[Effects of different calcium intakes on metabolism in healthy adults under strict dietary intervention]

Objective: To explore the effect of different calcium intakes on metabolism in healthy adults with traditional Chinese dietary pattern. Methods: A total of 64 college students (32 males and 32 females) were recruited from the School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University from September to October 2015. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design (RCT trial) was used to strictly control the diet of the volunteers through meal preparation, so that the background of the experimental and the control group was exactly the same. In our study, 64 healthy adults were randomly divided into two groups (calcium supplementation and control). The two groups were given the same diet every day. One group was given 400 mg/d of calcium supplementation, which was close to the recommended intake in China (800 mg/d); the other group was given pacebo, the average calcium intake was close to the average intake of Chinese (400 mg/d), calcium intervention lasted for 35 days. Serum and urine samples from pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention were collected for metabolomics studies and detection of serum hormone levels and biochemical indicators. PCA and PLS-DA were used to compare the differences in serum and urine metabolites. After adjusting for age and BMI, the differences of hormones [parathyroid hormone, 1, 25(OH)₂D₃] and biochemical indicators were compared by repeated measurement variance analysis. Results: The 64 subjects were aged 23-28 years, including 32 males and 32 females. The baseline characteristics of the calcium supplementation group and the control group were balanced. The results showed that there were no significant differences in blood and urine metabolites, metabolic hormone [parathyroid hormone, 1, 25(OH)₂D₃] levels and biochemical indicators(serum Ca, serum P, glycolipid metabolism and hepatorenal function indicators)between the calcium supplementation group and control group at each time point throughout the trail (P>0.05). Conclusion: No health hazards associated with calcium deficiency was observed in healthy adults in the short term at current calcium intake level (300-400 mg/d).

[Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoid 5F-EDMB-PICA in Suspicious Herbal Products]

Objective To study the qualitative analysis strategy for unknown synthetic cannabinoid in the suspicious herbal product when no reference substance is available. Methods The synthetic cannabinoid in herbal blend was extracted with methanol. The extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator and separated and purified by preparative liquid chromatography, to obtain high purity synthetic cannabinoid sample. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-QTOF-MS） and nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） were used to determine the structure of the prepared compound. Results High purity unknown sample （10 mg） was obtained by preparative liquid chromatography. The sample was analyzed by GC-MS, UPLC-TOF-MS and NMR, and through spectrum analysis, the unknown synthetic cannabinoid was determined as 5F-EDMB-PICA. Conclusion The method to extract unknown synthetic cannabinoid from low content herbal products by preparative liquid chromatography was established, and the structure of the unknown sample was identified by comprehensive use of GC-MS, UPLC-QTOF-MS and NMR. The information will assist forensic laboratories in identifying this substance or other compounds with similar structures in their casework.

Alternative polyadenylation events differ dramatically between Tongcheng and Large White pigs in response to PRRSV infection

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread post-transcriptional regulation mechanism that increases the biological complexity of transcriptome and proteome. However, it is unclear whether APA regulation plays a role in genetic resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Here, we reported genome-wide APA regulation of porcine alveolar macrophages in PRRSV-resistant Tongcheng (TC) pigs and PRRSV-susceptible Large White (LW) pigs upon PRRSV infection. Using 3' mRNA sequencing strategy, we detected 75 981 high-quality APA sites in porcine alveolar macrophages of TC and LW pigs. Furthermore, 1202 and 1089 differentially expressed APA sites, as well as 79 and 117 untranslated region-APA switching genes were identified in TC pigs and LW pigs upon PRRSV infection respectively. The APA events in TC pigs and LW pigs were involved in different biological pathways, while APA events in TC pigs are directly associated with the immune response to PRRSV infection. In addition, we identified genetic variations affecting polyadenylation signal between TC pigs and LW pigs. These findings would provide helpful information on APA regulation for further understanding of genetic resistance to PRRSV.

POS1050 SECUKINUMAB LEADS TO IMPROVEMENT ACROSS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS MANIFESTATIONS OVER 2 YEARS REGARDLESS OF PREVIOUS EXPOSURE TO A TNF INHIBITOR: A POST HOC ANALYSIS OF FUTURE 5

Background:

The goal of treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is to achieve very low disease activity or remission across disease manifestations. In the phase 3 FUTURE 5 study (NCT02404350), patients receiving secukinumab (SEC) demonstrated sustained clinical improvements across PsA manifestations through Week 104.1 However, the effect of previous tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) exposure on achievement of remission across PsA manifestations was not explored.

Objectives:

To report exploratory efficacy analyses of SEC at Week 104 on stringent endpoints across PsA manifestations in patients who were TNFi naive or inadequate responders (TNF-IR).

Methods:

Patient data from FUTURE 5 were stratified by previous TNFi exposure and analyzed by treatment arm. At Week 104, patients received SEC 300 or 150 mg with subcutaneous loading dose (LD), SEC 150 mg without LD, or had received placebo up to Week 16 and were switched to SEC 300 or 150 mg between Weeks 16 or 24 based on tender and swollen joint count response. Patients with suboptimal clinical response to SEC 150 mg could escalate to SEC 300 mg after Week 52 per investigator judgment.2 Exploratory efficacy analyses at Week 104 included resolution of TJC/SJC (0 tender/swollen joints), resolution of enthesitis and dactylitis, 75% improvement in the modified Nail Psoriasis Severity index (mNAPSI75), 100% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI100), very low disease activity (VLDA), and Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) remission. Descriptive statistics are provided for each endpoint using an observed-case approach.

