), TIMP-I (123.7±78.6 vs. 67.8±26.5 ng/ml, p<0.001), and ELF score (10.5±0.9 vs. 9.7±0.4, P<0.001). Even higher levels of PIIINP, TIMP-1, and ELF score were observed in dcSSc patients, compared with lcSSc patients (p<0.001, p=0.024, p=0.003, respectively). No significant difference was found in the levels of serum HA between patients and controls. Strong correlations were observed between mRSS and ELF score (r=0.54, p<0.001), and between mRSS and PIIINP(r=0.62, p<0.001), whereas only weak correlations could be observed between mRSS and TIMP-1 (r=0.28, p=0.02), and between mRSS and HA (r=0.26, p=0.03). When stratified by ELF score, using cutoffs proposed for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, SSc patients with ELF<9.8 showed the lowest mRSS on average, while patients with ELF>11.3 showed the highest (p<0.001). When stratified by serum PIIINP levels, using the 25th and 75th percentiles, SSc patients with serum PIIIINP levels<7.8μg/L showed the lowest mRSS on average, while patients with PIIINP>14.0μg/L showed the highest (p<0.001). Neither the ELF score nor its components showed significant difference between patients with and without ILD.

Conclusion:

The ELF score could be used for reflecting the severity of overall skin involvement in SSc, and serum PIIINP also increased in parallel with the increase of mRSS. Longitudinal prospective studies exploring ELF score or serum PIIINP as fibrotic markers and outcome measures of SSc are warranted.

References:

[1]Lichtinghagen R, Pietsch D, Bantel H, et al. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score: Normal values, influence factors and proposed cut-off values. Journal of Hepatology. 2013; 59: 236-42.

[2]Abignano G, Blagojevic J, Bissell LA, et al. European multicentre study validates enhanced liver fibrosis test as biomarker of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology. 2019; 58: 254-59.

Figure 1.

Correlations of mRSS with ELF score (A) and serum PIIINP (B) and distribution of mRSS among different ELF (C) and PIIINP (D) ranges.

Acknowledgements:

The authors have no acknowledgements to declare.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0869 PREDICTIVE VALUE OF ANTI-INTERFERON-INDUCIBLE PROTEIN 16 ANTIBODIES FOR DIGITAL ULCERS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI-16) is constitutively expressed in vascular endothelial cells and can inhibit the proliferation of human endothelial cells and the formation of capillary-like structures in vitro. Anti-IFI-16 antibodies were reported in 21%-29% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and were associated with digital vascular events in a few retrospective studies.

Objectives:

To evaluate the presence and the clinical implication of anti-IFI-16 antibodies in Chinese SSc cohort, focusing on the associations with vasculopathy indexes, and to investigate the predictive value of anti-IFI-16 antibodies for the development of digital ulcers (DUs) in SSc prospectively.

Methods:

Patients with SSc presenting to our center between July 2018 and September 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Serum from 42 SSc patients and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed for anti-IFI-16 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and was considered positive if the optical density (OD) value was above the mean OD of controls plus two standard deviations. Tissue immunofluorescence was used to evaluate the expression of IFI16 in skin biopsy samples obtained from SSc patients and normal controls. At baseline, nailfold video-capillaroscopy was performed to assess nailfold capillary density of SSc patients. Power Doppler ultrasound was used to grade finger pulp blood flow (0-no observed flow; 1-decreased flow; 2-normal flow), and to measure ulnar and radial artery blood flow and resistive index (RI). All patients were followed up for 6 months to see whether they experienced new onset or recurrent DUs. The association of anti-IFI-16 antibodies with DUs was analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:

