[Short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) in patients with heart failure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure who underwent CCM placement at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February to June 2022. With a follow-up of 3 months, CCM sensation, impedance, percent output, and work time were monitored, and patients were compared with pre-and 3-month postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values, and 6-minute walk test distance and New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, and the occurrence of complications was recorded. Results: CCM was successfully implanted in all 9 patients. Seven(7/9) of them were male, aged (56±14) years, 3 patients had ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 6 patients had dilated cardiomyopathy. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, threshold was stable, sense was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle: (16.3±7.0) mV vs. (8.2±1.1) mV, P<0.05; local sense: (15.7±4.9) mV vs. (6.7±2.5) mV, P<0.05), and impedance was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle (846±179) Ω vs. (470±65) Ω, P<0.05, local sense: (832±246) Ω vs. (464±63) Ω, P<0.05). The CCM output percentage was (86.9±10.7) %, the output amplitude was (6.7±0.4) V, and the daily operating time was (8.6±1.0) h. LVEF was elevated compared to preoperative ((29.4±5.2) % vs. (38.3±4.3) %, P<0.05), the 6-minute walk test was significantly longer than before ((96.8±66.7)m vs. (289.3±121.7)m, P<0.05). No significant increase in the number of NYHA Class Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients was seen (7/9 vs. 2/9, P>0.05). The patient was not re-hospitalised for worsening heart failure symptoms, had no malignant arrhythmic events and experienced significant relief of symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. No postoperative complications related to pocket hematoma, pocket infection and rupture, electrode detachment, valve function impairment, pericardial effusion, or cardiac perforation were found. Conclusions: CCM has better short-term safety and efficacy in patients with heart failure.

[Analysis of the safety, accuracy, and factors influencing bleeding complications in CT-guided puncture biopsy of brain occupying lesions]

Objective: To investigate the safety and accuracy of CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy and the possible influencing factors of postoperative bleeding complications. Methods: A case series study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 patients who underwent CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to December 2021. The basic data of patients and the safety and accuracy of CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy were analyzed statistically. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the influencing factors of bleeding complications in CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy, and the bleeding complications in glioma subgroup were analyzed. Results: Among the 101 patients, 53 were males and 48 were females, aged (53.7±17.2) years. The average diameter of intracranial lesions was (3.5±1.4) cm, while the vertical distance from the lesion to the meninges was (2.4±1.7) cm. The needle's intracranial depth reached (3.2±1.8) cm, with adjustments averaging (3±1) occurrences and an average procedural duration of (40.2±12.9) minutes. Pathological diagnoses included glioma (36 cases), gliosis (3 cases), lymphoma (32 cases), metastatic tumors (7 cases), inflammatory lesions (13 cases), and 10 indeterminate cases. The positive rate of puncture pathology was 90.1% (91/101), and the diagnostic coincidence rate was 94.0% (78/83). The incidence of bleeding complications in CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy was 26.7% (27/101), of which 23 cases had small intratoma or needle path bleeding, 4 cases had massive bleeding, and 2 cases died. The patients were divided into bleeding group (n=27) and no bleeding group (n=74), according to the presence or absence of bleeding. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that thrombin time≥15 s and the number of needle adjustment were the factors affecting the occurrence of bleeding complications (both P<0.05), and the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that thrombin time≥15 s was the related factor for bleeding. Patients with thrombin time≥15 s had a 3.045 times higher risk of bleeding than those with thrombin time<15 s (OR=3.045,95%CI:1.189-7.799,P=0.020). Among the 101 patients, 36 cases of midbrain glioma were divided into low-grade glioma group (n=11) and high-grade glioma group (n=25) according to the pathological grade. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of bleeding for high-grade gliomas was 9.231 times higher than that for low-grade gliomas (OR=9.231,95%CI:1.023-83.331,P=0.031). Conclusions: CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy is safe and feasible with high accuracy. Complication rates are associated with thrombin time≥15 s, especially high-grade glioma, which increases the risk of postoperative bleeding.

Genome-wide association study of growth curve parameters reveals novel genomic regions and candidate genes associated with metatarsal bone traits in chickens

The growth and development of chicken bones have an enormous impact on the health and production performance of chickens. However, the development pattern and genetic regulation of the chicken skeleton are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate metatarsal bone growth and development patterns in chickens via non-linear models, and to identify the genetic determinants of metatarsal bone traits using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on growth curve parameters. Data on metatarsal length (MeL) and metatarsal circumference (MeC) were obtained from 471 F2 chickens (generated by crossing broiler sires, derived from a line selected for high abdominal fat, with Baier layer dams) at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Four non-linear models (Gompertz, Logistic, von Bertalanffy, and Brody) were used to fit the MeL and MeC growth curves. Subsequently, the estimated growth curve parameters of the mature MeL or MeC (A), time-scale parameter (b), and maturity rate (K) from the non-linear models were utilized as substitutes for the original bone data in GWAS. The Logistic and Brody models displayed the best goodness-of-fit for MeL and MeC, respectively. Single-trait and multi-trait GWASs based on the growth curve parameters of the Logistic and Brody models revealed 4 618 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), annotated to 332 genes, associated with metatarsal bone traits. The majority of these significant SNPs were located on Gallus gallus chromosome (GGA) 1 (167.433-176.318 Mb), GGA2 (96.791-103.543 Mb), GGA4 (65.003-83.104 Mb) and GGA6 (64.685-95.285 Mb). Notably, we identified 12 novel GWAS loci associated with chicken metatarsal bone traits, encompassing 35 candidate genes. In summary, the combination of single-trait and multi-trait GWASs based on growth curve parameters uncovered numerous genomic regions and candidate genes associated with chicken bone traits. The findings benefit an in-depth understanding of the genetic architecture underlying metatarsal growth and development in chickens.

Combating antimicrobial resistance: the silent war

Once hailed as miraculous solutions, antibiotics no longer hold that status. The excessive use of antibiotics across human healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry has given rise to a broad array of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, posing formidable treatment challenges. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has evolved into a pressing global health crisis, linked to elevated mortality rates in the modern medical era. Additionally, the absence of effective antibiotics introduces substantial risks to medical and surgical procedures. The dwindling interest of pharmaceutical industries in developing new antibiotics against MDR pathogens has aggravated the scarcity issue, resulting in an exceedingly limited pipeline of new antibiotics. Given these circumstances, the imperative to devise novel strategies to combat perilous MDR pathogens has become paramount. Contemporary research has unveiled several promising avenues for addressing this challenge. The article provides a comprehensive overview of these innovative therapeutic approaches, highlighting their mechanisms of action, benefits, and drawbacks.

[Efficacy analysis of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with targeted and immune therapy followed by 125I seeds implantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vain tumor thrombus]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy(HAIC) combined with targeted and immune therapy followed by 125I seeds implantation in portal vain tumor thrombus (PVTT) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) with PVTT. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on the clinical data of 21 patients [ (11 men, 10 women) aged 34-73 (52.6±13.7) years] with HCC with PVTT in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2020 to October 2022, all of them were treated with HAIC plus targeted and immune therapy,and 125I seeds implanted into PVTT. The patients were followed up to January 2023, the efficacy was evaluated according to the modified version of the solid tumor efficacy evaluation criteria (mRECIST). The progression-free survival (PFS) rate, overall survival(OS) rate and portal tumor thrombus control rate at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment were recorded, and PFS and OS time were followed up. The changes of liver function, AFP, coagulation function and adverse events were observed. Results: Each patient received 2 to 7 (mean: 3.3±1.2) cycles of HAIC. 10-37 seeds (mean:16.6±6.7) were implanted per patients. The median follow-up time was 15 (range from 5 to 25) months.During the follow-up time, 15 patients showed progression and 6 patients died, and the PFS rates at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment were 90.5%, 71.4%, 42.9%, and 23.8%, respectively, and at 3, 6, 12, and 18-month OS rates were 100%, 100%, 81.0%, and 61.9%, respectively.The PVTT control rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 90.5%, 90.5%, and 62.5%, respectively. Overall efficacy evaluation of CR rate 0, PR rate 47.6% (10/21), SD rate 38.1% (8/21), and PD rate 14.3% (3/21). The total incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 100%.Grade 3 treatment related adverse events were observed for 4 cases, the rest wereⅠtoⅡadverse events. Right upper abdominal pain, fever and hemorrhage in liver capsule related to the procedures were observed in 11(52.4%), 5(23.8%) and 3(14.3) patients, respectively. Conclusion: HAIC combined with targeted and immune therapy followed by 125I seeds implantation in PVTT is a safe and efficacy therapy for HCC with PVTT.

