[Dynamic changes of chest CT imaging in patients with COVID-19]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the dynamic changes of chest CT images of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

Fifty-two cases of COVID-19 were admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The consecutive chest CT scans were followed up for all patients with an average of 4 scans performed per patient during the hospitalization. The shortest interval between each scan was 2 days and the longest was 7 days. The shape, number and distribution of lung shadows, as well as the characteristics of the lesions on the CT images were reviewed.

RESULTS

The obvious shadows infiltrating the lungs were shown on CT images in 50 cases, for other 2 cases there was no abnormal changes in the lungs during the first CT examination. Ground-glass opacities (GGO) were found in 48 cases (92.3%), and 19 cases (36.5%) had patchy consolidation and sub-consolidation, which were accompanied with air bronchi sign in 17 cases (32.7%). Forty one cases (78.8%) showed a thickened leaflet interval, 4 cases (7.6%) had a small number of fibrous stripes. During hospitalization, GGO lesions in COVID-19 patients gradually became rare,the fibrous strip shadows increased and it became the most common imaging manifestation. The lesions rapidly progressed in 39 cases (75.0%) within 6-9 days after admission. On days 10-14 of admission, the lesions distinctly resolved in 40 cases (76.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The chest CT images of patients with COVID-19 have certain characteristics with dynamic changes, which are of value for monitoring disease progress and clinical treatment.

[Short-term outcomes of minimally invasive reoperation for tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery]

Objective: To examine the short-term outcomes of minimally invasive reoperation for severe tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, a total of 89 patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery received reoperation in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were included in this study. There were 21 males and 68 females, aging of (56.4±7.9) years (range: 41 to 74 years). The interval between previous left-sided valve surgery and tricuspid reoperation was (14.1±6.1) years (range: 4 to 33 years). A combination of multiple minimally invasive techniques were adopted, including endoscopy-assist right minithoracotomy approach, peripheral cannulation strategy with the vacuum-assist single venous drainage technique, heart beating technique, and temporary percutaneous pacemaker implantation, with a concomitant enhancement in preoperative right cardiac function optimization. Results: All patients received minimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve replacement (n=81) or tricuspid valve repair (n=8). After the application of multiple minimally invasive techniques, the operative mortality rate was only 3.4% (3/89). The causes of death were progressive right heart failure with multiorgan failure (n=1) and low cardiac output associated with postoperative bleeding (n=2). Regarding to the perioperative complications, renal replacement therapy rate was 5.6% (5/89), permanent pacemaker implantation rate was 1.1% (1/89), and the incidence of stroke was 0. Mechanical ventilation time was 24(24) hours, ICU stay time was 2.5 (3.0) days (M(Q(R))). During the short-term follow-up, there were no case of severe tricuspid regurgitation, 2 cases of moderate regurgitation, 4 cases of mild-to-moderate regurgitation. Conclusions: For severe tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery, the advanced minimally invasive techniques can significantly reduce the operative mortality and morbidity. Minimally invasive bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement is a reliable alternative for severe tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery.

[Surgical treatment for tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery]

Late tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery can negatively affect long-term prognosis. The surgical timing and strategy of tricuspid valve reoperation will have important impact on the surgical outcomes. However, there is no clear recommendations of the surgical timing for this condition in the current guidelines. Generally, tricuspid valve reoperation should be performed before irreversible right heart failure occurs. Although tricuspid valve repair is the first choice for tricuspid regurgitation, bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement might be a reliable alternative when tricuspid leaflets have severe rheumatic damage or right ventricle and tricuspid annulus significantly dilate. Combined minimally invasive surgical techniques, including right minithoracotomy approach, accessing the right atrium directly through the pericardium with limited dissection, peripheral cannulation strategy with the vacuum-assist single venous drainage technique and heart beating technique, can significantly decrease the operative mortality and postoperative bleeding. With development of interventional therapy, transcatheter tricuspid valve repair or replacement may become alternatives for tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery in the future.

Smoke Sense Initiative Leverages Citizen Science to Address the Growing Wildfire-Related Public Health Problem

Smoke Sense is a citizen science project with investigative, educational, and action-oriented objectives at the intersection of wildland fire smoke and public health. Participants engage with a smartphone application to explore current and forecast visualizations of air quality, learn about how to protect health from wildfire smoke, and record their smoke experiences, health symptoms, and behaviors taken to reduce their exposures to smoke. Through participation in the project, individuals engage in observing changes in their environment and recording changes in their health, thus facilitating progression on awareness of health effects of air pollution and adoption of desired health-promoting behaviors. Participants can also view what others are reporting. Data from the pilot season (1 August 2017 to 7 January 2018; 5,598 downloads) suggest that there is a clear demand for personally relevant data during wildfire episodes motivated by recognition of environmental hazard and the personal concern for health. However, while participants shared clear perceptions of the environmental hazard and health risks in general, they did not consistently recognize their own personal health risk. The engagement in health protective behavior was driven in response to symptoms rather than as preventive courses of action. We also observed clear differences in the adoption likelihood of various health protective behaviors attributed to barriers and perceived benefits of these actions. As users experience a greater number and severity of symptoms, the perceived benefits of taking health protective actions exceeded the costs associated with the barriers and thus increased adoption of those actions. Based on pilot season data, we summarize key insights which may improve current health risk communications in nudging individuals toward health protective behavior; there is a need to increase personal awareness of risk and compelling evidence that health protective behaviors are beneficial.

