Sub-region based radiomics analysis for prediction of isocitrate dehydrogenase and telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in diffuse gliomas

AIM

To enhance the prediction of mutation status of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter, which are crucial for glioma prognostication and therapeutic decision-making, via sub-regional radiomics analysis based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 401 participants with adult-type diffuse gliomas. Employing the K-means algorithm, tumours were clustered into two to four subregions. Sub-regional radiomics features were extracted and selected using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, forming the basis for predictive models. The performance of model combinations of different sub-regional features and classifiers (including logistic regression, support vector machines, K-nearest neighbour, light gradient boosting machine, and multilayer perceptron) was evaluated using an external test set.

RESULTS

The models demonstrated high predictive performance, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.918 to 0.994 in the training set for IDH mutation prediction and from 0.758 to 0.939 for TERT promoter mutation prediction. In the external test sets, the two-cluster radiomics features and the logistic regression model yielded the highest prediction for IDH mutation, resulting in an AUC of 0.905. Additionally, the most effective predictive performance with an AUC of 0.803 was achieved using the four-cluster radiomics features and the support vector machine model, specifically for TERT promoter mutation prediction.

CONCLUSION

The present study underscores the potential of sub-regional radiomics analysis in predicting IDH and TERT promoter mutations in glioma patients. These models have the capacity to refine preoperative glioma diagnosis and contribute to personalised therapeutic interventions for patients.

[Dosimetric analysis of different optimization algorithms for three-dimensional brachytherapy for gynecologic tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dosimetric difference between manual and inverse optimization in 3-dimensional (3D) brachytherapy for gynecologic tumors.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted among a total of 110 patients with gynecologic tumors undergoing intracavitary combined with interstitial brachytherapy or interstitial brachytherapy. Based on the original images, the brachytherapy plans were optimized for each patient using Gro, IPSA1, IPSA2 (with increased volumetric dose limits on the basis of IPSA1) and HIPO algorithms. The dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the clinical target volume (CTV) including V200, V150, V100, D90, D98 and CI, and the dosimetric parameters D2cc, D1cc, and D0.1cc for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon were compared among the 4 plans.

RESULTS

Among the 4 plans, Gro optimization took the longest time, followed by HIPO, IPSA2 and IPSA1 optimization. The mean D90, D98, and V100 of HIPO plans were significantly higher than those of Gro and IPSA plans, and D90 and V100 of IPSA1, IPSA2 and HIPO plans were higher than those of Gro plans (P < 0.05), but the CI of the 4 plans were similar (P > 0.05). For the organs at risk (OARs), the HIPO plan had the lowest D2cc of the bladder and rectum; the bladder absorbed dose of Gro plans were significantly greater than those of IPSA1 and HIPO (P < 0.05). The D2cc and D1cc of the rectum in IPSA1, IPSA2 and HIPO plans were better than Gro (P < 0.05). The D2cc and D1cc of the sigmoid colon did not differ significantly among the 4 plans.

CONCLUSION

Among the 4 algorithms, the HIPO algorithm can better improve dose coverage of the target and lower the radiation dose of the OARs, and is thus recommended for the initial plan optimization. Clinically, the combination of manual optimization can achieve more individualized dose distribution of the plan.

Testosterone Supplementation Promotes Estrogen Synthesis of Buffalo Cumulus Cells Surrounding In Vitro-Matured Oocytes

Cumulus cells (CCs) synthesize estrogens that are essential for follicular development. However, the effects of androgen on estrogen production in buffalo CCs remain unknown. In the present study, the impacts of testosterone on estrogen synthesis of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes were investigated. The results showed that testosterone supplementation improved both the expression levels of estrogen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and 17β-HSD) and the secretion levels of estradiol in buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes. Furthermore, testosterone treatment enhanced the sensitivity of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This study indicated that testosterone supplementation promoted the estrogen synthesis of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes mainly through strengthening the responsiveness of CCs to FSH. The present study serves as a foundation of acquiring high-quality recipient oocytes for buffalo somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Testosterone supplementation improves estrogen synthesis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) granulosa cells

Granulosa cells (GCs) synthesize estrogens needed for follicular growth. However, the effects of androgen on estrogen production in buffalo GCs remain unclear. In this study, the impacts of testosterone on estrogen synthesis in buffalo GCs were examined. The results showed that testosterone that was added to cell medium at a concentration of 10-7  mol/L and applied to GCs for 48 or 72 h enhanced the estrogen synthesis of buffalo GCs. This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploration of ovarian endocrine mechanism for steroidogenesis.

Hypoxia enhances steroidogenic competence of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) granulosa cells

Granulosa cells (GCs) synthesize estrogens needed for follicular growth. However, the effects of hypoxia on steroidogenesis in buffalo GCs remain unclear. In this study, the impacts of hypoxic conditions (5% oxygen) on estrogen synthesis in buffalo GCs were examined. The results showed that hypoxia improved both the expression levels of estrogen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and 3β-HSD) and the secretion levels of estradiol in buffalo GCs. Hypoxic conditions promoted the sensitivity of buffalo GCs to FSH. Furthermore, inhibition of cAMP/PKA signaling pathway (H89, a cAMP/PKA signaling pathway inhibitor) reduced both the expression levels of estrogen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and 3β-HSD) and the secretion levels of estradiol in hypoxia-cultured buffalo GCs. Besides, inhibition of cAMP/PKA signaling pathway lowered the responsiveness of buffalo GCs to FSH under hypoxic conditions. The present study indicated that hypoxia enhanced the steroidogenic competence of buffalo GCs principal by affecting cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and subsequent sensitivity of GCs to FSH.

