[Analysis of efficacy and prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of combined immunodeficiency]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of combined immunodeficiency (CID) and explore prognostic risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, clinical characteristics, laboratory tests and prognosis of 73 CID children who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from February 2014 to April 2022 in the Children's Hospital of Fudan University were analyzed. Based on the subtypes of diseases, all patients were divided into severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) group and other CID group. Based on the types of donors, all patients were divided into matched sibling donor group, matched unrelated donor group, unrelated cord blood group, and haploidentical donor group. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test were used to analyze the survival data. Cox regression was used to analyze prognostic factors. Results: Among the 73 patients, there were 61 (84%) males and 12 (16%) females. Fifty-five (75%) patients were SCID, and 18 (25%) patients were other CID. Donor source included 2 (3%) matched sibling donors (MSD), 3 (4%) matched unrelated donors (MUD), 64 (88%) unrelated cord blood (UCB), and 4 (5%) haploidentical donors. The age at transplant was 10.7 (5.9, 27.5) months, and the follow-up time was 36.2 (2.5, 62.9) months. The 3-year overall survival rate of 73 patients with CID was (67±6) %. No significant difference was found in the 3-year overall survival rates between patients with SCID (55 cases) and other CID (18 cases) ((64±7) % vs. (78±10) %, χ2=1.31, P=0.252). And no significant difference was found in the 3-year overall survival rates among patients who received MSD or MUD (5 cases), UCB (64 cases), and haploidentical donor (4 cases) transplant (100% (66±6)% vs. (50±25) %, χ2=2.30, P=0.317). Cox regression analysis showed that the medical history of sepsis (HR=2.55, 95%CI 1.05-6.20, P=0.039) and hypoalbuminemia at transplant (HR=2.96, 95%CI 1.14-7.68, P=0.026) were independent risk factors for the prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with CID. Conclusions: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment for CID. The medical history of sepsis and hypoalbuminemia at transplant were risk factors for prognosis. Enhancing infection prevention and nutritional intervention before transplant can improve patient prognosis.

In ovo injection of AZD6244 suppresses feather follicle development by the inhibition of ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in goose embryos (Anser cygnoides)

1. Feathers are an important product from poultry, and the state of feather growth and development plays an important role in their economic value.2. In total, 120 eggs were selected for immunoblotting and immunolocalisation experiments of ERK and β-catenin proteins in different developmental stages of goose embryos. The ERK protein was highly expressed in the early stage of goose embryo development, while β-catenin protein was highly expressed in the middle stage of embryo development.3. The 120 eggs were divided into four treatment groups, including an uninjected group (BLANK), a group injected with 100 µl of cosolvent (CK), a group injected with 100 µl of AZD6244 containing cosolvent in a dose of 5 mg/kg AZD6244 containing cosolvent (AZD5) and a group injected with 100 µl of AZD6244 containing cosolvent in a dose of 15 mg/kg AZD6244 containing cosolvent (AZD15). The eggs were injected on the ninth day of embryonic development (E9). Samples were collected at E21.5 to observe feather width, feather follicle diameter, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathway protein expression.4. The AZD5 and AZD15 doses were within the embryonic safety range compared to the BLANK and CK groups and had no significant effect on the survival rate and weight at the inflection point, but significantly reduced the feather width and feather follicle diameter (p < 0.05). The AZD6244 treatment inhibited ERK protein phosphorylation levels and blocked the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which in turn significantly down-regulated the expression levels of FZD4, β-catenin, TCF4 and LEF1 (p < 0.05), with an inhibitory effect in the AZD15 group being more significant. The immunohistochemical results of β-catenin and p-ERK were consistent with Western blot results.5. The small molecule inhibitor AZD6244 regulated the growth and development of feather follicles in goose embryos by the ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

[Preliminary study on the effect of Echinococcus multilocaris on phenotypic transformations of glucose metabolism and polarization types in macrophages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis on the phenotypic transformations of glucose metabolism, polarization types and inflammatory responses in macrophages, so as to provide insights into elucidation of echinococcosis pathogenesis.

METHODS

Bone marrow cells were isolated from C57BL/6J mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks, and induced into bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which served as controls (BMDMs-M0). BMDMs-M0 induced M2 macrophages by interleukin-4 for 24 hours served as the IL-4 induction group, and BMDMs-M0 co-cultured with 2.4 ng/mL E. multilocularis cystic fluid (CF) served as the BMDM-CF co-culture group, while BMDMs-M0 co-cultured with E. multilocularis protoscolex (PSC) at a ratio of 500:1 served as the BMDM-PSC co-culture group. The types of polarization of BMDMs co-cultured with E. multilocularis CF and PSC were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression of macrophage markers, inflammatory factors, and glucose metabolism-related enzymes was quantified using fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting assays.

RESULTS

There were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Arginase-1 (Arg1) (F = 1 457.00, P < 0.000 1), macrophages-derived C-C motif chemokine 22 (Ccl22) (F = 22 203.00, P < 0.000 1), resistin-like α (Retnla) (F = 151.90, P < 0.000 1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (F = 107.80, P < 0.001), hexokinase (HK) (F = 9 389.00, P < 0.000 1), pyruvate kinase (PK) (F = 641.40, P < 0.001), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) (F = 43.97, P < 0.01), glucokinase (GK) (F = 432.50, P < 0.000 1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases1 (PDK1) (F = 737.30, P < 0.000 1), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (F = 3 632.00, P < 0.000 1), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) (F = 532.40, P < 0.000 1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (F = 460.00, P < 0.000 1), citrate synthase (CS) (F = 5 642.00, P < 0.01), glycogen synthase1 (GYS1) (F = 273.30, P < 0.000 1), IL-6 (F = 1 823.00, P < 0.000 1), IL-10 (F = 291.70, P < 0.000 1), IL-1β (F = 986.60, P < 0.000 1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (F = 334.80, P < 0.000 1) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β mRNA expression (F = 163.30, P < 0.001). The proportion of M2 macrophages was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group [(22.87% ±1.48%) vs. (1.70% ±0.17%); t = 24.61, P < 0.001], and the proportion of M2 macrophages was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages in the BMDM-CF co-culture group [(20.07% ±0.64%) vs. (1.93% ±0.25%); t = 45.73, P < 0.001]. The mRNA expression of M2 macrophages markers Arg1, Ccl22 and Retnla was significantly higher in the BMDM-CF and BMDM-PSC co-culture groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.01), and no significant difference was seen in the mRNA expression of the M1 macrophage marker iNOS among the three groups (P > 0.05), while qPCR assay quantified higher mRNA expression of key glycolytic enzymes HK, PK and PFK, as well as inflammatory factors IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β in the BMDM-CF and BMDM-PSC co-culture groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.01). Western blotting assay determined higher HK, PK and PFK protein expression in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group than in the control group (all P values < 0.05), and qPCR quantified higher GLUT1, GAPDH and IL-6 mRNA expression in the BMDM-CF co-culture group than in the control group (all P values < 0.05), while higher HK, PK and PFK protein and mRNA expression (all P values < 0.01), as well as lower IL-6 and TNF-α and higher TGF-β mRNA expression (both P values < 0.05) was detected in the IL-4 induction group than in the control group. Glycolytic stress test showed no significant difference in the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of mouse BMDM among the control group, IL-4 induction group and BMDM-PSC co-culture group (F = 124.4, P < 0.05), and a higher ECAR was seen in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group and a lower ECAR was found in the IL-4 induction group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of E. multilocularis CF or PSC mainly causes polarization of BMDM into M2 macrophages, and phenotypic transformation of glucose metabolism into high-energy and high-glycolytic metabolism, and affects inflammatory responses in BMDM.

Expression of FOXO3 in the skin follicles of goose embryos during embryonic development

1. The Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) transcription factor is a crucial regulator in controlling cell metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and response to oxidative stress. However, FOXO3 has not previously been studied much in the embryonic skin follicles of geese.2. This study used Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides), Jilin white geese (Anser cygnoides) and Hungarian white geese (Anser anser). The feather follicle structure in the dorsal skin during embryonic stages was examined with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Pollak staining. The FOXO3 protein content in the embryonic dorsal skin from feather follicles was detected using western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR.3. The mRNA expression level of FOXO3 in the dorsal skin of Jilin white geese was highly expressed on embryonic day 23 (E23; P < 0.01), while mRNA expression of FOXO3 was highly expressed in the feather follicle of Hungarian white geese at E28 (P < 0.01). The expression of FOXO3 protein mainly concentrated in the early embryonic phase among these goose breeds (P < 0.05). This suggested that FOXO3 plays a crucial role in the development and growth of embryonic dorsal skin of feather follicles. The location of the FOXO3 protein was determined using the IHC technique, which further verified the effect of FOXO3 in the dorsal skin for feather follicles during embryogenesis.4. The study demonstrated the differential expression and localisation of the FOXO3 gene among different goose species. It was speculated that the gene could potentially improve goose feather follicle development and feather-related traits and provide a basis for further understanding of FOXO3 function in the dorsal tissue of goose embryos.

