The crosstalk between macrophages and cancer cells potentiates pancreatic cancer cachexia

With limited treatment options, cachexia remains a major challenge for patients with cancer. Characterizing the interplay between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment may help identify potential therapeutic targets for cancer cachexia. Herein, we investigate the critical role of macrophages in potentiating pancreatic cancer induced muscle wasting via promoting TWEAK (TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis) secretion from the tumor. Specifically, depletion of macrophages reverses muscle degradation induced by tumor cells. Macrophages induce non-autonomous secretion of TWEAK through CCL5/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. TWEAK promotes muscle atrophy by activating MuRF1 initiated muscle remodeling. Notably, tumor cells recruit and reprogram macrophages via the CCL2/CCR2 axis and disrupting the interplay between macrophages and tumor cells attenuates muscle wasting. Collectively, this study identifies a feedforward loop between pancreatic cancer cells and macrophages, underlying the non-autonomous activation of TWEAK secretion from tumor cells thereby providing promising therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer cachexia.

The 'D-M-C' strategy for conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible: a retrospective study

The purpose of this multicentre study was to evaluate the efficacy of the 'dredging-marsupialization-curettage' (D-M-C) strategy in the treatment of conventional intraosseous ameloblastoma of the mandible. A total of 31 patients from three institutions, who had a pathological diagnosis of conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible, were treated with the D-M-C strategy. The surgical protocol comprised a dredging and marsupialization (D-M) step, with additional D-M steps as required. The patients then underwent curettage (C) once an obvious effect of the D-M step had been achieved during follow-up. Eight patients were followed up for ≥36 months but <60 months, while 23 were followed up for ≥60 months. Nineteen of the 23 patients followed up for ≥60 months were disease-free at the last follow-up, with no evidence of recurrence. The D-M step is effective for reducing the tumour size and preserving vital structures. The D-M-C surgical strategy may be a feasible treatment option for conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible.

[Survey on the awareness rate of mpox knowledge and related factors among men who have sex with men in China]

Objective: To understand the awareness rate of mpox knowledge and related factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods: The survey was conducted among men aged ≥18 years who had sex with men in the past year, using the convenience sampling method. The estimated sample size was 4 312. With the assistance of social organizations of MSM in 30 provinces in China, an online questionnaire survey was conducted using anonymous self-designed questionnaires powered by www.wjx.cn during 10-14 August 2023 to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of mpox knowledge, travel history, and sexual behaviors of the respondents. The software SAS 9.4 was used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 7 725 respondents, and the age of the respondents was (31.6±9.0) years. The results revealed that the awareness rate of mpox knowledge was 50.1% (3 872/7 725). The main routes to acquire mpox knowledge were mainly new media, including WeChat, Weibo, TikTok, and Blued social software (88.4%,6 827/7 725), while official media report was the most trusted way to acquire related knowledge (79.3%,6 129/7 725). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors indicated a higher awareness rate of mpox knowledge, including living in the western region or the eastern region, people were over 26 years old in early adulthood and midlife, college-educated or with higher degrees, living in towns or urban periphery, being in homosexual or in bisexual relationships, 1-5 homosexual times/months in the past 3 months, knowing their HIV infection status, paying attention to mpox knowledge very often, occasionally or rarely, and convenient ways to acquire mpox knowledge from new media and social organizations. Conclusions: The awareness rate of mpox knowledge was low among MSM in China. Efforts should be made to improve the awareness rate of mpox knowledge among those who are young, less educated, or sexually active, with targeted health education via new media and social organizations.

[Comparing the impact of left bundle branch area pacing and traditional left ventricular pacing on right heart function following dual-chamber pacemaker implantation]

Objective: To compare the effects of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) versus traditional right ventricular pacing (RVP) on left ventricular function in patients after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation from March 2017 to April 2021 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. The patients were divided into the LBBaP group and RVP group based on the placement of the ventricular lead. Follow-up was conducted until March 2022, comparing baseline and follow-up echocardiographic parameters, pacing parameters, and the incidence and timing of complications between the two groups. The complications included ventricular electrode perforation, dislocation, pericardial effusion, tricuspid valve perforation, etc. Results: A total of 163 patients aged (68.3±13.5) years were included, including 82 (50.3%) men, with 80 patients in the LBBaP group and 83 in the RVP group. Baseline left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ((50.49±4.95) mm vs. (47.43±8.15) mm, P=0.01) and left atrium (LA) ((33.14±5.94) mm vs. (30.18±3.92) mm, P=0.001) in the LBBaP group were significantly higher than those in the RVP group. Follow-up LA diameter ((37.10±6.70) mm vs. (40.10±8.90) mm, P=0.016) showed a statistically significant difference in the LBBaP group compared to the RVP group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in baseline QRS duration(P=0.490). Postoperative QRS duration in the LBBaP group was significantly lower ((110.69±24.01) ms vs. (139.65±29.85) ms, P<0.010). Intraoperative threshold in the LBBaP group was significantly higher ((0.83±0.32) V/0.48 ms vs. (0.71±0.23) V/0.48 ms, P=0.004), while impedance was lower ((754.53±205.59) Ω vs. (905.41±302.75) Ω, P<0.01). Comparing with the RVP group, postoperative ventricular pacing ratio (VP) ((87.39±20.92) % vs. (79.49±25.76) %, P=0.034), threshold ((0.90±0.38) V/0.48 ms vs. (0.69±0.27) V/0.48 ms, P<0.01) in the LBBaP group were higher, and impedance ((507.45±77.37) Ω vs. (620.52±197.29) Ω, P<0.01) in the LBBaP group was lower. Postoperative follow-up period was 5 to 51 months, with a median follow-up time of 17 months. No statistically significant difference in overall complications between the LBBaP and RVP groups was found (13.8% (11/80) vs. 7.2% (6/83), P>0.05). The median time to occurrence of complications after surgery was significantly earlier in the LBBaP group (29.74 (95%CI 27.21-32.26) months vs. 46.17 (95%CI 42.48-49.86) months, P=0.030). Conclusion: LBBaP demonstrates more stable pacing parameters, substantial improvement in clinical left ventricular function, with a relatively higher threshold compared to traditional RVP, and complications occurs relatively early.

Higher Cognitive Reserve Is Beneficial for Cognitive Performance Via Various Locus Coeruleus Functional Pathways in the Pre-Dementia Stage of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Cognitive reserve (CR) shows protective effects on cognitive function in older adult and in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the brain mechanisms underlying the CR effect on the non-dementia AD spectrum (subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)) are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential moderate effect of CR on brain functional networks associated with cognitive performance.

METHODS

We selected 200 participants, including 48 cognitively normal (CN) and 56 SCD, and 96 patients with MCI from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Seed-based locus coeruleus functional connectivity (LC FC) was conducted to detect early brain functional changes in the non-dementia AD spectrum. CR was assessed via years of education and intelligence (IQ). The ANDI composite executive function scores (ADNI-EF) and ADNI composite memory scores (ANDI-MEM) at baseline and 24-month follow-up were used to assess cognitive performance.

RESULTS

Compared to the CN group, the SCD group showed abnormal LC FC with the executive control network (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, DLPFC), salience network, sensorimotor network, reward network, and hippocampus, while these alterations were inverted at the MCI stage. The LC-hippocampus FC was correlated with ADNI-MEM at baseline and follow-up, and these relationships were moderated by education. The LC-DLPFC FC was correlated with ADNI-EF at baseline, and this association was moderated by IQ.

CONCLUSION

Our results manifested that higher levels of CR would confer protective effects on SCD and MCI. Furthermore, IQ and education could moderate the relationship between LC FC and cognition through different pathways.

