Advances in local drug delivery technologies for improved rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory microenvironment and cartilage erosion within the joint cavity. Currently, antirheumatic agents yield significant outcomes in RA treatment. However, their systemic administration is limited by inadequate drug retention in lesion areas and non-specific tissue distribution, reducing efficacy and increasing risks such as infection due to systemic immunosuppression. Development in local drug delivery technologies, such as nanostructure-based and scaffold-assisted delivery platforms, facilitate enhanced drug accumulation at the target site, controlled drug release, extended duration of the drug action, reduced both dosage and administration frequency, and ultimately improve therapeutic outcomes with minimized damage to healthy tissues. In this review, we introduced pathogenesis and clinically used therapeutic agents for RA, comprehensively summarized locally administered nanostructure-based and scaffold-assisted drug delivery systems, aiming at improving the therapeutic efficiency of RA by alleviating the inflammatory response, preventing bone erosion and promoting cartilage regeneration. In addition, the challenges and future prospects of local delivery for clinical translation in RA are discussed.

Nanozyme-based Clusterphene for Enhanced Electrically Catalytic Cancer Therapy

Nanozyme mediated catalytic therapy is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. However, the nanozymes are tended to assemble into 3D architectures, resulting in poor catalytic efficiency for therapy. This study designs the assembly of nanozymes and natural enzymes into the layered structures featuring hexagonal pores as nanozyme clusterphene and investigates their catalytic therapy with the assistance of electric field. The nanozyme-based clusterphene consists of polyoxometalate (POM) and natural glucose oxidase (GOx), named POMG-based clusterphene, which facilitate multi-enzyme activities including peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione oxidase (GPx). The highly ordered layers with hexagonal pores of POMG units significantly improve the peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity of the nanozyme and thus the sustained production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). At the same time, GOx can increase endogenous H2O2 and produce gluconic acid while consuming glucose, the nutrient of tumor cell growth. The results indicate that the POD-like activity of POMG-based clusterphene increase approximately sevenfold under electrical stimulation compared with Nd-substituted keggin type POM cluster (NdPW11). The experiments both in vitro and in vivo show that the proposed POMG-based clusterphene mediated cascade catalytic therapy is capable of efficient tumor inhibiting and preventing tumor proliferation in tumor-bearing mice model, promising as an excellent candidate for catalytic therapy.

Polyoxometalate-Nanozyme-Integrated Nanomotors (POMotors) for Self-Propulsion-Promoted Synergistic Photothermal-Catalytic Tumor Therapy

Enzyme-powered nanomotors have demonstrated promising potential in biomedical applications, especially for catalytic tumor therapy, owing to their ability of self-propulsion and bio-catalysis. However, the fragility of natural enzymes limits their environmental adaptability and also therapeutic efficacy in catalysis-enabled tumor therapy. Herein, polyoxometalate-nanozyme-based light-driven nanomotors were designed and synthesized for targeted synergistic photothermal-catalytic tumor therapy. In this construct, the peroxidase-like activity of the P2 W18 Fe4 polyoxometalates-based nanomotors can provide self-propulsion and facilitate their production of reactive oxygen species thus killing tumor cells, even in the weakly acidic tumor microenvironment. Conjugated polydopamine endows the nanomotors with the capability of light-driven self-propulsion behavior. After 10 min of NIR (808 nm) irradiation, along with the help of epidermal growth factor receptor antibody, the targeted accumulation and penetration of nanomotors in the tumor enabled highly efficient synergistic photothermal-catalytic therapy. This approach overcomes the disadvantages of the intrinsically fragile nature of enzyme-powered nanomotors in physiological environments and, more importantly, provides a motility-behavior promoted synergistic anti-tumor strategy.

Copy Number Alterations Predict Development of OSCC from Oral Leukoplakia

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is a common type of potentially malignant disorder. Early identification of the malignancy potential leads to a better management of OLK and prediction of development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, there has been no effective biomarker to assess the risk of malignancy in OLK. Genomic copy number alteration (CNA) is a complex chromosomal structural variation in the genome and has been identified as a potential biomarker in multiple cancers. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for the malignant transformation risk of OLK by copy number analysis. A total of 431 OLK samples with long-term follow-up (median follow-up of 67 mo) from multiple academic centers were analyzed for CNAs. CNA events increased with the severity of hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, and severe dysplasia. More CNA events were present in patients with OLK who later developed OSCC than in those with OLK who did not. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, the OLK of the CNA scorehigh group showed an increased risk of malignant transformation than the CNA scorelow group (P < 0.001). A CNA score model was developed to accurately predict the prognosis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.879; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.799-0.959) and was validated using data from 2 external centers (AUC = 0.836, 95% CI, 0.683-0.989; AUC = 0.876, 95% CI, 0.682-1.000), and all of them showed better prediction performances than histopathological grade in assessing the transformation risk of OLK. Furthermore, we performed CNA models among 4 subgroups of OLK with hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, and severe dysplasia and found that CNA score can accurately predict malignant transformation of different subgroups. CNA score may be a useful biomarker to predict malignant transformation of OLK. Subtyping of OLK by the CNA score could contribute to better management of OLK and predicting development of OSCC.

Strategies to Reverse Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment for Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a highly effective modality for the treatment of malignant tumors owing to its powerful penetration ability, noninvasiveness, site-confined irradiation, and excellent therapeutic efficacy. However, the traditional SDT, which relies on oxygen availability, often fails to generate a satisfactory level of reactive oxygen species because of the widespread issue of hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors. To address this challenge, various approaches are developed to alleviate hypoxia and improve the efficiency of SDT. These strategies aim to either increase oxygen supply or prevent hypoxia exacerbation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of SDT. In view of this, the current review provides an overview of these strategies and their underlying principles, focusing on the circulation of oxygen from consumption to external supply. The detailed research examples conducted using these strategies in combination with SDT are also discussed. Additionally, this review highlights the future prospects and challenges of the hypoxia-alleviated SDT, along with the key considerations for future clinical applications. These considerations include the development of efficient oxygen delivery systems, the accurate methods for hypoxia detection, and the exploration of combination therapies to optimize SDT outcomes.

Recent Advances in Polyoxometalate Based Nanoplatforms Mediated Reactive Oxygen Species Cancer Therapy

The potential of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cancer therapy in tumor treatment has been greatly enhanced by the introduction of catalytically superior polyoxometalate (POM)-based nanoplatforms, mainly composed of atomic clusters consisting of pre-transition metals and oxygen. These nanoplatforms have unique advantages, such as Fenton activity at neutral pH, induction of cellular ferroptosis instead of just apoptosis, and sensitivity to external field stimulation. However, there are also inevitable challenges such as neutralization of ROS by the antioxidant system of the tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, and limited hydrogen peroxide concentrations. This review article aims to provide an overview of recent research advancements in POM-based nanoplatforms for ROS therapy from the perspective of chemical reactions and biological processes, addressing endogenous and exogenous factors that affect the antitumor efficacy. Endogenous factors include the mechanism of ROS generation by POM, the impact of pH and antioxidant systems on POM, and the various manners of tumor cell death. Exogenous stimuli mainly include light, heat, X-rays, and electricity. The article analyzes the specific mechanisms of action of each influencing factor in the first two sections, concluding with the limitations of the present study and some possible directions for future research.

