Ag@Au core-shell nanoparticle-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering coupled with chemometrics for rapid determination of chloramphenicol residue in fish

The alarming increase in drug-resistant bacteria in fish resulting from the misuse of antibiotics poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, the development of a reliable approach for detecting antibiotic residues in fish is crucial. In this study, a rapid and simple method for detecting chloramphenicol (CAP) residue in tilapia was developed using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) combined with chemometric algorithms. Silver and gold core-shell nanoparticles (Ag@Au CSNPs) were used as SERS nanosensors to achieve strong signal amplification with an enhancement factor of 2.67 × 106. The results demonstrated that the variable combination population analysis-partial least square (VCPA-PLS) model combined with the standard normal variable transformation pretreatment method exhibited the best predictive performance with a detection limit of 1 × 10-5 µg/mL. Thus, an SERS technique was established based on Ag@Au CSNPs combined with VCPA-PLS to rapidly detect CAP in tilapia.

Profound postinduction hypotension precipitated by immune checkpoint inhibitors: a case report

BACKGROUND

With the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer therapy, perioperative healthcare professionals need to be vigilant about potential immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We report a case of severe postinduction hypotension in a patient undergoing laparotomy due to suspected intraabdominal bleeding from gastric cancer and Krukenberg tumors, caused by unrecognized hypothyroidism precipitated by ICIs.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old Chinese female with a history of gastric adenocarcinoma and Krukenberg tumors, previously treated with nivolumab, presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and hypotension. Despite ruling out other causes, including hypovolemia and anaphylaxis, her hypotension persisted. The patient was found to have severe hypothyroidism, likely an irAE from the use of nivolumab. Thyroxine replacement therapy resolved the hypotension, and the patient recovered uneventfully after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This case underscores the importance of considering irAEs, such as hypothyroidism, in patients treated with ICIs. Perioperative healthcare providers must remain vigilant for potential complications and promptly recognize and manage irAEs to optimize patient outcomes.

Time series prediction of insect pests in tea gardens

BACKGROUND

Tea-garden pest control is crucial to ensure tea quality. In this context, the time-series prediction of insect pests in tea gardens is very important. Deep-learning-based time-series prediction techniques are advancing rapidly but research into their use in tea-garden pest prediction is limited. The current study investigates the time-series prediction of whitefly populations in the Tea Expo Garden, Jurong City, Jiangsu Province, China, employing three deep-learning algorithms, namely Informer, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network, and LSTM-Attention.

RESULTS

The comparative analysis of the three deep-learning algorithms revealed optimal results for LSTM-Attention, with an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.84 and average mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.52 for 7 days' prediction length, respectively. For a prediction length of 3 days, LSTM achieved the best performance, with an average RMSE of 2.60 and an average MAE of 2.24.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that different prediction lengths influence model performance in tea garden pest time series prediction. Deep learning could be applied satisfactorily to predict time series of insect pests in tea gardens based on LSTM-Attention. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the research on the time series of pest and disease infestations in tea plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

ZnO@Ag-Functionalized Paper-Based Microarray Chip for SERS Detection of Bacteria and Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Inactivation

Bacterial infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms have become a serious, widespread health concern. Thus, it is essential and required to develop a multifunctional platform that can rapidly and accurately determine bacteria and effectively inhibit or inactivate pathogens. Herein, a microarray SERS chip was successfully synthesized using novel metal/semiconductor composites (ZnO@Ag)-ZnO nanoflowers (ZnO NFs) decorated with Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) arrayed on a paper-based chip as a supporting substrate for in situ monitoring and photocatalytic inactivation of pathogenic bacteria. Typical Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahemolyticus were selected as models. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to minimize the dimensionality of SERS spectra data sets and to develop a cost-effective identification model. The classification accuracy was 100, 97.2, and 100% for S. aureus, E. coli, and V. parahemolyticus, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO@Ag was proved by the microbroth dilution method, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of S. aureus, E. coli, and V. parahemolyticus were 40, 50, and 55 μg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, it demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic performance under natural sunlight for the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria, and the inactivation rates for S. aureus, E. coli, and V. parahemolyticus were 100, 97.03 and 97.56%, respectively. As a result, the microarray chip not only detected the bacteria with high sensitivity but also confirmed the antibacterial and photocatalytic sterilization properties. Consequently, it offers highly prospective strategies for foodborne diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria.

Childhood-Onset Lupus Nephritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: Short-Term Kidney Status and Variation in Care

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to characterize short-term kidney status and describe variation in early care utilization in a multicenter cohort of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and nephritis.

