An integrated transcriptomics and network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanism of Wang-Bi tablet against SAPHO syndrome

BACKGROUND

SAPHO syndrome is recognized as a rare entity with damage to skin and bones due to inflammation. Currently, the treatment for SAPHO syndrome is still a challenge in clinical practice. In this study, an integrated transcriptomics and network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Wang-Bi tablet (WBT) on SAPHO syndrome.

METHODS

The main components of WBT and their targets, as well as the targets of SAPHO syndrome, were collected from databases. Network visualization was performed using Cytoscape software. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was executed by David dataset. Then, the molecular mechanism of WBT improving SAPHO syndrome was validated by transcriptomics of peripheral blood neutrophils in SAPHO syndrome. Finally, the above results were validated by molecular docking.

RESULTS

The Network Pharmacology results showed there are 152 core targets for WBT treatment on SAPHO syndrome. RNA-seq data showed 442 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood neutrophils of SAPHO patients. Intriguingly, NIK/NF-kappaB-, MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-, and MAPK pathway were included in the enrichment results of network pharmacology and RNA-seq. Moreover, we verified that the core components of WBT have good affinity with the core targets of NIK/NF-kappaB-, MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-, and MAPK pathway by molecular docking.

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrated that the possible mechanisms of WBT against SAPHO syndrome may be related to NIK/NF-kappaB-, MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-, and MAPK pathway, and further experiments are needed to prove these predictions.

Relationship of resting heart rate and blood pressure with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate associations of resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP) with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 67,028 Chinese participants aged ≥60 years were included in the analysis. RHR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were evaluated according to quartiles ([41-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-127 beats/min], [80-119, 120-129, 130-139, 140-238 mm Hg], and [40-70, 71-79, 80-84, 85-133 mm Hg]). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause and CVD mortality with RHR, SBP, and DBP. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the dose-response association.

RESULTS

During the 361,975 person-year follow-up, 9326 deaths were recorded, of which 5039 deaths were due to CVD. The risk of all-cause mortality was increased by 25% with the quartiles four vs quartile one of RHR (HR [95% CI]:1.25 [1.17-1.33]), and CVD mortality was increased by 32% (HR [95% CI]: 1.32 [1.22-1.44]). Similar results were observed when comparing the quartiles four vs quartile one of SBP with the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.14 [1.07, 1.22] and 1.23 [1.12. 1.34]) and DBP with the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.17 [1.11. 1.24] and 1.36 [1.26. 1.47]). We found linear associations of RHR, SBP, and DBP with all-cause and CVD mortality (P_{non-linearity} >0.05), except for the approximately J-shaped association between DBP and all-cause mortality (P_{non-linearity} = 0.008). There was a significant interaction of RHR and SBP with all-cause and CVD mortality (P_interaction <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

RHR and BP increased the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, especially fast RHR combined with high SBP.

A253 IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN QUEBEC

Background

An average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of at least 60 minutes was recommended by the Canadian Guidelines for children. Because of lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining physical activity levels (PAL) has been a challenge for youth.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to compare MVPA levels in children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) before and after this period. The secondary aims were to assess clinical factors that might influence any changes in MVPA patterns.

Methods

Patients with IBD, age ≥5 years, were enrolled in a prospective study on PAL starting June 2018 (self-reported questionnaires during outpatient visits). They were then surveyed online at the end of the second lockdown in July-August 2021. PAL were assessed with the Canadian Health Measure Survey Children-Physical Activity Questionnaire. The responses were converted into metabolic equivalents of tasks by using validated tables. Influence of clinical factors of IBD on changes in MVPA was assessed. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between several risk factors and PAL.

