Generation mechanism and empirical model of eddy current force and torque in drum-type eddy current separation

Enhancing the recovery efficiency of non-ferrous metals in eddy current separation is of great significance. In this study, the accuracy of the simulation model was verified by comparing the eddy current force. The transformation mechanism of the Lorentz forces into the eddy current force and torque in non-ferrous metal particles was revealed by analyzing various physical fields. Then, the influence of magnetic field parameters on eddy current, eddy current force, and torque was studied. It shows that the eddy current force and torque are affected by the vector gradient of the magnetic field and the magnetic flux density, respectively. Additionally, the time derivative of the magnetic field impacts the magnitude of the eddy current force and torque by controlling the eddy current. On this basis, the empirical models of eddy current force and torque were established by similarity theory. The results obtained can improve and expand the application of eddy current separation.

The enhanced cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells by Tanshinone I-induced photodynamic effect

Recently, natural photosensitizers, such as berberine, curcumin, riboflavin, and emodin, have received more and more attention in photodynamic therapy. Tanshinone I (TanI) is extracted from a traditional Chinese herb Danshen, and exhibits many physiological functions including antitumor. TanI is a photoactive phytocompounds, but no work was tried to investigate its potential photodynamic effect. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity induced by the photodynamic effect of TanI. The photochemical reactions of TanI were firstly investigated by laser flash photolysis. Then breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was chosen as a model and the photodynamic effect of TanI on cancer cell was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The results showed that TanI could be photoexcited by its UV-Vis absorption light to produce 3TanI* which was quickly quenched by O2. MTT assay showed that the photodynamic effect of TanI resulted in more obvious inhibitive effect on cell survival and cell migration. Besides, the photodynamic effect of TanI could induce cell apoptosis and necrosis, lead to cell cycle arrest in G2, increase intracellular ROS, and decrease the cellular Δψm. It can be concluded that the photodynamic effect of TanI can obviously enhance the cytotoxicity of TanI on MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro, which indicated that TanI might serve as a natural photosensitizer.

Reduction in the duration of postoperative fever following NUSS surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to compare the prevalence of postoperative fever during the COVID-19 pandemic period with that of the preceding non-pandemic period.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with pectus excavatum (PE) undergoing minimally invasive repair (also called NUSS procedure) at Nanjing Children's Hospital from January 1, 2017 to March 1, 2019 (Group 2019), and from January 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021 (Group 2021). Data from a total of 284 patients, consisting of 200 (70.4%) males and 84 (29.6%) females with an average age of 9.73 ± 3.41 (range, 4 to 17) years, were collected. The presence of post-operative fever (defined as a forehead temperature of 37.5℃ or above within 72 h post-surgery), as well as the time of operation, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilator and urinary catheter use, and length of hospitalization were all assessed in admitted patients from Group 2019 (n = 144) and Group 2021 (n = 140). Postoperative white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and prevalence of postoperative complications (i.e., pneumothorax, pulmonary atelectasis, pneumonia, wound infection, and dehiscence) were also determined.

RESULT

Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative fever within 24 to 72 h of surgery in patients admitted from Group 2019 as compared to Group 2021 (p < 0.001), as well as a decrease in peak body temperature within 72 h (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed in age and body mass index (BMI), time of operation, or duration of postoperative mechanical ventilator and urinary catheter use between the two groups (p > 0.05). The average hospitalization length of Group 2021 was significantly shorter than Group 2019 (12.49 ± 2.57 vs. 11.85 ± 2.19 days, p < 0.05). Furthermore, while the WBC count between the two groups 24 h after surgery showed a statistical difference (p < 0.05), no differences in CRP levels or the incidence of postoperative complications were observed (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of postoperative fever within 72 h of surgery and the length of hospital stay for patients with PE undergoing NUSS surgery were both decreased in Group 2021. We propose that the above phenomenon may be related to increased used of personal protection equipment (such as surgical masks and filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs)) by physicians, nurses, and the patients themselves.

The effect of robot-assisted gait training for patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

With the aging of the global population, Spinal injuries are often prone to occur and affect human health. The development of technology has put robots on the stage to assist in the treatment of spinal injuries.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search were carried out in multiple databases, including PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, CKNI, Wang fang, VIP database, Sino Med, Clinical Trails until 20th, June, 2023 to collect effect of robot-assisted gait training for patients with spinal cord injury patients. Primary outcome includes any changes of gait distance and gait speed. Secondary outcomes include any changes in functions (Such as TUG, Leg strength, 10 MWT) and any advent events. Data were extracted from two independent individuals and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2.0 was assessed for the included studies. Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

11 studies were included in meta-analysis. The result showed that gait distance [WMD = 16.05, 95% CI (-15.73, 47.83), I2 = 69%], gait speed (RAGT vs. regular treatment) [WMD = 0.01, 95% CI (-0.04, 0.05), I2 = 43%], gait speed (RAGT vs. no intervention) [WMD = 0.07, 95% CI (0.01, 0.12), I2 = 0%], leg strength [WMD = 0.59, 95% CI (-1.22, 2.40), I2 = 29%], TUG [WMD = 9.25, 95% CI (2.76, 15.73), I2 = 74%], 10 MWT [WMD = 0.01, 95% CI (-0.15, 0.16), I2 = 0%], and 6 MWT [WMD = 1.79, 95% CI (-21.32, 24.90), I2 = 0%].

Conclusion

Robot-assisted gait training seems to be helpful for patients with spinal cord to improve TUG. It may not affect gait distance, gait speed, leg strength, 10 MWT, and 6 MWT.

