Simulation on Harmful Gas Control by Balanced Pressure Ventilation in the Fully Mechanized Caving Face under Sealed Fire Area of Small Coal Mine

The harmful gas in the sealed fire area of a small coal mine rushes into the mining face of the lower coal seam, which restricts the efficient promotion of the working face. In this paper, based on the evolution law of caving coal rock dilatation coefficient, the characteristics of the heterogeneous distribution of permeability and voidage in goaf were obtained, and the mathematical model of gas migration in goaf is constructed. The numerical solution of gas migration in goaf under the sealed fire area of a small coal mine was realized by using the Free and Porous Media Flow module and the Transport of Dilute Matter in Porous Media module in COMSOL Multiphysics, and the corresponding measure was proposed. The results show that the fresh air flows into the goaf from both the inlet air roadway and the working face and then flows out from the upper corner. Driven by the air flow, the CO in the overlying sealed fire area of a small coal mine flows out from the upper corner of the working face, resulting in the CO overlimit. Due to the influence of air leakage and the CO overlimit in the working face, low oxygen occurs in the working face. According to the characteristics of gas emission, balanced pressure ventilation technology is proposed to control the low oxygen in the working face and the CO overlimit in the upper corner. It is found that the balanced pressure ventilation obviously increases the pressure of the working face, reduces the pressure difference between the two ends of the working face by 45.7-26.7%, and decreases the air leakage to the goaf in the upper corner of the inlet air roadway. The field application shows that the problems of low oxygen in the working face and a CO overlimit in the upper corner are effectively solved.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Influence of magma intrusion on coal geochemical characteristics: a case study of Tiefa Daxing coal mine

Magma intrusion has an important influence on the physical and mechanical properties of coal and rock. In the area of magma intrusion, disasters such as gas outburst are prone to occur. Revealing its invasion law will be conducive to disaster management and energy development. For this purpose, changes in industrial analysis components of coal, mineral composition, major oxides, trace elements, and rare earth elements of coal under the thermal metamorphism of magma intrusion were analyzed. It is found that the moisture and volatile matter contents of the thermally affected coals in the mining face are generally lower than that of normal coals, while moisture and volatile matter contents are reduced towards to the magma intrusion contact. For example, the moisture and volatile matter of coal sample M01 decreased by 64.6% and 38.6% respectively compared with coal sample M05. During magma intrusion, some minerals remain on the surface of the coal body, resulting in changes in the mineral composition of the coal body. The decrease in carbon atom net spacing, the increase in crystallite aggregation and ductility, and aromaticity in thermally affected coals have a positive impact on the improvement of coal metamorphism. Due to the influences of magmatic intrusion, the variation rules of major oxides in coal are different, and the closer to the magmatic intrusion zone, the easier the major oxides are to be depleted. However, magma intrusion will not lead to the loss of all major oxides in thermally affected coals, such as content of CaO is 54.8%, which is higher than that of coal not affected by magmatic hydrothermal fluid. Most of the trace elements in the thermally affected coals of the No. 9 coal seam are depleted. The contents of rare earth elements are low on the whole coalbasis, with an average of 29.48 μg/g, and the distribution pattern towards to magmatic intrusion shows a wide and gentle "V" curve with left high and right low, showing the characteristics of enrichment of light rare earth elements.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

A Functional Electrolyte Containing P-Phenyl Diisothiocyanate (PDITC) Additive Achieves the Interphase Stability of High Nickel Cathode in a Wide Temperature Range

The lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high nickel cathode have high specific energy, but as the nickel content in the cathode active material increases, batteries are suffering from temperature limitations, unstable performance, and transition metal dissolution during long cycling. In this work, a functional electrolyte with P-phenyl diisothiocyanate (PDITC) additive is developed to stabilize the performance of LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 (NCM811)/graphite LIBs over a wide temperature range. Compared to the batteries without the additive, the capacity retention of the batteries with PDITC-containing electrolyte increases from 23 % to 74 % after 1400 cycles at 25 °C, and from 15 % to 85 % after 300 cycles at 45 °C. After being stored at 60 °C, the capacity retention rate and capacity recovery rate of the battery are also improved. In addition, the PDITC-containing battery has a higher discharge capacity at -20 °C, and the capacity retention rate increases from 79 % to 90 % after 500 cycles at 0 °C. Both theoretical calculations and spectroscopic results demonstrate that PDITC is involved in constructing a dense interphase, inhibiting the decomposition of the electrolyte and reducing the interfacial impedance. The application of PDITC provides a new strategy to improve the wide-temperature performance of the NCM811/graphite LIBs.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

Observation of WZγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WZγ production and a measurement of its cross section using 140.1±1.2  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The WZγ production cross section, with both the W and Z bosons decaying leptonically, pp→WZγ→ℓ^{'}^{±}νℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}γ (ℓ^{(^{'})}=e, μ), is measured in a fiducial phase-space region defined such that the leptons and the photon have high transverse momentum and the photon is isolated. The cross section is found to be 2.01±0.30(stat)±0.16(syst)  fb. The corresponding standard model predicted cross section calculated at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and at leading order in the electroweak coupling constant is 1.50±0.06  fb. The observed significance of the WZγ signal is 6.3σ, compared with an expected significance of 5.0σ.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Search for Dark Photons in Rare Z Boson Decays with the ATLAS Detector

A search for events with a dark photon produced in association with a dark Higgs boson via rare decays of the standard model Z boson is presented, using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dark boson decays into a pair of dark photons, and at least two of the three dark photons must each decay into a pair of electrons or muons, resulting in at least two same-flavor opposite-charge lepton pairs in the final state. The data are found to be consistent with the background prediction, and upper limits are set on the dark photon's coupling to the dark Higgs boson times the kinetic mixing between the standard model photon and the dark photon, α_{D}ϵ^{2}, in the dark photon mass range of [5, 40] GeV except for the ϒ mass window [8.8, 11.1] GeV. This search explores new parameter space not previously excluded by other experiments.