Ultrasonography for confirmation of emergency department endotracheal tube placement: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on the use of ultrasonography for confirming endotracheal tube placement in emergency departments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted electronic searches on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. All databases were searched from their inception until February 2023. We selected studies published in English that used ultrasonography to confirm endotracheal tube placement. Case reports, case series, retrospective studies, cadaveric studies, pediatric studies, animal studies, and conference abstracts were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted and verified data. Forest plots, hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves, and bivariate random-effects models were used to summarize the test performance characteristics. The Stata statistical software package and Meta-DiSc version 1.4 software were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1,772 intubations were analyzed. For the detection of endotracheal tube placement, the estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.95), respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 11.70 (95% CI: 6.49-21.07) and 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.03), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 221.13, and the area under the HSROC curve revealed an appropriate accuracy of 0.99.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence supports the use of ultrasonography as a worthwhile alternative for endotracheal tube identification for intubations performed in emergency departments. This method can be used in conjunction with capnography as a preliminary test before final confirmation with capnography.

Different sedation profiles with ciprofol compared to propofol represented by objective sedation level assessments by BIS and its acute hemodynamic impact in 3 escalated doses of ciprofol and propofol in healthy subjects: a single-center, open-label, randomized, 2-stage, 2-way crossover trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the sedation profiles and the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety characteristics of ciprofol and propofol at 3 escalated dose levels in healthy Chinese male subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen subjects were planned to be enrolled into 3 dose groups in turn: group 1 (ciprofol-0.4 mg/kg vs. propofol-2.0 mg/kg), group 2 (ciprofol-0.6 mg/kg vs. propofol-3.0 mg/kg) and group 3 (ciprofol-0.8 mg/kg vs. propofol-4.0 mg/kg). They were randomly assigned into a ciprofol or propofol group in a ratio of 1:1, with sequences of ciprofol-propofol or propofol-ciprofol, separated with a washout period of at least 48 h.

RESULTS

A total of 19 subjects were enrolled and 18 completed the trial. The median time to being fully alert after induction by ciprofol was longer than for propofol. The bispectral index (BIS) recovered significantly slower with ciprofol than with propofol 5 min and 10 min after reaching its lowest points. Systolic blood pressure (group 1: p=0.041; group 2: p=0.015; group 3: p=0.004) and mean arterial pressures (group 1: p=0.026; group 2: p=0.015; group 3: p=0.004) measured by the area under the curve below the baseline during the 2 min after induction were significantly less for ciprofol compared to propofol, but a significant change in diastolic blood pressure was only observed in group 3 (p=0.002). Eighteen (100.0%) subjects experienced 47 ciprofol-related treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and 17 (94.4%) subjects had 54 propofol-related TEAEs, which were mainly hypotension, involuntary movements, respiratory depression, and pain at the injection site with severity of grade 1 or 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciprofol may be well tolerated at higher doses in the clinical practice and exhibited significantly different sedation profiles to propofol.

The effect of recreational cannabis legalization and commercialization on substance use, mental health, and injury: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) and/or recreational cannabis commercialization (RCC) on emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to substance use, injury, and mental health among those aged 11 years and older.

METHODS

A systematic review of six electronic databases up to February 1, 2023. Original, peer-reviewed articles with interrupted time series or before and after designs were included. Four independent reviewers screened articles and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes with 'critical' risk of bias were excluded. Protocol registered on PROSPERO (# CRD42021265183).

RESULTS

After screening and risk of bias assessment, 29 studies were included which examined ED visits or hospitalizations for cannabis use or alcohol (N = 10), opioid mortality (N = 3), motor vehicle fatalities or injury (N = 11), and intentional injury/mental health (N = 5). Rates or number of cannabis-related hospitalizations increased after RCL in Canada and the USA. Immediate increases in rates of cannabis-related ED visits were found after both RCL and RCC in Canada. Rates of traffic fatalities increased after RCL and RCC in certain jurisdictions in the USA.

CONCLUSIONS

RCL was associated with increased rates of cannabis-related hospitalizations. RCL and/or RCC was associated with increased rates of cannabis-related ED visits, consistently shown across sex and age groups. The effect on fatal motor vehicle incidents was mixed, with observed increases found after RCL and/or RCC. The effect of RCL or RCC on opioids, alcohol, intentional injury, and mental health is not clear. These results inform population health initiatives and international jurisdictions considering RCL implementation.

A sex- and site-specific relationship between body mass index and osteoarthritis: evidence from observational and genetic analyses

OBJECTIVE

We primarily aimed to investigate whether there are phenotypic and genetic links underlying body mass index (BMI) and overall osteoarthritis (OA). We then intended to explore whether the relationships differ across sexes and sites.

METHOD

We first evaluated the phenotypic association between BMI and overall OA using data from the UK Biobank. We then investigated the genetic relationship leveraging summary statistics of the hitherto largest genome-wide association studies performed for BMI and overall OA. Finally, we repeated all analyses in a sex- (female, male) and site- (knee, hip, spine) specific manner.

RESULTS

Observational analysis suggested an increased hazard of diagnosed OA per 5 kg/m² increment in BMI (hazard ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37-1.39). A positive overall genetic correlation was observed for BMI and OA (r_g = 0.43, P = 4.72 × 10^-133), corroborated by 11 significant local signals. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 34 pleiotropic loci shared between BMI and OA, of which seven were novel. Transcriptome-wide association study revealed 29 shared gene-tissue pairs, targeting nervous, digestive, and exo/endocrine systems. Mendelian randomization demonstrated a robust BMI-OA causal relationship (odds ratio = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.42-1.52). A similar pattern of effects was observed in sex- and site-specific analyses, with BMI affecting OA comparably in both sexes and most strongly in the knee.

CONCLUSION

Our work demonstrates an intrinsic relationship underlying BMI and overall OA, reflected by a pronounced phenotypic association, significant biological pleiotropy, and a putative causal link. Stratified analysis further reveals that the effects are distinct across sites and comparable across sexes.

Identification of TAC1 Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Using a Robust Rank Aggregation Approach

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) brings heavy burden to society and family. There is an urgent need to find effective methods for disease diagnosis and treatment. The robust rank aggregation (RRA) approach that could aggregate the resulting gene lists has been widely utilized in genomic data analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To identify hub genes using RRA approach in AD.

METHODS

Seven microarray datasets in frontal cortex from GEO database were used to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs) in AD patients using RRA approach. STRING was performed to explore the protein-to-protein interaction (PPI). Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were utilized for enrichment analysis. Human Gene Connectome and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were used for functional annotation. Finally, the expression levels of hub genes were validated in the cortex of 5xFAD mice by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

After RRA analysis, 473 DEGs (216 upregulated and 257 downregulated) were identified in AD samples. PPI showed that DEGs had a total of 416 nodes and 2750 edges. These genes were divided into 17 clusters, each of which contains at least three genes. After functional annotation and enrichment analysis, TAC1 is identified as the hub gene and may be related to synaptic function and inflammation. In addition, Tac1 was found downregulated in cortices of 5xFAD mice.

CONCLUSION

In the current study, TAC1 is identified as a key gene in the frontal cortex of AD, providing insight into the possible pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for this disease.

