A technique to quantify very low activities in regions of interest with a collimatorless detector

We present a new method to measure sub-microcurie activities of photon-emitting radionuclides in organs and lesions of small animals in vivo. Our technique, named the collimator-less likelihood fit, combines a very high sensitivity collimatorless detector with a Monte Carlo-based likelihood fit in order to estimate the activities in previously segmented regions of interest along with their uncertainties. This is done directly from the photon projections in our collimatorless detector and from the region of interest segmentation provided by an x-ray computed tomography scan. We have extensively validated our approach with 225Ac experimentally in spherical phantoms and mouse phantoms, and also numerically with simulations of a realistic mouse anatomy. Our method yields statistically unbiased results with uncertainties smaller than 20% for activities as low as ~111 Bq (3 nCi) and for exposures under 30 minutes. We demonstrate that our method yields more robust recovery coefficients when compared to SPECT imaging with a commercial pre-clinical scanner, specially at very low activities. Thus, our technique is complementary to traditional SPECT/CT imaging since it provides a more accurate and precise organ and tumor dosimetry, with a more limited spatial information. Finally, our technique is specially significant in extremely low-activity scenarios when SPECT/CT imaging is simply not viable.

Suppression of microRNA-320 Induces Cerebral Protection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Targeting HMGB1/NF-kappaB Axis

MicroRNAs have been shown to potentially function in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. This study aimed to examine the expression of microRNA-320 (miR-320) in cerebral IR injury and its involvement in cerebral mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses by targeting the HMGB1/NF-kappaB axis. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion to simulate cerebral IR injury. The cerebral expression of miR-320 was assessed using qRT-PCR. Neurological function, cerebral infarct volume, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using relevant methods, including staining, fluorometry, and ELISA. HMGB1 expression was analyzed through Western blotting. The levels of miR-320, HMGB1, neurological deficits, and cerebral infarction were significantly higher after IR induction. Intracerebral overexpression of miR-320 resulted in substantial neurological deficits, increased infarct volume, elevated levels of 8-isoprostane, NF-kappaBp65, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and HMGB1 expression. It also promoted the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS levels while reducing MnSOD and GSH levels. Downregulation of miR-320 and inhibition of HMGB1 activity significantly reversed the outcomes of cerebral IR injury. MiR-320 plays a negative role in regulating cerebral inflammatory/oxidative reactions induced by IR injury by enhancing HMGB1 activity and modulating mitochondrial function.

STING-Dependent Sensing of Self-DNA Driving Pyroptosis Contributes to Radiation-Induced Lung Injury

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation therapy (RT) is indispensable for managing thoracic carcinomas. However, its application is limited by radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), one of the most common and fatal complications of thoracic RT. Nonetheless, the exact molecular mechanisms of RILI remain poorly understood.

MATERIALS/METHODS

To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, various knockout (KO) mouse strains were subjected to 16 Gy whole-thoracic RT. RILI was assessed by qRT-PCR, ELISA, histology, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and CT examination. To perform further mechanistic studies on the signaling cascade during the RILI process, pulldown, CHIP, and rescue assays were conducted.

RESULTS

We found that the cGAS-STING pathway was significantly upregulated after irradiation exposure in both the mouse models and clinical lung tissues. Knocking down either cGAS or STING led to attenuated inflammation and fibrosis in mouse lung tissues. NLRP3 is hardwired to the upstream DNA-sensing cGAS-STING pathway to trigger of the inflammasome and amplification of the inflammatory response. STING deficiency suppressed the expressions of the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis-pertinent components containing IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved caspase-1. Mechanistically, interferon regulatory factor 3, the essential transcription factor downstream of cGAS-STING, promoted the pyroptosis by transcriptionally activating NLRP3. Moreover, we found that RT triggered the release of self-dsDNA in the bronchoalveolar space, which is essential for the activation of cGAS-STING and the downstream NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Of note, Pulmozyme, an old drug for the management of cystic fibrosis, was revealed to have the potential to mitigate RILI by degrading extracellular dsDNA and then inhibiting the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These results delineated the crucial function of cGAS-STING as a key mediator of RILI, and described a mechanism of pyroptosis linking cGAS-STING activation with the amplification of initial RILI. These findings indicate that the dsDNA-cGAS-STING-NLRP3 axis might be potentially amenable to therapeutic targeting for RILI.

