Study of the optic nerve in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy by shear-wave elastography

AIM

To investigate the clinical value of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) in detecting optic nerve elasticity and in-frame adipose tissue elasticity in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2D-SWE was used to detect SWE values of the optic nerve and adipose tissue in adjacent optic nerve frames in 30 healthy participants, 30 patients with diabetic non-retinopathy (NDR), 35 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 30 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The correlation between SWE values and blood glucose, blood lipid, age, body mass index (BMI) was analysed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for SWE values.

RESULTS

The SWE values of the optic nerve and in-frame adipose tissue increased with the progression of DR, and analysis of variance was compared with groups: the SWE values of the optic nerve and in-frame adipose tissue in each group were significantly different (all p<0.001). The SWE values of the optic nerve and in-frame adipose tissue correlated positively with BMI, age, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose, and correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein. The SWE values of the optic nerve and in-frame adipose tissue had higher diagnostic efficacy. The combination of the two had higher diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The elastic modulus of optic nerve and in-frame adipose tissue can effectively predict and grade of DR, that is, 2D-SWE can be used as a non-invasive imaging diagnostic method for DR. The combined diagnostic efficacy of optic nerve SWE value and in-frame adipose tissue SWE value is significantly better than that of single use. This study found that increased BMI, age, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose, and decreased high-density lipoprotein are risk factors for DR.

High-throughput sequencing and characterization of potentially pathogenic fungi from the vaginal mycobiome of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in estrus and non-estrus

Introduction

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reproduction is of worldwide attention, and the vaginal microbiome is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive rate of giant pandas. The aim of this study is to investigate the diversity of vaginal mycobiota structure, and potential pathogenic fungi in female giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus.

Methods

This study combined with high-throughput sequencing and laboratory testing to compare the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota in giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus, and to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi. Potentially pathogenic fungi were studied in mice to explore their pathogenicity.

Results and discussion

The results revealed that during estrus, the vaginal secretions of giant pandas play a crucial role in fungal colonization. Moreover, the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota is reduced and specificity is enhanced. The abundance of Trichosporon and Cutaneotrichosporon in the vaginal mycobiota of giant pandas during estrus was significantly higher than that during non-estrus periods. Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon were considered the most important genera, and they primarily originate from the environment owing to marking behavior exhibited during the estrous period of giant pandas. Trichosporon is considered a resident mycobiota of the vagina and is an important pathogen that causes infection when immune system is suppressed. Potentially pathogenic fungi were further isolated and identified from the vaginal secretions of giant pandas during estrus, and seven strains of Apiotrichum (A. brassicae), one strain of Cutaneotrichosporon (C. moniliiforme), and nine strains of Trichosporon (two strains of T. asteroides, one strain of T. inkin, one strain of T. insectorum, and five strains of T. japonicum) were identified. Pathogenicity results showed that T. asteroides was the most pathogenic strain, as it is associated with extensive connective tissue replacement and inflammatory cell infiltration in both liver and kidney tissues. The results of this study improve our understanding of the diversity of the vaginal fungi present in giant pandas and will significantly contribute to improving the reproductive health of giant pandas in the future.

First Isolation and Identification of Aeromonas veronii in a Captive Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

The objective of this study was to understand biological characteristics of one bacteria strain named as VPG which was isolated from multiple organs of a dead captive giant panda cub. Here, we use biochemical tests, 16S rRNA and gyrB genes for bacterial identification, the disk diffusion method for antibiotic resistance phenotype, smart chip real-time PCR for the antibiotic resistance genotype, multiplex PCR for determination of virulence genes, and the acute toxicity test in mice for testing the pathogenicity of isolates. The isolate was identified as A. veronii strain based on the biochemical properties and genetic analysis. We found that the strain carried 31 antibiotic resistance genes, revealed antimicrobial resistance phenotypically to several antibiotics including penicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, amoxicillin, imipenem, and vancomycin, and carried virulence genes including aer, act, lip, exu, ser, luxs, and tapA. The main pathological changes in giant panda were congestion, necrotic lesions and a large number of bacteria in multiple organs. In addition, the LD50 in Kunming mice infected with strain VGP was 5.14 × 107 CFU/mL by intraperitoneal injection. Infection with strain VGP led to considerable histological lesions such as hemorrhage of internal organs, necrosis of lymphocytes and neurons in Kunming mice. Taken together, these results suggest that infection with strain VGP would be an important causes of death in this giant panda cub.

Occurrence and Molecular Characteristics of Microsporidia in Captive Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in China

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidian pathogens with zoonotic potential that pose significant public health concerns. To ascertain the occurrence and genotypes of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., we used nested PCR to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene and DNA sequencing to analyze 198 fecal samples from red pandas from 6 zoos in China. The total rate of microsporidial infection was 15.7% (31/198), with 12.1% (24/198), 1.0% (2/198), 2.0% (4/198) and 1.0% (2/198) for infection rate of E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Encephalitozoon hellem, respectively. One red panda was detected positive for a mixed infection (E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis). Red pandas living in semi-free conditions are more likely to be infected with microsporidia (χ2 = 6.212, df = 1, p < 0.05). Three known (SC02, D, and PL2) and one novel (SCR1) genotypes of E. bieneusi were found. Three genotypes of E. bieneusi (SC02, D, SCR1) were grouped into group 1 with public health importance, while genotype PL2 formed a separate clade associated with group 2. These findings suggest that red pandas may serve as a host reservoir for zoonotic microsporidia, potentially allowing transmission from red pandas to humans and other animals.

DWI-Based Radiomics Predicts the Functional Outcome of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular treatment is a reference treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO). However, no established and specific methods are available for the preoperative screening of patients with ABAO suitable for endovascular treatment. This study explores the potential value of DWI-based radiomics in predicting the functional outcomes of endovascular treatment in ABAO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ABAO treated with endovascular treatment from the BASILAR registry (91 patients in the training cohort) and the hospitals in the Northwest of China (31 patients for the external testing cohort) were included in this study. The Mann-Whitney U test, random forests algorithm, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to reduce the feature dimension. A machine learning model was developed on the basis of the training cohort to predict the prognosis of endovascular treatment. The performance of the model was evaluated on the independent external testing cohort.

RESULTS

A subset of radiomics features (n = 6) was used to predict the functional outcomes in patients with ABAO. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the radiomics model were 0.870 and 0.781 in the training cohort and testing cohort, respectively. The accuracy of the radiomics model was 77.4%, with a sensitivity of 78.9%, specificity of 75%, positive predictive value of 83.3%, and negative predictive value of 69.2% in the testing cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

DWI-based radiomics can predict the prognosis of endovascular treatment in patients with ABAO, hence allowing a potentially better selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from this treatment.

