Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor PJ34 protects against UVA-induced oxidative damage in corneal endothelium

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is one of the main causes for corneal endothelial blindness, which is characterized by the progressive decline of corneal endothelial cells. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was reported to be involved in cell death and apoptosis of several diseases. However, the role of PARP1 in the progression of FECD remains elusive. In the present study, we reported that UVA irradiation caused the corneal endothelial damage and corneal edema in mice, which was accompanied with the elevated activity of PARP1 and PAR. The PARP1 inhibitor PJ34 resolved the corneal edema and protected corneal endothelium from UVA-induced oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, PARP1 inhibition exerted its anti-apoptotic effects through downregulation of the phosphorylation levels of JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK and subsequently the increase of MKP-1. Our results suggest that PARP1 inhibition protects corneal endothelium from UVA-induced oxidative damage, which provides a potential alternative strategy for the therapy of FECD.

Allogeneic Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Sheet Transplantation in Reconstruction of Conjunctival Sac After Chemical and Thermal Burns

The study aims to evaluate the effect of allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial cell sheet transplantation (CLET) in reconstructing conjunctival sac for severe symblepharon after chemical and thermal burns. A retrospective, non-comparative case series. Thirty-six eyes (36 patients) underwent CLET for severe symblepharon and conjunctival sac stenosis or atresia. Symblepharon was separated, and pseudopterygium was preserved to replace the palpebral conjunctiva. Allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial cell sheet using human amniotic membrane as a carrier was transplanted into the recipient's eye to reconstruct the conjunctival sac. The effect of conjunctival sac reconstruction, eye and eyelid movement, ocular surface restitution, and symblepharon recurrence were analyzed after surgery. Symblepharon was completely relieved in 30 of the 36 eyes (83.3%) by a single surgical procedure, with fornix reconstruction, as well as free movement of eye globe and eyelids. Strip-like symblepharon remained in 6 eyes (16.7%) and was completely relieved after the second CLET. Twenty patients without visual function received prostheses 3 months after surgery and the other sixteen patients underwent different corneal transplantation for visual acuity improvement. During the follow-up period, no one had symblepharon recurrence. The transplantation of cultivated allogeneic limbal epithelial sheets offers an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of symblepharon and reconstruction of conjunctival sac in eyes with severe ocular burns, which lays the foundation for subsequent treatments.

Observation of D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}

Using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, the observation of the D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} semileptonic decay is presented. The statistical significance of the decay D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} is greater than 10σ. The branching fraction of D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} is measured to be (1.09±0.13_{-0.16}^{+0.09}±0.12)×10^{-3}. Here, the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third originates from the assumed branching fraction of K_{1}(1270)^{-}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{-}. The fraction of longitudinal polarization in D^{0}→K_{1}(1270)^{-}e^{+}ν_{e} is determined for the first time to be 0.50±0.19_{stat}±0.08_{syst}.

Revealing the Angiopathy of Lacrimal Gland Lesion in Type 2 Diabetes

For a better understanding of diabetic angiopathy (DA), the potential biomarkers in lacrimal DA and its potential mechanism, we evaluated the morphological and hemodynamic alterations of lacrimal glands (LGs) in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy counterparts by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). We further established a type 2 diabetic mice model and performed hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining of CD31, RNA-sequencing analysis, and connectivity map (CMap) analysis. We found atrophy and ischemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and mice models. Furthermore, we identified 846 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vehicle mice by RNA-seq. The gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated significant enrichment of immune system process, regulation of blood circulation, apoptotic, regulation of secretion, regulation of blood vessel diameter, and so on. The molecular complex detection (MCODE) showed 17 genes were involved in the most significant module, and 6/17 genes were involved in vascular disorders. CytoHubba revealed the top 10 hub genes of DEGs, and four hub genes (App, F5, Fgg, and Gas6) related to vascular regulation were identified repeatedly by MCODE and cytoHubba. GeneMANIA analysis demonstrated functions of the four hub genes above and their associated molecules were primarily related to the regulation of circulation and coagulation. CMap analysis found several small molecular compounds to reverse the altered DEGs, including disulfiram, bumetanide, genistein, and so on. Our outputs could empower the novel potential targets to treat lacrimal angiopathy, diabetes dry eye, and other diabetes-related diseases.

First Measurement of the Absolute Branching Fraction of Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}

The absolute branching fraction of Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} is reported for the first time based on an e^{+}e^{-} annihilation sample of 10×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV. The branching fraction is determined to be B(Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})=[1.48±0.21(stat)±0.08(syst)]×10^{-4}, which is improved by about 30% in precision over the previous indirect measurements. Combining this result with the world average of B(Λ→pe^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}), we obtain the ratio {[Γ(Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})]/[Γ(Λ→pe^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e})]} to be 0.178±0.028, which agrees with the standard model prediction assuming lepton flavor universality. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of Λ→pμ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} and Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]μ^{+}ν_{μ} is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found.

Intra-couple discordance in preconception syphilis screening for both spouses: a national and population-based survey in China, 2013-2018

OBJECTIVE

The antenatal screening strategy remains inadequate for eliminating congenital syphilis. To further eliminate maternal fetal transmission, preconception syphilis screening is considered an option. In this study, we investigated syphilis seropositivity and intra-couple discordance among married couples planning a pregnancy in China to provide essential baseline evidence for preconception syphilis screening.

DESIGN

Population-based survey.

SETTING

National preconception registered data.

POPULATION

Married Chinese couples planning conception within 6 months between 2013 and 2018.

METHODS

Syphilis was screened using rapid plasma reagin (RPR); infection self-reporting and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through questionnaires and medical records, respectively. r 3.2.2 and arcgis 10.2 were used for statistical analyses and geographic mapping.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

RPR seropositivity.

