Evaluation of brain iron deposition in different cerebral arteries of acute ischaemic stroke patients using quantitative susceptibility mapping

AIM

To investigate differences in iron deposition between infarct and normal cerebral arterial regions in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty healthy controls and 40 AIS patients were recruited, and their QSM images were obtained. There were seven regions of interest (ROIs) in AIS patients, including the infarct regions of responsible arteries (R1), the non-infarct regions of responsible arteries (R2), the contralateral symmetrical sites of lesions (R3), and the non-responsible cerebral arterial regions (R4, R5, R6, R7). For the healthy controls, the cerebral arterial regions corresponding to the AIS patient group were selected as ROIs. The differences in corresponding ROI susceptibilities between AIS patients and healthy controls and the differences in susceptibilities between infarcted and non-infarct regions in AIS patients were compared.

RESULTS

The susceptibilities of infarct regions in AIS patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in non-infarct regions between the two groups (p>0.05). The susceptibility of the infarct regions in AIS patients was significantly higher than those of the non-infarct region of responsible artery and non-responsible cerebral arterial regions (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal iron deposition detected by QSM in the infarct regions of AIS patients may not affect iron levels in the non-infarct regions of responsible arteries and normal cerebral arteries, which may open the door for potential new diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Sudomotor dysfunction is associated with impaired left ventricular diastolic function in persons with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of preserved ejection fraction heart failure has significantly increased in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is an early and important manifestation of preserved ejection fraction heart failure. The onset of heart failure in persons with diabetes is associated with diabetic neuropathy. However, the relationship among sudomotor function, which is an early manifestation of small fiber neuropathy, and LV diastolic function remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between sudomotor function and LV diastolic function in persons with T2DM.

METHODS

In total, 699 persons with T2DM were enrolled and divided into three groups according to electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) assessed using the SUDOSCAN device: "no dysfunction" group (NSF), "moderate dysfunction" group (MDF), and "severe dysfunction" group (SDF). LV diastolic function was assessed using Doppler echocardiography. To evaluate the relationship between ESC and echocardiographic parameters, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between LV diastolic function and ESC. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the performance of sudomotor function indicators in detecting impaired cardiac diastolic function.

RESULTS

There were 301 persons (43.06%) in the NSF group, 232 (33.19%) in the MDF group, and 166 (23.75%) in the SDF group. Compared to the NSF group, the MDF and SDF groups had higher A and E/e' and lower e' values (all p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that A and E/e' were negatively associated with foot ESC (FESC) and hand ESC (HESC), whereas e' was positively associated with FESC and HESC (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, binary logistic regression analysis showed that ESC was independently associated with impaired LV diastolic function (p = 0.003). The area under the ROC curve values for FESC and HESC were 0.621 and 0.635, respectively (both p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Deteriorating sudomotor function was associated with reduced diastolic function indicators. ESC can be used as a biomarker for detecting LV diastolic impairment.

Optimized helical intermedium-period fiber grating for breathing monitoring

The investigation into the spectral properties and refractive index (RI) sensitivities at low RI region of helical intermedium-period fiber gratings (HIPFGs) with varied periods ranging from 10-48 μm is presented in detail for the first time. The structure of HIPFG is optimized for RI sensing in the RI range of 1.3-1.33 by comparing the optical properties of HIPFGs with different grating periods. The HIPFG with optimized structure is demonstrated to have a high average sensitivity of 302.5 nm/RIU in the RI ranging from 1.3 to 1.33, which is two orders more elevated than the traditional long-period fiber gratings. The improved HIPFG is also experimentally applied to breath monitoring in different states. Normal breath, slow breath, fast breath, and unhealthy breath are distinguished based on breathing rate, intensity, and time of exhalation and inhalation. The fastest response time is determined to be 10 ms. The results demonstrate that the optical fiber's sensitivity in the low RI region can be increased by shortening its period, offering a special strategy for improving detection performance of HIPFGs. By verifying its performance in breathing monitoring, it is proved that the optimized HIPFG sensor has the great potential to expand medical applications.

Ang1/Tie2/VE-Cadherin Signaling Regulates DPSCs in Vascular Maturation

Adding dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to vascular endothelial cell-formed vessel-like structures can increase the longevity of these vessel networks. DPSCs display pericyte-like cell functions and closely assemble endothelial cells (ECs). However, the mechanisms of DPSC-derived pericyte-like cells in stabilizing the vessel networks are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of E-DPSCs, which were DPSCs isolated from the direct coculture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and DPSCs, and T-DPSCs, which were DPSCs treated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), in stabilizing blood vessels in vitro and in vivo. A 3-dimensional coculture spheroid sprouting assay was conducted to compare the functions of E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs in vitro. Dental pulp angiogenesis in the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model was used to explore the roles of E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs in vascularization in vivo. The results demonstrated that both E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs possess smooth muscle cell-like cell properties, exhibiting higher expression of the mural cell-specific markers and the suppression of HUVEC sprouting. E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs inhibited HUVEC sprouting by activating TEK tyrosine kinase (Tie2) signaling, upregulating vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, and downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). In vivo study revealed more perfused and total blood vessels in the HUVEC + E-DPSC group, HUVEC + T-DPSC group, angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) pretreated group, and vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) inhibitor pretreated group, compared to HUVEC + DPSC group. In conclusion, these data indicated that E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs could stabilize the newly formed blood vessels and accelerate their perfusion. The critical regulating pathways are Ang1/Tie2/VE-cadherin and VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling.

Predictive value of echocardiography combined with CT angiography for left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the detection rate of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) formation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients using three methods and the efficacy of combined electrocardiogram (ECG) and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of LAAT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 80 NVAF patients who underwent Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at our hospital from August 2018 to August 2022 were included in the study. The baseline data of patients were observed, and the positive rates of LAAT formation by ECG, CTA, and TEE were compared. The efficacy of combined ECG and CTA in the diagnosis of LAAT was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 80 NVAF patients, 23 were LAAT positive and 57 were LAAT negative. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide NT-probNP, fibrinogen, CHA2DS2-VASC [congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age (75 or older), diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age (65-74), sex category] score, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, renal insufficiency, D-dimer, heart failure, and serum uric acid (p<0.05). The positive rate of LAAT detected by ECG combined with CTA was closest to the gold standard TEE, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between LAAT positive and negative patients in various parameters related to left atrial and left ventricular dimensions and function (p<0.05), while some parameters showed no significant differences (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ECG combined with CTA has a high diagnostic value for LAAT formation in NVAF patients, with a high degree of confidence and reduced patient intolerance. The sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of ECG combined with CTA for the diagnosis of LAAT formation in NVAF patients are high and have good predictive value.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Comparison of Proximal and Distal Isocenter Outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition of the trigeminal nerve affecting 12 per 100,000 people. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivered by both a non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery instrument and linear accelerators (LINAC) is a non-invasive alternative to surgical approaches. Although SRS in this setting is commonly performed, there lacks a consensus and comparative data on the optimal anatomical target with the two most common targets being the dorsal root entry zone (proximal) and retrogasserian zone (distal). This study aims to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients based on these two target locations.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This multi-center, retrospective analysis included patients treated for trigeminal neuralgia between 2017 and 2021 with GK and LINAC-based SRS who were followed for at least 1 year. All patients received a dose of 85 Gy prescribed to the isocenter, set at the dorsal root entry zone (proximal) or the retrogasserian zone (distal). Isocenter location was based on the preference of the radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon. Patient reported clinical pain relief was recorded as full, partial, or no pain relief after SRS. Among patients with full and partial pain relief duration of pain relief was recorded. Ability to achieve full or partial medication de-escalation was also recorded. Outcomes of patients in the proximal and distal target cohort were compared using time based univariate analyses using log rank hazards model.

