Monocyte distribution width as an early predictor of short-term outcome in adult patients with sepsis

OBJECTIVES

Monocyte distribution width (MDW) is a quantitative measurement of monocyte anisocytosis and has been proposed as an efficient marker for early sepsis detection. This study aimed to assess the prognostic potential of MDW in septic patients.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 252 adult septic patients were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory finding including MDW and traditional inflammatory biomarkers detected at three time points (day 1, day 3 and day 6) after admission were collected and compared between 28-day survivors and non-survivors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess and compare their predictive values. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify MDW trajectory endotypes. Basic characteristics and 28-day outcomes were compared between the trajectories.

RESULTS

ROC curve analysis showed that MDW levels measured on day 3 after admission (D3-MDW) had moderate prognostic value and was independently associated with 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis. A D3-MDW value of 26.20 allowed discrimination between survivors and non-survivors with a sensitivity of 77.8 % and a specificity of 67.6 %. However, the prognostic accuracy of D3-MDW was diminished in immune-compromised patients and patients who already received antibiotics before admission. Group-based trajectory modeling indicated that excessively elevated and delayed decreased MDW levels during the first week after admission inversely correlated with prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

MDW values detected on day 3 after admission and its kinetic change might be potential markers for predicting short-term outcome in adult septic patients.

[Application of single anterior teeth defect with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing polymethyl methacrylate single-retainer resin-bonded fixed dental prosthesis in children]

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) single-retainer resin-bonded fixed dental prosthesis (RBFDP) for single anterior teeth defect. Methods: A total of 14 children between 10-14 years old (male 8, female 6) who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University from March to December 2022 with single anterior teeth loss were enrolled in this study. The intraoral scanner was used to obtain their digital impressions, and then the data were imported into CAD software. The single-retainer RBFDP was designed by the CAD software and was manufactured by milling equipment using CAD/CAM PMMA disk. The prosthesis was then tried-in and bonded to the abutment teeth with resin cement and evaluated in a 12 month follow-up observation. The marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, color match, secondary caries, the occurrence of fractures and loose of abutment tooth were examined on the basis of the modified United States Public Health Services evaluation system. The evaluation was divided into three scores, in which score A indicated ideal restoration effect, score B means that the restoration effect was acceptable (evaluation of restoration integrity, loose of abutment teeth and secondary caries excluded), and score C indicates that the restoration effect is not good. Results: All the 14 CAD/CAM PMMA single-retainer RBFDP had good marginal adaptation and color match with no marginal discoloration, no secondary caries, no fracture of restorations and no abnormal loose of the abutment teeth. All of the six criteria achieved score A evaluation after a three month follow-up observation. One restoration was classified as score B for fracture after a six month follow-up observation, while two restoration were classified as score B for marginal discoloration after 12 month follow-up observation. Conclusions: The CAD/CAM PMMA single-retainer RBFDP was clinically effective in restoration of single anterior teeth defect in children.

Ten-Year Outcomes of Hypofractionated (45 Gy in 9 Fractions) Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We reported 10-year outcomes of localized prostate cancers treated with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy of 45 Gy in 9 consecutive fractions.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From October 2011 to April 2017, thirty patients with localized prostate cancer were enrolled in this prospective trial. The median age of the patients was 72.5 years. According to NCCN recurrence risk criteria, eight patients were at low-risk group, 17 at intermediate risk group, 5 at high-risk group. All patients were treated with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of 45 Gy in 9 consecutive fractions to their prostate with or without seminal vesicles. Before radiotherapy, three gold fiducials were implanted into the prostate. In order to reduce the rectal high dose irradiation volume, an inflated rectal balloon was placed in the rectum at simulation and every treatment and patients were treated with comfortable full bladder. Static Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIMRT) was applied in 1 patient, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) in 27 patients, and tomotherapy in 2 patients. Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) with gold fiducial registration was adopted. Twenty-six patients also received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The median time of ADT was 6 months. Progression⁃free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. All grade ≥1 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were recorded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event version 5.0 (CTCAE 5.0) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late morbidity criteria, and GU and GI toxicities were cumulatively calculated.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 102 months (65∼131 months), the 10-year OS was 90.0% (95% confidence interval, 83.3%-96.7%), and the 10-year PFS was 86.5% (95% confidence interval, 79.1%-93.9%). According to CTCAE 5.0, grade 1 acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity developed in 12 patients, grade 2 in 2 patients, grade 3 in 2 patients, and grade 1 acute genitourinary (GU) toxicity developed in 12 patients, grade 2 in 2 patients, and no grade 3 or higher toxicity occurred. According to RTOG late morbidity criteria, late (≥3 months after radiotherapy) grade 1 GI toxicity developed in 4 patients (13.3%), grade 2 in 1 (3.3%), grade 3 in 1 (3.3%), and late grade 1 GU toxicity occurred in 1 patient (3.3%), grade 2 in 1 (3.3%), grade 3 in 1 (3.3%). No grade 4 or higher GI and GU toxicities developed. Only one grade 3 GI and one grade 2 GU toxicities were observed for the maximum toxicity at the last follow-up. The potency was not evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The 10-year oncologic outcomes of this shortened hypofractionated IMRT regimen for mainly low/intermediate risk prostate cancer patients is favorable with acceptable acute and late toxicities.

[Value of postoperative radiotherapy and analysis of prognostic factors in early-stage neuroendocrine carcinoma of cervix]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of postoperative radiotherapy and high-risk pathological factors on the prognosis of early-stage neuroendocrine carcinoma of cervix (NECC). Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study of early-stage NECC in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2011 to April 2022 were enrolled. The patients were treated with radical hysterectomy±adjuvant treatment. They were divided into postoperative non-radiation group and postoperative radiation group. The possible postoperative recurrence risk factors identified by univariate analysis were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence rate, and mortality rate. Results: (1) Sixty-two cases were included in the study, including 33 cases in postoperative non-radiation group and 29 cases in postoperative radiation group. (2) The median follow-up time was 37 months (ranged 12-116 months), with 23 cases (37%) experienced recurrences. There were 7 cases (11%) pelvic recurrences and 20 cases (32%) distant recurrences, in which including 4 cases (6%) both pelvic and distant recurrences. Compared with postoperative non-radiation group, the postoperative radiation group had a lower pelvic recurrence rate (18% vs 3%; P=0.074) but without statistic difference, a slightly elevated distant recurrence rate (24% vs 41%; P=0.150) and overall recurrence rate (33% vs 41%; P=0.513) without statistically significances. Univariate analysis showed that lymph-vascular space invasion and the depth of cervical stromal invasion≥1/2 were risk factors for postoperative recurrence (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed lymph-vascular space invasion was an independent predictor for postoperative recurrence (OR=23.03, 95%CI: 3.55-149.39, P=0.001). (3) During the follow-up period, 18 cases (29%, 18/62) died with tumor, with 10 cases (30%, 10/33) in postoperative non-radiation group and 8 cases (28%, 8/29) in postoperative radiation group, without significant difference (P=0.814). The postoperative 3-year and 5-year survival rate was 79.2%, 60.8%. The depth of cervical stromal invasion≥1/2 was more common in postoperative radiation group (27% vs 64%; P=0.011), and postoperative radiation in such patients showed an extended trend in PFS (32.3 vs 53.9 months) and OS (39.4 vs 73.4 months) but without statistic differences (P=0.704, P=0.371). Compared with postoperative non-radiation group, the postoperative radiation did not improve PFS (54.5 vs 37.3 months; P=0.860) and OS (56.2 vs 62.4 months; P=0.550) in patients with lymph-vascular space invasion. Conclusions: Postoperative radiation in early-stage NECC patients has a trend to reduce pelvic recurrence but not appear to decrease distant recurrence and overall recurrence, and has not improved mortality. For patients with the depth of cervical stromal invasion≥1/2, postoperative radiation has a trend of prolonging OS and PFS but without statistic difference. Lymph-vascular space invasion is an independent predictor for postoperative recurrence, but postoperative radiation in such patients does not seem to have any survival benefits.