RESULTS

Among 31 955 041 couples, 29 737 172 (93.06%) had complete RPR results for both spouses; of those, 0.62% (186 100) were seropositive, with dramatic intra-couple discordance, with 0.33% positivity in wives, 0.24% positivity in husbands and 0.05% positivity in both spouses. Across time, both seropositivity and intra-couple discordance remained stable. Seropositivity in different regions varied significantly, with provincial rates ranging geographically from Tibet (0.8%) to Hebei (0.2%) (P < 0.05). Economic level was an independent factor for this regional variation, with seropositivity increasing as gross domestic product income decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-couple discordance in seropositivity for syphilis is notable among couples, with a considerable rate of pre-existing syphilis before pregnancy. Thus, screening both spouses during integrated preconception health care is recommended for further eliminating maternal-fetal transmission.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Intra-couple discordance in seropositivity for syphilis is notable among couples, with a considerable rate of pre-existing syphilis before pregnancy. Screening both spouses during integrated preconception health care is recommended to further eliminate maternal-fetal transmission.

Transcriptional Network Analysis Reveals the Role of miR-223-5p During Diabetic Corneal Epithelial Regeneration

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder. Long-term hyperglycemia may induce diabetic keratopathy (DK), which is mainly characterized by delayed corneal epithelial regeneration. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play regulatory roles during tissue regeneration. However, the molecular mechanism by which miRNAs influence epithelial regeneration in DK is largely unknown. In this study, we performed miRNA and mRNA sequencing of regenerative corneal epithelium tissue from streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic (T1DM) and wild-type mice to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Based on regulatory network analysis, miR-223-5p was selected for subsequent experiments and Hpgds was then identified as a direct target gene. MiR-223-5p downregulation significantly promoted diabetic corneal epithelial wound healing and nerve regeneration. However, the beneficial effects of miR-223-5p inhibition were abolished by an Hpgds inhibitor. Furthermore, mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-223-5p suppression ameliorated inflammation and enhanced cell proliferation signaling in DK. Taken together, our findings revealed that the regulatory role of miR-223-5p in diabetic corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration by mediating inflammatory processes and cell proliferation signaling. And silencing miR-223-5p may contribute to the development of potential therapeutic strategies for DK.

Ceramide accumulation accelerates nucleus pulposus cells degradation by p38MAPK activation

The article "Ceramide accumulation accelerates nucleus pulposus cells degradation by p38MAPK activation, by W.-J. Wu, J. Wang, J. Liang, Q. Zhou, Y. Liang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (19): 9787-9796-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202010_23187-PMID: 33090381" has been withdrawn from the authors due to inaccuracies (there are some errors and incorrect data). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/23187.

[Clinical characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and restricted cardiomyopathy patients complicating with intracardiac thrombosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) complicating with intracardiac thrombosis. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM or RCM and complicated with intracardiac thrombosis (including left and right atrium or ventricular thrombosis), who were admitted to the Heart Failure Care Unit of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September 2008 to September 2018, were enrolled in this study. Patients with myocardial infarction were excluded. The general clinical data of the enrolled patients, including demographic data, major complications, laboratory indicators, echocardiographic indicators, drug application and distribution of intracardiac thrombosis, were collected from electronic medical record system and analyzed. Results: A total of 98 patients were enrolled in this study, including 52 patients (53.1%) with HCM and 46 patients (46.9%) with RCM. The most common comorbidity was atrial fibrillation/flutter: 40 patients (76.9%) in HCM group and 36 patients (78.3%) in RCM group. Majority of patients received oral anticoagulants treatment: 43 patients (82.7%) in HCM group and 35 patients (76.1%) in RCM group. Intracardiac thrombosis was mainly located in the left atrium in both HCM group (39 cases (75.0%)) and RCM group (32 cases (69.6%)). Thrombosis was found in ≥ 2 chambers in 7 patients (7.1%). Rate of left atrial thrombosis was the highest (81.6% (62/76)) in HCM and RCM patients complicating with atrial fibrillation/flutter. Intra-aneurysmal thrombosis occurred in 4 out of 5 patients complicated with apical left ventricular aneurysm. The rate of left ventricular thrombosis in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction≥50% was 7.4% (4/54), which was significantly lower than that in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction<50% (34.5%(10/29)) (P<0.01). Conclusion: There are certain distribution characteristics of HCM and RCM patients with intracardiac thrombosis, and the left atrium is the most common site of thrombosis, more attention should be paid in HCM and RCM patients on the diagnosis and treatment of intracardiac thrombosis.

[Changes and significance of autophagy in rat lung injury induced by gas explosion]

Objective: To explore the changes and significance of autophagy in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by gas explosion in rats. Methods: In February 2018, the gas explosion in underground coal mine was simulated by large tunnel explosion experiment system, SD rats were randomly divided into control group and 6 distance groups (40 m, 80 m, 120 m, 160 m, 200 m, 240 m) with 18 rats in each group. The respiratory function of rats 24 h before and after explosion was detected. Post-explosion rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, histopathological changes of lung were observed by HE staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the in situ expression of autophagy marker protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3B) . The expression levels of autophagy related gene 12 (Atg12) , LC3B, P62, lysosomal associated membrane protein 2 (Lamp2) , B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl2 interaction protein (Beclin-1) were detected by Western blot. Results: After gas explosion, the rats in 80 m distance point group had the hightest mortality (n=13, 72.22%) and the most severe lung injury degree, and the histopathological scores was (4.00±0.00) point. After gas explosion, the minute ventilation volume (MVb) , maximum inspiratory flow rate (PIFb) and maximum expiratory flow rate (PEFb) of rats were lower than before the gas explosion (P<0.05) . The respiratory frequency of rats in 80 m, 200 m, and 240 m distance point groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The expression levels of LC3B in 40 m, 80 m, 120 m, 160 m, and 200 m distance point groups were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of Atg12 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ in lung tissues of rats in different distance point groups were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of Beclin1 in 40 m, 80 m, 120 m, and 160 m distance point groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of P62 in 80 m, 160 m and 200 m distance point groups were lower than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of Lamp2 and Bcl-2 in lung tissues of rats in all distance groups except 240 m distance group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Gas explosion could induce increased autophagy in lung tissues of ALI rats. Autophagy-related signaling pathway could be involved in the pathophysiological process of ALI in rats caused by gas explosion, then the autophagy and the severity of the lesion showed a significant positive correlation.