Particle-sounding of the spatial structure of kinetic Alfvén waves

Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) are ubiquitous throughout the plasma universe. Although they are broadly believed to provide a potential approach for energy exchange between electromagnetic fields and plasma particles, neither the detail nor the efficiency of the interactions has been well-determined yet. The primary difficulty has been the paucity of knowledge of KAWs' spatial structure in observation. Here, we apply a particle-sounding technique to Magnetospheric Multiscale mission data to quantitatively determine the perpendicular wavelength of KAWs from ion gyrophase-distribution observations. Our results show that KAWs' perpendicular wavelength is statistically 2.4[Formula: see text] times proton thermal gyro-radius. This observation yields an upper bound of the energy the majority proton population can reach in coherent interactions with KAWs, that is, roughly 5.76 times proton perpendicular thermal energy. Therefore, the method and results shown here provide a basis for unraveling the effects of KAWs in dissipating energy and accelerating particles in a number of astrophysical systems, e.g., planetary magnetosphere, astrophysical shocks, stellar corona and wind, and the interstellar medium.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of five drugs for treating postmenopausal women in the United States with osteoporosis and a very high fracture risk

PURPOSE

Five strategies were recommended by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE) guidelines for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) patients with a very high fracture risk. We aimed to assess their cost-effectiveness in the United States (US).

METHODS

A microsimulation Markov model was created to compare the cost-effectiveness of five treatment strategies, including zoledronate, denosumab, abaloparatide, teriparatide, and romosozumab in PMO patients with a recent fracture from the healthcare perspective of the US. The data used in the model were obtained from published studies or online resources. Base-case analysis, one-way deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) and probability sensitivity analysis (PSA) were conducted for 65-, 70-, 75-, and 80-year-old patients.

RESULTS

In base case, at 65 years, zoledronate was the cheapest strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER, which represent incremental costs per QALY gained) of denosumab, teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab against zoledronate were $13,020/QALY (quality-adjusted years), $477,331 /QALY, $176,287/QALY, and $98,953/QALY, respectively. Under a willing-to-pay (WTP, which means the highest price a consumer will pay for one unit of a good of service) threshold of $150,000/QALY, denosumab and romosozumab were cost-effective against zoledronate. The PSA results showed that denosumab was the most cost-effective option with WTP thresholds of $50,000/QALY, $100,000/QALY and $150,000/QALY. The results were similar in other age groups. The DSA results indicated that the most common parameters that have important influence on the outcome were drug persistence, incidence of adverse events, the efficacy of drugs on hip fractures and the cost of the drug.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Among PMO patients with a very high fracture risk in the US, zoledronate is the cheapest strategy and denosumab is the most cost-effective choice among these five strategies.

[The correlation between No. 6 and No. 14v lymph node metastasis and the value of dissecting these lymph nodes in radical gastrectomy]

Radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy has been widely performed as the standard surgery for patients with gastric cancer in major medical centers in China and abroad. However, the exact extent of lymph node dissection is still controversial. In the latest version of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines, No. 14v lymph nodes (along the root of the superior mesenteric vein) are again defined as loco-regional lymph nodes, and it is clarified that distal gastric cancer presenting with infra-pyloric regional lymph node (No.6) metastasis is recommended for D2+ superior mesenteric vein (No. 14v) lymph node dissection. To explore the relevance and clinical significance of No.6 and No.14v lymphadenectomy in radical gastric cancer surgery, a review of the national and international literature revealed that No.6 lymph node metastasis was associated with No.14v lymph node metastasis, that No.6 lymph node status was a valid predictor of No.14v lymph node negative status and false negative rate, and that for gastric cancer patients with No. 14v lymph node negative and No.6 lymph node positive, the dissection of No.14v lymph node may also have some significance. The addition of No. 14v lymph node dissection in radical gastrectomy is safe, but it is more important to distinguish the patients who can benefit from it. Professor Liang Han of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital is currently leading a multicenter, large-sample, prospective clinical trial (NCT02272894) in China, which is expected to provide higher level evidence for the clinical significance of lymph node dissection in No.14v.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii, a globally zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects most warm-blooded animals including the giant panda, and poses a serious threat to the giant panda conservation. However, the seroprevalence and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in giant pandas are unknown. Here we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the captive population of giant pandas and analyze the factors associated with the increased risk of infection.

Methods

A total of 203 serum samples were collected from 157 (95 females and 62 males) captive giant pandas from 2007 to 2022, antibodies against T. gondii were screened using commercial ELISA and MAT kits.

Results

The results showed 56 (35.67%) giant pandas were seropositive, age and transfer history between institutions were identifified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. It is suggested that age-related seroprevalence was the main factor, and housing multiple species in the same environment may increase the chance of cross-infection of T. gondii.

Discussion

This study can provide research data for developing policies for the prevention and control of T. gondii and protecting the health of captive giant pandas and other wildlife.

Comparison of a commercial ELISA and indirect hemagglutination assay with the modified agglutination test for detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis and has a significant effect on public health. In the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), toxoplasmosis can cause asymptomatic infections, reproductive disorder and even death, which poses a serious threat to the conservation of this rare protected species. Therefore, serological investigation of T. gondii is essential to understanding its risk to giant pandas, however, there are no specific testing kits for giant pandas. Previous research has used MAT as the reference method for screening T. gondii, to investigate this further, this study focused on the agreement comparing of MAT with ELISA and IHA tests for detecting T. gondii antibodies in 100 blood samples from 55 captive giant pandas in Chengdu, China. The results showed 87.0%, 87.0%, 84.0%, samples were sero-positive for T. gondii using ELISA (kits a, b, c), respectively, while MAT and IHA tests were 84.0% and 9.0% sero-positive, respectively. There was no significant difference between MAT and the three ELISA kits and these two methods had substantial agreement (0.61 < қ ≤ 0.80). Meanwhile, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between MAT and IHA, and these two methods had only a slight agreement (қ ≤ 0.20). The relative sensitivity of the ELISA (kits a, b, c) were 89.0%, 91.5% and 95.1%, and the specificity were 86.7%, 80.0% and 80.0%, respectively, which showed these three ELISA kits all had great accuracy. It is suggested that MAT is the recommended test method for primary screening T. gondii in giant pandas and then verified by ELISA.

•

It's the first report to compare the agreement of the three test kits for detecting T. gondii antibodies in giant panda.

•

No significant difference and substantial agreement between MAT and ELISA, slight agreement, meanwhile, the contrary result between MAT and IHA.

•

The relative sensitivity of ELISA kits was 89%, 91.5% and 95.1%, and the specificity was 86.7%, 80% and 80%, respectively.