Of the 42 SSc patients, 8 (19.0%) were positive for anti-IFI-16 antibodies. Immunofluorescence of skin biopsy samples from SSc patients exhibited enhanced staining of IFI-16 in the dermis, and colocalization with endothelial marker CD31. SSc patients who were positive for anti-IFI-16 antibodies showed higher ulnar artery RI at baseline (0.95±0.09 vs. 0.86±0.09, p=0.015), while no significant differences were found for other vascular parameters, nor for clinical or demographic profiles. Within 6-month follow-up, 14 (33.3%) patients experienced new-onset or recurrent DUs. Univariate logistic regression revealed the presence of DUs at enrollment (p=0.009), anti-IFI-16 antibody (p=0.012), finger pulp blood flow (p=0.027), and ulnar artery RI (p=0.008) could be the predictors for the development of DUs. Multivariate analysis further identified DUs at enrollment (odds ratio [OR]: 10.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-73.18; p=0.014) and anti-IFI-16 antibody (OR: 15.00; 95% CI: 1.13-199.18; p=0.040) as independent risk factors. Among patients without DUs at enrollment, new-onset ulcers occurred in 80% (4/5) and 4.5% (1/22) of those with and without anti-IFI-16 antibody, respectively (p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Anti-IFI-16 antibody is associated with vasculopathy in SSc and could be used as a novel biomarker for indicating the development of DUs.

References:

[1]McMahan ZH, Shah AA, Vaidya D, et al. Anti-interferon-inducible protein 16 antibodies associate with digital gangrene in patients with Scleroderma. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016; 68(5): 1262-71.

[2]McMahan ZH, Cottrell TR, Wigley FM, et al. Autoantigens targeted in scleroderma patients with vascular disease are enriched in endothelial lineage cells. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016; 68(10): 2540–49.

Figure 1.

Multivariate logistic analysis for new or recurrent digital ulcers.

Acknowledgements:

The authors would like to thank Doctor Yi Cheng for performing Power Doppler ultrasound assessment.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

High pressure homogenization inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in phosphate buffered saline, milk and apple juice

High pressure homogenization (HPH) offers new opportunities for food pasteurization/sterilization. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer, milk and apple juice at initial concentration of ~10⁶ log₁₀ CFU per ml were subjected to HPH treatments up to 200 MPa with inlet temperatures at 4-40°C. After HPH at 200 MPa with the inlet temperature at 40°C, the count of E. coli suspended in PBS, milk and apple juice reduced by 3·42, 3·67 and 3·19 log₁₀ CFU per ml respectively while the count of S. aureus decreased by 2·21, 1·02 and 2·33 log₁₀ CFU per ml respectively suggesting that S. aureus was more resistant. The inactivation data were well fitted by the polynomial equation. Milk could provide a protective effect for S. aureus against HPH. After HPH at 200 MPa with the inlet temperature at 20°C, the cell structure of E. coli was destroyed, while no obvious damages were found for S. aureus.

Involvement of nitrogen in storage root growth and related gene expression in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Nitrogen (N) could affect storage root growth and development of sweet potato. To manage external N concentration fluctuations, plants have developed a wide range of strategies, such as growth changes and gene expression. Five sweet potato cultivars were used to analyse the functions of N in regulating storage root growth. Growth responses and physiological indicators were measured to determine the physiological changes regulated by different N concentrations. Expression profiles of related genes were analysed via microarray hybridization data and qRT-PCR analysis to reveal the molecular mechanisms of storage root growth regulated by different N concentrations. The growth responses and physiological indicators of the five cultivars were changed by N concentration. The root fresh weight of two of the sweet potato cultivars, SS19 and GS87, was higher under low N concentrations compared with the other cultivars. SS19 and GS87 were found to be having greater tolerance to low N concentration. The expression of N metabolism and storage root growth related genes was regulated by N concentration in sweet potato. These results reveal that N significantly regulated storage root growth. SS19 and GS87 were more tolerant to low N concentration and produced greater storage root yield (at 30 days). Furthermore, several N response genes were involved in both N metabolism and storage root growth.