RESULTS

We identified 86 eligible patients, of whom 54 patients (63%; median age 63, 72% female) were treated using a proximal target, and 32 (37%; median age 66, 71% female) were prescribed to a distal target. In the proximal and distal cohorts, patients experienced pain relief (either partial or full relief) at a rate of 74% and 90% and full pain relief at a rate of 46% and 31%, respectively (p = 0.011). The duration of pain relief was not significantly different amongst the two groups (p = 0.18). Partial medication de-escalation was more frequent in the distal target (75%) vs proximal (33%), while full medication de-escalation was more frequent with proximal (39%) vs distal (13%), p = 0.001.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to the limited data evaluating the differences in outcomes between proximal and distal targeting for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with stereotactic radiosurgery. Overall, this study confirms that both approaches achieve a high rate of response in a difficult to control disease process. Our study suggests that a distal isocenter may be associated with higher rates of any type of pain improvement while a proximal isocenter may be associated with higher rates of complete pain relief. This data is hypothesis-generating and warrants further investigation into the effectiveness/toxicity differences of two approaches.

[Effect of different respiratory motion correction methods on PET image quality in chest PET/MRI]

Objective: To investigate the effect of different respiratory motion correction methods on PET images during chest PET/MRI scans. Methods: The data of 35 patients (24 males and 11 females, aged from 29 to 84 year) of pulmonary lesions with significantly high uptake in thoracic PET/MRI scan were retrospective collected from Jingling Hospital. Four different methods were used to reconstruct the PET data. Group A was the full-time 20 min without respiratory motion correction static acquisition (Static) as a control, group B was the end-expiration static collection (Q.Static), and group C was the multi-bins respiratory gating (Gated-Respiratory). In addition, the influence of the time being considered, group D was added for reconstruction in the first 1/3 period (6 min 40 s) of group A. Then, the maximum value (L-SUVmax) and the mean value (L-SUVmean) of the SUV of the lesion, the mean value (B-SUVmean) and the standard deviation (B-SUVsd) of the SUV of the background under each reconstruction results were measured, and for each lesion the signal-to-noise ratio (L-SNR) was calculated. In order to exclude the interference of the background, the mean of the relative SUV (L-dSUVmean) of the L-SUVmean relative to the B-SUVmean was also calculated. Finally, One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used, and the post-hoc pairwise comparison between groups was tested by Bonferroni's modified test. Results: There was statistically significant difference among group B or group C compared to group A and group D in L-SUVmax, L-SUVmean and L-dSUVmean [L-SUVmax:group B vs group A or group D was 8.06±3.57 vs 7.73±3.45 or 7.61±3.50, group C vs group A or group D was 8.04±3.56 vs 7.73±3.45 or 7.61±3.50 (all P<0.05); L-SUVmean: group B vs group A or group D was 4.12±1.78 vs 3.98±1.72 or 3.91±1.71, group C vs group A or group D was 4.13±1.78 vs 3.98±1.72 or 3.91±1.71 (all P<0.05); L-dSUVmean: group B vs group A or group D was 3.52±0.16 vs 3.39±0.18 or 3.31±0.18, group C vs group A or group D was 3.53±0.18 vs 3.39±0.18 or 3.31±0.18 (all P<0.05)], but there was no statistically significant difference between group B and group C (all P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between group D and group A in B-SUVsd (0.07±0.00 vs 0.07±0.00, P=0.023) and L-SNR (69.80±44.57 vs 85.35±68.98, P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between group D and group A in L-SUVmax, L-SUVmean, B-SUVmean and L-dSUVmean (all P>0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in PET image quality between the Q.static and Gated-Respiratory group, both of the two groups were better than the Static group which with no Gated-Respiratory motion correction. If non-respiratory gated Static is used, the PET acquisition time is recommended to be 6 min 40 s.

Better safe than so ray: national survey of radiation protection amongst interventional radiology trainees in the United Kingdom

OBJECTIVE

To establish the provision and use of radiation personal protective equipment (PPE) and dosimetry amongst UK interventional radiology (IR) trainees and highlight areas of improvement in order to enhance the radiation safety.

METHODS

A survey questionnaire was designed by members of the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) trainee committee via survey monkey and distributed to UK IR trainees via the BSIR membership mailing list, local representatives and Twitter. The survey was open from 04/01/2021 to 20/02/2021. Only IR trainees in years ST4 and above were included.

RESULTS

Of the 73 respondents, 62 qualified for analysis. Respondents (81% male) spent a median of 5.5 sessions (half day list) per week in the angiography suite and 58% (n=36) had difficulty finding appropriately sized lead aprons at least once a week. Overall 53% (n=33) had concerns about their radiation PPE. Furthermore 56% of trainees (n=35) experienced back pain among other symptoms attributed to wearing the lead aprons available to them. 77% (n=48) regularly wore lead glasses. For trainees requiring prescription glasses (n=22) overfit goggles were provided however 17 (77%) of these trainees felt the goggles compromised their ability to perform the procedure. Eye and finger dosimeters were used by 50% and 52% of respondents respectively. Compliance with body dosimetry was 99%.

CONCLUSION

Provision of radiation PPE and dose monitoring for IR trainees is suboptimal, particularly access to adequate eye protection or suitably fitting leads. Based on the findings of this survey, recommendations have been made to promote the safety and radiation awareness of IR trainees.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Radiation protection practices for IR trainees nationally are poor. Provision of suitable eye protection and well fitting lead body protection is low.

