Impact of heterozygous ALK1 mutations on the transcriptomic response to BMP9 and BMP10 in endothelial cells from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension donors

Heterozygous activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) mutations are associated with two vascular diseases: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and more rarely pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Here, we aimed to understand the impact of ALK1 mutations on BMP9 and BMP10 transcriptomic responses in endothelial cells. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) carrying loss of function ALK1 mutations were isolated from newborn HHT and adult PAH donors, respectively. RNA-sequencing was performed on each type of cells compared to controls following an 18 h stimulation with BMP9 or BMP10. In control ECFCs, BMP9 and BMP10 stimulations induced similar transcriptomic responses with around 800 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). ALK1-mutated ECFCs unexpectedly revealed highly similar transcriptomic profiles to controls, both at the baseline and upon stimulation, and normal activation of Smad1/5 that could not be explained by a compensation in cell-surface ALK1 level. Conversely, PAH HMVECs revealed strong transcriptional dysregulations compared to controls with > 1200 DEGs at the baseline. Consequently, because our study involved two variables, ALK1 genotype and BMP stimulation, we performed two-factor differential expression analysis and identified 44 BMP9-dysregulated genes in mutated HMVECs, but none in ECFCs. Yet, the impaired regulation of at least one hit, namely lunatic fringe (LFNG), was validated by RT-qPCR in three different ALK1-mutated endothelial models. In conclusion, ALK1 heterozygosity only modified the BMP9/BMP10 regulation of few genes, including LFNG involved in NOTCH signaling. Future studies will uncover whether dysregulations in such hits are enough to promote HHT/PAH pathogenesis, making them potential therapeutic targets, or if second hits are necessary.

Differentiation of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal tuberculosis by dual-layer spectral detector CT enterography

AIM

To investigate the value of radiological features and energy spectrum quantitative parameters in the differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) by dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (CT) enterography (CTE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and CTE data were collected from 182 patients with CD, 29 with UC, and 51 with ITB. CT images were obtained at the enteric phases and portal phases. The quantitative energy spectrum parameters were iodine density (ID), normalised ID (NID), virtual non-contrast (VNC) value, and effective atomic number (Z-eff). The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was calculated.

RESULTS

The vascular comb sign (p=0.009) and enlarged lymph nodes (p=0.001) were more common in patients with CD than UC or ITB. In the differentiation of moderate-severe active CD from UC, enteric phase NID (AUC, 0.938; p<0.001) and portal phase Z-eff (AUC, 0.925; p<0.001) had the highest accuracy, which were compared separately. In the differentiation of moderate-severe active CD from ITB, enteric phase NID (AUC, 0.906; p<0.001) and portal phase Z-eff (AUC, 0.947; p<0.001) had the highest accuracy; however, the AUC value was highest when the four parameters are combined (AUC, 0.989; p<0.001; AUC, 0.986; p<0.001; AUC, 0.936; p<0.001; and AUC, 0.986; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that the combined strategies of four parameters have higher sensitivity and specificity in differentiating CD, UC, and ITB, and may play a key role in guiding treatment.

Nitrogen addition stimulates N2O emissions via changes in denitrification community composition in a subtropical nitrogen-rich forest

Microbially driven nitrification and denitrification play important roles in regulating soil N availability and N2O emissions. However, how the composition of nitrifying and denitrifying prokaryotic communities respond to long-term N additions and regulate soil N2O emissions in subtropical forests remains unclear. Seven years of field experiment which included three N treatments (+0, +50, +150 kg N ha-1 yr-1; CK, LN, HN) was conducted in a subtropical forest. Soil available nutrients, N2O emissions, net N mineralization, denitrification potential and enzyme activities, and the composition and diversity of nitrifying and denitrifying communities were measured. Soil N2O emissions from the LN and HN treatments increased by 42.37% and 243.32%, respectively, as compared to the CK. Nitrogen addition significantly inhibited nitrification (N mineralization) and significantly increased denitrification potentials and enzymes. Nitrification and denitrification abundances (except nirK) were significantly lower in the HN, than CK treatment and were not significantly correlated with N2O emissions. Nitrogen addition significantly increased nirK abundance while maintaining the positive effects of denitrification and N2O emissions to N deposition, challenging the conventional wisdom that long-term N addition reduces N2O emissions by inhibiting microbial growth. Structural equation modeling showed that the composition, diversity, and abundance of nirS- and nirK-type denitrifying prokaryotic communities had direct effects on N2O emissions. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that denitrifier keystone taxa transitioned from N2O-reducing (complete denitrification) to N2O-producing (incomplete denitrification) with increasing N addition, increasing structural complexity and diversity of the denitrifier co-occurrence network. These results significantly advance current understanding of the relationship between denitrifying community composition and N2O emissions, and highlight the importance of incorporating denitrifying community dynamics and soil environmental factors together in models to accurately predict key ecosystem processes under global change.

Foliar application of salicylic acid inhibits the cadmium uptake and accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Introduction

Salicylic acid (SA) is a multi-functional endogenous phytohormone implicated in the growth, development, and metabolism of many plant species.

Methods

This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of SA (0, 25, 100, 200, and 500 mg/L) on the growth and cadmium (Cd) content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Cd stress. The different concentrations of SA treatments were administered through foliar application.

Results

Our results showed that 100-200 mg/L SA significantly increased the plant height and biomass of lettuce under Cd stress. When SA concentration was 200 mg/L, the plant height and root length of lettuce increased by 19.42% and 22.77%, respectively, compared with Cd treatment alone. Moreover, 200 mg/L and 500mg/L SA concentrations could reduce peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities caused by Cd stress. When the concentration of exogenous SA was 500 mg/L, the POD and SOD activities of lettuce leaves decreased by 15.51% and 19.91%, respectively, compared with Cd treatment. A certain concentration of SA reduced the uptake of Cd by the lettuce root system and the transport of Cd from the lettuce root system to shoots by down-regulating the expression of Nramp5, HMA4, and SAMT, thus reducing the Cd content of lettuce shoots. When the concentration of SA was 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 500 mg/L, the Cd contents of lettuce shoots were 11.28%, 22.70%, and 18.16%, respectively, lower than that of Cd treatment alone. Furthermore, principal component and correlation analyses showed that the Cd content of lettuce shoots was correlated with plant height, root length, biomass, antioxidant enzymes, and the expression level of genes related to Cd uptake.

Discussion

In general, these results provide a reference for the mechanism by which SA reduces the Cd accumulation in vegetables and a theoretical basis for developing heavy metal blockers with SA components.