[Analysis of outpatient utilization of pneumoconiosis patients in Jiangsu province]

Objective: To understand the situation and characteristics of out-patient utilization of urban and rural pneumoconiosis patients in Jiangsu province, and to provide a reference for the formulation of relevant policies. Methods: Using a questionnaire on patients with pneumoconiosis and their influencing factors, 120 patients with pneumoconiosis were randomly selected in Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Yancheng Vocational Defense Institute or CDC. The rate of outpatients with pneumoconiosis in urban and rural areas and the choice of out-patient hospitals were analyzed. Results: Of the 75 patients with severe pneumoconi-related symptoms such as chest tightness and dyspnea in the first two weeks of the survey, 36 (48.0%) lived in cities and 39 (52.0%) lived in rural areas. Patients with pneumoconiosis who live in urban and rural areas have different aggravating conditions within two weeks. Two weeks of aggravated symptoms in outpatient consultations accounted for36 (48.0%) . Of the 36 patients who used outpatient treatment, rural residents mainly chose 8 people from a hospital and a township health hospital, accounting for 34.8%, while 10 people from urban residents chose a nursing home or nursing home, accounting for 40.0%. The main reason why urban and rural pneumoconiosis patients did not go to the doctor is "conscious symptoms are lighter" and "feel that the doctor is useless." Conclusion: The rate of outpatients with pneumoconiosis in Jiangsu province within two weeks is lower than that of ordinary elderly residents. There may be differences in treatment behavior patterns of urban and rural pneumoconiosis patients.Economic factors have a certain influence on the outpatient treatment behavior of pneumoconiosis patients. The recognition of outpatient service is the main factor affecting the outpatient treatment of pneumoconiosis patients. It is very important to popularize the knowledge of pneumoconiosis and do a good job in propaganda of occupational diseases and health education for pneumoconiosis patients. Focusing on the outpatient treatment of pneumoconiosis patients and making targeted medical policies is very important to standardize and improve the rehabilitation of pneumoconiosis patients.

[Analysis of annual hospitalization rate of pneumoconiosis patients and related influencing factors of social security]

Objective: To study the main factors that influencing Pneumoconiosis patients' healthcare seeking behaviors. Methods: Conducting a descriptive analysis to analyze the relationship between the annual hospitalization rate and social security status (medical insurance, location of medical insurance, proportion of insurance used for reimbursement of pneumoconiosis, whether there is employment injury insurance at work, whether to apply for compensation after diagnosing pneumoconiosis, whether they receive social assistance and a minimum allowance) , social relationship status of patients (whether there is pneumoconiosis in the family or relatives, whether there is a pneumoconiosis in a friend or a colleague, and whether or not he/she has received financial assistance) , life quality of patients (subjective feelings) and living standard of patients (dietary level) based on data acquired from 120 pneumoconiosis patients. Results: The results of single factor analysis reveal that the location of medical insurance, the proportion of insurance for reimbursement of pneumoconiosis, whether there is employment injury insurance at work, whether to apply for compensation after diagnosing pneumoconiosis are statistically significant in pneumoconiosis patients' hospital utilization ratio (P<0.05) . The place where medical insurance is located is the current place of residence, the reimbursement ratio of medical insurance for pneumoconiosis is listed as 50%-70%, the work unit has medical insurance, those who have not applied for compensation for pneumoconiosis have a higher utilization rate of hospitalization services. The annual hospitalization rate was 73.3%, 80.0%, 60.6%, 63.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The location of patient medical insurance, the proportion of insurance used for reimbursement of pneumoconiosis, whether there is employment injury insurance at work, and whether to apply for compensation after pneumoconiosis are the influencing factors of the patients' annual hospitalization rate.

Metabolic syndrome and renal cell cancer risk in Chinese males: a population-based prospective study

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is now a common public health problem. Few researches have reported the relationship between MetS and the risk of renal cell cancer (RCC). To investigate the association of metabolic syndrome and its components with the risk of RCC in Chinese males, the study was performed in the Kailuan male cohort, a large prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 104,333 eligible males enrolled in the every 2-year health checkup were involved in the Kailuan male cohort study (2006-2015). Information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle, medical history and laboratory tests at baseline entry was obtained. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between MetS and the RCC risk.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 131 RCC cases were verified over a total of 824,211.96 person-years. Among the 5 single MetS components, hypertension (Systolic/diastolic blood pressure≥130/85 mm Hg or antihypertensive drug treatment of previously hypertension) (HR = 2.35, 95%CI:1.48-3.72) and elevated triglyceride (TG) (≥1.7mmol/L) (HR = 1.78, 95%CI:1.23-2.56) showed significant risk for RCC. Multivariate analysis showed that compared to those who did not meet MetS diagnostic criteria (number of abnormal MetS components&lt;3), HR of RCC risk for participants with MetS was 1.95 (95% CI 1.35-2.83). The number of abnormal MetS components was linearly associated with an increased risk of RCC (P trend&lt;0.001), and the HRs of RCC risk for males with 1, 2 and ≥3 MetS components were 1.27 (0.56-2.90), 2.42 (1.12-5.20) and 3.32 (1.56-7.07), respectively, compared with subjects without MetS components.

