Evidence for causal effects of neuropsychiatric conditions on risk for Venous Thromboembolism: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Substantial observational evidence suggests an association between neuropsychiatric conditions and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). However, the causal relationship between these two conditions requires further investigation. Therefore, we employed a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to assess bidirectional causal effects between four neuropsychiatric conditions and VTE, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

METHODS

Genetic variants associated with four neuropsychiatric conditions, including Schizophrenia (SCH), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), and Epilepsy, as well as VTE, DVT, and PE were selected. Bidirectional univariable and multivariable MR methods were applied to evaluate causal relationships among these conditions. The primary causal estimates were obtained using the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method with multiplicative random effects, supplemented by MR Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using MR pleiotropy residual sum ,funnel plots and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method.

RESULTS

Univariable MR results showed that genetic susceptibility to MDD increases the risk of VTE and PE (VTE: OR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.08-1.46, P=0.004; PE: OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.09-1.69, P=0.006), and PE has an adverse causal effect on MDD (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.04, P=0.026). Adjustment for confounders such as obesity, sleep duration, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption revealed that increased genetic susceptibility to MDD is also associated with VTE and PE.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that genetic susceptibility to MDD may have an adverse causal effect on the risk of VTE and PE, and PE has a reverse causal effect on MDD. Prevention and early diagnosis of depression are crucial in the management of VTE and PE.

Accelerometer-measured sedentary volume and bouts during the segmented school day among Chinese school students

Background

This study examined sedentary volume and bouts of Chinese primary and middle school students during different segments of a school day and determined whether gender and school level are associated with their sedentary volume and bouts.

Methods

A total of 472 students participated in this study. Accelerometers were used to measure the sedentary volume and sedentary bouts of different durations (i.e., 1-4 min, 5-9 min and ≥10 min) during all segments.

Results

The participants spent the majority of their time in sitting (61.7%) and sitting bouts of ≥10 min (37.3%). They spent higher percentages of time in sitting during regular classes (76.7%) and out-of-school time (54.5%), and lower during physical education (PE) classes (32.2%), lunch break (35.4%) and recess (38.0%). The highest proportions of time were in sedentary bouts of ≥10 min during regular classes (50.2%), out-of-school time (28.0%) and lunch break (18.8%), while the greatest percentages occurred in sitting bouts of 1-4 min during PE class (16.4%) and recess (18.6%). Girls and middle school students had higher percentages of sedentary volume than boys and primary school students during most segments. They spent greater proportions of time in sitting bouts of ≥10 min during regular classes, lunch break, and out-of-school time, and higher proportions in sedentary bouts of 1-4 min than boys and primary students during PE classes.

Conclusion

Regular class and out-of-school time were identified as key segments for reducing sedentary volume and breaking up prolonged sitting. Interventions on interrupting prolonged sitting during lunch break should also be explored. Girls and middle school students should receive more attention in future interventions.

[A case of ocular siderosis caused by iron ore]

A patient complained of vision loss of his left eye which was crushed by iron ore for 11 months. The cornea of the injured eye was thin and swollen, and a large amount of rust-like material was observed to be deposited. An intraocular foreign body was found by orbital CT. During vitrectomy, a piece of metal sheet was found near the ora serrate, and the intraocular structure was severely damaged, and characterized by vitreous brown turbidity, a white optic disc, occlusion of blood vessels in the fundus, and peripheral retinal atrophy with degeneration. The patient was diagnosed as ocular siderosis in the left eye.

Associations between sleep duration, sleep quality, and weight status in Chinese children and adolescents

Background and objective

The high prevalence of obesity is a serious problem, and sleep is considered to be a factor for obesity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep duration, sleep quality, and weight status among children and adolescents in China and to explore whether the relationship between sleep duration and weight status is independent of sleep quality. Sex and age differences were also explored.

Methods

A cross-sectional research was conducted among 2019 children and adolescents (1029 boys and 990 girls) aged 8–16 years in Shanghai. An open-question was used to obtain data on sleep duration, which was categorized into the following four groups based on the age-specific National Sleep Foundation Sleep Duration Recommendations: 1) very short, 2) short, 3) recommended, and 4) long. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality. Weight and height were measured for all participants. The variable weight status was estimated with the Chinese children and adolescent age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) and was categorized into overweight/obesity and normal weight.

Results

Short sleep duration (7–8 and 6–7 h for 6–13 and 14–16 years old, respectively) significantly increased odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06–1.64) compared with that of the recommended sleep duration (9–11 and 8–10 h for 6–13 and 14–16 years old, respectively). The relationship between the two variables existed independent of sleep quality. No significant relationship was found between sleep quality and overweight/obesity of children and adolescents. Sleep quality (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.14) and short sleep duration (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06–2.13) increased the risk for overweight/obesity among girls, whereas no significant relationships between sleep duration, sleep quality, and overweight/obesity were found among boys. Short sleep duration increased the risk of overweight/obesity in children aged 8–13 years (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.71), independent of sleep quality, but no significant relationships between these two variables existed for adolescents aged 14–16 years.

Conclusions

Overall, short sleep duration increased the risks of overweight/obesity in children and adolescents in China, independent of sleep quality. This relationship is significant for girls and children aged 8–13 years instead of boys and adolescents aged 14–16 years. Interventions to extend the sleep duration of children and adolescents, especially girls and children aged 8–13 years in China, are necessary to improve their weight status.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13534-w.

Bactericidal efficacy of low concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide with validation in a BSL-3 laboratory

BACKGROUND

Highly infective pathogens are cultured and studied in biosafety laboratories. It is critical to thoroughly disinfect these laboratories to prevent laboratory infection. A whole-room, non-contact, reduced corrosion disinfection strategy using hydrogen peroxide was proposed and evaluated.

AIM

To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of 8% and 10% vaporized hydrogen peroxide( VHP) in a laboratory setting with spores and bacteria as bioindicators.

