Change in the Shrinkage Forces of Composite Resins According to Controlled Deflection

The aim of this study was to investigate how the polymerization shrinkage forces of composite resins change with change in deflection. Five composites, SDR (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA), EcuSphere-Shape (DMG, Hamburg, Germany), Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), CLEARFIL AP-X (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Sakazu, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan), and Filtek Z350 XT (3M Dental Products, St Paul, MN, USA), were tested in this experiment. The polymerization shrinkage forces of the composites were measured using a custom-made tooth-deflection-mimicking device and software (R&B Inc, Daejon, Korea). In all measurements, six modes were tested: maximum-deflection, zero-deflection, and four deflection-controlled modes. For each deflection mode, the shrinkage forces were recorded continuously every 0.1 second for 180 seconds. Polymerization shrinkage and flexural modulus were also measured. Eight specimens of each material were allocated for each test. For each material, six groups of shrinkage force values were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at a 95% confidence level. The polymerization shrinkage force of each material in each of the six deflection modes was analyzed with 95% confidence using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. The relationship between the force measured in the six deflection modes and the linear polymerization shrinkage and flexural modulus was analysed with 95% confidence using Pearson correlation analysis. For each material, the following held true: the shrinkage force was highest in zero-deflection mode, the force decreased as deflection increased, and the smallest force appeared in maximum-deflection mode (p<0.05). There was a high negative correlation between allowable deflection and shrinkage force in all materials.

Is dual-energy absorptiometry accurate in the assessment of bone status of patients with chronic kidney disease?

Several patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have deteriorated bone status. Estimation of bone status using DXA has limitations especially in patients with CKD accompanying aortic calcifications. Quantitative CT and the trabecular bone score could be more accurate methods to estimate bone status for patients with CKD and vascular calcifications.

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) is appropriate for the assessment of bone status in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a disease that impacts bone health. The aims of this study were to compare DXA and central quantitative computed tomography (cQCT) and to evaluate bone status in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 363 healthy control subjects whose bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated with DXA and 117 CKD patients whose BMD was evaluated using both cQCT and DXA. Diagnostic discordance was assessed between the lumbar spine (LS) and femur neck (FN) from DXA or between two modalities. The trabecular bone score (TBS) was extracted from DXA images. The volume of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was calculated using CT images from cQCT.

RESULTS

Using LS DXA T-score, osteoporosis was less common in the CKD group than in controls. Patients with normal LS BMD using DXA were reclassified into osteopenia or osteoporosis using cQCT in CKD patients. Among discordant subjects between FN and LS in DXA, a higher BMD of LS was more common in CKD patients than in controls. CKD patients had lower TBS than controls despite having the same diagnosis using DXA. AAC volume negatively correlated with BMD from cQCT and with TBS but not with BMD from DXA.

CONCLUSIONS

TBS and cQCT could accurately assess bone status in CKD patients since DXA may overestimate LS BMD, likely due to an increased AAC volume.

CRP immunodeposition and proteomic analysis in abdominal aortic aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

The molecular mechanisms of the degeneration of the aortic wall in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are poorly understood. The monomeric form of C-reactive protein (mCRP) is deposited in damaged cardiovascular organs and aggravates the prognosis; however, it is unknown whether mCRP is deposited in the degenerated aorta of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We investigated whether mCRP is deposited in AAA and examined the associated pathogenic signaling pathways.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases of AAA were analyzed and their histological features were compared according to the level of serum CRP and the degree of mCRP deposition. Proteomic analysis was performed in AAA cases with strong and diffuse CRP immunopositivity (n = 7) and those with weak, focal, and junctional CRP immunopositivity (n = 3).

RESULTS

mCRP was deposited in the aortic specimens of AAA in a characteristic pattern that coincided with the lesion of the diminished elastic layer of the aortic wall. High serum CRP level was associated with stronger mCRP immunopositivity and a larger maximal diameter of aortic aneurysm. Proteomic analysis in AAA showed that multiple proteins were differentially expressed according to mCRP immunopositivity. Also, ingenuity pathway analysis showed that pathways associated with atherosclerosis, acute phase response, complement system, immune system, and coagulation were enriched in AAA cases with high mCRP immunopositivity.

CONCLUSIONS

AAA showed a characteristic deposition of mCRP, and multiple potentially pathologic signaling pathways were upregulated in AAA cases with strong CRP immunopositivity. mCRP and the aforementioned pathological pathways may serve as targets for managing the progression of AAA.

Electronic cigarette use and suicidal behaviors among adolescents

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the use of e-cigarettes, which are regarded as alternatives to traditional cigarettes and are easy to purchase, with suicidal behaviors in adolescents.

METHODS

Data for 5405 middle and high school students aged 13-18 years who had used e-cigarettes were extracted from the 2016 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey and analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among those who used e-cigarettes for 1-30 days in the past 30 days, suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.31-1.89), suicidal plans (OR = 2.44, 95% CI, 1.94-3.08), suicidal attempts (OR = 2.44, 95% CI, 1.85-3.22) and serious attempts (OR = 3.09, 95% CI, 1.51-6.32) were higher compared to those who did not use an e-cigarette in the past 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicidal behaviors are significantly higher among current adolescent e-cigarette smokers than adolescents who have not used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days. Therefore, comprehensive intervention is needed to protect adolescents' mental health.

Markers of vitamin D metabolism and premenstrual symptoms in healthy women with regular cycles

STUDY QUESTION

Are insufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, and other markers of vitamin D metabolism, associated with premenstrual symptoms in healthy women with regular menstrual cycles?