Results

We included 72 patients (38 males; mean (SD) age 17.0 (2.89) years, 48 (66.7%) diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, 19 (26.4%) with ulcerative colitis, and 5 (6.9%) with indeterminate colitis). At last follow-up, 90.3% were in clinical remission according to validated disease activity score. During summer 2021, 16.7% of patients reached the Canadian PAL target, compared to 38.9% before the pandemic. The median daily duration of MVPA in summer 2021 decreased from 37 (Interquartile range (IQR) = 3–82) to 21 (IQR=3–40) minutes. The proportion of sedentary patients increased by 1.4% (37.5% to 38.9%). The proportion of extremely active patients decreased by 16.7% (27.8% to 11.1%), while moderately active patients increased by 20.9% (8.3% to 29.2%). Age, gender, disease type and activity were not significantly associated with the PAL at baseline or at follow-up.

Conclusions

This study found a significant decrease in PAL and time spent doing MVPA in children with IBD in Quebec following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. While the recommended target was far from being met before the pandemic, the gap has widened further during the pandemic. We found no clinical factors associated with the PAL. The impact of low PAL on well-being, weight, disease activity and quality of life will be assessed during the follow-up of this cohort.

Funding Agencies

None

Dr. Li et al reply

We appreciate Wang et al¹ for their interest in our article² and for highlighting the pathogenic role of cytokine dysregulation in SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome. The authors also address the possible mechanism of secukinumab in the treatment of SAPHO syndrome: blocking the expression of Th17 cell-related cytokines.

The efficacy and safety of dupilumab in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is an antibody against interleukin 4 receptor α, used in treating atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in adult Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase III study, conducted between December 2018 and February 2020, patients with AD received dupilumab (300mg) or placebo once every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with both Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0-1 and a reduction from baseline of ≥2 points at week 16.

RESULTS

Overall, 165 patients (mean age: 30.6 years; 71.5% male) were randomized: 82 to dupilumab and 83 to placebo. At week 16, 26.8% of patients in the dupilumab group and 4.8% of patients in the placebo group achieved the primary endpoint (difference, 22.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.37-32.65%; p<0.0001). Compared with placebo, higher proportions of patients in the dupilumab group achieved ≥75% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (57.3% vs 14.5%; difference, 42.9%; 95% CI, 29.75-55.97%; p<0.0001) and had ≥3-point (52.4% vs 9.6%; difference, 42.8%; 95% CI, 30.26-55.34%; p<0.0001) and ≥4-point (39.0% vs 4.8%; difference, 34.2%; 95% CI, 22.69-45.72%; p<0.0001) reductions in weekly average daily peak daily pruritus numerical rating scale scores. The incidence of TEAEs during the treatment period was similar in the two groups. The incidence of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and injection site reaction was higher in the dupilumab group than in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult Chinese patients, dupilumab was effective in improving the signs and symptoms of AD and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.

MRI Signal Intensity and Electron Ultrastructure Classification Predict the Long-Term Outcome of Skull Base Chordomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MR imaging is a useful and widely used evaluation for chordomas. Prior studies have classified chordomas into cell-dense type and matrix-rich type according to the ultrastructural features. However, the relationship between the MR imaging signal intensity and ultrastructural classification is unknown. We hypothesized that MR imaging signal intensity may predict both tumor ultrastructural classification and prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-nine patients with skull base chordomas who underwent 95 operations were included in this retrospective single-center series. Preoperative tumor-to-pons MR imaging signal intensity ratios were calculated and designated as ratio on T1 FLAIR sequence (R_T1), ratio on T2 sequence (R_T2), and ratio on enhanced T1 FLAIR sequence (R_EN), respectively. We assessed the relationships among signal intensity ratios, ultrastructural classification, and survival.

RESULTS

Compared with the matrix-rich type group, the cell-dense type chordomas showed lower R_T2 (cell-dense type: 1.90 ± 0.38; matrix-rich type: 2.61 ± 0.60 P < .001). The model of predicting cell-dense type based on R_T2 had an area under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.92). In patients without radiation therapy, both progression-free survival (P = .003) and overall survival (P = .002) were longer in the matrix-rich type group than in the cell-dense type group. R_EN was a risk factor for progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 10.24; 95% CI, 1.73-60.79); R_T2 was a protective factor for overall survival (hazard ratio  = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.87); and R_EN was a risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 4.76; 95% CI, 1.51-15.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The difference in MR imaging signal intensity in chordomas can be explained by electron microscopic features. Both signal intensity ratios and electron microscopic features may be prognostic factors.