METHODS

Spores of B. atrophaeus and B. stearothermophilus, along with bacteria E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis were placed in pre-selected locations in a sealed laboratory and an OXY-PHARM NOCOSPRAY2 vaporized hydrogen peroxide generator was applied. Spore killing efficacy was qualitatively evaluated, and bactericidal efficacy was quantitatively analyzed, and the mean log10 reduction was determined. Finally, the optimized disinfection strategy was verified in a BSL-3 laboratory.

FINDINGS

Significant reductions in microbial load were obtained for each of the selected spores and bacteria when exposed to VHP in concentrations of 8% and 10% for 2～3 h. S. aureus was found to be more resistant than E. coli and S. epidermidis. Tests with 8% hydrogen peroxide and exposure for more than 3 h completely killed B. atrophaeus on surfaces and equipment in the BSL-3 laboratory.

CONCLUSION

The vaporized hydrogen peroxide generator is superior in terms of good diffusivity and low corrosiveness and is time-effective in removing the disinfectant residue. This study provides reference for the precise disinfection of air and object surfaces in biosafety laboratories under varying conditions.

Nonlinearity-mediated collimation of optical beams

We investigated the evolutions of optical beams in an optical system composed of free spaces and nonlocal nonlinear media layers in a cascaded manner. From an application point of view, two kinds of evolution processes for Gaussian beams, nonlinearity-mediated collimation and switching from breathers to solitons, were discussed in details. By adjusting the input optical power, the collimating, the compressing and the expanding of optical beams are convenient to be controlled.

Spatial solitons with complicated structure in nonlocal nonlinear media: erratum

This erratum corrects the range of the degree of nonlocality σ, in which the out-of-phase bound-state solitons can stably exist in our paper [Opt. Express24, 28784 (2016)10.1364/OE.24.028784].

Effects of chronic intranasal dantrolene on nasal mucosa morphology in mice

OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that the intranasal administration of dantrolene ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This study examines the morphology of the nasal mucosa after 10 months of intranasal dantrolene in 5XFAD mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

5XFAD mice were either treated with intranasal dantrolene (5 mg/kg, 3 times/wk) from 2 months to 12 months of age or given no treatment at all. The mice were euthanatized at 12 months of age and the snouts were processed for histological examination. The morphology of the nasal mucosa was assessed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the thickness of the olfactory epithelium or the proportion of the thickness of the glandular layer to the wall of mucosa and submucosa in the nasal passages.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term intranasal administration of dantrolene did not significantly change the nasal mucosa morphology in 5XFAD mice.

Malnutrition Increases the Risk of Left Ventricular Remodeling

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is associated with increased incidence of heart failure (HF). Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is one of the most important processes in the occurrence and evolution of HF. However, the association between nutritional status and LV remodeling is not well known. The study aimed to investigate the association between malnutrition and LV remodeling.

DESIGN

The study was a retrospective observation study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We included patients from the registry of Cardiorenal Improvement study from January 2007 to December 2018 at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary endpoint was LV remodeling, defined as an absolute decrease in LV ejection fraction ≥10% after discharge compared with baseline. Nutritional status was assessed by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. Eligible patients were divided into absent-mild malnutrition group (CONUT score ≤4) and moderate-severe malnutrition group (CONUT score >4). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to verify the association between malnutrition and left ventricular remodeling.

RESULTS

A total of 7,217 patients (mean age 61.3±10.5 years, 71.7% male) were included in the final analysis, among which 712 (9.9%) had LV remodeling. The incidence of LV remodeling in moderate-severe malnutrition group was significantly higher than that in absent-mild malnutrition group (12.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.002). In multivariable logistic regression, moderate-severe malnutrition group was significantly associated with 1.69-fold increased risk of LV remodeling after adjusting confounders (OR: 1.69, CI: 1.32-2.16). Similar results were observed in subgroup stratified by age, gender, and coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

Nearly one eighth of patients were classified as moderate-severe malnutrition, 12% of whom had LV remodeling. Moderate-severe malnutrition was associated with 69% increased risk of LV remodeling. Further studies are needed to prospectively evaluate the nutrition-oriented managements on outcomes in LV remodeling.

Inhibition of myeloid differentiation factor 2 by MAC28 suppresses reactive oxygen species, inflammation and improves mitochondrial function, leading to improved cardiac function in prediabetic rats

Background

Chronic inflammation involves in the left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced prediabetes, along with cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. This involved an activation of myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by lipopolysaccharide, leading to inflammatory cytokines production in the heart. MAC28 is a novel MD2 inhibitor, which had been shown to provide effects against LPS-induced cytokine secretion from macrophages. However, the potential benefits of MAC28 on the LV function and its underlying mechanisms in HFD-induced prediabetic rats are unknown.

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that MAC28 improves LV function in prediabetic rats by reducing cardiac oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were fed either a normal diet (ND, n=8) or HFD (n=24) for 16 weeks. At week 12, HFD-fed rats developed prediabetes and LV dysfunction. At this time, these HFD-fed rats were divided into 3 treatment groups (n=8/group): 1) vehicle (HFDV; 1% Na-carboxymethyl cellulose; p.o.); 2) MAC28 (40 mg/kg; p.o.); 3) metformin (300 mg/kg; p.o.; a positive control), the ND-fed rats received a vehicle (NDV). Rats were received their treatment for 4 weeks. Then, LV function and heart rate variability (HRV) were examined, and the heart was removed to determinecardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), cardiac inflammation (TNF-α) and mitochondrial function.

Results

HFD-induced prediabetes, together with depressed HRV and %LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (Fig. 1A). Moreover, cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation overproduction, and cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction was also observed, shown by elevated cardiac MDA, cardiac TNF-α protein levels, and mitochondrial ROS levels, mitochondrial depolarization and swelling (Fig. 1B). Notably, treatment with MAC28 effectively improved HRV and %LVEF and HRV (Fig. 1A), compared to HFDV group. Moreover, MAC28 significantly reduced cardiac MDA levels, cardiac TNF-α protein levels and cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in HFD-induced prediabetic rats (Fig. 1B). These beneficial effects were also observed in metformin-treated rats (Fig. 1A, B).