Fiber-tip Fabry-Pérot interferometer with a graphene-Au-Pd cantilever for trace hydrogen sensing

The widespread utilization of hydrogen energy has increased the demand for trace hydrogen detection. In this work, we propose a fiber-optic hydrogen sensor based on a Fabry-Pérot Interferometer (FPI) consisting of a fiber-tip graphene-Au-Pd submicron film cantilever. The palladium (Pd) film on the cantilever surface is used as hydrogen-sensitive material to obtain high sensing sensitivity. Hydrogen sensing is realized by monitoring the resonant frequency shift of the FPI introduced by the interaction between Pd film and hydrogen molecules. The hydrogen sensor is proven for low-hydrogen-concentration detection with hydrogen concentrations in the range of 0-1000 ppm, and experimentally characterized by a highest sensitivity of 30.3 pm ppm^-1 in a low hydrogen concentration of 0-100 ppm, which is more than two orders higher than for previously reported FPI-based sensors. In real-time hydrogen monitoring, a rapid reaction time of 31.5 s was achieved. This work provides a compact all-optical solution for the safe detection of low hydrogen concentrations, which is an interesting alternative for trace hydrogen detection in the aerospace industry, energy production, and medical applications.

Genetic polymorphism of RAD51 influences susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to explore whether RAD51 polymorphism confers risk to colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 240 patients with colorectal cancer were selected. 390 healthy people who participated in normal physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The polymorphism of RAD51 gene was detected by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. An updated meta-analysis was also conducted.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis found no significant association between the RAD51 polymorphism and CRC risk (all p>0.05). PCR-RFLP method detected three kinds of genotypes (GG, GC, and CC) in both the colorectal cancer group and the control group. A significant association was only found in GC genotype (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that RAD51 polymorphism has a crucial role in colorectal cancer risk and that GC genotype confers an increased risk of colorectal cancer in the Chinese population. The updated meta-analysis indicates that RAD51 polymorphism contributes no risk to colorectal cancer.

Ampere force fiber optic magnetic field sensor using a Fabry-Perot interferometer

The paper presents a novel fiber-optic vector magnetic field sensor using a Fabry-Perot interferometer, which consists of an optical fiber end face and a graphene/Au membrane suspended on the ceramic ferrule end face. A pair of gold electrodes are fabricated on the ceramic ferrule by femtosecond laser to transmit electrical current to the membrane. Ampere force is generated when an electrical current flows through the membrane in a perpendicular magnetic field. The change in Ampere force causes a shift in the resonance wavelength in the spectrum. In the magnetic field intensity range of 0 ∼ 180 mT and 0 ∼ -180 mT, the as-fabricated sensor exhibits magnetic field sensitivity of 5.71 pm/mT and 8.07 pm/mT. The proposed sensor has great potential application in weak magnetic field measurements due to its compact structure, cost-effectiveness, ease to manufacture, and good sensing performance.

[Resting heart rate correlates with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with post-myocardial infarction ventricular aneurysms: a retrospective cohort study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association of resting heart rate (RHR) with the prognosis of patients with post-infarction ventricular aneurysms.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 227 patients with post-infarction ventricular aneurysms admitted to our hospital during 2017-2019. The endpoint event was the occurrence of any major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) during the follow-up for 24 months. According to RHR measurements, the patients were divided into 3 groups with baseline RHR < 10%, 10%-90%, and >90%. The Cox proportional risk model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to analyze the effect of RHR on MACCEs.

RESULTS

During the 24-month followup, 90 patients (39.6%) experienced MACCEs. The fully adjusted RCS curves showed a nonlinear "U" shaped correlation between RHR and the occurrence of MACCEs. In the fully adjusted model, the risk of MACCEs increased by 3.01-fold (Hazard ratio [HR]=4.01, 95% CI: 2.07-7.76, P < 0.001) in patients with RHR>90%, as compared with patients with RHR of 10%-90%. In patients with RHR in 1-9th percentile, 10th-90th percentile and 91st-100th percentile, the incidences of MACCEs were 39.1%, 36.6% and 66.7% (P=0.027), the incidences of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) were 17.4%, 2.7% and 4.8% (P=0.005), and the incidences of readmission for heart failure were 8.7%, 26.8% and 42.9% (P=0.036), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Continuous monitoring and management of heart rate range may provide guidance for prognosis prediction in patients with post-infarction ventricular aneurysms.

Circ_0124055 promotes the progression of thyroid cancer cells through the miR-486-3p/MTA1 axis

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer is one of the malignancy cancers. CircRNA, a non-coding RNA, plays an important role in the development of cancer. The relationship and roles of circ_0124055, miR-486-3p and MTA1 in thyroid cancer have not been reported.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to analyze the RNA levels of circ_0124055, miR-486-3p and MTA1. Western blot was conducted to analyze the protein levels of MTA1, Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) and Neuro cadherin (N-cadherin). Subcellular localization assay was used to analyze circ_0124055 location in thyroid cancer cells. Colony formation assay and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were carried out to analyze cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed by wound-healing assay and transwell assay. Flow cytometry assay was performed to investigate cell apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were employed to analyze the interactions among circ_0124055, miR-486-3p and MTA1. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the expression of Ki67, MTA1 and E-cadherin in tumor tissues. Thyroid cancer tumor growth in vivo was evaluated by tumor xenograft mouse model assay.

RESULTS

The expression of circ_0124055 was up-regulated in tumor tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0124055 could inhibit thyroid cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promote cell apoptosis, accompanied by the dysregulation of E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression. Circ_0124055 could target miR-486-3p, and miR-486-3p could target MTA1. MiR-486-3p inhibitor could restore the effect of circ_0124055 knockdown in the progression of thyroid cancer. Moreover, MTA1 overexpression weakened the inhibitory effects of miR-486-3p mimics on the progression of thyroid cancer. Further, circ_0124055 could influence tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0124055 promoted the progression of thyroid cancer cells through the miR-486-3p /MTA1 axis.

[High expression of CCBE1 in adjacent tissues of tongue squamous cell carcinoma is correlated with pericancerous lymphatic vessel proliferation and poor 5-year survival outcomes]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the correlation of CCBE1 expression in adjacent tissues of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) with pericancerous lymphatic vessel proliferation, cervical lymph node metastasis and survival outcomes of the patients.

