Quercetin attenuates brain apoptosis in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder with limited effective treatments. Research suggests that depression involves apoptosis mechanisms. Quercetin (QUE) has been reported to have anti-apoptotic activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of QUE in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression.

METHODS

After establishing mouse models of CUMS-induced depression, the mice were randomly assigned into four groups: control, CUMS, CUMS+QUE, and CUMS+Fluoxetine (FLX). The body weight of the mice was measured during the study. Then, depression-associated behaviors were evaluated using the sucrose preference test (SPT), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was determined using flow cytometry. Bcl-2 and Nrf2 protein expressions in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were also detected. Furthermore, Western blot was used to measure the protein levels of p-ERK, ERK, p-CREB, CREB, and Nrf2 in brain tissues.

RESULTS

QUE or FLX administration increased the body weight of the CUMS mice. Behavioral tests indicated that CUMS mice developed a state of depression, but QUE or FLX treatment improved their depression-associated behaviors. Meanwhile, QUE or FLX treatment decreased apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, the decreased Nrf2 protein expression, ERK and CREB phosphorylation in CUMS group were enhanced by QUE or FLX administration.

CONCLUSION

QUE could attenuate brain apoptosis in mice with CUMS-induced depression, and the mechanism may be related to the ERK/Nrf2 pathway, indicating that QUE could be a potential treatment for depression.

Comparison of Survival Outcomes between Adults and Pediatrics with Non-Metastatic Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma: A SEER Database Analysis of 550 Patients

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Despite the long-term survival rate for children with head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS) has improved to over 70-80% due to advancements in therapeutic approaches, the survival outcomes for adult HNRMS have not been thoroughly investigated. Our study aims to compare and analyze the survival outcomes of adult and pediatric patients with non-metastatic HNRMS, with a focus on the effect of different local treatment methods on disease outcomes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database covering the period from 2004 to 2018. Our study population consisted of patients with Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS) who had not developed distant metastases and received at least one local treatment, either radiotherapy or surgery. The comparison of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was performed between the adult and pediatric patient groups, and between patients who received surgery (with or without radiotherapy) and those who received radiotherapy only (non-surgery).

RESULTS

In the study of 550 patients diagnosed with Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS), data was collected from 181 (32.9%) adult and 369 (67.1%) pediatric patients. The results showed that the adult patient group had a significantly worse outcome compared to the pediatric group in terms of 5-year overall survival (OS) rate (34.9% vs 81.6%, P<0.001) and 5-year cancer specific survival (CSS) rate (59.96% vs 87.48%, P<0.001). Of these patients, 308(56%) underwent radical surgery, with 228 (41.5%) receiving a combination of radiation and surgery and the remaining 242 (44%) receiving radiation therapy alone. No significant differences were found in 5-year OS and CSS rates between the surgery and non-surgery (radiation only) groups in adult patients (34.9% vs 35.0%, P = 0.900; 60.2% vs 59.6%, P = 0.988). However, there were slight differences observed in the pediatric patient group, with the 5-year OS and CSS rates being higher for the surgery group compared to the non-surgery group (86.9% vs 75.9%, P = 0.001 and 90.6% vs 84.2%, P = 0.054, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results of this cohort study indicate that age plays a crucial role in predicting survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS). The findings highlight the need for age-specific treatment strategies for HNRMS patients. While the data suggests that radiotherapy may be a viable first-line option for non-metastatic adult HNRMS patients, additional research is required to validate these trends.

Prospective Efficacy of Two Cycles Toripalimab Plus Induction Chemotherapy in T4 or N3 Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective and Mechanistic Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Gemcitabine-cisplatin (GP) as the most commonly used induction chemotherapy is the standard first-line systemic treatment for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the toxicity of three cycles induction chemotherapy following on chemoradiotherapy remains a pertinent issue. Additional monoclonal antibody against human programmed death-1 (PD-1) has shown promising efficacy in recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this study, we compared three cycles of gemcitabine and cisplatin as classical induction chemotherapy with two cycles of induction chemotherapy plus toripalimab, and then both groups treated with the similar concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma staging T4 or N3 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive gemcitabine (at a dose of 1 g per square meter of body-surface area on days 1 and 8) plus cisplatin (80 mg per square meter on day 1-3), administered every 3 weeks for three cycles, or GP combined with toripalimab (at a dose of 240mg) for two cycles. The primary end point was recurrence-free survival (i.e., freedom from disease recurrence [distant metastasis or locoregional recurrence] or death from any cause) in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary end points included overall survival, treatment adherence, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were included in the trial (30 patients in the toripalimab combined induction chemotherapy group and another 30 in the standard-therapy group). Among 60 patients evaluable for response assessment after induction therapy, all patients had overall response in combined group, including 10 patients (30%) with complete response (CR) in the primary tumor site. 21 patients (70%) were evaluated as partial response (PR) in the standard induction chemotherapy, and another 9 patients were assessed as SDa. At a median follow-up of 27.6 months, the 6-months, 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival was 100% vs 86.7%, 100% vs 80%, 93% vs 70% in the toripalimab combined induction chemotherapy group and standard-therapy group (stratified hazard ratio for recurrence or death, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 0.87; P = 0.001). Overall survival at 2 years was 93.3% and 100%, respectively (stratified hazard ratio for death, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.79). The incidence of acute adverse events of grade 3 or 4 was 76.8% in the standard-induction chemotherapy group and 56% in the standard-therapy group, with a higher incidence of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea, and vomiting in the induction chemotherapy group. The incidence of grade 3 or 4 late toxic effects was 10.2% in the induction chemotherapy group and 10.4% in the combined-therapy group.

CONCLUSION

Two cycles of toripalimab combined with induction chemotherapy of and CCRT shows excellent distant metastatic control with acceptable safety, which is a new promising and effective systemic therapy regimen for high-risk of metastatic NPC patients.

Quercetin mitigates depression-like behavior via the suppression of neuroinflammation and oxidative damage in corticosterone-induced mice

Depression is a clinically common and easily overlooked mental disease. Quercetin is a flavonoid compound, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles. Previous reports presented the anti-depressant role of quercetin. Nevertheless, the latent mechanism of the anti-depressant function of quercetin is blurry. This research aimed to probe its effects on corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression-like behaviors and explore the underlying mechanism. A depression model was established by subcutaneous injection of CORT (20 mg/kg). Thereafter, CORT-treated mice were given 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of quercetin by gavage. This study found that quercetin mitigated depression-like behaviors, as evidenced by increased the number of line crossings, swimming time, and time spent in open arm and reduced thigmotaxis time in CORT-challenged mice in open field test and decreased immobility time as well as the swimming and climbing time in forced swim test and increased number of head dips, time spent and entries in open arm elevated plus maze test. Also, quercetin exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of CORT-induced mice. Additionally, quercetin alleviated the pathological injury of the liver tissue and weakened alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations of the serum in CORT-induced mice. Quercetin also suppressed Caspase-3 content but advanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) contents in hippocampus of CORT-treated mice. Based on these results, quercetin mitigated CORT-induced depression-like behaviors, and the mechanism was partly related to the repression of neuroinflammation and oxidative damage.