[Exploration of making removable partial denture by digital technology]

To explore the digital manufacturing process of distal extension removable partial denture. From November 2021 to December 2022, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with free-ending situation were selected from the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Three-dimensional model of the relationship between alveolar ridge and jaw position was obtained by intraoral scanning technique. After routine design, manufacturing and try-in of metal framework for removable partial denture, the metal framework was located in the mouth and scanned again to obtain the composite model of dentition, alveolar ridge and metal framework. The free-end modified model is obtained by merging the digital model of free-end alveolar ridge with the virtual model with the metal framework. The three-dimensional model of artificial dentition, and base plate was designed on the free-end modified model, and the resin model were made by digital milling technology. The removable partial denture was made by accurately positioning the artificial dentition and base plate, bonding metal framework with injection resin, grinding and polishing the artificial dentition and resin base. Compared with the design data after clinical trial, the results showed that there was an error of 0.4-1.0 mm and an error of 0.03-0.10 mm in the connection between the resin base of artificial dentition and the connecting rod of the in-place bolt and the connection between artificial dentition and resin base. After denturen delivery, only 2 patients needed grinding adjustment in follow-up visit due to tenderness, and the rest patients did not find any discomfort. The digital fabrication process of removable partial denture used in this study can basically solve the problems of digital fabrication of free-end modified model and assembly of artificial dentition with resin base and metal framework.

[Analysis of risk factors for decompensated cirrhosis complicated with sepsis]

Objective: To investigate the related risk factors in patients with decompensated cirrhosis complicated with sepsis. Methods: 1 098 cases with decompensated cirrhosis were collected from January 2018 to December 2020. A total of 492 cases with complete data meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Among them, the sepsis group (240 cases) was complicated with sepsis and the non-sepsis group (252 cases) was not complicated with sepsis. Albumin, cholinesterase, total bilirubin, prothrombin activity, urea, creatinine, international normalized ratio and other indicators of the two groups of patients were collected. Child-Pugh classification and MELD score were performed on two groups of patients. Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed measurement data, and rank sum test for grade data. Logistic regression analysis was performed on sepsis-related factors that may affect patients with decompensated cirrhosis complicated with sepsis. Results: 162 cases of gram negative bacteria, 76 cases of gram positive bacteria and 2 cases of Candida were detected. Child-Pugh grade C was mainly in the sepsis group, and Child- Pugh grade A and B was mainly in the non-sepsis group (z=-13.01, P＜0.05). MELD score was significantly higher in patients with sepsis than that of patients without sepsis (z=-12.30, P＜0.05). Neutrophils percentage, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and total bilirubin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis complicated with sepsis were 86.90% (79.00%, 91.05%), 48.48 (17.63, 97.55) mg/l,1.34 (0.40, 4.52) ng/l, and 78.50 (32.75149.80) μmol/L, which were significantly higher than that of patients without sepsis [69.55% (58.58%, 75.90%), 5.34 (5.00, 14.94) mg/l, 0.11(0.06,0.24) ng/l, 22.50(15.10,37.55) respectively] μmol/L, P＜0.05], while the albumin level, prothrombin activity level, and the cholinesterase level in sepsis patients were 27.30 (24.45, 30.60) g/L, 46.00% (33.50%, 59.00%), and 1.87 (1.29, 2.66) kU/L, respectively, which was significantly lower than the non-sepsis group [32.65 (28.95, 37.23) g/l, 73.00(59.75～84.85)%, 3.13(2.23～4.59) kU/L, P＜0.05]. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin activity level and diabetes mellitus were the independent risk factors for complicated sepsis. Conclusion: Patients with decompensated cirrhosis with poor liver function and higher MELD scores are more likely to be complicated with sepsis. Therefore, during the clinical diagnosis and treatment course, patients with decompensated cirrhosis with poor liver reserve function should be actively and dynamically monitored for infection-related indicators such as neutrophil percentage, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, in an attempt to detect possible potential infections and sepsis, and improve early treatment and prognosis.

Antibiotics in urine from general adults in Shenzhen, China: Demographic-related difference in exposure levels

Misuse or overuse of antibiotics can have a variety of detrimental microbial effects. However, the body burden of antibiotics in the general population is currently unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we determined four classes of widely-applied antibiotics (3 imidazoles, 2 sulfonamides, 5 quinolones, and 2 chloramphenicols) in urine samples from 1170 adult residents in Shenzhen, China. Antibiotics were detected in 30.8 % of all urine samples with concentrations ranging from <LOD to 3517 μg/mL, among which metronidazole, ofloxacin and florfenicol were predominant. Notably, antibiotics prohibited for human or veterinary use were detected in 21.0 % of samples, indicating that these antibiotics may still be overused in daily life. We found that the presence of antibiotics in urine is associated with being overweight (OR: 1.386, 95 % CI: 1.056-1.819, p = 0.019) and obesity (OR: 1.862, 95 % CI: 1.103-3.146, p = 0.020) in the adult population. Multilinear regression analysis showed that a percent increase of hydroxy metronidazole was related to 9.86 % positive change of body mass index (p = 0.029). Interestingly, we also found total antibiotic concentration higher in the unmarried group (p = 0.006). Besides, consumption of smoked foods was correlated with urinary antibiotic levels (p = 0.001), indicating smoked meat may be a potential exposure source of veterinary antibiotics. These results highlight the need to reduce human exposure to banned antibiotics. Future research could focus on assessing the health risk and other outcomes of antibiotic overuse.

P11.75.B Survival benefit of radiotherapy and surgery in patients with lung cancer brain metastases with poor prognosis factors

Background

Radiotherapy and surgery are the standard treatments for lung cancer brain metastases (BMs). However, limitted studies focused on the treatments for patients with lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiotherapy and surgery in patients with lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors, providing reference for clinical strategies.

Material and Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 714 patients with lung cancer BMs. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance potential confounders. Analyses of overall survival (OS) and risk factors for OS were assessed by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Age ≥65 years, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score ≤70, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase (ALK)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild type, extracranial metastases, non-surgery and non-radiotherapy led to poor prognosis. Patients were stratified according to these factors. Radiotherapy and surgery showed no survival benefit in patients with aged ≥65 years or pretreatment KPS score ≤70 before and after PSM. Before PSM, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type or extracranial metastases. WBRT also predicted good prognosis in patients with non-surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type or non-surgery. WBRT plus SRS improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with extracranial metastases or non-surgery. WBRT plus SRS also predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type. Surgery improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with non-radiotherapy. After PSM, SRS improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with non-surgery. WBRT plus SRS improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with non-surgery or extracranial metastases. WBRT plus SRS also predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type. Surgery improved the OS of patients with non-radiotherapy. We defined that the treatment would provide significant survival benefit if it both prolonged the OS and predicted good prognosis. Meanwhile, the results after PSM were more convincing than the results before PSM.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy has significant survival benefit in patients with lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors, including patients with ALK/EGFR wild type or extracranial metastases or non-surgery. Surgery only has significant survival benefit in patients with non-radiotherapy.