[Analysis of serum CA125 and related influencing factors in silicosis patients with pulmonary heart disease]

Objective: To analyze the serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level and its influencing factors in male silicosis patients with pulmonary heart disease. Methods: In October 2021, data of 38 male patients with simple silicosis (silicosis group), 28 cases of silicosis with pulmonary heart disease (pulmonary heart disease group), and 27 healthy controls (control group) in the same age group were collected in inpatient and outpatient of Nanjing Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. The serum CA125 levels of the three groups were compared, and the correlation between disease-related indexes and serum CA125 in silicosis patients with pulmonary heart disease was analyzed, as well as the influencing factors of pulmonary heart disease and serum CA125 levels in silicosis patients. Results: The serum CA125 level[ (19.95±7.52) IU/ml] in pulmonary heart disease group was higher than that in silicosis group[ (12.98±6.35) IU/ml] and control group[ (9.17±5.32) IU/ml] (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum CA125 level between the silicosis group and the control group (P>0.05). Serum CA125 levels were positively correlated with blood uric acid and fasting blood glucose in silicosis patients with pulmonary heart disease (r=0.39, 0.46, P<0.05). Serum CA125 level was a risk factor for silicosis patients with pulmonary heart disease (OR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.02-1.24, P<0.05). Dust exposure time, lactate dehydrogenase and smoking history were positively correlated with serum CA125 level in silicosis patients (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The serum CA125 level of male silicosis patients with pulmonary heart disease is significantly increased, and the level of CA125 is correlated with the level of fasting blood glucose and blood uric acid.

Supramolecular structure of microwave treated bamboo for production of lignin-containing nanocellulose by oxalic acid dihydrate

Supramolecular structure of cellulosic materials from microwave treatment were throughly investigated for production of lignin-containing nanocellulose. The results revealed that both the intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds were altered by microwave irradiation. Cellulose I_β was the main component in microwave treated bamboo (MTB) with smaller interplanar spacing, and the cellulose molecules were loosely connected resulting in a loose structure. Thereafter, MTB was used to produce lignin-containing nanocellulose by using oxalic acid dihydrate (OAD) to test the feasibility on its efficiency. The chemical consumed for the preparation of lignin-containing nanocellulose (LCN) with a comparable yield (68.08-82.33 %) from MTB was merely 1/10 that from conventional cellulosic materials, indicating the supramolecular structural changes of bamboo cellulose induced by microwave treatment provided suitable conditions for the subsequent hydrolysis of OAD to prepare LCN. The LCN was further added into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix endowed excellent UV shielding property and thermal stability for the PVA/LCN films. This study was aimed to provide an environmentally friendly method on the production and application of LCN from bamboo by employing microwave treatment from the perspective of supramolecular level.

[Dysfunction of endothelial BMP-9 signaling in pulmonary vascular disease]

The signaling pathway of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 binding to the endothelial receptor BMP receptor type II (BMPR-II), activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK1) and the coreceptor endoglin is essential to maintain the pulmonary vascular integrity. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in numerous vascular diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the implication of the BMP-9/BMPR-II/ALK1/endoglin pathway in the pathophysiology of these diseases.

Grafting promoted antioxidant capacity and carbon and nitrogen metabolism of bitter gourd seedlings under heat stress

INTRODUCTION

Heat stress can limit vegetable growth, and this can lead to constraints on agricultural production. Grafting technologies, however, can be used to alleviate various plant stresses.

METHODS

In this study, the differences in the heat stress impacts and recovery abilities of pumpkin and luffa rootstocks for bitter gourd were analyzed in terms of their antioxidant activity and carbon and nitrogen metabolism.

RESULTS

Compared with the un-grafted and self-grafted bitter gourd, which suffered from heat stress at 40°C for 24 h, heterologously grafted bitter gourd showed higher heat stability of the cell membrane (relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content were reduced), reduced oxidative stress (antioxidant enzyme activity was increased and the reactive oxygen species content reduced), and increased enzyme activity (sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase, neutral invertase, and acid invertase) and sugar content (soluble sugar, sucrose, fructose, and glucose) in carbon metabolism. The enzyme activity (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and glutamine synthetase) and product content (nitrate and nitrite) of nitrogen metabolism were also found to be increased, and this inhibited the accumulation of ammonium ions. After the seedlings were placed at 25°C for 24 h, the heterogeneous rootstocks could rapidly restore the growth of the bitter gourd seedlings by promoting the antioxidant and carbon and nitrogen metabolism systems. When luffa was used as rootstock, its performance on the indexes was better than that of pumpkin. The correlation between the various indicators was demonstrated using a principal component and correlation analysis.

DISCUSSION

The luffa rootstock was found to be more conducive to reducing cell damage and energy loss in bitter gourd seedlings caused by heat induction through the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis and the promotion of carbon and nitrogen metabolism.

Effects of intercropping on Se accumulation and growth of pakchoi, lettuce and radish

Selenium is one of the most basic trace elements in the human body. It is necessary to improve the selenium content in agricultural products through agricultural planting technology to ensure that human nutrition and health need selenium. Therefore, our research passed the effect of intercropping on the growth and selenium accumulation of pakchoi, lettuce and radish were studied through pot experiments to determine whether intercropping of the three crop species can improve their selenium accumulation ability. The results showed that intercropping increased the root and shoot biomass of pakchoi and radish compared with the monocultures, while the biomass of roots and shoots decreased in other intercropping combinations. Intercropping also affected the photosynthetic pigment content of the three crop species. Specifically, the photosynthetic pigments increased in pakchoi and decreased in radish after intercropping. Notably, intercropping the three crop species together increased the SOD (superoxide dismutase) activities of the three crops compared with the monocultures. Meanwhile, intercropping radish with lettuce significantly increased the activities of SOD and CAT (catalase) in radish. Intercropping also increased the soluble sugar content in pakchoi and soluble protein content of radish relative to the monocultures. Furthermore, intercropping decreased the selenium content and the bioconcentration factor of the roots of the three vegetable crops, but improved the shoot selenium content, the bioconcentration factor and the transport factor of Se in pakchoi and radish. In conclusion, intercropping combination of pakchoi and radish can improve selenium accumulation in the edible parts of the crops, which is significant for efficient production of selenium-enriched vegetables.

Comparative Analysis of Italian Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramose) Transcriptome Profiles Reveals the Molecular Mechanism on Exogenous Melatonin Preventing Cadmium Toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in lettuce causes a large amount of yield loss during industry. Although many studies report that exogenous melatonin helps to alleviate the Cd stress of lettuce, the molecular mechanism for how plant tissue responds to Cd treatment is unclear. Herein, we applied both PacBio and Illumina techniques for Italian lettuce under different designed treatments of Cd and melatonin, aiming to reveal the potential molecular pathway of the response to Cd stress as well as the how the pre-application of exogenous melatonin affect this process. This result reveals that the root has the biggest expression pattern shift and is a more essential tissue to respond to both Cd and melatonin treatments than leaves. We reveal the molecular background of the Cd stress response in prospects of antioxidant and hormone signal transduction pathways, and we found that their functions are diverged and specifically expressed in tissues. We also found that candidate genes related to melatonin detoxify during Cd stress. Our study sheds new light for future research on how melatonin improves the cadmium resistance of lettuce and also provide valuable data for lettuce breeding.