SUMMARY ANSWER

25(OH)D insufficiency was associated with specific physical premenstrual symptoms, while no associations were observed with psychological symptoms or with other markers of vitamin D metabolism.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Prior studies evaluating vitamin D and premenstrual symptoms have yielded mixed results, and it is unknown whether 25(OH)D insufficiency and other markers of vitamin D metabolism are associated with premenstrual symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We used two cohorts of women with regular menstrual cycles; 1191 women aged 18-40 years in EAGeR (cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort within a randomized trial) and 76 women aged 18-44 years in BioCycle (prospective cohort). In EAGeR, premenstrual symptoms over the previous year were assessed at baseline, whereas in BioCycle, symptoms were assessed prospectively at multiple points over two menstrual cycles with symptoms queried over the previous week. In both cohorts, symptomatology was assessed via questionnaire regarding presence and severity of 14 physical and psychological symptoms the week before and after menses. Both studies measured 25(OH)D in serum. We also evaluated the association of additional markers of vitamin D metabolism and calcium homeostasis, including intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium (Ca), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) with premenstrual symptoms in the BioCycle cohort.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

One cohort of women actively seeking pregnancy (Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR)) and one cohort not seeking pregnancy (BioCycle) were evaluated. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% CIs for associations between insufficient 25(OH)D (<30 ng/ml) and individual premenstrual symptoms, adjusting for age, BMI, race, smoking, income, physical activity, and season of blood draw.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

25(OH)D insufficiency was associated with increased risk of breast fullness/tenderness (EAGeR RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03, 1.55; BioCycle RR 1.37, 95% CI 0.56, 3.32) and generalized aches and pains (EAGeR RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01, 1.78; BioCycle 1.36, 95% CI 0.41, 4.45), though results were imprecise in the BioCycle study. No associations were observed between insufficient 25(OH)D and psychological symptoms in either cohort. In BioCycle, iPTH, Ca, FGF23, and 1,25(OH) 2D were not associated with any premenstrual symptoms.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Results from the EAGeR study were limited by the study design, which assessed both 25(OH)D at baseline and individual premenstrual symptoms over the past year at the baseline. As such, reverse causality is a potential concern. Though premenstrual symptoms were assessed prospectively in the BioCycle cohort, the power was limited due to small sample size. However, results were fairly consistent across both studies.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Serum 25(OH)D may be associated with risk and severity of specific physical premenstrual symptoms.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Contract nos. HHSN267200603423, HHSN267200603424, and HHSN267200603426). JG.R. and D.L.K. have been funded by the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program, a public-private partnership jointly supported by the NIH and generous contributions to the Foundation for the NIH by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (Grant #2014194), the American Association for Dental Research, the Colgate Palmolive Company, Genentech, and other private donors. For a complete list, visit the foundation website at http://www.fnih.org. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00467363.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

A Proteomics-Based Analysis of Blood Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of COPD Acute Exacerbation

Purpose

The identification of blood biomarkers to diagnose acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) will have clinical utility. Here, we used a proteomics-based approach to identify biomarkers capable of identifying AECOPD.

Patients and Methods

This prospective, single-center pilot study enrolled 12 patients who came to Asan Medical Center (South Korea) via the outpatient clinic or emergency department with symptoms of AECOPD and were follow-up in the outpatient clinic during convalescence between 2015 and 2017. Paired blood samples collected from each patient during the treatment naïve AECOPD and convalescence stages were analyzed. A sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragmentation spectra-mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS)-based proteome analysis was performed and a subset of the data were verified by ELISA.

Results

The SWATH-MS analysis identified 226 plasma proteins across all samples examined. The median coefficient of variation for triplicate technical replicates of each sample was 1.13 ± 1.38%, indicating high precision of the technique. Fold-change and paired t-test analyses revealed that 14 proteins were present at higher levels in the AECOPD samples than in the convalescence samples. A gene ontology analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in the acute-phase response. A total of 15 proteins were present at higher levels during the recovery (convalescence) stage than during the acute exacerbation phase, and gene ontology analysis revealed that these proteins are related to lipid metabolism and transport. Verification of the SWATH-MS data was performed using ELISAs for three proteins that were up-regulated in AECOPD, namely, LBP, ORM2, and SERPINA3. Among them, SERPINA3 (p = 0.005) was up-regulated significantly in AECOPD compared with the convalescence state.

Conclusion

Potential plasma biomarkers of AECOPD were discovered using the SWATH-MS proteomics method, and functional molecular associations were investigated. SERPINA3 could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for the early identification and tracking of AECOPD.

Cannabis use while trying to conceive: a prospective cohort study evaluating associations with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss

STUDY QUESTION

Is cannabis use assessed via urinary metabolites and self-report during preconception associated with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Preconception cannabis use was associated with reduced fecundability among women with a history of pregnancy loss attempting pregnancy despite an increased frequency of intercourse.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Cannabis use continues to rise despite limited evidence of safety during critical windows of pregnancy establishment. While existing studies suggest that self-reported cannabis use is not associated with fecundability, self-report may not be reliable.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A prospective cohort study was carried out including 1228 women followed for up to six cycles while attempting pregnancy (2006 to 2012), and throughout pregnancy if they conceived.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women aged 18-40 years with a history of pregnancy loss (n = 1228) were recruited from four clinical centers. Women self-reported preconception cannabis use at baseline and urinary tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites were measured throughout preconception and early pregnancy (up to four times during the study: at baseline, after 6 months of follow-up or at the beginning of the conception cycle, and weeks 4 and 8 of pregnancy). Time to hCG-detected pregnancy, and incidence of live birth and pregnancy loss were prospectively assessed. Fecundability odds ratios (FOR) and 95% CI were estimated using discrete time Cox proportional hazards models, and risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CI using log-binomial regression adjusting for age, race, BMI, education level, baseline urine cotinine, alcohol use and antidepressant use.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Preconception cannabis use was 5% (62/1228), based on combined urinary metabolite measurements and self-report, and 1.3% (11/789) used cannabis during the first 8 weeks of gestation based on urinary metabolites only. Women with preconception cannabis use had reduced fecundability (FOR 0.59; 95% CI 0.38, 0.92). Preconception cannabis use was also associated with increased frequency of intercourse per cycle (9.4 ± 7 versus 7.5 ± 7 days; P = 0.02) and higher LH (percentage change 64%, 95% CI 3, 161) and higher LH:FSH ratio (percentage change 39%, 95% CI 7, 81). There were also suggestive, though imprecise, associations with anovulation (RR 1.92, 95% CI 0.88, 4.18), and live birth (42% (19/45) cannabis users versus 55% (578/1043) nonusers; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.57, 1.12). No associations were observed between preconception cannabis use and pregnancy loss (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.46, 1.42). Similar results were observed after additional adjustment for parity, income, employment status and stress. We were unable to estimate associations between cannabis use during early pregnancy and pregnancy loss due to limited sample size.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Owing to the relatively few cannabis users in our study, we had limited ability to make conclusions regarding live birth and pregnancy loss, and were unable to account for male partner use. While results were similar after excluding smokers, alcohol use and any drug use in the past year, some residual confounding may persist due to these potential co-exposures.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These findings highlight potential risks on fecundability among women attempting pregnancy with a history of pregnancy loss and the need for expanded evidence regarding the reproductive health effects of cannabis use in the current climate of increasing legalization.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Contract numbers: HHSN267200603423, HHSN267200603424, HHSN267200603426, HHSN275201300023I). Jeannie G. Radoc has been funded by the National Institutes of Health Medical Research Scholars Program, a public-private partnership supported jointly by the National Institutes of Health and generous contributions to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF Grant # 2014194), Genentech, Elsevier, and other private donors. The authors report no conflict of interest in this work and have nothing to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00467363.