IGF2BP3/HIF1A/YAP signaling plays a role in driving acute-on-chronic liver failure through activating hepatocyte reprogramming

BACKGROUND

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome with both high prevalence and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive and there is no effective therapeutic approach available. Here we aim to uncover novel molecular mechanisms of ACLF and identify potential therapeutic targets.

METHOD

We performed integrative analysis of 3 transcriptomic datasets and subsequent bioinformatic analysis aiming for potential genes of significance in ACLF development, identifying a critical role of IGF2BP3/HIF1A signaling in development of ACLF. Expression of molecules in IGF2BP3/HIF1A pathway and hepatocyte reprogramming markers in clinical samples were then determined by western blot and quantitative PCR. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification of HIF1A was analyzed by m6A dot assay and PCR following m6A-antibody precipitation. The molecular mechanisms among IGFBP3, HIF1α and YAP1 were further validated by gene overexpression and knockdown experiments in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Cell phenotypes of hepatocyte reprogramming were determined by EdU staining, sphere formation assay and immunoblotting of relevant markers.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that IGF2BP3 recognized m6A modification in HIF1A mRNA as an m6A reader, thereby promoting expression of HIF1A by increasing RNA stability. HIF1A activated Rho GTPases (RhoA) and suppressed phosphorylation of YAP via inhibiting LATS1/2, promoting translocation of non-phosphorylated YAP into the nucleus, resulting in fetal liver programme and ultimate hepatic injury in ACLF patients.

CONCLUSION

We reveal a novel molecular mechanism that IGF2BP3/HIF1A/YAP signaling promotes hepatocyte reprogramming, causing hepatic injury in ACLF. Our study provides potential targets for treatment of ACLF.

Lack of furosemide responsiveness predict severe acute kidney injury after liver transplantation

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains to be a common but severe complication after liver transplantation (LT). However, there are still few clinically validated biomarkers. A total of 214 patients who underwent routine furosemide (1-2 mg/kg) after LT were retrospectively included. The urine output during the first 6 h was recorded to evaluate the predictive value of AKI stage 3 and renal replacement therapy (RRT). 105 (49.07%) patients developed AKI, including 21 (9.81%) progression to AKI stage 3 and 10 (4.67%) requiring RRT. The urine output decreased with the increasing severity of AKI. The urine output of AKI stage 3 did not significantly increase after the use of furosemide. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for the total urine output in the first hour to predict progression to AKI stage 3 was 0.94 (p < 0.001). The ideal cutoff for predicting AKI progression during the first hour was a urine volume of less than 200 ml with a sensitivity of 90.48% and specificity of 86.53%. The area under the ROC curves for the total urine output in the six hours to predict progression to RRT was 0.944 (p < 0.001). The ideal cutoff was a urine volume of less than 500 ml with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 90.91%. Severe AKI after liver transplantation seriously affects the outcome of patients. Lack of furosemide responsiveness quickly and accurately predict AKI stage 3, and patients requiring RRT after the operation.

Tourism’s long- and short-term influence on global cities’ economic growth: The case of Hong Kong

This research examines how tourism development has impacted economic growth in a global city–Hong Kong. A large body of research has investigated national tourism-led growth in developed and developing countries. However, many such studies have overlooked how policies aimed at fostering the development of tourism affect the local economic development of global cities. The Chinese and Hong Kong governments liberalized their visa policies with the launch of the Individual Visit Scheme in 2003. Such liberalization has led to significantly more tourist arrival from China. Our autoregressive distributed lag model of tourism-related data from 2003 to 2019 provides strong evidence that more tourism can spur short-run economic growth. Yet, such tourism can lead to uncertain effects on local economic development in the longer run. Hong Kong’s transient tourism-led growth has almost entered the stagnation stage of the Tourism Area Life Cycle model. During such stagnation, jurisdictions like Hong Kong can expect limited long-term economic growth from their tourist sector. Our findings thus sound a warning for global cities looking to tourism to sustain longer-term economic growth.

Quantitative MR Perfusion for the Differentiation of Recurrence and Radionecrosis in Hypoperfusion and Hyperperfusion Brain Metastases After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Objectives

Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) plays an important role in the differential diagnosis between radionecrosis and recurrence of brain metastases (BMs) after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). While the perfusion condition of preliminary hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion BMs when recur has not been studied, as well the separating performance of quantitative DSC-PWI in both kinds of BMs.

Methods

From February 2017 to October 2019, quantitative DSC-PWI was performed in patients with untreated BMs in this observational study. Patients were assigned to hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion group according the quantitative cerebral blood volume (qCBV). During follow-up after GKRS, patients with a diagnostic pitfall of radionecrosis and recurrence accepted second quantitative DSC-PWI. Final diagnosis was based on the histological results or follow-up results. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to explore the performance of qCBV.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (mean age: 61.3 ± 9.4 years old; male/female: 13/16) were assigned to the group of hypoperfusion group, and 26 patients (mean age: 58 ± 10.4 years old; male/female: 14/12) to hyperperfusion group. The mean qCBV values between hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion groups when recurred were not significantly different (3.17 ± 0.53 ml/100 g vs. 3.27 ± 0.47 ml/100 g, p = 0.63). qCBV was feasible to separate radionecrosis and recurrence in both groups (AUC=0.94 and AUC=0.93, separately).

Conclusion

Both premilitary hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion BMs would transform to a high microvascular density when recurs. qCBV is feasible to distinguish radionecrosis and recurrence among both kinds of BMs after GKRS.