Conclusions

MetS was inversely associated with of RCC risk in males.

Key messages

MetS might be one of the scientific and important predictors of RCC. Controlling metabolic syndrome may potentially have key scientific and clinical significance for RCC prevention.

A Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine ZQMT for Neovascular Age- Related Macular Degeneration: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Anti-VEGF agent ranibizumab has been extensively used as a standard treatment for wet AMD. We investigated whether traditional Chinese medicine could serve as a complementary therapy for this disease.

METHODS

144 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration received either intravitreal ranibizumab treatment as needed plus placebo or intravitreal ranibizumab treatment as needed plus an FDA approved traditional Chinese patent medicine named ZQMT. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the mean change of visual acuity at week 24 as compared to the baseline.

RESULTS

We found that intravitreal ranibizumab treatment plus ZQMT was non-inferior to the treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab alone in improving visual acuity scores at week 24 with patients in both groups who gained substantial numbers of letters. In addition, we found that ZQMT treatment resulted in significant improvements in reducing retinal hemorrhage, fluid, and lesion size. Importantly, administration of ZQMT reduced the number of needed ranibizumab injections (P<0.0001, analysis of variance) in wet AMD patients leading to a significant reduction of drug cost.

CONCLUSION

The combinatory therapy of ranibizumab and traditional Chinese patent medicine ZQMT had equivalent effects on visual acuity improvement and safety profiles as the ranibizumab treatment alone. Ranibizumab injections coupled with ZQMT offer therapeutic advantages in terms of reduction of retinal lesions and ease the financial burden of patients undergoing treatment by reducing the frequency of necessary ranibizumab injections.

P916The effect of a novel, user-friendly, transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair device in a porcine model of mitral regurgitation

Objective

A new technique has been devised to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) through the transapical route by replicating the edge-to-edge repair surgery. This system encompasses an easy-to-use leaflet clamp and a smaller-sized delivery system (14F–16F). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this device in a porcine model of acute MR.

Methods

Acute MR was induced in 36 anesthetized porcine subjects by severing the major chordae supporting the corresponding segment of the leaflet. This device was then transapically implanted on the prolapsing segment under 3D epicardial echocardiographic guidance. All of the animals were killed 30 days after the procedure to verify the proper location of the implanted devices.

Results

Cutting the major chordae induced an eccentric MR jet (MR grade: 3+, 27.8%/4+, 72.2%) in all of the animals. Every single pig was then successfully implanted with one clamp. The duration of catheterization ranged from 18 to 40 minutes. Overt MR reduction was observed following the procedure through echocardiography; residual MR was mild in 8 cases, trivial in 19 cases, and absent in 9 cases. In terms of hemodynamic parameters, the mean and maximum mitral valve pressure gradients were increased significantly (p<0.01), but these values were less than 4 mmHg in all of the cases. Autopsy demonstrated that all but one device were precisely placed to clip the prolapsing segment of the mitral valve, and there was no evidence of thrombosis, thromboembolism or impairment of the cardiac structure.

Table 1. Changes in hemodynamic parameters, cardiac size, and functional parameters after the procedure Preoperation Postoperation P value MR-maxA (mm2) 7.27±2.13 1.54±1.29 0.000 MVPG-max (mmHg) 1.95±0.47 3.66±0.62 0.000 MVPG-mean (mmHg) 0.87±0.31 1.7±0.28 0.000 LVEDD (mm) 46.08±2.85 46.44±3.53 0.239 LVESD (mm) 29.11±3.44 29.08±3.62 0.940 LVEF (%) 66.53±6.4 67.14±4.93 0.256 LAD (mm) 35.75±2.24 36.42±1.99 0.057 LAA (mm2) 12.95±2.22 12.64±1.55 0.301

Figure 1

Conclusions

Transapical implantation of the novel mitral valve repair device is effective and safe in reducing acutely induced MR in pigs; thus, suggesting that it has great potential for clinical benefit in patients with MR.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Shanghai Science and Technology Committee

Cerebral venous circulation changes caused by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an acute severe hemorrhagic stroke with high morbidity and mortality with poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the changes of cerebral venous circulation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage by digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Totally, 57 patients with aSAH, 48 patients with unruptured aneurysms, and 45 patients without aneurysms (control group) were enrolled. The microvascular cerebral circulation time (mCCT), venous cerebral circulation time (vCCT), cerebral arterioles and cortical veins were analyzed by DSA.

RESULTS

There were changes of cerebral microvessels and cortical veins in patients with aSAH. The mCCT (6.15±1.37 s) and vCCT (2.79±0.34 s) of aSAH patients significantly increased compared with control patients (3.74±0.50 s; 2.64±0.32 s) (P < 0.05). However, the mCCT increased more compared with vCCT in aSAH patients (P < 0.001), while the vCCT increased more compared with mCCT in severe aSAH cases (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in mCCT and vCCT between patients with unruptured aneurysms and controls (P = 0.131; P = 0.621).

CONCLUSIONS

The mCCT increases in acute aSAH patients within 72 hours and vCCT increases in severe aSAH cases.

Decrease of FGF19 contributes to the increase of fasting glucose in human in an insulin-independent manner

PURPOSE

The ileum-derived fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) plays key roles in hepatic glucose homeostasis in animals in an insulin-independent manner. Here, we analyzed the association of FGF19 with glucose effectiveness (GE, the insulin-independent glucose regulation), as well as hepatic glucose production (HGP) in Chinese subjects.

