Bifunctional Ligand Enables Gold-Catalyzed Propargyl C-H Functionalization via Reactive Gold Allenylidene Intermediate

Gold allenylidene species have been seldom exploited as reactive intermediates in synthetically versatile catalytic reactions. By employing alkynylbenziodoxoles as the substrates and bifunctional WangPhos as the metal ligand, this work demonstrated ready catalytic access to these intermediates of general substitution patterns and their electrophilic reactivities at the γ-carbon center with a diverse range of nucleophiles. The reaction is driven by the reductive decomposition of the benziodoxole moiety and achieves the replacement of a propargylic proton with a N/O/C-based nucleophile, hence realizing reactivity umpolung. Corroborated by DFT calculations, the reaction mechanism involves a mild propargylic deprotonation. In contrast to prior works employing a tertiary amine functionality, A barely BrØnsted-basic amide group in WangPhos is surprisingly effective in deprotonation at the propargylic position under a gold-ligand cooperation regime.

In Silico Investigation of Palladium-Catalyzed Chemoselective Monoalkoxycarbonylation of 1,3-diynes for Conjugated Enynes Synthesis

The palladium-catalyzed monoalkoxycarbonylation of 1,3-diynes provides a chemoselective method for the construction of synthetically useful conjugated enynes. Here, in silico unraveling the detailed mechanism of this reaction and the origin of chemoselectivity were conducted. It is shown that the alkoxycarbonylation reaction preferably proceeds by a NH-Pd pathway, which including three substeps: hydropalladation, CO migratory insertion and methanolysis. The effectiveness of the NH-Pd catalytic system is attributed to the alkynyl-palladium π-back-bonding interaction, C-H⋅⋅⋅π interaction in reactant moiety and d-pπ conjugation between the Pd center and alkenyl group. The hydropalladation step was identified as the rate- and chemoselectivity-determining step, and the first alkoxycarbonylation requires a much lower energy barrier in comparison with the second alkoxycarbonylation, in line with the experimental outcomes that the monoalkoxycarbonylation product was obtained in high yield. Distortion-interaction analysis indicates the more favorable monoalkoxycarbonylation (compared to double alkoxycarbonylation) is caused by steric effect.

LSD1 inhibition suppresses ASCL1 and de-represses YAP1 to drive potent activity against neuroendocrine prostate cancer

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1 or KDM1A ) has emerged as a critical mediator of tumor progression in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Among mCRPC subtypes, neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an exceptionally aggressive variant driven by lineage plasticity, an adaptive resistance mechanism to androgen receptor axis-targeted therapies. Our study shows that LSD1 expression is elevated in NEPC and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Using genetic approaches, we validated the on-target effects of LSD1 inhibition across various models. We investigated the therapeutic potential of bomedemstat, an orally bioavailable, irreversible LSD1 inhibitor with low nanomolar potency. Our findings demonstrate potent antitumor activity against CRPC models, including tumor regressions in NEPC patient-derived xenografts. Mechanistically, our study uncovers that LSD1 inhibition suppresses the neuronal transcriptional program by downregulating ASCL1 through disrupting LSD1:INSM1 interactions and de-repressing YAP1 silencing. Our data support the clinical development of LSD1 inhibitors for treating CRPC - especially the aggressive NE phenotype.

Statement of Significance

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer presents a clinical challenge due to the lack of effective treatments. Our research demonstrates that bomedemstat, a potent and selective LSD1 inhibitor, effectively combats neuroendocrine prostate cancer by downregulating the ASCL1- dependent NE transcriptional program and re-expressing YAP1.

Multi-Institutional Analysis of Metastasis Directed Therapy with or without Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Oligometastatic Castration Sensitive Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Several prospective trials in oligometastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (omCSPC) have shown metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) can delay time to progression and initiation of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to observation. However, the optimal integration of ADT with MDT remains unclear. Here we report a multi-national, multi-institutional retrospective cohort of omCSPC treated with MDT to characterize the long-term outcomes of patients treated with MDT alone or in combination with ADT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with a controlled primary site and omCSPC (defined as ≤ 5 lesions on conventional imaging) treated with MDT with or without concurrent ADT and with at least 36 months follow-up were retrospectively screened across 13 institutions. The primary endpoints included biochemical progression free survival (bPFS) and radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and stratified by treatment group (MDT alone vs MDT + ADT). Multivariable Cox regression was performed adjusted for variables found to be prognostic on univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among 414 patients screened, a total of 263 patients treated between 2003 and 2018 met inclusion criteria and included. Of these, 105 received MDT alone and 158 received MDT+ADT, with median follow-up of 49.5 and 54.5 months, respectively. The majority were metachronous (90%) and had bone lesions (60%). Median ADT duration was 21.3 months (IQR 12.0- 31.9). Patients who received ADT vs. no ADT had poorer prognostic features including 23% vs. 1% synchronous (p<0.001), and 55% vs 40% Gleason 8-10 (p = 0.012). ADT use was associated with a better 5-year bPFS 24% vs 11% (p<0.0001) and rPFS 41% vs 29% (p<0.001). On multivariable Cox regression adjusting for post-MDT PSA nadir and salvage therapy, ADT use maintained significance for both bPFS (HR 0.51 (0.36, 0.71), p<0.001) and rPFS (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46-0.96, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Long-term outcomes with MDT alone suggest a small proportion of patients experience sustained disease control. The addition of ADT appears to improve rPFS, however prospective studies are needed in order to allow for personalization of care in patients with omCSPC.

