Obstacles to Health Big Data Utilization Based on the Perceptions and Demands of Health Care Workers in South Korea: Web-Based Survey Study

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the potential of health big data in the South Korean context. Despite huge data reserves and pan-government efforts to increase data use, the utilization is limited to public interest research centered in public institutions that have data. To increase the use of health big data, it is necessary to identify and develop measures to meet the various demands for such data from individuals, private companies, and research institutes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the perceptions of and demands for health big data analysis and use among workers in health care-related occupations and to clarify the obstacles to the use of health big data.

METHODS

From May 8 to May 18, 2022, we conducted a web-based survey among 390 health care-related workers in South Korea. We used Fisher exact test and analysis of variance to estimate the differences among occupations. We expressed the analysis results by item in frequency and percentage and expressed the difficulties in analyzing health big data by mean and standard deviation.

RESULTS

The respondents who revealed the need to use health big data in health care work-related fields accounted for 86.4% (337/390); 65.6% (256/390) of the respondents had never used health big data. The lack of awareness about the source of the desired data was the most cited reason for nonuse by 39.6% (153/386) of the respondents. The most cited obstacle to using health big data by the respondents was the difficulty in data integration and expression unit matching, followed by missing value processing and noise removal. Thus, the respondents experienced the greatest difficulty in the data preprocessing stage during the health big data analysis process, regardless of occupation. Approximately 91.8% (358/390) of the participants responded that they were willing to use the system if a system supporting big data analysis was developed. As suggestions for the specific necessary support system, the reporting and provision of appropriate data and expert advice on questions arising during the overall process of big data analysis were mentioned.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate respondents' high awareness of and demand for health big data. Our findings also reveal the low utilization of health big data and the need to support health care workers in their analysis and use of such data. Hence, we recommend the development of a customized support system that meets the specific requirements of big data analysis by users such as individuals, nongovernmental agencies, and academia. Our study is significant because it identified important but overlooked failure factors. Thus, it is necessary to prepare practical measures to increase the utilization of health big data in the future.

RENEB Inter-Laboratory Comparison 2021: The Dicentric Chromosome Assay

After large-scale radiation accidents where many individuals are suspected to be exposed to ionizing radiation, biological and physical retrospective dosimetry assays are important tools to aid clinical decision making by categorizing individuals into unexposed/minimally, moderately or highly exposed groups. Quality-controlled inter-laboratory comparisons of simulated accident scenarios are regularly performed in the frame of the European legal association RENEB (Running the European Network of Biological and Physical retrospective Dosimetry) to optimize international networking and emergency readiness in case of large-scale radiation events. In total 33 laboratories from 22 countries around the world participated in the current RENEB inter-laboratory comparison 2021 for the dicentric chromosome assay. Blood was irradiated in vitro with X rays (240 kVp, 13 mA, ∼75 keV, 1 Gy/min) to simulate an acute, homogeneous whole-body exposure. Three blood samples (no. 1: 0 Gy, no. 2: 1.2 Gy, no. 3: 3.5 Gy) were sent to each participant and the task was to culture samples, to prepare slides and to assess radiation doses based on the observed dicentric yields from 50 manually or 150 semi-automatically scored metaphases (triage mode scoring). Approximately two-thirds of the participants applied calibration curves from irradiations with γ rays and about 1/3 from irradiations with X rays with varying energies. The categorization of the samples in clinically relevant groups corresponding to individuals that were unexposed/minimally (0-1 Gy), moderately (1-2 Gy) or highly exposed (>2 Gy) was successfully performed by all participants for sample no. 1 and no. 3 and by ≥74% for sample no. 2. However, while most participants estimated a dose of exactly 0 Gy for the sham-irradiated sample, the precise dose estimates of the samples irradiated with doses >0 Gy were systematically higher than the corresponding reference doses and showed a median deviation of 0.5 Gy (sample no. 2) and 0.95 Gy (sample no. 3) for manual scoring. By converting doses estimated based on γ-ray calibration curves to X-ray doses of a comparable mean photon energy as used in this exercise, the median deviation decreased to 0.27 Gy (sample no. 2) and 0.6 Gy (sample no. 3). The main aim of biological dosimetry in the case of a large-scale event is the categorization of individuals into clinically relevant groups, to aid clinical decision making. This task was successfully performed by all participants for the 0 Gy and 3.5 Gy samples and by 74% (manual scoring) and 80% (semi-automatic scoring) for the 1.2 Gy sample. Due to the accuracy of the dicentric chromosome assay and the high number of participating laboratories, a systematic shift of the dose estimates could be revealed. Differences in radiation quality (X ray vs. γ ray) between the test samples and the applied dose effect curves can partly explain the systematic shift. There might be several additional reasons for the observed bias (e.g., donor effects, transport, experimental conditions or the irradiation setup) and the analysis of these reasons provides great opportunities for future research. The participation of laboratories from countries around the world gave the opportunity to compare the results on an international level.

Pattern of pericardial calcification determines the mid-term postoperative outcome after pericardiectomy in chronic constrictive pericarditis

Background/Introduction

Although pericardiectomy is an effective treatment of constrictive pericarditis (CP), clinical outcome is not always successful. Pericardial calcification is a unique finding in CP. However, the amount and localization of calcification vary. Computer tomography (CT) can visualize the pericardial calcification with high sensitivity and provide the anatomical assessment.

Purpose

We investigated that how the pattern and amount of pericardial calcification affect the mid-term postoperative outcome after pericardiectomy in CP.

Methods

All of the patients who underwent total pericardiectomy in our hospital from 2010 to 2020 were derived from electrical medical records (n=105). Among them, preoperative CT scans (non-gated non-contrast) of 98 patients were available and, thus, 98 consecutive patients were finally analyzed. Medical records were reviewed in a retrospective manner. Cardiovascular event is defined as cardiovascular death or hospitalization associated with a heart failure symptom and all cause event is defined as all events that require admission. CT scan was analyzed by Aquarius Workstation, and the volume and localization pattern of pericalcification were derived. Pericardium calcium score was given as an Agatston score.

Results

Of 98 patients, 25 (25.5%) patients were hospitalized with heart failure symptom after pericardiectomy. Median follow up duration of patients is 172 weeks. A group with cardiovascular event had higher NYHA grade (P<0.001), lower calcium volume (P=0.004), and lower calcium score (P=0.01). Multivariate cox proportional analysis showed that high ln(calcium score) before pericardiectomy was dependent predictor of cardiovascular event (hazard ratio, 0.90; P=0.04) and all cause event (hazard ratio, 0.91, P=0.04) after pericardiectomy. When we set the cut off value at 7.22, based on ROC curve, there was a significant difference in cardiovascular event between the groups divided by this cutoff value in Kaplan-Meier curve (P=0.002) and multivariate cox proportional analysis (P=0.04). In the subgroup analysis, myocardium invasion and circumferential calcification were more common in the high calcium score group. Idiopathic & tuberculosis pericarditis were more associated with high calcium score group and post-operative pericarditis, other reasons (infection, radiation, etc) were more associated with low calcium group.

Conclusion

Low burden of pericardial calcification was associated high rate of mid-term clinical event after pericardiectomy CP. Preoperative evaluation of pericardial calcification pattern can be used as predictor of postoperative outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Anti-diabetic effects of Protaetia brevitarsis in pancreatic islets and a murine diabetic model

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the antidiabetic efficacy of Protaetia brevitarsis in alloxan-treated pancreatic islets and db/db mice was investigated. P. brevitarsis was tested for alloxan-mediated cytotoxicity and nitric oxide production in mice pancreatic islets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-diabetic effect of P. brevitarsis was also evaluated in db/db mice after 4 weeks of administration. Biochemical analysis, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and pancreatic histological analysis were performed.

