[Analysis of the clinical characteristics of V4 segment steal blood in the vertebral artery]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of unilateral vertebral artery V4 segment occlusive lesions (severe stenosis or occlusion), where the contralateral vertebral artery can be compensated through blood flow and reverse supply to the posterior inferior cerebellarartery (PICA). Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of 66 patients with V4 segment occlusive lesions of unilateral vertebral artery diagnosed and treated from June 2020 to October 2022. Patient data were retrospectively collected, and their hemodynamic characteristics and imaging data were analyzed. Results: Of the 66 cases, 11 patients (16.7%) with V4 segment occlusive disease showed the blood flow of the vertebral artery on the opposite side of the lesion on the digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which can be reverse stolen to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery of the diseased side through the confluence point of the vertebrobasilar artery through the distal end of the ipsilateral vertebral artery V4. Owing to the lack of literature on this pathway and based on the characteristics of previous definitions of subclavian artery steal and carotid artery steal, we referred to this pathway as the vertebral artery V4 segment steal. In 6 patients (9.1%), transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) and transcranial color Doppler ultrasound (TCCD) showed that the blood flow signal was not detected at the proximal end of the V4 segment of the affected side, rather the blood flow direction was reversed at the distal end of the V4 segment, resulting in compensatory acceleration of the blood flow velocity of the V4 segment of the contralateral vertebral artery. Conclusion: "V4 segment steal of vertebral artery" is a very rare route of vertebral artery steal. When V4 segment of the vertebral artery is occluded, clinicians should pay attention to observe the blood supply of PICA and whether there is such a steal route, to better evaluate the blood flow compensation and prognosis of patients.

Establishment and bioinformatics evaluation of the ethanol combined with palmitic acid-induced mouse hepatocyte AFLD model (the Hu-Qiu Model)

Chronic alcoholic liver disease has brought great harm to human health. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is the first stage in the progression of all chronic alcoholic liver diseases. At present, there is no cell model that fully matches the etiology (high-fat diet + alcohol) of human alcoholic fatty liver disease. We used 100 mM ethanol +6.25 μM PA to establish the ethanol combined with PA-induced mouse hepatocyte AFLD model (EP-AFLD hepatocyte model) and performed the RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing. Through bioinformatics analysis and comparison, we discovered that the EP-AFLD hepatocyte model was more suitable for studying the pathological mechanism of AFLD than the mouse AFLD hepatocyte model induced by ethanol alone. And through bioinformatics analysis, we further discovered that 77 genes from the differential expression gene set of EP-AFLD hepatocyte model were engaged in the pathological process of mouse AFLD and 40 genes were involved in the pathogenesis of both mouse AFLD and human AFLD. In this study, a novel mouse hepatocyte AFLD model was successfully established by combining ethanol and PA, which can be used to study the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of AFLD in mice or humans. This study will provide a brand-new in vitro experimental platform for the in-depth study of AFLD pathogenesis and the screening of AFLD therapeutic drugs.

[Correlation of cognitive function with intracranial lesions and the degree of depression and anxiety in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders]

Objective: To investigate the correlation of cognitive dysfunction with intracranial lesions and symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Methods: Thirty-one NMOSD patients (7/24 males/females) were enrolled in the Department of Neurology of the Sixth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from August 2019 to August 2022. The average age was 42±13 years, and the average education level was 12 (9, 12) years. There were 30 healthy controls, 11/19 males/females, with an average age of 47±9 years and an average education of 12 (9, 15) years. The general clinical data and imaging data were collected, and the subjects were assessed on their cognition, anxiety and depression using the assessment scale approved at home and abroad. A cross-sectional study was conducted on them. The t-test or Wilcoxon test was used for inter-group comparison, and Pearson test or Spearman test was used to explore the correlation between the cognition of NMOSD patients and their intracranial lesions, depression and anxiety. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, NMOSD patients had significantly lower scores on MoCA (Z=-3.10,P=0.002), CRAVLT-N7 (Z=-5.12, P<0.001), CRAVLT-N8 (t=-4.40, P<0.001), ROCF-R (t=-3.10,P<0.01), ROCF-C (Z=-2.72,P<0.01), PASAT-3 (Z=-2.71,P<0.01), PASAT-2 (Z=-3.14,P<0.01), and CWT-A (Z=-3.10,P<0.01)scales. Frontal lobe lesions were negatively correlated with PASAT-2 (r=-0.448, P=0.012) scores, temporal lobe lesions were negatively correlated with CRAVLT-N9 (r=-0.564, P=0.001), and parietal lobe lesions were negatively correlated with MoCA (r=-0.374, P=0.038), PASAT-3 (r=-0.426, P=0.017), and PASAT-2 (r=-0.459, P=0.009) scores; The scores of MoCA (r=-0.392, P=0.029), CRAVLT-N6 (r=-0.396, P=0.028), CRAVLT-N7 (r=-0.415, P=0.020), CRAVLT-N8 (r=-0.406, P=0.023), PASAT-3 (r=-0.537, P=0.002) and PASAT-2 (r=-0.495, P=0.005) scales were negatively correlated with the scores of HAMD assessment, and the scores of PASAT-3 (r=-0.499, P=0.004) and PASAT-2 (r=-0.452, P=0.011) were negatively correlated with the scores of HAMA. Conclusions: The cognitive function of patients with NMOSD is significantly reduced, involving multiple cognitive domains. The cognitive function is affected by the distribution of intracranial lesions and the degree of depression and anxiety.