Safety and Efficacy of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Combined with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Lung Metastases after Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with pulmonary metastases after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Twenty-five patients with lung metastases after OLT for HCC who underwent HFRT using helical tomotherapy concomitantly with TKIs (sorafenib or lenvatinib) were retrospectively. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), local control rate (LCR), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment-related side effects.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 35.5 months, with a median interval from OLT to lung metastasis of 15.3 months. The median PFS and OS were 9.9 and 32.7 months, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS and OS rates were 36.0%, 16.0%, and 12.0%, and 84.0%, 52.0%, and 20.0%, respectively. The LCR of pulmonary metastases at 1 year was 100%, whereas the two-year LCR was 76.9%. The 1- and 2- year ORRs were 95.2% and 69.2%, respectively, with no grade > 2 adverse events. Radiation pneumonitis was observed in 17 patients (68.0%). Grade 1 pneumonitis occurred in 15 patients (60.0%), and grade 2 pneumonitis occurred in 2 patients (8.0%).

CONCLUSION

The combination therapy of HFRT with TKIs is a feasible, safe, and promising approach in the treatment of pulmonary metastases for HCC after OLT.

Salvage Radiotherapy Improves Survival in Patients with Metastatic Liver Cancer after Immunotherapy Oligoprogression

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have ameliorated the survival outcome of liver cancer, a majority of patients receiving ICIs have eventually developed progression. Local therapy, especially radiotherapy (RT), is increasingly being considered in the setting of oligoprogression to delay the need to change systemic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RT as a salvage treatment in patients with oligoprogression after ICIs.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the use of salvage radiotherapy in oligoprogressive metastatic liver cancer patients. Patients with metastatic liver cancer who had previous stability or response after ≥ 6 mo of ICIs were eligible if they developed progression of five of fewer metastases.

RESULTS

Overall, 178 patients treated between August 2018 and March 2022 were included. The patients were followed for a median of 17.2 months. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 38.2% and 57.8%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.5 (95% CI:5.116-7.884) and 17.3 (95% CI:11.166-23.434) months. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with OS included tumor size, tumor number, and radiated tumor site (intrahepatic vs. extrahepatic). The most frequent AEs were fatigue, decreased appetite, rash, fever, and nausea. The above-mentioned AEs were reversible and manageable.

CONCLUSION

Salvage radiotherapy has a potential activity and is tolerable for oligoprogression after ICIs with appropriate radiated tumor site and patient selection. A prospective randomized trial is ongoing to validate this finding (ChiCTR2200060664).

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Combined with Sintilimab in Patients with Recurrent or Oligometastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Phase II Clinical Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The anti-tumor activity and tolerability of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and PD-1 inhibitors have been illustrated in retrospective studies, but the results vary across a broad range. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of SBRT combined with sintilimab in patients with recurrent or oligometastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

This trial involved patients with recurrent or oligometastatic HCC intravenously treated with SBRT plus sintilimab every 3 weeks for 12 months or until disease progression. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were enrolled from August 14, 2019, to August 23, 2021. The median treatment duration was 10.2 months. SBRT was delivered at a median dose of 54 in six fractions. The median follow-up time was 21.9 months, and 32 targeted lesions among 25 patients were evaluated for treatment response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The median PFS was 19.7 months, with PFS rates of 68% and 45.3% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached, with OS rates of 91.5% and 83.2% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The 1- and 2-year local control rate were 100% and 90.9%, respectively. The confirmed objective response rate and disease control rate was 96%, and 96%, respectively. Most adverse events were graded as 1 or 2, and grade 3 adverse events were observed in three patients.

CONCLUSION

SBRT plus sintilimab is an effective, well-tolerated treatment regimen for patients with recurrent or oligometastatic HCC.

Integrated Transcriptome Analysis of Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA in Developing and Aging Mouse Retina

Mice have emerged as a widely employed model for investigating various retinal diseases. However, the availability of comprehensive datasets capturing the entire developmental and aging stages of the mouse retina, particularly during the elderly period, encompassing integrated lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles, is limited. In this study, we assembled a total of 18 retina samples from mice across 6 distinct stages of development and aging (5 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 15 months) to conduct integrated lncRNA and mRNA sequencing analysis. This invaluable dataset offers a comprehensive transcriptomic resource of mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles during the natural progression of retinal development and aging. The discoveries stemming from this investigation will significantly contribute to the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with various retinal diseases, such as congenital retinal dysplasia and retinal degenerative diseases.

Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence System for the Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in Chinese Community Healthcare Centers

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Retinal Expert (CARE) system for detecting diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a Chinese community population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, diagnostic study. Participants with a previous diagnosis of diabetes from three Chinese community healthcare centers were enrolled in the study. Single-field color fundus photography was obtained and analyzed by the AI system and two ophthalmologists. Primary outcome measures included the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the AI system in detecting DR and diabetic macular edema (DME).

Results

In this study, 443 subjects (848 eyes) were enrolled, and 283 (63.88%) were men. The mean age was 52.09 (11.51) years (range 18–82 years); 266 eyes were diagnosed with any DR, 233 with more-than-mild diabetic retinopathy (mtmDR), 112 with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (vtDR), and 57 with DME. The image ability of the AI system was as high as 99.06%, whereas its sensitivity and specificity varied significantly in detecting DR with different severities. The sensitivity/specificity to detect any DR was 75.19% (95%CI 69.47–80.17)/93.99% (95%CI 91.65–95.71), mtmDR 78.97% (95%CI 73.06–83.90)/92.52% (95%CI 90.07–94.41), vtDR 33.93% (95%CI 25.41–43.56)/97.69% (95%CI 96.25–98.61), and DME 47.37% (95%CI 34.18–60.91)/93.99% (95%CI 91.65–95.71).

Conclusions

This multicenter cross-sectional diagnostic study noted the safety and reliability of the CARE system for DR (especially mtmDR) detection in Chinese community healthcare centers. The system may effectively solve the dilemma faced by Chinese community healthcare centers: due to the lack of ophthalmic expertise of primary physicians, DR diagnosis and referral are not timely.

[Research progress on building of disease control and prevention system of the international experience]

Through literature search in regular database and official websites of relevant countries, this paper combs and summarizes the main characteristics of disease prevention and control systems in five countries, the United States, Germany, South Korea, Australia and Japan, and the European Union at key levels including legal construction, organizational structure, financing, personnel construction and international cooperation, in order to provide decision support for the construction of disease prevention and control system in China in the future.

POS1040 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OMERACT PSAMRIS IN A PHASE IIB, RANDOMISED PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY OF ABATACEPT IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

The semi-quantitative Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Psoriatic Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (PsAMRIS) was developed for the evaluation of inflammatory and destructive changes in PsA,1 but has limited trial usage.

Objectives:

To retrospectively utilise the PsAMRIS in a multi-dose, randomised Phase IIb study of abatacept in patients with PsA who have inadequate response to DMARDs (NCT00534313).2

Methods:

Patients were randomised to abatacept (3, 10 or 30/10 mg/kg [the 30-mg/kg group switched to 10 mg/kg after the first two doses]) or placebo and treated for 169 days, after which all patients received abatacept 10 mg/kg through to Day 365. MRI scans of one hand or foot from 123 patients with PsA collected at baseline and on Days 85, 169 and 365 were centrally evaluated by two readers blinded to chronological order and treatment arm. Synovitis, bone oedema, tenosynovitis, periarticular inflammation, bone erosion, bone proliferation and joint space narrowing were assessed as per OMERACT PsAMRIS; a novel total inflammation score was calculated from the sum of synovitis, bone oedema, tenosynovitis and periarticular inflammation. Variables were analysed using all cases (hand or foot) and by hand and foot cases separately.

Results:

At Day 169, the abatacept 30/10 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg group showed the most decrease (improvement) in each inflammatory assessment (Figure 1). The Day 169 change from baseline severity in synovitis and tenosynovitis in the abatacept 30/10 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg groups, respectively, were significantly reduced (improved) compared with placebo (estimated differences of –0.966 [p=0.039] and –1.652 [p=0.014], respectively) (Table 1). Patients originally randomised to placebo and then switched to abatacept 10 mg/kg at Day 169 showed significant improvements in synovitis, tenosynovitis and total inflammation from Day 169 to Day 365 (Table 1, Figure 1). The structural outcomes joint space narrowing and bone erosion remained stable within each treatment group, showing little change from baseline to Days 85, 169 and 365. After separating hand and foot analyses (72 hand and 51 foot cases), only hand tenosynovitis in the 10-mg/kg group and foot synovitis in the 3-mg/kg group were significantly reduced (improved) at Day 169 compared with placebo (differences of –2.331 [p=0.017] and –1.689 [p=0.010], respectively). In general, more comparisons in the hand analysis were statistically significant versus in the foot analysis.