Results:

Regardless of previous TNFi exposure, SEC-treated patients achieved several stringent endpoints across PsA domains, including TJC/SJC resolution, resolution of dactylitis/enthesitis, mNAPSI75, and PASI100 at Week 104 (Table 1). TNFi-naive patients generally experienced greater improvements than TNF-IR patients (Table 1 above). Similar trends were observed for achievement of VLDA and DAPSA remission at Week 104 (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

SEC treatment resulted in sustained achievement of stringent endpoints across key PsA manifestations through Week 104 in both TNFi-naive and TNF-IR patients, with generally greater clinical responses among TNFi-naive patients.

References:

[1]Mease P, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77:890-897.

[2]Mease P, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71:(suppl 10) [abstract 1554].

Table 1.

Achievement of Key Outcomes Across PsA Manifestations at Week 104 Among TNF-IR and TNFi-Naive Patients Treated With SEC

SEC 300 mgSEC 150 mgaSEC 150 mg No LoadbPBO–SEC 300 mgPBO–SEC 150 mgcOutcomes, n/M (%)TNFi-naiven=154TNF-IRn=68TNFi-naiven=153TNF-IRn=67TNFi-naiven=157TNF-IRn=65TNFi-naiven=109TNF-IRn=44TNFi-naiven=114TNF-IRn=39TJC/SJC resolution51/140 (36.4)19/51 (37.3)46/136 (33.8)11/46 (23.9)53/125 (42.4)14/43 (32.6)40/90 (44.4)11/31 (35.5)32/96 (33.3)10/28 (35.7)Resolution of dactylitis42/48 (87.5)11/16 (68.8)37/43 (86.0)16/19 (84.2)56/62 (90.3)11/13 (84.6)35/41 (85.4)5/7 (71.4)30/33 (90.9)10/12 (83.3)Resolution of enthesitis70/88 (79.5)22/30 (73.3)70/85 (82.4)24/32 (75.0)50/69 (72.5)16/26 (61.5)37/50 (74.0)12/17 (70.6)39/56 (69.6)14/20 (70.0)mNAPSI7561/73 (83.6)15/26 (57.7)66/76 (86.8)16/23 (69.6)61/80 (76.3)13/18 (72.2)42/51 (82.4)13/17 (76.5)34/64 (53.1)7/14(50.0)PASI10034/68 (50.0)14/29 (48.3)41/85 (48.2)5/19(26.3)33/73 (45.2)4/18(22.2)23/45 (51.1)9/18(50.0)19/46 (41.3)6/13(46.2)

IR, inadequate responder; M, number of evaluable patients; mNAPSI, modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index; PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PBO, placebo; SEC, secukinumab; TJC/SJC resolution, 0 tender/swollen joints; TNFi, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor.

a Includes 53 TNFi-naive and 23 TNF-IR patients with dose escalation.

b Includes 58 TNFi-naive and 19 TNF-IR patients with dose escalation.

c Includes 40 TNFi-naive and 12 TNF-IR patients with dose escalation.

Figure 1.

Acknowledgements:

This study was funded by Novartis Pharma AG. The authors thank Prasanthi Mandalay, PhD, of ArticulateScience LLC, for providing medical writing support/editorial support, which was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3).

Disclosure of Interests:

Ana-Maria Orbai Consultant of: Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Horizon, Janssen, Eli Lilly, and Novartis, M Elaine Husni Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Bhumik Parikh Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA, Xiangyi Meng Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA, Corine Gaillez Employee of: Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB.

POS0194 ENTHESITIS IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH SECUKINUMAB OR ADALIMUMAB: A POST HOC ANALYSIS OF EXCEED

Background:

Enthesitis is a key musculoskeletal manifestation of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). EULAR guidelines recommend biologics for patients with enthesitis and an inadequate response to or intolerance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although no guidance on specific biologics is offered. In the EXCEED head-to-head, double-blind study (NCT02745080), secukinumab (SEC) and adalimumab (ADA) showed a similar efficacy in joints and in resolution of enthesitis at Week 52 for patients with PsA,1 although a detailed analysis of enthesitis was not conducted.

Objectives:

To explore detailed enthesitis treatment response, including temporal and additional enthesitis assessment data, in patients with PsA treated with SEC or ADA over 52 weeks.

Methods:

In this post hoc analysis, patient data from EXCEED were grouped by presence or absence of baseline enthesitis based on the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Enthesitis Index (SPARCC). Baseline characteristics of these groups were summarized. Median time to resolution of LEI/SPARCC enthesitis score in patients receiving SEC or ADA was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Efficacy was further assessed among the enthesitis subset by LEI and SPARCC change from baseline, resolution of enthesitis (LEI/SPARCC) at Weeks 24 and 52, and resolution of enthesitis at Week 52 by baseline enthesitis severity. Relapse of enthesitis after a first resolution was evaluated at Weeks 24 and 52. Missing data were imputed by nonresponder imputation.

Results:

Baseline demographics were well balanced in the LEI/SPARCC enthesitis subsets, although a higher proportion of all patients with enthesitis were women vs those with no enthesitis (LEI: 54.6% vs 40.5%; SPARCC: 53.2% vs 36.2%). Patients with baseline enthesitis had higher disease activity vs patients without enthesitis (LEI/SPARCC enthesitis vs no LEI/SPARCC enthesitis: tender joint count of 78 joints [22.8/22.1 vs 15.8/13.8], Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [1.3/1.3 vs 1.1/1.1], and mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [6.4/6.1 vs 5.1/5.3]). Median time to resolution of LEI and SPARCC enthesitis was similar between patients receiving either SEC or ADA (Table 1). Both treatment groups experienced a similar mean change from baseline in LEI and SPARCC enthesitis counts and a similar resolution of LEI and SPARCC at Weeks 24 and 52 (Table 1). Achievement of enthesitis resolution was similar between treatment groups irrespective of disease severity (Figure 1). The proportion of patients who experienced relapse after achieving resolution was low across both treatments (Table 1).

Conclusion:

In EXCEED, patients with baseline enthesitis presented with higher disease burden, consistent with the FUTURE trials.2 SEC and ADA showed similar kinetics of response and efficacy on enthesitis, irrespective of baseline enthesitis severity.