METHODS

Lymphatic vessel density was quantified in pericancerous tissue sections of 44 cases of cT_1-2N₀ TSCC using D2-40 as the lymphatic vessel endothelial marker for calibration and counting of the lymphatic vessels. Of these 44 cases, 22 showed a relatively low lymphatic vessel density (group A) and the other 22 had a high lymphatic vessel density (group B), and the expression levels of CCBE1 in the adjacent tissues determined using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting were compared between the two groups. The expression level of CCBE1 was also measured in another 90 patients with TSCC using immunohistochemistry, and all the patients were followed up for their survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed a significantly lower rate of high CCBE1 expression in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed co-localization of CCBE1 and D2-40 in the adjacent tissues of TSCC. In the 90 TSCC patients with complete follow-up data, a high expression of CCBE1 was found to correlate with lymph node metastasis and a poor 5-year survival outcomes of the patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A high expression of CCBE1 in the adjacent tissues of TSCC is closely related with pericancerous lymphatic vessel proliferation, cervical lymph node metastasis and a poor 5-year survival of the patients, suggesting the value of CCBE1 as a potential prognostic predictor for TSCC.

High-Sensitivity Optical Fiber-Based Glucose Sensor Using Helical Intermediate-Period Fiber Grating

An all-fiber glucose sensor is proposed and demonstrated based on a helical intermediate-period fiber grating (HIPFG) produced by using a hydrogen/oxygen flame heating method. The HIPFG, with a grating length of 1.7 cm and a period of 35 μm, presents four sets of double dips with low insertion losses and strong coupling strengths in the transmission spectrum. The HIPFG possesses an averaged refractive index (RI) sensitivity of 213.6 nm/RIU nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.33-1.36 and a highest RI sensitivity of 472 nm/RIU at RI of 1.395. In addition, the HIPFG is demonstrated with a low-temperature sensitivity of 3.67 pm/°C, which promises a self-temperature compensation in glucose detection. In the glucose-sensing test, the HIPFG sensor manifests a detection sensitivity of 0.026 nm/(mg/mL) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 mg/mL. Moreover, the HIPFG sensor exhibits good stability in 2 h, indicating its capacity for long-time detection. The properties of easy fabrication, high flexibility, insensitivity to temperature, and good stability of the proposed HIPFG endow it with a promising potential for long-term and compact biosensors.

[A review: drug-drug interactions of epithelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors]

Mutations in the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a driving factor that causes non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The epithelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is a crucial discovery in the treatment of lung cancer, particularly the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs is superior to that of the standard chemotherapy for patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Patients with NSCLC use EGFR-TKIs and other medications simultaneously is commonly seen, especially among those with comorbidities, which increases the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) of EGFR-TKIs. The most common mechanisms underlying the DDIs of EGFR-TKIs are modulations of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and drug transporters [including P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)], as well as gastrointestinal acid-inhibitory drugs [proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H(2) receptor antagonists (H(2)RA)]. Inhibitors or inducers of CYP enzymes and drug transporters can inhibit or accelerate the metabolism of EGFR-TKIs, which increase or reduce the exposure of EGFR-TKIs, thereby affect the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKIs. In addition, PPIs or H(2)RA can decrease the solubility, bioavailability and efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. This review summarizes the mechanisms of DDIs of gefitinib, erlotinib, icotinib, afatinib, dacomitinib and osimertinib; the management recommendations for DDIs of those EGFR-TKIs from the Chinese and global guideline, as well as from the recent pre-clinical and clinical studies, which provide the reference and evidence for managing the combination therapies of EGFR-TKIs and other medications in clinics.

Highly Sensitive Hydrogen Sensor Based on an Optical Driven Nanofilm Resonator

Nanofilm resonators combine ultracompact and highly mechanically sensitive properties, making them intriguing devices for sensing applications. For trace hydrogen detection, we demonstrate an optomechanical nanofilm resonator by employing a Pd- and Au-decorated graphene onto a fiber end facet. The Pd layer is a sensitive layer for selective absorption of hydrogen. Hydrogen sensing is achieved by all-optical measuring of the resonant frequencies shift of the optomechanical nanofilm resonator induced by hydrogen-related mechanical stress change. Using the approach, we realize highly sensitive hydrogen sensing at room temperature with a low detection limit, challenging the state-of-the-art. When the measured hydrogen concentration increases from 0 to 1000 ppm (v/v), the mechanical resonance frequencies of the sensor at 511.7 kHz, 1253.4 kHz, and 2231.7 kHz blue-shift by 100.4 kHz, 257.5 kHz, and 400.6 kHz, respectively. The response and recovery time are 120.3 and 91.3 s at a 1000 ppm hydrogen concentration. Such a sensor exhibits a low detection limit of 741 ppb and good repeatability in the measurement process, which makes the practical application of the sensor possible.

All Fiber-Optic Immunosensors Based on Elliptical Core Helical Intermediate-Period Fiber Grating with Low-Sensitivity to Environmental Disturbances

An all fiber-optic immunosensor based on elliptical core helical intermediate-period fiber grating (E-HIPFG) is proposed for the specific detection of human immunoglobulin G (human IgG). E-HIPFGs are all-fiber transducers that do not include any additional coating materials or fiber architectures, simplifying the fabrication process and promising the stability of the E-HIPFG biosensor. For human IgG recognition, the surface of an E-HIPFG is functionalized by goat anti-human IgG. The functionalized E-HIPFG is tested by human IgG solutions with a concentration range of 10-100 μg/mL and shows a high sensitivity of 0.018 nm/(μg/mL) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.7 μg/mL. Notably, the functionalized E-HIPFG biosensor is found to be insensitive to environmental disturbances, with a temperature sensitivity of 2.6 pm/°C, a strain sensitivity of 1.2 pm/με, and a torsion sensitivity of -23.566 nm/(rad/mm). The results demonstrate the considerable properties of the immunosensor, with high resistance to environmental perturbations, indicating significant potential for applications in mobile biosensors and compact devices.

Investigation of the vibrational density of states of sodium carboxymethyl starch glass via terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

We investigated the vibrational density of states of sodium carboxymethyl starch (CM-starch) by terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy. The CM-starch showed a broad peak at ∼3 THz. The structure of the peak was similar to those corresponding to glucose-based polymer glasses possessing hydrogen bonds. The boson peak (BP) appeared at 1.16 THz at the lowest temperature and disappeared because of the existence of excess wing at higher temperatures. However, based on our novel BP frequency determination method using the inflection point of the extinction coefficient, the BP frequency showed almost no dependence on temperature. Further, the chain length dependence of the BP frequency of the glucose-based glasses showed that the BP frequency of the polymer glass was slightly lower than that of the monomer glass. The power law behaviour of the absorption coefficient suggested the existence of fractons, and the fractal dimension was estimated to be 2.33.

