Exploring the mechanism of Huanglian ointment in alleviating wound healing after anal fistula surgery through metabolomics and proteomics

Anal fistula is a common anal and intestinal disease. The wound of anal fistula surgery is open and polluting, which is the most difficult to heal among all surgical incisions. To investigate the mechanism of Huanglian ointment (HLO) on wound healing after anal fistula incision. The S. aureus infected wound in SD rats were used to imitate poor healing wound after anal fistula surgery. SD rats with wound sites (n = 24) were randomly divided into four groups (Control group, Model group, Potassium permanganate (PP) treatment group, and HLO treatment group). The wound healing rate was evaluated, HE staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes of each group, ELISA was used to detect the secretion of inflammatory factors in each group, and the mechanism was explored through metabolomics and proteomics in plasma rat. Compared to other groups, the rate of wound healing in the HLO group was higher on days 7 and 14. Histological analysis showed that collagen and fibroblast in HLO rats were significantly increased, inflammatory cells were reduced, and vascular endothelial permeability was increased. ELISA results showed that the secretion of inflammatory factors in HLO rats was significantly lower. Significant proteins and metabolites were identified in the wound tissues of the infected rats and HLO-treated rats, which were mainly attributed to Cdc42, Ctnnb1, Actr2, Actr3, Arpc1b, Itgam, Itgb2, Cttn, Linoleic acid metabolism, d-Glutamine and d-glutamate metabolism, Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, Phenylalanine metabolism, alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, and Ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. In conclusion, this study showed that HLO can promote S. aureus infected wound healing, and the data provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of wounds after anal fistula surgery with HLO.

An Acid-Responsive Iron-Based Nanocomposite for OSCC Treatment

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, characterized by invasiveness, local lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Traditional treatment and medications have limitations, making the specific inhibition of OSCC growth, invasion, and metastasis a challenge. The tumor microenvironment exhibits mildly acidity and high concentrations of H2O2, and its exploitation for cancer treatment has been widely researched across various cancers, but research in the oral cancer field is relatively limited. In this study, by loading ultra-small Prussian blue nanoparticles (USPBNPs) into mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles (MCSNs), we developed an acid-responsive iron-based nanocomposite, USPBNPs@MCSNs (UPM), for the OSCC treatment. UPM demonstrated excellent dual enzyme activities, generating toxic ·OH in a mildly acidic environment, effectively killing OSCC cells and producing O2 in a neutral environment to alleviate tissue hypoxia. The results showed that UPM could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells, as well as the growth of mice solid tumors, without obvious systemic toxicity. The mechanisms may involve UPM inducing ferroptosis of OSCC cells by downregulating the xCT/GPX4/glutathione (GSH) axis, characterized by intracellular iron accumulation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, GSH depletion, lipid peroxidation, and abnormal changes in mitochondrial morphology. Therefore, this study provides empirical support for ferroptosis as an emerging therapeutic target for OSCC and offers a valuable insight for future OSCC treatment.

The Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Liver Fibrotic Effect of Curcumin in the Gut-Liver Axis

This study aimed to explore the curative effect of curcumin on liver fibrosis and its correlation with the gut-liver axis in animal models. Histological staining was utilized to conduct histological analysis of the liver and intestine. An automatic biochemical analyzer or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system was utilized for analyzing the biochemical indexes in mice. Western blotting was employed to examine the level of relevant proteins. Furthermore, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed to explore the impact of curcumin on intestinal microorganisms in rats with liver fibrosis. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry was utilized to analyze the effect of curcumin on rat feces metabolites. Our results showed that curcumin reduced the formation of collagen fibers caused by carbon tetrachloride in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, curcumin was able to restore intestinal permeability in rats with liver fibrosis. By adopting α diversity analysis (Chao 1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index), we observed that both the diversity and the abundance of intestinal flora in rats with liver fibrosis were increased. The principal component analysis diagram demonstrated that curcumin could enhance the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and also restore the composition of model rat flora, which was similar to that in normal rats, thereby correcting the imbalance of flora in rats with liver fibrosis. In addition, curcumin regulated feces metabolites and their signaling pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. Our findings suggest that curcumin exhibits antiliver fibrosis effects, and its antiliver fibrosis effects might correlate with gut-liver axis.

Cost-effectiveness of early intervention in psychosis in low- and middle-income countries: economic evaluation from São Paulo, Brazil

AIMS

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services are well established in high-income countries but not in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the scarcity of local evidence, several EIP services have been implemented in LMICs. Local evaluations are warranted before adopting speciality models of care in LMICs. We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of implementing EIP services in Brazil.

METHODS

A model-based economic evaluation of EIP services was conducted from the Brazilian healthcare system perspective. A Markov model was developed using a cohort study conducted in São Paulo. Cost data were retrieved from local sources. The outcome of interest was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) measured as the incremental costs over the incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

The study included 357 participants (38% female), with a mean (SD) age of 26 (7.38) years. According to the model, implementing EIP services in Brazil would result in a mean incremental cost of 4,478 Brazilian reals (R$) and a mean incremental benefit of 0.29 QALYs. The resulting ICER of R$ 15,495 (US dollar [USD] 7,640 adjusted for purchase power parity [PPP]) per QALY can be considered cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 1 Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (R$ 18,254; USD 9,000 PPP adjusted). The model results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the economic advantages of implementing EIP services in Brazil. Although cultural adaptations are required, these data suggest EIP services might be cost-effective even in less-resourced countries.

