Influence of 3D printed surface micro-structures on molding performance and dental bonding properties of zirconia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of the 3D printed micro-structured surfaces on the bond strength of zirconia to resin cement.

METHODS

Zirconia specimens were divided into five groups based on manufacturing technique and surface preparation: (1) milled zirconia (M group); (2) milled zirconia airborne abraded (MA group); (3) printed zirconia (M group); (4) printed zirconia airborne abraded (PA group); and (5) printed zirconia with micro-structured surface (PM group). The surface morphology, cross-sectional morphology, and elemental composition were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Surface roughness was measured using a laser scanning confocal microscope (SLCM). Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured using a universal testing machine after bonding resin cement (n = 10). The failure modes of the bonded fracture interfaces were observed and counted using a stereomicroscope and a SEM. In addition, boundary dimensional accuracy (n = 10) and micro-structural dimensional accuracy (n = 20) of printed zirconia specimens with micro-structured surfaces were measured using digital calipers and Fiji software. The crystalline phase changes before and after surface treatment were investigated using X-ray diffractometry. Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests (α = 0.05).

RESULT

The surface micro-structures of the PM group had regular morphology and no obvious defects. The surface roughness results showed that the PM group had higher Sa (42.21±1.38 um) and Ra (21.25±1.80 um) values than the other four groups (p < 0.001). The SBS test showed that the bond strength of the PM group reached 11.23 ± 0.66 MPa, which was 55.97% (p < 0.001) higher than that of the P group (7.20 ± 1.14 MPa). The boundary dimensional accuracy of the PM group was proficient (diameter: 99.63 ± 0.31%, thickness: 98.05 ± 1.12%), and the actual fabrication dimensions of the hexagonal micro-structures reached 77.45%-80.01% of the original design. The micro-structured surface did not affect the crystalline phase of zirconia.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study illustrates that 3D-printed microstructured surfaces effectively improve the bond strength of zirconia to resin cements.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

With the advantage of 3D printing, this study provides a new idea for improving the bonding properties of zirconia.

Application of deep learning in radiation therapy for cancer

In recent years, with the development of artificial intelligence, deep learning has been gradually applied to clinical treatment and research. It has also found its way into the applications in radiotherapy, a crucial method for cancer treatment. This study summarizes the commonly used and latest deep learning algorithms (including transformer, and diffusion models), introduces the workflow of different radiotherapy, and illustrates the application of different algorithms in different radiotherapy modules, as well as the defects and challenges of deep learning in the field of radiotherapy, so as to provide some help for the development of automatic radiotherapy for cancer.

Activation of CncC pathway by ROS burst regulates ABC transporter responsible for beta-cypermethrin resistance in Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari:Dermanyssidae)

The drug resistance of poultry red mites to chemical acaricides is a global issue in the control of the mites, which presents an ongoing threat to the poultry industry. Though the increased production of detoxification enzymes has been frequently implicated in resistance development, the overexpression mechanism of acaricide-resistant related genes in mites remains unclear. In the present study, it was observed that the transcription factor Cap 'n' Collar isoform-C (CncC) and its partner small muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis (Maf) were highly expressed in resistant strains compared to sensitive strains under the stress of beta-cypermethrin. When the CncC/Maf pathway genes were down-regulated by RNA interference (RNAi), the expression of the ABC transporter genes was down-regulated, leading to a significant increase in the sensitivity of resistant strains to beta-cypermethrin, suggesting that CncC/Maf played a crucial role in mediating the resistance of D.gallinae to beta-cypermethrin by regulating ABC transporters. Furthermore, it was observed that the content of H2O2 and the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes were significantly higher in resistant strains after beta-cypermethrin stress, indicating that beta-cypermethrin activates reactive oxygen species (ROS). In ROS scavenger assays, it was found that the expression of CncC/Maf significantly decreased, along with a decrease in the ABC transporter genes. The present study showed that beta-cypermethrin seemed to trigger the outbreak of ROS, subsequently activated the CncC/Maf pathway, as a result induced the ABC transporter-mediated resistance to the drug, shedding more light on the resistance mechanisms of D.gallinae to pyrethroids.

Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

[Surgical plan selection and efficacy analysis in 32 cases of laryngotracheal stenosis]

Objective: To explore the optimization of surgical procedures for laryngotracheal stenosis and its effect analysis. Methods: The data of 32 patients with acquired laryngotracheal stenosis who received surgical treatment from October 2015 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The age ranged from 19 to 72 years, with an average of (34.0±9.0) years. The medical history ranged from 1 to 32 months (median 3 months). As for etiology, there were 30 cases of iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis, including 20 cases of tracheal intubation and 10 cases of tracheotomy (7 cases of percutaneous tracheotomy and 3 cases of traditional tracheotomy). There were 1 case of laryngotracheal trauma and 1 case of airway Penicillium marneffei infection. According to Myer-Cotton grading system, grade Ⅳ stenosis was found in 14 cases, including 12 cases involving trachea and 2 cases involving trachea and subglottic area.There were 18 cases of grade Ⅲ, all of which involved the cervical trachea 5 cases failed in operation in other hospitals. According to stenosis grading, course of disease, primary disease control and the patient's general condition, the surgical plan was determined individually. The operations of end-to-end anastomosis, circumferential tracheal partial resection, T-tube placement and CO2 laser tracheal scar resection were performed respectively. The recovery of airway function and perioperative complications were observed one year after operation. Results: End-to-end anastomosis was performed in 16 cases, and partial circumferential tracheal resection in 2 cases, and tracheal granulation (scar) resection by CO2 laser in 2 cases and T-tube insertion in 12 cases. Eighteen cases which performed end-to-end anastomosis, partial resection of circumferential trachea in and 2 cases which performed laser tracheal scar resection were all recovered airway function at one stage. After 1 year, 19 cases were cured and 1 case was effective. Of 12 patients with T tube implantation, 11 cases were successfully extubated after 6-12 months, 7 cases were cured after 1 year, 2 cases were effective and 3 cases were ineffective. Among the 3 cases of failure, 2 cases were successfully extubated by sleeve resection and end-to-end anastomosis in the second stage, and the other case refused to accept other treatment methods and the T-tube was placed again, and the tube was blocked and the patient survived. During the follow-up period, the total cure rate was 87.5%, the effective rate was 9.4%, and the total extubation rate was 96.9%.The most common complication was subcutaneous emphysema, accounting for 78% (25/32), but no serious mediastinal emphysema or pneumothorax occurred. In the T-tube implantation group, granulation tissue grew in different degrees around the neck wound after operation, and improved or disappeared after 6-9 months. Anterior cervical tracheal fistula occurred in 4 cases of T-tube implantation group after extubation, which were cured by sealing the stoma. There were no complications such as severe bleeding or perioperative death. Conclusion: When there were various factors, the optimization of the surgical plan according to the degree of stenosis, the course of disease, the control of primary disease and the general condition was an important guarantee to improve the curative effect of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Mechanism of Antidepressant Action of (2R,6R)-6-Hydroxynorketamine (HNK) and Its Compounds: Insights from Proteomic Analysis