[Analysis of the clinical characteristics and misdiagnosis of area postrema syndrome manifesting as intractable nausea, vomiting, and hiccups in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders]

Objective: To investigate the misdiagnosis of area postrema syndrome (APS) manifesting as intractable nausea, vomiting and hiccups in neuromyelitis optic spectrum disease (NMOSD) and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from NMOSD patients attending the Department of Neurology at the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between January 2019 and July 2021. SPSS25.0 was then used to analyze the manifestations, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment of APS. Results: A total of 207 patients with NMOSD were included, including 21 males and 186 females. The mean age of onset was 39±15 years (range: 5-72 years). The proportion of patients who were positive for serum aquaporin 4 antibody was 82.6% (171/207). In total, 35.7% (74/207) of the NMOSD patients experienced APS during the disease course; of these patients, 70.3% (52/74) had APS as the first symptom and 29.7% (22/74) had APS as a secondary symptom. The misdiagnosis rates for these conditions were 90.4% (47/52) and 50.0% (11/22), respectively. As the first symptom, 19.2% (10/52) of patients during APS presented only with intractable nausea, vomiting and hiccups; 80.8% (42/52) of patients experienced other neurological symptoms. The Departments of Gastroenterology and General Medicine were the departments that most frequently made the first diagnosis of APS, accounting for 54.1% and 17.6% of patients, respectively. The most common misdiagnoses related to diseases of the digestive system and the median duration of misdiagnosis was 37 days. Conclusions: APS is a common symptom of NMOSD and is associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Other concomitant symptoms often occur with APS. Gaining an increased awareness of this disease/syndrome, obtaining a detailed patient history, and performing physical examinations are essential if we are to reduce and avoid misdiagnosis.

[Analysis of characteristics of collateral circulation pathways in dizziness patients caused by severe bilateral vertebral artery stenosis/occlusion]

The clinical data of 47 patients [41 males, 6 females, aged (62±7) years] treated at the Department of Neurology of the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to October 2020 who were diagnosed with severe bilateral vertebral artery stenosis/occlusion through Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) were retrospectively collected, and the characteristics of the compensatory pathways of collateral circulation were determined. Results showed that there were 8 intracranial and extracranial compensatory pathways, with posterior communicating artery as the major type (21 cases) for intracranial ones and deep carotid artery as the major type (16 cases) for extracranial ones. As the establishment of the compensatory pathway is closely related to the lesion site, DSA assessment for patients with severe bilateral vertebral artery stenosis/occlusion is helpful for clinicians to make judgement on prognosis of patients and choose individualized treatment plans.

[Collateral circulation compensation mode in patients with severe bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis/occlusion]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between collateral flow compensation mode and interventional treatment decision in patients with severe bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis/occlusion. Methods: According to the location of internal carotid artery lesions, patients with severe stenosis/occlusion of bilateral internal carotid artery were selected at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University and the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from May 2017 to June 2020. Results: A total of 42 patients were finally enrolled and divided into 4 types, including 34 males and 8 females with median age 61±8(48-82)years. The collateral circulation pathways manifested as following modes: anterior communicating artery collateral, posterior communicating artery collateral, ophthalmic artery collateral, posterior cerebral middle cerebral artery pial anastomosis collateral, posterior choroidal artery anterior choroidal artery collateral, external carotid internal carotid artery C4 segment collateral, pericallosal artery anastomosis collateral, dural and pial collateral and neovascularization. Type Ⅰ severe stenosis/occlusion of C1 segment was found in 20 cases (47.6%). There were 5 cases (11.9%) of type Ⅱ severe stenosis/occlusion from C2 to C6 prior to ophthalmic artery branch. Type Ⅲ severe stenosis/occlusion occurred in 2 cases (4.8%) after the split of ophthalmic artery. Type Ⅳ was mixed type in 15 cases (35.7%). Conclusions: The compensatory pathway of collateral circulation is closely related to the lesion location. To explore the compensatory pattern of collateral circulation is helpful for clinicians to accurately analyze the lesion characteristics and guide individualized interventional therapy.

[Collateral circulation pathway in patients with basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis: a single-center case series]

Objective: To investigate the collateral circulation compensation model in patients with favorable prognosis of basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis treated with drugs or endovascular therapy. Methods: Clinical data of patients with basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis and good clinical outcome were retrospectively collected in the Department of Neurology, Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to January 2020. They were divided into intensive drug therapy group and combined endovascular therapy group. The number and ways of collateral compensation pathway described by digital substraction angiography (DSA) were analyzed, and the characteristics of the collateral compensation model were summarized. SPSS22.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the constituent ratio (%) was used for statistical description of the enumeration data. Results: A total of 32 eligible patients were included, including 27 males and 5 females, with an average age 45-76 (59±10) years. The compensation model included posterior communicating artery-posterior cerebral artery (13 cases, 40.6%), posterior communicating artery-posterior cerebral artery-basilar artery (10 cases, 31.2%), cerebellar artery-anastomotic branches of superior cerebellar artery (8 cases, 25.0%), anterior choroid artery-anastomotic branches of posterior choroid artery (2 cases, 6.2%), collateral circulation not established (11 cases, 34.4%).In drug treatment group, collateral compensation was found in the majority (14/15), with mainly posterior communicating artery (10/14).Most patients in combined treatment group did not develop collateral compensation (10/17), anastomotic branches of PICA-SCA were the main routes (6/7). Conclusion: In patients with basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis, favorable clinical outcome can be achieved in both groups of patients treated with intensive drug therapy or endovascular therapy.