Aggregation, solubility and cadmium-adsorption capacity of CuO nanoparticles in aquatic environments: Effects of pH, natural organic matter and component addition sequence

Nanoparticles (NPs), heavy metals and natural organic matter may co-exist in the water bodies. Currently, knowledge on their interaction effects on the behaviors and fates of NPs and heavy metal ions is rather limited, which is critical to comprehensively understand their environmental risk. In this study, the aggregation, solubility and Cd-adsorption of CuO NPs co-existing with humic acid (HA) and Cd²⁺ upon different solution pH and contact sequences were determined. In the ternary systems of CuO NPs, HA and Cd²⁺, pH was more important than the contact sequence of the components in affecting the NP aggregation, while the contact sequence was a predominant factor in determining the NP solubility. Pre-equilibration of CuO NPs and HA before addition of Cd²⁺ resulted in the highest solubility and lowest aggregation of the NPs, relative to other sequences of addition of the components. The adsorption capacity of CuO NPs for Cd-ions increased with an increasing pH value from 5 to 9. HA significantly enhanced the Cd-adsorption capacity of CuO NPs at pH 7 and 9, while at pH 5 a non-significant effect was observed. The results are helpful to better estimate the behaviors and fates of CuO NPs and Cd²⁺ when they coexisting in natural waters.

Preparation of flexible and UV-blocking films from lignin-containing cellulose incorporated with tea polyphenol/citric acid

Lignin-containing bamboo cellulose, fractionated from a pilot-scale microwave liquefaction of bamboo was dissolved in tetrabutylammonium acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide (TBAA/DMSO) for the fabrication of highly flexible, transparent and UV-blocking films. Tea polyphenol (TP) or citric acid (CA) was added during the dissolving process in order to modify the film's properties. The results showed that the addition of TP obviously improved the elongation at break (triple that of the control) and UV-blocking ability of the films. Both the addition of TP and CA could increase the water contact angle of the films. The films incorporated with TP and CA were much more thermal stable than previously reported similar films. The proposed film fabrication mechanism revealed that stable hydrogen bonds formed between the lignin-cellulose matrix and TP/CA, resulting in the enhancement on the properties of the films. This present study showed that lignin-containing cellulose with the incorporation of TP/CA had great potential in the preparation of films in place of plastic.

Rotary table wobble error analysis and correction of a rotating accelerometer gravity gradiometer

In a rotating accelerometer gravity gradiometer (RAGG), rotary table wobble refers to the shift in the direction of the spin axis during operation. This motion causes errors in the output of the RAGG, but the mechanism is not clear. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between rotary table wobble and RAGG errors and to propose a method for rejecting these errors. We consider the influence of attitude changes, angular velocity, and angular acceleration caused by the wobble on the specific force, and we describe the error transmission process based on the accelerometer configuration and its measurement principle. Furthermore, we show through a simulated experiment that when the angular velocity noise caused by the wobble is 1 μrad/s, this will produce errors of tens of E. We propose a post-error correction method that is based on the higher-precision RAGG model and motion measurement. The errors in the two channels of the RAGG are reduced to 3.69 E and 1.85 E after error correction. The error analysis of the effects of wobble on a RAGG and the proposed error correction method are of great significance for the development of high-precision gradiometers.

Copper accumulation and physiological markers of soybean (Glycine max) grown in agricultural soil amended with copper nanoparticles

Copper-based nanoparticles (NPs) display a strong potential to replace copper salts (e.g., CuSO4) for application in agricultures as antimicrobial agents or nutritional amendments. Yet, their effects on crop quality are still not comprehensively understood. In this study, the Cu contents in soybeans grown in soils amended with Cu NPs and CuSO4 at 100-500 mg Cu/kg and the subsequent effects on the plant physiological markers were determined. The Cu NPs induced 29-89% at the flowering stage (on Day 40) and 100-165% at maturation stage (on Day 100) more Cu accumulation in soybeans than CuSO4. The presence of particle aggregates in the root cells with deformation upon the Cu NP exposure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The Cu NPs at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly improved the plant height and biomass, yet significantly inhibited at 500 mg/kg, compared to the control. In leaves chlorophyll-b was more sensitive than chlorophyll-a and carotenoids to the Cu NP effect. The Cu NPs significantly decreased the root nitrogen and phosphorus contents, while they significantly increased the leaf potassium content in comparison with control. Our results imply that cautious use of Cu NPs in agriculture is warranted due to relatively high uptake of Cu and altered nutrient quality in soybeans.

C:N:P stoichiometry responses to 10 years of nitrogen addition differ across soil components and plant organs in a subtropical Pleioblastus amarus forest

How stoichiometry in different ecosystem components responds to long-term nitrogen (N) addition is crucial for understanding within-ecosystem biogeochemistry cycling processes in the context of global change. To explore the effects of long-term N addition on nutrient stoichiometry in soil and plant components in forest ecosystem, a 10-year N addition experiment using ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) was conducted in a bamboo forest in the Rainy Zone of West China, where the background N deposition is the highest in the world. Four N treatment levels (+0, +50, +150, +300 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1) (CK, LN, MN, HN) were applied monthly since November 2007, and then, the C:N:P stoichiometry of soil, microbial biomass, and enzymes in rhizosphere soil and bulk soil, and plant organs were measured. N addition decreased the stoichiometry of C:N:P of soil, microbial biomass, and enzymes. Soil C:N:P change under N addition treatments was stronger in bulk soil, while C:N:P changes for microbial biomass and enzyme activity were significant in rhizosphere soil. N addition significantly decreased TOC in bulk soil. Changes in MBC:MBN:MBP in rhizosphere and bulk soil were mainly caused by MBN and MBP, and MBP performance was consistent with that of AP. The main variable leading to the change of enzyme C:N:P in rhizosphere soil was BG and AP, and in bulk soil was LAP + NAG activity. Plant root C:P and N:P increased with N addition, while those for leaves and twigs did not. N addition significantly reduced the pH of both rhizosphere and bulk soils. These results suggest that the stoichiometry responses of rhizosphere and bulk soils were different due to the influence of plant roots. Soil acidification, enhanced aluminum toxicity potential, decreased root biomass and enhanced microbial P limitation caused by N addition were the important mechanisms that promoted stoichiometry changes in this ecosystem. Under the chronic input of N deposition, the stoichiometry between plant and soil evolved in different directions, which may lead to the decoupling of plants from soils.

