[Application of super-resolution and ultrafast ultrasound to reveal the characteristics of vascular blood flow changes after rat spinal cord injury at different segments]

Objective: To investigate the changes of spinal vascular blood flow in SD rats after cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) using super-resolution ultrafast ultrasound technology. Methods: A total of 9 SD rats were used to construct SCI models at different segments using a 50 g aneurysm clip. Super-resolution ultrafast ultrasound technology was used to perform vascular blood flow imaging on the spinal cord of rats before and after injury at 6 hours, obtaining quantitative information such as spinal cord vascular density and blood flow velocity. Results: Ultrasound imaging showed that after SCI, the vascular density in the thoracic segment decreased (18.16%±1.04%) more than in the cervical segment (11.42%±1.39%) and lumbar segment (13.88%±1.43%, both P<0.05). The length of the spinal cord with decreased vascular density in the thoracic segment [(4.80±0.34)mm] was longer than that in the cervical segment [(2.80±0.57)mm] and lumbar segment [(3.10±0.36)mm, both P<0.05]. After injury, the decrease of blood flow in the thoracic segment [(8.87±0.85)ml/min] was higher than that in the cervical segment [(4.88±0.56)ml/min] and lumbar segment [(6.19±0.71)ml/min, both P<0.05]. HE staining and Nissl staining showed that the proportion of cavity area after thoracic SCI (11.53%±0.93%) was higher than that in the cervical segment (4.90%±1.72%) and lumbar segment (7.64%±0.84%, both P<0.05). The number of Nissl bodies in the thoracic segment (18.0±5.3) was also lower than that in the cervical segment (32.3±5.1) and lumbar segment (37.0±5.6) (both P<0.05). Conclusions: There are different changes in vascular blood flow after SCI in different segments of rats. The same injury causes the most severe damage to blood vessels in the thoracic spinal cord, followed by the lumbar spinal cord, and the cervical spinal cord has the least damage.

Efficacy and Safety of First-line Therapies for Advanced Unresectable Oesophageal Squamous Cell Cancer: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of first-line treatments for advanced unresectable oesophageal squamous cell cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was carried out by retrieving and retaining relevant literature from databases. The studies were randomised controlled trials comparing first-line treatments for advanced unresectable oesophageal squamous cell cancer. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to assess clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Nine studies including 4499 patients receiving first-line treatments were analysed. For all populations, toripalimab plus chemotherapy tended to provide the best overall survival (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence intervals 0.43-0.78) and sintilimab plus chemotherapy provided the best progression-free survival (0.56, 0.46-0.68). Nivolumab plus chemotherapy presented the best objective response rate (odds ratio 2.45, 1.78-3.42) and camrelizumab plus chemotherapy (0.47, 0.29-0.74) appeared to be the safest. Sintilimab plus chemotherapy (0.55, 0.40-0.75) and nivolumab (0.54, 0.37-0.80) plus chemotherapy had the best overall survival in programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumour proportion score <1% and ≥1% subgroups. Toripalimab plus chemotherapy (0.61, 0.40-0.93) and pembrolizumab (0.57, 0.43-0.75) were the best in overall survival in combined positive score <10 and ≥10 subgroups, respectively. Toripalimab plus chemotherapy showed the best overall survival in the Asian group; pembrolizumab presented better overall survival in the Asian population than the non-Asian group.

CONCLUSION

Most immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy showed superior clinical benefits and sintilimab plus chemotherapy, toripalimab plus chemotherapy and tislelizumab plus chemotherapy had better comprehensive clinical efficacy. PD-L1 expression detection and ethnicity differences are still of great significance and most suitable regimens varied from each subgroup.

The Incidence and Prognosis Value of Perineural Invasion in Rectal Carcinoma: From Meta-Analyses and Real-World Clinical Pathological Features

AIMS

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a special type of metastasis of several cancers and has been reported as being a factor for poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. However, investigations of PNI in only rectal cancer and a comprehensive analysis combining meta-analyses with real-world case studies remain lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, articles from 2000 to 2020 concerning the relationship between PNI and rectal cancer prognoses and clinical features were meta-analysed. Subsequently, we carried out a retrospective analysis of 312 rectal cancer cases that underwent radical surgery in the real world. The incidence of PNI and the relationship between PNI and prognosis, as well as clinicopathological factors, were investigated.

RESULTS

The incidence of PNI was 23.09% and 33.01% in the meta-analysis and clinical cases, respectively. PNI occurred as early as stage I (2.94%). Moreover, neoadjuvant therapy significantly reduced the PNI-positive rate (20.34% versus 26.54%). Both meta-analysis and real-world clinical case studies suggested that PNI-positive patients had poorer prognoses than PNI-negative patients. We established an effective risk model consisting of T stage, differentiation and lymphovascular invasion to predict PNI in rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

PNI is a poor prognostic factor for rectal cancer and could occur even in stage I. Additionally, neoadjuvant therapy could sufficiently reduce the PNI-positive rate. T stage, lymphovascular invasion and differentiation grade were independent risk factors for PNI and the risk model that included these factors could predict the probability of PNI.

Improving maize quality from mechanical grain harvesting by matching maize varieties with accumulated temperature in northeast China

BACKGROUND

Global warming has led to methods of planting late-maturing maize varieties in northeast China that have hindered the development of physiological maturity (PM) at harvest and the use of mechanical grain harvesting (MGH). Under these conditions it is difficult to balance the drying characteristics of maize varieties and to make full use of accumulated temperature resources in such a way as to reduce grain moisture content (GMC) at harvest.

RESULTS

The effective accumulated temperature (AcT) and the drying rates of different varieties vary. In northeast China, with a GMC of 25%, the growth periods of a fast-drying variety (FDV) and a slow-drying variety (SDV) were 114-192 days and 110-188 days respectively. After PM, the FDV needed 47 days and the SDV needed 51 days to reduce the GMC to be ready for MGH. Harvested with a GMC of 20%, the growth period for the FDV was 97-175 days and for the SDV it was 90-171 days. After PM, the FDV required 64 days and the SDV needed 70 days to reduce the GMC to be ready for MGH.