Chlorogenic Acid Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion of Breast Cancer by Down-Regulating LRP6

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial biologic process for breast cancer metastasis, and inhibition of EMT could be an effective approach to suppress metastatic potential of mammary cancer. High expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) is usually observed in breast carcinoma and predicts poor prognosis. In the present study, we investigated whether chlorogenic acid (CA) can inhibit the EMT of breast cancer cells and underlying molecular mechanism. We found that CA treatment transformed MCF-7 cell morphology from spindle shape (mesenchymal phenotype) to spherical shape (epithelial phenotype). CA clearly increased epithelial biomarkers' expression (E-cadherin and ZO-1) but decreased mesenchymal proteins' expression (ZEB1, N-cadherin, vimentin, snail, and slug). In addition, CA attenuated MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and inhibited cell migration and invasion. CA downregulated the expression of LRP6 in MCF-7 cells. Knockdown LRP6 with siRNA repressed cell mobility and invasion, wheras overexpression of LRP6 promoted EMT and antagonized the EMT inhibitory effect of CA on MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, CA directly interacted with Wnt/β-catenin signaling coreceptor LRP6 and reduced LRP6, p-LRP6, and β-catenin expression levels in MCF-7 cells. In vivo study revealed that CA notably reduced tumor volume and tumor weight. CA decreased the expression of LRP6, N-cadherin, ZEB1, vimentin, MMP2, MMP9, and increased the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1. In conclusion, CA inhibited EMT and invasion of breast cancer by targeting LRP6. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: CA, the familiar polyphenol compound in traditional Chinese medicine, repressed EMT and weakened cellular mobility and invasion in MCF-7 cells. The mechanism studies demonstrated that CA could inhibit EMT and invasion of MCF-7 cells via targeting LRP6. Additionally, CA restrained tumor growth and xenograft tumor EMT in vivo. The EMT inhibitory property of CA warrants further studies of CA as a drug candidate for the therapy of metastatic breast carcinoma.

An analysis of neurovascular disease markers in the hippocampus of Tupaia chinensis at different growth stages

Introduction

It is considered that Tupaia chinensis can replace laboratory primates in the study of nervous system diseases. To date, however, protein expression in the brain of Tupaia chinensis has not been fully understood.

Method

Three age groups of T. chinensis-15 days, 3 months and 1.5 years-were selected to study their hippocampal protein expression profiles.

Results

A significant difference was observed between the 15-day group and the other two age groups, where as there were no significant differences between the 3-month and 1.5-year age groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis found that differentially expressed proteins could be enriched in several pathways related to neurovascular diseases, such as metabolic pathways for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases. The KEGG enrichment also showed that relevant protein involved in oxidative phosphorylation in the hippocampus of T. chinensis for 15days were downregulated, and ribosomal proteins (RPs) were upregulated, compared to those in the hippocampus of the other two age groups.

Discussion

It was suggested that when the hippocampus of T. chinensis developed from day 15 to 3 months, the expression of oxidatively phosphorylated proteins and RPs would vary over time. Meanwhile, the hippocamppal protein expression profile of T. chinensis after 3 months had become stable. Moreover, the study underlines that, during the early development of the hippocampus of T. chinensis, energy demand increases while protein synthesis decreases. The mitochondria of T. chinensis changes with age, and the oxidative phosphorylation metabolic pathway of mitochondria is closely related to neurovascular diseases, such as stroke and cerebral ischemia.

CircCLTH promotes skeletal muscle development and regeneration

Buffalo holds an excellent potential for beef production, and circRNA plays an important role in regulating myogenesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of circRNAs during buffalo skeletal muscle development has not been fully explored. In this study, circRNA expression profiles during the proliferation and differentiation stages of buffalo myoblasts were analysed by RNA-seq. Here, a total of 3,142 circRNAs candidates were identified, and 110 of them were found to be differentially expressed in the proliferation and differentiation stages of buffalo myoblast libraries. We focused on a 347 nt circRNA subsequently named circCLTH. It consists of three exons and is expressed specifically in muscle tissues. It is a highly conserved non-coding RNA with about 95% homology to both the human and the mouse circRNAs. The results of cell experiments and RNA pull-down assays indicated that circCLTH may capture PLEC protein, promote the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts as well as inhibit apoptosis. Overexpression of circCLTH in vivo suggests that circCLTH is involved in the stimulation of skeletal muscle regeneration. In conclusion, we identified a novel noncoding regulator, circCLTH, that promotes proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts and skeletal muscles.

Vasorin Deletion in C57BL/6J Mice Induces Hepatocyte Autophagy through Glycogen-Mediated mTOR Regulation

Abnormal vasorin (Vasn) expression occurs in multiple diseases, particularly liver cancers. Vasn knockout (KO) in mice causes malnutrition, a shortened life span, and decreased physiological functions. However, the causes and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we established Vasn KO C57BL/6J mice by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The animals were weighed, and histology, immunohistochemistry, electronic microscopy, and liver function tests were used to examine any change in the livers. Autophagy markers were detected by Western blotting. MicroRNA (miRNA) sequencing was performed on liver samples and analyses to study the signaling pathway altered by Vasn KO. Significant reductions in mice body and liver weight, accompanied by abnormal liver function, liver injury, and reduced glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes, were observed in the Vasn KO mice. The deficiency of Vasn also significantly increased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3A/B-II/I but decreased SQSTM1/p62 levels in hepatocytes, suggesting aberrant activation of autophagy. Vasn deficiency inhibited glycogen-mediated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and activated Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling, suggesting that Vasn deletion upregulates hepatocyte autophagy through the mTOR-ULK1 signaling pathway as a possible cause of diminished life span and health. Our results indicate that Vasn is required for the homeostasis of liver glycogen metabolism upstream of hepatocyte autophagy, suggesting research values for regulating Vasn in pathways related to liver physiology and functions. Overall, this study provides new insight into the role of Vasn in liver functionality.