•

The two commonly used commercial MAT and ELISA kits tested were valuable tools for T. gondii diagnosis for giant panda.

POS1057 IMPACT OF RISANKIZUMAB ON ENTHESITIS AND ASSOCIATED PAIN: POOLED RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 3, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND KEEPsAKE 1 AND 2 TRIALS

Background

Controlling or improving musculoskeletal disease activity of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (eg, enthesitis and associated pain) is a treatment priority for patients, rheumatologists, and dermatologists.1 Enthesitis is the cardinal lesion in PsA and is immunogenetically and experimentally linked to the interleukin-23 (IL-23) pathway.2 Risankizumab (RZB), a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits IL-23 by binding to its p19 subunit, was studied in a phase 3 adult PsA program (KEEPsAKE clinical trials).3,4 Pooled analyses from the program demonstrated the efficacy of RZB to treat enthesitis and pain associated with PsA, and increase the proportion of patients whose enthesitis resolved compared with placebo (PBO) in those patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to ≥1 conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (KEEPsAKE 1 and 2) and/or ≤ 2 biological therapies (KEEPsAKE 2).

Objectives

To investigate whether patients without enthesitis at baseline (BL) (Leeds Enthesitis Index [LEI] = 0 at BL) remained enthesitis-free through week (W) 52, patients with enthesitis at BL (LEI > 0 at BL) had resolution of enthesitis through W52, and if greater pain relief was achieved with RZB 150 mg in patients with enthesitis at BL vs PBO up to W24.

Methods

The study design and primary results of KEEPsAKE 1 (NCT03675308) and KEEPsAKE 2 (NCT03671148) have been previously reported.3,4 Briefly, patients were randomized to receive RZB 150 mg or PBO subcutaneously at weeks 0, 4, and 16 during a 24-week, double-blind treatment period; at W28 all patients received open label RZB 150 mg. For this post hoc analysis, the RZB 150 mg and PBO groups were pooled across the 2 studies. Pain reductions (as measured by change from BL in visual analogue scale [VAS] scores) were assessed at each time point through W24 among patients with enthesitis at BL (LEI > 0 at BL) using mixed-effect model repeated measurement analysis. Additional enthesitis analyses were calculated on the data as observed.

Results

Across the pooled population, over 60% of patients in each treatment group had enthesitis at BL (RZB=444/707 [63%]; PBO=448/700 [64%]). Conversely, 37% (263/707) and 36% (252/700) had no enthesitis (LEI=0) at BL among those randomized to RZB and PBO, respectively. Among enthesitis-free patients at BL (LEI=0 at BL), 84.7% on PBO and 90% on RZB remained free of enthesitis through W24; by W52, approximately 93% of patients in both groups (RZB and PBO to RZB) remained enthesitis free. A numerically higher proportion of patients with enthesitis at BL (LEI > 0 at BL) treated with RZB (52.1%) achieved an enthesitis-free state at W24 vs PBO (41.8%); similar proportions achieved an enthesitis-free state at W36 and W52 during open label treatment (Figure 1). Among patients with enthesitis at BL, a significantly greater improvement in VAS pain scores was observed in patients treated with RZB 150 mg vs PBO, as early as W4 (P < .01) and increased through W24 (Figure 1; P < .001).

Figure 1.

Conclusion

Long-term maintenance of an enthesitis-free state (LEI = 0) was similar between the RZB 150 mg and PBO groups, with approximately 93% of patients remaining free of enthesitis at W52. For LEI > 0 patients, the RZB 150-mg group had numerically more patients whose enthesitis resolved at W24, and similar proportions were observed at W52 after the open label switch. Patients with enthesitis at BL treated with RZB 150 mg had statistically greater improvements in pain compared with patients taking PBO starting at W4 through to W24.

References

[1]Orbai A-M, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76:673–680.

[2]Stavre Z, et al. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022;24(1):24.

[3]Kristensen LE, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;0:1–7.

[4]Östör A, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;0:1–8.

Acknowledgements

AbbVie Inc. participated in the study design; study research; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and writing, reviewing, and approving this abstract for submission. All authors had access to the data; participated in the development, review, and approval of the abstract; and agreed to submit this abstract to EULAR 2022 for consideration as a poster or oral presentation. No honoraria or payments were made for authorship. AbbVie and the authors thank all study investigators for their contributions and the patients who participated in this study. AbbVie funded the research for this study and provided writing support for this abstract. Medical writing assistance, funded by AbbVie, was provided by Kersten Reich, MPH, and Nancy Niguidula, DPH, of JB Ashtin.

Disclosure of Interests

Marina Magrey Consultant of: MM has received consulting fees from UCB, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Janssen., Grant/research support from: MM received research grants from Amgen, AbbVie, and UCB Pharma, Manish Jain Consultant of: MJ received consulting fees from Amgen, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novartis., Grant/research support from: MJ received research support from Amgen, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novartis., R Ranza Speakers bureau: RR is a member of speaker bureaus for AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer, Consultant of: RR is a consultant for AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer, Jayne Stigler Shareholder of: JS may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: JS is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Erin McDearmon-Blondell Shareholder of: EMB may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: EMB is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Cuiyong Yue Shareholder of: CY may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: CY is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Byron Padilla Shareholder of: BP may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: BP is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Christian Kaufmann Shareholder of: CK may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: CK is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Dennis McGonagle Speakers bureau: DM is a member of speaker bureaus for AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer., Grant/research support from: DM received research grants from AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer, UCB, BMS, Celgene.

AB0905 Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) After Inadequate Response or Intolerance to DMARDs: Pooled Results From the Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind KEEPsAKE 1 and 2 Trials

Background

PsA is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with diverse clinical manifestations that can impact a patients’ quality of life. Risankizumab (RZB), a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits interleukin 23 by binding to its p19 subunit, is approved for the treatment of active PsA in adults. In the phase 3 KEEPsAKE 1 and 2 studies, RZB treatment resulted in significantly greater improvements in signs and symptoms of active PsA compared with placebo (PBO).1,2 RAPID3 is frequently used in clinical practice to evaluate PsA disease activity and consists of 3 key patient-reported measures (physical function, pain, and patient’s global assessment of disease activity [PtGA]).3

Objectives

To evaluate short- (24 week) and long-term (52 week) improvements in RAPID3 scores and achievement of RAPID3 minimal clinically important difference (MCID) across the RZB KEEPsAKE 1 and 2 clinical program.