METHODS

We analyzed previously collected prospective data from North American patients with cSLE with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry from March 2017 through December 2019. We determined the proportion of patients with abnormal kidney status at the most recent registry visit and applied generalized linear mixed models to identify associated factors. We also calculated frequency of medication use, both during induction and ever recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 222 patients with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis, with 64% class III/IV nephritis on initial biopsy. At the most recent registry visit at median (interquartile range) of 17 (8-29) months from initial kidney biopsy, 58 of 106 patients (55%) with available data had abnormal kidney status. This finding was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-12.46) and age at cSLE diagnosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49). Patients with class IV nephritis were more likely than class III to receive cyclophosphamide and rituximab during induction. There was substantial variation in mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab ever use patterns across rheumatology centers.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with predominately class III/IV nephritis, male sex and older age at cSLE diagnosis were associated with abnormal short-term kidney status. We also observed substantial variation in contemporary medication use for pediatric lupus nephritis between pediatric rheumatology centers. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of this variation on long-term kidney outcomes.

Downregulation of cardiac PIASy inhibits Cx43 SUMOylation and ameliorates ventricular arrhythmias in a rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Dysfunction of the gap junction channel protein connexin 43 (Cx43) contributes to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Cx43 can be regulated by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification. Protein inhibitor of activated STAT Y (PIASy) is an E3 SUMO ligase for its target proteins. However, whether Cx43 is a target protein of PIASy and whether Cx43 SUMOylation plays a role in I/R-induced arrhythmias are largely unknown.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with PIASy short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) using recombinant adeno-associated virus subtype 9 (rAAV9). Two weeks later, the rats were subjected to 45 min of left coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h reperfusion. Electrocardiogram was recorded to assess arrhythmias. Rat ventricular tissues were collected for molecular biological measurements.

RESULTS

Following 45 min of ischemia, QRS duration and QTc intervals statistically significantly increased, but these values decreased after transfecting PIASy shRNA. PIASy downregulation ameliorated ventricular arrhythmias induced by myocardial I/R, as evidenced by the decreased incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and reduced arrythmia score. In addition, myocardial I/R statistically significantly induced PIASy expression and Cx43 SUMOylation, accompanied by reduced Cx43 phosphorylation and plakophilin 2 (PKP2) expression. Moreover, PIASy downregulation remarkably reduced Cx43 SUMOylation, accompanied by increased Cx43 phosphorylation and PKP2 expression after I/R.

CONCLUSION

PIASy downregulation inhibited Cx43 SUMOylation and increased PKP2 expression, thereby improving ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic/reperfused rats heart.

Facile synthesis of fluorescence-SERS dual-probe nanocomposites for ultrasensitive detection of sulfur-containing gases in water and beer samples

A highly structured fluorescent-SERS dual-probe nanocomposites were synthesized for the determination of sulfur-containing gases in water and beer samples. Initially, Au@Ag NPs were prepared by growing the Ag shell on the Au core in situ, modified with surfactant and fabricated with Zn²⁺. Then, MOF-5-NH₂ assembled Au@Ag NPs were obtained through coordination between Zn sites and 2-aminoterephthalic acid. The principle was based on redox reaction between H₂S and Au@Ag NPs, and the fluorescence turn-on effects were due to the charge transfer between SO₂ and amino groups. The SERS intensity was related to the concentration of H₂S (5 ∼ 60 nM), and an ultra-low detection limit of 2.26 nM was achieved. Importantly, the fluorescence performance was applied for SO₂ analysis and exhibited good linear response. Moreover, the platform for H₂S and SO₂ in real samples revealed satisfactory results (95.6 ∼ 101.6% and 99.0 ∼ 104.4%). Therefore, the proposed system offered a precise detection of H₂S/SO₂ in food/environmental settings.

Advances in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy technology for detection of foodborne pathogens

Rapid control and prevention of diseases caused by foodborne pathogens is one of the existing food safety regulatory issues faced by various countries and has received wide attention from all sectors of society. The development of rapid and reliable detection methods for foodborne pathogens remains a hot research area for food safety and public health because of the limitations of complex steps, time-consuming, low sensitivity, or poor selectivity of commonly used methods. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), as a novel spectroscopic technique, has the advantages of high sensitivity, selectivity, rapid and nondestructive detection and has exhibited broad application prospects in the determination of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the enhancement mechanisms of SERS are briefly introduced, then the characteristics and properties of liquid-phase, rigid solid-phase, and flexible solid-phase are categorized. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the advances in label-free or label-based SERS strategies and SERS-compatible techniques for the detection of foodborne pathogens is provided, and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are reviewed. Finally, the current challenges of SERS technology applied in practical applications are listed, and the possible development trends of SERS in the field of foodborne pathogens detection in the future are discussed.

Identification of volatile compounds and metabolic pathway during ultrasound-assisted kombucha fermentation by HS-SPME-GC/MS combined with metabolomic analysis

The current work combines headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) with multivariate analysis fusion metabonomics for examining metabolite profile changes. The correlation with metabolic pathways during the fermentation of kombucha tea were comprehensively explored. For optimizing the fermentation process, ultrasound-assisted factors were explored. A total of 132 metabolites released by fermented kombucha were detected by HS-SPME-GC/MS. We employed the principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to present the relationship between aroma components and fermentation time, of which the first two principal components respectively accounted for 60.3% and 6.5% of the total variance. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that during the fermentation of kombucha tea, there were significant differences in the phenotypes of metabolites in the samples, and 25 characteristic metabolites were selected as biomarkers. Leaf alcohol was first proposed as the characteristic volatile in the fermentation process of kombucha. Furthermore, we addressed the generation pathways of characteristic volatiles, their formation mechanisms, and the transformational correlation among them. Our findings provide a roadmap for future kombucha fermentation processing to enhance kombucha flavor and aroma.