[Distribution characteristics of plasma renin concentration in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma]

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of plasma renin concentration (PRC) in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and its impact on diagnosis. Methods: In this retrospective case series, clinical data from 200 patients with APA (80 men and 120 women; mean age 45.6 years) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2013 to January 2022 were evaluated. PRC was determined by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. The distribution characteristics of PRC were analyzed, and 8.2 mU/L was used as the low renin cutoff to evaluate whether renin was suppressed. Results: The median PRC was 1.6 mU/L (range, 0.4-41.5 mU/L). There were 116 patients with APA with PRC of ≤2 mU/L, 41 patients with 2<PRC≤4 mU/L. PRC was not suppressed (PRC>8.2 mU/L) in 8.0% (16/200) of the patients with APA. And PRC was not suppressed in 2.5% (5/200) of the patients with APA, resulting in a primary aldosteronism negative screening outcome. Conclusions: Although most patients with APA have low PRC, there are a small number (8%) of patients whose PRC has not been fully suppressed, which can lead to missed diagnoses during primary aldosteronism screening. While primary aldosteronism is highly suspected, further investigations are required to determine the diagnosis, even if PRC is not fully suppressed at screening.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization for the Synthesis of Fused Benzo-Aza-Oxa-[5-6-5] Tetracycles

A novel and expedient cascade strategy has been demonstrated for the synthesis of fused benzo-aza-oxa-[5-6-5] tetracycles in high yields and diastereoselectivities (up to 20 : 1 dr). The strategy was fulfilled through palladium-catalyzed oxidative convergent assembly of functionally divergent anilines and 3-butenoic acid with five chemical bonds constructed. Coupled with control experiments and deuterium labelled studies, DFT calculations were performed for the proposed mechanism. The utility of the illustrated strategy is emphasized by gram-scale syntheses, late-stage functionalization, and the transformation to a key core of natural products such as martinellic acid and seneciobipyrrolidine.

Effects of road and river networks on sediment connectivity in mountainous watersheds

Road and river networks in mountainous watersheds play an important role in transporting eroded sediments. However, the underlying transport mechanisms remain poorly understood, particularly in terms of how alterations to flow paths caused by road and river networks influence sediment connectivity. Therefore, using data from the Dongshuanghe (DSH) watershed in the Dabie Mountain in Central China, this study investigated the spatial relationships between road and river networks, analyzed the effects of road and river networks on the spatial distribution of sediment connectivity, and determined the primary factors influencing sediment connectivity. The primary factors were identified using the index of connectivity (IC), buffer analysis, a random forest (RF) model, and a geographical detector model (GDM). The results indicated that road and river networks were spatially closely associated: closer to rivers, the density of high-grade roads increased, while farther from road-river crossings, the length and density of rivers and high-grade roads decreased. Both road and river networks affected the IC. In particular, for permanent drainage lines or local sinks, the average value of IC_R (i.e., IC affected by road networks, -0.97) was higher than that of IC (-2.17). Thus, values of IC_R decreased substantially with increasing distance to the closest roads (R² = 0.73). However, beyond a threshold of 150 m, the effect of roads on IC_R gradually diminished. In addition, the structural characteristics of road networks, particularly slope (Road_S), had greater explanatory power for spatial variation in the IC_R. In conclusion, compared to the river networks, the effect of road networks on IC_R was more important, which was not only reflected in the spatial distribution of IC_R, but also in the factors influencing IC_R.

Axin2+ PDL Cells Directly Contribute to New Alveolar Bone Formation in Response to Orthodontic Tension Force

Wnt-β-catenin signaling plays a key role in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), a common clinical practice for malocclusion correction. However, its targeted periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitor cells remain largely unclear. In this study, we first showed a synchronized increase in Wnt-β-catenin levels and Axin2+ PDL progenitor cell numbers during OTM using immunostaining of β-catenin in wild-type mice and X-gal staining in the Axin2-LacZ knock-in line. Next, we demonstrated time-dependent increases in Axin2+ PDL progenitors and their progeny cell numbers within PDL and alveolar bones during OTM using a one-time tamoxifen-induced Axin2 tracing line (Axin2CreERT2/+; R26RtdTomato/+). Coimmunostaining images displayed both early and late bone markers (such as RUNX2 and DMP1) in the Axin2Lin PDL cells. Conversely, ablation of Axin2+ PDL cells via one-time tamoxifen-induced diphtheria toxin subunit A (DTA) led to a drastic decrease in osteogenic activity (as reflected by alkaline phosphatase) in PDL and alveolar bone. There was also a decrease in new bone mass and a significant reduction in the mineral apposition rate on both the control side (to a moderate degree) and the OTM side (to a severe degree). Thus, we conclude that the Axin2+ PDL cells (the Wnt-targeted key cells) are highly sensitive to orthodontic tension force and play a critical role in OTM-induced PDL expansion and alveolar bone formation. Future drug development targeting the Axin2+ PDL progenitor cells may accelerate alveolar bone formation during orthodontic treatment.

Impacts of water-sediment regulation on spatial-temporal variations of heavy metals in riparian sediments along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River

The water-sediment regulation scheme (WSRS) of dams influences the desorption, resuspension, and deposition processes of riparian sediments, which in turn affect the spatial-temporal variations of heavy metals (HMs) in riparian sediments and leads to severe degradation of soil and water quality. However, the difference between the trapping effect of dams and the redistribution effects of the WSRS on HMs in riparian sediments, as well as the consecutively seasonal change of HMs after the WSRS, are rarely reported. To fill this gap, the concentrations of six HMs including Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in riparian sediments along the Xiaolangdi Dam (XLD) Reservoir and its downstream reach were investigated, and the contamination level and potential ecological risk of HMs were assessed, to differentiate the effects of the XLD and its WSRS on the concentration, contamination level, and potential ecological risks of HMs. The results indicated that the mean HM concentrations in riparian sediments were higher than the background values in the study area and showed significant spatial and temporal variations. However, the regional differences of HM concentrations caused by the trapping effect of the XLD were less than the seasonal differences caused by the redistribution effects of the WSRS. The contamination and ecological risk assessment indicated that riparian sediments in the study area were contaminated by the six HMs, particularly by Cd and Pb, which overall exhibited a high and moderate ecological risk, respectively. The sources for Pb were likely agricultural inputs, while the sources for Cd should be attributed to both industrial and agricultural inputs. Overall, the trapping effect of the XLD led to the accumulation of HMs in riparian sediments along the reservoir area, while the regulation effects of the WSRS resulted in the redistribution of HMs in riparian sediments from the reservoir area to the downstream reach.