Methods

In KEEPsAKE 1 (NCT03675308) and KEEPsAKE 2 (NCT03671148), patients with active PsA who experienced inadequate response or intolerance to ≥ 1 csDMARD (KEEPsAKE 1) and/or ≤ 2 biological therapies (KEEPsAKE 2) were randomized to PBO or RZB 150 mg from baseline to week (W) 24; from W28–W52, all patients received open-label RZB 150 mg. At W16, nonresponders could add or modify rescue therapy. This post hoc analysis assessed the mean change from baseline to W24 and W52 in RAPID3 scores and the proportion of patients who achieved a RAPID3 MCID (defined as a decrease of ≥3.8 points4). Modified RAPID3 scores (range: 0–30) were calculated using pain scores, PtGA, and HAQ-DI, each rescaled to 0–10 and summed together.3

Results

A total of 961 and 443 patients were included from KEEPsAKE 1 and 2, respectively. At baseline, mean RAPID3 scores were 15.3 in both treatment arms of KEEPsAKE 1 (PBO n = 479, RZB n = 482) and 15.1 (PBO n = 219) and 14.8 (RZB n = 224) in KEEPsAKE 2. From W4 to W24, RAPID3 scores were significantly reduced with RZB treatment compared with PBO in both KEEPsAKE 1 (mean change from baseline at W24 of −5.3 vs −2.4, respectively, P <.001) and KEEPsAKE 2 (−3.8 vs −1.6, P <.001; Figure 1 A, B), and a significantly greater proportion of patients achieved MCID at W24 with RZB than with PBO in KEEPsAKE 1 (57.0% vs 36.4%, P <.001) and KEEPsAKE 2 (48.8% vs 32.8%, P <.001; Table 1). At W52 among patients who received RZB from W0–W52, mean change from baseline was −7.0 (KEEPsAKE 1) and −5.2 (KEEPsAKE 2; Figure 1 C, D), and MCID was achieved by 67.5% (KEEPsAKE 1) and 56.5% (KEEPsAKE 2) of patients. Patients who switched from PBO to RZB at W24 experienced similar and substantial improvements in RAPID3 scores by W52.

Table 1.

Proportion of Patients Achieving a Minimal Clinically Important Difference From Baseline in RAPID3 (AO).

Patients, % (n/N) [95% CI]KEEPsAKE 1KEEPsAKE 2PBORZB 150 mgPBORZB 150 mgW2436.4 (166/456) [32.0, 40.8]57.0 (262/460) [52.4, 61.5]***32.8 (64/195) [26.2, 39.4]48.8 (104/213) [42.1, 55.5]***PBO to RZB 150 mgaRZB 150 mgPBO to RZB 150 mgaRZB 150 mgW5259.8 (260/435) [55.2, 64.4]67.5 (297/440) [63.1, 71.9]57.4 (105/183) [50.2, 64.5]56.5 (109/193) [49.5, 63.5]

aPatients randomized to PBO at W0 switched to open-label RZB 150 mg at W24.

***, P < .001 vs PBO.

AO, as observed; PBO, placebo; RAPID3, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3; RZB, risankizumab; W, week.

Figure 1.

Mean Change From Baseline in RAPID3 Scores During KEEPsAKE 1 and 2.

**, P < .01; ***, P < .001 vs PBO.

AO, as observed; LS, least squares; MMRM, mixed-effect model repeated measurement; PBO, placebo; RAPID3, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3; RZB, risankizumab.

Conclusion

RZB 150 mg was associated with improvement in RAPID3 total scores over 24–52 weeks of treatment in patients with active PsA in KEEPsAKE 1 and 2.

References

[1]Kristensen LE, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022;81:225–231.

[2]Östör A, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;annrheumdis-2021-221048.

[3]Coates LC, et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018;70:1198–1205.

[4]Ward MM, et al. J Rheumatol. 2019;46:27–30.

Acknowledgements

AbbVie Inc. participated in the study design; study research; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and writing, reviewing, and approving of this abstract for submission. All authors had access to the data; participated in the development, review, and approval of and in the decision to submit this abstract to EULAR 2022 for consideration as a poster or oral presentation. No honoraria or payments were made for authorship. AbbVie and the authors thank all study investigators for their contributions and the patients who participated in this study. AbbVie funded the research for this study and provided writing support for this abstract.

Medical writing assistance, funded by AbbVie, was provided by Callie A. S. Corsa, PhD, of JB Ashtin.

Disclosure of Interests

Alexis Ogdie Consultant of: AO has received consulting fees and/or honoraria from AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, CorEvitas, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AO has received grants from AbbVie, Novartis, and Pfizer to the trustees of University of Pennsylvania, and from Amgen to Forward., Laura Coates Speakers bureau: LCC has been paid as a speaker for AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB., Consultant of: LCC has worked as a paid consultant for AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Moonlake, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: LCC has received grants/research support from AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, RICARDO ACAYABA DE TOLEDO Speakers bureau: RAT has received honoraria as a speaker/consultant for Abbvie, Celltrion, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: RAT has received honoraria as a speaker/consultant for Abbvie, Celltrion, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: RAT has received grants as an investigator from Abbvie, GSK, Novartis, and Pfizer., Ana Biljan Shareholder of: AB may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: AB is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Heather Jones Shareholder of: HJ may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: HJ is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Kristin Tacelosky Shareholder of: KT may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: KT is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Cuiyong Yue Shareholder of: CY may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: CY is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Byron Padilla Shareholder of: BP may hold AbbVie stock or stock options., Employee of: BP is a full-time employee of AbbVie., Martin Bergman Shareholder of: MB is a stock holder of Johnson & Johnson and Merck., Speakers bureau: MB has received honoraria as a speaker/consultant for Abbvie, Amgen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Scipher, Consultant of: MB has received honoraria as a speaker/consultant for Abbvie, Amgen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Scipher

Viral metagenomics unveiled extensive communications of viruses within giant pandas and their associated organisms in the same ecosystem

Cross-species transmission events were commonplace, with numerous cases of host-switching during the viral evolutionary history, but relatively little evidence for onward transmission in different species living in the same ecosystem. For understanding the communications of viruses in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and their associated organisms, based on a large size of samples (N = 2305) collected between 2015 and 2020 from giant panda (N = 776) and other four giant panda-associated organisms in the same ecosystem, red pandas (N = 700), stray cats (N = 32), wild rats (N = 42), and mosquitoes (N = 755), viromics was used for the virus identification and subsequent virus traceability. The results showed that a feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) was found in giant pandas with clinical signs of vomiting and mild diarrhea. Meanwhile, the same FPV strain was also prevalent in the healthy red panda (Ailurus fulgens) population. From the viromes of the five different organisms, 250 virus genomes were determined. Our data revealed that besides FPV, other putative pathogenic viruses, such as red panda amdoparvoviruses (RPAVs) and Getah viruses (GETVs) were responsible for previous disease or death of some red pandas. We also demonstrated that a number of viruses were involved in potential interspecies jumping events between giant pandas and their associated species. Collectively, our results shed light on the genetic diversity and relationship of diverse viral pathogens in 'Giant pandas-Associated animals-Arthropods' and report some cases of possible viral host-switching among these host species living in the same ecosystem.

Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Exosomes Ameliorate Periodontitis

Human bone marrow stromal cell (hBMSC)-derived exosomes are promising therapeutics for inflammatory diseases due to their unique microRNA (miRNA) and protein cargos. Periodontal diseases often present with chronicity and corresponding exuberant inflammation, which leads to loss of tooth support. In this study, we explored whether hBMSC exosomes can affect periodontitis progression. hBMSC exosomes were isolated from cell culture medium through sequential ultracentrifugation. miRNAs and proteins that were enriched in hBMSC exosomes were characterized by RNA sequencing and protein array, respectively. hBMSC exosomes significantly suppressed periodontal keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis-triggered inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that exosomes exerted their effects through regulating cell metabolism, differentiation, and inflammation resolution. In vivo, weekly exosome injection into the gingival tissues reduced the tissue destruction and immune cell infiltration in rat ligature-induced periodontitis model. Collectively, these findings suggest that hBMSC-derived exosomes can potentially be used as a host modulation agent in the management of periodontitis.

Mortality analysis of captive red panda cubs within Chengdu, China

Background

The red panda has been classified as an endangered species due to the decreased number in the world and disease is considered as a great threat to the health and survival of the cubs in captivity.

Results

This study analyzed 32 red panda cub mortalities (15 females and 17 males, age less than two months) through gross necropsy, microbiological examination, and histopathological observation at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China, during 2014–2020. The results showed that screenings for canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, rotavirus and parasite infection were all negative, however bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas were isolated from the tissue samples of some cubs. The major causes of death were respiratory (43.75%) and digestive system disease (28.13%), followed by cardiovascular disease (12.5%) and neonatal stillbirths (9.38%). Renal system diseases and trauma were also detected, at lower incidence (one case for each). The mortality rate within 15 days of birth was 68.75% and gradually decreased with age, there was no significant difference in gender.

Conclusion

This study can provide a scientific basis for the analysis of the cause of death among red panda cubs in captivity, so as to improve the survival rate, help build the captive population and further the ex-situ conservation management of this endangered species. Additionally, our research may also provide insights into the in-situ conservation of wild red pandas by identifying emerging disease threats within the wild population and potential treatment for rescued individuals.

High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance and Integron Gene Cassettes in Multi-Drug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates From Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR K. pneumonia) is increasingly being reported with corresponding increase in morbidity and mortality all over the world. However, limited information is available concerning MDR K. pneumonia in giant pandas. The objective of this study was to grasp the drug resistance profile of MDR K. pneumonia isolated from giant pandas. A total of 182 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from fresh feces of 94 captive giant pandas of different ages and sex and separated by season. We performed a standard disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility test with the isolates and further evaluated the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of multi-drug-resistant strains by high-throughput quantitative PCR. In addition, we then analyzed mobile genetic elements (MGEs), integron gene cassettes, and the multi-locus sequence typing of multi-drug-resistant strains by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results demonstrated that a total of 30 (16.5%) K. pneumoniae isolates showed multiple drug resistances. The thirty MDR K. pneumonia isolates were mainly resistant to amoxicillin (100.0%), doxycycline (86.7%), chloramphenicol (60.0%), compound trimethoprim (60.0%) and trimethoprim (56.7%). Fifty different types of antibiotic resistance genes were found, which included a total of 671 antibiotic resistance genes, in the 30 multi-drug-resistant isolates. The top ten resistance genes were: vanTC-02, aacC, blaCTX-M-04, blaSHV-01, blaSHV-02, ampC-04, blaOXY, tetD, blaTEM and tetA-02. Thirteen mobile genetic elements were detected, of which IS26 (96.67%) and intI1 (96.67%) had the highest frequency. The thirty MDR K. pneumonia isolates were negative for the traA, traF, tnsA, IS1133, ISpa7, ISkpn6, intI2 and intI3 genes. Moreover, a further investigation of integrons revealed that two types of specific gene cassettes (dfrA12 + orfF + aadA2 and dfrA12 + orfF) were identified in class 1 integrons. Multi-locus sequence typing results showed that 22 STs in the thirty MDR K. pneumonia isolates were identified, the main type was ST37 (5/30). Our results illustrate that effective surveillance and strict biosecurity strategies should be taken to prevent the spread of multi-drug-resistant bacteria, and monitor the emergence of mobile genetic elements and integrons.

Contrasting Vaginal Bacterial Communities Between Estrus and Non-estrus of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Bacterial infection and imbalance of bacterial community in the genitourinary system of giant panda could affect the reproductive health. In severe cases, it can also lead to abortion. In this study, 13 of vaginal secretions in the estrue (E) group and seven of vaginal secretions in the non-estrue (NE) group were used to study the composition and diversity of vaginal bacterial communities between estrus and non-estrus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The results showed that the vaginal microbiome in giant pandas shared the same top five abundant species between estrus and non-estrus at the phylum level. However, the vaginal microbiome changed significantly during estrus at the genus level. In top 10 genera, the abundance of Escherichia, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides in the E group was significantly higher than that in the NE group (p<0.05); Azomonas, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Campylobacter, and Peptoniphilus in the NE group was significantly higher than that in the E group (p<0.05). The richness and diversity of vaginal microbiome in giant panda on estrus were significantly lower than those on non-estrus (p<0.05). It is noteworthy that the abundance of Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Bacteroides of vagina in giant pandas maintained low abundance in the daily. Whereas, they increased significantly during estrus period, which may play an important role in female giant pandas during estrus period. It was hypothesized that hormones may be responsible for the changes in the vaginal microbiome of giant pandas between estrus and no-estrus stages.

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

First detection and molecular identification of Babesia sp. from the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, in China

BACKGROUND

Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) that hamper their survival in the wild. There are about 35 species of parasites which have been identified in giant pandas, but no information is currently available regarding the infection of Babesia in giant pandas. Babesia spp. are common intraerythrocytic parasite in wildlife, transmitted by ixodid ticks, which cause babesiosis. Clinical signs of babesiosis include fever, hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and death.

METHODS

A species of Babesia was detected in the blood of a giant panda based on morphology and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic relationship of Babesia sp. infecting giant panda was assessed by gene sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that the Babesia isolate detected was most similar to an unidentified species of Babesia identified in black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Japan (Babesia sp. Iwate, AB586027.1) with a 99.56% sequence similarity, followed by Babesia sp. EBB (AB566229.1, 99.50%) and Babesia sp. Akita (AB566229.1, 99.07%).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of Babesia detected in the giant panda. The results indicate that this Babesia sp. may be a novel species, currently named Babesia sp. strain EBP01.

