In vitro and in vivo investigations on arsenic-induced cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis

Heavy metals found in the environment, including arsenic (As) pose significant risks to human health and present a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). This study researched the impact of As on cartilage degeneration by focusing on the role of As in causing OA in mice. We employed chemical inhibition and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses to identify the effect of As on chondrocytes as well as studying its accumulation in organs after oral administration in mice. Additionally, the study examined the effect of intra-articular As treatment on the levels of crucial catabolic factors, namely Hif-2α (Epas1) and Zip8 (Slc39a8), during OA progression. Mice that were administered As orally in conjunction with surgically induced joint instability, had heightened cartilage destruction compared to wild-type mice. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in Hif-2α and Zip8 mRNA expression (p = 0.0352,0.0004 respectively) and protein expression (p = 0.0101,0.008 respectively) post oral administration. Our findings illustrated the role of As in influencing crucial cellular functions that are triggered by reactive oxygen species. These events consequently activate the Akt/Hif-2α/NF-κB pathways, leading to disruptions in articular cartilage homeostasis. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of As on the development of osteoarthritis.

Inhibitory effects of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Harms extract on the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model

BACKGROUND

The biological function of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Harm (ASH) has been investigated on various diseases; however, the effects of ASH on arthritis have not been investigated so far. This study investigates the effects of ASH on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) was used for ASH extract preparation, and its primary components, pimaric and kaurenoic acids, were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Collagenase-induced arthritis (CIA) was used as the RA model, and primary cultures of articular chondrocytes were used to examine the inhibitory effects of ASH extract on arthritis in three synovial joints: ankle, sole, and knee.

RESULTS

Pimaric and kaurenoic acids attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated increase in the catabolic factors and retrieved pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated decrease in related anabolic factors in vitro; however, they did not affect pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6)-mediated cytotoxicity. ASH effectively inhibited cartilage degradation in the knee, ankle, and toe in the CIA model and decreased pannus development in the knee. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that ASH mostly inhibited the IL-6-mediated matrix metalloproteinase. Gene Ontology and pathway studies bridge major gaps in the literature and provide insights into the pathophysiology and in-depth mechanisms of RA-like joint degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to conduct extensive research on the efficacy of ASH extract in inhibiting the pathogenesis of RA. However, additional animal models and clinical studies are required to validate this hypothesis.

Bacillus-supplemented diet improves growth performance in Jeju native pigs by modulating myogenesis and adipogenesis

Probiotics are used in pigs as nutritional supplements to improve health and induce the development of muscle and adipose tissue for enhancing growth performance and harvesting quality meat. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation on the physiological and biochemical changes in Jeju native pigs (JNPs), including growth performance, backfat layers, blood parameters, serum IgG levels, myogenic and adipogenic markers, and expression of inflammatory markers. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were higher in the Bacillus diet group than in the basal diet group, while backfat thickness was lower in the Bacillus diet group than in the basal diet group. Blood biochemical parameters and hematological profiles were not altered significantly by Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation. Serum IgG concentration increased in the Bacillus diet group compared to the basal diet group. The Bacillus diet group showed increased adipogenic and myogenic markers expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissues. Overall, the data suggest that the Bacillus-based probiotics-supplemented diet regulates myogenesis and adipogenesis in JNPs and improves growth performance. We postulate that this may be due to the changes in the gut microbiota of pigs due to probiotic supplementation.

High-Sucrose Diet Accelerates Arthritis Progression in a Collagen-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis Model

SCOPE

High dietary sugar and sweeteners are suspected to cause the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms through the induction of proinflammatory cytokine release. However, the mechanisms by which increased dietary sugar affects RA etiology are not yet fully understood. The study uses a mouse model of collagen-induced RA (CIA) to investigate the relationship between excessive sugar consumption and RA risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RA-associated pathological features are assessed in the nonimmunized (NI) control group, the CIA-positive control group, and the CIA + high-sucrose diet (CIA+HS, 63% calories from sucrose) group. Compared with the CIA group, the CIA+HS group shows a greater increase in paw thickness and clinical scores, as well as, a higher degree of pannus formation and inflammation in the knee, ankle, and sole tissues. Moreover, the infiltration of immune cells is increased in the CIA+HS group. Although the expression of hepatic lipogenic genes, is not altered, that of toll-like receptor (TLR4) and IL-1β is considerably elevated in the CIA+HS group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that excessive sucrose consumption causes hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, contributing to the pathophysiology of RA.

