How urban versus rural population relates to COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy: A propensity score matching design study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine hesitancy has significantly affected the vaccination. To evaluate the booster vaccine hesitancy and its influencing factors among urban and rural residents, as well as to estimate the net difference of booster vaccine hesitancy between urban and rural residents. We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional Internet survey on 1-8 February 2023, and employed stratified random sampling technique to select participants (≥18 years old) from urban and rural areas. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors impacting booster vaccine hesitancy. Propensity Score Matching was used to estimate the net difference of COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy between urban and rural residents. The overall COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy rate of residents was 28.43%. The COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy rate among urban residents was found to be 34.70%, among rural residents was 20.25%. Chronic diseases, infection status, vaccination benefits, and trust in vaccine developers were associated with booster vaccine hesitancy among urban residents. Barriers of vaccination were associated with booster vaccine hesitancy among rural residents. PSM analysis showed that the urban residents have a higher booster vaccine hesitancy rate than rural residents, with a net difference of 6.20%. The vaccine hesitancy rate increased significantly, and the urban residents have a higher COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy than rural residents. It becomes crucial to enhance the dissemination of information regarding the advantages of vaccination and foster greater trust among urban residents toward the healthcare system.

Microstructural, Micromechanical Atlas of the Temporomandibular Joint Disc

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is mainly composed of collagen, with its arrangement responding to efficient stress distribution. However, microstructural and micromechanical transformations of the TMJ disc under resting, functional, and pathological conditions remain unclear. To address this, our study presents a high-resolution microstructural and mechanical atlas of the porcine TMJ disc. First, the naive microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated in porcine TMJ discs (resting and functional conditions). Subsequently, the perforation and tear models (pathological conditions) were compared. Following this, a rabbit model of anterior disc displacement (abnormal stress) was studied. Results show diverse microstructures and mechanical properties at the nanometer to micrometer scale. In the functional state, gradual unfolding of the crimping cycle in secondary and tertiary structures leads to D-cycle prolongation in the primary structure, causing tissue failure. Pathological conditions lead to stress concentration near the injury site due to collagen interfibrillar traffic patterns, resulting in earlier damage manifestation. Additionally, the abnormal stress model shows collagen damage initiating at the primary structure and extending to the superstructure over time. These findings highlight collagen's various roles in different pathophysiological states. Our study offers valuable insights into TMJ disc function and dysfunction, aiding the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for TMJ disorders, as well as providing guidance for the design of structural biomimetic materials.

SUMOylation Fine-Tunes Endothelial HEY1 in the Regulation of Angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis, which plays a critical role in embryonic development and tissue repair, is controlled by a set of angiogenic signaling pathways. As a TF (transcription factor) belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix family, HEY (hairy/enhancer of split related with YRPW motif)-1 (YRPW motif, abbreviation of 4 highly conserved amino acids in the motif) has been identified as a key player in developmental angiogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying HEY1's actions in angiogenesis remain largely unknown. Our previous studies have suggested a potential role for posttranslational SUMOylation in the dynamic regulation of vascular development and organization.

METHODS

Immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics analysis were used to determine the biochemical characteristics of HEY1 SUMOylation. The promoter-binding capability of HEY1 was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The dimerization pattern of HEY1 was determined by coimmunoprecipitation. The angiogenic capabilities of endothelial cells were assessed by CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8), 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine staining, wound healing, transwell, and sprouting assays. Embryonic and postnatal vascular growth in mouse tissues, matrigel plug assay, cutaneous wound healing model, oxygen-induced retinopathy model, and tumor angiogenesis model were used to investigate the angiogenesis in vivo.

RESULTS

We identified intrinsic endothelial HEY1 SUMOylation at conserved lysines by TRIM28 (tripartite motif containing 28) as the unique E3 ligase. Functionally, SUMOylation facilitated HEY1-mediated suppression of angiogenic RTK (receptor tyrosine kinase) signaling and angiogenesis in primary human endothelial cells and mice with endothelial cell-specific expression of wild-type HEY1 or a SUMOylation-deficient HEY1 mutant. Mechanistically, SUMOylation facilitates HEY1 homodimer formation, which in turn preserves HEY1's DNA-binding capability via recognition of E-box promoter elements. Therefore, SUMOylation maintains HEY1's function as a repressive TF controlling numerous angiogenic genes, including RTKs and Notch pathway components. Proangiogenic stimuli induce HEY1 deSUMOylation, leading to heterodimerization of HEY1 with HES (hairy and enhancer of split)-1, which results in ineffective DNA binding and loss of HEY1's angiogenesis-suppressive activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that reversible HEY1 SUMOylation is a molecular mechanism that coordinates endothelial angiogenic signaling and angiogenesis, both in physiological and pathological milieus, by fine-tuning the transcriptional activity of HEY1. Specifically, SUMOylation facilitates the formation of the HEY1 transcriptional complex and enhances its DNA-binding capability in endothelial cells.