[Incidence and case fatality rates of cardiovascular diseases in urban and rural community-dwelling populations in eastern, central and western regions of China]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and case fatality rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among populations in urban and rural communities in eastern, central and western regions of China. Methods: The present study was based on the data of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE)-China cohort, which enrolled participants who had at least one follow-up visit and complete information on age and sex. Information on baseline demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and prevention and treatment for CVD were collected. CVD and mortality events were documented using the standardized case report form of the PURE Global Study to assess the incidence and case fatality rate of CVD among populations in urban and rural communities in eastern, central and western China. Results: This study included a total of 47 262 community-dwelling participants (age: (51.1±9.6) years; female, n=27 529, 58.2%) from 115 urban and rural communities in 12 provinces across the eastern, central, and western regions of China. Over a follow-up period of 11.9 (9.5, 12.6) years, 2 686 deaths and 5 873 cardiovascular events were documented. The incidence of CVD was 11.90 (95%CI: 11.60-12.21)/1 000 person-years. A significant difference in CVD incidence was observed across regions (Ptrend<0.001), which was highest in the western provinces (13.99 (95%CI: 13.33-14.65)/1 000 person-years), intermediate in the eastern provinces (11.92 (95%CI: 11.52-12.33)/1 000 person-years), and lowest in the central provinces (8.87 (95%CI: 8.25-9.50)/1 000 person-years). The 1-year case fatality rate of CVD demonstrated an increasing trend from eastern to western regions (eastern: 10.20% (95%CI: 6.95-14.73); central: 13.50% (95%CI: 9.90-18.14); western: 18.62% (95%CI: 14.95-22.94); Ptrend<0.001). Moreover, the incidence of major CVD was consistently higher in rural areas compared with urban areas across eastern (P<0.001), central (P=0.01) and western (P<0.001)_regions, respectively. The 1-year case fatality rate in rural areas was also significantly higher compared with that in urban areas in both eastern (P<0.001) and western regions (P=0.02). Conclusions: The incidence and case fatality rate of CVD were high among middle-aged population in China, especially those in western regions with low socioeconomic levels and in rural areas.

[Clinicopathological analysis of gonadal differentiation of sex development disorder]

Objective: To investigate pathological features and differential diagnosis in the gonads with disorder of sex development. Methods: Thirty-six cases of clinically diagnosed hermaphroditism with gonadal biopsy in the Department of Pathology, the Seventh Medical Center of People's Liberation Army General Hospital from April 2007 to July 2021, were collected. All biopsy pathological sections were reviewed, and the gonadal cases with abnormal pathological morphology were screened out. The clinical and imaging data and karyotype of these cases were reviewed. Additional immunohistochemical staining was performed and relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Seven cases of ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OTDSD) were identified, which were characterized by the presence of testicular and ovarian differentiation in the same individual. All patients were under 15 years old and presented with abnormal appearance of external genitalia, and the ratio of male to female was 2∶5. Ultrasonography showed testicular structure in all female patients and cryptorchidism in all male patients. The most common karyotype was 46, XX. One case with undifferentiated gonadal tissue (UGT) and one case with streak gonads were screened out. UGT germ cells were neither in seminiferous tubules nor in follicles, but randomly distributed in an ovarial-type interstitial background, sometimes accompanied by immature sex cords. Streak gonads resembled UGT without germ cells. FOXL2 was positive in granulosa cells, but negative in Sertoli cells. SOX9 expression was opposite. OCT4 was weakly positively/negatively expressed in oocytes and positively expressed in the germ nuclei of UGT. Conclusions: Four differentiation patterns need to be identified in the gonadal biopsy: ovarian differentiation, testicular differentiation, undifferentiated gonadal tissue and streak gonad. The positive expression of SOX9 indicates testicular differentiation, while the positive expression of FOXL2 confirms ovarian differentiation, and the expression of both markers in the same tissue indicates ovotestis differentiation. It is very important to identify UGT, because that has a high probability of developing into gonadoblastoma in the future.

Shenling Baizhu Decoction (SLBZD) may play a synergistic role of tirelizumab in the treatment of colorectal cancer by influencing the imbalance of colon flora and Tumor microenvironment

Objective: To explore whether SLBZD can play a synergistic role in promoting the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of colorectal cancer by influencing the intestinal microenvironment and Tumor microenvironment. Method: Shenling Baizhu Decoction (SLBZD) and tirelizumab (TLzmab) treated the colorectal mouse model. The tumor growth rate, tumor weight, and tumor growth inhibition rate were evaluated. Fecal microbiota was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing and immune cell was detected by the flow cytometry analysis. Result: Compared to tumor weight, there exist significant differences between each group among the three groups. Compared to tumor volume, there was no statistically significant difference in tumor size between the control group and the TLzmab group at 7 days. However, there was a statistical difference in tumor size among the three groups at 18 days. By analyzing the diversity of the Gut microbiota, the diversity decreased after TLzmab treatment with a statistically significant difference. Compared with the control group, the diversity of the TLzmab+SLBZD group increased. The proportion of lymphocytes in the blood was analyzed by flow cytometry. Compared with the control group, Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) decreased and T regulatory cells (Treg) increased significantly in the TLzmab group. Compared with the control group and TLzmab group, the TLzmab+SLBZD group showed a significant increase in M1 type macrophages, while the M2 type macrophages, MDSCs, and Treg showed a significant decrease. Conclusion: An imbalance of Gut microbiota and imbalance of tumor immune microenvironment will occur during TLzmab treatment, which will lead to poor therapeutic effect of TLzmab or drug resistance. SLBZD will increase the abundance of Gut microbiota, which will lead to the increase of M1 macrophages in the tumor immune microenvironment and the decrease of M2 macrophages and Treg cells, thus exerting the synergistic effect of TLzmab. This study provides a new way to explore the improvement of ICIs through traditional Chinese medicine.

Creating new littoral zones in a shallow lake to forward-restore an aquatic food web

Current rates of habitat loss require science-based predictions on how to restore or newly create lost habitat types. In aquatic ecosystems, littoral zones are key habitats for food web functioning, but they are often replaced by unnatural steep shorelines for water safety. To reverse this trend, knowledge is needed on how to successfully (re)create littoral zones. We quantified the response of an aquatic food web to the large-scale creation of new heterogeneous littoral habitats in shallow lake Markermeer, the Netherlands. Lake Markermeer was formed by dike construction in a former estuary, which created a heavily modified homogeneous 70,000 ha turbid lake lacking littoral habitat. Fish and bird populations declined over the last decades, but classical restoration via return to former marine conditions would compromise water safety and the large spatial scale prohibited biodiversity offsets. Therefore, an innovative "forward-looking restoration" approach was adopted: a 1000 ha archipelago called "Marker Wadden" was constructed without using a historic reference situation to return to. This aimed bottom-up stimulation of the aquatic food web by adding missing gradual land-water transitions and sheltered waters to the lake. After four years, new sheltered shorelines had become vegetated if they were constructed from nutrient-rich sediments. Exposed and sandy shorelines remained free of vegetation. Zooplankton community diversity increased in sheltered waters due to bottom-up processes, which increased food availability for higher trophic levels, including young fish. The creation of sheltered waters increased macroinvertebrate densities threefold, with sediment type determining the community composition. The archipelago became new nursery habitat for 13 of the 24 fish species known to occur in the lake, with up to 10-fold higher abundances under sheltered conditions. We conclude that modifying abiotic conditions can stimulate multiple trophic levels in aquatic food webs simultaneously, even in heavily modified ecosystems. This provides proof-of-principle for the forward-looking restoration approach.