Combining Radiotherapy with Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy as First-Line Treatment for De Novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Dual-Center Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Local regional radiotherapy combined with systemic chemotherapy significantly improves the prognosis of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Immunochemotherapy has become the first-line treatment for initial metastatic NPC. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of local regional radiotherapy combined with immunochemotherapy as the first-line treatment of metastatic NPC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with histologically proven de novo metastatic NPC who received immunotherapy and chemotherapy followed by local-regional radiotherapy were included from 2 cancer centers. Toxicity and treatment response were assessed using CTCAE 5.0 and RECIST 1.1, respectively. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

From 2019 to 2021, a total of 16 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 44.5-year-old (range 16-76). Patients with ≥3 metastatic lesions accounts for 58.8%. Bone metastasis was the most common metastatic site. The chemotherapy regimens were paclitaxel/gemcitabine and cisplatin. Toripalimab, camrelizumab and sintilimab were used for immunotherapy. All patients completed the local regional radiotherapy with 69.96Gy for primary nasopharyngeal tumor and positive lymph nodes, 60.06Gy for high-risk region and 50ཞ54.45Gy for low-risk region. Seven patients underwent radiotherapy for metastatic lesions. The median follow-up was 20.5 months (range 6-38 months). Two-year OS was 100%. Three patients experienced distant progression. One-year and 2-year PFS rate was 93.8% and 76.7%, respectively. After combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the overall response rate (ORR) was 93.7% with a complete response (CR) of 6.3%. At the end of radiotherapy, the ORR was 100%. Nine patients (56.3%) achieved CR. Radiotherapy related acute severe (grade 3 or higher) toxicity was dermatitis (1/16, 6.3%) and mucositis (2/16, 12.5%). Immunotherapy related hypophysitis and capillary hyperplasia was 6.3% and 6.3%, respectively. No long-term toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Loco-regional radiotherapy provided a promising efficacy with modest toxicity for patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received immunochemotherapy.

[Access to breast cancer screening among females in China: a focus report on screening rate and composition]

Objective: To systematically integrate and analyze the breast cancer screening rates among females in China and to estimate the composition of different screening service types. Methods: Based on core literature, relevant official websites, projects/survey reports, and information on breast cancer screening rates of Chinese females were extracted and analyzed, and the screening rates for 40-69 years old and 35-64 years old were standardized and compared using 2010 China's population structure. The literature review method was used to retrieve the journal literature related to the composition of breast cancer screening services types (organized screening, physical examination and opportunistic screening). The number of detected literature and the median sample size of individual screening people of the three screening service types were analyzed, and used them as weights to estimate the composition of screening service types. Results: A total of 6 related national surveys on breast cancer screening rate were identified, including 2 from the National Health Service Surveys (broader definition of "breast screening" in 2013, 2018) and 4 from the chronic disease monitoring system of China CDC (the exact definition of "breast cancer screening" in 2010, 2013 and twice in 2015). The age-standardized analysis indicated that 1-year, 2-year and 3-year breast cancer screening rates in 2015 among females in China aged 40-69 years old were 16.9%, 20.2% and 21.4%, respectively. The ever-breast cancer-screened rates were 21.1% in 2013 and 23.5% in 2015 among females aged 40-69, and the corresponding rates were 23.3% and 25.7%, respectively, among females aged 35-64. When taking the literature published in 2015 for further literature review, 130 articles were included, in which the proportions of numbers of reports on organized screening, physical examination, and opportunistic screening were 71.0%, 23.7%, and 5.3%, respectively. Along with the extracted data on median sample sizes (shown in the main text) by breast cancer screening types, it was estimated that the individual service volume of corresponding screening types accounted for 88.0%, 11.2% and 0.8% among all the screened females in China in 2015. Conclusions: The breast cancer screening rates among females of appropriate age in China in 2015 are higher than those in 2013. The literature review analysis preliminarily suggested that the current breast cancer screening service type in China is mainly organized screening service.

PKCε inhibition prevents ischemia‑induced dendritic spine impairment in cultured primary neurons

Brain ischemia is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the mechanisms underlining ischemic stroke and AD remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the function of the ε isoform of protein kinase C (PKCε) in brain ischemia-induced dendritic spine dysfunction to elucidate how brain ischemia causes AD. In the present study, primary hippocampus and cortical neurons were cultured while an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was used to simulate brain ischemia. In the OGD cell model, in vitro kinase activity assay was performed to investigate whether the PKCε kinase activity changed after OGD treatment. Confocal microscopy was performed to investigate whether inhibiting PKCε kinase activity protects dendritic spine morphology and function. G-LISA was used to investigate whether small GTPases worked downstream of PKCε. The results showed that PKCε kinase activity was significantly increased following OGD treatment in primary neurons, leading to dendritic spine dysfunction. Pre-treatment with PKCε-inhibiting peptide, which blocks PKCε activity, significantly rescued dendritic spine function following OGD treatment. Furthermore, PKCε could activate Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) as a downstream molecule, which mediated OGD-induced dendritic spine morphology changes and caused dendritic spine dysfunction. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the PKCε/RhoA signalling pathway is a novel mechanism mediating brain ischemia-induced dendritic spine dysfunction. Developing therapeutic targets for this pathway may protect against and prevent brain ischemia-induced cognitive impairment and AD.

[Comparison of three different measurement methods to determine resting energy expenditure in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis]

Objective: To compare the differences to determine resting energy expenditure (REE) measured with indirect calorimetry and REE predicted by formula method and body composition analyzer in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, so as to provide theoretical guidance for the implementation of precision nutrition intervention. Methods: Patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who were admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from April 2020 to December 2020 were collected. REE was determined by the body composition analyzer and the H-B formula method. Results: were analyzed and compared to REE measured by the metabolic cart. Results A total of 57 cases with liver cirrhosis were included in this study. Among them, 42 were male, aged (47.93 ± 8.62) years, and 15 were female aged (57.20 ± 11.34) years. REE measured value in males was (1 808.14 ± 201.47) kcal/d, compared with the results calculated by the H-B formula method and the measured result of body composition, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). REE measured value in females was (1 496.60 ± 131.28) kcal/d, compared with the results calculated by the H-B formula method and the measured result of body composition, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.016 and 0.004, respectively). REE measured with the metabolic cart had correlation with age and area of visceral fat in men (P = 0.021) and women (P = 0.037). Conclusion: Metabolic cart use will be more accurate to obtain resting energy expenditure in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Body composition analyzer and formula method may underestimate REE predictions. Simultaneously, it is suggested that the effect of age on REE in H-B formula should be fully considered for male patients, while the area of visceral fat may have a certain impact on the interpretation of REE in female patients.

Characterization data of reference materials used for phase II of the priority program DFG SPP 2005 "Opus Fluidum Futurum - Rheology of reactive, multiscale, multiphase construction materials"

A thorough characterization of base materials is the prerequisite for further research. In this paper, the characterization data of the reference materials (CEM I 42.5 R, limestone powder, calcined clay and a mixture of these three components) used in the second funding phase of the priority program 2005 of the German Research Foundation (DFG SPP 2005) are presented under the aspects of chemical and mineralogical composition as well as physical and chemical properties. The data were collected based on tests performed by up to eleven research groups involved in this cooperative program.

