Sodium fluoride activates the extrinsic apoptosis via regulating NOX4/ROS-mediated p53/DR5 signaling pathway in lung cells both in vitro and in vivo

An extensive body of research has demonstrated that pulmonary toxicity induced by fluoride is related to cell apoptosis. Although induction of death receptor-initiated extrinsic apoptosis by sodium fluoride (NaF) has been reported, its mechanism of action is still not clearly defined. Herein, we found that NaF treatment induced activation of caspase-8 in BEAS-2B cells, resulting in apoptosis, which was markedly reduced by blocking caspase-8 using small interfering RNA (siRNA). In this study, we report that death receptor 5 (DR5), a major component of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, is markedly induced upon NaF stimulation. Enhanced DR5 induction was necessary for the apoptotic effects of NaF, inasmuch as transfected BEAS-2B cells with DR5 siRNA attenuated NaF-induced caspase-8 activation in lung cells. Mechanism investigation indicated that the induction of DR5, following NaF exposure, was mediated by tumor protein 53 (p53)-dependent transcriptional activation. Notably, we demonstrated that NaF could induce a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4). Specifically, NOX4 knockdown inhibited NaF-induced the activation of p53/DR5 axis by reducing NOX4-derived ROS production. Further in vivo investigation demonstrated that NOX4 deficiency markedly attenuates NaF-induced lung injury, apoptosis, and ROS levels in the lung. Moreover, the expressions of p53 and DR5 were significantly reduced after NaF treatment in NOX4 knockout mice compared with the wild type mice. Taken together, our findings provide a novel insight into for the pulmonary apoptosis in response to NaF exposure.

An aged immune system drives senescence and ageing of solid organs

Ageing of the immune system, or immunosenescence, contributes to the morbidity and mortality of the elderly1,2. To define the contribution of immune system ageing to organism ageing, here we selectively deleted Ercc1, which encodes a crucial DNA repair protein3,4, in mouse haematopoietic cells to increase the burden of endogenous DNA damage and thereby senescence5-7 in the immune system only. We show that Vav-iCre+/-;Ercc1-/fl mice were healthy into adulthood, then displayed premature onset of immunosenescence characterized by attrition and senescence of specific immune cell populations and impaired immune function, similar to changes that occur during ageing in wild-type mice8-10. Notably, non-lymphoid organs also showed increased senescence and damage, which suggests that senescent, aged immune cells can promote systemic ageing. The transplantation of splenocytes from Vav-iCre+/-;Ercc1-/fl or aged wild-type mice into young mice induced senescence in trans, whereas the transplantation of young immune cells attenuated senescence. The treatment of Vav-iCre+/-;Ercc1-/fl mice with rapamycin reduced markers of senescence in immune cells and improved immune function11,12. These data demonstrate that an aged, senescent immune system has a causal role in driving systemic ageing and therefore represents a key therapeutic target to extend healthy ageing.

Evolution of Structural and Electronic Properties in NbTe2 under High Pressure

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted wide attention due to their quasi-two-dimensional layered structure and exotic properties. Plenty of efforts have been done to modulate the interlayer stacking manner for novel states. However, as an equally important element in shaping the unique properties of TMDs, the effect of intralayer interaction is rarely revealed. Here, we report a particular case of pressure-tuned re-arrangement of intralayer atoms in distorted 1T-NbTe₂, which was demonstrated to be a new type of structural phase transition in TMDs. The structural transition occurs in the pressure range of 16-20 GPa, resulting in a transformation of Nb atomic arrangement from the trimeric to dimeric structure, accompanied by a dramatic collapse of unit cell volume and lattice parameters. Simultaneously, a charge density wave (CDW) was also found to collapse during the phase transition. The strong increase in the critical fluctuations of CDW induces a significant decline in the electronic correlation and a change of charge carrier type from hole to electron in NbTe₂. Our finding reveals a new mechanism of structure evolution and expands the field of pressure-induced phase transition.

Accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodules using a noninvasive DNA methylation test

BACKGROUNDCurrent clinical management of patients with pulmonary nodules involves either repeated low-dose CT (LDCT)/CT scans or invasive procedures, yet causes significant patient misclassification. An accurate noninvasive test is needed to identify malignant nodules and reduce unnecessary invasive tests.METHODWe developed a diagnostic model based on targeted DNA methylation sequencing of 389 pulmonary nodule patients' plasma samples and then validation in 140 plasma samples independently. We tested the model in different stages and subtypes of pulmonary nodules.RESULTSA 100-feature model was developed and validated for pulmonary nodule diagnosis; the model achieved a receiver operating characteristic curve-AUC (ROC-AUC) of 0.843 on 140 independent validation samples, with an accuracy of 0.800. The performance was well maintained in (a) a 6 to 20 mm size subgroup (n = 100), with a sensitivity of 1.000 and adjusted negative predictive value (NPV) of 1.000 at 10% prevalence; (b) stage I malignancy (n = 90), with a sensitivity of 0.971; (c) different nodule types: solid nodules (n = 78) with a sensitivity of 1.000 and adjusted NPV of 1.000, part-solid nodules (n = 75) with a sensitivity of 0.947 and adjusted NPV of 0.983, and ground-glass nodules (n = 67) with a sensitivity of 0.964 and adjusted NPV of 0.989 at 10% prevalence. This methylation test, called PulmoSeek, outperformed PET-CT and 2 clinical prediction models (Mayo Clinic and Veterans Affairs) in discriminating malignant pulmonary nodules from benign ones.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that the blood-based DNA methylation model may provide a better test for classifying pulmonary nodules, which could help facilitate the accurate diagnosis of early stage lung cancer from pulmonary nodule patients and guide clinical decisions.FUNDINGThe National Key Research and Development Program of China; Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province; The National Natural Science Foundation of China National.

High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and the Risk of First Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Hypertensive Population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have displayed protection against cardiovascular disease. However, the association between specific lipoprotein classes and first ischemic stroke (IS) has not been well defined, particularly in higher-risk hypertensive populations. Our study evaluated the associations of HDL-C with first IS in a Chinese hypertensive population.

METHODS

The study population was obtained from a community-based cohort study of hypertension in Lianyungang and Rongcheng, China. A nested case-control design was used that included 2463 identified first IS cases and 2463 controls matched by age ± 1 year, sex, and region.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, HDL-C was inversely associated with first IS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.98). HDL-C levels of at least 65.4 mg/dL displayed a significant protective effect for first IS (aOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.98). Conversely, adverse effects of first IS were observed for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥138.1 mg/dL (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.42) and triglyceride (TG) levels ≥140.8 mg/dL (aOR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09-1.49). The risk associations of LDL-C and TG with first IS were attenuated in the presence of high HDL-C (≥53.0 mg/dL); an increased risk of first IS was only found in the presence of low HDL-C (<53.0 mg/dL) when LDL-C (aOR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.19-2.31) and TG (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17-1.84) were combined with HDL-C for analysis.