Direct Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX) and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX), and Observation of the State R(3760) in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX

We report a measurement of the observed cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX based on 3.21  fb^{-1} of data accumulated at energies from 3.645 to 3.891 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider. In analysis of the cross sections, we measured the decay branching fractions of B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX)=(64.4±0.6±1.6)% and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX)=(0.5±0.2±0.1)% for the first time. The energy-dependent line shape of these cross sections cannot be well described by two Breit-Wigner (BW) amplitudes of the expected decays ψ(3686)→J/ψX and ψ(3770)→J/ψX. Instead, it can be better described with one more BW amplitude of the decay R(3760)→J/ψX. Under this assumption, we extracted the R(3760) mass M_{R(3760)}=3766.2±3.8±0.4  MeV/c^{2} , total width Γ_{R(3760)}^{tot}=22.2±5.9±1.4  MeV, and product of leptonic width and decay branching fraction Γ_{R(3760)}^{ee}B[R(3760)→J/ψX]=(79.4±85.5±11.7)  eV. The significance of the R(3760) is 5.3σ. The first uncertainties of these measured quantities are from fits to the cross sections and second systematic.

Biomechanical Effects of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty and Penetrating Keratoplasty for Keratoconus: A Finite Element Analysis

Purpose

To theoretically compare corneal displacement and the von Mises (VM) stress distribution of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus (KC) and to evaluate the effects of residual stromal thickness (RST) and intraocular pressure (IOP) on postoperative corneal biomechanics.

Methods

We performed DALK and PK simulations using Ansys by employing anisotropic nonlinear hyperelastic corneal material properties. We analyzed corneal displacement and VM stress in DALK and PK models under IOPs of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mmHg. We established two DALK models: The ideal-type DALK ensured that postoperative central corneal thickness was constant at 560 µm and the corneal graft thickness varied with RST. The clinical-type DALK ensured that corneal grafts had the same thickness (500 µm) regardless of RST. Then we analyzed the effects of RST and IOP on postoperative corneal displacement and VM stress.

Results

Corneal displacement and VM stress were lower in the DALK than in the PK model. In the ideal-type DALK model, an increase in RST was associated with increased deformation and decreased VM stress in the healing zone, except for a RST of 0 µm. In the clinical-type DALK model, deformation and VM stress in the healing zone decreased with an increase in RST, except for a RST of 0 µm.

Conclusions

DALK showed more stability than PK. For the ideal-type DALK model, an increase in RST resulted in decreased postoperative corneal biomechanics in the healing zone. For the clinical-type DALK model, corneal deformation and VM stress decreased with an increase in RST, which provides numerical evidence for the design of corneal transplantation for patients with KC.

Translational Relevance

In this computational modeling study, we first theoretically compared corneal biomechanics between DALK and PK for KC. Then, the effects of RST and IOP on postoperative corneal biomechanics were investigated. Our findings provide novel insights into the optimal design for corneal transplantation for patients with KC.

[Value of PET/MRI in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion in comparison with PET/CT]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of PET/MRI for malignant pleural effusion (MPE), and compare its diagnostic difference with PET/CT. Methods: The data of 57 patients with suspected MPE admitted into Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2017 to January 2020 was analyzed. A total of 53 patients were included in the prospective study, and the whole body PET/CT and thoracic PET/MRI were performed on them respectively. Two physicians used a blind method to evaluate the morphological features of PET/CT and PET/MRI images, delineate the region of interest (ROI), obtain the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of the ROI in the PET/CT and PET/MRI images. The target-to-background ratio (TBR) of the lesion was calculated. The diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) characteristics of the pleura in PET/MRI images were analyzed. Taking pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the diagnostic effect of PET/CT and PET/MRI on MPE were evaluated. Results: The 53 patients who were finally included were (62.8±1.7) years old, consisting of 31 males. Pathological results showed that 41 cases were MPE and 12 cases were benign pleural effusion (BPE). There were no statistical differences in age, gender and smoking history between the two groups (P>0.05). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the SUVmax of pleural lesions by PET/MRI was higher than that by PET/CT (6.4±0.6 vs 5.3±0.5, P<0.001). The TBR of PET/MRI was higher than that of PET/CT (2.2±0.2 vs 1.8±0.2, P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET/MRI in the diagnosis of MPE by combining imaging features such as SUVmax and DWI of pleural lesions were 75.6%, 100%, and 81.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET/CT combined with SUVmax and imaging features of pleural lesions in the diagnosis of MPE were 85.4%, 83.3%, and 77.4%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between PET/MRI and PET/CT in the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosing MPE (0.934 vs 0.873, P>0.05). Conclusions: PET/MRI and PET/CT have the equivalent diagnostic efficiency for MPE. However, PET/MRI shows higher SUVmax and TBR for pleural lesions, and has specific pleural DWI imaging characteristics, which is worthy of further clinical research.

P–568 Homozygous Pathogenic Variants in ACTL9 Cause Fertilization Failure and Male Infertility in Human and Mouse

Study question

What are the other male factors that cause total fertilization failure (TFF) excepting for variants in PLCZ1?

Summary answer

Homozygous variants in ACTL9 (actin like 9) cause abnormal localization of PLCζ in a loosened perinuclear theca (PT) structure and leads to TFF.

What is known already

In previous studies, investigators have reported that the female factors in TFF after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) include pathogenic variants in WEE2, TLE6, and TUBB8, whereas for male factors, pathogenic variants in PLCZ1 were reported to be the primary cause of TFF, which account for approximately 30% of couples with male factors in TFF excluding globozoospermia. Most recently, it was reported that pathogenic variants in ACTL7A led to reduced expression and abnormal localization of PLCζ, thereby identifying this genetic variant as a potential cause of TFF.

