[Modification of physical activity on genetic effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a twin pairs cohort study in China]

Objective: To explore the modification effect of physical activity on the genetic effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The univariate moderation model was fitted to calculate the modifying effect of physical activity on the genetic effects of T2DM based on the data of 12 107 pairs of same gender twins aged 30 years and older enrolled by the Chinese National Twin Registry in 11 provinces/cities in China. Results: After adjusting for age and gender, the heritability of T2DM was 0.56 (0.31-0.84). Qualified physical activity could attenuate the genetic effects of T2DM. The heritability of T2DM in twin pairs with qualified physical activity was 0.46 (0.06-0.88), which was lower than that in twin pairs without qualified physical activity during the same model [0.68(0.36-0.94)]. Conclusion: T2DM is a moderate genetic disease, physical activity can modify the genetic effects of T2DM.

[A descriptive analysis on body mass index distribution in adult twin pairs in China]

Objective: To describe the differences in body mass index (BMI) distribution in adult twins registered in Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and provide evidence for the risk factor analysis and prevention and control of overweight or obesity. Methods: A total of 32 725 twin pairs aged 18 years and above who completed the questionnaire survey during 2010-2018 and had complete registered information in CNTR and normal body weight and length were included in the analysis on the population and region specific distributions of BMI of twin pairs and the difference in BMI in twin pairs. Results: The twin pairs included in the analysis were aged (34.6±12.4) years, the twin pairs of same gender accounted for 79.7%. The average BMI was 22.5 kg/m². The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 4.9% and 23.7%, respectively. Participants who were men, 50-59 years old, married, had lower education level, and lived in northern China had higher overweight rate and obesity rate (P<0.001). The difference in overweight or obesity prevalence between monozygotic (MZ) twin pars and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs was not significant, but firstborn twin pairs had slightly higher rates of overweight and obesity than later-born twin pairs (P<0.05). The analysis in same gender-twin pairs indicated that the difference in BMI was associated with age (trend test: P<0.001), and the difference was more obvious in DZ twin pair in MZ pair and this difference increased with age. The concordant rate of BMI was higher in MZ twin pairs than DZ twin pairs (P<0.05). Conclusion: The distribution of BMI of twin pairs varied with population and region and BMI varied with age due to its genetic nature.

Fizeau drag in graphene plasmonics

Dragging of light by moving media was predicted by Fresnel¹ and verified by Fizeau's celebrated experiments² with flowing water. This momentous discovery is among the experimental cornerstones of Einstein's special relativity theory and is well understood^3,4 in the context of relativistic kinematics. By contrast, experiments on dragging photons by an electron flow in solids are riddled with inconsistencies and have so far eluded agreement with the theory^5-7. Here we report on the electron flow dragging surface plasmon polaritons^8,9 (SPPs): hybrid quasiparticles of infrared photons and electrons in graphene. The drag is visualized directly through infrared nano-imaging of propagating plasmonic waves in the presence of a high-density current. The polaritons in graphene shorten their wavelength when propagating against the drifting carriers. Unlike the Fizeau effect for light, the SPP drag by electrical currents defies explanation by simple kinematics and is linked to the nonlinear electrodynamics of Dirac electrons in graphene. The observed plasmonic Fizeau drag enables breaking of time-reversal symmetry and reciprocity¹⁰ at infrared frequencies without resorting to magnetic fields^11,12 or chiral optical pumping^13,14. The Fizeau drag also provides a tool with which to study interactions and nonequilibrium effects in electron liquids.

Bacterial Communities Associated With Four Blooming Scyphozoan Jellyfish: Potential Species-Specific Consequences for Marine Organisms and Humans Health

Cnidarians have large surface areas available for colonization by microbial organisms, which serve a multitude of functions in the environment. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on scyphozoan-associated microbial communities. Blooms of scyphozoan species are common worldwide and can have numerous deleterious consequences on the marine ecosystem. Four scyphozoan species, Aurelia coerulea, Cyanea nozakii, Nemopilema nomurai, and Rhopilema esculentum, form large blooms in Chinese seas. In this study, we analyzed the bacterial communities associated with these four jellyfish based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that the bacterial communities associated with each scyphozoan species were significantly different from each other and from those of the surrounding seawater. There were no significant differences between the bacterial communities associated with different body parts of the four scyphozoan jellyfish. Core bacteria in various compartments of the four scyphozoan taxa comprised 57 OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units), dominated by genera Mycoplasma, Vibrio, Ralstonia, Tenacibaculum, Shingomonas and Phyllobacterium. FAPROTAX function prediction revealed that jellyfish could influence microbially mediated biogeochemical cycles, compound degradation and transmit pathogens in regions where they proliferate. Finally, Six genera of potentially pathogenic bacteria associated with the scyphozoans were detected: Vibrio, Mycoplasma, Ralstonia, Tenacibaculum, Nautella, and Acinetobacter. Our study suggests that blooms of these four common scyphozoans may cause jellyfish species-specific impacts on element cycling in marine ecosystems, and serve as vectors of pathogenic bacteria to threaten other marine organisms and human health.

Performance and mechanism of mold-pressing alkali-activated material from MSWI fly ash for its heavy metals solidification

The safe disposal of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) has become the weakest link of the circular economy of MSW due to its hazardous nature. In this study, we focused on the heavy metals solidification of MSWIFA by using alkali-activation technology and introducing a mold-pressing method. The influence of alkaline activator (AA) including alkali concentration and dosage of sodium silicate solution were well designed and studied. MSWIFA before and after alkali-activation, as well as the sample treated by commercial chelating agent (CA), were contrastively studied the performance of heavy metals solidification. The results show that the alkali-activated MSWIFA exhibits superior solidification for heavy metals than the blank control and the CA treated ones. With mold-pressing technology, the alkali-activated MSWIFA shows a core-shell structure, in which a thin layer that is composed of mainly N-A-S-H gel is as the shell and acts as a protective layer to inhibit the leaching of heavy metals. Besides, the introduced mold-pressing technology is beneficial for the improvement of materials strength and the reduction of AA dosage. The optimal AA composition is that the net concentration of NaOH is ∼4 M and sodium silicate dosage is ∼65 wt% in alkaline activator, and the total alkaline activator requirement is only 32 wt% of MSWIFA, yielding 7.9 MPa compressive strength at 10.2 MPa molding pressure. In summary, this work paves a potential new way for safe and recycling use of hazardous MSWIFA, which will be of great significance to environmental sustainability.