CONCLUSION

In this community-based Chinese hypertensive population, higher HDL-C was a significant protective factor of first IS. These data add to the evidence describing the relationship between lipids and IS and suggest that HDL-C maybe is a marker of IS risk in Chinses hypertensive population.

Evolution of AITR family genes in cotton and their functions in abiotic stress tolerance

Abiotic stresses are major environmental factors inhibiting plant growth and development. AITRs (ABA-induced transcription repressors) are a novel family of transcription factors regulating ABA (abscisic acid) signalling and plant responses to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis. However, the composition and evolution history of AITRs and their roles in the cotton genus are largely unknown. A total of 12 putative AITRs genes were identified in cultivated tetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis of GhAITRs in these tetraploid cottons and their closely related species implicate ancient genome-wide duplication occurring after speciation of Gossypium, and Theobroma could generate duplicates of GhAITRs. Duplicated GhAITRs were stably inherited following diploid speciation and further allotetraploidy in Gossypium. Homologous GhAITRs shared common expression patterns in response to ABA, drought and salinity treatments, and drought tolerance induced in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GhAITR-A1. Together, our findings reveal that duplicates in the GhAITRs gene family were achieved by whole genome duplication rather than three individual duplication events, and that GhAITRs function as transcription repressors and are involved in the regulation of plant responses to ABA and drought stress. These results provide insights towards the improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in cotton using GhAITRs.

The human urobiome

Traditionally, the healthy urinary bladder has been considered to be sterile. Several teams have used metagenomic (DNA-dependent) and metaculturomic (culture-dependent) methods to debunk this longstanding dogma. In fact, resident microbial communities (urobiome) have been detected in both adult females and males. Although the field is young, several observations have been made. For example, the urobiome differs between men and women, likely due to anatomical and hormonal differences. Importantly, the urobiome has been associated with a variety of lower urinary tract disorders, including overactive bladder and post-operative urinary tract infection, raising the possibility that clinicians might one day treat symptoms by modifying the urobiome instead of killing the suspected uropathogen. Little is known concerning the relationship between the urobiome and host genetics; so far, only a single paper has reported such a study. However, major efforts have gone into understanding the genomics of the urobiome itself, a process facilitated by the fact that many urobiome studies have used metaculturomic methods to detect and identify microbes. In this narrative review, we will introduce the urobiome with separate sections on the female and male urobiomes, discuss challenges specific to the urobiome, describe newly discovered associations between the urobiome and lower urinary tract symptoms, and highlight the one study that has attempted to relate host genetics and the urobiome. We will finish with a section on how metagenomic surveys and whole genome sequencing of bacterial isolates are improving our understanding of the urobiome and its relationship to lower urinary tract health and disorders.

mtROS-mediated Akt/AMPK/mTOR pathway was involved in Copper-induced autophagy and it attenuates Copper-induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 mouse monocytes

Copper (Cu) is a trace element necessary in animals as well as human beings. However, excessive Cu is toxic to immunocytes, but the precise mechanism is largely unclear so far. This work was conducted aiming to examine the Cu-mediated autophagy mechanism together with its role in Cu toxicology in RAW264.7 cells. Here, we demonstrated that CuSO₄ reduced the cell viability depending on its dose. CuSO₄ could obviously increase autophagy in RAW264.7 cells. According to the obtained results, CuSO₄ induced autophagy through Akt/AMPK/mTOR pathway which characterized by down regulation of p-Akt (Ser473)/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, p-ULK1(Ser757)/ULK1 and subsequent up-regulation of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and p-ULK1(Ser555)/ULK1. Furthermore, CuSO₄ significantly induced the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). In addition, CuSO₄-mediated apoptosis and autophagy might be suppressed through suppressing mtROS generation by exposure to Mito-TEMPO. Intriguingly, autophagy promotion with rapamycin could decrease the apoptosis and the inhibition of autophagy with knock down Atg5 could enhance the apoptosis induced by CuSO₄. Moreover, our results suggested that mtROS is the original cause in CuSO₄-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, CuSO₄ induced autophagy through mtROS-dependent Akt/AMPK/mTOR signalling pathwayin RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, autophagy activation might potentially generate a protection mechanism for improving CuSO₄-induced RAW264.7 cell apoptosis.

•

mtROS is the original cause in CuSO₄-induced apoptosis and autophagy.

•

CuSO₄ induced autophagy through mtROS-dependent Akt/AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway.

•

Autophagy attenuates CuSO₄-induced RAW264.7 cell apoptosis.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes related to the physiological changes of yellow-green leaf mutant of maize

Chlorophylls, green pigments in chloroplasts, are essential for photosynthesis. Reduction in chlorophyll content may result in retarded growth, dwarfism, and sterility. In this study, a yellow-green leaf mutant of maize, indicative of abnormity in chlorophyll content, was identified. The physiological parameters of this mutant were measured. Next, global gene expression of this mutant was determined using transcriptome analysis and compared to that of wild-type maize plants. The yellow-green leaf mutant of maize was found to contain lower contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid compounds. It contained fewer active PSII centers and displayed lower values of original chlorophyll fluorescence parameters than the wild-type plants. The real-time fluorescence yield, the electron transport rate, and the net photosynthetic rate of the mutant plants showed reduction as well. In contrast, the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII of the mutant plants was similar to that of the wild-type plants. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the mutant plants and wild-type plants led to the identification of differentially expressed 1,122 genes, of which 536 genes were up-regulated and 586 genes down-regulated in the mutant. Five genes in the chlorophyll metabolism pathway, nine genes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and seven genes related to the conversion of sucrose to starch displayed down-regulated expression. In contrast, genes encoding a photosystem II reaction center PsbP family protein and the PGR5-like protein 1A (PGRL1A) exhibited increased transcript abundance.

ISSLS prize in basic science 2021: a novel inducible system to regulate transgene expression of TIMP1

Purpose

Inflammatory and oxidative stress upregulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, leading to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Gene therapy using human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (hTIMP1) has effectively treated IDD in animal models. However, persistent unregulated transgene expression may have negative side effects. We developed a recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene vector, AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1, that only expresses the hTIMP1 transgene under conditions of stress.

Methods

Rabbit disc cells were transfected or transduced with AAV-CMV-hTIMP1, which constitutively expresses hTIMP1, or AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1. Disc cells were selectively treated with IL-1β. NFκB activation was verified by nuclear translocation. hTIMP1 mRNA and protein expression were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. MMP activity was measured by following cleavage of a fluorogenic substrate.