Effects of intercropping accumulator plants and applying their straw on the growth and cadmium accumulation of Brassica chinensis L

Two pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of intercropping cadmium (Cd) accumulator plants (Stellaria media (L.) Villars, Cardamine hirsuta, Cerastium glomeratum Thuill, and Galium aparine L.) and applying their straw on the growth and Cd accumulation of Brassica chinensis L. Intercropping with four accumulator plants reduced the biomass, water content, and photosynthetic pigment content of B. chinensis compared with monoculture. Intercropping with accumulator plants increased the Cd content in the roots and shoot of B. chinensis, and the translocation factor (TF), root bioconcentration factor (root BCF), and shoot bioconcentration factor (Shoot BCF) increased. The soil pH decreased and the soil available Cd content increased by intercropping. Thus, intercropping with four accumulator plants can promote the Cd uptake of B. chinensis. The straw of four accumulator plants reduced the biomass, water content, and photosynthetic pigment content of B. chinensis compared with the control. The straw of S. media and C. hirsute increased the Cd content in the roots and shoots of B. chinensis, TF, root BCF, and shoot BCF. The straw of C. glomeratum and G. aparine decreased the Cd content in the roots and shoots of B. chinensis, TF, root BCF, and shoot BCF. The soil pH increased and the soil available Cd content decreased by application of straw. Thus, the straw of C. glomeratum and G. aparine can reduce the Cd uptake of B. chinensis.

Lower plasma melatonin levels predict worse long-term survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background

Exogenous melatonin has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in animal models. Multiple mechanisms may be involved, with melatonin exerting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as inducing vasodilation and cardio-protection. However, endogenous levels of melatonin in treatment-naïve pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients and their clinical significance are still unknown.

Methods and results

Plasma levels of endogenous melatonin were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in treatment-naïve PAH patients (n=43) and healthy controls (n=111). Melatonin levels were higher in PAH patients when compared with controls (Median 118.9 [IQR 109.3–147.7] versus 108.0 [102.3–115.2] pM, P&lt;0.001) (Figure 1A). The overall mortality was 26% (11/43) during a median long-term follow-up of 42 [IQR: 32–58] months. When PAH patients were stratified into 4 groups according to the quartiles of melatonin levels, the mortality from below 1st quartile to above 4th quartile was 55% (6/11), 10% (1/10), 0% (0/12), and 40% (4/10), respectively (Figure 1B). Kaplan-Meier analysis further showed that patients with melatonin levels below the 1st quartile (&lt;109.3 pM) had a worse long-term survival than patients with melatonin levels above the 1st quartile (Mean survival times were 46 [95% CI: 30–65] versus 68 [58–77] months, Log-rank, p=0.026) (Figure 1C).

Conclusion

Endogenous melatonin levels were increased in treatment-naïve PAH patients, and lower levels of melatonin were associated with worse long-term survival in patient with PAH, however, whether exogenous melatonin supplements may be effective as a therapeutic strategy in human PAH remains to be established.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council (201606230252) as well as the Netherlands CardioVascular Research Initiative: an initiative with support of the Dutch Heart Foundation (CVON2014-11, RECONNECT), and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK81Z0600207). Instrumentation support was received from AB Sciex, ltd. for LC-MS/MS analyses performed in this study.

Different tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism profiles in human pulmonary arterial hypertension and animal models of pulmonary hypertension

Background

De novo NAD+ synthesis through the tryptophan-kynurenine (TK) metabolism was recognized as an important pathway in improving mitochondrial function and survival of injury or apoptotic cells, which are key processes involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although abnormal TK metabolism has been reported in human PAH, the difference between human and animal models of pulmonary hypertension (PH) are currently unknown.

Objective

Determine and compare TK metabolism profiles in plasma from human PAH and 3 animal models of PH.

Methods

Human plasma was collected from treatment naïve patients with PAH (n=43) and healthy controls (n=111). Animal plasma was collected from 3 animal models of PH and corresponding controls, including monocrotaline (MCT) induced PH in rat (n=7, control n=6), Sugen + hypoxia (SuHx) induced PH in rat (n=5, control n=6), and pulmonary vein banding (PVB) induced PH in swine (n=7, control n=6). TK metabolites were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results

TK metabolism was altered in the plasma from of PAH compared to healthy controls (Figure 1A). Lower tryptophan (0.8 fold vs Control, p&lt;0.0001), maintained 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and higher kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid, and quinolinic acid (1.5, 2.6, 2.0, 2.6 fold vs Control, respectively, p all&lt;0.0001) were seen in the plasma from human PAH. In the rat SuHx-PH model, kynurenine (0.7 fold, p&lt;0.01) and quinolinic acid (0.5 fold, p&lt;0.001) were lower, while 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (4.3 fold, p&lt;0.001) was higher in PH compared to control (Figure 1B). However, the TK metabolism was unaltered in MCT-PH model in rat (Figure 1C), and PVB-PH model in swine (Figure 1D).

Conclusions

TK metabolism was altered in the plasma from human PAH. The TK metabolism profiles were different among 3 animal models of PH, but did not mimic the profile in human PAH. Further research is required to determine the mechanism(s) behind the abnormal TK metabolism in human PAH as well as whether these mechanisms relate to disease onset or progression.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council (201606230252) as well as the Netherlands CardioVascular Research Initiative: an initiative with support of the Dutch Heart Foundation (CVON2014-11, RECONNECT), and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK81Z0600207). Instrumentation support was received from AB Sciex, ltd. for LC-MS/MS analyses performed in this study.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor with PDGFRA-D842V mutation]

Objective: Platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFRA) mutations are respectively rare in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Most GIST with PDGFRA exon 18 mutations including D842V mutation are highly resistant to imatinib. The treatment of GIST harboring PDGFRA primary drug-resistant mutation is a major challenge. This article aims to investigate clinicopathologic features of GIST with PDGFRA-D842V mutation and the efficacy of comprehensive treatment, providing a reference for clinical practice. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect the clinicopathological and follow-up data of patients with GIST harboring PDGFRA mutation who were diagnosed and treated in the GIST Clinic of Renji Hospital from January 2005 to May 2020. According to the mutation site, the enrolled patients were divided into D842V mutation group and non-D842V mutation group. The differences of clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups were compared. Furthermore, overall survival and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results: A total of 71 patients with PDGFRA-mutant GIST were included in this study, including 47 cases of D842V mutation (66.2%) and 24 cases of non-D842V mutation (33.8%). There were 28 male patients and 19 female patients in D842V mutation group, with a median age of 60 (36-82) years. There were 16 male patients and 8 female patients in non-D842V mutation group, with a median age of 62 (30-81) years. There were no significant differences in age, gender, primary location, surgical procedure, tumor size, mitotic count, expression of CD117 and DOG1, Ki-67 proliferation index and modified NIH grade between the two groups (all P>0.05). The positive rate of CD34 was 89.4% (42/47) and 62.5% (15/24) in the D842V mutation group and the non-D842V mutation group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (χ(2)=5.644, P=0.018). Among all the cases, 66 cases underwent R0 resection without preoperative treatment; two cases underwent emergency operation with R1 resection because of tumor rupture; 2 cases were not operated after the pathological and mutation types were confirmed by biopsy (one case received avapritinib treatment and obtain partial remission). One case was diagnosed as wild-type GIST per needle biopsy in another institute, and underwent R0 resection after preoperative imatinib treatment for 6 months. After surgery, 5 high-risk GIST patients with D842V mutation and 5 high-risk GIST patients with non-D842V mutation were treated with imatinib for more than one year. The median follow-up time was 37 (1-153) months. As of the last follow-up among the patients who received R0 resection, 4 patients with D842V mutation had relapse, of whom 1 was in the period of imatinib administration, and the 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 94.2%; none of the patients with non-D842V mutation had relapse. There was no statistically significant difference in relapse-free surivval between two groups (P=0.233). Univariate analysis revealed that mitotic count (P=0.002), Ki-67 proliferation index (P<0.001) and modified NIH grade (P=0.025) were the factors associated with relapse-free survival of patients with D842V mutation after R0 resection (all P<0.05). However, the above factros were not testified as independant prognostic facors in multivariate Cox analysis (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Clinicopathologic features and the efficacy of radical resection in patients with PDGFRA-D842V mutation are similar to those in patients with non-D842V mutation.