Integrated microbiome and metabolome analysis reveals the interaction between intestinal flora and serum metabolites as potential biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Globally, liver cancer poses a serious threat to human health and quality of life. Despite numerous studies on the microbial composition of the gut in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), little is known about the interactions of the gut microbiota and metabolites and their role in HCC. This study examined the composition of the gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles in 68 patients with HCC, 33 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 34 healthy individuals (NC) using a combination of metagenome sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The composition of the serum metabolites and the structure of the intestinal microbiota were found to be significantly altered in HCC patients compared to non-HCC patients. LEfSe and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify two key species (Odoribacter splanchnicus and Ruminococcus bicirculans) and five key metabolites (ouabain, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholate, theophylline, and xanthine) associated with HCC, which then were combined to create panels for HCC diagnosis. The study discovered that the diagnostic performance of the metabolome was superior to that of the microbiome, and a panel comprised of key species and key metabolites outperformed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in terms of diagnostic value. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to determine the relationship between the intestinal flora and serum metabolites and their impact on hepatocarcinogenesis and progression. A random forest model was used to assess the diagnostic performance of the different histologies alone and in combination. In summary, this study describes the characteristics of HCC patients' intestinal flora and serum metabolism, demonstrates that HCC is caused by the interaction of intestinal flora and serum metabolites, and suggests that two key species and five key metabolites may be potential markers for the diagnosis of HCC.

Costing analysis to introduce a contrast-enhanced mammography service to replace an existing breast MRI service for local staging of breast cancer

AIM

To assess the cost impact of switching from contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) to contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) for loco-regional staging of breast cancer from a public healthcare perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CE-MRI cost was obtained from the NHS reference cost. The CESM cost was calculated using a bottom-up approach including use of the machine, pump injector, contrast medium, image storage, and time allocation for staff reporting and cannulation. The cost of upgrading existing machines to CESM or purchasing new mammographic machines was obtained via national procurement. Other costs were obtained from local pharmacy, published unit cost data, or estimated based on surveys.

RESULTS

For large health boards in Scotland (≥500 cancers diagnosed per annum), the cost savings of switching from CE-MRI to CESM range from £64,069 to £81,570. For small health boards (<500 cancers diagnosed per annum), the cost savings of switching from CE-MRI to CESM range from £6,453 to £23,953. The cost savings are most sensitive to the number of tests conducted per year, and whether the existing mammography machine can be upgraded to CESM or not.

CONCLUSION

Switching from CE-MRI to CESM for loco-regional staging of breast cancer is likely to be cost saving for both large and small health boards in Scotland. Further research is urgently needed to confirm the non-inferiority of CESM to CE-MRI as a locoregional staging technique. The input data of this analysis can be updated when such results become available.

[Survival and prognosis analysis of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma treated with standard treatment paradigm]

Objective: To analyze the survival and prognosis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients receiving standard first-line therapy. Methods: Data of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with HL diagnosed in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CHCAMS) from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2018 who received standard first-line treatment were retrospectively analyzed and compared with that of HL patients who received treatment in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database in the United States during the same period. Factors associated with freedom from progression (FFP) of patients in CHCAMS were analyzed. Treatment and survival data of patients with relapsed/refractory HL (r/rHL) who had failed the standard first-line treatment during the corresponding period in CHCAMS were collected to analyze the outcomes of salvage therapy. Results: A total of 764 HL patients in CHCAMS were included in this study. The median age was 30 years (range, 14-83 years), with 424 males and 340 females. By February 26th, 2022, the patients were followed-up for a median time of 111 months(range, 0.3-262.0 months). Lymphoma-specific survival (LSS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate at 10 years for HL patients in CHCAMS was 91.7% (95%CI: 89.5%-93.9%) and 87.1% (95%CI: 84.5%-89.8%), respectively. LSS and OS rate at 10 years for HL patients from SEER database was 86.8% (95%CI: 86.3%-87.2%) and 79.0% (95%CI: 78.5%-79.5%), respectively. The unadjusted LSS and OS rate for patients in CHCAMS were higher than those for patients from SEER database (both P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in LSS and OS rate (both P>0.05) between the two groups after adjustment. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer staging system (early-stage unfavorable: HR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.13-4.89, P=0.023; advanced stage: HR=5.44, 95%CI: 2.62-11.30, P<0.001) and serum β2 microglobulin (HR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.08-2.58, P=0.021) were influencing factors of FFP for patients in CHCAMS. The complete remission rate, median progression-free survival (PFS), 5-year PFS rate and 5-year OS rate for the 116 patients with r/rHL was 37.9% (95%CI: 29.6%-47.0%), 15.0 months (95%CI: 9.9-20.1 months), 29.9% (95%CI: 20.9%-38.9%) and 62.9% (95%CI: 54.1%-71.7%), respectively. Conclusions: The outcomes of HL patients receiving standard first-line treatment are excellent. However, the therapeutic effect of HL patients who incurrs disease progression or relapse after standard first-line treatment is not satisfying.

Identification of a PRDM1-regulated T cell network to regulate T cell driving plaque inflammation in human and mouse atherosclerosis

 

T cells have a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, although their exact function remains elusive. Here, we pursued a network-driven approach to identify T cell-associated gene programs driving the transition from low- to high-risk human plaques.

In this study 43 human carotid arterial plaques were collected and stratified based on absence (low-risk) or presence (high-risk) of intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH). Lesion RNA was subjected to microarray gene expression analysis and analysed by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). We identified a co-expressed gene cluster displaying a strong T cell signalling signature in high- versus low-risk plaque, which was tightly connected to subnetworks of angiogenesis and interferon-signalling. WGCNA-based Bayesian network inference, cell-type deconvolution and single-cell gene expression revealed that this T cell-associated gene program was likely linked to effector-memory cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, underpinning the central role of T cells in plaque destabilization. Gene regulatory analysis identified cytotoxic T cell-related transcription factors, like PRDM1, regulating this plaque T cell gene program. Moreover, we demonstrated in LDL receptor knockout mice with T cell-specific Prdm1 deficiency, that lack of Prdm1 in T cells resulted in larger, more advanced plaques.