Conclusion

MAC28 exerts cardioprotection in prediabetic rats by reducing cardiac oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to restoring LV function.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation

Taurine Reduces Liver Damage in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model in Rats by Down-Regulating IL-9 and Tumor Growth Factor TGF-β

The study employed a rat model to examine the effects of taurine (Tau) on prevention and therapy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In model rats maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD), the serum levels of ALT, AST, triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL were higher than the corresponding levels in normal control and NP groups (p<0.05). In Tau-prevention and Tau-treatment groups, the serum levels of AST and triglycerides were lower than in HFD rats (p<0.05). In HFD rats, diffuse fatty degeneration and infiltration with inflammatory cells was observed in the liver; in the ileal mucosa, the villi were fractured or absent, the epithelium was exfoliated and infiltrated with inflammatory cells. The levels of TGF-β, IL-9, and their mRNA in the liver and ileal mucosa of HFD rats were significantly higher than in normal control and NP groups (p<0.05). In Tau-prevention and Tau-treatment groups, these levels were significantly lower than in HFD rats (p<0.05). Thus, TGF-β and IL-9 can be implicated in NAFLD genesis, while Tau can preventively or therapeutically diminish the damage to the liver and ileal mucosa in rats with this disease by down-regulating the expression of TGF-β and IL-9.

O-137 Salpingectomy versus neosalpingostomy in women with hydrosalpinx: a prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up

Study question

What is the comparative effectiveness between salpingectomy and neosalpingostomy in the treatment of bilateral severe hydrosalpinx?

Summary answer

In women with bilateral severe hydrosalpinx, salpingectomy combined with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment resulted in a higher cumulative live birth rate than neosalpingostomy.

What is known already

Hydrosalpinx accounts for 25% to 35% of female subfertility and has a negative effect on pregnancy rates in women who undergo IVF. So far salpingectomy before in vitro fertilization treatment has been suggested for the treatment of hydrosalpinx in order to improve the chance of a live birth. Previous studies have reported a pooled live birth rate of 25% through natural conception after neosalpingostomy and an ongoing pregnancy rate of 55.8% after salpingectomy with IVF. Direct comparison of the cumulative live birth rate after salpingectomy versus neosalpingostomy, both followed by IVF is lacking.

Study design, size, duration

We performed a single center, prospective comparative cohort study in the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China. We studied women diagnosed with tubal subfertility with bilateral hydrosalpinx between January 2005 and December 2012. Based on a shared decision approach, they had bilateral salpingectomy or neosalpingostomy followed by IVF. They were annually followed up until July 2020 for the occurrence of live birth.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Out of 113 women, 55 had bilateral salpingectomy and 58 had bilateral neosalpingostomy. Primary outcome was cumulative live birth rate, defined as the cumulative birth rate of the first living neonate through either natural conception or in vitro fertilization. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis were processed. Cox proportional hazards regression model with potential variables was performed to identify predictors of successful live birth.

Main results and the role of chance

Baseline characteristics were comparable between two groups. There were 42 live births in the salpingectomy and 36 in the neosalpingostomy group. When the result of IVF was incorporated (55/55 in salpingectomy group and 25/58 in neosalpingostomy group underwent IVF), salpingectomy resulted in a higher cumulative live birth rate (85.3% vs 76.0%; hazard ratio of the whole survival curve, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.37 - 3.45; P = 0.001), a lower risk of ectopic pregnancy (1.8% vs 20.7%; risk ratio, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 - 0.57; P = 0.013), and a shorter time to live birth (19 [14,27] versus 36 [17,76] months, P = 0.001).The number of live birth rates after natural conception was 0% (0/55) in the salpingectomy group and 28% (16/58) in neosalpingostomy group.The results of PP analyses were comparable with the ITT analyses apart from the biochemical pregnancy rate and the overall live birth rate, they were higher (the former: 76% (42/55) versus 58% (29/50), P = 0.045; the latter: 76% (42/55) versus 56% (28/50), P = 0.027) in salpingectomy group.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is an observational study. The small sample size along with the data was obtained from a cohort study in a single center.

Wider implications of the findings

In women with confirmed bilateral severe hydrosalpinx, salpingectomy followed by IVF results in a higher cumulative live birth rate and decreases the risk of EP as compared to neosalpingostomy. However, neosalpingostomy is the only option to achieve a live birth by natural conception that should be discussed with patients preoperatively.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-induced exosomal microRNA-486-3p protects against diabetic retinopathy through TLR4/NF-κB axis repression

AIM

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic disease causing health and economic burdens on individuals and society. Thus, this study is conducted to figure out the mechanisms of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-induced exosomal microRNA-486-3p (miR-486-3p) in DR.

METHODS

The putative miR-486-3p binding sites to 3'untranslated region of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was verified by luciferase reporter assay. High glucose (HG)-treated Muller cells were transfected with miR-486-3p or TLR4-related oligonucleotides and plasmids to explore theirs functions in DR. Additionally, HG-treated Muller cells were co-cultured with BMSC-derived exosomes, exosomes collected from BMSCs that had been transfected with miR-486-3p or TLR4-related oligonucleotides and plasmids to explore their functions in DR. MiR-486-3p, TLR4 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) expression, angiogenesis-related factors, oxidative stress factors, viability and apoptosis in HG-treated Muller cells were detected by RT-qPCR, western blot analysis, ELISA, MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

MiR-486-3p was poorly expressed while TLR4 and NF-κB were highly expressed in HG-treated Muller cells. TLR4 was a target of miR-486-3p. Upregulating miR-486-3p or down-regulating TLR4 inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and promoted proliferation of HG-treated Muller cells. Meanwhile, BMSC-derived exosomes inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and promoted proliferation of HG-treated Muller cells. Restoring miR-486-3p further enhanced, while up-regulating TLR4 reversed, the improvement of exosomes treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights that up-regulation of miR-486-3p induced by BMSC-derived exosomes played a protective role in DR mice via TLR4/NF-κB axis repression.