[Fuzheng Huayu capsules reducing development of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B based on the ratio of neutrophils/lymphocytes]

Objective: To explore the advantage of Fuzheng Huayu capsule in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis based on neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) risk stratification in reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: 916 cases diagnosed with hepatitis B cirrhosis and followed up for five years from January 2011 to January 2016 at Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University were included, and clinical data were collected. Patients were divided into a combination group and an antiviral group according to whether they were treated with anti-fibrosis for≥6 months. The antiviral group was treated with entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil, while the combination group was treated with Fuzheng Huayu capsules based on the antiviral therapy. The incidence of HCC was compared between the two groups of patients within five years. The advantaged groups treated with Fuzheng Huayu capsule were explored based on NLR risk stratification. The independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare measurement data between two groups. Categorical variable data were compared using either the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact probability method. The incidence of HCC in the two groups of patients was analyzed through the Kalplan-Merier curve and compared using the log-rank method. Results: There were 299 (32.6%) and 617 (67.4%) cases in the combined group and the antiviral group, respectively. A total of 154 (16.8%) patients developed HCC during the follow-up period. The five-year cumulative incidence of HCC in the combination group was lower than that in the antiviral group (10.7% vs. 19.8%, χ(2) = 11.848, P = 0.000 4). Patients with baseline NLR>3 had an increased risk of HCC. According to NLR risk stratification, there were 191 cases in the low-risk group (NLR<1.4), 462 cases in the medium-risk group (NLR1.4 ~ 3.0), and 263 cases in the high-risk group (NLR>3). Among medium to high-risk patients, the incidence of HCC was significantly reduced in the combination group (11.5% vs. 19.4%, χ(2) = 4.519, P = 0.029; 13.2% vs. 26.2%, χ(2) = 5.258, P = 0.019), while there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of HCC among the low-risk group (P = 0.38). Conclusion: Compared with antiviral treatment alone, Fuzheng Huayu capsules combined with antiviral treatment can better reduce the five-year HCC incidence rate in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis. Medium-and high-risk patients with NLR stratification are the most advantageous population to be treated with Fuzheng Huayu capsules.

Species-wide quantitative transcriptomes and proteomes reveal distinct genetic control of gene expression variation in yeast

Gene expression varies between individuals and corresponds to a key step linking genotypes to phenotypes. However, our knowledge regarding the species-wide genetic control of protein abundance, including its dependency on transcript levels, is very limited. Here, we have determined quantitative proteomes of a large population of 942 diverse natural Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast isolates. We found that mRNA and protein abundances are weakly correlated at the population gene level. While the protein co-expression network recapitulates major biological functions, differential expression patterns reveal proteomic signatures related to specific populations. Comprehensive genetic association analyses highlight that genetic variants associated with variation in protein (pQTL) and transcript (eQTL) levels poorly overlap (3.6%). Our results demonstrate that transcriptome and proteome are governed by distinct genetic bases, likely explained by protein turnover. It also highlights the importance of integrating these different levels of gene expression to better understand the genotype-phenotype relationship.

Highlights

At the level of individual genes, the abundance of transcripts and proteins is weakly correlated within a species ( ρ = 0.165). While the proteome is not imprinted by population structure, co-expression patterns recapitulate the cellular functional landscapeWild populations exhibit a higher abundance of respiration-related proteins compared to domesticated populationsLoci that influence protein abundance differ from those that impact transcript levels, likely because of protein turnover.

[Cardiac amyloidosis: pathological classification and clinical analysis of 48 cases]

Objective: To investigate the histological features and clinical manifestations in different types of cardiac amyloidosis to improve diagnostic accuracy. Methods: The histopathological features and clinical manifestations of 48 patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis by Congo red stain and electron microscopy through endomyocardial biopsy were collected in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2018 to December 2021. Immunohistochemical stains for immunoglobulin light chains (κ and λ) and transthyretin protein were carried out, and a review of literature was made. Results: The patients age ranged from 42 to 79 years (mean 56 years) and the male to female ratio was 1.1 to 1.0. The positive rate of endomyocardial biopsy was 97.9% (47/48), which was significantly higher than that of the abdominal wall fat (7/17). Congo red staining and electron microscopy were positive in 97.9% (47/48) and 93.5% (43/46), respectively. Immunohistochemical stains showed 32 cases (68.1%) were light chain type (AL-CA), including 31 cases of AL-λ type and 1 case of AL-κ type; 9 cases (19.1%) were transthyretin protein type (ATTR-CA); and 6 cases (12.8%) were not classified. There was no significant difference in the deposition pattern of amyloid between different types (P>0.05). Clinical data showed that ATTR-CA patients had less involvement of 2 or more organs and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) than the other type patients (P<0.05). The left ventricular stroke volume and right ventricular ejection fraction of ATTR-CA patients were better than the other patients (P<0.05). Follow-up data of 45 patients was obtained, and the overall mean survival time was 15.6±2.0 months. Univariate survival analysis showed that ATTR-CA patients had a better prognosis, while cardiac amyloidosis patients with higher cardiac function grade, NT-proBNP >6 000 ng/L, and troponin T >70 ng/L had a worse prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate survival analysis showed that NT-proBNP and cardiac function grade were independent prognostic factors for cardiac amyloidosis patients. Conclusions: AL-λ is the most common type of cardiac amyloidosis in this group. Congo red staining combined with electron microscopy can significantly improve the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. The clinical manifestations and prognosis of each type are different and can be classified based on immunostaining profile. However, there are still a few cases that cannot be typed; hence mass spectrometry is recommended if feasible.

The association of serum testosterone with dyslipidemia is mediated by obesity: the Henan Rural Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the relationships of serum testosterone with dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels and test whether obesity mediated these associations by gender in Chinese rural population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 6150 subjects were finally analyzed in this study. Serum testosterone for each subject was detected by liquid chromatography equipped with tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and linear regression were employed to evaluate the associations of serum testosterone with the prevalence of dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels. Mediation analysis was conducted to identify the mediation effects of obesity on the relationship between serum testosterone and dyslipidemia. After adjusting for multiple confounders, per unit change in serum ln-testosterone levels was associated with a decreased prevalent dyslipidemia in men (odds ratio (OR): 0.785, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.708, 0.871)). Males with the levels of serum testosterone in the third or fourth quartiles had a 49.4% (OR: 0.506, 95% CI 0.398, 0.644) or 67.1% (OR: 0.329, 95% CI 0.253, 0.428) significantly lower odds of prevalence of dyslipidemia. In addition, a onefold increase in ln-testosterone was related to a 0.043 mmol/L (95% CI 0.028, 0.059) increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in men. Results of the mediation analysis suggested that obesity played a partial role in the association of testosterone with dyslipidemia in men.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with lipid levels and prevalent dyslipidemia, and obesity mediated the effects of serum testosterone on dyslipidemia in men, implying that obesity prevention should be highlighted to decrease the prevalence of dyslipidemia related to changes in testosterone levels.

[Porphyromonas gingivalis infection causes umbilical vein endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro by down-regulating ZO-1, occludin and VE-cadherin expression]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the molecular mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection-induced umbilical vein endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro, and after the formation of the endothelial barrier, the cells were infected with P. gingivals at a multiplicity of infection (MOI). The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the cell barrier was measured, and FITC-dextran trans-endothelial permeability assay and bacterial translocation assay were performed to assess the endothelial barrier function. The expression levels of cell junction proteins including ZO-1, occludin and VE-cadherin in the cells were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

In freshly seeded HUVECs, TEER increased until reaching the maximum on Day 5 (94 Ωcm²), suggesting the formation of the endothelial barrier. P. gingivals infection caused an increase of the permeability of the endothelial barrier as early as 0.5 h after bacterial inoculation, and the barrier function further exacerbated with time, as shown by significantly lowered TEER, increased permeability of FITC-dextran (40 000/70 000), and increased translocation of SYTO9-E. coli cross the barrier. MTT assay suggested that P. gingivals infection did not significantly affect the proliferation of HUVECs (P>0.05), but in P. gingivalsinfected cells, the expressions of ZO-1, occludin and VE-cadherin increased significantly at 24 and 48 h after bacterial inoculation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

P. gingivals may disrupt the endothelial barrier function by down-regulating the expressions of the cell junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, VE-cadherin) and increasing the permeability of the endothelial barrier.