Vasorin contributes to lung injury via FABP4-mediated inflammation

BACKGROUND

Lung injury caused by pulmonary inflammation is one of the main manifestations of respiratory diseases. Vasorin (VASN) is a cell-surface glycoprotein encoded by the VASN gene and is expressed in the lungs of developing mouse foetuses. Previous research has revealed that VASN is associated with many diseases. However, its exact function in the lungs and the underlying mechanism remain poorly understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in lung disease caused by VASN deficiency, a VASN gene knockout (VASN^-/-) model was established. The pathological changes in the lungs of VASN^-/- mice were similar to those in a lung injury experimental mouse model. We further analysed the transcriptomes of the lungs of VASN^-/- mice and wild-type mice. Genes in twenty-four signalling pathways were enriched in the lungs of VASN^-/- mice, among which PPAR signalling pathway genes (3 genes, FABP4, Plin1, AdipoQ, were upregulated, while apoA5 was downregulated) were found to be closely related to lung injury. The most significantly changed lung injury-related gene, FABP4, was selected for further verification. The mRNA and protein levels of FABP4 were significantly increased in the lungs of VASN^-/- mice, as were the mRNA and protein levels of the inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that these data provide molecular evidence for the regulatory role of VASN in inflammation in the context of lung injury.

Rational assembly of RGD/MoS2/Doxorubicin nanodrug for targeted drug delivery, GSH-stimulus release and chemo-photothermal synergistic antitumor activity

Herein, we present the facile design and construction of a nanodrug system integrating targeted drug delivery and synergistic chemo-photothermal antitumor activity. MoS₂ nanosheets were synthesized and modified by α_νβ₃ integrin binding peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp, RGD) using lipoic acid functionalized polyethylene glycol (LA-PEG-COOH), forming a well dispersed and targeted delivery nanocarrier. Further, covalent coupling of antitumor drug, thiolated doxorubicin (DOX) via disulfide linkage resulted in a novel nanodrug, RGD/MoS₂/DOX. The prepared nanocarrier showed favorable stability, biocompatibility and photothermal conversion efficiency. Fluorescence imaging revealed that Hela cells could endocytose far more nanodrug than H9c2 normal myocardial cells due to the targeted delivery characteristic. Particularly, GSH-induced disulfide bond cleavage facilitated the effective release of DOX from the nanodrug in the tumor microenvironment. The survival rate of Hela cells incubated with the nanodrug for 48 h was 22.2 ± 1.2%, which dramatically reduced to 8.9 ± 1.4% in combination with 808 nm NIR irradiation, demonstrating powerful photothermal induced tumor-killing efficacy. In contrast, the survival rates of H9c2 cells treated by the nanodrug and free DOX were 68.5 ± 2.6% and 6.7 ± 2.6%, respectively, an indication of the notably alleviated cardiotoxicity of the designed nanodrug. The cell apoptosis experiment further verified the synergistic chemo-photothermal effect, thus paving a way toward design of high-efficiency and low-toxicity antitumor nanodrug.

Responsive Peptide Nanofibers with Theranostic and Prognostic Capacity

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly promising therapeutic modality for cancer treatment. The development of stimuli-responsive photosensitizer nanomaterials overcomes certain limitations in clinical PDT. Herein, we report the rational design of a highly sensitive PEGylated photosensitizer-peptide nanofiber (termed PHHPEG 6 NF) that selectively aggregates in the acidic tumor and lysosomal microenvironment. These nanofibers exhibit acid-induced enhanced singlet oxygen generation, cellular uptake, and PDT efficacy in vitro , as well as fast tumor accumulation, long-term tumor imaging capacity and effective PDT in vivo . Moreover, based on the prolonged presence of the fluorescent signal at the tumor site, we demonstrate that PHHPEG 6 NFs can also be applied for prognostic monitoring of the efficacy of PDT in vivo , which would potentially guide cancer treatment. Therefore, these multifunctional PHHPEG 6 NFs allow control over the entire PDT process, from visualization of photosensitizer accumulation, via actual PDT to the assessment of the efficacy of the treatment.

The pheromone affects reproductive physiology and behavior by regulating hormone in juvenile mice

Pheromones could promote hormone secretions and regulate sexual behavior. It was unclear whether multiparous pheromone could induce variations in puberty. The aim was to ascertain whether pheromone in urine of multiparous females induced central precocious puberty (CPP) in juvenile C57BL/6J females. The precocious puberty was examined by vaginal smear, lordosis reaction, HE stain, and ELISA analysis. Results suggested that the first vaginal opening and the first estrus were significantly earlier. The time interval of the first vaginal opening and estrus was significantly shortened. It was interesting that the first estrus was significantly correlated with the first vaginal opening and the time interval of the first estrus. In the first estrus, female lordosis reaction, the number of mature follicles, and the weight of the ovary and uterus significantly increased. The level of luteinizing hormones also significantly increased. Thus, multiparous pheromone can regulate sex hormone to induce CPP in juvenile C57BL/6J females.