Quantifying the benefits of healthy lifestyle behaviors and emotional expressivity in lowering the risk of COVID-19 infection: a national survey of Chinese population

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is still prevalent in most countries around the world at the low level. Residents' lifestyle behaviors and emotions are critical to prevent COVID-19 and keep healthy, but there is lacking of confirmative evidence on how residents' lifestyle behaviors and emotional expressivity affected COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

Baseline study was conducted in August 2022 and follow-up study was conducted in February 2023. Baseline survey collected information on residents' basic information, as well as their lifestyle behaviors and emotions. Follow-up study was carried out to gather data on COVID-19 infection condition. Binary logistic regression was utilized to identify factors that may influence COVID-19 infection. Attributable risk (AR) was computed to determine the proportion of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and emotional factors that could be attributed to COVID-19 infection. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

A total of 5776 participants (46.57% males) were included in this study, yielding an overall COVID-19 infection rate of 54.8% (95%CI: 53.5 - 56.0%). The findings revealed that higher stress levels [aOR = 1.027 (95%CI; 1.005-1.050)] and lower frequency in wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping distance [aOR = 1.615 (95%CI; 1.087-2.401)], were positively associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 infection (all P < 0.05). If these associations were causal, 8.1% of COVID-19 infection would have been prevented if all participants had normal stress levels [Attributable Risk Percentage: 8.1% (95%CI: 5.9-10.3%)]. A significant interaction effect between stress and the frequency in wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping distance on COVID-19 infection was observed (β = 0.006, P < 0.001), which also was independent factor of COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall COVID-19 infection rate among residents is at a medium level. Residents' increasing stress and decreasing frequency in wearing masks and washing hands and keeping distance contribute to increasing risk of infection, residents should increase the frequency of mask-wearing, practice hand hygiene, keep safe distance from others, ensure stable emotional state, minimize psychological stress, providing evidence support for future responses to emerging infectious diseases.

[Clinical application of retrosigmoid approach for BONEBRIDGE implantation after auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap]

Objective: To explore the safety and reliability of retrosigmoid approach BONEBRIDGE implantation in patients with auricle reconstruction using skin expansion flap. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 congenital aural atresia cases (43 ears) who underwent BONEBRIDGE implantation from September 2019 to January 2023 in Beijing Tongren Hospital. 30 males and 13 females were included in this work. The implantation age was 9-36 years old (median age=10 y/o). All cases underwent auricle reconstruction surgery using the posterior ear flap expansion method, with 36 cases using the single expanded postauricular flap method and 7 cases using two-flap method. BONEBRIDGE implant surgery was performed during the third stage of auricle reconstruction or after all stages. The hearing improvements were evaluated by comparing the changes in pure tone hearing threshold and speech recognition rate of patients before and after BONEBRIDGE implantation. Routine follow-up was conducted to observe the hearing results and complications. SPSS 14.0 software was applied for data statistical analysis. Results: All 43 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharge. The average bone conduction hearing threshold after surgery was (8.2±6.6) dBHL, and there was no statistically significant difference compared to the preoperative [(8.1±5.7) dBHL] (P=0.95). After surgery, the threshold of hearing assistance with power on was significantly lower than that without hearing assistance [(32.8±4.6) dBHL vs (60.5±5.5) dBHL], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased to 72%, 84%, and 98% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words, and short sentences in noise environment was significantly increased by 70%, 80%, and 92% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 4 to 47 months (median=24 months), the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfying. One patient had delayed hematoma around coil of the implant. After aspiration and compressed dressing for one week, hematoma was not recurrent. Conclusion: For patients after auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap, the preference of retrosigmoid approach is a good choice in terms of safety and reliability of operation, as well as aesthetic appearance.

First Measurement of the Nuclear-Recoil Ionization Yield in Silicon at 100 eV

We measured the nuclear-recoil ionization yield in silicon with a cryogenic phonon-sensitive gram-scale detector. Neutrons from a monoenergetic beam scatter off of the silicon nuclei at angles corresponding to energy depositions from 4 keV down to 100 eV, the lowest energy probed so far. The results show no sign of an ionization production threshold above 100 eV. These results call for further investigation of the ionization yield theory and a comprehensive determination of the detector response function at energies below the keV scale.

Endothelial FIS1 DeSUMOylation Protects Against Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia is a major cause and promoter of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a representative vascular remodeling disease with poor prognosis and high mortality. However, the mechanism underlying how pulmonary arterial system responds to hypoxic stress during PH remains unclear. Endothelial mitochondria are considered signaling organelles on oxygen tension. Results from previous clinical research and our studies suggested a potential role of posttranslational SUMOylation (small ubiquitin-like modifier modification) in endothelial mitochondria in hypoxia-related vasculopathy.