Absence of Either Ripk3 or Mlkl Reduces Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independent of Liver Fibrosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the etiologies that contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and chronic inflammation is one of the proposed mediators of HCC. Because necroptosis is a cell death pathway that induces inflammation, we tested whether necroptosis-induced inflammation contributes to the progression of NAFLD to HCC in a mouse model of diet-induced HCC. Male and female wild-type (WT) mice and mouse models where necroptosis is blocked (Ripk3-/- or Mlkl-/- mice) were fed either a control diet, choline-deficient low-fat diet or choline-deficient high-fat diet. Blocking necroptosis reduced markers of inflammation [proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6, and IL1β), F4/80+ve macrophages, CCR2+ve infiltrating monocytes], inflammation-associated oncogenic pathways (JNK, PD-L1/PD-1, β-catenin), and HCC in male mice. We demonstrate that hepatic necroptosis promotes recruitment and activation of liver macrophages leading to chronic inflammation, which in turn trigger oncogenic pathways leading to the progression of NAFLD to HCC in male mice. Whereas in female mice, blocking necroptosis reduced HCC independent of inflammation. Our data show a sex-specific difference in the development of inflammation, fibrosis, and HCC in WT mice. However, blocking necroptosis reduced HCC in both males and females without altering liver fibrosis. Thus, our study suggests that necroptosis is a valid therapeutic target for NAFLD-mediated HCC.

IMPLICATIONS

Necroptosis is a major contributor to hepatic inflammation that drives the progression of NAFLD to HCC and therefore represents a valid target for NAFLD-mediated HCC.

Solid-Tubulocystic carcinoma: A new variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

A new variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) has been recognized in recent years presenting predominantly as a large hepatic mass in young woman with the characteristic expression of inhibin by immunohistochemistry. This variant iCCA was originally termed as cholangioblastic variant of iCCA, and subsequently proposed to be renamed as inhibin-positive hepatic carcinoma or solid-tubulocystic variant of iCCA to better reflect its immunohistochemical profile or morphologic spectrum. The tumor histologically is composed of small to medium sized cells with scant to moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm heterogeneously organized in solid, tubular, and cystic growth patterns. The tumor cells are positive for biliary markers, inhibin and albumin, and have a novel recurrent gene fusion, NIPBL::NACC1. Awareness of this new iCCA variant and its clinicopathologic features will aid in the diagnostic work-up and avoid confusion with other primary and metastatic hepatic neoplasms.

How does environmental punishment affect regional green technology innovation?-Evidence from Chinese Provinces

As an important means of environmental regulation, environmental punishment lacks in empirical evidence on its impact on regional green technology innovation in China. Based on panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020, this paper systematically examines the relationship between environmental punishment and regional green technology innovation. It is found that environmental punishment has the quantity and quality enhancing effects on regional green technology innovation, and the quantity enhancing effect is greater than the quality enhancing effect. There is no significant effect difference between monetary punishment and non monetary punishment on green technology innovation effect, but the effect of punishment on institutions is obviously greater than that of punishment on individuals. And the performance of ecological provinces and provinces with better legal environment is also relatively better. Environmental punishment enhances the quantity and quality of green technology innovation through pressure, and improves the quality of green technology innovation through deterrence. Besides, in China, deterrence promotes regional green technology innovation together with the Central Government's environmental protection inspection, the national green manufacturing strategies and other policies concerned.

[Association between sedentary behavior and force expiratory volume in 1 second reduction in middle-aged and elderly adults in communities]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between sedentary behavior and the force expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) reduction in middle-aged and elderly people in communities. Methods: The participants aged ≥40 years were randomly selected from a natural population cohort in Songjiang District, Shanghai, for pulmonary function tests and survey by using international physical activity questionnaire, a generalized additive model was used to analyze the association between sedentary behavior and FEV₁ reduction in the study population and different sex-age subgroups. Results: A total of 3 121 study subjects aged ≥40 years were included. The prevalence of FEV₁ reduction was 14.8%, which was higher in men than in women. There were 24.8% participants were completely sedentary. The prevalence of FEV₁ reduction in women aged <60 years in complete sedentary group was 2.04 (95%CI: 1.11-3.72) times higher than that in non-complete sedentary group. In men aged <60 years, the prevalence of FEV₁ reduction increased with daily sedentary time (OR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.04-1.29), and the prevalence of FEV₁ reduction was also higher in those with sedentary time >5 hours/day than those with sedentary time ≤5 hours/day (OR=3.02, 95%CI: 1.28-7.16). The sensitivity analysis also found such associations. Conclusions: FEV₁ reduction rate in age group <60 years was associated with sedentary behavior. Complete sedentary behavior or absence of moderate to vigorous physical activity played important roles in FEV₁ reduction in women, while men were more likely to be affected by increased sedentary time, which had no association with physical activity. Reducing sedentary time to avoid complete sedentary behavior, along with increased physical activity, should be encouraged in middle-aged and elderly adults in communities to improve their pulmonary function.

Clinical Features and Management of Acute and Chronic Radiation-Induced Colitis and Proctopathy

BACKGROUND

RICAP is a recognized adverse effect of radiation therapy (RT) that can adversely affect cancer patients' quality of life. Data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RICAP are scarce. We aimed to analyze the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of acute or chronic radiation-induced colitis and proctopathy (ARICAP and CRICAP) based on symptom onset after RT (≤ or >45 days, respectively).

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of a single tertiary cancer center, from January 2010 and December 2018, of cancer patients with endoscopically confirmed ARICAP and CRICAP. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to associate clinical variables with endoscopic and medical outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred and twelve patients were included (84% Caucasian; 55% female; median age of 59 years); 46% had ARICAP with non-bloody diarrhea as the predominant symptom, whereas 55% had CRICAP with mostly bloody diarrhea. Neovascularization was the most frequent finding on endoscopy, followed by bleeding. ARICAP patients more often received medical management (p < 0.001), whereas CRICAP patients with bleeding more often received argon plasma coagulation (APC) (p = 0.002). Female sex and undergoing less-intense RT treatments were more associated with medical treatment; bleeding clinically and during the endoscopy was more associated with APC treatment. However, APC treatment did not significantly reduce bleeding recurrence or RICAP symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ARICAP and CRICAP experience different symptoms. Medical management should be considered before endoscopic therapy. APC may be useful in patients with endoscopically apparent bleeding.

CXCR2 expression during melanoma tumorigenesis controls transcriptional programs that facilitate tumor growth

BACKGROUND

Though the CXCR2 chemokine receptor is known to play a key role in cancer growth and response to therapy, a direct link between expression of CXCR2 in tumor progenitor cells during induction of tumorigenesis has not been established.

METHODS

To characterize the role of CXCR2 during melanoma tumorigenesis, we generated tamoxifen-inducible tyrosinase-promoter driven BrafV600E/Pten-/-/Cxcr2-/- and NRasQ61R/INK4a-/-/Cxcr2-/- melanoma models. In addition, the effects of a CXCR1/CXCR2 antagonist, SX-682, on melanoma tumorigenesis were evaluated in BrafV600E/Pten-/- and NRasQ61R/INK4a-/- mice and in melanoma cell lines. Potential mechanisms by which Cxcr2 affects melanoma tumorigenesis in these murine models were explored using RNAseq, mMCP-counter, ChIPseq, and qRT-PCR; flow cytometry, and reverse phosphoprotein analysis (RPPA).

RESULTS

Genetic loss of Cxcr2 or pharmacological inhibition of CXCR1/CXCR2 during melanoma tumor induction resulted in key changes in gene expression that reduced tumor incidence/growth and increased anti-tumor immunity. Interestingly, after Cxcr2 ablation, Tfcp2l1, a key tumor suppressive transcription factor, was the only gene significantly induced with a log2 fold-change greater than 2 in these three different melanoma models.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we provide novel mechanistic insight revealing how loss of Cxcr2 expression/activity in melanoma tumor progenitor cells results in reduced tumor burden and creation of an anti-tumor immune microenvironment. This mechanism entails an increase in expression of the tumor suppressive transcription factor, Tfcp2l1, along with alteration in the expression of genes involved in growth regulation, tumor suppression, stemness, differentiation, and immune modulation. These gene expression changes are coincident with reduction in the activation of key growth regulatory pathways, including AKT and mTOR.