Plasma Protein Biomarkers Associated with Higher Ovarian Cancer Risk in BRCA1/2 Carriers

Simple Summary

Most hereditary ovarian cancer is associated with BRCA1/2 variants, and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy during the follow-up monitoring of ovarian cancer development in heathy women with the BRCA1/2 variant reduces ovarian cancer incidence. The aim of this study was to identify plasma protein biomarkers that can indicate an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer using a proteomic approach based on a population of genetic variants. Two identified biomarkers among differentially expressed proteins, SPARC and THBS1, had lower plasma concentrations in healthy BRCA1/2 variant carriers than in ovarian cancer patients with the BRCA1/2 variant; concentration of two proteins increased at the onset of ovarian cancer. These protein markers from non-invasive liquid biopsy sampling could be used to help women with the BRCA1/2 variant determine whether to undergo an oophorectomy that could potentially affect the quality of life.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and in-time diagnosis is limited because of the absence of effective biomarkers. Germline BRCA1/2 genetic alterations are risk factors for hereditary OC; risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is pursued for disease prevention. However, not all healthy carriers develop the disease. Therefore, identifying predictive markers in the BRCA1/2 carrier population could help improve the identification of candidates for preventive RRSO. In this study, plasma samples from 20 OC patients (10 patients with BRCA1/2 wild type (_wt) and 10 with the BRCA1/2 variant (_var)) and 20 normal subjects (10 subjects with BRCA1/2_wt and 10 with BRCA1/2_var) were analyzed for potential biomarkers of hereditary OC. We applied a bottom-up proteomics approach, using nano-flow LC-MS to analyze depleted plasma proteome quantitatively, and potential plasma protein markers specific to the BRCA1/2 variant were identified from a comparative statistical analysis of the four groups. We obtained 1505 protein candidates from the 40 subjects, and SPARC and THBS1 were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma SPARC and THBS1 concentrations in healthy BRCA1/2 carriers were found to be lower than in OC patients with BRCA1/2_var. If plasma SPARC concentrations increase over 337.35 ng/mL or plasma THBS1 concentrations increase over 65.28 μg/mL in a healthy BRCA1/2 carrier, oophorectomy may be suggested.

Urine β-2-glycoprotein 1 as a biomarker for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

The need for a biomarker with robust sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unmet. Compared with blood samples, urine samples are more easily collected; thus, we aimed to identify such a biomarker based on urinary proteomics which could distinguish patients with SLE from healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

Urine samples were collected from 76 SLE patients who visited rheumatology clinic in 2019 at Asan medical center and from 25 HCs. Urine proteins were analyzed using sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra-mass spectrometry, and the candidate marker was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of the candidate biomarker.

RESULTS

Of 1157 proteins quantified, 153 were differentially expressed in urine samples from HCs. Among them were previously known markers including α-1-acid glycoprotein 1, α-2-HS-glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, and prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase. Moreover, the amount of β-2 glycoprotein (APOH) was increased in the urine of patients with SLE. The ELISA results also showed the level of urine APOH was higher in patients with SLE than in HCs and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, the level was not different between SLE patients with and without nephritis. The urine APOH had an area under the curve value of 0.946 at a cut-off value of 228.53 ng/mg (sensitivity 91.5%, specificity 92.0%) for the diagnosis of SLE.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the urine APOH level can be an appropriate screening tool in a clinical setting when SLE is suspected.