METHODS

Chronic hypoxia mouse model and Sugen/hypoxia rat model were employed as PH animal models. Mitochondrial morphology and subcellular structure were determined by transmission electron and immunofluorescent microscopies. Mitochondrial metabolism was determined by mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. SUMOylation and protein interaction were determined by immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

The involvement of SENP1 (sentrin-specific protease 1)-mediated SUMOylation in mitochondrial remodeling in the pulmonary endothelium was identified in clinical specimens of hypoxia-related PH and was verified in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells under hypoxia. Further analyses in clinical specimens, hypoxic rat and mouse PH models, and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells and human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells revealed that short-term hypoxia-induced SENP1 translocation to endothelial mitochondria to regulate deSUMOylation (the reversible process of SUMOylation) of mitochondrial fission protein FIS1 (mitochondrial fission 1), which facilitated FIS1 assembling with fusion protein MFN2 (mitofusin 2) and mitochondrial gatekeeper VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1), and the membrane tethering activity of MFN2 by enhancing its oligomerization. Consequently, FIS1 deSUMOylation maintained the mitochondrial integrity and endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria calcium communication across mitochondrial-associated membranes, subsequently preserving pulmonary endothelial function and vascular homeostasis. In contrast, prolonged hypoxia disabled the FIS1 deSUMOylation by diminishing the availability of SENP1 in mitochondria via inducing miR (micro RNA)-138 and consequently resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in pulmonary endothelium. Functionally, introduction of viral-packaged deSUMOylated FIS1 within pulmonary endothelium in mice improved pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and hypoxic PH development, while knock-in of SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier)-conjugated FIS1 in mice exaggerated the diseased cellular and tissue phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

By maintaining endothelial mitochondrial homeostasis, deSUMOylation of FIS1 adaptively preserves pulmonary endothelial function against hypoxic stress and consequently protects against PH. The FIS1 deSUMOylation-SUMOylation transition in pulmonary endothelium is an intrinsic pathogenesis of hypoxic PH.

Endothelial miR-196b-5p regulates angiogenesis via the hypoxia/miR-196b-5p/HMGA2/HIF1α loop

Angiogenesis is involved in development, reproduction, wound healing, homeostasis, and other pathophysiological events. Imbalanced angiogenesis predisposes patients to various pathological processes, such as angiocardiopathy, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be important in regulating cellular processing and physiological events including angiogenesis. However, the role of miRNAs that regulate angiogenesis (angiomiRs) is not fully understood. Here, we observed a downregulation of the miR-196 family in endothelial cells upon hypoxia. Functionally, miR-196b-5p inhibited the angiogenic functions of endothelial cells in vitro and suppressed angiogenesis in Matrigel plugs and skin wound healing in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-196b-5p bound onto the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) mRNA and repressed the translation of HMGA2, which in turn represses HIF1α accumulation in endothelial cells upon hypoxia. Together, our results establish the role of endothelial miR-196b-5p as an angiomiR that negatively regulates endothelial growth in angiogenesis via the hypoxia/miR-196b-5p/HMGA2/HIF1α loop. miR-196b-5p and its regulatory loop could be an important addition to the molecular mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and may serve as potential targets for antiangiogenic therapy.

[Evaluation of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in pediatric patients with unilateral congenital aural atresia]

Objective: To evaluate the auditory efficacy and subjective satisfaction of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA). Methods: Ten subjects (5 males and 5 females) diagnosed with UCAA with an average age of 8.3 years old (ranged from 5 to 15) were included in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January to August 2019. The free sound field hearing threshold, word recognition score in quiet, speech reception threshold in noise and sound localization ability (results were measured by RMS error) tests were performed in unaided and aided situation, respectively. Subjective satisfaction questionnaires were also distributed to subjects. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used as statistical analysis methods. Results: The average hearing threshold in aided condition was improved by (21.9±4.4) dB (t=15.8，P<0.05). Speech recognition abilities were generally improved both under quiet and noise (P<0.05);however, when the binaural summation, squelch and head shadow effects were analyzed respectively, the binaural squelch effect was not statistically improved (P>0.05), while the other effects were improved in aided condition (P<0.05). In sound localization test, there was no significant difference of the RMS error value between the unaided and aided situation (P>0.05). The subjects got high satisfaction rates in three subjective questionnaires. Conclusion: The adhesive bone conduction hearing aid can provide significant audiological benefit for children with UCAA as well as raising the quality of their life.

Constraints on Lightly Ionizing Particles from CDMSlite

The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search low ionization threshold experiment (CDMSlite) achieved efficient detection of very small recoil energies in its germanium target, resulting in sensitivity to lightly ionizing particles (LIPs) in a previously unexplored region of charge, mass, and velocity parameter space. We report first direct-detection limits calculated using the optimum interval method on the vertical intensity of cosmogenically produced LIPs with an electric charge smaller than e/(3×10^{5}), as well as the strongest limits for charge ≤e/160, with a minimum vertical intensity of 1.36×10^{-7}  cm^{-2} s^{-1} sr^{-1} at charge e/160. These results apply over a wide range of LIP masses (5  MeV/c^{2} to 100  TeV/c^{2}) and cover a wide range of βγ values (0.1-10^{6}), thus excluding nonrelativistic LIPs with βγ as small as 0.1 for the first time.