Fully biobased hydrogel based on chitosan and tannic acid coated cotton fabric for underwater superoleophobicity and efficient oil/water separation

Underwater superoleophobic (UWSO) materials have garnered significant attention in separating oil/water mixtures. But, the majority of these materials are made from non-degradable and non-renewable raw materials, polluting the environment and wasting scarce resources while using them. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to fabricate an environmental-friendly UWSO textile using biobased materials. To achieve this, hydrogel consisting of chitosan (CS) and poly(tannic acid) (PTA) were formed and coated on cotton fabric (CTF) via dip-coating followed by oxidative polymerization. CS&PTA hydrogel endowed the CTF with a rough surface and high surface energy, leading to an UWSO CTF with an underwater oil contact angle as high as 166.84°. The CS&PTA/CTF had excellent separation capability toward various oil/water mixtures, showing separation efficiency above 99.84 % and water flux higher than 23, 999 L m-2 h-1. Moreover, CS&PTA/CTF possessed excellent mechanical and environmental stability with underwater superoleophobicity unchanged after sandpaper friction, ultrasonication, organic solvents, NaCl (m/v, 30 %) solution, and acid/base solution immersion, due to the strong interaction between the hydrogel and cotton fabric generated by the mussel-inspired adhesion owing to the presence of PTA. The fully biobased UWSO CTF exhibits great promising to be an alternative to traditional superwetting materials for separation of oil/water mixtures.

[Effects of neonatal stimulator of interferon genes innate immune signaling pathway of HBsAg-positive mothers on non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants]

Objective: To explore the effects of neonatal stimulator of interferon genes (STING) innate immune signaling pathway of HBsAg-positive mothers on non/hypo-response to hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) in their infants. Methods: From November 2019 to June 2022, HBsAg-positive mothers and their infants in the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan were recruited as the study subjects. The epidemiological and clinical data were collected by questionnaire survey and medical records review. The key molecular proteins of STING innate immune signaling pathway (STING, pIRF3) and immune cells associated with vaccine response (DC, T and B and plasma cells) in neonatal cord blood were detected by flow cytometry. Follow up was conducted for infants for 1-2 months after the full vaccination of HepB. Serum hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) was detected by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. Unconditional logistic regression model, nomogram and Bayesian network model were used to evaluate the effect of STING innate immune signaling pathway on non/hypo-response to HepB and related factors in infants, and the relationship between various factors. Results: A total of 195 pairs of HBsAg-positive mothers and infants were recruited, the rate of non/hypo-response to HepB in the infants was 12.31% (24/195). High maternal HBV DNA load, low expression of neonatal STING, low expression of pIRF3 and low percentage of plasma cells were risk factors for non/hypo-response to HepB in the infants (OR=4.70, 3.46, 3.18 and 2.20, all P<0.05). The nomogram constructed by these factors had good predictive efficacy (area under curve=0.81, 95%CI: 0.63-0.83). The results of Bayesian network model showed that the infants with a high maternal HBV DNA load had a higher conditional probability of low STING expression (62.50%) and a higher conditional probability of low pIRF3 expression (58.54%). The conditional probabilities of low expression of DC, T, B and plasma cells were 53.16%, 60.20%, 68.42% and 57.14%, respectively. Conclusion: Maternal HBV DNA might inhibit STING innate immune signaling pathways in infants and immune cells associated with HepB response, resulting in non/hypo-response to HepB in infants of HBsAg-positive mothers.

[Effects of tibial second toe free flap bridged with blood flow and nerve in the treatment of severe flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint]

Objective: To investigate the effects of tibial second toe free flap bridged with blood flow and nerve in the treatment of severe flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From March 2013 to October 2019, 9 patients with severe flexion contracture (type Ⅲ) of the proximal interphalangeal joint after trauma operation, conforming to the inclusion criteria, were hospitalized in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 5 males and 4 females, aged from 17 to 62 years. After the contracture tissue affecting the extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint was cut off, and the scar tissue was resected, the size of the volar wound near the proximal interphalangeal joint in extended position was 2.0 cm×1.0 cm-2.5 cm×1.5 cm, with the length of proper digital artery and nerve defect being 1.0-1.5 cm. A free flap of the same size as the wound was cut from the tibial side of the second toe and transplanted to repair the wound, and the defective proper digital artery and nerve was repaired by bridging with the tibial proper plantar digital artery and nerve of about 1.5 cm in length. The full-thickness skin graft was taken from the proximal tibial side of the lower leg to repair the wound at flap donor site. The wound at skin graft donor site was sutured directly. The survival of flap and skin graft was observed after operation. The patients were followed up, and at the last follow-up, the recovery of the affected finger and the second toe, including the donor and recipient areas were observed, the two-point discrimination distances of the flap repaired site and the pulp of the affected finger were observed and measured at the same time, the blood flow patency of bridged vessel of the affected finger was examined by Allen test, and the function of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the affected finger was evaluated according to Chinese Medical Association's standard for the range of motion of proximal interphalangeal joint. Results: The flaps and skin grafts survived smoothly after operation. The follow-up after operation lasted for 5 to 22 months, with a mean of 10 months. At the last follow-up, the flap repaired site had good shape, good color and texture, with the two-point discrimination distance being 9-12 mm, and the two-point discrimination distance of the pulp of the affected finger was 6-10 mm; the Allen test results of the affected fingers were all negative (i.e., the bridged vessels had good blood flow patency), with no recurrence of flexion contracture, and the function of the proximal interphalangeal joint was evaluated as excellent; the skin graft area of the second toe was not ruptured but was a little pigmented, and the flexion and extension activities of toe were good. Conclusions: The tibial second toe free flap bridged with blood flow and nerve has reliable therapeutic effect in the treatment of severe flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and the color and texture of the flap repaired area are good. Bridging to repair the severely contracted proper digital artery and nerve is beneficial to improve the blood supply of the finger body and rebuild the sensation.

[Clinical observation of spontaneous brain activity in children with congenital cortical cataract amblyopia]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of spontaneous brain activity in children with congenital cortical cataract amblyopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Twenty cases of unilateral congenital cortical cataract amblyopia (unilateral amblyopia group) and 14 cases of bilateral congenital cortical cataract amblyopia (bilateral amblyopia group) were enrolled from January 2022 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Seventeen age and gender matched children with normal visual acuity were recruited as the healthy control group. Resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) was performed on all participants, and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) technique was used to analyze their spontaneous brain activities. The original ALFF value of each voxel was divided by the average ALFF value of the whole brain to obtain the standardized ALFF value (referred to as ALFF value), which reflected the intensity of spontaneous brain activity in different brain regions. General demographic data were compared using one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and chi-square test. Comparison of ALFF values was conducted using one-way analysis of variance. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender, distribution of amblyopic eye or non-dominant eye, and degree of refractive error among the three groups (all P>0.05). Compared to the healthy control group, the unilateral amblyopia group showed higher ALFF values in the right posterior lobe of the cerebellum (67 voxels, t=3.48) and left posterior lobe of the cerebellum (71 voxels, t=4.09), and lower ALFF values in the right postcentral gyrus (91 voxels, t=-3.91), right inferior parietal lobule (73 voxels, t=-4.88), right inferior frontal gyrus (78 voxels, t=-4.09), left inferior parietal lobule (556 voxels, t=-4.82), and left inferior frontal gyrus (122 voxels, t=-4.27) (all P<0.01). The bilateral amblyopia group showed higher ALFF values in the right insula (60 voxels, t=3.54), right Rolandic operculum (69 voxels, t=3.73), right posterior lobe of the cerebellum (54 voxels, t=3.43), and left posterior lobe of the cerebellum (143 voxels, t=3.69), and lower ALFF values in the left inferior frontal gyrus (99 voxels, t=-4.39), left postcentral gyrus (231 voxels, t=-4.28), and right inferior parietal lobule (54 voxels, t=-3.77) (all P<0.01). Compared to the unilateral amblyopia group, the bilateral amblyopia group showed higher ALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus (52 voxels, t=3.15, P=0.029), left posterior lobe of the cerebellum (77 voxels, t=3.39, P=0.001), and right Rolandic operculum (53 voxels, t=3.59, P=0.007). Conclusion: Children with congenital cortical cataract amblyopia exhibit altered spontaneous brain activity in multiple brain regions, and there are differences in spontaneous brain activity changes between unilateral and bilateral amblyopia.

Fabrication of well-dispersed cellulose nanocrystal reinforced biobased epoxy composites using reversibility of covalent adaptable network

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) shows great potential in reinforced composites but it is difficult to disperse in epoxy thermosets due to its poor dispersity in epoxy monomers. Herein, we reported a novel approach to disperse CNC in epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)-derived epoxy thermosets uniformly by using the reversibility of dynamic imine-containing ESO-derived covalent adaptable network (CAN). The crosslinked CAN was deconstructed by an exchange reaction with ethylenediamine (EDA) in dimethyl formamide (DMF), leading to a solution of deconstructed CAN with plenty of hydroxyl and amino groups, which could form strong hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl groups of CNC and thus facilitated and stabilized dispersion of CNC in the deconstructed CAN solution. Epoxy composite with well-dispersed CNC was finally achieved by a reformation of CAN through the removal of DMF and EDA. In this way, the epoxy composites with CNC content up to 30 wt% were successfully prepared and showed drastically reinforced mechanical properties. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the CAN were improved by up to ~70 % and ~45 times with the incorporation of 20 and 30 wt% CNC, respectively. The composites showed excellent reprocessability without significant loss in mechanical properties after reprocessing.