Hypoxia-induced upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 increases basement membrane degradation by downregulating collagen type IV alpha 1 chain

Hypoxia can cause basement membrane (BM) degradation in tissues. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is involved in various human cancers as well as BM degradation by downregulating type IV collagen (COL4). This study investigated the role of MMP-9 in hypoxia-mediated BM degradation in rat bone marrow based on its regulation of collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1). Eighty male rats were randomly divided into four groups based on exposure to hypoxic conditions at a simulated altitude of 7,000 m, control (normoxia) and 3, 7, and 10 days of hypoxia exposure. BM degradation in bone marrow was determined by transmission electron microscopy. MMP-9 levels were assessed by western blot and real-time PCR, and COL4A1 levels were assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Microvessels BMs in bone marrow exposed to acute hypoxia were observed by electron microscopy. MMP-9 expression increased, COL4A1 protein expression decreased, and BM degradation occurred in the 10-, 7-, and 3-day hypoxia groups compared with that in the control group (all P < 0.05). Hypoxia increased MMP-9 levels, which in turn downregulated COL4A1, thereby increasing BM degradation. MMP-9 upregulation significantly promoted BM degradation and COL4A1 downregulation. Our results suggest that MMP-9 is related to acute hypoxia-induced BM degradation in bone marrow by regulating COL4A1.

Comparative Sensitivity of Solid-Phase Versus PEG Enhancement Assays for Detection and Identification of Red Blood Cell Antibodies

Introduction/Objective

Identifying antibodies to red blood cell (RBC) antigens is one of transfusion medicine’s most critical and challenging issues. There are 354 RBC antigens recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion. Accurate identification of clinically significant alloantibodies is imperative for identifying and preventing hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We compared the performance of the tube (polyethylene glycol–indirect antiglobulin test [PEG-IAT]) and solid-phase techniques for antibody identification.

Methods/Case Report

We performed a retrospective study on all antibody screens and identifications performed between 2007–2021 at Stanford Hospital. Over this period, 631,535 antibody screens were performed predominantly using an automated solid-phase technique. Subsequent antibody identification studies were performed using manual tube testing (PEG-IAT) and automated solid-phase techniques.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

Antibody screening resulted in 28,316 (4.5%) positive samples with at least one antibody. Antibody identification performed on both platforms identified 50 discordant [DMH1] samples. 8 anti-Jka, 2 anti-Jkb, 1 anti-S, and 1 anti-M were detected by automatic solid-phase technique but were not detected by PEG-IAT. 20 anti-E, 6 anti-K, 2 anti-Fya, 2 anti-c , 2 anti-C, 2 anti-Fyb, 1 anti-cE[DMH2] , 1 anti-e,1 anti-M, and 1 anti-S were detected by PEG-IAT but were negative by automated solid-phase technique. Anti-E had the least sensitivity (98.99%) in the automated solid-phase technique, while anti-Jkb had the least sensitivity (98.78%) in PEG-IAT.

Conclusion

This is the first robust 15-year study comparing methodologic sensitivity to detect clinically significant alloantibodies. The incidence of discordant results between the PEG-IAT and solid-phase technique was low. Among discordant samples, anti-Jka was commonly detected by solid-phase but not by PEG-IAT. In contrast, anti-E was commonly detected by PEG-IAT but not by the solid phase.

Racial Disparity in Antibody Against High Prevalence Antigen; Anti-U

Introduction/Objective

Anti-U is an IgG antibody directed against the U antigen, which usually forms after exposure to U antigen via blood transfusion and/or pregnancy. U antigen is located on glycophorin B (GYPB) as part of the MNS blood group system. Approximately 2% of the African American population lacks this antigen, making them prone to developing anti-U. Anti-U can cause hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) and hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR).

Methods/Case Report

A 60-year-old African American male underwent aortic valve surgery. The patient was A Pos with a negative antibody screen. During surgery, the patient was transfused with 3 random units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged home. 6 months later, the patient was admitted for another procedure and was expected to require blood products. Thus, a type and screen test was ordered, revealing pan reactivity on screening cells. This prompted further investigation. Antibody detection was performed with the solid-phase technique followed by the tube method with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an enhancement medium. PEG technique is the next choice of method if the solid phase requires extended antibody work up, which was the case in our patient. PEG tube method successfully identified Anti-U, and the patient's phenotype was confirmed to be U negative.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

N/A.

Conclusion

It is imperative to stress the importance of racial disparity while investigating antibodies against high prevalence. In our case, our suspicion was high for Anti-U, given that patient was of African American descent. Tube methods with PEG and Solid Phase techniques are usually used for antibody identification. It is recommended that patients with rare antibodies carry an Antibody ID card indicating the rare antibody they have to prevent further exposure.

Manganese-Based Nanozymes: Preparation, Catalytic Mechanisms, and Biomedical Applications

Manganese (Mn) has attracted widespread attention due to its low-cost, nontoxicity, and valence-rich transition. Various Mn-based nanomaterials have sprung up and are employed in diverse fields, particularly Mn-based nanozymes, which combine the physicochemical properties of Mn-based nanomaterials with the catalytic activity of natural enzymes, and are attracting a surge of research, especially in the field of biomedical research. In this review, the typical preparation strategies, catalytic mechanisms, advances and perspectives of Mn-based nanozymes for biomedical applications are systematically summarized. The application of Mn-based nanozymes in tumor therapy and sensing detection, together with an overview of their mechanism of action is highlighted. Finally, the prospective directions of Mn-based nanozymes from five perspectives: innovation, activity enhancement, selectivity, biocompatibility, and application broadening are discussed.

Transtracheal ultrasound for confirmation of endotracheal tube placement in the intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The major objective of this review was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in confirming tracheal intubation to the standard methods of confirmation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted from inception to July 2022. We included studies that compared the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-detected tracheal intubation to that of the gold standard diagnostic technique performed in adult patients who underwent tracheal intubation as part of any procedure. We searched the following electronic databases for published studies: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science. Risk of bias was assessed using a standard procedure based on the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 criteria. The results were analyzed using the RevMan or Meta-Disc software to determine the adequacy and conclusiveness of the available evidence.

RESULTS

Five studies that included 344 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) (0.92-0.98) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.97-1.00), respectively. Furthermore, the diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 311.25 (95% CI: 63.77-1,519.22), which was confirmed by a summary receiver operating characteristic curve with an area under the curve of 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography has high sensitivity and specificity, is a valuable adjunct for confirming tracheal intubation in the ICU and should be performed when capnography is unavailable or unreliable.

Long-term neurological intact survival and quality of life after refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with rescue mechanical circulatory support

Background

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with either veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) or Impella has emerged as a rescue therapy for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, only short-term outcome is specified and most studies do not report follow-up beyond six months. Long-term survival and quality of life in this high-risk population remains unknown.

Purpose

To determine long-term neurological intact survival and quality of life in patients with refractory OHCA treated with MCS.

Methods

This was an observational, single-centre study of OHCA-patients from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients treated with MCS for OHCA were compared with patients receiving conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A follow-up of long-term survivors in the MCS group was conducted (&gt;1 year after arrest). This included health related quality of life questionaries (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and assessment of neurological function with Cerebral Performance Category (CPC). Good neurological outcome was defined as CPC 1 and CPC 2.