Light Dark Matter Search with a High-Resolution Athermal Phonon Detector Operated above Ground

We present limits on spin-independent dark matter-nucleon interactions using a 10.6 g Si athermal phonon detector with a baseline energy resolution of σ_{E}=3.86±0.04(stat)_{-0.00}^{+0.19}(syst)  eV. This exclusion analysis sets the most stringent dark matter-nucleon scattering cross-section limits achieved by a cryogenic detector for dark matter particle masses from 93 to 140  MeV/c^{2}, with a raw exposure of 9.9 g d acquired at an above-ground facility. This work illustrates the scientific potential of detectors with athermal phonon sensors with eV-scale energy resolution for future dark matter searches.

CircRNA_103801 accelerates proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by sponging miR-338-3p and regulating HIF-1/Rap1/PI3K-Akt pathway

This study aimed to investigate the roles of hsa_circRNA_103801 in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of circRNA_103801 in OS cells. Cell count kit-8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays were employed to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells. The effects of circRNA_103801 on the apoptosis of OS cells were identified by flow cytometry. The binding relationship between circRNA_103801 and miR-338-3p was verified by bioinformatics analysis. MiR-338-3p level in OS cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR. Additionally, Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression levels of HIF-1, Rap1, PI3K, and Akt in OS cells. The results showed that the expression level of circRNA_103801 was significantly up-regulated in OS patients' tissues. Inhibiting the expression level of circRNA_103801 could attenuate the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells. In addition, the down-regulated expression level of circRNA_103801 could induce cell apoptosis. The results of the luciferase reporter assay suggested that circRNA_103801 could be combined with miR-338-3p, and the RT-qPCR revealed that the miR-338-3p level in OS cells after knockdown of circRNA_103801 was elevated compared with the control group. The results of Western blotting suggested that the expression levels of HIF-1, Rap1, PI3K, and Akt were elevated in OS cells. In conclusion, the circRNA_103801-miR-3388-3p-HIF-1/Rap1/PI3K-Akt pathway could be a therapeutic target of OS.

Metabolomic profile of milk fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus cocultured with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, or both during storage

In this study, the microbial interactions among cocultures of Streptococcus thermophilus (St) with potential probiotics of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (Ba) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp) in fermented milk were investigated during a storage period of 21 d at 4°C, in terms of acidifying activity (pH and titratable acidity), viable counts, and metabolites. A nontargeted metabolomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was employed for mapping the global metabolite profiles of fermented milk. Probiotic strains cocultured with St accelerated milk acidification, and improved the microbial viability compared with the single culture of St. The St-Ba/Lp treatment manifested a higher bacteria viability and acidification ability in comparison with the St-Ba or the St-Lp treatment. Relative quantitation of 179 significant metabolites was identified, including nucleosides, AA, short peptides, organic acids, lipid derivatives, carbohydrates, carbonyl compounds, and compounds related to energy metabolism. The principal component analysis indicated that St treatment and coculture treatments displayed a complete distinction in metabolite profiles, and Lp had a larger effect than Ba on metabolic profiles of fermented milk produced by cofermentation with St during storage. The heat map in combination with hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the abundance of metabolites significantly varied with the starter cultures over the storage, and high abundance of metabolites was observed in either St or coculture samples. The St-Ba/Lp treatment showed relatively high abundance for the vast majority of metabolites. These findings suggest that the profile of the metabolites characterizing fermented milk samples may depend on the starter cultures, and incorporation of probiotics may considerably influence the metabolomic activities of fermented milks.

[Bonebridge implantation combined with simultaneous bilateral auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of auricle reconstruction combined with Bonebridge implantation for bilateral aural atresia patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 36 cases(72 ears) who underwent Bonebridge implantation combined with bilateral auricle reconstruction from February 1, 2017 to January 15, 2020. All cases were bilateral congenital aural atresia and underwent Nagata auricle reconstruction for both sides simultaneously. Bonebridge implantations were performed during the second stage of auricle reconstruction. Results: All 36 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharged. The preoperative average bone conduction threshold of the patients was(8.5±5.8) dB HL and postoperative bone conduction threshold was (8.4±5.2) dB HL. There was no significant change after the implantation (P=0.724). The preoperative average air conduction threshold of was(64.9±7.4)dB HL and postoperative air conduction threshold was (24.0±5.3) dB HL, which had a significant change after the implantation (P<0.001). The hearing threshold with Bonebridge significantly decreased by 40.9 dB HL compared with the preoperative air conduction threshold(P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased by 62.5%, 63.5% and 72.2% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words and short sentences in noise environment were significantly increased by 55.9%, 58.9% and 69.9% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 18.3 months in average, the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfied. One patient had implant rupture and healed after revision surgery. Conclusions: With an integrated surgical procedure, patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia can complete bilateral auricle reconstruction and hearing implantation within six months. This integrated surgical procedure is safe and efficient, with a stable hearing improvement and good appearance.

