Super-factors associated with transmission of occupational COVID-19 infection among healthcare staff in Wuhan, China

BACKGROUND

Globally, there have been many cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among medical staff; however, the main factors associated with the infection are not well understood.

AIM

To identify the super-factors causing COVID-19 infection in medical staff in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1st and February 30th, 2020, in which front-line members of medical staff who took part in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Epidemiological and demographic data between infected and uninfected groups were collected and compared. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to establish socio-metric social links between influencing factors.

FINDINGS

A total of 92 medical staff were enrolled. In all participant groups, the super-factor identified by the network was wearing a medical protective mask or surgical mask correctly (degree: 572; closeness: 25; betweenness centrality: 3.23). Touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working was the super-factor in the infected group. This was the biggest node in the network and had the strongest influence (degree: 370; closeness: 29; betweenness centrality: 0.37). Self-protection score was the super-factor in the uninfected group but was the isolated factor in the infected group (degree: 201; closeness: 28; betweenness centrality: 5.64). For family members, the exposure history to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and the contact history to wild animals were two isolated nodes.

CONCLUSION

High self-protection score was the main factor that prevented medical staff from contracting COVID-19 infection. The main factor contributing to COVID-19 infections among medical staff was touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working.

Spectroscopic Properties, Conformation and Structure of Difluorothiophosphoryl Isocyanate in the Gaseous and Solid Phase

Difluorothiophosphoryl isocyanate, F2P(S)NCO was characterized with UV/vis, NMR, IR (gas and Ar-matrix), and Raman (liquid) spectroscopy. Its molecular structure was also established by means of gas electron diffraction (GED) and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the gas phase and solid state, respectively. The analysis of the spectroscopic data and molecular structures is complemented by extensive quantum-chemical calculations. Theoretically, the Cs symmetric syn-conformer is predicted to be the most stable conformation. Rotation about the P-N bond requires about 9 kJ mol-1 and the predicted existence of an anti-conformer is dependent on the quantum-chemical method used. This syn-orientation of the isocyanate group is the only one found in the gas phase and contained likewise in the crystal. The overall molecular structure is very similar in gas and solid, despite in the solid state the molecules arrange through intramolecular O⋅⋅⋅F contacts into layers, which are further interconnected by S⋅⋅⋅N, S⋅⋅⋅C and C⋅⋅⋅F contacts. Additionally, the photodecomposition of F2P(S)NCO to form CO, F2P(S)N, and F2PNCO is observed in the solid Ar-matrix.

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for treating early oesophageal carcinoma: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Oesophageal carcinoma is the sixth most lethal cancer in the world. At present, the choice of specific surgical methods is controversial. This study compares the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection in treating early oesophageal carcinoma.

METHODS

We carried out a search of online databases including the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library with no language restrictions. The inclusion criteria were patients with early oesophageal carcinoma who accepted the treatment of endoscopic submucosal dissection compared with endoscopic mucosal resection.

FINDINGS

A total of 1,462 patients with 1,650 lesions from nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. When compared with the endoscopic mucosal resection group, the en bloc resection (endoscopic submucosal dissection 67.94% vs endoscopic mucosal resection 52.78%; odds ratio 19.79, p = 0.000) and complete resection (endoscopic submucosal dissection 75.57% vs endoscopic mucosal resection 59.47%; odds ratio 16.10, p = 0.000) rates were significantly higher in the endoscopic submucosal dissection group, while the local recurrence rate was significantly lower in the endoscopic submucosal dissection group (endoscopic submucosal dissection 0.08% vs endoscopic mucosal resection 2.66%; odds ratio 0.08, p = 0.000). The incidence of complications and procedural time were also tested.

Acryloylnitrenes: Spectroscopic Characterization, Spin Multiplicities, and Rearrangement to Vinyl Isocyanates

The simplest acryloylnitrene, CH₂═CHC(O)N (1b), and two halogenated derivatives, CH₂═CFC(O)N (2b) and CH₂═CBrC(O)N (3b), were generated through the 266 nm laser photolysis of the corresponding azide precursors in solid N₂-matrices at 15 K. The IR spectroscopic characterization of these new acylnitrenes is supported by ¹⁵N-labeling and quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level of theory. For the three nitrenes 1b, 2b, and 3b, two conformers exhibiting syn and anti configurations between the C═C and C═O bonds with respect to the C-C bonds have been identified. Consistent with the CBS-QB3 calculated singlet-triplet energy gaps (ΔE_ST < 0 kcal mol^-1), the IR spectral analysis suggests that all these acryloylnitrenes adopt oxazirine-like structures with closed-shell singlet spin multiplicity. Upon subsequent green light (532 nm) irradiation, these acryloylnitrenes rearrange to form vinyl isocyanates CH₂═CXNCO (X = H, F, Br), for which the IR spectra have also been obtained. According to the calculations on the α,β-fluorinated acryloylnitrenes at the CBS-QB3 level, their spin multiplicities can be switched from singlet CH₂═CFC(O)N (ΔE_ST = -0.86 kcal mol^-1) to triplet CF₂═CFC(O)N (ΔE_ST = +0.61 kcal mol^-1), whereas CFH═CFC(O)N is magnetically bistable due to a rather small ΔE_ST (+0.09 kcal mol^-1).

Self-concept and abstinence motivation in male drug addicts: Coping style as a mediator

Abstinence motivation is an important psychological factor in staving off a relapse in synthetic drug addiction. We explored the psychological factors that affect abstinence motivation among 732 male drug addicts in China. Participants answered a survey comprising the Tennessee SelfConcept Scale, the Stress Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Drug Abstinence Motivation Scale. Results show significantly positive correlations among self-concept, coping style, and abstinence motivation. Coping style played a mediating role between self-concept and abstinence motivation, that is, self-concept affects abstinence motivation by influencing the coping style. Results have practical implications for substance abuse treatment in Mainland China by illustrating a focus on the fostering of a positive self-concept and coping style in the face of stress to enhance abstinence motivation and reduce the relapse rate.

Hydrogen-Atom Tunneling in Metaphosphorous Acid

Metaphosphorous acid (HOPO), a key intermediate in phosphorus chemistry, has been generated in syn- and anti-conformations in the gas phase by high-vacuum flash pyrolysis (HVFP) of a molecular precursor ethoxyphosphinidene oxide (EtOPO→C₂ H₄ +HOPO) at ca. 1000 K and subsequently trapped in an N₂ -matrix at 2.8 K. Unlike the two conformers of the nitrogen analogue HONO, the anti-conformer of HOPO undergoes spontaneous rotamerization at 2.8 K via hydrogen-atom tunneling (HAT) with noticeable kinetic isotope effects for H/D (>10⁴ for DOPO) and ¹⁶ O/¹⁸ O (1.19 for H¹⁸ OPO and 1.06 for HOP¹⁸ O) in N₂ -matrices.

Associations of deviant peer affiliation with youths' substance use disorder abstention motivation: The mediating role of perceived social support and the moderating role of collective identity

The aim of the current study is to explore the mechanism by which deviant peer affiliation affects substance abusers' substance abstention motivation and the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between these concepts. Moreover, we also investigated whether collective identity moderates the relations among deviant peer affiliation, perceived social support, and substance rehabilitation. The participants were 430 male substance abstainers who completed a battery of questionnaires. The Chinese versions of the Deviant Peer Affiliation Questionnaire, Motivation for Abstention Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Identity Orientation Scale were used. The results showed that all the dimensions of deviant peer affiliation were negatively associated with the dimensions of substance abstention motivation. Moreover, perceived social support partially mediated the relations between deviant peer affiliation and substance abstention motivation. Additionally, collective identity was a significant moderator of the relations between perceived social support and substance abstention motivation. These findings provide a clearer understanding regarding the impact of deviant peer affiliation and perceived social support on substance abstention motivation in individuals with substance use disorder.

Hydrogen-Atom Tunneling in Metaphosphorous Acid

Invited for the cover of this issue is X. Zeng and co-workers at Soochow University, University of Stuttgart, and Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research. The image depicts the fast tunneling transformation of the highly elusive metaphosphorous acid (HOPO). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000844.

[Research progress of oral erythroplakia]

Oral erythroplakia is an rare oral disorder with relatively high potential of becoming malignant. It has a lower prevalence but a higher malignant transformation rate than oral leukoplakia. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is so far not clear, but several studies have pointed to tobacco chewing, tobacco smoking, and betel quid chewing with or without tobacco and alcohol usage as etiologic factors.The treatment methods are mainly surgical excision operations as well as laser treatment. However, the recurrence rate and the malignant transformation rate of oral erythroplakiaare high, thus long-term close follow-up is needed. In the present article, the definition, epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, histopathological characteristics, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of oral erythroplakiaare reviewed.