METHODS

GE was measured by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) in normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated-impaired glucose tolerance (I-IGT), and isolated-impaired fasting glucose (I-IFG) subjects. The oral glucose tolerance test-derived surrogate of GE (oGE) was determined in NGT, I-IFG, combined glucose intolerance (CGI), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects. HGP was assessed by labeled ([3-³H]-glucose) hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in NGT subjects. Insulin secretion and sensitivity were calculated by the hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in a subgroup of NGT, I-IGT, and I-IFG subjects. Serum FGF19 levels were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

FGF19 positively correlated with GE (r = 0.29, P = 0.004) as determined by FSIVGTT. The result was further confirmed by oGE (r = 0.261, P < 0.001). FGF19 was negatively associated with FPG (r = - 0.228, P = 0.025), but the association no longer existed after adjusting for GE (r = - 0.177, P = 0.086). FGF19 was negatively associated with basal HGP (r = - 0.697, P = 0.006). However, the correlation between FGF19 and insulin secretion and sensitivity were not found.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF19 levels are associated positively with GE and negatively with HGP. The increase of FPG in human is at least partially due to the decrease of FGF19 in an insulin-independent manner.

Decreased Expression of TIM-3 on Th17 Cells Associated with Ophthalmopathy in Patients with Graves' Disease

Purpose:

Thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO) is one of the most common orbital immunological diseases in adults. CD4+ helper T (Th) cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of TAO. But the mechanisms regulating CD4+ T cell activity is unclear. This study examines T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) expression in helper T cell type 1 (Th1), Th17, and regulatory T cells in sufferers of TAO.

Methods:

Participants were divided into 3 groups: patients with TAO, patients with Graves’ disease but without orbitopathy (GD), and healthy control patients (HC). Peripheral blood samples were collected for each patient in the designated group. Flow cytometry methods assessed the frequency of Th1 (CD4+IFN-γ+), Th17 (CD4+IL-17+), regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25hiCD127lo), and TIM-3 protein expression. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) measured the magnitude of TIM-3 expression and the percentage of TIM-3+ cells for each patient.

Results:

Compared to the GD group, TAO patients possessed higher frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood samples. The percentage of TIM-3+ Th1 and Th17 cells was significantly lower in the TAO patients than the GD group. Across all patients sampled, TIM-3+ cell percentage negatively correlated with Th1 cell frequency. Th1 and Th17 cells exhibited significantly decreased expression of TIM-3 in TAO patients compared to healthy controls. Regulatory T cells showed little TIM-3 expression and we observed no significant differences in frequency between groups.

Conclusion:

These results suggest a role for TIM-3 in the regulation of Th1 and Th17 cells and the pathogenesis of Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

[Situation analysis of timing of first visit of anti-mitochondrial antibody-positive patients]

Objective: To understand the basic information of anti-mitochondrial antibody (anti-AMA)-positive patients after initial diagnosis, and to set groundwork for further exploring the clinical significance of AMA in various diseases. Methods: Demographic data and related clinical information recorded through the Information System of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2013 to December 2016 were collected. Patients whose AMA and/or AMA-M2 first- tested as positive were recorded. Complications were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases. Results: A total of 1323 AMA positive cases were discovered for the first time. Among them, 78.0% were women, and the age of initial diagnosis was 56.8 ± 16.0 years. The first three initially diagnosed departments were rheumatology and immunology (37.4%), liver Disease (15.9%) and hematology (15.9%) relevant to musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases (45.2%), hematology and hematopoietic organs and immune diseases (30.6%) and circulatory system diseases (29.7%). There were 297 newly confirmed cases of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC); accounting for 89.2% of women, and the age of initial diagnosis was 60.1 ± 12.4 years. The top three departments of initially diagnosed as PBC were liver disease (37.7%), rheumatology (33.0%) and gastroenterology (15.2%), of which 39.7% had musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases, 27.9% had circulatory diseases, and 24.9 % were combined with endocrine and metabolic diseases. Conclusion: Besides PBC and other autoimmune diseases, AMA and / or AMA-M2 positivity can be observed in a variety of diseases in several clinical departments, and its clinical significance remains to be further clarified.

Latrophilin mediates insecticides susceptibility and fecundity through two carboxylesterases, esterase4 and esterase6, in Tribolium castaneum

Latrophilin (LPH) is known as an adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor which involved in multiple physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies showed that lph not only involved the susceptibility to anticholinesterase insecticides but also affected fecundity in Tribolium castaneum. However, its regulatory mechanisms in these biological processes are still not clear. Here, we identified two potential downstream carboxylesterase (cce) genes of Tclph, esterase4 and esterase6, and further characterized their interactions with Tclph. After treatment of T. castaneum larvae with carbofuran or dichlorvos insecticides, the transcript levels of Tcest4 and Tcest6 were significantly induced from 12 to 72 h. RNAi against Tcest4 or Tcest6 led to the higher mortality compared with the controls after the insecticides treatment, suggesting that these two genes play a vital role in detoxification of insecticides in T. castaneum. Furthermore, with insecticides exposure to Tclph knockdown beetles, the expression of Tcest4 was upregulated but Tcest6 was downregulated, indicating that beetles existed a compensatory response against the insecticides. Additionally, RNAi of Tcest6 resulted in 43% reductions in female egg laying and completely inhibited egg hatching, which showed the similar phenotype as that of Tclph knockdown. These results indicated that Tclph affected fecundity by positively regulating Tcest6 expression. Our findings will provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms of Tclph involved in physiological functions in T. castaneum.