Gastrodin protects against high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity via GSK-3β-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major complications of diabetes that causes mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. Gastrodin (GSTD) is a bioactive phenolic glucoside component of an ancient Chinese herb Tianma (Gastrodia elata Bl.), which is widely used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by ancient Chinese. Up to now, whether GSTD has a beneficial effect on DCM is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of GSTD on high glucose-induced injury in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes and HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes, and its underlying mechanisms. High glucose (33 mM) treatment caused cardiomyocyte toxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis in both H9c2 and HL-1 cells. Under both normal (5.5 mM glucose) and high glucose conditions, GSTD showed protective effect against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity and promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in a concentration and time-dependent manner in H9c2 and HL-1 cells. Knockdown of Nrf2 expression using siRNA specifically targeting Nrf2 attenuated the protective effect of GSTD. Furthermore, GSTD promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 via activating glycogen synthase kinse-3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathway. 4-benzyl, 2-methyl, 1, 2, 4-thiadiazolidine, 3, 5 dione (TDZD-8), an inhibitor of GSK-3β, inhibited the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 induced by GSTD, and attenuated the protective effect of GSTD as Nrf2 knockdown did. In summary, GSTD could protect against high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity via GSK-3β-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2.

[The current status and trend of disease burden of neoplasms in 1990 and 2016 for Beijing people]

Objective: To investigate the current status and trend of disease burden of neoplasms in 1990 and 2016 for Beijing people. Methods: The incidence situation, deaths status and disease burden of neoplasms in Beijing were described by using the results of the global burden of diseases study 2016 (GBD 2016). The measurement index included incidence, death, years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted years (DALY). Using the average world population from 2000 to 2025 as standard population to calculate the age-standardized incidence rate, mortality rate, DALY rate, YLL rate and YLD rate. Results: The age-standardized incidence rate of neoplasms in 2016 was 250.68 per 100 000, which increased by 30.03% than in 1990. The age-standardized mortality rate was 115.83 per 100 000, which decreased by 26.71% than in 1990. The DALY, YLL and YLD of neoplasms in 2016 were 671.2, 651.1 and 20.1 thousand person-years, respectively, which increased by 85.83%, 82.79% and 302.00% than those in 1990. The age-standardized DALY rate and YLL rate were 2 549.00 and 2 469.84 per 100 000, which decreased by 33.22% and 34.30% than those in 1990. The age-standardized YLD rate was 79.16 per 100 000, which increased by 37.17% than that in 1990. The male DALY, YLL and YLD in 2016 were 428.8, 417.8 and 11.0 thousand person-years, and female were 242.4, 233.3 and 9.1 thousand person-years, respectively.Among different neoplasms, the top three neoplasms of DALY and YLL were lung cancer, liver cancer, colon and rectum cancer, the top three of YLD were lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, breast cancer. The topped group of disease burden of neoplasms was aged from 50 to 69 years old, the DALY of which was 323.6 thousand person-years, accounted for 48.21% of all DALY, and increased by 87.70% than that in 1990. Conclusions: The disease burden of neoplasms in Beijing is dominated by YLL, and the YLD increases rapidly. The burden is severe in the group of aged from 50 to 69 years old, and the male is severer than female. Lung cancer ranks the first of the disease burden of neoplasms. The DALY of colorectal cancer has increased. Comprehensive strategies should be promoted, including cultivating a good lifestyle and implementing prevention and control of neoplasm risk factors as early as teenage group, early screening of high-risk population, and enhancing the instruction of patients' treatment and rehabilitation.

Contributions of epiphytic microbiota on the fermentation characteristics and microbial composition of ensiled six whole crop corn varieties

AIMS

The present study is aimed to reveal the variations in epiphytic microbial composition among six whole crop corn (WCC) varieties and their contributions on ensiling characteristics and microbial composition of WCC silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six WCC varieties (JS06, YS23, BS20, JS39, JS40 and JS26) were ensiled for 90 days. All WCC varieties were well fermented with low pH value (<4·0) and high LA (73·6-124 g kg^-1 DM, dry matter) concentration. Of six varieties, JS40 had the highest LA (124 g kg^-1 DM) concentration, which was supported by highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Pantoea was the most dominant epiphytic bacteria in all fresh WCC varieties; however, the secondary dominant genera among six WCC were absolutely difference. Lactobacillus became predominant genus in 90-day silages except YS23. YS23 kept the more bacterial genus from fresh to 90-day silages than other silages, meanwhile Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were the dominant bacteria in YS23 silages.

CONCLUSIONS

Among six WCC varieties, JS40 silage had the highest LA. The variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC affected terminal microbial community of 90-day silages. There were differences in fermentation characteristics among six WCC varieties, which might be partly attributed to variations in epiphytic microbiomes among fresh WCC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study not only enriches the research on microbial communities of plant phyllosphere but also provides theoretical basis for selecting WCC varieties and inoculants for the forage production.

[Development and application of a fundus image quality assessment system based on computer vision technology]

Objective: To develop a fundus image quality assessment system based on computer vision technology and to verify its accuracy by comparing the results of artificial discrimination and using this system. Methods: The process of image evaluation was divided into four modules: fundus image preprocessing, fundus image quality evaluation, fundus image content detection and evaluation result output. The system was designed to automatically evaluate the image quality of each fundus image, identify the optic disc and macula, and judge whether the image was qualified or not according to the image quality discrimination rules. A total of 2 397 fundus images of 787 type 2 diabetes patients were selected as the test data set. The average age of the patients, including 384 males and 403 females, was (69.65±19.09) years old. The images were taken by the staff of community health service centers in Shanghai with a fundus camera. The fundus image quality assessment system was used to conduct quality control and classification of the data set. At the same time, 12 professional fundus picture readers were employed to conduct manual quality control and classification of this data set. The system quality control results and artificial quality discrimination results were compared and analyzed. Results: The fundus image quality assessment system automatically recognized left and right eyes and eye positions on the input fundus images. The quality control interface included four indicator lights, which respectively corresponded to the images with the optic disc or macula as the center of the left or right eye. Evaluation of each fundus image was completed within 1 second, and the results were automatically displayed on the user interface. The 2 397 fundus photos were identified manually as 1 846 qualified photos and 551 unqualified photos. Among the unqualified images, 62 (11.27%) were too dark, 51 (9.27%) were too bright, 59 (10.73%) were not clear in the macular area, 36 (6.54%) showed no macula or optic disc, 125 (22.73%) could not present the fundus structure, 175 (31.82%) were blurred, and 42 (7.64%) were blocked. The results of the system and manual assessment were consistent in 1 788 qualified images (96.86%) and 550 unqualified images (99.82%), with an overall consistency rate of 97.54%. Conclusion: The fundus image quality assessment system can achieve highly consistent results with the professional judgment of ophthalmologists and has the characteristics of objectivity. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56:920-927).

Structure refinement of fly ash in connection with its reactivity in geopolymerization

It's an oversimplification to evaluate the reactivity of fly ash in geopolymerization using bulk elemental ratios like Si/Al. In this study, quantitative XRD by means of Rietveld refinement was employed to proportionate the mineral and glass phases of five fly ashes. The chemical environment of Si and Al in the fly ashes was investigated by ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al MAS NMR spectra. By counting the contributions of Al phase from mullite, the proportion of different coordination states of Al in the glass phase was speculated. The results reveal that the coordination number of Al is directly associated with the amount of alkali cations present in the glass phase for the most fly ashes, whereby higher the alkali content, the more four fold coordinated Al species are present in the system. Five and six fold coordinated Al as well as highly polymerized silicate species are also present in the glass structure of the fly ash. All these results point to an inherent inhomogeneous glass structure in fly ash. Despite that, a reactivity index derived from the NBO/T ratio (Non-Bridging Oxygen per Tetrahedral network former, e.g. SiO₄^4-, AlO₄^5-) modelled in a simplified glass setup, correlates well with the reaction heat of the geopolymers.