Pregnancy outcome after in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with congenital uterus didelphys

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pregnancy and obstetric outcomes of patients with congenital uterus didelphys who achieved clinical pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

METHODS

This was a retrospective matched-cohort study of 83 infertile patients with uterus didelphys who underwent IVF/ICSI and achieved clinical pregnancy from January 2005 to December 2018 at our center. For each patient in the study group, three control patients with normal uterine morphology who underwent IVF/ICSI in 2018 were selected randomly. Patients in the two groups were matched for number of gestational sacs, maternal age, infertility type, cause of infertility, fertilization method, endometrial thickness 1 day before embryo transfer and number of embryos transferred. The classification of congenital uterine anomalies was based on the American Fertility Society system (1988). The pregnancy and obstetric outcomes of the didelphic and control groups were compared separately for singleton and twin pregnancies, and for all pregnancies combined.

RESULTS

In singleton pregnancies, women with uterus didelphys had increased risk of preterm birth (odds ratio (OR), 4.68; rate difference (RD), 0.14; P < 0.001), Cesarean section (OR, 2.80; RD, 0.17; P = 0.016) and birth weight < 2500 g (OR, 4.06; RD, 0.10; P = 0.017) compared to women with normal uterine morphology. In twin pregnancies, the presence of uterus didelphys was associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (OR, 4.79; RD, 0.37; P = 0.006), perinatal mortality (OR, 3.16; RD, 0.19; P = 0.043) and birth weight < 2500 g (OR, 9.57; RD, 0.35; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of uterus didelphys was associated with significantly increased risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to pregnancies with normal uterine morphology in women who underwent IVF/ICSI. A twin pregnancy in women with uterus didelphys was associated with worse perinatal outcome. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Vasorin deficiency leads to cardiac hypertrophy by targeting MYL7 in young mice

Vasorin (VASN) is an important transmembrane protein associated with development and disease. However, it is not clear whether the death of mice with VASN deficiency (VASN^-/- ) is related to cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this research was to ascertain whether VASN induces pathological cardiac hypertrophy by targeting myosin light chain 7 (MYL7). VASN^-/- mice were produced by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and inbreeding. PCR amplification, electrophoresis, real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to confirm VASN deficiency. Cardiac hypertrophy was examined by blood tests, histological analysis and real-time PCR, and key downstream factors were identified by RNA sequencing and real-time PCR. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy analysis were used to confirm the downregulation of MYL7 production and cardiac structural changes. Our results showed that sudden death of VASN^-/- mice occurred 21-28 days after birth. The obvious increases in cardiovascular risk, heart weight and myocardial volume and the upregulation of hypertrophy marker gene expression indicated that cardiac hypertrophy may be the cause of death in young VASN^-/- mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed that VASN deficiency led to MYL7 downregulation, which induced myocardial structure abnormalities and disorders. Our results revealed a pathological phenomenon in which VASN deficiency may lead to cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating MYL7 production. However, more research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Fate and transport in environmental quality

Changes in pollutant concentrations in environmental media occur both from pollutant transport in water or air and from local processes, such as adsorption, degradation, precipitation, straining, and so on. The terms "fate and transport" and "transport and fate" reflect the coupling of moving with the carrier media and biogeochemical processes describing local transformations or interactions. The Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ) was one of the first to publish papers on fate and transport (F&T). This paper is a minireview written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of JEQ and show how the research interests, methodology, and public attention have been reflected in fate and transport publications in JEQ during the last 40 years. We report the statistics showing how the representation of different pollutant groups in papers changed with time. Major focus areas have included the effect of solution composition on F&T and concurrent F&T, the role of organic matter, and the relative role of different F&T pathways. The role of temporal and spatial heterogeneity has been studied at different scales. The value of long-term F&T studies and developments in modeling as the F&T research approach was amply demonstrated. Fate and transport studies have been an essential part of conservation measure evaluation and comparison and ecological risk assessment. For 50 years, JEQ has delivered new insights, methods, and applications related to F&T science. The importance of its service to society is recognized, and we look forward to new generations of F&T researchers presenting their contributions in JEQ.

P–357 The risk factors for early pregnancy loss based on a logistic model following 13,977 infertile patients after in vitro fertilization

Study question

What are the risk factors for early pregnancy loss (EPL) after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET)?

Summary answer

The maternal age, gestational sac diameter, embryonic length, yolk sac diameter, heart rate of day 27–29 and endometrium thickness on transfer day were risk factors. What is known already: The first routine ultrasound scan is commonly arranged on day 27–29 after IVF-ET in most reproductive centers in China to determine the location and viability of the embryo. Individual maternal factors, such as a high maternal age (MA) and abnormal ultrasound parameters such as embryonic bradycardia and excessively large or small yolk sac diameter (YSD) have been shown to be associated with pregnancy failures. However, few studies focused on the risk factors of the IVF population, and little is known about the clinical meaning of ultrasound indicators of 27–29 days after transplantation.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective study in a single reproductive centre. The infertile patients included in this study underwent IVF treatment between June 2016 to December 2017. Participants/materials, setting, methods: During this period, 13,977 women were identified with a singleton pregnancy by TVS at day 27–29 after IVF-ET. The gestational sac diameter (GSD), embryonic length (EL), embryonic heart rate (EHR) and YSD and the presence of intrauterine hematoma (IUH) were measured. The clinical characteristics were also collected. The first trimester pregnancy outcome of these women was noted at 12 weeks of gestation. A backward Wald logistic regression model was established to screen the risk factors.