A256 TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF ANEMIA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN THE LAST DECADE

Background

Anemia is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at diagnosis. Studies have shown that anemia was associated with low levels of quality of life, which improves with the correction of anemia in adults. Recent data have shown an increase in the incidence and severity of pediatric IBD.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of anemia in children at diagnosis of IBD and the trends in the past decade. The secondary aim was to investigate the associations between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and disease characteristics.

Methods

Eligible patients (age ≤18 years, diagnosed with IBD from 2009 to 2018) were retrospectively identified through our IBD database. Disease localization and phenotype were defined according to the Paris Classification of IBD. Anemia was defined by Hb levels according to WHO targets. The annual prevalence of anemia was calculated according to subtype (inflammatory vs iron deficiency). The Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) were used to assess the disease severity at diagnosis.

Results

We included 887 patients (439 females), mean (SD) age of 13.1 (3.4) years. Of these, 519 (58.5%) were identified with anemia within 30 days of diagnosis. The median (IQR) Hb level was 108 (98 -114) g/dL. Severe anemia (&lt; 70 g/dL) was present in 1.8 % of patients. The prevalence of anemia at diagnosis remained relatively stable ranging from 60.2% in 2009 to 60.4% in 2018. The annual proportion of inflammatory vs iron-deficiency anemia is displayed in figure 1. Anemia was more prevalent in Crohn’s disease (CD) (62.2%) than Ulcerative colitis (UC) (57.9%) or IBD-unclassified (39.6%). The disease severity scores were higher in those with anemia. The median (IQR) PCDAI and PUCAI were respectively 37.5 (27.5–47.5) and 55.0 (40.0–65.0) in the anemic group as compared to 27.5 (20.0–37.50) and 35.0 (25.0–55.0) in the non-anemic group; P&lt;0.0001. Patients with anemia had a lower BMI z-score [median (IQR) -0.84 (-1.84 - 0.08)] than the non-anemic patients [median (IQR) -0.38 (-1.21 - 0.43)]; P&lt;0.001. The prevalence of anemia correlated significantly with disease location: upper intestinal involvement [L4a(67.7%) L4b(63.6%) L4aL4b(60.7%) none (52.8%)] P = 0.024 for CD; for UC [E1(21.1%) E2(44.4%) E3(75.0%) E4 (71.1%)] P&lt;0.0001. A moderate correlation was found between Hb levels and C-reactive protein (r= -0.312, 95% CI: -0.378 to -0.243, P&lt;0.0001).

Conclusions

Anemia remains a prevalent symptom in pediatric patients with IBD, and it is correlated with the extent of intestinal involvement and disease severity. The impact of anemia at Diagnosis and during follow-up on the levels of quality of life and physical activity is currently under investigation.

Funding Agencies

None

Gut Microbiota Are Associated With Psychological Stress-Induced Defections in Intestinal and Blood-Brain Barriers