[Effect of primary cilia on growth plate chondrocyte proliferation of young rats with chronic renal insufficiency]

Objective: To observe the effect of primary cilia on growth plate chondrocyte proliferation of young rats with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). Methods: Male 2-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (with 10 in each group): Sham group (only left ureter was exposed) and CRI group (left ureter was ligated). Rats were sacrificed 2 weeks after operation and the total length of tibia was measured. Histological sections of tibia were taken to observe the chondrocytes of growth plate proliferative region and the expression rate of primary cilia. Chondrocytes from growth plate in two groups were isolated and cultured in vitro to P3 generation and the chondrocyte proliferation rate at 24 h were detected. The primary cilia expression rate and cilia length of chondrocytes were measured. Western blot was used to detect the expression of intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88) protein and the gray scale was analyzed. Results: The total length of tibia was shorter in CRI group [(35.84±4.56) mm vs (42.33±3.44) mm, P=0.002]. The results of tibial histological section showed that chondrocytes of growth plate proliferative region were unorganized and the number of chondrocyte with columnar structure was less in CRI group (2.71±1.10 vs 7.68±1.32, P<0.001). The primary cilia expression rate of chondrocytes was higher in CRI group [(35.53±7.41)% vs (18.31±5.12)%, P<0.001]. The chondrocyte proliferation rate at 24 h was lower in CRI group [(11.38±6.10)% vs (24.35±8.46)%, P=0.001]. The primary cilia expression rate of chondrocytes was higher in CRI group [(60.12±7.86)% vs (32.17±8.97)%, P<0.001], and the primary cilia length of chondrocytes was longer in CRI group [(3.54±1.61) μm vs (1.96±0.82) μm, P=0.012]. The protein IFT88 was more highly expressed in CRI group (0.47±0.23 vs 0.17±0.10, P=0.001). Conclusion: The primary cilia expression rate of growth plate chondrocytes was higher in the rats with CRI, resulting in decreased chondrocyte proliferation rate and growth retardation of tibial growth plate.

Proton migration in hydrocarbons induced by slow highly charged ion impact

Different from most of the previous studies using light or photons, we use highly charged ions as projectiles to activate proton migration in the smallest saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon molecules, i.e., CH₄ and C₂H₂. The H₃ ⁺ formation channel (H₃ ⁺ + CH⁺) and isomerization channel (C⁺ + CH₂ ⁺), serving as indicators of proton migration, are observed in the fragmentation of CH₄ and C₂H₂ dications. Corresponding kinematical information, i.e., kinetic energy release, is for the first time obtained in the collisions with highly charged ions. In particular, for the C⁺ + CH₂ ⁺ channel, a new pathway is identified, which is tentatively attributed to the isomerization on high-lying states of acetylene dication. The kinetic energy release spectra for other two-body breakup channels are also determined and precursor dication states could thus be identified.

PAI-1 and Maspin gene evolution analysis in plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi)

Hypoxia is one of the most obvious environmental characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Increasing tissue microvessel density is an important mechanism for plateau animals to adapt to the hypoxic environment.

Combination of LINE-1 hypomethylation and RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in serum DNA is a non-invasion prognostic biomarker for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Hepatocarcinogenesis, a multistep process, involves not only genetic mutations but also epigenetic alterations. Widespread of global DNA hypomethylation is accompanied with specific regional hypermethylation especially at tumor suppressor genes' promoters. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of combined DNA methylation analysis of a global DNA methylation marker - LINE-1 and a tumor suppressor gene highly associated with the malignancy of HCC- RASSF1A in serum as a novel prognostic marker for diagnosis of early recurrence after curative resection.LINE-1 was hypomethylated in 66.7% (70/105) and RASSF1A promoter was hypermethylated in 73.3% (77/105) of HCC serum DNA samples by methylation specific PCR, but in none of the healthy controls: LINE-1 hypometylation (0/50) and RASSF1A hypermethylation (0/50). A significant association was found between LINE-1 hypomethylation and clinical pathologic features including HBsAg positivity (p=0.009), tumor size (p=0.001) and AFP levels (p<0.001). Besides, significant correlation was detected between RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation and lymph nodes metastasis (p=0.045).The results of Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival suggested that LINE-1 hypomethylation was highly associated with poor survival of patients (disease-free survival p=0.002, overall survival p=0.0123). More importantly, co-evaluation of LINE-1 hypomethylation and RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation was found to be significantly correlated to early recurrence and poor prognosis (disease-free survival p=0.0001, overall survival p=0.05) in patients after curative resection.In conclusion, our study showed that the combined examination of LINE-1 hypomethylation and RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation was effective in predicting early recurrence of HCC after curative resection. Patients with dual positivity of LINE-1 hypomethylation and RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation should be supplied with more intensive care and close follow-up after they undergo tumor resection.