DWI-Based Radiomics Predicts the Functional Outcome of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular treatment is a reference treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO). However, no established and specific methods are available for the preoperative screening of patients with ABAO suitable for endovascular treatment. This study explores the potential value of DWI-based radiomics in predicting the functional outcomes of endovascular treatment in ABAO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ABAO treated with endovascular treatment from the BASILAR registry (91 patients in the training cohort) and the hospitals in the Northwest of China (31 patients for the external testing cohort) were included in this study. The Mann-Whitney U test, random forests algorithm, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to reduce the feature dimension. A machine learning model was developed on the basis of the training cohort to predict the prognosis of endovascular treatment. The performance of the model was evaluated on the independent external testing cohort.

RESULTS

A subset of radiomics features (n = 6) was used to predict the functional outcomes in patients with ABAO. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the radiomics model were 0.870 and 0.781 in the training cohort and testing cohort, respectively. The accuracy of the radiomics model was 77.4%, with a sensitivity of 78.9%, specificity of 75%, positive predictive value of 83.3%, and negative predictive value of 69.2% in the testing cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

DWI-based radiomics can predict the prognosis of endovascular treatment in patients with ABAO, hence allowing a potentially better selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from this treatment.

CXCR2 expression during melanoma tumorigenesis controls transcriptional programs that facilitate tumor growth

Background

Though the CXCR2 chemokine receptor is known to play a key role in cancer growth and response to therapy, a direct link between expression of CXCR2 in tumor progenitor cells during induction of tumorigenesis has not been established.

Methods

To characterize the role of CXCR2 during melanoma tumorigenesis, we generated tamoxifen-inducible tyrosinase-promoter driven Braf ^V600E /Pten ^-/- /Cxcr2 ^-/- and NRas ^Q61R /INK4a ^-/- /Cxcr2 ^-/- melanoma models. In addition, the effects of a CXCR1/CXCR2 antagonist, SX-682, on melanoma tumorigenesis were evaluated in Braf ^V600E /Pten ^-/- and NRas ^Q61R /INK4a ^-/- mice and in melanoma cell lines. Potential mechanisms by which Cxcr2 affects melanoma tumorigenesis in these murine models were explored using RNAseq, mMCP-counter, ChIPseq, and qRT-PCR; flow cytometry, and reverse phosphoprotein analysis (RPPA).

Results

Genetic loss of Cxcr2 or pharmacological inhibition of CXCR1/CXCR2 during melanoma tumor induction resulted in key changes in gene expression that reduced tumor incidence/growth and increased anti-tumor immunity. Interestingly, after Cxcr2 ablation, Tfcp2l1 , a key tumor suppressive transcription factor, was the only gene significantly induced with a log ₂ fold-change greater than 2 in these three different melanoma models.

Conclusions

Here, we provide novel mechanistic insight revealing how loss of Cxcr2 expression/activity in melanoma tumor progenitor cells results in reduced tumor burden and creation of an anti-tumor immune microenvironment. This mechanism entails an increase in expression of the tumor suppressive transcription factor, Tfcp2l1, along with alteration in the expression of genes involved in growth regulation, tumor suppression, stemness, differentiation, and immune modulation. These gene expression changes are coincident with reduction in the activation of key growth regulatory pathways, including AKT and mTOR.

Combining ASBT inhibitor and FGF15 treatments enhances therapeutic efficacy against cholangiopathy in female but not male Cyp2c70 KO mice

Therapeutic reduction of hydrophobic bile acids exposure is considered beneficial in cholestasis. The Cyp2c70 KO mice lack hydrophilic muricholic acids and have a human-like hydrophobic bile acid pool resulting in hepatobiliary injury. This study investigates if combining an apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor GSK2330672 (GSK) and fibroblast growth factor-15 (FGF15) overexpression, via simultaneous inhibition of bile acid synthesis and gut bile acid uptake, achieves enhanced therapeutic efficacy in alleviating hepatobiliary injury in Cyp2c70 KO mice. The effects of GSK, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-FGF15, and the combined treatment on bile acid metabolism and cholangiopathy were compared in Cyp2c70 KO mice. In female Cyp2c70 KO mice with more severe cholangiopathy than male Cyp2c70 KO mice, the combined treatment was more effective in reversing portal inflammation, ductular reaction, and fibrosis than AAV-FGF15, while GSK was largely ineffective. The combined treatment reduced bile acid pool by ∼80% compared to ∼50% reduction by GSK or AAV-FGF15, and enriched tauro-conjugated ursodeoxycholic acid in the bile. Interestingly, the male Cyp2c70 KO mice treated with AAV-FGF15 or GSK showed attenuated cholangiopathy and portal fibrosis but the combined treatment was ineffective despite reducing bile acid pool. Both male and female Cyp2c70 KO mice showed impaired gut barrier integrity. AAV-FGF15 and the combined treatment, but not GSK, reduced gut exposure to lithocholic acid and improved gut barrier function. In conclusion, the combined treatment improved therapeutic efficacy against cholangiopathy than either single treatment in the female but not male Cyp2c70 KO mice by reducing bile acid pool size and hydrophobicity.

17α-estradiol, a lifespan-extending compound, attenuates liver fibrosis by modulating collagen turnover rates in male mice

Estrogen signaling is protective against chronic liver diseases, although men and a subset of women are contraindicated for chronic treatment with 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) or combination hormone replacement therapies. We sought to determine if 17α-estradiol (17α-E2), a naturally occurring diastereomer of 17β-E2, could attenuate liver fibrosis. We evaluated the effects of 17α-E2 treatment on collagen synthesis and degradation rates using tracer-based labeling approaches in male mice subjected to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. We also assessed the effects of 17α-E2 on markers of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, collagen cross-linking, collagen degradation, and liver macrophage content and polarity. We found that 17α-E2 significantly reduced collagen synthesis rates and increased collagen degradation rates, which was mirrored by declines in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) protein content in liver. These improvements were associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) activity and suppressed stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) protein levels, the latter of which has been linked to the resolution of liver fibrosis. We also found that 17α-E2 increased liver fetuin-A protein, a strong inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling, and reduced proinflammatory macrophage activation and cytokines expression in the liver. We conclude that 17α-E2 reduces fibrotic burden by suppressing HSC activation and enhancing collagen degradation mechanisms. Future studies will be needed to determine if 17α-E2 acts directly in hepatocytes, HSCs, and/or immune cells to elicit these benefits.

A 2-bp deletion in intron 1 of TMEM182 is associated with TMEM182 mRNA expression and chicken body weight

1. Searching for molecular markers related to growth and carcase traits plays a critical role in improvement of the production performance of broilers. Previous studies found that transmembrane protein 182 (TMEM182) inhibits skeletal muscle development, growth, and regeneration, implying that the TMEM182 gene plays an important role during the development process of skeletal muscle.2. A novel 2-bp indel in intron 1 of TMEM182 was detected in a yellow chicken population derived from the cross of White Recessive Rock chickens with Xinghua chickens, and three genotypes II (inserted homozygote), ID (inserted and deleted heterozygote) and DD (deleted homozygote) were observed. Association analyses indicated that the indel was significantly associated with the body weight, muscle fibre area, breast muscle weight and wing weight in the F2 population.3. The expression of TMEM182 in leg muscle of chickens with II genotype was higher than that with DD genotype, with the 2-bp indel located in one of the putative PAX4 binding sites. Further research through luciferase assays revealed that the PAX4 could bind to the putative binding site and increase the TMEM182 transcription, with the 2-bp deletion disrupting the binding of PAX4.4. The present study provides evidence for the association of the novel 2-bp indel in intron 1 of TMEM182 with the growth and carcase traits of chickens. This 2-bp indel could be used as a genetic marker in broiler breeding.