Diagnostic value of combined nucleic acid and antibody detection in suspected COVID-19 cases

OBJECTIVES

Nucleic acid testing is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, large numbers of false-negative results have been reported. In this study, nucleic acid detection and antibody detection (IgG and IgM) were combined to improve the testing accuracy of patients with suspected COVID-19.

STUDY DESIGN

The positive rate of nucleic acid detection and antibody detection (IgG and IgM) were compared in suspected COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

A total of 71 patients with suspected COVID-19 were selected to participate in this study, which included a retrospective analysis of clinical features, imaging examination, laboratory biochemical examination and nucleic acid detection and specific antibody (IgM and IgG) detection.

RESULTS

The majority of participants with suspected COVID-19 presented with fever (67.61%) and cough (54.93%), and the imaging results showed multiple small patches and ground-glass opacity in both lungs, with less common infiltration and consolidation opacity (23.94%). Routine blood tests were mostly normal (69.01%), although only a few patients had lymphopenia (4.23%) or leucopenia (12.68%). There was no statistical difference in the double-positive rate between nucleic acid detection (46.48%) and specific antibody (IgG and IgM) detection (42.25%) (P = 0.612), both of which were also poorly consistent with each other (kappa = 0.231). The positive rate of combined nucleic acid detection and antibody detection (63.38%) was significantly increased, compared with that of nucleic acid detection (46.48%) and that of specific antibody (IgG and IgM) detection (42.25%), and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.043 and P = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Nucleic acid detection and specific antibody (IgG and IgM) detection had similar positive rates, and their combination could improve the positive rate of COVID-19 detection, which is of great significance for diagnosis and epidemic control.

AB0727 WORK OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS IN CHINA

Background:

Poorer work productivity due to pain and functional impairment is commonly seen in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, which may contribute to huge social economic burden. However, data about work outcomes and associated factors in Chinese AS patients were barely reported.

Objectives:

To assess work outcomes and identify factors associated with poor work productivity in patients with AS in China.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) fulfilled the 1984 New York modified criteria of AS were enrolled from rheumatology center from Jan 2017 to Aug 2017. All participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, quality of life and the Work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire in AS (WPAI:SpA) to accesses the impact of chronic health conditions on job performance and productivity. Factors associated with work outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 91 patients with AS were included: 87.8% males, 78.02% employed, mean age and disease duration of 30 and 10 years respectively. The mean (SD) activity impairment of all patients was 48.57% (22.02%). For patients with employed work, mean (SD) absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity loss were 10.22% (19.44%), 43.86% (22.48%) and 47.92% (25.81%) respectively. In multivariable analysis, activity impairment was associated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (P<0.01) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) (P<0.01). Absenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=0.03). Presenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=0.04), BASFI (P<0.01) and ASQoL (P<0.01). Work productivity loss was associated with BASFI (P<0.01) and ASQoL (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

Longer disease duration, reduced physical function and poorer quality of life are associated with reduced work productivity in Chinese AS patients.

References:

[1]Boonen A, van der Heijde D, Landewe R, Spoorenberg A, Schouten H, Rutten-van Molken M, et al. Work status and productivity costs due to ankylosing spondylitis: comparison of three European countries. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2002;61(5):429-37.

[2]Martindale J, Shukla R, Goodacre J. The impact of ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis on work productivity. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):512-23.

[3]Castillo-Ortiz JD, Ramiro S, Landewe R, van der Heijde D, Dougados M, van den Bosch F, et al. Work Outcome in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results From a 12-Year Followup of an International Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2016;68(4):544-52.

[4]Sag S, Nas K, Sag MS, Tekeoglu I, Kamanli A. Relationship of work disability between the disease activity, depression and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(3):499-505.

[5]Goh Y, Kwan YH, Leung YY, Fong W, Cheung PP. A cross-sectional study on factors associated with poor work outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore. Int J Rheum Dis. 2019;22(11):2001-8.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

FRI0590 BIOMARKERS OF HEMODYNAMIC SEVERITY OF SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS ASSOCIATED PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION BY SERUM PROTEOME ANALYSIS

Objectives:

To investigate alterations in the serum proteome of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PAH), to identify proteins that correlated with hemodynamic severity and to determine their possible pathogenic role.

Methods:

Patients were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: diagnosis of limited cutaneous SSc, no extensive interstitial lung disease (ILD), and no treatment with PAH-specific therapy. Patients were classified as cases if they had a definitive diagnosis of PAH confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC) and a serum sample collected on the same day as RHC. They were classified as controls if they had no sign suggestive of PAH on echocardiography.

Results:

In a first exploratory step, serum expression of 1129 proteins was assessed in 15 cases and 16 controls by a high-throughput proteomic assay (SOMAscan). We identified 53 proteins differentially expressed between the 2 groups. Among these 53 candidates, only 2 correlated significantly with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR): chemerin (p=0.01,ρ=0.62) and SET nuclear proto-oncogen (SET) (p=0.01,ρ=0.62).

To validate these results, serum levels of chemerin and SET were measured by ELISA assay in 25 additional cases and 19 additional controls. Chemerin levels were confirmed to be significantly higher in cases (p=0.01) and correlated with PVR (p=0.01,ρ=0.46).

In a second step, to study the potential pathophysiological role of chemerin, we performed confocal immunofluorescence analyses on explanted lungs of healthy controls, SSc-ILD without PAH and SSc-PAH patients. Chemerin receptor, CMKLR1, was significantly increased on SSc-ILD and SSc-PAH pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PA-SMC).