Main results and the role of chance

1,926 cases of spontaneous miscarriage ≤12 weeks of gestation, which were assigned as EPL and 12,051 women with an ongoing pregnancy for &gt;12 weeks of gestation.

When compared with the ongoing pregnancy group, the MA, infertility duration and transfer cycle were significantly higher, and the day–14 human chorionic gonadotrophin and the endometrium (EM) thickness on transfer day were significantly lower in the EPL group (p &lt; 0.001). Based on the TVS measurements, the GSD (18.5±3.6 vs. 13.2±4.8 mm), EL (3.5±0.9 vs. 1.2±1.6 mm), YSD (3.6±0.4 vs. 2.6±1.5 mm) and EHR (114.5±12.2 vs. 42.4±53.5 bpm) were significantly greater in the ongoing pregnancy group than those in the EPL group (p &lt; 0.001). The incidence of IUH (16.0% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.002) was also markedly higher in the EPL group

MA, GSD, EL, YSD, EHR and EM on transfer day finally entered the logistic model after stepwise screening. The probability of EPL was: exp(z)/(1 + exp(z)), where z = 2.432 + (0.092 × MA) - (0.074 × EM) - (0.114 ×GSD) - (0.245 × EL) - (0.034 × HR) - (0.159 × YSD).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Data on smoking and clinical symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain were not included in the final analysis which might be possible risk factors. These predictors were derived from an IVF population, the situation may not be the same in the general population.

Wider implications of the findings: The risk factors for EPL after IVF-ET are clearly identified in this study. The logistic model which incorporates readily available data that are routinely collected in clinical practice could be used for calculating the risk of EPL and effectively guide subsequent medical plans.

Trial registration number

None

P–405 The diagnosis and management of heterotopic intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: six-case series

Study question

What are the ultrasonic characteristics of heterotopic intramural pregnancy (HIMP)? How to manage and what about the clinical outcomes of HIMP?

Summary answer

Expectant management may be a considerable choice for an non-viable intramural pregnancy (IMP). Most intrauteine pregnancies (IUPs) of HIMPs seems to have good outcomes.

What is known already

Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) post in vitro fertilization is very rare in infertility women, with a prevalence of 0.04%. HIMP is one of the rarest types of HP, where one gestational sac (GS) is embedded within the endometrial cavity and the other one GS is implanted in the myometriun. HIMP was firstly and only described by Jiangtao Lyu et al. in 2018. So far, little is known about its natural history and ultrasonic imaging characteristics. And there is no consensus regarding the ultrasound diagnosis and clinical management for HIMP due to few evidence-based medicine records.

Study design, size, duration

A retrospective observational study was conducted of 6 infertile women who obtained a HIMP through in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) between January 2009 and December 2019 at our reproductive centre.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Six infertile women conceived a HIMP via IVF-ET were retrospectively retrieved between January 2009 and December 2019 at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha City, China). The ultrasound diagnosis, clinical management and pregnancy outcome of these cases were analysed. The ultrasound findings, therapeutic methods and clinical outcomes were obtained from the hospital’s electronic medical records. This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Main results and the role of chance: Six women with HIMPs were retrospectively analysed. Among them, 5 cases were revealed by ultrasound scans; however, one case was misdiagnosed. The diagnostic accuracy was 83.3%.

Five cases of HIMP were diagnosed at initial scan. The diagnostic time ranged from 22 to 38 days after ET (5 + 6 - 7 + 6 weeks). Among them, an intramural GS was observed in all 5 cases; embryonic cardiac activity (ECA) was detected in one case by the followed-up scans; there was a yolk sac only in one case; an empty GS was noted in 3 cases. An IUP was revealed in all 6 cases, and ECA was observed in 5 cases at the initial diagnosis or later. A GS with a yolk sac only was showed in one case.

Among the 5 diagnostic women, one case with a live IMP was treated with laparoscopy at 8 + 1 weeks, 4 cases were managed expectantly. Of them, the IUPs of 4 cases delivered live infants and one case managed expectantly experienced miscarriage. In one case, IMP was misdiagnosed as interstitial pregnancy at day–28 scan. Exploratory laparoscopy and foetal reduction were performed at 8 + 2 weeks. Laparoscopy confirmed an IMP and the retained IUP delivered a live infant.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The case numbers are too few to draw any objective conclusions, because of the extreme rarity of HIMP. Thus, a further multi-centre larger prospective study will help to confidently illustrate the clinical significance, and effective and appropriate management method for women with a HIMP.

Wider implications of the findings: Our study showed that HIMP may not be as rare as previously reported. Increased awareness of this condition, better comprehension of the diagnostic criteria and improved resolution of ultrasound equipment may result in more frequent and accurate detection of HIMP, which will be helpful for early management to preserve IUP.

Trial registration number

Not applicable.