Evidence for Band Renormalizations in Strong-Coupling Superconducting Alkali-Fulleride Films

There has been a long-standing debate about the mechanism of the unusual superconductivity in alkali-intercalated fullerides. In this Letter, using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we systematically investigate the electronic structures of superconducting K_{3}C_{60} thin films. We observe a dispersive energy band crossing the Fermi level with the occupied bandwidth of about 130 meV. The measured band structure shows prominent quasiparticle kinks and a replica band involving the Jahn-Teller active phonon modes, which reflects strong electron-phonon coupling in the system. The electron-phonon coupling constant is estimated to be about 1.2, which dominates the quasiparticle mass renormalization. Moreover, we observe an isotropic nodeless superconducting gap beyond the mean-field estimation (2Δ/k_{B}T_{c}≈5). Both the large electron-phonon coupling constant and large reduced superconducting gap suggest a strong-coupling superconductivity in K_{3}C_{60}, while the electronic correlation effect is suggested by the observation of a waterfall-like band dispersion and the small bandwidth compared with the effective Coulomb interaction. Our results not only directly visualize the crucial band structure but also provide important insights into the mechanism of the unusual superconductivity of fulleride compounds.

A multi-functional nano-system combining PI3K-110α/β inhibitor overcomes P-glycoprotein mediated MDR and improves anti-cancer efficiency

P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancers severely limit chemotherapeutic efficacy. We recently reported that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) 110α and 110β subunits can be novel targets for reversal of P-gp mediated MDR in cancers, and BAY-1082439 as an inhibitor specific for PI3K 110α and 110β subunits could reverse P-gp-mediated MDR by downregulating P-gp expression in cancer cells. However, BAY-1082439 has very low solubility, short half-life and high in-vivo clearance rate. Till now, nano-system with the functions to target PI3K P110α and P110β and reverse P-gp mediated MDR in cancers has not been reported. In our study, a tumor targeting drug delivery nano-system PBDF was established, which comprised doxorubicin (DOX) and BAY-1082439 respectively encapsulated by biodegradable PLGA-SH nanoparticles (NPs) that were grafted to gold nanorods (Au NRs) modified with FA-PEG-SH, to enhance the efficacy to reverse P-gp mediated MDR and to target tumor cells, further, to enhance the efficiency to inhibit MDR tumors overexpressing P-gp. In-vitro experiments indicated that PBDF NPs greatly enhanced uptake of DOX, improved the activity to reverse MDR, inhibited the cell proliferation, and induced S-phase arrest and apoptosis in KB-C2 cells, as compared with free DOX combining free BAY-1082439. In-vivo experiments further demonstrated that PBDF NPs improved the anti-tumor ability of DOX and inhibited development of KB-C2 tumors. Notably, the metastasis of KB-C2 cells in livers and lungs of nude mice were inhibited by treatment with PBDF NPs, which showed no obvious in-vitro or in-vivo toxicity.

Abstract 2843: RN486, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reverses multidrug resistance in ABCG2-overexpressing cancer cells

Overcoming ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) has attracted the attention of scientists because one of the critical factors leading to MDR is the overexpression of ABCG2. Identification of novel chemotherapeutic reagents as inhibitors of ABCG2 has been considered an effective strategy. RN486, a Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor, was discovered to potentially reverse ABCB1-mediated MDR. In this study, we reported that RN486 effectively antagonizes ABCG2-mediated MDR in cancer cells. Non-toxic concentrations of RN486 remarkably increased the sensitivity of ABCG2-overexpressing cancer cells to conventional anticancer drugs mitoxantrone and topotecan. The reversal mechanistic studies showed that RN486 increased the accumulation and decreased the efflux of ABCG2 substrate drug in ABCG2-overexpressing cancer cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of RN486 on ABCG2-associated ATPase activity was also verified. Docking analysis indicated a strong binding between RN486 and ABCG2 transporter. Meanwhile, the AGCG2 subcellular localization and expression level were not altered by the treatment of RN486. Taken together, our studies suggest that RN486 can antagonize ABCG2-mediated MDR in cancer cells via interacting with ABCG2 and inhibiting the transporting function. RN486 could be potentially used in combination with chemotherapy against ABCG2-mediated MDR in cancers.

Citation Format: Xing-Duo Dong, Qisi Lu, Yi-Dong Li, Qiu-Xu Teng, Zi-Ning Lei, Zhe-Sheng Chen. RN486, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reverses multidrug resistance in ABCG2-overexpressing cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2843.

[Analysis of the safety and diagnostic efficiency of CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of pancreatic space-occupying lesions using large needle:comparison of trans-organ biopsy approach and non-trans-organ biopsy approach]

Objective: To compare the safety and diagnostic efficiency of CT-guided trans-organ and non-trans-organ large needle biopsy in the diagnosis of pancreatic space-occupying lesions. Methods: The clinical data of 367 patients with pancreatic mass who underwent CT-guided percutaneous biopsy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 211 males and 156 females, aged 18 to 87 (60.7±11.8) years old. They were divided into a trans-organ route group (n=142) and a non-trans-organ route group (n=225) according to whether traversing the organs during the procedures. The imaging data, pathological results, puncture process and complications of patients of the two groups were recorded. The successful rate for obtaining tissue,one-time successful diagnosis rate, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, false negative rate and the incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05).There were 28, 57, 24, and 33 biopsies were performed via a pathway traversing liver, stomach, small bowel and colon, respectively. The overall sampling success rates of the two groups were 100%.The one-time successful diagnosis rate did not show statistically difference between the two groups [86.6%(123/142) vs 87.1%(196/225),P=0.892]. There was no statistically difference in accuracy, sensitivity and false negative rates between trans-organ route group and non-trans-organ routegroup [92.3%(131/142) vs 92.0%(207/225), 91.8% (123/134) vs 90.0%(190/211) and 8.2% (11/134) vs 10.0%(21/211), all P>0.05]. The specificity was 100% in both groups. The common complications of the two groups were increased pancreatic amylase and hematoma, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the trans-organ route group and the non-trans-organ route group [10.6% (15/142) vs 12.4% (28/225), P=0.585]. In the trans-organ route group, 5 patients had increased pancreatic amylase and 10 patients had local hematoma, all of which were improved after conservative treatment. In the non-organ route group, 11 patients had elevated pancreatic amylase, and 17 patients had local hematoma, 1 case received surgical treatment due to bleeding, the rest were improved by conservative treatment. Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous transabdominal organ large needle biopsy of pancreatic space-occupying lesions has the comparable diagnostic efficiency and safety as non-transabdominal organ approach.

Nivolumab and relatlimab for the treatment of melanoma

Melanoma is a highly lethal type of skin cancer. Although an early diagnosis, in combination with surgery for nonmetastatic melanomas, significantly increases the probability of survival, there are no efficacious treatments for metastatic melanoma. Nivolumab and relatlimab are monoclonal antibodies that selectively interact with and block the proteins programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation protein 3 (LAG-3), respectively, and thus, their activation by their cognate ligands. The combination of these immunotherapy drugs was approved in 2022 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of melanoma. Data from clinical trials indicated that, compared to nivolumab monotherapy, nivolumab and relatlimab produced more than a 2-fold median increase in progression-free survival (PFS) and a higher response rate in melanoma patients. This is an important finding as the response of patients to immunotherapies is limited due to dose-limiting toxicities and secondary drug resistance. This review article will discuss the pathogenesis of melanoma and the pharmacology of nivolumab and relatlimab. In addition, we will provide i) a summary of the anticancer drugs that inhibit LAG-3 and PD-1 in cancer patients and ii) our perspective about the use of nivolumab in combination with relatlimab to treat melanoma.

Development of a laser-based angle-resolved-photoemission spectrometer with sub-micrometer spatial resolution and high-efficiency spin detection

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with sub-micrometer spatial resolution (μ-ARPES), has become a powerful tool for studying quantum materials. To achieve sub-micrometer or even nanometer-scale spatial resolution, it is important to focus the incident light beam (usually from synchrotron radiation) using x-ray optics, such as the zone plate or ellipsoidal capillary mirrors. Recently, we developed a laser-based μ-ARPES with spin-resolution (LMS-ARPES). The 177 nm laser beam is achieved by frequency-doubling a 355 nm beam using a KBBF crystal and subsequently focused using an optical lens with a focal length of about 16 mm. By characterizing the focused spot size using different methods and performing spatial-scanning photoemission measurement, we confirm the sub-micron spatial resolution of the system. Compared with the μ-ARPES facilities based on the synchrotron radiation, our LMS-ARPES system is not only more economical and convenient, but also with higher photon flux (>5 × 10¹³ photons/s), thus enabling the high-resolution and high-statistics measurements. Moreover, the system is equipped with a two-dimensional spin detector based on exchange scattering at a surface-passivated iron film grown on a W(100) substrate. We investigate the spin structure of the prototype topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ and reveal a high spin-polarization rate, confirming its spin-momentum locking property. This lab-based LMS-ARPES will be a powerful research tool for studying the local fine electronic structures of different condensed matter systems, including topological quantum materials, mesoscopic materials and structures, and phase-separated materials.

