Molecular and phenotypic characteristics of Bardet-Biedl syndrome in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a type of non-motile ciliopathy. To date, 26 genes have been reported to be associated with BBS. However, BBS is genetically heterogeneous, with significant clinical overlap with other ciliopathies, which complicates diagnosis. Disability and mortality rates are high in BBS patients; therefore, it is urgent to improve our understanding of BBS. Thus, our study aimed to describe the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of BBS in China and to elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations.

METHODS

Twenty Chinese patients diagnosed with BBS were enrolled in this study. We compared the phenotypes of Chinese BBS patients in this study with those from other countries to analyze the phenotypic differences across patients worldwide. In addition, genotype-phenotype correlations were described for our cohort. We also summarized all previously reported cases of BBS in Chinese patients (71 patients) and identified common and specific genetic variants in the Chinese population.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight variants, of which 10 are novel, in 5 different BBS-associated genes were identified in 20 Chinese BBS patients. By comparing the phenotypes of BBSome-coding genes (BBS2,7,9) with those of chaperonin-coding genes (BBS10,12), we found that patients with mutations in BBS10 and 12 had an earlier age of onset (1.10 Vs. 2.20, p < 0.01) and diagnosis (4.64 Vs. 13.17, p < 0.01), whereas patients with mutations in BBS2, 7, and 9 had a higher body mass index (28.35 Vs. 24.21, p < 0.05) and more vision problems (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in 91 Chinese BBS patients, mutations were predominant in BBS2 (28.89%) and BBS7 (15.56%), and the most frequent variants were in BBS2: c.534 + 1G > T (10/182 alleles) and BBS7: c.1002delT (7/182 alleles), marking a difference from the genotypic spectra of BBS reported abroad.

CONCLUSIONS

We recruited 20 Chinese patients with BBS for genetic and phenotypic analyses, and identified common clinical manifestations, pathogenic genes, and variants. We also described the phenotypic differences across patients worldwide and among different BBS-associated genes. This study involved the largest cohort of Chinese patients with BBS, and provides new insights into the distinctive clinical features of specific pathogenic variants.

[Clinical observation of the intraocular distribution characteristics of indocyanine green after epiretinal membrane peeling using a fluorescence detection system developed in Python]

Objective: To utilize a Python-based fluorescence area detection system to observe and quantitatively analyze the intraocular distribution characteristics and metabolic patterns of Indocyanine Green (ICG) following epiretinal membrane peeling. Methods: A prospective case series study was conducted on patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane undergoing vitrectomy at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from March 2019 to March 2021. ICG staining was applied during surgery for peeling the epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, with assessments including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus photography, near-infrared fundus fluorescence imaging (NIR-FF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A Python-based ICG intraocular metabolism detection system was developed to measure the residual area of ICG fluorescence on NIR-FF, predict the ICG metabolic pattern equation, and correlate it with postoperative visual acuity and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Results: A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) were included, with an average age of 64.6±8.4 years, including 25 males (39.1%) and 39 females (60.9%). Preoperative NIR-FF images showed no ICG strong fluorescence. At 1 week postoperatively, diffuse ICG strong fluorescence appeared in the posterior pole, and the internal limiting membrane removal area exhibited a ring-like weak fluorescence. Over time, ICG strong fluorescence was observed along the vascular arch and nerve fiber trajectory, gradually diminishing toward the optic disc, with residual ICG fluorescence still visible at the optic disc at 1 year. The Python-based ICG fluorescence area detection system effectively measured intraocular residual ICG area. A predictive equation for the 12-month residual ICG area was constructed through linear regression analysis (Residual ICG area=0.22 × Residual ICG area at 6 months, R2=16%, P=0.002). Except for a negative correlation between the ICG residual area at 1 month and postoperative visual acuity (P=0.017, r=-0.195), no correlation was found between intraocular ICG fluorescence residual area and postoperative visual acuity or peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at other follow-up times (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane undergoing ICG staining for internal limiting membrane peeling, ICG exhibits characteristic metabolic processes in the eye, with strong fluorescence along the vascular arch and nerve fiber trajectory, gradually converging toward the optic disc over time. The Python-based ICG fluorescence area detection system provides a clear display of the intraocular distribution characteristics of ICG after epiretinal membrane peeling and serves as a tool for predicting the metabolic patterns of ICG in the eye.

Microalgae as fishmeal alternatives in aquaculture: current status, existing problems, and possible solutions

Fishmeal is an indispensable ingredient for most aquatic animals. However, the finite supply and escalating price of fishmeal seriously limit its use in aquaculture. Thus the development of new, sustainable protein ingredients has been a research focus. Microalgae are potential fishmeal alternatives owing to their high protein content and balanced amino acid profile. Studies suggest that suitable replacement of fishmeal with microalgae is beneficial for fish growth performance, but excessive replacement would induce poor growth and feed utilization. Therefore, this paper aims to review research on the maximum substitutional level of fishmeal by microalgae and propose the main issues and possible solutions for fishmeal replacement by microalgae. The maximum replacement level is affected by microalgal species, fish feeding habits, quality of fishmeal and microalgal meals, and supplemental levels of fishmeal in the control group. Microalgae could generally replace 100%, 95%, 95%, 64.1%, 25.6%, and 18.6% fishmeal protein in diets of carp, shrimp, catfish, tilapia, marine fish, and salmon and trout, respectively. The main issues with fishmeal replacement using microalgae include low production and high production cost, poor digestibility, and anti-nutritional factors. Possible solutions to these problems are recommended in this paper. Overall, microalgae are promising fishmeal alternatives in aquaculture.

Waterborne copper exposure decreases fish growth and survival by promoting gills and liver impairments in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The study aimed to investigate the effect of Cu exposure (0, 51.3, 164, 513, 1,640, and 5,130 μg/L) on fish growth performance, histology, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles. 270 fish (2.69 ± 0.02 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups of tanks for 4 weeks with each group comprising three replicate tanks. The results showed that fish exposed to 1,640 and 5,130 μg/L Cu exhibited a significant reduction in fish growth and survival rate (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, the fish at and above 513 μg/L Cu demonstrated histopathological damages in the gills and liver, such as shorter primary and secondary lamellae, smaller hepatocyte nuclei, and an increase in the number of necrotic cells in the liver. Compared to the control, fish at and above 1,640 μg/L Cu had a significantly higher malondialdehyde content and lower activity levels of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in the gills and liver (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high concentrations of Cu (1,640 and 5,130 μg/L) significantly increased hepatic inflammation by upregulating interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α expression and hepatic apoptosis by increasing cysteinyl aspartate specific protease 3 (caspase-3) and caspase-9 expression (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that fish growth and survival positively correlated with histological and antioxidant defense parameters, and negatively correlated with oxidative stress parameters, hepatic inflammation, and hepatic apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that high levels of waterborne Cu can induce growth retardation and mortality by damaging the liver and gill health.

[Molecular detection and subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in pigs in Anhui Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in pigs in Anhui Province.

METHODS

A total of 500 stool samples were collected from large-scale pig farms in Bozhou, Anqing, Chuzhou, Hefei, Fuyang, and Lu'an cities in Anhui Province from October to December 2015. Blastocystis was detected in pig stool samples using a PCR assay based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, and positive samples were subjected to sequencing and sequence analysis. Blastocystis subtypes were characterized in the online PubMLST database, and verified using phylogenetic tree created with the neighbor-joining algorithm in the Meta software.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 43.2% (216/500) in pigs in 6 cities of Anhui Province, and all pig farms were tested positive for Blastocystis. There was a region-specific prevalence rate of Blastocystis (17.2% to 50.0%) (χ2 = 26.084, P < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among nursery pigs (39.6%), preweaned pigs (19.1%), and growing pigs (62.3%) (χ2 = 74.951, P < 0.01). Both online inquiry and phylogenetic analysis revealed ST1, ST3, and ST5 subtypes in pigs, with ST5 as the predominant subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. is high in pigs in Anhui Province, with three zoonotic subtypes identified, including ST1, ST3, and ST5.