[Thirty-year changes in disability adjusted life years for colorectal cancer in China: a screening perspective analysis]

Objective: From a screening-focused perspective, to analyze the 30-year changes in disability adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by colorectal cancer (CRC) in China and in some other selected populations, to inform extent of burden of CRC and future related prevention and control in populations in China. Methods: Based on the data of Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019), the DALYs, world standardized DALY rate, and the composition of different subgroups in China were collected. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend during 1990-2019, and comparison was made with the international data and population screening situation. The trend of DALY burden caused by CRC in China was predicted. Results: In 2019, the DALYs due to CRC in China was 6.395 million person-years, accounting for 26.3% of the global burden and 9.5% of all cancers burden in China; the DALYs in men accounted for 65.2%, in those aged ≥65 years old accounted for 44.8%, in the age group recommended by local screening guidelines (40-75 years) accounted for 73.7%. The years lived with disability accounted for 4.8%. Compared with 1990, the CRC-caused DALYs in China increased by 181.5% in 2019. Factors with the largest increase in the attributable percentage were high Body Mass Index (151.1%), diet high in red meat (86.4%) and diet high in processed meat (78.8%), etc. For DALY rate, it was 245.6/100 000 in 1990 and 320.6/100 000 in 2019, an increase of 30.5%. For reference, Australia (began in 2006), the UK (2006), and Japan (1992), where CRC population-wide screening has been conducted, had decreases in DALY rate of 36.0%, 28.6%, and 17.8%, respectively. The predication of DALYs suggested that without continued expansion of population-based screening, the DALYs in China would reach 7.7 million person-year-9.1 million person-year by 2030, an increase of 19.9%-41.8% compared with 2019. Conclusions: The burden of CRC-caused DALYs in China increased over the past 30 years, and would become more serious because of population aging and the concomitant disability problem. The age range recommended by the current local screening guideline could theoretically include 70% of the population from which the DALYs burden originates, however, the real-world population screening coverage is still limited. The observed decline in CRC-related DALY rate in selected countries was substantially due to the implementation of mass screening, indicating the importance of speedily expanding the population coverage of CRC screening in China.

Resveratrol modulates the gut microbiota of cholestasis in pregnant rats

This study aims to investigate the effect of resveratrol on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and its effect on the gut microbiome profiles, thus contributing to the potential therapeutic strategies for ICP. ICP rat models were established by injecting 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE) subcutaneously from the thirteenth day of gestation for four days and then treated with EE (D group, n=5), resveratrol (R group, n=5), or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA; U group, n=5) from the seventeenth to the twentieth day of gestation. Fecal samples were analyzed with 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. In results: the gut microbiota of pregnant rats was characterized with reduced alpha diversity (Chao1 index), and significant variation in the microbiota structure (ANOSIM) was also observed after being treated with EE. The richness of four phyla and ten genera was upregulated, and five phyla and ten genera were downregulated by EE treatment. The dysbiosis of Bilophila, Ruminococcus, and Actinobacteria caused by EE treatment was reversed by resveratrol administration. There was a correlation between total bile acid and alanine aminotransferase in ICP rats. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis results suggested that the secondary bile acid biosynthesis was decreased, and the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism was increased after being treated with EE in pregnant rats. In conclusion, EE treatment could lead to gut microbiome dysbiosis and bile acid metabolism dysregulation in pregnant rats. Resveratrol could partially rescue gut microbiota dysbiosis and improve the biochemical characteristics caused by EE treatment.

[Research progress in pathogenesis and control of Enterococcus faecalis with persistent infection in root canals]

Root canal therapy is the common treatment for endodontic infections. Successful root canal therapy depends on favorable root canal preparation, root canal medication and three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system. The key to successful root canal therapy is to prevent re-infection of the highly complex root canal systems by removing infecious biofilms and bacterial toxins in the root canal system. The present paper reviews the pathogenic mechanism of the Enterococcus faecalis in the harsh environment of root canal system, the inflammation and immunity of refractory periapical periodontitis and the progress of infection control methods.

[DALYs for breast cancer in China, 2000-2050: trend analysis and prediction based on GBD 2019]

Objective: Based on the data of Global Burden of Disease 2019 data, to analyze the past, current, and future burden of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in China and compare with the international status. Methods: The total number of DALYs, age-standardized DALY rate, and the composition of different subgroups were extracted and described to analyze the time trend in 2000-2019 and the current situation in 2019 for Chinese female breast cancer. The burden of DALYs in 2050 was predicted by Joinpoint using average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: In 2000-2019, the ranking of DALYs caused by female breast cancer in China rose from the fourth to the second in all female cancers. The total DALYs increased by 48.4%, of which the years lived with disability increased from 4.8% to 8.8%. The age-standardized DALY rate only slightly decreased (AAPC=-0.3%; which increased during 2016-2019, AAPC=1.6%). In 2019, the age-standardized DALY rate for breast cancer in China was 278.0/100 000. The DALYs were 2.88 million (accounting for 14.2% of the global burden and 12.1% of all female cancers burden in China), 26.5% of which attributed known risk factors (overweight and obesity were the largest: 0.34 million DALYs, but some common breast cancer risk factors were not available on the platform, such as menstruation and fertility). In 2050, the prediction suggests that the total DALYs caused by female breast cancer in China will reach 3.80 million person-years-5.16 million person-years, increasing 32.1%-79.4% over 2019. From 2000 to 2019, the peak age of DALYs and DALY rate became older, and the DALYs among females aged 65 years and above increased faster than those younger than 65 years (AAPC were 4.8% and 1.3%, respectively). In 2019, females aged 45-74 (the starting age recommended by local guidelines for breast cancer screening) contributed 74.3% of the total DALYs. Conclusions: Over the past 20 years, the age-standardized DALY rate for breast cancer in female populations in China has not changed obviously. Without the continuous expansion of effective intervention and population aging, the burden of DALYs for female breast cancer in China will increase. DALYs for breast cancer attributed leading risk factors were still limited.

[Practice of laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy]

On the basis of existing laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy, this article described a safe and reliable surgical method for the treatment of small adrenal lesions-laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy (LAA), and retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 74 patients who had undergone LAA. All patients had no signs of recurrence on imaging. LAA has high safety and feasibility, clear intraoperative anatomical layers, good spatial operability, and low postoperative complications. LAA provides a more reliable option for the treatment of small adrenal diseases.

Smoothed nested testing on directed acyclic graphs

We consider the problem of multiple hypothesis testing when there is a logical nested structure to the hypotheses. When one hypothesis is nested inside another, the outer hypothesis must be false if the inner hypothesis is false. We model the nested structure as a directed acyclic graph, including chain and tree graphs as special cases. Each node in the graph is a hypothesis and rejecting a node requires also rejecting all of its ancestors. We propose a general framework for adjusting node-level test statistics using the known logical constraints. Within this framework, we study a smoothing procedure that combines each node with all of its descendants to form a more powerful statistic. We prove that a broad class of smoothing strategies can be used with existing selection procedures to control the familywise error rate, false discovery exceedance rate, or false discovery rate, so long as the original test statistics are independent under the null. When the null statistics are not independent, but are derived from positively correlated normal observations, we prove control for all three error rates when the smoothing method is an arithmetic averaging of the observations. Simulations and an application to a real biology dataset demonstrate that smoothing leads to substantial power gains.