SAT0241 PLATELET INDICES COULD BE SIMPLE RELIABLE PREDICTORS OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Background:

Platelet activation is considered as a pivot pathogenic process to be responsible for thromboembolism in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). severalstudies shown that platelet indices including platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), large platelet rate (P-LCR) are associated with platelet activation.

Objectives:

This study aims to determine the correlation between platelet indices and thrombotic events in patients with APS.

Methods:

Platelet activation is considered as a pivot pathogenic process to be responsible for thromboembolism in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). severalstudies shown that platelet indices including platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), large platelet rate (P-LCR) are associated with platelet activation.

Results:

A total of 207 patients [135(65.2%) female, 72(34.8%) male], medianage 35(IQR 10)] was classified into thrombotic group (n=150,72.5%) and non-thrombotic group(n=57,27.5%). PDW, MPV, P-LCR were significantly higher in thrombotic group than non-thrombotic group (13.0±3.4 vs. 11.2±7.3)p<0.001, 10.7±1.4vs.10.0±3.0,p<0.001, 30.25±11.6vs. 25.1±10.4 p<0.001, respectively]. No differences in age, WBC count, hsCRP and C3 were observed between groups. Also, HGB was found to be notably higher in thrombotic group than non-thrombotic group (143±29 vs. 132±15, p=0.001).Upon univariate logistic analysis, PDW (OR 1.554, 95%CI 1.289-1.873, p<0.001), MPV (OR 1.772, 95%CI 1.268-2.476, p=0.001), P-LCR (OR 1.089, 95%CI 1.040-1.140, p<0.001) were all significantly associated with the occurrenceof thrombosis. In multivariate logistic analysis, only PDW and positive LAwere identified to be risk factors of thrombotic events (Table 1). The ROC curve showed that PDW combinedwith positive LAwas a reliable indicator of thrombotic events with an AUC of 0.796 (95%CI 0.728-0.864). The optimal cut-off value for PDW was 12.4fl with a sensitivity of 72.0% and specificity of 77.2%.

Conclusion:

This study confirmed that PDW, P-LCR and MPV (especially PDW) were significantly associated with thrombotic events in APS patients, which could support the theory of platelet activation being a crucial factor of thrombosis inAPS. Caution should be raised when patients with positive LA has relatively high PDW level.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0160 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF UPADACITINIB IN PATIENTS FROM CHINA, BRAZIL, AND SOUTH KOREA WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHO HAVE HAD INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO CONVENTIONAL SYNTHETIC DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUGS

Background:

Upadacitinib (UPA), an oral, selective JAK-1 inhibitor was effective in global ph 3 trials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with inadequate response (IR)/intolerance to csDMARDs and bDMARDs.

Objectives:

This Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled study assessed the efficacy and safety of UPA in combination with csDMARDs in csDMARD-IR patients with RA from China, Brazil, and South Korea.

Methods:

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive UPA 15 mg once daily (QD) or PBO in combination with csDMARDs. The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at Week 12, using non-responder imputation.

Results:

338 patients were randomized, and 310 (91.7%) completed Week 12. At Week 12, statistically significantly more patients receiving UPA vs PBO achieved the primary endpoint of ACR20 (71.6% vs 31.4%, p<0.001). UPA also demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all ranked secondary endpoints vs PBO at Week 12 (Table 1), including mean change in DAS28(CRP), HAQ-DI, and SF-36 PCS, and patients achieving DAS28(CRP) ≤3.2, DAS28(CRP) <2.6, and CDAI ≤10. Greater responses were also seen with UPA vs PBO for other key secondary endpoints including ACR50 and ACR70. Onset of UPA action was rapid with more patients on UPA achieving ACR20 by Week 1 (25.4% vs 5.9%, p<0.001). The frequency of AEs (61.5% vs 49.1%) and serious AEs (7.1% vs 3.0%) was higher with UPA vs PBO. The frequency of AEs of special interest was generally similar between UPA and PBO, with the exception of herpes zoster (1.8% vs 0.6%), hepatic disorders (9.5% vs 7.1%), neutropenia (3.0% vs 0%), and elevated creatine phosphokinase (1.8% vs 0.6%), which were higher with UPA. One case of breast cancer (on Day 1 of study) and one VTE (pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis in a patient with history of deep vein thrombosis) were reported with UPA treatment.

Table 1.

Efficacy endpoints at Week 12

EndpointaUPA 15 mg QD (n=169)PBO(n=169)Primary endpointACR20, %71.6***31.4Secondary endpointsΔ DAS28(CRP)-2.56***-0.95Δ HAQ-DI-0.62***-0.18Δ SF-36 PCS8.93c***3.36dDAS28(CRP) ≤3.2, %46.2***13.6DAS28(CRP) <2.6, %29.6***5.3CDAI ≤10, %35.5***11.2ACR50, %b40.8***8.3ACR70, %b21.3***3.6ACR20 at Week 1, %b25.4***5.9

***p<0.001 vs PBO

aNRI for binary endpoints; ANCOVA with multiple imputation for DAS28(CRP) and HAQ-DI; mixed model repeated measures for other continuous endpoints

bUnranked secondary endpoint.cn=143.dn=149

Conclusion:

Efficacy of UPA was demonstrated in this csDMARD-IR population from China, Brazil, and South Korea. The safety of UPA was comparable with the global Phase 3 program.

Disclosure of Interests: :

Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Dongbao Zhao: None declared, Sebastiao Radominski: None declared, MAURO KEISERMAN Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbott, Actelion, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Roche, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Janssen and has received clinical trial honoraria from Pfizer, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Biogen Idec Inc, Celltrion Inc., Eli Lilly, Human Genome Sciences, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, UCB Inc., Chang-Keun Lee: None declared, Sebastian Meerwein Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Jeffrey Enejosa Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Yunxia Sui Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Mohamed-Eslam Mohamed Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Won Park: None declared

FRI0428 RESULTS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL, OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS INADEQUATE PAIN RELIEF IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE AND/OR HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS IN CHINA

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip is a leading cause of disability worldwide, particularly due to the primary symptom of pain in the weight-bearing joints. There is limited data that characterizes patients who experience moderate to severe pain despite analgesic treatment in China.

Objectives:

This study estimates the real-world prevalence of inadequate pain relief (IPR) among patients with knee and/or hip OA who have been prescribed analgesic therapy and characterizes this patient population. The study was conducted in China, the Philippines, Thailand, Russia, and Mexico. This abstract presents results from China.

Methods:

This is a multinational, multi-site, cross-sectional, observational study. Physicians managing patients with OA were recruited and asked to enroll patients over 50 years of age with knee and/or hip OA who had been prescribed topical and/or oral pain medication for at least 30 days prior to study visit. Patients completed a one-time assessment of pain, function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments. Physicians abstracted data from patient charts. IPR was defined as an average pain score of >4/10 on Brief Pain Inventory Question #5 (average pain). Statistical tests including chi-square for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test for continuous variables were conducted to assess differences in demographic and clinical characteristics as well as PROs between patients with and without IPR. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between IPR and PROs.

Results:

571 patients treated at 10 hospital centers in China were enrolled. 73% were female, the mean (SD) age was 62 (8.32) years. The number of years with OA ranged from less than one year to over 37 years, suggesting a broad sample of patients. Most patients were impacted by knee OA only (90%). Almost half (43%) of the study population met the definition of IPR. Patients with IPR tended to be older, have greater prevalence of obesity, have more comorbidities, and had longer disease duration. The majority (98%) of patients were receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), followed by chondroprotective medications (23%). However, more patients with IPR mentioned being dissatisfied with treatment (38% vs. 21%). After adjusting for covariates, patients with IPR reported worse HRQOL, more functional limitations, and reduced work productivity compared to patients without IPR.

Conclusion:

IPR is highly prevalent among individuals with knee and/or hip OA in China and is associated with decreased HRQOL and work productivity, impaired function, and treatment dissatisfaction. Developing awareness among healthcare professionals about the presence and potential impact of IPR is important for the ultimate improvement of OA patient management.