Differential MicroRNA Expressions in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Are Predictive of Renal Allograft Function

BACKGROUND

The present diagnostic methods for detecting graft damage after kidney transplantation are either invasive or not available early enough. The microRNAs (miRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been suggested as promising biomarkers.

METHODS

Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we identified 9 miRNAs (miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-223, miR-211, miR-486, miR-155, miR-10b, miR-30a, and let-7c) related to the human renal allograft status in PBMCs from 104 kidney transplant recipients.

RESULTS

The miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-223 were significantly upregulated and miR-10b was significantly downregulated in recipients with abnormal levels of serum creatinine 3 to 4 weeks after initial sample collection. Moreover, the miR-142-5p and miR-142-3p were also found to be significantly upregulated in recipients with abnormal levels of cystatin C. Through a combination of the validated miRNAs, receiver operating characteristic analyses yielded the highest area under the curve value of 0.7913 and 0.7063 in predicting the levels of serum creatinine and cystatin C, respectively. In the testing stage, the developed models correctly predicted allograft function in 16 to 17 of 22 recipients (false rate, 22.7%-27.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs in PBMCs of recipients hold great promise to be used as predictive and noninvasive biomarkers after transplantation.

[The comparison among the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in China, AASLD and EASL]

This article makes a comparative analysis of the key recommendations in surveillance, diagnosis, staging and treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) from the newest updated guidelines issued by American Association for the Study Liver Disease, European Association for the Study of Liver, and Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, respectively. It is agreed that patients at high risk for developing HCC should undergo surveillance with ultrasound every six months. Detected hepatic nodules should be diagnosed and followed-up by further imaging examination or liver biopsy. The HCC staging system varies among different guidelines. The studies and clinical trials of system therapy in advanced HCC are becoming new highlights.

Increased Dental Use May Affect Changes in Treated and Untreated Dental Caries in Young Children

INTRODUCTION

From 1999-2004 to 2011-2014, untreated dental caries prevalence decreased among US children aged 2 to 5 y, regardless of family income. Policies were concurrently initiated for children to increase access to preventive dental services in dental, primary, and community settings and to restorative care in dental settings.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine 1) whether changes in prevalence and severity of untreated and treated caries between the periods varied by family income and 2) to what degree increased past-year dental visit (PYDV) contributed to the changes.

METHODS

We used data for 3,822 children in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004 and 2011 to 2014. Caries prevalence included prevalence of untreated caries with ≥1 decayed teeth (dt) and prevalence of treated caries with ≥1 filled teeth (ft). Caries severity included number of dt and ft among those with ≥1 dt or ft. We estimated changes in caries outcomes among low- and higher-income children with models-one controlling for sociodemographics and another controlling for sociodemographics and PYDV. Significant changes ( P < 0.05) becoming insignificant after controlling for PYDV provide insight on the contribution of PYDV to changes in outcomes.

RESULTS

Prevalence of untreated caries decreased for low- and higher-income children, with a slightly larger decrease for low-income children; dt decreased only for low-income children; and estimated decreases did not vary by model. An increase in prevalence of treated caries was observed only among low-income children but became minimized and insignificant after controlling for PYDV. Similarly, after controlling for PYDV, the increase in ft among low-income children lost significance, whereas the increase among higher-income children remained.

CONCLUSION

Untreated caries among children aged 2 to 5 y declined from 1999-2004 to 2011-2014, with larger declines among low-income children. While changes in PYDV contributed to increases in treated caries, particularly for low-income children, additional factors appear to have contributed to decreased untreated caries.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

For young children, the degree and direction of changes in caries over the last decade varied by outcome measure (e.g., untreated or treated) and family poverty status. Examining the effect of increased dental utilization on changes in untreated and treated caries outcomes can help identify those policies that contribute to changes in these outcomes and highlight the potential role of the different caries assessment criteria used in dental offices versus those in a population-based survey.

The Presence and involvement of interleukin-17 in apical periodontitis

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by periapical tissue inflammation and destruction of the associated alveolar bone. It is caused by microbial infections within the root canal and the resultant host immune responses in the periapical tissues. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 has been shown to play an important role in many inflammatory diseases. There is increasing evidence of the presence of IL-17 in AP, which might be associated with disease pathogenesis. Moreover, several animal studies indicate the potential role of IL-17 in periapical inflammation and the resultant bone resorption in AP. This article reviews recent studies regarding the collective in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence of the presence and involvement of IL-17 in AP. A search related to IL-17 in apical periodontitis was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases using keywords and controlled vocabulary. Two independent reviewers first screened titles and abstracts and then the full texts that were included. A total of 25 papers were identified, of the 25 included articles, 7 involved laboratory studies on cell cultures, 11 involved animal experimentations, and 7 were observational studies using human clinical samples. In conclusion, evidence for the presence of IL-17 in AP from human and animal models is clear. However, there is relatively little information currently available that would highlight the specific role of IL-17 in AP.

[Research progress of hepatitis C in 2018]

Up to now, all major direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have been approved, pan-genotypic regimens are recommended globally, simple monitoring strategy is recommended. In 2018, hepatitis C research focused more on accessibility, rather than new regimens. With the joint efforts of government and social groups, more infected people are getting affordable treatment. In addition approval of DAAs from global pharmaceuticals, a variety of DAAs have been on the clinical trial and approved in our country, and more options are/will be available with clinical trials progress. Management of infected fetus, children, and pregnant women will attract researchers' attention.