References:

[1]McInnes IB, et al. Lancet. 2020;395(10235):1496-1505.

[2]Coates LC, et al. Arthritis Res Ther. 2019;21(1):266.

Table 1.

Clinical Improvements Among Patients With Baseline LEI or SPARCC Enthesitis Treated with Secukinumab or Adalimumab (nonresponder imputation)

Secukinumab300 mgAdalimumab40 mgOutcomesaLEI(n=234)SPARCC(n=301)LEI(n=264)SPARCC(n=331)Baseline enthesitis count, mean (SD)2.6 (1.5)5.0 (3.8)2.8 (1.6)5.4 (4.0)Median time to enthesitis resolution, days (95% CI)85 (57–113)113 (85–169)85 (57–86)88 (85–114)Enthesitis count, mean improvement from baseline (SD) Week 24−1.6 (1.6)−3.3 (3.5)−1.6 (1.6)−3.1 (3.5) Week 52−1.8 (1.6)−3.6 (3.2)−2.1 (1.7)−3.9 (3.8)Resolution of enthesitis, n (%) Week 24116 (49.6)138 (45.8)115 (43.6)144 (43.5) Week 52142 (60.7)160 (53.2)146 (55.3)170 (51.4)Enthesitis relapse, n/M (%) Week 2437/210 (17.6)38/274 (13.9)49/232 (21.1)47/293 (16.0) Week 5240/208 (19.2)56/267 (21.0)32/208 (15.4)41/263 (15.6)

LEI, Leeds Enthesitis Index; M, number of evaluable patients; SPARCC; Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Enthesitis Index.

a Based on respective enthesitis measures.

Figure 1.

Acknowledgements:

This study was funded by Novartis Pharma AG. The authors thank Richard Karpowicz, PhD, of Health Interactions, Inc, for providing medical writing support/editorial support, which was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3).

Disclosure of Interests:

Gurjit S. Kaeley Consultant of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, GSK, Eli Lilly, and Novartis, Philip G Conaghan Consultant of: or Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Flexion Therapeutics, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis, and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Dennis McGonagle Speakers bureau: Roche, Sobi, and Novartis, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Frank Behrens Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Novartis, Genzyme, Boehringer, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Celgene, Roche, and Chugai, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Chugai, Celgene, and Roche, and has received investigator fees from Eli Lilly, Philippe Goupille Grant/research support from: and/or Consultant of/Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, and UCB, Corine Gaillez Employee of: Novartis Pharma AG, Bhumik Parikh Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Xiangyi Meng Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Catherine Bakewell Consultant of: and/or Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, UCB, and Sanofi Genzyme/Regeneron

The protective effect of hesperidin against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury involves the TLR-4/NF-κB/iNOS pathway in rats

Renal injury is reported to have a high mortality rate. Additionally, there are several limitations to current conventional treatments that are used to manage it. This study evaluated the protective effect of hesperidin against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced kidney injury in rats. Renal injury was induced by generating I/R in kidney tissues. Rats were then treated with hesperidin at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg intravenously 1 day after surgery for a period of 14 days. The effect of hesperidin on renal function, serum mediators of inflammation, and levels of oxidative stress in renal tissues were observed in rat kidney tissues after I/R-induced kidney injury. Moreover, protein expression and mRNA expression in kidney tissues were determined using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was done for histopathological observation of kidney tissues. The data suggest that the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in the serum of hesperidin-treated rats were lower than in the I/R group. Treatment with hesperidin also ameliorated the altered level of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in I/R-induced renal-injured rats. The expression of p-IκBα, caspase-3, NF-κB p65, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) protein, TLR-4 mRNA, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was significantly reduced in the renal tissues of hesperidin-treated rats. Histopathological findings also revealed that treatment with hesperidin attenuated the renal injury in I/R kidney-injured rats. In conclusion, our results suggest that hesperidin protects against renal injury induced by I/R by involving TLR-4/NF-κB/iNOS signaling.

Rapid Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate in Annaca by Infrared Spectroscopy

Objective To establish an infrared spectroscopic method for the rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of caffeine and sodium benzoate in Annaka samples. Methods Qualitative and quantitative modeling samples were prepared by mixing high-purity caffeine and sodium benzoate. The characteristic absorption peaks of caffeine and sodium benzoate in Annaka samples were determined by analyzing the infrared spectra of the mixed samples. The quantitative model of infrared spectra was established by partial least squares （PLS）. Results By analyzing the infrared spectra of 17 mixed samples of caffeine and sodium benzoate （the purity of caffeine ranges from 10% to 80%）, the characteristic absorption peaks for caffeine were determined to be 1 698, 1 650, 1 237, 972, 743, and 609 cm^-1. The characteristic absorption peaks for sodium benzoate were 1 596, 1 548, 1 406, 845, 708 and 679 cm^-1. When the detection of all characteristic absorption peaks was the positive identification criteria, the positive detection rate of caffeine and sodium benzoate in 48 seized Annaka samples was 100%. The linear range of PLS quantitative model for caffeine was 10%-80%, the coefficient of determination （ R²） was 99.9%, the root mean square error of cross validation （RMSECV） was 0.68%, and the root mean square error of prediction （RMSEP） was 0.91%; the linear range of PLS quantitative model for sodium benzoate was 20%-90%, the R² was 99.9%, the RMSECV was 0.91% and the RMSEP was 1.11%. The results of paired sample t test showed that the differences between the results of high performance liquid chromatography method and infrared spectroscopy method had no statistical significance. The established infrared quantitative method was used to analyze 48 seized Annaka samples, the purity of caffeine was 27.6%-63.1%, and that of sodium benzoate was 36.9%-72.3%. Conclusion The rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of caffeine and sodium benzoate in Annaka samples by infrared spectroscopy method could improve identification efficiency and reduce determination cost.