CONCLUSION

Matching cultivars with AcT can help farmers to choose suitable varieties. Promoting MGH may boost maize production, thus ensuring China's food security. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Reducing plastic film mulching and optimizing agronomic management can ensure food security and reduce carbon emissions in irrigated maize areas

Increasing crop yields to ensure food security while also reducing agriculture's environmental impacts to ensure green sustainable development are great challenges for global agriculture. Plastic film, widely used to improve crop yield, also creates plastic film residue pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that restricts the development of sustainable agriculture. So, one of those challenges is to reduce plastic film use while also ensuring food security, and thus promote green and sustainable development. A field experiment was conducted during 2017-2020 at 3 farmland areas, each with different altitudes and climate conditions, in northern Xinjiang, China. We investigated the effects on maize yield, economic returns, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of plastic film mulching (PFM) versus no mulching (NM) methods in drip-irrigated maize production. We also chose maize hybrids with 3 different maturation times and used 2 planting densities to further investigate how those differences more specifically affect maize yield, economic returns, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under each mulching method. We found that by using maize varieties with a utilization rate of accumulated temperature (URAT) <86.6 % with NM, and increasing the planting density by 3 plants m^-2, yields and economic returns improved and GHG emissions reduced by 33.1 %, compared to those of PFM maize. The maize varieties with URATs between 88.2 % to 89.2 %, had the lowest GHG emissions. We discovered that by matching the required accumulated temperatures of various maize varieties to environmental accumulated temperatures, along with filmless and higher density planting, and modern irrigation and fertilization practices, yields increased and residual plastic film pollution and carbon emissions reduced. Therefore, these advances in agronomic management are important steps toward reducing pollution and achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

[Research progress on the epidemiology and risk factors of dry eye in children]

The prevalence of dry eye in children is increasing with changes in the environment and the widespread use of electronic products. However, due to poor ability to express themselves and hidden symptoms of children, lack of understanding of dry eye in children, children with dry eye are likely to be misdiagnosed. Dry eye can seriously affect the quality of children's learning, life, vision and visual development. Therefore, it is urgent to raise awareness of clinical workers about dry eye in children, prevent the occurrence of related complications of dry eye, and avoid permanent visual damage to children. This review discusses and summarizes the epidemiology and common risk factors of children with dry eye, with the aim of improving doctors' understanding of dry eye in children.

[Exploration of making removable partial denture by digital technology]

To explore the digital manufacturing process of distal extension removable partial denture. From November 2021 to December 2022, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with free-ending situation were selected from the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Three-dimensional model of the relationship between alveolar ridge and jaw position was obtained by intraoral scanning technique. After routine design, manufacturing and try-in of metal framework for removable partial denture, the metal framework was located in the mouth and scanned again to obtain the composite model of dentition, alveolar ridge and metal framework. The free-end modified model is obtained by merging the digital model of free-end alveolar ridge with the virtual model with the metal framework. The three-dimensional model of artificial dentition, and base plate was designed on the free-end modified model, and the resin model were made by digital milling technology. The removable partial denture was made by accurately positioning the artificial dentition and base plate, bonding metal framework with injection resin, grinding and polishing the artificial dentition and resin base. Compared with the design data after clinical trial, the results showed that there was an error of 0.4-1.0 mm and an error of 0.03-0.10 mm in the connection between the resin base of artificial dentition and the connecting rod of the in-place bolt and the connection between artificial dentition and resin base. After denturen delivery, only 2 patients needed grinding adjustment in follow-up visit due to tenderness, and the rest patients did not find any discomfort. The digital fabrication process of removable partial denture used in this study can basically solve the problems of digital fabrication of free-end modified model and assembly of artificial dentition with resin base and metal framework.

Quantitative analysis of maize leaf collar appearance rates

Phyllochron, the reciprocal of the leaf appearance rate, is a critical genetic parameter in crop models for predicting growth characteristics and yield. Previous studies have shown that existing observations and predictive algorithms do not adequately represent a broad range of cultivars and environments. Here, we conducted a series of experiments in the field to quantify and disentangle the effects of sowing date and cultivar on maize leaf collar appearance (LCA). A bilinear model was found to accurately fit maize LCA (R²_adj > 0.99); this model revealed a slower rate of LCA for the first leaves compared to the last leaves. Turning points in the model occurred between the 9.2th and the 13.1th leaf, nearly always below the ear leaf and around a leaf age index (LAI) of 60.0%. The phyllochron before the turning point (PHYLL Ⅰ) was significantly higher than the phyllochron after the turning point (PHYLL Ⅱ) for all three maize cultivars, and PHYLL Ⅰ was approximately two times higher than PHYLL Ⅱ on average. Both PHYLL Ⅰ and PHYLL Ⅱ were significantly affected by sowing date and cultivar. Variations in PHYLL Ⅰ and PHYLL Ⅱ indicated strong plasticity in maize phyllochron at different leaf ranks. The results of this study are critical for improvement of maize management practices and extend the applicability of phyllochron-collar measurements in crop models.

The effects of photoperiod and temperature-related factors on maize leaf number and leaf positional distribution in the field

Quantifying the effects of various environmental conditions on maize leaf number is essential to understanding the environmental adaptations and population structure of maize plants and for enhancing maize productivity. In this study, seeds of three temperate-adapted maize cultivars, each belonging to different maturity classes, were sown on eight different dates. Sowing dates ranged from the middle of April to early July, which allowed us to cover a wide range of environmental conditions. Random forest regression and multiple regression models with variance partitioning analyses were used to assess the effects of environmental factors on the number of leaves and their distributions on maize primary stems. We demonstrated that the total leaf number (TLN) increased in the three cultivars in the following order: FK139 < JNK728 < ZD958, and variations in TLN for each cultivar were 1.5, 1.76, and 2.75 leaves, respectively. The variation in TLN was ascribed to changes in LB (leaf number below the primary ear), which were higher than variations in LA (leaf number above the primary ear). Variations in TLN and LB were mainly affected by the photoperiod during growth stages V7 to V11, and differences in TLN and LB in response to different photoperiods ranged from 1.34 to 2.95 leaves h^-l. Variations in LA was mainly affected by temperature-related factors. Therefore, the results of this study enhanced our current understanding of key environmental conditions that affect maize leaf numbers, and provides scientific support for the benefits of adjusting sowing dates and selecting suitable cultivars to mitigate the effects of climate change on maize production.