We then tested the effect of chemerin on PA-SMC proliferation by stimulating PA-SMCs from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) patients with serum from SSc patients with and without PH, in the presence or absence of a CMKLR1 inhibitor. PA-SMCs from iPAH were confirmed to have higher mRNA expression of CMKLR1 than controls (p=0.03). Serum from SSc-PH patients induced a significantly higher PA-SMC proliferation (p=0.005) than serum from controls. This difference was no longer significant (p=0.69) when adding the CMKLR1 inhibitor α–NETA.

Conclusion:

Chemerin is a surrogate biomarker for PVR in SSc-PAH. Increased chemerin and its receptor, CMKLR1, contribute to the SSc-PAH pathogenesis by inducing PA-SMC proliferation.

Acknowledgments:

None

Disclosure of Interests:

Sebastien SANGES: None declared, Lisa Rice: None declared, Ly Tu: None declared, Jean-Luc Cracowski Grant/research support from: JL Cracowski received grants from United Therapeutic, Bioprojet and Topadur, David Montani Grant/research support from: Dr. MONTANI reports grants and personal fees from Actelion, grants and personal fees from Bayer, personal fees from GSK, personal fees from Pfizer, personal fees from MSD, personal fees from Chiesi, outside the submitted work, Julio Mantero: None declared, Camille Ternynck: None declared, Guillemette Marot: None declared, Eric Hachlla: None declared, David Launay Grant/research support from: Dr. Launay reports personal fees from Actelion, grants and personal fees from Takeda, grants and personal fees from CSL Behring, outside the submitted work., Marc Humbert Grant/research support from: Dr. Humbert reports personal fees from Actelion, grants and personal fees from Bayer, grants and personal fees from GSK, personal fees from Merck, from United Therapeutics, personal fees from Acceleron, outside the submitted work., Christophe Guignabert: None declared, Robert Lafyatis Grant/research support from: RL holds research grants from Formation, Elpidera and Kiniksa., Consultant of: R.L. has served as a consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer-Mannheim, Merck, Magenta and Genentech/Roche,

Characterization of Ethyl Acetate and Trichloromethane Extracts from Phoebe zhennan Wood Residues and Application on the Preparation of UV Shielding Films

In this work, ethyl acetate (EA) and trichloromethane (TR) extracts were extracted from Phoebezhennan wood residues and the extracts were then applied to the preparation of UV shielding films (UV-SF). The results revealed that substances including olefins, phenols and alcohols were found in both EA and TR extracts, accounting for about 45% of all the detected substances. The two extracts had similar thermal stability and both had strong UV shielding ability. When the relative percentage of the extract is 1 wt% in solution, the extract solution almost blocked 100% of the UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-A (315–400 nm). Two kinds of UV-SF were successfully prepared by adding the two extracts into polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. The UV-SF with the addition of 24 wt% of the extractive blocked 100% of the UV-B (280–315 nm) and more than 80% of the UV-A (315–400 nm). Moreover, the UV shielding performance of the UV-SF was still stable even after strong UV irradiation. Though the addition of extracts could somewhat decrease the thermal stability of the film, its effect on the end-use of the film was ignorable. EA extracts had less effect on the tensile properties of the films than TR extracts as the content of the extract reached 18%. The results of this study could provide fundamental information on the potential utilization of the extracts from Phoebe zhennan wood residues on the preparation of biobased UV shielding materials.

[Application of imatinib plasma concentration monitoring in the whole process management of gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients]

Objective: To investigate the significance of monitoring imatinib mesylate (IM) plasma concentrations in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out. Inclusion criteria: (1) patients with GIST confirmed by postoperative pathology or puncture pathology receiving maintenance therapy of IM; (2) administration of same dose of IM for at least 4 weeks (achieving steady - state plasma concentration). Patients who had severe organ dysfunction, received IM generics, or received IM simultaneously with other drugs significantly affecting IM pharmacokinetic were excluded. A total of 185 patients at the GIST Clinic of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from August 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled, including 114 males (61.6%) and 71 females (38.4%) with a median age of 60 years old (range, 30-89 years), and 63 advanced cases. Patients receiving preoperative or postoperative adjuvant therapy were given IM 400 mg QD; patients with KIT exon 9 mutation or with disease progression during IM 400 mg QD treatment were given IM 600 mg QD. If the patient had adverse reactions such as myelosuppression during the medication, IM would be reduced or given BID per day. The peripheral venous blood was collected (22 to 24 hours after the last dose for patients who took IM QD and 2 hours before the first dose per day for those who took IM BID). IM plasma concentration was measured through high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Correlation analysis between IM plasma concentration results and clinical data was performed using linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 241 stable blood samples of IM plasma concentration from 185 patients were finally collected. The IM plasma concentrations were significantly different between the doses of 300 mg/d and 400 mg/d [(942.4±433.5) μg/L vs. (1340.0±500.1) μg/L, t=6.317, P<0.001], and between 400 mg/d and 600 mg/d [(1340.0±500.1) μg/L vs. (2188.0±875.5) μg/L, t=3.557, P=0.004]. Among the blood samples of 57 patients receiving IM 300 mg/d, the IM plasma concentration of the advanced patients was significantly lower than that of the non-advanced patients [(795.6±225.8) μg/L vs. (992.2±484.4) μg/L, t=2.088, P=0.042]. Among the 137 blood samples of patients receiving IM 400 mg/d, the IM plasma concentration was higher in patients aged >60 years than those aged ≤60 years [(1461.0±595.3) μg/L vs. (1240.0±380.9) μg/L, t=2.528, P=0.013] and the IM plasma concentration of cases with diarrhea was significantly lower than that of those without diarrhea [(745.8±249.6) μg/L vs. (1382.0±486.9) μg/L, t=6.794, P<0.001]. Gender, primary location, surgical procedure, mutated gene, mutation type, or time of administration was associated with IM plasma concentration no matter in patients taking IM doses of 400 mg/d or 300 mg/d (all P>0.05). Regression analysis showed that body mass (P=0.004 and P=0.019), body mass index (P=0.016 and P=0.042), and body surface area (P=0.007 and P=0.028) were all negatively correlated with IM plasma concentrations in patients taking IM doses of 300 mg/d and 400 mg/d. Within the 137 patients who received a fixed oral dose of 400 mg/d IM, 17 patients received oral 200 mg BID, whose IM plasma drug concentration was not significantly different compared with that of 120 patients who received 400 mg IM QD [(1488.0±408.3) μg/L vs. (1319.0±509.7) μg/L, t=1.307, P=0.193]. Conclusions: Monitoring IM plasma concentration is significant throughout the whole process of management of GIST patients receiving IM treatment. In particular, regular monitoring IM plasma concentration and developing appropriate treatment strategies can bring better therapeutic benefits for patients with low doses, diarrhea, advanced condition and older age.