Isolation and characterization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) from red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

BACKGROUND

Disease prevention and control is a significant part in the ex-situ conservation of the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens), being bacterial infection is one of the most important health threats to the captive population. To date, studies about the infection caused by Escherichia coli in the red panda are scarce. This study was conducted to determine the cause of death of a captive red panda through clinical symptoms, complete blood count, biochemical analysis, pathological diagnosis and bacterial whole genome sequencing.

CASE PRESENTATION

The following report describes a case of a 1.5 year old captive red panda (Ailurus fulgens) that was found lethargic and anorectic. She was moved to the quarantine area for daily treatment with 50 mg of Cefpodoxime Proxetil. During the three-day treatment, she did not eat or defecate, and then died. Clinical hematology revealed the values of neutrophils, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher. Histological analysis demonstrated major pathological damage in the kidneys, liver and lungs, characterized by hyperemia, parenchymal cell degeneration and necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration which were predominantly neutrophilic. A bacterial strain confirmed as Escherichia coli was isolated post mortem. Whole genome sequencing of the E. coli showed the complete genome size was 4.99 Mbp. PapA, PapC, OmpA, OmpU and other virulence factors which specific to Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) were found in the isolate. Among the virulence factors, P pili, type I pili and related factors of the iron uptake system were associated with nephrotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The red panda died of bacterial infection caused by an uropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli. The pathogenic mechanisms of the strain are closely related to the expression of specific virulence genes.

Occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in China

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are two well-known protist pathogens which can result in diarrhea in humans and animals. To examine the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in pet red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), 314 fecal specimens were collected from red squirrels from four pet shops and owners in Sichuan province, China. Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were examined by nested PCR targeting the partial small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene respectively. The infection rates were 8.6% (27/314) for Cryptosporidium spp. and 19.4% (61/314) for E. bieneusi. Five Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified by DNA sequence analysis: Cryptosporidium rat genotype II (n = 8), Cryptosporidium ferret genotype (n = 8), Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype III (n = 5), Cryptosporidium rat genotype I (n = 4), and Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 2). Additionally, a total of five E. bieneusi genotypes were revealed, including three known genotypes (D, SCC-2, and SCC-3) and two novel genotypes (RS01 and RS02). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that genotype D fell into group 1, whereas the remaining genotypes clustered into group 10. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in pet red squirrels in China. Moreover, C. parvum and genotype D of E. bieneusi, previously identified in humans, were also found in red squirrels, suggesting that red squirrels may give rise to cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis in humans through zoonotic transmissions. These results provide preliminary reference data for monitoring Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi infections in pet red squirrels and humans.

MiR-129 is involved in the occurrence of uterine fibroid through inhibiting TET1

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expressions of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-129 and its target gene in uterine fibroid tissues and to investigate the role of miR-129 in the occurrence of uterine fibroid.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expressions of miR-129 and its target gene ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) were detected via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Dual-luciferase reporter gene and Western blotting were used to verify the regulatory relation between miR-129 and target gene. The effects of miR-129 on the proliferation, apoptosis, cycle and extracellular matrix (ECM) of uterine fibroid cells were investigated via transfection with miR-129 mimics and TET1 small-interfering RNA (siRNA).

RESULTS

MiR-129 was lowly expressed in uterine fibroid. The expression of miR-129 was regulated by sex hormones. The highly expressed miR-129 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation through reducing the low expression of TET1. At the same time, miR-129 affected the accumulation of ECM.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of miR-129 in uterine fibroid is lower, and the proliferation capacity of tumor cells is enhanced, thus promoting the occurrence and development of uterine fibroid.

Measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 40 GeV to 100 TeV with the DAMPE satellite

The precise measurement of the spectrum of protons, the most abundant component of the cosmic radiation, is necessary to understand the source and acceleration of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. This work reports the measurement of the cosmic ray proton fluxes with kinetic energies from 40 GeV to 100 TeV, with 2 ¹/₂ years of data recorded by the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE). This is the first time that an experiment directly measures the cosmic ray protons up to ~100 TeV with high statistics. The measured spectrum confirms the spectral hardening at ~300 GeV found by previous experiments and reveals a softening at ~13.6 TeV, with the spectral index changing from ~2.60 to ~2.85. Our result suggests the existence of a new spectral feature of cosmic rays at energies lower than the so-called knee and sheds new light on the origin of Galactic cosmic rays.

Epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. infection in China: a systematic review

Blastocystis sp., a unicellular intestinal parasite in humans and animals worldwide, is frequently found in immunocompromized patients and people in close contact with animals. Here, we reviewed recent studies on the prevalence, subtypes, and distribution of Blastocystis infection in humans and animals in China. To date, more than 12 provinces have reported Blastocystis infection in humans, with identification of six different subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6). The overall infection rate reported was 3.37% (3625/107,695), with the lowest prevalence (0.80%) in Fujian province and the highest prevalence (100%) in Guangdong province. ST3 (62%, 186/300) was the most dominant subtype, identified in all tested provinces in China. A total of eight provinces have reported Blastocystis infection in various animals, with the overall prevalence being 24.66% (1202/4874). Molecular analysis revealed 14 subtypes that infected animals, including 10 known (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14), and 4 novel (Novel1, Novel2, Novel3, Novel4) subtypes. ST5 was the dominant subtype infecting artiodactyls (44.1%, 460/1044), while ST1 commonly infected carnivores (45.5%, 5/11). These findings provide insights into the epidemiological behavior of Blastocystis sp. in China, and could help in developing effective control strategies against the parasite.

A human-driven decline in global burned area

Fire is an essential Earth system process that alters ecosystem and atmospheric composition. Here we assessed long-term fire trends using multiple satellite data sets. We found that global burned area declined by 24.3 ± 8.8% over the past 18 years. The estimated decrease in burned area remained robust after adjusting for precipitation variability and was largest in savannas. Agricultural expansion and intensification were primary drivers of declining fire activity. Fewer and smaller fires reduced aerosol concentrations, modified vegetation structure, and increased the magnitude of the terrestrial carbon sink. Fire models were unable to reproduce the pattern and magnitude of observed declines, suggesting that they may overestimate fire emissions in future projections. Using economic and demographic variables, we developed a conceptual model for predicting fire in human-dominated landscapes.

pLARmEB: integration of least angle regression with empirical Bayes for multilocus genome-wide association studies