[Association between different treatment timings and adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with syphilis during pregnancy]

Objective: To analyze the association between different treatment timings and adverse neonatal outcomes (premature birth, death, congenital syphilis) in syphilis-infected pregnant women. Methods: The National Management Information System for Prevention of HIV, Syphilis and HBV Mother-to-Child Transmission was used to collect information on the detection and treatment of syphilis-infected pregnant women and their newborns in Guangdong Province from October 2011 to December 2021. According to the gestational weeks of syphilis-infected pregnant women receiving penicillin treatment for the first time, they were divided into four groups: treatment in the first trimester, treatment in the second trimester, treatment in the third trimester, and no treatment during pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between different treatment timings and adverse neonatal outcomes in syphilis-infected pregnant women. Results: A total of 22 483 syphilis-infected pregnant women were included. The number of pregnant women who started treatment in the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester and did not receive treatment during pregnancy were 4 549 (20.23%), 8 719 (38.78%), 2 235 (9.94%) and 6 980 (31.05%), respectively. Compared with pregnant women who started treatment in the first trimester, pregnant women who did not receive anti-syphilis treatment during pregnancy had increased risks of neonatal preterm birth (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.24-1.62), death (OR=4.27, 95%CI: 1.64-14.69) and congenital syphilis (OR=12.26, 95%CI: 6.35-27.45). At the same time, the risk of congenital syphilis in the newborns of pregnant women who started anti-syphilis treatment in the second trimester (OR=2.68, 95%CI: 1.34-6.16) and third trimester (OR=6.27, 95%CI: 2.99-14.80) also increased. Conclusion: Early initiation of anti-syphilis treatment during pregnancy in patients with syphilis can improve neonatal outcomes.

Adaptable polymerization platform for therapeutics with tunable biodegradability

Biodegradable polymer-based therapeutics have recently become essential drug delivery biomaterials for various bioactive compounds. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based biomaterials fulfill the requirements of these therapeutics because they enable to obtain polymer biomaterials with optimized blood circulation, pharmacokinetics, biodegradability, and renal excretion. Herein, we describe an adaptable polymerization platform employed for the synthesis of long-circulating, stimulus-sensitive and biodegradable biomaterials, therapeutics, or theranostics. Four chain transfer agents (CTA) were designed and successfully synthesized for the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, allowing the straightforward synthesis of hydrolytically biodegradable structures of block copolymers-based biomaterials. The controlled polymerization using the CTAs enables controlling the half-life of the hydrolytic degradation of polymer precursors in a wide range from 5 h to 21 days. Moreover, the antitumor drug pirarubicin (THP) was successfully conjugated to the polymer biomaterials via a pH-sensitive hydrazone bond for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Polymer conjugates demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy compared to basic linear polymer-based conjugates. Notably, the biodegradable systems, even though those with degradation in the order of hours were selected, increased the half-life of THP in the bloodstream almost two-fold. Indeed, the presented platform design enables the main chain-end specific attachment of targeting ligands or diagnostic molecules. The adaptable polymerization platform design allows tuning of the biodegradability rate, stimuli-sensitive drug bonding, and optimized pharmacokinetics to increase the therapy outcome and system targeting, thus allowing the preparation of targeted or theranostic polymer conjugates. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based biomaterials are recognized as potential future bioactive nanomedicines. To advance the development of such biomaterials, we developed polymerization platforms utilizing tailored chain transfer agents allowing the straightforward synthesis of hydrolytically degradable polymer biomaterials with tuned biodegradability from hours to several days. The platform allows for the synthesis of long-circulating, stimulus-sensitive and biodegradable biomaterial serving as drug carriers or theranostics. The therapeutic potential was validated by preparation of polymer biomaterials containing pirarubicin, anticancer drug, bound via pH sensitive bond and by showing prolonged blood circulation and increased antitumor activity while keeping the drug side effects low. This work paves the way for future development of biodegradable polymer biomaterials with advanced properties in drug delivery.

[Clinical value of arterial stiffness assessment on risk prediction of vascular stiffness in the octogenarian elderly]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze clinical factors related to arterial stiffening and establish a risk prediction nomogram of arterial stiffening in the octogenarian(≥80 years). Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study, which enrolled the octogenarian elderly who underwent physical examination and secondary prevention intervention in the outpatient department of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from April 2022 to August 2022. Clinical data including demographics, biochemical indicators and medical history were collected. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was detected during the clinical visit. Participants were divided into the control group (baPWV≤1 800 cm/s) and vascular sclerosis group (baPWV>1 800 cm/s). The risk factors of arterial stiffness were analyzed by univariate and logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram model was constructed by R programming language. The predictive effect of the nomogram model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The median age of the 525 participants was 87.0 (82.0, 92.0) years, 504 (96.0%) were male, 82 in the control group, 443 in the vascular sclerosis group. The baPWV, age, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the control group than those in the vascular sclerosis group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and amylase were protective factors, and alkaline phosphatase and creatinine were risk factors of arterial stiffening (all P<0.05). The combined nomogram model scores including age, mean arterial pressure and the above five laboratory indicators indicated that mean arterial pressure and serum creatinine levels were strongly correlated with vascular sclerosis. The ROC curve suggested that the nomogram model had good prediction ability. Conclusions: Age, mean arterial pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase and creatinine are independently determinants for increased vascular stiffness. The combined prediction model in this study can provide reference for individualized clinical risk prediction of vascular sclerosis in the octogenarian elderly.

Development and Validation of CT-Based Clinical-Radiomics Nomogram for Early Stage Extranodal Nasal-Type NK/T Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Most patients with extranodal nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) had a localized disease with extensive primary tumor invasion at diagnosis (70-90%). Several clinical risk indexes, such as nomogram-revised risk index (NRI), international prognostic index (IPI), Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) and prognostic index of natural killer lymphoma (PINK), were used for ENKTCL patient stratification and providing information in clinical decision-making. However, they had low predictive power for early-stage patients with ENKTCL. This is the first study to construct a model with more predictive power through CT-based radiomics signature combined with traditional clinical risk indexes for overall survival (OS) of patients with early-stage ENKTCL.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 196 early stage ENKTCL patients were randomly assigned into the training (n = 147) and interval validation set (n = 49) in a 3:1 ratio. And 83 and 19 early stage ENKTCL patients from other two centers were used for external validation set (n = 62). All patients received radiotherapy after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy. 1316 CT radiomic features before radiotherapy were extracted and selected to construct the radiomics signature (RS). A CT-based nomogram was established by integrating clinical indexes and radiomics signature in training set and was tested in two validation sets.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up period of 59.9 months, 48 patients (24.1%) died. Compared with other prognostic index, NRI had better power to predict 5-year OS in the training cohort. The radiomics signature constructed by 11 selected radiomic features showed better prognostic performance than NRI for predicting 5-year OS in training set (C-index: 0.75 vs. 0.66), internal validation set (C-index: 0.71 vs. 0.62) and external validation set (C-index: 0.68 vs. 0.60). Patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups by median radiomic signature. Patients in high-risk group had worse 5-year OS than patients in low-risk group (training set: 92% vs. 65%, P<0.001; internal validation set: 88% vs. 59%, P<0.05; external validation set 90% vs. 60%, P<0.05). The nomogram established by integrating radiomics signature with NRI showed optimal prognostic performance with C-index of 0.77 in training, 0.73 in internal and 0.71 in external validation set. Calibration curves showed good agreement.

CONCLUSION

The clinical-radiomics nomogram integrating CT-based radiomics signature combined with traditional clinical risk index provided an excellent prognostic tool for OS, which could be helpful for personalized risk stratification and treatment in early stage ENKTCL patients.

[The first imported case of visceral leishmaniasis in Shenzhen City]

A patient with fever, chills, and pancytopenia as major clinical manifestations was presented. To investigate the cause, the patient's peripheral blood was collected for pathogen screening using metagenomic next - generation sequencing (mNGS). The DNA sequence of Leishmania donovani was detected, and Leishmania amastigotes were found in bone marrow smears using microscopy. The case was therefore definitively diagnosed as visceral leishmaniasis, and was cured and discharged from hospital following treatment with liposomal amphotericin B for 14 days. This is the first imported case of visceral leishmaniasis since the founding of Shenzhen City in 1979.

Molecular and phenotypic spectrum of cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a RASopathy subtype that presents with unique craniofacial dysmorphology, congenital heart disease, dermatologic abnormalities, growth retardation, and intellectual disability. This study describes the phenotypic spectrum of CFC in China and its association with CFC syndrome gene variants.