Identification of novel characteristic biomarkers and immune infiltration profile for the anaplastic thyroid cancer via machine learning algorithms

PURPOSE

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare and lethal malignant cancer. In recent years, the application of molecular-driven targeted therapy and immunotherapy has markedly improved the prognosis of ATC. This study aimed to identify characteristic genes for ATC diagnosis and revealed the role of ATC characteristic genes in drug sensitivity and immune cell infiltration.

METHODS

We downloaded ATC RNA-sequencing data from the GEO database. Following the combination and normalization of the dataset, we first divided the combined datasets into the training cohort and the validation cohort. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ATC by differential expression analysis in the training cohort. We used two machine learning algorithms, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) to identify ATC characteristic genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was performed to calculate the abundance of various immune cells in ATC. Finally, we validated the expression of ATC characteristic genes by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) in ATC cell lines and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

A total of 425 DEGs were identified in the training cohort, including 240 upregulated genes and 185 downregulated genes. Four ATC characteristic genes (ADM, PXDN, MMP1, and TFF3) were identified, and their diagnostic value was validated in the validation cohort (AUC in ROC analysis > 0.75). We established a practical gene expression-based nomogram to accurately predict the probability of ATC. We also found that ATC characteristic biomarkers are associated with the tumor immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

ADM, PXDN, MMP1, and TFF3 might serve as potential ATC diagnostic biomarkers and may be helpful for ATC molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Alleviating effect of mulberry leaf 1-deoxynojirimycin on resistin-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in mice

Resistin is upregulated in obese humans and mice, and elevated serum resistin induces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Previous studies have revealed that mulberry 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) is important for a variety of physiological processes, especially carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether DNJ has a positive effect on insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, and what the exact mechanism is. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with resistin with or without DNJ. DNJ reversed the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)-induced by resistin and significantly decreased triglyceride levels both in the serum and liver. A histological analysis demonstrated that lipid accumulation significantly decreased in the DNJ group compared to the resistin group. A mechanistic analysis showed that DNJ significantly inhibited the resistin-induced decline in enzyme activities of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and hepatic lipase (HL) in serum and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in liver. FAS and Acox13α were significantly altered by resistin but restored by DNJ. Furthermore, DNJ partially but significantly restored insulin-stimulated glucose uptake compared with the resistin group, suggesting that DNJ reversed the insulin sensitivity impaired by hyperresistinemia. Treatment of AML12 cells with DNJ significantly restored the expression level and phosphorylation of Akt. The transcriptional levels of InsR and IRS1, as well as the protein levels of InsR and Glut4 and phosphorylation of PI3K and GSK3β, were also normalized in the DNJ-treated group. In conclusion: mulberry DNJ significantly alleviated liver steatosis and insulin resistance in hyperresistinemia.

[A case of autologous corneal stromal lenticule transplantation and vision function training in the correction of hyperopia]

Hypermetropic anisometropia is often accompanied by visual fatigue, and the higher hyperopia is prone to form amblyopia. To avoid Wear glasses fatigue, the higher hyperopia is often under corrected and regulative spasm. Pseudomyopia may occur in the early stage after refractive surgery. In this case, autologous corneal stromal lenticule transplantation was used to correct hyperopia. After standard visual cognitive training, the Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity was rapidly improved, and the binocular vision was normal.

[Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of cytomegalovirus infection post umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation in children with primary immunodeficiency diseases]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors and outcomes of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection post umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation (UCBT) in children with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID). Methods: Clinical data of 143 PID children who received UCBT in the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2015 to June 2020 were collected retrospectively. CMV-DNA in the plasma was surveilled once or twice a week within 100 days post-UCBT. According to the CMV-DNA test results, children were divided into the CMV-infected group and the CMV-uninfected group. The incidence and risk factors of CMV infection were analyzed. At 1-month post-UCBT, the absolute lymphocyte count, ratio of lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin levels were compared between those whose CMV infection developed 1-month later post-UCBT and those not. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test were used for comparision between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the impact of CMV infection on survival. Results: Among 143 patients, there were 113 males and 30 females, with a age of 14 (8, 27) months at UCBT. Chronic granulomatosis disease (n=49), very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (n=43) and severe combined immunodefiency (n=29) were the three main kinds of PID. The rate of CMV infection was 21.7% (31/143), and the time of infection occurring was 44 (31, 49) days post-UCBT. The incidence of recurrent CMV infection was 4.2% (6/143) and refractory CMV infection was 4.9% (7/143).There was no significant difference in the first time CMV-DNA copy and peak CMV-DNA copy during treatment between the recurrent CMV infection group and the non-recurrent CMV infection group (32.8 (18.3, 63.1)×10⁶ vs. 22.5 (13.2, 31.9)×10⁶ copies/L, Z=-0.95, P=0.340;35.2 (20.2, 54.6)×10⁶ vs. 28.4 (24.1, 53.5)×10⁶copies/L, Z=-0.10, P=0.920), so were those between the refractory CMV infection group and non-refractory CMV infection group (21.8 (13.1, 32.2)×10⁶ vs. 25.9 (14.2, 12.2)×10⁶copies/L, Z=-1.04, P=0.299; 47.7 (27.9, 77.6)×10⁶ vs. 27.7 (19.7,51.8)×10⁶copies/L, Z=-1.49, P=0.137). The CMV-infected group accepted more reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen than the CMV-uninfected group (45.2% (14/31) vs. 25.0% (28/112), χ²=4.76, P<0.05). The rate of CMV-seropositive recipients and Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute graft versus host diseases (aGVHD) are significantly higher in the CMV-infected group than the CMV-uninfected group (100% (31/31) vs. 78.6% (88/112), 64.5% (20/31) vs. 26.8% (30/112), χ²=7.98,15.20, both P<0.05). The follow-up time was 31.6 (13.2, 45.9) months, CMV infection had no effect on overall survival (OS) rate (χ²=0.02, P=0.843). There was significant difference in the survival rate among three groups of refractory CMV infection, non-refractory CMV infection and the CMV-uninfected (4/7 vs.95.8% (23/24) vs. 86.6% (97/112), χ²=5.91, P=0.037), while there was no significant difference in the survival rate among three groups of recurrent CMV infection, non-recurrent CMV infection and the CMV-uninfected (5/6 vs. 88.0% (22/25) vs. 86.6% (97/112), χ²=0.43, P=0.896). Children who developed CMV infection after 30 days post-UCBT had lower absolute count and rate of CD4⁺ T cells and immunoglobulin G (IgG) level than those in the CMV-uninfected group (124.1 (81.5, 167.6) ×10⁶ vs. 175.5 (108.3, 257.2) ×10⁶/L, 0.240 (0.164, 0.404) vs. 0.376 (0.222, 0.469), 9.3 (6.2, 14.7) vs. 13.6 (10.7, 16.4) g/L, Z=-2.48, -2.12,-2.47, all P<0.05), but have higher rate of CD8⁺T cells than those in CMV-uninfected group (0.418 (0.281, 0.624) vs. 0.249 (0.154, 0.434), Z=-2.56, P=0.010). Conclusions: RIC regimen, grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD and CMV-seropositive recipients are the main risk factors associated with CMV infection in PID patients post-UCBT. Survival rate of children with refractory CMV infection after UCBT is reduced. Immune reconstitution in children after UCBT should be regularly monitored, and frequency of CMV-DNA monitoring should be increased for children with delayed immune reconstitution.

[Detection of minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma:current status, challenges and prospective]

Detection technologies of minimal residual disease(MRD) have emerged with the development of multiple myeloma (MM) therapies. It can not only reflect the depth of disease response, but also predict the prognosis, indicate recurrence of myeloma patients, and can be used as an important reference for clinical treatment decisions. Long-term sustained MRD negativity has become a globally recognized goal for MM treatment, but there are still many problems to be solved in daily clinical practice. In addition, it is necessary to clarify its biological characteristics through basic research so that it can be better applied in clinical practice.

[Effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Method: From August 2018 to August 2021, 92 patients newly diagnosed with MM who had received either the bortezomib combined with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) or the bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) induction regimens followed by sequential ASCT were assessed for overall survival (OS) and the MRD negative rate. The differences in efficacy at 100 days after transplantation were assessed according to factors, including age, risk stratification, target organ damage, and pre-transplant regimen, etc. Results: Among the 92 patients, there were 45 males and 47 females, with a median age of 57.3 (35-67) years. Fifty-seven patients received the VCD regimen, and 35 received VRD as induction regimen. Forty-three patients received busulphan combined with cyclophosphamide and etoposide (BCV), and 49 patients received high-dose melphan (HDM) regimen as pre-transplantation treatment. After transplantation, the total complete remission (CR) rate of 92 patients increased from 23.9% (22/92) to 58.7% (54/92), and the MRD negative rate increased from 4.4% (4/92) to 33.7% (31/92), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After transplantation, the MRD negative rates of patients with PR, VGPR and ≥CR before transplantation were 17.6% (6/34), 33.3% (12/36) and 59.1% (13/22), respectively (P=0.006). The CR rates of patients with or without plasmacytoma at initial diagnosis were 36.4% (4/11) and 65.4% (53/81), respectively (P=0.029), and the MRD negative rates were 18.2% (2/11) and 39.5% (32/81), respectively (P=0.037), and the differences were statistically significant. The MRD negative rates in high-risk patients and standard-risk group were 30.5% (12/28) and 42.9% (18/59), respectively (P=0.258). For patients who achieved efficacy above VGPR before transplantation, the MRD negative rates after transplantation in VCD-induced group and VRD group were 29% (9/31) and 59.3% (16/27), respectively (P=0.033), and in BCV group and HDM group were 24% (6/25) and 57.6% (19/33), respectively (P=0.016), the differences between the groups were both statistically significant. Conclusion: ASCT can overcome the adverse factors such as high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, and significantly improve the CR rate and MRD negative rate of MM patients. However, the benefit for patients with plasmacytoma at initial diagnosis is not as good as that of patients without.

[Mendelian randomization analysis: the causal relationship between the DNA methylation levels of JAK2 and obesity]

Objective: Based on the Mendelian randomization analysis, to assess the causal relationship between DNA methylation levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and obesity. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, including 1 021 individuals [obesity (visceral fat index ≥10) vs. no obesity (visceral fat index <10) was 440 vs. 581] from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. MethylTarget^TM target region methylation sequencing technology was used for testing the DNA methylation level of JAK2. logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the DNA methylation level of JAK2 and obesity. With SNP as the instrumental variable, the association between the DNA methylation level of JAK2 and obesity was explored by using the Mendelian randomization analysis method. Results: There was a positive association between Chr9:4984943 (one DNA methylation site in the promoter of JAK2) and obesity, and the OR (95%CI) was 1.22(1.04-1.42). Methylation level of five sites in the exon of JAK2 (Chr9:4985378, Chr9:4985404, Chr9:4985407, Chr9:4985409 and Chr9:4985435) were negatively associated with obesity, the corresponding OR (95%CI) were 0.53 (0.29-0.95), 0.58(0.36-0.93), 0.69 (0.49-0.97), 0.72 (0.53-0.99) and 0.58 (0.35-0.98) , respectively. Mendelian randomization analysis showed that there was a causal relationship between the DNA methylation levels of JAK2 and obesity, and the corresponding β (95%CI) were -1.985 (-3.520 - -0.450),-3.547 (-6.301 - -0.792) and -3.900 (-6.328 - -1.472) for Mendelian randomization method of inverse variance weighted, Mendelian randomization method of median based and Maximum-likelihood method, respectively. Conclusion: This study supported there was a causal relationship between the DNA methylation level of JAK2 and obesity.

Quantification of bone marrow interstitial pH and calcium concentration by intravital ratiometric imaging

The fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can be directed by microenvironmental factors including extracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]e), but the local [Ca2+]e around individual HSCs in vivo remains unknown. Here we develop intravital ratiometric analyses to quantify the absolute pH and [Ca2+]e in the mouse calvarial bone marrow, taking into account the pH sensitivity of the calcium probe and the wavelength-dependent optical loss through bone. Unexpectedly, the mean [Ca2+]e in the bone marrow (1.0 ± 0.54 mM) is not significantly different from the blood serum, but the HSCs are found in locations with elevated local [Ca2+]e (1.5 ± 0.57 mM). With aging, a significant increase in [Ca2+]e is found in M-type cavities that exclusively support clonal expansion of activated HSCs. This work thus establishes a tool to investigate [Ca2+]e and pH in the HSC niche with high spatial resolution and can be broadly applied to other tissue types.

[Value of purple sign for predicting rebleeding events in cirrhotic patients following endoscopic selective varices devascularization]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of the purple sign for predicting long-term rebleeding events in cirrhotic patients following endoscopic selective varices devascularization.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 97 patients with liver cirrhosis, who had a history of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and underwent endoscopic selective varices devascularization. Thirty-two of the patients showed purple sign after endoscopic treatment. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize the selection bias of the patients (purple sign vs no purple sign) and reduce the intergroup differences of clinical characteristics. The primary outcome measure of this study was cumulative rebleeding events after endoscopic selective varices devascularization.

RESULTS

The 1-year rebleeding rate (27.0% vs 36.7%) or 6-month rebleeding rate (10.9% vs 26.9%) following endoscopic treatment was not significantly different between the purple sign group and no purple sign group before PSM (P=0.2385). But after PSM, the 1-year rebleeding rate (28.2% vs 56.4%) and 6-month rebleeding rate (5.0% vs 37.0%) were significantly lower in the purple sign group than in the no purple sign group (P=0.0304).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of purple sign indicates a lower risk of rebleeding after endoscopic treatment of cirrhotic gastroesophageal varices and a potentially favorable treatment response after endoscopic therapy, thus providing a clinical indicator for stratification of the patients for sequential endoscopic sessions.

Negative associations of morning serum cortisol levels with obesity: the Henan rural cohort study

AIMS

To evaluate the associations of morning serum cortisol levels with obesity defined by different indices in Chinese rural populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed including 6198 participants (2566 males and 3632 females). Serum cortisol was collected in morning and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), visceral fat index (VFI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Both multivariable liner regression, logistic regression and restrictive cubic splines models were used to estimate the gender-specific relationships between cortisol levels and obesity defined by different indices, respectively.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, serum cortisol was negatively associated with different obesity measures, except obese females defined by BFP (for instance, overall obesity defined by BMI, Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.15, 0.41 in males, and OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42,0.80 in females, central obesity defined by WC, OR = 0.52, 95% CI:0.39,0.69 in males and OR = 0.63, 95% CI:0.51,0.77 in females). Similarly, restrictive cubic splines showed the nonlinear relationship between high levels of cortisol and different obesity indices. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis indicated that cortisol could improve the discrimination of model with common biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

Morning serum cortisol were negatively related to obesity defined by different indices in Chinese rural populations. In addition, cortisol could be as a biomarker for prediction of obesity in males.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with carbon nanoparticle suspension after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using a carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNPS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Some 152 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer (cT1-3N0-2M0) were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups according to axillary lymph node (ALN) status after four to six cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All patients received a CNPS injection, after which SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were performed.

RESULTS

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) of 143 patients were identified; with an accuracy rate of 94.4% and a false-negative rate of 9.9%. Group A included 67 patients, and the detection, accuracy and false-negative rates within this group were 95.5%, 96.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The corresponding rates for group B (85 patients) were 92.9%, 92.4% and 11.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CNPS is an ideal tracer for improving the detection rate of SLN and can be used to determine SLN status following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[Effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infections on mitochondrial functions of macrophages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of mitochondrial metabolic functions of macrophages following Echinococcus multilocularis infections, so as to provide insights into the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis.

METHODS

Two groups were assigned according to different treatment methods. In the culture group, mouse leukemic monocyte macrophage RAW264.7 cells were cultured with 2 000 E. multilocularis at a ratio of 500∶1, while RAW264.7 cells in the control group were given no treatment. Then, both the culture and control groups were further divided into the 24 h and 72 h subgroups. Mitochondria were stained with MitoTracker^® Deep Red FM and the mean fluorescence intensity of macrophage mitochondria was measured with the Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader. The mitochondrial DNA copy number was quantified using the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the mitochondrial energy metabolism was monitored using the Seahorse XF assay. In addition, the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The mean fluorescence intensities of macrophage mitochondria were significantly lower in the 24 h (15 341 ± 2 532 vs. 17 823 ± 3 429; t = 6.379, P < 0.01) and 72 h (18 102 ± 3 505 vs. 21 511 ± 5 144; t = 17.680, P < 0.01) culture subgroups than in the corresponding control subgroups, and lower mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were measured in the 72 h culture subgroup than in the 72 h control group [(3.23 × 10⁹ ± 1.78 × 10⁷) vs. (4.39 × 10⁹ ± 3.70 × 10⁷); t = 8.85, P < 0.001]. The oxygen consumption rates were significantly greater in the 24 h [(241.70 ± 73.13) pmol/min vs. (69.05 ± 52.30) pmol/min; t = 7.89, P < 0.01] and 48 h culture groups [(249.50 ± 42.06) pmol/min vs. (60.28 ± 40.66) pmol/min; t = 8.64, P < 0.01] than in the corresponding control groups, and a higher extracellular acidification rate was seen in the 48 h culture group than in the 48 h control group ([ 111.6 ± 17.49) mpH/min vs. (35.05 ± 7.57) mpH/min; t = 16.90, P < 0.01]. In addition, flow cytometry detected higher mean fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (58 264 ± 10 087 vs. 4 307 ± 97; t = 12.930, P < 0.01) and lower mitochondrial membrane potential (9.833% ± 2.285% vs. 2.667% ± 0.208%; t = 6.645, P < 0.01) in the 72 h culture group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

E. multilocularis infection may impair mitochondrial functions and inhibit oxidative phosphorylation of macrophages, resulting in increased macrophage glycolysis. It is speculated that the alteration of macrophage metabolic states may contribute to the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of alveolar echinococcosis.