Results

A total of 1015 with OHCA were included; 101 received MCS for refractory cardiac arrest. Among these V-A ECMO was deployed in 97 patients and Impella in 4 patients. The MCS group had significantly longer low-flow times compared to the conventional group (105 [IQR, 94–123] minutes versus 18 [IQR 10–39] minutes) and were more metabolically deranged upon arrival at hospital (Table 1). In patients receiving MCS, the hospital discharge rate was 27% and good neurological outcome was seen in 93% among patients discharged. At follow-up, 15 out of 21 long-term survivors participated. Median follow-up time was 4.8±1.6 (range 2.8–6.1 years). Mean age at follow-up was 61±7.3 years, 11 (73%) were men. Neurological outcome with CPC 1 was found in 12 patients (80%), with CPC 2 in 2 patients (13%), and with CPC 3 in 1 patient (7%). Two had improved neurological status from CPC 2 to CPC 1 since discharge. Mean scores of the SF-36 revealed an overall high level of psychical and mental health in long-term survivors (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Long-term survival with good neurological outcome was high in patients with refractory OHCA treated with MCS despite prolonged resuscitation and severe metabolic derangement. These patients may expect a reasonable quality of life after discharge.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University HospitalSnedkermester Sophus Jacobsen og hustru Astrid Jacobsens Fond

The diagnostic values of lung ultrasound for ARDS

OBJECTIVE

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical disease commonly found in many clinical cases, with a mortality rate of approximately 50%. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for improving ARDS prognosis. In this study, the applications of lung ultrasound in ARDS diagnosis and assessment are reviewed to clarify its key clinical values and application prospects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the standard diagnosis of ARDS based on the Berlin definition, CXR or CT examination should be conducted. However, both the blurred images of the former, as well as the inconvenience and high risks of the latter, impose restrictions on their application in critically ill patients.

RESULTS

Lung ultrasound was shown to improve safety, effectiveness, lacked radiation, can be performed bedside, and offers dynamic functionality.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be a suitable approach to replace or complement traditional imaging examinations with lung ultrasound.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for detecting gastric tube placement: an updated meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at reviewing the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for detecting correct nasogastric tube placement compared with X-ray imaging as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published between 1961 and 2022. We included studies that compared the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound detection for nasogastric tube placement with that of X-ray imaging in adult patients who were undergoing nasogastric tube placement for any reason. We searched for published studies in the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The risk of bias was assessed using a standard procedure according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 criteria. The results were analyzed using RevMan or Meta-Disc software to determine the adequacy and conclusiveness of the available evidence.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 1,812 patients were included in these studies. The results included a pooled sensitivity of 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-0.97), specificity of 0.91 (95% CI 0.85-0.96), positive likelihood ratio of 5.08 (95% CI 1.49-17.39), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.08 (95% CI 0.06-0.10). This was confirmed through a summary receiver operating characteristic curve, which showed that the area under the curve was 0.96.

CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence about validity of ultrasound as an efficient method for verifying nasogastric tube placement, although there is insufficient evidence to suggest that it can be used as a diagnostic tool for incorrect gastric tube placement.

High-Resolution MRI for Evaluation of the Possibility of Successful Recanalization in Symptomatic Chronic ICA Occlusion: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Accurate radiologic evaluation of the possibility of successful recanalization in symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion remains challenging. This study aimed to investigate the high-resolution MR imaging characteristics of symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion and their association with successful recanalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion who underwent balloon dilation plus stent implantation were identified retrospectively and divided into 2 groups: a successful recanalization group and an unsuccessful recanalization group. Clinical and high-resolution MR imaging characteristics were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the characteristics associated with successful recanalization.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were included in the study. High-resolution MR imaging characteristics independently associated with unsuccessful recanalization were longer lesion length (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36-0.55; P = .009) and larger calcification volume (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.68; P = .002) for proximal occlusion and reversed distal ICA flow at the level of ophthalmic segment or above (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.08-0.48; P = .001). Reversed distal ICA flow at the level of the petrous segment or below (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.65-8.38; P = .001) and lumen area (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.61; P = .002) for distal occlusion were risk factors of successful recanalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In symptomatic chronic ICA occlusion, lesion length and calcification volume (for proximal occlusion), the level of reversed distal ICA flow, and the lumen area (for distal occlusion) appear to be predictors of successful recanalization. High-resolution MR imaging can evaluate chronic ICA occlusion and help in clinical decision-making.

Fourfold Anisotropic Magnetoresistance of L1_{0} FePt Due to Relaxation Time Anisotropy

Experimental measurements show that the angular dependence of the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in L1_{0} ordered FePt epitaxial films on the current orientation and magnetization direction is a superposition of the corresponding dependences of twofold and fourfold symmetries. The twofold AMR exhibits a strong dependence on the current orientation, whereas the fourfold term only depends on the magnetization direction in the crystal and is independent of the current orientation. First-principles calculations reveal that the fourfold AMR arises from the relaxation time anisotropy due to the variation of the density of states near the Fermi energy under rotation of the magnetization. This relaxation time anisotropy is a universal property in ferromagnetic metals and determines other anisotropic physical properties that are observable in experiment.

MXenes Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances and Challenges

MXenes have aroused widespread interest in the biomedical field owing to their remarkable photo-thermal conversion capabilities combined with large specific surface areas. MXenes quantum dots (MQDs) have been synthesized either by the physical or chemical methods based on MXenes as precursors, which possess smaller size, higher photoluminescence, coupled with low cytotoxicity and many beneficial properties of MXenes, thereby having potential biomedical applications. Given this, this review summarized the synthesis methods, optical, surface and biological properties of MQDs along with their practical applications in the field of biomedicine. Finally, the authors make an outlook towards the synthesis, properties and applications of MQDs in the future biomedicine field.

715 REDUCING OVERTREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN OLDER PEOPLE LIVING IN CARE HOMES

Introduction

Older people in care homes living with frailty are less likely to benefit from tight glycaemic control in the management of type 2 diabetes with increased risk of adverse effects for example hypoglycaemia, falls and hospital admission. We wished to ascertain the scale of the problem and reduce overtreatment. We defined overtreatment based on American Diabetes Association guidelines as being on an agent that can cause hypoglycaemia and having an HBA1C of ≤53 mmol/mol or, an HbA1c 53–64 mmol/mol with either three or more co-morbidities.

Methods

In 2016, we audited the management of type 2 diabetes in older people discharged from LTHT to care homes. We discussed our concerns with diabetes and geriatric medicine colleagues across medical, nursing and pharmacy disciplines. We engaged the support of the citywide diabetes network which comprises secondary care colleagues, general practitioners and pharmacists. We presented the findings of our initial audit to colleagues within primary and secondary care through departmental meetings and citywide network meetings. We wrote a new guideline, specifically for frail older people that was disseminated citywide through these networks. We re-audited in 2020.

Results

In total, 113 cases were reviewed in 2016 and 105 cases in 2020. In 2020, only 6% (6 patients) were overtreated compared to 38% (43 patients) in 2016.

Conclusions

There has been a marked reduction in overtreatment which should result in less adverse events. We believe the reasons for success lie in wide engagement of relevant stakeholder groups around an issue that is important, large in scale and meaningful to both patient and clinician. There are potential cost savings from reducing medications and reducing harm.

Sensitive visual detection of intracellular zinc ions based on signal-on polydopamine carbon dots

The concentration of intracellular zinc ions is a significant clinical parameter for diagnosis. However, it is still a challenge for direct visual detection of zinc ions in cells at single-cell level. To address this issue, herein, water-soluble amino-rich polydopamine carbon quantum dots (PDA-CQDs) were successfully synthesized, with strong blue-green fluorescence as the probes for zinc ions detection in cells. The structure and properties of PDA-CQDs were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), and fluorescence spectroscopy. Importantly, by successfully linking salicylaldehyde (SA) to PDA-CQDs via nucleophilic reaction, the FL quenching and Zn ions induced FL-recovering system was built up, thus offering a signal-on platform for the detection of zinc ions. This PDA-CQDs-SA nanoprobe can be applied for the detection of Zn²⁺with a detection limit of 0.09μM, with good biocompatibility confirmed using cytotoxicity assay. Of significance, the results of fluorescence bioimaging showed that PDA-CQDs-SA is able to detect Zn²⁺in single-cell visually, with the detection limit of Zn ions in cells as low as 0.11μM per cell, which was confirmed using flow cytometry. Therefore, this work offers a potential probe for Zn²⁺detection in cells at single-cell level, towards the precise diagnosis of zinc ions related diseases.