RESULTS

Twenty Chinese CFC patients, aged 0.6-9.5 years old, were included in this study and their clinical phenotypic spectrum was compared with that of 186 patients with CFC from non-Chinese ethnicities. All 20 Chinese patients with CFC carried de novo heterozygous BRAF, MAP2K1, and MAP2K2 variants. Two novel variants were detected and consistently predicted to be deleterious using bioinformatic tools. The clinical features of CFC in the Chinese patients included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (2/20, 10%), pulmonary valve stenosis (2/20, 10%), curly or sparse hair (7/20, 35%), epilepsy (1/20, 5%), and hypotonia (10/20, 50%); these features were less frequently observed in Chinese patients than non-Chinese patients (p < 0.05). In contrast, feeding difficulties (19/20, 95%) were more frequently observed in the Chinese patients. Absent eyebrows and severe short stature were more common in patients with BRAF variants than in those with MAP2K1/2 variants. Facial recognition software was used to recognize most CFC patients using artificial intelligence.

CONCLUSION

This study identified novel and common variants in our cohort of 20 Chinese patients with CFC. We uncovered differences in clinical features between Chinese and non-Chinese patients and detected genotype-phenotype correlations among the BRAF and MAP2K1/2 variant subgroups. This is the largest cohort of Chinese CFC patients to our knowledge, providing new insights into a subtype of RASopathy.

Effects of Different Primers on the Bond Strength to Properly and Excessively Etched Ceramic-coated Zirconia

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of various primers on the immediate and long-term bond strength of ceramic-coated ultratranslucent zirconia that is properly or excessively etched.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Ceramic-coated zirconia plates were etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 2 or 5 minutes, after which the surface morphology and elemental composition were examined. The etched specimens were treated with different primers including methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-only containing primer, silane-only containing primer, MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer as well as MDP and silane-containing adhesive system. For surface contact angle and shear bond strength (SBS) data, the difference between groups was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and three-way ANOVA factorial analysis, respectively. The statistical significance level of 0.05 was set and the Tukey test and the Dunnett-T3 test were used for post-hoc multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Excessive etching (9.5% HF for 5 minutes) led to overconsumption of the glass layer and exposure of zirconia substrate compared to proper etching (9.5% HF for 2 minutes). Among different primers, the surface contact angle of the silane-only containing primer group was the lowest. The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer produced higher shear bond strength of properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively, both before and after thermal aging.

CONCLUSIONS

The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing primer can obtain better immediate and long-term shear bond strength for properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively.

A novel heterozygous variant of FOXJ1 in a Chinese female with primary ciliary dyskinesia and hydrocephalus: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a type of ciliary dyskinesia that is usually caused by autosomal recessive inheritance and can manifest as recurrent respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, infertility, laterality defects, and chronic otolaryngological disease. Although ependymal cilia, which affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system, have much in common with respiratory cilia in terms of structure and function, hydrocephalus is rarely associated with PCD. Recently, variants of Forkhead box J1 (FOXJ1) have been found to cause PCD combined with hydrocephalus in a de novo, autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.

METHODS

We performed DNA extraction, whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis, and mutation analysis of FOXJ1 and analyzed the patient's clinical and genetic data.

RESULTS

The patient was a 4-year-old female exhibiting normal growth and development. At 3 years and 2 months of age, the patient experienced hand shaking and weakness in the lower limbs. Cardiac ultrasonography showed a right-sided heart, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed obstructive hydrocephalus. The nasal nitric oxide level was 54 nL/min. WES indicated a de novo, heterozygous variant of FOXJ1, c.734-735 ins20. This variant was novel, not included in the Human Gene Mutation and Genome Aggregation Database, and likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, causing earlier termination of amino acid translation. The patient underwent a neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy after the diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus. Six months after the operation, the patient's motor deficits had improved.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of a de novo, autosomal dominant pattern of FOXJ1 causing PCD combined with hydrocephalus in China. The patient's clinical symptoms were similar to those previously reported. WES confirmed that a novel variant of FOXJ1 was the cause of the PCD combined with hydrocephalus, expanding the spectrum of the genotypes associated with this condition. Physicians should be aware of the correlation of hydrocephalus and PCD and test for FOXJ1 variants.

[Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection on IFNGR1 palmitoylation in esophageal cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection on IFNGR1 palmitoylation and biological behaviors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the clinical implications.

METHODS

The expression levels of IFNGR1 protein in ESCC cell lines KYSE30 and KYSE70 were detected using Western blotting at 24 and 48 h after Pg infection, and 2-BP was used to detect IFNGR1 palmitoylation in the cells. KYSE70 cells with wild-type IFNGR1 (IFNGR1-WT cells) and with IFNGR1-C122A palmitoylation site mutation induced by site-specific mutagenesis (IFNGR1-C122A cells) were both infected with Pg, and the changes in palmitoylation of IFNGR1-C122A were analyzed using immunofluorescence and Click-iT assays. The changes in proliferation, migration and invasion ability of the infected cells were evaluated using plate cloning assay, scratch assay and Transwell assay, and IFNGR1 co-localization with lysosomal marker LAMP2 was dected using immunofluorescence assay. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Pg infection and IFNGR1 protein expression in 50 ESCC tissues, and their correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of the patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

Pg infection down-regulated the protein expression of IFNGR1 in ESCC and promoted IFNGR1 palmitoylation at site 122. In IFNGR1-WT cells, Pg infection significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion (P < 0.05). Similarly, Pg also significantly promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of IFNGR1-C122A cells, but to a lesser extent as compared with the wild-type cells (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that Pg and ZDHHC3 promoted IFNGR1 degradation within the lysosome. Immunohistochemical studies of the ESCC tissue samples showed a negative correlation between IFNGR1 and Pg expression, and a reduced IFNGR1 expression was correlated with a poorer survival outcome of the patient.

CONCLUSION

Pg infection enhances IFNGR1 palmitoylation to promote progression of ESCC, and elimination of Pg and inhibiting IFNGR1 palmitoylation may effectively control ESCC progression.

[Oligonucleotide drugs and their progress in stomatology]

Oligonucleotide drugs have the characteristics of targeting, modifiability and high biosafety. Recent studies have shown that oligonucleotide can be used to make biosensors, vaccine adjuvants, and has the functions of inhibiting alveolar bone resorption, promoting jaw and alveolar bone regeneration, anti-tumor, destroying plaque biofilm, and precise control of drug release. Therefore, it has a broad application prospect in the field of stomatology. This article reviews the classification, action mechanism and research status of oligonucleotide in stomatology. The aim is to provide ideas for further research and application of oligonucleotide.

[Association between coagulation function indicators and placental abruption among preeclampsia-eclampsia pregnant women]

Objective: To explore the association between coagulation function indicators and placental abruption (PA) in different trimesters of pregnancy among preeclampsia-eclampsia pregnant women. Methods: From February 2018 to December 2020, pregnant women who participated in the China birth cohort study and were diagnosed with preeclampsia, eclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital were enrolled in this study. The baseline and follow-up information were collected by questionnaire survey, and the coagulation function indicators in the first and third trimesters were obtained through medical records. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between the coagulation function indicators and PA. A restrictive cubic spline curve was used to draw the dose-response curve between the relevant coagulation function indicators and PA. Results: A total of 1 340 participants were included in this study. The age was (32.50±4.24) and the incidence of PA was 4.4% (59/1 340). After adjusting for relevant factors, Cox proportional hazards model showed that compared with the high-level classification of fibrinogen (FIB), participants within the middle-(HR=3.28, 95%CI: 1.27-8.48) and low-level (HR=3.84, 95%CI: 1.40-10.53) classification during the first trimester and within the low-level classification (HR=4.18, 95%CI: 1.68-10.39) during the third trimester were more likely to experience PA. Compared with the middle-level classification of pro-thrombin time (PT), the risk of PA in the participants within the low-level classification (HR=2.67, 95%CI: 1.48-4.82) was significantly higher in the third trimester. The restrictive cubic spline analysis showed a linear negative association between FIB and PA in the first and third trimesters, while PT and PA showed an approximately L-shaped association. Conclusion: Among pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia-eclampsia, the middle-and low-level classification of FIB in the first and third trimesters and the low-level classification of PT in the third trimester could increase the risk of PA.

[Progress in researches on cardiovascular health behaviors and factors in perinatal women]

The cardiovascular health index (CVH) is a composite index consisting of 7 CVH metrics (CVHM) to evaluate the cardiovascular health status in the population. CVH has been proven to be closely related to a variety of health outcomes and widely used in the prevention of many diseases and the evaluation of intervention effectiveness. This review summarizes the recent distribution of CVH and CVHM in pregnant women and the relationship between CVH and CVHM with adverse health outcomes, which aims to explore the application of CVH and CVHM in preventing pregnancy-related diseases and improving the long-term health level of perinatal women and their offspring.