CircRNA_100395 protects breast carcinoma deterioration by targeting MAPK6

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to uncover the differential expression of circRNA_100395 in breast carcinoma specimens, and its regulatory effect on cancer cell phenotypes. The role of circRNA_100395 in affecting breast carcinoma progression and the molecular mechanism are explored as well.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CircRNA_100395 expressions in breast carcinoma and paracancerous tissues were detected. The influence of circRNA_100395 level on clinical indicators of breast carcinoma patients was analyzed. In vitro regulations of circRNA_100395 on phenotypes of breast carcinoma cells were examined by CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell assay. The interaction between circRNA_100395 and MAPK6 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay and rescue assays.

RESULTS

CircRNA_100395 was downregulated in breast carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Its level was negatively correlated to tumor staging and tumor size of breast carcinoma. Overexpression of circRNA_100395 in SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 cells weakened proliferative and migratory abilities. MAPK6 was the target gene of circRNA_100395. Overexpression of MAPK6 reversed the anti-cancer effect of circRNA_100395 on breast carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

CircRNA_100395 serves as an anti-cancer gene in breast carcinoma progression by targeting MAPK6, and its level is negatively correlated to tumor staging and tumor size of breast carcinoma. CircRNA_100395 can be utilized as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target of breast carcinoma.

Association of SMAD4 loss with drug resistance in clinical cancer patients: A systematic meta-analysis

Background

Drug resistance frequently led to the failure of chemotherapy for malignant cancers, hence causing cancer relapse. Thus, understanding mechanism of drug resistance in cancer is vital to improve the treatment efficacy. Here, we aim to evaluate the association between SMAD4 expression and the drug resistance in cancers by performing a meta-analysis.

Method

Relevant studies detecting SMAD4 expression in cancer patients treated with chemo-drugs up till December 2020 were systematically searched in four common scientific databases using selected keywords. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) was the ratio of hazard rate between SMAD4^neg population vs SMAD4^pos population. The HRs and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to explore the association between SMAD4 expression losses with drug resistance in cancers.

Result

After an initial screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. There were a total of 2092 patients from all the included studies in this analysis. Results obtained indicated that loss of SMAD4 expression was significantly correlated with drug resistance with pooled HRs (95% CI) of 1.23 (1.01–1.45), metastasis with pooled RRs (95% CI) of 1.10 (0.97–1.25) and recurrence with pooled RRs (95% CI) of 1.32 (1.06–1.64). In the subgroup analysis, cancer type, drug type, sample size and antibody brand did not affect the significance of association between loss of SMAD4 expression and drug resistance. In addition, there was no evidence of publication bias as suggested by Begg’s test.

Conclusion

Findings from our meta-analysis demonstrated that loss of SMAD4 expression was correlated with drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, SMAD4 expression could be potentially used as a molecular marker for cancer resistance.

[Amentoflavone inhibits M1 polarization of THP-1-derived foam cells by activating PPAR-α/γ]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism by which amentoflavone inhibits polarization of THP-1-derived foam cells to M1 phenotype.

OBJECTIVE

Human monocyte cell line THP-1 was stimulated to differentiate into M1-type macrophages using phorbol 12-myrislate13-acetate (PMA) combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant human interferon-γ (rhlFN-γ). M1 polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages was confirmed by observing morphological changes of the cells and detecting the mRNA expression of L-6 and TNF-α with RT-qPCR. THP-1-derived foam cells treated with 5 or 10 μmol/L amentoflavone for 24 h were examined for cytokines using ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β, PPAR-α/γ, Arg-1 and Fizz1 in the cells were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

OBJECTIVE

Amentoflavone prevented induced M1 polarization of THP-1 cells. Amentoflavone down-regulated the mRNA expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α, up-regulated mRNA expressions of IL-8 and TGF-β mRNA (P < 0.05), and increased the protein expressions of PPAR-α/γ, Arg-1 and Fizz1. Molecular docking simulation showed that amentoflavone could bind to the surface of PPARα/γ.

OBJECTIVE

Amentoflavone can inhibit the differentiation of macrophages into M1 type by activating PPAR-α/γ and restoring the expressions of the gene Arg-1 and Fizz1.

[Economic evaluation of plasma exchange combined with dual plasma adsorption therapy for early, mid and late stage liver failure]

Objective: To compare the economic characteristics of the four artificial liver models [plasma exchange, half-dose plasma exchange combined with double plasma adsorption (DPMAS), pre-equal amount of plasma exchange followed by DPMAS, and pre-DPMAS followed by equal amount of plasma exchange] in the treatment of liver failure. Methods: A decision tree model was established with the Treeage pro 2011 software. The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of four different treatment modalities were calculated and compared in patients with liver failure at early, mid and late stages, respectively. The sensitivity analysis of the model was performed using data from the preliminary research results of these groups. Results: The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of patients treated with artificial liver therapy with half-dose plasma exchange combined with DPAMS plan in early stage liver failure were 89 547.79 and 34 665.34, which was lower than per capita GDP, so the increased cost had cost-effective advantages. In the middle and late stage of liver failure, the cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of pre-DPMAS followed by equal plasma exchange plan was 122 865.5 and 284 334.97, and 70 744.55 and 75 299.48, respectively, which was less than three times of per capita GDP. The increased cost was acceptable and had economic advantages. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the basic analysis results were reliable. Conclusion: Half-dose plasma exchange combined with DPAMS plan is the most cost-effective treatment for early liver failure, while pre-DPMAS followed by equal plasma exchange plan is the most economical treatment for mid and late stage liver failure.