Study design, size, duration

Fifty-four infertile couples with TFF or poor fertilization (fertilization rate of &lt; 20%) at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya during January 2014 to June 2020 were recruited into this study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Male factors were identified in (MOAT). WES analysis was used to analyze the genetic factors of individuals with male factors. Sperm morphological study was conducted by H&E staining and TEM. Immunostaining of PLCζ was used to analyze the status of sperm-borne activation factor. A knock-in mouse model was generated by CRISPER-Cas9 technology. Sperm from homozygous Actl9 variant mice were analyzed by TEM and ICSI. ICSI with AOA was performed in couples with ACTL9 variants.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 54 couples with TFF or poor fertilization were screened, with 21 couples determined to have a male infertility factor by MOAT. Whole-exome sequencing of these 21 male individuals identified three homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 in three individuals. ACTL9 variations led to abnormal ultrastructure of the PT, with PLCζ absent in the head and present in the neck of the mutant sperm, which contributed to failed normal calcium oscillations in oocytes and subsequent TFF. The key roles of ACTL9 in the PT structure and TFF after ICSI were further confirmed in Actl9-mutated mouse model. Furthermore, assisted oocyte activation by calcium ionophore exposure successfully overcame TFF and achieved live births in a couple with an ACTL9 variant.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The mechanism of how ACTL9 regulate PLCζ remains unknown.

Wider implications of the findings: It provided a genetic marker and a therapeutic option for individuals who have undergone ICSI without successful fertilization.

Trial registration number

not applioable

iPSC-Derived Trabecular Meshwork Cells Stimulate Endogenous TM Cell Division Through Gap Junction in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma

Purpose

Decreased trabecular meshwork (TM) cellularity has been implicated as a major reason for TM dysfunction and aqueous humor (AH) outflow abnormalities in primary open angle glaucoma. We previously found that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived TM cells can restore TM function and stimulate endogenous TM cell division. The goal of the present study is to investigate whether signaling via gap junctions is involved in this process.

Methods

Differentiated iPSCs were characterized morphologically, transcriptionally, and immunohistochemically. After purification, iPSC-TM were co-cultured with mouse TM (MTM) cells to mimic the transplantation procedure. Through the pharmacological antagonists and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technique, the gap junction function in iPSC-based therapy was determined.

Results

In the co-culture system, iPSC-TM increase MTM cell division as well as transfer of Ca²⁺ to MTM. This effect was blocked by treatment with the gap junction inhibitors carbenoxolone (CBX) or flufenamic acid (FFA). The shRNA mediated knock down of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in iPSC-TM also results in decreased Ca²⁺ transfer and lower MTM proliferation rates. In vivo, Cx43 downregulation in transplanted iPSC-TM weakened their regenerative role in an Ad5.myocilin^Y437H mouse model of glaucoma. Mice receiving these cells exhibited lower TM cellularity and higher intraocular pressure (IOP) than those receiving unmodified iPSC-TM.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal a crucial role of gap junction, especially Cx43, in iPSC-based TM regeneration, and provides insights to enhance the regenerative effect of iPSCs in glaucoma therapy.

Lipidomic analysis of meibomian glands from type-1 diabetes mouse model and preliminary studies of potential mechanism

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), but its mechanism is poorly understood. The main function of the meibomian glands (MGs) is to synthesize, store, and secrete lipids. In this study, we found that the amount of lipids in the meibomian acini in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice decreased, and the lipid droplets became larger and irregular. In all, 31 lipid subclasses were identified in the mouse MGs, which contained 1378 lipid species in total through lipidomics analysis based on LC-MS/MS. Diabetes caused a significant increase in the content of ceramides (Cer) in the MGs but a significant decrease in the ration of sphingomyelin to ceramides (SM/Cer). The quantity of meibocytes in diabetic mice was dramatically decreased, and the proliferation activity was alleviated, which may be associated with cell cycle arrest caused by diabetes-induced abnormal Cer metabolism in MGs. We found an increase in macrophage and neutrophils infiltration in the diabetic MGs, which may be related to the significant reduction of AcCa in diabetic MGs. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that diabetes induced disruption of lipid homeostasis in MGs, which may mediate the decreased cell proliferation and increased inflammation caused by diabetes in MGs.

[Design and application method of a rapid cooling device for burns in field battle training]

At present, there is no special rapid cooling device for burn injury site in field battle training environment. To solve this problem, our research team designed a rapid cooling device for burns in field battle training. Based on the principle of rapid cooling of liquid nitrogen, the device monitors the temperature of the wound surface to regulate the release of liquid nitrogen so as to reduce the wound temperature. The device is simple in design, light in material, small in size, easy to carry, and can be used in various parts of the body. In addition, it is easy to operate and is expected to deliver a rapid cooling effect on the burn injury site to avoid the secondary damage caused by heat conduction to deep tissue.

[Characteristics and clinical significance of wideband tympanometry of otitis media with effusion in young children]

Objective: To study the characteristics of wideband tympanometry(WBT) and its application value in the diagnosis of otitis media with effusion(OME) in young children. Methods: We compared wideband acoustic energy absorbance(EA) under peak pressure in young children with OME(190 ears) and healthy control subjects(121 ears) from Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between January 2018 and June 2020. Both groups were divided into three groups, 1-6 months, 7-36 months and 37-72 months. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used to analyze and compare the EA parameters between OME children of different months and the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of WBT in young children with OME. Results: There were significant differences in EA among three OME groups from 500 Hz to 2 000 Hz(P<0.05).Compared with the control groups, EA of 1-6 m OME group decreased significantly below 4 000 Hz(P<0.05), EA of 7-36 m OME group decreased significantly at 545-1 600 Hz(P<0.05), EA of 37-72 m OME group decreased significantly above 545 Hz(P<0.05).ROC curve indicated that EA at 1 000 Hz had the greatest diagnostic value (AUC was 0.890), followed by 1 500 Hz and the range of 500-2 000 Hz (AUC was 0.883 and 0.881, respectively).EA at 1 000 Hz with a cutoff value of 0.55 had the best diagnostic sensitivity of 90.8%, which was higher than conventional tympanometry (85.8%). The maximum AUC (0.932) could be obtained by combining EA, peak pressure and admittance amplitude of 226 Hz tympanometry as predictors. Conclusions: EA is significantly decreased in young children with OME. Compared with the conventional single frequency tympanometry, WBT is more accurate in the diagnosis of OME in young children, and the prediction accuracy would be better if combined with 226 Hz tympanometry.