Measurement of the Sensitivity of Two-Particle Correlations in pp Collisions to the Presence of Hard Scatterings

A key open question in the study of multiparticle production in high-energy pp collisions is the relationship between the "ridge"-i.e., the observed azimuthal correlations between particles in the underlying event that extend over all rapidities-and hard or semihard scattering processes. In particular, it is not known whether jets or their soft fragments are correlated with particles in the underlying event. To address this question, two-particle correlations are measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV using data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with an integrated luminosity of 15.8  pb^{-1}, in two different configurations. In the first case, charged particles associated with jets are excluded from the correlation analysis, while in the second case, correlations are measured between particles within jets and charged particles from the underlying event. Second-order flow coefficients, v_{2}, are presented as a function of event multiplicity and transverse momentum. These measurements show that excluding particles associated with jets does not affect the measured correlations. Moreover, particles associated with jets do not exhibit any significant azimuthal correlations with the underlying event, ruling out hard processes contributing to the ridge.

Observation of an Excess of Dicharmonium Events in the Four-Muon Final State with the ATLAS Detector

A search is made for potential ccc[over ¯]c[over ¯] tetraquarks decaying into a pair of charmonium states in the four muon final state using proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} recorded by the ATLAS experiment at LHC. Two decay channels, J/ψ+J/ψ→4μ and J/ψ+ψ(2S)→4μ, are studied. Backgrounds are estimated based on a hybrid approach involving Monte Carlo simulations and data-driven methods. Statistically significant excesses with respect to backgrounds dominated by the single parton scattering are seen in the di-J/ψ channel consistent with a narrow resonance at 6.9 GeV and a broader structure at lower mass. A statistically significant excess is also seen in the J/ψ+ψ(2S) channel. The fitted masses and decay widths of the structures are reported.

Dose Painting Radiotherapy Guided by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance vs. 18F-FDG-PET/CT in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This phase II randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the efficacy and toxicity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI)-guided dose painting radiotherapy (DP-RT), FDG-PET/CT-guided DP-RT, and conventional MRI-based radiotherapy (RT) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 330 patients with stage III-IVa NPC disease were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy by DWI-guided DP-RT (group A, n = 110), FDG-PET/CT-guided DP-RT (group B, n = 110), or conventional MRI-based RT (group C, n = 110). All patients received volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). In group A, subvolume GTVnx-DWI (gross tumor volume of nasopharynx in DWI) was defined as the areas within the GTVnx (gross tumor volume of nasopharynx) with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) below the mean ADC (ADC < mean). In group B, subvolume GTVnx-PET (gross tumor volume of nasopharynx in PET images) was defined within GTVnx as the SUV50%max isocontour. The doses to GTVnx-DWI in group A and GTVnx-PET in group B were escalated to 75.2 Gy/32 fx in patients with T1-2 disease and to 77.55 Gy/33 fx in those with T3-4 disease in 2.35 Gy per fraction. In group C, planning gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (PGTVnx) was irradiated at 70.4 to 72.6 Gy/32 to 33 fx in 2.2 Gy per fraction. This trial is registered with chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200057476).

RESULTS

Group A and B showed significant higher complete response (CR) rates than group C (100%, 100%, and 96.4% for group A, B and C, respectively, p = 0.036). In groups A, B and C, the 1-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rates were 100%, 100%, and 94.5%, respectively (p = 0.002). The 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 100%, 99.1%, and 92.7%, respectively (p = 0.001). The 1-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 100%, 99.1%, and 93.6%, respectively (p = 0.004). The 1-year overall survival (OS) rates were 100%, 100%, and 95.4%, respectively (p = 0.006). Group A and B had significantly higher 1-year LRFS, DFS, DMFS, and OS than those in group C. No significant differences were observed in LRFS, DFS, DMFS and OS between group A and B. Group B (PET/CT group) had a higher incidence of grade 3-4 acute ototoxicity (3.6%) than group A (0%) and group C (0%, p = 0.036). No significant differences in other grade 3-4 acute adverse events and late toxic effects were observed among the three groups, and no patient had grade 5 toxicities. Multivariate analysis showed that dose painting (DWI-guided DP-RT and PET/CT-guided DP-RT vs conventional MRI-based RT) was associated with improved LRFS, DFS, DMFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Both DWI-guided DP-RT and PET/CT-guided DP-RT plus chemotherapy are associated with improved LRFS, DFS, DMFS and OS compared with conventional MRI-based RT among patients with locoregionally advanced NPC. DWI-guided DP-RT does not increase toxicities, but PET/CT-guided DP-RT has higher incidence of acute ototoxicity.

Efficacy and Toxicity of Different Target Volume Delineations of Radiotherapy Based on the Updated RTOG/NRG and EORTC Guidelines in Patients with High Grade Glioma: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Postoperative radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard of care for newly diagnosed high grade glioma, but the optimal method for target volume delineations for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is still unclear. We hypothesized that compared with the EORTC guidelines, IMRT based on the updated RTOG/NRG guidelines was equally effective, without increasing toxicities for patients with high-grade glioma. The purpose of this randomized phase 2 study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IMRT based on different target volume delineations (updated RTOG/NRG versus EORTC guidelines) with concomitant and adjuvant TMZ for patients with high grade glioma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 302 patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma (WHO grade 3-4) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive postoperative IMRT based on either updated RTOG/NRG guidelines (RTOG/NRG group, n = 151) or EORTC guideline (EORTC group, n = 151), with concomitant and adjuvant TMZ. In the RTOG/NRG group, an initial volume consisting of enhancement, postoperative cavity, plus surrounding edema (or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR] abnormality defined by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and a 2-cm margin received 46 Gy in 23 fractions followed by a boost of 14 Gy in 7 fractions to the area of enhancement plus the cavity and a 2-cm margin. In the EORTC group, a single planning volume was used to deliver 60 Gy in 30 fractions to the area of enhancement and the cavity with a 2-cm margin. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicities associated with each treatment.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for 1-year OS (71.8% for RTOG/NRG group and 69.9% for EORTC group, respectively; P = 0.759) or 1-year PFS (46.7% for RTOG/NRG group and 43.6% for EORTC group, respectively; P = 0.674). Efficacy did not differ by MGMT methylation status. There were no differences in grade 3-4 toxicities (leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) between the two groups. No grade 5 toxicities were observed in both groups. Multivariate analyses showed that tumor MGMT status (methylated vs unmethylated) and WHO grade (grade 3 vs grade 4) were associated with OS and PFS. However, radiation type (RTOG/NRG group vs EORTC), sex, age, and Karnofsky scale did not significantly influence OS or PFS.