[Factors related to myasthenic crisis in myasthenia gravis patients with oropharyngeal involvement during hospitalization]

Objective: To investigate the factors related to myasthenic crisis (MC) in myasthenia gravis patients (MG) with oropharyngeal involvement during hospitalization. Methods: The clinical data of 99 MG patients with oropharyngeal involvement who were admitted to Beijing Tongren Hospital from 2018 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 52 males and 47 females, aged 17-89 (55±15) years old, with a disease duration of 1-240 [10 (4, 36)] months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with MC. Results: A total of 19 (19.19%) patients developed into MC during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age of hospitalization ≥ 60 years old (OR=31.378, 95%CI: 3.868-254.557, P=0.001), type B and C thymoma (OR=29.175, 95%CI: 2.986-285.016, P=0.004), excess oropharyngeal secretions (OR=12.649, 95%CI: 2.057-77.783, P=0.006) and infections (OR=9.539, 95%CI: 1.345-67.645, P=0.024) were independently related to MC in MG patients with oropharyngeal involvement. Conclusions: Older age, malignant thymoma, excess oropharyngeal secretions and infection are independently related to MC in MG patients with oropharyngeal involvement during hospitalization. Therefore, great attention should be paid to this type of MG patients, and increased oropharyngeal secretions and various infections should be actively treated, so as to reduce the occurrence of MC.

Long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) promotes glioblastoma multiforme progression via regulating miR-1301-3p/TMBIM6 axis

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) could regulate glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) progression via microRNA-1301-3p (miR-1301-3p) and transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif containing 6 (TMBIM6) axis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression patterns of PVT1 and RMBIM6 in GBM patients were analyzed using GEPIA, an online gene expression analysis tool. Levels of PVT1 in GBM cells and normal cells were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR method. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry assay were applied to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Connections of PVT1 or TMBIM6 with miR-1301-3p were validated with bioinformatic tool and luciferase activity reporter assay.

RESULTS

PVT1 was significantly expressed in GBM tissues and cells. PVT1 promotes GBM cell proliferation and invasion but inhibits apoptosis in vitro. TMBIM6 was significantly expressed in GBM tissues. The knockdown of TMBIM6 reversed the stimulation effects of PVT1 on GBM cell malignancy behaviors with miR-1301-3p as a bridge.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we showed PVT1 elevated TMBIM6 expression mediated by miR-1301-3p and thus to promote GBM progression.

Pediatric allergic rhinitis with functional gastrointestinal disease: Associations with the intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal peptides and therapeutic effects of interventions

Children are susceptible to allergic rhinitis (caused by external allergens) accompanied by functional gastrointestinal disease, which seriously affects physical and mental health. Antihistamines and nasal spray hormones are commonly used in clinical treatment, but these drugs often have unsatisfactory efficacy and result in high recurrence rates. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis with functional gastrointestinal disease and seeking safer treatment and prevention methods is essential. Herein, molecular ecology and immunoassays were used to analyze correlations between pediatric allergic rhinitis with functional gastrointestinal disease and both the intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal peptide levels. Fifty healthy children (healthy group) and 80 children with allergic rhinitis with functional gastrointestinal disease (case group: evenly divided into a control group (conventional drug therapy) and an intervention group (conventional drug therapy + glutamine+probiotics)), were enrolled. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts and the gastrin and motilin levels were lower in the case group than in the healthy group, whereas Enterobacter, yeast, and Enterococcus counts and the somatostatin, serotonin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels were higher. Post treatment, intestinal microbiota indices, gastrointestinal peptide levels, and intestinal barrier function were better in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The intervention group had a significantly higher total therapeutic response rate (95.00%) than the control group (77.50%). The intestinal microbiota was closely associated with gastrointestinal peptide levels. Treatment with glutamine and probiotics regulated these levels, re-established balance in the intestinal microbiota, and restored intestinal barrier function.

Long lifetime of bialkali photocathodes operating in high gradient superconducting radio frequency gun

High brightness, high charge electron beams are critical for a number of advanced accelerator applications. The initial emittance of the electron beam, which is determined by the mean transverse energy (MTE) and laser spot size, is one of the most important parameters determining the beam quality. The bialkali photocathodes illuminated by a visible laser have the advantages of high quantum efficiency (QE) and low MTE. Furthermore, Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) guns can operate in the continuous wave (CW) mode at high accelerating gradients, e.g. with significant reduction of the laser spot size at the photocathode. Combining the bialkali photocathode with the SRF gun enables generation of high charge, high brightness, and possibly high average current electron beams. However, integrating the high QE semiconductor photocathode into the SRF guns has been challenging. In this article, we report on the development of bialkali photocathodes for successful operation in the SRF gun with months-long lifetime while delivering CW beams with nano-coulomb charge per bunch. This achievement opens a new era for high charge, high brightness CW electron beams.

The cooperative role of innocent ligand in N-heterocyclic carbene manganese catalyzed carbon dioxide hydrogenation

The concept of Lewis acidic π* cooperation was proposed for innocent CO ligand in NHC–Mn catalyzed CO2 hydrogenation by systematic DFT studies.