[Incidence of depressive disorders and related independent risk factors in patients with chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To investigate the incidence and related independent risk factors of depression in treatment-naïve Han ethnic Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Nine hundred and ninety-seven Han Chinese patients with confirmed chronic HCV infection were enrolled. Beck's depression inventory scale was used to assess depression score. Patients were divided into two groups according to the score: score≥17, depression group (16.85%, 168/997); score <17, no depression group (83.15%, 829/997). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze independent risk factors related with the onset of depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender distribution, marital status, education level, income level and smoking status (P < 0.05). Independent risk factors were female [odds ratio (OR) = 3.85; 95% CI: 2.28-6.50, P = 0.001], decompensated cirrhosis [OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.20-4.48, P = 0.013], unmarried [OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.12-3.60, P = 0.019], separated [OR = 17.39; 95% CI: 1.64-184.47, P = 0.018], divorced [OR = 3.82; 95% CI: 1.36-10.74, P = 0.011], without higher education [OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.22-3.42, P = 0.007], low income [OR = 3.94; 95% CI: 1.38-11.28, P = 0.011], middle income [OR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.02-8.62, P = 0.047], uninterrupted smoking [OR = 3.67; 95% CI: 2.13-6.31, P = 0.001], and previously smoked [OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.66-6.68, P = 0.001]. Conclusion: The incidence of depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C is relatively high. The independent risk factors related with depression include female, unmarried, separated, and divorced, without higher education, low and middle-income level, smoking and disease progression to decompensated cirrhosis, but no significant correlation between hepatitis C virus genotypes and viral load.

[Proper patient education improves hepatitis C patients' disease-related knowledge and antiviral treatment acceptance in rural China]

Objective: To evaluate the affect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) education in chronic hepatitis C patients' disease related knowledge and antiviral treatment acceptance in rural china. Methods: Rural HCV patients of attended CHC project of HCV education. Doctor delivered subsequent interactive lecture, and patients completed pre- and post-education questionnaires before and after taking the lectures. Results: 151 CHC patients were included. Mean age was 57.3 years old, 50.3% were male, 51.0% of the students had primary school education or illiterate, and 76.2% had a monthly income below RMB 3,000. 98.0% of patients defined their baseline HCV knowledge as "nothing" or "a little bit". A multivariate analysis reveled baseline knowledge scores were associated with age and household income. After education, mean knowledge score (range: 0-28) increased from 13.1 to 23.0 (P < 0.001) and average percent of patients with correct answers from the topic rose from 46.8% to 82.1% (P < 0.001), and patients' antiviral treatment acceptance increased from 33.9% to 65.6% (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A rural Chinese patients had less education, HCV education delivered on the preferred format of patients substantially improved hepatitis C patients' disease-related knowledge and antiviral treatment acceptance in rural china.

Abstract P6-03-05: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Guangping L, Wei L, Xiang H, Shidai J, Dengshun M, Ziyi F, Jinhai T, Yongmei Y. Not presented [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-03-05.

Abstract P1-18-03: Phase I trial to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand inhibitor (TK006) in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer

Background

Within the bone microenvironment, tumor cells secrete factors that stimulate osteoblasts to express and secrete receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), which binds to its receptor RANK on the surface of osteoclasts, thus enhancing the osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and promoting skeletal complications.TK006 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits RANKL, thus inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone destruction.

Objective

To investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TK006 in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer.

Patients and methods

In this dose-escalating study, patients were sequentially enrolled into 60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg single-dosing and 120 multiple-dosing cohorts. Before making dose escalation decision, the safety of TK006 during the 14-day period after dosing in the prior cohort must be confirmed. In the three single-dosing cohorts, patients were followed up for 16 weeks after dosing. In the 120 mg multiple-dosing cohort, patents were treated with 120 mg TK006 every 4 weeks for 3 times totally, and followed up for 20 weeks after the first dosing. The primary outcome was safety profile, and the secondary outcomes were pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity. Pharmacodynamics was measured by level of serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and urine creatinine corrected cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (uNTX/Cr).

Patients aged 18 to 65 years with breast cancer related bone metastasis were eligible. It was planned to enroll 10 subjects in each cohort for a total sample size of 40 subjects.

Result

As of May 24 2018, the common adverse events (AEs) related to treatment (≥10%) included: hypocalcemia (25.0%), limbs pain (20.0%), gamma-glutamyl transferase increased (17.5%), lactate dehydrogenase increased (12.5%), alpha-hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase increased (12.5%), aspertate aminotransferase increased (12.5%), alanine aminotransferase (10.0%),osphyalgia (10.0%) toothache (10.0%) and hypertriglyceridemia (10%). Most adverse reactions were mild or moderate except one case of grade 3 hypertriglyceridemia and two cases of grade 3 gamma-glutamyl transferase increasement. No esteonecrosis of the jaw or treatment-related SAE was reported.

In the 60 mg single-dosing cohort, a significant reduction in median uNTX/Cr was observed as early as day 1, the nadir of median uNTX/Cr was reach at day 28 and started to return towards the baseline level at day 112 (Table 1).

Only modest decreasing from baseline in median bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was observed.