A Novel Testing Method for Examining Corrosion Behavior of Reinforcing Steel in Simulated Concrete Pore Solutions

In this paper, a new mechanical-based experimental method is proposed to determine the corrosion initiation and subsequent corrosion behavior of steel in simulated concrete pore solutions. The proposed experiment is used to investigate the corrosion of the steel wire under various different conditions and to examine the effects of pre-stress level in steel wire, passivation time of steel wire, composition and concentration of simulated concrete pore solution on the corrosion initiation, and subsequent corrosion development in the steel wire. The experimental results show that the reduction rate of the cross-section area of the steel wire increases with the increase of chloride concentration or decrease of pH value in the solution. However, for the case where the chloride concentration is high and the pH value is low, there is a slight decrease in the corrosion rate due to the coating function of the corrosion products surrounding the wire.

[Comprehensive control rate and related factros of diabetes mellitus in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the comprehensive control situation and related factors of diabetes mellitus. Methods: From August to December of 2017, 13 259 residents aged 18 to 79 years old were randomly selected as the subjects by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. Questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory tests were conducted. The effective sample size was 13 240. A total of 1 592 diabetes patients were found. In this study, 917 diabetes patients who had been diagnosed before the investigation were selected as subjects. The comprehensive control of diabetes patients was analyzed. The situation of diabetes patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, overweight and obesity, coronary heart diseases was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis of complex sampling was used to analyze the related factors of diabetes comprehensive control. Results: The average age of 917 patients with diabetes was (58.5±0.7) years old. The proportion of people who participated in diabetes follow-up management was 29.0%. There were 89.5% diabetes patients with one or more chronic diseases. The comprehensive control rate of diabetes mellitus was 2.0%, men and women were 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively (P>0.05). The rate of comprehensive control among those diabetes patients with chronic diseases was 0.4%, lower than that of those without chronic diseases (15.6%, P<0.05). The comprehensive control rate of people who participated in diabetes follow-up management was 1.4%. The control rate of blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid and weight of diabetes mellitus was 30.9%, 30.2%, 17.4% and 27.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of complex sampling showed that excessive intake of red meat, with chronic diseases and qualified core knowledge were all related with comprehensive control of diabetes mellitus, OR value was 31.41, 39.98 and 0.29, P<0.05. Conclusion: The comprehensive control rate of diabetes mellitus was low. Excessive intake of red meat, with chronic diseases and qualified core knowledge were all related with comprehensive control of diabetes mellitus.

MiR-497 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion ability by targeting HMGA2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs have been implicated to play a crucial regulating role in human cancers. The study aims to explore the role and clinical significance of miR-497 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The relative expression of miR-497 in human PDAC tissue samples and adjacent normal tissues was measured using the quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8) assay, cell migration, and invasion assays were performed to detect cell proliferation and invasion ability. Downstream target gene was confirmed by using luciferase activity assays. QRT-PCR and Western blotting assays also were performed.

RESULTS

We found that miR-497 expression was significantly downregulated in PDAC tissues and cells. Lower miR-497 expression associated with lymph node metastasis and predicts a poor prognosis in PDAC patients. In in vitro assay, we demonstrated that miR-497 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HMGA2 was a direct target of miR-497 in PDAC cells. MiR-497 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion by regulating HMGA2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that miR-497 may serve as a predictor for PDAC and could be a novel target of PDAC treatment.

Effects of physical-biochemical coupling processes on the Noctiluca scintillans and Mesodinium red tides in October 2019 in the Yantai nearshore, China

Red tide has always been an environmental issue with global concern. A Noctiluca scintillans red tide and a Mesodinium red tide occurred successively in Yantai nearshore, China, where is usually oligotrophic, in October 2019. Currents, phytoplankton community composition and nutrients were analyzed to access the driving factors of the red tides. The maximum N. scintillans and Mesodiniium abundance reached 124.92 ± 236.84 × 10³ cells/L and 1157.52 ± 1294.16 × 10³ cells/L respectively. The fast growth of N. scintillans was due to increasing abundance of phytoplankton. The currents were crucial to the assembly and dispersal of red tides. The red tides significantly redistributed the nutrients in the red tide patches and regulated the dominant species in phytoplankton community. Our study illuminates the influence of physical-biochemical coupling processes on red tides, and suggests that ocean dynamics such as currents and tidal factors deserve more attention when considering the ecosystem health problems of coastal zones.

SIRT5 deficiency enhances the proliferative and therapeutic capacities of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell via metabolic switching

Background

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) render potential therapies for multiple ischemic diseases. However, in vitro expansion of MSCs before application leads to a metabolic switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, drastically impairing their proliferative and therapeutic capacities.

Purpose

Here we aim to identify the role of SIRT5, a master metabolic regulator, in culture expansion of adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs).

Methods

SIRT5 deficiencyADMSCs was obtained from Sirt5−/− mice and their metabolic pattern and proliferation capacity were tested during in vitro expansion. Hind limb ischemic model was established to evaluated the therapeutic function of Sirt5−/−ADMSCs.

Results

SIRT5 protein level was upregulated in ADMCSs undergoing culture expansion. Sirt5−/−ADMSCs during in vitro expansion exhibited higher proliferation rate, delayed senescence and enhanced antioxidant capacity. SIRT5 deficiency induced hypersuccinylation of metabolic-related proteins, leading to attenuated mitochondrial respiration with elevated glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway. Furthermore, lowering succinylation level by glycine treatment reversed the altered metabolism and enhanced proliferation of Sirt5−/−ADMSCs. In mice hind limb ischemic model, SIRT5−/−ADMSCs treatment achieved better blood flow recovery and angiogenesis compared to WT ADMSCs treatment.

Conclusion

We reveal that SIRT5 is a key regulator of ADMSCs undergoing in vitro culture. Ablation of SIRT5 leads to reversed metabolic pattern, enhanced proliferative capacity and improved therapeutic outcomes. Our data provide a potential target for enhancing MSC functional properties during bio-manufacturing in future MSC therapy. Such work may not only benefit MSC cell therapy, but could extent to a wide variety of other stem cells that share similar metabolic pattern.

Graphic Abstract

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars.

Effects of various epiphytic microbiota inoculation on the fermentation quality and microbial community dynamics during the ensiling of sterile Napier grass

AIM

To investigate epiphytic microbiota transformation of forages, their adaptation and contributions to fermentation quality of silage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Gamma-irradiated chopped Napier grass were ensiled with distilled water (STR), extracted epiphytic microbiota of Napier grass (NAP), sudan grass (SUD), whole crop corn (WCC) and forage sorghum (FS). Inoculating Napier grass with WCC significantly increased lactic acid (LA) concentrations during the initial ensiling period followed by a decline after 30 days. Relative to other silages (except STR) inoculation with NAP resulted in lower LA and greater pH, ammonia-N and dry matter (DM) losses. Silage inoculated with FS and SUD maintained lower pH as well as higher (P < 0·05) LA concentrations after 60 days of storage. During day 3 of ensilage, WCC, NAP and SUD inoculated silage were dominated by bacterial genera of Lactobacillus, while Lactococcus dominated the FS silage. Final silages were dominated by Lactobacillus in all treatment silages, however Enterobacter (16·3%) in NAP and Acetobacter (25·7%) in WCC silage were also prominent during the final ensiling.