[Puerarin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in mice by modulating the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway in mediating the effect of puerarin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS

Fifteen BALB/C mice were randomized into control group, LPS group and puerarin treatment group, and in the latter two groups, the mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (5 mg/kg), followed by daily injection of normal saline for 3 days or injection of puerarin (25 mg/kg) given 1 h later and then on a daily basis for 3 days. On day 5 after modeling, the kidney tissues were taken for histological observation and detection of cell apoptosis. The renal function indexes including urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured, and the expressions of SIRT1 and NF-κB-p65(acetyl K310) in the renal tissues were detected.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal injection of LPS caused obvious glomerular capillary dilatation, hyperemia, renal interstitial edema, and renal tubular epithelial cell swelling and deformation in the mice. The mouse models of LPS-induced AKI also showed significantly increased renal tubular injury score and renal cell apoptosis (P < 0.01) with increased serum levels of BUN, Scr, KIM-1, TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.01), enhanced renal expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB p65(acetyl K310) (P < 0.01) and lowered renal expression of SIRT1 (P < 0.05). Treatment with puerarin effectively alleviated LPS-induced renal interstitial edema and renal tubular epithelial cell shedding, lowered renal tubular injury score (P < 0.01) and renal cell apoptosis rate (P < 0.01), and decreased serum levels of BUN, Scr, KIM, TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.01). Puerarin treatment significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB p65 (acetyl K310) expression in the renal tissue (P < 0.05) and increased SIRT1 expression by 17% (P < 0.05) in the mouse models.

CONCLUSION

Puerarin can effectively alleviate LPS-induced AKI in mice possibly by modulating the SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Metal-Based Nanoparticles and Their Relevant Consequences on Cytotoxicity Cascade and Induced Oxidative Stress

Emerging nanoscience allows us to take advantage of the improved evolutionary components and apply today’s advanced characterization and fabrication techniques to solve environmental and biological problems. Despite the promise that nanotechnology will improve our lives, the potential risks of technology remain largely uncertain. The lack of information on bio-impacts and the absence of consistent standards are the limitations of using metal-based nanoparticles (mNPs) for existing applications. To analyze the role played by the mNPs physicochemical characteristics and tactics to protect live beings, the field of nanotoxicology nowadays is focused on collecting and analyzing data from in vitro and in vivo investigations. The degree of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress caused by material nanoparticles (NPs) depends on many factors, such as size, shape, chemical composition, etc. These characteristics enable NPs to enter cells and interact with biological macromolecules and cell organelles, resulting in oxidative damage, an inflammatory response, the development of mitochondrial dysfunction, damage to genetic material, or cytotoxic effects. This report explored the mechanisms and cellular signaling cascades of mNPs-induced oxidative stress and the relevant health consequences.

Excessive sucrose exacerbates high fat diet-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis promoting osteoarthritis in mice model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is marked by chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and cartilage destruction. High fat diet causes obesity and increases the risk of knee OA-development. However, the impact of high dietary sugar intake on OA pathogenesis has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a high-fat and high-sucrose (HF+HS) diet in experimental OA mouse models. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard chow (n=6), high-fat (HF) (n=5), or HF+HS (n=7) diets for 12 weeks; thereafter, the mice underwent surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and received the same experimental diets for an additional 8 weeks. The pathogenesis of knee OA, obesogenic parameters, and inflammation levels in the liver and adipose tissue were investigated. HF+HS diet induced severe cartilage erosion with osteophyte development and subchondral bone plate thickening, indicating that HF+HS diet exacerbated OA. Despite marginal differences in metabolic parameters, hepatic free cholesterol accumulation increased in mice with DMM-induced OA fed on HF+HS diet than in those fed HF diet. Notably, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis markers were greater in the livers of mice with DMM-induced OA, fed on HF+HS diet than those in the control group. However, adipose tissue remodeling was not affected by the HF+HS diet. These findings indicate that excess sucrose intake along with a HF diet triggers hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, thereby, contributing to OA pathogenesis.