In conclusion, our study reveals a PRDM1-regulated T cell footprint in high- versus low-risk human atherosclerotic lesions and murine atherosclerotic plaque development, thereby identifying this network as a potential target for intervention in adverse T cell responses.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): The European Research Area Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (ERA-CVD and Dutch Heart Foundation)

[Safety of an inactivated 2019-nCoV vaccine (Vero) in adults aged 60 years and older]

Objective: To analyze the safety of an inactivated 2019-nCoV vaccine (Vero cell) in adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted in May 2020 The eligible residents aged 60 and above were recruited in Renqiu city, Hebei Province. A total of 422 subjects (phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ:72/350) were enrolled. Two doses of the trial vaccine or placebo were randomly administered according to a 0 and 28-day immunization schedule. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups in Phase Ⅰ. Within each group, participants received vaccine or placebo in a ratio of 2∶1. Subjects were randomly divided into four groups in phase Ⅱ to receive low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose vaccine and placebo, respectively, in a ratio of 2∶2∶2∶1. A combination of regular follow-up and active reporting was used to observe adverse reactions within 28 days after vaccination, and compare the incidence rate of adverse reactions in the trial and control groups. Results: 422 subjects were (66.45±4.70) years old, and 48.82% were male (206/422). There were 100, 124, 124 and 74 patients enrolled into the low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose vaccine groups and the placebo group, respectively. One person without the vaccination was removed, and 421 participants who received at least one dose of vaccine were included in the safety analysis. Within 28 days after the first or second dose, a total of 20.67% (87/421) subjects had adverse reactions (both solicitation and non-solicitation). About 76 patients suffered grade 1 adverse reactions [18.05% (76/421)] and 22 patients suffered grade 2 adverse reactions [5.23% (22/421)]. No grade 3 or above adverse reactions occurred. A total of 19.71% (83/421) subjects had solicited adverse reactions. The most common grade 1 adverse reaction was injection site pain, followed by fever and fatigue. The most common grade 2 adverse reactions were fever and fatigue, followed by muscle pain and injection site redness. A total of 2.61% (11/421) subjects had unsolicited adverse reactions. A total of 1.66% (7/421) subjects had serious adverse events after vaccination, and no serious vaccine-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is safe for people aged 60 years and above.

Identification of CD8+ T cell PRDM1 in high-risk human plaques and its regulatory role in murine lesion development

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fritz Thyssen Stiftung

T cells have a prominent role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, although their function in atherosclerotic plaques is only partly understood. In this study, we utilize the advantages of high-throughput techniques and data analytic strategies to compare the inherent biological changes of T cells during plaque transition from a stable, non-haemorrhaged (low-risk) to a rupture-prone, haemorrhaged (high-risk) phenotype.

We classified 43 human carotid arterial lesions into high- and low-risk plaques based on the presence/absence of intraplaque hemorrhages. RNA from these lesions was isolated and microarray gene expression data was obtained and analyzed by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. A strong T cell signalling signature was identified in high- versus low-risk plaques, influencing angiogenesis and interferon-related processes. Bayesian network inference, cell type deconvolution and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the T cell-associated gene program was linked to effector-memory cytotoxic, CD8+ T cells. This gene program appeared driven by CD8+ T cell-related transcription factors, including RUNX3, IRF7 and most importantly PRDM1. To validate these findings, we demonstrated in a murine model that T cell PRDM1 plays a key role in plaque formation, as atherosclerotic mice with a T cell specific Prdm1 deficiency developed larger and more advanced atherosclerotic plaques compared to control mice.

In conclusion, our study unveils a clear PRDM1-regulated effector-memory cytotoxic CD8+ T cell footprint in plaque development and the shift from low- to high-risk plaques, thereby revealing CD8+ T cells and PRMD1 as potential targets for intervention in adverse T cell responses in human atherosclerotic lesions.

[Targeted killing of CD133+ lung cancer stem cells using paclitaxel-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles with CD133 aptamers]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a polylactic acid-glycolic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanocarrier (N-Pac-CD133) coupled with a CD133 nucleic acid aptamer carrying paclitaxel for eliminating lung cancer stem cells (CSCs).

METHODS

Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 was prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method and characterized. CD133⁺ lung CSCs were separated by magnetic bead separation and identified for their biological behaviors and gene expression profile. The efficiency of paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 for targeted killing of lung cancer cells was assessed in vitro. SCID mice were inoculated with A549 cells and received injections of normal saline, empty nanocarrier linked with CD133 aptamer (N-CD133), paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded nanocarrier (N-Pac) or paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 (n=8, 5 mg/kg paclitaxel) on days 10, 15 and 20, and the tumor weight and body weight of the mice were measured on day 40.

RESULTS

Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed a particle size of about 100 nm with a high encapsulation efficiency (>80%) and drug loading rate (>8%), and was capable of sustained drug release within 48 h. The CD133⁺ cell population in lung cancer cells showed the characteristic features of lung CSCs, including faster growth rate (30 days, P=0.001) and high expressions of tumor stem cell markers OV6(P < 0.001), CD133 (P=0.001), OCT3/4 (P=0.002), EpCAM (P=0.04), NANOG (P=0.005) and CD44 (P=0.02). Compared with N-Pac and free paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed significantly enhanced targeting ability and cytotoxicity against lung CSCs in vitro (P < 0.001) and significantly reduced the formation of tumor spheres (P < 0.001). In the tumor-bearing mice, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed the strongest effects in reducing the tumor mass among all the treatments (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CD133 aptamer can promote targeted delivery of paclitaxel to allow targeted killing of CD133⁺ lung CSCs. N-Pac-CD133 loaded with paclitaxel may provide an effective treatment for lung cancer by targeting the lung cancer stem cells.