[Comparison of efficacy and safety between new oral anticoagulants and traditional anticoagulants in patients with liver cirrhosis requiring anticoagulant therapy]

Objective: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with traditional anticoagulants, in an attempt to evaluate their efficacy and safety in patients with liver cirrhosis requiring anticoagulant therapy. Methods: Relevant literatures were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, HowNet, Wanfang, VIP and other databases by computer retrieval. The literatures quality was evaluated by NOS. The extracted data were meta-analyzed by RevMan5.3 software. Results: A total of seven studies were included, including one randomized controlled trial and six retrospective cohort studies with a total of 3042 cases. Among them, 1677 and 1365 cases used NOACs and traditional anticoagulants. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the traditional anticoagulant group, the NOACs group had a lower incidence of massive hemorrhage [OR=0.56, 95%CI (0.37-0.85), P＜0.01] and a higher thrombotic recanalization rate [OR=7.77, 95%CI (3.48~17.34), P＜0.01], and the difference was statistically significant, while there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in comparison to all-cause bleeding rates [OR=0.72, 95%CI (0.13-3.91), P=0.07], all-cause mortality [OR=0.72, 95%CI (0.25-2.07), P=0.54], recurrent embolism and stroke rates [OR=0.90, 95%CI (0.59-1.39), and P=0.64]. Conclusion: Compared with traditional anticoagulants, NOACs have higher safety and better efficacy in the treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis, but it has not been widely used in China. Therefore, large-scale randomized controlled trials and prospective studies are further needed to confirm it in the future.

Arsenic speciation in shellfish from South China Sea: Levels, estimated daily intake and health risk assessment

The purposes of this study were to measure the concentrations of arsenic speciation in shellfish from South China Sea and evaluate the health risk by local residents through shellfish consumption. The median concentrations (in wet weight) of arsenic speciation in shellfish samples were in the following order: AsB (16.0 mg·kg^-1) > DMA (1.30 mg·kg^-1) > AsV (0.23 mg·kg^-1) > AsC (0.08 mg·kg^-1) > AsIII (0.05 mg·kg^-1) > MMA (0.01 mg·kg^-1). Among shellfish species, Mactra mera and Babylonia areolata were found to accumulate iAs and AsB, respectively. The target hazard quotient values of iAs (THQ_iAs) in all shellfish samples were lower than 1. However, the carcinogenic risk values of iAs (CR_iAs) in the Mactra mera, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Pinctada margaritifera were beyond the acceptable range, implying that continuous exposure to iAs pollution via the consumption of these shellfish would pose a potential cancer risk to local consumers.

Impact of pre-transplant dialysis modality on kidney transplant outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

For end-stage renal disease (ESRD), patients receiving kidney transplantation, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) are both appropriate modes of pre-transplant dialysis. The aim of this review is to assess the impact of pre-transplant PD compared to HD on kidney transplant outcomes in ESRD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search in digital databases, like PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE and a manual search were conducted to identify cohort studies comparing the kidney transplant outcomes of both pre-transplant dialysis modalities. The data were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A meta-analysis was carried out to calculate the effect estimate for patient survival, graft survival and delayed graft function, death-censored graft survival, acute rejection-free graft survival, graft vessel thrombosis, urological complications, surgical complications, any infections, and onset of diabetes after transplantation. The qualities of the included studies were judged by the New-castle Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

The overall patient survival is shown to be better with patients who underwent pre-transplant PD compared to HD with OR 1.34 95% CI [1.11, 1.61], p = 0.002. Delayed graft function was found to be highly associated with HD compared to PD with OR 0.60 [0.52, 0.70], p<0.0001 with moderate heterogeneity (i2 = 48%). However, no difference was observed in terms of graft survival, complications, infections, and new onset of diabetes mellitus compared to patients undergoing pre-transplant HD.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the review, it can be concluded that ESRD patients undergoing pre-transplant PD were found to have better patient survival and lower incidence of delayed graft function.

[Comparison of single incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with and without extraperitoneal special channel device]

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of single-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) with and without extraperitoneal special channel device. Methods: The clinical data of 70 patients who had undergone RARP in the Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2020 to February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, including 29 cases who were operated on without special channel device (group A) and 41 cases with special channel device (group B). All operations were performed by robot-assisted single-incision retrograde bladder neck exfoliation via extraperitoneal approach in patients by the same operator. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the bladder neck urethral anastomosis time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative exhaust time, positive rate of incisal margin, indwelling time of urinary catheter, retention rate of postoperative erectile function, satisfaction rate of immediate postoperative urine control, positive rate of postoperative lymph node pathology, incision length, treatment cost and the rate of prostate specific antigen (PSA)lower than 0.2 μg/L at 6 weeks after operation were compared between the two groups. Results: All 70 cases were operated successfully. The difference of age[ (68.9±3.9) vs (69.4±5.4) years], preoperative PSA level[14.1(6.3, 19.8)vs13.7(5.8, 18.1)μg/L], prostate volume[44.8(30.7,172.6)vs 56.3(40.9,163.4)ml ] of the two groups was not statistically significant(all P>0.05). The difference of operation time [ (59.1±18.5) vs (59.6±18.0) min ], intraoperative blood loss [93(66,198)vs 95(68,203) ml ], bladder neck urethral anastomosis time [ (12.6±1.3) vs (13.7±2.8) min ], postoperative hospital stay [ (8.1±2.3) vs (9.1±1.3) d], postoperative exhaust time [ (1.4±0.6) vs (1.3±0.6) d], positive rate of incisal margin (20.7% vs 19.5%), indwelling time of the urinary catheter after operation [ (6.8±1.5) vs (7.1±2.0) d ], the retention rate of postoperative erectile function (31.0% vs 27.0%), the satisfaction rate of immediate postoperative urine control (79.3% vs 75.6%), the positive rate of postoperative lymph node pathology (17.2% vs 14.6%), the length of incision [ (5.1±0.5) vs (6.1±0.4) cm ], the rate of PSA lower than 0.2 μg/L at 6 weeks after operation (86.2% vs 83.0%) of the two groups was not statistically significant(all P>0.05). The operation cost of group A[(62 000±4 000) yuan]was lower than group B[(68 000±4 000) yuan] (P<0.05). Conclusion: Extraperitoneal non-special channel device single-incision RARP is safe and feasible.

Urinary parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan in primiparas from Shenzhen, China: Implications for exposure and health risks

The usage of parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan in diverse consumer products is in widespread. Nevertheless, there are limited data concerning exposure to these chemicals in human being, especially in primiparas. Biomonitoring of chemicals in primiparas is useful for the estimation of chemical exposure risks for both primiparas and their offspring. This study aims to investigate urinary levels of parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan of 84 primiparas from Shenzhen, China and to evaluate their potential health risks. Methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl parabens bisphenol A and triclosan exhibited high detection rates (DRs) (> 97%) in urine samples, suggesting that primiparas are exposed to them widely. The median concentrations of methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl parabens, bispenol A and triclosan in urine were 2.14, 4.10, 0.46, 1.30 and 3.00 µg/L, respectively. Ethyl paraben was the predominant paraben accounting for nearly half of Σ₃parabens (The sum concentrations of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl parabens). Positive associations with significance (p < 0.05) were found between the usage of plastic containers and urinary concentrations of ethyl paraben or BPA, indicating plastic containers might be an important factor influencing primipara exposure to these two chemicals. Urinary concentrations of methyl paraben were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the time of computer use by participant, suggesting that indoor dust might constitute an important source of parabens. The estimated daily intakes of parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan contrasted with the acceptable daily intakes in a comparatively low level. The hazard quotients (HQs) of these chemicals were all less than 1, suggesting no health risks for primiparas from South China.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-020-00599-1.