RESULTS

P. brevitarsis displayed hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-treated mice pancreatic islets. Our results showed that P. brevitarsis protects pancreatic islets from cytotoxicity. Moreover, daily oral supplementation with P. brevitarsis for 4 weeks reduced plasma glucose levels without affecting body weight and food intake, elevated glucose tolerance in OGTT, improved blood lipid parameters, inhibited fat accumulation, and restored islet structure of db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provided evidence for the anti‑diabetic effect of P. brevitarsis in alloxan-treated pancreatic islets and db/db mice. These results suggest that P. brevitarsis may be used as an adjunctive anti-diabetic agent or as a functional food.

The mediating effect of workplace incivility on organization culture in South Korea: A descriptive correlational analysis of the turnover intention of nurses

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to understand the mediating effect of workplace incivility on the relationship between nursing organizational culture and turnover intention among nurses.

DESIGN

A descriptive survey was used to collect data. The participants were 170 nurses with more than six months of clinical experience at university hospitals or hospitals with over 500 beds in South Korea.

METHODS

Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, and Pearson's correlation. Baron and Kenny's three-step hierarchical regression analysis and the Sobel test were used to determine the mediating effect of workplace incivility on the relationship between nursing organizational culture and nurses' turnover intention.

RESULTS

This study found a full mediating effect of workplace incivility on the association between relationship-oriented culture and turnover intention (Z = -3.02, p = 0.003) and a partial mediating effect of workplace incivility on the association between hierarchy-oriented culture and turnover intention (Z = 2.36, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

This study empirically confirmed that nursing organizational culture and workplace incivility directly or indirectly influenced turnover intention, which highlights the seriousness of workplace incivility.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study suggests that there is a need to establish a concrete strategy to avoid a hierarchy-oriented culture and create a relationship-oriented culture. It is important to develop a variety of intervention programs to reduce workplace incivility in order to prevent nurses' turnover.

Low-dose rivaroxaban associated with lower incidence of all-cause mortality and bleeding complications in older patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

Low-dose rivaroxaban 10mg daily was used in the J-ROCKET AF trial, and it demonstrated the safety in Asian population. It remains unclear whether low-dose rivaroxaban vs. standard dose 20mg daily is associated with efficacy, safety, and net-clinical outcomes in older Asian patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of low-dose rivaroxaban on efficacies and safeties in the old patients age more than 85 years.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled the patients from medical records between Oct 2012 and Nov 2016. We used 2x2 factorial design by age of 85 years and use of low-dose rivaroxaban. The study outcomes were one-year all-cause mortality and bleeding complications.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 2,386 patients with the mean age 76.6 years (SD 10.5), 51.8% male, CHA2DS2Vsc 4.4 (SD 1.7) and HASBLED 1.6 (SD 1.0). In the age ≥85 group (n=593), low vs. standard dose rivaroxaban had a lower incidence of all-cause mortality (5.3% vs. 10.6%, P=0.021), whereas the incidence of all-cause mortality was greater in the low dose rivaroxaban compared with the standard dose in the age <85 group (3.7% vs. 1.8%, P=0.012). No significant differences of bleeding complication rates were found between the low- and standard-dose rivaroxaban regarding age <85 or ≥85 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, low dose rivaroxaban was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality in the age ≥85 group (adjusted HR: 0.400 95% CI: 0.215–0.743, P=0.004), but the significant association was not found in the age <85 group (adjusted HR: 1.101 95% CI: 0.557–2.174, P=0.782).

Conclusion

Low dose rivaroxaban was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality in the patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and age ≥85 years.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The proliferative phase endometrium in IVF/ICSI: an in-cycle molecular analysis predictive of the outcome following fresh embryo transfer

STUDY QUESTION

Does an early proliferative phase endometrial biopsy harvested during ovarian stimulation harbour information predictive of the outcome following fresh embryo transfer (ET) in that same cycle?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Transcriptome analysis of the whole-tissue endometrium did not reveal significant differential gene expression (DGE) in relation to the outcome; however, the secretome profile of isolated, cultured and in vitro decidualized endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) varied significantly between patients who had a live birth compared to those with an implantation failure following fresh ET in the same cycle as the biopsy.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In the majority of endometrial receptivity research protocols, biopsies are harvested during the window of implantation (WOI). This, however, precludes ET in that same cycle, which is preferable as the endometrium has been shown to adapt over time. Endometrial biopsies taken during ovarian stimulation have been reported not to harm the chances of implantation, and in such biopsies DGE has been observed between women who achieve pregnancy versus those who do not. The impact of the endometrial proliferative phase on human embryo implantation remains unclear, but deserves further attention, especially since in luteal phase endometrial biopsies, a transcriptional signature predictive for repeated implantation failure has been associated with reduced cell proliferation, possibly indicating proliferative phase involvement. Isolation, culture and in vitro decidualization (IVD) of EnSCs is a frequently applied basic research technique to assess endometrial functioning, and a disordered EnSC secretome has previously been linked with failed implantation.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study was nested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effect of endometrial scratching during the early follicular phase of ovarian stimulation on clinical pregnancy rates after IVF/ICSI. Of the 96 endometrial biopsies available, after eliminating those without fresh ET and after extensive matching in order to minimize the risk of potential confounding, 18 samples were retained to study two clinical groups: nine biopsies of patients with a live birth versus nine biopsies of patients with an implantation failure, both following fresh ET performed in the same cycle as the biopsy. We studied the proliferative endometrium by analysing its transcriptome and by isolating, culturing and decidualizing EnSCs in vitro. We applied this latter technique for the first time on proliferative endometrial biopsies obtained during ovarian stimulation for in-cycle outcome prediction, in an attempt to overcome inter-cycle variability.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

RNA-sequencing was performed for 18 individual whole-tissue endometrial biopsies on an Illumina HiSeq1500 machine. DGE was analysed three times using different approaches (DESeq2, EdgeR and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, all in R). EnSC isolation and IVD was performed (for 2 and 4 days) for a subset of nine samples, after which media from undifferentiated and decidualized cultures were harvested, stored at -80°C and later assayed for 45 cytokines using a multiplex suspension bead immunoassay. The analysis was performed by partial least squares regression modelling.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After correction for multiple hypothesis testing, DGE analysis revealed no significant differences between endometrial samples from patients who had a live birth and those with an implantation failure following fresh ET. However secretome analysis after EnSC isolation and culture, showed two distinct clusters that clearly corresponded to the two clinical groups. Upon IVD, the secretome profiles shifted from that of undifferentiated cells but the difference between the two clinical groups remained yet were muted, suggesting convergence of cytokine profiles after decidualization.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Caution is warranted due to the limited sample size of the study and the in vitro nature of the EnSC experiment. Validation on a larger scale is necessary, however, hard to fulfil given the very limited availability of in-cycle proliferative endometrial biopsies outside a RCT setting.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These data support the hypothesis that the endometrium should be assessed not only during the WOI and that certain endometrial dysfunctionalities can probably be detected early in a cycle by making use of the proliferative phase. This insight opens new horizons for the development of endometrial tests, whether diagnostic or predictive of IVF/ICSI treatment outcome.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO, Flanders, Belgium, 11M9415N, 1 524 417N), Wetenschappelijk Fonds Willy Gepts (WFWG G160, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium) and the National Medicine Research Council (NMRC/CG/M003/2017, Singapore). There are no conflicts of interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02061228.

Timing and clinical outcomes of tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19

In this retrospective multicentre cohort study that included 27 COVID-19 patients who underwent tracheostomy, the mean time between intubation and tracheostomy was 15.8 days and the negative conversion time of COVID-19 was 43.1 days. Eleven patients (40.7%) died of COVID-19 and the use of percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy was significantly associated with in-hospital death. Timely tracheostomy could be performed in COVID-19 patients, regardless of duration of intubation or positivity of COVID-19 test, with an open surgical tracheostomy as a preferable technique.