MiR-125b Loss Activated HIF1α/pAKT Loop, Leading to Transarterial Chemoembolization Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard locoregional therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with a variable overall response in efficacy. We aimed to identify key molecular signatures and related pathways leading to HCC resistance to TACE, with the hope of developing effective approaches in preselecting patients with survival benefit from TACE.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Four independent HCC cohorts with 680 patients were used. MicroRNA (miRNA) transcriptome analysis in patients with HCC revealed a 41-miRNA signature related to HCC recurrence after adjuvant TACE, and miR-125b was the top reduced miRNA in patients with HCC recurrence. Consistently, patients with HCC with low miR-125b expression in tumor had significantly shorter time to recurrence following adjuvant TACE in two independent cohorts. Loss of miR-125b in HCC noticeably activated the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF1α)/pAKT loop in vitro and in vivo. miR-125b directly attenuated HIF1α translation through binding to HIF1A internal ribosome entry site region and targeting YB-1, and blocked an autocrine HIF1α/platelet-derived growth factor β (PDGFβ)/pAKT/HIF1α loop of HIF1α translation by targeting the PDGFβ receptor. The miR-125b-loss/HIF1α axis induced the expression of CD24 and erythropoietin (EPO) and enriched a TACE-resistant CD24-positive cancer stem cell population. Consistently, patients with high CD24 or EPO in HCC had poor prognosis following adjuvant TACE therapy. Additionally, in patients with HCC having TACE as their first-line therapy, high EPO in blood before TACE was also noticeably related to poor response to TACE.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-125b loss activated the HIF1α/pAKT loop, contributing to HCC resistance to TACE and the key nodes in this axis hold the potential in assisting patients with HCC to choose TACE therapy.

MiR-135b-5p affected malignant behaviors of ovarian cancer cells by targeting KDM5B

The article "MiR-135b-5p affected malignant behaviors of ovarian cancer cells by targeting KDM5B, by R. Ren, J. Wu, M.-Y. Zhou, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (7): 3548-3554-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202004_20815-PMID: 32329828" has been withdrawn from the authors stating that "some data cannot be repeated by our further research". The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/20815.

[CT imaging analysis of 33 cases with the 2019 novel coronavirus infection]

Objective: To explore the CT imaging features of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection in order to summarize the imaging characteristics of the disease and improve the ability of imaging diagnosis and early diagnosis of the disease. Methods: From January 13, 2020 to January 31, 2020, a total of 33 patients with 2019-nCoV infection diagnosed and treated by Suzhou Fifth People's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively, including 20 males and 13 females, with an average age of (50±12) years, ranging from 20 to 70 years old. There were 3 cases of mild type, 27 cases of common type and 3 cases of severe type.There were 2 cases with hypertension, 1 case with postoperative lung,1 case with diabetes, 1 case with chronic bronchitis, and 1 case with bronchiectasis.SPSS25.0 Chi-square test was used to analyze the distribution of lesions in each lung lobe; SPSS25.0 Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the image score and clinical classification. Results: There were 3 cases (9.1%) with normal lung and 30 cases (90.9%) with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia(COVID-19) of the 2019-nCoV infected patients. In the distribution of COVID-19, 29 cases (87.9%) were involved in bilateral lung and 1 case (3.0%) in unilateral lung. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of lesions in each lobe. The correlation coefficient between the degree of lesion distribution and clinical classification was 0.819, and the two were highly correlated.There were 30 cases (90.9%) with subpleural lesions, 17 cases (51.5%) with central lesions. There were many kinds of lesions, 25 cases (75.8%) had ground glass density shadow, 16 cases (48.5%) had consolidation, 12 cases (36.4%) had interstitial change, and 18 cases (54.5%) had interlobular septal thickening. Among the 22 cases, 10 cases had more lesions, 6 cases had no changes and 6 cases had less lesions. Conclusion: Most of the patients with 2019-nCoV infection have pulmonary inflammation.CT manifestations include multiple parts, subpleural area or middle and lateral field of lung, ground glass shadow and consolidation, or coexistence. Some cases have pleural thickening or interlobular septal thickening. CT images can indicate the diagnosis of COVID-19 and provide important basis for early detection and disease monitoring.

[Follow-up study on natural course changes of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome among young and middle aged patients]

Objective: To explore the natural course of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its associated factors in young and middle-aged patients with OSAHS. Methods: A total of 52 young and middle-aged OSAHS patients were recruited in this study from West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients were performed twice overnight polysomnography (PSG) examinations. At the baseline, patients underwent the first PSG and clinical evaluation from September 2009 to September 2017 and the patients received the second PSG from January 2017 to January 2019. During the follow-up period, these patients had no treatment. All patients were categorized into two groups including mild-to-moderate [5/h≤ apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)<30/h] group and severe (AHI ≥ 30/h) group according to the baseline AHI value. Differences in the clinical characteristics and PSG variables between baseline and follow-up were compared in two groups separately using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U test. The general linear correlation analysis was used to explore the factors related to the severity of OSAHS including AHI, the mean oxyhemoglobin saturation and the minimal oxyhemoglobin saturation during the follow-up period. Results: This study recruited 28 OSAHS patients in mild-to-moderate group [mean age, (39.7±10.2) y] and 24 patients in severe group [mean age, (41.0±7.1) y]. Compared to the baseline, there was a significant increase in AHI value [(45.0±25.3) vs (33.6±27.3)/h, P<0.001] in all OSAHS patients. Notably, the increase of AHI was more significant in the mild-to-moderate OSAHS group [(32.1±22.2) vs (13.6±8.7)/h, P<0.05] but not in severe OSAHS patients [(60.7±19.5) vs (58.0±21.5)/h, P>0.05]. A person correlation analysis revealed that the AHI value was positively related to the age (r=0.531, P=0.004) in mild-to-moderate OSAHS patients. Conclusion: The severity of OSAHS is increased with the age in young and middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate OSAHS, but not in those with severe OSAHS.