[Analysis of factors related to systemic embolism in patients≥75 years old with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To explore the related risk factors for systemic embolism (SE) in patients aged≥75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: A case-control study. NVAF patients aged≥75 years who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2018 to October 2020 were divided into no SE (n=1 127) and SE (n=433) groups according to the occurrence of SE after NVAF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze SE-related factors in patients with NVAF without anticoagulation treatment. Results: In the multivariate model, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of SE in patients with NVAF: history of AF≥5 years [odds ratio (OR)=2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-3.82, P<0.01], lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.50-2.84, P<0.01), apolipoprotein (Apo)B>1.2 g/L (OR=1.91, 95%CI 1.25-2.93, P=0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%-49% (OR=2.45, 95%CI 1.63-3.69, P<0.01), left atrial diameter>40 mm (OR=1.54, 95%CI 1.16-2.07, P=0.003), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥3 (OR=15.14, 95%CI 2.05-112.13, P=0.01). ApoAI>1.6 g/L was negatively correlated with the occurrence of SE (OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.15-0.51, P<0.01). Conclusions: History of AF≥5 years, lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L, elevated ApoB, left atrial diameter>40 mm, LVEF of 30%-49%, and CHA₂DS₂-VASC score≥3 are independent risk factors for SE whereas ApoAI>1.6 g/L is a protective factor against SE in patients with NVAF.

[Characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism remodeling after malignant transformation of glioma-associated macrophages]

Objective: To observe the lipid metabolism characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) after malignant transformation in the glioma micro-environment, and analyze the biological phenotype changes and regulatory mechanisms after inhibiting the lipid metabolism remodeling. Methods: Twelve male Balb/c mice of 6-8 weeks were used in the study. Macrophages (Mφ) were derived from mouse bone marrow, and malignantly transformed macrophages (tMφ₁ and tMφ₂) were cloned from the model of glioma stem cell (GSC) through interaction with Mφ in vivo and in vitro. Intracellular lipid droplet formation and cellular cholesterol content were measured respectively in Mφ, tMφ₁ and tMφ₂. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the genes expression level related with lipid metabolism, including sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate monoacyl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA). Simvastatin (SIM) was used to analyze the proliferation, immigration and invasiveness ability in tMφ₁ and tMφ₂ after inhibition of the lipid metabolism. Differential expression profiles of miRNAs after SIM treatment were constructed in t-Mφ₁ and bio-informatics analysis was screened and verified for miR449a and its target gene sorting micro-tubule connectin 17 (SNX17) associated with lipid metabolism remodeling. The effect on SNX17 by up-regulated miR-449a were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, meanwhile, the biological phenotype and cholesterol content were observed after up-regulation of miR449a. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) protein levels after SNX17 knockdown and intracellular cholesterol content after LDLR knockdown were detected respectively. Results: The numbers of intracellular lipid droplet formation in tMφ₁ and tMφ₂ were more than that in Mφ (P<0.001). Likewise, the relative contents of cholesterol (3.89±0.68 and 3.56±0.53), SREBP (4.78±0.60 and 2.84±0.41), FASN (4.65±0.70 and 3.01±0.45), and HMG-CoA (5.74±0.55 and 2.97±0.34) were significantly higher in tMφ₁ and tMφ₂ than those of Mφ (1.01 wel, 1.02 wel and 0.99 wel, respectively) (all P<0.001). The proliferation rates of tMφ₁ and tMφ₂ decreased from (47.06±5.88) % and (45.29±5.64)% to (23.53±4.70)% and (18.74±5.76)%, respectively after treatment with SIM (both P<0.05). The numbers of migrated cells decreased from 1 025±138 and 350±47 to 205±63 and 99±25, respectively (both P<0.001). And the numbers of invasiveness cells decreased from 919±45 and 527±34 to 220±23 and 114±21, respectively (both P<0.001). While the relative intracellular cholesterol content decreased to 0.52±0.08 and 0.58±0.07 (both P<0.05), respectively. MiR-449a was screened from tMφ₁ by SIM, and the target gene was analyzed and verified to be SNX17. SNX17 expression was down-regulated, and the proliferation rate, the number of migration and invasiveness was significantly decreased after miR-449a over-expression (all P<0.05). Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression was down-regulated after knock-down of SNX17, while the cholesterol content was decreased after knock-down of LDLR in tMφ₁ and tMφ₂ (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Malignantly transformed TAMs undergo lipid metabolism remodeling characterized with enhanced lipid metabolism. MiR-449a regulates the LDLR by targeting SNX17, thereby affecting the lipid metabolism of malignantly transformed macrophages, and subsequently inhibiting its proliferation, migration, and invasion ability. Precise intervention with miR-449a/SNX17/LDLR axis could provide an experimental basis for reversing its tumor-promoting micro-environment remodeled by GSC through metabolic intervention.

[ Ⅰ ]

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of cryoablation(CYA) and radiofrequency ablation(RFA) for stageⅠnon-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods: From January 2014 to January 2019, 90 eligible patients [48 males, 42 females, age: 39-85(63.6±10.1)years] in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups according to different treatment methods(group CYA and group RFA). The duration of operation, intraoperative pain, local tumor progression rate and the incidence of complications were compared. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the 2 groups were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves, and were compared by using log-rank test. Results: The clinical data and tumor situation of the patients between two groups did not show significant differences. The mean duration of operation for group CYA was longer than that for group RFA [(73.5±17.2)min vs (51.4±18.7)min, P<0.001];the mean intraoperative visual analogue score(VAS)for group CYA was lower than that for group RFA (0.53±0.89 vs 3.44±2.44, P<0.001). The median follow-up period time were 53 months and 52 months for group CYA and RFA. At the end of the study, The local tumor progression rate was 31.6%(12/38) and 25.0%(13/52) for group CYA and group RFA, the difference were not statistically(P=0.491). There was no statistical difference for progress-free survival(PFS)between group CYA and group RFA[51(95%CI:40.3-55.0)months)vs 44(95%CI:37.2-54.1) months, P=0.649]. The median OS was not reached in both groups. The most common complications observed in the two groups were pneumothorax, hemorrhage and pleural effusion. There was no statistical difference in the incidence rates [42.1%(16/38) for group CYA vs 28.8% (15/52)for group RFA, P=0.191]. The incidence rate of pleural effusion for group CYA was higher than that for group RFA [26.3%(10/38)vs 5.8%(3/52), P=0.006]. The incidence rates of pneumothorax and hemorrhage had no statistical difference between the two groups [13.3%(5/38)vs 13.5% (7/52) and 15.8%(6/38) vs 9.6% (5/52), all P>0.05]. Conclusion: Compared with RFA,CYA shows no significant differences in the same efficacy and safety for treating patients with stage Ⅰ NSCLC, with less intraoperative pain but longer operative duration.

The Roles of Exosomal microRNAs in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Diagnosis, Prognosis, Clinical Application, and Biomolecular Mechanisms

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous neoplasm and is characterized as the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Despite 60–70% of all patients being cured with R-CHOP therapeutic regimen (Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, combined with rituximab), remaining patients display aggressive disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Recently, exosomal miRNAs have been approved as novel biomarkers in DLBCL due to their potential involvement in lymphomagenesis.

Material and Methods

We conducted an investigation on the potential role of exosomal miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in DLBCL in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science search engines. We searched by using a combination of keywords, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, DLBCL, miRNA, microRNA, miR, exosome, exosomes, exosomal, extracellular vesicles, EVs, and secretome. Then, search results were narrowed based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Twelve articles were eligible for our systematic reviews. Among them, nine discussed diagnostic biomarkers, three considered prognostic significance, four evaluated therapeutic efficacy, two studies were conducted in vitro, and three assessed molecular pathways associated with these exosomal miRNAs in DLBCL.

Discussion

According to our systematic review, exosomal miRNAs are not only useful for diagnosis and prognosis in DLBCL but are also promising therapeutic tools and predictors of response to therapy. Although promising results so far, more research is required to develop innovative biomarkers.