Intraarticular steroids as DMARD-sparing agents for juvenile idiopathic arthritis flares: Analysis of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry

BACKGROUND

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who achieve a drug free remission often experience a flare of their disease requiring either intraarticular steroids (IAS) or systemic treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). IAS offer an opportunity to recapture disease control and avoid exposure to side effects from systemic immunosuppression. We examined a cohort of patients treated with IAS after drug free remission and report the probability of restarting systemic treatment within 12 months.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of patients from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry who received IAS for a flare after a period of drug free remission. Historical factors and clinical characteristics and of the patients including data obtained at the time of treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of those with follow up data available 49% had restarted systemic treatment 6 months after IAS injection and 70% had restarted systemic treatment at 12 months. The proportion of patients with prior use of a biologic DMARD was the only factor that differed between patients who restarted systemic treatment those who did not, both at 6 months (79% vs 35%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (81% vs 33%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While IAS are an option for all patients who flare after drug free remission, it may not prevent the need to restart systemic treatment. Prior use of a biologic DMARD may predict lack of success for IAS. Those who previously received methotrexate only, on the other hand, are excellent candidates for IAS.

Dispersive micro solid phase extraction based ionic liquid functionalized ZnO nanoflowers couple with chromatographic methods for rapid determination of aflatoxins in wheat and peanut samples

Aflatoxins (AFs) contaminate agricultural products in a wide range of ways during their harvesting, storage and transport. Therefore, the detection of AFs has certain practical significance. Herein, a dispersive micro solid phase extraction (D-µSPE) technology was constructed based on 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM][PF₆]) fabricated ZnO nanoflowers for AFs extraction from food matrix before HPLC procedure. The key parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were studied. Under optimal experimental conditions, the method showed excellent linearity with high correlation coefficients (≥0.994). LOD and LOQ were 0.034 and 0.114 μg/kg for AFB1, 0.024 and 0.082 μg/kg for AFB2, 0.067 and 0.226 μg/kg for AFG1 and 0.025 and 0.084 μg/kg for AFG2. The recovery of actual samples spiked with analytes (at 5, 15 and 20 μg/kg) were from 93.8 to 105.1%. Overall, an accurate AFs analysis method was developed and could be applied to the determination of AFs in various food and agricultural products.

Neurologic Complication Due to Crystallization After Drug Interaction Between Alkalized Lidocaine and Ropivacaine: A Case Report and in vitro Study

Background

For pregnant women transferred to emergency cesarean section after receiving epidural labor analgesia, there is still a debate over the effective and safe means of rapidly delivering surgical anesthesia. Alkalized lidocaine is often adopted for fast onset time; however, crystallization of the anesthetic may cause severe neurologic symptoms.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a pregnant woman who underwent emergency cesarean section with satisfied analgesia but experienced severe weakness and paranaesthesia in the lower limb. After excluding lumbar disc herniation, obstetric nerve injury, and anesthesia technique causes by symptoms signs and magnetic resonance imaging, drug-related injury became the most likely cause. Our in vitro testing confirmed the obvious precipitation of additional anesthetic-concentrated ropivacaine (0.5–1%) with pretreated alkalized lidocaine. With trophic neurotherapy, the parturient attained prompt relief of weakness by day four, but delayed recovery of numbness, which lasted for 4 weeks.

Conclusion

To date, this is the first case reporting neurologic complication possibly due to drug crystallization in cesarean section. Our study confirmed the rapid onset of alkalized lidocaine and its safety to pretreated routine labor dose of ropivacaine (0.09%). However, additional anesthetic-concentrated ropivacaine (0.5–1%) to maintain the anesthesia and analgesia level is not suggested.

Goal-Directed Intraoperative Fluid Therapy Benefits Patients Undergoing Major Gynecologic Oncology Surgery: A Controlled Before-and-After Study

Background

Fluid management during major gynecologic oncology surgeries faces great challenges due to the distinctive characteristics of patients with gynecologic malignancies as well as features of the surgical procedure. Intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been proven to be effective in reducing postoperative complications among major colorectal surgeries; however, the efficacy of GDFT has not been fully studied in gynecologic malignancy surgeries. This study aimed to discuss the influence of GDFT practice in patients undergoing major gynecologic oncology surgery.

Methods

This study was a controlled before-and-after study. From June 2015 to June 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, a total of 300 patients scheduled for elective laparotomy of gynecological malignancies were enrolled and chronologically allocated into two groups, with the earlier 150 patients in the control group and the latter 150 patients in the GDFT group. The GDFT protocol was applied by Vigileo/FloTrac monitoring of stroke volume and fluid responsiveness to guide intraoperative fluid infusion and the use of vasoactive agents. The primary outcome was postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery. The secondary outcome included length of stay and time of functional recovery.