Anifrolumab for the treatment of active systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We surveyed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy and safety of anifrolumab 300 mg in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) despite receiving standard therapy, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and manual searches. Meta-analysis performed to determine treatment efficacy and safety outcomes of three RCTs (459 patients and 468 controls) revealed that the BICLA responses were significantly higher in the anifrolumab group than in the placebo group (OR = 2.071, 95%CI 1.575-2.725, p < 0.001). Steroid reduction and CLASI reduction were also significantly higher in the anifrolumab group than in the placebo group (OR = 1.811, 95%CI = 1.308-2.506, p < 0.001; OR = 2.245, 95%CI = 1.437-3.506, p < 0.001). Compared with placebo, anifrolumab significantly increased the SRI7 and SRI8 responses in SLE patients (OR = 1.866, 95%CI = 1.372-2.536, p < 0.001; OR = 1.925, 95%CI = 1.387-2.672, p < 0.001). The SRI4, 5, and 6 responses also tended to be higher in the anifrolumab group than in the placebo group. Adverse event incidence was significantly higher in the anifrolumab group than in the placebo group (OR = 1.815, 95%CI = 1.262-2.611, p = 0.001); serious adverse events were significantly lower in the anifrolumab group than in the placebo group (OR = 0.679, 95%CI = 0.468-0.986, p = 0.042). Herpes zoster infection was significantly higher in the anifrolumab group than in the placebo group (OR = 4.089, 95%CI = 1.750-9.522, p = 0.001). Anifrolumab is effective for treating active SLE. However, anifrolumab increased the incidence of herpes zoster infection compared with placebo.

Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib versus methotrexate for disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis

An assessment of the relative efficacy and tolerability of tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib compared to those of methotrexate (MTX) was performed in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) so as to examine the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, filgotinib, and MTX in DMARD-naïve RA patients. Four RCTs comprising 2185 patients met the inclusion criteria. The ranking probability based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that upadacitinib 15 mg had the highest probability of achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response rate, followed by baricitinib 4 mg, tofacitinib 5 mg, filgotinib 200 mg, and MTX. Tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib treatments achieved significantly higher ACR50 and ACR70 responses compared to MTX. Tofacitinib 5 mg had the highest probability of achieving the ACR50 and ACR70 response rates, followed by upadacitinib 15 mg, baricitinib 4 mg, filgotinib 200 mg, and MTX. The safety analysis based on serious adverse events, adverse events (AEs), and withdrawals due to AEs revealed no statistically significant differences between the respective intervention groups. In conclusion, tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib were effective treatment options for DMARD-naïve RA patients, suggesting a difference in efficacy and safety among the different JAK inhibitors.

Association between plasminogen activator inhibitor‑1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism and circulating PAI-1 level in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study systemically reviewed the evidence regarding the association between plasminogen activator inhibitor‑1 (PAI‑1) 4G/5G polymorphism and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)/lupus nephritis (LN) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the relationship between circulating PAI‑1 levels and SLE/LN and RA.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis on the association between the PAI‑1 4G/5G polymorphism and SLE/LN or RA risk and serum/plasma PAI‑1 levels in patients with SLE/LN and RA and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Nine articles including 657 patients with SLE and 668 controls and 567 patients with RA and 772 controls were included. No association was revealed between SLE and PAI‑1 4G allele in all study subjects (odds ratio [OR] = 0.944, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.808-1.102, p = 0.463). Ethnicity-based stratification showed no association between the PAI‑1 4G allele and SLE among Europeans and Asians. No association was detected between LN and RA and the PAI‑1 4G allele (OR = 0.886, 95% CI = 0.713-1.102, p = 0.278; OR = 0.8736, 95% CI = 0.747-1.020, p = 0.088, respectively) or between SLE/LN and RA and the PAI‑1 4G/5G polymorphism using the recessive and dominant models and homozygote contrast. The circulating PAI‑1 level was significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.337, 95% CI = 0.057-0.619, p = 0.019). However, serum/plasma PAI‑1 level showed no significant difference between RA and control group (SMD = 0.333, 95% CI = -0.6989-1.35, p = 0.527).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between the PAI‑1 4G/5G polymorphism and SLE/LN and RA development and significantly higher levels of circulating PAI‑1 were observed in patients with SLE but not in those with RA.

[Melatonin Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes]

Obesity is a major disease that causes significant complications. Inhibition of preadipocyte proliferation has the potential to prevent obesity and metabolic diseases. Melatonin is a pineal gland hormone that has various effects on cells and tissues. In this research, we investigated whether melatonin induces apoptosis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured until confluence and then treated with 0, 10, 100, and 1000 μM melatonin for 1, 3, and 5 days. A cell viability assay kit was used for determining cell viability. Cell death marker proteins were assessed by Western blot analysis using GAPDH for control. Apoptotic morphological changes with nuclei fragmentation were observed using DAPI staining. Melatonin treatment decreased the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK) activation while increasing the activation of caspase-3, 8, and 9. Furthermore, melatonin not only increased Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) but decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression as dose increases from 0 to 1000 μM. The melatonin treatment also suppressed the growth of preadipocytes with increasing concentration. These effects were attenuated by luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist and U0126, an inhibitor of p-ERK activation. In conclusion, melatonin can induce apoptosis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes via p-ERK decrease.

Comparative efficacy and safety of secukinumab and ixekizumab in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of secukinumab and ixekizumab in active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.

METHODS

A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted using direct and indirect data from five randomized controlled trials that examined the efficacy and safety of secukinumab 150 mg every 4 weeks and ixekizumab 80 mg every 2 weeks (IXEQ2W) or every 4 weeks (IXEQ4W) in active AS patients.

RESULTS

Data from 1433 patients were analyzed. The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society evaluation 20% response rates (ASAS20) were significantly higher with secukinumab 150 mg, IXEQ2W, IXEQ2W, and adalimumab 40 mg (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% Bayesian credible interval [CrI] 2.04-3.69; OR 2.59, 95% CrI 1.69-3.98; OR 2.45, 95% CrI 1.60-3.75; and OR 1.94, 95% CrI 1.13-3.37, respectively) compared to the placebo group. Efficacies of secukinumab and ixekizumab were numerically higher compared to adalimumab 40 mg, although there was no significant difference in the ASAS20 response rates. The ASAS40 response rate showed a pattern of distribution similar to the ASAS20 response rate, with the exception of the ixekizumab group, which was associated with the most favorable surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for the ASAS40 response rate. Based on the SUCRA rating, secukinumab 150 mg had the highest probability of being the best ASAS20 response rate therapy, followed by IXEQ2W, IXEQ4W, adalimumab 40 mg, and placebo. There was no significant difference between the treatments regarding the number of serious adverse events (SAEs).

CONCLUSION

Secukinumab and ixekizumab were effective in active AS treatment, without the risk of SAEs.

Sex-specific association of urate and levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As a major antioxidant, uric acid (UA) is known to be associated with the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated whether baseline UA levels are associated with the risk for levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in PD in a sex-dependent manner.

METHODS

In all, 152 patients with de novo PD (78 males and 74 females) who were followed up for >2 years were enrolled. The effect of baseline serum UA levels on LID-free survival was assessed by Cox regression, separately for sex, whilst being adjusted for potential confounding factors. The optimal UA level cut-off value to determine the high-risk group for LID was set using Contal and O'Quigley's method.

RESULTS

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia developed in 23 (29.5%) male patients and 30 (40.5%) female patients. Cox regression showed a significant interaction between UA level and sex. Higher UA levels were associated with a higher risk for LID in male PD patients (hazard ratio 1.380; 95% confidence interval 1.038-1.835; P = 0.027), although this relationship was not observed in female PD patients. The optimal UA level cut-off for LID in male PD was 7.2 mg/dl, and the high UA group had a 5.7-fold higher risk of developing LID than the low UA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to a presumptive beneficial role of UA, the present study demonstrated that higher UA levels are associated with increased risk of LID occurrence in male patients with PD, suggesting a sex-dependent role of UA in LID.

75Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in combination with anti-arrhythmic drugs in patients with non-permanent atrial fibrillation

Background

Rivaroxaban is useful for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Most patients with non-permanent AF also treated with anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) to prevent the recurrence of arrhythmia. But there are limited data regarding drug-drug interactions between rivaroxaban and AADs despite its high clinical relevance.