PROmean (SE)No IPR(N=328)IPR(N=243)EQ-5D Index0.72 (0.01)0.49 (0.02)EQ-5D VAS72.3 (0.85)65.5 (1.00)WOMAC Pain Subscale13.1 (0.78)22.7 (1.52)WOMAC Stiffness Subscale4.2 (0.27)7.4(0.51)WOMAC Physical Function Subscale44.8 (2.61)76.9 (5.07)Work Productivity Loss30.0 (4.07)47.5 (10.46)

Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, year since OA diagnosis/follow-up, gender, BMI, number of medication classes, insurance, physician specialty/academic responsibilities, number of affected joints, diabetes, CVD, hyperlipidemia/hypertension, and depression. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) except work productivity loss (p=0.11)

Disclosure of Interests:

Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Xiaomei Leng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Knightley Wei Employee of: Employed by MSD Pharmaceuticals (China), Wen Min Tang Employee of: Employed by MSD Pharmaceuticals (China), Cai Hua Tang Employee of: Employed by MSD Pharmaceuticals (China), Kaan Tunceli Shareholder of: Holds company stock at Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Employee of: Employed by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Jyoti Aggarwal Consultant of: Merck & Co., Inc., Dena Ramey Shareholder of: Holds company stock at Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Employee of: Employed by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Fidel Lozano Employee of: Merck & Co. salaried employee, Ishita Doshi Shareholder of: Holds company stock at Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Employee of: Employed by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Cynthia Macahilig Consultant of: Consultant to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Shardul Odak Consultant of: Consultant to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kelly Johnson Employee of: Employed by Merck & Co., Inc.

AB0631 THE CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS WITH LUNG CANCER: DATA FROM SINGLE CENTER IN CHINA

Background:

Malignant neoplasms is the second most common non-SSc associated cause of death in SSc patients, only second to infection. And among all the neoplasms, lung cancers are the most common, which is in the urgent need of attention from clinicians.

Objectives:

To analyze the clinical features of patients of SSc with lung cancer.

Methods:

Medical records of inpatients admitted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 1992 to December 2018, were collected and analyzed, including the clinical manifestation, laboratory data, radiological images, pathology. SSc patients without lung cancer during the same period, matched by age and gender, were selected as the controls.

Results:

Nineteen SSc patients with complete medical records were identified, with 17 (89.5%) females and 2 (10.5%) males. The mean age of SSc onset was 37.8±12.0) years old and of lung cancer diagnosis was (54.4±10.2) years old. One (5.3%) had a smoking history. Eight (42.1%) patients had family history of cancer, which was significantly higher than those without lung cancer (4 patients, 5.3%, P<0.001). The proportion of limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) were 63.2% among these patients, and 18 (94.7%) had interstitial lung disease (ILD), the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.259 and 0.051, respectively). All ILD was diagnosed before the onset of lung cancer, with a median interval of 9.2 (range 1.6-28.1) years. SSc patients with lung cancer had less myositis than control group (0% vs. 27.6%, P = 0.032), yet no significant differences were identified in Raynaud’s syndrome, esophageal involvement, digital ulcers, pulmonary hypertension, telangiectasia and arthritis. All patients developed lung cancer after the diagnosis of SSc, with a median interval 10.5 (range 2.0-36.2) years. In most of them(18, 94.7%), lung cancer happened after at least 6 years of SSc onset. Newly happened cough (9 patients), worsening decrease in activity endurance (3), chest pain (2), hemoptysis (2), nodes in lung through regular CT scans (3) were the first presentations of lung cancer. Ten(62.5%) neoplasms developed in the lower lobes of the lung, while 3 was in the upper lobes, one in the lingual lobe, and one in the left pulmonary hilum, and 3 were unknown. The median survival of the case group were 31.4 years, while the median survival of the control group was not reached. Eight patients tested EGFR gene mutation or ALK gene rearrangement, and only 2 were positive.

Conclusion:

It is not uncommon that SSc could be concomitant with lung cancer, especially for those with long disease duration and family history of malignancy. Due to the subtle onset of lung cancer, clinicians should pay attention to it during clinical practice.

References:

[1]Hu S et al. Arthritis Res Ther, 2018, 20:235.

[2]Steen VD, Ann Rheum Dis, 2007, 66:940-944.

[3]Tyndall AJ et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2010, 69:1809-1815.

[4]Compton CC et al. AJCC Cancer Staging Atlas [M]. 7th ed. New York:Springer, 2012:311-328.

[5]Detterbeck FC et al. Chest, 2016, 1:193-203.

[6]Kuo CF et al. J Rheumatol, 2012, 41:44-49.

[7]Nishioka K et al. J Dermatol, 1996, 23:677-682.

[8]Ling Z, et al. 2016, 10:238-241.

[9]Heist RS et al. J Thorac Oncol, 2012, 7:1775-1780.

[10]Kim HR et al. J Clin Oncol, 2013, 31:731-737.

[11]Igusa T et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2018, 77:1179-1186.

[12]Hill CL et al. Lancet, 2001, 357:96-100.

[13]Pontifex EK et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2007, 66:551-553.

[14]Thun MJ et al. N Engl J Med, 2013, 368:351-364.

Disclosure of Interests:

Hui Zhong: None declared, Jiaxin Zhou: None declared, Shangzhu Zhang: None declared, Yan Xu: None declared, Yong Hou: None declared, Mengtao Li: None declared, Dong Xu: None declared, Mengzhao Wang: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals

AB0498 CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOME OF CORONARY ARTERY LESIONS DUE TO POLYARTERITIS NODOSA: ANALYSIS OF A SINGLE CENTER COHORT IN CHINA

Background:

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that mainly affects medium-sized muscular arteries. The coronary artery could be affected. Some severe cases can lead to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and about 0.02% will die abruptly. Early diagnosis will improve prognosis, but relative studies are all case reports so far.

Objectives:

To investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) complicated with coronary artery lesions in China.

Methods:

Data of 158 patients with PAN who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1986 to September 2019 were retrospective collected. Data were analyzed and compared according to with and without coronary artery lesions due to PAN.

Results:

17 (10.8%) patients with PAN had the coronary artery lesions due to PAN. The age at coronary artery lesion was 36.9±10.3 years. 12 (70.6%) patients were male. There are not statistical differences between two groups in common risk factors of coronary arterial atherosclerosis including smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Most of them are multi-vessel lesions (8 cases are triple-vessel lesions and 3 cases are bi-vessel lesions). Type of coronary artery affected is shown mainly in stenosis (13 cases). Myocardial infarction are shown in 8 cases (47.1%). Compared to patients without coronary artery lesions, patients with coronary artery lesions had less nervous system involvement (17.6% vs.46.8%) and elevated number of leukocyte (17.6% vs.56%). Besides, patients with coronary artery affected exhibit more cranial and carotid artery involvement(29.4% vs. 5.0%), renal artery involvement (41.2% vs.17.0%), coeliac artery involvement (58.8% vs.27.0%), new onset hypertension (47.1% vs.14.5%), renal infarction (27.3% vs.5.4%, ) and higher proportion of 2009 Five-factor score (FFS)≥2 (62.5% vs.15.6%). All patients with coronary artery lesions received at least moderate dose of prednisone and CTX except one refused medication. 3 cases underwent interventional therapy. Stent placement was performed on 2 of them, and in-stent restenosis was appeared in a patient one year later. 2 cases died,one for vascular rupture after coronary aneurysmsutrue plus coronary artery bypass grafting, another for myocardial infarction after stopping immunosuppressant therapy himself.Survival analysis showed patients with digital g angrene had poor prognosis though no significant difference(p=0.055).

Conclusion:

PAN with coronary artery lessions are not uncommon. These patients exhibit young age, more proportion of multi-vessel of coronary artery involvement, more combined involvments of other organ arteries and more severe disease.

References:

[1]Munguti CM, Ndunda PM, Muutu TM. Sudden Death From Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Due to Polyarteritis Nodosa. Cureus, 2017;9 (10), e1737

[2]Kritta nawong C, Kumar A, Johnson KW, et al.Conditions and Factors Associated With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (From a National Population-Based Cohort Study).Am J Cardiol, 2019; 123 (2): 249-253

[3]Hwang J, Yang JH, Kim DK, Cha HS.Polyarteritis Nodosa Involving Renal and Coronary Arteries. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;59(7):e13

Disclosure of Interests: :

Chinchih Lai: None declared, Lin Zhao: None declared, Jiaxin Zhou: None declared, Dong Xu: None declared, Xinping Tian: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Fengchun Zhang: None declared

SAT0326 SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS WITHOUT ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES: A MULTI-CENTER STUDY OF EUSTAR COHORT IN CHINA

Background:

The presence of circulating antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) is a hallmark of immune dysregulation and malfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)[1]. A variety of ANAs[2], including anti-centromere antibody, anti-topoisomerase I antibody, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibody, are associated with unique sets of disease manifestations and widely used in routine clinical practice for diagnosis, clinical subgrouping, risk stratification and prediction of future organ involvements and prognosis in SSc patients[3,4].

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of SSc patients with negative ANAs in a European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) and Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC) multi-center cohort in China.