Conclusion:

This analysis confirmed the efficacy of abatacept 10 and 30/10 mg/kg when assessed with the OMERACT PsAMRIS. The inflammatory pathologies, synovitis and tenosynovitis, appeared to be the most responsive MRI outcomes. Analysing hand and foot cases together yielded results consistent with the primary clinical efficacy endpoint (ACR20 response rate), as the abatacept 10- and 30/10-mg/kg groups showed significant differences versus placebo at Day 169;2 reduced sample size in separate hand and foot assessments may have prevented finding significant results corresponding to the combined analysis. These results also demonstrate the responsiveness of the PsAMRIS in PsA randomised clinical trials.

References:

[1]Glinatsi D, et al. J Rheumatol 2015;42:2473–2479.

[2]Mease P, et al. Arthritis Rheum 2011;63:939–948.

Table 1.

MRI variables showing significant treatment effectsa

Between groups at Day 169MRI scoreComparatorComparatorDifferenceSEp valueSynovitisPlaceboAbatacept 30/10 mg/kg–0.9660.4610.039TenosynovitisPlaceboAbatacept 10 mg/kg–1.6520.6620.014Placebo group before/after switchbMRI scoreTreatment, Day 169Treatment, Day 365DifferenceSEp valueSynovitisPlaceboAbatacept 10 mg/kg–1.0180.4580.029TenosynovitisPlaceboAbatacept 10 mg/kg–0.9400.3900.018Total inflammationPlaceboAbatacept 10 mg/kg–2.2751.0670.036

aBased on change from baseline at the stated time points (unadjusted p values).

bPatients were switched to abatacept 10 mg/kg after Day 169.

Acknowledgements:

Professional medical writing and editorial assistance was provided by Rob Coover, MPH, at Caudex and was funded by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Disclosure of Interests:

Mikkel Østergaard Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, Novartis, Paul Bird Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Gilead, Chahin Pachai Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Shuyan Du Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Chun Wu Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Jessica Landis Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Thomas Fuerst Employee of: Bioclinica, Inc., a contract research service providing radiology central reading services to pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies, Harris A Ahmad Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Sean Connolly Shareholder of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Philip G Conaghan Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Flexion Therapeutics, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis, Pfizer.

Validation of the DIGIROP-birth model in a Chinese cohort

Background

We aimed to validate the predictive performance of the DIGIROP-Birth model for identifying treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity (TR-ROP) in Chinese preterm infants to evaluate its generalizability across countries and races.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of preterm infants who were screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a single Chinese hospital between June 2015 and August 2020. The predictive performance of the model for TR-ROP was assessed through the construction of a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calculating the areas under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

Results

Four hundred and forty-two infants (mean (SD) gestational age = 28.8 (1.3) weeks; mean (SD) birth weight = 1237.0 (236.9) g; 64.7% males) were included in the study. Analyses showed that the DIGIROP-Birth model demonstrated less satisfactory performance than previously reported in identifying infants with TR-ROP, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.634 (95% confidence interval = 0.564–0.705). With a cutoff value of 0.0084, the DIGIROP-Birth model showed a sensitivity of 48/93 (51.6%), which increased to 89/93 (95.7%) after modification with the addition of postnatal risk factors. In infants with a gestational age < 28 weeks or birth weight < 1000 g, the DIGIROP-Birth model exhibited sensitivities of 36/39 (92.3%) and 20/23 (87.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

Although the predictive performance was less satisfactory in China than in developed countries, modification of the DIGIROP-Birth model with postnatal risk factors shows promise in improving its efficacy for TR-ROP. The model may also be effective in infants with a younger gestational age or with an extremely low birth weight.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-01952-0.