Multiple-centre clinical evaluation of an ultrafast single-tube assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of an ultrafast single-tube nucleic acid isothermal amplification detection assay for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA using clinical samples from multiple centres.

METHODS

A reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) assay for SARS-CoV-2 was conducted within 15 minutes at 39°C with portable instruments after addition of extracted RNA. The clinical performance of RT-RAA assay was evaluated using 947 clinical samples from five institutions in four regions of China; approved commercial fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) kits were used for parallel detection. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-RAA were compared and analysed.

RESULTS

The RT-RAA test results of 926 samples were consistent with those of qRT-PCR (330 were positive, 596 negative); 21 results were inconsistent. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-RAA was 97.63% (330/338, 95% confidence interval (CI) 95.21 to 98.90) and 97.87% (596/609, 95% CI 96.28 to 98.81) respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 96.21% (330/343, 95% CI 93.45 to 97.88) and 98.68% (596/604, 95% CI 97.30 to 99.38) respectively. The total coincidence rate was 97.78% (926/947, 95% CI 96.80 to 98.70), and the kappa was 0.952 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With comparable sensitivity and specificity to the commercial qRT-PCR kits, RT-RAA assay for SARS-CoV-2 exhibited the distinctive advantages of simplicity and rapidity in terms of operation and turnaround time.

Analysis on expression level and diagnostic value of miR-19 and miR-21 in peripheral blood of patients with undifferentiated lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to investigate the expression level and diagnostic value of miR-19 miR-21 in peripheral blood of patients with undifferentiated lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

58 patients with undifferentiated lung cancer hospitalized in the oncology department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from September 2014 to May 2017 were selected as the experimental group, and 42 healthy volunteers in the same period as the control group at the same time. General clinical data in the two groups were collected. The expression levels of miR-19 and miR-21 in peripheral blood of the two groups were measured by Real-Time fluorescence quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. The expression levels of peripheral blood miR-19 and miR-21 in large and small cell lung cancer of undifferentiated lung cancer were analyzed and compared. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of miR-19 and miR-21 in undifferentiated lung cancer.

RESULTS

The expression levels of miR-19 and miR-21 in peripheral blood of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). The AUC of miR-19 in the diagnosis of undifferentiated lung cancer was 0.854; the sensitivity was 98.30%; the specificity was 54.29% and the cut off was 3.54. The AUC of miR-21 in the diagnosis of undifferentiated lung cancer was 0.923; the sensitivity was 86.20%; the specificity was 76.19% and the cut off was 3.89. The AUC of combined detection in the diagnosis of undifferentiated lung cancer was 0.952; the sensitivity was 86.60%; the specificity was 97.62% and the cut off was 0.68. The specificity of combined detection was higher than that of miR-19 and miR-21 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-19 and miR-21 are highly expressed in peripheral blood of patients with undifferentiated lung cancer; miR-19 and miR-21 are expected to be used as diagnostic markers for undifferentiated lung cancer.

Synthetic and living micropropellers for convection-enhanced nanoparticle transport

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an advantageous drug delivery platform for the treatment of various ailments including cancer and cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. However, their efficacy in shuttling materials to diseased tissue is hampered by a number of physiological barriers. One hurdle is transport out of the blood vessels, compounded by difficulties in subsequent penetration into the target tissue. Here, we report the use of two distinct micropropellers powered by rotating magnetic fields to increase diffusion-limited NP transport by enhancing local fluid convection. In the first approach, we used a single synthetic magnetic microrobot called an artificial bacterial flagellum (ABF), and in the second approach, we used swarms of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) to create a directable "living ferrofluid" by exploiting ferrohydrodynamics. Both approaches enhance NP transport in a microfluidic model of blood extravasation and tissue penetration that consists of microchannels bordered by a collagen matrix.

Risk Factors for the Development of Cytomegalovirus Resistance in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) resistance is an emerging problem in solid organ transplant recipients. Risk factors are not well defined.

METHODS

Recipients with CMV viremia of solid organ transplants who underwent CMV resistance testing between January 2010 and March 2016 were divided in 2 groups: proven CMV resistance and refractory CMV infection. A third group was added to compare patients with viremia during the study period with patients with no resistance proven or suspected. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of CMV genotypic resistance.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients underwent resistance testing. Eleven (22.45%) developed genotypic mutations. Group 1 vs groups 2 and 3 had higher prednisone (P = .01) and tacrolimus levels (P = .03); did not respond to antivirals (P < .0001); and had a higher rate of fungal infections (P = .03). CMV resistance was less common in liver and kidney vs heart, small bowel, and mutivisceral recipients (P = .0007). There was no difference in duration of antiviral prophylaxis, viremia while on antiviral prophylaxis, rate of end-organ disease, graft loss, and overall survival. Persistent clinical disease and viremia despite antiviral therapy was the most important risk factor for development of CMV resistance.

CONCLUSION

Persistent clinical disease despite antiviral therapy is an important risk factor and may in part be due to a high degree of immunosuppression. Graft loss and survival were not impacted by CMV resistance.