Adherence to antihypertensive medications for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease events: a dose-response meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to explore the association between adherence to antihypertensive medications (AHMs) and the risk of recurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in patients with a history of CVD events from cohort studies.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a dose-response meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to March 4, 2021, to identify English-language reports of cohort studies that assessed the association of AHM adherence with risk of recurrence of CVD events. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using a fixed- or random-effects model. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the possible linear or non-linear association.

RESULTS

We included nine cohort studies (54,349 patients) in the present meta-analysis. The pooled RR of CVD events was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.54-0.78) for the highest versus lowest AHM adherence category. We did not find any evidence of non-linearity association between AHM adherence and risk of CVD events (P_{non-linearity} = 0.534); for patients with a history of CVD events, the risk of CVD events was reduced by 9% for each 20% increase in AHM adherence (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97). The results of sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were virtually unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The high level of adherence to AHM is an effective strategy for preventing recurrence of CVD events. Patients with a history of CVD events should adhere to AHM.

Ceramide accumulation accelerates nucleus pulposus cells degradation by p38MAPK activation

OBJECTIVE

Ceramide is a lipid molecule that regulates life activities such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and aging. However, whether ceramide plays a role in the intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is not clear. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of ceramide during the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells degeneration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used human NP cells and passaged them until the fourth generation to analyze the content of ceramide. Cell-permeable C6-ceramide was used to upregulate ceramide expression, and myriocin was used to inhibit the accumulation of ceramide. To understand the relation between p38MAPK and ceramide, SB203580 was used to inhibit the activation of p38MAPK. We tested the viability of NP cells by the detection of collagen II and p16 expression, the proliferation, and the apoptosis of NP cells.

RESULTS

Ceramide content was increased in NP cells from passage 1 (P1) to P4. The upregulation of ceramide accelerated the P1 NP cell degeneration by the reduction of collagen II production and proliferative cells population, increased p16 expression, and apoptotic cells population. However, the suppression of ceramide delayed the degeneration of P4 NP cells in the previous aspects. The accumulation of ceramide activated the phosphorylation of p38MAPK, and the inhibition of p38MAPK activation also alleviated the C6-ceramide-induced NP cell degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

Ceramide accumulates during NP cell degradation, and the upregulated ceramide contributes to the NP cells degeneration by p38MAPK activation.

Xeno- and Feeder-Free Differentiation of Human iPSCs to Trabecular Meshwork-Like Cells by Recombinant Cytokines

Purpose

Stem cell-based therapy has the potential to become one approach to regenerate the damaged trabecular meshwork (TM) in glaucoma. Co-culture of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with human TM cells has been a successful approach to generate autologous TM resembling cells. However, the differentiated cells generated using this approach are still problematic for clinical usage. This study aimed to develop a clinically applicable strategy for generating TM-like cells from iPSCs.

Methods

Highly expressed receptors during iPSC differentiation were identified by AutoSOME, Gene Ontology, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The recombinant cytokines that bind to these receptors were used to generate a new differentiation protocol. The resultant TM-like cells were characterized morphologically, immunohistochemically, and transcriptionally.

Results

We first determined two stages of iPSC differentiation and identified highly expressed receptors associated with the differentiation at each stage. The expression of these receptors was further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Exposure to the recombinant cytokines that bind to these receptors, including transforming growth factor beta 1, nerve growth factor beta, erythropoietin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and epidermal growth factor, can efficiently differentiate iPSCs into TM-like cells, which express TM biomarkers and can form dexamethasone-inducible CLANs.

Conclusions

We successfully generated a xeno- and feeder-free differentiation protocol with recombinant cytokines to generate the TM progenitor and TM-like cells from human iPSCs.

Translational Relevance

The new approach minimizes the risks from contamination and also improves the differentiation efficiency and consistency, which are particularly crucial for clinical use of stem cells in glaucoma treatment.

[Curcumin induces human lens epithelial cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of curcumin on cell cycle and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells and the possible molecular mechanism.

OBJECTIVE

Cultured human lens epithelial cell line HLEC-SRA01/04 was treated with 20, 40 and 60 μmol/L curcumin for 24 or 48 h. The cell proliferation inhibition rate was determined using MTT assay, and the changes in cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis rate were analyzed with flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of caspase-9, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, cyclin B1, CDK1, β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 in the cells.

OBJECTIVE

Curcumin concentration- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of in HLEC-SRA01/04 cells as compared with the control cells (P < .05). Flow cytometric analysis showed that curcumin significantly increased apoptosis rate and cell percentage in G2/M phase and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential of HLEC-SRA01/04 cells in a concentrationdependent manner (P < 0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that curcumin also concentration-dependently increased the cellular expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax and lowered the expressions of Bcl-2, cyclin B1, CDK1 and β-catenin along with the downstream proteins cyclin D1 and c-myc in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

Curcumin inhibits the proliferation of HLEC-SRA01/04 cells possibly by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and causing cell cycle arrest to induce cell apoptosis.