[Choices of emergency treatment and surgical method for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms]

Objective: To investigate the emergency management process of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA), and analyze the perioperative mortality factors of different surgical methods. Methods: The emergency data and hospitalization data of 91 patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2010 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Twelve of the patients died preoperatively due to excessive blood loss, and the remaining 79 patients were hospitalized for open surgery (OSR) or endovascular repair (EVAR).The differences in age, time to hospital arrival, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, preoperative drop in blood pressure, preoperative use of vasoactive drugs and iliac artery involvement were compared between preoperative death group (n=12) and preoperative survival group (n=79), OSR group (n=50) and EVAR group (n=29), postoperative death group (n=23) and postoperative survival group (n=56). Results: Seventy-nine patients received open surgery or endovascular repair, and 23 died after operation. Age, time to hospital arrival, first creatinine value and emergency infusion volume were (77±11) years, (18±5)h, (469±150) μmol/L, (4 140±1 743) ml in the preoperative death group and (70±10) years, (12±8) h, (228±174) μmol/L, (1 358±1 211) ml in the preoperative survival group, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in preoperative data, intraoperative treatment and postoperative perioperative mortality between the open surgery group and the endovascular repair group (all P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time and aortic occlusion rate in the endovascular repair group were 100 (50, 175) ml, (3.2±0.9) h, 13.8%, respectively, which were better than that in the open surgery group 1700 (600, 3425) ml, (5.2±1.1) h, 100%. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Age, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, blood pressure decline rate and vasoactive drug utilization rate in the death group were (77±8) years, (4.1±1.7) h, (456±172) μmol/L, (2 024±1 687) ml, 100%, 100%, respectively, and (68±10) years, (2.7±2.2) h, (135±26) μmol/L, (1 085±825) ml, 21.4%, 12.5% in the survival group, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Age, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, decreased blood pressure and use of vasoactive drugs are all associated with perioperative death in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. EVAR surgery is a better choice if conditions exist.

Field Ecology and Food Suitability of Tarsonemus spp. (Acari: Tarsonemidae)

Tarsonemus bakeri Ewing (Acari: Tarsonemidae) is a species of mite commonly associated with citrus in many countries including the United States. A short report in 1942 suggested this species is phytophagous, but it has not been reported as a pest in citrus or any other crop since then. A single survey of 78 orchards in three growing regions in California demonstrated that Tarsonemus spp. mites were only associated with leaf samples that had visible sooty mold. A seasonal population study in one citrus orchard showed that all life stages of Tarsonemus spp. were present year-round on leaves and fruit, with the population on fruit reaching a peak in December (59.7 ± 15.2 mites per fruit). Results from a food suitability study showed that the population declined sharply on both plastic and leaf substrate when the mites were not provided a supplementary food source. When supplementary food was provided in the form of Alternaria, honeydew, molasses, or combinations of these, mites survived and multiplied throughout the 29-d study, irrespective of the substrate. Tarsonemus bakeri were found on excised, decaying leaves collected from an orchard. These studies verify that Tarsonemus spp. are associated only with sooty mold in citrus orchards. T. bakeri populations cannot sustain themselves on leaf tissue alone, indicating that they are nondamaging to citrus and therefore need not be considered a phytosanitary concern by importing countries.

Xiangshao granules can relieve emotional symptoms in menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Xiangshao granules for treating emotional disorders in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

The current investigation was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial that included 300 perimenopausal and postmenopausal Chinese women aged 40-60 years. Participants received either a placebo (n = 150) or Xiangshao granules (n = 150) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores, which were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The primary efficacy variables were changes in HAMD and HAMA scores after 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks, the mean HAMD scores decreased from 15.0 to 7.9 in the Xiangshao group and from 16.3 to 10.0 in the placebo group, and the respective mean reductions in HAMA scores were from 16.0 to 8.5 and from 17.1 to 10.9. Clinical improvements in symptoms of both depression and anxiety after 8 weeks differed significantly in the two groups (p < 0.05). The cure rate was significantly higher in the Xiangshao group. There were no significant differences in the rates of adverse events in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Xiangshao granules can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety significantly and safely.

Curative effects of vancomycin and cefotaxime combined with gamma globulin respectively in neonatal septicemia and their influences on PCT, CRP and hs-CRP

OBJECTIVE

To explore the curative effects of vancomycin and cefotaxime combined with gamma globulin respectively in neonatal septicemia and their influences on PCT, CRP, and hs-CRP, so as to provide references for clinical treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

181 patients with neonatal septicemia admitted to Huangshi Maternity and Child Health Hospital from April 2012 to August 2014 were selected as the study subjects. Patients treated with vancomycin combined with gamma globulin were selected as group A (96 cases) and those treated with cefotaxime combined with gamma globulin were selected as group B (85 cases). The improvement time of clinical symptoms (milk rejection, nervous system symptoms, body temperature), hospital stays, mortality, medicine curative effects, adverse reactions, complications, and levels of serum CRP, PCT, and hs-CRP of patients before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The improvement time of clinical symptoms like body temperature, milk rejection, and neurological symptoms, as well as hospital stays in group A were lower than those in group B (p<0.05); the total effective rate of medicine curative effects in group B was better than that in group A (p<0.05); there was no significant difference in levels of serum CRP, PCT, and hs-CRP between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05); after treatment, levels of serum CRP, PCT, and hs-CRP in both groups decreased significantly, and levels of serum CRP, PCT, and hs-CRP in group B decreased more significantly than those in group A (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cefotaxime combined with gamma globulin in the treatment of patients with neonatal septicemia has short improvement time in clinical symptoms, high total effective rate of drugs, low mortality, fewer adverse reactions and complications, and can significantly reduce levels of serum CRP, PCT, and hs-CRP, which is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice.

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics study of LCMT1 overexpression and oxidative stress: overexpression of LCMT1 arrests H2O2-induced lose of cells viability

Objectives: Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a major serine/threonine phosphatase, is also known to be a target of ROS. The methylation of PP2A can be catalyzed by leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT1), which regulates PP2A activity and substrate specificity.

Methods: In the previous study, we have showed that LCMT1-dependent PP2Ac methylation arrests H₂O₂-induced cell oxidative stress damage. To explore the possible protective mechanism, we performed iTRAQ-based comparative quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics studies of H₂O₂-treated vector control and LCMT1-overexpressing cells.