Adenovirus-A Deadly Disease in the Solid Organ Transplant Population: Risk Factors and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The importance of adenoviruses (AdV) in the immunocompromised population has been more recognized in recent decades. We aimed to assess the risk factors and outcomes associated with AdV in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of solid organ transplant recipients who tested positive for AdV between January 1, 2004, and March 12, 2014. The subjects were divided in 2 groups: AdV asymptomatic infection and AdV disease. The characteristics and outcomes of the groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher exact tests; logistic regression was performed to evaluate risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients were included with a mean (SD) age of 9.79 years (16.54); 49.6% were male, and 20.8% had AdV disease. No significant risk factors were found for AdV disease by univariate analyses. Comparing patients with disease and with asymptomatic infection, rejections during the first year after testing positive for AdV were 7 (26.92%) vs 17 (17.17%); mortality at 1 year post-transplantation was 26.92% vs 6.06% (P = .006), respectively, and at 1 year after testing positive for AdV was 38.46% vs 11.11% (P = .002), respectively.

CONCLUSION

No independent risk factor for AdV disease was identified, but patients with AdV disease had a significantly higher mortality compared with those with asymptomatic infection.

Perioperative Prophylaxis for Total Artificial Heart Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Practice variation regarding perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in total artificial heart transplantations (TAH-t) across institutions is unknown. The aim of our survey was to assess the current practices for prevention of infection in TAH-t recipients among different programs.

METHODS

An electronic survey was sent to programs that implant Syncardia TAH (Syncardia Systems, Tuscon, Ariz, USA). Proportions were analyzed for categorical variables; means and SDs were analyzed for continuous variables.

RESULTS

The majority of centers (80.8%) had a formal surgical infection prophylaxis protocol. For non-penicillin-allergic patients, five (20.1%) institutions reported using a 4-drug regimen, seven (29.2%) used a 3-drug regimen, five (20.1%) used a 2-drug regimen, and seven (29.2%) used a cephalosporin alone. Similar data was seen in the penicillin-allergic patients. Infections were reported to occur postoperatively in 52.2% centers. During the first month after TAH-t, bacteremia represented 27.3%, driveline infections 27.2%, pulmonary infections 9%, and mediastinal infections 18.2%. The most common organisms seen within the first month were Candida spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.4%). In 65% of centers, the mean rate of death post-TAH-t due to infection was 14.5% (SD, 22.3%). The mean rate of patients surviving until orthotopic heart transplantation was 58.6% (SD, 27.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Preventing infections post-TAH-t is key to decreasing morbidity and mortality. All institutions administered perioperative prophylaxis for TAH-t with significant variation among the centers. The majority of the centers have a formal perioperative prophylactic protocol.

Risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection in intestinal transplant recipients during the first year post-transplant

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infectious diarrhea. Risk factors for C. difficile infections (CDI) in intestinal transplant recipients (ITR) are not well-defined. The aim of our study was to assess specific risk factors for CDI in ITR.

METHODS

This is a 1:3 case-control study that included 29 ITR who developed CDI (cases) and 87 ITR without CDI (controls) observed during the first year post-transplantation. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare variables. Univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regressions analysis were performed to identify risk factors for CDI.

RESULTS

The multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors (PPI) administration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.007-0.52; P = .01) was the only factor associated with lower rates of CDI. Outcomes for cases vs controls: rejection episodes 24.14% vs 20.69% (P = .7), graft loss 0% vs 2.3% (P = .99), and survival rate 1 year post-transplantation 79.3% (59.6-90.1%) vs 87.2% (78.1-92.7%) (P = .38).

CONCLUSIONS

Proton pump inhibitor administration might be protective for CDI in ITR. Risks factors for CDI might be different in ITR compared to other populations; anatomical differences and medications administered in the post-transplantation period may affect intestinal microbiota.

A Changing of the Abbreviated Injury Scale that Improves Accuracy and Simplifies Scoring

Objective

We present here a changing of the abbreviated injury scale (AIS). It is called the changed injury severity score (CISS), and significantly outperforms the venerable but dated the injury severity score (ISS) and the new injury severity score (NISS) as a predictor of mortality.

Methods

The CISS is defined as a change of AIS values by raising each AIS severity score (1-6) by a power of 4.12 divided by 30.33 and then summing the three most severe (i.e. highest AIS) regardless of body regions. CISS values were calculated for every patient in two large independent data sets: 3455, 3900 patients treated during a five-year period at the class A grade III comprehensive hospitals in Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University (Hangzhou) and Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Zhejiang). The power of CISS to predict morality was then compared with previously calculated NISS values of the same group patients in the two hospitals.

Results

We found CISS was more accurate than NISS to predict the survival. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of NISS and CISS in Hangzhou were 0.919 and 0.937 respectively (p=0.026), whereas for Zhejiang were 0.917 and 0.940 respectively (p=0.022). Moreover, CISS provided a better fit throughout its entire range of prediction. Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) statistic for NISS and CISS in Hangzhou were 24.00 (p=0.002) and 19.38 (p=0.007), whereas in Zhejiang were 22.70 (p=0.001) and 18.43 (p=0.005) respectively.

Conclusions

CISS is a modified version of NISS/ISS with better statistical property and can be considered in trauma research.