Results

A total of 249 patients undergoing major gynecologic oncology surgery were analyzed in the study, with 129 in the control group and 120 patients in the GDFT group. Patients in the GDFT group had higher ASA classifications and more baseline comorbidities. GDFT patients received significantly less fluid infusion than the control group (15.8 vs. 17.9 ml/kg/h), while fluid loss was similar (6.9 vs. 7.1 ml/kg/h). GDFT was associated with decreased risk of postoperative complications (OR = 0.572, 95% CI 0.343 to 0.953, P = 0.032), especially surgical site infections (OR = 0.127, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.971, P = 0.037). The postoperative bowel function recovery and length of hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Goal-directed intraoperative fluid therapy is associated with fewer postoperative complications in patients undergoing major gynecologic oncology surgery.

SERS-based Au@Ag NPs Solid-phase substrate combined with chemometrics for rapid discrimination of multiple foodborne pathogens

In this study, a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on Au@Ag NPs solid-phase substrate combined with chemometrics was constructed for the discrimination of three pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes). The Au@Ag NPs were synthesized and self-assembled on filter paper using the dip-coating method. The good absorbency of the filter paper immobilized the bacteria on the substrate, increased the interaction between the bacteria and the substrate, and enhanced the SERS signal of the bacteria. The main peaks of the bacterial spectra were close to each other, but the relative intensities of the vibrational peaks were significantly different, and each strain exhibited unique Raman peaks. The combination of partial least squared discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) method with bacterial SERS allowed the effective identification of the three bacteria. Moreover, the method was applied for the quantitative detection of Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum detection concentration of 10⁴ cfu/mL.

Astrocyte-microglia interaction through C3/C3aR pathway modulates neuropathic pain in rats model of chronic constriction injury

Neuropathic pain (NP) is the cardinal symptom of neural injury, and its underlying molecular mechanism needs further investigation. Complements, especially complement 3 (C3), are involved in the pathophysiology of many neurological disorders, while the specific role of C3 in NP is still obscure. In this study, we found that both C3 and its receptor C3aR were upregulated in the spinal dorsal horn in a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. In addition, C3 was mainly detected in astrocytes, while C3aR was expressed in microglia and neuron. Intrathecal injection of C3 antibody and C3aR antagonist alleviated NP in CCI model together with reduced M1 polarization of microglia. Our finding suggested that blockade of the C3/C3aR pathway might be a novel strategy for NP.

Social determinants of health influence disease activity and functional disability in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDH) greatly influence outcomes during the first year of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, a disease similar to polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). We investigated the correlation of community poverty level and other SDH with the persistence of moderate to severe disease activity and functional disability over the first year of treatment in pJIA patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry.

METHODS

In this cohort study, unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear mixed effects models analyzed the effect of community poverty and other SDH on disease activity, using the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-10, and disability, using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire, measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred eighty-four patients were identified. High community poverty (≥20% living below the federal poverty level) was associated with increased odds of functional disability (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.28-2.60) but was not statistically significant after adjustment (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 0.81-1.86) and was not associated with increased disease activity. Non-white race/ethnicity was associated with higher disease activity (aOR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.41-4.36). Lower self-reported household income was associated with higher disease activity and persistent functional disability. Public insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29) and low family education (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.12) was associated with persistent functional disability.

CONCLUSION

High community poverty level was associated with persistent functional disability in unadjusted analysis but not with persistent moderate to high disease activity. Race/ethnicity and other SDH were associated with persistent disease activity and functional disability.

Label-free Au NRs-based SERS coupled with chemometrics for rapid quantitative detection of thiabendazole residues in citrus

Citrus is a highly consumed fruit worldwide. However, the excessive use of thiabendazole (TBZ) pesticides during citrus cultivation poses a health risk to people. Hence, a rapid and quantitative method has been established for TBZ determination in citrus by coupling gold nanorods (Au NRs) based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) coupling chemometrics. The results show that support vector machine (SVM) can distinguish TBZ residues of different orders of magnitude with 99.1667% accuracy and that genetic algorithm-partial least squares (GA-PLS) had the best performance in the quantitative prediction of TBZ residues (Rp² = 0.9737, RMSEP = 0.1179 and RPD = 5.85) in citrus. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.33 μg mL^-1. Furthermore, the proposed method was validated by a standard HPLC method using t-test with no significant difference. Therefore, the proposed Au NRs-based SERS technique can be used for the rapid quantitative analysis of TBZ residues in citrus.

Reproducibility of liver R2* quantification for liver iron quantification from cardiac R2* acquisitions

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the reproducibility of liver R2* measurements between a 2D cardiac ECG-gated and a 3D breath-hold liver CSE-MRI acquisition for liver iron quantification.