Frequency and predictors of thin-cap fibroatheroma progression: a comprehensive and dynamic in-vivo OCT study

Purpose

To assess the evolution of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and to explore predictors for its progression by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

We enrolled ACS patients with non-culprit TCFA at baseline and corresponding OCT images at follow-up of 9 to 15 months. Clinical, angiographic and OCT data were collected and analyzed according to established methods. TCFA was defined as a lipid plaque with maximum lipid arc &gt;90° and fibrous cap thickness &lt;65μm. Considering the resolution of OCT, the regression of TCFA was defined as an increase of fibrous cap thickness &gt;10μm. Inversely, TCFA progression was defined as a decrease, constant or ≤10μm increase of fibrous cap thickness.

Results

41 patients with 55 non-culprit TCFAs were taken into final analysis. 17 patients (41.5%) had patient-level progression and 22 TCFAs (40.0%) progressed at plaque-level with a median follow-up duration of 371 days. 11 (20.0%) of the 55 TCFAs happened subclinical rupture at follow-up, including 10 with the formation a new layer and 1 without the detection of the new layer. Besides, another patient suffered re-myocardial infarction because of the rupture of TCFA induced acute thrombosis and lumen occlusion during follow-up. The baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar between the two cohorts. The progression group had a significantly higher prevalence of macrophage infiltration and vasa vasorum at baseline than the non-progression group (Figure 1). Multivariate analysis identified macrophage infiltration (odds ratio [OR]: 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 27.91; p=0.049]) as the independent predictor of TCFA progression. When it came to the evolution of lesion morphology and lipid components, the progression cohort had a higher percent change of lumen stenosis and lipid length (Figure 2).

Conclusions

About 40% of non-culprit TCFAs in ACS patients progressed in fibrous cap thickness at a median interval of 1 year. Macrophage infiltration was the independent predictor of non-culprit TCFA progression. The progression of fibrous cap thickness was usually accompanied with an aggressive evolution of other lesion characteristics.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): the National Key R&D Program of China Baseline OCT characteristicsPercent change of lesion morphology

Prevalence, predictors, and clinical prognosis of macrophage infiltrates in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion as assessed by OCT

Background

Autopsy series showed that one of most common plaque phenotypes underlying coronary thrombi was plaque erosion. Identification of erosion may permit a less invasive management. Chronic inflammation is a common process in atherosclerosis. The severity of plaque inflammation can be assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) defined macrophages density. The impact of macrophage infiltrates (MØI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients caused by plaque erosion was still unknown.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate plaque morphology and clinical prognosis associated with MØI as assessed by optical coherence tomography in STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion.

Methods

From October 2014 to December 2017, 1561 STEMI with OCT imaging before percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. Finally, 312 STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion were split into two group according to the presence of MØI in culprit eroded plaques.

Results

163 (52.2%) STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with MØI, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI. MØI were more frequency appeared in older patients (p=0.015). The severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions were higher in patients with MØI characterized by more aggressive and vulnerable features. Patients with MØI had worse long-term prognosis, compared with patient without MØI, mainly driven by a higher rate of target lesion revascularization (p=0.046), especially in STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with intensive antiplatelet therapy (p=0.035).

Conclusions

In the present study, we demonstrated that macrophage infiltrates at the site of erode plaques were associated with severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions. The long-term prognosis in patients with MØI were poorer especially in patients without stent implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Study flow chartPredictors of plaque erosion with MØI

[Analysis of 13 cases with pediatric rheumatic disease combined with endocrine disorder]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of children with rheumatic disease combined with endocrine disorder. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data, including sex, age, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, treatment and outcome, of 13 patients with rheumatic diseases combined with endocrine disorder, who were admitted to our department in Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2014 to December 2020. Results: Among the 13 cases, 3 were males and 10 were females, without family history. Their age was (10±4) years. And the average course of disease was 4.1 months. Eight of them were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), 2 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 1 with childhood vasculitis, 1 with juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis (JSSc) and 1 had juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Regarding the initial presentation, 10 cases had symptoms of rheumatic disease, 2 had polydipsia and polyuria, and 1 had goiter. All the 13 patients had multiple system involvement. Regarding endocrine disorder, 10 had thyroiditis or subclinical thyroiditis, 4 had diabetes mellitus and one had both thyroid and pancreas involvement. Thyroid stimulating hormone in 10 patient with thyroid involvment was 19.6 (5.2-34.0) mU/L, and their total thyroxine was 75.3 (45.2-105.4) nmol/L. Besides, thyroid peroxidase antibody or thyroglobulin antibody was positive in 7 cases. The blood glucose of 4 children with pancreatic injury was 25.0 (17.0-33.0) mmol/L, and C-peptide was 0.4 (0.3-0.5) mg/L. Glutamate dehydrogenase antibody, protein tyrosine phosphatase antibody and zinc transporter 8 antibody were positive in two cases. After treatement with immunosuppressant or immunoglobulin combined with glucocorticoid or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for rheumatic symptoms, and levothyroxine or insulin for endocrine diseases, they were all followed up for more than 6 months and maintained clinical stability. Conclusions: Rheumatic diseases in children can be complicated with endocrine disorders, and the involved organs are usually thyroid and pancreas. In children with rheumatic disease, thyroid injury usually has subtle onset, whereas pancreas injury develops rapidly, even life-threatening. Insulin should be used persistently under the instruction of endocrinologist.

Tumor-stroma ratio is a crucial histological predictor of occult cervical lymph node metastasis and survival in early-stage (cT1/2N0) oral squamous cell carcinoma

Occult cervical lymph node metastasis is a significant prognostic factor in patients with early-stage (cT1/2N0) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential value of the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) as a histological predictor of occult cervical metastasis and survival in early-stage OSCC. This retrospective study included 151 patients who underwent excision of the primary lesion and elective neck dissection from 2013 to 2017. The clinicopathological features of the tumor, risk factors associated with occult neck metastasis, and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were studied. A significant correlation of TSR (P = 0.009) was found with occult neck metastasis in the multivariate logistic regression model. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the TSR (P = 0.002) and perineural invasion (P = 0.011) were associated with OS. Occult neck metastasis (P = 0.032) was associated with DFS. These findings indicate that assessment of the TSR might be useful in prognostication for early-stage OSCC patients. Moreover, the TSR is effective in allowing an accurate evaluation of the risk of occult neck metastasis, and this may be easily applicable in the routine pathological diagnosis and clinical decision-making for elective neck dissection.

P–531 hCFTR p.G970D mutation causes Sertoli Cell-only Syndrome (SCOS) and Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD)

Study question

Whether CFTR is a pathogenic gene for azoospermia?

Summary answer

CFTR p.G970D affects spermatogenesis and leads to male infertility by affecting the proliferation and survival of Germ Cell.

What is known already

Male infertility is a multifactorial and heterogeneous pathological condition affecting 7% of the general male population. However, up to now, only a relatively low number of genic factors have a clear relationship with spermatogenesis. Although, increased frequency of CFTR mutations or impaired CFTR expression in men with non-obstructive azoospermia or oligospermia as compared to the fertile men has been reported, but there is no direct evidence CFTR mutations cause azoospermia. Compared to F508Del mutations in Caucasians, p.G970D mutation is the most frequent CFTR mutation identified in Chinese CF patients. However, p.G970D has not been reported involved with male infertility.

Study design, size, duration

In this study, began in an infertile man suffering CBAVD and SCOS with no CF-like phenotype related symptoms up to now. By identifying the patient with CFTR p.G970D mutation, we further verified the function of the mutation in spermatogenesis in spermatogonia cell lines. Control testicular tissue sample was obtained from fertility man donors.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

WES was performed for probands and relatives and the mutation was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immune fluorescence (IF) was performed on seminiferous tubules from the patient and control to characterize the structural anomalies present in the patient. GC2 mCFTRG965D cells was knocked in by the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. The effects of mutations on the growth and proliferation of GC2 cells were detected by CCK8, IF, WB, BCECF staining and RT-PCR.