Vitamin D and Reproductive Hormones Across the Menstrual Cycle

STUDY QUESTION

How do the calciotropic hormones (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH)) vary across the menstrual cycle and do cyclic patterns of reproductive hormones (estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH) differ by vitamin D status?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Calciotropic hormones vary minimally across the menstrual cycle; however, women with 25-hydroxyvitamin D below 30 ng/ml have lower mean estradiol across the menstrual cycle.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Prior human studies suggest that vitamin D status is associated with fecundability, but the mechanism is unknown. Exogenous estrogens and prolonged changes in endogenous estradiol (pregnancy or menopause) influence concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In vitro, treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D increases steroidogenesis in ovarian granulosa cells. There are little data about changes in calciotropic hormones across the menstrual cycle or cyclic patterns of reproductive hormones by categories of vitamin D status.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A prospective cohort study of 89 self-identified white women aged 18-44, across two menstrual cycles. Participants were a subset of the BioCycle Study, a community-based study conducted at the University of Buffalo, 2005-2007.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Eligible participants had self-reported regular menstrual cycles between 21 and 35 days and were not using hormonal contraception or vitamins. Early morning fasting blood samples were drawn at up to eight study visits per cycle. Visits were timed to capture information in all cycle phases. Serum samples for 89 women (N = 163 menstrual cycles) were analyzed for estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Variability in calciotropic hormones within and across menstrual cycles was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and non-linear mixed models. Given the relative stability of the calciotropic hormones across the menstrual cycle, non-linear mixed models were used to examine differences in the cyclic patterns of estradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH by categories of each calciotropic hormone (split at the median). These models were conducted for all ovulatory cycles (N = 142 ovulatory menstrual cycles) and were adjusted for age, BMI (measured in clinic) and self-reported physical activity.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Median 25(OH)D concentration was 29.5 ng/ml (SD 8.4), and only 6% of women had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml). The mean concentration of 25(OH)D did not differ between the luteal and follicular phase; however, both 1,25(OH)2D and iPTH showed small fluctuations across the menstrual cycle with the highest 1,25(OH)2D (and lowest iPTH) in the luteal phase. Compared with women who had mean 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/ml, women with lower 25(OH)D had 13.8% lower mean estradiol (95% confidence interval: -22.0, -4.7) and 10.8% lower free estradiol (95% CI: -0.07, -0.004). Additionally, compared to women with iPTH ≤36 pg/ml, women with higher concentrations of iPTH had 12.7% lower mean estradiol (95% CI: -18.7, -6.3) and 7.3% lower progesterone (95% CI: -13.3, -0.9). No differences in the cyclic pattern of any of the reproductive hormones were observed comparing cycles with higher and lower 1,25(OH)2D.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Women included in this study had self-reported 'regular' menstrual cycles and very few were found to have 25(OH)D deficiency. This limits our ability to examine cycle characteristics, anovulation and the effects of concentrations of the calciotropic hormones found in deficient individuals. Additionally, the results may not be generalizable to women with irregular cycles, other races, or populations with a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These findings support current clinical practice that does not time testing for vitamin D deficiency to the menstrual cycle phase. We find that women with lower vitamin D status (lower 25(OH)D or higher iPTH) have lower mean concentrations of estradiol across the menstrual cycle. Although this study cannot identify a mechanism of action, further in vitro work or clinical trials may help elucidate the biologic mechanisms linking calciotropic and reproductive hormones.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the Intramural Research Programs of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (contract numbers: HHSN275200403394C, HHSN275201100002I and Task 1 HHSN27500001) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are no competing interests.

Intradural Disc Herniation in the Setting of Congenital Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Accounting for an estimated 1.10-1.76% of all lumbar herniations, lumbar intradural disc herniation (IDH) occurs primarily in males during the fourth to fifth decades of life. While not validated, congenital lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS) is implicated as one precipitating factor for IDH.

CASE REPORT

We report 28-year-old Hispanic female with CLSS, severe obesity, and degenerative disk disease, with a history of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) decompression for a large paracentral L4-5 disc herniation at 25. After three years, the patient developed sudden burning dysesthesias in the L4-5 dermatomes bilaterally and temporary leg weakness. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging exhibited severe L4-5 spinal stenosis, and the patient underwent repeat MIS decompression, which again provided her with adequate symptom resolution. However, 20 days postoperatively she developed cauda equina syndrome with anal dysfunction, and bilateral leg and foot weakness. Upon open surgical exploration we discovered a tense L4-5 dural protrusion. After a dorsal durotomy, a large IDH with a ventral dural tear was identified. Subsequent to adequate debulking of the IDH, the ventral tear was repaired, and an expansile duraplasty was performed. Overall, the patient's bladder and bowel function, pain, hypoesthesia, and motor strength all improved. Two weeks after surgery she presented with a lumbar pseudomeningocele that was managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

This report not only highlights an atypical presentation of IDH and is the first case of CLSS linked with IDH, lending support to the hypothesis that CLSS can lead to IDH, but also provides a comprehensive review of IDHs.

Parsing the microRNA genetics basis regulating skeletal muscle fiber types and meat quality traits in pigs

Muscle fibers are closely related to human diseases and livestock meat quality. However, the genetics basis of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating muscle fibers is not completely understood. In this study, we constructed the whole genome-wide miRNA expression profiles of porcine fast-twitch muscle [biceps femoris (Bf)] and slow-twitch muscle [soleus (Sol)], and identified hundreds of miRNAs, including four skeletal muscle-highly expressed miRNAs, ssc-miR-378, ssc-let-7f, ssc-miR-26a, and ssc-miR-27b-3p. Moreover, we identified 63 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs between biceps femoris vs. soleus, which are the key candidate miRNAs regulating the skeletal muscle fiber types. In addition, we found that the expression of DE ssc-miR-499-5p was significantly correlated to the expression of Myoglobin (r = 0.6872, P < 0.0001) and Myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7; r = 0.5408, P = 0.0020), and pH_45 min (r = 0.3806, P = 0.0380) and glucose content (r = -0.4382, P = 0.0154); while the expression of DE ssc-miR-499-3p was significantly correlated to the expression of Myoglobin (r = 0.5340, P = 0.0024) and pH_45 min (r = 0.4857, P = 0.0065). Taken together, our data established a sound foundation for further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in skeletal muscle fiber conversion and meat quality traits in livestock, and could provide a genetic explanation of the role of miRNAs in human muscular diseases.