[Investigation and analysis of thyroid function of medical occupational population in a tertiary-A hospital in Nanjing]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of low-dose of ionizing radiation on thyroid function of medical occupational group with long-term exposure, furthermore, to analyze the relationship between the thyroid hormones and the risk factors, such as exposure length, department and comulative radiation dose. Ultimately, providing the scientific basis for setting the ionizing radiation protection standards. Methods: The population who engaged radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy in a tertiary-A hospital was set up as occupational exposure, and the administrative staffs in a company were considered as control. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 161 medical professionals and 159 administrative staffs as the research object.We figured out the basic information and general condition of the groups by face-to-face questionnaire survey, calculated the annual comulative radiation dose through local center for disease control and prevention, By means of the thyroid hormone testing, we analyzed the thyroid hormone levels with different population, occupational exposure factors. Applying Epidata、Excel in data management. All the data was analyzed by statistical software package Stata12.0. Descriptive statistics, single factor analysis of variance and other statistical methods were used for data analysis. Test standard: α=0.05、P<0.05 statistical significant. Results: Age, sex and seniority were proportionality between exposure and control groups. The dosages of occupational population exposure to ionizing radiation were about 1/10 of national permit value, belonging to low-dose exposure. The T(3), FT(3) level of the exposure group was decreased than the control group (P<0.001). especially the FT(3) level has statitical discrepancy among groups with different exposure length (P<0.05). Conclusion: Long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiatiom can induce the thyroid damage of medical occupational population, which should be broader concerned.

[New insights in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and incurable cardiopulmonary disorder. Research from the past 10 years illustrates the complex and multifactorial aspects of PAH pathophysiology. Furthermore, latest advances in the field have led to a better understanding of the key components underlying this inadequate accumulation of pulmonary vascular cells within the pulmonary arterial walls, leading to pulmonary vascular remodelling. Among the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, pulmonary endothelial dysfunction, alterations of the inter-cell communications within the pulmonary arterial walls as well as defects of the inflammatory component and the loss of BMPRII activity play critical roles in the pathogenesis of the disease.

[Effect of aspirin on breast cancer stem cells and stemness of breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the effect of aspirin on the stemness of breast cancer cells and apoptosis induction of breast cancer stem cells. Methods: The 4T1 cells cultured with stem cell culture medium were screened, and immunofluorescence technique, flow cytometry and tumor-forming experiment in vivo were applied to test stem cell characteristics of the tumor spheres. After dealt with aspirin, the apoptosis rate of 4T1 stem cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The 4T1 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with aspirin, then flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the expression of aldehydedehy drogenase1 (ALDH1), and the expression of stemness genes was tested by Western blot . Then, after culturing the cells with medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), B27 and N2, the ability of sphere-forming was observed and recorded by microscopy. In vivo BALB/c mice inoculated with 4T1 stem cells were randomly divided into the control group, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg aspirin groups. After 10 days, the mice were dealt with aspirin or NS for 15 days, then the tumor growth was observed and recorded. Results: The ratio of ALDH1 positive cells was up to 78.55%, and 4T1 tumor sphere had a postive expression of ALDH1 and sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2). In vivo tumorigenesis abilities of tumor sphere with 1×10(2) 4T1 stem cells could be 75%, while the ratio of normal cells was zero. The ratio of Aspirin-induced apoptosis of 4T1 stem cells at early stage and and late stage increased from 0.36% to 21.61%, and from 4.21% to 21.38%, respectively. Flow cytometry and Western blot assay results indicated that aspirin could reduce the expression of ALDH1, SOX2, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and NANOG in 4T1 cells. Sphere-forming experiments results showed that aspirin could inhibit sphere forming ability of breast cancer cells. In vivo, aspirin inhibited the growth of tumors with a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Aspirin could induce apoptosis of cancer stem cells and reduce stemness of breast cancer, and thus play a growth-inhibiting action on breast cancer.

[Effect of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure on thyroid function in a medical occupational population]

Objective: We evaluated the effect of low-dose of ionizing radiation on thyroid function of medical occupational group with long-term exposure; furthermore; we analyzed the relationship between the thyroid hormones and the risk factors; such as exposure length; department. Ultimately; providing the scientific basis for setting the ionizing radiation protection standards. Methods: The population who engaged radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy in a tertiary-A hospital were set up as occupational exposure; 724 medical professionals as the research object. We figured out the basic information and general condition of the groups by face-to-face questionnaire survey; By means of the thyroid hormone testing; we analyzed the thyroid hormone levels with different population; occupational exposure factors. Then; obtained the prevalence of thyroid nodules by the thyroid ultrasound. Besides; we used the logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors related to thyroid nodule. Applying Epidata、Excel in data management. All the data was analyzed by statistical software package Stata12.0. Descriptive statistics; single factor analysis of variance and other statistical methods were used for data analysis. Test standard: α=0.05、P<0.05 statistical significant. Results: 1. Based on the work experience; we divided the study population into four groups; such as 1-9; 10-19; 20-29; and>30 years. The difference of the TSH level among the four groups was statistically significant (P<0.05) . 2. The multiple logistic regression showed that sex and seniority were the independent risk factors for the abnormal rate of thyroid nodules. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiatiom could induce the thyroid damage of medical occupational population; which should be broader concerned.

Cadmium-accumulator straw application alleviates cadmium stress of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by promoting photosynthetic activity and antioxidative enzyme activities

The effects of application of straw derived from cadmium (Cd) accumulator plants (Siegesbeckia orientalis, Conyza canadensis, Eclipta prostrata, and Solanum photeinocarpum) on growth and Cd accumulation of lettuce plants grown under Cd exposure were studied. Treatment with straw of the four Cd-accumulator species promoted growth, photosynthesis, and soluble protein contents and enhanced the activities of peroxidase in leaves of lettuce seedlings. The biomass of shoot of lettuce from high to low in turn is the treatment of C. canadensis straw > S. photeinocarpum straw > S. orientalis > E. prostrata > Control. The Cd content in edible parts (shoots) of the lettuce plants was significantly decreased in the presence of straw from the Cd-accumulator species, except the presence of the straw of E. prostrata. And, the greatest reduction in Cd content in shoots was 27.09% in the S. photeinocarpum straw treatment compared with that of the control. Therefore, application of straw of S. orientalis, C. canadensis, and S. photeinocarpum can promote the growth of lettuce seedlings, and decrease their Cd accumulation, when grown in Cd-contaminated soil, which is beneficial for production of lettuce safe for human consumption.

Melatonin affects the growth and cadmium accumulation of Malachium aquaticum and Galinsoga parviflora

Phytoremediation technology has become one of the main techniques for remediating soils polluted by heavy metals because it does not damage the environment, but heavy metal-tolerant plants have the disadvantages of low biomass and slow growth. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of melatonin (Mel) on growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the Cd accumulator Malachium aquaticum and hyperaccumulator Galinsoga parviflora by spraying different concentrations of Mel on them. The results showed that shoot biomass, photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity were increased in both species after Mel was sprayed on their leaves. Mel reduced the Cd content in shoots of M. aquaticum and increased it in those of G. parviflora. In general, Cd accumulation was greatest in M. aquaticum when Mel was 200 μmol L^-1 (120.71 μg plant^-1, increased by 15.97% than control) and in G. parviflora when Mel was 100 μmol L^-1 (132.40 μg plant^-1, increased by 68.30% than control). Our results suggest it is feasible to improve the remediation efficiency of lightly Cd-contaminated soil by spraying G. parviflora with100 μmol L^-1 Mel.