Purpose

To compare the bleeding risks and ischemic events between the use of rivaroxaban alone and the concomitant use of AADs.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study, which identified patients with a diagnosis of non-permanent AF who received rivaroxaban more than 1 month between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2016. The study divided patients into 4 groups : rivaroxaban alone, combined with amiodarone, dronedarone and propafenone. We compared the clinical events and cumulative incidences to compare the endpoints including efficacy endpoint (new ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, or new

embolism), safety endpoints (Hb fall more than 2g/dL or transfusion more than 2U PRBC, critical site bleeding, or fatal bleeding.) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, new ischemic stroke, new embolism, or intracranial hemorrhage.

Results

Of 1777 enrolled patients, the rivaroxaban alone was 1205 cases, 177 in amiodarone group, 231 in dronedarone group and 164 in propafenone group. There was no statistically significant difference on efficacy endpoints, safety endpoints and MACE between the 4 groups. The average dosage of rivaroxaban was insignificantly the lowest in the group combined with dronedarone (12.3mg, p = 0.146). The rate of new embolism (0%, p = 0.029), recurrent heart failure admission rate (3.9%, p &lt; 0.001), and all-cause mortality (3.0%, p = 0.013) in dronedarone group showed a significant lower occurrence rate. The occurrence rate of new ischemic stroke (0.9%, p = 0.549), new hemorrhagic stroke (0.4%, p = 0.546), efficacy endpoints (1.7%, p = 0.369) and MACE (3.9%, p = 0.72) in dronedarone droup were the lowest but insignificant. The cumulative incidences of efficacy endpoints, safety endpoints and MACE during follow-up period were also similar in these four groups.(Picture 1)

Conclusions

In patients with non-permanent atrial fibrillation, this real-world study showed that there were no significant differences between using rivaroxaban alone or concomitant with an AAD (dronedarone/amiodarone/propafenone) on events such as new ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, GI bleeding and MACEs. The happening of new embolism was lower especially in the group combined with dronedarone. The safety and efficacy between rivaroxaban alone and combined with rhythm control using AADs proved to be the same.  Relative low dose rivaroxaban combined with dronedarone did not increase the bleeding risk, and may decrease the probability of thromboembolism.

Abstract Figure. Picture 1

P1064Using Data Mining to Predict Bleeding Events caused by Novel Oral Anticoagulants

Background

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) is important in preventing thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Bleeding risk was evaluated by HAS-BLED score traditionally. Data mining is a relatively new discipline that has sprung up at the confluence of several other disciplines, driven primarily by the growth of large databases. 

Purpose

This study aimed to find a useful predictive model by data mining to assess the risk of rivaroxaban, an antithrombotic drug that causes bleeding in AF patients. The seven parameters of the HAS-BLED score were used to predict the effect of rivaroxaban on bleeding tendency in AF patients and may provide clinicians with appropriate treatments to avoid complications from bleeding events and reduce the incidence of health damage.

Methods

Through conducting a multicenter retrospective study, we identified patients with AF who were treated with rivaroxaban for more than 1 month between December 1, 2011 and November 30, 2016. After preprocessing, the established data were used for training and testing of data mining models. This study evaluated four models, including association rules, neural networks, Bayesian classification, and decision trees.

Result

Of the 872 enrolled cases, 432 were in any of the bleeding groups and 432 were in the non-bleeding randomized control group. After comparing the overall classification accuracy, omission error and over-prediction error, the decision tree proved to be the most accurate model for bleeding prediction. The overall classification accuracy is 77%, the omission error is 15%, the over-prediction error is 21.9%, and the AUC score is 0.84. The results show that the model has good discriminative ability and visibility of decision rules.

Conclusion

Among several data mining models, decision tree proved to be the most accurate model for bleeding prediction. The conclusion of this study can be used as a reference for supporting decision making before anticoagulation treatment and suggest future research to compare efficacy of bleeding prediction between HAS-BLED score and decision tree.

Data mining comparison Model Omission error Commission error Overall accuracy AUC score Ranking Decision tree 15.0% 21.90% 77.00% 0.84 1 Association rules 16.8% 27.20% 76.50% 0.81 2 Neural networks 12.0% 26.40% 78.20% 0.83 3 Bayesian classification 16.1% 27.50% 76.50% 0.83 4

Circulating interleukin-23 levels in ankylosing spondylitis and their correlation with disease activity : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically investigate the relationship between circulating interleukin-23 (IL‑23) levels and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and establish a correlation between these hematological indices and AS activity/severity.

METHODS

We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases; performed a meta-analysis comparing serum/plasma IL‑23 levels in patients with AS to those of controls; and examined the correlation coefficients between serum/plasma IL‑23 levels and AS activity.

RESULTS

Ten studies including 1724 patients with AS and 1589 controls were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that circulating IL‑23 levels were significantly higher in the AS than in the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.479; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.308-2.650; p = 0.013). Stratification by ethnicity showed a significantly increased IL‑23 level in the AS group in an Asian population (SMD 1.551; 95% CI 0.543-2.558; p = 0.003). Stratification by adjustment for age and sex revealed significantly higher IL‑23 levels in the AS adjustment group. Subgroup analysis of sample size showed a significantly higher IL‑23 level for a small (n < 150) sample number in the AS group. Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients revealed that the IL‑23 level was positively associated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI; correlation coefficient 0.464; 95% CI 0.027-0.752; p = 0.038), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; correlation coefficient 0.258; 95% CI 0.076-0.422; p = 0.006), and C‑reactive protein (CRP; correlation coefficient 0.291; 95% CI 0.053-0.498; p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that the circulating IL‑23 level is significantly higher in patients with AS, and a significant positive correlation exists between the circulating IL‑23 level and BASMI, ESR, and CRP.

Cognitive anosognosia is associated with frontal dysfunction and lower depression in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Anosognosia refers to a deficit of self-awareness or impaired insight for cognitive and behavioral problems. Cognitive anosognosia was explored in de novo patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and its relationship to cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms was investigated.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study enrolled 340 drug-naïve patients with PD. According to the presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive complaint, patients were classified as patients with cognitive anosognosia (PD-CA, n = 74), with normal cognitive recognition (PD-NR, n = 184) or with cognitive underestimation (PD-CU, n = 82). After controlling for covariates, cognitive performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms were compared between the PD groups.

RESULTS

Cognitive anosognosia was found in 21.8% of patients with de novo PD. The PD-CA group showed poorer performance in all cognitive domains except for attention. Amongst PD patients with MCI, those with cognitive anosognosia showed lower composite z-scores in the Stroop color reading test than those without. The Beck Depression Inventory score in the PD-NR group was lower than that in the PD-CU group and higher than that in the PD-CA group. The Cognitive Complaints Interview score mediated the association between cognitive anosognosia and Beck Depression Inventory score.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive anosognosia in PD was associated with greater frontal dysfunction and lower depression. Since cognitive anosognosia has a harmful impact on PD patients and their caregivers due to overestimation of their abilities in everyday life, early identification of cognitive anosognosia in PD is important in management and prognosis.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 15 and FGF19 on Liver Fibrosis Development

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) induces fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15; human ortholog FGF19) in the gut to potently inhibit bile acid (BA) synthesis in the liver. FXR activation in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduces liver fibrosis (LF). Fgf15^-/- mice develop attenuated LF, but the underlying mechanisms for this protection are unclear. We hypothesized that FGF15/19 functions as a profibrotic mediator or mitogen to HSCs and increased BAs in Fgf15^-/- mice leads to enhanced FXR activation in HSCs, subsequently reducing fibrogenesis. In this study, complimentary in vivo and in vitro approaches were used: (1) CCl₄ -induced LF model in wild type (WT), Fgf15^-/- , and Fgf15 transgenic (TG) mice with BA levels modulated by feeding cholestyramine- or cholic acid-containing diets; (2) analysis of primary HSCs isolated from WT and Fgf15^-/- mice; and (3) treatment of a human HSC line, LX-2, with FXR activators and/or recombinant FGF19 protein. The results showed that Fgf15^-/- mice had lower basal collagen expression, which was increased by BA sequestration. CCl₄ induced fibrosis with similar severity in all genotypes; however, cholestyramine increased fibrosis severity only in Fgf15^-/- mice. HSCs from Fgf15^-/- mice showed increased FXR activity and reduced expression of profibrotic mediators. In LX-2 cells, FXR activation increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activity and reduced proliferation. FGF19 activated both signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways and reduced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling without increasing fibrogenic gene expression or cell proliferation. Conclusion: FGF15/19 does not act as a direct profibrotic mediator or mitogen to HSCs in our models, and the protection against fibrosis by FGF15 deficiency may be mediated through increased BA activation of FXR in HSCs.