Multilevel Risk Factors for Weight Change after Breast Cancer Diagnosis Among Black Women

Background: Weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis increases the risk of mortality. African American/Black breast cancer survivors are more likely to have excess body weight than their White counterparts, which may contribute to their higher mortality rate. Emerging evidence suggests that post-diagnosis weight gain may result from multilevel determinants. However, no study has investigated the multilevel characteristics among Black breast cancer survivors. Objective: To evaluate associations between individual-level factors and neighborhood social and built environment factors with weight change after breast cancer diagnosis among Black women. Methods: We evaluated associations of interest among 785 women enrolled in the Women's Circle of Health Follow-Up Study (WCHFS), a longitudinal study of Black breast cancer survivors in New Jersey. Weight change was primarily based on measurements at baseline and follow-up visits (Median: 10.3 and 23.2 mo. since diagnosis, respectively). Participants were grouped into categories of stable weight (52.4%), ≥3% weight loss (20.0%), and ≥3% weight gain (27.6%). Using multivariate- adjusted multinomial logistic regression and multilevel multinomial logistic regression, we evaluated relative risk ratios (RRRs) for associations between multilevel factors and post-diagnosis weight change category. Results: Black breast cancer survivors who were older at diagnosis, had higher household income, post-menopausal status, and higher baseline BMI were less likely to gain weight compared to women with stable weight. Former smoking, higher tumor stage, and chemotherapy were associated with increased relative risk of weight gain (e.g. RRR-chemo: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.08). Black women residing in neighborhoods in the highest tertile for density of walkable destinations had a decreased relative risk of post- diagnosis weight gain (e.g. RRR-T3 highest density vs. T1 lowest: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.75), while those residing in neighborhoods with higher density of fast food restaurants had increased relative risk of weight gain (RRR-T3 highest density vs. T1 lowest: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.05). Conclusion: Both individual and neighborhood factors may influence the risk of weight gain among Black women after breast cancer diagnosis.

The chromosomal protein SMCHD1 regulates DNA methylation and the 2c-like state of embryonic stem cells by antagonizing TET proteins

5-Methylcytosine (5mC) oxidases, the ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins, initiate DNA demethylation, but it is unclear how 5mC oxidation is regulated. We show that the protein SMCHD1 (structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain containing 1) is found in complexes with TET proteins and negatively regulates TET activities. Removal of SMCHD1 from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells induces DNA hypomethylation, preferentially at SMCHD1 target sites and accumulation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), along with promoter demethylation and activation of the Dux double-homeobox gene. In the absence of SMCHD1, ES cells acquire a two-cell (2c) embryo-like state characterized by activation of an early embryonic transcriptome that is substantially imposed by Dux Using Smchd1/Tet1/Tet2/Tet3 quadruple-knockout cells, we show that DNA demethylation, activation of Dux, and other genes upon SMCHD1 loss depend on TET proteins. These data identify SMCHD1 as an antagonist of the 2c-like state of ES cells and of TET-mediated DNA demethylation.

Tissue-specific roles of GCN2 in aging and autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

The organisms have the capacity to sense and adapt to their surroundings for their life in a dynamic environment. In response to amino acid starvation, cells activate a rectifying physiological program, termed the integrated stress response (ISR), to restore cellular homeostasis. General controlled non-repressed (GCN2) kinase is a master regulator of the ISR and modulates protein synthesis in response to amino acid starvation. We previously established the GCN2/ATF4/4E-BP pathway in development and aging. Here, we investigated the tissue-specific roles of GCN2 upon dietary restriction of amino acid in a Drosophila model. The knockdown of GCN2 in the gut and fat body, an energy sensing organ in Drosophila, abolished the beneficial effect of GCN2 in lifespan extension upon dietary restriction of amino acids. Proteome analysis in an autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) model showed that dietary restriction of amino acids regulates the synthesis of proteins in several pathways, including mitochondrial translation, mitochondrial gene expression, and regulation of biological quality, and that gcn2-mutant flies have reduced levels of these mitochondria-associated proteins, which may contribute to retinal degeneration in ADRP. These results indicate that the tissue-specific regulation of GCN2 contributes to normal physiology and ADRP progression.

All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and incidence of cardiovascular disease according to a screening program of cardiovascular risk in South Korea among young adults: a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine whether there are any differences in all-cause and cause-specific mortality with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk between health screening attenders and non-attenders among young adults.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study using claim data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.

METHODS

Individuals aged 20-39 years who had received health screening at least once between 2002 and 2005 were classified as attenders, and the others were classified as non-attenders. After propensity score matching according to attendance of health screening, 2,060,409 attenders and 2,060,409 non-attenders were included. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and hospitalization of CVD from 2006 to 2015.

RESULTS

Survival from all-cause mortality was greater among attenders than among non-attenders (log rank P < 0.001). Similarly, death from CVD (log rank P = 0.007) and CVD events (log rank P < 0.001) were less likely among attenders. The risk for all-cause mortality in attenders was significantly lower than that in non-attenders (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.84). The risk for CVD mortality (HR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.87) and hospitalization of CVD (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.91 to 0.94) were lower in attenders. In stratified analyses, the risk for all-cause and cause-specific mortalities was lower among attenders regardless of insurance type.

CONCLUSIONS

Among young adults, the risk for all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and hospitalization of CVD were lower for those who underwent health screenings. Future studies that evaluate the cost-effectiveness of health screening with additional consideration of psychosocial aspects are needed.

Convergence of Plasma Metabolomics and Proteomics Analysis to Discover Signatures of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

In-time diagnosing ovarian cancer, intractable cancer that has no symptoms can increase the survival of women. The aim of this study was to discover biomarkers from liquid biopsy samples using multi-omics approach, metabolomics and proteomics for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. To verify our biomarker candidates, we conducted comparative analysis with other previous published studies. Despite the limitations of non-invasive samples, our findings are able to discover emerging properties through the interplay between metabolites and proteins and mechanism-based biomarkers through integrated protein and metabolite analysis.

Abstract

The 5-year survival rate in the early and late stages of ovarian cancer differs by 63%. In addition, a liquid biopsy is necessary because there are no symptoms in the early stage and tissue collection is difficult without using invasive methods. Therefore, there is a need for biomarkers to achieve this goal. In this study, we found blood-based metabolite or protein biomarker candidates for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the 20 clinical samples (10 ovarian cancer patients and 10 healthy control subjects). Plasma metabolites and proteins were measured and quantified using mass spectrometry in ovarian cancer patients and control groups. We identified the differential abundant biomolecules (34 metabolites and 197 proteins) and statistically integrated molecules of different dimensions to better understand ovarian cancer signal transduction and to identify novel biological mechanisms. In addition, the biomarker reliability was verified through comparison with existing research results. Integrated analysis of metabolome and proteome identified emerging properties difficult to grasp with the single omics approach, more reliably interpreted the cancer signaling pathway, and explored new drug targets. Especially, through this analysis, proteins (PPCS, PMP2, and TUBB) and metabolites (L-carnitine and PC-O (30:0)) related to the carnitine system involved in cancer plasticity were identified.