Dantrolene repurposed to treat sepsis or septic shock and COVID-19 patients

OBJECTIVE

Disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis via excessive and pathological Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and/or sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through ryanodine receptor (RyRs) Ca2+ channels play a critical role in the pathology of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in sepsis or septic shock. Dantrolene, a potent inhibitor of RyRs, is expected to ameliorate SIRS and MODS and decrease mortality in sepsis or septic shock patients. This review summarized the potential mechanisms of therapeutic effects of dantrolene in sepsis or septic shock at molecular, cell, and organ levels and provided suggestions and strategies for future clinical studies.

Adiabatic evolution of optical beams in nonlocal nonlinear media of gradual nonlocality

We theoretically investigate the evolution of optical beams in nonlocal nonlinear media of gradual nonlocality, which is governed by the nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficient. With the variational approach, the evolution equation of beam width is derived. When the characteristic length of response function gradually changes with any functional forms, beams can exhibit a kind of adiabatic evolution. The variational results are well confirmed by numerical simulations.

Could dantrolene be explored as a repurposed drug to treat COVID-19 patients by restoring intracellular calcium homeostasis?

Dantrolene, an FDA approved drug to treat malignant hyperthermia and muscle spasm, has been demonstrated to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mediated toxicity of host cells. Ryanodine receptor overactivation and associated disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis play important roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication of host cells. Dantrolene, as an inhibitor of RyRs, is expected to ameliorate these detrimental effects of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells. Additionally, dantrolene has also been shown to inhibit multiple cell or organ damage induced by hypoxia/ischemia, mitochondria damage, oxidative stresses, inflammation, impairment of autophagy and apoptosis, etc., which are often the causes of severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. We have repurposed that dantrolene has a high potential at treating COVID-19 patients and reducing its morbidity and mortality.

Identification of risk factors for falls in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for falls in postmenopausal women and provide evidence for the primary prevention of falls in postmenopausal women. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020170927). We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE for observational studies on the risk factors for falls in postmenopausal women. Review Manager 5.3 was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) of potential risk factors related to falls. STATA 14.0 was used for the quantitative evaluation of publication bias. Eleven studies with 42,429 patients from 7 countries were included. The main risk factors for falls in postmenopausal women were patient sociodemographic risk factors (age: WMD = 0.37, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.68; body weight: WMD = 0.88, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.12; BMI: WMD = 0.34, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.46; exercise: RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99; and FES-I: WMD = 6.60, 95% CI 0.72 to 12.47) and medical risk factors (dietary calcium intake: WMD = - 16.91, 95% CI - 25.80 to - 8.01; previous fracture history: RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.29; previous falls: RR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.91 to 2.14; number of diseases, ˃ 2: RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.23; and number of reported chronic health disorders: WMD = 0.30, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.49). Knowledge of the many risk factors associated with falls in postmenopausal women can aid in fall prevention. However, we cannot rule out some additional potential risk factors (age at the onset of menopause, years since last menstruation, hormone therapy and BMD) that need further clinical research.

Impact of arm choice for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion on patients: a cross-sectional study

Background: Arm choice for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion is often determined by PICC nurses. Objectives: To explore the impact of arm choice (dominant or non-dominant) on the rate of catheter-related complications and degree of comfort in patients with PICCs. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: We used questionnaires and scales to collect 255 patients' general information, catheter-related complications and comfort degree. They were divided into two groups (PICC inserted in the dominant or non-dominant arm). Results: There were significant differences in the rate of PICC occlusion and insertion site bleeding (χ ² = 9.829, P < 0.05; χ ² = 6.502, P < 0.05), both were lower in the non-dominant group than in the dominant group. Patients in the non-dominant group had a higher degree of comfort (Z = -10.166, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Inserting into non-dominant arms is related to the lower rate of catheter-related complications and higher degree of comfort for patients. Impact statement: These findings provide practical evidence for nurses to make a better choice.

Biophysical and microstructural changes of swelling cornea caused by endothelial cells damage

Biophysical properties and microstructural changes of swelling cornea which caused by endothelial cells damage will be evaluated. Swelling cornea models were established by endothelial cells damage in 114 Sprague Dawley rats. Relative gray value, swelling rate and light transmittance were measured to evaluated the biophysical properties and microstructure changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Relative gray value decreased while swelling rate rose along with time and both of them reached relative stability after 7 days. Light transmittance showed a decline trend with time even after corneal thickness had reached stable stage. Observed by transmission electron microscopy, interfibrillar distance increased, fewer proteoglycans coating appeared and remnants proteoglycan branches became thinner and longer in 7 days. Diameter of fibrils didn't change obviously with time. In cornea edema models caused by endothelial cells damage, the changes of biophysical property and microstructure can help us evaluate corneal edema accurately and objectively.

Hedyotis Diffusa Willd. Extracts Inhibit the Proliferation and Migration of Ovarian Cancer Cells by Modulating the AKT/ERK Signaling Pathway

Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (HDW) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of inhibitory effects of HDW on the growth of ovarian cancer cells. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with increasing doses of HDW for 48 or 72 h resulted in a significant reduction in the viability and colony formation of cancer cells. In HDW-treated cancer cells, the cell cycle was blocked at the G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis was 4- to 5-fold higher than that of control group. HDW treatment also markedly inhibited the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and ERK were down-regulated in HDW-treated ovarian cancer cells. Therefore, HDW is likely to become a promising therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment.