Vegetation influences soil properties along riparian zones of the Beijiang River in Southern China

Riparian soils and vegetation are important factors influencing the biodiversity and biogeochemical processes of river ecosystems. Riparian soils and vegetation form the foundation for multiple ecosystem services provided by river ecosystems. However, it remains poorly understood how riparian soils and vegetation interact with one another to maintain these services. In this study, we sampled four common types of riparian vegetation associated with the Beijiang River in South China. These included forestland, bamboo forest, mixed forest, and grassland ecosystems. Specifically, we analyzed the spatial distribution of riparian soils and their response to environmental factors (i.e., coverage and height of trees, shrubs and grass, distance to river, and altitude). Our results indicate that soil properties in riparian zones were affected significantly by vegetation type. In particular, clay content, soil organic carbon, and nitrate nitrogen content were significantly correlated with vegetation type. In contrast, changes in soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus content were not associated with vegetation type. Moreover, soil physical and chemical properties interacted with one an other, as well as with vegetation characteristics. This was indicated by the significant correlation observed between soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and soil texture, with structural characteristics of the four vegetation types. We also found that height and cover of trees and shrubs were significantly correlated with soil chemical properties. However, the effects of topographic variables such as altitude and distance to river were not significant. Results from this study can thus provide a basis for the ecological restoration and land management of degraded iparian zones.

Hypervalent Iodine-Mediated Diastereoselective α-Acetoxylation of Cyclic Ketones

A binary hybrid system comprising a hypervalent iodine(III) reagent and BF₃•OEt₂ Lewis acid was found to be effective for the diastereoselective α-acetoxylation of cyclic ketones. In this hybrid system, BF₃•OEt₂ Lewis acid allowed the activation of the hypervalent iodine(III) reagent and cyclic ketones for smooth α-acetoxylation reaction, achieving high diastereoselectivity. This hypervalent iodine-mediated α-acetoxylation of the cyclic ketone reaction plausibly undergoes an S_N2 substitution mechanism via an α-C-bound hypervalent iodine intermediate. The diastereoselectivity of the reaction mainly originates from thermodynamic control.

High-Brightness Continuous-Wave Electron Beams from Superconducting Radio-Frequency Photoemission Gun

Continuous-wave photoinjectors operating at high accelerating gradients promise to revolutionize many areas of science and applications. They can establish the basis for a new generation of monochromatic x-ray free electron lasers, high-brightness hadron beams, or a new generation of microchip production. In this Letter we report on the record-performing superconducting rf electron gun with CsK_{2}Sb photocathode. The gun is generating high charge electron bunches (up to 10  nC/bunch) and low transverse emittances, while operating for months with a single photocathode. This achievement opens a new era in generating high-power beams with a very high average brightness.

[Five cases of optic neuropathy associated with varicella zoster virus infection]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of optic neuropathy associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV). Methods: Five cases of optic neuropathy associated with VZV infection from Department of Neurology between January 1, 2014 and March 31, 2019 were retrospectively collected. The clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis were analyzed. Results: There were 7 eyes involved in 5 cases, 3 cases (3/5) involved only one eye, and 2 cases (2/5) involved both optic nerves. During the follow-up time, no recurrence was found. Severe visual impairment occurred in 4 eyes (4/7) and non-severe visual impairment in 3 eyes (3/7). Visual acuity improved significantly in 1 eye (1/7), turned better in 2 eyes (2/7), and remained unchanged in 4 eyes (4/7). In acute phase, abnormal signals of optic nerve and/or sheath were observed on MR images. Case 3 received antiviral and hormone therapy on the second day after the onset of the disease, and the visual acuity recovered well; the other 4 cases had poor prognosis. Conclusions: Head and face VZV infection can cause serious optic neuropathy, leading to severe visual dysfunction, and poor prognosis, but recurrence is rare. Early intravenous administration of antiviral drugs (acyclovir is the best) and hormones are recommended for VZV infection in this area. It is best to use drugs within 72 hours in order to avoid and reduce secondary optic neuropathy as far as possible.

Experimental Demonstration of Hadron Beam Cooling Using Radio-Frequency Accelerated Electron Bunches

Cooling of beams of gold ions using electron bunches accelerated with radio-frequency systems was recently experimentally demonstrated in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Such an approach is new and opens the possibility of using this technique at higher energies than possible with electrostatic acceleration of electron beams. The challenges of this approach include generation of electron beams suitable for cooling, delivery of electron bunches of the required quality to the cooling sections without degradation of beam angular divergence and energy spread, achieving the required small angles between electron and ion trajectories in the cooling sections, precise velocity matching between the two beams, high-current operation of the electron accelerator, as well as several physics effects related to bunched-beam cooling. Here we report on the first demonstration of cooling hadron beams using this new approach.

The potential of d6 non-noble metal NHC catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation: group and row effects

Group VIB NHC-complexes as promising non-noble catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation benefiting by the weak electronegativity and low oxidation state.

[Clinical analysis of 36 cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension complicated with iron deficiency anemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, imaging findings and prognosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients complicated with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods: A total of 307 cases of IIH patients hospitalized in Beijing Tongren Hospital were retrospectively screened between January 1, 2011 and February 28, 2018. There were 49 anemia cases (15.96%) and 45 IDA cases (14.66%), respectively. Finally, 36 IDA patients were enrolled. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, treatment and prognosis of these patients were analyzed. Results: IIH combined with IDA was more common in women of childbearing age (34/36). There were 30 obese and overweight cases (83.33%), with multiple subacute or chronic course of disease. The visual symptoms in the early IIH patients were first diagnosed in the Department of Ophthalmology. The first symptom was headache with/without visual symptoms (27 cases (75%)). Head MRI detected empty sella or partial empty sella, and 2 cases of venous sinus thrombosis were found in DSA examination. Of the 34 female patients, 24 had simple menometrorrhagia or menstrual disorder. All patients were given methyl acetate to reduce the intracranial pressure and iron therapy. Five patients received low molecular weight heparin-warfarin sequential treatment, 5 cases underwent gynecologic surgery and 2 male cases received hemorrhoid operation. There were 7 cases underwent lumbar cisterna-peritoneal shunt for visual impairment. During the follow-up, intracranial pressure decreased and visual function of patients improved significantly. Conclusions: IIH is frequently found in obese or overweight women at childbearing age and IDA may be an important cause of IIH. IIH can cause serious irreversible visual impairment. Therefore, early identification and active treatment should be performed. Correction of anemia can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of IIH. Operation should be employed for IIH patients with poor visual function or rapid progress, in order to reduce intracranial pressure and improve prognosis as soon as possible.