Abstract 360: Methyl-cantharidimide (MCA) can induce apoptosis by activating UNC5B-Netrin-1-DAPK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of action of methyl-cantharidimide (MCA), a cantharidin (CTD) analog, as an anticancer drug, in resistant cancer cells overexpressing either ABCB1 or ABCG2 and in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. The results indicated that: (i) MCA was efficacious in the ABCB1-overexpressing cell line, KB-C2, the ABCG2-overexpressing cell line, NCI-H460/MX20 and in the cisplatin resistant cancer cell lines, KCP-4 and BEL-7404/CP20; (ii) MCA induced apoptosis in both BEL-7404 and BEL-7404/CP20 cancer cells and arrested both BEL-7404 and BEL-7404/CP20 cancer cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle; (iii) MCA upregulated the expression level of the protein, unc-5 netrin receptor B (UNC5B) in HepG2 and BEL-7404 cancer cells. (iv) MCA can activate UNC5B-Netrin-1-DAPK apoptosis pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overall, our results indicated that MCA's efficacy in multiple cancer cell lines is due to the activation of UNC5B-Netrin-1-DAPK apoptosis pathway and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase.

Citation Format: Yi-Dong Li, Yong Mao, Xing-Duo Dong, Zi-Ning Lei, Yuqi Yang, Lizhu Lin, Dong-Hua Yang, Zhe-Sheng Chen. Methyl-cantharidimide (MCA) can induce apoptosis by activating UNC5B-Netrin-1-DAPK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 360.

[Distributive characteristics of HBV DNA CpG islands in HBsAg positive mothers and its relationship with intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To investigate the type, length, and CG loci of HBV DNA CpG islands in HBsAg positive maternal C genotype and its relationship with intrauterine HBV transmission, so as to provide a new perspective for the study of intrauterine transmission of HBV. Methods: From June 2011 to July 2013, HBsAg-positive mothers and their newborns who delivered in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan were collected. Epidemiological data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires and electronic medical records. Serum HBV markers and serum HBV DNA were detected by electrochemiluminescence and quantitative fluorescence PCR, respectively. Intrauterine transmission of HBV was determined by positive HBsAg and/or HBV DNA in femoral venous blood before injection of HBV vaccine/Hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 24 h of birth. A total of 22 mothers and their newborns with HBV DNA load ≥10⁶ IU/ml in intrauterine transmission were selected as the intrauterine transmission group, and 22 mothers with HBV DNA load ≥10⁶ IU/ml without intrauterine transmission were chosen as the control group by random seed method. The distribution prediction of CpG islands of HBV DNA in 39 mothers with genotype C by HBV DNA sequencing was analyzed. Results: Among 39 mothers with HBV C genotype, 19 were in the intrauterine transmission group, and 20 were in the control group. The HBV DNA of 39 patients with genotype C traditional CpG island Ⅱ and Ⅲ, while the control group had traditional CpG island Ⅰ and novel CpG island Ⅳ and Ⅴ. The length of CpG island Ⅱ and Ⅲ and the number of CG loci of CpG island Ⅱ in the intrauterine transmission group differed from those in the control group (P<0.05). The CpG island Ⅱ length ≥518 bp and the number of CG loci ≥40 in the intrauterine transmission group (11/19) were significantly higher than those in the control group (2/20) (P<0.05). The length of CpG island Ⅱ and the number of CG loci in the X gene promoter region (Xp region) were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the HBV intrauterine transmission group, most of maternal (12/19) HBV DNA CpG island Ⅱ completely covered the Xp region, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (5/20), and the number of HBV DNA Xp region CG loci was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The distribution of maternal C genotype HBV DNA CpG islands is related to intrauterine transmission. The length of CpG island Ⅱ and the number of CG sites may increase the risk of intrauterine transmission of HBV.

STAT6 Blockade Abrogates Aspergillus-Induced Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Asthma, A Model of Unified Airway Disease

Unified airway disease, including concurrent asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), is a common, but poorly understood disorder with no curative treatment options. To establish a murine model of chronic unified eosinophilic airway inflammation, mice were challenged with Aspergillus niger, and sinonasal mucosa and lung tissue were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and gene expression. Inhalation of A niger conidia resulted in a Th2-biased lung and sinus inflammation that typifies allergic asthma and CRS. Gene network and pathway analysis correlated with human disease with upregulation of not only the JAK-STAT and helper T-cell pathways, but also less expected pathways governing the spliceosome, osteoclast differentiation, and coagulation pathways. Utilizing a specific inhibitor and gene-deficient mice, we demonstrate that STAT6 is required for mycosis-induced sinus inflammation. These findings confirm the relevance of this new model and portend future studies that further extend our understanding of the immunopathologic basis of airway mycosis and unified airway disease.

Ribociclib Inhibits P-gp-Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells

The efficacy of cancer chemotherapy can be attenuated or abrogated by multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. In this study, we determined the effect of the CDK4/6 inhibitor, ribociclib (or LEE011), on P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated MDR in the human epidermoid carcinoma MDR cell line, KB-C2, which is widely used for studying P-gp-mediated MDR in cancers. The incubation of KB-C2 cells with ribociclib (3–9 µM) increased the efficacy of colchicine, a substrate for P-gp. The cell expression of P-gp was down-regulated at both translation and transcription levels. Furthermore, ribociclib produced a 3.5-fold increase in the basal activity of P-gp ATPase, and the concentration required to increase basal activity by 50% (EC₅₀) was 0.04 μM. Docking studies indicated that ribociclib interacted with the drug-substrate binding site of P-gp. The short-term and long-term intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin greatly increased in the KB-C2 cells co-cultured with ribociclib, indicating ribociclib inhibited the drug efflux activity of P-gp. The results of our study indicate that LEE011 may be a potential agent for combined therapy of the cancers with P-gp mediated MDR.

[Effect of activation of Toll-like receptor signaling pathway of peripheral blood mononuclear cell in recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen immune response]

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Toll-like receptor (TLR3) signaling pathway in recombinant HBsAg (rHBsAg) immune response. Methods: White blood cells were collected from peripheral blood of 13 healthy donors in the preparation of blood products. PBMC was isolated and treated with Poly I:C (Poly I:C group) and PBS (control group) respectively. 48 h later, some cells were collected and the expressions of TLR3 signaling pathway proteins were detected by flow cytometry. After activating (Poly I:C group)/inactivating (control group) TLR3 signaling pathway, rHBsAg was given to both groups for 72 h, and the proportions of DC, T, B cells and their subsets in PBMC were detected by flow cytometry. Paired t-test, paired samples wilcoxon signed-rank test and canonical correlation analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results: The percentage of TLR3 protein-positive cells (19.21%) and protein expression (8 983.95), NF-κB protein expression (26 193.13), the percentage of pNF-κB protein-positive cells (13.73%) and its proportion in NF-κB (16.03%), and the percentage of pIRF3 protein-positive cells (12.64%) and its proportion in IRF3 (21.80%) in Poly I:C group were higher than those in control group (11.54%, 8 086.00, 22 340.66, 8.72%, 9.71%, 9.57%, 19.12%) (P<0.05), and the percentage of TRIF protein-positive cells (89.75%) and protein expression (304 219.54) were higher in Poly I:C group than in the control group (89.64%, 288 149.72) (P>0.05). After PBMC stimulation by rHBsAg, the proportions of mDC (2.90%), pDC (1.80%), B cell (5.31%) and plasma cell (67.71%) in Poly I:C group were significantly higher than those in the control group (1.83%, 0.81%, 4.23%, 58.82%) (P<0.05). Results of canonical correlation analysis showed that the expression of TLR3 protein was positively correlated with the proportions of plasma cells, the expression of pIRF3 protein was positively correlated with the proportions of plasma cells and mDC, and the percentage of pNF-κB protein-positive cells and the percentage of pIRF3 protein-positive cells were positively correlated with the proportion of CD4⁺T cells. Conclusions: Poly I:C can activate TLR3/TRIF/NF-κB and TLR3/TRIF/IRF3 signaling pathway, promote the function of downstream signaling molecules, and then promote the maturation of DC, induce the immune responses of CD4⁺T cell, and promote the maturation and activation of B cells and the immune response of rHBsAg.

Interface effects of Schottky devices built from MoS2and high work function metals

Schottky junctions, formed by high work function metals and semiconductors, are important devices in electronics and optoelectronics. The metal deposition in traditional Schottky interfaces usually damages the semiconductor surface and causes defect states, which reduces the Schottky barrier height and device performance. This can be avoided in the atomically smooth interface formed by two-dimensional (2D) metals and semiconductors. For better interface tailoring engineering, it is particularly important to understand various interface effects in such 2D Schottky devices under critical or boundary conditions. Here we report the fabrication and testing of three types of MoS₂devices, i.e., using PtTe₂, Cr and Au as contact materials. While the Cr/MoS₂contact is an ohmic contact, the other two are Schottky contacts. The van-der-Waals interface of PtTe₂-MoS₂results in a well-defined OFF state and a significant rectification ratio of 10⁴. This parameter, together with an ideality factor 2.1, outperforms the device based on evaporated Au. Moreover, a device in the intermediate condition is also presented. An abrupt increase in the reverse current is observed and understood based on the enhanced tunneling current. Our work manifests the essential role of doping concentration and provides another example for 2D Schottky interface design.