CONCLUSION

Compared with EORTC guidelines for postoperative radiotherapy, IMRT based on RTOG/NRG guidelines was equally effective, without increasing toxicities for patients with high-grade glioma. This trial is registered with chictr.org.cn, number ChiCTR2100046667.

Effect of MTA3 Inhibition of Glutamine Synthetase-Mediated Glutaminolysis on Radiosensitivity of Patients with Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) can serve as a tumor suppressor in many cancer types. However, the role of MTA3 in radiosensitivity of patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) remains unclear. We thus investigated the function of MTA3 in radiosensitivity for ESCC, one of the most common digestive cancers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The colony formation assay and nude mice xenograft tumor assay were performed to investigate the effect of MTA3 on radiosensitivity in ESCC. Glutamine consumption assay kit and glutamate production assay kit were used to assess the glutaminolysis. Glutaminase (GLS) Activity Assay Kit and Glutamine Synthetase (GS) Activity Assay Kit were used to analyze the activity of specific metabolic enzymes dominate glutaminolysis. The regulatory mechanism of glutaminolysis by MTA3 was confirmed using Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay. The expression levels of MTA3 and GS in ESCC primary tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The colony formation assay showed that MTA3 depletion and overexpression caused significantly higher and lower clonogenic survival after different doses of irradiation (IR), respectively. When these cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, the tumors derived from the cells with MTA3 overexpression and MTA3 knockdown were significantly smaller and bigger after IR, respectively. These findings suggest that MTA3 can enhance radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can repress and expedite glutamine consumption and glutamate production uniformly, respectively. To determine how MTA3 acts on glutaminolysis, the activity of two specific metabolic enzymes dominate this metabolism, GS and GLS, were evaluated. It found that overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can restrain and enhance the activity of GS, respectively, but have less effect on GLS. Moreover, the decreased radiosensitivity mediated by MTA3 knockdown is significantly increased when treated with GS inhibitor, suggesting that GS plays a crucial role in MTA3-mediated radiosensitivity enhancement. Mechanistically, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay showed that MTA3 was recruited to the promoter of GS and suppressed GS transcription. However, knockdown of GATA3 abolished MTA3's repressive effect on GS and inhibited the MTA3's occupation on the promoter region of GS. These results collectively demonstrated that, in ESCC cells, MTA3 is recruited by GATA3 to inhibit GS expression, then ultimately represses glutaminolysis and enhances radiosensitivity. Finally, we showed that the ESCC patients in the MTA3low/GShigh group is significantly associated with shorter overall survival.

CONCLUSION

MTA3 is capable of enhancing radiosensitivity through downregulating GS and MTA3low/GShigh might be a potential prognostic factor for ESCC patients.

The association of serum testosterone with dyslipidemia is mediated by obesity: the Henan Rural Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the relationships of serum testosterone with dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels and test whether obesity mediated these associations by gender in Chinese rural population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 6150 subjects were finally analyzed in this study. Serum testosterone for each subject was detected by liquid chromatography equipped with tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and linear regression were employed to evaluate the associations of serum testosterone with the prevalence of dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels. Mediation analysis was conducted to identify the mediation effects of obesity on the relationship between serum testosterone and dyslipidemia. After adjusting for multiple confounders, per unit change in serum ln-testosterone levels was associated with a decreased prevalent dyslipidemia in men (odds ratio (OR): 0.785, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.708, 0.871)). Males with the levels of serum testosterone in the third or fourth quartiles had a 49.4% (OR: 0.506, 95% CI 0.398, 0.644) or 67.1% (OR: 0.329, 95% CI 0.253, 0.428) significantly lower odds of prevalence of dyslipidemia. In addition, a onefold increase in ln-testosterone was related to a 0.043 mmol/L (95% CI 0.028, 0.059) increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in men. Results of the mediation analysis suggested that obesity played a partial role in the association of testosterone with dyslipidemia in men.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with lipid levels and prevalent dyslipidemia, and obesity mediated the effects of serum testosterone on dyslipidemia in men, implying that obesity prevention should be highlighted to decrease the prevalence of dyslipidemia related to changes in testosterone levels.

Scale Effect on Uniaxial Compressive Properties of the Outburst-Prone Coal

Coal is a naturally discontinuous, heterogeneous, and anisotropic brittle material. The uniaxial compressive strength of coals is significantly affected by the sample size-dominated microstructure of minerals and fractures. The scale effect of the mechanical properties of coal is a bridge connecting the mechanical parameters of laboratory-scale coal samples and engineering-scale coal. The scale effect of coal strength is of great significance in explaining the fracturing law of the coal seam and reveal the mechanism of coal and gas outburst disaster. The uniaxial compressive strength of outburst-prone coal samples with different scale sizes was tested, the variation law of uniaxial compressive strength with increasing scale was analyzed, and the mathematical models of both were constructed. The results show that the average compressive strength and elastic modulus of outburst coal decrease exponentially with the increase in scale size, and the decrease rate is reduced. The average compressive strength of the tested coal samples decreased from 10.4 MPa for size 60 × 30 × 30 mm³ to 1.9 MPa for scale 200 × 100 × 100 mm³, which decreases by 81.4%.

The benefits of intermittent fasting: A review of possible mechanisms on central neurological disorders

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary strategy that involves alternating periods of abstention from calorie consumption with periods of ad libitum food intake and has been shown to have beneficial effects in many ways. Recent studies have shown that IF attenuates neurodegeneration and improves cognitive decline, enhances functional recovery after stroke as well as attenuates the pathological and clinical features of epilepsy in animal models. Furthermore, IF induced several molecular and cellular adaptations in neurons that overall enhanced cellular stress resistance, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. In this review, the beneficial effects of IF on central neurological disorders are discussed. The information summarised in this review can be used to help contextualise existing research and better guide the development of future IF interventions.