Evidence of a shared binding site for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis cadherin

Insect midgut cadherins function as receptors and play critical roles as protein receptors of insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins used as biopesticides and in Bt transgenic crops worldwide. Here, we cloned and characterized the full-length midgut cadherin (CmCad) cDNA from the rice leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), a destructive pest of rice in many Asian countries. Expression of recombinant proteins corresponding to the extracellular domain of CmCad allowed testing binding of Cry proteins. Results from in vitro ligand blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays supported that the extracellular domain of CmCad contains regions recognized by both Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa. Molecular modelling and docking simulations indicated that binding to both Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa is localized primarily within a CmCad motif corresponding to residues T1417-D1435. A recombinant CmCad protein produced without residues T1417-D1435 lacked binding to Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa, confirmed our modelling predictions that CmCad has a shared Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa binding site. The potential existence of a shared binding region in CmCad suggests that caution should be taken when using combinations of Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa in pyramided transgenic rice, as their combined use could speed the evolution of resistance to both toxins.

The real experience of patients after liver transplantation in intensive care unit

We aimed to explore the real experience of patients after liver transplantation in the intensive care unit (ICU).Objective sampling method was used to select patients transferred to the ICU in 10 hospitals in Zhuhai from May 2018 to August 2020. Patients need liver transplantation due to advanced liver cancer and decompensated cirrhosis. The eligibility criteria of patients mainly included liver transplant patients who were clear-minded and willing to participate in the study and had stayed in ICU. Phenomenological research methods and in-depth interviews were used in this qualitative study.The results showed that the true experience of patients after liver transplantation during ICU stay was summarized into four themes. The strengths of our qualitative research are that we can find the trend from a phenomenon through interviews and other methods to provide a directional foundation for future quantitative research. Its limitations are that it requires a lot of manpower and time, and its objectivity and universality are limited.Hospitalization experience in the ICU may lead to many negative experiences for liver transplant patients. Nurses should fully understand and pay attention to the psychological changes in patients. Nurses should take effective targeted measures to reduce or eliminate patients' fear of ICU stay and promote rehabilitation.

Constitutive Modeling of Nonlinear Rheological Behavior of Carbon Nanotube-Filled Polypropylene Nanocomposites

The rheological behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-filled polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with different filler loadings was experimentally studied and simulated using constitutive modeling. Rheological behavior was characterized in small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) flow, large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) flow, startup of shear flow, steady shear flow, and stress relaxation after the imposition of a step shear strain. Virgin PP and PP with CNT loadings of 1, 3, and 5 wt% were used. The formation of a rheological percolation network was observed at these loadings. The Leonov and Simhambhatla-Leonov models were used to simulate the rheological behavior. In the linear region, the simulations provided good predictions of the experimental data for both the unfilled and filled PP. In the nonlinear region, the simulations also provided good results for the virgin PP and satisfactory results for the PP/1 wt%CNT nanocomposite under most flow conditions. However, for the other two nanocomposites the model showed mixed results.

Characteristic terahertz absorption spectra of paramylon and paramylon-ester compounds

Paramylon is a long-chain polysaccharide, composed of glucose units connected via β-(1,3) glycosidic bonds, that spontaneously forms a three-strand helical bundle. Paramylon-esters can be made by partially or fully replacing saccharide chain hydroxide groups with carboxylic functional groups, such as stearoyl (CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CO) and palmitoyl (CH₃(CH₂)₂₄CO). The paramylon-ester with carboxylic acids has superior characteristics, including high thermal resistance, stability and transparency under visible light, which are necessary for thermoplastic applications. In this study, the absorption coefficient α(ν) and absorbance spectra of paramylons and paramylon-esters were measured in the 0.3-8.0 THz range and compared with the corresponding spectra of glucose and cellulose. Paramylon and paramylon-ester molecules were found to exhibit unique, so-called fingerprint, α(ν)peaks at 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 THz, and 2.5 and 5.0 THz, respectively. We speculate that the spectral features observed are owing to intermolecular interaction modes of the weakly coupled polysaccharide chains. The paramylons with different molecular weights show very similar absorption features in the low-frequency side, both in spectral shapes and intensities, indicating that absorption is independent of molecular size. The paramylon-esters with varying degrees of substitution (DS) are similar spectral shapes but different intensities. A linear correlation between α(ν) peak intensity and the DS of paramylon-esters was established with the R² value above 0.99. This behavior can be used for the detection and identification of novel paramylon-ester molecules.

[Comparison of percutaneous pedicle screw placement under O-arm navigation with traditional percutaneous pedicle screw placement in patients with thoracolumbar fractures without neurological symptoms]

Objective: To investigate the accuracy and clinical efficacy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement under O-arm navigation and traditional fluoroscopy in patients with thoracolumbar fractures without neurological symptoms. Methods: From July 2016 to July 2018, 72 patients with thoracolumbar fractures in Peking University International Hospital without neurological symptoms were divided into two groups, group A and group B. In group A, 36 patients underwent the surgery of percutaneous pedicle screw implantation under traditional fluoroscopy and 168 pedicle screws were inserted. In group B, 36 patients underwent the surgery of percutaneous pedicle screw implantation under O-arm guided fluoroscopy and 164 pedicle screws were inserted by the same surgeon. The general condition, operation condition, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time of single screw, screw placement time and accuracy, visual analogue score (VAS) score, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), kyphosis Cobb's angle, anterior edge height of 1 week and 6 months after surgery were compared. The data were compared with paired t test between the two groups. Results: There was no significant differences between the two groups in general condition, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, VAS, ODI, kyphosis Cobb's angle, and anterior edge height of the injured vertebra (all P>0.05). The operation time was (99±14) min in group A and (75±10) min in group B, the average screw setting time was (15.8±2.6) min in group A and (11.8±3.3) min in group B, the fluoroscopy time of each screw was (38.0±2.0) s in group A and (28.5±2.8) s in group B, the radiation dose of each surgery was (563±163) cGy/cm(2) in group A and (378±70) cGy/cm(2) in group B; the above-mentioned data of group A were all superior to those in group B and the differences between the two groups were all statistically significant (t=8.48, 5.73, 16.30, 6.25, all P<0.05). Rampersaud grading in group A was better than group B, and the differences between the two groups was statistically significant(χ(2)=12.2, P<0.05). Conclusion: The O-arm navigation system could not only provide high-definition navigation images and achieve high-precision navigation operations, which is more accurate than traditional pedicle screws placement, but also contribute to the reconstruction of spinal stability and reduce radiation dose, pedicle screws placement and operating time.