Results: A total of 4480 non-redundant proteins and 3801 unique phosphopeptides were identified by this means. By comparing the H₂O₂-regulated proteins in LCMT1-overexpressing and vector control cells, we found that these differences were mainly related to protein phosphorylation, gene expression, protein maturation, the cytoskeleton and cell division. Further investigation of LCMT1 overexpression-specific regulated proteins under H₂O₂ treatment supported the idea that LCMT1 overexpression induced ageneral dephosphorylation of proteins and indicated increased expression of non-erythrocytic hemoglobin, inactivation of MAPK3 and regulation of proteins related to Rho signal transduction, which were known to be linked to the regulation of the cytoskeleton.

Discussion: These data provide proteomics and phosphoproteomics insights into the association of LCMT1-dependent PP2Ac methylation and oxidative stress and indirectly indicate that the methylation of PP2A plays an important role against oxidative stress.

STIL is upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma proliferation, migration and invasion

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common primary malignancy that originates from the nasopharynx. Some regulatory networks involved in nasopharyngeal carcinoma have been reported, but the relevant genes have not been fully identified. We have used mRNA microarray to identify differential expression genes between NPC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Then high-content shRNA screening was carried out to screen the genes that may control proliferation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell proliferation was monitored by MTT assays and Celigo image cytometry in vitro and subcutaneous transplantation model in vivo. Flow cytometric analysis was carried out to detect the distribution of cell cycle stages and apoptosis. Transwell assay was performed to measure the migratory and invasive capacities of NPC cells. We identified 20 genes that potentially play an important role in the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by mRNA microarray and functional analysis. The result of high-content shRNA screening indicated that STIL had the greatest effect on reducing the proliferation rate of NPC cells. The analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data showed that STIL was upregulated in several human cancer tissues, and higher STIL expression level was correlated with shorter survival time. STIL knockdown also inhibited NPC cell migration and invasion, promoted G1/S phase transition and apoptosis. Three genes including ITGA2, SMAD2, JAK1, associated with molecular mechanisms of cancer were influenced by downregulating STIL. Our study confirmed STIL as a key regulator that promotes the proliferation of NPC, providing insight into the molecular mechanisms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.

Intra-hydrogel culture prevents transformation of mesenchymal stem cells induced by monolayer expansion

In this study, we report that the intra-hydrogel culture system mitigates the transformation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by two-dimensional (2D) expansion. MSCs expanded in monolayer culture prior to encapsulation in collagen hydrogels (group eMSCs-CH) featured impaired stemness in chondrogenesis, comparing with the freshly isolated bone marrow mononuclear cells seeded directly in collagen hydrogels (group fMSCs-CH). The molecular mechanism of the in vitro expansion-triggered damage to MSCs was detected through genome-wide microarray analysis. Results indicated that pathways such as proteoglycans in cancer and pathways in cancer expansion were highly enriched in eMSCs-CH. And multiple up-regulated oncoma-associated genes were verified in eMSCs-CH compared with fMSCs-CH, indicating that expansion in vitro triggered cellular transformation was associated with signaling pathways related to tumorigenicity. Besides, focal adhesion (FA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were also involved in in vitro expansion, indicating restructuring of the cell architecture. Thus, monolayer expansion in vitro may contribute to vulnerability of MSCs through the regulation of FA and MAPK. This study indicates that intra-hydrogel culture can mitigate the monolayer expansion induced transformation of MSCs and maintain the uniformity of the stem cells, which is a viable in vitro culture system for stem cell therapy.

Note: Thermal conductivity measurement of individual porous polyimide fibers using a modified wire-shape 3ω method

Porous polyimide fiber enjoys a good reputation as a high temperature resistant thermal insulation material in an aircraft-carrier, a spacecraft, and other military sophisticated products. Understanding its thermal conductivity is especially important for the design optimization and thermal management in these applications. In this study, a modified wire-shape 3ω method is developed to measure the thermal conductivity of individual porous polyimide fibers, utilizing a platinum layer heater/thermometer deposited along the circumferential direction of the fiber. The new method is first validated using a platinum wire with known thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity at room temperature and then applied to porous polyimide fibers with diverse porosities. The thermal conductivity of porous polyimide fibers at room temperature is 0.06-0.15 W m^-1 K^-1, which reflects a good thermal insulation performance.

Food Suitability and Population Dynamics of Lorryia formosa (Acari: Tydeidae)

Lorryia formosa Cooreman (Acari: Tydeidae) is a species of mite commonly associated with citrus in many countries including the United States. A survey report in 1957 suggested phytophagous nature, while other studies claimed that L. formosa populations are associated with honeydew producing insects and sooty mold and it acts as a sanitizing agent. We investigated the effect of various diets on the survival and progeny production of L. formosa on excised leaves and the survival and potential to cause feeding damage to leaves of potted plants in a greenhouse study. A 2-yr field survey of a mandarin orchard was also conducted to elucidate the seasonal infestation, damage potential and population structure of L. formosa in a natural habitat. Results showed that all L. formosa adults and immatures died in less than 14 d on excised leaves, did not survive beyond 7 d on potted citrus plants alone, and caused no observable feeding damage to leaves or fruit. When sugar water, honeydew, or cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi Maskell (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), was present, adults and immatures survived the duration of the experiments and produced additional generations. The field survey showed that all stages of L. formosa were present in a mandarin orchard throughout the year and insecticide applications affected but did not eliminate mite populations. Fruit generally had a greater percentage infestation of mites (44.8 ± 4.0) than leaves (16.0 ± 4.7). These studies confirmed that L. formosa cannot sustain a population on leaf tissue alone and is nondamaging to citrus in California.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives bearing the 1,8-naphthyridin-2-one moiety