Single-atom Nanozymes for Biomedical Applications： Recent Advances and Challenges

Nanozymes have received extensive attention in the fields of sensing and detection, medical therapy, industry, and agriculture thanks to the combination of the catalytic properties of natural enzymes and the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, coupled with superior stability and ease of preparation. Despite the promise of nanozymes, conventional nanozymes are constrained by their oversized size and low catalytic capacity in sophisticated practical application environments. single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) were characterized as nanozymes with high catalytic efficiency by uniformly distributed single atoms as catalysis sites, thus effectively addressing the defects of conventional nanozymes. This paper reviews the activity improvement scheme and catalytic mechanism of SAzymes and highlights the latest research progress of SAzymes in the fields of biomedical sensing and therapy. Eventually, the challenges and future directions of SAzymes are discussed in this paper.

Polyoxometalate Modified by Zeolite Imidazole Framework for the pH-Responsive Electrodynamic/Chemodynamic Therapy

Electrodynamic therapy (EDT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) have the potential for future tumor treatment; however, their underlying applications are greatly hindered owing to their inherent drawbacks. The combination of EDT and CDT has been considered to be an effective way to maximize the superiorities of these two ROS-based methodologies. However, the development of novel nanomaterials with "one-for-all" functions still remains a big challenge. In this work, the polyoxometalate nanoparticles (NPs) were decorated using the zeolite imidazole framework (POM@ZIF-8) in order to integrate the EDT with CDT. The resulting POM@ZIF-8 NPs can effectively induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via a catalytic reaction on the surface of POM NPs induced by an electric field (E). At the same time, POM@ZIF-8 NPs can catalyze the intracellular H₂O₂ into ROS via a Fenton-like reaction, thereby achieving the combination of EDT and CDT. Besides, since ZIF-8 is acid-responsive, it can protect normal tissues and avoid side effects. Of great note is that the cytotoxicity and the apoptosis rate of the POM@ZIF-8+E group (80%) were found to be significantly higher than that of the E group (55%). As a result, a high tumor inhibition phenomenon can be observed both in vitro and in vivo. The present study thus provides an alternative concept for combinational therapeutic modality with exceptional efficacy.

Polyoxometalate-Covalent Organic Framework Hybrid Materials for the pH-Responsive Photothermal Tumor Therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has become one of the most effective methods for tumor treatment. With the development of medicine, studies focusing primarily on the therapeutic and diagnostic agents with desirable...

Gompertz model in COVID-19 spreading simulation

The paper reports on application of the Gompertz model to describe the growth dynamics of COVID-19 cases during the first wave of the pandemic in different countries. Modeling has been performed for 23 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, China, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, South Korea, USA, Mexico, and Japan. The model parameters are determined by regression analysis based on official World Health Organization data available for these countries. The comparison of the predictions given by the Gompertz model and the simple logistic model (i.e., Verhulst model) is performed allowing to conclude on the higher accuracy of the Gompertz model.

Anatomical dilation for the coronary sinus ostium in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and its impact to trigger the atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia: a case control study

Background

The incidence of atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients is higher than the general population [1–3]. AVNRT had been reported with larger coronary sinus (CS) ostium in general population, while the mechanism and correlation between AVNRT and the CS ostium in PAH patients are poorly understood.

Purpose

We aim to investigate the impact of the CS ostium on AVNRT and find out its risk factors in PAH patients.

Methods

Of 102 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients with catheter ablation of SVT, 10 patients confirmed AVNRT who underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA) were enrolled as study group. The control group (PAH patients without SVT, n=20) were matched in a ratio of 2:1 based on gender and BMI. We measured maxium diameter of CS ostium in axial and LAO plane by CTA. All baseline characteristics and imaging materials were collected.

Results

PAH patients with AVNRT were older (45.9±14.8 vs. 32.1±7.6 years, P=0.025) and more likely to have larger CS ostium in LAO plane (18.6±3.3 vs. 14.8±4.0 mm, P=0.011) than those without AVNRT. The maximal diameter of CS ostium in LAO plane was an independent predictor for AVNRT in PAH patients (Odds ratio, 1.389; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–1.923; P=0.048). The cut-off value of CS ostium in LAO plane was 14.1mm (Area under curve = 0.79, P=0.012), and the sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 55%, respectively.

Conclusions

The larger CS ostium in LAO plane correlated with the higher prevalence of AVNRT in PAH patients with age. Patients with CS ostium larger than 14.1mm in LAO plane are more likely to develop AVNRT.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Measurements and diagnosis value

Acute arterial events across all vascular territories in the FOURIER trial

Background

In the FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Patients With Elevated Risk) trial, adding the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab to statin therapy reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular risk. Although atherosclerotic coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular events share a related pathobiology, the effect of aggressive LDL-C lowering with PCSK9 inhibition on the risk of acute arterial events across all three vascular beds is not well-described.

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of evolocumab on acute arterial events in all vascular territories including coronary, cerebral, and peripheral vascular beds.

Methods

In the FOURIER trial, patients (n=27,564) with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL on a statin were randomly assigned to evolocumab versus placebo and followed for a median of 2.2 years (1.8–2.5). Acute arterial events were defined as a composite of coronary (coronary heart disease [CHD] death, myocardial infarction [MI], or urgent coronary revascularization), cerebrovascular (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack [TIA], or urgent cerebral revascularization), or peripheral vascular (acute limb ischemia, major amputation, or urgent peripheral revascularization) events. Cox proportional-hazard models were used to assess the efficacy of evolocumab on these outcomes. Landmark and total event analyses were also done.

Results

Of the 2,210 first acute arterial events occurring during follow-up, 74% were coronary, 22% were cerebrovascular, and 4% were peripheral vascular. Evolocumab reduced the risk of a first acute arterial event by 19% (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74–0.88; P&lt;0.001), with significant individual reductions in acute coronary (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75–0.91; P&lt;0.001), acute cerebrovascular (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.65–0.92; P=0.004), and acute peripheral vascular (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.38–0.88; P=0.01) events (Figure, top). The magnitude of the risk reduction with evolocumab tended to increase over time, with a 16% reduction (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75–0.96) in the first year followed by a 24% reduction (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67–0.85) thereafter (Figure, bottom). There were 3,780 total acute arterial events (first plus recurrent), with a 22% reduction with evolocumab (incidence rate ratio [RR] 0.78; 95% CI 0.70–0.87). Evolocumab prevented 496 total acute arterial events as compared to 222 first events.

Conclusions

The addition of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab to statin therapy reduced the risk of acute arterial events across all vascular territories with a robust effect over time. These findings indicate a pan-vascular impact of aggressive lipid-lowering therapy on these acute and clinically meaningful events.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): The FOURIER trial was supported by Amgen.

Mechanical circulatory support for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide multicentre study

Background

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has shown potential as a salvage therapy for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Despite growing interest in and a growing body of literature on ECPR for refractory OHCA, robust evidence on patient eligibility is still lacking.

Purpose

To describe the survival, neurological outcome, and adherence to the national consensus with respect to use of ECPR for OHCA, and to identify factors associated with outcome.