Trajectories and rotations controlled off-axis winding beams in nonlocal nonlinear media

Off-axis winding beams are discussed in nonlocal nonlinear media, whose trajectories and rotations can be controlled by the optical power and the orbital angular momentum (OAM). By changing optical power or the OAM, optical beams can propagate along different trajectories including ellipses, circles, rectangles, rhombus and so on. Due to the OAM stemming from a combination of the cross phase and the vortex phase, different parts of the optical beam exhibit distinct rotating characteristics. The elliptic envelope revolves around the beam center resulting from the cross phase, while optical peaks spin about their own axes because of the vortex phase. The two rotating velocities can be adjusted separately by the optical power and the OAM, respectively. Optical power plays a global role on the revolving velocity and the spinning velocity and can enhance the two rotations synchronously. In contrast, the OAM has a local effect and can change the relative magnitudes of these two velocities. Our results may provide a tailoring tool of evolution properties for optical beams. The property of controllable trajectories may find applications in all-optical controlling. While, the controllable rotating property can be used as in optical spanners to operate micro- or nanoparticles.

Decision-making Ability of Professional Managers Based on Neurocognitive

In order to explore the factors influencing managers' decision-making ability and the relationship among them, this study puts forward the hypothesis on the basis of analysing the factors influencing the decision-making ability, constructs a neurocognitive model of the factors influencing the decision-making ability, analyses and verifies the hypothesis with the neurocognitive model in combination with the questionnaires, and calculates the path coefficient through the model. The empirical results show that decision-making information, leadership authority and corporate culture have significant influence on the decision-making ability, in which leadership authority is the main factor, and governance structure and decision-making system indirectly influence the decision-making ability through other intermediaries.

Alkaline phosphatase 2 is a functional receptor of Cry1Ac but not Cry2Ab in Helicoverpa zea

Although membrane-bound alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) have been proposed as a receptor for Cry1Ac in a few lepidopteran species, their potential functions as a Cry2Ab receptor are yet to be verified. To determine if ALP2 also serves as a receptor for Cry1Ac and even for Cry2Ab in Helicoverpa zea, we measured the potency of activated Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab against midgut and fat body cell lines of H. zea and the ovarian cell line of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) expressing H. zea ALP2 (HzALP2) or transfected with HzALP2 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Relative to the control cells, the three cell lines expressing HzALP2 were more susceptible to Cry1Ac but there was no difference for Cry2Ab. By contrast, the two H. zea cell lines transfected with HzALP2 dsRNA were resistant to Cry1Ac while kept susceptible to Cry2Ab. Furthermore, RNA interference knockdown of HzALP2 in H. zea larvae enhanced larval survival on Cry1Ac-containing diets. These findings indicate that HzALP2 functions as a receptor of Cry1Ac but not Cry2Ab.

Revolving and spinning of optical patterns by two coaxial spiraling elliptic beams in nonlocal nonlinear media

Rotating patterns can be produced by two coaxial spiraling elliptic beams in nonlocal nonlinear media. The two constituent beams carry the orbital angular momentum (OAM), which has the same or opposite signs. The resultant patterns exhibit revolving and spinning rotations similar to the Sun-Earth system. The revolving-typed rotation comes of the overall OAM, while the spinning-typed rotation results from the respective OAM of the constituent beam. A kind of soliton patterns can stably exist, for which a vortex is nested centrally in the rotating square-shaped optical envelope and four peaks appear at four corners. The centrally nested vortex splits into two single vortex for r≠1, with r being the power ratio between the two constituent beams. The two single vortexes align vertically for r<1 and horizontally for r>1, and their spacing increases with |r-1|. The theoretical results give a possibility of the transforming from cross-phase-typed OAM into the helical-phase-typed OAM, which may find potential applications in beam shaping and controlling. In addition, the square optical envelope may exhibit advantages in the integration of optical components.

Controllable conversion between Hermite Gaussian and Laguerre Gaussian modes due to cross phase

The inter-conversion between the Hermite-Gaussian (HG) modes and the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes is discussed. The HG beams carrying a cross phase can evolve into the LG modes, and vice versa, a LG mode with the cross phase can also transform to the HG mode. This conversion process is accompanied by the intensity rotations of optical beams, and their angular velocities and acceleration are both radially dependent. Initially, the outer intensity peak and the inner intensity hollow rotate in the opposite directions. After that they tend to rotate in the same direction with different velocities. Different patterns can be generated in a controllable way by adjusting the cross phase coefficients. The theoretical results provide a controllable approach for modes generation by engineering the phase structure.

Abstract P6-09-07: Expression of miR-106b in circulating tumor cells is associated with EMT and prognosis in metastatic breast cancer patients

# Co-first author: W.T., G.L., X.X.

* Co-Correspondence: C.G. and W.G.J.

Abstract

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) display changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and miRNAs regulate EMT in breast cancer cells. The association between EMT characteristics and miRNA expression in CTCs of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and their clinical implications remain unknown.

Methods: CTC-specific miRNAs were screened based on comparison of the miRNA profile between CTC and primary tumor. RT-PCR was used to quantity the expression levels of EMT makers and miRNA candidates. We enrolled 219 MBC patients with CTCs ≥ 5/7.5mL blood from 2 cohorts and CTCs were detected and enriched by CellSearch. Overall survival (OS) and radiological response were analyzed. CTCs were divided into epithelial- (E-CTCs) and mesenchymal-like CTC (M-CTCs) phenotypes based on a cut-off value derived from suspended breast cancer cells recovered from PBMCs.

Results: MiR-106b displayed upregulation in CTCs, with a higher level in M-CTCs than E-CTCs. Patients with E-CTCs showed better OS than those with M-CTCs (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.14-2.78, P =0.012). CTCs from chemo-resistant MBC patients exhibited higher miR-106b. CTC-specific miR-106b was negatively associated with therapy response and OS (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.06-2.84, P = 0.029).

Conclusions: CTC-specific miR-106b was associated with EMT phenotypes of CTCs and may predict prognosis in MBC patients.

Citation Format: Tan W, Liang G, Xie X, Tan L, Sanders AJ, Liu Z, Ling Y, Zhong W, Jiang WG, Gong C. Expression of miR-106b in circulating tumor cells is associated with EMT and prognosis in metastatic breast cancer patients [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 P6-09-07.

Abstract P2-08-56: Effects of young age on prognosis in patients with node-negative tumors 2 cm or smaller breast cancer

Background It is still controversial to consider age as a prognostic factor into the treatment strategy of patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer.