A series of pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives bearing the 1,8-naphthyridin-2-one moiety were synthesized, and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against four cancer cell lines (HT-29, A549, H460, and U87MG) and six tyrosine kinases (c-Met, Flt-3, PDGFR-β, VEGFR-2, EGFR, and c-Kit) inhibitory activities in vitro. Most compounds showed moderate to excellent potency, with the most promising analogue 32 showing Flt-3/c-Met IC₅₀ value of 1.16/1.92 nM. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that the hydrogen atom served as R₁ group was benefited to the potency, and mono-electron-withdrawing groups (mono-EWGs) on the phenyl ring (such as R₃ = 4-F) showed a higher preference for antiproliferative activity.

Characterization of overexpression of the alternatively spliced isoform of the protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit in cells

PP2Acα2 is a recently discovered PP2Acα alternative splicing isoform that can be induced following serum withdrawal. It shows enhanced binding to immunoglobulin binding protein 1 and is overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Current knowledge concerning PP2Acα2 is limited. In this study, we induced and cloned PP2Acα2 from HL-60 cells and human lymphocytes, transfected them into human embryonic kidney 293 cells and constructed a stable overexpression cell line. We found that PP2Acα2 mRNA inhibits expression of its longer isoform PP2Acα mRNA but had no effect on the final protein expression and modification of this longer isoform. Moreover, PP2Acα2-overexpressed cells demonstrated increased expression of IGBP1, activated mTORC1 signaling to reduce basal autophagy and increased anchorage-independent growth. Our study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of PP2A regulation.

Soil organic matter as sole indicator of soil degradation

Soil organic matter (SOM) is known to play vital roles in the maintenance and improvement of many soil properties and processes. These roles, which largely influence soil functions, are a pool of specific contributions of different components of SOM. The soil functions, in turn, normally define the level of soil degradation, viewed as quantifiable temporal changes in a soil that impairs its quality. This paper aims at providing a generalized assessment of the current state of knowledge on the usefulness of SOM in monitoring soil degradation, based on its influence on the physical, chemical and biological properties and processes of soils. Emphasis is placed particularly on the effect of SOM on soil structure and availability of plant nutrients. Although these properties are discussed separately, the soil system is of dynamic and interactive nature, and changes in one property will likely affect other soil properties as well. Thus, functions of SOM almost always affect various soil properties and processes and engage in multiple reactions. In view of its role in soil aggregation and erosion control, in availability of plant nutrients and in ameliorating other forms of soil degradation than erosion, SOM has proven to be an important indicator of soil degradation. It has been suggested, however, that rather than the absolute amount, temporal change and potential amount of SOM be considered in its use as indicator of soil degradation, and that SOM may not be an all-purpose indicator. Whilst SOM remains a candidate without substitute as long as a one-parameter indicator of soil degradation is needed, narrowing down to the use of its labile and microbial components could be more appropriate, since early detection is important in the control and management of soil degradation.

Accumulation of mercury and cadmium in rice from paddy soil near a mercury mine

Paddy soil and rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Wanshan mining area in Guizhou Province, China, have been contaminated by toxic trace metals such as cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). The present study examined correlations between the types and physicochemical parameters of the soil and the contents of trace metals and the different forms of Hg in rice. The health risks of consuming contaminated rice from the Wanshan mining area were also assessed. Sequential extraction procedures were used to investigate the chemical behavior of Hg in the soil. The results showed that Hg and Cd were the most abundant trace metals in the Wanshan mining area. The toxic methylmercury (MeHg) content was substantial in brown rice, and the total amounts of total Hg (THg), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-Hg, and water-soluble Hg varied in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. An antagonistic interaction between Mn in brown rice, straw, and husk and MeHg in brown rice was also shown. An analysis of calculated dietary intake, target hazard quotients, and hazard indexes showed a potential risk of transferring Hg, MeHg, and Cd to humans when rice from the Wanshan mining area is consumed. Therefore, it must be concluded that consuming contaminated rice near the Wanshan mining area is a potential threat to human health.

E-selectin gene polymorphism (A561C) and essential hypertension. Meta-analysis in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

The A561C polymorphism of the E-selectin gene (SELE) has been reported to be associated with essential hypertension (EH) in several studies; however, results among these studies were inconsistent. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association of the A561C polymorphism with EH.

METHODS

Publications were retrieved through searching PubMed, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biological Medicine, and the Wanfang database. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to estimate the strength of association of A561C with EH. Subgroup analysis was also performed to assess ethnic discrepancies. A total of seven studies comprising 2,127 EH patients and 2,078 controls were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the dominant model analysis, we found significant associations between the A561C polymorphism and EH in all subjects (CC+AC vs. AA, OR = 1.96, 95 %CI 1.57-2.44, P heterogeneity = 0.381), in a Han Chinese subgroup (CC+AC vs. AA, OR = 2.38, 95 %CI 1.73-3.29, P heterogeneity = 0.269), and in non-Han Chinese minorities (CC+AC vs. AA, OR = 1.62, 95 %CI 1.19-2.21, P heterogeneity = 0.84).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that C allele carriers of the SELE gene polymorphism (A561C) might be predisposed to EH in the Chinese population. Further investigations in other ethnic populations should be conducted to verify these findings.