Nomogram Predicting the Risk of Locoregional Recurrence After Mastectomy for Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast

BACKGROUND

The risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after mastectomy for breast invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) remains poorly defined. We aimed to construct an effective prognostic nomogram to estimate the individualized risk of LRR for providing accurate information for long-term follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 388 patients with breast IMPC were included in the current study. Based on the Cox regression and clinical significance, a nomogram with an online prediction version was created. This model was evaluated and internally validated by concordance index and calibration plot. Receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis were used to assess the discrimination and clinical utility, and Kaplan-Meier curves estimated the probability of LRR.

RESULTS

The variables (age, lymph node metastasis, hormone receptor status, lymphovascular invasion, histologic grade, and adjuvant radiotherapy) were included in the nomogram. This model was well-calibrated to predict the possibility of LRR and displayed favorable clinical utility; the concordance index was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.91), which was higher than any single predictor. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.89, whereas that of the conventional staging system was 0.72. An online prognostic nomogram was built for convenient use. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the nomogram had a better risk stratification than the conventional staging system.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram could accurately predict the individualized risk of LRR after mastectomy for breast IMPC. By identifying the risk stratification, this model is expected to assist clinicians and patients in improving long-term follow-up strategies.

Influence of the Internet of Things management system on hand hygiene compliance in an emergency intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Hand hygiene is a critical strategy for infection prevention in all healthcare settings. Automated electronic monitoring systems are expected to improve hand hygiene performance.

AIM

To investigate the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) management system on hand hygiene compliance among medical staff in an emergency intensive care unit (EICU).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted between July 1^st, 2017 and February 28^th, 2018 in a 19-bed EICU. The changes in hand hygiene compliance among 54 members of medical staff and the incidence of hospital infections were compared, counted, and analysed before and after implementing the IoT management system in the EICU that was initiated on November 1^st, 2017.

FINDINGS

After the application of the IoT management system, the hand hygiene compliance rates among the members of the medical staff before (29.5% (3347/11,338) vs 57.9% (4690/8094), P < 0.001) and after (59.9% (9915/16,556) vs 73.8% (17,194/23 286), P < 0.001) the contact with patients and surrounding environment significantly improved. However, hand hygiene compliance among three cleaning staff did not significantly improve after the application. Moreover, there was no significant difference in healthcare-acquired infection rates (2.535% (9/355) vs 2.047% (7/342), P = 0.667) nor in the detection rates of the four major multidrug-resistant bacteria in the EICU before and after the application of the IoT management system (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The IoT management system significantly improved hand hygiene compliance among medical staff, except cleaners, in the EICU of one provincial hospital; however, the rates of nosocomial infection did not significantly decrease. The quality of hand hygiene implementation needs to be improved.

[Research on the spread of the book Shiyi Xinjian in ancient and modern times]

Three volumes of Shiyi Xinjian, written by Zan Yin of Tang Dynasty, contains the theories and prescriptions of food treatment in various branches, which have far-reaching influence on food treatment and clinical treatment. The book was written in the 9th century A. D. as a dietary therapy prescription. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the book of Shiyi Xinjian was still surviving. It has been cited in Taiping Shenghuifang: Shizhi, Yanglao Fengqinshu, Zhenglei Bencao(, Classified Materia Medica from Historical Classics for Emergency) and Shengji Zonglu: Shizhimen. After the Jingkang Incident, the book was rare, and even may have been lost. Until the Ming Dynasty, the book was completely disappeared in China. However, there are some Quotes in the book Zhenglei Bencao and other books, and the contents of this book are still often cited by later medical books. After that, the Japanese collected 211 prescriptions of Shiyi Xinjian from Euibangyoochui in Korea. Luo Zhenyu brought them back to China and published them in the Dongfang Xuehui in 1924, which made the Shiyi Xinjian appear in a separate volume in China for the first time since it was lost, which promoted the spread of the book in China. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, some of the scholars collected it again, which improved the content of the book.

Time-dependent Microhardness Gradients of Self-adhesive Resin Cements Under Dual- and Self-curing Modes

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Acid-functional monomers in self-adhesive resin cements may decrease their self-curing polymerization ability. Light irradiation optimizes polymerization performance.

SUMMARY

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate Knoop microhardness of self-adhesive resin cements under dual- and self-curing modes in simulated canals for describing the polymerization behavior.Methods and Materials: Slots in lightproof silicone cylinders with one open end were filled with the following eight materials: a traditional resin cement (Duolink), a core build-up resin material (MultiCore Flow), and six self-adhesive resin cements (RelyX Unicem 2, G-Cem Automix, Maxcem, Biscem, Multilink Speed, and PermaCem 2.0). The resins were exposed to light through the open end and then stored in a lightproof box. The Knoop hardness gradient for each resin was measured after 1 hour and 120 hours. Surface readings were obtained at 1-mm intervals from 1 mm to 10 mm away from the open ends. The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05).Results: All the resin materials had stable Knoop hardness numbers (KHNs) at a certain depth; their KHNs in the self-curing mode did not change (p>0.05). The region above this certain depth was regarded as having undergone the dual-curing mode, and the KHN decreased gradually with depth (p<0.05). Between 1 and 120 hours postexposure, the ratio of the KHN at a 5-mm depth (self-cured) to that at a 1-mm depth (dual-cured) increased in Duolink and MultiCore Flow. However, the ratios of the six adhesive resin cements varied.Conclusion: Without light, most self-adhesive resin cements differed from traditional dual-cured resin materials in terms of Knoop micro-hardness, and they had a lesser capacity for chemical-induced curing.