The effects of HNK, I5, and I6 on the expression of protein in hippocampus of depressed mice were studied by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) to explore the mechanism of their antidepressant action. HNK, I5, and I6 were administered intragastric administration once a day in the morning for 7 days. The drug was subsequently discontinued for 7 days (without any treatment). On the 15th day, mice in each group were given the drug (1.0, 10.0, 30.0 mg/kg) intragastric stimulation and mouse hippocampal tissues were taken to perform iTRAQ to identify differentially expressed proteins, and bioinformatics was used to analyze the functional enrichment of the differentially expressed proteins. Compared with Ctr group, the number of differentially expressed proteins in HNK, I5, and I6 treatment groups was 158, 88, and 105, respectively. The three groups shared 29 differentially expressed proteins. In addition, compared with HNK group, the number of differentially expressed proteins in I5 and I6 groups was 201 and 203, respectively. A total of 47 and 56 differentially expressed proteins were co-expressed in I5 and I6 groups. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins mainly had the functions of binding, biocatalysis, and transport, and mainly participated in cellular process, biological regulation process, biological metabolism process, and stress reaction process. GO and KEGG pathway analysis found that these differentially expressed proteins were involved long-term potentiation, G13 pathway, platelet activation pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. HNK, I5, and I6 antidepressants are closely related to sudden stress sensitivity, stress resistance, neurotransmitter, and metabolic pathways. This study provides a scientific basis to further elucidate the mechanism and clinical application of HNK, I5, and I6 antidepressants.

Two-Stage Treatment Protocol of Fungal Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Infections: the Clinical Experience from a Single Center Experience

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the clinical results and safety of fungal periprosthetic joint Infections (fPJIs) using two-stage treatment protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

8 patients with fPJIs (3 hips and 5 knees) using two-stage revision were reviewed retrospectively and followed up at least 2 years. The preoperative demographic data, two-stage treatment protocol, results of microbiology and histologic workup and postoperative follow-up results (reimplantation success rate and infection free time) were recorded.

RESULTS

7 patients got successful reimplantation, with a 75% reimplantation success rate. Two patients got knee arthrodesis eventually. All patients were infection free with a median follow-up of 4.0 ± 2.0 years (range, 2-7 years). Of them, Candida species were found in 7 patients, while non-Candida specimen was only isolated in 1 patient with Aspergillus. Only 2 patients had coexisting bacterial infection (Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Proteus mirabilis respectively). The average interval between the initial surgery and diagnosis of fPJIs was 21.50±34.79 months (range, 4-104 months). The mean time of spacer implantation was 7.75±2.77 months (range, 6-14 months). None serious complication or above knee amputation was found.

DISCUSSION

fPJIs are very rare and considerable challenge after total hip or knee arthroplasty. The goal of therapy is to eradicate local infection and maintain function. Candida species were the most common pathogen. The duration between spacer placement and staged reimplantation was highly variable, and generally dependent upon the results of joint aspirates and infl ammatory markers. The current study shows that the two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections. The safety and effi cacy of biantibiotical impregnated (antifungal + antibiotics) cement spacer is confi rmed. Further evidence-based work is needed to determine the optimal drug dose and reimplantation time.

KEY WORDS

two-stage treatment protocol, fungal periprosthetic infections, hip spacer, knee spacer.

[Standardized diagnosis results of suspected local anesthetics allergy]

To review and investigate the diagnosis results of local anesthetics (LA) allergy and improve the understanding of LA allergy in clinician. From March 2017 to February 2022, a total of 24 patients were investigated in Allergy Center of West China Hospital,Sichuan University on suspicion of LA allergy. Clinical data and results of skin tests and drug provocation tests (DPT) with the suspected drugs were retrospectively evaluated. The value of standardized diagnostic protocol in the LA allergy were analyzed. The results showed that 24 patients (3 men/21 women) were included with age range from 20 to 74 years. Three cases (12.5%) were positive in previous LA skin tests and proved to be tolerated through standardized tests. Twenty-one patients were initially diagnosed as "LA allergy" because of adverse reactions after previous use of LA, including 20 cases of immediate-type reaction and 1 case of delayed-type reaction. Three cases were considered LA allergy through standardized diagnosis approaches, including skin tests and DPT. One patient was diagnosed with anaphylaxis caused by chlorhexidine. Of the remaining 17 patients, 7 were considered as psychosomatic reactions (29.1%), 3 of sympathetic nervous system conditions (12.5%), 1 of spontaneous urticaria (4.2%), 2 of vasovagal syncope (8.3%), drug side effects (8.3%), skin irritation (8.3%), respectively. In conclusion, true allergic reactions to LA are rare. Through standardized skin tests and DPT, allergy can be ruled out in the vast majority of patients who complain of "LA allergy". For patients who are highly suspected of LA inducing anaphylaxis, other local anesthetics that can be used as safe alternatives should be determined by diagnostic tests according to future needs.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. This meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors for the development of AKI in patients with COVID-19.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE from 1 December 2019 to 1 January 2023. Due to significant study heterogeneity, meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were also performed.Results: A total of 153,600 COVID-19 patients from 39 studies were included, and 28,003 patients developed AKI. By meta-analysis, we discovered that age, male sex, obesity, black race, invasive ventilation, and the use of diuretics, steroids and vasopressors, in addition to comorbidities such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and diabetes, were significant risk factors for COVID-19-associated AKI.Conclusions: Early detection of these risk factors is essential to reduce the incidence of AKI and improve the prognosis of COVID-19 patients.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy or Whole Brain Radiotherapy Combined with Pyrotinib and Capecitabine in HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases (BROPTIMA): A Prospective, Phase Ib/II Single-Arm Clinical Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Approximately half of patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) will develop brain metastases (BM) over time. Local therapy including stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the main initial treatment in malignant tumor patients with BM. However, more than 50% patients after radiotherapy in one year suffered intracranial recurrence. Pyrotinib, a small molecule, irreversible, pan-ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has a high potency for controlling BM and reducing the occurrence of brain metastases in advanced HER2-positive BC patients. We hypothesized that SRT or WBRT combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine could decrease intracranial progression in HER2 positive BC with newly diagnosed BM.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective single-arm phase Ib/II trial (NCT04582968), eligible patients were assigned to either fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) or whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine. The primary endpoint was one-year CNS progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included intracranial objective response rate (IC-ORR) according to RANO-BM criteria, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and evaluation of safety and neurocognitive function.