[Research progress of mouse model of hepatitis B virus infection]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. Animal models are important for the study of the HBV infection mechanism. In the study related to the mouse model of HBV infection, the researchers have established a variety of mouse models, including transgenic, plasmid hydrodynamic injection, virus vector transfection, cccDNA cycle simulation, human and mouse liver chimerism, and liver/immune dual humanization, according to the characteristics of HBV infection. Herein, the research progress of these models is summarized. Notably, the application of these models can further clarify the mechanism of HBV infection under the conditions of a specific immune response in vivo and lay the foundation for the development of new antiviral drugs and immunotherapy for HBV infection.

Supporting optimization of thick seam roadway with top coal based on orthogonal matrix analysis

Aiming at the problem of large deformation and difficulty in surrounding rock control of the top coal roadway in thick seam, theoretical analysis, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, orthogonal matrix analysis and other methods were used to study the roof deformation and support parameter optimization of the top coal roadway in thick seam. Firstly, the structural model and roof mechanical model of the top coal roadway in thick seam were established, and the deformation coefficient T_K was defined based on the relationship between curvature radius and bending moment, maximum bending moment and ultimate tensile strength of beam. According to the ratio of deformation rate between T_K and beam to determine the roof deformation mode of top coal roadway, the discriminant conditions of roadway roof stability under two deformation conditions are obtained. Due to the characteristics of serious coal-rock fragmentation, large roof deformation, and integration of top coal and side coal. Therefore, the combined support method of "high prestressed long and short anchor cables" is proposed by double arch bearing structure control technology. Finally, based on the orthogonal matrix analysis method of supporting parameters optimization of the top coal roadway in thick seam, the analysis amount of supporting scheme is significantly reduced, the comprehensive evaluation of multi-factor and multi-supporting effect of roadway support is realized, and the optimal supporting scheme is obtained. Compared with the surrounding rock of the roadway without support, the deformation of the roof is reduced by 27.27%, the deformation of the two sides is reduced by 45.24%, and the tensile failure volume is reduced by 54.66%. The top coal roadway in thick seam has been effectively controlled, which provides guarantee for high yield and high efficiency of the mine.

Bolt-Cable-Mesh Integrated Support Technology for Water Drenching Roadway in Thick Coal Seam

Aiming at the problems of large deformation and difficult control of the mining roadway water drenching in a thick coal seam, the principle of double-arch zoning cooperative surrounding rock control is studied by using the combined method of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and industrial experiment. The water-rock interaction of the surrounding rock of water-drenching roadway is proposed, taking into account the damage to the mechanical parameters of the surrounding rock caused by soaking water. The water-mechanical-damage coupling model for surrounding rock of a coal seam roadway is constructed, and is numerically solved by the code development using the FISH language. The principle of "high prestressed bolt-cable-mesh" zone coordinated control is revealed, and the existence of a compressive stress arch is verified by FLAC^3D software. The three support schemes were compared and analyzed by numerical simulation software. We affirmed the bolt length of 2400 mm, spacing of 0.9 m, row spacing of 1 m, cable length of 7300 mm, and arrangement 3-2-3 as the optimal support scheme and applied this scheme in the Zhangcun Coal Mine. The results show that the maximum deformation of the roadway roof is 142 mm, and the ultimate convergence of the two sides is 83 mm. The surrounding rock has been effectively controlled.

Andrographolide restored production performances and serum biochemical indexes and attenuated organs damage in Mycoplasma gallisepticum-infected broilers

1. This study aimed to study the preventive and therapeutic effects of andrographolide (Andro) during Mycoplasma gallisepticum HS strain (MG) infection in ArborAcres (AA) broilers.2. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Andro against MG was measured. Broiler body weight, feed efficiency, morbidity, cure rate and mortality were recorded during the experiment. Air sac lesion scores and immune organ index were calculated. Expression of pMGA1.2 in lung tissue and serum biochemical indices were examined. Histopathological examinations of immune organs, liver, trachea and lung tissue were conducted by Haematoxylin and Eosin stain.3. MIC was 3.75 μg/mL and Andro significantly inhibited the expression of pMGA1.2 (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro low-dose and high-dose prevention reduced the morbidity of chronic respiratory disease in 40.00% and 50.00%, respectively. Mortality of C, D and E group was 16.67%, 10.00% and 6.67%, respectively. Cure rate of E, F, G and H group was 92.00%, 92.86%, 93.33% and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro treatment significantly increased average weight gain (AWG), relative weight gain rate (RWG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) at 18 to 24 days (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control group, Andro alone treatment significantly increased AWG in broilers (P ≤ 0.05).4. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly attenuated MG-induced air sac lesion, immune organs, liver, trachea and lung damage in broilers. Andro alone treatment did not induce abnormal morphological changes in these organs in healthy broilers. Serum biochemical analysis results showed, comparing with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly decreased the content of total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and increased the albumin/globulin ratio and content of alkaline phosphatase, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I in a dose-dependent manner (P ≤ 0.05).5. Andro could act as a potential agent against MG infection in broilers.

Poke Not Prod: First Canadian Experience Using Donor-Derived Cell Free DNA to Replace Endomyocardial Biopsy During COVID-19

Purpose

After a heart transplant (HT), non-invasive methods for rejection surveillance minimize the need for endomyocardial biopsies (EMBx). We describe the first experience with combined use of genetic expression profiling (GEP) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing in Canada as part of a quality improvement project to minimize patient risk during the COVID pandemic.

Methods

Adult outpatients at least 6 months after HT were screened from May 2021 to July 2021 to have their routine EMBx replaced by a combination of GEP and dd-cfDNA. Demographics, modification of immunosuppression (IS) and outcomes (hospital admission, rejection, and need for EMBx) were collected.