Aim The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on recurrence risk in patients diagnosed with T1N0M0 breast cancer as well as compare the prognosis of young aged patients(YA,≤40 years old) to non-young aged patients(non-YA,&gt;40 years old) by using a propensity score matching(PSM) analysis.

Methods 365 patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer diagnosed between 2003 and 2016 who received surgery in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital Breast Cancer Center were included.The recurrence free survival (RFS) and risk factors for recurrence were identified by using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. PSM was then used to reduce the confounding effect of known risk factors on prognosis and then to compare 5-year RFS rates in patients between two age groups.

Results After a median follow up of 79 months, 54 patients developed recurrences and 5-year RFS was 87.6%. YA patients had lower RFS estimates (80.6%), compared to patients diagnosed in a later age (89.1% if older than 40-years old; P = 0.049). YA patients tended to have Her-2 positive, TNBC tumors, higher rate of Ki-67 expression and nuclear grade tumor. At multivariate analysis, Her-2 positive (HR 2.115; 95% CI 1.103-4.055, p=0.024) and TNBC (HR 2.963; 95% CI 1.485-5.914, p=0.002) resulted independent prognostic factors of patient with T1N0M0 breast cancer. In the subgroup analysis, we found significant poor RFS for YA patients with Her-2 positive breast cancer compared to the older counterparts(p=0.006) and YA patients were associated with significantly higher rates of the locoregional recurrence rather than metastasis(p=0.004), especially in first 5 years after diagnosis. After PSM, the baseline level and treatment status including tumor size, grade, HR status, Her-2 status, Ki67 expression breast surgery type and systemic adjuvant treatment(AST) of patients in the two age groups tended to be equal. As result, we found significant difference in the 5-year RFS between two age groups(p=0.008).

Conclusion Based on equal treatment condition, young age at presentation conferred a worse prognosis in patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer is independent on other pathological features.

Citation Format: Zhong W, Tan L, You N, Wang Y, Liang G, Liu Z, Ling Y, Tian Z, Gong C. Effects of young age on prognosis in patients with node-negative tumors 2 cm or smaller breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-56.

Abstract P2-01-08: The potential role of CTNND1 (catenin (cadherin-associated protein), Delta 1) in breast cancer bone metastasis

Background:

The bone is a frequently visited site by breast cancer cells. Most women who die of metastatic breast cancer would already have bone metastases, whether they are micro- or macro-metastases. Metastatic bone metastasis from breast cancer is mostly osteolytic, with reasons unclear and little in vitro and in vivo studies exploring the osteolytic nature of bone metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of CTNND1, Catenin (Cadherin-Associated Protein) Delta 1, in the context of bone metastasis of breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

In order to identify potential genes involved in bone metastasis, we established a novel in vitro model named Bone Matrix Extract (BME) which was extracted from human femur and used to mimic the bone environment. Full profile of gene expression in response to BME was conducted using Ampliseq technology. Potential genes associated with bone metastasis was examined in a clinical breast cohort containing both cancer and normal tissues (n = 103), collected immediately following surgery. Gene transcript levels were quantified using QPCR and analysed against patient's pathological information and clinical outcome. We generated a series of cell models by knocking down and over-expressing one of the most relevant genes, CTNND1, using siRNA, sh-RNA, ribozyme transgenes and insertion of full coding sequence containing plasmids. Function assays including Matrigel based-adhesion, cancer cell-osteobalstic cell contact, proliferation, transwell invasion and migration were used to investigate the changes of biological features after interfering with CTNND1 expression in relation to BME / co-culture models.

Results:

CTNND1 was down regulated in all breast epithelial cells following BME treatment at both mRNA and protein level. From the clinical cohort, we found that compared with benign tissue, breast cancer tissues had significantly decreased CTNND1 transcript expression. Reduced CTNND1 was associated with advanced TNM stage and poor distant metastasis, local recurrence and bone metastasis. We went on to knockdown CTNND1 by siRNA, ribozyme as well as lenti-shCTNND1 transfection in MCF-10A and MDA-231 cells and overexpressed CTNND1 in MCF-7 cells. In vitro study demonstrated that knockdown of CTNND1 expression led to decreased capacity of Matrigel-adhesion, migration and invasion but increased cancer cell-osteobalstic cell adhesion. No effects were observed on cell proliferation after altering CTNND1 expression, in the presence or absence of BME.

Conclusions:

In this initial study on CTNND1 in breast cancer, our current data suggests that lower transcript expression of CTNND1 associates with a poorer patient prognosis. CTNND1 reduction may play a role in the progression of breast cancer bone metastasis.

Citation Format: Gong C, Andrew A, Feng Y, Owen S, Liang G, Davies E, Song E, Jiang W. The potential role of CTNND1 (catenin (cadherin-associated protein), Delta 1) in breast cancer bone metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-08.

Abstract P2-07-12: A prognostic prediction nomogram (PDIDC) for breast Paget's disease with infiltrating ductal carcinoma patients: A SEER cohort analysis

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop a specific nomogram for prediction of prognosis for breast Paget's disease with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (PD-IDC) patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients data were obtained by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (N=2502). Study outcome was Breast Cancer Specific Survival (BCSS). Cox proportional hazards model was applied to identify risk factors and develop predictive model. For internal validation, discrimination was calculated with the concordance index (C-index) using the bootstrap method and calibration assessed.

Results

NPI classification, skin symptom, tumor site and age showed significant association with BCSS(table.1)and were used to build the PDIDC nomogram and to calculate risk score. PDIDC nomogram's C-index (0.791, 95%CI 0.783-0.818) showed better discrimination power than NPI classification (0.691, 95%CI, 0.650-0.735, P= 0.000) and AJCC staging (0.718, 95%CI, 0.695-0.741, P=0.000). Patients were divided into high-risk (1882/2502, 75.21%) and low-risk (620/2502, 24.78%) subgroups with the optimal cut-off of risk scores (4.28). The total BCSS of low-risk subgroup was 77.8% (95%CI 74.4%-81.4%) vs. 31.1% (95%CI 19.4-49.8) of high-risk group (P=0.000). Bootstrap internal validation demonstrated an average C-index of 0.739 (95% CI, 0.692-0.746). The nomogram calibration was validated to be accurate in predicting 5-year and 10-year survival.