Results

IL-1β stimulation activated NFκB demonstrating that IL-1β was a surrogate for inflammatory stress. Stimulating AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1 cells with IL-1β increased hTIMP1 expression compared to unstimulated cells. AAV-CMV-hTIMP1 cells demonstrated high levels of hTIMP1 expression regardless of IL-1β stimulation. hTIMP1 expression was comparable between IL-1β stimulated AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1 cells and AAV-CMV-hTIMP1 cells. MMP activity was decreased in AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1 cells compared to baseline levels or cells exposed to IL-1β.

Conclusion

AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1 is a novel inducible transgene delivery system. NFκB regulatory elements ensure that hTIMP1 expression occurs only with inflammation, which is central to IDD development. Unlike previous inducible systems, the AAV-NFκB-hTIMP1 construct is dependent on endogenous factors, which minimizes potential side effects caused by constitutive transgene overexpression. It also prevents the unnecessary production of transgene products in cells that do not require therapy.

FABP4 alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated ischemia-reperfusion injury in PC12 cells via regulation of PPARγ

Ischemic stroke is a life-threatening complication with a high rate of morbidity. Circulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been reported to be associated with the outcome of acute ischemic stroke. The present study aimed to illustrate the function of FABP4 in ischemic stroke. PC12 cells exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used to mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in ischemic stroke. Cell viability was estimated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression of FABP4 in PC12 cells under OGD/R was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). PC12 cells were transfected with FABP4 small interfering RNA (siRNA), inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined via RT-qPCR and ROS assay kit. Western blotting was performed to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell apoptotic rate. The expression of FABP4 increased gradually with the prolongation of reoxygenation within 8 h. FABP4-knockdown inhibited the transcription of inflammatory cytokines, the production of ROS and decreased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, decreased ERS-related proteins and increased PPARγ were estimated in PC12 cells transfected with FABP4 siRNA. PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 weakened the anti-apoptotic effect of FABP4-knockdown. Taken together, these results indicated that FABP4-knockdown suppressed cell apoptosis via relieving ERS; this effect was reversed by treatment of GW9662.

Gut microbiota from patients with arteriosclerotic CSVD induces higher IL-17A production in neutrophils via activating RORγt

The intestinal microbiota shape the host immune system and influence the outcomes of various neurological disorders. Arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (aCSVD) is highly prevalent among the elderly with its pathological mechanisms yet is incompletely understood. The current study investigated the ecology of gut microbiota in patients with aCSVD, particularly its impact on the host immune system. We reported that the altered composition of gut microbiota was associated with undesirable disease outcomes and exacerbated inflammaging status. When exposed to the fecal bacterial extracts from a patient with aCSVD, human and mouse neutrophils were activated, and capacity of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production was increased. Mechanistically, RORγt signaling in neutrophils was activated by aCSVD-associated gut bacterial extracts to up-regulate IL-17A production. Our findings revealed a previously unrecognized implication of the gut-immune-brain axis in aCSVD pathophysiology, with therapeutic implications.

A stable implementation measure of multi-transmitting formula in the numerical simulation of wave motion

The Multi-Transmitting Formula (MTF) proposed by Liao et al. is a local artificial boundary condition widely used in numerical simulations of wave propagation in an infinite medium, while the drift instability is usually caused in its numerical implementation. In view of a physical interpretation of the Gustafsson, Kreiss and Sundström criterion on numerical solutions of initial-boundary value problems in the hyperbolic partial differential equations, the mechanism of the drift instability of MTF was discussed, and a simple measure for eliminating the drift instability was proposed by introducing a modified operator into the MTF. Based on the theory of spherical wave propagation and damping effect of medium, the physical implication on modified operator was interpreted. And the effect of the modified operator on the reflection coefficient of MTF was discussed. Finally, the validity of the proposed stable implementation measure was verified by numerical tests of wave source problem and scattering problem.

Size and morphology effects on the high pressure behaviors of Mn3O4 nanorods

The high-pressure behaviors of Mn₃O₄ nanorods were studied by high pressure powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. We found that the initial hausmannite phase transforms into the orthorhombic CaTi₂O₄-type structure, and then to the marokite-like phase upon compression. Upon decompression, the marokite-like phase is retained at the ambient pressure. Compared with Mn₃O₄ bulk and nanoparticles, Mn₃O₄ nanorods show obviously different phase transition behaviors. Upon compression, the phase transition sequence of Mn₃O₄ nanorods is similar with the nanoparticles, while the decompression behavior is consistent with the bulk counterparts. The hausmannite phase shows higher stability and smaller bulk modulus in Mn₃O₄ nanorods than those of the corresponding bulk and nanoparticles. We proposed that the higher phase stability and compressibility of the nanorods are concerned with their nanosize effects and the rod morphology. Both the growth orientation and the suppressed Jahn-Teller distortion of the Mn₃O₄ nanorods are crucial factors for their high pressure behaviors.

Effects of suppressing bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor on age-associated intervertebral disc degeneration

Suppression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway reduces age-related disorders and increases lifespan across species, making the IGF-1 pathway a key regulator of aging. Previous in vitro intervertebral disc cell studies have reported the pro-anabolic effect of exogenously adding IGF-1 on matrix production. However, the overall effects of suppressing IGF-1 signaling on age-related intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is not known. Here, the effects of suppressing IGF-1 signaling on age-related IDD in vivo were examined using PAPPA -/- mice. These are animals with targeted deletion of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), the major protease that cleaves inhibitory IGF binding proteins that control bioavailability of IGF-1 for cell signaling. Compared to age-matched wild-type (Wt) littermates, reduced levels of matrix proteoglycan (PG) and aggrecan were seen in discs of 23-month old PAPPA -/- mice. Decreased aggrecanolysis and expression of two key catabolic markers, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4, were also observed in discs of old PAPPA -/- mice compared to Wt littermates. Suppressing IGF-1 signaling has been implicated to shift cellular metabolism toward maintenance rather than growth and decreasing cellular senescence. Along this line, discs of old PAPPA -/- mice also exhibited lower cellular senescence, assessed by p53 and lamin B1 markers. Collectively, the data reveal complex regulation of disc matrix homeostasis by PAPPA/IGF-1 signaling during chronologic aging, that is, reduced IGF-1 bioavailability confers the benefit of decreasing disc cellular senescence and matrix catabolism but also the disadvantage of decreasing disc PG matrix anabolism. This pathway requires further mechanistic elucidation before IGF-1 could be considered as a therapeutic growth factor for treating IDD.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of primary hypoparathyroidism in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of primary hypoparathyroidism in children. Methods: The clinical data including age, symptoms, laboratory examination and cranial CT of 13 children with primary hypoparathyroidism diagnosed in the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from May 2017 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. These children and their parents also had gene detected by whole exome sequencing and (or) copy number variation sequencing. Results: Among the 13 patients, 7 were male and 6 female. The onset age was 3 years (1 day-12 years) old. The time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 2 months (2 days-10 years). The clinical manifestations included convulsion (9 cases), tetany (2 cases), muscle pain (1 case), mental retardation (5 cases), deafness (1 case), and initially misdiagnosed epilepsy (5 cases). The lab examination showed average blood calcium level of (1.7±0.3) mmol/L, blood phosphorus of (2.8±0.4) mmol/L, and parathyroid hormone of 8.2 (3.9-28.7)ng/L. Head CT found 7 cases of ectopic calcification. Among the 7 cases who had genetic abnormalities according to the gene detection, 5 had heterozygous deletion of 22q11.2 region, and only one of whom was diagnosed with typical DiGeorge syndrome. As for the rest 2 cases, one had autosomal dominant hypocalcemia caused by novel heterozygous variation of CaSR gene c.2495T>G (p.F832C), and the other was hypoparathyroidism-deafness-renal dysplasia syndrome caused by GATA3 c.708dupC (p.S237Qfs*66) novel heterozygous variation. Conclusions: Primary hypoparathyroidism in children is mainly characterized by hypocalcemia and usually accompanied with diverse symptoms which may indicate genetic disorders. The detection of large fragment deletion should be considered to exclude 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