[Research advances in the relationship of dietary factors and prostate cancer risk]

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. An increasing trend for prostate cancer incidence was observed in China. Enormous studies have been conducted to investigate the association between dietary factors and prostate cancer, however conflicted results were obtained. Red meat, processed meat, and dairy products consumption were reported to be associated with the increased prostate cancer risk, while tomatoes, soybeans and green tea might reduce the risk of prostate cancer occurance. However, no consensus could be reached without strong evidence. Furthermore, further studies are needed to investigate the association between vitamin and mineral supplements and prostate cancer risk. Some studies reported that men with higher dietary inflammatory index scores increased prostate cancer risk. There may be a long susceptible period when dietary factors affect prostate cancer risk, which poses challenges for collecting exposure and the follow-up. Measure bias and detection bias are the main reasons which impair the authenticity of studies on the relationship of dietary factors and prostate cancer risk. Researchers should apply various methods to measure participants' dietary consumption levels and ascertain essential outcomes, such as prostate cancer death. This article reviews updated epidemiological evidences on the association of dietary factors and prostate cancer, aims to benefit future nutritional epidemiology studies focus on the prostate cancer prevention.

[Association between blood pressure control and characteristics of green space among hypertensive patients in Shenzhen]

Objective: To explore the influence of characteristics of green space on blood pressure control. Methods: Hypertensive patients who were managed by community health centers for one year and aged 35 years old and above were selected as the study subjects in Shenzhen. Multi-stage random sampling method was applied to select a representative sample of 1 200 patients. A total of 1 116 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 93.0%. From November 2019 to January 2020, well-structured questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory biochemical test were applied for information collection among the 1 116 participants. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between characteristics of green space and blood pressure control. Results: The rate of blood pressure control was 67.8%. Results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting confounding factors, health supporting elements, such as fitness areas (OR=1.678, 95%CI:1.231-2.288), collective exercise venues(OR=1.373, 95%CI:1.020-1.848), health knowledge promotion areas (OR=1.416, 95%CI: 1.049-1.911) in green space, were significantly correlated with blood pressure control. Green space safetiness (OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.000-1.019), comfortableness (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.001-1.021) and maintenance status (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.001-1.021) also played a role. The rate of blood control among patients with exclusive green space was higher than that of patients without exclusive green space (OR=1.333, 95%CI: 1.009-1.762). Conclusion: Health supporting elements, safety, comfort, maintenance of green space and exclusive green space play an important role in blood pressure controlling.

[Quality assessment of global prostate cancer screening guidelines]

Objective: To systematically review the quality of clinical practice guidelines for prostate cancer screening to serve as a reference for developing prostate cancer screening guidelines in China. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed with the term "prostate cancer" "prostate carcinoma" "prostate tumor" "screening" "early detection" "guideline" "recommendation" as keywords. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) Ⅱ instrument and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) were used for critical appraisal. Results: A total of thirteen guidelines were included in this review. Evaluated by the AGREE Ⅱ instrument, ten were considered as A level. Two guidelines scored B level, and one was considered C level. Lowest mean domain scores were for stakeholder involvement (52.1%) and applicability (34.0%). Using the RIGHT checklist, we found that the low reporting quality of the thirteen guidelines could be attributable to incomplete disclosure of evidence (64.6%), funding, declaration and management of interest (44.2%), or other information (46.2%). Conclusions: No guidelines for prostate cancer screening was developed in China. The methodological quality of the guidelines in prostate cancer screening was good, which set a tone for the development of Chinese guidelines. However, all guidelines showed poor reporting quality.

Effects of targeted hydration on risk of major adverse renal and cardiac events: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Inconsistent results have been published that have evaluated the preventive effect of targeted hydration in major adverse renal and cardiac events among patients exposed to contrast agents.

Methods

Online databases were searched up to October, 2019, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), and the secondary outcomes were all-cause in-hospital mortality, all-cause long-term mortality, requirement for dialysis, acute pulmonary edema and stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Results

9 high quality trials were identified including 2424 patients. Overall, compared with general hydration, targeted hydration significantly reduced the incidence of CI-AKI by 58% (RR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.33–0.54, p&lt;0.01), the requirement for dialysis by 68% (RR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17–0.62, p&lt;0.01) and the all-cause long-term mortality by 55% (RR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.26–0.76, p&lt;0.01). The effect on all-cause in-hospital mortality was not statistically significant. The effect on acute pulmonary edema and stroke/TIA also showed no difference between two groups (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.28–1.03, p=0.18; RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.14–2.61, p=0.49, respectively). Trial sequential analysis confirmed that an additional 3900 study participants would need to be recruited to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement for all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Targeted hydration likely reduces the incidence of CI-AKI, dialysis and all-cause long-term mortality in patients exposed to contrast agents. However, further independent high-quality RCTs should elucidate the effectiveness and safety of this prophylactic strategy in interventional cardiology.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and long-term mortality may differ from lipoprotein(a) levels among patients undergoing coronary angiography

Background

The use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as an inflammation biomarker in predicting long-term mortality remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether the association of hs-CRP with long-term mortality differs from another inflammation biomarker, lipoprotein(a), in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

A total of 2422 patients undergoing CAG were included in the final analysis from a prospective, observational study. We divided them into 4 groups according to hs-CRP level (high ≥4.8 mg/l, low &lt;4.8 mg/l) and lipoprotein(a) level (high ≥17 mg/dl, low &lt;17 mg/dl).

Results

The overall incidence of all-cause long-term mortality was 133/2422 (5.5%). In the high lipoprotein(a) group, after adjusting for LDL-cholesterol concentration (LDL-C), age, sex, smoking status, diabetes mellitus and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a high hs-CRP level was an independent predictor of all-cause long-term mortality (hazard ratio: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.13–3.54; p=0.02). In the low lipoprotein(a) group, a similar result was not found (hazard ratio: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.92–2.01; p=0.24).

Conclusions

Our data suggested that the association of hs-CRP with all-cause long-term mortality may differ from lipoprotein(a) levels among patients undergoing CAG. In addition to hs-CRP, a high lipoprotein(a) level might be a simultaneous intervention target for improving long-term prognosis in the future.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Global risk factors of contrast-induced acute kidney injury: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Administration of iodinated contrast is common but may be associated with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), particularly in at-risk patients. There is no recent systematic review of potentially modifiable risk factors.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (to 30 th June 2019) for observational studies assessing risk factors associated with CI-AKI. Twelve potentially modifiable risk factors were finally included in this thematic review and meta-analysis. Random or fixed meta-analysis was performed to derive the adjusted odds ratio (aOR), and the population attributable risk (PAR) was calculated for each risk factor globally and by region.

Findings

We included 157 studies (2,297,863 participants). The global incidence of CI-AKI was 5.4%. The potentially modifiable risk factors included high contrast volume (PAR 33%), eight cardiovascular risk factors (diuretic use, multivessel coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, hypertension, hypotension, heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and intra-aortic balloon pump use) (combined PAR 76.2%) and three noncardiovascular risk factors (renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus and anaemia) (combined PAR 47.4%) with geographical differences.

Bubble chart of the 12 risk factors

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Science Foundation of China

Identifying the value of RVEF for the prediction of major cardiovascular outcomes: a study of 7,131 patients undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Background

Right ventricular (RV) function remains poorly recognized for its value in predicting cardiovascular events at a population level. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging is the gold standard for RV assessment.