CONCLUSION

The inoculation of epiphytic microbiota of forage sorghum and sudan grass positively influenced the microbial community and fermentability of sterile Napier grass silage.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first time to investigate the effects of various epiphytic microbiota as silage inoculants which can be used as alternative source of environmental friendly and economically feasible silage additives.

[Current status and progress in novel drug research for gastrointestinal stromal tumors]

Imatinib has created the era of precise treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). However, in recent years, there has been a lack of satisfactory drugs for imatinib resistance. Recently, the emergence of a series of new agents not only brings new hope to break this situation, but also verifies that the drug development of GIST treatment still needs to lock the driving gene as the main target. New drugs, such as avapritinib and ripretinib, have shown surprising therapeutic efficacy, which may lead to a new situation in the treatment of GIST. The precise treatment of GIST guided by different primary gene mutations and secondary drug resistance mutations will replace the traditional guidelines based on the number of treatment lines.

[Association between sleep and serum hemoglobin A1c in nondiabetic population in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the status quo of sleep and its associations with serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among nondiabetic people of 18-79 years old in Beijing. Methods: Data was gathered from the 2017 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. Multiple classified clusters sampling method was used while the 18-79 years old were sampled from the 16 districts of Beijing. Questionnaires would include information on demographic characteristics, chronic diseases and related risk factors, sleep duration and related problems (snore/asphyxia, difficult to get to sleep, waking often during the night, waking up early or taking sleeping pills) within the last 30 days. Complex sampling logistic regression models were established to analyze the association between sleep-related problems and serum HbA1c. Results: A total of 11 608 non-diabetic participants were involved in this study, with average age, reported sleep duration and median of serum HbA1c level as (43.36±15.27) years old, (7.49±1.29) h/d and 5.30%, respectively. 47.38% of them reported having sleep problems within the last 30 days. With the increasing time of sleep, serum HbA1c level was fluctuating significantly (F=413.06, P<0.01). Significant differences appeared in serum HbA1c levels among different age groups (t=358.3, P<0.01). Among participants with several kinds of sleep problems, the serum HbA1c levels were significantly higher than those without, through the single factor analysis (U=15.11, P<0.01). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the combination of one sleep-related problem (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.03-1.41) and snore/asphyxia were associated with higher serum HbA1c levels (HbA1c≥5.7%) (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.16-1.61). People under 60 years of age were with higher risk of having higher serum HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Duration and sleep-related problems might affect the serum HbA1c levels, especially among those younger than 60 years of age.

Constructing the Bridge from Isotropic to Anisotropic Pitches for Preparing Pitch-Based Carbon Fibers with Tunable Structures and Properties

Synthetic naphthalene pitches (SNPs) with isotropy and anisotropy were prepared by a simple thermal polycondensation method to fabricate pitch-based carbon fibers. The structural characteristic, thermal stability, phase-separation behavior, and melt-spinnability of the SNPs and the structural properties of the derived carbon fibers were systematically investigated. The results show that spinnable SNPs with controllable mesophase contents ranging from 0 to 100 vol % and softening points (210-290 °C) could be easily obtained by a nitrogen-bubbling treatment to improve their thermal stability and melt-spinnability by avoiding the phase separation of liquid crystal (LC) in the pitch. An experimental phase diagram of spinnability and mesophase content is newly proposed for predicting the spinnability of a mesophase-containing pitch. The LC has a significant influence not only on the constituents, structure, and physical properties of the SNPs but also on the final structure and properties of the corresponding pitch-based carbon fibers. The low ash content (less than 0.15 wt %) in the pitch precursor is found to have no obvious effect on the pitch spinnability and the mechanical properties of derivative large-diameter carbon fibers.

[Study on intention of smoking concession, awareness of smoking hazards and impact on smoking status in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the awareness of smoking hazards and intention of smoking concession in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing, and provide scientific evidence for the development and improvement of tobacco control policies and measures. Methods: Data were collected from the 2017 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease surveillance. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to take samples from 165 communities in 16 districts of Beijing. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results: Among 11 594 participants, 49.93% had no intention of smoking concession. The percentage of refusing smoking concession was higher in men (50.39%) than in women (43.01%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=14.211, P=0.002), and higher in suburban residents (56.78%) than in urban residents (45.30%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=51.977, P<0.001). For the smoking cessation motivation, "illness" was the reason for more former smokers (29.88%) compared with current smokers (11.50%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=85.865, P<0.001). The awareness rates of smoking hazards was higher in women (34.97%) than in men (32.63%), the difference was significant (Z=5.612, P<0.001), higher in suburban residents (35.44%) than in urban residents (33.03%), the difference was significant (Z=-3.734, P<0.001), and higher in never smokers (35.15%) than in smokers (30.06%), the difference was significant ( χ(2)=62.277, P=0.005). Multiple logistic regression analysis results showed people with general awareness (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.39-0.94) and poor awareness (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.50-0.90) of smoking hazards were less likely to quit smoking and people with general awareness (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76) and poor awareness (OR=0.87, 95%CI: 0.78-0.98) of smoking hazards were more likely to smoke. Conclusions: Smokers aged 18-65 in Beijing had low willingness for smoking cessation. Health problem was main consideration for smoking cessation. Never-smokers had better awareness of smoking hazards than smokers, and the awareness of smoking hazards was an influencing factor of smoking status.

[Study on the relationship between sleep-related problems and dyslipidemia among adults in Beijing]

Objective: To investigate the status quo of sleelated problems and relationship with dyslipidemia among adults in Beijing. Methods: From August to December 2017, 13 188 residents aged 18-79 years old were randomly selected as the subjects of this study, by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. Questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory testing were used in this study. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics and status quo of sleep. Height and weight were measured, with fasting venous blood collected to test the levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Results: In Beijing, 52.1% of the adults involved in this study were having sleep-related problems which appeared higher in patients with dyslipidemia (55.1%) than those without (50.7%). Rates of sleep-related problems as snoring, difficult to get into sleep, waking at night, waking early and taking sleeping pills were 30.1%, 18.8%, 24.6%, 20.1% and 3.0%, respectively. The prevalence rates of high TC, high TG and high LDL-C were 7.5%, 23.5% and 6.6%, respectively among subjects with snoring and as, 5.7%, 15.5% and 4.9%, respectively among those without. The average level of TC of people easy to wake at night was 4.74 mmol/L, higher than that of those without (4.66 mmol/L). The prevalence of high TC among those waking at night was 7.5%, higher than that of those without (5.8%). After controlling potential confounding factors as age, sex, smoking, overweight and obesity, snoring was significantly positively correlated to the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C (P<0.05) and presenting as risk factor for dyslipidemia, with OR=1.248 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sleep-related problems appeared serious, with snoring and waking at night the main ones among adults in Beijing. Snoring was significantly positively correlated with the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C and served an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia.