Effects of hydrochlorothiazide on drainage volume and seroma formation in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction: Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Seroma is a recognized complication encountered at the reconstructed breast and donor site after abdominal-based breast reconstruction. Seroma is caused by lymphatic channel disruption and the formation of a large space between the deep fascia during flap elevation. Surgical techniques to preserve the lymphatics and secure the closure of the donor site can reduce seroma formation. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide at reducing interstitial fluid accumulation and seroma formation during deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.

METHODS

Sixty patients with breast cancer who underwent skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction were enrolled between August 2016 and June 2017. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg per day of hydrochlorothiazide from the second to the twentieth day after surgery (treatment) or no diuretic (control). The clinicopathological characteristics, drainage time, and drainage volume were statistically compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The average total drainage volume at the donor site was 291 mL in the treatment group and 434 mL in the control group (p = 0.003). The differences in body mass index and flap weight between the two groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.879 and p = 0.963, respectively). No hypotension or electrolyte imbalance was noted during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Intake of 25 mg per day of hydrochlorothiazide tablets effectively reduced the total abdominal drainage volume and removal time of indwelling drains. However, the adverse effects should be further investigated in a large population and multiracial cohort before using hydrochlorothiazide for seroma prevention.

Associations between paraoxonase-1 and systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to explore associations between paraoxonase-1 levels, gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

Meta-analyses of paraoxonase-1 levels and Q192R and L55M and polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus were conducted.

Results

Nine articles were incorporated in our meta-analysis, which uncovered that the paraoxonase-1 level was decreased in systemic lupus erythematosus compared to control (standard mean difference = −1.626, 95% confidence interval = −2.829–−0.424, p = 0.008). Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis demonstrated a relation tendency between decreased paraoxonase-1 activity and lupus in Europeans (standard mean difference = −1.236, 95% confidence interval = −2.634–0.163, p = 0.083). Paraoxonase-1 activity was reduced in systemic lupus erythematosus in a single Arab and African population. Decreased paraoxonase-1 activity was found in a small sample of systemic lupus erythematosus patients (standard mean difference = −1.642, 95% confidence interval = −3.076–−0.247, p = 0.021). Ethnicity-specific analysis indicated a relationship between the paraoxonase-1 55 M allele in the Arab systemic lupus erythematosus population. However, a lack of association with systemic lupus erythematosus and the paraoxonase-1 192 R allele was observed.

Conclusions

Meta-analyses revealed reduced paraoxonase-1 activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and found possible associations between systemic lupus erythematosus and paraoxonase-1 L55M polymorphism in a specific ethnic group.

Effects of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body disease on subcortical atrophy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Subcortical structures are affected by neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD). Although the co-occurrence of AD and LBD pathologies and their possible interaction have been reported, the effect of AD and LBD on subcortical structures remains unknown. The effects of AD and LBD on subcortical atrophy and their relationship with cognitive dysfunction were investigated.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study recruited 42 patients with pure AD related cognitive impairment (ADCI), 30 patients with pure LBD related cognitive impairment (LBCI), 58 patients with mixed ADCI and LBCI, and 29 normal subjects. A general linear model was used to compare subcortical volume and shape amongst the groups, to investigate the independent and interaction effects of ADCI and LBCI on subcortical shape and volume, and to analyze the relationship between subcortical volume and cognitive dysfunction in each group.

RESULTS

Alzheimer's disease related cognitive impairment and LBCI were independently associated with subcortical atrophies in the hippocampus and amygdala and in the hippocampus and putamen respectively, but their interaction effect was not significant. Compared to the control group, the pure LBCI group exhibited additional local atrophies in the amygdala, caudate and thalamus. Subcortical atrophies correlated differently with cognitive dysfunction according to the underlying causes of cognitive dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns of subcortical atrophies and their correlation with cognitive dysfunction differ according to the underlying AD, LBD or concomitant AD and LBD.

Alcohol intake and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether alcohol intake is causally associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods. We used the publicly available summary statistics of alcohol intake frequency from the UK Biobank genome-wide association studies (GWASs; n = 336,965) as the exposure and a GWAS meta-analysis of 5539 autoantibody-positive RA patients and 20,169 controls as the outcome.

RESULTS

We selected 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with alcohol intake frequency at genome-wide significance as instrumental variables (IVs) to improve inference, 16 of which were inversely associated with RA. The IVW method showed no evidence of a causal association between alcohol intake and RA (beta = 0.218, SE = 0.213, p = 0.306). The MR-Egger regression revealed that directional pleiotropy was unlikely to bias the result (intercept = 0.027, p = 0.292). The MR-Egger analysis and the weighted median approach showed no causal association between alcohol intake and RA (beta = -0.778, SE = 0.947, p = 0.420 and beta = -0.286, SE = 0.302, p = 0.344, respectively). Cochran's Q test did not indicate heterogeneity between IV estimates based on the individual variants, and results from a "leave-one-out" analysis demonstrated that no single SNP was driving the IVW point estimate.

CONCLUSION

The MR analysis does not support a causal inverse association between alcohol intake and RA occurrence.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and baricitinib in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The relative efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and baricitinib were assessed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics.

METHODS

We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and baricitinib in combination with DMARDs in RA patients with an inadequate DMARD or biologic response.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs including 5883 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 15 pairwise comparisons including 10 direct comparisons of 6 interventions. Tofacitinib 10 mg + methotrexate (MTX) and baricitinib 4 mg + MTX were among the most effective treatments for active RA with an inadequate DMARD or biologic response, followed by baricitinib 2 mg + MTX, tofacitinib 5 mg + MTX, and adalimumab + MTX. The ranking probability based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that tofacitinib 10 mg + MTX had the highest probability of being the best treatment to achieve the ACR20 response rate (SUCRA = 0.865), followed by baricitinib 4 mg + MTX (SUCRA = 0.774), baricitinib 2 mg + MTX (SUCRA = 0.552), tofacitinib 5 mg + MTX (SUCRA = 0.512), adalimumab + MTX (SUCRA = 0.297), and placebo + MTX (SUCRA <0.001). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of serious adverse events after treatment with tofacitinib + MTX, baricitinib + MTX, adalimumab + MTX, or placebo + MTX.

CONCLUSIONS

In RA patients with an inadequate response to DMARDs or biologics, tofacitinib 10 mg + MTX and baricitinib 4 mg + MTX were the most efficacious interventions and were not associated with a significant risk of serious adverse events.

Causal association between rheumatoid arthritis and a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease : A Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is causally associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods. We used the publicly available summary statistics datasets from three-stage trans-ethnic genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analyses of 29,880 RA cases and 73,758 controls as exposures and a meta-analysis of 4 GWAS datasets consisting of 17,008 AD cases and 37,154 controls of European descent as outcomes.

RESULTS

We selected 80 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from GWAS data on RA as instrumental variables (IVs), 60 of which were associated with RA on a genome-wide significance level. The IVW method showed evidence to support an inverse causal association between RA and AD (β = -0.039, standard error [SE] = 0.017, P = 0.021). MR-Egger regression revealed that directional pleiotropy was unlikely to be a source of bias in the results (intercept = 0.002; P = 0.649). The MR-Egger analysis showed no causal association between RA and AD (β = -0.050, SE = 0.030, P = 0.096). However, the weighted median approach showed that RA and AD were causally linked (β = -0.078, SE = 0.024, P = 0.001). The funnel plot did not show heterogeneity between IV estimates based on the individual variants.