NC2 complex is a key factor for the activation of catalase-3 transcription by regulating H2A.Z deposition

Negative cofactor 2 (NC2), including two subunits NC2α and NC2β, is a conserved positive/negative regulator of class II gene transcription in eukaryotes. It is known that NC2 functions by regulating the assembly of the transcription preinitiation complex. However, the exact role of NC2 in transcriptional regulation is still unclear. Here, we reveal that, in Neurospora crassa, NC2 activates catalase-3 (cat-3) gene transcription in the form of heterodimer mediated by histone fold (HF) domains of two subunits. Deletion of HF domain in either of two subunits disrupts the NC2α–NC2β interaction and the binding of intact NC2 heterodimer to cat-3 locus. Loss of NC2 dramatically increases histone variant H2A.Z deposition at cat-3 locus. Further studies show that NC2 recruits chromatin remodeling complex INO80C to remove H2A.Z from the nucleosomes around cat-3 locus, resulting in transcriptional activation of cat-3. Besides HF domains of two subunits, interestingly, C-terminal repression domain of NC2β is required not only for NC2 binding to cat-3 locus, but also for the recruitment of INO80C to cat-3 locus and removal of H2A.Z from the nucleosomes. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of NC2 in transcription activation through recruiting INO80C to remove H2A.Z from special H2A.Z-containing nucleosomes.

MiR-223-3p promotes the growth and invasion of neuroblastoma cell via targeting FOXO1

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have crucial roles in cancer development. We investigated the involvement of miR-223-3p in neuroblastoma (NB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MiR-223-3p expression in NB cell lines and normal cell line was analyzed with real-time quantitative PCR method. Cell proliferation, cell invasion, and cell apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, Dual-Luciferase reporter assays, and Western blot analysis were conducted to identify the connection of miR-223-3p and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1).

RESULTS

MiR-223-3p level was found highly expressed in NB cell lines compared with normal cell line. Knockdown miR-223-3p expression decreased cell growth and invasion but increased cell apoptosis. MiR-223-3p was able to bind with the 3'-untranslated region of FOXO1, and thereby resulting in a reduction of FOXO1 expression. The knockdown of FOXO1 increased the malignant capacity of NB cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, given the fact that miR-223-3p suppressed FOXO1 expression to promote NB progression, targeting miR-223-3p may be an effective method for NB treatment.

Germinomas of the basal ganglia and thalamus: Four case reports

BACKGROUND

The early diagnosis of basal ganglia and thalamus germinomas is often difficult due to the absence of elevated tumor markers, and atypical clinical symptoms and neuroimaging features.

CASE SUMMARY

Four male children aged 8 to 15 years were diagnosed with germinomas in the basal ganglia and thalamus by stereotactic biopsy from 2017 to 2019. All patients developed hemiplegia except patient 4 who also had cognitive decline, speech disturbance, nocturnal enuresis, polydipsia, polyuria, precocious puberty and abnormalities of thermoregulation. All four cases were alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-HCG) negative except patient 3 who had slightly elevated β-HCG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). No malignant cells were detected in the patients’ CSF. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were diverse in these patients with the exception of the unique and common characteristics of ipsilateral hemisphere atrophy, especially in the cerebral peduncle. All patients were diagnosed with germinomas of the basal ganglia and thalamus by stereotactic brain biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Stereotactic brain biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of ectopic germinomas. Serial neuroimaging studies can not only differentiate disease but also determine the biopsy site.

High expression of XRCC5 is associated with metastasis through Wnt signaling pathway and predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Metastasis is one of the main causes of leading recurrence and death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). XRCC5 can affect several types of human cancers. The aim of the present study is to explore the metastasis correlation between the expression level of XRCC5 protein in HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials and the prognosis of patients with HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines used in this study include MHCC97-H, MHCC97-L, HepG2, and HL-7702.

RESULTS

XRCC5 was widely expressed in HCC cell lines analyzed by Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR and Western blotting. The levels of XRCC5 protein and mRNA were positively correlated with the migration and invasion capability of HCC cell lines. SiRNA-XRCC5 significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that high-expressed XRCC5 in patients with HCC was associated with advanced tumors, size, and microvascular invasion and lower overall survival time than the low-expressed. The expression levels of CTNNB1 and MMP9 decreased by knocked down XRCC5 which may promote the progression of HCC via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the high expression of XRCC5 predicts poor prognosis in patients with HCC, and XRCC5 may be a potential biomarker to inhibit the invasion and migration of HCC.

Functionalized Graphene@Gold Nanostar/Lipid for Pancreatic Cancer Gene and Photothermal Synergistic Therapy under Photoacoustic/Photothermal Imaging Dual-Modal Guidance

Nanomaterial-based pancreatic cancer treatment has received widespread attention and rapid development in the past few years. The major challenges include the poor combination of diagnosis and therapy, the difficulty in targeting therapy from the root and the unsatisfactory antitumor efficiency, which is accompanied by a great risk of relapse and metastasis. In this work, a positively charged lipid bilayer membrane is coated on reduced graphene oxide@gold nanostar (rGO@AuNS) for photoacoustic/photothermal dual-modal imaging-guided gene/photothermal synergistic therapy of pancreatic cancer. In addition, the cross-linking of folic acid on the surface of rGO@AuNS-lipid can specifically bind after recognizing folic acid receptors on the surface of cancer cells, and greatly improve the targeting ability of the nanomaterial and the performance of imaging diagnosis by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, the photothermal and gene (targeting G12V mutant K-Ras gene) synergistic therapy shows outstanding anticancer efficacy for pancreatic cancer tumor bearing mice, and it is noteworthy that the treatment groups have anti-liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer.