The inhibitory effects of class I histone deacetylases on hippocampal neuroinflammatory regulation in aging mice with postoperative cognitive dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Neuroinflammation in the hippocampus has been determined to contribute to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurrence in elderly individuals. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been identified as important regulators of inflammation. However, the roles of different types of HDACs in POCD have never been fully explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

POCD mouse models were established using isoflurane and validated by the Morris water maze test. The mice were pretreated with UF010 [a Class I HDAC inhibitor (HDACi)], MC1568 (a Class II HDACi) and SAHA (a Class I and II HDACi) before POCD establishment. HDAC protein levels and the activity of the NF-κB/p65, JAK/STAT and TLR/MyD88 signaling pathways in the hippocampus were investigated by Western blot (WB). The enrichment of HDACs on the promoters of genes was detected using ChIP-qPCR.

RESULTS

Class I HDACs, including HDAC2 and HDAC8, and Class II HDACs, including HDAC4, HDAC7 and HDAC10, were all upregulated in the POCD group compared to the control group. Furthermore, compared to the MC1568 pretreatment group and the control group, the groups pretreated with UF010 and SAHA exhibited amelioration of the effects of anesthesia/surgery induced POCD and compromised inflammatory reactions in the hippocampus. Likewise, the NF-κB/p65, JAK/STAT and TLR/MyD88 signaling pathways were inactivated upon pretreatment with UF010 and SAHA compared to MC1568. Finally, the transcription of the genes negatively regulating these three pathways declined, and the enrichment of HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC8 was significantly elevated in the context of POCD.

CONCLUSIONS

Class I HDACs, especially HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC8, play crucial roles in enhancing neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and causing POCD. Class I HDACs are potential therapeutic targets for POCD prevention and treatment via neuroinflammation inhibition.

Machine learning-based FDG PET-CT radiomics for outcome prediction in larynx and hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

To determine whether machine learning-based radiomic feature analysis of baseline integrated 2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) predicts disease progression in patients with locally advanced larynx and hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) receiving (chemo)radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with larynx and hypopharynx SCC treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy at a specialist cancer centre undergoing pre-treatment PET-CT between 2008 and 2017 were included. Tumour segmentation and radiomic analysis was performed using LIFEx software (University of Paris-Saclay, France). Data were assigned into training (80%) and validation (20%) cohorts adhering to TRIPOD guidelines. A random forest classifier was created for four predictive models using features determined by recursive feature elimination: (A) PET, (B) CT, (C) clinical, and (D) combined PET-CT parameters. Model performance was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients (40 hypopharynx 32 larynx tumours) were included, mean age 61 (range 41-77) years, 50 (69%) were men. Forty-five (62.5%) had chemoradiotherapy, 27 (37.5%) had radiotherapy alone. Median follow-up 26 months (range 12-105 months). Twenty-seven (37.5%) patients progressed within 12 months. ROC AUC for models A, B, C, and D were 0.91, 0.94, 0.88, and 0.93 in training and 0.82, 0.72, 0.70, and 0.94 in validation cohorts. Parameters in model D were metabolic tumour volume (MTV), maximum CT value, minimum standardized uptake value (SUVmin), grey-level zone length matrix (GLZLM) small-zone low grey-level emphasis (SZLGE) and histogram kurtosis.

CONCLUSION

FDG PET-CT derived radiomic features are potential predictors of early disease progression in patients with locally advanced larynx and hypopharynx SCC.

[Therapeutic efficacy analysis of immunotherapy in small cell lung cancer]

Objective: Recently, increasing number of lung cancer patients benefit from immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the data of Chinese small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients is limited. This study aims to analyze the response and survival data of ICIs treatment in SCLC and to explore the predictive biomarkers. Methods: Forty-seven SCLC patients who received ICIs treatment from Peking University Cancer Hospital from May 2017 to September 2019 was recruited. Clinical characteristics including sex, age, smoking status, ICIs strategy, PD-L1 expression and therapeutic efficacy were collected to explore the clinical predictive biomarkers for SCLC ICIs treatment. Results: Among the 47 patients, 18 (38.3%) cases were partial repose (PR), 11 (23.4%) were stable disease (SD), 18 (38.3%) were progressive disease (PD), and the objective response rate (ORR) was 38.3%, disease control rate (DCR) was 61.7%, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.3 months. ICIs monotherapy accounts for 27.7%, the ORR was 15.4%, DCR was 53.8%, median PFS was 2.7 months. Combined therapy accounts for 72.3%, the ORR was 47.1%, DCR was 64.7%, median PFS was 5.4 months. Fourteen (29.8%) patients received ICIs as the first line treatment, their ORR was 85.7%, DCR was 100%, median PFS was 9.1 month. The ORR was not related to the age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (P>0.05). The ORRs were higher in patients underwent PD-L1 monotherapy (P=0.001), combined therapy (P=0.002) and received ICIs as the first line treatment (P<0.001). Log-rank analysis indicated that the PFS of female patients were 12.0 months, significantly longer than 4.4 months of male patients in ICIs treatment (P=0.038). Patients who received PD-L1 monotherapy, combined treatment, or ICIs as the first line treatment had longer PFS than their counterparts, though no statistical significant was observed (P>0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that, the gender was not an independent predictor for PFS in ICIs treatment (HR=3.777, 95%CI=0.974~30.891, P=0.054). Conclusions: Immunotherapy is an effective treatment strategy for SCLC. Patients who receive combined ICIs treatment, first line ICIs treatment and PD-L1 treatment may get greater benefits. PD-L1 expression cannot predict the response and PFS in SCLC ICIs treatment.

Ultrasonic osteotome versus high-speed burr in cervical anterior vertebral subtotal resection: A retrospective study of 81 cases

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasonic osteotome in cervical anterior vertebral subtotal resection.

METHODS

Retrospective clinical data were collated for 81 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who required cervical anterior vertebral subtotal resection.

RESULTS

Group A (n=40) was treated with an ultrasonic osteotome and group B (n=41) with a high-speed burr. Vertebrectomy time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and JOA score improvement were compared. Group A showed significantly shorter vertebrectomy time and significantly less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). In group A, dysphagia occurred in one patient, and superior laryngeal nerve injury in one. Urinary tract infection occurred in one patient in group B. JOA score in both groups significantly increased 3 days after surgery (P<0.05), and at last follow-up compared with 3 days after surgery (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonic osteotome was a safe and effective tool for subtotal anterior cervical vertebral resection.

Imaging post liver transplantation part I: vascular complications

Liver transplantation continues to rise in frequency, with over 1,000 procedures performed in the UK in 2018. Complications are increasingly uncommon but when they occur, early recognition and intervention is vital to save grafts. Imaging after the perioperative period is often performed at patients' local hospitals meaning that all radiologists and sonographers need to have an understanding of how to assess a transplant liver. Part I of this series will focus on vascular complications, including the normal postoperative vascular anatomy following liver transplantation, normal post-transplantation vascular imaging findings and abnormal findings that may prompt further investigation. Vascular complications following liver transplantation will be illustrated using a collection of cases.