P191 The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on perceived stress, depression and anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

An increasing number of people are living with coronary heart disease (CHD) globally. Psychological conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety are prevalent for people with CHD, which impose a great challenge for secondary prevention of CHD. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), which incorporate mindfulness skills and cognitive or behavioural therapy, are suggested as a promising approach to help patients with CHD to improve their psychological health. However, the effectiveness of MBIs for patients with CHD has not been systematically reviewed.

Purpose

To synthesise the evidence regarding the effects of MBIs on reducing perceived stress, depression, and anxiety in patients with CHD.

Methods

  Search was conducted in seven English electronic databases and two Chinese electronic databases from inception to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of MBIs on stress, depression, and anxiety in adults with CHD were included. Two reviewers independently screened records for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias using the Cochrane tool. Meta-analysis was conducted by combining the standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of post-intervention outcome measures using Review Manager Version 5.3. We used a fixed-effects model if no significant heterogeneity (I² &lt; 50%), while in case of significant heterogeneity (50% &lt; I² &lt; 75%), we used a random-effects model.

Results

Six RCTs involving 473 participants were included. Five of all studies compared MBIs with inactive controls (i.e., usual care and waitlist control). The remaining study utilized a self-help group that received a booklet containing identical mindfulness information as an active control. There were high concerns about the risk of bias across studies, mainly in performance bias and detection bias. The meta-analysis of two studies showed MBIs may reduce perceived stress at post-intervention (SMD -0.82; 95% CI -1.28 to -0.36; P &lt; 0.001; I² 0%) compared with inactive controls. Compared with active control, the single study did not observe a significant reduction of perceived stress in intervention group. The meta-analysis of five studies revealed that MBIs appear effective in reducing depression (SMD -1.08; 95% CI -1.28 to -0.87; P &lt; 0.001; I² 22%) and anxiety (SMD -1.16; 95% CI -1.57 to -0.75; P &lt; 0.001; I² 71%) immediately after intervention, compared with inactive or active controls.

Conclusions

The results of this review provide evidence for the effects of MBIs on reduction in perceived stress, depression and anxiety at post-intervention in patients with CHD. However, these findings need to be interpreted with caution given the small sample size and methodological limitations within included studies. Rigorous-designed research is urgently needed to further confirm the effectiveness of MBIs on improving psychological health and explore its sustainable effects in patients with CHD.

Psychometric assessment and application of the Chinese version of the Compliance with Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Survey in people with diabetic retinopathy

AIM

To translate the Compliance with Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Survey (CADEES) into Chinese, allowing assessment of its reliability and validity, and to identify variables that predict attendance at annual eye examinations.

METHODS

People with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy were recruited from the Shanghai Diabetic Eye Study. The study involved three phases: (1) translation and cross-cultural adaptation, (2) a pilot study (n = 496) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese-CADEES, and (3) a primary cross-sectional survey (n = 3818) to assess self-reported attendance at annual eye examinations. Factors related to non-attendance were identified using univariate analysis, and then a multiple logistic regression model. Finally, a component model and individual item models were built to predict attendance.

RESULTS

The Chinese-CADEES had satisfactory reliability and validity. The issue of low attendance at annual eye examinations was serious. In addition to 13 health belief items, living in semi-urban suburban areas, shorter duration of diabetes, poor glucose control, lower education level, better presenting visual acuity and milder diabetic retinopathy diagnosis were significantly related to non-attendance. The multivariate predictive model was able to predict, with 64.7% accuracy, whether or not participants were going to attend annual eye examinations and explained ~ 11.3% of the variance in attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese-CADEES showed good reliability and validity for predicting attendance at annual eye examinations in people with diabetic retinopathy. Clinicians and researchers can improve attendance by addressing modifiable characteristics and increasing education on diabetic retinopathy and the importance of eye health in people with diabetes.

MiR-10b regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia through targeting HOXD10

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of miR-10b in the proliferation and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to explore the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of miR-10b in clinical AML cases and cell lines was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between miR-10b and homeobox D10 (HOXD10) was confirmed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and Luciferase assay. The effect of miR-10b on biological functions of AML cell line (HL60) was analyzed in vitro. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and colony formation assay were used to detect the proliferation and colony formation ability of AML cells, respectively. Meanwhile, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were applied to measure cell cycle and apoptosis of AML cells, respectively.