CONCLUSIONS

The MR analysis supports that RA was causally associated with a reduced risk of AD.

High-throughput analysis of genes involved in biocontrol performance of Pseudomonas fluorescens NBC275 against Gray mold

AIMS

Many physiological and microbial characteristics influence the biocontrol performance of the biological control agents (BCAs) in agricultural fields. To implement effective biocontrol, the contribution of specific genes, mechanisms and traits to the biocontrol performance of BCAs need to be characterized and explored in greater detail.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, a transposon (Tn) mutant library using the BCA Pseudomonas fluorescens NBC275 (Pf275) was generated to explore genes and bacterial characteristics involved in antifungal activity and biocontrol performance. Among the Tn mutants, 205 strains showing variations in antifungal activity compared to wild-type (WT) were selected and further analysed for biocontrol efficacy against gray mold in pepper fruits. The genes involved in pyoverdine biosynthesis (pvdI and pvdD) and chitin-binding protein (gbpA) played essential roles in the antifungal activity and biocontrol capacity of Pf275. In addition, a mutation in phlD completely abolished the antifungal activity and significantly suppressed the biocontrol ability of the strain. Genes affecting antifungal activity of Pf275 significantly influenced swimming motility, which was identified as an important trait for the biocontrol ability of the bacterial strain.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results suggest that antifungal compound production, siderophore biosynthesis and swimming motility synergistically contribute to Pf275 biocontrol performance. The utility of this library was demonstrated by identifying genes for antagonism and biocontrol ability in this BCA strain. The functional roles of many genes identified as contributing to antagonism and in vivo biocontrol activity require further study.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THIS STUDY

Genes contributing to antifungal activity and biocontrol performance of P. fluorescens were identified and highlighted by Tn mutagenesis, which will give insight to improve the biocontrol performance of this BCA.

Association between CD40 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus and correlation between soluble CD40 and CD40 ligand levels in the disease: a meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence regarding the association between CD40 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus and between soluble CD40 (sCD40) and CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis on the association between CD40 rs4810495, rs1883832, and rs376545 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus risk and sCD40/sCD40L levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and controls.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis indicated a significant association between the T allele of CD40 rs4810485 polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in Europeans (odds ratio = 0.715, 95% confidence interval = 0.641–0.832, p < 0.001) and a trend toward an association between the T allele and systemic lupus erythematosus in Asians (odds ratio = 1.255, 95% confidence interval = 0.978–1.810, p = 0.074). Furthermore, a significant association was reported between systemic lupus erythematosus and the C allele of CD40 rs1883832 polymorphism (odds ratio = 1.235, 95% confidence interval = 1.087–1.405, p = 0.001) and A allele of CD40 rs3765456 polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in Asians (odds ratio = 1.184, 95% confidence interval = 1.040–1.348, p = 0.011). sCD40 and sCD40L levels were significantly higher in SLE than in controls (standardized mean difference = 1.564, 95% confidence interval = 0.256–2.872, p = 0.019 and standardized mean difference = 1.499, 95% confidence interval = 1.031–1.967, p < 0.001, respectively). Stratification based on ethnicity revealed higher sCD40L levels in the systemic lupus erythematosus group among European, Asian, North American, and Arab populations.

Conclusions

Our meta-analyses found associations between CD40 rs4810495, rs1883832, and rs376545 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility and significantly higher sCD40 and sCD40L levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus than in controls.

Association between anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis antibody, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, and rheumatoid arthritis : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis (anti-P. gingivalis) antibody levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing (a) anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels in RA patients and healthy controls and (b) the correlation coefficients between the anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels and ACPA in RA patients.

RESULTS

The study included 14 articles with 3829 RA patients and 1239 controls. Our meta-analysis showed that anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels were significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.630, 95% CI = 0.272-0.989, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that RA patients had significantly elevated anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels compared with healthy controls, but not compared with the non-RA control group and also not between different sample sizes. Anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels were significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group in the age-/sex-matched population, but not in the unmatched population. Anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels were significantly higher in the ACPA-positive group than in the ACPA-negative group (SMD = 0.322, 95% CI = 0.164-0.480, p = 6.4 × 10^-5). Meta-analysis of the correlation coefficients showed a significant positive correlation between anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels and ACPA (correlation coefficient = 0.147, 95% CI = 0.033-0.258, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that anti-P. gingivalis antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with RA and they were positively correlated with ACPA.

Relative efficacy and safety of apremilast, secukinumab, and ustekinumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relative efficacy and safety of apremilast, secukinumab, and ustekinumab at different doses in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHOD

A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted, which included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy and safety of apremilast 20 mg, apremilast 30 mg, secukinumab 75 mg, secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, ustekinumab 45 mg, and ustekinumab 90 mg compared with placebo.

RESULTS

Of the RCTs 8 comprising 3289 patients met the inclusion criteria. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response rate was significantly higher in the secukinumab 300 mg group than in the placebo group (odds ratio OR, 7.55; 95% confidence interval CI, 3.18-17.63). Secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 75 mg, ustekinumab 90 mg, apremilast 30 mg, apremilast 20 mg, and ustekinumab 45 mg were also more efficacious than placebo. There were no significant differences in the efficacy between the interventions. A dose-response relationship among the same drug groups was observed. The number of serious adverse events was not significantly different among the apremilast, secukinumab, ustekinumab, and placebo groups.

CONCLUSION

All drug treatments were more efficacious than placebo; however, there were no significant differences in the efficacy and safety between the drugs at the different doses.

Phase lag entropy as a hypnotic depth indicator during propofol sedation

Phase lag entropy, an electro-encephalography-based hypnotic depth indicator, calculates diversity in temporal patterns of phase relationship. We compared the performance of phase lag entropy with the bispectral index™ in 30 patients scheduled for elective surgery. We initiated a target-controlled infusion of propofol using the Schnider model, and assessed sedation levels using the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale every 30 s with each stepwise increase in the effect-site propofol concentration. Phase lag entropy and bispectral index values were recorded. The correlation coefficient and prediction probability between phase lag entropy or bispectral index and the sedation level or effect-site propofol concentration were analysed. We calculated baseline variabilities of phase lag entropy and bispectral index. In addition, we applied a non-linear mixed-effects model to obtain the pharmacodynamic relationships among the effect-site propofol concentration, phase lag entropy or bispectral index and sedation level. As sedation increased, phase lag entropy and bispectral index both decreased. The prediction probability values of phase lag entropy and bispectral index for sedation levels were 0.697 and 0.700 (p = 0.261) and for the effect-site concentration of propofol were 0.646 and 0.630 (p = 0.091), respectively. Baseline variability in phase lag entropy and bispectral index was 3.3 and 5.7, respectively. The predicted propofol concentrations, using the Schnider pharmacokinetic model, producing a 50% probability of moderate and deep sedation were 1.96 and 3.01 μg.ml^-1 , respectively. Phase lag entropy was found to be useful as a hypnotic depth indicator in patients receiving propofol sedation.

Association between the interferon regulatory factor 5 rs2004640 functional polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine whether the functional interferon regulatory factor 5 ( IRF5) polymorphism rs2004640 is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in multiple ethnic populations.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted on the T allele of the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism in all study participants as well as each ethnic population.

RESULTS

Twenty research articles that included 28 comparative studies of 20,892 patients and 24,930 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The Asian population had a much lower prevalence of the T allele than any other study population at 28%, and the European population had the highest prevalence of the T allele at 52%. Meta-analysis showed an association between the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism and SLE in all participants (odds ratio = 1.472, 95% confidence interval = 1.370-1.582, p < 0.001). Analysis after stratification by ethnicity indicated that the IRF5 rs2004640 T allele is significantly associated with SLE in Europeans, Asians, Latin Americans and Arabs.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis confirms that the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism is associated with SLE susceptibility in different ethnic groups, and that its prevalence is ethnicity dependent.