High expression of LncRNA CASC15 is a risk factor for gastric cancer prognosis and promote the proliferation of gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA CASC15 in gastric cancer tissue and its effect on the proliferation of gastric cancer cell line MKN28.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We found that expression of lncRNA CASC15 in gastric cancer tissue was higher than normal gastric epithelium through the TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we detect the RNA level of CASC15 from clinical samples of 42 normal gastric epithelial tissues and 60 gastric cancer tissues. In order to explore the function of CASC15 in gastric cancer, we perform gain-function and loss-function assay in gastric cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

We found that expression of lncRNA CASC15 in gastric cancer tissue was higher than normal gastric epithelium through the TCGA database and the related microarray data set was searched from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.  Then, we extracted total RNA from clinical samples of 42 normal gastric epithelial tissues and 60 gastric cancer tissues. The results of quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were consistent with those of TCGA analysis. Clinical data analysis showed that the expression of LncRNA CASC15 was correlated with the total survival, tumor size and TMN staging in clinical patients. Clinical data analysis showed that the expression level of CASC15 was correlated with tumor size and TNM stage in clinical patients. Compared with the negative control group, the proliferation and cell cloning ability of MKN28 cells overexpressing LncRNA CASC15 significantly increased (p<0.001), indicating that overexpression of LncRNA CASC15 promoted the proliferation of MKN28 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of LncRNA CASC15 was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues and its expression was negatively correlated with the overall survival of clinical patients. It was positively correlated with the tumor size and TMN stage. LncRNA CASC15 could promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and was expected to become the molecular marker for prediction and prognosis of gastric cancer, as well as a potential therapeutic target.

[Clinical outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma]

目的

研究外周血造血干细胞移植治疗外周T细胞淋巴瘤（PTCL）的疗效。

方法

回顾性分析解放军总医院血液科2007年6月至2017年6月接受外周血造血干细胞移植PTCL患者的临床资料。

结果

共有41例PTCL患者纳入研究，男30例，女11例，中位年龄38（13~57）岁。17例行自体外周血造血干细胞移植（auto-PBSCT），24例行异基因外周血造血干细胞移植（allo-PBSCT）。auto-PBSCT组ALK阳性间变大细胞淋巴瘤占47.1%（8/17），allo-PBSCT组NK/T细胞淋巴瘤和外周T细胞淋巴瘤-非特指型占66.7%（16/24）。auto-PBSCT组患者移植前疾病处于完全缓解（CR）状态者占58.8%（10/17），疾病进展（PD）状态者占11.8%（2/17）；allo-PBSCT组移植前疾病状态为CR者8.3%（2/24），PD者45.8%（11/24）。auto-PBSCT组和allo-PBSCT组移植后2年总生存率、无病生存率差异均无统计学意义[（64.0±10.8）%对（53.5±9.7）%，P=0.543；（57.1±12.4）%对（53.5±10.6）%，P=0.701]。auto-PBSCT组6例死亡，5例死于复发；allo-PBSCT组12例死亡，其中5例死于复发，7例为移植相关死亡。

结论

auto-PBSCT和allo-PBSCT均是PTCL的有效治疗方法。

Theoretical investigation on the mechanism of glucose-to-fructose isomerization synergistically catalyzed by MnCl2 and [C4SO3HMIM][CH3SO3] in [BMIM]Cl

The mechanism of glucose-to-fructose isomerization catalyzed by manganese chloride (MnCl₂) and 1-methyl-3-(3-sulfobutyl)-imidazolium methylsulfonate ([C₄SO₃HMIM][CH₃SO₃]) in a 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) ionic liquid (IL) was investigated computationally.

Association of Aspirin Resistance with Increased Mortality in Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of aspirin resistance (AR) with mortality in a cohort of Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-six ischemic stroke patients who received at least 7 days of aspirin therapy prior to stroke onset were enrolled. The outcome measure was all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality at 1-year follow-up. The relation of AR with the two end points was investigated with the use of logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The median age of included patients was 65(IQR, 56-76) years and 82(41.8%) were female. Thirty-five patients were defined as AR; thus, the rate was 17.9% (95%CI, 12.5% to 23.2%). The median NIHSS score was significantly higher in patients with AR than those with AS [12 (IQR, 10-17) vs. 7 (IQR, 4-10); Z=5.188; P<0.001]. Similarly, the median infarct volume was also significantly higher in AR than in AS [18.8 (IQR, 4.3-25.2) ml vs. 13.2 (IQR, 3.3-18.7) ml; Z=3.322; P=0.008]. During follow-up there were 43 patients (21.9%) died, including 24 CVD mortality (12.2%). In univariate logistic regression analysis, we found that the rate of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality increased by 390% (OR=4.90; 95%CI:2.24-10.75) and 422% (OR=5.22; 95%CI, 2.10-12.98) in AR group. After adjusting for all other significant predictors, AR still associated with high mortality and the rate of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality increased by 215% (OR=3.15; 95%CI:1.88-4.93) and 231% (OR=3.31; 95%CI, 1.96-522), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that AR was a useful prognostic marker of all-cause or CVD mortality in Chinese patients with AIS.