Dynamics of Plasma EGFR T790M Mutation in Advanced NSCLC: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is an emerging technology for quantitative cell-free DNA oncology applications. However, a ddPCR assay for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) p.Thr790Met (T790M) mutation suitable for clinical use remains to be established with analytical and clinical validations.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop and validate a new ddPCR assay to quantify the T790M mutation in plasma for monitoring and predicting the progression of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Specificity of the ddPCR assay was evaluated with genomic DNA samples from healthy individuals. The inter- and intraday variations of the assay were evaluated using mixtures of plasmid DNA containing wild-type EGFR and T790M mutation sequences. We assessed the clinical utility of the T790M assay in a multicenter prospective study in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment by analyzing longitudinal plasma DNA samples.

RESULTS

We set the criteria for a positive call when the following conditions were satisfied: (1) T790M mutation frequency > 0.098% (3 standard deviations above the background signal); (2) at least two positive droplets in duplicate ddPCR reactions. Among the 62 patients with advanced NSCLC exhibiting resistance to TKI treatment, 15 had one or more serial plasma samples that tested positive for T790M. T790M mutation was detected in the plasma as early as 205 days (median 95 days) before disease progression, determined by imaging analysis. Plasma T790M concentrations also correlated with intervention after disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a ddPCR assay to quantify the T790M mutation in plasma. Quantification of longitudinal plasma T790M mutation may allow noninvasive assessment of drug resistance and guide follow-up treatment in TKI-treated patients with NSCLC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT02804100.

[Heritability of alcohol intake among adult twins, calculate by the structural equation model]

Objective: To explore the genetic and environmental effects on alcohol intake. Methods: Data on 9 231 pairs of adult twins of the same sex was collected from the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), between 2015 and 2018 and used in this study. Structural equation model was used to estimate the effects of genetic and environmental factors on alcohol intake. Results: A total of 9 231 pairs of twins were included in the analysis, of which 6 085 pairs were monozygotic (MZ). The average age of MZ was (36.91±13.07) years old, and males accounted for 56.80%. The average age of dizygotic twins (DZ) was (35.22±12.48) years old, and males accounted for 55.91%. There were 350 pairs of alcohol-drinking twins were with high-risk, accounting for 1.90% and another 367 pairs (1.99%) were with medium-risk. Alcohol-drinkers with medium-risk were affected by additive genetics, common and unique environmental factors, seen among the twins. The overall heritability appeared as 24.3% (95%CI: 0 to 56.8%). Furthermore, 50.7% of the variation (95%CI: 20.4%-79.0%) could be explained by the common environmental factors and 24.9% (95%CI: 18.3%-36.5%) by unique environmental factors. High-risk related drinking behavior was affected by both common and unique environmental factors. The common environmental component appeared as 75.6% (95%CI: 69.6%-80.8%) and unique environmental component as 24.4% (95%CI: 19.2%-30.4%), respectively. Gender difference was seen in the heritability of those with medium or high-risk drinking behaviors. The heritability of men was 30.8% (95%CI: 9.8%-53.5%), while in women it was mainly affected by the environment. Conclusion: Both alcohol drinkers with medium and high-risk drinking behaviors were mainly affected by the environment factors and gender. With the increase of drinking volume, the effect of environment on drinking behaviors became more obvious.

AB0530 CHARACTERISTICS AND MEDIUM-TERM OUTCOMES OF TAKAYASU ARTERITIS–RELATED RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS: ANALYSIS OF A LARGE CHINESE COHORT

Background:

The incidence of renal artery stenosis in Takayasu arteritis (TA) was 20%–60% according to previous reports. The specific characteristics of patients with TA-related renal artery stenosis and the effect of revascularization procedures on prognosis have not been fully investigated.

Objectives:

To investigate the characteristics of patients with TA-related renal artery stenosis and identify the predictors of medium-term adverse outcomes.

Methods:

Data for 567 patients registered in a large prospective observational cohort-the East China Takayasu arteritis cohort-up to April 30, 2019, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Renal artery stenosis was confirmed in 172/567 (30.34%) patients, with left renal artery involvement seen in 73/172 (42.44%) patients. Renal insufficiency at presentation (HR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.76-15.83, p = 0.03), bilateral renal artery involvement (HR = 6.95, 95% CI: 1.18-21.55, p = 0.01), and severe (>75%) stenosis (HR = 4.75, 95% CI 1.08-11.33, p = 0.05) were predictors of adverse outcomes. Revascularization was performed for 46/172 (26.74%) patients. Patients without preoperative treatment had higher rate of restenosis (44.44% vs. 15.79%, p < 0.01) and hypertension deterioration (25.93% vs. 10.53%, p < 0.01) after the procedure. Non-receipt of preoperative treatment (HR = 6.5, 95% CI: 1.77-32.98, p = 0.04) and active disease at revascularization (HR = 4.21, 95% CI 2.01-21.44, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes after revascularization.

Conclusion:

Patients with uncontrolled or worsening hypertension or/and renal function may benefit from revascularization. Those who have received preoperative treatment may have more favorable revascularization outcomes. Prognosis appears to be poorer for patients with renal insufficiency at presentation, bilateral artery involvement, and severe stenosis.

References:

[1]Watanabe Y, Miyata T, Tanemoto K. Current clinical features of new patients with Takayasu arteritis observed from a cross-country research in Japan: age and sex specificity. Circulation 2015; 132: 1701-9.

[2]Peng M, Jiang XJ, Dong H, et al. Etiology of renal artery stenosis in 2047 patients: a single-center retrospective analysis during a 15-year period in China. J Hum Hypertens 2016; 30: 124-8

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[Heritability of coronary heart disease, based on the data from the Chinese adult twins]

Objective: To analyze the heritability of coronary heart disease (CHD) among the Chinese twin adults. Methods: A total of 20 477 same-sex twin pairs aged 25 years and older from the Chinese National Twin Registry were interviewed. Structure equation model was used to estimate the heritability of CHD. Results: After adjusting for age and gender, the overall heritability of CHD was 0.75(0.68-0.81). Stratified analyses showed that genetic factors play a more important role in CHD incidence in ≥40 years or female twins. While the development of CHD was mainly influenced by environmental factors in 25-39 years or male twins. Conclusion: CHD is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors and the heritability is high.