RESULTS

miR-10b was significantly up-regulated in AML cases and cell lines. The potential target genes of miR-10b were analyzed by three public databases. Results showed that HOXD10 was a direct target of miR-10b. QRT-PCR, Western blotting and luciferase assay confirmed the regulatory effect of miR-10b on HOXD10. Overexpression of miR-10b accelerated the proliferation and colony formation ability of AML cells. Meanwhile, miR-10b overexpression decreased the percentage of AML cells in the G0/G1 phase when compared with S phase, and suppressed the apoptosis of AML cells. However, the addition of HOXD10 could reverse the effects of miR-10b.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-10b could regulate the proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis of AML cells through targeting HOXD10, indicating that miR-10b might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AML.

Quantum Criticality of the Ising-like Screw Chain Antiferromagnet SrCo_{2}V_{2}O_{8} in a Transverse Magnetic Field

The quantum criticality of an Ising-like screw chain antiferromagnet SrCo_{2}V_{2}O_{8}, with a transverse magnetic field applied along the crystalline a axis, is investigated by ultralow temperature NMR measurements. The Néel temperature is rapidly and continuously suppressed by the field, giving rise to a quantum critical point (QCP) at H_{C_{1}}≈7.03  T. Surprisingly, a second QCP at H_{C_{2}}≈7.7  T featured with gapless excitations is resolved from both the double-peak structure of the field-dependent spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/^{51}T_{1} at low temperatures and the weakly temperature-dependent 1/^{51}T_{1} at this field. Our data, combined with numerical calculations, suggest that the induced effective staggered transverse field significantly lowers the critical fields, and leads to an exposed QCP at H_{C_{2}}, which belongs to the one-dimensional transverse-field Ising universality.

[Comparison of etiology and incidence of pulmonary infection in patients with esophageal carcinoma accompanied by esophagotracheal fistula before and after the airway stent implantation]

Objective: To compare the etiology and incidence of pulmonary infection in patients with esophageal carcinoma accompanied by esophagotracheal fistula before and after the airway stent implantation. Methods: The clinical records of patients with esophageal carcinoma accompanied by esophagotracheal fistula in Respiratory Department and Oncology Department of Meitan General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed from March 2008 to January 2018. The demographic data, comorbidities, pathological results and etiology were collected before and after tracheal stents were implanted in all patients. The incidence of pulmonary infection was analyzed, and the classification of etiology was compared before and after tracheal stents implantation. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The incidence rate of pulmonary infection before stents implantation was 83.0%. A total of 105 bacterial strains were cultured, including 73 strains of gram-negative bacteria (69.5%) and mainly pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5 strains of gram-positive bacteria [all methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)] (4.8%), and 27 strains of fungi (25.7%) and mainly candida albicans. The incidence rate of pulmonary infection was lowered to 53.0% after tracheal stents implantation (χ(2)=29.102, P<0.001). A total of 79 bacterial strains were cultured, and the main bacteria were still gram-negative bacteria and fungi, in which pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida albicans accounted for the majority. However, 13 strains of MRSA were cultured (16.5%), significantly higher than those before stents implantation (χ(2)=7.451, P=0.005). Conclusions: The incidence rate of pulmonary infection in patients with esophageal carcinoma accompanied by esophagotracheal fistula is very high. Gram-negative bacteria and fungi are the main etiologies. Tracheal stents implantation can effectively reduce the incidence of pulmonary infection. However, the incidence rate of MRSA is significantly increased after stents implantation.