[The role of CT coronary angiography in improving the positive rate of coronary angiography in patients with low-or moderate-risk non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction]

Objective: To investigate whether CT coronary angiography (CTA) can safely and effectively reduce the number of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) whose Grace score is low-or moderate-risk, and increase ICA positive rate. Methods: One hundred and two NSTEMI patients, including 61 males and 41 females, aged 38-80 (58±12) years, were prospectively included and treated in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from February 2017 to February 2018. By using random number method, the patients were divided into control group (51 cases) and experimental group (51 cases). Patients in the control group were arranged for elective ICA examination according to the risk stratification. If further intervention or surgical treatment was required, the ICA examination was positive; in the experimental group, the CTA examination was completed through the green channel first. If the CTA showed that the main coronary artery and its main branches were severe or extreme stenosis, further ICA examination was arranged; otherwise, a secondary prophylactic drug treatment was developed and the patients were then discharged and followed up for 1 year. ICA number, ICA positive rate, length of hospital stay, hospital cost, hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS), major cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year, and other serious adverse events related to examination or surgery were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 37 patients in the experimental group underwent ICA, and the positive rate of ICA was 94.59% (35/37), which was significantly higher than that of the control group [62.75% (32/51)] (P<0.05). The average length of hospital stay and the HADS score before ICA in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(3.8±2.2) d vs (4.8±2.4) d; 8.8±4.5 vs 11.4±6.8] (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of MACE (3 cases vs 5 cases, P=0.423) and other serious adverse events (8 cases vs 10 cases, P=0.548) within 1 year between the two groups. Conclusion: CTA significantly reduces the number of ICA and the average length of hospital stay, and increases the positive rate of ICA in NSTEMI patients whose Grace score is low-or moderate-risk. There is no increase in cardiovascular risks within 1 year.

miR-126 suppresses neuronal apoptosis in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation via regulating p38MAPK

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of microRNA-126 (miR-126) on neuronal apoptosis in cardiopulmonary resuscitation rats and to explore the related molecular mechanism. The expression of miR-126 in brain tissues of rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The basic parameters of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were recorded by miR-126 mimic injection in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of p38 and caspase-3 protein. Furthermore, the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in rat hippocampus was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. In order to confirm whether miR-126 takes part in the p38MAPK pathway in the hippocampus of rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the p38MAPK pathway inhibitor (SB203580) and activator (anisomycin) were added. The results showed overexpression of miR-126 could significantly increase the neurological function score and improve the pathological morphology of hippocampus in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. miR-126 overexpression also could reduce the neuronal apoptosis, p38, and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampus. Moreover, the p38MAPK and JNK expression was downregulated and ERK1/2 expression was upregulated after miR-126 mimic injection (p < 0.05). The results of inhibition of p38MAPK pathway were consistent with those of overexpression of miR-126 (p > 0.05). This study indicated miR-126 could significantly reduce neuronal apoptosis of hippocampus in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which might be involved in the regulation of p38MAPK pathway.

Identification of E2F8 as a Transcriptional Regulator of Gluconeogenesis in Primary Mouse Hepatocytes

The dysregulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis is a major factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hepatic gluconeogenesis is known to be tightly regulated at the transcription/expression level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the E2F8 transcription factor in glucose metabolism. Here, we found that hepatic expression levels of E2F8 were increased in db/db and high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of E2F8 in primary mouse hepatocytes upregulated expression of gluconeogenic genes, including those for PGC-1α, PEPCK, and G6Pase, subsequently increasing cellular glucose output. We demonstrated that E2F8 overexpression impairs insulin sensitivity in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown of E2F8 expression increased insulin sensitivity in primary hepatocytes. In summary, these findings indicated that E2F8 is involved in gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance and may represent a new therapeutic target in T2DM prevention.

Final results for the neutron -asymmetry parameter A0 from the UCNA experiment

The UCNA experiment was designed to measure the neutron β-asymmetry parameter A0 using polarized ultracold neutrons (UCN). UCN produced via downscattering in solid deuterium were polarized via transport through a 7 T magnetic field, and then directed to a 1 T solenoidal electron spectrometer, where the decay electrons were detected in electron detector packages located on the two ends of the spectrometer. A value for A0 was then extracted from the asymmetry in the numbers of counts in the two detector packages. We summarize all of the results from the UCNA experiment, obtained during run periods in 2007, 2008–2009, 2010, and 2011–2013, which ultimately culminated in a 0.67% precision result for A0.