[Investigating the causal relationship between human blood metabolites and coronary artery disease using two-sample Mendelian randomization]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the causal relationship between blood metabolites and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

OBJECTIVE

Based on the data from a large-scale metabolome-based genome-wide association study (mGWAS) and the GWAS of CAD, we investigated the causality between blood metabolites and CAD using an inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and another 4 two-sample MR models. Heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and sensitivity tests were performed to evaluate the stability and reliability of the results.

OBJECTIVE

Among the 486 blood metabolites, 32 metabolites showed nominally causative association with CAD with the IVW method (P < 0.05), including 11 known metabolites and 21 unknown metabolites. Three known metabolites [N-acetylornithine, bradykinin-des-arg(9), and succinylcarnitine] were statistically significant in at least 3 MR models, but their causal effects on CAD were no longer significant after sensitivity analysis using leave-one-out method and elimination of the confounding instrumental variables.

OBJECTIVE

There is no strong evidence to support a robust causal relationship between the 486 blood metabolites and the risk of CAD.

Liquid biopsy by combining 5-hydroxymethylcytosine signatures of plasma cell-free DNA and protein biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liquid biopsy based on 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) signatures of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) originating from tumor cells provides a novel approach for early diagnosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we sought to develop a reliable model using cfDNA 5hmC signatures and protein biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out genome-wide 5hmC sequencing of cfDNA samples collected from 165 healthy volunteers, 62 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and 135 HCC patients. A sensitive 5hmC diagnostic model was developed based on 5hmC signatures selected by sparse Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis and cross-validation to define the weighted diagnostic score (wd-score). Then, we combined protein biomarkers with the wd-score to build a more robust score (HCC score) by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The distribution pattern of differential 5hmC regions could clearly distinguish HCC patients, LC patients and healthy volunteers. The wd-score based on 64 5hmC signatures in cfDNA achieves 93.24% of area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish HCC patients from non-HCC patients, and the HCC score by combing protein biomarkers achieves 92.75% of AUC to distinguish HCC patients from LC patients. Meanwhile, the HCC score showed high capacity for screening high recurrence risk patients after receiving surgical resection, and appeared to be an independent indicator for both relapse-free survival (P = 0.00865) and overall survival (P = 0.000739). Furthermore, the values of the HCC score in patients' longitudinal plasma samples were positively associated with tumor burden dynamics during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

We have developed and validated a novel non-invasive liquid biopsy strategy for HCC diagnosis, prognosis and surveillance during HCC progression.

[Economic evaluation of plasma exchange combined with dual plasma adsorption therapy for early, mid and late stage liver failure]

Objective: To compare the economic characteristics of the four artificial liver models [plasma exchange, half-dose plasma exchange combined with double plasma adsorption (DPMAS), pre-equal amount of plasma exchange followed by DPMAS, and pre-DPMAS followed by equal amount of plasma exchange] in the treatment of liver failure. Methods: A decision tree model was established with the Treeage pro 2011 software. The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of four different treatment modalities were calculated and compared in patients with liver failure at early, mid and late stages, respectively. The sensitivity analysis of the model was performed using data from the preliminary research results of these groups. Results: The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of patients treated with artificial liver therapy with half-dose plasma exchange combined with DPAMS plan in early stage liver failure were 89 547.79 and 34 665.34, which was lower than per capita GDP, so the increased cost had cost-effective advantages. In the middle and late stage of liver failure, the cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness value of pre-DPMAS followed by equal plasma exchange plan was 122 865.5 and 284 334.97, and 70 744.55 and 75 299.48, respectively, which was less than three times of per capita GDP. The increased cost was acceptable and had economic advantages. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the basic analysis results were reliable. Conclusion: Half-dose plasma exchange combined with DPAMS plan is the most cost-effective treatment for early liver failure, while pre-DPMAS followed by equal plasma exchange plan is the most economical treatment for mid and late stage liver failure.

Antibiotic-induced role interchange between rare and predominant bacteria retained the function of a bacterial community for denitrifying quinoline degradation

AIM

Quinoline is a recalcitrant pollutant in coking wastewater which has been broadly investigated with many isolates possessing aerobic quinoline-degrading ability. However, studies on anaerobic degradation and the corresponding bacteria are very scarce. This study attempted to investigate the role of diverse functional members and the redundancy of quinoline degradation in a lab-scale quinoline denitrifying bioreactor.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Antibiotics were added to the batch culture under denitrifying conditions to disturb the microbial community of the quinoline-degrading bioreactor. According to the results, the nitrate removal rate remained stable, and the quinoline removal rate increased by 9·7% after treatment with streptomycin. However, PCoA analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data of these samples indicated a significant shift in microbial community structures. Specifically, 12 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), including OTU1 (Pseudomonas) and OTU2 (Achromobacter), were significantly enriched. OTU1 replaced OTU8 (Thauera) as the most predominant denitrifying quinoline-degrading member. However, OTU8 and other predominant OTUs (Comamonas and Pseudoxanthomonas), which were hypothesized to contribute essentially to quinoline degradation in the origin bioreactor, became almost undetectable.

CONCLUSION

Functional redundancy due to high biological diversity allowed the role reversal of predominant quinoline-degrading bacteria and other rare bacteria when disturbed by antibiotic stress. Although the abundance of OTU1 was much lower initially, it replaced the essential role of the predominant member OTU8 in the bioreactor community for quinoline degradation once the environmental condition changed.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study indicated that the high biological diversity in a wastewater treatment bacterial community is crucial for maintaining the degrading function of organic pollutants, especially in a changing environment due to external disturbance or stress.

Attosecond timing of electron emission from a molecular shape resonance

Shape resonances in physics and chemistry arise from the spatial confinement of a particle by a potential barrier. In molecular photoionization, these barriers prevent the electron from escaping instantaneously, so that nuclei may move and modify the potential, thereby affecting the ionization process. By using an attosecond two-color interferometric approach in combination with high spectral resolution, we have captured the changes induced by the nuclear motion on the centrifugal barrier that sustains the well-known shape resonance in valence-ionized N2. We show that despite the nuclear motion altering the bond length by only 2%, which leads to tiny changes in the potential barrier, the corresponding change in the ionization time can be as large as 200 attoseconds. This result poses limits to the concept of instantaneous electronic transitions in molecules, which is at the basis of the Franck-Condon principle of molecular spectroscopy.

Vertical distribution of microbial communities and their response to metal(loid)s along the vadose zone-aquifer sediments

AIMS

This study attempted to demonstrate the vertical shift in bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities along the vadose zone-aquifer sediments and their respective responses to environmental factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We collected samples from the vadose zone and three aquifer sediments along a 42·5 m bore of a typical agricultural land. The results showed that the bacterial community shifted greatly with depth. The classes of Actinobacteria (19·5%) and NC10 (11·0%) were abundant in the vadose zone while Alphaproteobacteria (22·3%) and Gammaproteobacteria (20·1%) were enriched in the aquifer. Archaeal and fungal communities were relatively more homogeneous with no significant trend as a function of depth. Process analyses further indicated that selection dominated in the bacterial community, whereas stochastic processes governed archaeal and fungal communities. Moreover environment-bacteria interaction analysis showed that metal(loid)s, especially alkali metal, had a closer correlation with the bacterial community than physicochemical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Depth strongly affected bacterial rather than archaeal and fungal communities. Metal(loid)s prevailed over physicochemical variables in shaping the bacterial community in the vadose zone-aquifer continuum.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our study provides a new perspective on the structure of microbial communities from the vadose zone to the deep aquifers.