RESULTS

From January 2020 to August 2022, 40 patients were enrolled. Twenty-nine patients were treated with FSRT in 8 Gy per fraction with 3 to 5 fractions and 11 were treated with WBRT in 3 Gy per fraction with 10 fractions, and then received chemotherapy in a time frame starting from 0 to 7 days after radiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 17.3 months, 1-year CNS-PFS rate was 74.9% (95% CI 61.9-90.7%) and median CNS-PFS was 18 months (95% CI, 15.5 to NA months). One-year PFS rate was 66.9% (53.1-84.2%) and median PFS time was 17.6 months (95% CI 12.8-34.1 months). The best intracranial response rate (IC-ORR: complete response and partial response) was 92.5% (37/40). The most common grade 3 or worse toxicity was diarrhea (7.5%) and asymptomatic radiation necrosis was detected in 4 of 67(6.0%) lesions treated with FSRT. No differences of neurocognitive function evaluated by MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam) were observed between different groups at any time point.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy combined with pyrotinib and capecitabine resulted in a promising efficacy that crossed the pre-specified boundary in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer with brain metastases. This is the first prospective study showing the efficacy and safety of CNS radiotherapy concurrent with pyrotinib and capecitabine in patients with BM from HER2-positive breast cancer. Further investigation in a randomized controlled study is warranted.

Irisin Ameliorated Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Inhibiting Fatty Acid Oxidation and Pyroptosis Induced by Palmitic Acid in Chronic Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

Protein-energy waste (PEW) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), among which skeletal muscle atrophy is one of the most important clinical features of PEW. Pyroptosis is a type of proinflammatory, programmed cell death associated with skeletal muscle disease. Irisin, as a novel myokine, has attracted extensive attention for its protective role in the complications associated with CKD, but its role in muscle atrophy in CKD is unclear.

METHODS

Palmitic acid (PA)-induced muscular atrophy was evaluated by a reduction in C2C12 myotube diameter. Muscle atrophy model was established in male C57BL/6J mice treated with 0.2% adenine for 4 weeks and then fed a 45% high-fat diet. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, body and muscle weight, and muscle histology were assessed. The expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and pyroptosis-related protein was analysed by Western blots or immunohistochemistry. The release of IL-1β was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

In this study, we showed that PA-induced muscular atrophy manifested as a reduction in C2C12 myotube diameter. During this process, PA can also induce pyroptosis, as shown by the upregulation of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 and GSDMD-N expression and the increased IL-1β release and PI-positive cell rate. Inhibition of caspase-1 or NLRP3 attenuated PA-induced pyroptosis and myotube atrophy in C2C12 cells. Importantly, irisin treatment significantly ameliorated PA-induced skeletal muscle pyroptosis and atrophy. In terms of mechanism, PA upregulated CPT1A, a key enzyme of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and irisin attenuated this effect, which was consistent with etomoxir (CPT1A inhibitor) treatment. Moreover, irisin improved skeletal muscle atrophy and pyroptosis in adenine-induced mice by regulating FAO.

CONCLUSION

Our study firstly verifies that pyroptosis is a novel mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy in CKD. Irisin ameliorates skeletal muscle atrophy by inhibiting FAO and pyroptosis in CKD, and irisin may be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of muscle wasting in CKD patients.

[Airborne fungi monitoring]

Airborne fungi are an important class of aeroallergens that can lead to the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma, and reducing the exposure of fungi is an important strategy to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms in individuals with fungal allergy. Therefore, monitoring airborne fungi and understanding their dispersion patterns are important for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The purpose of this article is to review the methods of airborne fungi monitoring and factors influencing the distribution and dispersal of airborne fungi.

[The value of aspirin challenge tests in the diagnosis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-exacerbated respiratory disease]

Objective: To investigate the value of aspirin challenge tests in the diagnosis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD). Methods: Fifty patients (22 males and 28 females; aged 16-61 years) who were diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) with/without asthma, and underwent NERD standardized diagnosis in the Allergy Centre of West China Hospital, Sichuan University from December 2021 to November 2022 were included in the study. The first step was asking about the history of exacerbation respiratory symptoms after intake of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, including aspirin; the second step was performing intranasal aspirin challenge (IAC); and the third step was performing oral aspirin challenge (OAC). The diagnosis of NERD was made if any of the above steps was positive, and the subsequent steps were not performed, otherwise the diagnosis was made to OAC. If OAC was negative, the diagnosis was non-NERD. All patients completed the sino-nasal outcome test 22 (SNOT 22) score, Lund-Kennedy score by nasal endoscopic, allergen skin prick test, blood routine and serum total IgE test. SPSS version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The diagnosis of NRED was confirmed in 27 patients (27/50, 54%). Seven (7/50, 14%) of them were diagnosed by clinical history and 20 (20/50, 40%) were diagnosed by aspirin challenge tests, of which 17 (17/20, 85%) were positive to IAC and 3 (3/20, 15%) to OAC. Of the 43 patients who underwent IAC testing, only 2 (2/43, 5%) developed asthma attacks during challenge. Comparing the clinical characteristics of patients in NERD and non-NERD group, there were significant differences between the two groups in gender (P=0.001), hyposmia (P=0.003), history of repeated CRSwNP surgeries (P=0.028), comorbid asthma (P=0.013), SNOT-22 score (P=0.004) and the percentage of peripheral blood eosinophil (P=0.043). Conclusions: Patients may be underdiagnosed if the diagnosis of NERD is made only by medical history, and it is necessary to carry out aspirin challenge tests. IAC is an important means to diagnose NERD with high accuracy and good safety. However, If IAC is negative, further OAC is required.

[Three cases of occupational acute trimethyltin chloride poisoning]

Trimethyltin chloride is a highly toxic substance, which is absorbed through respiratory tract, skin and digestive tract, with central nervous system injury as the main clinical manifestations, and can be accompanied by damage to various organs. In this paper, the treatment process of 3 patients with acute trimethyltin chloride poisoning was reviewed, and their clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. Three patients were misdiagnosed as mental abnormality, encephalitis, and hepatic encephalopathy in different hospitals in the early stage of medical treatment, suggesting that clinicians should pay attention to the occupational contact history of poisoned patients and conduct toxicant detection in time to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Function of glycogen synthase kinase3 in embryogenesis of Dermanyssus gallinae

In the life cycle of Dermanyssus gallinae, the embryo is a developmental stage that does not require blood meals, but needs glucose to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation, providing energy for embryonic development. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), belonging to the serine/threonine kinase family, is a key enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism in many eukaryotes, but not be described in D. gallinae. The present study was conducted to explore the role of Dg-GSK3 in the embryogenesis of D. gallinae. The results of qPCR showed that Dg-GSK3 mRNA was expressed in different development stages of D. gallinae embryos. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed on the female mites and eggs by immersion, and it was found that lowering GSK3 expression level could significantly decrease the female egg laying rate and egg hatching rate (P < 0.05). Some eggs became shrunken and shriveled in appearance. The fecundity of female D. gallinae obtained from the rDg-GSK3-immunized group of chickens (2.56 ± 0.35 eggs per mite, P < 0.0001) decreased significantly from that of the control group (3.49 ± 0.35). The oviposition rate of rDg-GSK3-immunized group (75.94 ± 7.28 %, P = 0.0003）was significantly lower that of the control group (89.69 ± 2.63 %). In conclusion, Dg-GSK3 is a crucial gene during the embryogenesis of D. gallinae, which can affect both the female fecundity and the egg hatching, which help us understand the function of GSK3 gene in the embryogenesis of mites.