Carbon emissions from energy consumption in China: Its measurement and driving factors

To address climate change effectively, it is essential to quantify CO₂ emissions and the driving factors in high-energy-consuming countries. China is the top CO₂-emitting country; moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive analytical studies on quantifying the contributions of key drivers to high-energy-consuming countries' CO₂ emissions. Therefore, based on data of China's energy consumption from 2005 to 2016, this paper combines the extended Kaya identity with the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition method to construct an optimized carbon emission decomposition model. Carbon emission and carbon emission intensity are measured and decomposed. Then, the results of the decomposition are discussed, and the effects of various drivers on carbon emissions from energy consumption in China are analysed. Furthermore, we demonstrate real applications of decomposition analysis in policy-making using examples from China and present some ideas to reduce CO₂. The results show that from 2005 to 2016, China's total carbon emissions accounted for nearly one-third of the world's total carbon emissions, and the intensity of carbon emissions in China was generally higher than that of worldwide. The rapid development of economy and acceleration of urbanization are not conducive to reduction of carbon emissions. Reducing the intensity of energy consumption, adjusting the internal structure of the industry and perfecting the economic policy system should be important means used to promote the development of China's low-carbon economy in the future.

Epidemiological characteristics and associated factors of acute hepatitis A outbreak among HIV-coinfected men who have sex with men in Taiwan, June 2015-December 2016

In Taiwan, an outbreak of acute hepatitis A (AHA) infection has been identified since June 2015. Approximately half of the cases occurred in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). We used the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC)-operated National Disease Surveillance Systems (NDSS) to identify the incidence of AHA during 2011-2016. Between June 2015 and December 2016, a total of 1268 AHA cases were documented, and 601 cases (47.4%) were co-infected with HIV; the majority of whom were MSM (98.4%). Each AHA case was matched to two HIV-infected controls without AHA reported in the NDSS on age (± 5 years), risk factor of HIV infection, HIV diagnosis date (± 30 days) and county/city of residence at HIV diagnosis. Three hundred forty-three HIV/AHA cases were matched to 686 controls. In multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, a previous gonorrhoea (adjusted OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.16-2.70) and recent (aOR=6.77, 95% CI 4.34-10.55) or remote syphilis report (aOR=3.56, 95% CI 2.48-5.13) were independently associated with AHA. The epidemic persisted till December 2016, and the cases with a new diagnosis of HIV infection after AHA (28/301, 9.3%) increased after July 2016 (P = .001). HIV/AHA cases were centralized in northern and central metropolitan areas and HIV-infected MSM with a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases in Taiwan. We recommend surveillance of associated behavioural and virologic characteristics and HAV counselling and testing for HIV-infected men.

Indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinones Attack Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells by Inducing Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis and Inhibition of Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Genotoxic stress resistance in patients often contributes to poor clinical outcomes, and is intensively associated to the upregulation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. In this study, we examined the connection between the anticancer activity of two novel indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinone (IQ) derivatives, IQ-7 and IQ-12, and their effect on the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

METHODS

We initially measured the cytotoxicity of IQ-7 and IQ-12 in Hep3B (human hepatoma cell) and HL-7702 (normal human liver cell) cell lines, then further detected their effects on Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and apoptosis.

RESULTS

IQ-7 and IQ-12 downregulated the expression levels of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes, such as NQO1, HO-1 and Gclc. In Hep3B cells treated with IQ-7 or IQ-12, the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased dramatically while the expression level of the pro-apoptotic protein VDAC1 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 significantly increased and decreased, respectively. In addition, IQ-7 (but not IQ-12) also induced the activity of Caspase-3. Interestingly, IQ-7 appeared to selectively inhibit Hep3B cells while having rare adverse effect on HL-7702 cells.