[Analysis of incidence and associated factors of preterm birth based on pre-pregnancy body mass index stratification]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of preterm birth based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) stratification and explore the associated factors of preterm birth among pregnant women at different BMI stratifications. Methods: From February 2018 to December 2020, pregnant women who participated in China Birth Cohort Study (CBCS) and gave birth at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital were enrolled as the study subjects. Electronic Data Capture System and standard structured questionnaires were used to collect data related to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and delivery for pregnant women. Pregnant women were divided into the low-weight group, normal-weight group and overweight group based on their pre-pregnancy BMI. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the associated factors of preterm birth among pregnant women with different BMI before pregnancy. Results: A total of 27 195 singleton pregnant women were included, with a preterm birth rate of 5.08% (1 381/27 195). The preterm birth rates in the low-weight group, normal-weight group and overweight group were 4.29% (138/3 219), 4.63% (852/18 390) and 7.00% (391/5 586) respectively (P<0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the Cox proportional hazards model showed that the risk of preterm birth in the overweight group was 1.457 times higher than that in the normal-weight group (95%CI: 1.292-1.643). Preeclampsia-eclampsia (HR=2.701, 95%CI: 1.318-5.537) was the associated factor for preterm birth in the low-weight group. Advanced maternal age (HR=1.232, 95%CI: 1.054-1.441), history of preterm birth (HR=4.647, 95%CI: 3.314-6.515), vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (HR=1.613, 95%CI: 1.380-1.884), and preeclampsia-eclampsia (HR=3.553, 95%CI: 2.866-4.404) were associated factors for preterm birth in the normal-weight group. Advanced maternal age (HR=1.473, 95%CI: 1.193-1.818), history of preterm birth (HR=3.209, 95%CI: 1.960-5.253), vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (HR=1.636, 95%CI: 1.301-2.058), preeclampsia-eclampsia (HR=2.873, 95%CI:2.265-3.643), and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (HR=1.867, 95%CI: 1.283-2.717) were associated factors for preterm birth in the overweight group. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy overweight is an associated factor for preterm birth, and there are significant differences in the associated factors of preterm birth among pregnant women with different BMI before pregnancy.

[Oligonucleotide drugs and their progress in stomatology]

Oligonucleotide drugs have the characteristics of targeting, modifiability and high biosafety. Recent studies have shown that oligonucleotide can be used to make biosensors, vaccine adjuvants, and has the functions of inhibiting alveolar bone resorption, promoting jaw and alveolar bone regeneration, anti-tumor, destroying plaque biofilm, and precise control of drug release. Therefore, it has a broad application prospect in the field of stomatology. This article reviews the classification, action mechanism and research status of oligonucleotide in stomatology. The aim is to provide ideas for further research and application of oligonucleotide.

[Comparison of diagnostic performance of Clear Cell Likelihood Score v1.0 and v2.0 for clear renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of Clear Cell Likelihood Score (ccLS) v1.0 and v2.0 in diagnosing clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from small renal masses (SRM).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and MR images of patients with pathologically confirmed solid SRM from the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, and from Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University and Peking University First Hospital between January 1, 2019 and May 17, 2021. Six abdominal radiologists were trained for use of the ccLS algorithm and scored independently using ccLS v1.0 and ccLS v2.0. Random- effects logistic regression modeling was used to generate plot receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ccLS v1.0 and ccLS v2.0 for ccRCC, and the area under curve (AUC) of these two scoring systems were compared using the DeLong's test. Weighted Kappa test was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement of the ccLS score, and differences in the weighted Kappa coefficients was compared using the Gwet consistency coefficient.

RESULTS

In total, 691 patients (491 males, 200 females; mean age, 54 ± 12 years) with 700 renal masses were included in this study. The pooled accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ccLS v1.0 for diagnosing ccRCC were 77.1%, 76.8%, 77.7%, 90.2%, and 55.7%, as compared with 80.9%, 79.3%, 85.1%, 93.4%, 60.6% with ccLS v2.0, respectively. The AUC of ccLS v2.0 was significantly higher than that of ccLS v1.0 for diagnosis of ccRCC (0.897 vs 0.859; P < 0.01). The interobserver agreement did not differ significantly between ccLS v1.0 and ccLS v2.0 (0.56 vs 0.60; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ccLS v2.0 has better performance for diagnosing ccRCC than ccLS v1.0 and can be considered for use to assist radiologists with their routine diagnostic tasks.

[Comparison of the predictive value of Padua and the IMPEDE assessment scores for venous thromboembolism in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A single institution experience]

Objective: To compare the predictive efficacy of the two thrombosis risk assessment scores (Padua and IMPEDE scores) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 6 months in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in China. Methods: This study reviewed the clinical data of 421 patients with NDMM hospitalized in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from April 2014 to February 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index of the two scores were calculated to quantify the thrombus risk assessment of VTE by the Padua and IMPEDE scores. The receiver operating characteristics curves of the two evaluation scores were drawn. Results: The incidence of VTE was 14.73%. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index of the Padua score were 100%, 0%, 14.7%, and 0% and that of the IMPEDE score was 79%, 44%, 49.2%, and 23%, respectively. The areas under the curve of Padua and IMPEDE risk assessment scores were 0.591 and 0.722, respectively. Conclusion: IMPEDE score is suitable for predicting VTE within 6 months in patients with NDMM.

Biological functions of circRNAs and their advance on skeletal muscle development in bovine

The development of skeletal muscle in animals is a complex biological process, which are strictly and precisely regulated by many genes and non-coding RNAs. Circular RNA (circRNA) was found as a novel class of functional non-coding RNA with ring structure in recent years, which appears in the process of transcription and is formed by covalent binding of single-stranded RNA molecules. With the development of sequencing and bioinformatics analysis technology, the functions and regulation mechanisms of circRNAs have attracted great attention due to its high stability characteristics. The role of circRNAs in skeletal muscle development have been gradually revealed, where circRNAs were involved in various biological processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells. In this review, we summarized the current studies advance of circRNAs involved in skeletal muscle development in bovine, and hope to gain a deeper understanding of the functional roles of the circRNAs in muscle growth. Our results will provide some theoretical supports and great helps for the genetic breeding of this species, and aiming at improving bovine growth and development and preventing muscle diseases.

Effects of dietary phosphorus deficiency on the growth performance, hepatic lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of Yellow River Carp Cyprinus carpio haematopterus

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) deficiency in diets on growth performance, hepatic lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity in Yellow River Carp Cyprinus carpio haematopterus.

METHODS

In this study, 72 healthy experimental fish (initial weight = 12.0 ± 0.1 g [mean ± SE]) were randomly selected and distributed to two groups, with three replicates in each group. The groups were fed either a P-sufficient diet or a P-deficient diet for 8 weeks.

RESULT

The P-deficient feed significantly decreased the specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and condition factor of Yellow River Carp. Fish that were fed the P-deficient feed demonstrated higher contents of triglyceride, total cholesterol (T-CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the plasma and a higher T-CHO content in the liver compared to the P-sufficient diet group. In addition, the P-deficient diet significantly reduced the catalase activity level, decreased the glutathione content, and increased the malondialdehyde content in the liver and in the plasma. Furthermore, P deficiency in the diet significantly downregulated the messenger RNA expression of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, whereas it upregulated the messenger RNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α and fatty acid synthase in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Dietary P deficiency reduced fish growth performance, induced fat deposition and oxidative stress, and impaired liver health.

Current status of industrialized aquaculture in China: a review

Industrialized aquaculture is an essential trend for aquaculture development in China, owing to its considerable advantages in lower water consumption, higher productivity, and sustainability. However, information on its current status has been scarce up to now. This paper reviewed the current status and has identified existing problems as well as proposing possible solutions for the development of industrialized aquaculture in China. This field is still at an early stage of development and is mainly distributed in coastal regions. Major constraints on industrialized aquaculture include high capital and operational costs, the uncompetitive market price of aquatic products, uneven distribution of production and farming areas, a lack of suitably experienced managers and operators for recirculating aquaculture systems, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Possible solutions to these problems include technological innovations in systems optimization, the use of renewable energy sources and biofloc technology, the pollution-free certification of industrial aquaculture products, increased numbers of professionals in water quality control and waste management, and the financial assistance to companies and farmers along the aquaculture industrial chain.