The Extra-Islet Pancreas Supports Autoimmunity in Human Type 1 Diabetes

In autoimmune Type 1 diabetes (T1D), immune cells progressively infiltrate and destroy the islets of Langerhans - islands of endocrine tissue dispersed throughout the pancreas. However, it is unclear how this process, called 'insulitis', develops and progresses within this organ. Here, using highly multiplexed CO-Detection by indEXing (CODEX) tissue imaging and cadaveric pancreas samples from pre-T1D, T1D, and non-T1D donors, we examine pseudotemporal-spatial patterns of insulitis and exocrine inflammation within large pancreatic tissue sections. We identify four sub-states of insulitis characterized by CD8 ⁺ T cells at different stages of activation. We further find that exocrine compartments of pancreatic lobules affected by insulitis have distinct cellularity, suggesting that extra-islet factors may make particular lobules permissive to disease. Finally, we identify "staging areas" - immature tertiary lymphoid structures away from islets where CD8 ⁺ T cells appear to assemble before they navigate to islets. Together, these data implicate the extra-islet pancreas in autoimmune insulitis, greatly expanding the boundaries of T1D pathogenesis.

Glucometer Readout for Portable Detection of Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cells in Lung Cancer Captured on a Dual Aptamer Functionalized Wrinkled Cellulose Hydrogel Interface

The rarity of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) poses a great challenge to their clinical application as reliable "liquid biopsy" markers for cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) led to a reduced efficiency in capturing cells with lost or downregulated epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expressions. In this study, we proposed an integrated, highly efficient strategy for heterogeneous CTC capture and portable detection from the blood of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. First, the cellulose wrinkled hydrogel with excellent biocompatibility and high specific area was employed as the biointerface to capture heterogeneous CTCs with an improved capture efficiency in virtue of dual targeting against epithelial and mesenchymal ones. Meanwhile, the strategy of glucometer readout was introduced for the quantification of captured CTCs on the same hydrogel interface by a detection probe, Au-G-MSN-Apt, which was fabricated via entrapping glucose into the amino group functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) framework sealed by l-cysteine modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and then linked with dual aptamers of EpCAM and Vimentin. The number of captured CTCs on the hydrogel could be reflected according to the portable glucose meter (PGM) readings. Moreover, it was found that the captured cells maintained a higher viability on the hydrogel and could be in situ recultured without releasing from the substrate. Finally, this integrated strategy was successfully applied to inspect the correlations between the number of heterogeneous CTCs in the blood of NSCLC patients with disease stage and whether there was distant metastasis.

1151 IMPROVING THE MEASUREMENT OF POSTURAL BLOOD PRESSURE WITH AD-HOC MOBILE TEACHING SESSIONS FOR NURSES AND HEALTHCARE ASSISTANTS

Introduction

Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients over 65. Unrecognised postural hypotension is a significant and treatable contributor. Training nurses and health-care assistants (HCAs) in correct measurement technique can be challenging, as these groups are rarely able to fully attend single sessions due to urgent clinical commitments, night duties and staff-shortages. We aimed to improve the frequency and quality of lying-standing blood pressure (LSBP) measurement in a Geriatric inpatient cohort.

Methods

Three PDSA cycles were performed over a 10-month period on a single Care of the Elderly ward, including an initial audit in March 2021. The outcome measures were:

1. the percentage of non-bedbound patients having LSBP correctly measured (5-min recumbent, 1 and 3-min standing readings), assessed by chart review and

2. the understanding and confidence of measurers in correct technique, as assessed by a questionnaire.

The intervention was developed into three separate days of ad-hoc mobile teaching sessions to allow reinforcement of knowledge. Trainers moved from bay-to-bay delivering a 5-minute pre-prepared presentation/demonstration on the indications and correct technique of LSBP measurement. This was repeated throughout each day until all measurers had participated.

Results

On initial assessment, only 21% (6/28) of non-bedbound patients had LSBP correctly measured. This improved to 44% (8/18) by July and 62% (8/13) by December 2021. When sampled, measurers had sustained improvements from July (n=8) to December (n=7), in terms of self-rated confidence (mean 4.4/5 vs 4.9/5), correct technique (25% vs 100%), interpretation of results (25% vs 43%) and knowledge of contraindications to measurement (88% vs 100%).

Conclusions

We describe a strategy using ad-hoc mobile teaching sessions to train nurses and HCAs to measure LSBP in a Geriatric inpatient cohort, which resulted in sustained improvements. We believe this technique is readily applicable to other units and areas of practice.

[Tajectories of the self-efficacy of HIV testing among MSM based on latent class growth model]

Objective: To analyze the trajectories of HIV testing self-efficacy among men who have sex with men (MSM) based on latent class growth model. Methods: From August 2019 to May 2021, 404 MSM were recruited in Shandong Province and subjected to a 1-year follow-up study with individual intervention (pushing intervention pictures and videos in WeChat and follow-up questionnaires) and community intervention (forwarding to friends and sharing and discussing HIV testing-related information in WeChat groups). The level of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM was measured. The long-term trend of HIV testing self-efficacy was analyzed using the latent class growth model (LCGM), and the influencing factors of the trend were analyzed. Results: A total of 404 MSM were (28.25±8.95) years old, with the oldest being 58 and the youngest being 18. The scores of HIV testing self-efficacy M(Q₁, Q₃) at baseline and 4 follow-ups were 18.00 (17.00, 21.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00) and 19.00 (18.00, 22.00). The results of the freely estimated two-category LCGM model showed that the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM could be divided into two classes, "intervention response group" [255(63.1%)] and "intervention non-response group" [149(36.9%)]. The former had a higher level of HIV testing self-efficacy which tended to increase at first and then decrease over time, while the latter had a lower and more stable level. The results of the multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that the OR values of MSM in business or service and jobless or unemployed were 0.261 (95%CI: 0.108-0.633) and 0.186 (95%CI: 0.057-0.610), respectively, using the students as the reference group. Conclusion: There is a group heterogeneity in the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy in the intervention conditions among MSM, and occupation may be an influencing factor.

The Sugar Metabolic Model of Aspergillus niger Can Only Be Reliably Transferred to Fungi of Its Phylum

Fungi play a critical role in the global carbon cycle by degrading plant polysaccharides to small sugars and metabolizing them as carbon and energy sources. We mapped the well-established sugar metabolic network of Aspergillus niger to five taxonomically distant species (Aspergillus nidulans, Penicillium subrubescens, Trichoderma reesei, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Dichomitus squalens) using an orthology-based approach. The diversity of sugar metabolism correlates well with the taxonomic distance of the fungi. The pathways are highly conserved between the three studied Eurotiomycetes (A. niger, A. nidulans, P. subrubescens). A higher level of diversity was observed between the T. reesei and A. niger, and even more so for the two Basidiomycetes. These results were confirmed by integrative analysis of transcriptome, proteome and metabolome, as well as growth profiles of the fungi growing on the corresponding sugars. In conclusion, the establishment of sugar pathway models in different fungi revealed the diversity of fungal sugar conversion and provided a valuable resource for the community, which would facilitate rational metabolic engineering of these fungi as microbial cell factories.