[Clinical characteristics and gene analysis of SYNGAP1-related epilepsy in children]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of SYNGAP1-related epilepsy in children. Methods: Data of 13 patients with SYNGAP1 gene variants diagnosed with epilepsy at Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital were collected retrospectively from March 2017 to October 2020 and the patients were followed up. The clinical features, electroencephalogram(EEG), brain imaging, gene results and treatment were summarized. Results: Twelve patients were followed up successfully among the 13 patients with SYNGAP1 variants. The last follow-up age was 5 years and 7 months (3 years and 1 month to 9 years).The onset age of seizures was 2 years (4 months to 3 years). Seizure types included eyelid myoclonia with or without absence (9 cases), myoclonic seizure (5 cases), atypical absence (4 cases), suspicious atonic seizures(4 cases),unclassified fall attack (6 cases), and the frequency of seizures varied from several times to more than 100 times per day. Four cases had the mimic phenotype of myoclonic astatic epilepsy. The seizures of 10 cases could be triggered by eating (5 cases), emotion (5 cases), fever (3 cases), voice (2 cases), fatigue (2 cases), etc. Electroencephalography (10 cases) showed interictal generalized or focal epileptiform discharges (9 cases), and atypical aphasia (4 cases), myoclonic seizure (2 cases) and eyelid myoclonic seizure (1 case) were monitored. Of the 12 cases, 9 were added with valproate, all of which were effective (the frequency of seizures reduced>50%). Five cases received combined levetiracetam, in 3 the treatments were effective. To last follow-up, 3 cases were seizure free from 6 months to 1 year and 1 month, but the remaining 7 cases still had seizures, one or several times per day. All 13 cases had developmental retardation (speech ability impaired mostly), 2 cases were severe, 10 cases were moderate, 1 case was mild. The SYNGAP1 gene variants of 13 patients were all de novo, including 12 variants. Among them, 4 were frameshift variants, 4 were nonsense variants, 2 were missense variants and 2 were splice site variants. Conclusions: Patients with SYNGAP1-related epilepsy have an early onset age and many seizure types. The main seizure type is eyelid myoclonia with or without absence, and other seizure types include myoclonic seizure, atypical absence, unclassified fall attack, etc. Valproate is effective in most patients, but seizures in some patients might be intractable. Most patients have developmental delay (mainly moderate and severe), speech ability impaired mostly.

Deficiency of myeloid prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins aggravates atherogenesis via macrophage apoptosis and paracrine fibrotic signaling

Background

Atherosclerotic plaque hypoxia is detrimental for macrophage function. Prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) initiate cellular hypoxic responses, possibly influencing macrophage function in plaque hypoxia. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the role of myeloid PHDs in atherosclerosis.

Methods

Myeloid specific PHD knockout (PHDko) mice were fed high cholesterol diet for 6–12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. Plaque parameters, e.g. plaque size and macrophage content, were analyzed. Bulk and single cell RNA sequencing was performed on PHD2 BMDMs and plaque macrophages, respectively.

Results

Aortic root plaque size was augmented 2.6fold in PHD2cko, and 1.4-fold in PHD3ko, but not in PHD1ko mice compared to controls. Macrophage apoptosis was promoted in PHD2cko and PHD3ko mice in vitro and in vivo, via the HIF1α/BNIP3 axis. Bulk and single cell RNA data of PHD2cko bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and plaque macrophages, respectively, confirmed these findings and were validated by siRNA silencing. Human plaque BNIP3 mRNA associated with plaque necrotic core, suggesting similar adverse effects. Further, PHD2cko plaques displayed enhanced fibrosis, independent of macrophage MMP activity, collagen secretion or proliferation and of SMC collagen production, or proliferation. Rather, PHD2cko BMDMs enhanced fibroblast collagen secretion in a paracrine manner. Nichenet in silico analysis of macrophage-fibroblast communication predicted SPP1 signaling as regulator, in line with enhanced plaque SPP1 protein content, and SPP1 mRNA in TREM2-foamy plaque macrophages, but not in neutrophils.

Conclusion

Myeloid PHD2cko and PHD3ko enhanced plaque growth, macrophage apoptosis, and PHD2cko activated paracrine collagen secretion by fibroblasts.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NWO, Leducq

Estimating influences of unemployment and underemployment on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: who suffers the most?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether unemployment and underemployment are associated with mental distress and whether employment insecurity and its mental health consequences are disproportionately concentrated among specific social groups in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a population-based longitudinal study.

METHODS

Data came from the Understanding America Study, a population-based panel in the United States. Between April and May 2020, 3548 adults who were not out of the labor force were surveyed. Analyses using targeted maximum likelihood estimation examined the association of employment insecurity with depression, assessed using the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and anxiety, measured with the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Stratified models were evaluated to examine whether employment insecurity and its mental health consequences are disproportionately concentrated among specific social groups.

RESULTS

Being unemployed or underemployed was associated with increased odds of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-2.02) and anxiety (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.26, 1.79), relative to having a full-time job. Employment insecurity was disproportionately concentrated among Hispanics (54.3%), Blacks (60.6%), women (55.9%), young adults (aged 18-29 years; 57.0%), and those without a college degree (62.7%). Furthermore, Hispanic workers, subsequent to employment insecurity, experienced worse effects on depression (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.28, 3.40) and anxiety (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24, 3.09). Those who completed high school or less reported worse depression subsequent to employment insecurity (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.55, 3.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Both unemployment and underemployment threaten mental health during the pandemic, and the mental health repercussions are not felt equally across the population. Employment insecurity during the pandemic should be considered an important public health concern that may exacerbate pre-existing mental health disparities during and after the pandemic.

Probiotic and prebiotic interventions for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Many studies have associated altered intestinal bacterial communities and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but the putative effects are inconclusive. The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through randomised intervention trials. Literature searches were performed until March 2020. For each outcome, a random NMA was performed, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was determined. A total of 22 randomised trials comparing prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic treatments included 1301 participants. Considering all seven results (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, weight, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) together, the highest SUCRA values are probiotics (94%), synbiotics (61%) and prebiotics (56%), respectively. NMA results provide evidence that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, due to the lack of high-quality randomised trials, this research also has some limitations.