The Value of Preoperative Phase-Contrast MRI in Predicting the Clinical Outcome of Moyamoya Disease after Encephalo-Duro-Arterial Synangiosis Surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In patients with Moyamoya disease, the relationship between preoperative hemodynamic status and prognosis after encephalo-duro-arterial synangiosis (EDAS) surgery was unclear. We aimed to explore the value of the preoperative hemodynamic status acquired by cine phase-contrast MR imaging in predicting collateral formation and clinical outcomes after EDAS surgery in patients with Moyamoya disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with Moyamoya disease were prospectively recruited and underwent preoperative phase-contrast MR imaging. All participants were classified into good and poor groups according to the collateral formation after EDAS surgery. On the basis of the change in the mRS system, participants were classified into the improved mRS group and the poor response group. Hemodynamic status including mean velocity, peak velocity, and blood volume flow of the superficial temporal artery was compared between groups. Logistic regression was performed to relate the phase-contrast MR imaging parameters to collateral formation and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients with Moyamoya disease with unilateral EDAS surgery were finally included. Mean velocity, peak velocity, and blood volume flow of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery were significantly greater in patients with good collateral formation compared with those with poor collateral formation (P = .011, .004, and .013, respectively). The mean velocity, peak velocity, and blood volume flow were independently associated with postoperative collateral formation after adjusting for confounding factors. Furthermore, the peak velocity of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery was also significantly associated with improvement of the mRS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Good hemodynamic status of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery as a donor artery evaluated by phase-contrast MR imaging was significantly associated with better collateral formation and improved mRS after EDAS surgery in patients with Moyamoya disease.

Plastic response of leaf traits to N deficiency in field-grown maize

Nitrogen (N) utilization for crop production under N deficiency conditions is subject to a trade-off between maintaining specific leaf N content (SLN) important for radiation-use efficiency versus maintaining leaf area (LA) development, important for light capture. This paper aims to explore how maize deals with this trade-off through responses in SLN, LA and their underlying traits during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages. In a 10-year N fertilization trial in Jilin province, Northeast China, three N fertilizer levels have been maintained: N deficiency (N0), low N supply (N1) and high N supply (N2). We analysed data from years 8 and 10 of this experiment for two common hybrids. Under N deficiency, maize plants maintained LA and decreased SLN during vegetative stages, while both LA and SLN decreased comparably during reproductive stages. Canopy SLA (specific leaf area, cm² g^-1) decreased sharply during vegetative stages and slightly during reproductive stages, mainly because senesced leaves in the lower canopy had a higher SLA. In the vegetative stage, maize maintained LA at low N by maintaining leaf biomass (albeit hence having N content/mass) and slightly increasing SLA. These responses to N deficiency were stronger in maize hybrid XY335 than in ZD958. We conclude that the main strategy of maize to cope with low N is to maintain LA, mainly by increasing SLA throughout the plant but only during the vegetative growth phase.

Maize Lodging Resistance with Plastic Film Removal, Increased Planting Density, and Cultivars with Different Maturity Periods

While plastic film mulching and proper high-density planting are important methods that can improve maize yield, years of accumulated residual film have created soil pollution and degraded soil, and thus has impeded sustainable agriculture development. Here, we compared the stalk and root lodging resistances of three maize cultivars grown at two planting densities both with (FM) and without (NM) plastic film mulch. Our aim was to provide a theoretical basis that may help assure a future of successful no-film planting with increased planting density. The results showed that, compared with FM, the average dry weight per unit length and bending strength of basal internode decreased for all cultivars at both planting densities in the NM treatment. At 9.0 × 10⁴ plants ha^-1, the stalk breaking force (SFC) of Xinyu77, KWS9384, and KWS2030 in the NM treatment decreased by 4%, 21%, and 22%, respectively. At 12.0 × 10⁴ plants ha^-1, SFC of Xinyu77 and KWS2030 increased by 14% and 1%, respectively, while KWS9384 decreased by 10%. Additionally, the root diameter, length, volume, width, depth, and the vertical root-pulling force of maize decreased. Although the lodging resistance of maize grown without film mulch was lower than that of maize grown with it, those adverse effects can be mitigated by selecting suitable cultivars and by using proper high-density planting and appropriate cultivation measures.

[Association between postpartum depression and concentrations of transforming growth factor-β in human colostrum: a nested cohort study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) concentrations in human colostrum.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a maternal and infant cohort established in a tertiary general hospital in Guangdong Province between December, 2020 and September, 2021. In the afternoon of the second postpartum day, the women were evaluated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening PPD (defined as a score of 10 or higher). The women with PPD were matched at a 1:1 ratio with women without PPD with maternal age difference within 5 years and the same mode of delivery. Colostrum samples were collected in morning on the third postpartum day for measurement of TGF-β concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the association between EPDS scores and TGF-β concentrations was analyzed in the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 90 women were included in the final analysis. The mean concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 in the colostrum were 684.03 (321.22-859.25) pg/mL, 5116.50±1747.04 pg/mL and 147.84±48.68 pg/mL in women with PPD, respectively, as compared with 745.67 (596.00-964.22) pg/mL, 4912.40±1516.80 pg/mL, and 168.21±48.15 pg/mL in women without PPD, respectively. Compared with women without PPD, the women with PPD had significantly lower concentrations of TGF-β1 (P=0.026) and TGF-β3 (P=0.049) in the colostrum. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the EPDS scores were negatively associated with the concentrations of TGF-β1 (r=-0.23, P=0.03) and TGF-β3 (r=-0.25, P=0.02) in the colostrum.

CONCLUSION

PPD is associated with decreased concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 in human colostrum, suggesting the need of early PPD screening and interventions during pregnancy and the perinatal period to minimize the impact of PPD on human milk compositions.

JS08.6.A A connectivity signature for glioblastoma

Background

Tumor cell extensions called tumor microtubes (TMs) in glioma resemble neurites during neurodevelopment and connect glioma cells to a network that has considerable relevance for tumor progression and therapy resistance. The determination of interconnectivity in individual tumors has been challenging and the impact of tumor cell connectivity on patient survival remained unresolved so far.

Material and Methods

A connectivity signature was derived by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) of highly and lowly connected cells obtained from an SR101 dye transfer xenograft model of primary glioblastoma (GB). The signature was validated in different in vitro models of cell-to-cell connectivity and could be translated to GB clinical specimens.

Results

34 of 40 connectivity genes were related to neurogenesis, neural tube development or glioma progression, including the TM-network-relevant GAP43 gene. Astrocytic-like and mesenchymal-like GB cells had the highest connectivity signature scores in scRNA-Seq data of patient-derived xenografts and patient samples. In 230 human GBs, high connectivity correlated with the mesenchymal expression subtype, TP53 wildtype, and with dismal patient survival. CHI3L1 was identified and validated as a robust molecular marker of connectivity with a functional relevance.