Artificial neural networks to compare the contribution of basic clinical factors, ESC SCORE, and multidimensional risk factors for cardiovascular event prediction performance: an observational study

Background/Introduction

Despite the recent increase in the availability of different data sources that can be used for prediction models for cardiovascular disease (CVD), it remains unclear to what extent such data could contribute to improving performance of the models in data-driven cardiovascular research.

Purpose

To compare the contribution of different data types in basic clinical factors, the European Society of Cardiology Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (ESC SCORE), and multidimensional risk factors for CVD prediction performance of artificial neural networks (ANN) using the relevant input features derived from a large-scale medical claims database.

Methods

We abstracted data through the National Health Insurance Sharing Service and collected information on 258,896 middle-aged individuals free of CVD at baseline (2009–2010) who were followed up for incident CVD until 2013. Multidimensional risk factors identifiable from the database were chosen from a systematic review of published articles. Input features in ANN were classified as follows: basic clinical factors (age, sex, and body mass index), ESC SCORE (age, sex, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and cigarette smoking), and multidimensional risk factors (sociodemographic, lifestyle behavior, underlying medical conditions, dental health, medication use, etc). The data were partitioned into the training and test sets with 7:3 ratio and the performance of each ANN model was evaluated with area under the curve (AUC).

Results

The ANN model with multidimensional risk factors had higher prediction performance (AUC: 0.692) compared to the models with basic clinical factors (AUC: 0.671) and ESC SCORE (AUC: 0.684). Within the multidimensional risk factors, atrial fibrillation, family history, chronic kidney disease, retinal vein occlusion, dental caries, antipsychotics, and corticosteroid use were some of the strong predictors. However, adding multidimensional risk factors only showed marginal improvement (increase in 1.17% of AUC) compared with the ESC SCORE model.

Conclusions

Adding multidimensional risk factors as input features in the ANN only showed marginal improvement in the CVD prediction performance. When assessing cardiovascular risk from the large-scale healthcare data, variables included in the ESC SCORE should primarily be considered in the model.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Kyuwoong Kim received a scholarship from the BK21-plus education program provided by the National Research Foundation of the Republic of Korea. This work is a part of Kyuwoong Kim's PhD dissertation.

Impact of arterial stiffness on diastolic function and outcomes of heart failure in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Relation of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease is well-known. However, there is no data on association between diastolic function and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and influence on heart failure outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Among patients presenting with AMI, all subjects underwent baPWV and echocardiography were recruited. Diastolic function was categorized by 2016 guideline of ASE/EACVI left ventricular diastolic function. Heart failure outcomes were defined 1) hospitalization for heart failure, 2) cardiac death and 3) sudden cardiac arrest.

Results

Totally 1,016 subjects were enrolled (FU duration; 3.5±2.0 years, mean age 65±13, predominant male 71.3% and STEMI 40.8%) from 2012 to 2015 in the our University Hospital. Elderly, female, low BMI, higher PWV, HTN, DM and stroke were associated with higher baPWV. Increased arterial stiffness (defined as baPWV ≥1700) had higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction compared with baPWV &lt;1700 (98.3% vs 86.2%). HF outcomes of 69 events were identified (HF; n=48, cardiac death; n=16, sudden cardiac arrest; n=2, death d/t HF; n=3). In the multivariate analysis, baPWV ≥1700, HTN and low BMI (23 kg/m2) were independent predictors for HF outcomes after adjustment with age, LVEF, DM and stroke (Table 1). Furthermore, KM curve showed that increased arterial stiffness was associated with higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and poor outcomes of heart failure (Figure 1).

Conclusions

In patients with AMI, arterial stiffness was associated with higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction an independent predictor for heart failure hospitalization and cardiac death.

Figure 1. Diastolic dysfunction and HF in AMI

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Biodegradable-polymer versus durable-polymer drug eluting stents for coronary artery disease: systematic review and a meta-analysis

Background

Biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) has been developed to overcome the potential drawbacks of the first-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DES). However, it is still under debate whether BP-DES is associated with superior efficacy and safety over DP-DES.

Purpose

We sought to compare the effects of BP-DES and DP-DES in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods

We performed systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing BP-DES and DP-DES on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease using CE-mark approved drug-eluting stents (DES) with at least 1-year follow-up. We included 32 studies involving 39,686 patients (BP-DES: 21,439 patients, and DP-DES: 18,247 patients). Primary outcome measure was target vessel failure (TVF; equivalent to the composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). We performed subgroup analysis according to the DP-DES generations (newer-generation DP-DES: 15,179patients, and first-generation DP-DES: 3,068 patients), and the effects of newer-generation DP-DES was compared with the BP-DES according to the BP-DES strut thickness (Ultra-thin strut [&lt;80μm]: 7,572 patients, Thin-strut [80–100μm]: 5,465 patients, and Thick-strut [≥80μm]: 5,876 patients).

Results

The odds for TVF was not significantly different between the BP-DES group and the DP-DES group in the entire study population (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.90–1.02], P=0.20). The odds for TVF was significantly low in the BP-DES group relative to the first-generation DP-DES group, however the odds were comparable between the BP-DES group and the newer-generation DP-DES group (BP-DES versus first-generation DP-DES: OR 0.82, 95% CI [0.73–0.92], P&lt;0.001, and BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 1.00, 95% CI [0.93–1.08], P=0.99). We also found no significant differences between the BP-DES and newer-generation DP-DES, in all subgroups stratified by the BP-DES strut thickness (Ultra-thin strut BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 0.88, 95% CI [0.76–1.02], P=0.10, Thin-strut BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 1.01, 95% CI [0.90–1.13], P=0.89, and Thick strut BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 1.11, 95% CI [0.99–1.25], P=0.08).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating clinical outcomes, there was no significant differences between BP-DES and DP-DES. We found beneficial effects of BP-DES relative to the first-generation DP-DES, however, there was no statistical differences between BP-DES and newer-generation DP-DES, irrespective of the BP-DES strut thickness.