Methodological framework for identifying sustainability intervention priority areas on coastal landscapes and its application in China

In regional sustainability evaluation and policy analysis, the paradigm of safe operating spaces (SOS) has been widely applied. Yet, SOS is not readily useful for informing policy interventions toward sustainability transition. This study reports on a methodological framework that operationalizes SOS at the regional scale for designing spatially targeted sustainability interventions. In particular, this framework accounts for teleology by integrating policy orientations of the place-variant "major function" of development, and provides early-warnings by integrating long-term social-environmental trends. The framework we proposed has been applied by the Chinese government in a coastal province (Liaoning) for a landscape sustainability project, which is introduced here step-by-step. The four main steps include: (1) Quantifying SOS status across multiple "what to sustain" dimensions, e.g., land scarcity, water scarcity, pollutant discharge, and ecosystem health for the inland, and coastal exploitation intensity, marine environmental quality, and marine ecosystem biodiversity for the sea. (2) Quantifying SOS status in terms of the place-variant "what to develop" dimensions, e.g., urbanization-oriented, agriculture-stock-oriented, versus conservation-oriented development. (3) Integrating the two as a composite indicator of three ordinal levels to classify the current SOS status. (4) Developing a multi-level sustainability early-warning system by cross-analysis of the SOS status and social-environmental interaction trends (e.g., changes in, e.g., resource utilization efficiency, pollutant discharge, and eco-environmental quality). The potential use of the framework is demonstrated through the case of Liaoning Province, China, which helps policy-makers to identify priority areas for sustainability interventions. Methodological robustness and future directions of applying this multi-level sustainability early-warning system are further discussed.

Chrysin Ameliorates Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction Through Upregulating Nfr2/Heme Oxygenase 1 Pathway

ABSTRACT

The incidence of myocardial dysfunction caused by sepsis is high, and the mortality of patients with sepsis can be significantly increased. During sepsis, oxidative stress and inflammation can lead to severe organ dysfunction. Flavone chrysin is one of the indispensable biological active ingredients for different fruits and vegetables and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is not clear whether chrysin is an effective treatment for heart dysfunction caused by sepsis. We found that it had protective effects against the harmful effects caused by LPS, manifested in improved survival, normalized cardiac function, improved partial pathological scores of myocardial tissue, and remission of apoptosis, as well as reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Mechanism studies have found that chrysin is an important antioxidant protein, a key regulator of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). We found that HO-1 levels were increased after LPS intervention, and chrysin further increased HO-1 levels, along with the addition of Nrf2, a regulator of antioxidant proteins. Pretreatment with PD98059, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase-specific inhibitor, blocked chrysin-mediated phosphorylation of Nrf2 and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. The protective effect of chrysin on sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction was blocked by ZnPP, which is a HO-1 blocker. Chrysin increased antioxidant activity and reduced markers of oxidative stress (SOD and MDA) and inflammation (MPO and IL-1β), all of which were blocked by ZnPP. This indicates that HO-1 is the upstream molecule regulating the protective effect of chrysin. Thus, by upregulation of HO-1, chrysin protects against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and inflammation by inhibiting oxidative stress.

The significance of coagulation and fibrinolysis-related parameters in predicting postoperative venous thrombosis in patients with breast cancer

Background

To explore the expression level of coagulation and fibrinolysis-related indexes in the plasma of breast cancer patients after surgery, and explore their predictive value for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Methods

From May 2016 to May 2019, 63 patients with lower extremity DVT after radical mastectomy in our hospital were selected as the thrombus group, and 69 patients without venous thrombosis after radical mastectomy were selected as the control group. The levels of D-dimer (D-D) and fibrinolytic product (FDP) were measured by latex enhanced immunoturbidimetry, Fibrinogen (FIB) levels were measured using the von Clauss method, thrombin antithrombin complex (TAT) and thrombomodulin (TM) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the evaluation value of coagulation markers on tumor thrombosis was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

There were significant differences in blood pressure, platelet count (PLT) level, diabetes history, and tumor metastasis between the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of PT, D-D, FDP, TAT, and TM in the thrombus group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of D-D, FDP, and TAT were 0.790, 0.881, and 0.672, respectively and there was a marked difference among the indexes (P<0.05). The AUC of FDP was the largest, and the sensitivity and diagnostic value of FDP were the highest.

Conclusions

The plasma levels of FDP, D-D, TAT, and TM in breast cancer patients with DVT after radical mastectomy were significantly increased, which is related to imbalanced coagulation and fibrinolysis functioning in patients. FDP had the highest predictive value for DVT after radical mastectomy.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA GHET1 suppresses cervical carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

INTRODUCTION

The present study evaluated the effects of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gastric carcinoma high-expressed transcript (GHET1) in cervical carcinoma development.

METHODS

The expression levels of GHET1 and PTEN were measured using in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR assay to investigate their correlations. In an in vitro study, the effects of GHET1 knockdown on the biological activities of SiHa and HeLa cells were evaluated by MTT, flow cytometry, transwell and wound-healing assays and relative protein expression was measured using western blotting. In an in vivo experiment, cell apoptosis and relative protein expression were measured in nude mice using TUNEL and IHC assays, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression levels of lncRNA GHET1 and PTEN protein differed significantly between cancer and adjacent normal tissues (P< 0.05) and were negatively correlated in the clinical data. In vitro, proliferation rateswere significantly down-regulated in SiHa and HeLa cells. The GHET1 knockdown (si-GHET1) groups showed significantly higher G1 phase and apoptosis rates and significantly suppressed invasion and migration abilities compared with the normal control (NC) group (P< 0.05 for all). The expression levels of PTEN, PI3 K, AKT, P53, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 proteins differed significantly between the si-GHET1 and NC groups (P< 0.05 for all). In vitro, the lncRNA group showed significantly suppressed tumour volume and weight, increased cell apoptosis and different relative protein expression levels compared with the NC group (P< 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

GHET1 knockdown suppressed cervical carcinoma development via the PTEN/PI3 K/AKT signalling pathway.