[Efficacy of intravascular ultrasound-guided rotational atherectomy combined with cutting balloon for pretreatment of severe coronary artery calcified lesions]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided rotational atherectomy (RA) combined with cutting balloon for pretreatment of severe calcified lesions in the coronary artery before stent placement.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with severe coronary artery calcifications detected by IVUS that required percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were recruited from our hospital between January, 2016 to January, 2019. The patients were randomized into two groups for pretreatment of the lesions with semicompliant balloon (SB group, 60 cases) or RA combined with CB (RA+CB group, 60 cases), and drug-eluting stents were implanted after the procedure. The immediate success rate of PCI, vascular parameters detected by IVUS after PCI, and the rates of residual stenosis < 10% were compared between the two groups. The incidences of intraoperative complications and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 24 months after the surgery were also observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

The immediate success rate was significantly higher in RA+CB group than in SB group (P=0.032). After pretreatment and stent placement, the minimum stent lumen diameter (P=0.035), minimum stent lumen cross-sectional area (P=0.029), immediate lumen acquisition, immediate lumen cross-sectional area acquisition and the rate of residual stenosis < 10% were all significantly higher in RA+CB group than in SB group (P < 0.001). The patients in RA+ CB group showed obviously less residual stenosis of lumen cross-sectional area than those in SB group after the surgery (χ²= 7.859, P=0.005). The incidences of intraoperative complications (χ²=5.997, P=0.014) and MACE within 24 months after the operation (χ²=4.285, P=0.038) were significantly lower in RA+CB group than in SB group.

CONCLUSION

For patients with severe coronary artery calcifications eligible for PCI, RA combined with CB angioplasty can significantly improve the success rate of immediate PCI, expand the lumen diameter and cross-sectional area of the stent after PCI, enhance immediate lumen gain, and reduce the incidence of intraoperative complications and MACE after the operation.

Curcumin improves experimentally induced colitis in mice by regulating follicular helper T cells and follicular regulatory T cells by inhibiting interleukin-21

To determine whether curcumin (Cur) can treat mice with experimentally-induced colitis by regulating follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) by inhibiting interleukin (IL)-21. In this study, 40 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly grouped into four groups, i.e., normal, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), TNBS + curcumin, and TNBS + anti-IL-21. Mice with experimental colitis were induced by 100 mg/kg TNBS. The mice in the TNBS + Cur group were treated with 100 mg/kg curcumin for seven days, and mice in the TNBS + anti-IL-21 group were treated with anti-IL-21 (150 μg/mouse) once per week, intraperitoneally, starting on the second day after establishing the experimental colitis model. On day eight, the therapeutic effect of curcumin was evaluated by colon mucosa damage index (CMDI), histological examination, and disease activity index (DAI). Furthermore, the number of CD4 + CXCR5 + PD-1 + Tfh and CD4 + CXCR5 + FoxP3 + Tfr cells were measured by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of IL-21, Bcl-6, FOXP3, ICOS, and PD-1 in colonic mucosa was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot technique. Compared with the TNBS group, the DAI, CMDI, histological score, the number of CD4 + CXCR5 + PD-1 + Tfh cells, the expression of IL-21, Bcl-6, ICOS, and PD-1 were significantly decreased in the TNBS + curcumin group and TNBS + anti-IL-21 group; body weight, number of CD4 + CXCR5 + FoxP3 + Tfr cells, and the expression of FoxP3 were observably elevated in the TNBS + curcumin group (all P < 0.05). Curcumin may have a potential therapeutic effect on mice with colitis treated experimentally through regulation of the balance of Tfh and Tfr cells via inhibiting the synthesis of IL-21.

[Value of combined detection of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation in stool DNA in diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of colorectal tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of quantitative detection of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation in stool DNA for the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of colorectal tumors.

OBJECTIVE

Real-time PCR was used for quantitative assessment of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation levels in stool samples of 85 patients with colorectal cancer, 65 patients with colorectal adenoma and 40 healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The 3 groups were comparable for age and gender composition. Methylated ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoters were detected in 48.2% and 62.4% of patients with colorectal cancer, respectively, with a combined positivity of 81.2%. ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation was detected in 23.1% and 43.1% of patients with colorectal adenoma, respectively, with a combined positivity of 69.2%. The positivity rates of ITGA4 and SFRP2 methylation were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in those with colorectal adenoma (P < 0.001; P= 0.001) and healthy subjects (P < 0.001; P < 0.001). In colorectal cancer group, ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation levels were correlated with postoperative tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer group, and the relapse-free survival rate was significantly lower in positive patients for ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation than in the negative patients (P=0.0002; P=0.007). Multivariate analysis with the COX proportional hazard regression model showed that methylation of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene promoters (P=0.01) and the degree of tumor differentiation (P=0.03) were associated with the recurrence of colorectal cancer, and were independent risk factors for the recurrence of colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Combined detection of ITGA4 and SFRP2 gene methylation levels in stool DNA can improve the early diagnosis rate of colorectal tumor. ITGA4 and SFRP2 promoter methylation and the degree of tumor differentiation are independent risk factors for colorectal cancer recurrence.

P-cymene prevent high-fat diet-associated colorectal cancer by improving the structure of intestinal flora

Objective: To investigate the preventing effect of P-cymene on high fat diet-related colorectal cancer and its mechanism.

Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into G1 group (high-fat diet), G2 group (high-fat diet + DMH), G3 group (high-fat diet + P-cymene), and G4 group (high-fat diet + DMH + P-cymene).G2 and G4 groups were subcutaneously injected with dimethylhydrazine (DMH), and G3 and G4 groups were intragastrically administered with P-cymene to investigate the effects of P-cymene on tumor formation, inflammatory factors, glucose, lipid metabolism and gut microbes.

Results: No tumors were formed in the high-fat diet group (G1) or the high-fat diet + P-cymone group (G3). 7 rats (70%) of the high-fat diet + DMH group (G2) developed 8 cancerous nodules, including 6 adenocarcinomas and 2 signet ring cell carcinomas; 4 rats (40%) in the high-fat diet + DMH + P-cymene group (G4) group formed 4 cancerous nodules, all of which were adenocarcinoma. There was no significant difference in the changes of glucose and lipid metabolism in each group. After the use of P-cymene, IL-1 decreased, IL-6 increased, and LEP decreased in the G4 group.The difference was statistically significant.The contents of Candida and Unclassified Bacteria in the G3 group rats were significantly lower than those in the G1 group.At the species level comparison, compared with the G2 group, the content of Clostridium XlVa in the intestinal tract of the G2 group rats was significantly increased compared to the G1 group.

Conclusion: In this study, it was found that p-cymenen can prevent the occurrence of colorectal cancer related to high-fat and high-calorie diet. The mechanism may be is reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-1 and LEP, increasing the expression of inflammatory factors of IL-6, and promoting the growth of probiotics such as bifidobacteria, isobacteria and clostridium IV in the intestinal tract.