Methods:

Patients were prospectively recruited between April 2008 and June 2019 based on the EUSTAR database and CRDC multi-center cohort from 154 clinical centers nationwide, all of whom fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis. Antinuclear antibody testing result was intensively collected. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between ANA-positive SSc patients and those with negative ANAs. T-test and chi-square analysis were performed in the comparisons.

Results:

Antinuclear antibodies were detected in 2129 out of 2809 systemic sclerosis patients enrolled in the multi-center cohort and 4.2% of them were negative. There was significant difference between patients with negative and positive ANAs based on gender (29/60 vs 294/1746, p<0.001). The presence of Raynaud’s phenomenon is less common (71.8% vs 99.8%, p<0.001) in the ANA-negative patients. In addition, compared with ANA-positive patients, the incidence of certain critical organ involvements, including gastroesophageal reflux (5.6% vs 18.5%, p=0.002), interstitial lung disease (65.2% vs 77.9%, p=0.015) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (11.5% vs 29.0%, p=0.006) were significantly lower in ANA-negative patients than in the positive group. The proportion of IgG elevation, an indicator of disease activity and severity of inflammation, was significantly lower in the ANA-negative patients than that in the positive group (14.3% vs 41.2%, p<0.001), while no significant differences were found in other inflammatory indicators and skin scores.

Conclusion:

This study describes the clinical features of SSc patients with negative ANAs, which have been rarely mentioned or focused in existing studies. Antinuclear antibody is proved to be strongly associated with the clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis patients and ANA-negative SSc patients tend to be in relatively milder conditions, including a less common involvement of critical organs and a more temperate inflammatory severity.

References:

[1]Seri, Jeong, Dahae, et al. Diagnostic value of screening enzyme immunoassays compared to indirect immunofluorescence for anti-nuclear antibodies in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [J]. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 2018.

[2]Hesselstrand, R. The association of antinuclear antibodies with organ involvement and survival in systemic sclerosis[J]. Rheumatology, 2003, 42(4):534-540.

[3]Behmanesh F, Amin R, Khajedaluee M, et al. Autoantibody Profile in Systemic Sclerosis[J]. Acta Medica Iranica, 2010, 48(1):12-20.

[4]Hachulla E, Dubucquoi S. Nuclear auto-antibodies: a useful tool for the diagnosis, the classification and the prognosis of systemic sclerosis. [J]. La Revue de Médecine Interne, 2004, 25(6):442-447.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0147 GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES OF PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME ASSOCIATED THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN B-LYMPHOCYTE USING HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEQUENCING

Background:

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome(pSS) is a classical systemic autoimmune disease. Thrombocytopenia is one of the hematological manifestations of pSS with great challenges in clinic.

Objectives:

To identify the candidate genes and functionally enriched pathways in the immune genesis and progression of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) associated thrombocytopenia.

Methods:

High-throughput sequencing was performed on 3 patients with pSS, 3 patients with pSS associated thrombocytopenia and 3 healthy individuals. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and function enrichment analyses were processed. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed, followed by calculation of topological characteristics and sub-module analysis in order to obtain hub DEGs. The expression of some hub genes was verified by Real-Time PCR in 24 pSS patients.

Results:

A total of 19 DEGs were identified. The enriched functions and pathway of the DEGs include Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Salmonella infection, Viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and Human cytomegalovirus infection. Seven hub genes (TNF, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL3, CCL4, CCL3L1, CCL4L1) were identified and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in toll-like receptor pathway. The relative expression of the CXCL8 mRNA in B-lymphocytes in patients with pSS associated thrombocytopenia was higher than that in the pSS without thrombocytopenia group. No differences were observed in the IL-1β or TNFα expression between these two groups.

Conclusion:

PSS associated thrombocytopenia might be a subset characterized by a systemic inflammatory state. The identification of upregulated genes involved in thrombocytopenia of pSS provides insight in disease pathogenesis and opens avenues for the design of novel therapeutic strategies.

References:

[1] Fox RI: Sjögren’s syndrome. Lancet, 2005; 366: 321–31.

[2]Baldini C, Ferro F, Elefante E, Bombardieri S. Biomarkers for Sjögren’s syndrome. Biomark Med. 2018;12(3):275-286.

[3]Hua F, Li Y, Zhao X, et al. The expression profile of toll-like receptor signaling molecules in CD19(+) B cells from patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia. Immunol Lett. 2016, 176:28-35.

Table 1.

Differentially expressed genes among patients with pSS associated thrombocytopenia, pSS without thrombocytopenia, and healthy controls

GeneLogFCin group2FDRin group 2LogFCin group1FDRin group 1TNF4.961.29E-034.554.98E-05CXCL88.881.29E-039.743.23E-05CCL35.654.54E-035.611.70E-05G0S27.384.54E-0312.331.09E-05LILRA38.427.23E-0310.264.31E-05IER35.449.53E-037.712.98E-06DUSP23.509.53E-033.918.12E-05TNFAIP32.639.53E-032.241.36E-03CCL44.531.19E-025.423.35E-06CCL4L26.721.40E-028.925.19E-05CCL4L14.721.40E-025.943.94E-06IL1B5.541.66E-0210.233.27E-06METRNL3.551.80E-024.022.08E-04ID22.932.43E-023.786.57E-03PER12.332.99E-022.427.68E-04EGR12.983.09E-022.931.80E-04CCL3L15.863.20E-026.665.94E-03FFAR24.944.09E-028.401.34E-05FOSB3.234.86E-023.491.39E-03Figure 1.

DEGs in pSS associated thrombocytopenia. 183 DEGs (31 up- and 151 down- regulated) between pSS patients with and without thrombocytopenia(a, c). 459 DEGs between pSS associated thrombocytopenia patients and healthy individuals were identified (2up- and 457 down- regulated) (b, d). The overlap among the 2 groups contained 19 genes represents the DEGs specified in pSS associated thrombocytopenia (e).

Figure 2.

KEGG pathway analysis.

Acknowledgments:

The authors apologize to all colleagues whose work has not been separately cited or discussed here due to limitations in space or knowledge.

Disclosure of Interests:

SHUO ZHANG: None declared, Jingge Qu: None declared, Li Wang: None declared, Mengtao Li: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals

THU0544 MULTIMODAL PHOTOACOUSTIC/ULTRASONIC IMAGING SYSTEM: A NEW IMAGING METHOD FOR EVALUATING RA

Background:

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), a new imaging technique which can be integrating with ultrasound (US) imaging, has shown potential in visualizing small joints. We have developed a multimodal photoacoustic/ultrasound (PA/US) imaging system, equipped with a handheld probe, which can provide dual-wavelength PA/US imaging to identify the micro-vessels of the inflamed articular regions and measure the oxygenation level of human inflamed synovium.

Objectives:

To validate the potential value for RA of the imaging system.

Methods:

A total of 32 RA patients received PA/US examination on seven small joints (MCP2, MCP3, PIP2, PIP3, MTP2, MTP5, and wrist of the clinically dominant side). The 0-3 score was used to semi-quantify the PA and PD signals of the inflammatory articular lesions, and the sums of PA and PD scores (PA-sum and PD-sum) were utilized. The relative oxygen saturation (SO2) values of the inflamed regions were measured by calculating the ratio of PA signals at the wavelength of 750nm and 830nm. All the patients were classified to 3 PA+SO2 patterns (Pattern 1: no or minimal PA signals; Pattern 2: evident PA signals and hyperoxia; Pattern 3: evident PA signals and hypoxia). The correlations between imaging scores and laboratory data, as well as clinical scoring systems were assessed.

Results:

A total of 32 patients of RA were recruited aged from 25-71 years-old were examined. PD-sum had moderate correlation with the clinical scores (r=0.529, 0.546, 0.490, 0.493 for DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, SDAI, CDAI), moderate correlations with TJC (r=0.575) and SJC (r=0.491), fair correlation with VAS (r=0.239), poor correlation with PGA (r=0.153), and moderate correlation with EGA (r=0.457). The PA-sum had substantial correlations with the clinical scores (r= 0.699, 0.746, 0.723, 0.736 for DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, SDAI, CDAI), substantial correlations with TJC (r=0.787) and SJC (r=0.694), moderate correlations with VAS (r=0.544) and PGA (r=0.529), and substantial correlation with EGA (r=0.708).

Ten patients were classified as Pattern 1, 12 as Pattern 2, 9 as Pattern 3. The PA+ SO2 patterns presented substantial correlations with the clinical scores (DAS28ESR r=0.690, DAS28CRP r=0.782, SDAI r=0.805, CDAI r=0.799, SJC r=647, TJC r=0.676, respectively), substantial correlation with VAS (r=0.714), and moderate correlation with PGA (r=0.476) and EGA (r=0.502). Significant differences between those who were classified as hypoxia and hyperoxia with evident PA signals, were detected in VAS (p=0.020) and PGA (p=0.026).