Results

Among 90 patients, 31 (33%) were enrolled, and 37 non-invasive tests were performed. The median time after HT was 2 years and patients were predominantly Caucasian (52%) and male (68%). 53% had a history of acute cellular rejection during the first year and 32% had cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Of the tests performed, 23 (60%) were - GEP / - dd-cfDNA, 10 (27%) were + GEP / - dd-cfDNA, 4 (11%) were - GEP / + dd-cfDNA and none were + GEP / + dd-cfDNA. Being bridged with a VAD (OR = 5.5, p=0.034) and a history of a previously treated CMV (OR = 16.0, p=0.003) were associated with a positive GEP and a negative dd-cfDNA result. Having received a COVID vaccine in the last 3 months did not affect GEP results (GEP was positive in 23.8% after vaccination vs 33.3% in non-vaccinated patients, p=0.690; average GEP score 29.8 vs 30.7, p=0.673). The 4 patients with a + dd-cfDNA (range 0.19 - 0.81%) underwent an EMBx with no significant cellular or antibody mediated rejection, thus avoiding 89% of the EMBx. No unscheduled clinic visits, emergency department or hospital admissions were recorded. After non-invasive testing, the IS was reduced in 16 cases (43.2%). IS was reduced in in 59% of patients with negative concordant tests (- GEP / - dd-cfDNA), 30% in patients with + GEP / - dd-cfDNA and no reduction in IS occurred in those with + dd-cfDNA.

Conclusion

The combination of GEP and dd-cfDNA for rejection surveillance allowed for a marked reduction in EMBx (89%) and for a personalized downtitration of IS without adverse events in the short term. The use of non-invasive rejection surveillance testing was an effective strategy to avoid hospital contact for HT recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1,2,3,4-Tetrakis(2-cyanoethoxy)butane (TCEB)-Assisted Construction of Self-Repair Electrode Interface Films to Improve the Performance of 4.5 V Pouch LiCoO2/Artificial Graphite Full Cells Operating at 45 °C

1,2,3,4-Tetrakis(2-cyanoethoxy)butane (TCEB) is first evaluated as a functional electrolyte additive to increase the charge cutoff voltage and energy density of pouch LiCO₂ (LCO)/artificial graphite (AG) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at a high temperature of 45 °C. The charge (0.7 C) and discharge (1 C) tests show that TCEB effectively improves the cycle stability of cells under a high charge cutoff voltage of 4.5 V. At 25 °C, the capacity retention of the cells with TCEB increases from 0.0% to 72.1% after 1200 cycles. At 45 °C, the capacity retention of the cells without TCEB after 50 cycles is close to 0.0%, while the capacity retention of the cells with TCEB is still 81.6%, even after 350 cycles. The spectroscopic characterization results demonstrate that the TCEB electrolyte additive participates in the construction of a self-repair electrode/electrolyte interface film. Subsequently, low impedance and strong protective layers are formed on the two electrode surfaces. The quantitative analysis results and a theoretical calculation also show that TCEB effectively inhibits the dissolution of Co³⁺ and maintains the structural integrity of electrode materials. These results indicate that TCEB endows LIBs with excellent cycle stability and is a promising electrolyte additive for the high-voltage and high-temperature conditions of LCO-based LIBs.

Virtual reality simulation in robot-assisted surgery: meta-analysis of skill transfer and predictability of skill

Background

The value of virtual reality (VR) simulators for robot-assisted surgery (RAS) for skill assessment and training of surgeons has not been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify evidence on transferability of surgical skills acquired on robotic VR simulators to the operating room and the predictive value of robotic VR simulator performance for intraoperative performance.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched systematically. Risk of bias was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for Education. Correlation coefficients were chosen as effect measure and pooled using the inverse-variance weighting approach. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the summary effect.

Results

A total of 14 131 potential articles were identified; there were eight studies eligible for qualitative and three for quantitative analysis. Three of four studies demonstrated transfer of surgical skills from robotic VR simulators to the operating room measured by time and technical surgical performance. Two of three studies found significant positive correlations between robotic VR simulator performance and intraoperative technical surgical performance; quantitative analysis revealed a positive combined correlation (r = 0.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.22 to 0.88).

Conclusion

Technical surgical skills acquired through robotic VR simulator training can be transferred to the operating room, and operating room performance seems to be predictable by robotic VR simulator performance. VR training can therefore be justified before operating on patients.

Dietary Inflammatory Index in relation to bone mineral density, osteoporosis risk and fracture risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that pro-inflammatory diets, as measured by higher Dietary Inflammatory Index scores, are significantly associated with lower BMD of lumbar spine and total hip as well as elevated risk of osteoporosis and fractures. These findings may contribute to the development of public health strategies.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory Index (DII) is a method to assess the inflammatory potential of diets; it has been reported to be associated with several diseases. However, the relation between DII and bone health remains controversial for the inconsistent findings from previous studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the underlying relationships between DII and bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis risk, and fracture risk.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for all relevant epidemiological studies published up to May 1, 2020. Fixed-effects model or random-effects model was employed to pool the study-specific effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eleven studies with a total of 127,769 participants were included. We found that continuous DII was negatively associated with BMD of lumbar spine (odds ratios [OR]: 0.990; 95% CI: 0.984, 0.995) and total hip (OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.990, 0.999), but not femoral neck (OR: 0.998; 95% CI: 0.994, 1.002). Moreover, the highest category of DII displayed significantly associations to increased risk of osteoporosis (ES: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.48) and fractures (ES: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.59) compared with the lowest category of DII, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis indicated that diets with high pro-inflammatory components might increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures and lower BMD of lumbar spine and total hip. More prospective studies involving populations of diverse ages and genders are expected to further verify the universality of the results.

Stillbirths in China: a nationwide survey

Objective

To estimate a stillbirth rate at 24 or more gestational weeks in 2015–2016 and to explore potentially preventable causes in China.

Design

A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Ninety‐six hospitals distributed in 24 (of 34) provinces in China.

Population

A total of 75 132 births at 24 completed weeks of gestation or more.

Methods

COX Proportional Hazard Models were performed to examine risk factors for antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths. Population attributable risk percentage was calculated for major risk factors. Correspondence analysis was used to explore region‐specific risk factors for stillbirths.