[Analysis on influencing factors of HBV intrauterine transmission based on integration of decision tree model and logistic regression model]

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of HBV intrauterine transmission and their interaction effects by integrating logistic regression model and Chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) decision tree model. Methods: A total of 689 pairs of HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates in the obstetrics department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan from 2007 to 2013 were enrolled, and the basic information of mothers and their neonates were obtained by questionnaire survey and medical record review, such as the general demographic characteristics, gestational week and delivery mode. HBV DNA and HBV serological markers of the mothers and newborns were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay respectively. The CHAID decision tree model and unconditional logistic regression analysis were used to explore the factors influencing HBV intrauterine transmission in neonates of HBsAg-positive mothers. Results: Among the 689 neonates, the incidence of HBV intrauterine transmission was 11.47% (79/689). After adjusted for confounding factors, the first and second logistic multivariate analysis showed that cesarean delivery was a protective factor for HBV intrauterine transmission (OR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.14-0.43; OR=0.27, 95%CI: 0.15-0.46); both models indicated that maternal HBeAg positivity and HBV DNA load ≥2×10⁵ IU/ml before delivery were risk factors of HBV intrauterine transmission (OR=3.89, 95%CI: 2.32-6.51; OR=3.48, 95%CI: 2.12-5.71), respectively. The CHAID decision tree model screened three significant factors influencing HBV intrauterine transmission, the most significant one was maternal HBeAg status, followed by delivery mode and maternal HBV DNA load. There were interactions between maternal HBeAg status and delivery modes, as well as delivery mode and maternal HBV DNA load before delivery. The rate of HBV intrauterine transmission in newborns of HBeAg-positive mothers by vaginal delivery increased from 19.08% to 29.37%; among HBeAg-positive mothers with HBV DNA ≥2×10⁵ IU/ml, the rate of HBV intrauterine transmission increased to 33.33% in the newborns by vaginal delivery. Conclusions: Maternal HBeAg positivity,maternal HBV DNA ≥2×10⁵ IU/ml and vaginal delivery could be risk factors for HBV intrauterine transmission in newborns. Interaction effects were found between maternal HBeAg positivity and vaginal delivery, as well as vaginal delivery and high maternal HBV DNA load. Logistic regression model and the CHAID decision tree model can be used in conjunction to identify the high-risk populations and develop preventive strategies accurately.

Progress in design and synthesis of biobased epoxy covalent adaptable networks

Epoxy thermosets have outstanding physical and chemical properties, but they are unrecyclable/nondegradable due to their permanently crosslinked networks and are also overly dependent on fossil resources. This leads to serious...

Extracellular Vesicles in Acute Leukemia: A Mesmerizing Journey With a Focus on Transferred microRNAs

Despite their small size, the membrane-bound particles named extracellular vesicles (EVs) seem to play an enormous role in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia. From oncogenic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to become leukemic cells to alter the architecture of bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, EVs are critical components of leukemia development. As a carrier of essential molecules, especially a group of small non-coding RNAs known as miRNA, recently, EVs have attracted tremendous attention as a prognostic factor. Given the importance of miRNAs in the early stages of leukemogenesis and also their critical parts in the development of drug-resistant phenotype, it seems that the importance of EVs in the development of leukemia is more than what is expected. To be familiar with the clinical value of leukemia-derived EVs, this review aimed to briefly shed light on the biology of EVs and to discuss the role of EV-derived miRNAs in the development of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. By elaborating the advances and challenges concerning the isolation of EVs, we discuss whether EVs could have a prognostic value in the clinical setting for leukemia.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer: A review of recent updates

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily is one of the largest membrane protein families existing in wide spectrum of organisms from prokaryotes to human. ABC transporters are also known as efflux pumps because they mediate the cross-membrane transportation of various endo- and xenobiotic molecules energized by ATP hydrolysis. Therefore, ABC transporters have been considered closely to multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, where the efflux of structurally distinct chemotherapeutic drugs causes reduced itherapeutic efficacy. Besides, ABC transporters also play other critical biological roles in cancer such as signal transduction. During the past decades, extensive efforts have been made in understanding the structure-function relationship, transportation profile of ABC transporters, as well as the possibility to overcome MDR via targeting these transporters. In this review, we discuss the most recent knowledge regarding ABC transporters and cancer drug resistance in order to provide insights for the development of more effective therapies.

A combination of genome-wide association study and selection signature analysis dissects the genetic architecture underlying bone traits in chickens

The bones of chicken play an important role in supporting and protecting the body. The growth and development of bones have a substantial influence on the health and production performance in chickens. However, genetic architecture underlying chicken bone traits is not well understood. The objectives of this study are to dissect the genetic basis of bone traits in chickens and to identify valuable genes and genetic markers for chicken breeding. We performed a combination of genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selection signature analysis (fixation index values and nucleotide diversity ratios) in an F₂ crossbred experimental population with different genetic backgrounds (broiler × layer) to identify candidate genes and significant variants related to femur, shank, keel length, chest width, metatarsal claw weight, metatarsal length, and metatarsal circumference. A total of 545 individuals were genotyped based on the whole genome re-sequencing method (26 F₀ individuals were re-sequenced at 10 × coverage; 519 F₂ individuals were re-sequenced at 3 × coverage). A total of 2 028 112 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remained to carry out analysis after quality control and imputation. The integration of GWAS and selection signature analysis indicated that all significant SNPs responsible for bone traits were mainly localized on chicken chromosomes 1, 4, and 27. Finally, we identified 21 positional candidate genes that might regulate chicken bone growth and development, including LRCH1, RB1, FNDC3A, MLNR, CAB39L, FOXO1, LHFP, TRPC4, POSTN, SMAD9, RBPJ, PPARGC1A, SLIT2, NCAPG, NKX3-2, CPZ, SPOP, NGFR, SOST, ZNF652, and HOXB3. Additionally, an array of uncharacterized genes was identified. The findings provide an in-depth understanding of the genetic architecture of chicken bone traits and offer a molecular basis for applying genomics in practical chicken breeding.

[Relationship between auditory hallucination and regional homogeneity of functional magnetic resonance imaging in first-episode childhood and adolescence-onset schizophrenia]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of regional homogeneity (ReHo) of the resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in first-episode childhood and adolescence-onset schizophrenia (CAOS) and to analyze the relationship between the severity of auditory hallucinations and ReHo. Methods: Seventy-nine cases of first-episode CAOS patients (case group) aged 10 to 16 were collected from October 2017 to December 2019 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University. There were 28 males and 51 females with a mean age of (14.1±1.3) years. And meantime, 32 healthy children matched with the patients in baseline data were selected as healthy controls (HCs). The patients with CAOS were divided into three groups according to the auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) assessment of positive symptoms scale (SAPS): non-AVH group (0-1 point), 20 cases; mild-to-moderate AVH group (2-3 points), 36 cases; severe AVH group (4-5 points), 23 cases. The severity of psychiatric symptoms was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). ReHo analysis was performed on the resting state fMRI scan data of all subjects. Covariance analysis (ages was used as a covariate) was performed between the case group and the HCs, and the three case groups were analyzed to find the different brain areas. Finally, covariance analysis (ages as a covariate) was performed on ReHo values between the case group and the HCs, and among the three groups of patients. Correlation analysis was conducted between the ReHo values in different brain regions and PANSS scores, as well as AVH scores. Results: Compared with the HCs, the decreased ReHo of patients were mainly located in the left superior frontal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, left central anterior gyrus, and right central anterior gyrus (all P<0.05). Besides, the ReHo deficits were in the right superior temporal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, precuneus lobe, and left central anterior gyrus among the three groups (all P<0.05). Moreover, the severe-AVH group showed decreased ReHo values in precuneus lobe compared with the non-AVH group (P<0.05), and showed decreased ReHo values in left middle frontal gyrus and left central anterior gyrus compared with the mild-to-moderate AVH group (both P<0.05). Furthermore, the ReHo in the right superior temporal gyrus and the left anterior central gyrus were negatively correlated with the AVH score (rs=-0.34, -0.32, P<0.05); and the positive symptom score was negatively correlated with the ReHo in the right superior temporal lobe (r=-0.23, P<0.05). Conclusion: Firstly, decreased ReHo is found in multiple brain regions in CAOS. Secondly, the occurrence of auditory hallucinations may be related to the abnormal activity of local neurons in the resting state. Consequently, Abnormal brain function may be the underlying neural basis for the first-episode CAOS.

CMP25, a synthetic new agent, targets multidrug resistance-associated protein 7 (MRP7/ABCC10)

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 7 (MRP7) is an important member of ABC transporter superfamily and has been revealed to mediate the cross-membrane translocation of a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents including taxanes, epothilones, Vinca alkaloids, Anthracyclines and Epipodophyllotoxins.In our previous study, a 1,2,3-triazole-pyrimidine hybridCMP25was synthesized and found able to efficiently reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of compound CMP25in reversing MDR mediated by MRP7in vitro. The results showed that CMP25significantly sensitized MRP7-overexpressing cells to anticancer drugs that are MRP7 substrates. Mechanistic study showed that CMP25reversed MRP7-mediated MDR by increasing the intracellular accumulation of anticancer drugs and decreasing drug efflux, without altering protein expression level or subcellular localization. Currently, very few studies on synthetic MRP7 modulators have been published. Our findings provide a valuable prototype for designing drugs to combine with conventional anticancer drugs to overcome MDR-mediated by MRP7.