Effect of high-energy and/or high-protein feeding in children with congenital heart disease after cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

High-energy or high-protein feeding offers a promising approach to improving malnutrition in children after congenital heart surgery. However, the effect of high-energy or high-protein feeding in this population has not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of high-energy or high-protein feeding in children after congenital heart surgery. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Scopus) were searched from inception to April 23, 2022. After screening the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, a risk of bias assessment was performed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system. Finally, the random effects model was used to perform a meta-analysis of all data. A total of 609 subjects from 9 studies were included for qualitative analysis, and meta-analyses were performed on data from 8 of these studies. The results showed that high-energy and/or high-protein feeding did not increase feeding intolerance (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.48) or fluid intake (MD =  - 12.50 ml/kg/d, 95% CI: - 36.10, 11.10); however, the intervention was beneficial in increasing weight (MD = 0.5 kg, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.77) and reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD =  - 17.45 h, 95% CI: - 27.30, - 7.60), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD =  - 1.45 days, 95% CI: - 2.36, - 0.54) and hospital stay (MD =  - 2.82 days, 95% CI: - 5.22, - 0.43). However, high-energy and/or protein feeding did not reduce the infection rate (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.87) or mortality (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.47, 4.82).

CONCLUSION

The certainty of the evidence was graded as moderate to high, which suggests that high-energy and/or high-protein feeding may be safe in children after congenital heart surgery. Furthermore, this intervention improves nutrition and reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and length of hospital stay. However, the overall conclusion of this meta-analysis will need to be confirmed in a cohort of patients with different cardiac physiologies.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Malnutrition is highly prevalent in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and can negatively affect the prognosis of these children. • High-energy and/or high-protein feeding can improve nutrition status and facilitate recovery; however, evidence on its safety and efficacy is lacking.

WHAT IS NEW

• Pooled data suggest that high-energy and/or high-protein feeding does not increase fluid intake or feeding intolerance in children with CHD. • High-energy and/or high-protein feeding may reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay.

Transmutation of MAs and LLFPs with a lead-cooled fast reactor

The management of nuclear wastes has long been a problem that hinders the sustainable and clean utilization of nuclear energy since the advent of nuclear power. These nuclear wastes include minor actinides (MAs: ²³⁷Np, ²⁴¹Am, ²⁴³Am, ²⁴⁴Cm and ²⁴⁵Cm) and long-lived fission products (LLFPs: ⁷⁹Se, ⁹³Zr, ⁹⁹Tc, ¹⁰⁷Pd, ¹²⁹I and ¹³⁵Cs), and yet are hard to be handled. In this work, we propose a scheme that can transmute almost all the MAs and LLFPs with a lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR). In this scheme, the MAs and the LLFPs are loaded to the fuel assembly and the blanket assembly for transmutation, respectively. In order to study the effect of MAs loading on the operation of the core, the neutron flux distribution, spectra, and the k_eff are further compared with and without MAs loading. Then the LLFPs composition is optimized and the support ratio is obtained to be 1.22 for ²³⁷Np, 1.63 for ²⁴¹Am, 1.27 for ²⁴³Am, 1.32 for ⁷⁹Se, 1.53 for ⁹⁹Tc, 1.02 for ¹⁰⁷Pd, and 1.12 for ¹²⁹I, respectively, indicating that a self-sustained transmutation can be achieved. Accordingly, the transmutation rate of these nuclides was 13.07%/y for ²³⁷Np, 15.18%/y for ²⁴¹Am, 13.34%/y for ²⁴³Am, 0.58%/y for ⁷⁹Se, 0.92%/y for ⁹⁹Tc, 1.17%/y for ¹⁰⁷Pd, 0.56%/y for ¹²⁹I. Our results show that a lead-cooled fast reactor can be potentially used to manage nuclear wastes with high levels of long-lived radioactivity.

Hydrogen-induced phase stability and phonon mediated-superconductivity in two-dimensional van der Waals Ti2C MXene monolayer

Herein, we report the phase stability of the hydrogenated Ti₂C MXene monolayer using an evolutionary algorithm based on density functional theory. We predict the existence of hexagonal Ti₂CH, Ti₂CH₂, and Ti₂CH₄. The dynamic and energetic stabilities of the predicted structures are verified through phonon dispersion and formation energy, respectively. The electron-phonon coupling is carefully investigated by employing isotropic Eliashberg theory. The T_c values are 0.2 K, 2.3 K, and 9.0 K for Ti₂CH, Ti₂CH₂, and Ti₂CH₄, respectively. The translation and libration adopted by stretch and bent vibrations contribute to the increasing T_c of Ti₂CH₄. The high-frequency hydrogen modes contribute to the critical temperature increase. Briefly, this work not only highlights the effect of H-content on the increments of T_c for Ti₂CH_x, but also demonstrates the first theoretical evidence of the existence of H-rich MXene in the example of Ti₂CH₄. Therefore, it potentially provides a guideline for developing hydrogenated 2D superconductive applications.

Porcine antibody profiles of 33 Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae fusion proteins from M. hyopneumoniae natural infection but not vaccination

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the primary pathogen responsible for porcine enzootic pneumonia, reduces average daily weight gain and causes substantial economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. Vaccination is the most common strategy to control this disease but offers partial protection. Therefore, developing next-generation vaccines by screening protective antigens is crucial.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibody response to 33 recombinant proteins in pigs naturally infected with M. hyopneumoniae.

METHODS

The genes encoding 33 (hypothetical) membrane proteins or secretory proteins were ligated into pGEX-6P-1, pGEX-6P-2, pGEX-5X-3 or pGEX-4T-3 vectors and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) or E. coli XL-1 Blue to construct recombinant bacteria and to express the recombinant proteins. The recombinant bacteria expressing the target proteins reacted with porcine convalescent sera and negative sera to screen immunodominant proteins by ELISA. Then, recombinant bacteria expressing immunodominant proteins were used to identify the discriminating immunodominant proteins that were recognised by convalescent sera nut not hyperimmune sera.

RESULTS

All recombinant bacteria could express the target recombinant proteins in soluble form. Twenty-one proteins were shown to present immunodominant antigens, and four proteins were not recognised by convalescent sera. Moreover, six proteins were considered discriminating and reacted with convalescent sera but not with hyperimmune sera.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified immunodominant proteins were antigenic and expressed during bacterial infection, suggesting that these proteins, especially those capable of discriminating between sera, can be used to identify protective antigens with the view to develop more effective vaccines against M. hyopneumoniae infection.

[Analysis of the current status of needle and syringe exchange programmes for injecting drug users in China]

Objective: To analyze the needle and syringe exchange programme (NSEP) implementation among injecting drug users (IDUs) in China and provide data support and a scientific reference for intervention among IDUs. Methods: All the statistical reports of high-risk behavior interventions during 2007-2021 were collected from the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the changes in the number of NSEP points, regional distribution of NSEP points, the number of people covered, and the HIV detection rate in China from 2007 to 2021. Excel 2016 software was used to plot the variation trend. SAS 9.4 software was used for the needle recovery and HIV-positive detection rate to do the χ² trend test. Results: There were 578 NSEP sites in 11 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) by the end of 2021, covering 21 215 IDUs. 2014-2021, the number of NSEP sites and the number of IDUs covered decreased year by year. Each injecting drug user participating in NSEP received more than 200 clean needles annually. The needle recovery rate showed an increasing trend(Z=170.26, P<0.001) from 2009 to 2016 but showed a decreasing trend (Z=-91.96, P<0.001) from 2016 to 2021. The rate of HIV-positive in IDUs participating in NSEP showed a downward trend (Z=-66.53, P<0.001), which decreased from 5.8% (2 709/46 591) in 2011 to 0.1% (19/21 215) in 2021, decreasing 98.3%. Conclusions: NSEP is a vital intervention to prevent HIV transmission through injecting drugs. There were still many difficulties. It is necessary to strengthen further communication and coordination with government and public security departments to understand and support for NSEP. Targeted publicity and education are needed to be carried out for local IDUs to encourage them to participate in NSEP and reduce their dropout. Meanwhile, peer educators supervision and management also need to be strengthened.

Frontotemporal phase lag index correlates with seizure severity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Objectives

To find the brain network indicators correlated with the seizure severity in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by graph theory analysis.

Methods

We enrolled 151 patients with TLE and 36 age- and sex-matched controls with video-EEG monitoring. The 90-s interictal EEG data were acquired. We adopted a network analyzing pipeline based on graph theory to quantify and localize their functional networks, including weighted classical network, minimum spanning tree, community structure, and LORETA. The seizure severities were evaluated using the seizure frequency, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and VA-2 scores.