Gut dysbacteriosis and intestinal disease: mechanism and treatment

The gut microbiome functions like an endocrine organ, generating bioactive metabolites, enzymes or small molecules that can impact host physiology. Gut dysbacteriosis is associated with many intestinal diseases including (but not limited to) inflammatory bowel disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis-IBD, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, osmotic diarrhoea and colorectal cancer. The potential pathogenic mechanism of gut dysbacteriosis associated with intestinal diseases includes the alteration of composition of gut microbiota as well as the gut microbiota-derived signalling molecules. The many correlations between the latter and the susceptibility for intestinal diseases has placed a spotlight on the gut microbiome as a potential novel target for therapeutics. Currently, faecal microbial transplantation, dietary interventions, use of probiotics, prebiotics and drugs are the major therapeutic tools utilized to impact dysbacteriosis and associated intestinal diseases. In this review, we systematically summarized the role of intestinal microbiome in the occurrence and development of intestinal diseases. The potential mechanism of the complex interplay between gut dysbacteriosis and intestinal diseases, and the treatment methods are also highlighted.

FRI0271 IMPACT OF HLA-B27 STATUS ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES AMONG PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS TREATED WITH SECUKINUMAB

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is strongly associated with the genetic marker HLA-B27. Approximately 80%-90% of white patients with AS express HLA-B27 compared with < 8% of the general population. In patients with AS, negative HLA-B27 status is a predictor of worse response to TNFis.1The impact of HLA-B27 status on clinical efficacy of secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits IL-17A, has not been studied.

Objectives:

To analyze the impact of HLA-B27 status on clinical outcomes at Week 16 in patients with AS treated with secukinumab vs placebo.

Methods:

Patients with AS were pooled from the MEASURE 1-4 studies (NCT01358175,NCT01649375,NCT02008916, andNCT02159053) and stratified by HLA-B27 status. All trials included patients who received secukinumab 150 mg every 4 weeks with or without an initial loading dose (10 mg/kg IV at Weeks 0, 2, 4 or 150 mg SC at Weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3) or placebo control. MEASURE 3 included patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg every 4 weeks following the initial IV loading dose. Efficacy at Week 16 was determined by the proportion of patients achieving ASAS20/40, ASAS5/6, ASAS partial remission, BASDAI50, ASDAS-CRP < 2.1, ASDAS-CRP < 1.3, and improvement in Patient Global Assessment (VAS) and total spinal/back pain (VAS) scores. In MEASURE 1, 2, and 4, quality of life (QOL) was assessed at Week 16 by the SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS, and ASQOL. ASAS, BASDAI, and ASDAS-CRP responses were analyzed by nonresponder imputation, and all other outcomes by mixed models for repeated measures. For hypothesis generation, outcomes at Week 16 with secukinumab vs placebo within HLA-B27 strata were compared by logistic regression analysis without adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were balanced across treatment groups, although more HLA-B27+ patients than HLA-B27− patients were male (71%-73% vs 43%-50%). HLA-B27+ patients receiving any dose of secukinumab were significantly more likely to achieve ASAS, BASDAI50, and ASDAS-CRP responses vs those receiving placebo (P< .05; Figure 1). HLA-B27− patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg were significantly more likely to achieve ASAS40, ASAS partial remission (Figure 1A), and BASDAI50 (Figure 1B) responses than those receiving placebo (P< .05). Patients receiving any dose of secukinumab were more likely to achieve ASAS5/6 and ASDAS-CRP < 2.1 than those receiving placebo, regardless of HLA-B27 status (P< .05; Figure 1B). All secukinumab-treated patients experienced significant improvement in Patient Global Assessment at Week 16 vs placebo, regardless of HLA-B27 status, while only HLA-B27+ patients experienced significant reduction in total spinal/back pain vs placebo (P< .05; Figure 2A). Numerical improvements in QOL were observed in all patients receiving secukinumab 150 mg vs placebo; these reached significance for HLA-B27+ patients (Figure 2B).

Conclusion:

Secukinumab is effective in patients with AS regardless of HLA-B27 status; HLA-B27+ patients may derive increased therapeutic benefit compared with HLA-B27− patients.

Reference:

[1]Alazmi M, et al.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70:1393-9.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. The authors thank Rich Karpowicz, PhD, of Health Interactions, Inc, for providing medical writing support/editorial support, which was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3).

Disclosure of Interests:

Atul Deodhar Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, Denis Poddubnyy Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis, and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Renato Calheiros Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Xiangyi Meng Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Vibeke Strand Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America, Crescendo Bioscience, Eli Lilly, Genentech/Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, UCB, Marina Magrey Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, and UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly and Novartis

THU0397 SYMPTOMS OF PERIPHERAL ARTHRITIS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS TREATED WITH SECUKINUMAB

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton associated with pain, stiffness, and disability.1Up to 66% of patients (pts) with AS may also have peripheral involvement, including swollen and tender joints (STJs),2,3which are associated with worse overall disease activity.4A previous analysis showed that secukinumab, a selective inhibitor of interleukin 17A, led to significant improvements in efficacy outcomes vs placebo, regardless of peripheral joint involvement.3However, the effect of secukinumab on symptoms of peripheral arthritis in pts with AS was not assessed.

Objectives:

The objective of this analysis was to assess changes in peripheral symptoms in pts with AS treated with secukinumab vs placebo.

Methods:

Data from pts with active AS and peripheral symptoms who were enrolled in MEASURE 1 (NCT01358175), 2 (NCT01649375), 3 (NCT02008916), and 4 (NCT02159053) were pooled in this post hoc, hypothesis-generating analysis. No adjustments for multiple comparisons were made. Pts with peripheral symptoms were identified by the presence of STJs, based on 44-joint counts at baseline (BL). Pts received subcutaneous (SC) secukinumab every 4 weeks at doses of 300 mg with an intravenous (IV) loading dose (MEASURE 3 only), 150 mg with an IV or SC loading dose, or placebo. Treatment response through Week 16 was assessed based on the proportions of pts who achieved improvements of 20%, 50%, 70%, or 100% in the number of swollen and number of tender joints and improvements in the BASDAI score for question 3 and Patient Global Assessment (PGA). Changes in the number of swollen and number of tender joints were assessed in pts with swollen or tender joints at BL, respectively.