CONCLUSION

The two compounds were shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in Hep3B cells, and IQ-7 was suggested a degree of specificity against cancer cells. The design of these compounds may therefore represent a new strategy for designing quinazoline derivatives that could selectively target carcinoma cells.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit T follicular helper cell in lupus-prone mice

Background The objective of this paper is to analyze the role of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in lupus-prone mice. Methods Bone marrow cells were isolated from C57BL/6 (B6) mice and cultured in vitro, and surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. Naïve CD4⁺ T cells, splenocytes and Tfh cells were isolated from B6 mice spleens and co-cultured with BM-MSCs. The proliferation and the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells and Tfh cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Lupus-prone MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice were treated via intravenous injection with expanded BM-MSCs, the differentiation of Tfh cells was detected, and the relief of lupus nephritis was analyzed. Results MSCs could be successfully induced from bone marrow cells, and cultured BM-MSCs could inhibit T cell proliferation dose-dependently. BM-MSCs could prevent Tfh cell development from naïve CD4⁺ T cells and splenocytes. BM-MSCs could inhibit IL-21 gene expression and cytokine production and inhibit isolated Tfh cells and STAT3 phosphorylation. In vivo study proved that BM-MSCs intravenous injection could effectively inhibit Tfh cell expansion and IL-21 production, alleviate lupus nephritis, and prolong the survival rate of lupus-prone mice. Conclusions BM-MSCs could effectively inhibit the differentiation of Tfh cells both in vitro and in vivo. BM-MSC treatment could relieve lupus nephritis, which indicates that BM-MSCs might be a promising therapeutic method for the treatment of SLE.

[Comparison of radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia guided by three dimensional navigation with X-ray]

Objective: To compare the therapeutic efficiency and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (PSVT) guided by three-dimensional navigation with X-ray. Methods: One hundred and seventy-six patients with PSVT hospitalized in Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2013 and December 2014 were enrolled in this study. RFCA was performed on 95 patients (Group A) guided by the three dimensional electric-field navigation system (NavX) and the procedures were done with the spatial localization method, unless X-ray was needed in some cases.Eighty-one patients (Group B) underwent RFCA guided by X-ray only.The success rate, complications, recurrence rate, operation time, and X-ray exposure were compared between the two groups. Results: The immediate success rate of operation was 100% in the 176 PSVT patients without complications.There were recurrences in 2 cases of Group A, while in 1 case of Group B. The average operation time in Group A was (97±20) min, while (91±26) min in Group B. The median X-ray fluoroscopy time was 3.0 min and radiation dose was 18.5 μGym² in Group A, which were significantly reduced compared with those in Group B (34.5 min, 167.3 μGym²) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in immediate procedure success rate, complications, recurrence, and operative time between this two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: The RFCA for PSVT guided by three-dimensional navigation is safe and feasible in the experienced electrophysiological center.Most patients suffer less or no X-ray radiation.

Multidetector computed tomography for detecting left atrial/left atrial appendage thrombus: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombus had been tested in many studies; however, the results are controversial.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate synthetically the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in LA/LAA thrombus.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for published prospective studies which compared computed tomography with transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in detecting LA/LAA thrombus prior to March 2014. Descriptive and quantitative information was extracted and MetaDiSc 1.4 was used to perform a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen prospective clinical controlled trials with 2540 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivities (SEN): 0.957; pooled specificities (SPE): 0.917; pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR): 22.017; pooled negative likelihood ratio (NLR): 0.060; pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR): 437.43; the area under the curve (AUC): 0.9883; Q*-value: 0.9544. However, in the abovementioned indexes, the heterogeneities were statistically significant between studies (P < 0.05, inconsistency index (I(2) ) > 50%). In a sub-analysis of studies in which delayed imaging, electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and heart rate control were performed, not only the diagnostic accuracy, but also the heterogeneities were significantly improved (pooled SEN 0.991; pooled SPE 0.989; pooled PLR 60.768; pooled NLR 0.034; pooled DOR 2561.7; AUC 0.9972; Q*-value 0.9806; all the indexes' P-value were greater than 0.05 and the I(2) were 0%, except for SPE, I(2) = 54.6%).

CONCLUSION

For patients with TEE intolerance or contraindications, MDCT may be an alternative method, especially when the delayed imaging, ECG gating and heart rate control were performed.