Results

Our network analysis pipeline showed ipsilateral frontotemporal activation in patients with TLE. The frontotemporal phase lag index (PLI) values increased in the theta band (4–7 Hz), which were elevated in patients with higher seizure severities (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the VA-2 scores were independently correlated with frontotemporal PLI values in the theta band (β = 0.259, P = 0.001) and age of onset (β = −0.215, P = 0.007).

Significance

This study illustrated that the frontotemporal PLI in the theta band independently correlated with seizure severity in patients with TLE. Our network analysis provided an accessible approach to guide the treatment strategy in routine clinical practice.

6-Shogaol protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury in rats through attenutating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and activating nuclear respiratory factor-2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway

The current study investigated the preventive effect of 6-Shogaol on isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO)-induced myocardial cardiac injury. 6-Shogaol (50 mg/kg b.w.) was administered for 14 days at pretreatment and ISO-induction (85 mg/kg b.w.) for the last two days (13th and 14th days) by subcutaneous injection. Cardiac markers in serum like creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponins T (cTn T) and I (cTn I) increased in ISO-induced rats. Moreover, lipid peroxidative markers like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were raised, and the activities/level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were diminished in ISO-treated heart tissue. In addition, inflammatory and nuclear respiratory factor (Nrf)-2 signalling molecules were upregulated in ISO-induced ischemic rats. 6-Shogaol pretreatment decreased the activities of cardiac and lipid peroxidative markers and enhanced the antioxidant status in ISO-induced cardiac injury rats. Further, 6-Shogaol pretreatment inhibited serum inflammatory markers: tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), Nrf-2 molecule and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in ISO-induced cardial damage rats. We noticed the effect of 6-Shogaol inhibited pro-apoptotic genes like B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Fas, caspase-3, -8, -9, cytochrome C, and inflammatory genes and increased Bcl-2 expression in ISO-treated rats. The cardioprotective activity of 6-Shogaol in rats with ISO-induced myocardial damage may be due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, perhaps via the Nrf-2/HO-1 signalling pathway.

miR-130b/301b Is a Negative Regulator of Beige Adipogenesis and Energy Metabolism In Vitro and In Vivo

Thermogenic brown or beige adipocytes dissipate energy in the form of heat and thereby counteract obesity and related metabolic complications. The miRNA cluster miR-130b/301b is highly expressed in adipose tissues and has been implicated in metabolic diseases as a posttranscriptional regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. We investigated the roles of miR-130b/301b in regulating beige adipogenesis in vivo and in vitro. miR-130b/301b declined in adipose progenitor cells during beige adipogenesis, while forced overexpression of miR-130b-3p or miR-301b-3p suppressed uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitochondrial respiration, suggesting that a decline in miR-130b-3p or miR-301b-3p is required for adipocyte precursors to develop the beige phenotype. Mechanistically, miR-130b/301b directly targeted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα1) and suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α), key regulators of brown adipogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Mice lacking the miR-130b/301b miRNA cluster showed reduced visceral adiposity and less weight gain. miR-130b/301b null mice exhibited improved glucose tolerance, increased UCP1 and AMPK activation in subcutaneous fat (inguinal white adipose tissue [iWAT]), and increased response to cold-induced energy expenditure. Together, these data identify the miR-130b/301b cluster as a new regulator that suppresses beige adipogenesis involving PGC-1α and AMPK signaling in iWAT and is therefore a potential therapeutic target against obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Quality and efficiency of a standardized e-handover system for pediatric nursing: A prospective interventional study

AIM

This study examined the effect on pediatric nursing handover quality and efficiency when a standardized e-handover system was implemented.

BACKGROUND

Handover quality is an important aspect of nursing quality management; however, handover quality among nursing staff is poor.

METHODS

A prospective interventional study was carried out in a general pediatrics ward from December 2019 to November 2020. The tools included a standardized e-handover system. The intervention strategies included workflow remodeling and employee training on oral handover using the standardized e-handover system.

RESULTS

The omission frequency of critical handover elements decreased from 47.32% to 2.94% (p < .01), among which the omission frequencies of nine out of 16 key elements significantly decreased. Integrity also showed improvement. Specifically, the integrity of five types of critical information was significantly improved, including vital signs, signs and symptoms, laboratory test results, radiologic examination results, and treatment regimen (2.00 vs. 5.00, p < .01; 3.00 vs. 5.00, p < .01; 3.00 vs. 5.00, p < .01; 5.00 vs. 5.00, p = .009; 3.00 vs. 4.00, p < .01, respectively). Information accuracy was 100%. Workflow and efficiency significantly improved, communication duration with patient/family during work hours significantly increased (24.00 vs. 56.00, p < .01), and prehandover preparation duration significantly decreased (32.00 vs. 2.50, p < .01). Nurse handover satisfaction showed improvement (56.88 ± 15.08 vs. 74.31 ± 9.22, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The standardized e-handover system effectively improved nurse handover quality, optimized workflow, increased work efficiency, and promoted teamwork.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Standardized e-handover systems have great potential for ensuring the safety of pediatric patients and improving the quality of handover.

Acetyl-Coenzyme A Synthetase 2 Potentiates Macropinocytosis and Muscle Wasting Through Metabolic Reprogramming in Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Rapid deconditioning, also called cachexia, and metabolic reprogramming are two hallmarks of pancreatic cancer. Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) is an acetyl-enzyme A synthetase that contributes to lipid synthesis and epigenetic reprogramming. However, the role of ACSS2 on the nonselective macropinocytosis and cancer cachexia in pancreatic cancer remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that ACSS2 potentiates macropinocytosis and muscle wasting through metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Clinical significance of ACSS2 was analyzed using samples from patients with pancreatic cancer. ACSS2-knockout cells were established using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 system. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from genetically engineered mouse models was analyzed. The macropinocytotic index was evaluated by dextran uptake assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to validate transcriptional activation. ACSS2-mediated tumor progression and muscle wasting were examined in orthotopic xenograft models.

RESULTS

Metabolic stress induced ACSS2 expression, which is associated with worse prognosis in pancreatic cancer. ACSS2 knockout significantly suppressed cell proliferation in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models. Macropinocytosis-associated genes are upregulated in tumor tissues and are correlated with worse prognosis. ACSS2 knockout inhibited macropinocytosis. We identified Zrt- and Irt-like protein 4 (ZIP4) as a downstream target of ACSS2, and knockdown of ZIP4 reversed ACSS2-induced macropinocytosis. ACSS2 upregulated ZIP4 through ETV4-mediated transcriptional activation. ZIP4 induces macropinocytosis through cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein-activated syndecan 1 (SDC1) and dynamin 2 (DNM2). Meanwhile, ZIP4 drives muscle wasting and cachexia via glycogen synthase kinase-β (GSK3β)-mediated secretion of tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 10 (TRAIL or TNFSF10). ACSS2 knockout attenuated muscle wasting and extended survival in orthotopic mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

ACSS2-mediated metabolic reprogramming activates the ZIP4 pathway, and promotes macropinocytosis via SDC1/DNM2 and drives muscle wasting through the GSK3β/TRAIL axis, which potentially provides additional nutrients for macropinocytosis in pancreatic cancer.

Effects of hepatitis B vaccination on hepatitis B surface antigen in neonates and its change in vivo

Background

Vaccination is effective to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, there is still a risk of infection after vaccination. In clinical work, we found that newborns were positive for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) after vaccination.

Objectives

To determine the effect of hepatitis B vaccination on the detection of HBsAg trend in newborns.

Methods

We collected data at birth, history of vaccination for hepatitis B, quantitative HBsAg results, and other information about newborns born in our hospital from July 2017 to July 2020. Serum samples from healthy neonates were randomly selected to be supplemented with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine on a concentration gradient, and HBsAg was measured quantitatively.

Results

Data from 1417 neonates were included in the study; 306 (21.6%) were HBsAg positive within 8 d after vaccination, with levels ranging from 0.104 IU/mL to 0.339 IU/mL. The proportion of neonates with HBsAg-positive serum was significantly correlated with the level of hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) in the serum of their mothers (P < 0.01). Experiments in vitro showed that the proportion of neonates with HBsAg-positive serum was correlated with the dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, and when the concentration of the hepatitis B vaccine reached 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, the serum HBsAg levels showed a significant negative correlation with the original concentration of serum anti-HBs.