Main results and the role of chance

First, we identified the CBAVD and SCOS patient with homozygous missense mutations p.G970D in the CFTR gene, and his mutation inherited from both parents. The patient has normal general parameters and fertility parameters except for smaller testes, lower semen volume and pH. His testicular histopathology and co-location of CFTR and DDX4 which is the marker of spermatogonia likewise showed SCOS. Second. given that the amino acid sequence is conserved and the same expression and localization patterns of CFTR between human and mouse, we generated mouse derived cell lines model (mCFTRG965D) that carried a homozygous mutation equivalent to the CFTR variant in patients, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. mCFTRG965D affects the proliferation of Germ Cell, but has less effect on Sertoli cells, which is similar to the SCOS patient’s phenotype. Third, lower mature CFTR were observed in the GC2 mCFTRG965D groups cells compared to those in wild type groups, and CFTR protein is not evident in the GC2 mCFTRG965D groups’ cell membrane, which demonstrated the mutation affecting the anchoring of CFTR to the cell membrane. What’s more, the missense mutation will affect the function of CFTR in regulating pH, thus affecting cell homeostasis.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The low number of biological samples, we need more patients to confirm this mutation and azoospermia. We only validated at the cellular level, not in an animal model. It is noteworthy that, the CFTRF508del mice are fertility.

Wider implications of the findings: Our study reveals that CFTR has a broader indication than just the absence of the vas deferens. We recommend to take further understanding of CFTR playing important role in spermatogenesis by affecting germ cell survival not just regulating cell volume during spermiogenesis.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–257 An unknown cause lead to polyspermy in IVF cycles and 0PN zygotes in ICSI cycles in male patient

Study question

The patient sperm has normal morphology and motility, which paternal factors cause the abnormal fertilization in IVF/ICSI and what is the underlying mechanism?

Summary answer

A genetic mutation of BEX1 and decreased PLC-zeta has been found in patient, which may provide novel insights of polyspermy and pronucleus formation during fertilization.

What is known already

In mammals, pronucleus formation, a landmark event for fertilization, is critical for embryonic development. Abnormal fertilization refers to the abnormal number of pronucleus and polar bodies in zygotes during in vitro fertilization, with an incidence of 5–15%, among which the incidence of polyspermy and 0PN is about 2–10% and 30%. However, the mechanisms underlying pronucleus formation still unclear. More research has focused on oocyte activation, while paternal relevant abnormal fertilizations have been rarely established. The mechanism of how sperm and/or substances carried by sperm influence the physiological process of fertilization is also unclear.

Study design, size, duration

In our study, we first work on the preliminary observation and analysis of sperm morphology, structure and sperm chromosome number, and then made further analysis at the genetic level to find out the cause of this particular phenotype in this patient. We use of zone-free golden hamster ova test the fertilizing capacity and rescue the pronucleus formation with SrCl2.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The patient, golden hamster, Papanicolaou stain, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), IVF, ICSI, Assisted Oocyte Activation (AOA).

Main results and the role of chance

During 2016–2018, they did 4 cycle assistant reproduction technology. Cycle1, conventional IVF(C-IVF), 9 MII oocytes, 9 3PN zygotes; Cycle2, ICSI, 10 MII oocytes, 10 0PN zygotes; Cycle3, donor-oocytes C-IVF, 6 MII oocytes, 6 3PN zygotes, and the donor did C-IVF get normal zygotes and embryos; Cycle4, donor-sperm C-IVF, 7 MII oocytes, 4 2PN zygotes, 3 useable embryos. Remarkably, clinical examination about male shows normal sperm semen parameters. Papanicolaou stain and SEM shows that the sperm of the patient has normal morphology. The TEM data shows that the spermatozoa with normal head morphology and intact 9 + 2 sperm flagella structure. In the sperm FISH analysis, Chromosome ploidy is haploid. We performed WES on the male, after exclusion of frequent variants and application of technical and biological filters, two homozygous missense mutations were identified in BEX1 (c.191G&gt;A [p. W64X]), which has been few reports of male infertility. The western blot result show that the PLC-zeta was decreased in patient. After 10mM SrCl2 assisted oocyte activation, the zygote has the pronucleus formation in ICSI.

Limitations, reasons for caution

At present, we only observe sperm related factors (morphology, structure, chromosome number, genetic mutation). Next step is to detect the substances sperm carried (e.g. RNA-seq, proteomics). In this case, what is of great concern to us is the inconsistencies of the abnormal fertilization during the conventional IVF and ICSI cycles.

Wider implications of the findings: Many studies of fertilization mechanism, the main focus is on the maternal cytoplasmic factors, such as the Ca 2+ release initiate the fast block of oocytes. There are few reports about abnormal fertilization due to sperm factors. Our case may offer new insights for the study of fertilization.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Adverse events associated with mirabegron 50mg versus placebo: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The safety of mirabegron 50mg monotherapy was comprehensively assessed versus placebo for overactive bladder.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted up to June, 2020 using PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials evaluating safety of mirabegron in overactive bladder were collected, and safety was assessed according to 15 adverse events. Adverse events were widely selected to be assessed if they could be calculated. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by using the χ² test based on the Q and I² tests. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using fixed model if I²<50%, otherwise a random-effects model was chosen. The outcomes were nasopharyngitis, dry mouth, hypertension, constipation, headache, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, cardiovascular events, influenza, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, upper respiratory tract infection and high blood pressure.

RESULTS

In all, 10 peer-reviewed trials comprising 6135 patients were identified. Compared with placebo, mirabegron 50mg had an unfavorable safety profile resulting in nasopharyngitis (OR, 1.54[95% credible interval, 1.05-2.25]; P=0.03. No statistical difference was found between mirabegron 50mg and placebo groups in other 14 outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron 50mg is further confirmed to be nearly as safe as placebo, expect for nasopharyngitis. Nasopharyngitis is associated with mirabegron 50mg monotherapy for patients with overactive bladder.

Identification of QTL related to anther color and hull color by RAD sequencing in a RIL population of Setaria italica

Background

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is one of the oldest domesticated crops and has been considered as an ideal model plant for C₄ grasses. It has abundant type of anther and hull colors which is not only a most intuitive morphological marker for color selection in seed production, but also has very important biological significance for the study of molecular mechanism of regulating the synthesis and metabolism of flavonoids and lignin. However, only a few genetic studies have been reported for anther color and hull color in foxtail millet.

Results

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for anther color and hull color was conducted using 400 F₆ and F₇ recombinant inbreed lines (RILs) derived from a cross between parents Yugu18 and Jigu19. Using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing, 43,001 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 3,022 indels were identified between both the parents and the RILs. A total of 1,304 bin markers developed from the SNPs and indels were used to construct a genetic map that spanned 2196 cM of the foxtail millet genome with an average of 1.68 cM/bin. Combined with this genetic map and the phenotypic data observed in two locations for two years, two QTL located on chromosome 6 (Chr6) in a 1.215-Mb interval (33,627,819–34,877,940 bp) for anther color (yellow - white) and three QTL located on Chr1 in a 6.23-Mb interval (1–6,229,734 bp) for hull color (gold-reddish brown) were detected. To narrow the QTL regions identified from the genetic map and QTL analysis, we developed a new method named “inconsistent rate analysis” and efficiently narrowed the QTL regions of anther color into a 60-kb interval (34.13–34.19 Mb) in Chr6, and narrowed the QTL regions of hull color into 70-kb (5.43–5.50 Mb) and 30-kb (5.69–5.72 Mb) intervals in Chr1. Two genes (Seita.6G228600.v2.2 and Seita.6G228700.v2.2) and a cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) gene (Seita.1G057300.v2.2) with amino acid changes between the parents detected by whole-genome resequencing were identified as candidate genes for anther and hull color, respectively.

Conclusions

This work presents the related QTL and candidate genes of anther and hull color in foxtail millet and developed a new method named inconsistent rate analysis to detect the chromosome fragments linked with the quality trait in RILs. This is the first study of the QTL related to hull color in foxtail millet and clarifying that the CAD gene (Seita.1G057300.v2.2) is the key gene responsible for this trait. It lays the foundation for further cloning of the functional genes and provides a powerful tool to detect the chromosome fragments linked with quality traits in RILs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07882-x.