An instrument for evaluating the clinical applicability of guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To establish an instrument for evaluating the clinical applicability of guidelines from the guideline-users' perspective.

METHODS

We established this instrument through forming a working group, forming an initial list of items based on a qualitative systematic review, establishing initial instrument via two rounds of modified Delphi surveys, and external review the initial instrument.

RESULTS

The results of modified Delphi surveys establishing appraisal aspects, appraisal items, general information of the evaluator met the preset requirements. The instrument includes three parts: general information of the evaluator (12 items), evaluation of clinical applicability (12 items, including items on the availability, readability, acceptability, feasibility, and overall applicability of guideline), and scoring scheme.

CONCLUSIONS

The instrument for evaluating the clinical applicability of guidelines from the guideline-users' perspective provides criteria and methods for improving the clinical applicability of guidelines during development and updating.

Combining the Allosteric Inhibitor Asciminib with Ponatinib Suppresses Emergence of and Restores Efficacy against Highly Resistant BCR-ABL1 Mutants

BCR-ABL1 point mutation-mediated resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia is effectively managed with several approved drugs, including ponatinib for BCR-ABL1T315I-mutant disease. However, therapy options are limited for patients with leukemic clones bearing multiple BCR-ABL1 mutations. Asciminib, an allosteric inhibitor targeting the myristoyl-binding pocket of BCR-ABL1, is active against most single mutants but ineffective against all tested compound mutants. We demonstrate that combining asciminib with ATP site TKIs enhances target inhibition and suppression of resistant outgrowth in Ph+ clinical isolates and cell lines. Inclusion of asciminib restores ponatinib's effectiveness against currently untreatable compound mutants at clinically achievable concentrations. Our findings support combining asciminib with ponatinib as a treatment strategy for this molecularly defined group of patients.

Effects of exogenous lipids and cold acclimation on lycopene production and fatty acid composition in Blakeslea trispora

Exogenous lipids serving as stimulators to improve lycopene production in Blakeslea trispora have been widely reported. However, the selection basis of exogenous lipids and their effects on intracellular lipids are not very clear. In this study, five plant oils with different fatty acid compositions were selected to investigate their effects on lycopene production, fatty acid composition and the desaturation degree of intracellular lipids. Among the oils, soybean oil, with a fatty acid composition similar to that of mycelium, exhibited the best stimulating effect on lycopene formation (improvement of 82.1%). The plant oils enhanced the total content of intracellular lipids and the desaturation degree of reserve lipids due to the alteration of fatty acid composition, especially in neutral lipids. Lycopene production was increased with the improved desaturation degree of intracellular lipids, which may be attributed to the enhancement of storage capacity for lycopene in storage lipid, thus reducing the feedback regulation of free lycopene. In addition, the increase of the desaturation degree of reserve lipids through temperature-changing fermentation also enhanced lycopene production. The present study could serve as a basis for a better understanding of the relationship between the fatty acid composition of reserve lipids and lycopene production.

[Spatial - temporal clustering analysis of schistosomiasis transmission risk in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2015]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the spatial-temporal clustering distribution of schistosomiasis transmission risk in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2015, so as to provide scientific evidence for the future schistosomiasis control and consolidation of the control achievements.

METHODS

All data pertaining to endemic situation of human and bovine schistosomiasis and snail survey at a township level in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2015 were collected. A descriptive epidemiological method and Joinpoint model were used to describe the changing trends of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans, bovine and snails, and the hotspots and clusters of schistosomiasis transmission risk were identified using spatial autocorrelation analysis, hotspots analysis and retrospective space-time scan statistic in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2015.

RESULTS

The prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared a continuous decline in humans, bovine and snails in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2015, and the estimated number of schistosomiasis cases reduced from 43 056 in 2004 to 756 in 2015, with a decline rate of 98.24%. There were no acute cases since 2008 and no infected snails since 2014 in Yunnan Province. There were significant differences in the changing trends of human and bovine S. japonicum infections in Yunnan Province between 2012 and 2015 and between 2013 and 2015, respectively using the Joinpoint model (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a spatial autocorrelation in human S. japonicum infections in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2013 (P < 0.01), and the hotspots areas for human S. japonicum infections were mainly distributed in some townships from Dali City, Weishan County and Eryuan County. Retrospective spatial-temporal scanning revealed that S. japonicum human, bovine and snail infections were clustered in 23, 15, 4 townships from Dali City, Weishan County, Eryuan County, Nanjian County and Heqing County, respectively, with relative risks of 6.25 to 28.75 (P < 0.01), which was almost consistent with the cluster areas detected by hotspots analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The endemic situation of schistosomiasis significantly reduced in Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2015; however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission. The monitoring and control of schistosomiasis should be intensified in the future in Yunnan Province.

[Interpretation of The Three - year Tough Action Plan for Endemic Diseases Control (2018-2020) ： schistosomiasis]

The Three-year Tough Action Plan for Endemic Diseases Control (2018-2020), which was formulated by 10 ministries of China, was issued on November 29, 2018. Schistosomiasis control is an important part of this plan, and the implementation of the plan provides an important basis for the health poverty alleviation and the fight against schistosomiasis in China. This paper describes the objective and principle of the plan and proposes "six actions" and supporting measures to implement the three-year tough action targeting schistosomiasis, with aims to guide the scientific implementation of the three-year tough action against schistosomiasis and facilitate the progress towards schistosomiasis elimination in China.