OP0223 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF UPADACITINIB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO BIOLOGIC DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS (SELECT-PSA-2): A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED PHASE 3 TRIAL

Background:

Upadacitinib (UPA) is an oral, reversible, JAK inhibitor approved for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently under evaluation for treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of UPA versus placebo (PBO) in patients (pts) with PsA and prior inadequate response or intolerance to ≥1 biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD).

Methods:

In SELECT-PsA-2, pts were randomized 1:1:1 to once daily UPA 15 mg (UPA15), UPA 30 mg (UPA30), or PBO. Pts were stratified by baseline DMARD use, number of prior failed bDMARDs, and extent of psoriasis. The primary endpoint was the proportion of pts achieving ACR20 response at Wk 12. Multiplicity controlled secondary endpoints included change in HAQ-DI, FACIT-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) at Wk 12; static Investigator Global Assessment (sIGA) of Psoriasis of 0 or 1 and at least a 2-point improvement from baseline, PASI75, and change in Self-Assessment of Psoriasis Symptoms (SAPS) at Wk 16; and proportion of pts achieving MDA at Wk 24. Additional key secondary endpoints were ACR50 and ACR70 at Wk 12, and ACR20 at Wk 2. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) are reported for pts who received ≥1 dose of study drug.

Results:

641 pts were randomized and received study drug; 54.3% were female with mean age of 53.4 years, and mean duration since PsA diagnosis of 10.1 years. 61% of pts failed 1 bDMARD, 18% failed 2 bDMARDs, and 13% failed ≥3 bDMARDs. 543 (84.6%) pts completed Wk 24 study drug.

At Wk 12, a significantly greater proportion of pts receiving UPA15 and UPA30 vs PBO achieved ACR20 (56.9% and 63.8% vs 24.1%; p < .0001 for both comparisons). Statistically significant improvements were observed in the UPA15 and UPA30 arms vs PBO in all multiplicity controlled secondary endpoints, including ΔHAQ-DI (PBO, -0.10; UPA15, -0.30; UPA30, -0.41), ΔSF-36 PCS (PBO, 1.6; UPA15, 5.2; UPA30, 7.1), ΔFACIT-F (PBO, 1.3; UPA15, 5.0; UPA30, 6.1), and ΔSAPS (PBO, -1.5; UPA15, -24.4; UPA30, -29.7; p < .0001 for all endpoints;Figure 1). In addition, a greater proportion of pts achieved ACR50 and ACR70 at Wk 12 with UPA vs PBO. Generally, TEAEs were reported at similar frequencies in the PBO and UPA15 arms and at a higher frequency in the UPA30 arm (Figure 2). Numerically higher rates of serious AEs were reported in the UPA arms. Herpes zoster was more frequent with UPA30. Three malignancies occurred in each of the UPA arms. One adjudicated non-fatal myocardial infarction and one adjudicated pulmonary embolism were reported with UPA15.

Conclusion:

In this bDMARD-IR PsA population, UPA15 and UPA30 demonstrated significant improvements across PsA domains including improvements in joint and skin signs and symptoms vs PBO through Wk 24 with improvement observed by Wk 2. A greater percentage of pts treated with UPA achieved MDA and ACR50/70, stringent composite measures of disease control. No new safety signals were identified compared to what has been observed with UPA in RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Mark C. Genovese Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Company, EMD Merck Serono, Galapagos, Genentech/Roche, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GSK, Novartis, Pfizer Inc., RPharm, Sanofi Genzyme, Consultant of: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Company, EMD Merck Serono, Genentech/Roche, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GSK, Novartis, RPharm, Sanofi Genzyme, Apinya Lertratanakul Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Jaclyn Anderson Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Kim Papp Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Baxalta, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Centocor, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa-Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, MedImmune, Merck-Serono, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, Stiefel, Takeda, UCB, and Valeant., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Centocor, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa-Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, MedImmune, Merck-Serono, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Takeda, UCB, and Valeant, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Baxalta, Baxter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Centocor, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Forward Pharma, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kyowa-Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, MedImmune, Merck-Serono, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, Stiefel, Sun Pharma, Takeda, UCB, and Valeant, William Tillett Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Filip van den Bosch Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Shigeyoshi Tsuji Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Celgene, and Novartis Pharma K.K., Eva Dokoupilova Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly, AbbVie, Novartis, MAURO KEISERMAN Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbott, Actelion, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Roche, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Janssen and has received clinical trial honoraria from Pfizer, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Biogen Idec Inc, Celltrion Inc., Eli Lilly, Human Genome Sciences, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, UCB Inc., xin wang Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Sheng Zhong Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Patrick Zueger Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Aileen Pangan Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau

FRI0140 IMPACT OF BASELINE DEMOGRAPHICS AND DISEASE ACTIVITY ON OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RECEIVING UPADACITINIB

Background:

Upadacitinib (UPA), an oral selective JAK1 inhibitor, has demonstrated favorable efficacy and acceptable safety in five Phase 3 global studies in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1–5

Objectives:

This analysis reports the efficacy and safety of UPA in predefined RA patient subgroups based on differences in baseline demographics and disease activity.

Methods:

Data were pooled from three pivotal, double-blind, PBO-controlled, multicenter, Phase 3 studies in patients with RA who had an inadequate response(IR) to conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARD-IR: SELECT-NEXT [N=661]), MTX(MTX-IR; SELECT-COMPARE[N=1629]), or biologic DMARDs(bDMARD-IR: SELECT-BEYOND[N=498]). Two integrated analysis sets were evaluated: one comparing UPA 15 mg QD vs PBO(SELECT-NEXT, SELECT-COMPARE, SELECT-BEYOND) and the other comparing UPA 15 mg QD and UPA 30 mg QD vs PBO(SELECT-NEXT, SELECT-BEYOND). All patients received background treatment with csDMARDs. The proportion of patients achieving ACR20 and DAS28(CRP) ≤3.2 at Week 12 was evaluated by predefined baseline demographics and disease activity measure groups, including age, sex, weight, BMI, race, geographic region, duration of RA, RF, and ACPA status, and level of high sensitivity CRP. Non-responder imputation was used for missing data. Subgroup analyses for safety were performed for age, race, sex, weight, BMI, and Asian region.

Results:

Across the three Phase 3 studies, 1036, 384, and 1041 patients received UPA 15 mg QD, UPA 30 mg QD or PBO, respectively. The demographic and baseline disease characteristics in the two integrated analysis sets were balanced across treatment groups. ACR20 and DAS28 ≤3.2 response rates at Week 12 were consistently higher with UPA 15 mg and UPA 30 mg vs PBO across the evaluated demographic and baseline disease characteristics(Figure 1a,Figure 1b). The efficacy of UPA 15 mg QD was generally similar to that observed with UPA 30 mg QD. At 12 weeks, the proportion of patients with treatment-emergent AEs, serious AEs, severe AEs, and AEs leading to discontinuation were generally comparable across different age, sex, race, weight, and BMI groups. Compared with the global population, patients receiving UPA in the Asian region had a higher rate of CPK elevations(UPA 30 mg only) and herpes zoster; herpes zoster also has been observed to be higher in the Asian region with other JAK inhibitors.6,7

Conclusion:

In this analysis of pooled integrated efficacy data in csDMARD-IR or bDMARD-IR patients with RA, UPA 15 mg or 30 mg QD in combination with csDMARDs improved efficacy outcomes at Week 12 when compared with PBO across all predefined subgroups evaluated.