Altered gut microbiota has been identified during psychological stress, which causes severe health issues worldwide. The integrity of the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier regulates the process of bacterial translocation and can supply the nervous system with real-time information about the environment. However, the association of gut microbiota with psychological stress remains to be fully interpreted. In this study, we established a psychological stress model using an improved communication box and compared the expression of tight junction proteins in multiple regions of the intestinal (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and blood-brain (amygdala, hippocampus) barriers between model and control rats. We also conducted fecal microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Expression levels of the stress-related indicators adrenocorticotropic hormone, NR3C1,2, and norepinephrine were increased in the model group compared to control group. Psychological stress reduced brain and intestinal levels of tight junction proteins, including claudin5, occludin, α-actin, and ZO-1. Microbiota analysis revealed elevated microbial diversity and fecal proportions of Intestinimonas, Catenisphaera, and Globicatella in the model group. Further analysis indicated a negative correlation of Allisonella and Odoribacter, as well as a positive correlation of norank_f__Peptococcaceae, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Coprococcus_2, with claudin5, occludin, α-actin, and ZO-1. Our use of a rodent model to explore the association between compromised intestinal and blood-brain barriers and altered fecal microbiota under psychological stress improves our understanding of the gut-brain axis. Here, cues converge to control basic developmental processes in the intestine and brain such as barrier function. This study provides new directions for investigating the pathogenesis of emotional disorders and the formulation of clinical treatment.

Parathyroid hormone independently predicts fracture, vascular events, and death in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease

Doctors do not know whether treatment of high parathyroid hormone levels is linked to better outcomes in their patients with kidney disease. In this study, lower parathyroid hormone levels at baseline were linked to lower risk of fracture, vascular events, and death in people with kidney disease.

PURPOSE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects ~ 20% of older adults, and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common condition in these patients. To what degree HPT predicts fractures, vascular events, and mortality in pre-dialysis CKD patients is debated. In stage 3 and 4 CKD patients, we assessed relationships between baseline serum PTH levels and subsequent 10-year probabilities of clinical fractures, vascular events, and death.

METHODS

We used Marshfield Clinic Health System electronic health records to analyze data from adult CKD patients receiving care between 1985 and 2013, and whose PTH was measured using a second-generation assay. Covariates included PTH, age, gender, tobacco use, vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, GFR, and use of osteoporosis medications.

RESULTS

Five thousand one hundred eight subjects had a mean age of 68 ± 17 years, 48% were men, and mean follow-up was 23 ± 10 years. Fractures, vascular events, and death occurred in 18%, 71%, and 56% of the cohort, respectively. In univariate and multivariate models, PTH was an independent predictor of fracture, vascular events, and death. The hazards of fracture, vascular events and death were minimized at a baseline PTH of 0, 69, and 58 pg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that among individuals with stage 3 and 4 CKD, PTH was an independent predictor of fractures, vascular events, and death. Additional epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these findings. If a target PTH range can be confirmed, then randomized placebo-controlled trials will be needed to confirm that treating HPT reduces the risk of fracture, vascular events, and death.

P14.10 Endoscopic skull base surgery for tumors invading internal carotid artery

BACKGROUND

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury is a disaster in endoscopic skull base surgery, so protection of internal carotid artery is an essential task. We use 3-dimensional multimodal imaging (3D-MMI) and intraoperative navigation (ION) in endoscopic skull base surgery to locate ICA and decrease ICA injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

26 patients underwent endoscopic skull base surgery (pituitary adenomas, chordomas, neurinomas and other tumors invading internal carotid artery) guided by 3D-MMI and ION techniques to locate ICA.

RESULTS

In all patients, the 3D-MMI and ION techniques enabled adequate visualization of vascular structures stereoscopically, especially the relationship between lesion and ICA, and suplly real-time navigation to locate ICA during endoscopic skull base surgery. No ICA injury happened and neurosurgeons removed tumors with relaxed mind.

CONCLUSION

3D-MMI and ION techniques were found to be helpful to locate internal carotid artery and decrease ICA injury during endoscopic skull base surgery.