Conclusions

Hepatitis B vaccination can affect the level of HBsAg detected in neonatal serum, and the effect could be mitigated by delaying the measurement. Moreover, maternal anti-HBs offset the effects of neonatal vaccination on HBsAg serum levels.

What is the postoperative nutrition intake in children with congenital heart disease? A single-center analysis in China

BACKGROUND

It is common that inadequate nutritional intake happens in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), which can adversely affect the prognosis of patients. However, the details and reasons are not clear enough so far. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the current nutritional requirements and energy intake on days 1-7 in the cardiac intensive care unit after surgery. Our secondary aim was to investigate potential factors that hinder nutritional supply and to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) based on two methods, the Fick method and the Schofield equation.

METHODS

Using retrospective analysis, we collected data from postoperative children with CHD at a children's hospital in Shanghai, China. We used the Fick method to calculate the REE, and compare the results with the actual enteral nutrition intake. Meanwhile, we recorded the initiation time of enteral nutrition, feeding intolerance, unfinished milk volume, etc. Then the correlation between the results of the Fick method and the equation method was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients were included, with a median age of 22 months (IQR 4.9, 57.3), and a median Aristotle basic complexity score of 8 (IQR 6.0, 9.8). The time interval for surgical intervention within 7 days after operation was 4 (IQR 2.5, 6). No statistical difference in REE on postoperative days 1-7. The average enteral nutrition energy provided 64.6 (33.6, 79.6)% of the REE, which showed a significant decrease on postoperative day 4, and then reached its lowest on postoperative day 5. The protein supply was 0.7 ± 0.3 kcal/kg/d. In addition, the REE calculated by the Fick method was moderately correlated with that estimated by the equation (r = 0.467, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The energy and protein supply in the acute postoperative period in children with CHD is inadequate. Fluid restriction and fasting may be the main causes. In addition, there is a moderate correlation between the REE calculated by the Fick method and that estimated by the equation.

Senolytic treatment reduces cell senescence and necroptosis in Sod1 knockout mice that is associated with reduced inflammation and hepatocellular carcinoma

The goal of this study was to test the role cellular senescence plays in the increased inflammation, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma seen in mice null for Cu/Zn-Superoxide dismutase (Sod1KO). To inhibit senescence, wildtype (WT) and Sod1KO mice were given the senolytics, dasatinib, and quercetin (D + Q) at 6 months of age when the Sod1KO mice begin exhibiting signs of accelerated aging. Seven months of D + Q treatment reduced the expression of p16 in the livers of Sod1KO mice to WT levels and the expression of several senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors (IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL-1, and GDF-15). D + Q treatment also reduced markers of inflammation in livers of the Sod1KO mice, for example, cytokines, chemokines, macrophage levels, and Kupffer cell clusters. D + Q treatment had no effect on various markers of liver fibrosis in the Sod1KO mice but reduced the expression of genes involved in liver cancer and dramatically reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Surprisingly, D + Q also reduced markers of necroptosis (phosphorylated and oligomerized MLKL) in the Sod1KO mice to WT levels. We also found that inhibiting necroptosis in the Sod1KO mice with necrostatin-1s reduced the markers of cellular senescence (p16, p21, and p53). Our study suggests that an interaction occurs between cellular senescence and necroptosis in the liver of Sod1KO mice. We propose that these two cell fates interact through a positive feedback loop resulting in a cycle amplifying both cellular senescence and necroptosis leading to inflammaging and age-associated pathology in the Sod1KO mice.

Circular RNA ANAPC7 Inhibits Tumor Growth and Muscle Wasting via PHLPP2-AKT-TGF-β Signaling Axis in Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatic cancer has the highest prevalence of cancer-associated cachexia among all cancers. ZIP4 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by regulating oncogenic miR-373, and perturbation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is associated with cancer aggressiveness. This study aimed to identify circRNAs involved in ZIP4/miR-373-driven cancer growth and cachexia and decipher the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Differentially expressed circRNAs and potential targets of microRNA were identified through in silico analysis. The RNA interactions were determined by means of biotinylated microRNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. The function of circRNA in ZIP4-miR-373 signaling axis were examined in human pancreatic cancer cells, 3-dimensional spheroids and organoids, mouse models, and clinical specimens. Mouse skeletal muscles were analyzed by means of histology.

RESULTS

We identified circANAPC7 as a sponge for miR-373, which inhibited tumor growth and muscle wasting in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that PHLPP2 is a downstream target of ZIP4/miR-373. CircANAPC7 functions through PHLPP2-mediated dephosphorylation of AKT, thus suppressing cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating cyclin D1 and inhibiting muscle wasting via decreasing the secretion of transforming growth factor-β through STAT5. We further demonstrated that PHLPP2 induced dephosphorylation of CREB, a zinc-dependent transcription factor activated by ZIP4, thereby forming a CREB-miR-373-PHLPP2 feed-forward loop to regulate tumor progression and cancer cachexia.

CONCLUSION

This study identified circANAPC7 as a novel tumor suppressor, which functions through the CREB-miR-373-PHLPP2 axis, leading to AKT dephosphorylation, and cyclin D1 and transforming growth factor-β down-regulation to suppress tumor growth and muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer.

P371 1 YEAR OUTCOME OF BICARBON AORTIC MECHANICAL VALVE IN LOW–INR REGIMEN: RESULTS FROM SURE–AVR REGISTRY

Background

The drawback of using mechanical valve is lifelong anticoagulation use, and close monitoring is required to prevent postoperative complications, including thromboembolism and anticoagulation–related bleeding. Moderate anticoagulation after mechanical heart valve replacement has been proposed to reduce these risks. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of reduced oral anticoagulation after Bicarbon aortic mechanical valve replacement.

Methods

SURE–AVR is a propsective, multinational registry of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Between July 2018 and October 2020, among subjects undergoing AVR with Bicarbon valve in the SURE–AVR registry, 108 were assigned at discharge to low–INr regimen (international normalized ratio 1.5–2.5). Mean INr at discharge was 1.8+/–0.5 and 2.2+/–0.4 at 1 year. in–hospital and post–discharge outcomes up to 1 years were collected. The mean age was 55.5 +/–10.6 years old (range 25–82). Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting (14.6%), mitral valve procedure (3.7%) and myectomy (1.9%). The follow–up duration averaged 1 year (361.8 +/– 258 days).

Results

No bleeding events were reported in the late follow up. The low–INR regimen did not affect the thromboembolism rates, since no stroke or transient ischemic attack were reported post–operatively at each time point. No in–hospital or late deaths were reported among the 108 subjects analyzed. In the early period (&lt;30 days), three reinterventions occurred: two because of postoperative bleeding requiring thoracotomy and one due to pericardial effusion. In the late postoperative period two reinterventions with device explant occurred (one for non–structural valve dysfunction and one for endocarditis (1.2%).

Conclusion

The results of the SURE–AVr Registry demonstrated that the proposed Lower–INR Target is safe and feasible after Bicarbon aortic mechanical valve replacement. The low–intensity anticoagulation strategy is associated with a low risk of hemorrhagic events without any increase of thromboembolic complications.

Toxicity Assessment of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles upon Intravenous Injection in Mice: Implications for Drug Delivery

Nanoparticles are popular tools utilized to selectively deliver drugs and contrast agents for identification and treatment of disease. To determine the usefulness and translational potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), further evaluations of toxicity are required. MSNs are among the most utilized nano-delivery systems due to ease of synthesis, pore structure, and functionalization. This study aims to elucidate toxicity as a result of intravenous injection of 25 nm MSNs coated with chitosan (C) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mice. Following acute and chronic injections, blood was evaluated for standard blood chemistry and complete blood count analyses. Blood chemistry results primarily indicated that no abnormalities were present following acute or chronic injections of MSNs, or C/PEG-coated MSNs. After four weekly administered treatments, vital organs showed minor exacerbation of pre-existing lesions in the 35KPEG-MSN and moderate exacerbation of pre-existing lesions in uncoated MSN and 2KPEG-MSN treatment groups. In contrast, C-MSN treatment groups had minimal changes compared to controls. This study suggests 25 nm MSNs coated with chitosan should elicit minimal toxicity when administered as either single or multiple intravenous injections, but MSNs coated with PEG, especially 2KPEG may exacerbate pre-existing vascular conditions. Further studies should evaluate varying sizes and types of nanoparticles to provide a better overall understanding on the relation between nanoparticles and in vivo toxicity.