Conclusion

The connectivity signature gives novel insights into brain tumor biology, provides a proof-of-principle that tumor cell connectivity is relevant for patients’ prognosis, and serves as a robust biomarker that can be used for future clinical trials

Quantitative Relationship Between Solar Radiation and Grain Filling Parameters of Maize

A quantitative understanding of the factors driving changes in grain filling is essential for effective prioritization of increasing maize yield. Grain filling is a significant stage in maize yield formation. Solar radiation is the energy source for grain filling, which is the ultimate driving factor for final grain weight and grain filling capacity that determine maize yield. Here, we first confirmed the quantitative relationships between grain filling parameters and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by conducting field experiments using different shading and plant density conditions and cultivars in 2019 and 2020 in Xinjiang, China. The results showed that with every 100 MJ m-2 increase in PAR, the average grain filling rate (G ave), maximum grain-filling rate (G max), and the kernel weight at the time of maximum grain-filling rate (W max) increased by 0.073 mg kernel-1 day-1, 0.23 mg kernel-1 day-1, and 0.24 mg kernel-1, and the time of maximum grain-filling rate (T max) delayed by 0.91 day. Relative changes in PAR were significantly and positively correlated with relative changes in yield and G ave. With every 1% change in PAR, yield and G ave changed by 1.16 and 0.17%, respectively. From the perspective of grain filling capacity, DH618 was a more shade-resistant cultivar than XY335 and ZD958. It is urgent to breed maize cultivars with low light tolerance and high grain yield in the face of climate change, particularly the decrease in solar radiation.

POS1569-PARE TESTING A NEW APPROACH TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS PATIENT-VALUED TREATMENT GOALS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA): A PATIENT-ENGAGED HEALTHCARE VALUATION STRATEGY

Background

Common approaches to valuing health technologies often fail to capture outcomes that matter to patients and families. The treatment goals of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include common trial endpoints but also include other facets of disease impact. Identifying a feasible and rigorous approach to inclusion of the patient perspective is needed as trialists increasingly seek to incorporate patient-important outcomes in trial design and as varied patient-centered value assessment frameworks emerge. No standard approach is available to systemically identify and quantify patient-important outcomes, nor to include those outcomes in deliberative decision-making. We developed the Patient-Engaged Healthcare Valuation strategy, using principles of goal attainment scaling to frame survey-based goal collection directly from adults.

Objectives

To develop and test a goal-based method for collecting RA patient input for use in clinical trials and value assessment and evaluating the feasibility of this approach in people with RA.

Methods

Patient goals and domains were identified from (1) a literature review (2010-2020) of patient outcomes, goals, and preferences in RA, and (2) discussions with patients and clinicians during two meetings with a steering committee (SC) consisting of clinicians, outcomes researchers, patients/advocates, and health economists. These goals informed the development of a draft survey. Adults with RA were recruited from online patient networks to rate goal importance and suggest additional goals. SC members reviewed the survey findings and assessed feasibility of scaling up goal collection for HTA.

Results

Of 135 articles identified, 17 were retained. An inductive and iterative approach was used to identify and thematically group the final set of 36 goals into 4 domains. The draft survey was cognitively debriefed with 4 adults with RA. The first survey was administered to 20 participants; results informed item revisions and additions for the second round of data collection (n=27).

The 47 respondents were mostly White (87%), college-educated (72%) women (93%) living with RA for an average of 15 years; 75% rated their RA as moderate to severe. Free-text goals added in round 1 include: 1) finding specialists who listen to patient input on symptoms; 2) addressing loneliness or isolation; and 3) finding support from or helping others with RA. All Symptom and Life Impact goals were rated as Important or Very Important by ≥85% of participants; endorsement for Management and Treatment goals was somewhat more variable, with ≥85% endorsing these as Somewhat to Very Important. Results suggested that domains match key goals. Steering committee ratings supported the feasibility of this method.

Conclusion

Goals relevant for RA treatment evaluation can be efficiently identified and rated for importance by patients. Patient-important goals can be incorporated into deliberative healthcare valuation using this method to permit “crowd-sourced” input from people living with RA and to capture heterogeneous patient perspectives in healthcare valuation.

Table 1.

Top Goals based on rating as “Very Important” by >70% of subjects, from set of 36. “My goals for living with RA are to…”

GoalsNot ImportantSomewhat ImportantImportantVery ImportantSymptom Managementimprove the quality of my life with RA0% (0)0% (0)23% (11)77% (36)manage my RA pain0% (0)2% (1)11% (5)87% (41)reduce how my RA pain interferes with my life0% (0)9% (4)17% (8)74% (35)Life Impactreduce the ways in which RA interferes with my life0% (0)2% (1)21% (10)77% (36)be independent in my daily functioning0% (0)4% (1)15% (4)81% (22)Managing my RAfeel like I can manage my RA0% (0)2% (1)26% (12)72% (34)Treatment Featuresunderstand my RA treatment options0% (0)4% (2)21% (10)74% (35)have the information I need to make treatment decisions0% (0)0% (0)19% (9)81% (38)know what to expect with my RA treatment0% (0)2% (1)23% (11)74% (35)find treatments that are effective0% (0)0% (0)6% (3)94% (44)

Acknowledgements

I have no acknowledgements to declare.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

[Differential expression profile of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes from fetuses with Down syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes in growth and development of fetuses with Down syndrome (DS).

METHODS

Amniotic fluid were collected from 20 fetuses with DS and 20 normal fetuses (control) to extract amniotic exosome miRNA. MicroRNA sequencing technique was used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups, for which gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis was performed. Three differentially expressed miRNAs with the strongest correlation with DS phenotype were selected for qPCR verification. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the activity of let-7d-5p for targeted regulation of BACH1.

RESULTS

We identified 15 differentially expressed miRNAs in DS as compared with the control group, among which 7 miRNAs were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated. Target gene prediction results showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 17 DS-related genes. GO analysis revealed that the main functions of the target genes involved protein binding, protein transport, ATP binding, transferase activity and synapses. Pathway analysis revealed that the functional pathways were closely related with the development of the nervous system. qPCR results showed that the expression levels of miR-140-3p and let-7d-5p were significantly lower in DS group than in the control group (P < 0.05), as was consistent with miRNA sequencing results; the expression level of miR-4512 was significantly higher in DS group than in control group (P < 0.05), which was contrary to miRNA sequencing results. The results of double luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that let-7d-5p was capable of targeted regulation of BACH1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Let-7d-5p in amniotic fluid exosomes may promote oxidative stress events in the brain of fetuses with DS by regulating BACH1 expression.