Conclusion:

The PA-sum scores and the PA+SO2 patterns can be utilized as objective imaging parameters reflecting the disease activity of RA. PAI may serve as a supplement to conventional US examinations for RA patients.

References:

[1]Backhaus, M., et al., Evaluation of a novel 7-joint ultrasound score in daily rheumatologic practice: a pilot project. Arthritis Rheum, 2009. 61(9): p. 1194-201.

[2]Colebatch, A.N., et al., EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging of the joints in the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis, 2013. 72(6): p. 804-14.

Figure 1.

the photo of the multimodal PA/US imaging system

Figure 2.

an example of the PA/US imaging

Disclosure of Interests:

Chenyang Zhao: None declared, Qian Wang: None declared, Xixi Tao: None declared, Chen Yu: None declared, Sirui Liu: None declared, Mengtao Li: None declared, Xinping Tian: None declared, Zhenhong Qi: None declared, Jianchu Li: None declared, Fang Yang: None declared, Lei Zhu: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Meng Yang: None declared, Yuxin Jiang: None declared

FRI0224 IDENTIFICATION OF RISK AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR POLYARTERITIS NODOSA PATIENTS WITH DIGITAL GANGRENE

Background:

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a segmental, necrotizing vascular disease that primarily impacts medium-sized muscle arteries. The estimated annual incidence of PAN is still lacking in China. Digital gangrene is an ischemic manifestation of the limb. However, the causes and the treatment methods vary from case to case, and the outcome is unpredictable. These features emphasize the need to identify measurable variables that accelerate digital gangrene development in PAN patients. However, little effort has been made to identify the clinical and laboratory factors that affect PAN patients with digital gangrene to anticipate their natural history and response to therapy.

Objectives:

Many patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) complicated with digital gangrene have poor outcomes and related research information is limited. This study was carried out to identify the associated risk and prognostic factors.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of 148 PAN patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from September 1986 to December 2018. The characteristics, therapeutic regimens, and outcome data for patients with and without gangrene were compared. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox hazard regression model were used to evaluate the prognostic factors.

Results:

Forty-seven (31.8%) PAN patients had digital gangrene complications. The average age was 40.4±17.9 years and the average disease duration was 11 (4-27) months. The presence of digital gangrene was correlated with smoking history [odds ratio (OR), 4.27; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.56-11.66] and eosinophil elevation (28.12; 10.30-76.8). Thirty-two (68.1%) gangrene patients received methylprednisolone pulse therapy and all of these patients were treated with cyclophosphamide. Nine patients suffered irreversible organ injury and two died. Disease duration ≥ 24 months and elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were identified as hazardous factors for poor prognosis in patients with gangrene (P=0.003, HR=8.668, 95% CI 2.11, 35.55 andP=0.042, HR=27.062, 95% CI 1.13, 648.57, respectively).

Conclusion:

Smoking history and eosinophil elevation in PAN patients were more prone to digital gangrene and high serum CRP level predicted poor outcomes. PAN patients with smoking history and elevated eosinophils need to be seriously evaluated by clinicians. Furthermore, the CRP level should be efficiently controlled for good prognosis.

References:

[1]De Virgilio A, Greco A, Magliulo G, Gallo A, Ruoppolo G, Conte M, et al. Polyarteritis nodosa: A contemporary overview. Autoimmun Rev. 2016;15:564-70.

[2]Pagnoux C, Seror R, Henegar C, Mahr A, Cohen P, Le Guern V, et al. Clinical features and outcomes in 348 patients with polyarteritis nodosa: a systematic retrospective study of patients diagnosed between 1963 and 2005 and entered into the French Vasculitis Study Group Database. Arthritis Rheum. 2010;62:616-26.

[3]Xu D, You X, Wang Z, Zeng Q, Xu J, Jiang L, et al. Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group Registry VI: Effect of Cigarette Smoking on the Clinical Phenotype of Chinese Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. PLoS One. 2015;10:e0134451.

Acknowledgments:

No

Disclosure of Interests:

Dong Xu: None declared, Xinping Tian: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Fengchun Zhang: None declared, Lin Zhao: None declared, Shangzhu Zhang: None declared, Jiaxin Zhou: None declared, Jiu-liang Zhao: None declared, Xiaodan Kong: None declared

FRI0017 ACTIVATION OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS OF TAKAYASU ARTERITIS PATIENTS

Background:

The activation of self-specific T cells is essential in pathogenesis of Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Dendritic cell (DC) plays an indispensable role as the only antigen presenting cell for initial T cell, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are common source of activation signals for DCs. Then we speculate that there are activation of TLRs in TAK patients.

Objectives:

To investigate the activation of TLRs in TAK patients.

Methods:

Twenty-seven TAK patients were enrolled during April to October in 2019, with diagnosis met the 1990 criteria of American College of Rheumatology. Patient were divided into groups by the disease activity and medication history. Disease activity was assessed by the 1994 NIH criteria. Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA relative abundance of 28 target genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Differences between groups and correlation between any two genes were analyzed.

Results:

The demographic data and clinical features of TAK patients were shown in Table 1. (1) Compared with health control (HC) group, mRNA abundance ofTLR2, TLR4, P50, P65, IκBα, CTLA4, CD3,andBCL6in untreated TAK group was upregulated (<0.05), whereas mRNA abundance ofCD40was downregulated (p <0.05). (2) Compared with HC group, mRNA abundance ofTLR2, TLR4, IκBα, PD-1 and BCL6in treated TAK group was upregulated (p <0.05), whereas mRNA abundance ofLAG3, CD40andTCRwas downregulated (p <0.05). (3) Compared with untreated TAK group, mRNA abundance ofP50, P65, CD28, CTLA4, TLR2, TLR4, IκBα, PD-1 and RORCwas upregulated in treated TAK group (p <0.05). (4) Compared with non-active treated TAK group, mRNA abundance ofp50, CD28, TCR, GATA3, RORC and FOXP3was upregulated in nonactive treated TAK group (p <0.05). BCL6 showed correlation with the TLRs-NFκB pathway. (Figure 1~2, Table 2)

Table 1.

Demographic data and clinical features of patients with TAK

Age (year)Gender (male/ female)Disease duration* (months)ESR (mm/h)hs-CRP* (mg/L)Interleukin 6 (pg/mL)TNFα(pg/mL)Prednisoneused/ non-usedDosage (mg/d)Treated (n=20)39.37±9.271/1943 (12, 103)14.60±8.941 (0.55, 5.625)2.1 (2, 3.95)7.56±4.3918/210 (10, 32.5) Active (n=11)39.30±7.8891/10118 (16, 166.5)16.82±10.815.63 (1.49, 8.33)3.15 (2.025, 5.775)8.42±5.5710/110 (10, 15) Nonactive (n=9)39.44±10.590/940 (12, 44)11.89±4.610.84 (0.31, 1)2 (2, 2.4)6.60±2.118/18.75 (6.875, 16.25) Pvalue0.89—0.160.340.020.080.65—0.37Untreated (n=7) Active (n=4)  1 31 M — 91 140.72 — ——0  2 25 F — 19 11.28 6.3 5.2—0  3 23 M — 71 77.36 6.3 6.2—0  4 29 F — 127 113.62 22.2 8.4—0 Nonactive (n=3)  5 34 F — 7 0.34 2 4.3—0  6 27 F — 14 0.16 25.7 4—0  7 38 F — 5 0.32 3 4—0

* median (min, max)

Table 2.

Genes expressed abnormally in PBMCs of TAK patients

Abnormally expressed in untreated TAKAbnormally expressed in treated TAKInfluenced by treatmentAssociated with the TAK activityupregulateddownregulatedupregulateddownregulatedupregulateddownregulatedUpregulateddownregulatedGenes associated with the TLRs-NFκB pathwayTLR2, TLR4, p50, p65, IκBα—TLR2, TLR4, IκBα——p50, p65p50—Positive and negative costimulatory molecules and their ligandsCTLA4CD40PD-1CD40, LAG3—CD28, CTLA4CD28—Genes associated with the activation or differentiation of T cell or B cellCD3, BCL6—BCL6TCR—CD3, TCR, RORCTCR, GATA3, RORC, FOXP3—

Conclusion:

TLRs-NFκB pathway may be activated in TAK patients, with upregulation ofBCL6, and there may be deficiency ofCD40.TLR2, TLR4, PD-1, LAG3, CD40andBCL6may play roles in the pathogenesis of TAK.p50, CD28, TCR, GATA3, RCRCandFOXP3may be related to the disease activity of TAK.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yixiao Tian: None declared, Jing Li: None declared, Xinping Tian: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals

The Influence of Perceived Organizational Support on Police Job Burnout: A Moderated Mediation Model

Objective

Based on the theory of perceived organizational support (POS), conservation of resource (COR) and job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study establishes a moderated mediation model to test the role of job satisfaction in mediating the relationship between POS and job burnout, as well as the role of regulatory emotional self-efficacy (RES) in moderating the above mediating process.