Expression and Potential Prognostic Value of SOX9, MCL-1 and SPOCK1 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Gastric cancer is a common malignancy and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, though its incidence is in decline in most developed countries. One of the major challenges of treating gastric cancer is tumor heterogeneity, which portends a high degree of prognostic variance and the necessity for different treatment modalities. Tumor heterogeneity is at least in part due to divergent differentiation of tumor cells to clones harboring different molecular alterations. Here we studied the expression of emerging prognostic markers SOX9, MCL-1, and SPOCK1 (Testican-1) in a cohort of gastric cancer by immunohistochemistry and investigated how individual biomarkers and their combinations predict disease prognosis. We found frequent expression of SPOCK1 (in both nuclei and cytoplasm), MCL-1 and SOX9 in gastric cancer. In univariate analysis, nuclear SPOCK1 expression and pathologic TNM stage were negative prognostic markers in this cohort. In multivariate analysis, SOX9 expression stood out as a predictor of poor prognosis. Further subgroup analysis suggested prognostic value of SOX9 expression in poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. MCL-1 showed no prognostic role in this cohort.

Transmutation of long-lived fission products in an advanced nuclear energy system

Disposal of long-lived fission products (LLFPs) produced in reactors has been paid a lot attention for sustainable and clean nuclear energy. Although a few transmutation means have been proposed to address this issue, there are still scientific and/or engineering challenges to achieve efficient transmutation of LLFPs. In this study, we propose a novel concept of advanced nuclear energy system (ANES) for transmuting LLFPs efficiently without isotopic separation. The ANES comprises intense photoneutron source (PNS) and subcritical reactor, which consist of lead–bismuth (Pb-Bi) layer, beryllium (Be) layer, and fuel, LLFPs and shield assemblies. The PNS is produced by bombarding radioactive cesium and iodine target with a laser-Compton scattering (LCS) γ-ray beam. We investigate the effect of the ANES system layout on transmutation efficiency by Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that a proper combination of the Pb-Bi layer and the Be layer can increase the utilization efficiency of the PNS by a factor of ~ 10, which helps to decrease by almost the same factor the LCS γ-beam intensity required for driving the ANES. Supposing that the ANES operates over 20 years at a normal thermal power of 500 MWt, five LLFPs including ⁹⁹Tc, ¹²⁹I, ¹⁰⁷Pd, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁷⁹Se could be transmuted by more than 30%. Their effective half-lives thus decrease drastically from ~ 10⁶ to less than 10² years. It is suggested that this successful implementation of the ANES paves the avenue towards practical transmutation of LLFPs without isotopic separation.

[Chronic cough in China: progress and perspectives]

Great progress has been made in regard of mechanism, etiological diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough since the beginning of the 20th century, and Chinese guidelines of diagnosis, management of cough was developed. Moreover, Chinese experts also participated in the formulation of international cough guidelines. Through the promotion of the guidelines, the level of diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough has been significantly improved in China. In the future, we should strengthen the studies on the epidemiology of chronic cough, the central regulation of chronic cough, and the treatment of refractory chronic cough, and promote the cough guidelines in primary community hospitals.

Therapeutic Effects of Small Incision Open Reduction and Internal Fixation and Arthroscopic High Strength Non-Absorbable Suture on Tibial Insertion Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the therapeutic effects of small incision open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture on tibial insertion avulsion fracture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospectively study, 72 patients with ACL tibial insertion avulsion fracture treated from December 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled and divided into group A (treated with small incision open reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation) and group B (treated with arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture) using a random number table (n=36). Their general data, surgical indices and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions were compared. Knee function indices were compared before and after treatment, and evaluated by random walk model. RESULTS No significant differences were found in the general data, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, knee range of motion and difference of bilateral tibial forward displacement distance, and total incidence rate of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Group B had significantly longer operation time, and significantly shorter hospital stay, time of first ambulation after operation and bone healing time than group A (P<0.05). Both groups had improved Lysholm score, IKDC score, Tegner score and knee range of motion after treatment, especially in group B (P<0.05). The difference of bilateral tibial forward displacement distance significantly reduced in both groups after treatment, particularly in group B (P<0.05). The random walk model revealed that group B had better improvement of knee function than group A. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture in the treatment of ACL tibial insertion avulsion fracture can dramatically improve the knee function indices of patients, with rapid recovery and high safety, so it has a broad prospect of clinical application. Key words: small incision open reduction and internal fixation, arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture, tibial insertion avulsion fracture, anterior cruciate ligament, random walk model.

Alveolar Bone Marrow Gli1+ Stem Cells Support Implant Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the key issue for implant success. The in vivo properties of cell populations driving the osseointegration process have remained largely unknown. In the current study, using tissue clearing-based 3-dimensional imaging and transgenic mouse model-based lineage tracing methods, we identified Gli1+ cells within alveolar bone marrow and their progeny as the cell population participating in extraction socket healing and implant osseointegration. These Gli1⁺ cells are surrounding blood vessels and do not express lineage differentiation markers. After tooth extraction and delayed placement of a dental implant, Gli1⁺ cells were activated into proliferation, and their descendants contributed significantly to new bone formation. Ablation of Gli1⁺ cells severely compromised the healing and osseointegration processes. Blockage of canonical Wnt signaling resulted in impaired recruitment of Gli1⁺ cells and compromised bone healing surrounding implants. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Gli1⁺ cells surrounding alveolar bone marrow vasculature are stem cells supporting dental implant osseointegration. Canonical Wnt signal plays critical roles in regulating Gli1⁺ stem cells.

High-Energy Enteral Nutrition in Infants After Complex Congenital Heart Surgery

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is common in complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of early initiation of high-energy enteral nutrition (EN) with regular energy EN in infants after surgery for CCHD.

METHODS

This is a subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) which was conducted in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) of the largest pediatric heart center in China. Eighty children with CCHD after surgery were from two groups, the intervention group (n = 40) was given high-energy EN and the control group (n = 40) was given regular energy EN. We analyzed the effects of the two interventions on outcomes such as caloric attainment rate, gastrointestinal intolerance, duration of mechanical ventilation, and anthropometry at discharge.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the daily milk intake between the two groups, but the calorie intake (50.2 vs. 33.4, P < 0.001), protein intake (1.1 vs. 0.9, P < 0.001) and caloric attainment rate were higher in the intervention group (77.5 vs. 45.0%, P = 0.003). In addition, the incidence of pneumonia (P = 0.003) and duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.008) were less in the intervention group, and biceps circumference and triceps skinfold thickness at hospital discharge were greater than those in the control group (P < 0.001). We have not found statistical differences in gastrointestinal intolerance, glycemic fluctuations, incidence of pressure ulcers, length of CICU stay and postoperative hospital days between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Early initiation of high-energy EN may be safe and effective in infants after complex cardiac surgery. Low doses high-energy EN did not increase gastrointestinal intolerance or glycemic fluctuations and also improved post-operative nutrition by increasing caloric and protein intake without increasing fluid intake.

Self-doping synthesis of iodine–carbon quantum dots for sensitive detection of Fe(iii) and cellular imaging

Iodine-doped carbon quantum dots (I-CQDs) were synthesized via p-iodobenzoic acid self-doping for the detection of ferric ions (Fe3+) and cell imaging.