[Diffusion tensor imaging of the central auditory system in the elderly]

Objective:To evaluate the changes in the central auditory system of presbycusis by applying auditury brainstem response (ABR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Method:A total of twenty-five elderly subjects with expressed presbycusis, eight elderly subjects with normal hearing and fifteen healthy volunteers as young controls were enrolled in the study. Each participant was examined using ABR and DTI. ABR measures were obtained from all the subjects. The fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured at two brain regions of the auditory pathway-the inferior colliculus (IC) and Heschl's gyrus. Result:Higher FA values were recorded at the left side of the Heschl's gyrus in all three groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the left and right side of the ABR results and FA values of inferior colliculus in the three groups (P>0.05). Aging increased ABR peak latencies, yet did not change the Ⅰ-Ⅴ interpeak latency interval. Comparing with the elderly subjects with normal hearing group, the wave Ⅴ latencies of the presbycusis group were prolonged (P<0.05). Comparing with the healthy control group, the FA values of the IC were reduced in both of the elderly subjects with normal hearing group and the presbycusis group (P<0.05). No statistically differences were observed between the presbycusis group and the elderly subjects with normal hearing group in the FA values of the IC (P>0.05). Significant differences between all groups were found in the FA values of the Heschl's gyrus, with higher values in the elderly subjects with normal hearing group than in the presbycusis group and even higher values in the healthy control group than in the elderly subjects with normal hearing group (P<0.05). Conclusion:The results indicated that the age-related microstructural changes exist in the central part of the auditory system, which are more obvious in the patients with presbycusis.

Altered plasma arginine metabolome precedes behavioural and brain arginine metabolomic profile changes in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

While amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides play a central role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), recent evidence also implicates altered metabolism of L-arginine in the pathogenesis of AD. The present study systematically investigated how behavioural function and the brain and plasma arginine metabolic profiles changed in a chronic Aβ accumulation model using male APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic (Tg) mice at 7 and 13 months of age. As compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates, Tg mice displayed age-related deficits in spatial water maze tasks and alterations in brain arginine metabolism. Interestingly, the plasma arginine metabolic profile was markedly altered in 7-month Tg mice prior to major behavioural impairment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that plasma putrescine and spermine significantly differentiated between Tg and WT mice. These results demonstrate the parallel development of altered brain arginine metabolism and behavioural deficits in Tg mice. The altered plasma arginine metabolic profile that preceded the behavioural and brain profile changes suggests that there may be merit in an arginine-centric set of ante-mortem biomarkers for AD.

Dentinal mineralization is not limited in the mineralization front but occurs along with the entire odontoblast process

The mineralization-front theory is historically rooted in mineralization research fields for many decades. This theory is widely used to describe mineralization events in both osteogenesis and dentinogenesis. However, this model does not provide enough evidence to explain how minerals are propagated from the pulp-end dentin to dentin-enamel junction (DEJ). To address this issue, we modified the current research approaches by a) extending the mineral deposition windows of time from minutes to hours, instead of limiting the mineralization assay on days and weeks only; b) switching a regular fluorescent microscope to a more powerful confocal microscope; in which both mineral deposition rates and detail mineral labeling along with dentin tubules can be documented; and c) using reporter mice, including the Gli1-CreERT2 activated tomato and the 2.3 Col1-GFP to mark odontoblast processes combined with mineral dye injections. Our key findings are: 1) Odontoblast-processes, full of numerous mini-branches, evenly spread to entire dentin matrices with a high density of processes and a large diameter of the main process at the predentin-dentin junction; and 2) The minerals deposit along with entire odontoblast-processes and form many individual mineral collars surrounding odontoblast processes. As a result, these merged collars give rise to a single labeled line at the dentin-predentin junction, in which the dental tubules are wider in diameter and denser in odontoblast processes compared to other dentin areas. We therefore propose that it is the odontoblast-process that directly contributes to mineralization, which is not simply limited in the mineralization front at the edge of dentin and predentin, but occurs along with the entire odontoblast process. These new findings will shed new light on our understanding of dentin structure and function, as well as the mechanisms of mineralization.

[Role of Rac1 signaling pathway of azathioprine and peptidoglycan in the regulation of monocyte-macrophage apoptosis in Crohn's disease]

Objective: To evaluate the changes of macrophages and expression of Rac1 in the inflammatory site of Crohn's disease, and to investigate the effects of 6-thioguanine (6-TG) and peptidoglycan on apoptosis of human peripheral blood monocyte-macrophage by regulating Rac1 signaling pathway. Methods: Ten patients with Crohn's disease and eight healthy controls diagnosed were enrolled at Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2013 to January 2014. The number of macrophages, apoptosis and expression of Rac1 in the inflammation sites and non-inflammation sites of intestinal mucosa were detected in both patients and controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were sorted by CD₁₄ immunomagnetic beads. The apoptosis of monocytes, expression of Rac1 and related apoptosis signaling molecules were detected in patients treated with peptidoglycan, 6-TG and Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 and another 15 healthy donors. Results: The number of macrophages and apoptotic cells significantly increased in the inflammatory group of Crohn's disease patients compared with the non-inflammatory group. The expression of PAK1, downstream molecular of Rac1 signaling pathway of macrophages was also significantly higher in the inflammatory group of Crohn's disease patients than that in healthy controls and non-inflammatory group. Compared with control group, anti-apoptotic signals (NF-κB, Bcl-xL and STAT-3) in PBMCs increased in the peptidoglycan group, while slightly decreased in 6-TG group. 6-TG and NSC23766 significantly promoted peptidoglycan-related anti-apoptosis [peptidoglycan group (8.6±3.7)%, peptidoglycan+ 6-TG group (42.0±2.7)%, peptidoglycan+ NSC23766 group (58.5±6.9)%, P<0.05]. Conclusions: Peptidoglycan plays a role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease by recruiting macrophages. However, 6-TG inhibits peptidoglycan-induced activation of Rac1 signaling pathway leading to macrophage apoptosis.