Results:

This pooled analysis included 560 pts with AS and STJs at BL (Table). At Week 16, treatment with secukinumab led to significantly greater proportions of pts achieving reductions in the number of swollen (Fig 1A) or tender (Fig 1B) joints compared with placebo; the treatment effect was more pronounced in reduction of swollen joints. Furthermore, a greater proportion of secukinumab-treated pts achieved complete resolution of swollen or tender joints vs placebo (Fig 1). Secukinumab also led to significant improvements in peripheral pain/swelling (Fig 2A) and disease activity (Fig 2B) vs placebo, as assessed using BASDAI question 3 and the PGA, respectively.

Table.

Patient Characteristics at Baseline

SecukinumabPlacebo (n = 252)300 mg (n = 52)150 mg (n = 256)Age, mean, y43.643.744.9Time since diagnosis, mean, y5.67.27.3Male, %63.562.157.5PGA of Disease Activity, mean, mm73.471.770.1BASDAI question 3, mean6.36.66.4Swollen 44-joint count, mean1.92.62.5Tender 44-joint count, mean7.17.87.9

Conclusion:

In parallel with its previously reported efficacy in axial symptoms,3secukinumab led to significant improvements in symptoms of peripheral arthritis in pts with AS. Significant improvements were seen in both tender and swollen joints.

References:

[1]Braun J, Sieper J.Lancet. 2007;369:1379-1390.

[2]de Winter JJ, et al.Arthritis Res Ther. 2016;18:196.

[3]Mease P, et al.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71(suppl 10):1553.

[4]de Winter JJ, et al.RMD Open. 2019;5:e000802.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ. The authors thank Amos Race, PhD, of ArticulateScience LLC, Hamilton, NJ, USA, for providing medical writing/editorial support, which was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA, in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3).

Disclosure of Interests:

Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, Atul Deodhar Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Renato Calheiros Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Xiangyi Meng Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Todd Fox Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Xenofon Baraliakos Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen

Transcriptional regulation of heat shock protein 70 genes by class I histone deacetylases in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

The regulatory function of histone acetylation in the expression of genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsps) has been documented in Drosophila melanogaster; however, knowledge of the role of acetylation in modulating Hsps in other insect pests is limited. In this study, two full-length cDNAs encoding inducible Hsp70 (designated TcHsp70) and heat shock cognate 70 (TcHsc70) were isolated and characterized in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. TcHsp70 and TcHsc70 cDNAs were 2256 and 2132 bp and encoded 1941- and 1893-bp open reading frames, respectively. The deduced TcHsp70 and TcHsc70 proteins contained 646 and 630 amino acids, respectively, and contained sequences typical of the Hsp70 family, including the EEVD motif for cytoplasmic localization. Expression patterns after heat shock indicated that TcHsp70 was strongly heat-inducible, whereas the expression level of TcHsc70 remained unchanged under heat shock. RNA interference-mediated knock-down of three genes encoding class I histone deacetylases differentially influenced both basal and heat shock inducible expression of TcHsp70 and TcHsc70, suggesting the involvement of histone acetylation in epigenetic regulation of Hsp70 transcription in T. castaneum.

Inhibition of microRNA-875-5p promotes radioiodine uptake in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma cells by upregulating sodium-iodide symporter

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is an endocrine malignancy that is challenging to treat due to its limited radioiodine uptake. microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have been shown to be useful in treating many types of tumors, including PDTC. This study aims to evaluate the potential effect of miR-875-5p on the radioiodine uptake of PDTC and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Expression of miR-875-5p and sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in tissues and cell lines was determined using RT-qPCR. The binding relationship between miR-875-5p and NIS was predicted through in silico analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. A series of miR-875-5p mimic, miR-875-5p inhibitor, shRNA against NIS, and overexpressed NIS plasmids were introduced into PDTC cells. We then evaluated the cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and radioiodine uptake of each PDTC sample via CCK-8 assay, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, and γ counter, respectively.

RESULTS

miR-875-5p was found to be highly expressed, but NIS was poorly expressed in DTC tissues and PDTC cell lines. NIS was verified to be a target gene of miR-875-5p. Upregulation of miR-875-5p was found to induce PDTC cell proliferation, and reduce apoptosis and radioiodine uptake in vitro through down-regulation of NIS. In an in vivo orthotopic model, the enhancement of miR-875-5p led to the reduction of NIS expression and radioiodine uptake in the thyroid tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, the findings of the current study suggest that down-regulated miR-875-5p expression could promote its target gene NIS to increase radioiodine uptake in PDTC, constituting a preventive strategy against PDTC.

PRDX2 plays an oncogenic role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin and AKT pathways

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of PRDX2 in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA).

METHODS

The expression of PRDX2 was detected in ESCA tissues. And PRDX2 expression in two ESCA cell lines was knocked down. Cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion were detected in these cells.

RESULTS

Here, we found that PRDX2 expression was significantly increased in ESCA tissues and was associated with a poor prognosis in ESCA patients. In addition, PRDX2 expression was significantly associated with pathological grading, infiltration degree and 5-year survival time in ESCA patients. Next, we knocked down PRDX2 expression by PRDX2-shRNA transfection in two ESCA cell lines, Eca-109 and TE-1. Proliferation analysis indicated that in vitro PRDX2 knockdown decreased growth and clone formation of ESCA cells. Scratch and transwell assays indicated that cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited by PRDX2 knockdown. In addition, PRDX2 knockdown inhibited cell cycle of ESCA cells and down-regulated Cyclin D1-CDK4/6. Moreover, PRDX2 knockdown regulated proteins involved in mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis, including increased Bax and Caspase9/3 and decreased Bcl2. Mechanism investigation indicated that PRDX2 knockdown led to inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin and AKT pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that PRDX2 may function as an oncogene in the development of ESCA via regulating Wnt/β-catenin and AKT pathways. Our study fills a gap in the understanding of the role of PRDX2 in ESCA and provides a potential target for ESCA treatment.