Species-specific aggregation pheromones contribute to coexistence in two closely related thrips species

Pheromones play an important role in mediating interspecific interactions in insects. In an insect community, pheromones can reveal information about the senders, which could be used by other members of the food web (competitor, natural enemies, etc.) to their own advantage. The aggregation pheromones of two closely related thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella intonsa, have been identified with the same major compounds, (R)-lavandulyl acetate and neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, but in different ratios. However, the roles of the aggregation pheromones in the interspecific interactions between these two closely related species are unknown. Here, we investigated the roles of major aggregation pheromone compounds in interspecific interactions between F. occidentalis and F. intonsa for both long and short ranges. The results showed that, at tested doses, neither aggregation pheromone-induced long range cross-attraction nor short range cross-mating was detected between F. occidentalis and F. intonsa. Field-trapping trials showed that the species-specificity in aggregation pheromones was regulated by the ratio of two major compounds. However, species-specific blends of the two major compounds had no effect on short-range interactions between these two species. Our data from the thrips species provide support for the 'aggregation model of coexistence', explaining the species-specific pheromone-mediated coexistence of closely related species. Thus, species-specific pheromones could be one of the factors affecting population dynamics and community structure in closely related insects with similar niches.

[Effects of simvastatin on the proliferation, invasion and radiosensitivity in Lewis lung cancer cell line]

Objective: To investigate the effects of simvastatin on proliferation, invasion and radiosensitivity of mouse Lewis lung cancer cell line in vitro. Methods: The inhibitory effects of simvastatin on proliferation of Lewis lung cancer cells were detected by MTT assay. Matrigel invasion and migration assay was used to determine the invasion and motility ability of the Lewis cells. P38 activity was measured by p38 activity detection kit, and the expressions of p-p38, MKP-1, RhoA and MMP-2 were analyzed by Western blot. Lung cancer xenograft model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were randomly divided into control group, simvastatin group, radiotherapy alone group and combined treatment group. The mice were killed 27 days after inoculation. The tumor mass, volume and lung metastatic nodules in the mice were compared. Results: The cell proliferation rates of 0 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L and 30 μmol/L simvastatin groups were 100%, (87.0±9.0)%, (76.5±8.1)% and (67.0±7.3)%, respectively (P<0.05). Invasive cell numbers of the above groups were 298±30, 251±26, 207±20 and 132±19 per field, respectively (P<0.05). The intracellular p38 activities were 100%, (83.1±8.8)%, (70.2±8.2)% and (59.0±6.4)%, respectively. The relative expressions of p-p38 were 100%, (76.2±6.7)%, (56.4±5.4)% and (36.5±3.2)%, respectively. The expressions of RhoA were 100%, (80.1±5.3)%, (55.3±6.2)% and (38.6±4.8)%, respectively. The expressions of MMP-2 were 100%, (89.6±8.6)%, (51.9±4.7)% and (42.7±3.1)%, respectively, while the expressions of MKP-1 were 100%, (136.5±12.2)%, (168.8±15.3)% and (187.7±13.4)%, respectively (all P<0.05). Lung metastatic nodules and mass in the control, simvastatin, radiotherapy group and combined treatment groups were 6.24±1.09, 3.07±0.71 g, 5.09±1.16, 2.43±0.53 g, 3.12±0.68, 1.96±0.62 g and 2.65±0.38, 1.12±0.43 g, respectively (all P<0.05). The tumor inhibition rates were 39.0%, 48.1% and 26.5%, respectively, in the radiotherapy alone, combined treatment and simvastatin groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Simvastatin inhibits the proliferation of Lewis cell line by inhibiting the activity of p38 and expression of p-p38. Meanwhile, simvastatin reduces the invasion and motility of Lewis cell line through down-regulating the expression of RhoA and MMP-2. When combined with radiotherapy, simvastatin can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and improve the treatment efficacy of radiotherapy synergistically.

[Relationship between the risk factors of coronary artery disease and degree of coronary artery plaques assessed by multi-detector row spiral computed tomography]

Objective: To assess the association of the traditional risk factors of coronary artery disease(CAD) and degree of coronary artery plaque. Methods: A total of 3 752 patients who had a suspicion of CAD from September 2011 to November 2012 at the First Hospital of China Medical University underwent the coronary artery computed tomography. The univariable and multivariable Logistic regression were employ to assess the association the traditional risk factors of CAD and degree of coronary artery plaque. Results: Age, diabetes, hypertension and smoking were the independent risk factor for significant stenosis, multivessel lesions and high coronary artery calcium score(all P <0.05), male was an independent risk factor for significant stenosis(P=0.039), however HDL-C was the independent protect factor(all P<0.05). Conclusion: Age, diabetes, hypertension and smoking are the independent risk factor for degree of coronary artery plaque, HDL-C is the independent protect factor.Male is only an independent risk factor for significant stenosis.