Multilocus genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become the state-of-the-art procedure to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with complex traits. However, implementation of multilocus model in GWAS is still difficult. In this study, we integrated least angle regression with empirical Bayes to perform multilocus GWAS under polygenic background control. We used an algorithm of model transformation that whitened the covariance matrix of the polygenic matrix K and environmental noise. Markers on one chromosome were included simultaneously in a multilocus model and least angle regression was used to select the most potentially associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whereas the markers on the other chromosomes were used to calculate kinship matrix as polygenic background control. The selected SNPs in multilocus model were further detected for their association with the trait by empirical Bayes and likelihood ratio test. We herein refer to this method as the pLARmEB (polygenic-background-control-based least angle regression plus empirical Bayes). Results from simulation studies showed that pLARmEB was more powerful in QTN detection and more accurate in QTN effect estimation, had less false positive rate and required less computing time than Bayesian hierarchical generalized linear model, efficient mixed model association (EMMA) and least angle regression plus empirical Bayes. pLARmEB, multilocus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model and fast multilocus random-SNP-effect EMMA methods had almost equal power of QTN detection in simulation experiments. However, only pLARmEB identified 48 previously reported genes for 7 flowering time-related traits in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The Selenylation Modification of Epimedium Polysaccharide and Isatis Root Polysaccharide and the Immune-enhancing Activity Comparison of Their Modifiers

Epimedium polysaccharide (EPS) and isatis root polysaccharide (IRPS) were extracted, purified, and selenizingly modified by nitric acid-sodium selenite method to obtain nine selenizing EPSs (sEPSs), sEPS1-sEPS9 and nine selenizing IRPSs (sIRPSs), sIRPS1-sIRPS9, respectively. Their effects on chicken peripheral lymphocyte proliferation in vitro were compared by MTT assay. The results showed that selenium polysaccharides at appropriate concentration could promote lymphocyte proliferation more significantly than unmodified polysaccharides, sEPS5 and sIRPS5 with stronger actions were picked out and injected into the chickens vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine in vivo tests. The peripheral lymphocyte proliferation and serum antibody titer were determined. The results showed that sEPS5 and sIRPS5 could elevate serum antibody titer and promote lymphocyte proliferation more significantly than unmodified polysaccharides, sEPS5 possessed the strongest efficacy. These results indicate that selenylation modification can significantly enhance the immune-enhancing activity of EPS and IRPS, and sEPS5 can be as a new-type immunopotentiator of chickens.

Effects of Selenylation Modification on Antioxidative Activities of Schisandra chinensis Polysaccharide

The selenylation modification of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide (SCP) was conducted by the HNO₃–Na₂SeO₃ method respectively under nine conditions according to L₉(3⁴) orthogonal design. Nine selenizing SCPs, sSCP₁–sSCP₉, were obtained, and their antioxidant activities were compared. In vitro test, the free radical-scavenging rates of nine sSCPs were determined for DPPH., .OH and ABTS⁺. sSCP₁ presented the most significant effect, and could inhibit the nonenzymatic protein glycation. In vivo test, 14-day-old chickens were injected respectively with sSCP₁ and SCP, the serum contents of CAT, SOD and MDA were determined. The result showed that as compared with the SCP group, the SOD and CAT activities were significantly or numerically raised and MDA content was significantly or numerically lowered in the sSCP₁ group. These results indicate that selenylation modification can significantly enhance the antioxidant and antiglycative activity of SCP in vitro or in vivo. sSCP₁ possesses the best efficacy and its modification conditions can be as optimal modification conditions that were 200 mg of Na₂SeO₃ for 500 mg of SCP, reaction temperature of 50°C and reaction time of 6 h.

The implant infection paradox: why do some succeed when others fail? Opinion and discussion paper

Biomaterial-implants are frequently used to restore function and form of human anatomy. However, the presence of implanted biomaterials dramatically elevates infection risk. Paradoxically, dental-implants placed in a bacteria-laden milieu experience moderate failure-rates, due to infection (0.0-1.1%), similar to the ones of joint-arthroplasties placed in a near-sterile environment (0.1-1.3%). Transcutaneous bone-fixation pins breach the immune-barrier of the epidermis, exposing underlying sterile-tissue to an unsterile external environment. In contrast to dental-implants, also placed in a highly unsterile environment, these pins give rise to relatively high infection-associated failure-rates of up to 23.0%. Herein, we attempt to identify causes as to why dental-implants so often succeed, where others fail. The major part of all implants considered are metal-made, with similar surface-finishes. Material choice was therefore discarded as underlying the paradox. Antimicrobial activity of saliva has also been suggested as a cause for the success of dental-implants, but was discarded because saliva is the implant-site-fluid from which viable bacteria adhere. Crevicular fluid was discarded as it is largely analogous to serum. Instead, we attribute the relative success of dental-implants to (1) ability of oral tissues to heal rapidly in the continuous presence of commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens, and (2) tolerance of the oral immune-system. Inability of local tissue to adhere, spread and grow in presence of bacteria and an intolerant immune-system are identified as the likely main causes explaining the susceptibility of other implants to infection-associated failure. In conclusion, it is the authors' belief that new anti-infection strategies for a wide range of biomaterial-implants may be derived from the relative success of dental-implants.

Effect of selenylation modification on immune-enhancing activity of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide

The Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (AMP) was extracted purified and modified in selenylation by Nitric acid-sodium selenite method to get nine selenizing AMPs (sAMPs), sAMP(1)-sAMP(9). In vitro test their effects on chicken peripheral lymphocyte proliferation were determined by MTT assay. The results showed that nine sAMPs and AMP at five concentrations could significantly promote lymphocyte proliferation, the actions in six sAMPs were significantly stronger than that in AMP, and in sAMP(9) was the strongest. In vivo test, 14-day-old chickens vaccinated with ND vaccine were injected respectively with sAMP(9) and AMP, the peripheral lymphocytes proliferation, serum antibody titer, IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-6 contents were determined. The results displayed that the sAMP could significantly promote lymphocyte proliferation and elevate the antibody titers and content of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-6 in comparison with unmodified AMP. These results indicate that selenylation modification can significantly enhance the immune-enhancing activity of AMP.

Automated 3D segmentation of hippocampus based on active appearance model of brain MR images for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

AIM

To investigate the hippocampal regional deformation modes by means of a novel method of automatic segmentation for discriminating between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal aging; and to further provide the effective evidence for the early diagnosis of AD.

METHODS

Twenty AD patients and sixty healthy volunteers were included in this retrospective study. High-resolution structural volumetric images were obtained on a 3.0 T MR imaging system. Data were processed to create three-dimensional (3D) active appearance model (AAM) of hippocampus. Automatic recognition and 3D segmentation were carried out on both sides of the hippocampus in brain MR images of individuals with this model, and the hippocampal statistical shape model was established for AD group and control group. Student's t test was used to identify whether there was difference between AD group and control group in the hippocampal regional deformation detected by automatic segmentation, and to compare whether there was difference between the automated segmentation and the manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal volumes on left/right side of the same sex group of healthy volunteers and if there was genderwise difference. Pearson's Correlation test was employed to determine whether there was a correlation between automated segmentation and manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal volumes.