Polarization conversion in the caviton driven by linearly polarized lasers

In one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of a plasma irradiated by linearly polarized lasers from both sides of boundaries, it is found that there is an appreciable growth of the electromagnetic field in cavitons in the transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of polarization, which indicates the polarization conversion of the electromagnetic field in cavitons. This paper demonstrates the mechanism of this phenomenon based on parametric resonance induced by ponderomotive force with twice the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation in the caviton. We develop a theoretical model and verify it with simulation results. This phenomenon contributes to the heating and acceleration of particles and traps more EM energy in cavitons.

Association between coronary artery vitamin D receptor expression and select systemic risks factors for coronary artery atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze the association between coronary artery vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and systemic coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA) risk factors.

METHODS

Female cynomolgus monkeys (n = 39) consumed atherogenic diets containing the women's equivalent of 1000 IU/day of vitamin D₃. After 32 months consuming the diets, each monkey underwent surgical menopause. After 32 postmenopausal months, CAA and VDR expression were quantified in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Plasma 25OHD_3, lipid profiles and serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured.

RESULTS

In postmenopausal monkeys receiving atherogenic diets, serum MCP-1 was significantly elevated compared with baseline (482.2 ± 174.2 pg/ml vs. 349.1 ± 163.2 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001; d = 0.79) and at the start of menopause (363.4 ± 117.2 pg/ml; p < 0.001; d = 0.80). Coronary VDR expression was inversely correlated with serum MCP-1 (p = 0.042). Additionally, the change of postmenopausal MCP-1 (from baseline to necropsy) was significantly reduced in the group with higher, compared to below the median, VDR expression (p = 0.038). The combination of plasma 25OHD₃ and total plasma cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was subsequently broken into low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk groups; as the risk increased, the VDR quantity decreased (p = 0.04). CAA was not associated with various atherogenic diets.

CONCLUSION

Coronary artery VDR expression was inversely correlated with markers of CAA risk and inflammation, including MCP-1, suggesting that systemic and perhaps local inflammation in the artery may be associated with reduced arterial VDR expression.

Solar Radiation Effects on Dry Matter Accumulations and Transfer in Maize

Solar radiation is the energy source for crop growth, as well as for the processes of accumulation, distribution, and transfer of photosynthetic products that determine maize yield. Therefore, learning the effects of different solar radiation amounts on maize growth is especially important. The present study focused on the quantitative relationships between solar radiation amounts and dry matter accumulations and transfers in maize. Over two continuous years (2017 and 2018) of field experiments, maize hybrids XY335 and ZD958 were grown at densities of 4.5 × 104 (D1), 7.5 × 104 (D2), 9 × 104 (D3), 10.5 × 104 (D4), and 12 × 104 (D5) plants/ha at Qitai Farm (89°34'E, 44°12'N), Xinjiang, China. Shading levels were 15% (S1), 30% (S2), and 50% (S3) of natural light and no shading (CK). The results showed that the yields of the commonly planted cultivars XY335 and ZD958 at S1, S2, and S3 (increasing shade treatments) were 7.3, 21.2, and 57.6% and 11.7, 31.0, and 61.8% lower than the control yields, respectively. Also, vegetative organ dry matter translocation (DMT) and its contribution to grain increased as shading levels increased under different densities. The dry matter assimilation amount after silking (AADMAS) increased as solar radiation and planting density increased. When solar radiation was <580.9 and 663.6 MJ/m2, for XY335 and ZD958, respectively, the increase in the AADMAS was primarily related to solar radiation amounts; and when solar radiation was higher than those amounts for those hybrids, an increase in the AADMAS was primarily related to planting density. Photosynthate accumulation is a key determinant of maize yield, and the contributions of the vegetative organs to the grain did not compensate for the reduced yield caused by insufficient light. Between the two cultivars, XY335 showed a better resistance to weak light than ZD958 did. To help guarantee a high maize yield under weak light conditions, it is imperative to select cultivars that have great stay-green and photosynthetic efficiency characteristics.

[Aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulates airway inflammation in mice with cockroach allergen-induced asthma by regulating Th17/Treg differentiation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates cockroach allergen (CRE)-induced asthma by regulating Th17/Treg differentiation.

OBJECTIVE

Mouse models of CRE-induced asthma established by sensitizing and challenging the mice with CRE were randomized into asthma model group, AhR agonist group treated with TCDD (10 μg/ kg), and AhR antagonist group treated with TCDD and CH223191 (10 mg/kg) (n=5), with 5 mice without CRE challenge as the control group. The expressions of AhR, Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 mRNA in the lung tissues of the mice were detected using RT-PCR, and pulmonary inflammation was evaluated with immumohistochemical staining. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs were detected using ELISA, and the expression of Treg in the lung tissues and pulmonary lymph nodes was analyzed with flow cytometry.

OBJECTIVE

Both TCDD and CH223191 were capable of modulating pulmonary expressions of AhR and its downstream genes Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 in asthmatic mice (P < 0.002). TCDD treatment significantly decreased inflammatory cells and mucus production in the lungs of asthmatic mice, and BALFs from TCDD-treated mice with CRE challenge contained lowered levels of the proinflammatory factors including IL-4, IL-13 and IL-17A (P < 0.001) but increased anti-inflammatory factors including IL-10, IL-22 and TGF-β1 (P < 0.001). All these changes were significantly reversed by treatment with CH223191 to the levels comparable with those in the asthma model group (P>0.05). More importantly, TCDD treatment significantly increased the number of Tregs cells and FOXP3 expression and lowered RORγt mRNA expression in the lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes in asthmatic mice (P < 0.001); inhibition of AhR with CH223191, as compared with TCDD, significantly decreased the expression of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells in the lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes and the expression of FOXP3 mRNA in lymphocytes and increased RORγt mRNA expression (P < 0.001) to the levels comparable with those in asthma model group (P>0.05).

OBJECTIVE

AhR activation modulates airway inflammation in mice with CRE-induced asthma by modulating the differentiation of Th17/Treg.