Topical calcitriol application promotes diabetic corneal wound healing and reinnervation through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency delays corneal wound healing in those with diabetes, which cannot be rescued with supplemental diet. Here, we employed topical calcitriol application to evaluate its efficiency in corneal wound healing and reinnervation in diabetic mice. Type 1 diabetic mice were topically administrated calcitriol, or subconjunctivally injected with NLRP3 antagonist MCC950 or IL-1β blocking antibody after epithelial debridement. Serum VD levels, corneal epithelial defect, corneal sensation and nerve density, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, neutrophil infiltration, macrophage phenotypes, and gene expressions were examined. Compared with those of normal mice, diabetic mice showed reduced serum VD levels. Topical calcitriol application promoted corneal wound healing and nerve regeneration, as well as sensation recovery in diabetic mice. Moreover, calcitriol ameliorated neutrophil infiltration and promoted the M1-to-M2 macrophage transition, accompanied by suppressed overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Treatment with NLRP3 antagonist or IL-1β blockage demonstrated similar improvements as those of topical calcitriol application. Additionally, calcitriol administration upregulated desmosomal and hemidesmosomal gene expression in the diabetic cornea. In conclusion, topical calcitriol application promotes corneal wound healing and reinnervation during diabetes, which may be related to the suppression of the overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

[Effects of hand continuous passive motion system combined with functional training and pressure gloves in treating early scar contracture after burn on the back of the hand]

Objective: To observe the effects of hand continuous passive motion (CPM) system combined with functional training and pressure gloves in treating early scar contracture after burn on the back of the hand. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2017 to December 2019 with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burn on the back of the hand. According to the treatment methods applied, 13 patients were enrolled into pressure glove alone group (9 males and 4 females, aged (31±6) years), 14 patients were enrolled into pressure glove+functional training group (11 males and 3 females, aged (30±5) years), and 16 patients were enrolled into pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group (10 males and 6 females, aged (29±5) years). All the patients in the three groups received skin grafting on the back of the hand. The corresponding rehabilitation treatment was started 6-8 days after wound healing, and the treatment lasted for 3 months. Before treatment and after 3 months of treatment, the total active motion range of the hand was measured to evaluate the motion range of the hand joint and the ratio of excellent and good was calculated; the Carroll upper limb function evaluation method was used to evaluate the upper limb function score, and the difference before and after treatment was calculated; the Vancouver Scar Scale was used to evaluate the scar score, and the difference before and after treatment was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, McNemar's exact probability test, one-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni correction, least significant difference test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and paired sample t test. Results: The ratio of excellent and good of the motion range of the hand joint of patients in pressure glove alone group, pressure glove+functional training group, and pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group were 2/13, 2/14, and 3/16 respectively before treatment, and 4/13, 6/14, and 14/16 respectively after 3 months of treatment. The ratio of excellent and good of the motion range of the hand joint of patients was significantly higher in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in the other two groups after 3 months of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with that before treatment, the ratio of excellent and good of the motion range of the hand joint of patients in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group was significantly increased after 3 months of treatment (P<0.01). Before treatment, the upper limb function score and hand scar score of patients in the three groups were similar (F=0.598, 0.035, P>0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the upper limb function score of patients was significantly higher in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in pressure glove alone group (P<0.05); the hand scar score of patients was significantly lower in pressure glove+functional training group and pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in pressure glove alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the hand scar score of patients was significantly lower in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in pressure glove+functional training group (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the upper limb function scores of patients were significantly increased (t=-5.295, -7.252, -15.342, P<0.01) and the hand scar scores of patients were significantly decreased (t=13.361, 16.982, 40.334, P<0.01) in pressure glove alone group, pressure glove+functional training group, and pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group after 3 months of treatment. The differences in upper limb function score and hand scar score of patients before and after treatment in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group were significantly higher than those in pressure glove+functional training group and pressure glove alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The differences in upper limb function score and hand scar score of patients before and after treatment in pressure glove+functional training group were significantly higher than those in pressure glove alone group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hand CPM system combined with functional training and pressure gloves can significantly improve the motion range of hand joint in treating early scar contracture after burn on the back of the hand, with better restoration of hand function and improvement of hand scar. Its effect is better than routine rehabilitation treatment such as functional training, etc., which is worthy of clinical reference.

Design and Preparation of Magnetism-Driven Intelligent Hydrogel Actuators

Novel kinds of magnetism-driven poly N,N-dimethylacrylamide bilayer intelligent hydrogels with various nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) contents were prepared successfully via one-step insitu free radical polymerization. The bilayer hydrogels possessed high mechanical strength, efficient swelling and steady magnetic response. With the increase of nanofibrillated cellulose content, the crosslinking density of the hydrogels increased, leading to the decrease of swelling rate and increase of mechanical strength and swelling bending degree of hydrogel actuators, respectively. Fe3O4 particles existed tightly on the micropore surfaces of the hydrogels, which built the function base of magnetic response of hydrogel actuators. The addition of Fe3O4 was irrelevant to the variation of crosslinking density. The bilayer structure exhibited high bonding strength. Based on intelligent responsive properties, bilayer hydrogels were designed as soft magnetism-driven actuators, realizing capture and transportation properties and provided material candidates for soft robots.

Molecular identity of human limbal heterogeneity involved in corneal homeostasis and privilege

PURPOSE

The corneal limbus maintains the homeostasis, immune and angiogenic privilege of cornea. This study aimed to depict the landscape of human limbal tissues by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

METHODS

Single cells of human limbus collected from donor corneas were subjected to 10x scRNA-seq, followed by clustering cell types through the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and unbiased computational informatic analysis. Immunofluorescent staining was performed using human corneas to validate the analysis results.

RESULTS

47,627 cells acquired from six human limbal tissues were collected and subjected to scRNA-seq. 14 distinct clusters were identified and 8 cell types were annotated with representative markers. In-depth dissection revealed three limbal epithelial cell subtypes and refined the X-Y-Z hypothesis of corneal epithelial maintenance. We further unveiled two cell states with higher stemness (TP63⁺ and CCL20⁺ cells), and two other differentiated cell states (GPHA2⁺ and KRT6B ⁺ cells) in homeostatic limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) that differ in transcriptional profiles. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed the central role of LSPCs and their bidirectional regulation with various niche cells. Moreover, comparative analysis between limbus and skin deciphered the pivotal contribution of limbal immune cells, vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells to corneal immune and angiogenic privilege.