Purpose

To define the independent prognostic value of RVEF for the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as primary outcome in patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Data was obtained from the Cardiovascular Imaging Registry of Calgary (CIROC). Patients underwent standardized CMR imaging protocols and analysis. Clinical events were identified from administrative data.

Results

7,131 patients were included. 870 primary outcome events occurred over 2.5 years follow-up. RVEF provided equivalent predictive utility versus LVEF (Table 1). There was an increase in events with worsening severity of RVEF (Figure 1), with a significant “threshold-effect” at an RVEF of 40%.

Conclusions

RVEF is a strong and independent predictor of MACE at a population level.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

A simple nomogram to predict contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with congestive heart failure undergoing coronary angiography

Background

Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are vulnerable to contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), but few prediction models are currently available.

Objectives

We aimed to establish a simple nomogram for CI-AKI risk assessment for patients with CHF undergoing coronary angiography.

Methods

A total of 1876 consecutive patients with CHF (defined as New York Heart Association functional class II-IV or Killip class II-IV) were enrolled and randomly (2:1) assigned to a development cohort and a validation cohort. The endpoint was CI-AKI defined as serum creatinine elevation of ≥0.3 mg/dL or 50% from baseline within the first 48–72 hours following the procedure. Predictors for the nomogram were selected by multivariable logistic regression with a stepwise approach. The discriminative power was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and was compared with the classic Mehran score in the validation cohort. Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and 1000 bootstrap samples.

Results

The incidence of CI-AKI was 9.06% (n=170) in the total sample, 8.64% (n=109) in the development cohort and 9.92% (n=61) in the validation cohort (p=0.367). The simple nomogram including four predictors (age, intra-aortic balloon pump, acute myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease) demonstrated a similar predictive power as the Mehran score (area under the curve: 0.80 vs 0.75, p=0.061), as well as a well-fitted calibration curve.

Conclusions

The present simple nomogram including four predictors is a simple and reliable tool to identify CHF patients at risk of CI-AKI, whereas further external validations are needed.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Development and validation of a risk model for the prediction of cardiovascular hospital admission using CMR-based phenotype in patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease

Background

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity worldwide and impose the highest economic burden among noncommunicable diseases. Much of these costs are related to hospitalizations for adverse cardiovascular events, which may be reduced by targeted management of high-risk patients. Cardiac markers derived from CMR imaging have been shown to be strong independent predictors of prognosis within specific cohorts. However, its capacity to broadly contribute to risk models aimed at predicting incident cardiac hospitalization has not been demonstrated.

Purpose

Using a large clinical outcomes registry of patients clinically referred for CMR, develop and validate a nomogram for prediction of cardiovascular hospital admission.

Methods

A total of 7127 consecutive patients were prospectively recruited between 02/2015 and 07/2019. All patients completed standardized health questionnaires and CMR imaging protocols. A nomogram was developed for prediction of cardiovascular hospitalization, inclusive of admission for heart failure, MI, cardiac arrest, heart transplant, LVAD implantation, or stroke. The risk model was derived from 80% (n=5702) of the cohort using Cox modelling that included CMR, medication, laboratory, and patient-reported health variables. Model validation was assessed by discrimination and calibration procedures applied to the remaining 20% of patients (n=1425). A minimum follow-up of six months was mandated.

Results

The derivation cohort was comprised of 38% females with a median age of 56 (IQR 44–65) years. During a median follow-up of 934 days, 514 (9.0%) events occurred. The validation cohort was similarly comprised of 37% females with a median age of 57 (IQR 44–66) years. During a median follow-up of 970 days, 142 (10.0%) events occurred. Numerous CMR parameters were significantly different between those experiencing versus not experiencing the primary composite outcome, including: LVEF (44% vs 59%, p&lt;0.0001), RVEF (52% vs 55%, p&lt;0.0001), LV mass (65g/m2 vs 56g/m2, p&lt;0.0001), and LA volume (43mL/m2 vs 34mL/m2, p&lt;0.0001). These and other CMR-derived characteristics were independently predictive of the composite outcome by univariate modelling (Figure 1A). An eight-variable nomogram (Figure 1B) was developed using a stepwise multivariate model that exhibited high discrimination in both the derivation and validation cohorts (C-index 0.81 and 0.83, respectively). Continuous model calibration curves indicated satisfactory external performance. The model was able to discriminate risk of hospitalization at 1-year with a dynamic range of 20–99%.

Conclusion

Using data available at time of CMR imaging, we derived and validated a Cox-based nomogram that offers robust prediction of future cardiovascular admissions. This tool may provide value for the identification of patients who may benefit from targeted surveillance and management strategies, and may offer a foundation for improved patient-specific cost modelling.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

A comprehensive understanding of ovarian carcinoma survival prognosis by novel biomarkers

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in women. Many studies show that dysregulated gene expression plays a key role in tumorigenesis and development. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma survival prognosis is needed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A large number of high-dimensional RNA-sequencing files and clinical datasets collected from the Genomic Data Commons Data Portal were utilized to identify novel potential biomarkers for determining the prognosis of patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OVSC). We adopted a new strategy to identify these biomarkers by integrating co-expression network analysis and the Kaplan-Meier estimation with a non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.

RESULTS

Functional enrichment analysis of gene modules of interest revealed several dysregulated genes in OVSC, suggesting a close relationship between hormones and angiogenesis. In combination with this comprehensive approach, 14 genes, including ABCA10, DCX, LRRC30, ALX4, DKK4, SGCZ, ANKS4B, FHL5, SPRR2F, CHRNG, GABRR1, STMN2, CRHBP, and GSTM5, were shown to serve as candidate biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with OVSC.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study identified several valuable prognostic biomarkers and several potential therapeutic targets for treating OVSC.

Long noncoding RNA FAM201A involves in radioresistance of non-small-cell lung cancer by enhancing EGFR expression via miR-370

OBJECTIVE

The aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is involved in the molecular regulation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aims to investigate the biological interaction of lnc-FAM201A and its downstream factors and their impacts on the radiotherapy response of NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to determine the expression of FAM201A in NSCLC tissues. The Chi-square tests explored the association between FAM201A level and the poor clinicopathological characteristics (including radioresistance) of NSCLC. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate various prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The effect of FAM201A on OS was tested by the log-rank test. A549/SK-MES-1 cell lines transfected with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were used to verify the promoting effects of FAM201A on radiotherapy resistance in vitro and in vivo. Cell apoptosis (analyzed by flow cytometry), cell proliferation (determined by Cell Counting Kit-8), and mice xenograft models were performed to confirm the results. The downstream targets of FAM201A were predicted by bioinformatics tools. Additionally, the Dual-luciferase reporter assay, qPCR, and Western blotting were performed to confirm their interaction.

RESULTS

FAM201A was significantly upregulated in tissues obtained from NSCLC patients resistant to radiotherapy. Increased FAM201A expression was strongly associated with radioresistance and inferior survival in NSCLC, as demonstrated by clinical data. The silence of FAM201A could inhibit cell proliferation and further cell apoptosis of NSCLC cells under X-ray irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, by competitively targeting miR-370, FAM201A elevated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) levels. After FAM201A knockdown, EGFR and HIF-1α were repressed with enhanced radiosensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The interference of FAM201A impairs its suppression of miR-370, resulting in the upregulation of EGFR and HIF-1α and enhancement of radiosensitivity in NSCLC patients. Collectively, our results indicated that this regulatory axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target to increase the sensitivity of radiotherapy in NSCLC patients.