Main outcome measures

Stillbirth rate and risk factors for stillbirth.

Results

A total of 75 132 births including 949 stillbirths were used for the final analysis, giving a weighted stillbirth rate of 13.2 per 1000 births (95% CI 7.9–18.5). Small for gestational age (SGA) and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia increased antepartum stillbirths by 26.2% and 11.7%, respectively. Fetal anomalies increased antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths by 17.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Overall, 31.4% of all stillbirths were potentially preventable. Advanced maternal age, pre‐pregnant obesity, chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important risk factors in East China; low education and SGA were major risk factors in Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and South China; and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and intrapartum complications were significant risk factors in Central China.

Conclusions

The prevalence of stillbirth was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016. Nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. Strategies based on regional characteristics should be considered to reduce further the burden of stillbirths in China.

Tweetable abstract

The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable.

The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable.

Identification and comprehensive analysis of the CLV3/ESR-related (CLE) gene family in Brassica napus L

The CLE (CLAVATA3/ESR) gene family, encoding a group of small secretory peptides, plays important roles in cell-to-cell communication, thereby controlling a broad spectrum of development processes. The CLE family has been systematically characterized in some plants, but not in Brassica napus. In the present study, 116 BnCLE genes were identified in the B. napus genome, including seven unannotated, six incorrectly predicted and five multi-CLE domain-encoding genes. These BnCLE members were separated into seven distinct groups based on phylogenetic analysis, which might facilitate the functional characterization of the peptides. Further characterization of CLE pre-propeptides revealed 31 unique CLE peptides from 45 BnCLE genes, which may give rise to distinct roles of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family. The biological activity of these unique CLE dodecamer peptides was tested further through in vitro peptide assays. Variations in several important residues were identified as key contributors to the functional differentiation of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family in B. napus. Expression profile analysis helped to characterize possible functional redundancy and sub-functionalization among the BnCLE members. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the CLE gene family in B. napus and provides a foundation for future evolutionary and functional studies.

[AMG-102 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating c-Met/PI3K/Akt pathway]

Objective: To investigate the effects of c-Met inhibitor AMG-102 on the proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal squamous carcinoma Hep-2 cells and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Laryngeal squamous carcinoma cell line Hep-2 cells were treated with 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L AMG-102, respectively. The proliferation activities of Hep-2 cells were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The apoptotic rate of Hep-2 cells was detected by flow cytometry analysis and Hoechst staining. The mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase Chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the protein expressions of c-Met/PI3K/AKT pathway were detected by western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, the proliferation rates of Hep-2 cells treated with 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L AMG-102 for 24 hours were (89.8±1.1)%, (79.8±1.0)% and (69.1±1.2)%, respectively; for 48 hours were (76.8±2.0)%, (60.2±1.1)% and (49.8±1.2)%, respectively; for 72 hours were (50.1±2.0)%, (41.5±1.1)% and (33.6±1.0), respectively, with significant differences (all P<0.05). The apoptotic rates of Hep-2 cells treated with 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L AMG-102 for 48 hours were (16.09±1.53)%, (27.51±2.02)% and (36.57±1.42)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (3.62±0.10) % in the control group (all P<0.05). After treated with 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L AMG-102 for 48 hours, the relative expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA in Hep-2 cells were 0.58±0.13, 0.38±0.12 and 0.20±0.13, respectively; the relative protein expression of p-Met were 80.0±3.8, 50.6±4.2 and 28.5±1.3, respectively; the relative protein expression of p-PI3K were 87.1±0.9, 54.2±1.2 and 21.0±1.2, respectively; the relative protein expression of p-AKT were 98.7±5.6, 56.9±3.2 and 32.2±4.3, respectively; which were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Bax mRNA were 1.78±0.13, 2.37±0.14 and 3.05±0.13, respectively, and the relative expression levels of caspase-3 mRNA were 1.98±0.14, 2.47±0.14 and 3.15±0.13, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: c-Met inhibitor AMG-102 could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of laryngeal squamous carcinoma Hep-2 cells by regulating the c-Met/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Abstract ES10-2: Understanding breast cancer using a developmental perspective

Parallels among embryonic development, stem cells, and cancer have long been recognized. We identified, isolated, and characterized stem cells that first become committed to a mammary fate during embryogenesis; we refer to these cells as fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSCs). Lineage tracing, in vitro sphere formation, and in vivo transplantation studies by our group and many others all confirm that cells in the embryo are the bipotent progenitors of the mammary gland. There is debate, however, on whether such bipotent cells persist into the adult, or whether the luminal and basal lineages are maintained by unipotent progenitors. To gain insight into the relationships between fMaSCs and breast cancer, and to investigate their potential persistence in the adult, we have applied bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) and single nucleus ATAC-sequencing (snATAC-seq) throughout mammary development. The results to be discussed demonstrate that fMaSC transcriptomes are heterogeneous, but all share co-expression of genes associated with luminal and basal cell fates. This fits a model in which the bipotent state is created by a balance of lineage specifiers. We also find that the fMaSC transcriptome is highly enriched in basal-like human breast cancers and identify potential embryonic pathways that correlate with poor prognosis. We used a variety of computational tools to infer the gene expression programs that ensue when fMaSCs commit to luminal and basal states. The data from scRNA-seq and snATAC-seq demonstrate that the transitions are gradual, not precipitous, and that luminal and basal cells exhibit significant transcriptomic and epigenetic heterogeneity. This challenges the notion that the mammary gland consists of discrete cell types defined by rigid transcriptomic parameters, and reveals a potential for intrinsic phenotypic plasticity of normal mammary cells. Using the combined databases, we identified Sox10 as a significantly differentially expressed cell state regulator. We show that tumors are heterogeneous with regard to Sox10 expression, and that locally invasive cells tend to express high Sox10 levels. Elevated Sox10 correlates with acquisition of a neural-crest like, EMT-related state. Implications for interception of metastasis by targeting neural crest-like cells will be discussed. Finally, we have generated a web resource that is available to the scientific community to enable the transcription and epigenetic characteristics of any gene of interest to be tracked through mammary development (https://wahl-labsalk.shinyapps.io/Mammary_snATAC/).