[Effect of endonuclease G depletion on plasmid DNA uptake and levels of homologous recombination in hela cells]

Endonuclease G (EndoG) is a mitochondrial apoptosis regulator that also has roles outside of programmed cell death. It has been implicated as a defence DNase involved in the degradation of exogenous DNA after transfection of mammalian cells and in homologous recombination of viral and endogenous DNA. In this study, we looked at the effect of EndoG depletion on plasmid DNA uptake and the levels of homologous recombination in HeLa cells. We show that the proposed defence role of EndoG against uptake of non-viral DNA vectors does not extend to the cervical carcinoma HeLa cells, as targeting of EndoG expression by RNA interference failed to increase intracellular plasmid DNA levels. However, reducing EndoG levels in HeLa cells resulted in a statistically significant reduction of homologous recombination between two plasmid DNA substrates. These findings suggest that non-viral DNA vectors are also substrates for EndoG in its role in homologous recombination.

Charged particle flows in the beam extraction region of a negative ion source for NBI

Experiments by a four-pin probe and photodetachment technique were carried out to investigate the charged particle flows in the beam extraction region of a negative hydrogen ion source for neutral beam injector. Electron and positive ion flows were obtained from the polar distribution of the probe saturation current. Negative hydrogen ion flow velocity and temperature were obtained by comparing the recovery times of the photodetachment signals at opposite probe tips. Electron and positive ions flows are dominated by crossed field drift and ambipolar diffusion. Negative hydrogen ion temperature is evaluated to be 0.12 eV.

Improvement of accelerator of negative ion source on the Large Helical Device

To improve the performance of negative-ion based neutral beam injection on the Large Helical Device, the accelerator was modified on the basis of numerical investigations. A field limiting ring was installed on the upper side of a grounded grid (GG) support and a multi-slot GG was adopted instead of a multi-aperture GG. As a result, the voltage holding capability is improved and the heat load on the GG decreases by 40%. In addition, the arc efficiency is improved significantly only by replacing the GG.

Installation of spectrally selective imaging system in RF negative ion source

A spectrally selective imaging system has been installed in the RF negative ion source in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor-relevant negative ion beam test facility ELISE (Extraction from a Large Ion Source Experiment) to investigate distribution of hydrogen Balmer-α emission (Hα) close to the production surface of hydrogen negative ion. We selected a GigE vision camera coupled with an optical band-path filter, which can be controlled remotely using high speed network connection. A distribution of Hα emission near the bias plate has been clearly observed. The same time trend on Hα intensities measured by the imaging diagnostic and the optical emission spectroscopy is confirmed.

Negative ion production and beam extraction processes in a large ion source (invited)

Recent research results on negative-ion-rich plasmas in a large negative ion source have been reviewed. Spatial density and flow distributions of negative hydrogen ions (H(-)) and positive hydrogen ions together with those of electrons are investigated with a 4-pin probe and a photodetachment (PD) signal of a Langmuir probe. The PD signal is converted to local H(-) density from signal calibration to a scanning cavity ring down PD measurement. Introduction of Cs changes the slope of plasma potential local distribution depending upon the plasma grid bias. A higher electron density H2 plasma locally shields the bias potential and behaves like a metallic free electron gas. On the other hand, the bias and extraction electric fields penetrate in a Cs-seeded electronegative plasma even when the electron density is similar. Electrons are transported by the penetrated electric fields from the driver region along and across the filter and electron deflection magnetic fields. Plasma ions exhibited a completely different response against the penetration of electric fields.