References:

[1]Burmester GR, et al. Lancet 2018 23;391:2503–2512;

[2]Genovese MC, et al. Lancet 2018; 391:2513–24;

[3]Smolen JS, et al. Lancet 2019 May 23[Epub ahead of print];

[4]van Vollenhoven R, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018;70(Suppl. 10): Abstract 891;

[5]Fleischmann R, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018;70(Suppl. 10): Abstract 890;

[6]Winthrop KL, et al. Arthritis Rheum 2014;66:2675-84;

[7] Winthrop KL, et al. ACR 2016 [Abstract 3027]

Disclosure of Interests:

Michael Weinblatt Grant/research support from: Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Crescendo, Lily, Sanofi/Regeneron, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Crescendo, Gilead, Horizon, Lily, Pfizer, Roche, Eduardo Mysler Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, Sanofi, and Pfizer., Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, Sanofi, and Pfizer, Andrew Ostor Consultant of: MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, Abbvie, Novartis, Roche, Gilead and BMS, Speakers bureau: MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, Abbvie, Novartis, Roche, Gilead and BMS, Aaron Broadwell Grant/research support from: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, GSK, Horizon, Janssen, Mallinckrodt, Novartis, Pfizer, Radius, Sanofi-Regeneron, UCB, Sławomir Jeka Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, MSD, Sandoz, Eli Lilly, Egis, UCB, Celgene, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, MSD, Sandoz, Eli Lilly, Egis, UCB, Celgene, Kendall Dunlap Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Jessica Suboticki Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Jeffrey Enejosa Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Barbara Hendrickson Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Sheng Zhong Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Katya Cherny Shareholder of: AbbVie Inc., Employee of: AbbVie Inc., Grace Wright Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Exagen, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, Myriad Autoimmune, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi Genzyme Regeneron, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Exagen, Lilly, Medical Education Resource, Myriad Autoimmune, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme Regeneron, UCB, and Vindico

GsSnRK1 interplays with transcription factor GsERF7 from wild soybean to regulate soybean stress resistance

Although the function and regulation of SnRK1 have been studied in various plants, its molecular mechanisms in response to abiotic stresses are still elusive. In this work, we identified an AP2/ERF domain-containing protein (designated GsERF7) interacting with GsSnRK1 from a wild soybean cDNA library. GsERF7 gene expressed dominantly in wild soybean roots and was responsive to ethylene, salt, and alkaline. GsERF7 bound GCC cis-acting element and could be phosphorylated on S36 by GsSnRK1. GsERF7 phosphorylation facilitated its translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus and enhanced its transactivation activity. When coexpressed in the hairy roots of soybean seedlings, GsSnRK1(wt) and GsERF7(wt) promoted plants to generate higher tolerance to salt and alkaline stresses than their mutated species, suggesting that GsSnRK1 may function as a biochemical and genetic upstream kinase of GsERF7 to regulate plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Furthermore, the altered expression patterns of representative abiotic stress-responsive and hormone-synthetic genes were determined in transgenic soybean hairy roots after stress treatments. These results will aid our understanding of molecular mechanism of how SnRK1 kinase plays a cardinal role in regulating plant stress resistances through activating the biological functions of downstream factors.

Ectopic expression of a rice plasma membrane intrinsic protein (OsPIP1;3) promotes plant growth and water uptake

Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) are known to be major facilitators of the movement of a number of substrates across cell membranes. From a drought-resistant cultivar of Oryza sativa (rice), we isolated an OsPIP1;3 gene single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that is mostly expressed in rice roots and is strongly responsive to drought stress. Immunocytochemistry showed that OsPIP1;3 majorly accumulated on the proximal end of the endodermis and the cell surface around the xylem. Expression of GFP-OsPIP1;3 alone in Xenopus oocytes or rice protoplasts showed OsPIP1;3 mislocalization in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-like neighborhood, whereas co-expression of OsPIP2;2 recruited OsPIP1;3 to the plasma membrane and led to a significant enhancement of water permeability in oocytes. Moreover, reconstitution of 10×His-OsPIP1;3 in liposomes demonstrated water channel activity, as revealed by stopped-flow light scattering. Intriguingly, by patch-clamp technique, we detected significant NO₃^- conductance of OsPIP1;3 in mammalian cells. To investigate the physiological functions of OsPIP1;3, we ectopically expressed the OsPIP1;3 gene in Nicotiana benthamiana (tobacco). The transgenic tobacco plants exhibited higher photosynthesis rates, root hydraulic conductivity (Lp_r ) and water-use efficiency, resulting in a greater biomass and a higher resistance to water deficit than the wild-type did. Further experiments suggested that heterologous expression of OsPIP1;3 in cyanobacterium altered bacterial growth under different conditions of CO₂ gas supply. Overall, besides shedding light on the multiple functions played by OsPIP1;3, this work provides insights into the translational value of plant AQPs.

Clipping defoliation and nitrogen addition shift competition between a C3 grass (Leymus chinensis) and a C4 grass (Hemarthria altissima)

Human-induced disturbances, including grazing and clipping, that cause defoliation are common in natural grasslands. Plant functional type differences in the ability to compensate for this tissue loss may influence interspecific competition. To explore the effects of different intensities of clipping and nitrogen (N) addition on compensatory growth and interspecific competition, we measured accumulated aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), tiller number, non-structural carbohydrates concentrations and leaf gas exchange parameters in two locally co-occurring species (the C₃ grass Leymus chinensis and the C₄ grass Hemarthria altissima) growing in monoculture and in mixture. For both grasses, the clipping treatment had significant impacts on the accumulated AGB, and the 40% clipping treatment had the largest effect. BGB gradually decreased with increasing defoliation intensity. Severe defoliation caused a significant increase in tiller number. Stored carbohydrates in the belowground biomass were mobilised and transported aboveground for the growth of new leaves to compensate for clipping-induced injury. The net CO₂ assimilation rate (A) of the remaining leaves increased with clipping intensity and peaked under clipping intensities of 20% or 40%. Nitrogen addition, at a rate of 10 g·N·m^-2 ·year^-1 , enhanced A of the remaining leaves and non-structural carbohydrate concentrations, which benefited plant compensatory growth, especially for the C₃ grass. Under the mixed planting conditions, the clipping and N addition treatments lowered the competitive advantage of the C₄ grass. The results suggest that a combination of defoliation and N deposition have the potential to benefit the coexistence of C₃ and C₄ grasses.

miR-30a-5p modulates traits of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) via forkhead box protein G1 (FOXG1)

miRNA has shown its potential in the regulation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the mechanism of such an effect was not quite clear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether miR-30a-5p participated in the regulation of cutaneous SCC (cSCC) and the possible mechanism involved. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and cell cycle were measured using flow cytometry. The formation of cell colony was tested by colony formation assay. The capacities of migration and invasion were tested by wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. The target of miR-30a-5p was predicted by bioinformatics and identified by luciferase assay. Western blot was used for the determination of proteins and qPCR was for mRNA levels. miR-30a-5p expression was lowered in SCL-1 and A431 cells, and its upregulation suppressed EdU positive cells, colony numbers, migration, invasion and Bcl-2 expression, and elevated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved Caspase-3 expressions, arresting cell cycle in G1 phase. Moreover, forkhead box protein G1 (FOXG1) was proved to be the target of miR-30a-5p, and FOXG1 overexpression partially offsets the decreased colony numbers, migration and invasion rates due to miR-30a-5p overexpression in SCL-1 and A431 cells. miR-30a-5p showed a regulatory role on the expression of FOXG1 and further modulated the progressing of cSCC cells, which could be a novel pathway intervening the development of cSCC.