Molecular vibration and Boson peak analysis of glucose polymers and ester via terahertz spectroscopy

Complex permittivity spectra were obtained herein by performing broadband terahertz (THz) spectroscopy on cellulose, paramylon, and paramylon ester. Absorption peaks observed for cellulose and paramylon at approximately 3 THz are attributed to hydrogen bonds. In addition, a broad absorption peak around 2 THz was observed for all the polymers, demonstrating a general feature of polymer glasses derived from weak interatomic van der Waals forces. The boson peak was observed for cellulose and paramylon ester. The boson peak frequency for cellulose nearly equaled that for glassy glucose-a unit structure of the cellulose polymer. Additionally, the insensitivity of cellulose to the polymerization degree was consistent with recent results obtained via molecular dynamics simulations. In contrast, the boson peak frequency of paramylon ester was markedly smaller than that of cellulose. These results demonstrate the importance of hydrogen bonds as determinants of the boson peak frequency.

MiR-128-3p overexpression sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib induced apoptosis through regulating DJ-1

OBJECTIVE

DJ-1 expression is elevated in a variety of tumors and is related to the survival of tumor cells under adverse stimuli. DJ-1 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) contains the target of miR-128-3p, and the expression of miR-128-3p is decreased in hepatoma cells. Therefore, we speculate and address in this study, that miR-128-3p can regulate DJ-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and play an important role in HCC cells survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MiR-128-3p and DJ-1 expression in HCC cell lines were measured using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter assay was adopted to confirm the miR-128-3p binding sequences in the 3'-UTR of DJ-1. Sorafenib-induced apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by Western blot analysis. Overexpression of miR-128-3p and DJ-1 were achieved via transfection with miR-128-3p mimic and DJ-1 plasmid, respectively.

RESULTS

We revealed that miR-128-3p expression was downregulated, while DJ-1 expression was upregulated in HCC cell lines, and DJ-1 expression can be regulated by miR-128-3p via directly binding to it. Moreover, functional assays showed that overexpression of miR-128-3p sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib-induced apoptosis, and this phenomenon was partly abolished by DJ-1. Mechanistically, PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was found to participate in the miR-128-3p induced sensitivity to sorafenib via DJ-1.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that miR-128-3p overexpression sensitized HCC to sorafenib-induced apoptosis via PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by regulating DJ-1 expression.

Comparison of the efficacy of two surgical procedures on adenoidal hypertrophy in children

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the treatment effects of two surgical procedures, performed with nasal endoscopy, on treating adenoidal hypertrophy in children.

METHODS

A total of 100 children diagnosed with adenoidal hypertrophy were treated with curettage combined with microwave thermocoagulation and with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation under nasal endoscopic guidance; 6 months after surgery, the effects on snoring, nasal congestion, hearing loss, and gland residue were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Differences in snoring and hearing loss between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05), but the differences in nasal congestion and gland residue between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05); the therapeutic effect was superior in the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation group than in the curettage combined with microwave thermocoagulation group.

CONCLUSION

Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation with nasal endoscopy can achieve a better comprehensive effect on treating adenoidal hypertrophy in children than curettage combined with microwave thermocoagulation.

Prediction of outcome in anal squamous cell carcinoma using radiomic feature analysis of pre-treatment FDG PET-CT

PURPOSE

Incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is increasing, with curative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as the primary treatment of non-metastatic disease. A significant proportion of patients have locoregional treatment failure (LRF), but distant relapse is uncommon. Accurate prognostication of progression-free survival (PFS) would help personalisation of CRT regimens. The study aim was to evaluate novel imaging pre-treatment features, to prognosticate for PFS in ASCC.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with ASCC treated with curative intent at a large tertiary referral centre who underwent pre-treatment FDG-PET/CT were included. Radiomic feature extraction was performed using LIFEx software on baseline FDG-PET/CT. Outcome data (PFS) was collated from electronic patient records. Elastic net regularisation and feature selection were used for logistic regression model generation on a randomly selected training cohort and applied to a validation cohort using TRIPOD guidelines. ROC-AUC analysis was used to compare performance of a regression model encompassing standard clinical prognostic factors (age, sex, tumour and nodal stage-model A), a radiomic feature model (model B) and a combined radiomic/clinical model (model C).

RESULTS

A total of 189 patients were included in the study, with 145 in the training cohort and 44 in the validation cohort. Median follow-up was 35.1 and 37. 9 months, respectively for each cohort, with 70.3% and 68.2% reaching this time-point with PFS. GLCM entropy (a measure of randomness of distribution of co-occurring pixel grey-levels), NGLDM busyness (a measure of spatial frequency of changes in intensity between nearby voxels of different grey-level), minimum CT value (lowest HU within the lesion) and SMTV (a standardized version of MTV) were selected for inclusion in the prognostic model, alongside tumour and nodal stage. AUCs for performance of model A (clinical), B (radiomic) and C (radiomic/clinical) were 0.6355, 0.7403, 0.7412 in the training cohort and 0.6024, 0.6595, 0.7381 in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

Radiomic features extracted from pre-treatment FDG-PET/CT in patients with ASCC may provide better PFS prognosis than conventional staging parameters. With external validation, this might be useful to help personalise CRT regimens in the future.

Antimicrobial Bacillus velezensis HC6: production of three kinds of lipopeptides and biocontrol potential in maize

AIMS

To study the antimicrobial agents of the Bacillus velezensis strain HC6 and assess the application potential of B. velezensis HC6 in maize.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We applied a dual culture technique to test the antimicrobial activity of B. velezensis HC6 against bacteria and fungi of common contaminated crops. Bacillus velezensis HC6 showed antagonistic action on pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus and Fusarium, as well as pathogenic bacteria (especially Listeria monocytogenes). When applied in maize, B. velezensis HC6 could also inhibit the growth of multiple pathogenic fungi and reduce their production of aflatoxin and ochratoxin. Three kinds of antimicrobial lipopeptides, including iturin, fengycin and surfactin were identified in B. velezensis HC6 culture supernatant by high-performance liquid chromatography and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Iturin and fengycin showed obvious antimicrobial activity to the tested fungal strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus velezensis HC6 produces three kinds of lipopeptides which showed antimicrobial activity against several common pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Bacillus velezensis HC6 is potential to be biocontrol bacteria in maize.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Bacillus velezensis HC6 shows obvious antimicrobial activity to important crops pathogenic fungi which usually produce mycotoxins that are harmful to animal and human health. We demonstrate that three different types of lipopeptides produced by B. velezensis contributed to the antimicrobial activity. Bacillus velezensis HC6 has the potential to be effective biocontrol agent in crops.