Citation Format: GM Wahl, Z Ma, C Chung, C Dravis, BT Spike, RR Giraddi, O Balcioglu, C Fan, B Hagos, R Heinz, Herrera-Valdez J, X Hou, J Hwang, R Lasken, G Luna, NE Lytle, EM Mehrabad, M Novotny, CM Perou, O Poirion, S Preissl, B Ren, T Reya, CL Trejo, KT Varley. Understanding breast cancer using a developmental perspective [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES10-2.

[Effect of c-Met inhibitor AMG-102 on radiosensitivity in laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of c-Met inhibitor AMG-102 on proliferation and radiosensitivity in laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Methods: The effects of AMG-102 on proliferation and radiosensitivity of laryngeal squamous carcinoma cell lines Hep-2 and KBV200 were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethy-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and colony formation assay, respectively. The apoptosis of Hep-2 and KBV200 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of c-Met, phospho-Met (p-Met), cleaved caspase-3 and Akt/p-Akt, Erk/p-Erk were detected by Western blot. Specific small interfering RNA targeting c-Met or plasmid of c-Met were transfected into Hep-2 and KBV200 cells to investigate the cell sensitivity to AMG-102. Results: Compared with KBV200 cells, Hep-2 cells were more sensitive to AMG-102 with IC(50) of 14 and 9 μmol/L, respectively. The relative expression levels of c-Met and p-Met proteins in Hep-2 cells were 194.48±0.57 and 177.76±1.53, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in KBV200 cells (171.24±1.00 and 115.37±0.56, respectively, P<0.001 for both). Exogenous hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was added to increase the expression level of p-Met protein in KBV200 cells. The results showed that AMG-102 significantly reduced the expression of p-Met in KBV200 cells treated with HGF (P<0.001). Compared with the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, AMG-102 treatment combined with radiotherapy significantly increased the radiosensitivity of Hep-2 cells (SER=1.28, P<0.001). However, AMG-102 had little effect on the radiosensitivity of KBV200 cells (SER=1.18, P=0.002). Compared with the 4 Gy radiotherapy alone group and the 5 μmol/L of AMG-102 alone treatment group, the apoptosis rate of Hep-2 cells in the combined treatment group was significantly increased. Meanwhile, the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 protein was also markedly increased. However, there were no significant changes in the apoptotic rate and cleaved caspase-3 expression in each treatment group of KBV200 cells. Compared with DMSO treatment group, the expression levels of p-Met, p-Akt and p-Erk were significantly decreased in the 4 Gy radiotherapy group, 5 μmol/L of AMG-102 treatment group and combined treatment group of Hep-2 cells. And the levels of p-Met, p-Akt and p-Erk in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than those in the 4 Gy radiotherapy alone group and 5 μmol/L of AMG-102 treatment alone group. By contrast, in KBV200 cells, the expression of p-Met, p-Akt and p-Erk in each group was not changed. The relative expression of p-Met in Hep-2 cells before and after radiotherapy at 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 24 h were 99.89±0.61, 138.62±1.00, 163.07±5.00, 87.80±1.85, 90.67±0.65 and 94.09±1.41, respectively. The level of p-Met was slightly increased after radiotherapy at 30 min and 1 h (P<0.001 for all), whereas it was significantly decreased from 4 h to 24 h after radiotherapy (P<0.05 for all). By contrast, the expression of p-Met in KBV200 cells did not change with time after radiotherapy (P>0.05). The sensitivity of Hep-2 cells to AMG-102 was decreased after silencing of c-Met, while the sensitivity of KBV200 cells to AMG-102 was not significantly changed (P>0.05). Moreover, the radiosensitivity of Hep-2 cells in c-Met knockdown group had a slightly increasing trend (SER=1.07, P=0.068). After the treatment with 10 μmol/L of AMG-102, the proliferation rate of c-Met ectopically expressed KBV200 cells was 60.05%±3.23%, It was significantly lower than that of the blank control 90.08%±1.04% and siRNA negative control (90.12%±1.01%, P<0.001). The results suggested that the overexpression of c-Met in KBV200 cells increased the radiosensitivity to AMG-102, whereas depletion of c-Met resulted in resistance to AMG-102 in Hep-2 cells. Furthermore, the radiosensitivity of KBV200 cells that overexpressed c-Met showed a decreased trend (SER=0.7, P=0.005). Conclusions: c-Met inhibitor AMG-102 has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of c-Met overexpressing laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells, leading to increased radiosensitivity. It suggests that molecular targeted therapy against c-Met receptor is more effective in c-Met overexpressed subtype of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Association between iodine intake and thyroid autoantibodies: a cross-sectional study of 7073 early pregnant women in an iodine-adequate region

PURPOSE

The association between iodine intake and thyroid autoimmunity has been debated, especially in pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate thyroid autoantibodies and their association with iodine intake and hypothyroidism in early pregnancy.

METHODS

7073 early pregnant women from an iodine-sufficient region participated in this study. Urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) were measured using an ammonium persulfate method. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and Tg were determined using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

RESULTS

Iodine deficiency (UIC < 100 μg/L) was associated with higher risks of TPOAb positivity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.29-2.08)] and TgAb positivity [aOR = 1.44, 95% CI (1.16-1.80)]. Women with isolated TPOAb positivity, isolated TgAb positivity, or both TPOAb and TgAb positivity had a 14.64-fold, 7.83-fold, and 44.69-fold increased risk of overt hypothyroidism, and a 4.36-fold, 2.86-fold, and 6.26-fold increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism, respectively. Moreover, the risks of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism in women with a high TPOAb titer were 16.99 and 4.80 times that in TPOAb-negative women, respectively. The risk of overt hypothyroidism in women with a high TgAb titer was 6.97 times that in TgAb-negative women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates that iodine deficiency during early pregnancy is an independent risk factor for both TPOAb positivity and TgAb positivity. Furthermore, positivity for both autoantibodies and a high thyroid autoantibody titer are associated with significantly higher risks of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism.