Optimal temperature zone for the dispersal of COVID-19

It is essential to know the environmental parameters within which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can survive to understand its global dispersal pattern. We found that 60.0% of the confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in places where the air temperature ranged from 5 °C to 15 °C, with a peak in cases at 11.54 °C. Moreover, approximately 73.8% of the confirmed cases were concentrated in regions with absolute humidity of 3 g/m3 to 10 g/m3. SARS-CoV-2 appears to be spreading toward higher latitudes. Our findings suggest that there is an optimal climatic zone in which the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 markedly increases in the ambient environment (including the surfaces of objects). These results strongly imply that the COVID-19 pandemic may spread cyclically and outbreaks may recur in large cities in the mid-latitudes in autumn 2020.

Inhibition of Calpain Protects Against Tauopathy in Transgenic P301S Tau Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies are characterized by intracellular accumulation of microtubule-associated tau protein leading to neurodegeneration. Calpastatin is the endogenous inhibitor of calpain, a calcium-dependent cysteine protease that has been increasingly implicated in tauopathies. In this study, we generated a neuron specific calpastatin overexpressing knock-in transgenic mouse model and crossed it with the PS19 tauopathy mouse model expressing human P301S mutant tau protein. The forced expression of calpastatin in neurons significantly alleviated tau hyperphosphorylation measured by immunocytochemistry and immunoblot. The genetic inhibition of calpain by calpastatin also greatly suppressed characteristic hippocampal neuron loss and widespread astrogliosis and microgliosis in PS19 mice. Consistently, PS19 mice with neuronal calpastatin overexpression exhibited remarkably alleviated cognitive deficits, muscle weakness, skeletal muscle atrophy, and neuromuscular denervation, together implying the neuroprotective effects of neuronal calpastatin in PS19 mice of tauopathy. In sum, this study provides additional evidence supporting the pathological role of calpain in neurodegenerative diseases associated with tau pathology, and suggests that targeting calpain is likely a promising therapeutic approach for these devastating diseases.

Assessment of Ischemic Volumes by Using Relative Filling Time Delay on CTP Source Image in Patients with Acute Stroke with Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thrombectomy up to 24 hours after stroke onset in patients with specific ischemic brain volumes remains a challenge, because many stroke centers do not apply specialized software to calculate ischemic volumes at advanced imaging. We aimed to establish the association between relative filling time delay on CTP source imaging and ischemic volume parameters and the infarct penumbra to core volume mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and with M1 segment MCA with or without terminal ICA occlusions on baseline CTA and CTP within 24 hours of stroke symptom onset were included. Ischemic volumes were analyzed with software based on CTP maps. Relative filling time delay was classified into 4 grades-grade 0: relative filling time delay = 0 seconds; grade 1: relative filling time delay >0 to ≤4 seconds; grade 2: relative filling time delay >4 to ≤8 seconds; and grade 3: relative filling time delay > 8 seconds. Differences in ischemic volume parameters among relative filling time delay grades were tested.

RESULTS

We recruited 138 patients (median age, 69 years; 62.3% male). Different median volumes of the infarct core (grade 0, 7.3 mL; grade 1, 23.3 mL; grade 2, 45.7 mL; grade 3, 135 mL [P < .001]) and the penumbra (grade 0, 47.6 mL; grade 1, 90 mL; grade 2, 110 mL; grade 3, 92 mL [P = .043]) were observed among relative filling time delay grades. Target mismatch (defined by the criteria of the DEFUSE 3 trial) was identified in 71.7% of the patients (99/138). A relative filling time delay grade ≤ 1 independently predicted target mismatch, with a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.7-0.87) and a specificity of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.49-0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative filling time delay grade based on CTP source imaging is a simple and effective parameter for evaluating ischemic volumes and target mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further studies that compare relative filling time delay grade with clinical functional outcomes are necessary.

Molten-Salt Media Synthesis of N-Doped Carbon Tubes Containing Encapsulated Co Nanoparticles as a Bifunctional Air Cathode for Zinc-Air Batteries

Cost efficient bifunctional air cathodes possessing high electrocatalytic activity are of great importance for the development of secondary Zn-air batteries. In this work, cobalt nanoparticles are encapsulated within a 3D N-doped open network of carbon tubes (Co@N-CNTs) by a molten-salt synthesis procedure conducted at a high temperature. Physical characterization demonstrates that Co@N-CNTs are comprised of Co particle inserted carbon tubes with mesoporous tube walls, providing significant active surface area for electrochemical reactions. High electrocatalytic activity of Co@N-CNTs towards both oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions is due to its well-developed active surface and a synergistic effect between N-doped carbon and Co nanoparticles. Both primary and secondary Zn-air battery cells assembled using Co@N-CNTs as an air cathode show higher electrochemical performance than similar cells containing commercial Pt/C and Pt/C +RuO₂ , making the newly developed material a promising alternative to existing metal-based air cathodes.

The chloroplast genome of the moss Haplocladium microphyllum, first in family Thuidiaceae

Bryophytes are a highly diverse group containing more than 12,800 species. Haplocladium microphyllum is in a large moss belonging to the family Thuidiaceae. We report the complete chloroplast (124,478 bp) genome sequence of H. microphyllum, it includes a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 9727 bp), one large single-copy (LSC, 86,528 bp) region, and one small single-copy (SSC, 18,496 bp) region. Besides, the complete chloroplast genome contains 134 genes in total, including 88 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that H. microphyllum has the closest relationship with Sanionia uncinata in Amblystegiaceae. Our study lays a foundation for further research like speciation of this species and the phylogeny of the Thuidiaceae family.

Attenuation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated signalling mitigates age-associated intervertebral disc degeneration

Previously, we reported that persistent DNA damage accelerates ageing of the spine, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a protein kinase involved in the DNA damage response, which controls cell fate, including cell death. To test the role of ATM in the human intervertebral disc, we exposed human nucleus pulposus (hNP) cells directly to the DNA damaging agent cisplatin. Cisplatin-treated hNP cells exhibited rapid phosphorylation of ATM and subsequent increased NF-κB activation, aggrecanolysis, decreased total proteoglycan production and increased expression of markers of senescence, including p21, γH₂ AX and SA-ß-gal. Treating cisplatin-exposed hNP cells with an ATM-specific inhibitor negated these effects. In addition, genetic reduction of ATM reduced disc cellular senescence and matrix proteoglycan loss in the progeroid Ercc1^-/∆ mouse model of accelerated ageing. These findings suggest that activation of ATM signalling under persistent genotoxic stress promotes disc cellular senescence and matrix homeostatic perturbation. Thus, the ATM signalling pathway represents a therapeutic target to delay the progression of age-associated spine pathologies.