Guar gum improves growth performance, intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and hepatic lipid metabolism in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed high-fat diets

The study aimed to investigate the effects of guar gum on the growth performance, gut microbiota composition, and hepatic lipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed high-fat diets. Experimental fish were fed a normal-fat diet (Control), high-fat diet (HF), or HF diets supplemented with 0.3 %, 1 %, and 3 % guar gum (GG0.3, GG1, and GG3, respectively) for eight weeks. The results showed that HF significantly decreased fish growth performance, increased hepatic lipid accumulation, upregulated the expression of sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1 (SREBP1), and downregulated the expression of liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1), and CYP8B1, compared to Control. However, these problems of high-fat diets were significantly alleviated by GG 0.3. The intestinal microbial communities of the GG0.3 and Control were similar but distinctly different from that of the HF group. Compared to HF, GG0.3 significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Lactococcus and decreased the relative abundance of Tenericutes, Mesomycoplasma, and Phenylobacterium. In addition, the GG0.3 and GG1 treatments significantly enhanced the bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity in the digesta compared to HF. In conclusion, 0.3 % guar gum supplementation can improve growth performance, intestinal health, and hepatic lipid metabolism in fish fed high-fat diets.

[Precise application of sleeve gastrectomy]

With the improvement of the national economy and living standards, the prevalence of obesity and related metabolic diseases is increasing yearly. The treatment effect of traditional diet control, physical exercise, and drug therapy are not ideal. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is not only aimed at weight loss, but also improves or resolves a variety of metabolic comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, and hyperlipidemia, enhancing the quality of life of patients. Surgical methods are also updated and iterated with the continuous development of metabolic surgery for weight loss. At present, more than 50% of the mainstream procedures are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The application of LSG should focus on precise surgical operations and indications to avoid or reduce adverse reactions and complications, so as to maximize the effect of bariatric surgery. At the same time, standardized postoperative management, multidisciplinary team (MDT) and in-hospital database construction, dietary nutrition and exercise guidance after discharge, and regular follow-up review are still important guarantees for the weight loss effect.

Remote telemedicine strategy based on multi-risks intervention by intelligent wearable health devices in elderly comorbidities patients with coronary heart disease

Background

Telemedicine based on wearable intelligent health devices becomes increasingly promissing for the elderly due to the accelerated aging population. Especially during COVID-19 pandemic, more elderly coronary heart disease patients with chronic comorbidities are in less secondary prevention management at home.

Objective

To explore the prevention effect on main cardiovascular risk factors and repeated hospitalization in elderly comorbidities patients by telemedicine intervention based on multi-parameter wearable monitoring devices.

Methods

Total of 337 patients with comorbidities of coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, with age more than 65 years old were recruited in the study from October 2019 to January 2021. They were randomly divided into control group and telemedcine intervention group. The latter used remote multi-parameter wearable devices to measure blood pressure, glycemic and electrocardiograph at home every day. A real-time monitoring platform would alarm any abnormal data to the doctors. Both doctors and patients can read the measurement results on a real-time mobile phone APP and interact with each other remotely twice a week routinely. A medical team remotely indicated the medications, while offering guidance on lifestyle. In contrast, the control group adopted traditional outpatient medical strategy to manage diseases.

Results

A total of 306 patients were enrolled in the follow-up experiment finally: 153 in the intervention group and 153 in the control group. Patient characteristics at baseline were balanced between two groups. After 12 months, compared with the control group, the intervention group saw the following metrics significantly reduced: systolic blood pressure (SBP) (131.66±9.43 vs 137.20±12.02 mmHg, P=0.000), total cholesterol (TC) (3.65±0.79 vs 4.08±0.82 mmol/L, P=0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (2.06±0.53 vs 2.38±0.61 mmol/L, P=0.002), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (6.26±0.75 vs 6.81±0.97 mmol/L, P=0.000), while the following metrics went up significantly: blood pressure control rate (77.3% vs 59.1%, P=0.039), blood lipid control rate(39.4% vs 21.2%, P=0.037), glycemic control rate (71.2% vs 51.5%, P=0.031), and medication adherence score (7.10±0.77 vs 6.80±0.73, P=0.020). Linear regression model analysis indicates that when interaction frequency ≥1.53, 2.47 and 1.15 times/week, the SBP, LDL-C and FBG levels would be controlled, respectively. Cox survival analysis finds that the hospitalization rate of intervention group is significantly lower than that of the control group (24.18% vs 35.29%, P=0.031).

Conclusion

The telemedicine interactive intervention based on multi-parameter wearable devices provides effectively improvement of cardiovascular risk controlling, medication adherence, while reducing the hospitalization rate of patients. A frequency of doctor-patient interactions more than 2 times/week is beneficial for disease management the elderly at home.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Key scientific research project of Health Commission

Addition of Chlorella sorokiniana meal in the diet of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Influence on fish growth, gut histology, oxidative stress, immune response, and disease resistance against Aeromonas salmonicida

This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary addition with Chlorella sorokiniana on fish growth, gut histology, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and disease resistance in rainbow trout. Three diets with similar proximate composition and different Chlorella meal levels were formulated. The control diet, 5% Chlorella diet, and 10% Chlorella diet contained 0%, 5% Chlorella meal, and 10% Chlorella meal, respectively. Each diet was assigned to triplicate tanks containing 30 fish (165.3 ± 0.6 g) in each tank. Fish were fed experimental diets for ninety days. The results showed that the addition of 5% Chlorella in the diet significantly increased feed intake by 19.3% and weight gain rate by 17.3% (P < 0.05) without affecting feed efficiency and gut histology. Diets containing Chlorella meal significantly decreased malonaldehyde contents in the plasma after the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with Chlorella meal significantly increased lysozyme (LZM) activity levels (in the head kidney) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) (in the head kidney) and complement component 3 (C3) (in the spleen) contents before the LPS challenge, and simultaneously increased LZM activity levels (in the plasma) and C3 contents (in the plasma and head kidney) after the LPS challenge (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary administration of Chlorella meal significantly increased the survival rate of fish infected with Aeromonas salmonicida (P < 0.05). In conclusion, C. sorokiniana can be used to improve fish growth, antioxidant capacity, and immunity.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

POS0074 IMMUNOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PsA PATIENTS WHO ARE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITOR-NAIVE AND WHO HAVE INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS

Background

A better understanding of the immunological differences between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients (pts) who are tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)-naïve & who have inadequate response to TNFi (TNFi-IR) may guide treatment choices. In DISCOVER-1, benefit of the IL-23p19 subunit inhibitor guselkumab (GUS) every-four-weeks (Q4W) & Q8W vs placebo (PBO) in improving PsA signs & symptoms was seen in adults with active PsA.1 The Ph3b COSMOS study of GUS Q8W vs PBO in TNFi-IR PsA pts corroborated these findings.2

Objectives

Assess baseline (BL) molecular differences between TNFi-naïve & -IR PsA pts & investigate GUS pharmacodynamic (PD) effect on cytokine expression over time in these cohorts.

Methods

Serum samples collected from consenting biomarker substudy pts in DISCOVER-11 (TNFi-naïve [n=101] & -IR [n=17]), DISCOVER-23 (TNFi-naïve [n=150]), & COSMOS2 (TNFi-IR [n=76]) were analyzed for selected serum cytokine levels. TNFi-IR pts in this post-hoc analysis had active PsA & discontinued 1-2 TNFi due to inadequate efficacy; these pts required a TNFi-specific washout period prior to starting GUS. PD effect of GUS Q8W on cytokine levels was assessed. Differential BL cytokine expression, associations between BL cytokine levels & clinical response (Psoriasis [PsO] Area & Severity Index 75% improvement from BL [PASI75] & American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement [ACR20]), & GUS effect on cytokine levels were analyzed with a General linear model & Spearman linear regression.

Results

BL pt demographics, disease characteristics, & conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) use were comparable between TNFi-naïve (DISCOVER-1 & -2, N=251) & -IR (DISCOVER-1 & COSMOS, N=93) pts, with differences in mean PASI score (8.9 v 12.5), swollen joint count (SJC) (11.7 v 10.3), PsA duration (5.8 v 9.8 yrs), & PsO duration (16.7 v 20.4 yrs; Table 1). BL serum IL-22 & TNFα levels for pooled treatment groups were higher in TNFi-IR than -naïve pts (p<0.05). At W24, GUS reduced IL-22, IL-17A/F, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), & serum amyloid A protein to similar levels in both cohorts (p<0.05; Figure 1). W24 PASI75 responders had higher BL IL-17F levels with GUS in both cohorts (p<0.05) & higher IL-22 levels in TNFi-IR pts only (p<0.05). A trend of upregulated BL IL-22 expression in W24 ACR20 responders was seen for TNFi-IR pts with GUS (p=0.07).

Table 1.