Innate Immune Response Analysis in Meniscus Xenotransplantation Using Normal and Triple Knockout Jeju Native Pigs

Although allogenic meniscus grafting can be immunologically safe, it causes immune rejection due to an imbalanced tissue supply between donor and recipient. Pigs are anatomically and physiologically similar to adult humans and are, therefore, considered to be advantageous xenotransplantation models. However, immune rejection caused by genetic difference damages the donor tissue and can sometimes cause sudden death. Immune rejection is caused by genes; porcine GGTA1, CMAH, and B4GLANT2 are the most common. In this study, we evaluated immune cells infiltrating the pig meniscus transplanted subcutaneously into BALB/c mice bred for three weeks. We compared the biocompatibility of normal Jeju native black pig (JNP) meniscus with that of triple knockout (TKO) JNP meniscus (α-gal epitope, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), and Sd (a) epitope knockout using CRISPR-Cas 9). Mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages were found to have infiltrated the transplant boundary in the sham (without transplantation), normal (normal JNP), and test (TKO JNP) samples after immunohistochemical analysis. When compared to normal and sham groups, TKO was lower. Cytokine levels did not differ significantly between normal and test groups. Because chronic rejection can occur after meniscus transplantation associated with immune cell infiltration, we propose studies with multiple genetic editing to prevent immune rejection.

Development and validation of an individualized nomogram for predicting the high-volume (> 5) central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

PURPOSE

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) frequently presents a favorable clinical outcome, while aggressive invasiveness can also be found in some of this population. Identifying the risk clinical factors of high-volume (> 5) central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in PTMC patients could help oncologists make a better-individualized clinical decision.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of adult patients with PTC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between Jan 2010 and Dec 2015 and in one medical center affiliated to Chongqing Medical University between Jan 2018 and Oct 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for high volume of CLNM in PTMC patients.

RESULTS

The male gender (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.46-2.81), larger tumor size (> 5 mm, OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.13-2.38), multifocality (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.40-2.51), and extrathyroidal invasion (OR = 3.67; 95% CI 2.64-5.10) were independent risk factors in promoting high-volume of CLNM in PTMC patients. By contrast, elderly age (≥ 55 years) at diagnosis (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.81) and PTMC-follicular variate (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.42-0.87) were determined as the protective factors. Based on these indicators, a nomogram was further constructed with a good concordance index (C-index) of 0.702, supported by an external validating cohort with a promising C-index of 0.811.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram was successfully established and validated with six clinical indicators. This model could help surgeons to make a better-individualized clinical decision on the management of PTMC patients, especially in terms of whether prophylactic central lymph node dissection and postoperative radiotherapy should be warranted.

Construction and validation of a nomogram for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in classic papillary thyroid carcinoma

PURPOSE

Patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) frequently present a relatively poor prognosis when they coexist with cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM). Moreover, it remains controversial whether prophylactic lymph node dissection (LND) should be performed for patients without clinically lymph node metastasis. Thus, we hereby develop a nomogram for predicting the cervical LNM (including central and lateral LNM) in patients with PTC.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of adult patients with PTC in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015 and in our Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2019 and 2020.

RESULT

A total of 21,972 patients in the SEER database and 747 patients in our department who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Ultimately, six clinical features including age, gender, race, extrathyroidal invasion, multifocality, and tumor size were identified to be associated with cervical LNM in patients with PTC, which were screened to develop a nomogram. This model had satisfied discrimination with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.733, supported by both internal and external validation with a C-index of 0.731 and 0.716, respectively. A decision curve analysis was subsequently made to evaluate the feasibility of this nomogram for predicting cervical LNM. Besides, a positive correlation between nomogram score and the average number of lymph node metastases was observed in all groups.