Methods

Retrospective, observational cohort study of patients who underwent ECPR for OHCA at four cardiac arrest centres. Binary logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed to assess association with 30-day mortality.

Results

A total of 259 patients receiving ECPR for OHCA between July 2011 and December 2020 were included in the study. Thirty-day survival was 26% and a good neurological outcome Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1–2 was observed in 94% of patients at discharge. Strict adherence to the national consensus showed a 30-day survival rate of 30%. Adding one or more of the following criteria to the national consensus: signs of life during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pre-hospital low-flow &lt;100 minutes, pH &gt;6.8 and lactate &lt;15 mmol/L increased the survival rate to 48%, but would exclude 58% of the survivors from the current cohort. Logistic regression identified initial presenting rhythm with asystole (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18–1.57), pulseless electrical activity (PEA) (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.41), initial pH &lt;6.8 (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12–1.46) and lactate levels &gt;15 mmol/L (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.16–1.53) as factors associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients presenting signs of life during CPR had threefold higher survival rate than patients without signs of life (45% versus 13%, p&lt;0.001)

Conclusion

A high survival rate with a good neurological outcome was observed in this population of patients treated with ECPR for OHCA. Signs of life during CPR may aid the decision-making in the selection of appropriate candidates. Stringent patient selection for ECPR may produce higher survival rates but potentially withholds life-saving treatment in a significant proportion of survivors, why optimization of the selection criteria is still necessary.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the Danish Heart Foundation [20-R142-A9498-22178]; and Health Research Foundation of Central Denmark Region [R64-A3178-B1349] Survival and adherence to consensusSigns of life during CPR

Characteristics and long-term ablation outcomes of supraventricular arrhythmias in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a 10-year, single-center experience

Background

A variety of supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) may occur in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The characteristics and long-term ablation outcomes of different types of SVAs in HCM have not been comprehensively investigated.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 101 consecutive symptomatic HCM patients with suspected arrhythmia from May 2010 to October 2020. The clinical features and ablation outcomes of patients with SVAs were further analyzed.

Results

Seventy-eight patients had SVAs, consisting of 50 (64.1%) atrial fibrillation (AF), 16 (20.5%) atrial flutter (AFL), 15 (19.2%) atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), 11 (14.1%) atrial arrhythmia (AT), and 3 (3.8%) atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Thirty-four patients underwent catheter ablation including 14 for AF, 9 for AVRT, 6 for AFL, 3 for AVNRT, 1 for both AF and AFL, and 1 for both AF and AVRT. They were followed up for a median (interquartile range) of 58.5 (82.9) months. There were no recurrences for patients with non-AF SVAs. For patients with AF, the 1- and 7-year AF-free survival were 87.5% and 49.5%, respectively. A ROC analysis revealed that a greater left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was associated with higher recurrence of AF with an optimum cutoff value of 47mm (c-statistic = 0.91, p=0.011, sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.82). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with LVEDD ≥47mm had worse AF-free survival (log-rank p=0.014).

Conclusions

AF is the most common SVA in HCM, with AFL, AVRT, AT, and AVNRT ranking the second to the last according to the prevalence. The long-term catheter ablation outcome for non-AF SVAs in HCM is satisfying. A greater LVEDD predicts AF recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with HCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China Figure 1Figure 2

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias ablating from different subregions in the aortic sinus cusps: anatomic distribution, electrocardiography, and electrophysiology characteristics

Background

Previous studies had described the electrocardiographic or electrophysiological characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) from 3 aortic sinus cusps (ASC) as a whole, while little is known about the differences among VAs ablated in different subregions of the ASC.

Objective

To investigate the distribution, specific precordial electrocardiographic sign, and bipolar electrogram characteristics of VAs ablated in different subregions of the ASC.

Methods

We divided the right coronary cusp (RCC) and the left coronary cusp (LCC) into 6 subregions and studied 51 idiopathic VAs ablated successfully in the ASC.

Results

Fifty-one VAs inhomogeneous distributed in the 6 subregions, which rarely located in the lateral RCC (L-RCC; 2%). The fractionated potential was dominant (39/51, 76%) in the three kinds of target electrograms. From the L-RCC to the lateral LCC (L-LCC), the percentage of fractionated potential gradually decreased from 100% to 59%. A precordial rebound notch in V3–4 or V4–5 had a sensitivity of 90.9%, a specificity of 85.0%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.1% to predict VAs ablating from the anterior RCC (A-RCC). A precordial rebound notch in V2–3 had a sensitivity of 50.0%, a specificity of 94.9%, and a NPV of 86.0% to predict VAs ablating from the L-LCC.

Conclusion

The targets of the ASC-VAs mainly distributed in the anterior ASC and the L-LCC. Fractionated potential is common among target bipolar electrograms especially in the anterolateral RCC. Precordial electrocardiographic rebound notch has a high predictive accuracy for identifying different subregions of the ASC-VAs.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

[Role of long noncoding RNA SNHG3 in regulating proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer SiHa cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar host gene 3 (SNHG3) in proliferation, migration and invasion of human cervical cancer cell line SiHa.

OBJECTIVE

Array data were retrieved from GEO database to analyze the expression levels of SNHG3 in cervical cancer and adjacent normal tissues. SiHa cells were transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting SNHG3, and the changes in the transcriptional levels of lncRNA SNHG3 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers N-cadherin, Snail, vimentin and E-cadherin were detected using real-time quantitative PCR; the protein expressions of N-cadherin, Snail, vimentin and E-cadherin were determined using Western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay was utilized to assess the proliferation capacity of the transfected cells. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay were performed to evaluate the transversal and longitudinal migration and invasion abilities of the cells.

OBJECTIVE

SNHG3 was over-expressed in cervical cancer tissues and SiHa cells. In SiHa cells, knocking down SNHG3 significantly inhibited the proliferation (P < 0.001), migration (P < 0.01) and invasion abilities (P < 0.001) of the cells, down-regulated the expression levels of N-cadherin, Snail and vimentin (P < 0.001) and up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin (P < 0.001).

OBJECTIVE

SNHG3 may promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of SiHa cells by activating the EMT signaling pathway.

Application of remote online learning in oral histopathology teaching in China

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of remote learning and virtual microscopy in oral histopathology teaching, a unique experience in China. The oral histopathology teaching in Nanjing Medical University has been extraordinary.

Material and Methods

98 third-year dental students of Grade 2016 took oral histopathology theoretical course face-to-face in 2019 (Traditional group). The 94 participants of Grade 2017 took online oral histopathology course using digital methods(E-Learning platform and Virtual Simulation Experiment Teaching Center for Dentistry) in 2020. During the practical laboratory sessions, the students in both Traditional group and Online group observed the same glass slides for morphological learning. A questionnaire survey explored students' attitudes towards the remote online learning. Results: The mean Theory test scores of the Online group (80.93±12.15) were significantly higher than those of the Traditional group (73.65±8.46) (P < 0.01). The mean total scores of the Online group (82.94±10.76) were significantly higher than those of the Traditional group (77.25±7.55) (P < 0.01). The percentage of high total test score (test score > 85) of the Online group (54%) was also significantly higher than that of the Traditional group (15%) (P< 0.01). Furthermore, both remote learning and virtual microscopy courses were well accepted by students according to the questionnaire.

Conclusions

This study found that remote learning and virtual technology have a positive impact on oral histopathology. The findings reveal that the application of remote online learning has enhanced oral histopathology teaching in China.