Seasonal nitrogen uptake strategies in a temperate desert ecosystem depends on N form and plant species

Symbiotic plants might be able to regulate a limited nitrogen (N) pool, thus avoiding and reducing competition for resources, through the uptake of different chemical N forms. Our aim was to see whether coexisting herbs showed preference for different forms of N in a temperate desert. We conducted a situ experiment using the ¹⁵ N labeling method in the Gurbantunggut Desert of Northwestern China dominated by Erodium oxyrrhynchum, Hyalea pulchella, Nonea caspica and Lactuca undulata during their growing period (April and May). Four desert herb species preferentially relied on ¹⁵ N-NO₃ for their N nutrition. Multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis results showed that species, N forms, months, and soil depths strongly affected N uptake rate. The uptake rate by herbs was higher in May than in April, and higher at 0-5 cm than at 5-15 cm soil layers. Erodium oxyrrhynchum, N. caspica and L. undulata showed different preference on N form over months. Erodium oxyrrhynchum and L. undulata changed their uptake preference from more ¹⁵ N-Glycine in April to more ¹⁵ N-NH4 in May. Although the N uptake rate of four desert herbs varied across different soil depths and months, all species absorbed more inorganic N compared with organic N. The higher preference for ¹⁵ N-NO₃ and ¹⁵ N-NH4 over ¹⁵ N-Gly possibly reflects adaptation to different N forms in temperate desert.

Clinical analysis of an anchor nail combined with a titanium cable in the treatment of lower patella fractures

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical effect of an anchor nail and titanium cable for lower patella fractures and identify an effective treatment.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with lower patella fractures were treated using anchor nail and titanium cable technology. The anchor was fixed to the main part of the patella; the lower patella was then fixed. A bone tunnel was created, and the titanium cable was fixed. The fracture was allowed to heal without tension. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at regular follow-up evaluations. The Böstman function scores were used to assess postoperative complications.

RESULTS

All patients were followed for an average of 15 months. The fracture healing time ranged from 12 to 24 weeks. The postoperative Böstman function scores were as follows: average, 28.6 points; excellent and good scores in 28 and 7 patients, respectively (100% rate of excellent and good scores). At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the maximum degree of active extension of the affected knee joint was comparable with that of the healthy contralateral joint.

CONCLUSION

The combination of an anchor nail and titanium cable for lower patella fractures is simple and clinically satisfactory, restores knee function well, and is a worthy orthopedic method.

[Birth weight predicts physical indicators in adulthood: a large population-based study in Chinese twins]

Objective: To quantitate the association between birth weight and phenotypes of physical indicators in adulthood, i.e. BMI and waist circumference (WC) and to what degree genetic or environmental factors affect birth weight-obesity association. Methods: A total of 6 623 gender matched twin pairs aged 25 to 79 years were recruited through the Chinese National Twin Registry. The twins reported their own birth weight, current height and weight, and WC using a self-administered questionnaire. BMI was calculated according to the self-reports of body height and weight. Within twin-pair design was used to quantitate the association between birth weight and phenotypes related to obesity while bivariate structural equation models were used to decompose the phenotype correlation. Results: After adjusted for multiple factors, twin-pair analyses within monozygotic (MZ) showed that, on average, a 1.0 kg increase in birth weight corresponded to an increase of 0.33 kg/m(2) in BMI and 0.95 cm in WC in adulthood (P<0.001). Bivariate structural equation models showed significant positive unique environmental correlation between birth weight and the two obesity-related phenotypes. Conclusion: The study supported the role of twin-specific supply line factors on relationship between birth weight and physical indicators in adulthood.

Plasma fluoroacetic acid concentrations: Symptoms, hematological, and biochemical characteristics in patients with fluoroacetic acid poisoning in the emergency department

Fluoroacetic acid (FAcOH) was once a highly toxic rodenticide widely used in the world. In the past, studies on the toxicity of FAcOH have focused on animal experiments. The toxicity of FAcOH to humans and the changes of FAcOH in plasma have not been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the changes of plasma FAcOH concentrations, hematological, and biochemical characteristics in patients with FAcOH intoxication. According to clinical symptoms, 68 patients from the emergency department were divided into different groups: convulsion group, unconsciousness group, death group, and control groups. Plasma FAcOH concentrations, hematological, and biochemical parameters were investigated. Results demonstrated that patients in the convulsion group and the unconsciousness group had a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the level of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), creatine kinase MB (CKMB), glucose (GLU), and white blood cell count (WBC) and a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in serum potassium compared with the control group, respectively. Moreover, patients in the death group had a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the level of NSE, CKMB, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, GLU, and WBC and a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in serum potassium and total calcium compared with the survival group. The concentrations of FAcOH in plasma in the convulsion group, the unconsciousness group, and the death group were 72.31 ± 42.29, 118.33 ± 55.41, and 163.78 ± 43.32 μg/mL, respectively. These changes and the plasma FAcOH concentrations may increase our understanding of the toxicity of FAcOH to humans and may help doctors to judge the clinical prognosis of patients with FAcOH intoxication.

Anodic and Mechanical Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer as a Dual-Functional Material in Chloride-Contaminated Concrete

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been used as a dual-functional material in a hybrid intervention system (ICCP-SS) which integrates the impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) and structural strengthening (SS). The mechanical behavior of CFRP as an anode has been investigated in some solution environments. However, the anodic and mechanical behavior of CFRP bonded to concrete is unclear. This paper focuses on the anodic and mechanical performance of CFRP bonded to the chloride-contaminated concrete by conducting an electrochemical (EC) test. The method of bonding the CFRP to the concrete and the shape of the steel embedded in the concrete were considered. The current densities of 20 mA/m² and 100 mA/m² were applied during 120-day and 310-day EC tests. The electrode potentials and driving voltages were recorded, and the bond interfaces of the CFRP were inspected after EC test. The residual tensile strength and failure modes of the CFRP were analyzed after tensile tests. Finally, the long-term performance of CFRP as a dual-functional material in ICCP-SS system was discussed. Results show that the externally bonding CFRP in ICCP-SS system can not only protect the steel in chloride-contaminated concrete effectively but also maintain 70% of the original tensile strength of CFRP at a charge density of 744 A·h/m². The expected service period of CFRP as a dual-functional material bonded to the chloride-contaminated concrete was determined to be more than 42.5 years.

Advances in molecular biology of Paeonia L

Molecular biology can serve as a tool to solve the limitations of traditional breeding and cultivation techniques related to flower patterns, the improvement of flower color, and the regulation of flowering and stress resistance. These characteristics of molecular biology ensured its significant role in improving the efficiency of breeding and germplasm amelioration of Paeonia. This review describes the advances in molecular biology of Paeonia, including: (1) the application of molecular markers; (2) genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microRNA studies; (3) studies of functional genes; and (4) molecular biology techniques. This review also points out select limitations in current molecular biology, analyzes the direction of Paeonia molecular biology research, and provides advice for future research objectives.

Analysis of related factors of orolingual angioedema after rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy

OBJECTIVE

Orolingual angioedema (OA) is a rare clinical complication with a potentially fatal risk that occurs after the intravenous application of alteplase (rt-PA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this work is to investigate the related factors of OA in patients with acute ischemic stroke after the administration of intravenous thrombolytic therapy, to improve the predictive ability of OA during intravenous thrombolytic therapy, and to reduce the prevalence of complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We recruited 1223 cases of patients with acute ischemic stroke that were treated in the Department of Neurology No. 4 of the Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from June 2014 to April 2015. The clinical manifestations of rt-PA related OA were recorded, the clinical prevalence was counted, related factors of OA after intravenous thrombolytic therapy were analyzed, and the risk assessment of rt-PA related OA was conducted.