BL demographics, disease characteristics, & drug use in TNFi-naïve & -IR cohorts with available cytokine data in DISCOVER-1&2 & COSMOS.*

TNFi-naïve (N=251)TNFi-IR (N=93)Age [yrs]47.2 (11.3)48.5 (11.1)Female, n (%)132 (52.6)46 (49.5)Body mass index [kg/m2]29.6 (6.1)30.3 (6.4)Median (range) CRP [mg/dL]0.9 (0.0-12.9)1.0 (0.0-13.2)Log2 IL-22 / TNFα [pg/mL]2.0 (1.4) / 1.1 (0.6)2.5 (1.5) / 1.9 (1.2)Log2 IL-17A / F [pg/mL]-0.4 (1.5) / 1.7 (1.5)-0.1 (1.7) / 2.0 (1.6)SJC [0-66]11.7 (7.1)10.3 (8.3)TJC [0-68]20.3 (13.1)20.6 (14.2)PsA duration [yrs]5.8 (5.9)9.8 (8.2)PsO duration [yrs]16.7 (12.8)20.4 (12.0)PsO Body surface area (%)14.8 (18.6)19.1 (21.3)Investigator’s Global Assessment score [0-4]2.3 (0.9)2.3 (1.0)PASI score [0-72]8.9 (10.6)12.5 (12.0)Enthesitis [Y], n (%)160 (63.7)58 (62.4)csDMARD use [Y], n (%)164 (65.3)62 (66.7)Corticosteroid use (Y), n (%)45 (17.9)19 (20.4)Methotrexate use [Y], n (%)136 (54.2)54 (58.1)

Data are mean (SD) unless otherwise noted. *Pts with serum CRP level ≥0.3 mg/dL, SJC ≥3, & TJC ≥3 (to mimic D1 inclusion criteria1). TJC= tender joint count

Conclusion

Elevated BL IL-22 expression & association between BL IL-22 levels & W24 PASI75 response, & a W24 trend for an association between upregulated BL IL-22 & ACR20 response, in TNFi-IR pts seen in this exploratory analysis may suggest increased involvement of the IL-23 pathway in TNFi-IR pts. GUS showed comparable & significant PD effects for TNFi-naïve & -IR pts, consistent with observed clinical responses.

References

[1]Deodhar A, et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1115-25.

[2]Coates LC, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80:140-1.

[3]Mease P, et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1126-36.

Disclosure of Interests

Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Laura Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Siba P Raychaudhuri Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Warner Chen Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Sheng Gao Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), May Shawi Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Frederic Lavie Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Elke Theander Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Marlies Neuhold Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Xie L Xu Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Proton Rahman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Aclaris, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Inmagene, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Atul Deodhar Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Aurinia, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MoonLake, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB

POS0006 IDENTIFICATION OF FIBROTIC AND FIBROLYTIC ENDOTYPES IN RHEUMATIC DISEASE COHORTS

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are distinct diseases with common molecular features, such as an imbalance in fibrolysis and fibrosis of connective and calcified tissues. Type III, IV and VI collagens are abundant in connective tissue, and type I, II and X of the skeletal tissue. Blood biomarkers are available to measure fibrolysis (C1M, C2M, C3M, C4M, C6M, C10C) and fibrosis (PRO-C1, PRO-C2, PRO-C3, PRO-C4, PRO-C6) of these collagens.

Objectives

To profile AS, PsA and SLE patients (pts) using blood biomarkers of collagen formation and degradation.

Methods

Baseline serum samples from consenting pts of the AS (NCT02437162/NCT02438787), PsA (NCT0315828), and SLE (NCT02349061) studies were included in the analyses. Healthy donor samples were acquired from Discovery LS. Biomarkers were measured by immunoassays. Biomarker levels were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Before hierarchical clustering (Ward.D2), biomarker levels were log-transformed and standardized by median centering and scaling by median absolute deviation (MAD).

Results

When compared with healthy individuals, VICM was elevated in all indications (although markedly less so in SLE pts). The fibrosis marker PRO-C3 was elevated in all indications vs. healthy, while PRO-C4 and PRO-C6 were elevated only in AS and PsA. The fibrolysis markers C3M, C4M and C6M were elevated in all indications. The cartilage fibrosis marker PRO-C2, but not C2M, was elevated in AS and PsA, but not in SLE, ps. The bone fibrosis marker PRO-C1 was at the level of healthy for all. The fibrolysis marker C1M was elevated in all, while elevated C10C was seen only in PsA and SLE, pts (Table 1). Four clusters (C) of blood markers were extracted (Figure 1). C1 was characterized by low biomarker levels (68% of healthy, 1% of PsA, 3% of SLE pts). C2 was described by high levels of C10C and median levels of VICM (20% of healthy, 12% of AS, 19% of PsA, 42% of SLE pts). C3 was described by median biomarker levels (8% of healthy, 67% of AS, 48% of PsA, 46% of SLE pts). C4 had high biomarker levels (4% of healthy, 21% of AS, 31% of PsA, 9% of SLE pts).

Conclusion

Fibrosis and fibrolysis blood biomarkers were significantly elevated in AS, PsA and SLE pts. Subsets of pts from each indication were found in clusters with either low (C1/2), median (C3) or high (C4) levels of fibrosis/fibrolysis biomarkers. These findings may provide a first step towards precision medicine for guiding the use of anti-inflammatory vs. anti-fibrotic treatments in pts with rheumatological disorders.

Disclosure of Interests

Anne-Christine Bay-Jensen Shareholder of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Signe Holm Nielsen Shareholder of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Peder Frederiksen Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Morten Karsdal Shareholder of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Warner Chen Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, Sheng Gao Employee of: Janssen Research & Development

Identification and functional analysis of miRNAs in skeletal muscle of juvenile and adult largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered key regulators to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression affecting multiple biological activities. However, the developmental process of fish skeletal muscles is regulated by complicated molecular mechanism that has not been completely well-described. In this study, two small RNAs libraries from skeletal muscle of juvenile as well as adult largemouth bass (LMB) were obtained and sequenced using deep sequencing to investigate the development-related miRNAs. We identified an overall number of 486 already recognized miRNAs in addition to 43 novel miRNAs. Comparison of two different skeletal muscle development stages led to the identification of 220 differently expressed miRNAs between juvenile and adult LMB containing 116 up-regulated as well as 104 down-regulated miRNAs. Of them, confirmation of some differently expressed miRNAs was performed via a stem-loop qRT-PCR, which exhibited differently expressed level in juvenile and adult LMB. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of targets of differently-expressed miRNAs were carried out. Additionally, the analysis of miRNAs-targets interaction network showed that miR-181b-5p_R-1, miR-725 and miR-103 as the nodal miRNAs has over 20 target genes. Moreover, miR-103 could bind the 3'-UTR of actr8, which was validated via dual-luciferase reporter assay. It has been reasonably hypothesized that miR-103 may play a crucial role, which regulate skeletal muscle development of LMB. The present study provides the first identification of miRNA expression profiles at two different skeletal muscle development stages in LMB. Results may be valuable in interpreting the regulatory role miRNAs plays in the growth and developmental process of skeletal muscle and its possible use in LMB breeding.

POS0969 GENETIC AND MOLECULAR DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN AXIAL PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) represent the prototypical spondyloarthritides. PsA patients may also suffer from axial disease (axPsA). Despite overlapping symptoms, axPsA and AS may be distinct disorders with differing clinical manifestations, genetic associations, and radiographic findings.1 These disorders also respond differently to immunomodulatory therapies such as anti-interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors. While guselkumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23p19 subunit, improved symptoms of axPsA,2 risankizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23p19 subunit, did not show improvement in the primary endpoint of proportion of AS patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society 40% (ASAS40) response at week (W) 12.3

Objectives

To understand molecular distinctions between axPsA and AS to differentiate these diseases and guide treatment choice.

Methods

Whole blood and serum samples were collected from consenting patients in the NCT03162796/NCT0315828 studies of guselkumab in PsA and the NCT02437162/NCT02438787 studies of ustekinumab in AS. axPsA patients were investigator-verified as having magnetic resonance imaging- or pelvic x-ray-confirmed sacroiliitis at screening (locally read). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes were determined by RNA sequencing, limited to Caucasian patients to reduce genetic variability,4 and select serum cytokine levels were analyzed alongside samples from healthy individuals. Differential prevalence of HLA alleles in axPsA versus AS was determined using a Fisher’s Exact test. Statistical significance of differential baseline serum cytokine expression among axPsA versus non-axPsA versus AS patients, and of guselkumab effect on serum cytokine reduction versus placebo among axPsA and non-axPsA patients, were determined with a generalized linear model performed on log2-transformed data. Biomarker data from guselkumab every-4-weeks and every-8-weeks treatment arms were pooled.