METHODS

A total of 54 1.5 T MRI exams from 51 subjects (18 women, 36 men, age 35.2 ± 21.8) were included. These included two sub-studies with 23 clinical MRI exams from 19 patients identified retrospectively, 24 participants with known or suspected iron overload, and 7 healthy volunteers acquired prospectively. The 2D cardiac and the 3D liver R2* maps were acquired in the same exam. Either acquisitions were reconstructed using a complex R2* algorithm that accounts for the presence of fat and residual phase errors due to eddy currents. Data were analyzed using colocalized ROIs in the liver.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis demonstrated high Pearson's correlation and Lin's concordance coefficient for the overall study and both sub-studies. Bland-Altman analysis also showed good agreement, except for a slight increase of the mean R2* value above ~ 400 s^-1. The Kolmogorow-Smirnow test revealed a non-normal distribution for (R2* 3D-R2* 2D) values from 0 to 600 s^-1 in contrast to the 0-200 s^-1 and 0-400 s^-1 subpopulations. Linear regression analysis showed no relevant differences other than the intercept, likely due to only 7 measurements above 400 s^-1.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that R2*-measurements in the liver are feasible using 2D cardiac R2* maps compared to 3D liver R2* maps as the reference. Liver R2* may be underestimated for R2* > 400 s^-1 using the 2D cardiac R2* mapping method.

[Surface modification of titanium implant with hBMP-2/hIGF-1 for promoting biocompatibility and osteogenesis]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare the human bone morphogenetic protein-2(hBMP-2)/human insulin-like growth factor-1(hIGF-1)coating titanium(Ti)and assess its performance as a dental implant material.

METHODS

hBMP-2 and hIGF-1 were coated to the smooth surface of a Ti plate, and its efficacy for promoting bone formation and bone integration was compared with a pristine Ti plate.The surface characteristics of the metal samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by contact angle measurement.MG63 cells were seeded on the surface of the Ti plates, and MTT assay and alizarin red staining was used to examine the cell proliferation and formation of calcified nodules, respectively.Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)secretion of the cells was examined with ELISA, and cellular expressions of osteocalcin and osteopontin were detected with Western blotting for assessing osteogenesis.

RESULTS

SEM examination showed that the surface of Ti with hBMP-2 and hIGF-1 coating presented with a radial pattern resembling snowflakes.The contact angles of non-coated Ti, hBMP-2-coated Ti, hIGF-1-coated, and hBMP-2/-hIGF-1-coated Ti samples were 83.2°, 54°, 56° and 54°, respectively.Compared with the non-coated Ti plate, the surface-modified Ti samples showed a significantly smaller contact angle (P=0.032, 0.029, and 0.028), indicating a good hydrophilicity of the samples.MTT assay showed that MG63 cells grew well on the surface of the coated Ti plates.The hBMP-2/IGF-1 coating significantly induced cellular secretion of ALP(P=0.021, 0.014)and obviously promoted osteogenesis of MG63 cells (P < 0.05).Western blotting results showed that hBMP-2/IGF-1 coating significantly enhanced the expressions of osteocalcin and osteopontin in the seeded cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

hBMP-2 and hIGF-1 coating of Ti material can promote osteogenesis of the cells seeded on its surface to improve the performance of such Ti material as dental implants.

SERS Sensors Based on Aptamer-Gated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Quantitative Detection of Staphylococcus aureus with Signal Molecular Release

This work describes a simple and novel biosensor for the quantitative determination of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) based on target-induced release of signal molecules from aptamer-gated aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology. MSNs were synthesized and then modified with amino groups by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane to make them positively charged. Next, signal molecules (4-aminothiophenol, 4-ATP) were loaded into the pores of MSNs. Then, negatively charged aptamers of S. aureus were assembled on the surface of MSNs through electrostatic interactions. Upon the addition of S. aureus, the assembled aptamers were specifically bound to the bacteria. Consequently, the "gates" were opened, resulting in the release of 4-ATP from the pores of MSNs. The released molecules were measured by a Raman spectrometer, and the intensity of 4-ATP at 1071 cm^-1 was linearly related to the S. aureus concentration. A silver nanoflower silica core-shell structure (Ag NFs@SiO₂) was prepared and it served as a SERS substrate. Under optimized experimental conditions, a good linear relationship (y = 2107.93 + 1536.30x, R² = 0.9956) in the range from 4.7 × 10 to 4.7 × 10⁸ cfu/mL was observed with a limit of detection of 17 cfu/mL. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of S. aureus in fish samples and the recovery rate was 91.3-109%.

A SERS aptasensor based on AuNPs functionalized PDMS film for selective and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus

In this study, a sensitive biosensor was developed based on aptamer functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology. Initially, the surface of PDMS film was chemically modified by piranha solution and 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and then AuNPs-PDMS film was prepared by coating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through electrostatic interaction. Next, the aptamers were immobilized on the AuNPs-PDMS membrane via gold-sulfur bond to form the capture substrate. Meanwhile, gold-silver core-shell nanoflowers (Au@Ag NFs) modified with mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and aptamers were applied as a signal probe. In the presence of the target, the signal molecular probe and the capturing substrate specifically combined with the target and resulted in a sandwich structure "capture substrate-target-signal molecular probe". Under the optimized experimental condition, the signal of 4-MBA at 1085 cm^-1 was linearly related to the S. aureus concentration in the range of 4.3 × 10 cfu mL^-1-4.3 × 10⁷ cfu mL^-1 (y = 326.91x-117.62, R² = 0.9932) with a detection limit of 13 cfu mL^-1. The method was successfully applied to spiked actual samples and a 92.5-110% recovery rate was achieved.