Development of a customized mask retainer for improving the fit performance of surgical masks

This study introduces a customized mask retainer to improve the fit performance of surgical masks using various advanced digital techniques. The participant's 3D face scans with and without a surgical mask were taken by using a smartphone. The mask retainer was designed using the 3D face scan data based on the facial anthropometric landmarks. The fitting was inspected and adjusted using the masked face scan data. The retainer was fabricated using a 3D printer. The effectiveness of the retainer on the augmentation of the fit of the surgical mask was tested according to the Chinese Standard (GB 19083-2010). A questionnaire was used to assess the effect of wearing surgical masks with and without retainers and N95 respirators on subjective perception of discomfort. The effectiveness test of the retainer on the augmentation of the fit performance showed a better than 25-fold increase in the overall fit factor, meeting the fit requirement for KN95 respirators in China. The subjective perception of discomfort of wearing N95 was significantly greater than surgical mask with and without retainers. The fit factor results indicated that by using the retainer, the overall fit factors and that of each exercise significantly increased compared to that of the group with the surgical mask alone. And compared with N95, the surgical mask with the retainer significant improved comfort. The surgical mask with the retainer can provide an alternative of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.

Assessment of Patient Satisfaction Among Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

The patient-provider relationship is a key driver of patient satisfaction as it relates to overall healthcare experience. We surveyed patients undergoing radiation therapy to determine what they consider to be the most valued qualities in their interactions with the healthcare team. An ethics-approved 35-item patient satisfaction survey was developed in-house to gain insights on patients' perception of their relationship with the healthcare team throughout their cancer journey. There were 199 completed survey, median age 68 years, 54% women and 45% men. Almost all (95%) "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that their physicians had been sensitive and compassionate. Over 90% felt that they received adequate explanations about their treatment, and had their questions answered. The vast majority (93%) felt included in the decision-making process. Patients reported the 5 most highly rated qualities among their healthcare providers (HCPs) as knowledge, kindness, honesty, good communication, and a cheerful attitude. Overall satisfaction was high but areas for improvement were identified including being offered future appointments for further discussion, more information about clinical trials, other treatments, and community resources. Patients noted their HCPs tended to focus on the physical and emotional needs of patients, but spiritual and cultural needs were rarely addressed. Patients receiving radiotherapy reported high rates of satisfaction across many aspects of their care. These findings also reinforce the different aspects of holistic care that can be improved, and serve as a reminder to clinicians that patients perceive their role as more than just that of a medical expert.

Mortality-Air Pollution Associations in Low Exposure Environments (MAPLE): Phase 2

INTRODUCTION

Mortality is associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter; PM2.5), although the magnitude and form of these associations remain poorly understood at lower concentrations. Knowledge gaps include the shape of concentration-response curves and the lowest levels of exposure at which increased risks are evident and the occurrence and extent of associations with specific causes of death. Here, we applied improved estimates of exposure to ambient PM2.5 to national population-based cohorts in Canada, including a stacked cohort of 7.1 million people who responded to census year 1991, 1996, or 2001. The characterization of the shape of the concentration-response relationship for nonaccidental mortality and several specific causes of death at low levels of exposure was the focus of the Mortality-Air Pollution Associations in Low Exposure Environments (MAPLE) Phase 1 report. In the Phase 1 report we reported that associations between outdoor PM2.5 concentrations and nonaccidental mortality were attenuated with the addition of ozone (O3) or a measure of gaseous pollutant oxidant capacity (Ox), which was estimated from O3 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations. This was motivated by our interests in understanding both the effects air pollutant mixtures may have on mortality and also the role of O3 as a copollutant that shares common sources and precursor emissions with those of PM2.5. In this Phase 2 report, we further explore the sensitivity of these associations with O3 and Ox, evaluate sensitivity to other factors, such as regional variation, and present ambient PM2.5 concentration-response relationships for specific causes of death.

METHODS

PM2.5 concentrations were estimated at 1 km2 spatial resolution across North America using remote sensing of aerosol optical depth (AOD) combined with chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) simulations of the AOD:surface PM2.5 mass concentration relationship, land use information, and ground monitoring. These estimates were informed and further refined with collocated measurements of PM2.5 and AOD, including targeted measurements in areas of low PM2.5 concentrations collected at five locations across Canada. Ground measurements of PM2.5 and total suspended particulate matter (TSP) mass concentrations from 1981 to 1999 were used to backcast remote-sensing-based estimates over that same time period, resulting in modeled annual surfaces from 1981 to 2016.

Annual exposures to PM2.5 were then estimated for subjects in several national population-based Canadian cohorts using residential histories derived from annual postal code entries in income tax files. These cohorts included three census-based cohorts: the 1991 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (CanCHEC; 2.5 million respondents), the 1996 CanCHEC (3 million respondents), the 2001 CanCHEC (3 million respondents), and a Stacked CanCHEC where duplicate records of respondents were excluded (Stacked CanCHEC; 7.1 million respondents). The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) mortality cohort (mCCHS), derived from several pooled cycles of the CCHS (540,900 respondents), included additional individual information about health behaviors. Follow-up periods were completed to the end of 2016 for all cohorts. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for nonaccidental and other major causes of death using a 10-year moving average exposure and 1-year lag. All models were stratified by age, sex, immigrant status, and where appropriate, census year or survey cycle. Models were further adjusted for income adequacy quintile, visible minority status, Indigenous identity, educational attainment, labor-force status, marital status, occupation, and ecological covariates of community size, airshed, urban form, and four dimensions of the Canadian Marginalization Index (Can-Marg; instability, deprivation, dependency, and ethnic concentration). The mCCHS analyses were also adjusted for individual-level measures of smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, body mass index (BMI), and exercise behavior.

In addition to linear models, the shape of the concentration-response function was investigated using restricted cubic splines (RCS). The number of knots were selected by minimizing the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Two additional models were used to examine the association between nonaccidental mortality and PM2.5. The first is the standard threshold model defined by a transformation of concentration equaling zero if the concentration was less than a specific threshold value and concentration minus the threshold value for concentrations above the threshold. The second additional model was an extension of the Shape Constrained Health Impact Function (SCHIF), the eSCHIF, which converts RCS predictions into functions potentially more suitable for use in health impact assessments. Given the RCS parameter estimates and their covariance matrix, 1,000 realizations of the RCS were simulated at concentrations from the minimum to the maximum concentration, by increments of 0.1 μg/m3. An eSCHIF was then fit to each of these RCS realizations. Thus, 1,000 eSCHIF predictions and uncertainty intervals were determined at each concentration within the total range.

Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine associations between PM2.5 and mortality when in the presence of, or stratified by tertile of, O3 or Ox. Additionally, associations between PM2.5 and mortality were assessed for sensitivity to lower concentration thresholds, where person-years below a threshold value were assigned the mean exposure within that group. We also examined the sensitivity of the shape of the nonaccidental mortality-PM2.5 association to removal of person-years at or above 12 μg/m3 (the current U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard) and 10 μg/m3 (the current Canadian and former [2005] World Health Organization [WHO] guideline, and current WHO Interim Target-4). Finally, differences in the shapes of PM2.5-mortality associations were assessed across broad geographic regions (airsheds) within Canada.