DEFICIENCY OF MYELOID PHD PROTEINS AGGRAVATES ATHEROGENESIS VIA MACROPHAGE APOPTOSIS AND PARACRINE FIBROTIC SIGNALING: Atherogenic effects of myeloid PHD knockdown

Aims

Atherosclerotic plaque hypoxia is detrimental for macrophage function. Prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) initiate cellular hypoxic responses, possibly influencing macrophage function in plaque hypoxia. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the role of myeloid PHDs in atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Myeloid-specific PHD knockout (PHDko) mice were obtained via bone marrow transplantation (PHD1ko, PHD3ko) or conditional knockdown through lysozyme M-driven Cre recombinase (PHD2cko). Mice were fed high cholesterol diet for 6–12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. Aortic root plaque size was significantly augmented 2.6-fold in PHD2cko, and 1.4-fold in PHD3ko compared to controls but was unchanged in PHD1ko mice. Macrophage apoptosis was promoted in PHD2cko and PHD3ko mice in vitro and in vivo, via the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α/BNIP3 axis. Bulk and single-cell RNA data of PHD2cko bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and plaque macrophages, respectively, showed enhanced HIF1α/BNIP3 signalling, which was validated in vitro by siRNA silencing. Human plaque BNIP3 mRNA was positively associated with plaque necrotic core size, suggesting similar pro-apoptotic effects in human. Furthermore, PHD2cko plaques displayed enhanced fibrosis, while macrophage collagen breakdown by matrix metalloproteinases, collagen production, and proliferation were unaltered. Instead, PHD2cko BMDMs enhanced fibroblast collagen secretion in a paracrine manner. In silico analysis of macrophage-fibroblast communication predicted SPP1 (osteopontin) signalling as regulator, which was corroborated by enhanced plaque SPP1 protein in vivo. Increased SPP1 mRNA expression upon PHD2cko was preferentially observed in foamy plaque macrophages expressing ‘triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2’ (TREM2hi) evidenced by single-cell RNA, but not in neutrophils. This confirmed enhanced fibrotic signalling by PHD2cko macrophages to fibroblasts, in vitro as well as in vivo.

Conclusion

Myeloid PHD2cko and PHD3ko enhanced atherosclerotic plaque growth and macrophage apoptosis, while PHD2cko macrophages further activated collagen secretion by fibroblasts in vitro, likely via paracrine SPP1 signalling through TREM2hi macrophages.

The Anti-oxidant Monoterpene p-Cymene Reduced the Occurrence of Colorectal Cancer in a Hyperlipidemia Rat Model by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines

BACKGROUND/AIM

Overexpression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress increase the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in obesity and hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the monoterpene antioxidant p-cymene would reduce the incidence of CRC in a rat model of hyperlipidemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hyperlipidemic CRC rat model was established by a high-fat diet and dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) induction. All rats received 30 mg/kg DMH to induce CRC, and were then assigned to groups with a normal diet or high-fat diet with/without 30 mg/kg/day p-cymene orally during the entire experimental period. Tumor incidence in each group, and the level of serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related markers in intestinal tissues were measured.

RESULTS

p-Cymene significantly inhibited CRC occurrence in hyperlipemic rats (p=0.024) by reducing the expression of serum inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 by 54.5%; interleukin-6 by 28.3%; adiponectin by 26.3%; cyclo-oxygenase-2 by 48.4%) and intestinal oxidative-stress cytokines (total antioxidant capacity by 30.4%; superoxide dismutase by 30.3%; malondialdehyde by 47.1%).

CONCLUSION

p-Cymene has clinical potential to reduce the incidence of CRC in hyperlipemia.

Down-regulation of MIAT suppresses osteosarcoma progression by acting as a ceRNA for miR-141-3p to regulate SIX1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a frequent bone malignancy. Long non-coding RNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) has been reported to be involved in the development of human cancers, including OS. However, the mechanism underlying MIAT in OS progression remains largely unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of MIAT and sineoculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) in OS tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of OS cells were determined by MTT, flow cytometry and trans-well assays, respectively. The target interaction among MIAT, miR-141-3p and SIX1 was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway was evaluated by Western blot.

RESULTS

MIAT and SIX1 expression levels were enhanced in OS tissues and cells. Knockdown of MIAT or SIX1 repressed cell viability, migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in OS cells. Moreover, overexpression of SIX1 reversed the inhibitive role of MIAT silence in OS progression. Furthermore, MIAT could increase SIX1 expression by competitively sponging miR-141-3p. Besides, inhibition of MIAT blocked PI3K/AKT pathway by decreasing SIX1 in OS cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MIAT silence suppresses OS progression through inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling by sponging miR-141-3p to regulate SIX1, indicating a novel target for the treatment of OS.

Long noncoding RNA UCA1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of thyroid cancer cells by sponging miR-497-3p

OBJECTIVE

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted much attention for their roles in tumor progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the exact role of lncRNA UCA1 in the development of thyroid cancer (TC) and to explore the possible underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

UCA1 expression in both TC cells and tissues was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Colony formation assay, cell proliferation, and transwell assay were conducted in vitro. Subsequent luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to investigate the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the function of UCA1 in vivo was monitored as well.

RESULTS

UCA1 expression level in TC samples was significantly higher than that of corresponding normal tissues. After UCA1 was knocked down in vitro and in vivo, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TC cells were significantly inhibited. Moreover, the expression of miR-497-3p was repressed after the knockdown of UCA1. Furthermore, miR-497-3p was directly targeted by UCA1.

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of UCA1 could inhibit TC cell proliferation and metastasis via sponging miR-497-3p. Our findings might offer a new therapeutic intervention for TC patients.