ESTIMATION OF EFFECTIVE DOSE OF DENTAL X-RAY DEVICES

This study aims to estimate the effective doses of dental X-ray devices under common scanning protocols. After putting TLDs in the Alderson Radiation Therapy Phantom, we exposed the phantom under common scanning protocols of three dental X-ray devices, namely CBCT, dental panoramic machine and intraoral round cone device. Then effective doses were calculated using the measured absorbed doses of organs and tissues. Tissue weighting factors recommended by the ICRP were adopted in the calculation. Effective doses under common scanning protocols of three Dental X-ray devices were obtained. The effective dose of dental CT was 0.20 mSv, and that of dental panoramic machine and intraoral radiography were 0.013 and 0.0050 mSv, respectively. The tissue absorbed doses of dental CT scan were 0.63 mGy of brain, 7.7 mGy of salivary glands, 8.7 mGy of thyroid and 4.0 mGy of the lens of the eye. The tissue absorbed doses from dental panoramic machine are 0.62 mGy of salivary glands and 0.25 mGy of thyroid. And finally the tissue absorbed dose of intraoral radiography was 0.80 mGy of salivary gland. Among the three dental X-ray devices studied, dental CBCT scan can cause much higher effective dose than the other two. Brain, salivary glands, thyroid and the lens of the eye are tissues receiving relatively higher absorbed doses.

Abstract P6-03-01: Development of patient-derived xenograft tumor model with organ-specific metastatic potential for evaluation of new therapeutics for hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with most common metastatic sites of liver, lung, brain, and bone. Endocrine resistance in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) advanced BC (ABC) cancer is a clinical challenge. ESR1 mutations are a key mechanism in acquired resistance, primarily occurs after exposure to endocrine therapy such as aromatase inhibitors but also selective estrogen modulators and degraders (i.e. Tamoxifen and Fulvestrant). Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enumeration is a prognostic biomarker in ABC but the relation between the onset of ESR1 mutations and CTCs status is still unclear. Aim of this project is to define the clinical behavior of ESR1 mutated ABC in terms of metastasizing potential, through CTC enumeration and pattern; and to establish ESR1 mutated HR+ ABC PDX models able to recapitulate these characteristics.

Methods: CTCs and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) were characterized in 55 HR+ ABC patients. ESR1 mutations status from 55 patient plasma cell-free DNA were generated using Guardant Next Generation Sequencing. Samples were also examined for numbers of CTCs by CellSearch. Association of ESR1 mutations with sites of distant organ metastasis and with CTC enumeration was analyzed by Chi square test and Kruskal–Wallis test, respectively. In preclinical model development, six samples of pleural effusion-derived tumor cells from Stage IV HR+ ABC patients were collected to establish HR+ ABC with ESR1 mutation PDX tumor model and its derived 3D organoid/spheroid cultures

Results: ESR1 mutations were identified in 10 out of 55 patients (4 Y537S variant and 3 D538G variant, 4 other variants, 1 patient with both variants). In 55 patients, 72 visceral vs 27 bone metastatic incidences were observed; the data indicated 9 observed vs 4.5 expected in ESR1 mutated and 16 observed vs 20.5 expected in wild type (WT) (P=0.003) for liver metastasis; 10 observed vs 7.1 expected in ESR1 mutated and 29 observed vs 31.9 expected in WT (P=0.026) for bone metastasis. Further liver metastasis analysis of individual hot spot mutation site indicated 4 observed vs 1.8 expected in Y537S and 21 observed vs 23.2 expected in WT (P=0.037); and 3 observed vs 1.4 expected in D538G and 22 observed vs 23.6 expected in wild type (P=0.088). The analysis of correlation/distribution between CTCs numbers and ESR1 mutated suggested CTCs median of 13 (IQR 7-49) in ESR1 mutated and 0 (IQR 0-4) in WT HR+ patients (P=0.0044). Four ABC PDX tumor models were developed in immunodeficient NSG female mice demonstrated by pathology to have highly heterogeneous characteristics and metastatic features of the origin patient tumor, in particular, breast fat pad xenografted PDX tumor can result in metastasis to liver and lung tissue. In addition, two patient 3D tumor organoid/spheroid cultures were successfully established.

Conclusions: ESR1 mutated ABC is associated with more aggressive (Stage IV) clinical behavior demonstrated by association with visceral metastases and CTCs detection. ESR1-mutated PDX models recapitulate aggressive features of the disease and can be used for preclinical testing of novel agents in endocrine resistant disease.

Citation Format: Qiang W, Zhong Z, Gerratana L, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Gursel D, Wei J-J, Bleher R, James C, O'Halloran T, Cristofanilli M. Development of patient-derived xenograft tumor model with organ-specific metastatic potential for evaluation of new therapeutics for hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-03-01.

[SWOT analysis of informatization of parasitic disease prevention and control]

The study analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the informatization of parasitic disease prevention and control in China, and puts forward the development strategies, in order to provide the reference for accelerating the informatization of parasitic disease prevention and control.

[Pattern analysis of tempo-spatial distribution of schistosomiasis in marshland epidemic areas in stage of transmission control]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the tempo-spatial patterns of schistosomiasis in Jiangling County, Hubei Province, so as to identify the risk areas and provide the scientific evidence in following intervention plans for marshland epidemic areas in the stage of transmission control.

METHODS

The schistosomiasis epidemiological data in Jiangling County from 2009 to 2013 together with the related geographical information were collected and analyzed. The tempo-spatial distribution patterns were analyzed by the spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial clustering analysis.