Ti n+1C n MXenes with fully saturated and thermally stable Cl terminations

MXenes are a rapidly growing family of 2D materials that exhibit a highly versatile structure and composition, allowing for significant tuning of the materials properties. These properties are, however, ultimately limited by the surface terminations, which are typically a mixture of species, including F and O that are inherent to the MXene processing. Other and robust terminations are lacking. Here, we apply high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), corresponding image simulations and first-principles calculations to investigate the surface terminations on MXenes synthesized from MAX phases through Lewis acidic melts. The results show that atomic Cl terminates the synthesized MXenes, with mere residual presence of other termination species. Furthermore, in situ STEM-electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) heating experiments show that the Cl terminations are stable up to 750 °C. Thus, we present an attractive new termination that widely expands the MXenes' functionalization space and enables new applications.

Universal artificial intelligence platform for collaborative management of cataracts

Purpose

To establish and validate a universal artificial intelligence (AI) platform for collaborative management of cataracts involving multilevel clinical scenarios and explored an AI-based medical referral pattern to improve collaborative efficiency and resource coverage.

Methods

The training and validation datasets were derived from the Chinese Medical Alliance for Artificial Intelligence, covering multilevel healthcare facilities and capture modes. The datasets were labelled using a three-step strategy: (1) capture mode recognition; (2) cataract diagnosis as a normal lens, cataract or a postoperative eye and (3) detection of referable cataracts with respect to aetiology and severity. Moreover, we integrated the cataract AI agent with a real-world multilevel referral pattern involving self-monitoring at home, primary healthcare and specialised hospital services.

Results

The universal AI platform and multilevel collaborative pattern showed robust diagnostic performance in three-step tasks: (1) capture mode recognition (area under the curve (AUC) 99.28%–99.71%), (2) cataract diagnosis (normal lens, cataract or postoperative eye with AUCs of 99.82%, 99.96% and 99.93% for mydriatic-slit lamp mode and AUCs >99% for other capture modes) and (3) detection of referable cataracts (AUCs >91% in all tests). In the real-world tertiary referral pattern, the agent suggested 30.3% of people be ‘referred’, substantially increasing the ophthalmologist-to-population service ratio by 10.2-fold compared with the traditional pattern.

Conclusions

The universal AI platform and multilevel collaborative pattern showed robust diagnostic performance and effective service for cataracts. The context of our AI-based medical referral pattern will be extended to other common disease conditions and resource-intensive situations.

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

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

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Conversion of MoS2 to a Ternary MoS2- xSe x Alloy for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries

MoS₂ has attracted tremendous attention as an anode for Na-ion batteries (NIBs) owing to its high specific capacity and layered graphite-like structure. Herein, MoS₂ is converted to a ternary MoS_{2- x}Se _x alloy through the selenizing process in order to boost the electrochemical performance for Na-ion batteries. Conversion of MoS₂ to MoS_{2- x}Se _x expands interlayer spacing, improves electronic conductivity, and creates more defects. The expanded interlayer spacing decreases Na⁺ diffusion resistance and facilitates Na⁺ fast transfer. The integrated graphene as a conductive network offers effective pathway for electron migration and maintains structural stability of electrodes during cycles. The ternary MoS_1.2Se_0.8/graphene (MoS_1.2Se_0.8/G) electrode demonstrates an extremely high reversible capacity of 509 mA h g^-1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1 (capacity retention of 109%) as an anode for sodium-ion batteries. Even at 2 A g^-1 and after 700 cycles, the MoS_1.2Se_0.8/G electrode also displays a relatively high reversible capacity of 178 mA h g^-1. Full cells assembled with Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ cathodes and MoS_1.2Se_0.8/G anodes reveal high charge/discharge capacities. This work demonstrates that the ternary MoS_{2- x}Se _x alloy could be a potential anode material for Na-ion storage.