Active control of electron cyclotron emission radiometer channel frequencies for improved electron temperature measurements

As advanced scenarios are developed for tokamak operations, the demand for flexibility of the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) channels' locations has increased. The tunable feature of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) filters provides this spatial flexibility. Here, we present a method of performing ECE measurements on fixed flux surfaces instead of fixed frequencies. This is achieved by adjusting YIG filters utilized in the intermediate frequency section to frequencies associated with flux surfaces in regions of interest during the discharge. The key components are the application of tunable YIG filters and a control program that calculates the filter settings using flux information from real-time reconstruction equilibria (EFIT). This fast procedure facilitates T_e measurements in regions of interest to investigate plasma dynamic behaviors.

Evaluation of maize lodging resistance based on the critical wind speed of stalk breaking during the late growth stage

BACKGROUND

The accurate evaluation of the stalk-lodging resistance during the late stage of maize growth can provide a basis for the selection of cultivars, the evaluation of cultivation techniques, and timely mechanical grain harvesting. In this study, the critical wind speed of stalk breaking, plant morphology, stalk mechanical strength, and lodging rate were investigated in 10 maize cultivars to identify the parameters evaluate lodging resistance during the later growth stage of maize. Clarify the relationship with the stalk mechanical strength, critical wind speed of stalk breaking, and natural lodging rate in the field.

RESULTS

The results showed that, in the late growth stage, with increasing number of days after physiological maturity, (1) the stalk lodging rate gradually increased, (2) the stalk breaking force and rind penetration strength (RPS) of the third internode above the soil gradually decreased, and (3) the critical wind speed of stalk breaking increased first and then decreased, and was highest at about 16-24 days after physiological maturity. The position of stalk lodging mostly occurred between second and fifth internodes. The torque at the base of maize plant increased as wind speed increased, and the different of torque was excited among different maize cultivars under same wind speed. Furthermore, the stalk lodging rate was significantly negatively correlated with the critical wind speed of stalk breaking. Additionally, the critical wind speed of stalk breaking was significantly positively correlated with the stalk breaking force and the RPS.

CONCLUSION

This indicates that the critical wind speed of stalk breaking is a superior way to determine the stalk lodging resistance. These results suggest that, in the late growth stage, the decrease in the stalk mechanical strength is an important reason for the decrease in the critical wind speed of stalk breaking and the increase in the lodging rate.

Preoperative anthropomorphic radiographic measurements can predict postoperative pancreatic fistula formation following pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistulae (POPF) are a major contributing factor to pancreatoduodenectomy-associated morbidity. Established risk calculators mostly rely on subjective or intraoperative assessments. We hypothesized that various objective preoperatively determined computed tomography (CT) measurements could predict POPF as well as validated models and allow for more informed operative consent in high-risk patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective pancreatoduodenectomies between January 2013 and April 2018 were identified in a prospective database. Comparative statistical analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were generated to predict POPF development. Model performance was tested with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. Pancreatic neck attenuation (Hounsfield units) was measured in triplicate by pancreatic protocol CT (venous phase, coronal plane) anterior to the portal vein. A pancreatic density index (PDI) was created to adjust for differences in contrast timing by dividing the mean of these measurements by the portal vein attenuation. Total areas of subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle were calculated at the L3 vertebral level on axial CT. Pancreatic duct (PD) diameter was determined by CT.

RESULTS

In the study period 220 patients had elective pancreatoduodenectomies with 35 (16%) developing a POPF of any grade. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that demographics (age, sex, and race) were not associated with POPF, yet patients resected for pancreatic adenocarcinoma or chronic pancreatitis were less likely to develop a POPF (10 vs. 24%; p = 0.004). ROC curves were created using various combinations of gland texture, body mass index, skeletal muscle index, sarcopenia, PDI, PD diameter, and subcutaneous fat area indexed for height (SFI). A model replacing gland texture with SFI and PDI (AUC 0.844) had similar predictive performance as the established model (p = 0.169).

CONCLUSION

A combination of preoperative objective CT measurements can adequately predict POPF and is comparable to established models relying on subjective intraoperative variables. Validation in a larger dataset would allow for better preoperative stratification of high-risk patients and improve informed consent among this patient population.

Spatio-temporal characteristics of agro-climatic indices and extreme weather events during the growing season for summer maize (Zea mays L.) in Huanghuaihai region, China

The stability of maize production is essential to global food security. Climate factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation, directly affect the development of maize plants and hence the final grain yield. In this study, we investigated the spatial distributions and temporal trends of agro-climatic indices and severe weather indicators during the actual growing season for summer maize in Huanghuaihai region of China. The results showed that during the growing season, accumulated effective thermal time had significantly increased. From R3 to R6, accumulated effective thermal time, effective precipitation, and photosynthesis active radiation all showed an increasing trend, with the rate of 20.3 °C day, 1.1 mm, and 7.3 MJ m^-2 per decade, respectively. From VE to R3, most of the study years showed a > 50% ratio of high-temperature days to subtotal days and > 7 consecutive days without available precipitation. During most of the study years, there were at least 0.5 thunderstorm events from V6 to VT stage in the locations of study; days with strong winds accounted for more than half the subtotal days during the V6-VT stage. And potential risk of lodging may be reduced by the decrease in days with strong wind. The results of this study could be used in optimizing agricultural management in summer maize production in order to take advantage of beneficial climatic elements while combating adverse climatic elements.

[Surgical strategy of intraspinal tumors using minimal invasive channels]

Objective: To compare and analyze the effect of minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery in patients with spinal canal tumors, including intraspinal and extraspinal communication tumors. Methods: From 2017 to 2019, 31 patients (minimally invasive channel group) were included in the neurosurgery department of Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, and 38 patients (open operation group) were selected as the control group. From the aspects of intraoperative condition, operative effect, postoperative muscle injury, postoperative complications, postoperative spinal stability, the minimally invasive access group and the open operation group were compared and analyzed. Results: The bleeding volume (70.2 ml±4.9 ml), operation time (164.7 min±16.0 min) and hospitalization days (9.5±2.5) in the minimally invasive access group were significantly lower than those in the open operation group (P<0.001). The creatine kinase CK (363.9 U/L±51.6 U/L) in the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that in the open group (514.2 U/L±68.3 U/L) (P<0.001). According to Panjabi standard, the effect of spinal cord stability in minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that in open operation group (P<0.001), and the symptom improvement rate in minimally invasive group was significantly higher than that in open hand group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the open surgery, the amount of bleeding, the length of incision, the time of operation and the days of hospitalization were significantly shorter, the degree of muscle damage was also significantly reduced, the incidence of complications was lower, the impact of spinal stability was smaller, and the overall advantage was obvious.