Key words:Oral histopathology, dental undergraduate students, virtual microscopy, remote online learning, questionnaire.

DNA polymerase β may be involved in protecting human bronchial epithelial cells from the toxic effects induced by methyl tert-butyl ether exposure

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a widely used gasoline additive and a ubiquitous environmental pollutant in many countries and regions, can cause various kinds of toxic effects on human health. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its toxic effects remains elusive. The present study aimed to explore the cytotoxicity, DNA damage and oxidative damage effects of MTBE on human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) and the possible role of DNA polymerase β (pol-β) in this process. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to obtain pol-β gene knocked-down cells (pol-β^-). CCK-8 assay was adopted to analyze the cell viability. Alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was performed to detect the DNA damage effects of MTBE. The enzyme activity of GSH-Px, SOD, CAT and the level of MDA were assessed. The data indicated that when treated with MTBE at the concentration exceeding 50 μmol/L and for the time exceeding 24 h, the pol-β^- exhibited significantly decreased cell viability and increased DNA damage effects, as compared to the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was significant difference in the levels of GSH-pX, SOD, CAT and MDA between the pol-β^- and the control (P < 0.05). Our investigation suggests that MTBE can cause obvious cytotoxicity, DNA damage and oxidative damage effects on 16HBE cells. DNA polymerase β may be involved in protecting 16HBE cells from the toxic effects induced by MTBE exposure. These findings provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the toxic effects of MTBE on human cells.

Comparative analysis of mouse and human preimplantation development following POU5F1 CRISPR/Cas9 targeting reveals interspecies differences

STUDY QUESTION

What is the role of POU class 5 homeobox 1 (POU5F1) in human preimplantation development and how does it compare with the mouse model?

SUMMARY ANSWER

POU5F1 is required for successful development of mouse and human embryos to the blastocyst stage as knockout embryos exhibited a significantly lower blastocyst formation rate, accompanied by lack of inner cell mass (ICM) formation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated genes (CRISPR-Cas9) has previously been used to examine the role of POU5F1 during human preimplantation development. The reported POU5F1-targeted blastocysts always retained POU5F1 expression in at least one cell, because of incomplete CRISPR-Cas9 editing. The question remains of whether the inability to obtain fully edited POU5F1-targeted blastocysts in human results from incomplete editing or the actual inability of these embryos to reach the blastocyst stage.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 to induce targeted gene mutations was first optimized in the mouse model. Two CRISPR-Cas9 delivery methods were compared in the B6D2F1 strain: S-phase injection (zygote stage) (n = 135) versus metaphase II-phase (M-phase) injection (oocyte stage) (n = 23). Four control groups were included: non-injected media-control zygotes (n = 43)/oocytes (n = 48); sham-injected zygotes (n = 45)/oocytes (n = 47); Cas9-protein injected zygotes (n = 23); and Cas9 protein and scrambled guide RNA (gRNA)-injected zygotes (n = 27). Immunofluorescence analysis was performed in Pou5f1-targeted zygotes (n = 37), media control zygotes (n = 19), and sham-injected zygotes (n = 15). To assess the capacity of Pou5f1-null embryos to develop further in vitro, additional groups of Pou5f1-targeted zygotes (n = 29) and media control zygotes (n = 30) were cultured to postimplantation stages (8.5 dpf). Aiming to identify differences in developmental capacity of Pou5f1-null embryos attributed to strain variation, zygotes from a second mouse strain-B6CBA (n = 52) were targeted. Overall, the optimized methodology was applied in human oocytes following IVM (metaphase II stage) (n = 101). The control group consisted of intracytoplasmically sperm injected (ICSI) IVM oocytes (n = 33). Immunofluorescence analysis was performed in human CRISPR-injected (n = 10) and media control (n = 9) human embryos.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A gRNA-Cas9 protein mixture targeting exon 2 of Pou5f1/POU5F1 was microinjected in mouse oocytes/zygotes or human IVM oocytes. Reconstructed embryos were cultured for 4 days (mouse) or 6.5 days (human) in sequential culture media. An additional group of mouse-targeted zygotes was cultured to postimplantation stages. Embryonic development was assessed daily, with detailed scoring at late blastocyst stage. Genomic editing was assessed by immunofluorescence analysis and next-generation sequencing.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Genomic analysis in mouse revealed very high editing efficiencies with 95% of the S-Phase and 100% of the M-Phase embryos containing genetic modifications, of which 89.47% in the S-Phase and 84.21% in the M-Phase group were fully edited. The developmental capacity was significantly compromised as only 46.88% embryos in the S-Phase and 19.05% in the M-Phase group reached the blastocyst stage, compared to 86.36% in control M-Phase and 90.24% in control S-Phase groups, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the loss of Pou5f1 expression and downregulation of the primitive marker SRY-Box transcription factor (Sox17). Our experiments confirmed the requirement of Pou5f1 expression for blastocyst development in the second B6CBA strain. Altogether, our data obtained in mouse reveal that Pou5f1 expression is essential for development to the blastocyst stage. M-Phase injection in human IVM oocytes (n = 101) similarly resulted in 88.37% of the POU5F1-targeted embryos being successfully edited. The developmental capacity of generated embryos was compromised from the eight-cell stage onwards. Only 4.55% of the microinjected embryos reached the late blastocyst stage and the embryos exhibited complete absence of ICM and an irregular trophectoderm cell layer. Loss of POU5F1 expression resulted in absence of SOX17 expression, as in mouse. Interestingly, genetic mosaicism was eliminated in a subset of targeted human embryos (9 out of 38), three of which developed into blastocysts.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

One of the major hurdles of CRISPR-Cas9 germline genome editing is the occurrence of mosaicism, which may complicate phenotypic analysis and interpretation of developmental behavior of the injected embryos. Furthermore, in this study, spare IVM human oocytes were used, which may not recapitulate the developmental behavior of in vivo matured oocytes.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Comparison of developmental competency following CRISPR-Cas-mediated gene targeting in mouse and human may be influenced by the selected mouse strain. Gene targeting by CRISPR-Cas9 is subject to variable targeting efficiencies. Therefore, striving to reduce mosaicism can provide novel molecular insights into mouse and human embryogenesis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The research was funded by the Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University and supported by the FWO-Vlaanderen (Flemish fund for scientific research, Grant no. G051516N), and Hercules funding (FWO.HMZ.2016.00.02.01). The authors declare no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

CircRNA UBAP2 facilitates the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating miR-199a/VEGFA pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the regulatory mechanism of circRNA UBAP2 (circUBAP2) in colorectal cancer (CRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of circUBAP2, miR-199a, and VEGFA in tissues and cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR. The cell proliferation was examined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The migration and invasion abilities were evaluated by wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase activity assay were applied to determine the interaction between genes.

RESULTS

The expression of circUBAP2 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, and depletion of circUBAP2 suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC. Furthermore, miR-199a inhibitor abrogated the suppressive effect of circUBAP2 knockdown on CRC progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-199a, and overexpression of VEGFA rescued the tumor phenotypes attenuated by circUBAP2 knockdown or miR-199a overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that circUBAP2 facilitated CRC progression by sponging miR-199a to upregulate VEGFA. These findings implied that circUBAP2 may be a potential therapeutic biomarker for CRC.