[Differential on N6-methyladenosine modification of circRNA in early inflammation of silicosis]

Objective: To explore the difference of methylation of circRNA related m6A in early inflammation of silicosis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of circRNA involved in the process of silicosis. Methods: The activation markers of macrophages were detected by Western blotting (WB) in THP-1-derived macrophages. The cell viability was detected with CCK8, by which the stimulation concentration and time of silica were determined. The methylation of total RNA was determined by colorimetry, and the expression of RNA m6A methylase, demethylase and reading protein were detected by Western blotting in mouse model of silicosis. The differential expression of m6A modified circRNA in lung tissues form silicosis and control mice was obtained through Arraystar m6A circRNA epigenetic transcriptome Chip and verified by RT-PCR. Results: The concentration of SiO(2) at 50 μg/cm(2) had the most significant effect on the activation markers and activity of macrophages. Compared with the control group, SiO(2) increased the total RNA m6A level of macrophages, and there were significant differences in the expression of methylase METTL3 and reading protein YTDHF3. High throughput sequencing analysis showed that compared with the control group, the methylation levels of 132 circRNA m6A in the lung of silicosis model mice were increased, while the methylation levels of 296 circRNA m6A were decreased, and then the target circSLC2A13 was screened based on the basic expression. Further verification showed that SiO(2) significantly increased the expression of circSLC2A13 and m6A modification in macrophages. Conclusion: The methylation of circRNA m6A is involved in the activation of macrophages in early inflammation of silicosis.

Upstream open reading frame with NOTCH2NLC GGC expansion generates polyglycine aggregates and disrupts nucleocytoplasmic transport: implications for polyglycine diseases

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is neurodegenerative disease characterized by widespread inclusions. Despite the identification of GGC repeat expansion in 5'UTR of NOTCH2NLC gene in adult-onset NIIDs, its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. Gain-of-function poly-amino-acid proteins generated by unconventional translation have been revealed in nucleotide repeat expansion disorders, inspiring us to explore the possibility of unconventional translation in NIID. Here we demonstrated that NOTCH2NLC 5'UTR triggers the translation of a polyglycine (polyG)-containing protein, N2NLCpolyG. N2NLCpolyG accumulates in p62-positive inclusions in cultured cells, mouse models, and NIID patient tissues with NOTCH2NLC GGC expansion. Translation of N2NLCpolyG is initiated by an upstream open reading frame (uORF) embedding the GGC repeats. N2NLCpolyG tends to aggregate with the increase of GGC repeat units, and displays phase separation properties. N2NLCpolyG aggregation impairs nuclear lamina and nucleocytoplasmic transport but does not necessarily cause acute death on neuronal cells. Our study suggests a similarity of pathogenic mechanisms between NIID and another GGC-repeat disease, fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome. These findings expand our knowledge of protein gain-of-function in NIID, and further highlight evidence for a novel spectrum of diseases caused by aberrant polyG protein aggregation, namely the polyG diseases.

266 The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Theatre Mortality, Time to Intervention and Length of Stay in the First Phase of National Lockdown at a District General Hospital

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the patient population requiring emergency surgery during the first phase of lockdown due to COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and compare it to the equivalent population in the same calendar period for 2019. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on emergency operations.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing surgery in emergency theatres at our district general hospital between March 23^rd and May 11^th in 2019 and 2020. Data collected included demographics (age/gender), National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) category and operation. The primary outcome was 90-day post-operative mortality; secondary outcomes included time to intervention and length of inpatient stay.

Results

132 (2020) versus 141 (2019) patients were included with no significant difference in age (p = 0.676) nor sex (p = 0.230). There was no difference in overall 90-day postoperative mortality (p = 0.196). Notably, time to intervention was faster for NCEPOD code 3 patients in 2020 than in 2019 (p = 0.027). Time to intervention in 2020 was longer for those dying within 90 days post-operatively compared to survivors (p = 0.02). There was no difference in length of stay between the years, both overall and when conducting subgroup analyses by NCEPOD category or procedures (fractured neck of femur (p = 0.776), laparoscopies (p = 0.866), laparotomies (p = 0.252)), except for upper limb trauma (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Patients were appropriately prioritised with no overall change in mortality or length of stay. A national validation audit assessing outcomes of emergency operations during these challenging times would further elucidate risks posed to surgical patients requiring urgent care.

Prospective evaluation of first-trimester screening strategy for preterm pre-eclampsia and its clinical applicability in China

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate, in a Chinese population, the performance of a screening strategy for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) using The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF)'s competing-risks model and to explore its clinical applicability in mainland China.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study including 10 899 women with singleton pregnancy who sought prenatal care at one of 13 hospitals, located in seven cities in mainland China, between 1 December 2017 and 30 December 2019. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and maternal serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were measured and converted into multiples of the median using Chinese reference ranges. Individualized risk for preterm PE was calculated using the FMF algorithm. Prior risk was calculated based on maternal demographic characteristics and obstetric history. We evaluated the efficiency of the screening strategy using various combinations of biomarkers and analyzed its predictive performance for a composite of placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes, including PE, placental abruption, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth, at fixed false-positive rates for preterm PE.

RESULTS

We identified 312 pregnancies that developed PE, of which 117 cases were diagnosed as preterm PE (< 37 weeks' gestation). There were 386 pregnancies complicated by severe composite placenta-associated adverse outcome, including preterm PE, 146 cases of severe SGA (birth weight < 3^rd percentile) neonate, 61 cases with placental abruption and 109 cases of early preterm birth < 34 gestational weeks. The triple-marker model containing biomarkers MAP, UtA-PI and PAPP-A achieved, at fixed false-positive rates of 10%, 15% and 20%, detection rates for preterm PE of 65.0%, 72.7% and 76.1%, respectively, and detection rates for severe composite placenta-associated adverse outcome of 34.7%, 41.7% and 46.4%, respectively. Replacing PAPP-A with PlGF or adding PlGF to the model did not improve the performance. Of women screening positive for preterm PE at a fixed 5% false-positive rate, an estimated 30% developed at least one placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcome, including PE, placental abruption, SGA (birth weight < 10^th percentile) and preterm birth < 37 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The FMF competing-risks model for preterm PE was found to be effective in screening a mainland Chinese population. Women who screened positive for preterm PE had increased risk for other placenta-associated pregnancy complications. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Genetic stress-reactivity, sex, and conditioning intensity affect stress-enhanced fear learning

The Stress-Enhanced Fear Learning (SEFL) model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reveals increased fear memory in animals exposed to stress prior to contextual fear conditioning (CFC), similar to the increased likelihood of developing PTSD in humans after prior stress. The present study utilized the SEFL model by exposing animals to restraint stress as the first stressor, followed by CFC using foot-shocks with 0.6 mA or 0.8 mA intensity. Adult males and females from the two nearly isogenic rat strains, the genetically more stress-reactive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) More Immobile (WMI), and the less stress-reactive WKY Less Immobile (WLI) were employed. Percent time spent freezing at acquisition and at recall differed between these strains in both prior stress and no stress conditions. The significant correlations between percent freezing at acquisition and at recall suggest that fear memory differences represent a true phenotype related to the stress-reactivity differences between the strains. This assumption is further substantiated by the lack of effect of either conditioning intensity on percent freezing in WLI males, while WMI males were affected by both intensities albeit with opposite directional changes after prior stress. Differences between the sexes in sensitivity to the two conditioning intensities became apparent by the opposite directional and inverse relationship between fear memory and the intensity of conditioning in WMI males and females. The present data also illustrate that although corticosterone (CORT) responses to prior stress are known to be necessary for SEFL, plasma CORT and percent freezing were positively correlated only in the stress less-reactive WLI strain. These differences in baseline fear acquisition, fear memory, and the percent freezing responses to the SEFL paradigm in the two genetically close inbred WMI and WLI strains provide a unique opportunity to study the genetic contribution to the variation in these phenotypes.

[Summary and prospect of early warning models and systems for infectious disease outbreaks]

This paper summarizes the basic principles and models of early warning for infectious disease outbreaks, introduces the early warning systems for infectious disease based on different data sources and their applications, and discusses the application potential of big data and their analysing techniques, which have been studied and used in the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic, including internet inquiry, social media, mobile positioning, in the early warning of infectious diseases in order to provide reference for the establishment of an intelligent early warning mechanism and platform for infectious diseases based on multi-source big data.