Theoretical study on the effective dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane catalyzed by tetraalkylphosphonium chlorides: electrostatically controlled reactivity

Herein, we report a DFT study on how and why tetraalkylphosphonium chlorides efficiently catalyze the dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane.

DHX15 promotes prostate cancer progression by stimulating Siah2-mediated ubiquitination of androgen receptor

Androgen receptor (AR) activation is critical for prostate cancer development and progression, including castration-resistance. The nuclear export signal of AR (NES^AR) plays an important role in AR intracellular trafficking and proteasome-dependent degradation. Here, we identified the RNA helicase DHX15 as a novel AR co-activator using a yeast mutagenesis screen and revealed that DHX15 regulates AR activity by modulating E3 ligase Siah2-mediated AR ubiquitination independent of its ATPase activity. DHX15 and Siah2 form a complex with AR, through NES^AR. DHX15 stabilized Siah2 and enhanced its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, resulting in AR activation. Importantly, DHX15 was upregulated in prostate cancer specimens and its expression was correlated with Gleason scores and PSA recurrence. Furthermore, DHX15 immunostaining correlated with Siah2. Finally, DHX15 knockdown inhibited the growth of C4-2 prostate tumor xenografts in mice. Collectively, our data argue that DHX15 enhances AR transcriptional activity and contributes to prostate cancer progression through Siah2.

Forty-one cases of round ligament varicosities that are easily misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the benefit and safety of conservative therapy for round ligament varicosities (RLVs) that are easily misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical materials of 41 consecutive cases of RLVs diagnosed by ultrasound in a single hospital from January 2011 to December 2015. Misdiagnosis rate, clinical and sonographic features, management after diagnosis and prognosis were recorded.

RESULTS

All forty-one cases were pregnant females in their second or third trimester. Twenty-eight cases were first misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias (68.3%). Thirty cases presented as reducible swelling in the inguinal area (73.2%), and twenty-five of which were painful (61.0%). Four cases only felt pain in the inguinal area without swelling (9.7%). Seven cases had no obvious discomfort (17.1%). All cases were diagnosed as RLVs by gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography and justified a wait-and-see strategy. Thirty-seven cases were followed until total recovery after delivery (follow-up rate 90.2%). Swelling with or without pain disappeared spontaneously postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

RLVs are easily misdiagnosed as inguinal hernias and color Doppler of the inguinal area is the best examination for making the correct diagnosis. Conservative therapy for RLV is beneficial and safe when assured by color Doppler.

Impact of FOXP3 Polymorphisms on the Blood Level of Tacrolimus in Renal Transplant Recipients

INTRODUCTION

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive medication for organ transplantation. FOXP3(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs) play roles in suppression of rejection and induction of graft tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the polymorphism of FOXP3 and the blood level of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 100 renal transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus treatment and 100 healthy control subjects. Genotyping for FOXP3 rs3761547 AA, AG, GG, rs3761548 AA, AC, CC and rs223236 AA, AG, GG was performed. Concentrations of tacrolimus, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels in blood were measured.

RESULTS

Frequencies of genotypes of FOXP3 rs3761548 AA, AC, and CC, rs3761547 AA, AG, GG and rs 223236 AA, AG, GG in renal transplant recipients were similar to those in normal people. The blood level of tacrolimus in recipients with rs3761548 CC was significantly higher than that in recipients with rs3761548 AA and AC (P < .001). No difference in the blood level of tacrolimus was found in recipients with different genotypes of rs3761547 and rs223236. Compared to rs3761548 AA and AC groups, there was no difference of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) glomerular filtration rate and the level of blood urea nitrogen before transplantation; however, these 2 parameters were significantly improved after transplantation in the rs3761548 CC group. The level of tacrolimus was correlated positively with MDRD glomerular filtration rate and negatively with the blood urea nitrogen level in recipients with rs3761548 CC genotype after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a new relationship between FOXP3 rs3761548 and the blood level of tacrolimus. These results suggest that the polymorphism of FOXP3 may affect tacrolimus pharmacokinetics.

[Clinical features and prognostic analysis of neuromyelitisoptica spectrum disease with sjogrensyndrome]

Objective: To explore the clinical features and conduct prognostic analysis about visual recovery and relapse of neuromyelitisoptica (NMO) spectrum disease (NMOSD) with sjogren syndrome (SS). Methods: A retrospective and prospective observational study was conducted.Between July 2013 and June 2016, 172 patients with NMOSD (NMOSD-non SS: 116/172, 67.4%; NMOSD-SS: 56/172, 32.6%) were assessed at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.The prognostic factors of NMOSD-SS patients were also analyzed. Results: As compared with NMOSD-non SS patients, NMOSD-SS patients had worse visual impairment (percentage of patients with visual acuity less than 0.1, 83.9% vs 69.8%, P<0.05), higher positive rate of SSA (92.9% vs 0.0%, P<0.05), higher proportion of dryness of mouth and eye (66.1% vs 5.2%, P<0.05) as well as higher percentage of reduced visual evoked potential (VEP) amplitude (60.7% vs 43.1%, P<0.05). NMOSD-SS patients had a significantly higher average year recurrent frequency (0.58 vs 0.53) and significantly shorter mean recurrence time (6.7 months vs 12.4 months, P<0.05). The results showed that recurrent eyes, the worst visual acuities of onset less than 0.1 were independent risk factors of visual impairment (visual activity <0.1), according to at least six months' follow-up of all NMOSD-SS patients (OR=6.410 and 9.434, respectively, P<0.05). Meanwhile, immunosuppressive drugs were protective factors of relapse in NMOSD-SS patients (OR=0.107, P<0.05). Conclusions: NMOSD-SS patients have worse visual impairment, and they are more vulnerable to relapse than NMOSD-non SS patients, and the vision is lack of recovery for NMOSD-SS with recurrent eyes or the worst vision of onset less than 0.1.Immunosuppressive drugs can reduce the recurrence of NMOSD-SS relapse.