Germline nuclear transfer in mice may rescue poor embryo development associated with advanced maternal age and early embryo arrest

STUDY QUESTION

Can pronuclear transfer (PNT) or maternal spindle transfer (ST) be applied to overcome poor embryo development associated with advanced maternal age or early embryo arrest in a mouse model?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Both PNT and ST may have the potential to restore embryonic developmental potential in a mouse model of reproductive ageing and embryonic developmental arrest.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Germline nuclear transfer (NT) techniques, such as PNT and ST, are currently being applied in humans to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases. Yet, there is also growing interest in the translational use of NT for treating infertility and improving IVF outcomes. Nevertheless, direct scientific evidence to support such applications is currently lacking. Moreover, it remains unclear which infertility indications may benefit from these novel assisted reproductive technologies.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We applied two mouse models to investigate the potential of germline NT for overcoming infertility. Firstly, we used a model of female reproductive ageing (B6D2F1 mice, n = 155), with ages ranging from 6 to 8 weeks (young), 56 (aged) to 70 weeks (very-aged), corresponding to a maternal age of <30, ∼36 and ∼45 years in humans, respectively. Secondly, we used NZB/OlaHsd female mice (7-14 weeks, n = 107), as a model of early embryo arrest. This mouse strain exhibits a high degree of two-cell block. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes and zygotes were retrieved following superovulation.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Ovarian reserve was assessed by histological analysis in the reproductive-aged mice. Mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm) was measured by JC-1 staining in MII oocytes, while spindle-chromosomal morphology was examined by confocal microscopy. Reciprocal ST and PNT were performed by transferring the meiotic spindle or pronuclei (PN) from unfertilised or fertilised oocytes (after ICSI) to enucleated oocytes or zygotes between aged or very-aged and young mice. Similarly, NT was also conducted between NZB/OlaHsd (embryo arrest) and B6D2F1 (non-arrest control) mice. Finally, the effect of cytoplasmic transfer (CT) was examined by injecting a small volume (∼5%) of cytoplasm from the oocytes/zygotes of young (B6D2F1) mice to the oocytes/zygotes of aged or very-aged mice or embryo-arrest mice. Overall, embryonic developmental rates of the reconstituted PNT (n = 572), ST (n = 633) and CT (n = 336) embryos were assessed to evaluate the efficiency of these techniques. Finally, chromosomal profiles of individual NT-generated blastocysts were evaluated using next generation sequencing.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Compared to young mice, the ovarian reserve in aged and very-aged mice was severely diminished, reflected by a lower number of ovarian follicles and a reduced number of ovulated oocytes (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we reveal that the average △Ψm in both aged and very-aged mouse oocytes was significantly reduced compared to young mouse oocytes (P < 0.001). In contrast, the average △Ψm in ST-reconstructed oocytes (very-aged spindle and young cytoplast) was improved in comparison to very-aged mouse oocytes (P < 0.001). In addition, MII oocytes from aged and very-aged mice exhibited a higher rate of abnormalities in spindle assembly (P < 0.05), and significantly lower fertilisation (60.7% and 45.3%) and blastocyst formation rates (51.4% and 38.5%) following ICSI compared to young mouse oocytes (89.7% and 87.3%) (P < 0.001). Remarkably, PNT from zygotes obtained from aged or very-aged mice to young counterparts significantly improved blastocyst formation rates (74.6% and 69.2%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Similarly, both fertilisation and blastocyst rates were significantly increased after ST between aged and young mice followed by ICSI (P < 0.05). However, we observed no improvement in embryo development rates when performing ST from very-aged to young mouse oocytes following ICSI (P > 0.05). In the second series of experiments, we primarily confirmed that the majority (61.8%) of in vivo zygotes obtained from NZB/OlaHsd mice displayed two-cell block during in vitro culture, coinciding with a significantly reduced blastocyst formation rate compared to the B6D2F1 mice (13.5% vs. 90.7%; P < 0.001). Notably, following the transfer of PN from the embryo-arrest (NZB/OlaHsd) zygotes to enucleated non-arrest (B6D2F1) counterparts, most reconstructed zygotes developed beyond the two-cell stage, leading to a significantly increased blastocyst formation rate (89.7%) (P < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained after implementing ST between NZB/OlaHsd and B6D2F1 mice, followed by ICSI. Conversely, the use of CT did not improve embryo development in reproductive-age mice nor in the embryo-arrest mouse model (P > 0.05). Surprisingly, chromosomal analysis revealed that euploidy rates in PNT and ST blastocysts generated following the transfer of very-aged PN to young cytoplasts and very-aged spindles to young cytoplasts were comparable to ICSI controls (with young mouse oocytes). A high euploidy rate was also observed in the blastocysts obtained from either PNT or ST between young mice. Conversely, the transfer of young PN and young spindles into very-aged cytoplasts led to a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities in both PNT and ST blastocysts.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The limited number of blastocysts analysed warrants careful interpretation. Furthermore, our observations should be cautiously extrapolated to humans given the inherent differences between mice and women in regards to various biological processes, including centrosome inheritance. The findings suggest that ST or PNT procedures may be able to avoid aneuploidies generated during embryo development, but they are not likely to correct aneuploidies already present in some aged MII oocytes.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the potential of PNT and ST in the context of advanced maternal age and embryonic developmental arrest in a mouse model. Our data suggest that PNT, and to a lesser extent ST, may represent a novel reproductive strategy to restore embryo development for these indications.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

M.T. is supported by grants from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) (Grant no. 201506160059) and the Special Research Fund from Ghent University (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds, BOF) (Grant no. 01SC2916 and no. 01SC9518). This research is also supported by the FWO-Vlaanderen (Flemish fund for scientific research, Grant no. G051017N, G051516N and G1507816N). The authors declare no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Downregulation of linc00961 contributes to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cell by sponging miR-367 in patients with coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), and growing evidence has shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can serve as prospective markers for atherosclerosis. In this study, we mainly focused on the potential roles of linc00961 in CHD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of linc00961 and miR-367 in CHD patients and ApoE-/-mice, and the correlations were analyzed. Then, HA-VAMC was respectively treated with 5 inflammatory factors and hypoxia conditions to explore the factors that affect linc00961 levels. Furthermore, the linc00961 overexpression lentivirus (LV-linc00961) and linc00961 downregulation lentivirus (LV-sh linc00961) were purchased and transfected into human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). CCK8 assay was carried out to measure the cell proliferation of VSMC, and the levels of Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Moreover, the Luciferase assay was performed to explore the binding site of linc00961 and miR-367. Finally, the miR-367 inhibitor was transfected into LV-sh linc00961 VSMCs to confirm the linc00961 functions via miR-367.

RESULTS

We found that linc00961 was significantly decreased in patients with CHD and ApoE-/-mice. Additionally, linc00961 was reduced in VSMCs at the conditions of hypoxia and C-reactive protein (CRP). Most importantly, the overexpression of linc00961 significantly inhibited the VSMCs proliferation, repressed the levels of Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, and increased the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. However, the downregulation of linc00961 promoted VSMCs proliferation, increased the levels of Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, and repressed the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. We also found that miR-367 was downregulated following the upregulation of linc00961, while it was upregulated following the downregulation of linc00961. The Luciferase gene reporter assay indicated that linc00961 could directly bind with miR-367 in VSMCs. Finally, we found that linc00961 could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of VSMCs via binding with miR-367.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, our study revealed that linc00961 was significantly decreased in patients with CHD and ApoE-/-mice. Furthermore, our findings firstly uncovered that linc00961 was reduced by hypoxia and CRP in VSMCs. The downregulation of linc00961 contributed to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of VSMCs by sponging miR-367 in CHD patients, which might provide a potential target for treating atherosclerosis.