RESULTS

The human infection rate was decreased from 2.15% in 2009 to 0.63% in 2013, which was the historically low level. The results of tempo-spatial analysis showed that there were spatial clustering effects in human schistosomiasis infection for each of the years. The values of spatial autocorrelation index Moran's I were statistically significant. Eighteen and thirty-five clusters were detected by using SatScan and FlexScan software, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

From 2009 to 2013, the schistosomiasis endemic situation in Jiangling County presented a decline trend and reached the historical low level. The identified spatial clustering areas should be targeted as the prioritized areas for schistosomiasis control.

[Epidemiological characteristics of echinococcosis death cases in China from 2008 to 2016]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the epidemiological characteristics of death cases of echinococcosis in China from 2008 to 2016, so as to provide an important reference for the prevention and control of echinococcosis.

METHODS

The death information registration and management system data were selected to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the death cases of echinococcosis. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21.0 and the map was drawn by ArcGIS 10.1 software.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2016, a total of 367 death cases of echinococcosis were reported in China, and the number of deaths in turn was 33, 30, 21, 32, 35, 54, 55, and 81 in each year, with an annual average crude mortality of 129.29 /10⁵. The average age of death was (56 ± 18) years; the sex ratio of male to female was 100∶94. There was no statistical difference between the male and female death cases (χ² = 0.33, P > 0.05).The death cases of echinococcosis were mainly distributed in endemic areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan and non-endemic areas of Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Henan and Shandong. The death cases in the first eleven provinces accounted for 87.5% (321/367) of the total death cases, among which the highest proportions of the nationality, occupation, educational level, highest diagnostic units, and the place of death were Han (52.0%, 191/367), farmer (46.6%, 171/367), junior high school or below (57.2%, 210/367), provincial or three-level hospitals (46.6%, 171/367), and at home (59.9%, 220/367).

CONCLUSIONS

Since 2014, the death cases of echinococcosis in China have been increasing year by year, indicating that the prevention and treatment of echinococcosis is still very serious. The causes for the rise of the fatality rate remain to be further studied.

[Design and implementation of field questionnaire survey system of taeniasis/cysticercosis]

A taeniasis/cysticercosis information management system was designed to achieve the dynamic monitoring of the epidemic situation of taeniasis/cysticercosis and improve the intelligence level of disease information management. The system includes three layer structures (application layer, technical core layer, and data storage layer) and designs a datum transmission and remote communication system of traffic information tube in Browser/Server architecture. The system is believed to promote disease datum collection. Additionally, the system may provide the standardized data for convenience of datum analysis.

Silencing of Urothelial Carcinoma Associated 1 Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Medulloblastoma Cells

Background

UCA1 is a long non-coding RNA that has been found to be aberrantly upregulated in various cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the expression level and function of UCA1 in medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor during childhood.

Material/Methods

Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of UCA1 in medulloblastoma specimens and cell lines. Lentiviral-mediated expression of a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting UCA1 or a negative control shRNA was also achieved with the medulloblastoma cell line, Daoy. Cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were subsequently characterized with cell counting kit (CCK)-8 and flow cytometry. Cell migration was examined in wound healing and Transwell migration assays.

Results

Levels of UCA1 mRNA were higher in the medulloblastoma specimens (p<0.05) and cell lines (p<0.05) compared to the corresponding nontumor adjacent tissue specimens and a glioblastoma cell line, respectively. For the Daoy cells with silenced UCA1, their proliferation was reduced by 30% compared to the Daoy cells expressing a negative control shRNA (p=0.017). Cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, resulting in a decreased number of cells in the S phase, as well as reduced cell migration in both wound scratch healing (p=0.001) and Transwell migration assays (p=0.021) were also observed for the Daoy cells with silenced UCA1.

Conclusions

UCA1 was highly expressed in part of medulloblastoma specimens and cell lines examined. In addition, knockdown of UCA1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of medulloblastoma cells in vitro.

Emphasis on the early diagnosis of antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis: retrospective analysis over 16 years at one Chinese center

PURPOSE

Antithyroid drug (ATD)-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening adverse drug reaction that occurs in patients during the treatment of Graves' disease. We aimed to comprehensively examine data for patients with this rare complication and to improve the clinical safety of ATDs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 64 hospitalized patients diagnosed with ATD-induced agranulocytosis between 2000 and 2015.

RESULTS

Agranulocytosis occurred in 52 (81.3%) patients within the first 3 months after initiation of ATD therapy. Fever (84.4%) and sore throat (82.8%) were the most common symptoms. Although they experienced symptoms, 30 (46.9%) patients did not seek treatment immediately and delayed their diagnosis of agranulocytosis. The minimum granulocyte count was lower in the patients diagnosed after the appearance of symptoms than in those diagnosed before the appearance of symptoms (0.01 × 10⁹/L (0 × 10⁹/L - 0.06 × 10⁹/L) versus 0.26 × 10⁹/L (0.05 × 10⁹/L - 0.40 × 10⁹/L), P < 0.001). The interval days from the appearance of symptoms to the diagnosis of agranulocytosis were negatively correlated with the minimum granulocyte count (r = -0.348, P = 0.005). In addition, a lower minimum granulocyte count was associated with a longer recovery time (β = -11.899, 95% CI -15.304 to -8.496).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have demonstrated that delayed diagnosis of ATD-induced agranulocytosis is common in our population. Delayed diagnosis is associated with severe agranulocytosis and may prolong the recovery time from agranulocytosis. Monitoring of the white blood cell and granulocyte counts may be an effective way to establish an early diagnosis and prevent progression to severe agranulocytosis.