Pooled odds ratios for clinical outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Risk factors for major bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated venous thromboembolisms: from the COMMAND VTE registry

Background/Introduction

Patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) are at a high risk for recurrent VTEs and are recommended to receive prolonged anticoagulation therapy if they are at a low risk for bleeding. However, there are no established risk factors for bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy.

Purpose

We aimed to identify the risk factors for major bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated VTE patients.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter retrospective registry enrolling 3027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTEs among 29 Japanese centers between January 2010 and August 2014. After excluding those without active cancer (N=2332), patients with major bleeding (N=15), death (N=17), and lost to follow-up (N=10) within 10 days after the diagnosis, and those without anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after the diagnosis (N=61), the present study population consisted of 592 cancer-associated VTE patients with anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after the diagnosis. The outcome measurement was International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) major bleeding during anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days, which occurred before the first discontinuation of the anticoagulation therapy. We constructed a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the potential risk factors for major bleeding. As a sensitivity analysis, we used Fine and Gray's method to estimate the HR and 95% CI, taking into account the competing risk of all-cause death.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 199 days, major bleeding occurred in 72 patients (31 patients within 3 months; 41 beyond 3 months). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 5.8% at 3-months, 13.8% at 1-year, 17.5% at 2-year, and 28.1% at 5-years. The most frequent major bleeding site was gastrointestinal (47%), followed by intracranial (17%) and genitourinary (11%). Major bleeding tended to occur from the sites of the cancer, however, the sites of the cancer and sites of major bleeding were not necessarily concordant. The multivariable Cox regression model demonstrated that terminal cancer (adjusted HR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.22–7.85, P&lt;0.001), chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR, 1.89; 95% CI 1.06–3.37, P=0.031), and gastrointestinal cancer (adjusted HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.04–3.04, P=0.037) were independently associated with an increased risk of major bleeding. After taking into account the competing risk of all-cause death, the multivariable Cox regression model demonstrated almost consistent results with the main analysis.

Conclusions

Major bleeding events were common during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in real-world cancer-associated VTE patients. Terminal cancer, chronic kidney disease, and gastrointestinal cancer were the independent risk factors for major bleeding.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Using 3D printed sinonasal models to visualize and optimize personalized sinonasal sinus irrigation strategies

BACKGROUND

Topical sinus irrigations (neti-pot, squeeze bottles) play a critical role in the management of sinonasal disease. However, due to intricate nasal anatomy, penetration of topical irrigations to targeted sinus regions may be highly variable, and difficult to objectively predict. Variables, including head positions, injection angles, flow rates, etc. may vary significantly depending on the individual's anatomy.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to propose a novel idea: using a 3D printed model of sinonasal cavities to visualize and develop a patient-specific irrigation strategy.

METHODS

As a proof of concept, 3D replicas of one patient's sinonasal cavities pre- and post-surgery were printed with a Form2 SLA 3D printer based on their CT scans. The setup included rubber/silicon seals attached to the model's nostrils to create a watertight seal with the irrigation device and food color dye added for better visualization of irrigation results.

RESULTS

Irrigations were performed on the 3D models with various head positions, injection angles, and flow rates, and were successful to determine the optimal strategy to targeted sinuses. Significant differences were observed between different targeted sinuses and between pre and post-surgery models.

CONCLUSION

With more affordable 3D printing, this technology may potentially improve patient care and patient education, allowing clinicians and patients to develop a personalized irrigation strategy and have visual confirmation.

The Function of Drosophila USP14 in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Retinal Degeneration in a Model for Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa

Simple Summary

The present study shows the role of Drosophila USP14 under ER stress and ER stress related disease, autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Drosophila USP14 protects cell from ER stress triggered by ER stress-causing chemicals Drosophila S2 cells and suppresses the retinal degeneration in disease model for retinitis pigmentosa by regulating the stability of Rhodopsin-1. This study also indicates the dynamic reorganization of proteasome complex under ER stress. The modulation of USP14 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating the diseases associated with protein folding.

Abstract

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its adaptive cellular response, the unfolded protein response (UPR), are involved in various diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and even cancers. Here, we analyzed the novel function of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14) in ER stress. The overexpression of Drosophila USP14 protected the cells from ER stress without affecting the proteasomal activity. Null Hong Kong (NHK) and alpha-1-antitrypsin Z (ATZ) are ER-associated degradation substrates. The degradation of NHK, but not of ATZ, was delayed by USP14. USP14 restored the levels of rhodopsin-1 protein in a Drosophila model for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa and suppressed the retinal degeneration in this model. In addition, we observed that proteasome complex is dynamically reorganized in response to ER stress in human 293T cells. These findings suggest that USP14 may be a therapeutic strategy in diseases associated with ER stress.

GW190521: A Binary Black Hole Merger with a Total Mass of 150 M_{⊙}

On May 21, 2019 at 03:02:29 UTC Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo observed a short duration gravitational-wave signal, GW190521, with a three-detector network signal-to-noise ratio of 14.7, and an estimated false-alarm rate of 1 in 4900 yr using a search sensitive to generic transients. If GW190521 is from a quasicircular binary inspiral, then the detected signal is consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses of 85_{-14}^{+21}  M_{⊙} and 66_{-18}^{+17}  M_{⊙} (90% credible intervals). We infer that the primary black hole mass lies within the gap produced by (pulsational) pair-instability supernova processes, with only a 0.32% probability of being below 65  M_{⊙}. We calculate the mass of the remnant to be 142_{-16}^{+28}  M_{⊙}, which can be considered an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH). The luminosity distance of the source is 5.3_{-2.6}^{+2.4}  Gpc, corresponding to a redshift of 0.82_{-0.34}^{+0.28}. The inferred rate of mergers similar to GW190521 is 0.13_{-0.11}^{+0.30}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}.