LncRNA INHBA-AS1 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-143-3p

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "LncRNA INHBA-AS1 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-143-3p, by W.-Q. Ma, J. Chen, W. Fang, X.-Q. Yang, A. Zhu, D. Zhang, H.-L. Zhong, B. Yang, Z. Luo, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (4): 1821-1828-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202002_20360-PMID: 32141551" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/20360.

Dendrobine attenuates isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced liver injury by inhibiting miR-295-5p

The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of Dendrobine and its underlying mechanisms on liver injury induced by isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). A mouse model of liver injury was induced by intragastrically administration of 100 mg/kg INH and 100 mg/kg RIF for 14 days. The mice were intragastrically administrated with Dendrobine (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) before the administration of INH and RIF. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Oxidative stress markers including glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde in the liver were measured and liver histopathological examinations were performed. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the interactions between miR-295-5p and CYP1A2. Dendrobine significantly decreased serum ALT and AST and inhibited the liver index and ameliorated the liver histological changes induced by INH and RIF. Besides, Dendrobine also regulated oxidative stress status in the liver by the regulation of CYP1A2. Moreover, mmu-miR-295-5p was identified to target CYP1A2 and to regulate the expression of CYP1A2. In summary, Dendrobine ameliorated INH and RIF induced mouse liver injury by miR-295-5p-mediated CYP1A2 expression.

LncRNA INHBA-AS1 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-143-3p

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the progression of tumorigenesis. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a disease widely widespread all over the world. The aim of this study was to identify how lncRNA INHBA-AS1 functions in the progression of OSCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LncRNA INHBA-AS1 expression in both OSCC cells and 48 paired tissue samples was detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The function of INHBA-AS1 was identified by the transwell assay, wound healing assay, and proliferation assay in vitro. Meanwhile, the role of INHBA-AS1 was investigated through tumor formation assay in vivo. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was explored by the luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP).

RESULTS

INHBA-AS1 was highly expressed in OSCC tissues when compared with adjacent tissue samples. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of OSCC cells were significantly inhibited after the knockdown of INHBA-AS1 in vitro. Meanwhile, the knockdown of INHBA-AS1 remarkably inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Besides, miR-143-3p was down-regulated after the knockdown of INHBA-AS1 in vitro. The expression of miR-143-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of INHBA-AS1 in OSCC tissues. In addition, miR-143-3p was directly targeted by INHBA-AS1.

CONCLUSIONS

The knockdown of INHBA-AS1 repressed cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in OSCC by sponging miR-143-3p, which might offer a new therapeutic intervention for OSCC patients.

An animal model of transfusion-related acute lung injury and the role of soluble CD40 ligand

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a life-threatening complication of transfusion and is one of leading causes of transfusion-associated fatalities. However, the pathogenesis of TRALI is still unclear. Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) is a proinflammatory cytokine that accumulates during blood component storage and is involved in transfusion reactions. The objective of this study was to establish a clinically relevant TRALI animal model and to evaluate the role of sCD40L in TRALI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats' red-blood-cell (RBC) suspensions were prepared, and the quality of RBC was evaluated. A trauma-haemorrhage-transfusion strategy was applied to build the animal model. Lung oedema was evaluated by histopathology examination, total bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein concentration, Evans blue dye (EBD) leakage and inflammatory cytokines. The sCD40L concentrations were measured.

RESULTS

Storage lesions of RBCs gradually increased over time. Obvious histological evidence of lung injury of rats transfused with a 35-day RBC was observed. The total BALF protein concentration, EBD leakage, inflammatory cytokines concentration were increased significantly in the Day 35 group. The sCD40L concentration increased significantly in the storage RBC suspension over time but was slightly elevated in rat plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated successful establishment of a TRALI animal model with trauma-haemorrhage-transfusion, in which sCD40L may play a minor role in the development of TRALI.

Inhibition of RELM-β prevents hypoxia-induced overproliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by reversing PLC-mediated KCNK3 decline

AIMS

Although resistin-like molecule β (RELM-β) is involved in the pathological processes of various lung diseases, such as pulmonary inflammation, asthma and fibrosis, its potential roles in hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remain largely unknown. The study aims to investigate whether RELM-β contributes to hypoxia-induced excessive proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and to explore the potential mechanisms of this process.