The Value of Multi-targeted Fecal DNA Methylation Detection for Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Chinese Population

Objective: To design a multi-targeted fecal DNA methylation kit and explore its value for clinical application among Chinese people. Methods: Based on previous research, a multi-targeted fecal DNA methylation detection kit, using four genes, was designed and clinically validated. Results: The methylation PCR from 279 patients met the requirements for the detection criteria. When all four molecular markers were negative, the negative predictive value (NPV) for colorectal cancer was 100% and the NPV for colorectal polyps was 84.21%. When one molecular marker was positive, the sensitivity (Se) for colorectal cancer was 76.4%-90.3%, the specificity (Sp) was 68.3-93.4%, and the positive predictive value (PPV) for colorectal cancer was 54.5-85.5%, and the NPV was 87.0-95.0%. For colorectal polyps, the Se was 41.0-52.5%, Sp 69.5-91.5%, and the PPV for colorectal polyps was 41.0-70.3%, the NPV was 75.2-79.3%. When two molecular markers were positive, the Se for colorectal cancer was 52.6-73.7%, the Sp was 93.2-98.3%, the PPV for colorectal cancer was 84.6-96.2%, the NPV was 76.0-85.3%. For colorectal polyps, the Se was 25.9-40.7%, Sp was 93.2-98.3%, PPV for screening of colorectal polyps was 63.6-90.0%, and the NPV was 73.3-78.1%. When three molecular markers were positive, the Se for colorectal cancer was 31.6-52.6%, the Sp was 98.3-100.0%, the PPV for colorectal cancer was 94.4-100.0%, the NPV was 73.4-76.6%. For colorectal polyps, the Se was 14.8-25.9%, and Sp was 98.3-100.0%, the PPV for colorectal polyps was 85.7-100.0%, the NPV was 72.0-74.7%. When four molecular markers were positive, the Se for colorectal cancer was 31.6%, the Sp was 100.0%, and the colorectal cancer PPV was 100.0% and the NPV was 69.4%. For polyps, the Se was 14.8%, Sp was 100.0%, and PPV was 100.0% and the NPV was 72.0%. Conclusion: The multi-targeted fecal DNA methylation detection kit for colorectal cancer and polyps had the sensitivity and specificity to meet the requirements for screening of colorectal tumors, which is easy to operate, has stable results and important clinical value. Among the four molecular markers studied, when one marker was positive for DNA methylation, colonoscopy was required; as the number of positive methylation markers increased, the specificity for the diagnosis gradually increased as well.

Vertically stacked RGB LEDs with optimized distributed Bragg reflectors

The design and fabrication of a vertically stacked red-green-blue (RGB) light-emitting diode (LED) with novel, to the best of our knowledge, wavelength-selective distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are demonstrated. The two DBRs are optimized to achieve selective reflectance in the RGB spectral region through theoretical calculations and simulation modeling. The insertion of optimal DBRs into the stack structure can effectively reflect downward emission from the upper chip without filtering the emission from the lower chips, thereby increasing the luminous efficiency for white emission with a color temperature range of 3000-8000 K by 1.6-7.4%. The optical performances of stacked devices with and without DBRs are thoroughly studied, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed wavelength-selective DBR structure.

LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 contributes to the cisplatin resistance of tongue cancer through the KCNQ1OT1/miR-124-3p/TRIM14 axis

OBJECTIVE

Tongue cancer is a common malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region, most of which is squamous cell carcinoma. Cisplatin (DDP) is one of the chemotherapy drugs for patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). However, DDP resistance has become a major obstacle to its clinical application. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) on DDP resistance of tongue cancer and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The levels of KCNQ1OT1, miR-124-3p, and tripartite motif containing 14 (TRIM14) were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The maximum size of tumor (MTS) assay was used to detect the cell survival rates. Furthermore, the cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Transwell assay was performed to detect the cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein levels of Vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and TRIM14. The functional targets of KCNQ1OT1 and miR-124-3p, miR-124-3p and TRIM14 were predicted by starBase 3.0 and TargetScan. The relationship between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-124-3p was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down. Further, the relationship between miR-124-3p and TRIM14 was verified by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Animal experiment revealed the effect of KCNQ1OT1 on DDP resistance of tongue cancer cells in vivo.

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1 was upregulated in DDP-resistant tongue cancer tissues and cells, and mainly expressed in cytoplasm. Functionally, the knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the survival rate, proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of the DDP-resistant tongue cancer cells. Of note, miR-124-3p acted as a target of KCNQ1OT1 and KCNQ1OT1 could reduce the expression of miR-124-3p. Moreover, miR-124-3p targeted TRIM14 and the downregulation of TRIM14 reduced the DDP resistance of tongue cancer cells. Importantly, KCNQ1OT1 regulated the TRIM14 expression by targeting miR-124-3p. Furthermore, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown reduced the DDP-resistant tumor growth and weight through the miR-124-3p/TRIM14 axis in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 promotes the DDP resistance of tongue cancer by sponging miR-124-3p to regulate TRIM14 expression.

Tissue tracking MR to evaluate left ventricular global myocardial deformation in patients with cardiac amyloidosis of transmural late gadolinium enhancement

Purpose

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a major cause of mortality in patients with amyloidosis because it leads to heart failure and lethal arrhythmia. The present study was aimed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) global myocardial deformation in patients with CA of transmural late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using tissue tracking MRI.

Materials and methods

Thirty-nine patients with CA, confirmed by cardiac MRI, and a biopsy of at least one involved organ were enrolled. According to LV ejection fraction (LVEF), they were divided into reduced LVEF (CArEF) and preserved EF (CApEF) groups. Thirty-nine normal controls were recruited (NC). Tissue tracking analysis was done based on cine MRI sequences. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global radial strain (GRS) were computed.

Results

GLS [CArEF vs. CApEF vs. NC: (−5.82±2.42) % vs. (−8.44±4.15) % vs. (−14.74±2.93)%], GCS [CArEF vs. CApEF vs. NC: (−9.47±2.96) % vs. (−15.01±1.81) % vs. (−19.86±2.30) %], and GRS [CArEF vs. CApEF vs. NC: (11.37±4.68) % vs. (20.61±6.27) % vs. (39.02±8.98) %] were all reduced in the CArEF and CApEF groups compared with healthy control subjects (all P&lt;0.01). GCS and GRS in the CArEF group were reduced compared with the CApEF group (P&lt;0.01). GLS, GCS, and GRS were also strongly correlated with LVEF (r=−0.77, −0.88, and 0.83, respectively; P&lt;0.01). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values to predict LVEF reduction were −9.31% (sensitivity 88%, specificity 97%) for GLS, −14.13% (sensitivity 96%, specificity 97%) for GCS, and 20.11% (sensitivity 90%, specificity 97%) for GRS.

Conclusion

MRI-based LV global deformation parameters could be a useful method to assess LV myocardial systolic function and predict LVEF reduction in patients with CA of transmural enhancement on LGE. The differences of GCS and GRS between the CArEF and CApEF groups may also reflect preserved contractile function of the mid- or/and subepicardial myocardium.

Figure 1. LV deformation parameters

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None