Table 1.Effects of 60 mg TK006 therapy on bone turnover markers uNTX/Cr, % change from baseline, medianBALP , % change from baseline, medianD1-38.6-4.7D7-63.01.7D14-55.30.2D28-69.2-0.2D56-57.9-12.1D84-33.4-0.4D1121.3-18.7

Ostalgia was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS). In the 60 mg single-dosing cohort, scores were reduced to 2 from 5 and 3 in two patients individually. No increasing in pain was observed in the remaining 8 patients.

Conclusion

These results suggested a potential therapeutic role for TK006 in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer.

Citation Format: Mei YY, Hai TJ, Wei L, Xiang H, Hao W, Ming ZX, An LX. Phase I trial to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand inhibitor (TK006) in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-18-03.

[Algorithmic analysis of potential drug-drug interactions using direct-acting antiviral agents and concomitant medications in chronic hepatitis C]

Direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) metabolism and pharmacokinetics of concomitant medications data were extracted and analyzed from the database of Chinese Health Insurance between 2013 and 2015. A potential drug-drug interactions (DDI) were calculated by integration of extracted data and confirmed by using Liverpool website (https: //www.hep-druginteractions.org/). A new algorithm is suggested for management of DDI between DAAs and concomitant medications.

[Comorbidities and concomitant medication use in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C: a descriptive epidemiological analysis]

Objective: To analyze the comorbidity and concomitant medications use in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological methods was carried out in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C and data from 2013 to 2015 were accessed through the China Medical Insurance database. Results: Among a chronic HCV cohort of 2 958 cases, the top five comorbidities were diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, gastroduodenitis, and co-infection with HBV and HCV. The three most common concomitant medications prescribed for mentioned comorbidities were acarbose, metformin and repaglinide (Diabetes), nifedipine, amlodipine and metoprolol (Hypertension), aspirin, nifedipine and amlodipine (Ischemic heart disease), omeprazole, pantoprazole and levolfoxacin (Gastroduodenitis), ribavirin, pegylated interferon alpha-2a and alpha-2b ( Co- infected with hepatitis B and C virus). Conclusion: The five most frequent comorbidities in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C are diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, gastroduodenitis, and co-infection with HBV and HCV. A concomitant medication use in those patients with comorbidities causes potential drug-drug interactions.

[Chronic hepatitis C: achievement, challenge and strategy to eliminate as a public health threat]

The use of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and its approval in China applying the goal proposed by the World Health Organization is an important step towards eliminating viral hepatitis as public health threat by 2030. However, we also need to create a model that is suitable and short duration therapy for the Chinese patients. On the other hand, it is also essential to study the reverse hepatic fibrosis and the emerging problems of hepatitis C-related liver cancer.

Increased lactate dehydrogenase activity is dispensable in squamous carcinoma cells of origin

Although numerous therapeutic strategies have attempted to target aerobic glycolysis to inhibit tumor progression, these approaches have not resulted in effective clinical outcomes. Murine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be initiated by hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). HFSCs utilize aerobic glycolysis, and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) is essential for HFSC activation. We sought to determine whether Ldh activity in SCC is critical for tumorigenesis or simply a marker of the cell type of origin. Genetic abrogation or induction of Ldh activity in HFSC-mediated tumorigenesis shows no effect on tumorigenesis as measured by number, time to formation, proliferation, volume, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, gene expression, or immune response. Ldha-null tumors show dramatically reduced levels of glycolytic metabolites by metabolomics, and significantly reduced glucose uptake by FDG-PET live animal imaging. These results suggest that squamous cancer cells of origin do not require increased glycolytic activity to generate cancers.

Most tumours are characterized by increased aerobic glycolytic activity. Here the authors show that elevated  aerobic glycolysis is not essential for cancer initiation by testing the effect of lactate dehydrogenase depletion on the ability of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) to form squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in mouse genetic models.

MicroRNA-124 inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and suppresses tumor growth by interacting with PLCB1 and regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy for cancer-associated death. This study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA-124 (miR-124) on tumor proliferation of CRC in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MiR-124 mimics were synthesized and transfected into SW620 cells, which were divided into SW620, microRNA-normal control (miR-NC) and miR-124 mimics group. Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine miR-124, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-20 (CCL20), tankyrase-2 (TNKS2), phospholipase Cbeta1 (PLCB1) and Wnt4. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was employed to evaluate cell proliferation. The interaction between miR-124 and PLCB1 was tested with the Dual-Luciferase assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis and invasion were also evaluated. CRC xenograft mouse model was established and tumor size was measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) was used to examine inflammation. Western blot was utilized to detect Wnt4.

RESULTS

MiR-124 was over-expressed in SW620 cells, significantly reduced CCL20 and enhanced TNKS2 compared to that of the miR-NC group (p<0.05). MiR-124 might play roles by initiating PLCB1 expression. MiR-124 significantly decreased cell viability compared to the miR-NC group (p<0.05). MiR-124 regulated cell cycle and markedly induced apoptosis and inhibited cell invasion compared to the miR-NC group (p<0.05). MiR-124 significantly decreased tumor size of CRC models compared to miR-NC mice (p<0.05). MiR-124 remarkably alleviated inflammation of tumor tissues. MiR-124 markedly enhanced Wnt4 expression compared to the miR-NC group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-124 inhibited tumor cell proliferation in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo by interacting with PLCB1 and regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.