MAIN METHODS

Human PASMCs were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia (1% O₂) for 24 h. siRNA targeting RELM-β was transfected into cells. Protein levels of KCNK3, RELM-β, pSTAT3 and STAT3 were determined by immunoblotting. The translocation of NFATc2 and expression of KCNK3 were visualized by immunofluorescence. 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays and cell counting kit-8 assays were performed to assess the proliferation of PASMCs.

KEY FINDINGS

(1) Chronic hypoxia significantly decreased KCNK3 protein levels while upregulating RELM-β protein levels in human PASMCs, which was accompanied by excessive proliferation of cells. (2) RELM-β could promote human PASMCs proliferation and activate the STAT3/NFAT axis by downregulating KCNK3 protein under normoxia. (3) Inhibition of RELM-β expression effectively prevented KCNK3-mediated cell proliferation under hypoxia. (4) Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 could not only prevent the hypoxia/RELM-β-induced decrease in KCNK3 protein, but also inhibit the enhanced cell viability caused by hypoxia/RELM-β. (5) Both hypoxia and RELM-β could downregulate membrane KCNK3 protein levels by enhancing endocytosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

RELM-β activation is responsible for hypoxia-induced excessive proliferation of human PASMCs. Interfering with RELM-β may alleviate the progression of hypoxic PAH by upregulating PLC-dependent KCNK3 expression.

Programming effects of maternal and gestational obesity on offspring metabolism and metabolic inflammation

With the increasing prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age there is a need to understand the ramifications of this on offspring. The purpose of this study is to investigate the programming effects of maternal obesity during preconception and the preconception/gestational period on adiposity and adipose tissue inflammation in offspring using an animal model. Adult female C57Bl/6J mice were assigned either normal diet, high fat diet (HFD) prior to pregnancy, or HFD prior to and through pregnancy. Some offspring were maintained on normal diet while others started HFD later in life. Offspring were assessed for body composition and metabolic responses. Lipid storing tissues were evaluated for expansion and inflammation. Male offspring from the preconception group had the greatest weight gain, most subcutaneous adipose tissue, and largest liver mass when introduced to postnatal HFD. Male offspring of the preconception/gestation group had worsened glucose tolerance and an increase in resident (CD11c⁻) adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) when exposed to postnatal HFD. Female offspring had no significant difference in any parameter between the diet treatment groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that prenatal and pregnancy windows have independent programming effects on offspring. Preconception exposure affects body composition and adiposity while gestation exposure affects metabolism and tissue immune cell phenotypes.

Continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring estimates timing for detecting anemia better than clinicians: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hemoglobin measurement is important for transfusion decision-making. Pulse CO-Oximetry provides real-time continuous hemoglobin (SpHb) monitoring. The triage role of SpHb trends based on hemoglobin measurements was investigated.

METHODS

In this diagnostic randomized controlled trial, 69 patients undergoing spine or cytoreductive surgery were randomly enrolled into SpHb-monitoring and standard-care groups. Diagnostic blood samples were drawn for CO-oximetry Hb (CoOxHb) when the SpHb decreased by 1 g/dl or at the clinician's discretion in the standard-care group. The positive predictive value (PPV) was defined as the ability to detect a decrease in CoOxHb > 1 g/dl or a CoOxHb < 10 g/dl; the PPVs were compared using Fisher's exact test. The SpHb and trend accuracies were calculated. The transfusion units and postoperative hemoglobin levels were compared.

RESULTS

The PPV of a decrease in CoOxHb > 1 g/dl was 93.3% in the SpHb group vs 54.5% without SpHb monitoring (p = 0.002). The PPV of CoOxHb < 10 g/dl was 86.7% vs. 50.0% for these groups (p = 0.015). The CoOxHb was never < 7 g/dl with SpHb monitoring. Sixty SpHb-CoOxHb data pairs and 28 delta pairs (ΔSpHb-ΔCoOxHb) were collected. The bias, precision and limits of agreement were - 0.29, 1.03 and - 2.30 to 1.72 g/dl, respectively. When ΔSpHb and ΔCoOxHb were > 1 g/dl, the concordance rate for changes in hemoglobin reached 100%. The delta pairs revealed a positive correlation [ΔSpHb = 0.49 * ΔCoOxHb - 0.13; r = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (0.53, 0.82)]. No significant differences were found in the transfusion volume or postoperative anemia state.

CONCLUSIONS

The SpHb trend tracked changes in hemoglobin satisfactorily during surgery and more accurately estimated the appropriate timing for invasive hemoglobin measurements than the clinicians.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1800016290 (Prospective registered). Initial registration date was 24/05/2018.

Abstract P5-12-13: Changing level of serum heat shock protein 90 alpha as a diagnostic and predictive marker in breast cancer: Diagnosis of early breast cancer and prediction of response to neo-adjuvant and surgical therapy

To analyze the correlation of the level of serum heat shock protein 90α (HSP-90α) in healthy and breast cancer patients, studying the evaluation of neoadjuvant efficacy and Clinical value of relapse monitoring.