RESULTS

14 cases of patients developed OA, with a prevalence rate of 1.14%. Among them, 5 had a history of urticaria, 4 of drug allergy, and 3 of food allergy. Among the 14 cases of patients, 10 developed OA in the process of intravenous thrombolysis and 4 after intravenous thrombolysis, 12 showed lip edema, 9 showed extensive swelling of tongue, 3 showed swelling of lateral tongue, 3 were complicated by respiratory distress, 10 showed infarction in the middle cerebral artery territory, and 6 had previously been given oral ACEI drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Orolingual angioedema is a rare complication that occurs after rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy; when serious, it may endanger a patient's life. If patients take an oral hypotension such as ACEI drugs before the onset of OA, they have a history of allergies, or the lesion is an infraction in the dominated area of the middle cerebral artery, the risk of OA after rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy will be increased. The prevalence of OA should be monitored during the rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy process; timely detection and early intervention should be conducted, which can avoid serious adverse consequences.

Obesity Prevalence in Alabama: Trends from 2011 to 2017 and Evaluation of a State Obesity Program

Background

Alabama, one of the southeastern states in the US, suffers from a heavy burden of obesity. In 2014, Alabama launched a state program named ’ALProHealth’, aiming to prevent and reduce obesity prevalence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential impact of the ALProHealth Program on the prevalence of obesity in Alabama from 2014 to 2017.

Methods

Data for this study come from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). An interrupted time series design was employed. The state obesity prevalence trend for the pre-program period (2011-2014) was estimated and compared with the post-program period (2015-2017). Statistical analyses were conducted using segmented linear regression. Indiana was chosen as the control group in this study.

Results

The obesity prevalence in Alabama significantly increased from 31.8% in 2011 to 36.2% in 2017, increasing by 0.81% on average each year (95% CI: 0.47 to 1.15, p = 0.002). Before the ALProHealth Program, the obesity prevalence increased by 0.59% (p = 0.11) and 0.32% (p = 0.34) in both Alabama and Indiana respectively, though it is not statistically significant. After the program implementation, the slope of obesity prevalence increased by 0.43 (p = 0.45) and 0.03 (p = 0.96) in Alabama and Indiana respectively, though change is not significant. When comparing Alabama and Indiana, the rate of slope change is higher in Alabama (0.73) compared with Indiana (0.093), indicating the rate of slope change in obesity prevalence increased faster in Alabama than Indiana.

Conclusions

To sum up, the study found no evidence that the ALProHealth Program contributed to the decrease of obesity prevalence in Alabama. One possible reason is that there was low program coverage. Future studies should examine the potential effectiveness of other programs using a similar conceptual model as ALProHealth Program.

Key messages

In 2014, Alabama launched a state program named ‘ALProHealth’, aiming to prevent and reduce obesity prevalence. The study found no evidence that the ALProHealth Program contributed to the statewide decrease of obesity prevalence in Alabama, which may attribute to low program coverage.

A bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) from manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum: Investigation on the antibacterial activities and antibacterial action mode

Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is an antimicrobial protein with potent endotoxin-neutralising activity and plays a crucial role in innate immunity against bacterial infection. In the present study, a bpi (designed as rpbpi) was identified and characterized from manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis suggested that rpbpi was a new member of the bpis family. In non-stimulated clams, rpbpi transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues with the highest expression level in hemocytes. After Vibrio anguillarum challenge, the expression levels of rpbpi mRNA in hemocytes were up-regulated significantly at 3 h and 48 h compared with that in the control, which were 4.01- and 19.10-fold (P < 0.05), respectively. The recombinant RpBPI (rRpBPI) showed high antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and V. anguillarum, but not Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, membrane integrity analysis revealed that rRpBPI increased the membrane permeability of Gram-negative bacteria, and then resulted in cell death. Overall, our results suggested that RpBPI played an important role in the elimination of invaded bacteria through membrane-disruptive activity.

P11.07 LAPTM5 functions as a tumor suppressor via CD40 - NFêB pathway inhibition and represents a potential biomarker for temozolomide sensitivity in CD40 proficient glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Glioma therapy is challenged by the invasive nature of glioma resulting in tumor recurrence and treatment resistance. Lysosomal protein transmembrane 5 (LAPTM5) was identified to inhibit invasion by screening for invasion-associated genes in glioma. The aim of this study was to decipher the function of LAPTM5 in glioblastoma and its interaction with the CD40 receptor which was shown to be highly expressed in up to 40% of glioblastoma.

METHODS

LAPTM5 expression was correlated with clinical outcome of glioma patients. Knockdown of LAPTM5 was performed in different glioma cell lines to analyze the impact on clonogenicity, invasiveness, sensitivity to temozolomide chemotherapy and tumorigenicity in-vitro and in-vivo in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. Expression array was used to elucidate the underlying pathways. CD40 knockdown and overexpression was induced to prove the crosstalk of LAPTM5 and CD40.

RESULTS

LAPTM5 expression correlated with better overall survival in high grade glioma patients and acted as a tumor suppressor in CD40 positive glioblastoma cells. LAPTM5 inhibited CD40-mediated NFκB activation resulting in anti-invasive, anti-clonogenic and temozolomide sensitizing effects in-vitro and in-vivo. Vice-versa, knockdown of LAPTM5 enhanced tumorigenicity by activation of the NFκB pathway which was overcome by NFκB inhibition. Importantly, CD40 expression was required for LAPTM5-mediated tumor suppressive activity.

CONCLUSION

LAPTM5 conveyed tumor suppressive and temozolomide sensitizing effects in CD40-positive glioblastoma by inhibition of CD40-mediated NFκB activation and thereby might provide a reasonable biomarker for sensitivity to temozolomide in CD40-positive glioblastoma.

The Chinese National Twin Registry: a 'gold mine' for scientific research

The Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) currently includes data from 61 566 twin pair from 11 provinces or cities in China. Of these, 31 705, 15 060 and 13 531 pairs are monozygotic, same-sex dizygotic and opposite-sex dizygotic pairs, respectively, determined by opposite sex or intrapair similarity. Since its establishment in 2001, the CNTR has provided an important resource for analysing genetic and environmental influences on chronic diseases especially cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the CNTR has focused on collecting biologic specimens from disease-concordant or disease-discordant twin pairs or from twin pairs reared apart. More than 8000 pairs of these twins have been registered, and blood samples have been collected from more than 1500 pairs. In this review, we summarize the main findings from univariate and multivariate genetic effects analyses, gene-environment interaction studies, omics studies exploring DNA methylation and metabolomic markers associated with phenotypes. There remains further scope for CNTR research and data mining. The plan for future development of the CNTR is described. The CNTR welcomes worldwide collaboration.