CONCLUSION

This visualized multipopulational-based nomogram model was successfully established. We determined that various clinical characteristics were significantly associated with cervical LNM, which would be better helping clinicians make individualized clinical decisions for PTC patients.

Natural Plant Extracts and Compounds for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Natural plant extracts and compounds (NPECs), which originate from herbs or plants, have been used in the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years. Over the years, many scientists have carried out a series of studies on the treatment of RA by NPEC. They found a high quantity of active NPECs with broad application prospects. In view of various complex functions of these NPECs, exploring their potential as medicines for RA treatment will be beneficial for RA patients. Thus, to help advance the development of high-quality NPECs for RA, we herein aimed to review the research progress of NPECs in the treatment of RA in recent years. Our findings showed that, from the pharmacological perspective, natural plant extracts or mixed herbal compounds effectively regulate the immune system to alleviate RA by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, individualized medication can be applied according to each patient's physical condition. However, the pathogenesis of RA and its immune mechanism has not been fully understood and requires further studies.

Myogenic regulatory factors are key players in determining muscle mass and meat quality in Jeju native and Berkshire pigs

BACKGROUND

Meat from Jeju native pigs (JNPs) is highly popular among Korean consumers; however, the production efficiency is limited due to the low adult body weight. In contrast, the Berkshire breed, which has a genetic background closely related to Asian native pigs, gains weight more efficiently.

OBJECTIVES

This study focused on the differential expression of genes related to muscle growth in postnatal myogenesis between Berkshire and JNPs, specifically the myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) genes (MyoD, Pax7, Myf5, Myf6 and MyBPH). The MRF family is primarily involved in the proliferation and development of muscle.

METHODS

Qualitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses revealed that expression of MyoD and Pax7 was significantly higher in Berkshire pigs than in JNPs. In addition, co-expression of MyoD and Pax7 was observed in myotubes formed in cultured C2C12 cells. ToppCluster was used to elucidate the relationship between biological processes of the MRFs and muscle-related signalling pathways.

RESULTS

MyoD and Pax7 are factors essential for the activation of satellite cell during myogenesis. However, the mRNA and protein levels of MyBPH (which is responsible for meat quality, e.g. water content, colour and tenderness) are significantly higher in both 1-day-old piglets and adult JNPs than in Berkshire pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a genetic understanding of myogenesis in the postnatal and adult stages of Berkshire pigs and JNPs. Moreover, these results will help identify marker genes related to muscle mass, growth performance and meat quality in indigenous Korean pig breeds.

GSK5182, 4-Hydroxytamoxifen Analog, a New Potential Therapeutic Drug for Osteoarthritis

Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) are the first identified orphan nuclear receptors. The ERR family consists of ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ, regulating diverse isoform-specific functions. We have reported the importance of ERRγ in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. However, therapeutic approaches with ERRγ against OA associated with inflammatory mechanisms remain limited. Herein, we examined the therapeutic potential of a small-molecule ERRγ inverse agonist, GSK5182 (4-hydroxytamoxifen analog), in OA, to assess the relationship between ERRγ expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse articular chondrocyte cultures. ERRγ expression increased following chondrocyte exposure to various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Pro-inflammatory cytokines dose-dependently increased ERRγ protein levels. In mouse articular chondrocytes, adenovirus-mediated ERRγ overexpression upregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13, which participate in cartilage destruction during OA. Adenovirus-mediated ERRγ overexpression in mouse knee joints or ERRγ transgenic mice resulted in OA. In mouse joint tissues, genetic ablation of Esrrg obscured experimental OA. These results indicate that ERRγ is involved in OA pathogenesis. In mouse articular chondrocytes, GSK5182 inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced catabolic factors. Consistent with the in vitro results, GSK5182 significantly reduced cartilage degeneration in ERRγ-overexpressing mice administered intra-articular Ad-Esrrg. Overall, the ERRγ inverse agonist GSK5182 represents a promising therapeutic small molecule for OA.