[Clinical effects of pre-expanded anterior perforator flap of transverse cervical artery and pre-expanded thoracic random flap in reconstructing extensive facial and cervical scar in relay]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of pre-expanded anterior perforator flap of transverse cervical artery in extensive facial and cervical scar reconstruction and contralateral pre-expanded thoracic random flap in relay in donor site repair. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From May 2008 to December 2018, 10 patients with extensive facial and cervical scar after burns were treated in the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, including 8 males and 2 females, aged 10-55 years. In the first stage of operation, two skin and soft tissue expanders of the same volume (with rated capacity of 250-600 mL) were respectively placed in the right side and left side of the chest according to the size of scar, and then the skin was expanded. The total amount of normal saline injected was 2 to 4 times of the rated capacity of the expander. In the second stage, the defect with area of 12 cm×8 cm-23 cm×15 cm caused by scar resection and release was repaired with unilateral pre-expanded anterior perforator flap of transverse cervical artery with area of 12 cm×9 cm-24 cm×16 cm. The contralateral pre-expanded thoracic random flap with the same area as that of the above-mentioned perforator flap was extended to repair the secondary defect with area of 8 cm×6 cm-17 cm×14 cm formed after transfer of the above-mentioned perforator flap. The exploration of perforating branch of transverse cervical artery, flap transfer and survival, injury repair, and complications were observed. The appearance and related function of donor and recipient sites and satisfaction of patients were followed up. Results: The perforating branches of transverse cervical artery appeared stably in the 10 patients. All the flaps were transferred to the recipient area without tension and survived. Both facial and cervical injuries were repaired successfully with no common complications. During the follow-up of 6 months-8 years, the color and texture of the pre-expanded anterior perforator flap of transverse cervical artery matched with the surrounding tissue, the functions of head raising and neck rotation of patients were significantly improved compared with those before operation, the color and texture of the flap transplanted in the first donor site matched with the original skin, linear scar left at the surgical incision, and 9 patients were satisfied with the restoration of the appearance and function of donor and recipient sites. Conclusions: The color and texture of the pre-expanded anterior perforator flap of transverse cervical artery match well with the face and neck, and the repairable area is large. After the perforator flap is removed, the secondary wound can be repaired with the pre-expanded thoracic random flap at the same time, and the injury of the chest donor site is alleviated. This relay repair method is a good choice for reconstructing extensive facial and cervical scar.

T1rho mapping of cartilage and menisci in patients with hyperuricaemia at 3 T: a preliminary study

AIM

To compare and assess T_1rho values of the femorotibial cartilage compartments and subregional menisci in patients with hyperuricaemia at 3 T.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study and were subdivided into two subgroups: 15 healthy controls (three women, 12 men; mean age = 45.3 ± 10.9 years, age range 25-72 years) and 17 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (two women, 15 men; mean age = 44.4 ± 12.7 years, age range 26-77 years). All patients were evaluated using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an eight-channel phased-array knee coil (transmit-receive). Wilcoxon's rank sum test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted to determine whether there were any statistically significant differences in the T_1rho values of the femorotibial cartilage compartments and subregional menisci between the two subgroups.

RESULTS

Lateral tibial cartilage (45.8 ± 2.9 ms) in the healthy subgroup had significantly lower (p<0.05) T_1rho values than those of all subcompartments of the femorotibial cartilage in the hyperuricaemia subgroup. The lateral femoral cartilage (LF) in hyperuricaemia (54.6 ± 3.9 ms) subgroup had significantly higher (p<0.05) T_1rho values than those of all subcompartments of the femorotibial cartilage except the LF in the healthy subgroup. Significantly higher (p<0.05) T_1rho values existed in the LF of the healthy (54.6 ± 4.7 ms) subgroup in comparison with those of all subcompartments of femorotibial cartilage except the LF in hyperuricaemia subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

T_1rho values in certain compartments of the femorotibial cartilage in patients with hyperuricaemia are elevated compared to those in healthy patients presumably due to reduced proteoglycan content, to which particular attention should be paid when diagnosing and treating the patients with hyperuricaemia in a clinical setting.

Knockdown of FOXM1 suppresses cell growth and metastasis in human laryngeal cancer via the AKT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the potential regulatory effect of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) on laryngeal carcinoma (LC) and the underlying mechanisms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tumor tissues were obtained from 80 patients diagnosed with LC in our hospital. Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression levels of FOXM1 in LC tissues and cell lines. Transfection of small interfering RNA (si-RNA) was conducted to knockdown the expression level of FOXM1. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and cell colony assay were conducted to measure the changes in cell proliferation capacity influenced by FOXM1. Finally, invasion and migration ability was evaluated by the transwell assay.

RESULTS

FOXM1 was found upregulated in LC tissues and cells. Transfection of FOXM1 siRNA in LC cells successfully inhibited the expression of FOXM1. The knockdown of FOXM1 resulted in reduced proliferation, invasion, and migration of LC cells. Further studies indicated that the knockdown of FOXM1 suppressed the ratio of p-AKT/AKT. Besides, the impaired proliferation, invasion, and migration of LC cells induced by FOXM1 knockdown could be counteracted by application of the AKT activator Sc79.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work demonstrated that the knockdown of FOXM1 suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of LC cells by the AKT signaling pathway.

[Epithelioid glioblastoma with BRAF V600E mutation: a clinicopathological and molecular study]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of the epithelioid glioblastoma (eGBM) with BRAF V600E mutation. Methods: Sixteen cases of eGBM with BRAF V600E mutation diagnosed at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China from 2012 to 2019 were collected. Their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results: The range of patients' age was from 7 to 61 years (median 31.5 years). There were 4 males and 12 females, with a male to female ratio of 1∶3. Eleven cases were newly diagnosed eGBM and five cases had a previous history of astrocytomas. Most of the tumors were located in the cerebral hemisphere, often in the frontal lobe, with an average diameter of 4.6 cm (2.0-8.0 cm). The tumors were composed of relatively uniform, closely packed epithelioid cells, some showing discohesion, with distinct cell membrane, eosinophilic cytoplasm, eccentric nuclei, distinct nucleoli and mitotic activity. Palisaded/coagulative necrosis was seen in all cases. Glomerular microvascular proliferation was seen in most of the cases, while mono-or multi-nucleated tumor giant cells were seen in some cases. Focal sarcomatoid area was seen in 2 cases, and focal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)-like area was seen in 3 cases. Immunohistochemistry showed variable positivity for GFAP, Olig2 and p53. The median Ki-67 index was 30% (10%-50%). Only one case lost ATRX protein expression. Sanger sequencing identified the BRAF V600E mutation in all sixteen patients. Five cases also had mutations in the TERT gene promoter. No IDH1 (R132) or IDH2 (R172) mutation was detected. Surgical resection of the tumors was performed for all patients, and 3 patients also received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Follow-up data were available for 15 patients, with a follow-up time of 1-89 months (median 10 months). Among the 15 patients, 7 patients died of disease and another 5 patients had recurrences. The overall survival time of the patients under 35 years of age was significantly longer than that of the patients aged 35 years or older (P=0.014), but their progression-free survival was not statistically different (P=0.232). Conclusions: eGBM with BRAF V600E mutation is more commonly detected in young women than other the populations (i.e. elderly or male). The epithelioid morphology should include rhabdoid meningioma, anaplastic PXA, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, metastatic tumors, and melanoma in its differential diagnosis. PXA-like area is observed in some eGBM cases, suggesting a relationship of these two types of tumor. eGBM is a high-grade malignant tumor and most of the cases show recurrences or deaths in a short-period time. The younger patients have a relatively better prognosis than the older ones.

[Infliximab in infantile Takayasu arteritis: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of infantile Takayasu arteritis and the efficacy of infliximab (IFX). Methods: Clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and infliximab intervention of a case with infantile Takayasu arteritis, who was admitted to Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics in January 2018, were reviewed and analyzed. The related literature published from the beginning to March 2020 were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed and PubMed with the keywords of"Takayasu arteritis","Infant" in both Chinese and English. Results: This case was a 70-day-old boy admitted due to recurrent fever for 20 days. On admission, his blood pressure were 104/90, 95/59, 125/80, and 152/125 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg, respectively. The complete blood cell count showed leukocytosis (22.6×10⁹/L), thrombocytosis (858×10⁹/L) and mild anemia (80 g/L). He also had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (119 mm/1h), serum ferritin (598 μg/L) and C-reactive protein (112 mg/L). Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed narrowing of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, with thickening and heterogenous enhancement of the vessel wall. Coronary artery ultrasound detected dilatation and wall thickening of the bilateral coronary arteries, and uneven dilatation of the middle segment of the right coronary artery, showing bead-like change. Vessel wall thickening was also found in the other main arteries, including both femoral arteries, axillary arteries, carotid arteries, and subclavian arteries, and both superficial femoral arteries were slightly narrowed in the distal segments. The diagnosis of TA was confirmed, and the boy was treated with infliximab monotherapy (5 mg/(kg·every time), a total of 13 times). Then his body temperature and all inflammatory markers were normalized, and the vascular pathology was resolved according to the radiography. No side effects such as allergy or infection were noted during the treatment. During the 2 years and 6 months of follow-up, the boy maintained normal growth and development. Literature review found 8 related articles, and one of them was in Chinese but had limited information. In the other 7 papers, a total of 7 infants with TA were reported. The most common symptom was fever (5 cases), and inflammatory markers usually elevated, and the most common affected artery was abdominal aorta (6 cases). Most cases were treated with glucocorticoid. Conclusions: TA is a rare disease in infants, usually presents with fever and increased inflammatory markers. At the early stage, infliximab monotherapy could effectively control the symptoms and ensure normal growth and development.