A randomised controlled trial of stepwise sputum collection to increase yields of confirmed tuberculosis

<sec> <title>SETTING</title> The proportion of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis (TB) in China has decreased far below the worldwide average. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> To investigate whether stepwise measures to ensure sputum quality can improve the rate of bacteriologically confirmed TB. </sec> <sec> <title>DESIGN</title> We enrolled 980 adults with suspected TB from three counties in China during 2017 for this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Half the participants (n = 490) were randomly assigned to intervention groups that received instructions by a study nurse, and sputum induction, if necessary. In the remaining 490 patients, sputum samples were collected without observation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients detected as bacteriologically positive on smear, culture or molecular assays (EasyNAT or Xpert). </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Bacteriological confirmation rates were significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group: overall (159/490 [32%] vs. 122/490 [25%]; P = 0.009); confirmation using smear (17% vs. 11%; P = 0.010); confirmation using culture (28% vs. 21%; P = 0.021); and confirmation using molecular assays (27% vs. 18%; P = 0.001). Most of the improvement was in patients who received instruction alone, while improvement was greatest in younger patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.53 per 10 years). </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> If implemented effectively in resource-limited primary care clinics, our simple stepwise procedure combining instruction and sputum induction could increase the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB significantly. </sec>.

Accuracy and precision of the RABBIT technique

One of the most ubiquitous techniques within attosecond science is the so-called reconstruction of attosecond beating by interference of two-photon transitions (RABBIT). Originally proposed for the characterization of attosecond pulses, it has been successfully applied to the accurate determination of time delays in photoemission. Here, we examine in detail, using numerical simulations, the effect of the spatial and temporal properties of the light fields and of the experimental procedure on the accuracy of the method. This allows us to identify the necessary conditions to achieve the best temporal precision in RABBIT measurements. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measurement of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics with X-rays'.

[A prospective cohort study about the screening tests of mismatch repair protein and clinical criteria for Lynch syndrome associated endometrial carcinoma]

Objectives: Currently, the commonly used screening methods for Lynch syndrome in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) are clinical diagnostic criteria and immunohistochemical testing. Our study compared the accuracy of the two methods in this prospective cohort study. Methods: Mismatch repair (MMR) protein was detected by immunohistochemical in the pathological tissues of newly diagnosed EC patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, during December 2015 and June 2018. Lynch syndrome related mutation gene was detected in patients with MMR protein deficiency. At the same time, all the patients were evaluated by the clinical diagnostic criteria (Amsterdam Criteria Ⅱ and the revised Bethesda criteria). Results: A total of 121 newly diagnosed EC patients were enrolled in this study, and 41 cases (33.9%) were MMR protein deficient. All of them received Lynch syndrome related mutation gene detection, and 7 cases were finally diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Only 6 cases of Lynch syndrome, however, were diagnosed by the clinical diagnostic criteria, with 1 case misdiagnosed and 2 cases missed diagnosed. Conclusion: The incidence of Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer patients is 5.8%. And the clinical diagnostic criteria for Lynch syndrome in patients with EC will result in miss diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Modeled changes to the Great Plains low-level jet under a realistic irrigation application

Low-level jets (LLJs) are relatively fast-moving streams of air that form in the lower troposphere and are a common phenomenon across the Great Plains (GP) of the United States. LLJs play an important role in moisture transport and the development of nocturnal convection in the spring and summer. Alterations to surface moisture and energy fluxes can influence the planetary boundary layer (PBL) development and thus LLJs. One important anthropogenic process that has been shown to affect the surface energy budget is irrigation. In this study, we investigate the effects of irrigation on LLJ development across the GP by incorporating a dynamic and realistic irrigation scheme into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. WRF simulations were conducted with and without the irrigation scheme for the exceptionally dry summer of 2012 over the GP. The results show irrigation-introduced changes to LLJ features both over and downstream of the most heavily irrigated regions in the GP. There were statistically significant increases to LLJ speeds in the simulation with the irrigation parameterization. Decreases to the mean jet core height on the order of 50 m during the overnight hours were also simulated when irrigation was on. The overall frequency of jet occurrences increased over the irrigated regions by 5-10%; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These changes were weaker than those reported in earlier studies based on simple representations of irrigation that unrealistically saturate the soil columns over large areas over a long period of time, which highlights the importance and necessity to represent human activity more accurately in modeling studies.

Identification of novel interactors and potential phosphorylation substrates of GsSnRK1 from wild soybean (Glycine soja)

The plant sucrose nonfermenting kinase 1 (SnRK1) kinases play the central roles in the processes of energy balance, hormone perception, stress resistance, metabolism, growth, and development. However, the functions of these kinases are still elusive. In this study, we used GsSnRK1 of wild soybean as bait to perform library-scale screens by the means of yeast two-hybrid to identify its interacting proteins. The putative interactions were verified by yeast retransformation and β-galactosidase assays, and the selected interactions were further confirmed in planta by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and biochemical Co-IP assays. Protein phosphorylation analyses were carried out by phos-tag assay and anti-phospho-(Ser/Thr) substrate antibodies. Finally, we obtained 24 GsSnRK1 interactors and several putative substrates that can be categorized into SnRK1 regulatory β subunit, protein modification, biotic and abiotic stress-related, hormone perception and signalling, gene expression regulation, water and nitrogen transport, metabolism, and unknown proteins. Intriguingly, we first discovered that GsSnRK1 interacted with and phosphorylated the components of soybean nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The interactions and potential functions of GsSnRK1 and its associated proteins were extensively discussed and analysed. This work provides plausible clues to elucidate the novel functions of SnRK1 in response to variable environmental, metabolic, and physiological requirements.

[Giant cell reparative granuloma originating from the paranasal sinus: a case report]

A 40-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of nasal obstruction of his left nose, a 1-year history of headache and orbital pain. Radiologically, an extensive paranasal sinus mass was seen. Superiorly ,the cribriform plate was demineralized, and the lesion had intracranial extension with mild mass effect over the basal frontal lobes. Histologic examination revealed a central giant cell reparative granuloma. After endoscopic removal, the patient was symptom free at the 2-month follow-up.

Metformin use and survival of lung cancer patients: Meta-analysis findings

Previous studies on the association between metformin use and lung cancer survival have yielded mixed results. We aimed to perform a metaanalysis to assess the association with all available studies. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE to July 2016. We calculated the summary hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using randomeffects models. Twelve cohort studies involving 124,533 participants were included in this study. The results showed that metformin use was not associated with the overall survival of lung cancer patients (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62-1.02). In the subgroup analyses by country or subtype of lung cancer, although a beneficial effect of metformin use on overall survival was found in patients with smallcell lung cancer or in lung patients from China, it may be inappropriate draw a final conclusion considering small sample size, low study quality, and the limited number of studies in the subgroups. Further analyses found that metformin use after diagnosis showed a beneficial effect on both over survival (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87) and progressionfree survival (PFS; HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.96) of lung cancer patients. In conclusion, metformin use after diagnosis is associated with improved overall survival and PFS of lung cancer patients. Nevertheless, this effect of metformin use is needed for further assessment.