Nanographene oxides carrying antisense walR RNA regulates the Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation and its susceptibility to chlorhexidine

Enterococcus faecalis is the dominant pathogen for persistent periapical periodontitis. The chlorhexidine (CHX) is used as conversional irrigation agents during endodontic root canal therapy. It was reported that the antisense walR RNA (ASwalR) suppressed the biofilm organization. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of novel graphene oxide (GO)-polyethylenimine (PEI)-based antisense walR (ASwalR) on the inhibition of E. faecalis biofilm and its susceptibility to chlorhexidine. The recombinant ASwalR plasmids were modified with a gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (ASwalR-eGFP) as a reporter gene so that the transformation efficiency could be evaluated by the fluorescence intensity. The GO-PEI-based ASwalR vector transformation strategy was developed to be transformed into E. faecalis and to over-produce ASwalR in biofilms. Colony forming units (CFU) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to investigate whether the antibacterial properties of antisense walR interference strategy sensitize E. faecalis biofilm to the CHX. The results indicated that overexpression of ASwalR by GO-PEI-based transformation strategy could inhibit biofilm formation, decrease the EPS synthesis and increase the susceptibility of E. faecalis biofilms to CHX. Our reports demonstrated that antisense walR RNA will be a supplementary strategy in treating E. faecalis with irrigation agents.

[Status of chronic filariasis: a cross-sectional study in Jiangxi Province, 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangxi Province in 2018, so as to provide insights into the follow-up care of the patients.

METHODS

In 2018, a case follow-up study was conducted in all registered patients with chronic filariasis in previously endemic areas of Jiangxi Province, and a clue investigation was done for identifying the missing patients. In addition, the data of caring sites for chronic filarisis patients were collected and analyzed in the province.

RESULTS

A total of 802 chronic filariasis patients were identified in 56 counties (districts) of Jiangxi Province in 2018. The patients had a male/female ratio of 1∶1, and 85.41% had ages of over 70 years. There were 58.60%, 93.89%, 17.21% and 3.62% of chronic filariasis patients with lymphangitis, lymphedema/elephantiasis, chyluria and hydrocele, respectively. A total of 273 caring sites were assigned in 56 counties (districts) of Jiangxi Province, and 306 caring activities were carried out in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of chronic filariasis patients has significantly decreased in Jiangxi Province; however, the care remains to be intensified for chronic filariasis patients.

Characterization data of reference industrial polycarboxylate superplasticizers used within Priority Program DFG SPP 2005 "Opus Fluidum Futurum - Rheology of reactive, multiscale, multiphase construction materials"

Two industrial polycarboxylate superplasticizer samples have been selected to be used within the Priority Program 2005 of the German Research Foundation (DFG SPP 2005). The PCE polymers were characterized via Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) to determine their molar masses (M_w, M_n), the polydispersity index (PDI) and the conversion rate which indicates the incorporation of the macromonomer into the polymer. The anionic charge amount of the PCE samples was assessed via charge titration employing a cationic polymer. Furthermore, the cement dispersing properties of the PCE polymers were captured via 'mini slump' tests so as to assess their ability to fluidize CEM I 42.5 R and CEM III/A 42.5 N samples, respectively. Also, interaction between the PCEs and the surface of the cements was investigated via adsorption and zeta potential measurements of aqueous cement suspensions. The results shall be used for the ongoing research within the Priority Program.

SAT0647-HPR DEVELOP A MACHINE LEARNING MODEL AND ALGORITHM BASED ON SMART SYSTEM OF DISEASE MANAGEMENT (SSDM) BIG DATA FOR RA FLARE PREDICTION

Background:

Flare, relapse from status of treat-to-target (T2T, DAS28<=3.2), is hard predicted. We try to make it predictable by applying machine learning to a database from smart system of disease management (SSDM). SSDM is an interactive mobile disease management APPs.

Objectives:

To develop and validate machine learning algorithms for flare prediction in RA.

Methods:

Patients were trained using SSDM and input their data, including demographic, comorbidities (COMBs), lab test, medications and monthly self-assessments, including DAS28, HAQ, SF-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data was uploaded to cloud and synchronized to the mobile of authorized rheumatologists. The COMBs were by ICD-9, and medications were listed as cDMARDs, Bio (BioDMARDs), NSAIDs, Steroid, FS (food supplements), MC (medicine for COMBs), TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and combinations.

Results:

From Jan of 2015 to Jan of 2020, 8811 RA patients, 85% female and 15% male, used to reach T2T. 4556 were flare-free and 4255 suffering at least one flare. The average 160 attributes were extracted from each flare-free patient at time of reaching T2T, and each flare patients at time of 3 months before the flare. Patients were randomly assigned as model setup (training) group (70%) and validation (testing) group30%.

For training, data were processed using Python with statistical analyses in R. In R, random forests were implemented. Logistic regression via glm in base R. The random forest comprises a set of decision trees. “Splits” in the decision trees reflect binary (i.e., yes/no) respect to attributors. Bootstrapping was used to assess, quantify, and adjust for model optimism. Model performance was evaluated using AUC, precision and recall metrics. Brier scores for accuracy of probabilistic predictions ranged from 0 to 1 (0 is perfect discrimination).

The testing showed model performance for prediction windows are 0.78 for AUC (95% CI), 0.71 for Recall (sensitivity), 0.195 for Brier score, and 0.68 for precision (true positive 893, false positive 417, false negative 367, true negative 966).

Based on weighing in the random forest, the top 10 pro-flare attributes were CRP, swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), HAQ, DAS28, morning stiffness, gout, MCTD, OA, duration; while top 10 anti-flare attributes were cDMARDs+Bio, cDMARDs+steroid+NSAIDs, stable on HAQ, on morning stiffness, on SJC, medicine on COMBs, cDMARDs+TCM, stable on TJC, on ESR, income at 100-200k (Fig.1). The top weighing COMBs for pro-flaring were gout (0.81), MRD (0.75), OA (0.56), AS (0.48). The monotherapies with either Bio or NSAIDs, or steroid, or TCM was pro-flare; while with cDMARDs was anti-flare (-0.21).

Figure 1.

Conclusion:

The attempt to develop a machine learning algorithm for RA flare prediction is successful. The discrimination was acceptable. The attributes of both pro-flare and anti-flare are identified, which may inspire the proactive intervention.