Variable finally selected for risk predicted model.PredictorHazard RatioP Value95% CINPI classification Good1 Moderate2.170.0001.51-3.14Poor7.260.0004.96-10.63Skin symptom Without1 With1.760.0001.34-2.32Tumor site Centrally located1 Non-centrally located1.250.0421.07-1.56Age*1.010.0001.01-1.03* Continuous variable.

Conclusion

Utilizing NPI classification, skin symptom, tumor site and age, we developed the PDIDC nomogram to predict the 5-year and 10-year BCSS of breast PD-IDC patients.

Citation Format: Tan L, Chen K, Jiang WG, You N, Wang Y, Sanders A, Liang G, Liu Z, Ling Y, Zhong W, Tian Z, Gong C. A prognostic prediction nomogram (PDIDC) for breast Paget's disease with infiltrating ductal carcinoma patients: A SEER cohort analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-07-12.

Optical force-induced nonlinearity and self-guiding of light in human red blood cell suspensions

Osmotic conditions play an important role in the cell properties of human red blood cells (RBCs), which are crucial for the pathological analysis of some blood diseases such as malaria. Over the past decades, numerous efforts have mainly focused on the study of the RBC biomechanical properties that arise from the unique deformability of erythrocytes. Here, we demonstrate nonlinear optical effects from human RBCs suspended in different osmotic solutions. Specifically, we observe self-trapping and scattering-resistant nonlinear propagation of a laser beam through RBC suspensions under all three osmotic conditions, where the strength of the optical nonlinearity increases with osmotic pressure on the cells. This tunable nonlinearity is attributed to optical forces, particularly the forward-scattering and gradient forces. Interestingly, in aged blood samples (with lysed cells), a notably different nonlinear behavior is observed due to the presence of free hemoglobin. We use a theoretical model with an optical force-mediated nonlocal nonlinearity to explain the experimental observations. Our work on light self-guiding through scattering bio-soft-matter may introduce new photonic tools for noninvasive biomedical imaging and medical diagnosis.

Anisotropic diffraction induced by orbital angular momentum during propagations of optical beams

It is demonstrated that the orbital angular momentum (OAM) carried by the elliptic beam without the phase-singularity can induce the anisotropic diffraction (AD). The quantitative relation between the OAM and its induced AD is analytically obtained by a comparison of two different kinds of (1+2)-dimensional beam propagations: the linear propagations of the elliptic beam without the OAM in an anisotropic medium and that with the OAM in an isotropic one. In the former case, the optical beam evolves as the fundamental mode of the eigenmodes when its ellipticity is the square root of the anisotropic parameter defined in the paper; while in the latter case, the fundamental mode exists only when the OAM carried by the optical beam equals a specific one called a critical OAM. The OAM always enhances the beam-expanding in the major-axis direction and weakens that in the minor-axis direction no matter the sign of the OAM, and the larger the OAM, the stronger the AD induced by it. Besides, the OAM can also make the elliptic beam rotate, and the absolute value of the rotation angle is no larger than π/2 during the propagation.

Parent Artery Reconstruction for Large or Giant Cerebral Aneurysms Using the Tubridge Flow Diverter: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial (PARAT)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although flow diverters have been reported with favorable clinical and angiographic outcomes in various literatures, randomized trials determining their true effectiveness and safety are still in lack. The Parent Artery Reconstruction for Large or Giant Cerebral Aneurysms Using the Tubridge Flow Diverter (PARAT) trial was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Tubridge flow diverter in the treatment of large or giant aneurysms in comparison with Enterprise stent-assisted coiling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, randomized trial was conducted at 12 hospitals throughout China. Enrolled adults with unruptured large/giant intracranial aneurysms were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either Enterprise stent-assisted coiling or Tubridge flow diverter implantation. The primary end point was complete occlusion at 6-month follow-up, while secondary end points included technical success, mortality, target vessel-related stroke, aneurysm bleeding, in-stent stenosis, parent artery occlusion, and the frequency of all adverse events.

RESULTS

Among 185 enrolled subjects, 41 withdrew before procedure initiation. Overall, 82 subjects underwent Tubridge implantation, and 62 subjects were primarily treated with stent-assisted coiling. The results of 6-month follow-up imaging included complete occlusion rates of 75.34% versus 24.53% for the Tubridge and stent-assisted coiling groups, respectively, with a calculated common odds ratio of 9.4 (95% confidence interval, 4.14-21.38; P < .001). There was a higher, nonsignificant frequency of complications for Tubridge subjects. Multivariate analysis showed a decreased stroke rate at the primary investigational site, with a marginal P value (P = .051).

CONCLUSIONS

This trial showed an obviously higher rate of large and giant aneurysm obliteration with the Tubridge FD over Enterprise stent-assisted coiling. However, this higher obliteration rate came at the cost of a nonsignificantly higher rate of complications. Investigational site comparisons suggested that a learning curve for flow-diverter implantation should be recognized and factored into trial designs.

S100β in newborns after C-section with general vs. epidural anesthesia: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Preclinical evidence suggests that general anesthetics can dose dependently induce neurodegeneration in the developing brains of animals which can be reliably determined by measurement of blood S100β, but this correlation remains unclear in humans. We hypothesized that S100β would not be increased in cord arterial blood of fetuses exposed briefly to general anesthetics during a C-section, compared with epidural anesthesia.

METHODS

A prospective observational clinical study comparatively measured changes of brain damage biomarker S100β ratio of umbilical artery over vein (changes after fetus circulation) immediately after delivery under C-section with either epidural or general anesthesia. Newborn blood gas measurements, APGAR scores, and maternal well-being were also compared.