Methods

A total of 784 police officers were surveyed with the POS Scale, the Job Burnout Questionnaire, the RES Scale, and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results

(1) After controlling for gender, seniority, age, police classification, education, and marital status, regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between POS and burnout (r = −0.42, p < 0.01), and the former had a significant negative predictive effect on job burnout (β = −0.42, p < 0.001). (2) The mediating effect test shows that job satisfaction plays a partial role in mediating the relationship between POS and job burnout. (3) Through the analysis of the moderated mediation model test, RES moderates the first half of the path of “POS → job satisfaction → job burnout.”

Conclusion

POS not only directly affects police job burnout but also indirectly affects police job burnout through job satisfaction. RES enhances the influence of organizational support on job satisfaction. This study indicates the combined effect of POS, job satisfaction, and RES on job burnout and has certain guiding significance for alleviating police job burnout.

3-Nitrene-2-formylthiophene and 3-Nitrene-2-formylfuran: Matrix Isolation, Conformation, and Rearrangement Reactions

Two new heteroarylnitrenes, 3-nitrene-2-formylthiophene (15/15') and 3-nitrene-2-formylfuran (16/16'), in the triplet ground state have been generated in solid Ar (10.0 K) and N₂ (15.0 K) matrices by the 266 nm laser photolysis of 3-azido-2-formylthiophene (13) and 3-azido-2-formylfuran (14), respectively. According to the characterization with matrix-isolation IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level, both nitrenes exhibit two conformations depending on the orientation of the formyl groups. Upon subsequent green-light irradiation (532 nm), both the nitrenes 15/15' and 16/16' undergo ring closure to form 3,2-thienoisoxazole (17) and 3,2-furoisoxazole (18), respectively. Traces of 3-imino-4,5-dihydrothiophene-2-ketene (19), formally formed through the intramolecular 1,4-H shift in the corresponding nitrenes 15/15', have been also identified among the laser photolysis products of the azide 13. In sharp contrast to the photochemistry, the high-vacuum flash pyrolysis (HVFP) of the azide 13 at ca. 1000 K mainly yields imino ketene in two conformations 19/19' together with traces of isoxazole 17. In addition to the reversible conformational interconversion in the imino ketene 19 ↔ 19', the photoisomerization from isoxazole 17 to imino ketene 19 has also been observed. The HVFP of the azide 14 at ca. 1000 K results in complete dissociation to HCN, C₂H₂, CO, CO₂, H₂O, and N₂. Unlike the recently disclosed hydrogen-atom tunneling (HAT) in the transformation from the structurally related 2-formyl phenylnitrene (2) to imino ketene 3 in a cryogenic Ar-matrix, the absence of HAT in nitrenes 15 and 16 can be reasonably explained by the higher barrier heights and also larger barrier widths in the isomerization reactions.

Ab initio calculation of rovibrational states for non-degenerate double-well potentials: cis-trans isomerization of HOPO

The rovibrational spectra of metaphosphorous acid, HOPO, and its deuterated isotopologue have been studied by vibrational configuration interaction calculations, relying on the internal coordinate path Hamiltonian and the Watson Hamiltonian. Tunneling effects for the overtones of the torsional mode, which gives rise to the cis-trans isomerization, and its rovibrational transitions have been investigated in detail. Due to strong matrix effects, comparison with experimental data is hindered, and thus, the calculations provide accurate estimates for the fundamental modes of these species.

GPR39 Overexpression in OSCC Promotes YAP-Sustained Malignant Progression

The clinical outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not improved in recent years, mainly due to the limited effective targeted therapy that has been applied. Recently, a transcriptional coactivator, YAP, has been shown to have a key regulatory role in malignant progression in multiple cancers, including OSCC. But pharmacologically targeting YAP or the Hippo pathway, which is the main signaling pathway regulating YAP, has been proven to be challenging. Therefore, uncovering YAP upstream regulators in cancer would identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of YAP-sustained cancers. Here, we showed that YAP was overactivated in OSCC and that high YAP activity in patients with OSCC was associated with malignant progression and poor survival. We uncovered that GPR39 (a G protein-coupled receptor) was overexpressed in OSCC, that the expression level of GPR39 was correlated with the activity level of YAP, and that the high GPR39 expression was associated with malignant progression and poor survival in patients with OSCC. Moreover, we found that GPR39 regulated YAP through a Gαq/11-RhoA-dependent signaling pathway. Importantly, inhibition of GPR39 resulted in YAP-sustained OSCC growth inhibition. Our findings suggest that GPR39 is a potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment with itself as a biomarker.

Photochemistry of HNSO2 in cryogenic matrices: spectroscopic identification of the intermediates and mechanism

Small molecules solely consisting of H, N, O, and S are highly relevant intermediates in atmospheric chemistry and biology. Even though several isomers of [HNO2S] have been computationally predicted, only the IR spectra for the two lowest-energy isomers HNSO2 and syn-syn HONSO have been previously reported. Herein, the photochemistry (193 nm laser) of HNSO2 in N2-, Ne-, and Ar-matrices (≤15 K) has been studied. Aside from syn-syn HONSO, several new isomers including anti-syn HONSO, gauche-syn HOSNO, syn HOS(O)N, anti HOS(O)N, syn HS(O)NO, anti HN(O)SO, gauche-syn HSONO, and an elusive caged-radical pair HOS˙˙NO have been identified. Additionally, the formation of fragments HONO, HO˙, ˙NO, and ˙NO2 has also been observed. The characterization of these species with matrix-isolation IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy is supported by 15N-labeling and quantum chemical computations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level. Furthermore, the photo-induced isomerization reactions, including the conformational conversion of syn-syn HONSO → anti-syn HONSO and reversible isomerization of HOSNO ↔ anti-syn HONSO, syn-syn HONSO ↔ HN(O)SO, HSONO ↔ HS(O)NO, and HOS˙˙NO ↔ HOSNO have also been observed, and the underlying mechanism is discussed.

The Influence of Job and Individual Resources on Work Engagement Among Chinese Police Officers: A Moderated Mediation Model

Background

The work engagement of police officers pertains to social stability and security, as well as to the orderly operation of the political-economic environment. Although there are many studies on work engagement at present, few studies focus on the influencing factors of police officers' work engagement. According to the job demands-resources model and the conservation of resources theory, job resources (e.g., perceived organizational support) and personal resources (e.g., regulatory emotional self-efficacy) are important factors influencing work engagement. We assume that a moderated mediation model, in which job satisfaction plays a mediating role in the relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement, regulatory emotional self-efficacy moderates not only the relationship between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction but also the relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement.

Objective and Method

This study explores the drivers of work engagement through perceived organizational support and regulatory emotional self-efficacy among Chinese police officers using a convenient sampling method to administer a questionnaire to 744 Chinese police officers. A mediated model is proposed to investigate the mediating role of job satisfaction and the regulating role of regulatory emotional self-efficacy.

Results

Job satisfaction mediated a positive relationship between organizational support and work engagement, and the perceived organizational support-job satisfaction and the job satisfaction-work engagement relationships were positively moderated by regulatory emotional self-efficacy, such that these relationships were stronger at higher levels of regulatory emotional self-efficacy. These findings have a practical significance for Chinese police officers' work engagement advancement.

[Development and chinization of diagnostic criteria for oral lichen planus]

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of oral mucosa. The diagnostic criteria of OLP is the cornerstone of clinical diagnosis and treatment and scientific research. However, there are various understandings of the diagnostic criteria in China. Thus several questions need to be answered, for example, how to combine the international diagnostic criteria with China's specific conditions, how to apply the criteria into clinical practice, and how to use the criteria guiding clinical work and scientific research in China. The authors of this article systematically introduced and discussed the development, content and difference of the international diagnostic criteria of OLP. We proposed "23 Princeples" for the selection of biopsy indications in OLP diagnosis based on authors' personal experiences in clinical and basic research and the actual conditions of Chinese clinicians. We also express our own views and suggestions about some other hot issues associated with OLP diagnosis.