Influences of circulatory factors on intervertebral disc aging phenotype

Whether disc aging is influenced by factors beyond its local environment is an important unresolved question. Here we performed heterochronic parabiosis in mice to study the effects of circulating factors in young and old blood on age-associated intervertebral disc degeneration. Compared to young isochronic pairs (Y-Y), young mice paired with old mice (Y-O) showed significant increases in levels of disc MMP-13 and ADAMTS4, aggrecan fragmentation, and histologic tissue degeneration, but negligible changes in cellular senescence markers (p16^INK4a, p21^Cip1). Compared to old isochronic pairs (O-O), old mice paired with young mice (O-Y) exhibited a significant decrease in expression of cellular senescence markers (p16, p21, p53), but only marginal decreases in the levels of disc MMP-13 and ADAMTS4, aggrecan fragmentation, and histologic degeneration. Thus, exposing old mice to young blood circulation greatly suppressed disc cellular senescence, but only slightly decreased disc matrix imbalance and degeneration. Conversely, exposing young mice to old blood accelerated their disc matrix imbalance and tissue degeneration, with little effects on disc cellular senescence. Thus, non-cell autonomous effects of circulating factors on disc cellular senescence and matrix homeostasis are complex and suggest that disc matrix homeostasis is modulated by systemic factors and not solely through local disc cellular senescence.

Fractional statistics in anyon collisions

Two-dimensional systems can host exotic particles called anyons whose quantum statistics are neither bosonic nor fermionic. For example, the elementary excitations of the fractional quantum Hall effect at filling factor ν = 1/m (where m is an odd integer) have been predicted to obey Abelian fractional statistics, with a phase ϕ associated with the exchange of two particles equal to π/m However, despite numerous experimental attempts, clear signatures of fractional statistics have remained elusive. We experimentally demonstrate Abelian fractional statistics at filling factor ν = ⅓ by measuring the current correlations resulting from the collision between anyons at a beamsplitter. By analyzing their dependence on the anyon current impinging on the splitter and comparing with recent theoretical models, we extract ϕ = π/3, in agreement with predictions.

Rabbit Annulus Fibrosus Cells Express Neuropeptide Y, Which Is Influenced by Mechanical and Inflammatory Stress

Objective

Rabbit annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were exposed to isolated or combined mechanical and inflammatory stress to examine the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY). This study aims to explore the ability of AF cells to produce NPY in response to mechanical and inflammatory stress.

Methods

Lumbar AF cells of 6- to 8-month-old female New Zealand white rabbits were harvested and exposed to combinations of inflammatory (interleukin-1β) and mechanical (6% or 18%) tensile stress using the Flexcell System. NPY concentrations were measured in the media via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of NPY receptor-type 1 (NPY-1R) in AF cells of rabbit intervertebral discs was also analyzed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

Results

Exposure to inflammatory stimuli showed a significant increase in the amount of NPY expression compared to control AF cells. Mechanical strain alone did not result in a significant difference in NPY expression. While combined inflammatory and mechanical stress did not demonstrate an increase in NPY expression at low (6%) levels of strain, at 18% strain, there was a large—though not statistically significant—increase in NPY expression under conditions of inflammatory stress. Lastly, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry of AF cells and tissue, respectively, demonstrated the presence of NPY-1R.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that rabbit AF cells are capable of expressing NPY, and expression is enhanced in response to inflammatory and mechanical stress. Because both inflammatory and mechanical stress contribute to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), this observation raises the potential of a mechanistic link between low back pain and IDD.

Aerobic oxidation of primary benzylic amines to amides and nitriles catalyzed by ruthenium carbonyl clusters carrying N,O-bidentate ligands

Four trinuclear ruthenium carbonyl clusters, (6-BrPyCHRO)₂Ru₃(CO)₈ (R = 4-OCH₃C₆H₄, 1a; R = 4-BrC₆H₄, 1b) and (2-OC₆H₄-HC[double bond, length as m-dash]N-C₆H₄R)₂Ru₃(CO)₈ (R = 4-OCH₃, 2a; R = 4-Br, 2b), were synthesized from the reactions of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with the corresponding N,O-bidentate ligands (two pyridyl alcohols and two Schiff bases) respectively in a ratio of 1 : 2. Three new complexes 1b, 2a and 2b have been fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR and X-ray crystallography. The catalytic activity of these ruthenium complexes for the aerobic oxidation of primary benzylic amines to amides and nitriles in the presence of t-BuOK was investigated, of which the Schiff base complex 2a was found to exhibit the highest activity.

[Clinical features of 9 cases of Brucella endocarditis]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with Brucella endocarditis. Methods: The clinical data of 9 patients with Brucella endocarditis admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital from October 2008 to August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Through the electronic medical record system of the hospital. Through assessing the electronic medical record system of the hospital, demographic data, main symptoms, vital signs, blood culture, Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination Test, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, chest imaging and other clinical data of included patients were inquired and recorded. Patients were followed up by telephone for medication, operation and outcome. Results: The 9 patients were all Han nationality, aged from 25 to 66 years, 7 out of 9 patients were male, and they came from Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Beijing. Of the 9 patients, 5 were farmers, 2 were self-employed, 1 was a technician, and 1 was unemployed. Of the 9 cases, 8 had a history of close contact with cattle and sheep, and 5 had a history of eating beef and mutton. Rose-Bengal Plate Agglutination Test and blood culture were positive in all 9 patients. Aortic valve was involved in 7 out of 9 patients, mitral and tricuspid valve was involved in 1 patient, respectively, and aortic dissection occurred in 1 patient. Condition of 1 patient rapidly deteriorated after admission and finally died during hospitalization despite antibiotic therapy, the remaining patients received long-term antibiotic treatment. A total of 7 patients who underwent valve replacement were followed up. One patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 6 months after operation, and the remaining 6 patients recovered well after valve replacement. Heart failure occurred in all 9 patients, and pericardial effusion occurred in 8 patients. Electrocardiogram showed low voltage of the QRS complex in the limb in 3 cases and poor R-wave progression in V(1)-V(3) lead in 2 cases, and sinus tachycardia in 2 cases. One patient developed non-specific ST-T abnormalities. All patients had fever, 7 patients complained of weakness, and 6 patients complained of palpitations. Among the 9 patients, 7 cases had anemia, 7 patients had pneumonia, 6 had bilateral pleural effusion, 4 had thrombocytopenia. Creatinine was above normal in 4 patients, urine protein was positive in 3 patients, Delta Bilirubin was higher in 3 cases. Conclusions: Patients with Brucella endocarditis often suffer from heart failure and have severe complications. Adequate antibiotic therapy in combination with valve replacement is effective for the treatment of patients with Brucella endocarditis.