Treating cat allergy with monoclonal IgG antibodies that bind allergen and prevent IgE engagement

Acute allergic symptoms are caused by allergen-induced crosslinking of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to Fc-epsilon receptors on effector cells. Desensitization with allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used for over a century, but the dominant protective mechanism remains unclear. One consistent observation is increased allergen-specific IgG, thought to competitively block allergen binding to IgE. Here we show that the blocking potency of the IgG response to Cat-SIT is heterogeneous. Next, using two potent, pre-selected allergen-blocking monoclonal IgG antibodies against the immunodominant cat allergen Fel d 1, we demonstrate that increasing the IgG/IgE ratio reduces the allergic response in mice and in cat-allergic patients: a single dose of blocking IgG reduces clinical symptoms in response to nasal provocation (ANCOVA, p = 0.0003), with a magnitude observed at day 8 similar to that reported with years of conventional SIT. This study suggests that simply augmenting the blocking IgG/IgE ratio may reverse allergy.

A comparison of the biomechanical stability of pedicle-lengthening screws and traditional pedicle screws: an in vitro instant and fatigue-resistant pull-out test

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the peak pull-out force (PPF) of pedicle-lengthening screws (PLS) and traditional pedicle screws (TPS) using instant and cyclic fatigue testing.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 lumbar vertebrae were divided into six groups: PLS submitted to instant pull-out and fatigue-resistance testing (groups A1 and A2, respectively), TPS submitted to instant pull-out and fatigue-resistance testing (groups B1 and B2, respectively) and PLS augmented with 2 ml polymethylmethacrylate, submitted to instant pull-out and fatigue-resistance testing (groups C1 and C2, respectively). The PPF and normalized PPF (PPFn) for bone mineral density (BMD) were compared within and between all groups.

Results

In all groups, BMD was significantly correlated with PPF (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). The PPFn in A1 was significantly less than in B1 (p = 0.006) and C1 (p = 0.002). The PPFn of A2 was significantly less than in B2 (p < 0.001) and C2 (p < 0.001). The PPFn in A1, B1, and C1 was significantly greater than in A2 (p = 0.002), B2 (p = 0.027), and C2 (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in PPFn between B1 and C1, or between B2 and C2.

Conclusion

Pedicle lengthening screws with cement augmentation can provide the same fixation stability as traditional pedicle screws and may be a viable clinical option. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:516-21.

Photoionization in the time and frequency domain

Ultrafast processes in matter, such as the electron emission after light absorption, can now be studied using ultrashort light pulses of attosecond duration (10−18 seconds) in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The lack of spectral resolution due to the use of short light pulses has raised issues in the interpretation of the experimental results and the comparison with theoretical calculations. We determine photoionization time delays in neon atoms over a 40–electron volt energy range with an interferometric technique combining high temporal and spectral resolution. We spectrally disentangle direct ionization from ionization with shake-up, in which a second electron is left in an excited state, and obtain excellent agreement with theoretical calculations, thereby solving a puzzle raised by 7-year-old measurements.

Identification of Trypanosoma brucei AdoMetDC Inhibitors Using a High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry-Based Assay

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal infectious disease caused by the eukaryotic pathogen Trypanosoma brucei (Tb). Available treatments are difficult to administer and have significant safety issues. S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) is an essential enzyme in the parasite polyamine biosynthetic pathway. Previous attempts to develop TbAdoMetDC inhibitors into anti-HAT therapies failed due to poor brain exposure. Here, we describe a large screening campaign of two small-molecule libraries (∼400,000 compounds) employing a new high-throughput (∼7 s per sample) mass spectrometry-based assay for AdoMetDC activity. As a result of primary screening, followed by hit confirmation and validation, we identified 13 new classes of reversible TbAdoMetDC inhibitors with low-micromolar potency (IC₅₀) against both TbAdoMetDC and T. brucei parasite cells. The majority of these compounds were >10-fold selective against the human enzyme. Importantly, compounds from four classes demonstrated high propensity to cross the blood-brain barrier in a cell monolayer assay. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that compounds from eight classes inhibited intracellular TbAdoMetDC in the parasite, although evidence for a secondary off-target component was also present. The discovery of several new TbAdoMetDC inhibitor chemotypes provides new hits for lead optimization programs aimed to deliver a novel treatment for HAT.

Body mass index and mortality in lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Studies examining the relation of body mass index (BMI) and mortality in patients with lung cancer have shown diverse results. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association using all available studies from January 1982 to October 2016. PubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant studies. We calculated the summary hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using random effects model. The dose-response relationship was assessed by random effects meta-regression model. Fifty-five articles from 51 studies involving 3 152 552 subjects (males, 54.8%) were included. The pooled results suggested that on average a high BMI decreased risk of death from lung cancer or all-cause. Each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI had a 12% lower risk of lung cancer-specific mortality (HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.75-1.02, P=0.09) and a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.96, P<0.01). When stratifying by ethnicity, each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with 22% and 28% reduction, respectively, in the risk of lung cancer-specific mortality (P<0.01) and all-cause mortality (P<0.01) in Asians, but no association was found in Westerners (P=0.51 and P=0.53, respectively). In conclusion, lung cancer patients with a higher BMI have a longer survival than those with a lower BMI. Considering the significant heterogeneity between included studies, future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract P6-07-31: Molecular mechanism of alcohol-associated breast cancer

Epidemiological studies have indicated that alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for breast cancer. The association of alcohol consumption and breast cancer is more pronounced in ER+ cases than in ER- cases. However, this molecular mechanism remains to be determined. Deregulation of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription enhances cellular tRNAs and 5S rRNA production, increasing translational capacity to promote cell transformation and tumor formation. Our results reveal that alcohol increases Pol III gene transcription in both normal and cancer breast cell lines. The induction of Pol III genes by alcohol in ER+ breast cancer cells is significantly higher than in ER- normal breast cells and ER- breast cancer cells. E2 causes slight increase in Pol III gene transcription. The addition of ethanol to this system produces a marked increase. Alcohol increases ERa expression to enhance the cellular levels of Brf1 protein and mRNA. In addition, ethanol markedly stimulates phosphorylation of JNK1. Inhibition of JNK1 decreases ERE-Luc reporter activity and represses expression of ERa, Brf1 and Pol III genes. Reduction of ERa by its siRNA represses Brf1 and Pol III gene transcription. Ethanol with E2 produces larger and more numerous colonies. Repression of ERa or Brf1 inhibits alcohol-induced cell transformation. More interestingly, human biopsies studies show that Brf1 expression is significantly increased in nuclei of breast cancer cells, compared to tissue adjacent to the carcinoma. Together, these results support the idea that alcohol increases ERa expression through JNK1 pathway to elevate Brf1 expression and Pol III gene transcription, leading to greater phenotypic changes. ERa mediates Pol III gene transcription through Brf1, suggesting that ERa play a critical role in alcohol-induced deregulation of Pol III genes in ER+ breast cancer development.

*: The project is supported by NIAAA/NIH grants: AA017288, AA021114 and AA02324 to S Zhong.

Citation Format: Zhong S, Zhang Y, Lei J, Li W, Wu Z, Shi G. Molecular mechanism of alcohol-associated breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-31.