Alcohol intake and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine whether alcohol intake is causally associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods. We used the publicly available summary statistics of alcohol intake frequency from the UK Biobank genome-wide association studies (GWASs; n = 336,965) as the exposure and an SLE GWAS consisting of 1311 SLE and 1783 control subjects of European descent as the outcome.

RESULTS

We selected 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with alcohol intake frequency at genome-wide significance as instrumental variables to improve inference. The IVW method found no evidence to support a causal association between alcohol intake and SLE (beta = -0.413, SE = 0.513, p = 0.421). The MR-Egger regression revealed that directional pleiotropy was unlikely to bias the result (intercept = 0.031, p = 0.582). The MR-Egger analysis found no causal association between alcohol intake and SLE (beta = -1.494, SE = 1.996, p = 0.464). Likewise, the weighted median approach also did not provide evidence of a causal association between alcohol intake and SLE (beta = -0.538, SE = 0.574, p = 0.349). The MR estimates determined using the IVW, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods were consistent and results from a "leave-one-out" analysis demonstrated that no single SNP was driving the IVW point estimate.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of MR analysis do not support a causal inverse association between alcohol intake and SLE occurrence.

Vitamin D receptor ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, and FokI polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is considered a regulator of the immune system, and its polymorphisms have been associated with psoriasis in some but not all reports.

AIM

To explore whether vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to psoriasis.

METHODS

Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the associations between psoriasis and the VDR ApaI, TaqI, BsmI and FokI polymorphisms in all participants, and stratified by ethnic group.

RESULTS

In total, 16 studies on VDR polymorphisms and psoriasis were included in this meta-analysis, which involved 2086 patients and 2182 controls. The meta-analysis indicated an association between psoriasis and the VDR TaqI TT genotype in Caucasian (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.00-1.66, P < 0.05), but not in Asian (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.89-1.96, P = 0.16) populations. However, no association was found between psoriasis and the VDR TaqI polymorphism using dominant, allele contrast or homozygous contrast models. No association was found between psoriasis and either the VDR ApaI, BsmI or FokI polymorphisms by meta-analyses of the allele contrast, recessive, or dominant models or homozygous contrast models in the overall, Caucasian or Asian populations.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed that polymorphisms in VDR ApaI, BsmI and FokI are not associated with psoriasis susceptibility in overall, Caucasian or Asian populations. However, the VDR TaqI polymorphism is associated with psoriasis susceptibility in Caucasian populations.

Preservation of fruit and vegetable discards with sodium metabisulfite

Two series of experiments were performed to investigate the aerobic preservation of fruit and vegetable discards (FVD) using sodium metabisulfite (SMB). In Exp. 1, metabisulfite was applied at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg FVD for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 d. Metabisulfite treatment at 6 and 8 g/kg FVD was highly effective in controlling putrefaction and preserving the nutrient components for 6 and 9 d, respectively. In the pilot-scale experiment (Exp. 2), SMB was applied at 0 and 8 g/kg FVD in a 600-L bucket for 0, 6, and 9 d in an outdoor environment. The SMB treatment was highly effective in maintaining the integrity and freshness of FVD, suppressing microbial proliferation, and preserving the nutrient constituents. Under the conditions of this study, SMB effectively preserved FVD in an aerobic environment, enabling their more efficient long-term recycling through livestock feed or development of value-added products.

Development of a new analgesic index using nasal photoplethysmography

Although surrogate measures to quantify pain intensity have been commercialised, there is a need to develop a new index with improved accuracy. The aim of this study was to develop a new analgesic index using nasal photoplethysmography data. The specially designed sensor was placed between the columella and the nasal septum to acquire nasal photoplethysmography in surgical patients. Nasal photoplethysmography and Surgical Pleth Index^® (GE Healthcare) data were obtained for 14 min both in the absence (pre-operatively) or presence (postoperatively) of pain in a group of surgical patients, each patient acting as their own control. Various dynamic photoplethysmography variables were extracted to quantify pain intensity; the most accurate index was selected using logistic regression as a classifier. The area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic curve was measured to evaluate the accuracy of final model predictions. In total, 12,012 heart beats from 89 patients were used to develop a new Nasal Photoplethysmography Index for analgesic depth quantification. The two-variable model (a combination of diastolic peak point variation and heart beat interval variation) was most accurate in discriminating between the presence and absence of pain (numerical rating scale (NRS) ≥ 3). The accuracy and area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the Nasal Photoplethysmography Index were 75.3% and 0.8018, respectively, and 64.8% and 0.7034, respectively, for the Surgical Pleth Index. The Nasal Photoplethysmography Index clearly distinguished pain (NRS ≥ 3) in awake surgical patients with postoperative pain. The Nasal Photoplethysmography Index performed better than the Surgical Pleth Index. Further validation studies are needed to evaluate its feasibility to quantify pain intensity during general anaesthesia.

Urinary MCP-1 as a biomarker for lupus nephritis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) could serve as a biomarker for lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between urinary MCP-1 level and LN in three comparisons: active LN versus inactive LN, active LN versus control, and inactive LN versus control.

RESULTS

Eight studies of a total of 399 patients with LN (204 with active LN, and 195 with inactive LN) and 130 controls were available for this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the urinary MCP-1 level was significantly higher in the active-LN group than in the inactive-LN group (standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.883, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.811-2.954, p = 0.001). The meta-analysis showed that the urinary MCP-1 level was significantly higher in the active-LN group than in the control group (SMD = 3.085, 95 % CI = 1.684-4.485, p = 1.6 × 10^-5). Furthermore, stratification by ethnicity showed significantly elevated urinary MCP-1 levels in the active-LN group in Caucasian, Asian, and Egyptian populations (SMD = 2.408, 95 % CI = 1.711-3.105, p < 1.0 × 10^-8; SMD = 1.020, 95 % CI = 0.623-2.153, p = 4.6 × 10^-7; and SMD = 7.370, 95 % CI = 1.467-2.157, p = 5.9 × 10^-5, respectively). The meta-analysis indicated that the urinary MCP-1 level was also significantly higher in the inactive-LN group than in the control group (SMD = 1.812, 95 % CI = 0.628-2.996, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis demonstrated that urinary MCP-1 was significantly higher in patients with active LN than in those with inactive LN and control subjects, and the patients with inactive LN showed significantly higher urinary MCP-1 levels than the controls.

Association of circulating resistin, leptin, adiponectin and visfatin levels with Behçet disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Behçet disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Adipokines are synthesized in adipose tissue, and have been reported to play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including BD.

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between circulating blood adipokine levels and BD.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of papers reporting on serum/plasma resistin, leptin, adiponectin and visfatin levels in patients with BD and in healthy controls (HCs). We identified 82 relevant studies using electronic and manual search methods, and selected 16 studies for full-text review based on the title and abstract. Two of these were later excluded (one was a review, one had no data), leaving 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The 14 included studies assessed 637 patients with BD and 520 HCs. Compared with the HCs, the BD group had significantly higher levels of leptin [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.68, 95% CI 0.15-1.21, P = 0.01]. Levels of resistin (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI 0.92-0.918, P = 0.02) and adiponectin (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI 0.06-0.56, P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the BD group after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index (BMI), but not without such adjustment (resistin: (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.93, P = 0.19; adiponectin: SMD = -0.59, 95% CI -2.23 to 1.06, P = 0.48). A significantly lower visfatin level was found in the BD group with adjustment (SMD = -1.70, 95% CI -2.14 to -1.25, P < 0.001) but not without adjustment (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI -0.21 to 0.82, P = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis revealed significantly higher circulating resistin, leptin and adiponectin levels and lower visfatin levels in patients with BD than in HCs, indicating that adipokines probably play an important role in BD pathogenesis.

Association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and psoriasis, and correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory skin disorder. 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis through reduction in antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities.