The impact of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes: an intervention and prospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes. To explore whether levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of women who had IMH identified in the first trimester improves pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Women in the early pregnancy in the iodine-sufficient area (n = 3398) were recruited to this prospective cohort study (ChiCTR-TRC-12002326). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were detected. Women with IMH before 12 weeks chose to receive L-T4 or remain untreated. The L-T4 dose was adjusted to attain a normal FT4 and TSH level. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

IMH in the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with controls. The incidence of macrosomia (p = 0.022) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.018) was significantly higher in IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation compared with controls. IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation was a risk factor for macrosomia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.942, 95% CI 1.076-3.503, p = 0.027] and gestational hypertension (aOR 4.203, 95% CI 1.611-10.968, p < 0.01), when body mass index in the early pregnancy was < 25 kg/m².

CONCLUSIONS

IMH in the first trimester did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes irrespective of whether women received L-T4 treatment. However, IMH identified in the second trimester was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. The results suggest that thyroid function follow-up during the second trimester is necessary, even if thyroid function is normal during the first trimester.

Clinical, neuroimaging and prognostic study of 127 cases with infarction of the corpus callosum

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate clinical and neuroimaging characteristics in the largest sample size of patients with corpus callosum infarction to date and then to follow up these patients for 1 year to clarify the prognosis of this rare stroke entity.

Methods

A total of 127 patients with acute callosal infarction out of 5584 acute ischaemic stroke patients were included in this study. The recruited patients were divided into a pure callosal infarction group and a complex callosal infarction group (coupled with other infarct locations simultaneously), and clinical and neuroimaging features were analyzed. Some of the patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate recurrence rate and mortality.

Results

The incidence of acute callosal infarction was 2.3%. Most patients presented with advanced neurological dysfunction with or without mild to moderate motor or sensory disorders on admission. The negative rate of computed tomography scan was still 76.4% even at >24 h after onset. Large‐artery atherosclerosis was the most common etiological type. Compared with complex callosal infarction, the pure callosal infarction group had more mental disorders (P = 0.030). Compared with common basal ganglia infarction, the pure callosal infarction group had better short‐term recovery (P = 0.016) but higher 1‐year mortality (P = 0.037). Age and mental disorders were independent risk factors for death in callosal infarction.

Conclusions

Callosal infarction is a white matter stroke that occurs with low incidence. Elderly patients with vascular risk factors showed sudden mental or cognitive disorders and callosal infarction could not be excluded. More attention should be paid to the early diagnosis and secondary prevention of callosal infarction because of its poor long‐term outcome.

Abstract PD9-04: FGFR4 as a key regulator of HER2E subtype in the primary and metastatic setting

Background: Therapeutic targets in TNBC remain a challenge. We have observed that some Luminal A primary breast tumors give rise to HER2-enriched (HER2E) subtype metastases but remain clinically HER2 negative (HER2E/cHER2-). Molecular features that drive these HER2E/cHER2- tumors may represent key targets of metastatic progression.

Methods: A comparative genetic and transcriptomic analysis in TCGA (1100 patients) related to the FGFR family was performed. We focused on FGFR4, in part, due to its unique association with the HER2E expression subtype and we developed a robust FGFR4-signature based upon a supervised analysis of a HER2E/cHER2- PDX (WHIM11) treated with a FGFR4 inhibitor (BLU9931). We also constructed a new Luminal Tumor Score (LTS) to identify the optimal axis of separation between Luminal A versus HER2E tumors (higher scores represent greater Luminal A phenotype). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using TCGA and METABRIC (1971 samples). Finally, we performed RNA-seq on a cohort of 77 matched primary breast cancer and metastatic tissues pairs from the GEICAM/2009-03 and Hospital Clinic of Barcelona study, and did multiple analyses on these cohorts using our FGFR4-signatures.

Results: FGFR4 was significantly higher in HER2E subtype (P&lt;0.0001), independent of HER2 clinical status. FGFR4 amplification/deletions and mutations were rare and did not correlate with FGFR4 high expression. In vivo, BLU9931 treatment of WHIM11 showed a significant tumor growth inhibition (P=0.01), prolonged survival, and a significant higher LTS (P=0.016). We also identified 745 up-regulated genes called FGFR4-repressed (FGFR4-rep) and 427 down regulated genes called FGFR4-induced (FGFR4-ind), after BLU9931 treatment. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that FGFR4-ind genes were enriched for STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and KRAS activation, proliferation, hypoxia, glycolysis and metastasis. FGFR4-rep genes were involved with KRAS inhibition, cell polarity, p53 pathway and upregulation of IFNγ response. In the METABRIC cohort, FGFR4-ind and FGFR4-rep each predicted OS (HR=6.30, P&lt;0.0001; HR=0.33; P&lt;0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed FGFR4-ind (HR=2.34, P=0.014) as a significant independent prognostic factor beyond subtype for OS. Supervised analysis of the 77 primary-met cohort revealed that the FGFR4-ind was significantly higher in luminal metastases compared with their primaries counterparts (P&lt;0.001), along with proliferation, angiogenesis, and a M2 macrophage signature (with most other immune features being unchanged). Finally, univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that the FGFR4-related signatures predicted site-specific metastasis for lung, liver and brain, but not for bone and lymph nodes.

Conclusion: FGFR4 is one of the drivers of HER2-enriched subtype tumors, including those that are clinically HER2-. The FGFR4-ind signature was predictive of worse survival, progression in the metastatic setting, and site-specific metastasis. Treatment options in HER2-enriched TNBC, and for HER2E/cHER2+ patients, may benefit from targeting FGFR4, whose high expression is not based upon genomic or genetic features.

Citation Format: Garcia Recio S, Parker JS, Fan C, Mott K, He X, Cejalvo JM, Brasó Maristany F, Galván P, Lluch A, Albanell J, Rojo F, Martinez de Dueñas E, Prat A, Perou CM. FGFR4 as a key regulator of HER2E subtype in the primary and metastatic setting [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 PD9-04.