RESULTS

The refined PM2.5 exposure estimates demonstrated improved performance relative to estimates applied previously and in the MAPLE Phase 1 report, with slightly reduced errors, including at lower ranges of concentrations (e.g., for PM2.5 <10 μg/m3).

Positive associations between outdoor PM2.5 concentrations and nonaccidental mortality were consistently observed in all cohorts. In the Stacked CanCHEC analyses (1.3 million deaths), each 10-μg/m3 increase in outdoor PM2.5 concentration corresponded to an HR of 1.084 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.073 to 1.096) for nonaccidental mortality. For an interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 mass concentration of 4.16 μg/m3 and for a mean annual nonaccidental death rate of 92.8 per 10,000 persons (over the 1991-2016 period for cohort participants ages 25-90), this HR corresponds to an additional 31.62 deaths per 100,000 people, which is equivalent to an additional 7,848 deaths per year in Canada, based on the 2016 population. In RCS models, mean HR predictions increased from the minimum concentration of 2.5 μg/m3 to 4.5 μg/m3, flattened from 4.5 μg/m3 to 8.0 μg/m3, then increased for concentrations above 8.0 μg/m3. The threshold model results reflected this pattern with -2 log-likelihood values being equal at 2.5 μg/m3 and 8.0 μg/m3. However, mean threshold model predictions monotonically increased over the concentration range with the lower 95% CI equal to one from 2.5 μg/m3 to 8.0 μg/m3. The RCS model was a superior predictor compared with any of the threshold models, including the linear model.

In the mCCHS cohort analyses inclusion of behavioral covariates did not substantially change the results for both linear and nonlinear models. We examined the sensitivity of the shape of the nonaccidental mortality-PM2.5 association to removal of person-years at or above the current U.S. and Canadian standards of 12 μg/m3 and 10 μg/m3, respectively. In the full cohort and in both restricted cohorts, a steep increase was observed from the minimum concentration of 2.5 μg/m3 to 5 μg/m3. For the full cohort and the <12 μg/m3 cohort the relationship flattened over the 5 to 9 μg/m3 range and then increased above 9 μg/m3. A similar increase was observed for the <10 μg/m3 cohort followed by a clear decline in the magnitude of predictions over the 5 to 9 μg/m3 range and an increase above 9 μg/m3. Together these results suggest that a positive association exists for concentrations >9 μg/m3 with indications of adverse effects on mortality at concentrations as low as 2.5 μg/m3.

Among the other causes of death examined, PM2.5 exposures were consistently associated with an increased hazard of mortality due to ischemic heart disease, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes across all cohorts. Associations were observed in the Stacked CanCHEC but not in all other cohorts for cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality. No significant associations were observed between mortality and exposure to PM2.5 for heart failure, lung cancer, and kidney failure.

In sensitivity analyses, the addition of O3 and Ox attenuated associations between PM2.5 and mortality. When analyses were stratified by tertiles of copollutants, associations between PM2.5 and mortality were only observed in the highest tertile of O3 or Ox. Across broad regions of Canada, linear HR estimates and the shape of the eSCHIF varied substantially, possibly reflecting underlying differences in air pollutant mixtures not characterized by PM2.5 mass concentrations or the included gaseous pollutants. Sensitivity analyses to assess regional variation in population characteristics and access to healthcare indicated that the observed regional differences in concentration-mortality relationships, specifically the flattening of the concentration-mortality relationship over the 5 to 9 μg/m3 range, was not likely related to variation in the makeup of the cohort or its access to healthcare, lending support to the potential role of spatially varying air pollutant mixtures not sufficiently characterized by PM2.5 mass concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

In several large, national Canadian cohorts, including a cohort of 7.1 million unique census respondents, associations were observed between exposure to PM2.5 with nonaccidental mortality and several specific causes of death. Associations with nonaccidental mortality were observed using the eSCHIF methodology at concentrations as low as 2.5 μg/m3, and there was no clear evidence in the observed data of a lower threshold, below which PM2.5 was not associated with nonaccidental mortality.

Dynamical Synthesis of ^{4}He in the Scission Phase of Nuclear Fission

In the exothermic process of fission decay, an atomic nucleus splits into two or more independent fragments. Several aspects of nuclear fission are not properly understood, in particular the formation of the neck between the nascent fragments, and the subsequent mechanism of scission into two or more independent fragments. Using an implementation of time-dependent density functional theory, based on a relativistic energy density functional and including pairing correlations, we analyze the final phase of the process of induced fission of ^{240}Pu, and show that the timescale of neck formation coincides with the assembly of two α-like clusters. Because of its much larger binding energy, the dynamical synthesis of ^{4}He in the neck predominates over other light clusters, e.g., ^{3}H and ^{6}He. At the instant of scission the neck ruptures exactly between the two α-like clusters, which separate because of the Coulomb repulsion and are eventually absorbed by the two emerging fragments. The mechanism of light charged clusters formation at scission could also be linked to ternary fission.

[Clinical characteristics and risk factors of lower extremity arterial disease in patients with diabetic foot ulcer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics of lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) and its risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical and follow-up data of 650 patients with DFU treated in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Nanfang Hospital between January, 2017 and December, 2019. We compared the data between patients who had LEAD and those without LEAD and used a multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors of LEAD in DFU patients.

RESULTS

Among the 650 DFU patients, 470 (72.4%) had LEAD. The patients were followed up for a mean of 3.5 months, and the mean healing time of DFU was 2.55 months; healing of DFU occurred in 453 patients and 183 patients received amputation. The patients with LEAD and those without LEAD differed significantly in age, hospitalization costs, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glycated hemoglobin, blood lipid levels, disease course, ankle brachial index, healing time, smoking history, clinical outcomes, Wagner grade and imaging results (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age (OR=1.070, 95% CI: 1.049-1.091), smoking history (OR= 2.013, 95% CI: 1.268-3.195), and a decreased DBP (OR=0.980, 95% CI: 0.963-0.997) as independent risk factors for LEAD in DFU patients. A prolonged healing time was a prominent clinical feature of DFU complicated by LEAD.

CONCLUSION

DFU patients have a high incidence of LEAD, which leads to high rates of disability and mortality and is associated with an advanced age, high smoking rate and longer healing time. A decreased DBP is also a risk factor for LEAD in DFU patients.

A systemic review and meta-analysis of the effects of perioperative anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy on bleeding complications in robot-assisted prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

Robot-assisted prostatectomy is commonly performed for the management of prostate cancer. The literature has noted that prostate cancer patients are often prone to increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Normally, such situations call for long-term anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. However, the administration of these drugs is usually contraindicated prior to surgical intervention to limit intra- and post-operative hemorrhagic complications. Despite some recent evidence that continued administration of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs does not impact intra- and post-operative outcomes, no consensus in the literature exists concerning the influence of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug administration on intra- and post-operative outcomes for robot-assisted prostatectomy. Our aim is to evaluate the influence of perioperative administration of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy in terms of bleeding complication incidence, blood transfusion rate, blood loss, and hospital stay duration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The academic literature was systematically searched according to the PRISMA guidelines across five databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE). Through this, we conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of perioperative administration of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy in terms of bleeding complication incidence, blood transfusion rate, blood loss, and hospital stay duration.