A macin identified from Venerupis philippinarum: Investigation on antibacterial activities and action mode

In the present study, a macin was cloned and characterized from clam Venerupis philippinarum (designed as VpMacin). The full-length cDNA of VpMacin was of 579 bp, encoding a peptide of 87 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of 9.7 kDa. Analysis of the conserved domain suggested that VpMacin was a new member of the macin family. In non-stimulated clams, VpMacin transcripts exhibited different tissue expression pattern, and highly expressed in the tissues of gills and hepatopancreas. Generally, the temporal expression of VpMacin transcripts was significantly induced in hemocytes of clams post Vibrio anguillarum challenge. Moreover, the recombinant VpMacin protein (rVpMacin) showed obvious antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. After incubated with 40 μM rVpMacin, all detected Escherichia coli could be killed within 60 min. Membrane integrity analysis revealed that rVpMacin could increase the membrane permeability of bacteria and then resulted in cell death. Overall, our results suggested that VpMacin had an important function in host defense against invasive pathogens.

Preparation of reduced graphite oxide loaded with cobalt(II) and nitrogen co-doped carbon polyhedrons from a metal-organic framework (type ZIF-67), and its application to electrochemical determination of metronidazole

The integration of derivatives of granular metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and an electrically conductive carbon substrate is an effective way to circumvent the deficiency of powdered pristine MOFs or MOF-derived carbon in practical application. The authors describe the use of graphite oxide (GO) as a substrate for in-situ assembly with the zeolitic imidazole framework ZIF-67. The GO and ZIF-67 composites were converted, via pyrolysis, into reduced graphite oxide loaded with Co/N-co-doped carbon polyhedrons (ZIF-67C@rGO). By using various amounts of GO, a series of ZIF-67C@rGO-x with different fractions of GO were synthesized and utilized as electrode modifiers for the detection of the antibiotic metronidazole (MNZ). The results revealed that the ZIF-67C@rGO-0.06 display best sensing performance. This is likely to be due to its hierarchically open pores, abundant active sites and good electrical conductivity. The sensor, best operated near a working potential around -0.6 V (vs. SCE), has a linear response in the 0.5 to 1000 μM MNZ concentration range and a 0.05 μM detection limit. The sensor was applied to the analysis of pharmaceutical samples where it showed excellent selectivity, good repeatability and satisfying recoveries. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of preparation and application of ZIF-67C@rGO-x.

Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using bioinformatics

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease. To identify key genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, we followed a strategy utilizing the laiurger microarray dataset (GSE38129) as the training set and another independent microarray dataset (GSE20347) as the validation set. Following quality control, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained using R software. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID database and the DEG co-expression network was established with Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and visualized by Cytoscape. The prognosis-related hub genes were then identified by Kaplan-Meier analysis based on the TCGA database. A total of 188 DEGs were obtained; 88 up-regulated genes and 100 down-regulated. The up-regulated DEGs were significantly associated with extracellular matrix organization and disassembly while down-regulated DEGs were significantly related to keratinocyte differentiation. Blue and turquoise co-expression modules were established and 18 hub genes were identified. The blue module was associated with mitotic nuclear division, cell division and mitotic cytokinesis and the turquoise module was associated with collagen catabolic process, extracellular matrix organization and keratinocyte differentiation. We established that the TPX2, CDK1 and CEP55 blue module hub genes were associated with relapse-free survival, and our overall results not only identify key genes but also provide potential novel biomarkers for ESCC diagnosis and treatment.

[Changes of eye care use among rural adults under the reform of New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme: the Handan Eye Study]

Objective: To assess the utilization of eye care services in the rural area of Handan, China under the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme, and to analyze the factors associated with the uptake of these services. Methods: In a cohort population-based study, subjects who joined both the baseline (2006-2007) and follow-up (2012-2013) were included. Information of demographic characteristics, participation in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance and use of eye care services, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, blood pressure and fasting was collected. The protocol got approved by the ethics committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital, and each subject signed the informed consent. Results: Of 5 193 eligible participants, 549 [10.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.8%-11.4%] had used eye care services, and the prevalence had no significant difference from baseline surveys (P=0.20). The municipal hospitals undertook 50.1% of eye care services. "No need" (4 422, 95.2%) was the most common reason cited for not using an eye care service; 2 875 (65.0%) of these participants had at least one type of eye diseases, 3 505 (79.3%) had at least one type of ocular complaints. In the multiple binary logistics regression model, participants who were elder [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.319; 95%CI, 1.177-1.478], were female (adjusted OR, 1.466; 95%CI, 1.085-1.981), had a diabetes history (adjusted OR, 1.930; 95%CI, 1.381-2.696), had a low income (adjusted OR, 0.826; 95%CI, 0.688-0.922), had ocular complaints (adjusted OR, 3.556; 95%CI, 2.484-5.091), had refractive errors (adjusted OR, 1.256; 95%CI, 1.007-1.567), had visual impairment (adjusted OR, 4.398; 95%CI, 2.667-7.253) or had cataract (adjusted OR, 1.278; 95%CI, 1.013-1.612) were more likely to take an eye care service. Conclusions: Under the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme, the prevalence of New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance was increased significantly, but the rate of eye care use in the rural area was still low. Further efforts towards higher quality medical service in county hospitals and village clinics as well as better education about eye disease among the rural population may raise the eye care use in rural areas. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:570-579).

Enhanced Photodetection Properties of Tellurium@Selenium Roll-to-Roll Nanotube Heterojunctions

Non-layered tellurium (Te) is a promising material for applications in transistor and optoelectronic devices for its advantages in excellent intrinsic electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, the poor photodetection performance and relatively uncertain stability of tellurene under ambient conditions greatly limit the practical applications. In order to improve the performance of tellurene-based materials, Te@Se roll-to-roll nanotubes with different selenium (Se) contents synthesized by epitaxial growth of Se on Te nanotubes are, for the first time, employed to fabricate working electrodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type broadband photodetection. They exhibit not only a preferably enhanced capacity for self-powered broadband photodetection but also significantly improved photocurrent density and stability in various aqueous environments (HCl, NaCl, and KOH solutions), compared to tellurene-based photodetectors. It is anticipated that the present work can open up new possibilities for high-performance tellurene-based optoelectronic devices.

Turn-Number-Dependent Motion Behavior of Catalytic Helical Carbon Micro/Nanomotors

Helical micro/nanomotors (MNMs) can be propelled by external fields to swim through highly viscous fluids like complex biological environments, which promises miniaturized robotic tools to perform assigned tasks at small scales. However, the catalytic propulsion method, most widely adopted to drive MNMs, is seldom studied to actuate helical MNMs. Herein, we report catalytic helical carbon MNMs (CHCM) by sputtering Pt onto helical carbon nano-coils (HCNC) that are in bulk prepared by a thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The Pt-triggered H₂ O₂ decomposition can drive the MNMs by an electrokinetic mechanism. The MNMs demonstrate versatile motion behaviors including both directional propulsion and rotation depending on the turn number of the carbon helix. Besides, due to the ease of surface functionalization on carbon and other properties such as biocompatibility and photothermal effect, the helical carbon MNMs promise multifunctional applications for biomedical or environmental applications.