DHA-enriched re-esterified triacylglycerol fish oil supplementation and oily fish consumption enhance red blood n-3 fatty acid index in Omani pre-adolescent schoolchildren

Dietary habits of Omani population particularly of children and young adults have changed significantly. Consumption of imported calorie-dense foods, vegetable oils, milled and polished grains and carbonated beverages have become the norm. Concomitantly, there has been an exponential increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The impact of the westernisation of eating habits on children has not been evaluated. We have investigated blood fatty acid profile of male (n = 125) and female (n = 160) children aged 9 and 10 (9.8 ± 0.4) years enrolled from three state-funded schools. The schools, which are homogenous with respect to socio-economic background of their pupils, were randomised into fish oil (n = 98), oily fish (n = 82) or control (n = 105) group. Subsequently, the children were given during morning tea break for 12 weeks: 1. DHA-enriched re-esterified triacylglycerol fish oil capsule with cheese/salad sandwich (fish oil group), 2. Lightly grilled oily fish with salad (fish group) or 3. Cheese/salad sandwich (control group). At baseline, the males had higher myristic, palmitic and oleic and lower adrenic acids than the females (p < 0.05). There was no difference in n-3 fatty acid index (4.86 ± 1.95 vs. 5.12 ± 1.67, p > 0.05) or AA (14.6 ± 1.9 vs. 14.9 ± 1.8, p > 0.05) between the genders. There was no difference in any of the fatty acids between the three groups at baseline. Post-intervention, the oily fish group had lower n-3 fatty acid index (EPA + DHA, 6.03 ± 1.39 vs. 6.60 ± 1.63, p < 0.05) and higher AA (15.2 ± 1.8 vs. 13.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.0001) and n-3 DPA (1.40 ± 0.27 vs. 1.07 ± 0.22, p = 0.0001) compared with those who received fish oil capsules. In both the fish oil and oily fish groups, fatty acid index correlated positively with AA (r = 0.394, p = 0.0001; r = 0.231, p = 0.038) and negatively with total saturated (r = - 0.816, p = 0.0001; r = - 0.439, p = 0.0001) and total mono-unsaturated (r = - 0.431, p = 0.0001; r = - 0.231, p = 0.037) fatty acids. Although seafood is an integral part of traditional Omani cuisine the children had a low level of n-3 fatty acids index. There is a need to address this nutritional insufficiency through school feeding programme, targeted intervention with n-3 fatty acid enriched food products and/or family education programme.

Thrombin-reduced miR-27b attenuates platelet angiogenic activities in vitro via enhancing platelet synthesis of anti-angiogenic thrombospondin-1

Essentials It is unclear if platelet micro-RNAs can regulate de novo protein synthesis of platelets. Platelet de novo protein synthesis of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) was induced by thrombin. Thrombin stimulation in vitro altered platelet microRNA profiles, including decreased miR-27b. Decreased miR-27b hampers platelet angiogenic activities via enhancing de novo TSP-1 synthesis.

SUMMARY

Background Platelets can synthesize proteins upon activation. Platelets contain a number of microRNAs (miRNA) and a fully functional miRNA effector machinery. It is, however, unclear if platelet miRNAs can regulate protein synthesis of platelets, and whether the regulation may produce a physiological impact. Objectives To investigate if and how platelet miRNAs regulate de novo syntheses of angiogenic regulators and subsequently modulate platelet angiogenic activities. Methods and Results Microarray-based miRNA profiling showed that thrombin stimulation in vitro down- or up-regulated a number of platelet miRNAs, both in the total platelet miRNAs and in Ago2-associated miRNAs. Among those altered miRNAs, miR-27b was down-regulated in both the total and Ago2-immunoprecipitated miRNA profiles of platelets, which was confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Using western blotting assays, we showed that thrombin induced platelet de novo synthesis of thrombospondin-1, and that the level of thrombospondin-1 synthesis could reach a level of 3-5-fold higher than that before thrombin stimulation. With either the platelet precursor megakaryocyte cell line MEG-01 cells or mature platelets, we demonstrated that transfection of miR-27b mimic, but not the negative control of miRNA mimic, markedly reduced thrombospondin-1 protein levels. The latter subsequently enhanced platelet-dependent endothelial tube formation on matrigel. Conclusions Thrombin stimulation in vitro reduces platelet miR-27b levels that may markedly enhance thrombin-evoked platelet de novo synthesis of thrombospondin-1. Elevation of platelet miR-27b by transfection inhibits thrombospondin-1 synthesis, and subsequently enhances platelet pro-angiogenic activities. Hence, platelet activation-dependent reduction of miR-27b levels may represent a novel negative regulatory mechanism of platelet angiogenic activities.