Abstract TP184: High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Inversely Associated With First Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Hypertensive Population

Background and Purpose: Lipid levels are established risk factors for ischemic heart disease, but uncertainty persists about the relevance of lipids for first ischemic stroke (IS). The goal of this study was to evaluate whether lipid profiles are risk factors for first IS in a Chinese hypertensive population.

Methods: Our study population was selected from 300,000 individuals registered from 2016-2018 in the Lianyungang and Rongcheng “H-type hypertension prevention and control public service project”. Hypertensive patients with stroke data from the Chinese centers for disease control and prevention (CDC, 2013-2018) who had complete records (physical exam, questionnaire, and biological samples) were selected as cases. We used a nested case-control study design and matched 3615 ischemic stroke cases with an equal number of controls (hypertensive patients without stroke) for age±1 years, sex, and village. The crude and adjusted risks of first ischemic stroke were estimated by ORs and 95% CIs using conditional logistic regression, with or without adjustment for pertinent covariates.

Results: Participants with first IS had higher blood pressure, body mass index, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly and inversely associated with IS risk (OR, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61-0.82). When HDL was assessed as quartiles, the lowest quartile was used as reference, a significantly lower risk for IS was found in the highest quartile (HDL-C ≥ 1.8mmol/L: OR, 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59-0.82). There was a significant positive association between TG and the risk of IS (per SD increment; OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07-1.20). Consistently, a significantly higher risk of first IS was found in quartile 4 (≥1.8 mmol/L: OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.20-1.65) compared with those in quartile 1 (<0.9 mmol/L).

Conclusions: HDL-C levels inversely associated with first IS. These results differ from existing evidence from western populations, highlighting potential differences in Chinese populations. These differences can be attributed to multiple factors, including genetics, diet and lifestyle and call for further study to investigate potential explanatory mechanisms.

miR-181a Participates in Contextual Fear Memory Formation Via Activating mTOR Signaling Pathway

Long-term memory formation has been proven to require gene expression and new protein synthesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as an endogenous small non-coding RNAs, inhibit the expression of their mRNA targets, through which involve in new memory formation. In this study, elevated miR-181a levels were found to be responsible for hippocampal contextual fear memory consolidation. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we indicated that miR-181a targets 2 upstream molecules of mTOR pathway, namely, PRKAA1 and REDD1. Upregulated miR-181a can downregulate the PRKAA1 and REDD1 protein levels and promote mTOR activity to facilitate hippocampal fear memory consolidation. These results indicate that miR-181a is involved in hippocampal contextual fear memory by activating the mTOR signaling pathway. This work provides a novel evidence for the role of miRNAs in memory formation and demonstrates the implication of mTOR signaling pathway in miRNA processing in the adult brain.

A signal-flexible gene diagnostic strategy coupling loop-mediated isothermal amplification with hybridization chain reaction

Recent study proves that the combination of loop mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP) with one-step strand displacement (OSD) is of great help to improve the sequence specificity during genetic detection. However, because OSD is incapable of signal amplification, the signal-to-noise ratio or the observable signal change may be usually not significant enough to satisfy practical usage. With the purpose to overcome this challenge, herein a more advanced and practical sensing principle is developed with the OSD replaced by an amplifiable nucleic acid circuit, hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The very contagious norovirus (NoV) was employed as the model target. Compared with LAMP-OSD, the LAMP-HCR can detect as few as 30 copies of NoV gene in 2% fecal samples with significantly enlarged signal change and signal-to-background ratio. Therefore, more reliable detection is achieved. Moreover, due to the high compatibility of HCR, the final LAMP-HCR products can be flexibly transduced into different types of readouts, including fluorescence, flow cytometer (FCM) and even a personal glucose meter (PGM). This further enlarges the operating environments for the detection from hospital labs, bedsides, to potential off-the-shelf devices in local pharmacies. Especially when using FCM or PGM, with the assistance of magnetic beads (MBs), the detection shows even higher tolerance capability to complicated biological matrices.

LMO4 promotes the invasion and proliferation of gastric cancer by activating PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling

This study assessed the biological functions of LIM-domain-only 4 (LMO4) in gastric cancer (GC) and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. It was found that the expression of LMO4 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues and closely associated with clinicopathological factors, overall survival and disease-free survival of patients. After knockdown of LMO4 in MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells, invasion and proliferation were obviously suppressed. Furthermore, LMO4 knockdown suppressed the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Miltefosine, the inhibitor of PI3K/Akt, and dactolisib, the inhibitor of mTOR, abrogated recombinant LMO4-induced GC cell invasion and proliferation. These results suggest that LMO4 promotes GC cell invasion and proliferation mainly through PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. LMO4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GC in the future.

P3645Prognosis in relation to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Background

It has been reported that coronary artery disease (CAD) is characterized by inflammation and non-obstructive CAD (NOCAD) increases the risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) compared with ones with normal or near-normal coronary arteries (NNCA), even is similar to obstructive CAD (OCAD). We hypothesized that elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) may be linked to CVEs in those patients with NOCAD.

Purpose

To investigate the predictive role of hs-CRP in patients with NOCAD.

Methods

Of 7,746 consecutive patients with angina-like chest pain admissions, 4,662 eligible patients were enrolled who received coronary artery angiography (CAG) and followed up for the CVEs comprising all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and late revascularization. According to the results of CAG, the patients were classified as NNCA group (<20% stenosis, n=698, 15.0%), NOCAD group (20–49% stenosis, n=639, 14.3%), and OCAD group (≥50% stenosis, n=3325, 70.7%). They were further subdivided into 3 groups according to baseline hs-CRP levels (<1, 1–3 and >3 mg/L). Proportional hazards models were used to assess the risk of CVEs in all patients enrolled.

Results

A total of 338 patients (7.3%) experienced CVEs during an average of 13403 person-years follow-up. Patients with NOCAD and OCAD had higher rates of CVEs compared to those with NNCA (p<0.05, respectively). In Cox's models after adjustment of confounders, the risk of CVEs elevated with the increasing degrees of CAD with hazard ratio of 2.01 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.07–3.79, p=0.03] for patients with NOCAD and 2.81 (95% CI: 1.60–4.93, p<0.001) for patients with OCAD compared with the NNCA group. Moreover, elevated hs-CRP levels were associated with the severity of coronary lesions and an elevated increased risk of CVEs in patients with NOCAD and OCAD compared those with NNCA (p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with NOCAD had indeed worse outcomes and hs-CRP levels were positively in relation to the CVEs in those with NOCAD, which may help to the risk assessment in ones with NOCAD.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was partly supported by Capital Health Development Fund (201614035) and CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2016-I2M-1-011) awarded

P2248Impact of Lipoprotein (a) levels on the presence and severity of coronary artery disease in female patients: a large cross-sectional Chinese cohort study

Background

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is recently recognized as a risk factor of atherosclerosis, and the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women is not fully understood.