RESULTS

From 993 studies, eight eligible studies containing 2516 patients (mean age: 65.7± 3.6 years) were selected for inclusion. Meta-analysis revealed a higher bleeding complication prevalence for patients receiving anticoagulants (event rate: 10.6%) compared to those receiving antiplatelets (3.4%). We also noted longer hospital stay durations for anticoagulant group patients (Hedge's g: -0.30) compared to antiplatelet group counterparts (g: -0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides preliminary evidence that anticoagulant drug administration results in higher bleeding complication incidence and longer hospital stay durations in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy relative to antiplatelet drug administration.

GalR, GalX and AraR co-regulate d-galactose and l-arabinose utilization in Aspergillus nidulans

Filamentous fungi produce a wide variety of enzymes in order to efficiently degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides. The production of these enzymes is controlled by transcriptional regulators, which also control the catabolic pathways that convert the released monosaccharides. Two transcriptional regulators, GalX and GalR, control d-galactose utilization in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, while the arabinanolytic regulator AraR regulates l-arabinose catabolism. d-Galactose and l-arabinose are commonly found together in polysaccharides, such as arabinogalactan, xylan and rhamnogalacturonan I. Therefore, the catabolic pathways that convert d-galactose and l-arabinose are often also likely to be active simultaneously. In this study, we investigated the interaction between GalX, GalR and AraR in d-galactose and l-arabinose catabolism. For this, we generated single, double and triple mutants of the three regulators, and analysed their growth and enzyme and gene expression profiles. Our results clearly demonstrated that GalX, GalR and AraR co-regulate d-galactose catabolism in A. nidulans. GalX has a prominent role on the regulation of genes of d-galactose oxido-reductive pathway, while AraR can compensate for the absence of GalR and/or GalX.

Roles of the protein disulphide isomerases AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 in response to oxidant stress in Apis cerana cerana

Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) plays an important role in a variety of physiological processes through its oxidoreductase activity and molecular chaperone activity. In this study, we cloned two PDI family members, AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3, from Apis cerana cerana. AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 had typical sequence features of PDI family members and were constitutively expressed in A. cerana cerana. The expression levels of AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 were generally upregulated after treatment with a variety of environmental stress factors. Inhibition assays showed that E. coli expressing recombinant AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 proteins was more resistant to oxidative stress than control E. coli. In addition, silencing AccPDIA1 or AccPDIA3 in A. cerana cerana resulted in significant changes in the expression levels of several antioxidant-related genes as well as the enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and reduced the survival rate of A. cerana cerana under oxidative stress caused by high temperature. In conclusion, our results suggest that AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 may play important roles in the antioxidant activities of A. cerana cerana.

Study on the expression of TOP2A in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relationship with patient prognosis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. However, the molecular mechanism of HCC formation remains to be explored and studied.

Objective

To investigate the expression of TOP2A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its prognosis.

Methods

The data set of hepatocellular carcinoma was downloaded from GEO database for differential gene analysis, and hub gene was identified by Cytoscape. GEPIA was used to verify the expression of HUB gene and evaluate its prognostic value. Then TOP2A was selected as the research object of this paper by combining literature and clinical sample results. Firstly, TIMER database was used to study TOP2A, and the differential expression of TOP2A gene between normal tissues and cancer tissues was analyzed, as well as the correlation between TOP2A gene expression and immune infiltration of HCC cells. Then, the expression of top2a-related antibodies was analyzed using the Human Protein Atlas database, and the differential expression of TOP2A was verified by immunohistochemistry. Then, SRTING database and Cytoscape were used to establish PPI network for TOP2A and protein–protein interaction analysis was performed. The Oncomine database and cBioPortal were used to express and identify TOP2A mutation-related analyses. The expression differences of TOP2A gene were identified by LinkedOmics, and the GO and KEGG pathways were analyzed in combination with related genes. Finally, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to analyze the clinical and prognosis of HCC patients.

Results

TOP2A may be a new biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02439-0.

Xylitol production from plant biomass by Aspergillus niger through metabolic engineering

Xylitol is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a valuable commodity product. Biotechnological production of xylitol from lignocellulosic biomass by microorganisms is a promising alternative option to chemical synthesis or bioconversion from D-xylose. In this study, four metabolic mutants of Aspergillus niger were constructed and evaluated for xylitol accumulation from D-xylose and lignocellulosic biomass. All mutants had strongly increased xylitol production from pure D-xylose, beechwood xylan, wheat bran and cotton seed hulls compared to the reference strain, but not from several other feed stocks. The triple mutant ΔladAΔxdhAΔsdhA showed the best performance in xylitol production from wheat bran and cotton seed hulls. This study demonstrated the large potential of A. niger for xylitol production directly from lignocellulosic biomass by metabolic engineering.

Case Report: A Case of Sarocladium strictum Meningoencephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient After Invasive Operation

As an opportunistic phytopathogen, Sarocladium strictum has only been shown to cause neurological disease in immunocompromised patients, where antifungal therapy was not effective. We report a case of Sarocladium strictum meningoencephalitis in an apparently immunocompetent young woman who presented with severe headache and slight fever after undergoing transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Chronic sinusitis and suspicious intracranial fungal lesions were observed on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing of her cerebrospinal fluid were positive for Sarocladium strictum. After local debridement, treatment with amphotericin B plus voriconazole and Ommaya reservoir implantation, the patient improved significantly. Unfortunately, her symptoms worsened again despite plenty of antifungal therapy for a month.

LncRNA SNHG3 is responsible for the deterioration of colorectal carcinoma through regulating the miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the biological function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG3 in the deterioration of colorectal cancer (CRC) by regulating the miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

SNHG3 levels in fifty pairs of CRC and non-tumor tissues were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Its correlation to tumor staging, lymph node metastasis and prognosis of CRC was analyzed. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were conducted to assess the influence of SNHG3 on CRC cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, invasive ability of CRC cells transfected with si-SNHG3 was explored by transwell assay. The binding and regulatory relations in the SNHG3/miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis were ascertained by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

SNHG3 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Its high level was correlated to advanced tumor staging, positive lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of CRC. Knockdown of SNHG3 reduced proliferative and invasive rates of SW480 and HT29 cells. The SNHG3/miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis was ascertained. In addition, knockdown of miR-370-5p enhanced proliferative and invasive rates of SW480 and HT29 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA SNHG3 induces proliferative and invasive potentials of CRC by regulating the miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis.