Melatonin mediates vasodilation through both direct and indirect activation of BKCa channels

Melatonin, synthesized primarily by the pineal gland, is a neuroendocrine hormone with high membrane permeability. The vascular effects of melatonin, including vasoconstriction and vasodilation, have been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels are expressed broadly on smooth muscle cells and play an important role in vascular tone regulation. This study explored the mechanisms of myocyte BK_Ca channels and endothelial factors underlying the action of melatonin on the mesenteric arteries (MAs). Vascular contractility and patch-clamp studies were performed on myocytes of MAs from Wistar rats. Melatonin induced significant vasodilation on MAs. In the presence of N^ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a potent endothelial oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, melatonin elicited concentration-dependent relaxation, with lowered pIC₅₀ The effect of melatonin was significantly attenuated in the presence of BK_Ca channel blocker iberiotoxin or MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist luzindole in both (+) l-NAME and (-) l-NAME groups. In the (+) l-NAME group, iberiotoxin caused a parallel rightward shift of the melatonin concentration-relaxation curve, with pIC₅₀ lower than that of luzindole. Both inside-out and cell-attached patch-clamp recordings showed that melatonin significantly increased the open probability, mean open time and voltage sensitivity of BK_Ca channels. In a cell-attached patch-clamp configuration, the melatonin-induced enhancement of BK_Ca channel activity was significantly suppressed by luzindole. These findings indicate that in addition to the activation of eNOS, melatonin-induced vasorelaxation of MAs is partially attributable to its direct (passing through the cell membrane) and indirect (via MT1/MT2 receptors) activation of the BK_Ca channels on mesenteric arterial myocytes.

[Identification of mutations associated with coronary artery lesion susceptibility in Kawasaki disease by targeted enrichment of genomic region sequencing technique]

Objective: To screen and identify the mutations in Kawasaki disease by targeted enrichment of genomic region sequencing technique and investigate susceptibility genes associated with coronary artery lesion. Method: This was a case-control study.A total of 114 patients diagnosed as Kawasaki disease treated in Shanghai Children's Hospital between December 2015 and November 2016 were studied and another 45 healthy children who were physically examined in outpatient department were enrolled as control group. Patients were divided into two groups based on the results of echocardiogram. Peripheral venous blood was obtained from patients and controls. Genomic DNA was extracted. SeqCap EZ Choice libraries were prepared by targeted enrichment of genomic region technology. Then the libraries were sequenced to identify susceptibility genes associated with coronary artery lesion in patients diagnosed as Kawasaki disease.Susceptible genes were identified by Burden test, Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test. Result: There was statistically significant difference in TNFRSF11B(rs2073618)G>C(p.N3K)mutation and GG/GC/CC genotype between Kawasaki disease group and control group(χ(2)=15.52, P=0.00). There was statistically significant difference in TNFRSF13B(rs34562254)C>T(p.P251L)mutation(χ(2)=10.40, P=0.01)and LEFTY1(rs360057)T>G(p.D322A)mutation(χ(2)=8.505, P=0.01)between patients with coronary artery lesions and those without. Conclusion: Targeted enrichment of genomic region sequencing technology can be used to do primary screening for the susceptible genes associated with coronary artery lesions in Chinese Kawasaki patients and may provide theoretical basis for larger sample investigation of risk prediction score standard in Kawasaki disease.

[Analysis of the clinical features of vestibular migraine with MRI changes]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of vestibular migraine with MRI changes. Methods: The clinical data of 150 patients with vestibular migraine completing MRI examination in navy general hospital from August 2008 to August 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Clinical features of 94 (62.7%) vestibular migraine patients with MRI changes were collected and analyzed according to the medical history, clinical symptoms and signs, as well as the result of auxiliary examinations. Results: The manifestations of MRI in vestibular migraine patients were mainly multiple punctate equal T(1) and long T(2) signals or high signals on FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) in subcortical white matter. The average age of the patients at the visit was (52±15) years old, with the male to female ratio of 1∶3.1. The occurrence of vertigo and migraine were in no particular order, with 54.3% patients presenting migraine several years before vertigo. The duration of vertigo was mostly 24 hours to 72 hours (31.9%). The visual aura (55.3%), photophobia and phonophobia (67.0%) were the most frequently associated symptoms. Conclusions: The vestibular migraine patients with MRI changes have its own specific clinical characteristics and are mainly seen in female with visual aura. The associated symptoms of vestibular migraine appear mostly during the process of vertigo. The pathogenesis of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) is not clear.

Abstract P4-02-10: Adjunct diagnosing with breast specific gamma imaging or ultrasound in symptomatic women with mammographic dense breasts: A single center retrospective and comparative analysis

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

[Prognostic factors for inability to walk independently in patients with multiple system atrophy]

Objective: To explore the prognostic factors for inability to walk independently in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods: A total of 123 patients with clinically confirmed MSA admitted to Navy General Hospital and Dongfang Hospital affiliated to the Second Clinical Medical College of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from February 2013 to February 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data and all records were collected and all subjects were followed up by a telephone call in February 2016. The second milestone of activities of daily living scale (ADL), defined as inability to walk independently, was taken as the primary outcome. Eight possible prognostic factors were investigated and the survival analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards model regression. Results: Of all the MSA patients, 74 subjects were men and 49 were women with a sex radio of 1.51∶1(M∶F). Seventy cases were diagnosed with MSA-cerebellar type (MSA-C) and 53 with MSA-Parkinson type (MSA-P) (C∶P=1.32∶1). Mean age at the onset of first symptom was (53±8) years old. All patients had severe autonomic nervous dysfunction. At the last follow-up, 56 cases (45.5%) were unable to walk independently. The median survival time from the onset of MSA to inability to walk independently was 73 months. The age of onset ≥ 55 years (HR=1.969, 95%CI 1.095-3.542, P=0.024) and the interval time from disease onset to combined motor and autonomic involvement≤3 years (HR=2.308, 95%CI 1.158-4.600, P=0.017) were independent prognostic factors for inability to walk independently, while gender, MSA clinical subtypes, initial symptoms, alcohol intake, smoking and toxic exposure were not indicators for independent walking (P>0.05). Conclusions: The prognostic factors for inability to walk independently in patients with MSA are the age of onset ≥55 years and the interval time from disease onset to combined motor and autonomic involvement≤3 years. Although factors including gender, MSA clinical subtypes, initial symptoms, alcohol intake, smoking and toxic exposure are not the predictive factors for inability to walk independently in our MSA patients, their roles in the prognosis of MSA still need further investigation.