[Associations between objective sleepiness and cognition function before and after CPAP in obstructive sleep apnea patients]

Objective: To examine the association between objective sleepiness and neurocognitive function before and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Methods: A total of 53 patients with overnight polysomnography (PSG) determined moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 events/h) and with overnight CPAP therapy from West China Hospital, Sichuan University within the period from Feb 2018 to Dec 2018 were enrolled in the study. At the baseline, all patients underwent overnight PSG study, multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), and Epworth sleepiness score (ESS). After CPAP therapy, all patients underwent MSLT and PVT. Paired nonparametric test or t test were used to compare the differences between daytime sleepiness and PVT performance before and after CPAP. Results: Compared with baseline data, AHI [68.8(42.2, 80.0) vs 7.4(3.1, 11.1) events/h, P<0.05] decreased, the percentages of non-rapid eye movement stage 3 sleep time [0(0, 0.5%) vs 4.4%(1.9%, 11.3%), P<0.05] and the percentages of rapid eye movement sleep time [18.6%(13.2%, 22.7%) vs 25.4%(23.85, 30.3%), P<0.05] increased after CPAP therapy. The reaction time (RT) [353.0(317.5, 429.5) vs 333.6(309.7, 381.4) ms, P<0.05], the slowest 10% RT [602.9(473.2, 841.3) vs 505.5(431.6, 618.8) ms, P<0.05] and the fastest 10% RT [260.8(236.6, 300.6) vs 251.4(233.6, 283.2) ms, P<0.05] shortened, and the lapse [6.0(2.5, 16.5) vs 3.0(1.0, 8.5) events, P<0.05] decreased. The mean sleep latency (MSL) [5.8 (3.4, 8.3) vs 7.5(4.7, 12.4) min, P<0.05] increased. The changes in PVT parameters [ΔRT (r=0.20, P>0.05), Δslowest 10% RT (r=0.15, P>0.05), Δfastest 10% RT (r=0.24, P>0.05), and Δlapse (r=0.15, P>0.05)] were not correlated with the change in MSL. The significant association between the slowest 10% RT and ESS was found in baseline data. Conclusions: The change in MSL is not associated with the change in PVT performance before and after CPAP therapy. MSLT and PVT may be different in nature.

[Association between mixed sleep apnea and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea]

Objective: To examine the association between mixed sleep apnea (MA) and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TE-CSA). Methods: A total of 256 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on overnight polysomnography (PSG) and receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in West China Hospital, Sichuan University during the period from August 2013 to November 2018 were enrolled in the study. Based on the mixed apnea index (MAI) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in the baseline PSG study during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the subjects were categorized into three groups of A (MAI=0/h, n=110), B (NREM-MAI≥5/h and REM-MAI<5/h, n=72) and C (REM-MAI≥5/h and NREM-MAI< 5/h, n=74). Sleep and breathing related parameters before and after CPAP therapy among three groups and the difference of TE-CSA incidence were analyzed. Results: The AHI [(44.2(26.8,64.5)/h,66.6(56.0,81.7)/h, 79.8(63.6, 88.3)/h], REM-AHI [50.0(34.7, 64.7)/h, 60.1(49.1, 70.0)/h, 66.3(56.1, 74.6)/h] and NREM-AHI[43.5(25.9, 65.1)/h,67.6(53.7, 82.4)/h,81.3(64.2, 91.5)/h]) were higher in group B and C compared to group A (all P<0.05),while the mean and lowest oxygen saturation [(92.6%±3.5%),(90.8%±3.6%),(87.3%±5.1%) and (70.6%±14.1%), (61.0%±16.0%), (47.9%±17.0%)] were lower in group B and group C compared to group A (all P<0.05). The incidence of TE-CSA after initial CPAP was 7.8% in all patients, and the incidence was significantly higher in group B of 14.1% compared to group C of 4.1% and group A of 2.7% (all P<0.05). Conclusions: TE-CSA is correlated with baseline MA, and baseline MA in NREM sleep can predict the incidence of TE-CSA after initial CPAP.

miRNA-138 regulates MLK3/JNK/MAPK pathway to protect BV-2 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND

miR-138 is one of the down-regulated miRNAs during acute spinal cord injury. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a key factor of jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, is the target of miR-138. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-138 in H2O2-treated BV-2 cells.