Acknowledgments:

SSDM was developed by Shanghai Gothic Internet Technology Co., Ltd.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Simple practical system for directly measuring magnetocaloric effects under large magnetic fields

Direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change (ΔT_ad) in Gd and Mn_1.15Fe_0.8P_0.5Si_0.5C_0.05 are made using a homemade adiabatic magnetocalorimeter at 260-360 K and 0-7 T. The system uses a servo motor to drive the samples into and out of the magnetic field under a vacuum environment provided by the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). The peak values of ΔT_ad for Gd and Mn_1.15Fe_0.8P_0.5Si_0.5C_0.05 at 7 T are 8.71 K and 6.41 K at ambient temperatures of 303 K and 317 K, respectively. Based on the theory model, it is found that ΔT_ad of Gd depends on the 2/3 exponential function of magnetic field H (ΔT_ad ∝ H^2/3), whereas the Mn_1.15Fe_0.8P_0.5Si_0.5C_0.05 compound follows the power law of ΔT_ad ∝ H^0.66-1.04 due to the first order magnetic transitions. Furthermore, using the constructed experimental instrument, the adiabatic temperature change in different magnetic materials, including materials with first/second order magnetic transition and blocks, flakes, or powders, can be directly measured under large magnetic fields and wide temperature spans.

[A multicenter survey of the accessibility of essential medicines for children in China]

Objective: To investigate the availability, prices and affordability of essential medicines in pediatric population across China, in the hope of improving rational use of medicines. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey of medicine prices, availability and affordability was conducted in 17 provinces, municipalities and autonomous region across east, south-central part, west and north of China. Data on 42 medicines used in pediatric population, both original and generic, were collected in 55 public hospitals from May 26 to June 2, 2017. Availability was expressed as the percentage of hospitals with stock of the target medicine on the day of data collection,and median price ratio (MPR) was the ratio of price upon investigation to international reference. Based on national minimum daily wage, affordability represents the number of working days needed to earn the expense which covers a standard course using the target medicine. Statistical software SPSS 13.0 was applied for descriptive analysis of availability, MPR and affordability. Results: Mean Availability of original and generic medicine was 33% and 32%, with median MPR being 5.43 and 1.55. Among the 19 medicines with price information for both original and generic product, the median MPR was 7.73 and 2.04 respectively. Regarding the five medicines used to treat four common pediatric diseases (pneumonia,peptic ulcer, congenital hypothyroidism, refractory nephrotic syndrome), the affordability was 0.63 (0.16-6.17) d for generic medicine, and 1.03 (0.16-11.53) d for its original counterpart. Conclusions: The availability to both original and generic products of the 42 medicines used in pediatric population was low in China. The prices of generic medicines seem to be lower and affordability higher than those of original medicines. There is an urgent need to improve the availability and affordability of pediatric medicines.

Carbohydrate Metabolism Regulated by Antisense vicR RNA in Cariogenicity

Streptococcus mutans is a major cariogenic pathogen that resides in multispecies oral microbial biofilms. The VicRK 2-component system is crucial for bacterial adaptation, virulence, and biofilm organization and contains a global and vital response regulator, VicR. Notably, we identified an antisense vicR RNA (AS vicR) associated with an adjacent RNase III–encoding ( rnc) gene that was relevant to microRNA-size small RNAs (msRNAs). Here, we report that ASvicR overexpression significantly impeded bacterial growth, biofilm exopolysaccharide synthesis, and cariogenicity in vivo. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the AS vicR RNA mainly regulated carbohydrate metabolism. In particular, overproducing AS vicR demonstrated a reduction in galactose and glucose metabolism by monosaccharide composition analysis. The results of high-performance gel permeation chromatography revealed that the water-insoluble glucans isolated from AS vicR presented much lower molecular weights. Furthermore, direct evidence showed that total RNAs were disrupted by rnc-encoded RNase III. With the coexpression of T4 RNA ligase, putative msRNA1657, which is an rnc-related messenger RNA, was verified to bind to the 5′-UTR regions of the vicR gene. Furthermore, AS vicR regulation revealed a sponge regulatory-mediated network for msRNA associated with adjacent RNase III–encoding genes. There was an increase in AS vicR transcript levels in clinical S. mutans strains from caries-free children, while the expression of AS vicR was decreased in early childhood caries patients; this outcome may be explored as a potential strategy contributing to the management of dental caries. Taken together, our findings suggest an important role of AS vicR-mediated sponge regulation in S. mutans, indicating the characterization of lactose metabolism by a vital response regulator in cariogenicity. These findings have a number of implications and have reshaped our understanding of bacterial gene regulation from its transcriptional conception to the key roles of regulatory RNAs.

4941Machine learning based automated diagnosis of ischemic vs non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy using 3D myocardial deformation analysis

Background

Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) imaging is a reference standard technique for the differentiation of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) from non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). 3D myocardial deformation analysis (3D-MDA) offers highly reproducible phenotypic assessments of regional architecture and function that may provide value for artificial-intelligence-assisted cardiomyopathy diagnosis without need for LGE imaging.

Purpose

In this study, we trained and validated a machine-learning-based model to enable automated diagnosis of ischemic versus non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy exclusively using regional patterns of deformation among patients otherwise matched by age, sex and global contractile dysfunction.

Methods

100 ICM and 100 NIDCM patients matched for age, sex, and LVEF underwent standard cine SSFP and LGE imaging. Patient diagnoses were established using a combination of clinical and LGE-based criteria. 3D-MDA was performed using validated software (GIUSEPPE) to compute regional 3D strain measures at each cardiac phase in both conventional and principal strain directions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on the composite 3D-MDA dataset. The first 20 components were chosen, accounting for approximately 65% of the population variance. Subsequently, a support-vector-machine-based algorithm was used with 10-fold cross-validation to discriminate ICM from NIDCM.

Results

Patients were 63±10 years (ICM: 63±10 years, NIDCM: 63±10 years, p=0.955), 74% male (ICM: 74%, NIDCM: 74%, p=1.000), and had a mean LVEF of 27±8% (ICM: 27±7%, NIDCM: 28±7%, p=0.688). Global time to peak strain was significantly shorter in ICM patients relative to NIDCM patients across all surfaces and in all directions (p<0.05). The highest single-variable Area Under the Curve (AUC) achieved for the classification of ICM versus NIDCM from global data was for minimum principal strain (ICM: 43.7±7.8, NIDCM: 48.3±7.5, p<0.001, AUC: 0.682) (Figure 1). However, a multi-feature machine-learning-based model exposed to all available regional 3D deformation data achieved an AUC of 0.903 (sensitivity 87.7%, specificity 75.5%).

Conclusions

Machine learning-based analyses of3D regionaldeformation patterns allows for robust discrimination of ICM versus NIDCM. Further expansion of the presented findings is planned on a wider, multi-centre cohort.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Dr. White was supported by an award from Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta. This study was funded in part by Calgary Health Trust.

Mechanisms by Which Small RNAs Affect Bacterial Activity

The oral cavity contains a distinct habitat that supports diverse bacterial flora. Recent observations have provided additional evidence that sRNAs are key regulators of bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. These sRNAs have been divided into 5 functional groups: cis-encoded RNAs, trans-encoded RNAs, RNA regulators of protein activity, bacterial CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) RNAs, and a novel category of miRNA-size small RNAs (msRNAs). In this review, we discuss a critical group of key commensal and opportunistic oral pathogens. In general, supragingival bacterial sRNAs function synergistically to fine-tune the regulation of cellular processes and stress responses in adaptation to environmental changes. Particularly in the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans, both the antisense vicR RNA and msRNA1657 can impede the metabolism of bacterial exopolysaccharides, prevent biofilm formation, and suppress its cariogenicity. In Enterococcus faecalis, selected sRNAs control the expression of proteins involved in diverse cellular processes and stress responses. In subgingival plaques, sRNAs from periodontal pathogens can function as novel bacterial signaling molecules that mediate bacterial-human interactions in periodontal homeostasis. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, the expression profiles of putative sRNA101 and sRNA42 were found to respond to hemin availability after hemin starvation. Regarding Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), a major periodontal pathogen associated with aggressive periodontitis, the predicted sRNAs interact with several virulence genes, including those encoding leukotoxin and cytolethal distending toxin. Furthermore, in clinical isolates, these associated RNAs could be explored not only as potential biomarkers for oral disease monitoring but also as alternative types of regulators for drug design. Thus, this emerging subspecialty of bacterial regulatory RNAs could reshape our understanding of bacterial gene regulation from their key roles of endogenous regulatory RNAs to their activities in pathologic processes.