Elevated Serum Levels of Carbohydrate Antigen 72-4 in Diabetic Kidney Disease

The aim of this study was to determine whether carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) is elevated in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and examine the association between urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and CA72-4 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Non-dialysis patients with T2DM (n=296) and 90 healthy controls were recruited in this study. CA72-4 level was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. DKD was defined as UACR≥ 30 mg/g in the absence of a urinary infection or other renal diseases. We found that patients with DKD had significantly higher serum CA72-4 levels compared to those with normoalbuminuria and healthy controls. Positive rates of CA72-4 increased gradually and markedly from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria and to macroalbuminuria in diabetic patients (7.5, 11.2, and 17.4%, respectively; P for trend< 0.05). CA72-4 also showed a positive correlation with UACR (r=0.288, P< 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed the association of increased UACR with an increased odds ratio of elevation of CA72-4 levels (P for trend< 0.05) after multivariable adjustment. In conclusion, serum levels of CA72-4 increase abnormally with the increase in urinary albumin excretion, which affects the specificity of diagnosis of malignancies. An appropriate interpretation of CA72-4 is essential to prevent unnecessary and even hazardous diagnostic procedures in patients with T2DM.

Sulforaphane overcomes T790M-mediated gefitinib resistance in vitro through epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on gefitinib-resistant cell lines with a T790 mutation (PC-9/AB11). The PC-9 and PC-9/AB11 cells were stained with H&E and visualized with a light microscope. The CCK-8 assay method was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of gefitinib and SFN on the cells. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were analyzed via flow cytometry. The cytotoxic interaction between the two drugs was evaluated in vitro using the combination index method, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and alterations in the signaling pathways were determined by Western blot analysis. Compared to the PC-9 cells, the gefitinib-resistant PC-9/AB11 cells acquired a T790M mutation and had characteristics in accordance with EMT. The combination of gefitinib and SFN induced dose-dependent antiproliferative effects in the PC-9 and PC-9/AB11 cells, while both induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis only in the PC-9/AB11 cells. The synergistic effect in the PC-9/AB11 cells was associated with this drug combination, as it caused an expression change of the epithelial (E-cadherin, claudin-1) and matrix proteins (vimentin, N-cadherin) in the cells, related to the reversal of EMT, as well as an expression change of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p-EGFR, p-AKT, and p-ERK proteins. In this study, SFN overcame T790M-mediated gefitinib resistance in vitro through EMT. Thus, a combination of gefitinib and SFN may be a beneficial treatment strategy for lung cancer patients with acquired resistance due to T790M mutation.

[A multicenter randomized controlled study of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by Jing-Hua-Wei-Kang in the treatment of patients newly diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia]

Objective: To investigate the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rate and improvement of dyspepsia in patients who were newly diagnosed with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia and treated by bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by Jing-Hua-Wei-Kang(JHWK). Methods: Patients who were newly diagnosed with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection and treated in 16 medical centers in China between December 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019 were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole+amoxicillin+furazolidone+colloidal bismuth pectin capsule, 14 days), followed by JHWK (30 days), and the course of treatment was 44 days in total. In the control group, the administration regimen was bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole+amoxicillin+furazolidone+colloidal bismuth pectin capsule, 14 days). The main outcome measure was H. pylori eradication rate, while the secondary outcome measures were dyspepsia symptom changes and adverse events during the treatment and the 1st month after treatment. Results: A total of 1 054 patients were included in the study. There were 522 cases enrolled in the experimental group, including 224(42.91%) men and 298(57.09%) women, and the age was 53(26, 73) years old; 532 cases enrolled in the control group, including 221(41.54%) men and 311(58.46%) women, and the age was 46(22, 71) years old. Based on PP analysis, it was found that the H. pylori eradication rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group (93.85% vs 87.88%, P=0.001). In the group of all enrolled patients, the symptom dyspepsia after H. pylori eradication was significantly improved compared with that before treatment [4(4, 7) vs 15(10, 22), P<0.001], so was the superior and middle abdominal pain [1(1, 4) vs 4(1, 8), P<0.001], the postprandial fullness [1(1, 4) vs 4(4, 9), P<0.001], the early satiety [1(1, 1) vs 4(1, 4), P<0.001], and the heartburn [1(1, 1) vs 1(1, 4), P<0.001]. The symptom dyspepsia after treatment was significantly improved compared with that before treatment in the experimental, the control groups, the successful and the unsuccessful H. pylori eradication groups. The superior and middle abdominal pain after treatment was signifcantly improved than that before treatment [1(1, 2) vs 1(1, 4), P<0.001], so were the postprandial fullness [1(1, 3) vs 1(1, 4), P=0.002] and the dyspepsia[4(4, 7) VS 7(4, 10), P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the experimental group and the control group (1.34% vs 0.38%, P=0.09). Conclusions: Compared with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by JHWK significantly improves the H. pylori eradication rate without increasing the incidence of adverse events. H. pylori eradication therapy can improve symptoms of patients with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia.

Adaptability of winter wheat Dongnongdongmai 1 (Triticum aestivum L.) to overwintering in alpine regions

Long winters led to a one-crop-a-year cultivation system until the winter wheat Dongnongdongmai 1 (Dn1) was successfully cultivated in northeast China. This crop variety is resistant to extremely low temperatures (-35 °C). To better understand the adaptability of winter wheat Dn1 to low temperatures, gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS) and metabolomics analysis was conducted on the tillering nodes of winter wheat during the overwintering period. Enzyme-regulating genes of the metabolic products were also quantitatively analysed. The metabolomic results for the tillering nodes in the overwintering period showed that disaccharides had a strong protective effect on winter wheat Dn1. Amino acid metabolism (i.e. proline, alanine and GABA) changed significantly throughout the whole wintering process, whereas organic fatty acid metabolism changed significantly only in the late stage of overwintering. This result indicates that the metabolites used by winter wheat Dn1 differ in different overwintering stages. The relationship between field temperature and metabolite changes in winter wheat Dn1 during overwintering periods is discussed, and disaccharides were identified as the osmotic stress regulators for winter wheat Dn1 during the overwintering process, as well as maintenance of the carbon and nitrogen balance by monosaccharides, amino acids and lipids for cold resistance.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase confers transgenic tobacco with elevated tolerance to salt stress

Polyamines play an important role in stress response. In the pathway of polyamines synthesis, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) is one of the key enzymes. In this study, a full length cDNA of SAMDC (AhSAMDC) was isolated from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence similarity between AhSAMDC and SAMDC from other plants. In peanut seedlings exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl), the transcript level of AhSAMDC in roots was the highest at 24 h that decreased sharply at 72 and 96 h after 150 mM NaCl treatment. However, the expression of AhSAMDC in peanut leaves was significantly inhibited, and the transcript levels in leaves were not different compared with control These results implied the tissue-specific and time-specific expression of AhSAMDC. The physiological effects and functional mechanism of AhSAMDC were further evaluated by overexpressing AhSAMDC in tobaccos. The transgenic tobacco lines exhibited higher germination rate and longer root length under salt stress. Reduced membrane damage, higher antioxidant enzyme activity, and higher proline content were also observed in the transgenic tobacco seedlings. What's more, AhSAMDC also led to higher contents of spermidine and spermine, which can help to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Together, this study suggests that AhSAMDC enhances plant resistance to salt stress by improving polyamine content and alleviating membrane damage.