Calcium-sensing receptor bridges calcium and telomerase reverse transcriptase in gastric cancers via Akt

PURPOSE

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) act as an oncogene in gastric cancers, however, their relationship in the progression of gastric cancers is yet to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to access the potential interaction between hTERT and CaSR in the development of gastric cancers.

METHODS

The clinical data of 41 patients with gastric cancers were analyzed regarding the expressions of hTERT and CaSR by immunohistochemistry. Among them, five patients' specimens were also analyzed by Western blotting. The regulation of calcium on the expression level of hTERT and the possible underlying mechanism via CaSR were explored in gastric cancer cell lines MKN45 and SGC-7901.

RESULTS

Both hTERT and CaSR were increased and positively correlated in human gastric cancers, which also occurs in gastric cancer cells MKN45 and SGC-7901. Calcium induced hTERT expression at the transcriptional level in a CaSR-dependent manner followed by an increase in telomerase activity, as either a CaSR shRNA or the CaSR antagonist NPS2143 abolished the calcium-mediated regulation of hTERT and telomerase activity. Further studies showed that CaSR-mediated cytosolic calcium rise followed by Akt activation was involved in the regulation of hTERT by extracellular calcium. Finally, neither CaSR overexpression nor shRNA-mediated CaSR downregulation had an effect on the expression level of hTERT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings established a functional linkage between CaSR and hTERT in the development of gastric cancers and CaSR-hTERT coupling might serve as a novel target for therapeutic strategy against human gastric cancers.

OS6.4 The hypoxia-induced glioma derived exosome miRNA-199a-3p promotes glioma cells proliferation and increased ischemic injury of the para-tumor neurons by inhibiting mTOR pathway— A pivotal ischemic mechanism in the proliferation and growth of glioma

BACKGROUND

Growth of glioma cells can be promoted by hypoxia, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. Exosomes and miRNAs were reported to play crucial roles in tumor progression. Effects of exosomes and exosomal miRNAs, induced by hypoxia, on glioma cells were still unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Glioma samples were analyzed by HE and HIF-1α staining. Image data of these patients were also retrospectively analyzed. HT22 and C6 cell lines were co-cultured in both direct and indirect system. Hypoxia (1% oxygen) and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) were applied to evaluate hypoxia effects on the growth and proliferation of cell lines, and such effects were assessed by C6/HT22 ratio, MTT and LDH assay. Hypoxia-induced glioma derived exosomes (HIGDE) and non-HIGDE (NHIGDE) were isolated and were administrated to normal culture medium to evaluate their effects on cell growing. The target miRNA was selected by performing miRNA microarray analysis. MicroRNA mimics and shRNA were constructed to overexpress or inhibit the microRNA expression. MTOR signal pathway was activated by utilizing phosphatidic acid. The RNAs expression were detected by RT-qPCR and the proteins expression was evaluated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Para-tumor hypoxia area shared a same region with cytotoxic edema around the glioma lesion and can be easily detected by PET/CT. The density of positive HIF-1αstaining was higher in tumor area than that in para-tumor and normal parenchyma area. In hypoxia direct co-culture system, the cell number ratio of C6/HT22 was significantly higher than that without hypoxia pretreatment; while in hypoxia mono-culture and indirect co-culture systems, the proliferation ability of HT22 was statistical lower than C6. After applying OGD, neuron cells cultured with HIGDE showed a statistical higher LDH release level than with NHIGDE or normal culture medium. The miRNA microarray analysis revealed that miRNA-199a-3p was the highest expressed in HIGDE than in NHIGDE (p < 0.05; Fold Change > 2). Transfected with mimics or shRNA, it was indicated that upregulation of miR-199a-3p aggravated HIGDE-induced OGD injury in HT22 cells. Moreover, we interfered mTOR signal pathway and the expression of HIF-1αin C6 cells. We found that miRNA-199a-3p aggravated HIGDE-neuron cell injury via suppressing mTOR signal pathway, and hypoxia related upregulation of miRNA-199a-3p in HIGDE was induced by the activation of HIF-1α in C6 cells.

CONCLUSION

The Hypoxia-Induced Glioma Derived Exosome miRNA-199a-3p can be upregulated by the activation of HIF-1α, and is able to promote glioma cells proliferation and increase ischemic injury of the para-tumor neurons via inhibiting mTOR pathway.

[Epidemiological survey of mental disorders in the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, demographic characteristics and social life function of mental disorders in the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu. Methods: Between November 2017 and June 2018, a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu, and totally 6 000 elderly were enrolled. By using the extended general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the American Handbook for Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Disorders (DSM-Ⅳ) Axis Ⅰ Disorders Formal Clinical Examination Patient Edition, all the included subjects were screened and diagnosed. Functional status was assessed by the Global Assessment Function scale (GAF). Statistical analysis of the prevalence of various mental illnesses, as well as the differences in the prevalence of different gender, marital status and age groups was performed. Results: Totally, 6 000 subjects completed the survey. The adjusted current prevalence of any mental disorder was 20.11% (95%CI 17.70%-22.85%). The six most prevalent specific disorders were major depressive disorder (9.20%), pain disorder (2.71%), mood disorder due to the body condition (2.08%), generalized anxiety disorder (1.99%), anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (1.15%) and dysthymic disorder (0.84%). The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was 20.54% (95%CI 18.40%-23.39%). The overall current prevalence of mental disorders was higher in women (242.89‰) than in men (119.55‰), and the unmarried (248.37‰) was higher than those married (187.53‰). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mental disorders among different age groups (P>0.05). The GAF score of mental disorders was 56±11, and 71.82% was moderate to severe functional impairment. Conclusions: The prevalence of mental disorders is high in rural left-behind population aged 60 years and over in Gansu Province. Major depression is a condition that deserves special attention.