Expression profiles of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration

Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common clinical pathology and has become a focus for research in recent years. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes responsible for the degradation of almost all extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). The over-expression of MMPs or tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may disrupt the dynamic balance of the ECM. Therefore, in the current study, the expression levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in lumbar IDD patients were evaluated in an attempt to elucidate their role in IDD pathogenesis and progression. In total, 60 IDD patients were recruited as the experimental group, along with 20 cases of lumbar vertebral injury without disc degeneration as the control group. Preoperative venous blood samples were collected, and intervertebral disc tissues were collected from the lesion during surgery. Serum and tissue levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Serum and tissue MMP-1 levels in IDD patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, sub-group analysis revealed that severe IDD patients had higher MMP-1 levels compared with mild or moderate IDD patients (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in TIMP- 1 levels in either the serum or tissues of IDD patients compared to patients in the control group (P > 0.05). These results demonstrate that MMP-1 expression is increased in IDD, with higher expression observed in more severe cases, whereas TIMP-1 expression was similarly expressed in both normal and degenerated discs.

Allelic polymorphism of KIR2DL2/2DL3 in a southern Chinese population

KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 segregate as alleles of the same killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene locus. They have been associated with viral infectious diseases and certain cancers and their allelic information may help to better comprehend mechanisms. The allelic polymorphism of KIR2DL2/2DL3 has been shown to influence their binding specificity and affinity to the HLA-C1 ligands. The present study aims to investigate the distribution of the allelic polymorphism of KIR2DL2/2DL3 in a southern Chinese population using sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) and PCR-sequence-based typing (SBT) at the entire coding sequence. Of the 306 tested individuals, 1.96% were positive for KIR2DL2 only, 78.10% for KIR2DL3 only, and 19.93% for both KIR2DL2 and 2DL3. KIR2DL3 showed a high degree of diversity in the study population with 15 alleles detected including 8 novel ones. The predominant 2DL3 allele in the study population is 2DL3*00101 (92.81%) followed by 2DL3*00201 (24.18%), 2DL3*023 (4.25%), and 2DL3*00109 (1.31%). The remaining 11 2DL3 alleles all had a frequency below 1%. Three detected 2DL2 alleles were 2DL2*00301 (18.95%), 2DL2*00101 (3.59%), and the novel 2DL2*013 (0.33%). These results provide further insight into the KIR gene diversity in Southern Chinese and may help to better understand the role played by KIR genes in associated diseases.

Association between metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity and chronic kidney disease: the role of inflammation

AIM

Our study explored the association between subtypes of increased fat mass (with or without associated metabolic alterations) and the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional survey in China, body mass index (BMI) was used to assess fat mass. Metabolically healthy was defined as no insulin resistance or any metabolic syndrome components except abdominal obesity. We also used two previous definitions of metabolically healthy. Multiple logistic regression models were used. Normal weight with metabolic health was designated the reference group. Three other subgroups included normal weight with metabolic unhealthiness, overweight/obesity with metabolic health and overweight/obesity with metabolic unhealthiness.

RESULTS

Of the 2324 subjects, 11.77% overweight/obese subjects were metabolically healthy. Compared with normal-weight subjects who were metabolically healthy, overweight/obese subjects who were metabolically healthy did not have an increased risk of CKD (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.29–2.14; P = 0.64), whereas overweight/obese subjects who were metabolically unhealthy had a significantly higher risk of CKD (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.5–3.95; P < 0.001). Normal-weight subjects who were metabolically unhealthy also had a higher risk of CKD, but the P value was of borderline significance. On further adjusting for C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, ORs were much attenuated, but did not alter the associations observed. Using two other definitions of metabolically healthy resulted in similar results.

CONCLUSION

Metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity, but not metabolically healthy overweight/obesity, is associated with an increased risk of CKD. Inflammation might mediate at least part of the association between metabolic changes and CKD prevalence.