Analytical modeling and feasibility study of a multi-GPU cloud-based server (MGCS) framework for non-voxel-based dose calculations

PURPOSE

In this paper, a multi-GPU cloud-based server (MGCS) framework is presented for dose calculations, exploring the feasibility of remote computing power for parallelization and acceleration of computationally and time intensive radiotherapy tasks in moving toward online adaptive therapies.

METHODS

An analytical model was developed to estimate theoretical MGCS performance acceleration and intelligently determine workload distribution. Numerical studies were performed with a computing setup of 14 GPUs distributed over 4 servers interconnected by a 1 Gigabits per second (Gbps) network. Inter-process communication methods were optimized to facilitate resource distribution and minimize data transfers over the server interconnect.

RESULTS

The analytically predicted computation time predicted matched experimentally observations within 1-5 %. MGCS performance approached a theoretical limit of acceleration proportional to the number of GPUs utilized when computational tasks far outweighed memory operations. The MGCS implementation reproduced ground-truth dose computations with negligible differences, by distributing the work among several processes and implemented optimization strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that a cloud-based computation engine was a feasible solution for enabling clinics to make use of fast dose calculations for advanced treatment planning and adaptive radiotherapy. The cloud-based system was able to exceed the performance of a local machine even for optimized calculations, and provided significant acceleration for computationally intensive tasks. Such a framework can provide access to advanced technology and computational methods to many clinics, providing an avenue for standardization across institutions without the requirements of purchasing, maintaining, and continually updating hardware.

A new method to induce molecular low bias negative differential resistance with multi-peaks

According to a first-principles study of the transport properties of two thiolated anthracene-9,10-diono molecules sandwiching ethyl, a new method to induce molecular low bias negative differential resistance with multi-peaks for strong n- or p-type molecules is proposed. The anthracene-9,10-diono molecule shows strong n-type characteristics when in contact with Au and Ag electrodes via a thiolate. The multiple negative differential resistance effect originated from the molecule-electrode couple is different between Ag and Au electrodes. Our investigations may promise potential for applications in molecular devices with low power dissipation and multifunction in the future.

Effects of depressive mood of female high school students on dysmenorrhea and sleep quality

Background

This research aimed to identify the effects of depressive mood of female high school students on dysmenorrhea and sleep quality.

Methods

This research was conducted for 2 months from September 2015 to October 2015. A total of 3 types of self-reported questionnaire were adopted for the research. Control group was separated by Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). Each group adopted a self-made questionnaire for research on menstruation and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for research on sleep. Chi2 test and AVOVA analysis through SPSS-21 were used as statistics methods.

Results

Analysis was made on 72 female students who submitted clear answers to the questionnaire. There were 34 students from normal mood group and 38 from depressive mood group. Depressive group presented meaningful results on regularity, pain severity, and drug treatment history of menstruation. Particularly, depressive group had 51.4% among subjects having severe menstrual pain of grade 3 by VMS (verbal multidimensional scoring system), way higher than 27.6% among subjects in the normal group. PSQI for sleep showed a meaningful result that 20.8% of those in the normal group were diagnosed with sleep disorder compared to 86.8% for the depressive group. A meaningful difference was seen in sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbance, use of sleep medication, daytime functional disturbance among 7 items of PSQI.

Conclusion

This research showed that female high school students with depressive mood had high frequency and severity in dysmenorrhea and sleep quality disturbance.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

How much does depressive mood affect sleep for high school students?

Background

This research examined gender variations in depressive mood for high school students affected by emotional upset and how such depressive mood affect their sleep quality.

Methods

Research was conducted from September 2015 to October 2015. Both males and females were divided into normal group and depressive group by Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). Each group adopted the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure sleep quality.