A total of 102 healthy women were selected, 51 cases of breast benign tumor ,423 cases of female breast cancer all diagnosed by pathology,other system malignancies 62 cases. ALL the serum samples HSP-90αwas detected by double-antibody ELISA. The CEA, CA125,CA15-3 were detected by Roche Cobas ECL analyzer. The ROC curve was used to analyze the effectiveness of serum HSP-90α in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The dynamic changes of HSP-90αlevel before and after treatment were analyzed by Wilcoxon's rank test. Moreover, we also combine the HSP-90αwith CEA,CA125,CA15-3 to evaluate the clinical value of monitoring the recurrence of breast cancer.

The levels of serum HSP-90α (123.49 ± 105.1ng / ml) in breast cancer patients wes significantly higher than that in healthy controls (40.33 ± 14.18ng / ml), benign breast disease (80.15 ± 103.09ng / ml) and carcinoma in situ (34.7 ± (114.31 ± 146.91ng / ml),the difference was statistically significant (P &lt;0.001). .According to the ROC curve analysis of patients and healthy subjects, the cut-offvalue was set as HSP-90=59.7ng / ml, AUC=0.834, the sensitivity and specificity to diagnosis of breast cancer was 90.3% and 78.6% respectively ,the negative predictive value was 93.88%.The levels of serum HSP-90α was significantly decreased (P &lt;0.05) after tumor resection and the patients who obtain PR from the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. When HSP-90=43.22ng / ml was set as the cut-off value for diagnosing the recurrence of breast cancer, AUC=0.877,the sensitivity and specificity were 95.7% and 74.5% respectively, and the negative predictive value was 96.2%. At the same time, we find that combined HSP-90α with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 can improve the accuracy of recurrence prediction.

Serum HSP-90α has a good clinical diagnostic value in breast cancer and can be used as a recurrence monitoring tool for post-adjuvant treatment patients.

Citation Format: Hu N, Li M, Zhu A, Du F, Yuan P. Changing level of serum heat shock protein 90 alpha as a diagnostic and predictive marker in breast cancer: Diagnosis of early breast cancer and prediction of response to neo-adjuvant and surgical therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-13.

Abstract P2-10-01: Phase II study of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor apatinib in combination with oral vinorelbine in heavily pretreated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer

Background: Metastatic breast cancer remains an incurable disease, and clinical benefit and progression-free survival are the main end points in advanced setting. Targeted therapies have shown promising potentials in HER2-positive breast cancer, but with uncertain effects in HER2-negative breast cancer, especially when the disease is progressing rapidly. The regimen of antiangiogenic therapy in combination with chemotherapy had been studied for years and gained improved efficacy. Apatinib is an oral, highly potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. PhaseIIclinical trials of Apatinib single agent had presented objective response and manageable toxicity in heavily pretreated, metastatic breast cancer. Oral vinorelbine represents a good choice for its toxicity and activity in anthracycline and taxane-pretreated breast cancer patients. This all-oral study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of the oral vinorelbine-apatinib combination in pre-treated metastatic breast cancer. Methods: This study enrolled patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, pretreated with anthracycline/taxanes, and who failed in the metastatic setting at least one prior chemotherapy or endocrine therapy when hormone receptor is positive. Patients were treated with apatinib 500mg/425mg daily plus oral vinorelbine 60mg/m2 day1,8,15 every 3 weeks/cycle. Patients eligible were evaluated by CT or MRI scan at baseline and every 2 cycles (6 weeks) there after until disease progressed. The primary endpoint wasPFS. The secondary endpoints were objective response rate, clinical benefit rate, OS, and safety. Results: 40 patients were enrolled with a median age of 55 (30-70) years. First 17 patients started apatinib at the dose of 500mg/day. Considering safety issues, a lower dose of apatinib 425mg/day was subsequently started as the initial dose after these 17 patients recruited. 26(65.0%) patients experienced treatment delay and 20(50.0%) patients experienced dose modification during treatment. Median follow-up time was 10.3 months. Of all 40 patients, median PFS was 5.4 months (95% CI, 3.4m–7.3m). Median OS was not reached. 32 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. ORR was 15.6% (5/32). CBR was 46.9% (15/32). Patients with triple-negative breast cancer or who received combined therapy as second line treatment gained better ORR and longer median PFS. The most common adverse events of all grades included gastrointestinal reaction (70.0%), myelosuppression (67.5%), hypertension(62.5%), pain(60.0%), malaise(52.5%), anorexia(50.0%), elevated transaminase(47.5%), hand-foot reaction (47.5%), proteinuria (37.5%), and elevated bilirubin(32.5%). Proteinuria, treatment delay, and ECOG performance status were independent predictive factors for PFS.Conclusions: The all-oral therapy of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor apatinib plus vinorelbine presented objective efficacy in advanced HER2-negative breast cancer who failed from first-line therapy, with acceptable and manageable toxicity.

Citation Format: Zhu A, Yuan P, Wang J, Fan Y, Luo Y, Cai R, Zhang P, Li Q, Ma F, Xu B. Phase II study of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor apatinib in combination with oral vinorelbine in heavily pretreated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-01.