Impaired geometry, volumetric density, and microstructure of cortical and trabecular bone assessed by HR-pQCT in both sporadic and MEN1-related primary hyperparathyroidism

This study evaluated bone features of PHPT using HR-pQCT. The results showed both cortical and trabecular bones were significantly impaired in PHPT patients. Male and female PHPT patients suffered similar damages in bone. HR-pQCT indices were not observed to differ in MEN1 and sporadic PHPT patients.

INTRODUCTION

High-resolution peripheral quantitative CT is a novel imaging technique used to separately assess trabecular and cortical bone status of the radius and tibia in vivo. Using HR-pQCT, we aimed to evaluate bone features of primary hyperparathyroidism patients in a Chinese population and reveal similarities and differences in bone features in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related PHPT and sporadic PHPT patients in the Chinese population.

METHODS

A case-control study was designed. In 58 PHPT patients and 58 sex- and age-matched healthy controls, the distal radius and tibia were scanned using HR-pQCT. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was also determined in PHPT patients using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

In comparison with controls, PHPT patients were observed to exhibit reduced volumetric BMD at the cortical and trabecular compartments, thinner cortices, and more widely spaced trabeculae. Significant differences were still observed when comparing data of female and male patients with age-matched controls separately. MHPT patients (n = 11) were found to have lower aBMD Z-scores in the lumbar spine, trochanteric region, and total hip compared with sporadic PHPT patients (n = 47), while no differences were observed in HR-pQCT indices between the two groups. In multiple linear regression models, no significant correlations were identified between PTH and HR-pQCT indices. However, height was found to positively correlate with HR-pQCT-derived trabecular indices at both the radius and tibia.

CONCLUSIONS

PHPT affects geometry, volumetric density, and microstructure in both the cortical and trabecular bones in both male and female Chinese patients. MHPT patients were observed to have reduced aBMD as determined by DXA in the lumbar spine and hip in comparison with sporadic PHPT patients. However, HR-pQCT indices were not observed to differ.

Isolation and characterization of Salmonella in pork samples collected from retail and wholesale markets in each season from 2016 to 2018 in Wuhan, China

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Salmonella in pork on sale in Wuhan, Central China.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 4744 pork samples were collected from retail or wholesale markets in each season from 2016 to 2018. The samples showed an overall Salmonella prevalence of 19·54% (927/4744), among which the samples collected in 2017 (21·67%, 428/1975) possessed a significantly higher prevalence than those collected in 2016 (18·61%, 209/1123) (P = 0·047) or 2018 (17·51%, 290/1656) (P = 0·002), and the samples collected in winter showed the lowest prevalence (15·86%, 177/1116). The Salmonella prevalence was significantly higher among samples from retail markets (25·68%, 283/1102) than wholesale markets (17·68%, 644/3642) (P = 0·000). Antimicrobial resistance of 922 Salmonella strains was tested by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations using a broth microdilution method. The strains revealed that 98·92% (912/922) were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobial agents, and 80·04% (738/922) were resistant to three or more antimicrobials (MDR). Resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (89·91%), tetracycline (87·20%) and ampicillin (71·69%) was predominant. The proportion of MDR strains in 2017 (93·62%, 396/423) was significantly higher than that in 2016 (63·16%, 132/209) (P = 0·000) or 2018 (69·66%, 202/290) (P = 0·000). No significant difference was observed in the proportions of MDR strains between wholesale markets (76·07%, 213/280) and retail markets (80·53%, 517/642) (P = 0·075). Multi-locus sequence typing for 554 of the isolates revealed 20 different sequence types (STs), among which ST40 (38·27%, 212/554), ST34 (18·41%, 102/554) and ST469 (14·46%, 79/554) were dominant.

CONCLUSIONS

A high risk of Salmonella prevalence and antimicrobial resistance was observed in pork in Wuhan. The risk varies between different sampling years, seasons and market types.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Providing baseline data on Salmonella contamination in pork on sale in Central China.

Aβ1-42 regulates astrocytes through JNK/AP-1 pathway

OBJECTIVE

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), astrocytes are generally found in the surrounding of senile plaques participating in the production of phagocytosis and the removal of toxic compounds such as Aβ. This study aimed at investigating the effect of Aβ1-42 on astrocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cellular viability of primary cultured astrocytes was analyzed using CCK-8 assay. Quantitative Real-time PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1. The proteins of JNK/AP-1 pathway were investigated using Western blot.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that Aβ1-42 inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in astrocytes in primary culture. Additionally, Aβ1-42 increased the mRNA expression level of AP-1, but had no effect on the expression of JNK. Furthermore, Aβ1-42 increased the protein expression of p-JNK, p-c-jun and Fra-1 and the ratio of p-c-jun/c-jun and p-JNK/JNK.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that Aβ1-42 promoted cell apoptosis in astrocytes in primary culture. Furthermore, Aβ1-42 activated JNK/AP-1 pathway through promoting the phosphorylation of JNK, c-jun and Fra-1 expression, then inducing cell apoptosis.

Treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma through ultrasound-guided microwave ablation

Objective

To study the clinical effect of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation on primary hepatic carcinoma.

Method

The subjects comprised 94 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma who were admitted to our hospital between August 2014 and November 2016. They were divided into two groups in accordance with a random-number table. The control (n = 47) and study (n = 47) groups received conventional surgical excision and ultrasound-guided microwave ablation, respectively. The operation duration, clinical effect, complication occurrence rates, and hepatic functions of the two groups were compared.