Results

Analysis was made on a total of 155 students, which were 83 male students and 72 female. The average ZSDS for all high school students was 43.38 and the average PSQI was 5.39. The number of male students in the normal and depressive group who were diagnosed with sleep disorder were 2 (3.8%) and 9 (29.0%), respectively (P < 0.05). But the number of female students in the normal and depressive group who were diagnosed with sleep disorder were 11 (32.4%) and 33 (86.8%), respectively (P < 0.05). Both males and females shared a meaningful result over sleep latency, sleep disturbance, use of sleep medication, and daytime functional disturbance among 7 items of PSQI for sleep quality, and female students had a significantly meaningful result over sleep duration, habitual sleep effects (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This research showed that sleep quality of all high school students was not too bad but it can be problematic for those with depressive mood. Especially, female students were diagnosed with sleep disorder more than male students.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Synergistic effects of hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructures on the biological properties of titanium orthopaedic implants

Hybrid micro/nanotopographic features are of crucial importance to the activity of osteoblasts.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil supplementation in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes on membrane fatty acids and fetal body composition--double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial

AIMS

To test if docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil supplementation rectifies red cell membrane lipid anomaly in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes and their neonates, and alters fetal body composition.

METHODS

Women with Type 2 diabetes (n = 88; 41 fish oil, 47 placebo) and healthy women (n = 85; 45 fish oil, 40 placebo) were supplemented from the first trimester until delivery. Blood fatty acid composition, fetal biometric and neonatal anthropometric measurements were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 117 women completed the trial. The women with Type 2 diabetes who took fish oil compared with those who received placebo had higher percentage of docosahexaenoic acid in red cell phosphatidylethanolamine in the third trimester (12.0% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.000) and at delivery (10.7% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.001). Similarly, the neonates of the women with Type 2 diabetes supplemented with the fish oil had increased docosahexaenoic acid in the red cell phosphatidylethanolamine (9.2% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.027) and plasma phosphatidylcholine (6.1% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.020). Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil had no effect on the body composition of the fetus and neonates of the women with Type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

A daily dose of 600 mg of docosahexaenoic acid was effective in ameliorating red cell membrane docosahexaenoic acid anomaly in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes and neonates, and in preventing the decline of maternal docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy. We suggest that the provision of docosahexaenoic acid supplement should be integrated in the antenatal care of pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes.

Dietary fat intake, body composition and blood lipids of university men and women

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease rates are high in the U.K., particular in men, and are related to dietary fat intake. We conducted a pilot study to investigate relationships between saturated and unsaturated dietary fat intakes, body composition and blood lipid parameters in Caucasian men and women at university.

METHODS

Volunteers (52 men and 52 women; age range 20-50 years) were recruited from staff and students of London Metropolitan University. Dietary intake, body composition, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose and lipids were assessed. Gender differences between the measured variables and their relationships were assessed by Mann-Whitney U-test, and by multi-linear (stepwise) regression, respectively.

RESULTS

Men consumed more saturated fat (29.5 vs. 20.5 g/day, p < 0.001), and had elevated levels of glucose (5.34 + 0.74 vs. 4.85 + 0.49 mmol/l, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (2.99 + 1.5 vs. 2.62+ 0.74 mmol/l, p < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (126.4 + 11.0 vs. 112.6 + 17.2 mm/Hg, p < 0.001), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (1.41 ± 0.34 vs. 1.83 ± 0.43, p < 0.001). Saturated fat was positively associated with total body fat ( p < 0.05), trunk fat ( p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol ( p < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure ( p < 0.001) in women, while in men docosahexaenoic acid and total cholesterol ( p < 0.05), total omega-3 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol ( p < 0.001), total omega-3 fatty acids and triglycerides ( p < 0.01) were positively related. Similar n-3 fatty acid intakes were reported in nutritionally aware students and other university subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The data of this study indicate gender-related differences in response to dietary fat, and widespread low compliance with n-3 fatty acid recommendations. Although the men are highly health conscious and physically active, their blood lipid levels are indicative of a risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to enhanced nutritional education to increase seafood intakes in this age group of men and women, customised dietary and lifestyle advice may be required in the men.