Impact of Immunoglobulin Therapy in Intestinal Transplant Recipients With Posttransplantation Hypogammaglobulinemia

BACKGROUND

Severe hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG) (IgG <400 mg/dL) following intestinal transplantation is common. Although IgG replacement therapy is commonly used, clinical outcomes associated with increasing IgG levels to >400 mg/dL are not well described.

METHODS

Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate survival, the log-rank test to compare survival distributions between groups, and the Fisher exact test to determine the association between HGG and rejection.

RESULTS

A total of 23 intestinal transplant (IT) recipients with a median age of 2.3 years (range, 0.7-41 years) at the time of HGG diagnosis were included. The types of transplants were liver-small bowel (73.9%), liver-small bowel-kidney (8.7%), and small bowel only (17.4%). The 3-year survival after the diagnosis of HGG was 50.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28.2%-68.7%). There was no difference in survival (P = .67) when patients were dichotomized based upon IgG level at last follow-up (IgG ≥400 mg/dL, n = 14; and IgG <400 mg/dL, n = 9). There was no also evidence of an association between survival and: total dose (P = .58), frequency (P = .11), and number of IgG doses administered (P = .8). There was no difference in survival between patients receiving (n = 12) or not receiving (n = 11) cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin (P = .10).

CONCLUSIONS

Improved survival rates were not found in our IT recipients with severe HGG with immunoglobulin therapy to IgG levels of ≥400 mg/dL, even when cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin was administered.

Colistin, an Old Drug in a New Territory, Solid Organ Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The clinical experience with colistin therapy for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in solid organ transplantation is limited.

METHODS

Patients transplanted from January 2003 to July 2011 and treated with intravenous or nebulized colistin were included. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patients' characteristics and Kaplan-Meier curves for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included: 10 adults (median age, 54.6 y; range, 32.2-79.6 y) and 5 children (median age, 3.3 y; range, 1.1-10.4 y). Eight patients had intra-abdominal infections, 3 had pneumonia, and 4 had bacteremia. The infections were diagnosed at a median of 5.9 months (range, 0.8-49.8 mo) after transplantation. Eight patients had coinfections, mainly with enteric pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 13 cases and ESBL Klebsiella oxytoca and ESBL Escherichia coli were isolated in 1 case each. Thirteen patients received concomitant antibiotics with colistin. The median dose of intravenous colistin (13 patients) was 2.7 mg/kg/d (range, 1-4.9 mg/kg/d) and nebulized colistin (2 patients) was 241.7 mg/d (range, 150-333.3 mg/d). Clinical cure was achieved in 9 patients (60%). Four-week survival rate after infection was 86.7% (95% confidence interval, 56.4%-96.5%). There was no difference in the median creatinine clearance in adults (P = .38) or children (P = .88) before and after colistin. One patient had both neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and 1 patient had neurotoxicity only.

CONCLUSIONS

Colistin might be used as an alternate therapy for transplant patients with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

Exploring the regulatory role of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant protein on glioma stem cell proliferation

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is the most lethal form of cancer that originates mostly from the brain and less frequently from the spine. Glioma is characterized by abnormal regulation of glial cell differentiation. The severity of the glioma was found to be relaxed in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutant. The present study focused on histological discrimination and regulation of cancer stem cell between IDH1 mutant and in non-IDH1 mutant glioma tissue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques are used to analyze the glioma nature and variation in glioma stem cells that differ between IDH1 mutant and in non-IDH1 mutant glioma tissue.

RESULTS

The aggressive form of non-IDH1 mutant glioma shows abnormal cellular histological variation with prominent larger nucleus along with abnormal clustering of cells. The longer survival form of IDH1 mutant glioma has a control over glioma stem cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry with stem cell markers, CD133 and EGFRvIII are used to demonstrate that the IDH1 mutant glioma shows limited dependence on cancer stem cells and it shows marked apoptotic signals in TUNEL assay to regulate abnormal cells. The non-IDH1 mutant glioma failed to regulate misbehaving cells and it promotes cancer stem cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding supports that the IDH1 mutant glioma has a regulatory role in glioma stem cells and their survival.

Direct growth of Ge quantum dots on a graphene/SiO2/Si structure using ion beam sputtering deposition

The growth of Ge quantum dots (QDs) using the ion beam sputtering deposition technique has been successfully conducted directly on single-layer graphene supported by SiO2/Si substrate. The results show that the morphology and size of Ge QDs on graphene can be modulated by tuning the Ge coverage. Charge transfer behavior, i.e. doping effect in graphene has been demonstrated at the interface of Ge/graphene. Compared with that of traditional Ge dots grown on Si substrate, the positions of both corresponding photoluminescence (PL) peaks of Ge QDs/graphene hybrid structure undergo a large red-shift, which can probably be attributed to the lack of atomic intermixing and the existence of surface states in this hybrid material. According to first-principles calculations, the Ge growth on the graphene should follow the so-called Volmer-Weber mode instead of the Stranski-Krastanow one which is observed generally in the traditional Ge QDs/Si system. The calculations also suggest that the interaction between Ge and graphene layer can be enhanced with the decrease of the Ge coverage. Our results may supply a prototype for fabricating novel optoelectronic devices based on a QDs/graphene hybrid nanostructure.