Further studies of the effects of aging on arginine metabolites in the rat vestibular nucleus and cerebellum

Some studies have demonstrated that aging is associated with impaired vestibular reflexes, especially otolithic reflexes, resulting in postural instability. However, the neurochemical basis of these age-related changes is still poorly understood. The l-arginine metabolic system has been implicated in changes in the brain associated with aging. In the current study, we examined the levels of l-arginine and its metabolizing enzymes and downstream metabolites in the vestibular nucleus complex (VNC) and cerebellum (CE) of rats with and without behavioral testing which were young (4months old), middle-aged (12months old) or aged (24months old). We found that aging was associated with lower nitric oxide synthase activity in the CE of animals with testing and increased arginase in the VNC and CE of animals with testing. l-citrulline and l-ornithine were lower in the VNC of aged animals irrespective of testing, while l-arginine and l-citrulline were lower in the CE with and without testing, respectively. In the VNC and CE, aging was associated with lower levels of glutamate in the VNC, irrespective of testing. In the VNC it was associated with higher levels of agmatine and putrescine, irrespective of testing. In the CE, aging was associated with higher levels of putrescine in animals without testing and with higher levels of spermine in animals with testing, and spermidine, irrespective of testing. Multivariate analyses indicated significant predictive relationships between the different variables, and there were correlations between some of the neurochemical variables and behavioral measurements. Cluster analyses revealed that aging altered the relationships between l-arginine and its metabolites. The results of this study demonstrate that there are major changes occurring in l-arginine metabolism in the VNC and CE as a result of age, as well as behavioral activity.

Abstract P4-08-01: IsomiRs and tRNA fragments are race-dependent regulators in breast cancer

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

A theoretical elucidation: why does a SO3H-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquid catalyze the conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to levulinic acid?

DFT calculations show a clear picture of how a SO₃H-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquid catalyzes the conversion of 5-HMF to LA.

Roles of Chondrocytes in Endochondral Bone Formation and Fracture Repair

The formation of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and its subchondral bone is an important but understudied topic in dental research. The current concept regarding endochondral bone formation postulates that most hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death prior to bone formation. Under this paradigm, the MCC and its underlying bone are thought to result from 2 closely linked but separate processes: chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. However, recent investigations using cell lineage tracing techniques have demonstrated that many, perhaps the majority, of bone cells are derived via direct transformation from chondrocytes. In this review, the authors will briefly discuss the history of this idea and describe recent studies that clearly demonstrate that the direct transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells is common in both long bone and mandibular condyle development and during bone fracture repair. The authors will also provide new evidence of a distinct difference in ossification orientation in the condylar ramus (1 ossification center) versus long bone ossification formation (2 ossification centers). Based on our recent findings and those of other laboratories, we propose a new model that contrasts the mode of bone formation in much of the mandibular ramus (chondrocyte-derived) with intramembranous bone formation of the mandibular body (non-chondrocyte-derived).

[Programmed necrosis mediated by receptor-interacting protein 3: a new target for liver disease research]

Hepatocyte death mainly includes apoptosis and necrosis and is a critical process in the pathophysiological mechanism of liver injury caused by various reasons. Recent studies have shown that key regulatory molecules in the inhibition of apoptosis such as caspase cannot be used as targets for inhibiting disease progression in clinical practice. In recent years, programmed necrosis mediated by receptor-interacting protein 3(RIP3)becomes a new hot research topic. It not only plays an important role in inducing inflammatory response, but also is closely regulated by intracellular signal factors, and it is a type of active cell death which can be interfered with. Compared with apoptosis, programmed necrosis is accompanied by the release of various inflammatory factors, which significantly affects local immune microenvironment. RIP3-mediated programmed necrosis has been taken seriously in many diseases. Although its mechanism of action in liver disease remains unclear, the results of recent studies confirmed its important role in the development of liver disease. This article reviews the research advances in the role of RIP3-mediated programmed necrosis signaling pathway in liver disease of various causes and investigates the possibility of RIP3-mediated programmed necrosis as a new target in the treatment of liver disease.

Altered brain arginine metabolism in schizophrenia

Previous research implicates altered metabolism of l-arginine, a versatile amino acid with a number of bioactive metabolites, in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The present study, for we believe the first time, systematically compared the metabolic profile of l-arginine in the frontal cortex (Brodmann's area 8) obtained post-mortem from schizophrenic individuals and age- and gender-matched non-psychiatric controls (n=20 per group). The enzyme assays revealed no change in total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, but significantly increased arginase activity in the schizophrenia group. Western blot showed reduced endothelial NOS protein expression and increased arginase II protein level in the disease group. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric assays confirmed significantly reduced levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but increased agmatine concentration and glutamate/GABA ratio in the schizophrenia cases. Regression analysis indicated positive correlations between arginase activity and the age of disease onset and between l-ornithine level and the duration of illness. Moreover, cluster analyses revealed that l-arginine and its main metabolites l-citrulline, l-ornithine and agmatine formed distinct groups, which were altered in the schizophrenia group. The present study provides further evidence of altered brain arginine metabolism in schizophrenia, which enhances our understanding of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and may lead to the future development of novel preventions and/or therapeutics for the disease.