RESULTS

No significant difference was detected between automated segmentation and manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal volumes on left/right side of the same sex group of healthy volunteers (P>0.05). Further there was no significant genderwise difference (P>0.05). A very strong positive correlation existed between both methods for quantifying hippocampal volumes (denoted R(2) near 1.0, P<0.001). Noticeable atrophy of bilateral hippocampal head was found among twenty patients with AD through statistical shape model compared with control group (P<0.05), especially on the left where inward-deformation was significantly found.

CONCLUSION

This novel method of automated segmentation of the hippocampus based on AAM has been found to be reliable and accurate in our study, which may be an alternative to manual segmentation. The featured atrophy of hippocampal head can be regarded as an important biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD.

Cardiac mass in Behçet's disease

Cardiac mass is a rare manifestation of Behçet's disease (BD). Intracardiac thrombosis, endomyocardiofibrosis, endocardial fibroelastosis, inflammatory mass and cystic change have been reported as different entities of cardiac mass in BD. Here we presented 6 cases of this rare manifestation of BD. The clinical and pathological features were reviewed.

Bias correction for estimated QTL effects using the penalized maximum likelihood method

A penalized maximum likelihood method has been proposed as an important approach to the detection of epistatic quantitative trait loci (QTL). However, this approach is not optimal in two special situations: (1) closely linked QTL with effects in opposite directions and (2) small-effect QTL, because the method produces downwardly biased estimates of QTL effects. The present study aims to correct the bias by using correction coefficients and shifting from the use of a uniform prior on the variance parameter of a QTL effect to that of a scaled inverse chi-square prior. The results of Monte Carlo simulation experiments show that the improved method increases the power from 25 to 88% in the detection of two closely linked QTL of equal size in opposite directions and from 60 to 80% in the identification of QTL with small effects (0.5% of the total phenotypic variance). We used the improved method to detect QTL responsible for the barley kernel weight trait using 145 doubled haploid lines developed in the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project. Application of the proposed method to other shrinkage estimation of QTL effects is discussed.

Novel cellular microarray assay for profiling T-cell peptide antigen specificities

We present a novel cellular microarray assay using soluble peptide-loaded HLA A2-Ig dimer complexes that optimizes the avidity of peptide-HLA binding by preserving the molecular flexibility of the dimer complex while attaining much higher concentrations of the complex relative to cognate T-cell receptors. A seminal advance in assay development is made by separating the molecular T-cell receptor recognition event from the binding interactions that lead to antigen-specific cell capture on the microarray. This advance enables the quantitative determination of antigen-specific frequencies in heterogeneous T-cell populations without enumerating the number of cells captured on the microarray. The specificity of cell capture, sensitivity to low antigen-specific frequencies, and quantitation of antigenic T-cell specificities are established using CD8 T-cell populations with prepared antigen-specific CTL frequencies and heterogeneous T cells isolated from peripheral blood. The results demonstrate several advantages for high-throughput broad-based, quantitative assessments of low-frequency antigen specificities. The assay enables the use of cellular microarrays to determine the stability and flux of antigen-specific T-cell responses within and across populations.

Differential kinetics of oxytocin and vasopressin heteronuclear RNA expression in the rat supraoptic nucleus in response to chronic salt loading in vivo

Previous studies have shown that the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin from the posterior pituitary always accompanies systemic hyperosmotic stimuli in rats, and that oxytocin and vasopressin mRNAs consistently increase in response to prolonged hyperosmotic stimuli. Hence, it has been widely interpreted that oxytocin and vasopressin secretion and gene expression are closely coupled. In the present study, we used both vasopressin and oxytocin intron- specific probes to measure vasopressin and oxytocin heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA) levels, respectively, by in situ hybridisation in the rat supraoptic nucleus (SON) in conjunction with radioimmunoassays of vasopressin and oxytocin peptide levels in plasma and in the posterior pituitary in normally hydrated rats and after 1-5 days of salt loading. Increased oxytocin secretion in response to hyperosmotic stimuli exceeded vasopressin secretion at every time point studied. Vasopressin hnRNA in the SON increased to near maximal levels within minutes after the hyperosmotic stimulus, and was maintained throughout all 5 days of salt loading. By contrast, oxytocin hnRNA did not significantly change from control levels until approximately 2 days after hyperosmotic stimulation, and was not maximal until 3 days. In summary, increases in oxytocin gene transcription in response to osmotic stimuli are dramatically delayed compared to increases in vasopressin gene transcription under the same conditions. These data indicate that oxytocin gene transcription is not as closely correlated with pituitary peptide secretion as is vasopressin gene transcription, and suggests that there is a fundamental difference in excitation-secretion-transcription coupling mechanisms that regulate these two closely related genes in the rat magnocellular neurones in the SON.

Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy with palladium-bacteriopheophorbide photosensitizer for recurrent prostate cancer following definitive radiation therapy: assessment of safety and treatment response

PURPOSE

Tookad is a novel intravascular photosensitizer. When activated by 763 nm light, it destroys tumors by damaging their blood supply. It then clears rapidly from the circulatory system. To our knowledge we report the first application of Tookad vascular targeted photodynamic therapy in humans. We assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary treatment response as a salvage procedure after external beam radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients received escalating drug doses of 0.1 to 2 mg/kg at a fixed light dose of 100 J/cm or escalated light doses of 230 and 360 J/cm at the 2 mg/kg dose. Four optical fibers were placed transperineally in the prostate, including 2 for light delivery and 2 for light dosimetry. Treatment response was assessed primarily by hypovascular lesion formation on contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies targeting areas of lesion formation and secondarily by serum prostate specific antigen changes.

RESULTS

Tookad vascular targeted photodynamic therapy was technically feasible. The plasma drug concentration was negligible by 2 hours after infusion. In the drug escalation arm 3 of 6 patients responded, as seen on magnetic resonance imaging, including 1 at 1 mg/kg and 2 at 2 mg/kg. The light dose escalation demonstrated an increasing volume of effect with 2 of 3 patients in the first light escalation cohort responding and all 6 responding at the highest light dose with lesions encompassing up to 70% of the peripheral zone. There were no serious adverse events, and continence and potency were maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Tookad vascular targeted photodynamic therapy salvage therapy is safe and well tolerated. Lesion formation is strongly drug and light dose dependent. Early histological and magnetic resonance imaging responses highlight the clinical potential of Tookad vascular targeted photodynamic therapy to manage post-external beam radiation therapy recurrence.