METHODS

Murine microglia BV-2 cells were treated with H2O2 and tested for cell viability and miR-138 expression. The cells were then transfected with miR-138 agomir or miR-138 antagomir, and treated with 200 μM H2O2 for 24 h. The cellular apoptosis was detected by Aennexin V/PI staining. Expression of miR-138, MLK3, and other factors of JNK/MAPK pathway was detected.

RESULTS

After treatment of various concentrations of H2O2, the cell viabilities were reduced, and miR-138 expression was down-regulated. Compared to the control cells, over-expressing miR-138 in BV-2 cells reduced apoptosis rate from 24.2 % to 11.9 %. Western blot further showed that JNK, p-JNK, c-jun, p-c-jun, p38 MAPK, and p-p38 MAPK were down-regulated. Expression of pro-apoptosis factors iNOS and COX-2 were also down-regulated. Transfection of miR-138 antagomir produced the opposite effect of the transfection of miR-138 agomir.

CONCLUSION

miR-138 was able to reduce H2O2-induced apoptosis in BV-2 cells. The protective effect was related to the down-regulation of MLK3 proteins and sequentially inhibiting JNK/MAPK signaling pathway (Fig. 3, Ref. 27). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

[Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on periodic limb movements during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective: To investigate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: The polysomnography (PSG) data of 828 consecutive OSA outpatients from January 2015 to January 2017 who had undergone overnight CPAP titration were analyzed retrospectively. On the basis of changes in periodic limb movements index (PLMI) values (cut off level≥15/h) from baseline PSG (BPSG) to CPAP titration PSG, patients were assigned to one of the following four groups: persistent, CPAP-emergent, CPAP-disappeared, and non-PLMS. Results: Among 828 patients, 756 (91.3%) were male and 72 (8.7%) were female. The mean age was (45.7±10.7) years old, the mean body mass index (BMI) was (27.6±3.5) kg/m(2). The rate of patients was 3.9% in the persistent group, 10.3% in the CPAP-emergent group, 7.5% in the CPAP-disappearance group, and 78.4% in the non-PLMS group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that female appeared to be associated with the persistent group (P=0.004); older age and higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) on BPSG appeared to be associated with the CPAP-emergent group (P=0.012, 0.030). On the other hand, older age was negatively associated with the non-PLMS group (P=0.006). Conclusion: Elderly patients with higher AHI at BPSG may present with CPAP-emergent PLMS.

[Gender differences of REM related obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

Objective: To explore the gender differences of rapid-eye-movement (REM) related obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Consecutive patients with primary complaint of snoring from Sleep Medicine Center of West China Hospital between January 2016 and November 2016 were included in the study. All participants underwent one night polysomnography (PSG) and Epworth sleep scale (ESS) was estimated. The patients diagnosed with OSAHS were classified as REM related OSAHS (REM-OSAHS group) and non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) related OSAHS (NREM-OSAHS group) based on the PSG parameters. And the gender differences of demographic and polysomnograpic characteristics in both groups were compared. The associations between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and body mass index (BMI), neck circumference and waist circumference among patients with OSAHS were explored by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 1 258 patients were diagnosed with OSAHS. There were 997 (79.3%) male and 261 (20.7%) female among these patients, the mean age was (46.4±12.0) years old and mean BMI was (26.6±3.4) kg/m(2). There were 236 patients (18.8%) classified into REM-OSAHS group, and 1 022 patients (81.2%) classified into NREM-OSAHS group; the proportion of REM-OSAHS in female was significantly higher than that in male (34.1% vs 14.7%, P<0.001). After controlling for age, drinking, smoking, hypnotics, coffee, strong tea and sleep related parameters, in NREM-OSAHS group, AHI was positively correlated with BMI, neck circumference and waist circumference (P<0.001) both in male and female. In REM-OSAHS group, AHI was positively correlated with BMI, neck circumference and waist circumference in female (P<0.05), but only significantly correlated with BMI and waist circumference in male (P<0.05). Conclusions: REM-OSAHS is commonly seen in female OSAHS patients. Evaluation of the influences of anthropometric data on the severity of REM-OSAHS should consider the impact of gender.

Direct loop gain and bandwidth measurement of phase-locked loop

A simple and robust technique for directly measuring the loop gain and bandwidth of a phase-locked loop (PLL) is proposed. This technique can be used for the real-time measurement of the real loop gain in a closed PLL without breaking its locking state. The agreement of the measured loop gain and theoretical calculations proves the validity of the proposed measurement technique. This technique with a simple configuration can be easily expanded to other phase-locking systems whose loop gain and bandwidth should be measured precisely.