Asparaginyl endopeptidase may promote liver sinusoidal endothelial cell angiogenesis via PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

pathological angiogenesis plays an important role in the progression of chronic liver diseases. Asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) participates in tumor angiogenesis and was recently shown to be associated with liver fibrosis. This study aimed to explore the effect of AEP on liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSECs) angiogenesis and determine the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

cultured LSECs were infected with lentiviruses in order to suppress AEP expression (AEP-KD1, AEP-KD2). The effect of AEP on LSECs proliferation, apoptosis and migration were subsequently determined by a CCK8 assay, flow cytometry and wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively, in AEP knocked-down and control LSECs. The expression of the endothelial cell surface markers CD31, CD34 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were detected by immunofluorescence assay and western blot. The angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and interleukin 8 (IL 8) were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The effect of AEP on vessel tube formation by LSECs was examined by Matrigel™ tube-formation assay. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt expression and phosphorylation were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

AEP was effectively knocked down by lentivirus infection in LSECs. Down-regulation of AEP expression significantly decreased proliferation and migration and increased apoptosis of LSECs. Moreover, expression levels of the endothelial cell surface markers CD31, CD34 and vWF, as well as angiogenic factors VEGFR2 and IL 8, were also reduced after AEP was knocked-down. The vessel tube formation abilities of AEP-KD1 and AEP-KD2 LSECs were significantly inhibited compared with LSECs without AEP knocked-down. Down-regulation of AEP also inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt.

CONCLUSION

AEP promotes LSECs angiogenesis in vitro, possibly via the PI3K/Akt pathway. AEP may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for preventing the progression of liver fibrosis.

Dihalogenated Methylperoxy Radicals: Spectroscopic Characterization and Photodecomposition by Release of HO

Two atmospherically relevant dihalogenated methylperoxy radicals CHX₂ OO^. (X=F and Cl) have been generated through O₂ -oxidation of the corresponding alkyl radicals CHX₂ ^. in the gas phase. The IR spectroscopic characterization of both radicals in cryogenic Ar- and N₂ -matrices (15 K) is supported by ¹⁸ O-labeling and ab initio calculations at the UCCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level. Upon 266 nm laser irradiation, both radicals decompose mainly by releasing hydroxyl radicals (→HO^. +X₂ CO) via the intermediacy of intriguing α-hydroperoxyalkyl radicals (^. CX₂ OOH), implying that the photooxidation of dihalogenated hydrocarbons might serve as important sources of HO^. radicals in the atmosphere.

Clinical features of transverse myelitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of systemic lupus erythematosus with transverse myelitis (SLE-TM) in a relatively large patient series.

Methods

This retrospective study considered 45 SLE-TM individuals treated as inpatients and outpatients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 1993 and 2018. SLE-TM patients were compared with 180 controls, and SLE-TM patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) were compared to those without NMOSD.

Results

Compared to controls, the SLE-TM group frequently had a fever and had a significantly higher positive rate of anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant. Among the 45 patients, 22 met the NMOSD criteria. Compared to non-NMOSD patients, NMOSD patients had a lower incidence of rash ( p = 0.023), serositis ( p = 0.042) and renal disorder ( p = 0.073); a lower prevalence of decreased complement ( p = 0.083); and lower rates of positive anti-dsDNA ( p = 0.074) and anti-Sm ( p = 0.042). Among 22 SLE-TM patients with NMOSD, 18 underwent aquaporin 4 antibody testing, with 11 showing positive results. Out of the 45 patients, 39 were given methylprednisolone pulse treatment. After treatment, 32 patients had lower-limb muscle strength recovery (recovered group), whereas 13 had no change and persistent severe neurological deficits (non-recovered group). Compared to the recovered group, the non-recovered group were younger ( p = 0.002), had a higher likelihood of having a fever ( p = 0.020), initial severe myelitis ( p < 0.001), long spinal segment involvement ( p = 0.017) and higher C-reactive protein levels ( p = 0.020). Methylprednisolone pulse given within two weeks of onset was more frequent in the recovered group than in the non-recovered group ( p = 0.082).

Conclusions

Disease characteristics differed between SLE-TM patients with and without NMOSD. SLE and NMOSD tended to be co-morbidities. Initial severe neurological impairment, extensive spinal cord lesions, hyper-inflammation and delayed steroid impulse treatment could be predictors of poor outcome for SLE-TM.

Reduced E-cadherin expression as a prognostic factor in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The exact role of E-cadherin in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is still unknown, and the aims of this study were to prove whether reduced E-cadherin expression can be a prognostic factor in patients with NMIBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the prognostic value of reduced E-cadherin expression in NMIBC. The PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were included in the study search.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with a total of 1538 NMIBC patients were included. The results showed that reduced E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) (pooled HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22-3.85) and progression-free survival (PFS) (pooled HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.52-2.40) in NMIBC patients.

CONCLUSION

E-cadherin can be a prognostic factor for patients with NMIBC.

The role of G protein-coupled receptor-related genes in cytochrome P450-mediated resistance of the house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), to imidacloprid

Ninety-four putative G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were identified in the Musca domestica genome. They were annotated and compared with their homologues in Drosophila melanogaster. Phylogenetic analyses of the GPCRs from both species revealed that several family members shared a closer relationship based on the domain architecture. The expression profiles of these genes were examined by quantitative real-time PCR amongst three strains of the house fly, a near-isogenic line strain with imidacloprid resistance (N-IRS), the corresponding susceptible strain (CSS) and another strain derived from field populations with imidacloprid resistance (IRS). We found that five GPCR genes were upregulated in the N-IRS and eight GPCR genes were upregulated in the IRS strains compared to the CSS strain. The transgenic lines of D. melanogaster with the GPCR genes (LOC101899380 in the N-IRS strain and LOC101895664 in the IRS strain) exhibited significantly increased tolerance to imidacloprid, and higher expression of cytochrome P450 genes. Bioinformatic analysis of LOC101899380 was carried out based on its full-length nucleic acid sequence and putative amino acid sequence, and it was named Methuselah-like10 (Mthl10) owing to its homology with D. melanogaster Mthl10. A cell-base cell counting kit-8 toxicity assay demonstrated that the expression of the GPCR gene LOC101899380 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells using a baculovirus-mediated expression system can elevate the cell tolerance to imidacloprid, indirectly supporting the hypothesis that the GPCR gene LOC101899380 plays some role in imidacloprid resistance. These results should be useful for furthering understanding of the regulatory pathway by which house flies develop resistance.

High Expression of TRIM15 Is Associated with Tumor Invasion and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Most tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins are known as E3 ubiquitin ligases and considerable previous research has revealed the involvement of TRIM proteins in carcinogenesis. TRIM15 is a protein from the TRIM family and the aim of this study is to investigate the role of TRIM15 in gastric cancer.

METHODS

We conducted immunohistochemical staining to examine TRIM15 expression using samples from Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. We also conducted transwell assay as well as western blot by using gastric cancer cells.

RESULTS

The expression of TRIM15 in gastric cancer tissues was higher than normal tissues. Present data demonstrated that high TRIM15 staining intensity had a positive relation to tumor invasion depth (P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.013), distant metastasis (P = 0.031), the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system (P = 0.002) and shorter overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer patients (P < 0.001). It was also worthwhile mentioning that TRIM15 was an adverse prognostic variable for OS. To gain more insight, we incorporated TRIM15 expression into the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system and thus established a nomogram. Data derived from the nomogram suggested that fitting TRIM15 expression into the prognostic model exhibited better efficiency for predicting OS in gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, TRIM15 promoted migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, TRIM15 expression was found as a specific and independent adverse predictor in gastric cancer patients and the nomogram may contribute to better clinical management.

The Simplest, Isolable, Alkynyl Isocyanate HC≡CNCO: Synthesis and Characterization

Alkynyl isocyanates have been postulated as highly reactive intermediates in synthetic chemistry. Herein, the parent molecule HC≡CNCO is isolated for the first time. In sharp contrast to the previously reported short lifetime (ca. 15 s) at room temperature, we found that HC≡CNCO has a lifetime of 55 h in the gas phase (2 mbar, 300 K) with a melting point of -79.5 °C and vaporization enthalpy (ΔH_vap ) of 23.1(1) kJ mol^-1 . Apart from the IR (gas, solid, and matrix), ¹ H and ¹³ C NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopic characterization, its photoisomerization with a acylnitrene HC≡CC(O)N and cyanoketene NCC(H)CO has been observed.

Chinese SLE Treatment and Research group (CSTAR) registry: Clinical significance of thrombocytopenia in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of thrombocytopenia (TP) in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The study was conducted based on the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research group (CSTAR) registry. Thrombocytopenia was defined as the platelet count<100,000/mm³ at enrollment. Severe thrombocytopenia was defined as the platelet count<50,000/mm³. The prevalence of SLE-related TP, the associations of thrombocytopenia with demographic data, organ involvements, laboratory findings, disease activity, damage, and mortality were investigated.