A novel null HLA allele, HLA-DRB1*15:115N, identified in a Chinese family

The novel allele HLA-DRB1*15:115N differs from HLA-B*15:80N by a nucleotide substitution at position 227 T > A.

Association of the IRF5 SNP rs2004640 with systemic sclerosis in Han Chinese

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease involving multiple genetic factors. An association of the IRF5 polymorphism with SSc was reported in Caucasian populations of Europe and North America, as well as in Japanese populations. The present study aimed to examine whether the SSc-associated SNP rs2004640 of IRF5 gene confer susceptibility to SSc and clinical features of SSc in a Han Chinese population. A Han Chinese cohort consisting of 424 SSc patients and 502 healthy controls were examined in the study. TaqMan assays were carried out to examine the SNP. Exact p-values were obtained (Fisher’s test) from 2x2 tables of allele counts and disease status. SSc patients of Han Chinese showed increased homozygous TT genotype of the rs2004640 (p = 0.027, odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, CI =1.03-1.93), which was significantly associated with pulmonary fibrosis of SSc and ATA-positive SSc of Han Chinese. The lcSSc and ACA-positive SSc of Han Chinese appeared also in association with the increased T allele frequency. However, the Chinese dcSSc did not show any association with the rs2004640. The results were consistent with previous reports in other ethnic populations in supporting the notion that polymorphisms of IRF5 may play an important role in susceptibility to SSc.

Effect of estrogen deficiency on the fixation of titanium implants in chronic kidney disease mice

We established a chronic kidney disease (CKD) mouse model with estrogen deficiency and inserted titanium implants into the femur of such mice to investigate the fixation of the implants. Both the histomorphometry and implant resistance indicated that estrogen deficiency impaired the fixation of titanium implants inserted into such mice.

INTRODUCTION

CKD has been regarded as a worldwide public health problem. Estrogen is a critical factor for both renal protection and bone remodeling. A previous study demonstrated that CKD impairs the early healing of titanium implants. However, the combined effect of estrogen deficiency and CKD on the fixation of titanium implants is largely unknown.

METHODS

Forty 9-week-old female C57BL mice were randomly divided into sham, ovariectomy (OVX), CKD, and CKD + OVX groups. Uremia and estrogen deficiency were induced by 5/6 nephrectomy and OVX, respectively. Experimental titanium implants were inserted into the distal end of the femur. Bone-implant contact (BIC) ratio and bone volume (BV/TV) around the implants were histomorphometrically analyzed. The fixation strength of the implant was measured by a biomechanical push-in resistance test.

RESULTS

Serum measurement confirmed a significant increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the CKD group, which was further increased by OVX. Estrogen deficiency led to significant decreases in the BIC ratio, BV/TV, and the push-in resistance in CKD animals. There was a significant interaction between the effects of OVX and CKD, with OVX exacerbating the effects of CKD on BIC ratio and push-in resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that estrogen deficiency exerts a synergistic effect with CKD and further impairs the fixation of titanium implants in CKD mice.

MicroRNA-29A/PTEN pathway modulates neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

PTEN serves as an intrinsic brake on neurite outgrowth, but the regulatory mechanism that governs its action is not clear. In the present study, miR-29a was found to increase neurite outgrowth by decreasing PTEN expression. Results showed that miR-92a-1, miR-29a, miR-92b, and miR-29c expression levels increased during nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. Based on in silico analysis of possible miR-29a targets, PTEN mRNA may be a binding site for miR-29a. A protein expression assay and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-29a could directly target the 3'-UTRs (untranslated regions) of PTEN mRNA and down-regulate the expression of PTEN. PC12 cells infected with lentiviral pLKO-miR-29a showed far higher levels of miR-29a and Akt phosphorylation level than those infected with control. This promoted neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. Collectively, these results indicate that miR-29a is an important regulator of neurite outgrowth via targeting PTEN and that it may be a promising therapeutic target for neural disease.