Results

The control group exhibited longer duration of operation and length of stay but significantly lower quantities of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion (P < 0.05) than the study group. The study group demonstrated significantly higher (P < 0.05) effective rate of treatment but significantly lower (P < 0.05) occurrence rate of complications than the control group. The study group exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) albumin and total bilirubin levels but significantly lower alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels than the control group. No difference was observed in prothrombin time between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation treatment offers the advantages of minor injury and low complication occurrence rates. Moreover, it is associated with faster postoperative recovery and improved hepatic function. Thus, it is worthy as a clinical option and must be promoted and applied.

P5399microRNA-486 mediates exercise-induced cardiac growth and prevents cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background

Molecules mediating exercise-induced physiological cardiac growth may be beneficial to prevent cardiac injury and remodeling. MicroRNA-486 (miR-486) is a muscle-enriched microRNA which was found to be increased in exercised heart. However, the role of miR-486 in exercise-induced cardiac growth is largely unknown.

Purpose

We aimed to study the function of miR-486 in exercise-induced cardiac growth, and to investigate its potential role in protection against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 adult mice were subjected to 3-week swimming exercise to induce physiological cardiac growth. Knockdown of miR-486 was performed by intramyocardial injection of miR-486 sponge to evaluate the role of miR-486 in exercise-induced cardiac growth. Moreover, intramyocardial injection of miR-486 overexpression lentivirus was performed to investigate whether miR-486 could reduce infarct size in mice suffered from acute I/R injury (30 min ligation and 24 hr reperfusion of left anterior descending coronary artery). Meanwhile, the functional role of miR-486 was evaluated in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) treated with oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGDR) using Tunel staining. Finally, function-rescue assays were performed to identify target genes of miR-486.

Results

Exercise significantly upregulated miR-486 in the heart, which was reduced by intramyocardial injection of miR-486 sponge. Exercise induced-cardiac growth was abolished in mice with intramyocardial injection of miR-486 sponge, as evidenced by reduced heart weight/body weight ratio and heart weight/tibia length ratio compared to control exercised-mice, suggesting a potential role of miR-486 in mediating exercise-induced cardiac growth. Meanwhile, we found that intramyocardial injection of miR-486 overexpression lentivirus was able to reduce the infarct size as determined by TTC staining. Moreover, in OGDR-induced apoptosis of NRCMs, miR-486 mimics was able to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis, while miR-486 inhibitor performed the opposite. Finally, PTEN and FoxO1 were identified as target genes of miR-486 in the control of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Conclusions

miR-486 mediates exercise-induced cardiac growth and protects against cardiac I/R injury. Increasing miR-486 might serve as a potential target to reduce myocardial apoptosis upon I/R injury.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by the grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China 81722008, 91639101 and 81570362 to JJ Xiao, 81770401 to Y Bei

Analysis on coupled vibration of piezoelectric ceramic stack with two piezoelectric ceramic elements

A longitudinally polarized piezoelectric ceramic stack with two piezoelectric ceramic elements is an important part of sandwich piezoelectric transducers. The three-dimensional coupled vibration of piezoelectric ceramic stack is analyzed. Since the longitudinal and radial dimensions of particular piezoelectric ceramic stacks are approximately equal, one-dimensional theory cannot be used for analysis. The piezoelectric ceramic stack is analyzed by the equivalent elastic method, which is an approximate analytical method, and it is considered that the coupled vibration of a piezoelectric ceramic stack is composed of equivalent radial and longitudinal vibrations. These two equivalent vibrations are connected by a mechanical coupling coefficient. The radial and longitudinal electromechanical equivalent circuits are obtained, and the resonance frequency equations are derived. The dependency of the radial and longitudinal resonance frequencies on the geometrical dimensions for piezoelectric ceramic stack is analyzed. The height or radius has a large influence on the longitudinal resonance frequency or the radial resonance frequency. Two sets of piezoelectric ceramic stacks are fabricated. The experimental results, COMSOL simulated results, and theoretical results are in good agreement.

Litter quality and microtopography as key drivers to topsoil properties and understorey plant diversity in ancient broadleaved forests on decalcified marl

In forest ecosystems, litter quality is a major driver for soil and understorey characteristics, but elevation, microtopography and subsoil properties may also be important. We tested the importance of each factor in two ancient mixed forests on decalcified marl, dominated by trees with different litter quality such as European hornbeam, with high-palatable litter, and beech, with low-palatable litter. We mapped elevation, differences in local height (microtopography), tree distribution and understorey cover on slopes ranging from crest to bottom, and sampled 200 7 × 7 m grid cells for characteristics of litter input, understorey, topsoil and subsoil. In both forests, elevation decreased gradually, but microtopography showed irregular patterns of depressions and mounds of a few cm below or above average local height. Tree distribution was not affected by elevation or subsoil properties, but clearly by microtopography. Adult beech was abundant on local mounds, while hornbeam was more common in local depressions. Topsoil and understorey characteristics were mainly affected by litter quality (tree species dominance) and microtopography. Litter quality had separate effects from microtopography, but could reinforce this. High litter quality (hornbeam) and low local height both led to high earthworm activity, low litter mass, high erosion, impermeable clay layers close to the surface, high pH, high soil moisture and high diversity of the understorey. Low litter quality (beech) and high local height both led to low earthworm activity, high litter mass, low erosion, low pH, low soil moisture and low plant diversity. Beech and hornbeam may act as ecosystem engineers, which change habitat conditions and local hydrology, and make habitats more suitable to themselves, and/or unsuitable to the other. However, they also increased spatial complexity of the forest and length of the habitat gradient. This may increase forest biodiversity as a whole, but also resilience to prolonged wet or dry periods.