[The implantation of Bonebridge in bilateral congenital malformation of external and middle ear]

Objective: To evaluate the auditory efficacy of Bonebridge implantation in patients with bilateral congenital malformation of external and middle ear. Methods: Eleven cases (6 males and 5 females) had unilateral Bonebridge implantation. The age ranged from 8 to 26 and the average age was 16.9. Seven to ten days after operation, the first fitting was undergone. In acoustic sound field, the average auditory thresholds were respectively measured for unaided ears and Bonebridge implanted ears by pure tone auditory (PTA, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz). For the group over 12-year-old, MSTM was applied to evaluate speech discrimination score (SDS). For the other cases, MLNT was used as the test material. The auditory efficacy post Bonebridge implantation would be analyzed and evaluated by comparing the differences between unaided ears and Bonebridge implanted ears. Results: The bone conduction audibility threshold after Bonebridge implantation was as well as the preoperative. The auditory threshold with Bonebridge aided was improved to 25-35 dB HL, when compared to that of the unaided ears in the sound field. The SDS in the group over 12-year-old was improved about 50%; the efficacy was slightly limited for the other two cases (both less than 12 years old). Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between unaided ears and Bonebridge implanted ears in the sound field and SDS(P<0.05). Conclusions: The auditory efficacy of Bonebridge is significant and noticeable in patients with bilateral congenital malformation of external and middle ear. Bonebridge provides a new and effective way for patient with congenital malformation of external and middle ear to reconstruct hearing.

[Vibrant soundbridge implantation of congenital atresia of oval window(with summary of nine cases]

Objective:To investigate the surgical effects of round window implantation of vibrant soundbridge(VSB)for patients with congenital oval window atresia.Method:Retrospectively analyze the clinical information of 9 cases of congenital oval window atresia as well as the pre-and post-operative hearing and speech results. Three of them had undergone or attempted the vestibulotomy but obtained poor results. All cases underwent round window implantation of VSB. Result:All patients obtained an improvement of 21-33 dBHL after implantation. In the speech recognition rate test, the average increase of disyllabic words was 62%, and 60% in the sentence test. During the follow-up of 51 months in average, 2 cases had a decline of auditory benefit and finally 1 case regained the improvement after reoperation. Conclusion:Round window implantation can get a fairly good result in congenital oval windows atresia cases.

[Association between subjective and objective sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients]

Objective: To examine the association between subjective sleepiness and objective sleepiness in Chinese obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. Methods: A total of 1 660 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of OSAHS based on overnight polysomnography from West China Hospital, Sichuan University in the period from Jul 2010 to Jul 2014 were enrolled in the study. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) were to evaluate subjective and objective sleepiness, respectively. The subjects were categorized into quartiles [A (0-4) (n=406), B (5-7) (n=325), C (8-12) (n=443), D(13-24) (n=486) groups] based on the ESS score distribution. Survival analysis was used to characterize the association between the ESS score and the mean sleep latency (MSL). Results: The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) in D group was higher than other three groups [(58.7±26.1) vs (36.8±24.2), (42.6±26.7), (45.7±26.6) events/h, all P<0.05]. The mean sleep latency in D group was shorter than other three groups [(8.0±4.6) vs (10.9±4.4), (10.3±4.8), (9.4±4.5) min, all P<0.05]. The Kaplan-Meier survivor functions across the ESS score quartiles were distinct and fourth quartiles were progressively associated with a greater tendency for falling asleep (χ(2)=77.76, P<0.001 by Log-rank test) in the daytime (The percentages of awaking patients in fourth quartiles were progressively lower at the same time). The adjusted hazard ratios for sleep onset during the MSLT for the group B, C and D were 1.05 (95%CI: 0.90-1.22), 1.22 (95%CI: 1.07-1.40), and 1.38 (95%CI: 1.20-1.60), respectively, comparing to group A. Conclusion: Subjective report of daytime sleepiness is consistent with the objective sleepiness in OSAHS patients.

Screening Isolates of Soybean mosaic virus for Infectivity in a Model Plant, Nicotiana benthamiana

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), belonging to the genus Potyvirus of the family Potyviridae, has a relatively narrow host range almost exclusively confined to leguminous hosts. While disease management through genetic transformation can be an effective approach, soybean remains recalcitrant to routine genetic transformation. In this context, it is important to identify new hosts for SMV that can be used to develop effective transgenic resistance strategies. Transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana is simple and highly efficient; hence, here we demonstrate the infectivity of SMV strain SC7 in N. benthamiana plants. To identify an SMV strain infectious in N. benthamiana, we mechanically inoculated N. benthamiana plants with 37 isolates from 21 (SC1 to SC21) SMV strains. Plants inoculated with isolates of strain SC7 produced mosaic symptoms on leaves. However, N. benthamiana plants inoculated with the 20 other SMV strains showed no visible symptoms. Furthermore, soybean cv. Nannong 1138-2 inoculated with sap prepared from symptomatic N. benthamiana leaves showed typical SMV mosaic symptoms 2 weeks after inoculation. In addition, SMV was detected in symptomatic N. benthamiana and soybean leaves by RT-PCR, DAS-ELISA, and further identified by sequencing. Together, the results indicate that N. benthamiana plants could support multiplication of SMV strain SC7. The findings of this study would be useful for the investigation of SMV resistance using the model plant N. benthamiana.