Effects of curcumin on hippocampal expression of NgR and axonal regeneration in Aβ-induced cognitive disorder rats

Curcumin has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its mechanism is still not clear. Inhibitory factors of axonal regeneration have been shown to cause a series of pathophysiological changes in the early period of AD. In this study, the co-receptor (Nogo receptor; NgR) of three axonal growth-inhibitory proteins was examined, and effects of curcumin on spatial learning and memory abilities and hippocampal axonal growth were investigated in amyloid β-protein (Aβ)1-40-induced AD rats. Results showed that the expression of NgR in the AD group significantly increased and the number of axonal protein-positive fibers significantly reduced. The spatial learning and memory abilities of AD rats were significantly improved in the curcumin group. Furthermore, hippocampal expressions of NgR mRNA and protein decreased, and the expression of axonal protein significantly increased. There was a negative correlation between the expression of NgR and axonal growth. Together, these results suggested that curcumin could improve the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD rats. The mechanism might be related with its lowering of hippocampal NgR expression and promoting axonal regeneration.

Upregulation of microRNA-224 confers a poor prognosis in glioma patients

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA-224 (miR-224) has been consistently reported to be dysregulated in various human malignancies and can potentially affect many cancer-related cellular processes, including transcription, cell differentiation, cell death, growth, and cell proliferation. However, its roles in human glioma have not been reported. The aim of this study was to explore the expression pattern, clinical significance, and prognostic value of miR-224 in glioma patients using large cohorts.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to characterize the expression patterns of miR-224 in 108 glioma and 20 normal brain tissues. The associations of miR-224 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis of glioma patients were also statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

miR-224 expression is significantly upregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues (P < 0.001). In addition, high expression of miR-224 was significantly associated with advanced pathological grade (P = 0.006) and low Karnofsky performance score (KPS, P = 0.01). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high miR-224 expression group had significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates than low miR-224 expression group (both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis with the Cox's proportional hazards model revealed that high expression of miR-224 (P = 0.006 and P = 0.01, respectively) and advanced pathological grade (both P = 0.02) were independent factors for shorter DFS and OS. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that miR-224 expression was significantly associated with poor DFS and OS in glioma patients with high pathological grades (for grade III-IV: P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-224 is upregulated and confers a poor prognosis in glioma patients.

Human B-cell ontogeny in humanized NOD/SCID γc(null) mice generates a diverse yet auto/poly- and HIV-1-reactive antibody repertoire

Characterization of the human antibody (Ab) repertoire in mouse models of the human immune system is essential to establish their relevance in translational studies. Single human B-cells were sorted from bone marrow and periphery of humanized NOD/SCID γc^null mice at 8–10 months post-engraftment with human cord blood-derived CD34⁺ stem cells. Human immunoglobulin variable heavy (V_H) and kappa (V_κ) genes were amplified, cognate V_H-V_κ gene-pairs assembled as single-chain variable fragment-Fc antibodies (scFvFcs) and functional studies performed. Although overall distribution of V_H genes approximated the normal human Ab repertoire, analysis of the V_H-third complementarity determining regions (H-CDR3) in the mature B-cell subset demonstrated an increase in length and positive charges suggesting autoimmune characteristics. Additionally, >70% of V_κ sequences utilized V_κ4-1, a germline gene associated with autoimmunity. The mature B-cell subset-derived scFvFcs displayed the highest frequency of autoreactivity and polyspecificity, suggesting defects in checkpoint control mechanisms. Furthermore, these scFvFcs demonstrated binding to recombinant HIV envelope corroborating previous observations of poly/autoreactivity in anti-HIVgp140 antibodies. These data lend support to the hypothesis that anti-HIV BnAbs may be derived from auto/polyspecific Abs that escaped immune elimination and that the hNSG mouse could provide a new experimental platform for studying the origin of anti-HIV neutralizing Ab responses.