CONCLUSIONS

The human limbus atlas provided valuable resources and foundations for understanding corneal biology, disease and potential interventions.

Hybrid natural hydrogels integrated with voriconazole-loaded microspheres for ocular antifungal applications

Fungal keratitis is a major threat to ocular morbidity and blindness. The therapeutic efficacy of eye drops against fungal keratitis is limited by their poor bioavailability, especially in patients with corneal stromal ulcers that lead to tissue defects. Therefore, intervention measures that can control fungal infection while promoting tissue regeneration are desirable. Herein, we designed and fabricated natural antifungal hydrogels that comprise a decellularized porcine cornea (DPC), gelatin and microspheres (MCs) containing voriconazole (Vor) for the management of fungal keratitis with focal corneal stromal defects. The size and structure of the Vor-loaded MCs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The antifungal drug Vor showed that continuous release from the hybrid hydrogel system for up to 7 days and that MCs loading did not affect the mechanical properties, in vitro release profile or cytocompatibility of the hybrid hydrogel. Moreover, the Vor-loaded hydrogels exhibited excellent antifungal properties against F. solani and A. fumigatus. The efficiency of the natural antifungal hydrogel was evaluated by an ex vivo infectious rabbit corneal defect model. After 24 h, the number of fungal colony-forming units (CFU) significantly decreased in antifungal hydrogel-treated corneal tissue compared with that in non-treated corneas and corneas treated with hydrogels without Vor. The above results demonstrated that this natural hydrogel-based drug delivery system holds great promise for preventing fungal keratitis infection while promoting focal corneal stromal regeneration. Additionally, natural hybrid hydrogels might be a candidate material for use with various drugs in the effective treatment of many other ocular diseases.

Silk Film Stiffness Modulates Corneal Epithelial Cell Mechanosignaling

Silk fibroin films are excellent candidate biomaterials for corneal tissue engineering due to their optical transparency, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength. Their tunable chemical and mechanical properties open the possibility of engineering cellular microenvironments that can both mimic native corneal tissue and provide stimuli to actively promote wound regeneration. While silk film mechanical properties, such as surface topography, have demonstrated the ability to control corneal epithelial cell wound regenerating behavior, few studies have explored the stiffness tunability of these films and its cellular effects. Cells are known actively sense the stiffness of their surroundings and processes such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and expression of stem markers can be strongly influenced by matrix stiffness. This study develops technical solutions that allow for both the fabrication of films with stiffnesses similar to corneal tissue and also for their characterization in an aqueous, native-like environment at a scale relevant to cellular forces. Physiological evidence demonstrates that corneal epithelial cells are mechanosensitive to films of different stiffnesses and show that cell spreading, cytoskeletal tension, and molecular mechanotransducer localization are associated with film stiffness. These results indicate that silk film stiffness can be used to regulate cell behavior for the purposes of ocular surface repair.

Hyperglycemia-induced severe mitochondrial bioenergetic deficit of lacrimal gland contributes to the early onset of dry eye in diabetic mice

Dry eye and diabetic keratopathy represent the major diabetic complications in ocular surface. Here we found that diabetic mice exhibited the early onset of reduced tear secretion and lacrimal gland weight compared to the symptoms of diabetic keratopathy. Considering to the high bioenergetic needs in lacrimal gland and cornea, we hypothesized that hyperglycemia may cause different severity of mitochondrial bioenergetic deficit between them. Through the measurement of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and basal extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), we found the apparent alterations of mitochondrial bioenergetic profiles in diabetic lacrimal gland and cornea, accompanied with the mtDNA damage and copy number reduction, as well as the reduced glutathione content. Comparative analysis revealed that mouse lacrimal gland cells exhibited 2-3 folds higher of basal, ATP production, maximal OCR and basal ECAR than corneal epithelial cells in normoglycemia. However, the differences were slightly significant or even not detected in hyperglycemia. Accordingly, the mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism of lacrimal gland was more compromised than that of corneal epithelium in diabetic mice. Through the administration of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant SkQ1, the severity of dry eye and diabetic keratopathy was significantly attenuated with the improved mitochondrial function. These results indicate that the susceptibility of mitochondrial bioenergetic deficit in diabetic lacrimal gland may contribute to the early onset of dry eye, while mitochondria-targeted antioxidant possesses therapeutic potential for diabetic dry eye and keratopathy.

Transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest cells for corneal endothelial regeneration

BACKGROUND

The corneal endothelium maintains corneal hydration through the barrier and pump function, while its dysfunction may cause corneal edema and vision reduction. Considering its development from neural crest cells (NCCs), here we investigated the efficacy of the human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived NCCs for corneal endothelial regeneration in rabbits.

METHODS

Directed differentiation of hiPSC-derived NCCs was achieved using the chemically defined medium containing GSK-3 inhibitor and TGF-β inhibitor. The differentiated cells were characterized by immunofluorescence staining, FACS analysis, and in vitro multi-lineage differentiation capacity. For in vivo functional evaluation, 1.0 × 106 hiPSC-derived NCCs or NIH-3 T3 fibroblasts (as control) combined with 100 μM Y-27632 were intracamerally injected into the anterior chamber of rabbits following removal of corneal endothelium. Rabbit corneal thickness and phenotype changes of the transplanted cells were examined at 7 and 14 days with handy pachymeter, dual-immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The hiPSC-derived NCCs were differentiated homogenously through 7 days of induction and exhibited multi-lineage differentiation capacity into peripheral neurons, mesenchymal stem cells, and corneal keratocytes. After 7 days of intracameral injection in rabbit, the hiPSC-derived NCCs led to a gradual recovery of normal corneal thickness and clarity, when comparing to control rabbit with fibroblasts injection. However, the recovery efficacy after 14 days deteriorated and caused the reappearance of corneal edema. Mechanistically, the transplanted cells exhibited the impaired maturation, cellular senescence, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) after the early stage of the in vivo directional differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplantation of the hiPSC-derived NCCs rapidly restored rabbit corneal thickness and clarity. However, the long-term recovery efficacy was impaired by the improper maturation, senescence, and EnMT of the transplanted cells.