Purpose

The present study aimed to examine the association of Lp(a) levels with the presence and severity of (CAD) in female patients pre- and post-menopause.

Methods

A total of 3712 female patients who received coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled. The level of Lp(a) was measured and compared among patients with and without CAD or myocardial infarction (MI), pre- or post- menopause. The association of Lp(a) with the presence of CAD and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by Gensini Score were examined.

Results

The average of Lp(a) levels were elevated as age increased in female subjects. Notably, women after menopause had higher Lp(a) levels compared with that before menopause [16.8 mg/dL (IQR 7.54–41.12 mg/dL) vs. 14.7 mg/dL (IQR 6.72–30.82 mg/dL), p=0.002]. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis identified that Lp(a) >30mg/dL was an independent risk factor of CAD in the postmenopausal female (OR1.38, 95% CI 1.13–1.69, p=0.002). Finally, Lp(a) had a positive correlation with Gensini score (r=0.11, p<0.001), and Lp(a) >30mg/dL was an independent risk factor for high Gensini score (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14–1.79, p<0.001). While such results were not observed in the premenopausal females.

Baseline characteristics of all patients Before menopause (n=525) Post menopause (n=3187) P value Age, (years) 46 (42–49) 62 (58–68) <0.001* Hypertension, n (%) 231 (44.00) 2097 (65.80) <0.001* Diabetes mellitus, n (%) 68 (12.95) 849 (26.64) <0.001* LDL-C (mmol/L) 2.73±1.05 2.77±0.99 0.366 Lp(a) (mg/dL) 14.7 (6.72–30.82) 16.8 (7.54–41.12) 0.002* Data are expressed as mean ± SD or median (interquartile range) and numbers (percentages). BMI, body mass index; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglyceride; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol; Lp(a), lipoprotein(a); HsCRP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. *Statistically significant differences exist between two groups. CAD, coronary artery disease.

Lp(a) in pre- and post-menopausal women

Conclusion

The present study indicated that circulating Lp(a) levels were independently associated with the presence and severity of CAD in the postmenopausal female, suggesting that further study may be needed to examine the role of Lp(a) in the development of CAD in female individuals with different menopausal status.

[A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of exercise addiction]

Objective: To investigate the brain activities of exercise addiction (EA) group people with the task-functional magnetic resonance image (task-fMRI). Methods: A total of 29 exercise addicts (addiction group, average age 46±4 years) and 26 non-exercise addicts (control group, average age 46±6 years) matched by sex, age, average education level and sports dependence degree were selected by using exercise addiction index (EAI) through questionnaires to members of Jiangsu Local Fitness and Long-distance Running Association between January 2018 and June 2018. The participants were scanned with fMRI while watching sports pictures or non-sports pictures. The brain responses of the two groups under two stimulation tasks were analyzed and compared. Results: Compared with the control group, while watching sports pictures, the right fusiform gyrus (MNI:x=30, y=-87, z=0), left posterior central gyrus (MNI:x=-51, y=-21, z=54), left medial superior frontal gyrus (MNI:x=-9, y=54, z=30), and right middle occipital gyrus (MNI:x=42, y=-72, z=36) were significantly inhibited in the addiction group (t-test, all P<0.05). When watching non-sports pictures, the addictive group showed the left superior frontal gyrus (MNI:x=-12, y=54, z=30), left middle frontal gyrus (MNI:x=-30, y=18, z=45), right inferior frontal gyrus (MNI:x=42, y=33, z=-12), right occipital gyrus (MNI:x=42, y=-72, z=36), and they were more significantly inhibited than the control group (t-test, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared to the control group, the EA group shows significant brain inhibition with visual stimulation, particularly with non-sports pictures.

[Efficacy of acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy in infancy stage]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy in infancy stage.

METHODS

A total of 62 children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 31 cases in each one. Both groups were given comprehensive rehabilitation therapy (sport therapy, electronic biofeedback therapy, speech cognitive training, massage therapy). On the basis of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy, the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), motor area, Jiaji (EX-B 2), Weizhong (BL 40), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4), etc, the needles were retained for 15-20 min each time, once a day, 5 days a week, 45 days as a course with 10 days interval, a total of 3 courses were required. The Gesell development scale adaptive DQ scores, gross motor function measure (GMFM88) and muscular tension of adductor and gastrocnemius muscle were compared before and after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTS

The Gesell development scale adaptive DQ score after treatment in the observation group was increased (P<0.05), there was no significant difference before and after treatment in the control group (P>0.05), the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the GMFM88 scores in the two groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the muscular tension of the adductor in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the muscle tension of the gastrocnemius muscle in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the two groups in the variation range (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture combined with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy can improve cognitive function, spasticity and motor function of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

[Investigation and analysis of thyroid function of medical occupational population in a tertiary-A hospital in Nanjing]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of low-dose of ionizing radiation on thyroid function of medical occupational group with long-term exposure, furthermore, to analyze the relationship between the thyroid hormones and the risk factors, such as exposure length, department and comulative radiation dose. Ultimately, providing the scientific basis for setting the ionizing radiation protection standards. Methods: The population who engaged radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy in a tertiary-A hospital was set up as occupational exposure, and the administrative staffs in a company were considered as control. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 161 medical professionals and 159 administrative staffs as the research object.We figured out the basic information and general condition of the groups by face-to-face questionnaire survey, calculated the annual comulative radiation dose through local center for disease control and prevention, By means of the thyroid hormone testing, we analyzed the thyroid hormone levels with different population, occupational exposure factors. Applying Epidata、Excel in data management. All the data was analyzed by statistical software package Stata12.0. Descriptive statistics, single factor analysis of variance and other statistical methods were used for data analysis. Test standard: α=0.05、P<0.05 statistical significant. Results: Age, sex and seniority were proportionality between exposure and control groups. The dosages of occupational population exposure to ionizing radiation were about 1/10 of national permit value, belonging to low-dose exposure. The T(3), FT(3) level of the exposure group was decreased than the control group (P<0.001). especially the FT(3) level has statitical discrepancy among groups with different exposure length (P<0.05). Conclusion: Long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiatiom can induce the thyroid damage of medical occupational population, which should be broader concerned.