Chewing lice from high-altitude and migrating birds in Yunnan, China, with descriptions of two new species of Guimaraesiella

In total, 366 birds representing 55 species in 24 families and eight orders, were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) in two high-altitude localities in Yunnan Province, China. In Ailaoshan, almost all of the birds examined were resident passeriforms, of which 36% were parasitized by chewing lice. In Jinshanyakou, most birds were on migration, and included both passerine and non-passerine birds. Of the passerine birds caught in Jinshanyakou, only one bird (0.7%) was parasitized by chewing lice. The prevalence of Myrsidea and Brueelia-complex lice on birds caught in Ailaoshan was higher than in previous reports. Of the chewing lice identifiable to species level, three represent new records for China: Actornithophilus hoplopteri (Mjöberg, 1910), Maculinirmus ljosalfar Gustafsson & Bush, 2017 and Quadraceps sinensis Timmermann, 1954. In total, 17 new host records are included, of which we describe two as new species in the Brueelia-complex: Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) ailaoshanensis sp. nov. ex Schoeniparus dubius dubius (Hume, 1874) and G. (C.) montisodalis sp. nov. ex Fulvetta manipurensis tonkinensis Delacour & Jabouille, 1930. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9FC3D8EE-2CED-4DBE-A1DB-471B71260D27.

Comparative studies of mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses to 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in mice

The nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALTs), embedded in the submucosa of murine upper respiratory tract, represents an important site of induction for local mucosal immune responses to airborne pathogens and intranasal vaccines. Here, we systematically investigated the mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses of NALTs in mice infected with A/Beijing/501/2009 (BJ501) and A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) viruses. Compared with PR8 infection, BJ501 induced a more rapid increase of virus-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in the nasal lavage fluid and a higher ratio of IgG1/IgG2a, indicating a stronger Th2 response to BJ501 in mucosal immunity. In addition, using virus-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot assay), we observed higher and earlier responses of virus-specific IgA and IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine-secreting cells (CSCs) in NALTs of mice intranasally infected with BJ501 virus. In particular, the frequency of BJ501-specific IFN-γ-CSCs significantly correlated with the kinetics of BJ501 virus load in NALTs, suggesting an important role of IFN-γ-CSCs-associated mucosal cellular immune responses in BJ501 virus clearance. Collectively, BJ501 induced a more comprehensive and rapid mucosal immune responses in NALTs of mice, providing further understanding of the immune responses elicited by 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus in upper respiratory tract. Keywords: nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALTs); influenza virus; mucosal immune response; Th1/Th2 response.

Genetic polymorphisms in IL1B predict susceptibility to steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Chinese Han population

The purpose of this research was to examine if the IL1B gene polymorphism has impact on the risk of steroid-induced ONFH in Chinese population. We found that IL1B rs1143630 decreased the SANFH's risk and IL1B rs2853550 increased the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. So, we guess that IL1B gene influences the genetic susceptibility of steroid-induced ONFH.

INTRODUCTION

Genetic polymorphisms in IL1B gene could be related in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis. Discusses on the relationship between the IL1B gene and steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (steroid-induced ONFH) is still less in Chinese Han population. So, in this research, we want to examine whether the IL1B gene polymorphism has impact on the risk of steroid-induced ONFH in Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 286 steroid-induced ONFH patients and 441 controls were recruited, and seven SNPs (rs2853550, rs1143643, rs3136558, rs1143630, rs1143627, rs16944, and rs1143623) in IL1B gene were selected; unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to research the influence on the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. Functional annotations of IL1B variants were performed by RegulomeDB and HaploReg.

RESULTS

rs1143630 (A>C) in the IL1B gene decreased the risk of steroid-induced ONFH in the allele model (OR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.51-0.93, p = 0.014). Further genetic model analyses found that IL1B rs2853550 AG genotype increased the risk of steroid-induced ONFH compared with the people who are carriers of the IL1B rs2853550 GG genotype (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.16-2.46, p = 0.012). In the dominant model, IL1B rs1143630 GG-GT genotype decreased the risk of steroid-induced ONFH (OR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.44-0.87, p = 0.0051). And further haplotype analysis was performed, while the result was not significant. Using RegulomeDB and HaploReg, rs2853550 is likely to affect TF binding, any motif and DNase peak.

CONCLUSIONS

We guess that IL1B gene influences the genetic susceptibility of steroid-induced ONFH.

Curcumin attenuates palmitic acid-induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in H9C2 cardiomyocytes

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is mediated by multiple molecular mechanisms including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Curcumin, a phenolic compound, has cytoprotective properties, but its potential protective action against diabetic cardiomyopathy and the related molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability and apoptosis in palmitic acid (PA)-treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes and investigated the signaling pathways involved. Treatment with PA reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, enhanced apoptosis-related protein expression (Caspase 3 and BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX)), and activated ER stress marker protein expression (glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)). Curcumin attenuated PA-induced reduction in cell viability and activation of apoptosis, Caspase 3 activity, BAX, CHOP, and GRP78 expression. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) attenuated the PA-induced effects on cell viability and apoptosis, similar to curcumin. Both curcumin and 4-PBA also attenuated PA-induced increase in ER stress protein (CHOP and GRP78) expression. Curcumin also protected against cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and ER stress induced by thapsigargin. These findings indicate that PA triggers apoptosis in H9C2 cells via ER stress pathways and curcumin protects against this phenomenon.

Level of Organ Donation-Related Knowledge and Attitude and Willingness Toward Organ Donation Among a Group of University Students in Western China

BACKGROUND

This study aims at analyzing the levels of organ donation-related knowledge and attitude and willingness toward organ donation and identifying factors that might influence willingness in organ donation among a selected group of university students in western China.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed among 1589 second-year students recruited by stratified cluster sampling from 5 universities in western China. The data were collected using a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

In comparison with the general public in China, the participants of our survey are better informed with organ donation-related knowledge and are more positive toward organ donation and death and more willing to donate organs. However, willingness in organ donation (9.81%) and the actual organ donation rate (0.45%) are still relatively low. We find that the Chinese family plays a critical role in organ donation decision making (β = -1.849, odds ratio = 0.157, P < .001) and the upholding of willingness in organ donation (β = -0.695, odds ratio = 0.499, P < .05), which probably stems from the family-centered traditional values. Furthermore, a positive attitude toward death appears to be positively associated with willingness in organ donation (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the urgent need of improved education and training in organ donation-related knowledge and the development of positive attitude toward death among the potential donors and their family members as well as the general public to raise the organ donation rate in this country.