SYBR Green-based real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of porcine parvovirus 6 in pigs

In this study, a SYBR Green-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was developed for rapid detection of porcine parvovirus (PPV) 6. Primer pairs targeting the conserved regions of PPV6 Capsid gene were designed. Sensitivity analyses revealed the lowest detection limit of the SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay to be 47.8 copies/μL, which indicated it was 1000 times higher than that found in the conventional PCR investigations. This assay was specific and showed no cross-species amplification with other six porcine viruses. The assay demonstrated high repeatability and reproducibility; the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 0.79% and 0.42%, respectively. The positive detection rates of 180 clinical samples with SYBR Green-based real-time PCR and conventional PCR were 12.22% (22/180) and 4.44% (8/180), respectively. Our method is sensitive, specific, and reproducible. The use of SYBR Green-based real-time PCR may be suitable for the clinical detection and epidemiological investigation of PPV6.

[Relationship between C genotype HBV mutation and intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To analyze the virus genome mutation of mothers with C genotype HBV and explore its relationship with HBV intrauterine transmission. Methods: A total of 399 mothers carrying HBV and their newborns hospitalized in the obstetrics department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan from 2011 to 2013 were selected. Necessary information about mothers and children was obtained through a questionnaire survey and medical records. HBV DNA and HBV serological markers were detected by quantitative fluorescence PCR and electrochemiluminescence. Within 24 hours after birth and before active/passive immunization, those with positive HBsAg and/or HBV DNA in femoral venous blood were determined as HBV intrauterine transmission. According to the requirements of cloning and sequencing, mothers' HBV DNA load should be ≥10⁶ IU/ml. Among 54 cases of HBV intrauterine transmission, 22 pairs of mothers and their newborns meeting the requirements of cloning and sequencing were used as the intrauterine transmission group. The same number of mothers and their newborns without intrauterine transmission was selected as the random seed method's control group. After PCR amplification of HBV DNA, gene cloning, and sequencing, the gene mutation analysis of mothers with C genotype HBV was performed. Results: Among the 44 samples, 39 (88.63%, 39/44) were genotype C, 2 were genotype B, and 3 were mixed genotype B, and C. A total of 406 clone beads from 42 mothers with C genotype HBV were analyzed for gene mutation, including 204 in the intrauterine transmission group and 202 in the control group. The base substitution mutation rate of PreS1, S, C, and P regions in the HBV intrauterine transmission group were significantly lower than those in the control group (χ² ranged from 8.67 to 40.73, P<0.05). The mutation rate of base deletion in PreC and X regions in the HBV intrauterine transmission group was lower than that in the control group (χ² values were 17.82 and 34.78, P<0.001). Two clones in the X region had 31 bp insertion mutations between nt1644 and nt1645, and two clones had 27 bp insertion mutations between nt1649 and nt1650, all of which took place in the control group. Conclusions: The base substitution mutations in the PreS1, S, C, and P segments of the HBV genome in mothers with C genotype HBV were associated with the occurrence of intrauterine transmission of HBV. Deletion mutations in the PreC region, insertion and deletion mutations in the X region may reduce intrauterine transmission risk.

A functional variant in the promoter region of IGF1 gene is associated with chicken abdominal fat deposition

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Previously several studies revealed that genotypes of chicken IGF1 c.-366A > C were significantly associated with abdominal fat weight and body weight in chickens. But the underlying mechanism is still unknown. To investigate the mechanism underlying the association, herein, we performed IGF1 gene mRNA expression profiling, a dual-luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that IGF1 gene was widely expressed in 14 tissues. The mRNA expression levels of IGF1 gene in both abdominal fat and jejunum were significantly higher in fat broilers than in lean broilers. However, the opposite results were observed in the pancreas. The reporter gene assay showed that the promoter luciferase activity of allele A was significantly higher than that of allele C (P < 0.05). In addition, the luciferase activity of allele A promoted by the transcription factor AP1 and OCT1 was higher than that of allele C (P < 0.05). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay result showed that allele A binding to the transcription factor AP1 and OCT1 was stronger than that of allele C. All in all, our data indicated that the IGF1 gene c.-366A > C is a functional SNP responsible for chicken adipose deposition.

Theoretical studies of the g factors and local structures of the Ni3+ centers in Na2 Zn(SO4 )2 ·4H2 O and K2 Zn(SO4 )2 ·6H2 O crystals

The local structures and the g factors g_i (i = x, y, z) for Ni³⁺ centers in Na₂ Zn(SO₄ )₂ ·4H₂ O (DPPH) and K₂ Zn(SO₄ )₂ ·6H₂ O (PHZS) crystals are theoretically studied by using the perturbation formulas of the g factors for a 3d⁷ ion with low spin (S = 1/2) in orthorhombically compressed octahedra. In these formulas, the contributions to g factors from both the spin-orbit coupling interactions of the central ion and ligands are taken into account, and the required crystal-field parameters are estimated from the superposition model and the local geometry of the systems. Based on the calculations, the Ni-O bonds are found to suffer the axial compression δz (or Δz) of about 0.111 Å (or 0.036 Å) along the z-axis for Ni³⁺ centers in DPPH (or PHZS) crystals. Meanwhile, the Ni-O bonds may experience additional planar bond length variation δx (≈0.015 Å) along x- and y-axes for the orthorhombic Ni³⁺ center in DPPH. The theoretical g factors agree well with the experimental data. The obtained local structural parameters for both Ni³⁺ centers are discussed.

[Oncologic outcomes of early stage cervical cancer performed operation by different laparoscopic surgical procedures: analysis of clinical data from mutiple centers]

Objective: To evaluate the oncologic outcomes of different laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. Methods: From January 2011 to December 2014, the laparoscopic operation cases of cervical cancer at stage Ⅰb1, Ⅰb2, Ⅱa1 and Ⅱa2, including the histologic subtypes of squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma, were collected in five clinical centers. The data were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedures, that is, modified laparoscopic-vaginal radical hysterectomy (mLVRH) and total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH). The overall survival rate (OS), disease-free survival rate (DFS) at 5 years were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Results: There were 674 cases in total, including 377 cases of mLVRH, 297 cases of TLRH. (1) The OS at 5 years: the mLVRH was 96.1% and the TLRH was 92.0%, and the mLVRH was higher than that of TLRH （P=0.010）. Stratify analysis， including stage of disease （Ⅰb1 and Ⅱa1）， histologic subtypes （squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma）， lymph node metastasis， revealed that, ① Stage of disease: in stage Ⅰb1, the OS at five years of mLVRH was higher than that in TLRH group （98.6% vs 93.6%, P=0.012）. In stage Ⅱa1, there was significant difference between the two groups, the OS at five years of mLVRH and TLRH were 93.6% and 77.6% （P=0.007）. ② Histologic subtypes: for the OS at five years of squamous-cell carcinoma, mLVRH and TLRH were 96.1% and 92.3%, and there was significant difference （P=0.046）； for adenocarcinoma, the OS at five years were 91.0% and 88.6%， and there was no difference between two groups （P=0.230）. ③ Lymph node metastasis： the mLVRH and TLRH with lymph node metastasis, the OS at five years were 98.6% and 96.4%; the mLVRH and TLRH without lymph node metastasis, the OS at five years were 89.3% and 80.8%. There were no significant differences between the two groups,respectively (P=0.156， P=0.093）. (2) The DFS at 5 years: there was no significant difference between mLVRH and TLRH (94.1% vs 90.9%, P=0.220). Stratify analysis for stage of disease, the mLVRH group was higher than that in the TLRH group in stage Ⅰb1 (97.0% vs 92.8%, P=0.039). However, for stage Ⅱa1, there was no significant difference between mLVRH and TLRH group （88.2% vs 75.8%, P=0.074）. Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study indicated that different laparoscopy surgical procedures had diverse oncologic outcomes. The OS at 5 years of the mLVRH is superior to the TLRH. The DFS at 5 years in Ⅰb1 stage, the mLVRH is higher than the TLRH. Therefore, the modified laparoscopy is still an alternative surgery for early cervical cancer patients when following the principle of no-tumor-exposure.

Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitor RN486 Overcomes ABCB1-Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells

Overexpression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) remains one of the most vital factors leading to multidrug resistance (MDR). It is important to enhance the effect and bioavailability of chemotherapeutic drugs that are substrates of ABCB1 transporter in ABCB1-overexpression cancer cells and reverse ABCB1-mediated MDR. Previous, we uncovered that the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib is a potent reversal agent to overcomes paclitaxel resistance in ABCB1-overexpressing cells and tumors. In this study, we explored whether RN486, another BTK inhibitor, was competent to surmount ABCB1-mediated MDR and promote relevant cancer chemotherapy. We found that RN486 significantly increased the efficacy of paclitaxel and doxorubicin in both drug-selected carcinoma cells and transfected cells overexpressing ABCB1. Mechanistic studies indicated that RN486 dramatically attenuated the drug efflux activity of ABCB1 transporter without altering its expression level or subcellular localization. The ATPase activity of ABCB1 transporter was not affected by low concentrations but stimulated by high concentrations of RN486. Moreover, an interaction between RN486 with ABCB1 substrate-binding and inhibitor binding sites was verified by in silico docking simulation. The results from our study suggest that RN486 could be a reversal agent and could be used in the novel combination therapy with other antineoplastic drugs to conquer MDR-mediated by ABCB1 transporter in clinics.

[Relationship between mutations of HBV basal core promoter region in HBsAg-positive mothers and intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between maternal mutations in basal core promoter region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C and intrauterine transmission. Methods: We collected information on general demographic characteristics and process of delivery among 399 pairs of consecutive HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates, from the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan in Shanxi province, China. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and Electro-chemiluminescence immuno-assay (ECLIA) kits were used to detect both maternal and neonatal HBV DNA and serological markers in the peripheral blood. From 113 mothers with HBV DNA load ≥10(6) IU/ml, we selected 22 mothers whose neonates were with intrauterine transmission and randomly selected the same number of mothers whose neonates were without intrauterine transmission, as controls. The whole-length HBV DNA were extracted, amplified, cloned, sequenced and genotyped. Finally, a total of 39 mothers with genotype C of HBV were selected for mutation analysis. Results: Thirty-nine cases of genotype C (88.63%) were finally included in the study, with 19 cases in the intrauterine transmission group and 20 cases as controls. Rates of A1762T/G1764A double mutations were significantly different between the intrauterine transmission group and the control group (7.53% vs. 27.72%, P<0.001). Results from the multivariate analysis showed that the A1762T/G1764A double mutations had reduced the risk of intrauterine transmission (aOR=0.065, 95%CI: 0.006-0.746, P=0.028). Maternal A1762T/G1764A double mutations appeared to be possibly associated with neonatal HBeAg (P=0.050). Conclusion: A1762T/G1764A double mutations of HBV DNA from the genotype C of those HBsAg-positive mothers could reduced the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission during pregnancy.

Methyl-Cantharidimide (MCA) Has Anticancer Efficacy in ABCB1- and ABCG2-Overexpressing and Cisplatin Resistant Cancer Cells

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of methyl-cantharidimide (MCA), a cantharidin (CTD) analog, as an anticancer drug, in cancer cells overexpressing either ABCB1 or ABCG2 transporters and in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. The results indicated that: (i) MCA was efficacious in the ABCB1-overexpressing cell line, KB-C2, and the ABCB1-gene-transfected cell line, HEK293/ABCB1 (IC50 from 6.37 to 8.44 mM); (ii) MCA was also efficacious in the ABCG2-overexpressing cell line, NCI-H460/MX20, and the ABCG2-gene-transfected cell lines, HEK293/ABCG2-482-R2, HEK293/ABCG2-482-G2, and the HEK293/ABCG2-482-T7 cell lines (IC50 from 6.37 to 9.70 mM); (iii) MCA was efficacious in the cisplatin resistant cancer cell lines, KCP-4 and BEL-7404/CP20 (IC50 values from 7.05 to 8.16 mM); (iv) MCA (up to 16 mM) induced apoptosis in both BEL-7404 and BEL-7404/CP20 cancer cells; (v) MCA arrested both BEL-7404 and BEL-7404/CP20 cancer cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle; (vi) MCA (8 mM) upregulated the expression level of the protein, unc-5 netrin receptor B (UNC5B) in HepG2 and BEL-7404 cancer cells. Overall, our results indicated that MCA's efficacy in ABCB1- and ABCG2-overexpressing and cisplatin resistant cancer cells is due to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase.

In response to complement anaphylatoxin peptides C3a and C5a, human vascular endothelial cells migrate and mediate the activation of B-cells and polarization of T-cells

The vascular endothelium has been discovered in the past several years to be important in shaping the cellular immune response. During the immune response the vascular endothelium is constantly perturbed by biologically potent molecules, including the complement activation peptides, C3a and C5a. Despite the importance of C3a and C5a in inflammation and immunity, their role in modulating lymphocyte function via activation of vascular endothelial cells is unknown. Accordingly, we investigated the regulated expression of the C3a and C5a receptors (complement anaphylatoxin C3a receptor [C3aR] and complement anaphylatoxin C5a receptor 1 [C5aR1]) on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and examined how C3a or C5a activation of HUVECs affects the activation and polarization of lymphatic cells. Our findings demonstrated that C3a and C5a increase C3aR and C5aR1 expression by HUVECs as well as directing their cellular transmigration and spreading through transwell filters. Moreover, C3a- or C5a-stimulated endothelial cells: (1) caused activation of B-lymphoblasts with significant increase in Fas Ligand (CD95L) (FasL), CD69, and IL-R1 expression, and (2) skewed T-lymphoblast cells toward a Th1 subtype, (CD4⁺ /CCR5⁺ ) that correlated with significant increase of IFN-γ. Collectively, these data indicate that C3a and C5a signaling is important in the activation and polarization of lymphocytes as they traffic through the vascular endothelium during the immune response.

[Quantitative evaluation of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging and three-dimensional arterial spin labeling in Ki-67 labeling index and grading of brain gliomas]

Objective: To investigate the value of multiple parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) in Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) and grading of human brain gliomas. Methods: From December 2015 to May 2018, 45 patients of gliomas confirmed by surgical pathology in Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center were divided into low-grade group (20 cases of WHO grade Ⅱ) and high-grade group (12 cases of WHO grade Ⅲ, 13 cases of WHO grade Ⅳ), and the Ki-67 LI of glioma was obtained by immunohistochemistry. All patients, 24 males and 21 females, aged 25-83 years, mean(53±12)years, underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), IVIM-DWI and 3D-ASL before operation, then measured the true water diffusion coefficient (D), microcirculation perfusion coefficient (D(*)), perfusion fraction (f) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the tumor solid area and the contralateral normal white matter area. Those parameters and the Ki-67 LI were compared between the low-and high-grade groups with Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the quantitative parameters and Ki-67 LI. The ROC curve was used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of parameters in the grading assessment of brain gliomas. Results: The D(0.791×10(-3)mm(2)/s) and f (0.261) of the high-grade group were lower than those of the low-grade group, whereas D(*) (4.153×10(-3) mm(2)/s), CBF(102.027 ml·min(-1)·100 g(-1)) and Ki-67 LI (0.25) were higher (P<0.05). There was a moderate negative correlation between D, f and Ki-67 LI(r=-0.513,-0.457, all P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between D(*) and Ki-67 LI (P=0.571). The area under the curve (AUC) for identifying high-and low-grade gliomas by D, D(*), f and CBF values was 0.965, 0.745, 0.842, and 0.830 respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusion: D and f can be used for quantitative prediction of Ki-67 LI. IVIM-DWI and 3D-ASL are helpful in the grading assessment of gliomas, and the diagnostic efficiency of D is the highest.

[Analysis of the KCNQ1 gene mutation in 2 families with congenital long QT syndrome type 1 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: Present study analyzed the association betwen the postassium voltage-gated channel KQT-like subfamily member 1 gene (KCNQ1) mutation and the clinical and the electrocardiographic features in 2 pedigrees with congenital long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Methods: Three family members were diagnosed as LQT1 patients in 2 Uygur congenital LQT1 families, these 3 LQT1 patients served as long QT group, 24 Uygur healthy volunteers served as control group. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and the gene detection were applied to compare the ECG and molecular genetic features between the long QT group and control group, and to explore the relationship between the KCNQ1 gene mutation and the clinical and the electrocardiographic features in these 2 families with congenital long QT syndrome type 1. Results: The LQT1 was diagnosed in 3 cases of the 2 pedigrees. The common features of ECG were QTc>480 ms, prolonged ST segment, and delayed T wave. The gene test evidenced a polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene exon 13:47G➝A(R16R). The mutation of 133G➝A9(G45S) of exon 16 resulted in the change of the original glycine (G) to serine (s). The ECG of the control group were normal, and there were no KCNQ1 gene mutations in control group. Conclusion: The exon sequencing results of KCNQ1 gene in 2 Xinjiang Uygur congenital long LQT1 families showed that exon16 missense changes (133G to A (G45S)) can lead to amino acid mutation, this mutation may be a pathogenic mutation. Subsequent validation of the expanded sample will provide a reference for revealing the relationship between the KCNQ1 gene and the pathogenesis of LQT1.