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between circulating 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis, and to determine the correlation between serum/plasma 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis severity.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis to compare serum/plasma 25(OH)D levels between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls (HCs), and to determine the correlation coefficients between circulating 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis severity as assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

RESULTS

Ten articles with a total of 571 patients with psoriasis and 496 HCs were included. The 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the psoriasis group than in the HC group. Subgroup analysis by sample size revealed a significantly lower level of 25(OH)D in the psoriasis group for large (N > 80) but not for small (N < 80) sample sizes. Stratification by adjustment for age and/or sex or sample type revealed a significantly lower 25(OH)D level in the psoriasis group after adjustment for serum but not after nonadjustment for plasma. Meta-analysis of the correlation coefficients revealed a small but statistically significant positive correlation between circulating 25(OH)D levels and PASI.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating 25(OH)D levels are lower in patients with psoriasis, and that a small but statistically significant negative correlation exists between 25(OH)D levels and psoriasis severity.

Transoral robotic surgery in Eagle's syndrome: our experience on four patients

Eagle's syndrome is characterised by focal pain in the tonsillar fossa on wide mouth opening or head rotation and various accompanying symptoms. While the syndrome is difficult to diagnose, shortening the styloid process via a transoral or transcervical surgical approach has been shown to be the most effective treatment. The aim of this article was to document our experience with a transoral robotic approach to treat Eagle's syndrome and to present the outcomes of four patients. We reviewed the cases of four patients with Eagle's syndrome who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The average age of patients was 53.75 years, and there were equal numbers of males and females. The styloid processes were reconstructed in 3D from the preoperative CT scans and were measured as an average of 4.18 cm (range 3.3-5.1). The mean set-up time and operation times were less than 10 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. All patients were completely relieved of symptoms, and were able to restart an oral diet on post-operative day 1. No patient suffered intraoperative or postoperative complication, including cranial nerve injury, haemorrhage, or deep neck infection. In our experience, transoral excision of the styloid process via a robotic approach can be considered as a feasible treatment option for Eagle's syndrome.

Circulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels and its polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis

The present study aimed to systemically review the evidence regarding the relationship between circulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the associations between several polymorphisms in the MIF gene and SLE susceptibility. We performed a meta-analysis of serum/plasma levels of MIF in SLE patients and controls and evaluated evidence of associations between the MIF -173 C/G allele and -794CATT5-8 polymorphisms and the associated risk for SLE. Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis indicated that MIF levels were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 1.154, 95% CI = 0.369-1.938, P = 0.004). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly higher MIF levels in the SLE group representing Asian populations (SMD = 1.911, 95% CI = 0.871-2.951, P &lt; 0.001). MIF levels were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group in the age-and/or sex matched population, but not in the unmatched population (SMD = 1.236, 95% CI = 0.579-1.893, P &lt; 0.001; SMD = 1.118, 95% CI = -0.027-2.263, P = 0.056). However, results of the meta-analysis showed no association between SLE and the MIF -173 C allele, the -794CATT7 allele, and the -794CATT7-MIF-173C haplotype with high heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis demonstrated significantly higher circulating MIF levels in patients with SLE, but no evidence of associations between MIF -173 C/G and -794CATT5-8 polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility.

Yield survey and nutritional evaluation of garlic stalk for ruminant feed

Background

Very limited information exists on the ruminal degradation kinetics of nutrients in garlic stalk. The present study aimed to survey the annual yield of garlic stalk in Korea and determine its feed-nutritive value for ruminants.

Methods

In Experiment 1, garlic stalk was incubated in situ in the rumen of two Hanwoo steers (360 ± 15 kg body weight) and removed after 12, 24, or 48 h to determine the ruminal degradation kinetics of DM and NDF. Rice straw was also included for comparison. In Experiment 2, In Experiment 2, six male Corriedale sheep were randomized to two dietary treatments to determine the apparent digestibility of nutrients in garlic stalk. Diets included a control ration without garlic stalk (60% concentrate mix +40% ryegrass) or a treatment ration (70% control diet +30% garlic stalk).

Results

The Korean national yield of garlic stalk (sun-dried basis) in 2016 was estimated to be 31,910 tons, with the southern coastal regions producing the highest quantity. Compared with rice straw, garlic stalk had lower NDF, higher ADF, and greater effective degradabilities of DM and NDF, resulting in a greater TDN value (56.3%), which was higher than that obtained for rice straw (43.7%).

Conclusion

These results provide basic information on the ruminal DM and NDF degradation kinetics of garlic stalk, which would be helpful for the efficient utilization of this by-product in ruminant diets.

Indistinguishable heralded single photon generation via relative temporal multiplexing of two sources

Generating N single photons simultaneously is a formidable challenge due to the lack of deterministic single photon sources. Recent work [New J. Phys. 19, 063013 (2017] has proposed a relative multiplexing scheme that can enhance the N single photons probability with a minimum of active switching resources. We experimentally demonstrate relative temporal multiplexing on two photon sources with a 90% additional enhancement over the standard temporal multiplexing scheme demonstrated previously. 88 ± 11% visibility of Hong-Ou-Mandel quantum interference verifies the indistinguishability of the heralded single photons after the synchronization. This proof-of-principle demonstration points out the potential significance of the relative multiplexing scheme for large-scale photonic quantum information processing.

Associations between SLC2A9 polymorphisms and gout susceptibility : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in solute carrier family 2 and facilitated glucose transporter member 9 (SLC2A9) are associated with susceptibility to gout.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted on associations between the rs12510549, rs16890979, and rs1014290 polymorphisms of SLC2A9 and gout susceptibility using fixed and random effects models.

RESULTS

Eleven comparative studies comprising 1,472 patients and 3,269 controls from Caucasian and Asian populations were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis identified a significant negative association between gout and allele 2 (minor) of the rs12510549 polymorphism in the overall population (OR = 0.641, 95 % CI = 0.540-0.761, P = 4.1 × 10^-7). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant negative association between this polymorphism and gout in Caucasians (OR = 0.647, 95 % CI = 0.542-0.771, P = 1.2 × 10^-6) but not in Asians (OR = 0.515, 95 % CI = 0.214-1.236, P = 0.137). The meta-analysis showed a significant negative association between gout and allele 2 of the rs16890979 polymorphism in all study subjects (OR = 0.229, 95 % CI = 0.084-0.628, P = 0.004). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant negative association between this polymorphism and gout in Caucasians (OR = 0.469, 95 % CI = 0.317-0.695, P = 1.6 × 10^-6) and in Asians (OR = 0.192, 95 % CI = 0.072-0.513, P = 0.001). A significant negative association was found between allele 2 of the rs1014290 polymorphism and gout susceptibility in Asians (OR = 0.597, 95 % CI = 0.478-0.746, P = 5.4 × 10^-6) but not in Caucasians (OR = 0.778, 95 % CI = 0.595-1.043, P = 0.095).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that the rs12510549, rs16890979, and rs1014290 polymorphisms of SLC2A9 protect against the development of gout in Caucasians and/or Asians.

The effects and mechanism of action of methane on ileal motor function

BACKGROUND

Methane has been associated with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, slowing intestinal transit time by augmenting contractile activity. However, the precise mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effect of methane on contractile activity, and whether such effects are mediated by nerve impulses or muscular contraction.

METHODS

We connected guinea pig ileal muscle strips to a force/tension transducer and measured amplitudes of contraction in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1, 2, 8, 16 Hz) following methane infusion in the presence of tetradotoxin (TTX), atropine, guanethidine, or GR 113808. We then performed calcium imaging using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 AM in order to visualize changes in calcium fluorescence in response to EFS following methane infusion in the presence of TTX, atropine, or a high K⁺ solution.

KEY RESULTS

Methane significantly increased amplitudes of contraction (P<.05), while treatment with TTX abolished such contraction. Methane-induced increases in amplitude were inhibited when lower-frequency (1, 2 Hz) EFS was applied following atropine infusion (P<.05). Neither guanethidine nor GR 113808 significantly altered contraction amplitudes. Methane significantly increased calcium fluorescence, while this increase was attenuated following atropine infusion (P<.05). Although calcium fluorescence was increased by the high K⁺ solution under pretreatment with TTX, the intensity of fluorescence remained unchanged after methane infusion.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

The actions of methane on the intestine are influenced by the cholinergic pathway of the enteric nervous system. Our findings support the classification of methane as a gasotransmitter.