Results

Among the 186/234 Caucasian axPsA/AS patients with available data, 34%/15% were female, 70%/14% used methotrexate at baseline, mean serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were 2.8/2.4 mg/dL and mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores were 6.4/7.5, respectively. Aside from race, baseline demographics and disease characteristics were representative of the overall population. The prevalence of class I HLA allele -B27, -C01, and -C02 carriers was significantly lower in axPsA than AS patients (30.7% versus 92.3%, p<0.001; 5.9% versus 31.6%, p<0.001; and 28.0% versus 62.0%, p<0.001, respectively), while the prevalence of HLA-C06 was significantly higher in axPsA than AS populations (36.0% versus 8.6%, p<0.001). Baseline serum levels of IL-17A and IL-17F were significantly higher in axPsA (N=71) than in AS (N=58) patients (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Comparable IL-17A/F expression was seen for axPsA and non-axPsA (N=229) patients (both p=not significant). Significant and comparable reductions from baseline in serum IL-17A/F in axPsA and non-axPsA patients were seen with guselkumab treatment (axPsA N=41, non-axPsA N=160) versus placebo (axPsA N=30, non-axPsA N=69) at W4/24 (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Adults with axPsA and AS exhibit different genetic risk factors and serum IL-17 levels, supporting the concept of distinct disorders. Guselkumab demonstrated significant pharmacodynamic effects in axPsA patients that aligned with such effects in non-axPsA patients, consistent with observed clinical improvement.2

References

[1]Feld et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2018;14(6):363-371.

[2]Mease et al. Lancet Rheumatol. 2021;3(10)E715-E723.

[3]Baeten et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(9):1295-1302.

[4]Buchkovich et al. Genome Med. 2017;9(86).

Disclosure of Interests

Arthur Kavanaugh Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Genentech, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Xenofon Baraliakos Consultant of: AbbVie, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, and Novartis, Sheng Gao Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Warner Chen Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Kristen Sweet Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Soumya D Chakravarty Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Qingxuan Song Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, May Shawi Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Frank Behrens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Pfizer, and Roche, Proton Rahman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen, research grants from Janssen and Novartis

POS0308 EFFECT OF GUSELKUMAB ON SERUM BIOMARKERS IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE OR INTOLERANCE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS: RESULTS FROM THE COSMOS STUDY

Background

Guselkumab (GUS), a selective IL-23 inhibitor, is efficacious in treating bio-naïve and TNFi-experienced active PsA patients (pts).1.2 In the COSMOS study of active PsA pts with lack of efficacy/intolerance, i.e., inadequate response (IR), to 1-2 TNFi, GUS demonstrated significantly greater response rates and mean improvements in PsA signs and symptoms vs. placebo (PBO) at Week (W) 24.3

Objectives

Evaluate baseline (BL) serum levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, serum amyloid A [SAA], TNFα, IFNɣ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17F, IL-17A, IL-22) and their relationship to BL disease activity, GUS treatment (tx), and clinical response in COSMOS TNFi-IR pts.

Methods

TNFi-IR pts ≥18 yrs with active PsA (≥3 swollen & ≥3 tender joint counts [SJC/TJC]) were randomized 2:1 to GUS 100 mg every 8 W (Q8W) through W44 or PBO with early escape (W16) or crossover (W24) to GUS Q8W. Samples for serum biomarker analyses, collected at W0, 4, 16, 24, and 48 from consenting pts, were compared with healthy controls (HC; independent of COSMOS). Associations between early biomarker changes and BL disease activity, GUS tx, and clinical response at W24 were assessed.

Results

Among 285 COSMOS pts, 50/95 PBO and 100/190 GUS pts had available biomarker data. BL characteristics of the biomarker cohort were similar to the overall COSMOS population and well balanced across tx arms. At BL, levels of TNFα, IFNɣ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were significantly upregulated in TNFi-IR pts vs. HC (Table 1). IL-6, CRP, and SAA levels were associated with BL joint disease severity per Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28-CRP (but not with SJC [0-66]/TJC [0-68]). IL-17A and IL-17F levels were associated with BL PASI score. Through W24, significant decreases from BL in levels of CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were seen in GUS-, but not PBO-tx pts. Reductions in IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22 with GUS were significant by W4, decreased further by W16, and were sustained through W24 and W48. In GUS-tx pts, serum levels of IL-17F (from W16) and IL-22 (from W4) were not significantly different vs. HC. At W48, reductions in these same markers were seen in PBO-tx pts who crossed over to GUS at W16/24 (Figure 1; IL-17A, IL-17F, & IL-22 data shown). In these TNFi-IR pts, GUS-tx pts achieving ACR20 at W24 exhibited higher IL-22 and IFNɣ levels at BL than nonresponders (NR). All other biomarkers evaluated were not significantly associated with ACR20 response to GUS. In the subset of pts with IGA of psoriasis assessed, BL IL-6 and SAA levels were upregulated in W24 IGA 0/1 responders (R) vs. NR in the GUS arm. ACR20 and IGA 0/1 R at W24 exhibited an early greater reduction in IL-6 expression (at W4) than did respective NR in the GUS arm. No BL biomarkers were associated with ACR50 or PASI75 responses to GUS at W24.

Table 1.

Select Serum Biomarkers at BL in TNFi-IR pts vs. HC▫

Biomarker, pg/mLHC N=24TNFi-IR N=150Fold differencep-valueCRP22.1 (1.5)22.8 (2.2)1.60.2895SAA21.7 (1.2)22.8 (2.4)2.10.0794IL-60.07 (1.1)0.98 (1.7)1.90.0314*IL-10-2.3 (1.1)-1.7 (1.0)1.50.0272*IL-17A-2.1 (1.3)-0.3 (1.5)3.3<0.0001*IL-17F0.05 (1.1)1.3 (1.5)2.40.0007*IL-221.9 (1.1)3.1 (1.3)2.40.0002*TNFα0.5 (0.75)1.4 (1.1)1.80.0002*IFNɣ2.4 (0.84)2.9 (1.3)1.50.0259*

Data are mean (SD); *p<0.05 and |fold difference| >1.4; ▫adjusted for confounding factors age & sex.

Conclusion

GUS-tx TNFi-IR pts showed response-specific associations with BL biomarkers (IL-22, IFNɣ, IL-6, and SAA). GUS resulted in decreased levels of elevated CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22, while no significant change was observed with PBO tx. Reductions in these biomarkers were evident as early as W4 and approximated levels seen in HC from W16 onward (W4 for IL-22), suggesting apparent normalization of effector cytokines associated with the IL-23/Th17 axis following GUS tx.

References

[1]Deodhar A et al. Lancet 2020;395:1115-25.

[2]Mease PJ et al. Lancet 2020;395:1126-36.

[3]Coates LC et al. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220991.

Disclosure of Interests

Georg Schett Speakers bureau: Amgen, AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis and UCB, Warner Chen Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Sheng Gao Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, May Shawi Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Frederic Lavie Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Elke Theander Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Marlies Neuhold Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Laura Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB

[SARS-CoV-2 with transcription regulatory sequence motif mutation poses a greater threat]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the mutations in transcription regulatory sequences (TRSs) of coronaviruss (CoV) to provide the basis for exploring the patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and outbreak.

METHODS

A combined evolutionary and molecular functional analysis of all sets of publicly available genomic data of viruses was performed.

RESULTS

A leader transcription regulatory sequence (TRS-L) usually comprises the first 60-70 nts of the 5' UTR in a CoV genome, and the body transcription regulatory sequences (TRS-Bs) are located immediately upstream of the genes other than ORF1a and 1b. In each CoV genome, the TRS-L and TRS-Bs share a specific consensus sequence, namely the TRS motif. Any changes of nucleotide residues in the TRS motifs are defined as TRS motif mutations. Mutations in the TRS-L or multiple TRS-Bs result in superattenuated variants. The spread of super-attenuated variants may cause an increase in asymptomatic or mild infections, prolonged incubation periods and a decreased detection rate of the viruses, thus posing new challenges to SARS-CoV-2 prevention and control. The super-attenuated variants also increase their possibility of long-term coexistence with humans. The Delta variant is significantly different from all the previous variants and may lead to a large-scale transmission. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) with TRS motif mutation has already appeared and shown signs of spreading in Singapore, which, and even the Southeast Asia, may become the new epicenter of the next wave of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

CONCLUSION

TRS motif mutation will occur in all variants of SARS-CoV-2 and may result in super-attenuated variants. Only super-attenuated variants with TRS motif mutations will eventually lose the abilities of cross-species transmission and causing outbreaks.