Temperature response of soil carbon decomposition depends strongly on forest management practice and soil layer on the eastern Tibetan Plateau

How forest management practice impacts the temperature response of soil carbon decomposition remains unclear in Tibetan boreal forests. Here, an experiment was conducted to compare soil carbon decomposition of two layers (organic and mineral) in three Tibetan forests (natural forest, NF; secondary forest, SF; spruce plantation, PF). Soils were incubated at two temperatures (10 °C and 20 °C) for 219 days. Increased temperature often stimulated carbon decomposition rates of organic layer but did not affect them in the mineral soils. Soil carbon decomposition rates in the organic layer followed a pattern of NF > SF > PF over the incubation period. Regardless of forest type, soil carbon decomposition rates and temperature coefficient (Q ₁₀) were higher in the organic layers compared to mineral soils. Moreover, forest type conversion increased Q ₁₀ values in each soil layer. Taken together, our results suggest that forest management practice has much stronger impacts on biochemical properties in the organic layers relative to mineral soils. Moreover, the temperature responses of soil carbon decomposition depend largely on forest management practice and soil layer in this specific area.

The motility of esophageal sphincters during liquid and solid bolus swallows: a multicenter normative value study of high-resolution manometry in China

BACKGROUND

It is gradually accepted that solid bolus swallow needs to be added to the procedure of manometry. The motility differences in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were not well described. Sierra Scientific Instruments solid-state high-resolution manometry (HRM) system, the most popular HRM system in China, lacks the Chinese normative values for both liquid and solid bolus swallow parameters.

METHODS

The esophageal HRM data of 88 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The parameters of both sphincters in resting stage were summarized and those during solid and liquid swallows were compared.

KEY RESULTS

Normative HRM values of sphincter parameters in solid and liquid bolus swallows in China were established. The UES residual pressure of solid bolus swallows was lower than that of liquid bolus (0.3±5.5 mm Hg vs 4.8±5.9 mm Hg, P=.000). The time parameters of UES relaxation between two types of bolus swallows were similar. In solid bolus swallows, the intrabolus pressure (IBP) (13.8±5.1 mm Hg vs 10.9±5.7 mm Hg, P=.000) and LES relaxation time (11.0±2.1 seconds vs 8.7±1.3 seconds, P=.000) were higher. The 4-second integrated relaxation pressure between both bolus swallows was similar.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The function of the UES and LES between solid and liquid bolus swallows is different. Chinese HRM parameters are different from the Chicago Classification (http://www.chictr.org.cn, Number ChiCTR-EOC-15007147).

Magnetic Susceptibility from Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Can Differentiate New Enhancing from Nonenhancing Multiple Sclerosis Lesions without Gadolinium Injection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Magnetic susceptibility values of multiple sclerosis lesions increase as they change from gadolinium-enhancing to nonenhancing. Can susceptibility values measured on quantitative susceptibility mapping without gadolinium injection be used to identify the status of lesion enhancement in surveillance MR imaging used to monitor patients with MS?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In patients who had prior MR imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping in a current MR imaging, new T2-weighted lesions were evaluated for enhancement on conventional T1-weighted imaging with gadolinium, and their susceptibility values were measured on quantitative susceptibility mapping. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of using quantitative susceptibility mapping in distinguishing new gadolinium-enhancing from new nonenhancing lesions. A generalized estimating equation was used to assess differences in susceptibility values among lesion types.

RESULTS

In 54 patients, we identified 86 of 133 new lesions that were gadolinium-enhancing and had relative susceptibility values significantly lower than those of nonenhancing lesions (β = -17.2; 95% CI, -20.2 to -14.2; P < .0001). Using susceptibility values to discriminate enhancing from nonenhancing lesions, we performed receiver operating characteristic analysis and found that the area under the curve was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99). Sensitivity was measured at 88.4%, and specificity, at 91.5%, with a cutoff value of 11.2 parts per billion for quantitative susceptibility mapping-measured susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

During routine MR imaging monitoring to detect new MS lesion activity, quantitative susceptibility mapping can be used without gadolinium injection for accurate identification of the BBB leakage status in new T2WI lesions.

Investigating the role of polymorphisms in miR-146a, -149, and -196a2 in the development of gastric cancer

Here, we performed a case-control study to investigate the role of miR-146a, miR-149, and miR-196a2 polymorphisms in the development of gastric cancer using a hospital-based case-control design. A total of 186 gastric cancer patients and 186 control subjects were enrolled from Ren Ji Hospital between January 2012 and October 2014. MicroRNAs miR-146a, miR-149, and miR-196a2 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with gastric cancer were more likely to be infected with Helicobacter pylori [odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.96]. Conditional multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the TT genotype of miR-196a2 was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer compared to the CC genotype (OR = 2.40; 95%CI = 1.26-4.61). Moreover, patients carrying both the TC and TT genotypes of miR-196a2 were correlated with an elevated risk of gastric cancer compared to those expressing the CC genotype alone (OR = 1.67, 95%CI = 1.01-2.75; P = 0.03). In conclusion, the results of our study indicated that the miR-196a2 polymorphism was associated with gastric cancer development.

Maternal molecular hydrogen treatment attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced rat fetal lung injury

Maternal inflammation is associated with spontaneous preterm birth and respiratory impairment among premature infants. Recently, molecular hydrogen (H2) has been reported to have a suppressive effect on oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of H2 on fetal lung injury caused by maternal inflammation. Cell viability and the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined by treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contained in ordinal or H2-rich medium (HM) using a human lung epithelial cell line, A549. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Control, LPS, and HW + LPS groups. Rats were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (Control) or LPS intraperitoneally (LPS) on gestational day 19 and provided H2 water (HW) ad libitum for 24 h before LPS injection (HW + LPS). Fetal lung samples were collected on day 20, and the levels of apoptosis, oxidative damage, IL-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The number of apoptotic cells, and levels of ROS and IL-6 were significantly increased by LPS treatment, and repressed following cultured with HM in A549 cells. In the rat models, the population positive for cleaved caspase-3, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, IL-6, and VEGF was significantly increased in the LPS group compared with that observed in the Control group and significantly decreased in the HW + LPS group. In this study, LPS administration induced apoptosis and oxidative damage in fetal lung cells that was ameliorated by maternal H2 intake. Antenatal H2 administration may decrease the pulmonary mobility associated with inflammation in premature infants.