Conducting a national burden of disease study in South Korea: from past to present

South Korea has been measuring its own burden of disease since the early 2000s and has developed a methodology for its calculation. Since 2012, South Korea has been carrying out disease burden research through the Research and Development Project, supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Because the Korean health insurance system covers the entire population of the country, the Korean National Burden of Disease (KNBD) study is based on individual claims data. Disease prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates, which are the epidemiologic indicators used to calculate burden of disease, are based on actual data, and the incidence-based approach is used for Years Lived with disability (YLD), Years of Life Lost (YLL), and Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY). The KNBD study is conducted for 260 diseases and injuries and subdivided into sub-national levels. Disability weights (DW) are calculated to reflect the sociocultural characteristics of a disease. For cause-specific DWs, we conducted a self-administered web-based survey for medical doctors and students. Using a ranking method, we calculated cause-specific DWs. For this reason, KNBD study results cannot be directly compared with GBD results.

The major findings of the KNBD study are as follows. In Korea, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) steadily increased for all income levels. The higher the income, the lower the burden of disease; low-income people had a higher burden of disease than high-income people. However, thyroid cancer, refraction and accommodation disorders had a high burden of disease in the high-income group. Growth in the YLD rate was faster than in the YLL rate. In 2016 the leading causes of disease burden were diabetes mellitus, low back pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

We will present South Korea's disease burden calculation methodology and its results and share the efforts to calculate disease burden in other countries.

Enzyme-mediated one-pot synthesis of hydrogel with the polyphenol cross-linker for skin regeneration

Polyphenols can trigger immunity that activates intracellular anti-inflammatory signaling and prevents external infections. In this study, we report the fabrication of chitosan-based hydrogels with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) using enzyme-mediated one-pot synthesis. The tyrosinase-mediated oxidative reaction of the phenolic rings of EGCG with the primary amines on chitosan results in stable EGCG-chitosan hydrogels. The EGCG concentrations contributed to the cross-linking density and physical properties of EGCG-chitosan hydrogels. Furthermore, EGCG-chitosan hydrogels maintained intrinsic properties such as antibacterial and antioxidant effects. When endotoxin-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were cultured with EGCG-chitosan hydrogels, the hydrogels reduced the inflammatory response of the RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, subcutaneous implantation of EGCG-chitosan hydrogels reduced endogenous macrophage and monocyte activation. When the EGCG-chitosan hydrogels were applied to a full-skin defect wound, they facilitated skin regeneration. Our study demonstrates that the one-pot synthesized EGCG-chitosan hydrogels can be applied in broad tissue regeneration applications that require immune modulation.

Mechanoadaptive strain and functional osseointegration of dental implants in rats

Spatiotemporal implant-bone biomechanics and mechanoadaptive strains in peri-implant tissue are poorly understood. Physical and chemical characteristics of an implant-bone complex (IBC) were correlated in three-dimensional space (along the length and around a dental implant) to gather insights into time related integration of the implant with the cortical portion of a jaw bone in a rat. Rats (N = 9) were divided into three experimental groups with three rats per time point; 3-, 11-, and 24-day. All rats were fed crumbled hard pellets mixed with water (soft-food diet) for the first 3 days followed by a hard-food diet with intact hard-food pellets (groups of 11- and 24-day only). Biomechanics of the IBCs harvested from rats at each time point was evaluated by performing mechanical testing in situ in tandem with X-ray imaging. The effect of physical association (contact area) of a loaded implant with adapting peri-implant tissue, and resulting strain within was mapped by using digital volume correlation (DVC) technique. The IBC stiffness at respective time points was correlated with mechanical strain in peri-implant tissue. Results illustrated that IBC stiffness at 11-day was lower than that observed at 3-day. However, at 24-day, IBC stiffness recovered to that which was observed at 3-day. Correlative microscopy and spectroscopy illustrated that the lower IBC stiffness was constituted by softer and less mineralized peri-implant tissue that contained varying expressions of osteoconductive elements. Lower IBC stiffness observed at 11-day was constituted by less mineralized peri-implant tissue with osteoconductive elements that included phosphorus (P) which was co-localized with higher expression of zinc (Zn), and lower expression of calcium (Ca). Higher IBC stiffness at 24-day was constituted by mineralized peri-implant tissue with higher expressions of osteoconductive elements including Ca and P, and lower expressions of Zn. These spatiotemporal correlative maps of peri-implant tissue architecture, heterogeneous distribution of mineral density, and elemental colocalization underscore mechanoadaptive physicochemical properties of peri-implant tissue that facilitate functional osseointegration of an implant. These results provided insights into 1) plausible "prescription" of mechanical loads as an osteoinductive "therapeutic dose" to encourage osteoconductive elements in the peri-implant tissue that would facilitate functional osseointegration of the implant; 2) a "critical temporal window" between 3 and 11 days, and perhaps it is this acute phase during which key candidate regenerative molecules can be harnessed to accelerate osseointegration of an implant under load.

Data on biomechanics and elemental maps of dental implant-bone complexes in rats

Implant-bone biomechanics and mechanoadaptation of peri‑implant tissue in space (around and along the length of an implant) and time (3-, 11-, and 24-day following implantation) are important for functional osseointegration of dental implants. Spatiotemporal shifts in biomechanics of implant-bone complex in rat maxillae were correlated with maximum (tensile) and minimum (compressive) principal strain profiles in peri‑implant tissue using a hybrid model; biomechanics in situ paired with digital volume correlation. Spatiotemporal changes in elemental counts and their association with mineral density of the peri‑implant tissue were mapped using electron dispersive X-ray and X-ray fluorescence microprobe techniques. Data provided within are related to biomechanical testing of an implant-bone complex in situ. Data also highlight the power of correlating elemental colocalization with tension and compression regions of the peri‑implant tissues to explain spatiotemporal mechanoadaptation of implant-bone complexes. Further interpretation of data is provided in "Mechanoadaptive Strain and Functional Osseointegration of Dental Implants in Rats [1]."