Prognostic and predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer to affect women in the world. Studies showed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes can exhibit both beneficial and harmful effects on the biology and clinical outcome of breast cancer, the conclusion still remains incomplete. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and breast cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was used to search relevant literatures in PubMed and the ISI Web of Science. The correlation among TILs and breast cancer clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed by using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0.

RESULT

Seventeen eligible studies consisting of 12,968 participants were included. We found that higher value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had no relationship with breast cancer clinicopathological variables. Interestingly, it was correlated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in majority (pooled RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.99-2.97). Moreover, higher value of total tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (both intraepithelial and stromal) was associated with better prognosis (pooled HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94), whereas some subtypes predicted a worse prognosis.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that high value of total TILs is not associated with breast cancer clinicopathological features, but can predict a favorable outcome for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in majority except for hormone receptor (-) subtype. And higher total TILs (both intraepithelial TILs and stromal TILs) may be the potential better prognostic indicators, while some subtypes like PD-1(+) TILs and Foxp3(+) TILs show a worse prognosis.

Secondary growth mechanism of SiGe islands deposited on a mixed-phase microcrystalline Si by ion beam co-sputtering

We discuss the SiGe island co-sputtering deposition on a microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) buffer layer and the secondary island growth based on this pre-SiGe island layer. The growth phenomenon of SiGe islands on crystalline silicon (c-Si) is also investigated for comparison. The pre-SiGe layer grown on μc-Si exhibits a mixed-phase structure, including SiGe islands and amorphous SiGe (a-SiGe) alloy, while the layer deposited on c-Si shows a single-phase island structure. The preferential growth and Ostwald ripening growth are shown to be the secondary growth mechanism of SiGe islands on μc-Si and c-Si, respectively. This difference may result from the effect of amorphous phase Si (AP-Si) in μc-Si on the island growth. In addition, the Si-Ge intermixing behavior of the secondary-grown islands on μc-Si is interpreted by constructing the model of lateral atomic migration, while this behavior on c-Si is ascribed to traditional uphill atomic diffusion. It is found that the aspect ratios of the preferential-grown super islands are higher than those of the Ostwald-ripening ones. The lower lateral growth rate of super islands due to the lower surface energy of AP-Si on the μc-Si buffer layer for the non-wetting of Ge at 700 °C and the stronger Si-Ge intermixing effect at 730 °C may be responsible for this aspect ratio difference.

Psychotropic drugs for the management of cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom affecting 60-90% of cancer survivors, and effective management for CRF is not yet available. Recently, an increasing number of trials examining the use of psychotropic drugs for the treatment of CRF have been performed, but these trials have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis aimed at assessing the effect and safety of psychotropic drugs for the management of CRF. Ten eligible trials of the psychotropic drugs methylphenidate and modafinil in a total of 1582 participants treated for CRF were subjected to statistical analyses. A meta-analysis of seven of these studies indicated that methylphenidate was superior to placebo for the treatment of CRF. Another meta-analysis of three studies evaluating modafinil found that this drug was no better than placebo. Adverse events were similar between both methylphenidate and modafinil and the placebo groups. Our meta-analysis indicated that the treatment of CRF with methylphenidate appears to be effective, whereas modafinil provides no benefit. These results of this analysis warrant further trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of psychotropic drugs for the treatment of CRF.

DNA damage regulates ARID1A stability via SCF ubiquitin ligase in gastric cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

The gene product of the AT-rich interactive domain 1A (SWI-like) gene (ARID1A) is a member of the SWI/SNF adenosine triphosphate-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes, which plays an essential role in controlling gene expression and is also involved in cancer development. ARID1A is frequently mutated in a wild variety of cancers and function as a tumor suppressor in several kinds of cancers. ARID1A was down-regulated in gastric cancer, and associated poor patient prognosis. However, how ARID1A protein is regulated in gastric cancer remains largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we show that ARID1A protein is rapidly ubiquitinated and degradated in gastric cancer cells in response to DNA damage treatment.

RESULTS

Using genetic and pharmacologic Cullin inactivation coupled with in vitro ubiquitination assay, we demonstrate that ARID1A is a substrate of the Cullin-SKP1-F-box protein (SCF) complexes. Moreover, gastric cancer cells with forced expression of ARID1A showed an increased sensitivity to DNA damage reagents. Thus, our data uncovered a previous unknown posttranscriptional regulation of ARID1A by SCF E3 ligase in gastric cancer cells in DNA damage response.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest ARID1A might be a promising drug target in gastric cancer treatment.

Electronic properties of single Ge/Si quantum dot grown by ion beam sputtering deposition

The dependence of the electronic properties of a single Ge/Si quantum dot (QD) grown by the ion-beam sputtering deposition technique on growth temperature and QD diameter is investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM). The Si-Ge intermixing effect is demonstrated to be important for the current distribution of single QDs. The current staircase induced by the Coulomb blockade effect is observed at higher growth temperatures (>700 °C) due to the formation of an additional barrier between dislocated QDs and Si substrate for the resonant tunneling of holes. According to the proposed single-hole-tunneling model, the fact that the intermixing effect is observed to increase as the incoherent QD size decreases may explain the increase in the starting voltage of the current staircase and the decrease in the current step width.