RESULTS

Compared with epidural anesthesia, general anesthesia resulted in the lower S100β ratio of umbilical artery over the vein (medium 2.64 [quartiles 1.39, 3.45] vs. medium 1.59 [quartiles 0.88, 2.01], P = 0.031), without changing the S100β level in the vein of the mother. There was no significant difference between general and epidural anesthesia when comparing other maternal and newborn parameters.

CONCLUSION

S100β levels in newborn after C-section is lower with general anesthesia than epidural anesthesia, with unclear mechanisms.

Strigolactones promote rhizobia interaction and increase nodulation in soybean (Glycine max)

Strigolactones (SLs) play an important role in controlling root growth, shoot branching, and plant-symbionts interaction. Despite the importance, the components of SL biosynthesis and signaling have not been unequivocally explored in soybean. Here we identified the putative components of SL synthesis enzymes GmMAX1a and GmMAX4a with tissue expression patterns and were apparently regulated by rhizobia infection and changed during nodule development. GmMAX1a and GmMAX4a were further characterized in soybean nodulation with knockdown transgenic hairy roots. GmMAX1a and GmMAX4a knockdown lines exhibit decreased nodule number and expression levels of several nodulation genes required for nodule development. Hormone analysis showed that GmMAX1a and GmMAX4a knockdown hairy roots had increased physiological level of ABA and JA but significantly decreased auxin content. This study not only revealed the conservation of SL biosynthesis but also showed close interactions between SL and other hormone signaling in controlling plant development and legume-rhizobia interaction.

DNA methylation aberrancies delineate clinically distinct subsets of colorectal cancer and provide novel targets for epigenetic therapies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a worldwide health concern with respect to both incidence and mortality, and as a result, CRC tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis have been heavily studied, especially with respect to identifying genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of disease. DNA methylation alterations are hallmarks of CRC, and epigenetic driver genes have been identified that are thought to be involved in early stages of tumorigenesis. Moreover, distinct CRC patient subgroups are organized based on DNA methylation profiles. CRC tumors displaying CpG island methylator phenotypes (CIMPs), defined as DNA hypermethylation at specific CpG islands in subsets of tumors, show high concordance with specific genetic alterations, disease risk factors and patient outcome. This review details the DNA methylation alterations in CRC, the significance of CIMP status, the development of treatments based on specific molecular profiles and the application of epigenetic therapies for CRC patient treatment.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A review and meta-analysis of prophylaxis management

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during or after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has become a remarkable clinical problem. Prophylactic nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are recommended for patients with breast cancer who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive before chemotherapy. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles until June 2016. Eligible articles comparing the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were identified. Eight studies which had enrolled 709 HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were analysed. Lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of chemotherapy-associated hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B in breast cancer compared with patients with nonprophylaxis (odds ratio [OR]=0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.35, P<.00001). Chemotherapy disruption rates attributed to HBV reactivation in the prophylaxis groups were significantly lower than the nonprophylaxis groups (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43, P=.0002). Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had a higher risk for tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) motif mutations than patients with nonprophylaxis (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 1.01-39.60, P=.05). Prophylactic antiviral therapy management is necessary for HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, in spite of high correlation with lamivudine-resistant HBV variants with YMDD motif mutations.

Spiraling elliptic Hermite-Gaussian solitons in nonlocal nonlinear media without anisotropy

We introduce a kind of the spiraling elliptic Hermite-Gaussian solitons in nonlocal nonlinear media without anisotropy, which carries the orbital angular momentum and can rotate in the transverse. The n-th mode of the spiraling elliptic Hermite-Gaussian solitons has n holes nested in the elliptic profile. The analytical spiraling elliptic Hermite-Gaussian solitons solutions are obtained based on the variational approach, which agree well with the numerical simulations. It is found that the critical power and the critical angular velocity for the spiraling elliptic Hermite-Gaussian solitons are the same as the counterpart of the ground mode.

Spiraling elliptic solitons in lossy nonlocal nonlinear media

We address the propagation dynamics of the spiraling elliptic beams in nonlocal nonlinear media with losses based on the variational approach. It is found that the spiraling elliptic beams exhibit complicated behaviors, which result from the combined effects of the losses and orbital angular momentum (OAM). The OAM brings in an effective anisotropic diffraction and rotation for the spiraling elliptic beams. However, due to the losses, the rotation of the spiraling beams slows down. Besides, the ellipticity of the spiraling elliptic beams is greatly affected by the lossesand the OAM. When the OAM is not equal to its critical value, a periodic oscillation of the ellipticity is found in the presence of losses. However, when the OAM is equal to the critical one, the ellipticity of the spiraling elliptic beam remains unchanged during propagation regardless of the loss factor. The comparisons between our approximate analytic solutions and numerical simulations confirm our results.

[Polymorphism analysis of MTHFR，BMPR1B and TYMS in microtia]

Objective:To explore the relationship between MTHFR，BMPR1B and TYMS polymorphism and congenitial microtia in Chinese Han population.Method:A total of 180 microtia patients and 141 healthy participants were enrolled in this study.The genotyping of MTHFR rs4846049, BMPR1B rs1434536 and TYMS rs2790 of the participants were examined with multiple PCR. Frequencies and allele distribution of MTHFR rs4846049,BMPR1B rs1434536 and TYMS rs2790 between cases and control were analyzed with Chi-square test. Result:The genotype frequency distribution of TYMS rs27901 polymorphism was significantly different between two groups(P<0.05).Furthermore, gender stratified analysis showed that TYMS rs2790 polymorphism mainly increase the risks of congenitial microtia in male(P<0.05).Compared with AA genotype,the mircotia risks of subjects with AG GG AG+GG raised to 1.93, 3.23 and 2.10 times,respectively(95%CI:1.07-3.48、1.12-9.33 and 1.20-3.68).However,there was no relationship between MTHFR rs4846049, BMPR1B rs1434536 and microtia. Conclusion:The TYMS rs2790 polymorphism may be a risk factor of microtia in male.