Dietary fat intake, circulating and membrane fatty acid composition of healthy Norwegian men and women

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to assess the dietary fat intake and blood fatty acid status of healthy Norwegian men and women living in Bergen whose habitual diet is known to be high in long-chain omega-3 fat.

METHODS

Healthy men (n = 41) and women (n = 40) aged 20-50 years who were regular blood donors completed 7-day food diaries and their nutrient intake was analysed by Norwegian food database software, kbs, version 4.9 (kostberegningssystem; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway). Blood samples were obtained before blood donation and assessed for the fatty acid composition of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol esters, phosphatidylcholine, and red cell phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine.

RESULTS

There was no difference in dietary fat intake between men and women. Total and saturated fat intakes exceeded the upper limits of the recommendations of the National Nutrition Council of Norway. Although polyunsaturated fat intake was close to the lower limit of the recommended level, the intake varied greatly among individuals, partly as a result of the use of supplementary fish oil. Moreover, the proportional fatty acid composition of plasma and red cell lipids was similar between men and women. Enrichment of docosahexaenoic acid in red cell phosphatidylethanolamine was found in fish oil users.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study provide a snapshot of the current nutritional status of healthy Norwegian adults. Moreover, the detailed blood fatty acid composition of men and women whose habitual diet constitutes high long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fat as well as saturated fat could be used as reference value for population studies.

Injection Molding of Water Containing Thermoplastic Polyolefin

In this paper, we present a novel injection molding approach using water containing thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) to reduce the cycle time and to improve the dimensional stability of parts without any equipment or mold modifications. A small amount of water was pressurized into TPO pellets pre-mixed with water carrier particles such as highly porous activated carbon or tubular-shaped nanoclay. Our results showed that the cycle time could be drastically reduced with substantially reduced surface sink mark and part warpage without any adverse effects on mechanical properties. Water evaporation during molding resulted in internal cooling, which led to a large reduction in cycle time. This phenomenon, however, could not be explained by the average water content in TPO alone. It is believed that the accumulation of water in the thickest section of the mold cavity, i.e., the base of the conical shaped sprue in the molds used in the study, during injection molding played a major role. The lower sink mark and part warpage were due to water induced internal cooling and foaming. Complete filling of thin parts could also be achieved at a lower packing pressure in the presence of water, perhaps due to steam (from water evaporation) induced mold cavity heating during filling. This was supported by the measured temperature rise at the mold surface in the early stage of the molding cycle.

A multi-GPU real-time dose simulation software framework for lung radiotherapy

PURPOSE

Medical simulation frameworks facilitate both the preoperative and postoperative analysis of the patient's pathophysical condition. Of particular importance is the simulation of radiation dose delivery for real-time radiotherapy monitoring and retrospective analyses of the patient's treatment.

METHODS

In this paper, a software framework tailored for the development of simulation-based real-time radiation dose monitoring medical applications is discussed. A multi-GPU-based computational framework coupled with inter-process communication methods is introduced for simulating the radiation dose delivery on a deformable 3D volumetric lung model and its real-time visualization. The model deformation and the corresponding dose calculation are allocated among the GPUs in a task-specific manner and is performed in a pipelined manner. Radiation dose calculations are computed on two different GPU hardware architectures. The integration of this computational framework with a front-end software layer and back-end patient database repository is also discussed.

RESULTS

Real-time simulation of the dose delivered is achieved at once every 120 ms using the proposed framework. With a linear increase in the number of GPU cores, the computational time of the simulation was linearly decreased. The inter-process communication time also improved with an increase in the hardware memory. Variations in the delivered dose and computational speedup for variations in the data dimensions are investigated using D70 and D90 as well as gEUD as metrics for a set of 14 patients. Computational speed-up increased with an increase in the beam dimensions when compared with a CPU-based commercial software while the error in the dose calculation was <1%.

CONCLUSION

Our analyses show that the framework applied to deformable lung model-based radiotherapy is an effective tool for performing both real-time and retrospective analyses.