Results

Of 2104 patients with SLE, 342 patients (16.3%) were diagnosed with thrombocytopenia. The prevalence of neuropsychiatric SLE, vasculitis, myositis, nephritis, mucocutaneous lesions, pleuritis, fever, leukocytopenia and hypocomplementemia were significantly higher in patients with thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was significantly higher in patients with thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that leukocytopenia (OR = 2.644), lupus nephritis (OR = 1.539), hypocomplementemia (OR = 1.497) and elevated SLEDAI (OR = 1.318) were independently associated with thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Long disease duration (OR = 1.006) was an independent risk factor of severe thrombocytopenia, while anti-rRNP (OR = 0.208) was an independent protective factor of severe thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Long disease duration was an independent risk factor of mortality in patients with thrombocytopenia (RR = 1.006). The 6-year survival of patients with thrombocytopenia was significantly lower than patients without thrombocytopenia (88.2% vs. 95.5%).

Conclusions

Thrombocytopenia was a common manifestation of SLE and was associated with leukocytopenia, nephritis and severe disease activity. Severe thrombocytopenia tended to occur in long-term and relatively inactive SLE. Patients with SLE-related thrombocytopenia has a decreased long-term survival rate. Long disease duration was an independent risk factor of mortality in patients with thrombocytopenia.

Study on molecular mechanism of MiRNA-29a in promoting proliferation and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer by inhibiting MTSS1

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biological role of micro-ribonucleic acid (miR)-29a in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

55 cases of NSCLC tissue specimens and paired normal lung tissue specimens collected in the Department II of Oncology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from July 2012 to April 2015 were randomly included. The fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression levels of miR-29a and metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1). Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to investigate the relationship between miR-29a expression and MTSS1 expression in NSCLC tissues, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to analyze the association of miR-29a expression with the survival time of NSCLC patients. A54 proliferation and invasion abilities were measured by means of plate clone formation assay, and transwell assay after the miR-29a was suppressed by miRNA inhibitor. Luciferase assay was used to detect the target gene of miR-29a.

RESULTS

In NSCLC tissues, the miR-29a expression level was higher than that in normal lung tissues (p<0.05), while the expression level of MTSS1 protein was remarkably lower than that in normal lung tissues (p<0.05). The median survival time of the patients was 15.1 months in high miR-29a expression group and 18.3 months in low miR-29a expression group (p<0.05). The miR-29a expression was negatively correlated with the expression level of MTSS1 protein in NSCLC tissues (r=-0.762, p<0.05). Luciferase results suggest that miR-29a binds to the promoter region of MTSS1 and inhibits its transcription level. The expression of MTSS1 protein was up-regulated notably after miR-29a knockdown by an inhibitor. It was revealed in the results of transwell assay and plate clone formation assay that the proliferative and invasive capacity of A549 cells was significantly decreased after knockdown of miR-29a.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcribed miR-29a down-regulates the protein level of MTSS1, suppressor of tumor proliferation and invasion, thereby promoting the proliferative and invasive capacity of NSCLC cells. Both miR-29a and MTSS1 are expected to become potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC.

Heterocumulenic carbene nitric oxide radical OCCNO˙

The elusive heterocumulenic radical OCCNO˙ and its isotopologues OC13CNO˙ and OCC15NO˙ have been prepared by reacting photolytically generated unsaturated carbene OCC/OC13C with ˙NO/15˙NO in cryogenic N2-, Ar-, and Ne-matrices. Upon UV-light (365 nm) irradiation, the C-C bond in OCCNO˙ breaks and yields a long-sought ground-state radical CNO˙ (X2Π), which has also been identified with matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of microvascular involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome: a longitudinal single-center study in China

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors of microvascular involvement and survival in Chinese patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, we enrolled 112 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to December 2016. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and follow-up records were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome were studied. Microvascular involvement was identified in 21 patients (18.75%). Patients with microvascular involvement experienced fewer episodes of arterial or venous thrombosis (28.6% vs. 84.6%) and a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia (85.7% vs. 54.9%), respectively. Low complement and elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels were observed more frequently in the microvascular group compared with the non-microvascular group (complement 38.1% vs. 18.7%; high-sensitivity CRP 71.4% vs. 31.9%, respectively). Anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies were more prevalent in patients with microvascular involvement than in patients without (66.7% vs. 33.0%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia (odds ratio = 4.523, 95% confidence interval 1.139-17.962), elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels (odds ratio = 6.385, 95% confidence interval 1.969-20.704), and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody positivity (odds ratio = 5.042, 95% confidence interval 1.555-16.352) were independent risk factors for microvascular involvement. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival was significantly poorer in patients with microvascular involvement compared with patients without (p = 0.0278).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to arterial and venous thrombosis, antiphospholipid syndrome can affect the microvasculature of select organs. It is thus important for clinicians to be aware that antiphospholipid syndrome-associated microvascular involvement has a unique pathogenesis and can be a life-threatening condition.

Photodecomposition of Thienylsulfonyl Azides: Generation and Spectroscopic Characterization of Triplet Thienylsulfonyl Nitrenes and 3-Thienylnitrene

The photochemistry of 2-thienylsulfonyl azide (1) and 3-thienylsulfonyl azide (6) has been disclosed by combining matrix-isolation spectroscopy with quantum chemical calculations. Two novel heteroaryl sulfonyl nitrenes, 2-thienylsulfonyl nitrene (2) and 3-thienylsulfonyl nitrene (7), have been generated during the 266 nm laser photolysis of 1 and 6, respectively. Both nitrenes in the triplet ground state have been characterized with matrix-isolation IR (¹⁵N-labeling) in solid Ar (10.0 K), N₂ (10.0 K), and Ne (2.8 K) matrixes and EPR spectroscopy (2, |D/hc| = 1.452 cm^-1 and |E/hc| = 0.0058 cm^-1; 7, |D/hc| = 1.492 cm^-1 and |E/hc| = 0.0060 cm^-1) in solid toluene at 5.0 K. Upon subsequent UV-light irradiation (365 nm), no Curtius rearrangement but decomposition of 2 occurs by SO₂-elimination and the concurrent formation of ring-opening product (s-Z)-4-thioxo-2-butenenitrile (3) via the intermediacy of the putative 2-thienylnitrene (4). In contrast, violet-light irradiation (400 ± 20 nm) of 7 causes SO₂-elimination to yield triplet 3-thienylnitrene (8), for which the IR spectroscopic identification is supported by quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level. 3-Thienylnitrene is highly reactive, since it not only combines with SO₂ to furnish 3-thienyl-N-sulfonylamine (9) but also undergoes ring-opening to (s-E)-4-thioxo-2-butenenitrile (10) under the UV-light irradiation (365 nm).

[Transmission electron microscopic observation on gonad of Oncomelania hupensis offspring bred in Weishan Lake areas]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the morphological changes in the testes and ovaries of adult 12th-generation Oncomelania hupensis bred for 12 winters in Weishan Lake areas.

METHODS

The offspring of the adult O. hupensis snails bred in the Weishan Lake that were originated from the Yangzhou section of the Yangtze River was defined as the experiment group, while uninfected, adult O. hupensis snails captured from the marshland of the Yangzhou section of the Yangtze River served as the control group. Snails were dissected and intact testicular and ovarian specimens were sampled, routinely fixed, dehydrated, embedded, polymerized in an oven and sliced on an ultramicrotome. The sections were visualized under a transmission electron microscope, and the ultrastructure of the snail gonad was compared between the experiment and control groups.

RESULTS

Transmission electron microscopy showed "9 + 2" microtubules on the transverse sections of the tails of sperm cells in the testes of male snails in the control group, with triangular acrosomes and spiral, dense nuclei seen in the tip, while in the experiment group, the "9 + 2" microtubules disappeared on the transverse sections of the tails of sperm cells in the testes of male snails, with low chromatin density found in the tip. Transmission electron microscopy revealed clear nucleolus and nuclear membranes in the ova of female snail ovaries, and displayed yolk body, liposomes and endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm, bilayer twists of nuclear membrane and a uniform nucleolus in the control group, while in the experiment group, smooth nuclear membrane and unclear nucleolus were observed in the ova of female snail ovaries, with few contents seen within cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Following breeding for 12 winters in the Weishan Lake, the 12th-generation O. hupensis snails fail to fully adapt to the natural environment in northern China, and the remarkable changes in the ultrastructure of the snail gonad may be a cause of gradual decline and even extinction of O. hupensis in the Weishan Lake areas.