Mocetinostat suppresses epidural fibrosis following laminectomy by inhibiting myofibroblast activation and increasing apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of mocetinostat on diminishing epidural fibrosis. Dysregulated wound repair usually occurs after injury or surgery and is featured by excessive scar tissue contributed by fibrosis. Increasing researches demonstrated that histone acetylation, an epigenetic alteration, plays a crucial role in fibrosis. However, the mechanism of the complicated process remains unclear. In the current study, the effect of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor mocetinostat in a rat model of epidural fibrosis was detected, and it was discovered that mocetinostat suppressed myofibroblast activation and increased apoptosis by reducing Akt/GSK3b signaling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

First, the levels of histone acetylation in the patients' epidural fibroblasts were analyzed. Then, mRNAs and proteins obtained from human fibroblasts following TGF-β activation and mocetinostat treatment in vitro were used to examine the influence of mocetinostat on the activation and survival of fibroblasts, so as to explore the related mechanism of mocetinostat. The laminectomy model was established in rats to observe the therapeutic effect of mocetinostat on epidural scar tissues.

RESULTS

In this research, it was found that the increase of HDAC1 in human dura scar was accompanied by the aggravation of fibrosis. In addition, cell assay demonstrated that mocetinostat inhibited fibroblast activation and accelerated apoptosis by inhibiting Akt/GSK3b pathway. In the rat model, mocetinostat weakened scar hyperplasia and collagen deposition and effectively inhibited the process of epidural fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The above results indicate that mocetinostat inhibits HDAC1 expression and decreases the conduction of the AKT/GSK3b pathway in fibroblasts, leading to myofibroblast activation and apoptosis elevation. Hence, mocetinostat ameliorates epidural fibrosis.

Observation of a Near-Threshold Structure in the K^{+} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}(D_{s}^{-}D^{*0}+D_{s}^{*-}D^{0})

We report a study of the processes of e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and K^{+}D_{s}^{*-}D^{0} based on e^{+}e^{-} annihilation samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII at five center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.628 to 4.698 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 3.7  fb^{-1}. An excess of events over the known contributions of the conventional charmed mesons is observed near the D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and D_{s}^{*-}D^{0} mass thresholds in the K^{+} recoil-mass spectrum for events collected at sqrt[s]=4.681  GeV. The structure matches a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, whose pole mass and width are determined as (3982.5_{-2.6}^{+1.8}±2.1)  MeV/c^{2} and (12.8_{-4.4}^{+5.3}±3.0)  MeV, respectively. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the resonance hypothesis is estimated to be 5.3  σ over the contributions only from the conventional charmed mesons. This is the first candidate for a charged hidden-charm tetraquark with strangeness, decaying into D_{s}^{-}D^{*0} and D_{s}^{*-}D^{0}. However, the properties of the excess need further exploration with more statistics.

[Epithelioid glioblastoma with BRAF V600E mutation: a clinicopathological and molecular study]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of the epithelioid glioblastoma (eGBM) with BRAF V600E mutation. Methods: Sixteen cases of eGBM with BRAF V600E mutation diagnosed at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China from 2012 to 2019 were collected. Their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results: The range of patients' age was from 7 to 61 years (median 31.5 years). There were 4 males and 12 females, with a male to female ratio of 1∶3. Eleven cases were newly diagnosed eGBM and five cases had a previous history of astrocytomas. Most of the tumors were located in the cerebral hemisphere, often in the frontal lobe, with an average diameter of 4.6 cm (2.0-8.0 cm). The tumors were composed of relatively uniform, closely packed epithelioid cells, some showing discohesion, with distinct cell membrane, eosinophilic cytoplasm, eccentric nuclei, distinct nucleoli and mitotic activity. Palisaded/coagulative necrosis was seen in all cases. Glomerular microvascular proliferation was seen in most of the cases, while mono-or multi-nucleated tumor giant cells were seen in some cases. Focal sarcomatoid area was seen in 2 cases, and focal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)-like area was seen in 3 cases. Immunohistochemistry showed variable positivity for GFAP, Olig2 and p53. The median Ki-67 index was 30% (10%-50%). Only one case lost ATRX protein expression. Sanger sequencing identified the BRAF V600E mutation in all sixteen patients. Five cases also had mutations in the TERT gene promoter. No IDH1 (R132) or IDH2 (R172) mutation was detected. Surgical resection of the tumors was performed for all patients, and 3 patients also received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Follow-up data were available for 15 patients, with a follow-up time of 1-89 months (median 10 months). Among the 15 patients, 7 patients died of disease and another 5 patients had recurrences. The overall survival time of the patients under 35 years of age was significantly longer than that of the patients aged 35 years or older (P=0.014), but their progression-free survival was not statistically different (P=0.232). Conclusions: eGBM with BRAF V600E mutation is more commonly detected in young women than other the populations (i.e. elderly or male). The epithelioid morphology should include rhabdoid meningioma, anaplastic PXA, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, metastatic tumors, and melanoma in its differential diagnosis. PXA-like area is observed in some eGBM cases, suggesting a relationship of these two types of tumor. eGBM is a high-grade malignant tumor and most of the cases show recurrences or deaths in a short-period time. The younger patients have a relatively better prognosis than the older ones.

Model-Independent Determination of the Spin of the Ω^{-} and Its Polarization Alignment in ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+}

We present an analysis of the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} (Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ, Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯], Λ→pπ^{-}, Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}) based on a dataset of 448×10^{6}  ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron-positron collider. The helicity amplitudes for the process ψ(3686)→Ω^{-}Ω[over ¯]^{+} and the decay parameters of the subsequent decay Ω^{-}→K^{-}Λ (Ω[over ¯]^{+}→K^{+}Λ[over ¯]) are measured for the first time by a fit to the angular distribution of the complete decay chain, and the spin of the Ω^{-} is determined to be 3/2 for the first time since its discovery more than 50 years ago.