[Evaluation on application of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System of Hydatid Disease II System integration and simulation tests]

OBJECTIVE

To report the integrated progress of the hydatid disease information management system, and to provide the reference for further system improvements by analysis of results on simulation test feedback.

METHODS

The work of institutional code matching by collecting fundamental and integrated information of the system in epidemic areas of hydatid disease was carried out, and professional control agencies were selected to carry out the simulation test.

RESULTS

The results of agencies code matching at stage indicated the average completion rate was 94.30% on administrative agencies, 69.94% on registered professional agencies and 56.40% on professional institutions matching related to hydatid disease prevention and control implements in seven provinces (autonomous regions) and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Meanwhile, the response rate of open-ended proposals was 93.33% on fifteen feedbacks, and the statistics showed 21.43% believed the system was low fluency, 64.29% considered the system was inconvenience for data inputs and 42.86% considered it would be improved on system statistics functions, of which 27.78% were provincial users, 22.22% were the city users and 50.00% were the county users.

CONCLUSIONS

The hydatid disease prevention information management system meets the fundamental needs of the majority agencies in hyperendemic areas of echinococcosis, it needs to develop the further test with more agencies joining after the work of the institutional code matching completion and the system service improvement in the next stage.

Mercury Distribution Along the Food Chain of a Wetland Ecosystem at Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China

Concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in a wetland food chain were determined at Majuan Island of the Sanjiang Plain in China. Four tissues (muscle, liver, kidney and brain) of three waterbird species (great cormorant, grey heron and great egret), muscle tissues of fish (grass carp, crucian carp and longnose gudgeon), insects (predacious diving beetle), aquatic plants (ditch reed) and soil were analyzed. The mean concentrations of T-Hg were 0.392 ± 0.237 mg/kg for tissues of all juveniles, 1.999 ± 2.053 mg/kg for great cormorant adults, and 0.029 ± 0.019 mg/kg for fish muscle, respectively. While the relative contents of T-Hg of insects, plants and sediments were 0.012 ± 0.002, 0.006 ± 0.001 and 0.020 ± 0.002 mg/kg, respectively. Bioaccumulation of Hg along the wetland food chain may be able to show the current situation of Hg contamination in remote regions of East Asia.

[Effect of moluodan on gastric secretion in atrophic gastritis rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect of moluodan on gastric secretion and the underlying mechanism of moluodan in treating atrophic gastritis. Method: According to the random number table, 120 healthy male specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, moluodan low-dose group, and moluodan high-dose group, with 30 rats in each group. The control group was administered with normal saline 2 ml/d by gavage, the other three groups were administered with 2% sodium salicylate 1 ml/d, 20 mol/L sodium deoxycholate 1 ml/d, and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) 200 mg/kg for every 10 days. And 16 weeks later, the control group and model group were treated with normal saline 2 ml/d by gavage, meanwhile the moluodan low-dose group was treated with moluodan 0.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1and the high-dose group was treated with moluodan 1.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1, continuously for 12 weeks. Ten rats of each group were sacrificed at the end of 4, 8, 12 weeks. The effect of moluodan on atrophic gastritis was observed. The secretion function of gastric mucosa was assessed through detecting the numbers of gastrin-secreting cells (G cells) and somatostatin-secreting cell (D cells) in gastric mucosa using immunochemical staining, and measuring the serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and somatostatin (SS) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: After 8 weeks, the numbers of G and D cells in gastric mucosa in the moluodan high-dose group significantly increased compared with the model group[(0.617±0.114) vs (0.476±0.116) cells/mm², (0.504±0.084) vs (0.369±0.148) cells/mm^2, both P<0.05]; the numbers of G and D cells in gastric mucosa in the low-dose group increased after 12-week's treatment[(0.674±0.129) vs (0.528±0.103) cells/mm², (0.526±0.087) vs (0.371±0.058) cells/mm², both P<0.05]. The serum GAS levels increased markedly after 8 weeks in the moluodan high-dose group and after 12 weeks in the low-dose group[(1.313±0.080) ng/ml vs (0.964±0.080) ng/ml, (1.202±0.124) ng/ml vs (0.909±0.054) ng/ml, both P<0.01]; the serum SS levels in both high- and low-dose groups were significantly lower than in the model group after 8-week's treatment[(2.376±0.199) ng/ml, (2.238±0.155) ng/ml vs (2.605±0.183) ng/ml, both P<0.05]. Conclusion: Moluodan may treat atrophic gastritis by repairing G and D cells in gastric mucosa and thus increasing serum levels of GAS.

Identification of a novel HLA-B*44 allele, HLA-B*44:237N, in a Chinese individual

B*44:237N differs from B*44:03:01 by nucleotides deletion at nucleotide 286 and 287 in exon 2.

A novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*40:01:47

HLA-B*40:01:47 differs from HLA-B*40:01:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position 420 in exon 3.

HLA-A*24:02:96, a novel variant of HLA-A*24:02:01:01, identified in a Chinese individual by sequence-based typing

HLA-A*24:02:96 shows one nucleotide difference from HLA-A*24:02:01:01 at position 318 in exon 2 from C to T.

A novel allele, HLA-B*55:77, identified by sequence-based typing in a Chinese individual

HLA-B*55:77 differs from B*55:02:01:01 by a single nucleotide at position 164 in exon 2.

Identification of a novel HLA-B*40 allele, HLA-B*40:324, by sequence-based typing, in a Chinese individual

The new allele, HLA-B*40:324 differs from B*40:63 by two nucleotide changes in exon 3.