Fully automated quantification of LV regional wall motion from echocardiograms to detect myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Ultromics Ltd

Background

Myocardial wall motion analysis from echocardiography allows precise assessment of cardiac contractile function. Strain, which assesses myocardial deformation, has been shown to enable earlier detection of myocardial disease [1]. Current analysis software packages [2] use semi-automated methods to compute strain, which frequently require manual endocardial delineation and iterative contour adjustment based on tracking results, respectively, causing significant variability.

Purpose

We present a fully automated pipeline for tracking left ventricular (LV) wall motion to quantify global and segmental longitudinal strain from 2D echocardiograms, and go on to validate the pipeline with an openly available myocardial infarction (MI) dataset.

Methods

We applied our existing deep learning-based automated contouring method [3] to delineate the endocardial border in the A4C, A2C and A3C views and combined this with spline-based elastic image registration to track LV motion through time. We sampled points from a region of interest initiated from the endocardial border at the end-diastolic (ED) frame, and tracked subsequent motion by recomputing updated positions of all sample points based on each frame‘s displacement field, enabling us to both track the myocardium throughout the cardiac cycle and calculate longitudinal strain relative to the ED frame. The automated endocardial contour was used to regularise the process. The pipeline was independently tested on the HMC-QU dataset [4] which was downloaded from Kaggle and consists of a single cardiac cycle from the A4C view from 160 patients who were diagnosed with an acute MI and underwent echocardiography either prior to percutaneous coronary intervention or within 24 hours of undergoing the procedure; the dataset includes the labels of ED and end-systolic (ES) frames, as well as the presence of an MI in 6 segments excluding the apical cap (Fig 1a), as determined by the consensus of cardiologists from HMC Hospital in Qatar. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare peak strain between the MI and non-MI segments; ROC curves were computed to compare the performance of the automatically derived peak longitudinal strain against the MI labels.

Results

Fig 1b shows ROC curves of peak segmental longitudinal strain for detecting MI, with the best performance in the mid-anterolateral segment (AUC 0.84), and a lower performance for basal segments than mid and apical segments, consistent with known variation in clinical practice [5]. Fig 2 shows that peak longitudinal strain computed from our pipeline was statistically significantly more positive in segments with an MI.

Conclusions

We present a fully automated pipeline for calculating segmental strain across a cardiac cycle to identify infarcted segments without any observer variability. Clinical application of this method has the potential to identify and monitor regional myocardial function and benefit patient management. Abstract Figure. Fig1. ROC of peak longitudinal strains  Abstract Figure. Fig2.Boxplot of peak longitudinal strain

[Analysis of COL1A1 gene variation and clinical prevention and treatment in patients with Van der Hoeve syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype, treatment and prevention of Van der Hoeve syndrome, and analyze the variation characteristics of its related gene COL1A1. Methods: Hearing and sequencing data of syndromic deafness patients who had undergone genetic testing for deafness at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital since January 2008 to October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The variation of the COL1A1 gene and return visits to traceable patients and families were summarized, the disease progress and clinical treatment effects were analyzed, and the prevention strategies were discussed. Results: A total of 7 patients with COL1A1 gene mutation underwent clinical intervention. The mutation sites were c.1342A>T (p.Lys448*), c.124C>T (p.Gln42*), c.249insG(p.Ala84*), c.668insC(p.Gly224*), c.2829+1G>C, c.1081C>T (p.Arg361*), c.1792C>T (p.Arg598*), of which c.1081C>T and c.1792C>T had been previously reported, and the remaining 5 were novo mutations that have not been reported. All the 7 probands underwent stapes implantation and received genetic counseling and prevention guidance. Conclusions: Van der Hoeve syndrome belongs to osteogenesis imperfecta type Ⅰ. The disease has high penetrance. Timely surgical intervention for hearing loss can improve the life quality in patients. Accurate genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic diagnosis can achieve the primary prevention for the disease.

Dietary sodium butyrate supplementation attenuates intestinal inflammatory response and improves gut microbiota composition in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed with a high soybean meal diet

The study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (NaBT) supplementation on the gut health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed with a high soybean meal diet. Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: a high fishmeal group (Control); a high soybean meal group (SBM), in which the 30% fishmeal protein in the Control diet was replaced by soy protein; and an NaBT group, in which 0.2% NaBT was added to the SBM diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate tanks (20 fish in each tank). After 8 weeks of feeding trial, the distal intestine and intestinal digesta of the fish in each treatment were sampled. The results showed that fishmeal replacement and NaBT supplementation did not affect fish growth performance. Dietary 0.2% NaBT supplementation improved intestinal morphology, increasing the villus width and villus height and reducing the width of lamina propria. The distal intestine of fish in the control and NaBT groups demonstrated lower activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and a lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, compared with the fish in the SBM group. Moreover, the addition of 0.2% NaBT in the feed significantly decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) compared to the SBM diet. PCoA and UPGMA analyses based on weighted UniFrac distances demonstrated that intestinal microbial communities in the NaBT group were closer to those in the control group than to those in the SBM group. In addition, dietary 0.2% NaBT supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and decreased the abundance of Tenericutes at the phylum level. Furthermore, the abundance of Bacteroides, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, and Lachnospiraceae_uncultured was significantly increased, while that of Mycoplasma was significantly decreased in fish intestine at NaBT group at the genus level. In conclusion, dietary NaBT supplementation had beneficial roles in protecting the gut health of largemouth bass from the impairments caused by soybean meal.

Ceramic Inlay Bonded Interfaces in Minimally Invasive Preparations: Damage and Contributing Mechanisms in Sliding Contact

BACKGROUND

In the preparation of inlay cavities, a choice must be made between conventional standard and minimally invasive preparation designs; in the long run, this choice can affect the integrity of the bonded interface.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive cavity preparation designs on the extent and contributing mechanisms of damage to ceramic inlay bonded interfaces.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Tooth blocks with 90°, 120° and 75° marginal angles were prepared, representing tooth cavities with conventional standard and minimally invasive preparations with large divergence and convergence angles and bonded to monolithic ceramic (IPS e.max CAD). Vickers indentations were placed at various distances from the bonded interface. The indentation morphology and crack length were observed. Reciprocating wear tests were performed on the bonded interface with a 20-newton (N) vertical load. The wear depth and wear-scar morphology were characterized after increments of cyclic sliding contact.

RESULTS

The 120° group exhibited longer indentation cracks in the ceramic, whereas the 75° group showed larger indentations in the enamel when compared to the 90° group (p<0.001). Consistent with the weaker edge crack resistance, the 120° group experienced the greatest wear (p=0.008), and the wear depth in the enamel of the 75° group exceeded that of the 90° group (p<0.001) in the early stage (5×102 cycles). However, no significant difference in the wear depth (p>0.147) and morphology were found at the later wear stage among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, minimally invasive preparations with 120° and 75° marginal angles can result in early sever damage at the ceramic inlay bonded interface but show comparable wear behaviors to the conventional 90° group at the later stage.

The expression profile of miR-222b-5p/MAPK10 in spleens of SPF chickens infected with REV-SNV at 28-42 dpi

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is an avian oncogenic retrovirus that causes atrophy of immune organs, such as the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius, leading to severe immunosuppression. However, there is limited information describing the genes or microRNAs (miRNAs) that play a role in replicating REV-spleen necrosis virus (SNV). Our previous miRNA and RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p was significantly upregulated in REV-SNV-infected chicken spleens of 7, 14, and 21 dpi compared to non-infected chicken spleens, but mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10), which is related to innate immunity, had the opposite expression pattern. To understand chicken cellular miRNA function in the virus-host interactions during REV infection, we used quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to determine whether the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p and MAPK10 in the spleen of specific-pathogen-free chickens at 28, 35, and 42 dpi was consistent with the first 3 time points, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeting relationship between gga-miR-222b-5p and MAPK10. Results show that MAPK10 was downregulated at all 3 time points; however, significant difference (p⟨0.01) was noted only at 35 dpi. Moreover, the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p was upregulated; however, significant difference (p⟨0.01) was observed only at 28 and 35 dpi. A dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that MAPK10 is a direct target of gga-miR-222b-5p. This study suggests that gga-miR-222b-5p may target MAPK10 to promote the REV-SNV-induced tumorigenesis via the RLRs signaling pathway.