P3567Genetic screening for monogenic hypertension in hypertensive individuals in a clinical setting

Objectives

Monogenic hypertension describes a series of hypertension syndromes inherited by Mendelian law and present with complex phenotypes.

Methods

1179 cases with monogenic hypertension potential were evaluated by sequencing 37 causative genes. Pathogenic variants were classified by using American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Additionally, 49 variants of unknown significance were selected to receive functional analysis. The yield of combined genetic and functional analysis was evaluated.

Results

21 deleterious variants were identified in 33 of 1179 (2.80%). Functional analysis for 49 unknown significant variants showed 32 variants harbored by 61 individuals led to abnormally expressed protein levels. Overall, combining genetic screening with functional analysis promoted diagnostic yield to 8.73%. The main etiology established was primary aldosteronism, with CACNA1H harboring the greatest mutation burden. Logistic regression analysis showed hypertension complicated with special manifestations had the strongest correlation with disease causing variants detection (p=0.03).

Sequencing Results Summary Number of variants Number of individuals* Percentage† Individuals with no variant 0 524 44.44% Individuals with variants identified 592 655 55.56% Individuals with single contributing variant 297 480 40.71% Individuals with two or multiple contributing variants 295 175 14.84% Number of variants identified   Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants 21 33 2.80%   Variants of unknown significance 570 634 53.77%   Benign or likely benign variants 1 1 0.08% Type of variant   Frameshift deletion 8 15 1.27%   Frameshift insertion 5 5 0.42%   Nonframeshift deletion 10 10 0.85%   Nonframeshift insertion 6 12 1.02%   Nonsynonymous SNV 546 607 51.48%   Stopgain SNV 18 30 2.54% WES, whole-exome sequencing. *The statistics in this table was based on 1179 individuals. †The percentage was calculated by the number of individuals in each category.

A flow chart of this study.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate an enhanced diagnostic ability by combining genetic analysis with functional evaluation and enables targeted treatment and prevention of hypertension.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2014CB542300, 2014CB542302).

[Analysis of mental state of allergic rhinitis patients in Chengdu city by symptom check list 90 (SCL-90) scale]

Objective: To analyse the mental state of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Chengdu. Methods: One thousand five hundred and thirty-six AR patients from Sichuan Provincial Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan People's Hospital, Sichuan Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected from July 2013 to January 2018. Eight hundred and twenty-seven patients were screened into study group by inclusion and exclusion standards. The symptom check list 90 (SCL-90) was used to group and score the mental state of these patients according to nine classification criteria: gender, BMI, age, marital status, monthly salary, disease duration, living environment, education level and working environment. Then, the scores were compared within groups. Inter-group comparison was made between the study group and the Chinese norm, and the positive factors for psychological disorders were extracted. Four symptoms in the study group, i.e. nasal itching, sneezing, clear discharge and nasal congestion, were scored on the visual analogue scale (VAS). SPSS 19.0 software was used to carry out statistical analysis. Partial correlation analysis was performed between the positive factors and the symptom scores by multiple regression statistical method. Results: The total score of SCL-90 in the study group was 2.64±0.25, which was accorded with mild to moderate mental health impairment. There were 124 (15.0%) without mental health damage, 176 (21.3%) with mild damage, 474 (57.3%) with mild to moderate damage, 41 (5.0%) with moderate to severe damage and 12 (1.4%) with severe damage. The in-group comparison showed that the top three categories of different items were the living environment, gender and working environment. The scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, psychosis, other (sleep, diet) and total average score of urban residents were higher than that of country residents (3.29±0.61 vs 2.65±0.50, 2.81±0.77 vs 2.05±0.38, 3.10±0.19 vs 2.49±0.67, 3.40±0.84 vs 2.49±0.70, 3.04±0.64 vs 2.33±0.51, 3.02±0.55 vs 2.40±0.77, 3.40±0.41 vs 2.52±0.77, 2.91±0.11 vs 2.29±0.40, Z value was 4.88, 5.25, 4.57, 5.91, 5.09, 4.63, 5.55, -4.55, respectively, all P<0.05). Women scored higher than man for somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression and others (2.66±0.51 vs 2.00±0.45, 3.37±0.47 vs 2.63±0.51, 3.44±0.57 vs 2.85±0.52, 3.47±0.36 vs 2.76±0.45, Z value was -5.10, -5.51, -4.86, -5.28, respectively, all P<0.05). The scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, psychosis and other (sleep, diet) were higher in the indoor group than those in the outdoor group (3.49±0.64 vs 2.78±0.46, 3.33±0.30 vs 2.56±0.68, 3.28±0.60 vs 2.67±0.31, 3.50±0.85 vs 2.85±0.37, Z value was 5.31, 5.79, 4.89, 5.00, respectively, all P<0.05). The outdoor group scored higher on obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety and hostility (3.44±0.40 vs 2.83±0.35, 3.40±0.50 vs 2.57±0.93, 3.34±0.88 vs 2.69±0.56, Z value was 4.96, 6.22, 5.08, respectively, all P<0.05). The inter-group comparison found that depression, anxiety, psychosis and other (sleep, diet) could be partially correlated with VAS scores as 4 positive factors. The results of partial correlation analysis showed that depression was positively correlated with sneezing and nasal runny discharge, anxiety was positively correlated with nasal itching and nasal obstruction, psychosis was positively correlated with nasal itching and sneezing, and other (sleep, diet) was positively correlated with nasal runny discharge and nasal obstruction. Conclusion: AR patients have mild to moderate mental health impairments, which are correlated with AR symptoms.

Atmospheric Spectroscopy and Photochemistry at Environmental Water Interfaces

The air-water interface is ubiquitous in nature, as manifested in the form of the surfaces of oceans, lakes, and atmospheric aerosols. The aerosol interface, in particular, can play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. The adsorption of atmospheric species onto and into aerosols modifies their concentrations and chemistries. Moreover, the aerosol phase allows otherwise unlikely solution-phase chemistry to occur in the atmosphere. The effect of the air-water interface on these processes is not entirely known. This review summarizes recent theoretical investigations of the interactions of atmosphere species with the air-water interface, including reactant adsorption, photochemistry, and the spectroscopy of reactants at the water surface, with an emphasis on understanding differences between interfacial chemistries and the chemistries in both bulk solution and the gas phase. The results discussed here enable an understanding of fundamental concepts that lead to potential air-water interface effects, providing a framework to understand the effects of water surfaces on our atmosphere.