[Clinical effects of gabapentin on the treatment of pruritus of scar resulting from deep partial-thickness burn]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical effects of gabapentin on the treatment of pruritus of scar resulting from deep partial-thickness burn.

METHODS

A total of fifty-eight patients suffering from pruritus of scar after deep partial-thickness burn were hospitalized from January 2013 to January 2014. Patients were divided into placebo group (n =18, treated with oral vitamin C in the dose of 100 mg for 4 weeks, twice per day) , cetirizine group (n = 20, treated with oral cetirizine in the dose of 10 mg for 4 weeks, twice per day) , and gabapentin group (n = 20, treated with oral gabapentin in the dose of 300 mg for 4 weeks, twice per day) . Before treatment and on post treatment day (PTD) 3 and 28, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the itching degree, and the mean scores were recorded. The remission rates of pruritus on PTD 3 and 28 were calculated. The adverse effects were observed during treatment. Data were processed with analysis of variance, q test, and chi-square test.

RESULTS

Compared with that before treatment, the itching degree of patients with light, moderate, and severe itching in placebo group was not relieved after treatment; the itching degree of patients with moderate or severe itching in cetirizine group was alleviated after treatment, but not in patients with light itching; itching degree of all patients in gabapentin group was significantly relieved after treatment. There were no obvious differences in VAS scores among the 3 groups before treatment (F = 2.78, P > 0.05). On PTD 3 and 28, the VAS scores of patients in both gabapentin group [(2.3 ± 0.8) and (0.6 ± 0.3) points] and cetirizine group [(4.2 ± 1.7) and (2.8 ± 1.2) points] were lower than those in placebo group [(5.7 ± 2.0) and (5.7 ± 1.9) points, with q values from 6.70 to 7.75, P values below 0.05]. The VAS scores of patients in gabapentin group on PTD 3 and 28 were lower than those in cetirizine group (with q values respectively 6.30 and 6.90, P values below 0.05). The remission rates of pruritus of patients in gabapentin group on PTD 3 and 28 were respectively (66 ± 20)% and (91 ± 17)%, and they were higher than those in cetirizine group [(33 ± 8)% and (56 ± 14)%, with q values respectively 4.70 and 3.82, P values below 0.05]. The remission rate of pruritus of patients in placebo group on PTD 3 and 28 was 0, which was lower than that of the other 2 groups each (with q values from 3.94 to 6.76, P values below 0.05). During the course of treatment, 5 patients in gabapentin group suffered from adverse effects including mild-to-moderate drowsiness and dizziness, but they disappeared one week later. No adverse effects were observed in patients of the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with deep partial-thickness burn, gabapentin can effectively alleviate scar itching after wound healing with safety.

Chemical profiles and anticancer effects of saponin fractions of different polarity from the leaves of Panax notoginseng

AIM

To evaluate the chemical profiles and cytotoxic effects among the total saponin fraction (TSF), 25% ethanol fraction (25EF), 50% ethanol fraction (50EF), and 85% ethanol fraction (85EF) prepared by macroporous resin from the leaves of Panax notoginseng.

METHOD

The simultaneous determination of thirteen main saponins, as well as the chemical profiles of saponin fractions of different polarity, was made by HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS(n) analysis. The cytotoxic effects were determined against KP4 cells (human pancreatic cancer), NCI-H727 cells (human lung cancer), HepG2 cells (human hepatocellular cancer), and SGC-7901 cells (human gastric adenocarcinoma).

RESULTS

Chemical analysis indicated that 85EF possessed the most abundant cytotoxic protopanaxadiol saponins, including the marker saponins F2, 20(R)-Rg3, 20(S)-Rg3, and Rh2. The MTT assay showed that 85EF also had the strongest cytotoxic effects among the four fractions. 25EF showed no anti-proliferative effects, while 50EF and TSF exhibited weak anti-proliferative activity.

CONCLUSION

From the aspect of comprehensive utilization of resources, 85EF, enriched with low polarity PPD group saponins, is a new alternative source of anticancer saponins, and a promising botanical preparation for further anticancer studies.

A 6-year follow-up of a randomized prospective trial comparing methimazole treatment with or without exogenous L-thyroxine in Chinese patients with Graves' disease

OBJECTIVE

Antithyroid drug therapy is one of the main medical treatments for Graves' disease. There have been conflicting reports as to whether the addition of exogenous L-thyroxine improves remission rates more than antithyroid drugs alone. This randomized, controlled and prospective clinical trial was undertaken to investigate the long-term outcome of methimazole treatment with or without exogenous L-thyroxine in Chinese patients.

METHODS

145 patients with Graves' disease were randomly divided into 3 groups and all patients initially received 30 mg of methimazole daily for at least 1 month and then followed the titration -regimen with or without L-thyroxine: group 1 (30 mg→20 mg→15 mg→10 mg→5 mg); group 2 (30 mg→20 mg→15 mg→10 mg+L-thyroxine→5 mg+L-thyroxine); group 3 (30 mg→20 mg→15 mg→10 mg+L-thyroxine→5 mg+L-thyroxine→2.5 mg+L-thyroxine). The drug therapy was discontinued after 5 months of the final dose.

RESULTS

16 out of 46 patients in group 1 (34.8%), 12 out of 47 in group 2 (25.5%) and 16 out of 52 in group 3 (30.8%) had a recurrence of Graves' disease within 6-year follow-up after drug withdrawal. Survival Analysis showed no significant differences in the remission rates between any 2 groups, despite the remission rates in group 2 and 3 were slightly higher than that in group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of L-thyroxine to methimazole treatment in patients with Graves' disease neither improves nor prevents the remission or recurrence of Graves' disease in China.