[Biomarkers screening for viral myocarditis through proteomics analysis of plasma exosomes]

Objective: To compare and analyze the differentially expressed plasma exosomic proteome between healthy control group (Control group) and viral myocarditis group (VMC group) to search for biomarkers that maybe used for early diagnosis of VMC. Methods: Fifty plasma samples of Control group and VMC group were collected respectively from Henan Provincial People's Hospital (from January 2016 to December 2017), and then 5 samples (1 ml) of each group were selected randomly, after exosomes extraction with ultra-centrifugation, difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) was used to isolate the total proteins, and then the protein spots with more than 2-fold changes between VMC and Control group were picked up after the software analysis, afterward, the varied proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Finally, the specifically related protein was selected to be verified by ELISA with the plasma exosomic samples of Control (n=40) and VMC (n=40). Results: A total of 10 varied protein spots were found including 8 up-regulated proteins and 2 down-regulated proteins between VMC and Control group. After MS analysis, the up-regulated proteins in VMC group contained KRT2, KRT5, KRT9, KRT77, KRT78, AZGP1, HP and RBP4, whereas the down-regulated ones were CD5L and C1QB. RBP4 was selected to validate by ELISA analysis, and the corresponding results showed that RBP4 was increased specifically in plasma exosomes of VMC group (P<0.05) after comparing with Control group, which was consistent with DIGE. Conclusion: Ten proteins related to VMC are detected in total, and RBP4 might serve as a potential specific biomarker for early screening and diagnosis of VMC.

Vertically Oxygen-Incorporated MoS2 Nanosheets Coated on Carbon Fibers for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Developing a high-performance anode with high reversible capacity, rate performance, and great cycling stability is highly important for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). MoS₂ has attracted extensive interest as the anode for SIBs. Herein, the vertically oxygen-incorporated MoS₂ nanosheets/carbon fibers are constructed via a facile hydrothermal method and then by simple calcination in air. Oxygen incorporation into MoS₂ can increase the defect degree and expand the interlayer spacing. Vertical MoS₂ nanosheet array coated on carbon fibers not only can expose rich active sites and reduce the diffusion distance of Na⁺, but also improve the electronic conductivity and enhance structural stability. Meanwhile, interlayer-expanded MoS₂ can decrease Na⁺ diffusion resistance and increase accessible active sites for Na⁺. In this work, the electrode combining the oxygen-incorporated strategy with vertical MoS₂ nanosheet-integrated carbon fibers displays high specific capacities of 330 mAh g^-1 over 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g^-1 together with excellent rate behavior as the anode for SIBs. This strategy offers a helpful way for improving the electrochemical performance.

Achieving a High-Performance Carbon Anode through the P-O Bond for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Carbon materials with high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and specific capacity in lithium-ion batteries are highly attractive. Herein, P-doped carbon has been prepared, and as an anode for lithium-ion batteries, it exhibits remarkably improved ICE and reversible capacity. P atoms are apt for the formation of the P-O bond in carbon with oxygen-containing groups. The doped P content strongly depends on the O content in carbon. The high-doped P content of 5.79 at. % can be obtained through changing the O content in carbon. Carbon with high contents of P and O displays high ICE and capacity as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. The P-O bond in carbon changes the morphology and composition of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer and is beneficial to the formation of a thin and dense SEI layer. The P-O bond in carbon prevents the permeation and decomposition of solvated PF₆^- in the interior of the electrode during cycling, resulting in the improved ICE, reversible capacity, and rate capability. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries, the ICE can be improved to 70.9% for carbon with the P-O bond from 36.9% for carbon without the P-O bond. Carbon with the P-O bond displays high specific capacities of 566 mA h g^-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1 and 432 mA h g^-1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g^-1. This design offers a simple and efficient method to improve the ICE and reversible capacity of hard carbon.

Stem cell-like transcriptional reprogramming mediates metastatic resistance to mTOR inhibition

Inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) are currently used to treat advanced metastatic breast cancer. However, whether an aggressive phenotype is sustained through adaptation or resistance to mTOR inhibition remains unknown. Here, complementary studies in human tumors, cancer models and cell lines reveal transcriptional reprogramming that supports metastasis in response to mTOR inhibition. This cancer feature is driven by EVI1 and SOX9. EVI1 functionally cooperates with and positively regulates SOX9, and promotes the transcriptional upregulation of key mTOR pathway components (REHB and RAPTOR) and of lung metastasis mediators (FSCN1 and SPARC). The expression of EVI1 and SOX9 is associated with stem cell-like and metastasis signatures, and their depletion impairs the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. These results establish the mechanistic link between resistance to mTOR inhibition and cancer metastatic potential, thus enhancing our understanding of mTOR targeting failure.