Microstructure and properties of SiC ceramic brazed with Zr–Cu composite filler metal

The microstructure and properties of SiC ceramic brazed with Zr–Cu composite filler metal were investigated. Combined with the brazing experiment, the microstructure of the interface reaction layer and the brazed SiC ceramic joint was analyzed, and the shear strength was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the joint. The results show that both Zr–Cu + SiC_p and Zr–Cu + Mo composite filler metals can braze SiC ceramic, and the products of the interface reaction layer are mainly ZrC and Zr₂Si. The addition of SiC_p and Mo to Zr–Cu-based composite filler metal improves the nuclear properties of the composite filler metal and its joint, reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite filler metal and SiC ceramic joint, and improves the mechanical properties of the joint. The shear properties of the joint increase with the increase of the content of SiCp and Mo in the Zr–Cu composite filler metals. The shear strength of the joint reaches the maximum (82 MPa) when the content of SiC particles is 10 vol% of the Zr–Cu + SiCp composite filler metal, and the average value of the shear strength reaches the maximum of 74 MPa when the content of Mo is 6 vol% of the Zr–Cu + Mo composite filler metal.

The microstructure and properties of SiC ceramic brazed with Zr–Cu composite filler metal were investigated.

Predictors of plaque erosion in current smokers and non-current smokers presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an optical coherence tomography study

Background

Plaque erosion with subsequent coronary thrombosis is considered as an important cause of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Smoking is a major risk factor for acute coronary thrombosis. However, the relationship between current smoking status and plaque erosion has not been systematically investigated.

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate predictors of plaque erosion in current smokers and non-current smokers with STEMI by using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Between January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 1313 STEMI patients underwent pre-intervention OCT of culprit lesion were enrolled and divided into two groups based on current smoking status: current smoking group (n=713) and non-current smoking group (n=600). Using established criteria, quantitative and qualitative underlying plaque characteristics were assessed by OCT. Clinical, angiographic and OCT characteristics of all enrolled patients were recorded. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of plaque erosion in two groups.

Results

Plaque erosion were found in 30.9% (220/713) culprit lesions in current smoking group and 20.8% (125/600) of those in non-current smoking group detected by OCT. In multivariate regression analysis, the predictors that strongly related to plaque erosion in the current smoking group were nearby bifurcation (OR: 4.84; 95% CI:2.38–9.87; p&lt;0.001); the minimum fiber cap thickness (FCT, OR:1.05; 95% CI:1.03–1.08; p&lt;0.001); thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA, OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07–0.67; p=0.007) and lipid core length (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84–0.97; p=0.007). The predictors in the non-current smoking group were nearby bifurcation (OR: 4.84; 95% CI: 2.38–9.87; p=0.006); the minimal FCT (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06–1.13; p&lt;0.001); multi-vessel disease (MVD, OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.97; p=0.042) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.84; p=0.020).

Conclusions

Predictors of plaque erosion causing STEMI onset are different between current smokers and non-current smoker, with nearby bifurcation and thicker minimal FCT both predicting plaque erosion in two groups of patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Morphological characteristics of plaque erosion with noncritical coronary stenosis: an optical coherence tomography study

Background

Plaque erosion is a frequent and important mechanism of acute coronary thrombosis only secondary to plaque rupture. Recent studies suggested plaque erosion with noncritical stenosis could be treated conservatively that distinct from those with critical stenosis. However, characteristics of plaque erosions with different coronary stenosis remain unknown.

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate morphological features of plaque erosions with different coronary stenosis using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Consecutive ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with OCT images of culprit lesion between August 2014 and December 2017 were enrolled and 348 cases presented with plaque erosion identified by OCT. Based on the severity of lumen area stenosis [calculated by (1-minimal lumen area/reference lumen area) * 100%], all culprit plaque erosions were divided into three groups: Group A (area stenosis&lt;50%, n=50, 14.4%); Group B (50%≤area stenosis&lt;75%, n=146, 42.0%); Group C (area stenosis≥75%, n=152, 43.7%). Clinical characteristics, lesion features detected by coronary angiography and OCT were compared among three groups.

Results

Of all 348 STEMI patients with plaque erosions, patients in Group A were youngest (p=0.008) and had the lowest frequency of hypertension (p=0.029) as compared with those in Group B and C. Angiographic analysis showed 72.0% of plaque erosions in Group A located in LAD, while 67.8% in Group B and 53.9% in Group C (p=0.039). OCT findings (Figure 1-A) showed the prevalence of fibrous plaque was significantly highest in Group A than those in Group B and C (82.0% vs. 54.8% vs. 34.9%, p&lt;0.001), whereas lipid rich plaque was most frequent in Group C (16.0% vs. 43.8% vs. 62.5%, p&lt;0.001). The prevalence of macrophage (p&lt;0.001), microvessel (p=0.009) and cholesterol crystals (p&lt;0.001) increased gradually from plaque erosion with lumen area stenosis &lt;50% to 50–75% to ≥75%. Notably, compared with Group B and C, nearby bifurcation was most common in Group A (72.0% vs. 67.1% vs. 55.3%, p=0.036). Multivariable regression analyses (Figure 1-B) showed fibrous plaque and nearby bifurcation were independently associated with plaque erosion with noncritical stenosis (area stenosis&lt;75%).

Conclusion

56.3% plaque erosion in STEMI patients presented with noncritical stenosis, having distinct morphological features from erosion with critical stenosis. Fibrous plaque and nearby bifurcation were independently associated with the presence of noncritically stenotic plaque erosion, remaining a desire to tailor treatment therapy to individual patients.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Key R&D Program of China

Impact of macrophage infiltration in patients with st-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion: an in vivo optical coherence tomography study

Background

Chronic inflammatory infiltration is a common process for atherosclerosis development. However, autopsy studies reveal that incidence rate of inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in plaque erosion compared with plaque rupture.

Purpose

Studies performed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) have allowed to establish the severity of plaque inflammation by assessing macrophage infiltration (MØI). In this study, we aimed at assessing the impaction of MØI in plaque erosion among patients with STEMI by using OCT.

Methods

A total of 1561 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) who underwent OCT imaging were enrolled in this study. According to the exclusion criteria, 312 patients with STEMI exhibiting plaque erosion were classified as MØI or no MØI.

Results

163 (52.2%) patients had MØI at the site of plaque erosion, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI and patients of MØI group were significantly older (P=0.015). The result of angiography showed the prevalence of multi-vessel disease appeared more frequency (P=0.021) and diameter stenosis% were higher (P=0.031) in MØI group. OCT results showed the minimum fibrous-cap thickness was thinner (P&lt;0.001) and the maximum lipid arc was larger (P=0.005) in MØI group. Some patients underwent imaging follow-up at 1 year. There was no significant difference in the culprit plaque morphology progress among two groups (Figure 1A-1D).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that plaque inflammation can increase culprit lesion severity and plaque vulnerability in patients with STEMI caused by plaque erosion.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Dental nerves: a neglected mediator of pulpitis

As one of the most densely innervated tissues, the dental pulp contains abundant nerve fibres, including sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres. Studies in animal models and human patients with pulpitis have revealed distinct alterations in protein expression and histological appearance in all types of dental nerve fibres. Various molecules secreted by neurons, such as classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and amino acids, not only contribute to the induction, sensitization and maintenance of tooth pain, but also regulate non-neuronal cells, including fibroblasts, odontoblasts, immune cells and vascular endothelial cells. Dental nerves are particularly important for the microcirculatory and immune responses in pulpitis via their release of a variety of functional substances. Further, nerve fibres are found to be involved in dental soft and hard tissue repair. Thus, understanding how dental nerves participate in pulpitis could have important clinical ramifications for endodontic treatment. In this review, the roles of dental nerves in regulating pulpal inflammatory processes are highlighted and their implications for future research on this topic are discussed.