Mitochondria and Nuclei Dual-Targeted Hollow Carbon Nanospheres for Cancer Chemophotodynamic Synergistic Therapy

Dual-targeted nanoparticles are gaining increasing importance as a more effective anticancer strategy by attacking double key sites of tumor cells, especially in chemophotodynamic therapy. To retain the nuclei inhibition effect and enhance doxorubicin (DOX)-induced apoptosis by mitochondrial pathways simultaneously, we synthesized the novel nanocarrier (HKH) based on hollow carbon nitride nanosphere (HCNS) modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) and the mitochondrial localizing peptide D[KLAKLAK]2 (KLA). DOX-loaded HKH nanoparticles (HKHDs) showed satisfactory drug-loading efficiency, excellent solubility, and very low hemolytic effect. HA/CD44 binding and electrostatic attraction between positively charged KLA and A549 cells facilitated HKHD uptake via the endocytosis mechanism. Acidic microenvironment, hyaluronidase, and KLA targeting together facilitate doxorubicin toward the mitochondria and nuclei, resulting in apoptosis, DNA intercalation, cell-cycle arrest at the S phase, and light-induced reactive oxygen species production. Intravascular HKHD inhibited tumor growth in A549-implanted mice with good safety. The present study, for the first time, systemically reveals biostability, targetability, chemophotodynamics, and safety of the functionalized novel HKHD.

Predictive values of FAP and HGF for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer

This study aims to explore the correlation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressions with the angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). The immunohistochemical SABC method was used to detect HGF and FAP expressions in 127 CRC tissues, 51 colorectal polyp tissues and 28 normal tissues. HGF and FAP expressions in liver metastasis were detected using western blot to analyze the correlation of their expressions with lymph node metastasis and liver metastasis. Micro-vessel density (MVD) and clinic-pathologic information of CRC patients were recorded and analyzed. In CRC group, HGF and FAP expressions were greatly higher than those in normal group and colorectal polyps group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the positive rates of HGF and FAP expressions in lymph node metastasis were evidently higher than those in non-lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In liver metastasis group, HGF and FAP expressions were obviously higher than non-liver metastasis group (P < 0.05). CRC group had much more MVD in comparison with normal group and colorectal polyps group (P < 0.05).When compared with negative group, MVD was significantly higher than that in CRC tissue with positive HGF and FAP (P < 0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that HGF and FAP were in positive correlation with MVD (r = 0.542, P < 0.001; r = 0.753, P < 0.001). These results indicate that FAP and HGF play an important role in CRC angiogenesis, and their expression levels are valuable to predict CRC liver metastasis and lymph node metastasis.

Simultaneous blocking of CD47 and PD-L1 increases innate and adaptive cancer immune responses and cytokine release

Background

Treatment multiple tumors by immune therapy can be achieved by mobilizing both innate and adaptive immunity. The programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1; or CD274, B7-H1) is a critical “don't find me” signal to the adaptive immune system. Equally CD47 is a critical “don't eat me” signal to the innate immune system and a regulator of the adaptive immune response.

Method

Both of CD47 and PD-L1 are overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells to enable to escape immune-surveillance. We designed EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule)-targeted cationic liposome (LPP-P4-Ep) containing si-CD47 and si-PD-L1 could target high-EpCAM cancer cells and knockdown both CD47 and PD-L1 proteins.

Findings

Efficient silencing of CD47 and PD-L1 versus single gene silencing in vivo by systemic administration of LPP-P4-Ep could significantly inhibited the growth of solid tumors in subcutaneous and reduced lung metastasis in lung metastasis model. Target delivery of the complexes LPP-P4-Ep increased anti-tumor T cell and NK cell response, and release various cytokines including IFN-γ and IL-6 in vivo and in vitro.

Interpretation

This multi-nanoparticles showed significantly high-EpCAM tumor targeting and lower toxicity, and enhanced immune therapeutic efficacy. Our data indicated that dual-blockade tumor cell-specific innate and adaptive checkpoints represents an improved strategy for tumor immunotherapy.

Fund

This research supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (grant number 2015CB931804); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, grant numbers 81703555, U1505225 and 81773063), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (grant number 2017 M620268).

Improving maize grain yield by matching maize growth and solar radiation

Matching of maize growth with solar radiation is of great importance for achieving high yield. We conducted experiments using different maize cultivars and planting densities under different solar radiations during grain filling to quantitatively analyze the relationships among these factors. We found that a decrease in solar radiation after silking caused a drop in maize grain yield and biomass, with lower solar radiation intensities leading to worse grain yields and biomass. Cultivar ZD958 was more sensitive to solar radiation changes than cultivar XY335; slight decreases in solar radiation (i.e., 15% shading) caused significant declines in ZD958 grain yield. When total solar radiation during grain filling was less than 486.9 MJ m⁻² for XY335 and less than 510.9 MJ m⁻² for ZD958, the two cultivars demonstrated high yields at lower planting density of 7.5 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹; average yields were 13.36 and 11.09 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. When radiation intensities were higher than 549.5 MJ m⁻² for XY335 and higher than 605.8 MJ m⁻² for ZD958, yields were higher at a higher planting density of 12 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹, with average yields of 20.58 Mg ha⁻¹ for XY335 and 19.65 Mg ha⁻¹ for ZD958.

Metastatic cancer cells compensate for low energy supplies in hostile microenvironments with bioenergetic adaptation and metabolic reprogramming

Metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer-related mortalities, and the complex processes of metastasis remain the least understood aspect of cancer biology. Metabolic reprogramming is associated with cancer cell survival and metastasis in a hostile envi-ronment with a limited nutrient supply, such as solid tumors. Little is known regarding the differences of bioenergetic adaptation between primary tumor cells and metastatic tumor cells in unfavorable microenvironments; to clarify these differences, the present study aimed to compare metabolic reprogramming of primary tumor cells and metastatic tumor cells. SW620 metastatic tumor cells exhibited stronger bioenergetic adaptation in unfavorable conditions compared with SW480 primary tumor-derived cells, as determined by the sustained elevation of glycolysis and regulation of the cell cycle. This remarkable glycolytic ability of SW620 cells was associated with high expression levels of hexokinase (HK)1, HK2, glucose transporter type 1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. Compared with SW480 cells, the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins was effectively inhibited in SW620 cells to sustain cell survival when there was a lack of energy. Furthermore, SW620 cells exhibited a stronger mesenchymal phenotype and stem cell characteristics compared with SW480 cells; CD133 and CD166 were highly expressed in SW620 cells, whereas expression was not detected in SW480 cells. These data may explain why metastatic cancer cells exhibit greater microenvironmental adaptability and survivability; specifically, this may be achieved by upregulating glycolysis, optimizing the cell cycle and reprogramming cell metabolism. The present study may provide a target metabolic pathway for cancer metastasis therapy.