Effectiveness of cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fracture assisted by three-dimensional printing navigation template in middle-aged and elderly patients

OBJECTIVE

We sought to explore the effectiveness of cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients assisted by a three-dimensional printing navigation template.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 98 middle-aged and elderly patients who underwent cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fractures were retrospectively analyzed. They were allocated into two groups, each comprising 49 patients. Surgical indexes, hip function, and pain levels were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The study group, assisted by the three-dimensional printing navigation template, exhibited significantly reduced nail insertion, fewer instances of C-arm fluoroscopy, shorter operation time, quicker time to bone union, earlier initiation of walking exercise, shorter time to weight-bearing walking, and reduced hospital stay than those in the control group (all p<0.001). However, the study group also experienced higher blood loss compared to the control group (p<0.001). Postoperatively, at 3 months and 12 months, the study group demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to the control group (both p<0.001) and reported significantly lower pain scores than that in the other group at 1 week and 12 months post-surgery (both p<0.001). Furthermore, the study group experienced significantly fewer postoperative complications than the control group (p=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fractures assisted by a 3D printing navigation template is more effective and safer than traditional fixation methods. This approach represents a promising alternative for surgical management.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

Dexamethasone relieves the inflammatory response caused by inguinal hernia meshes through miR-155

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a relatively common condition. Most patients with inguinal hernia require surgery. At present, mesh repair is one of the most effective methods to treat inguinal hernia, but insertion of the mesh can cause inflammation. Dexamethasone (DEX) can treat inflammation, but the mechanism by which DEX alleviates inflammation caused by inguinal hernia mesh placement remains unclear.

METHOD

We randomly divided rats into groups: negative control (NC), inguinal hernia (IH), polypropylene mesh (PM), DEX treatment, and miR-155 treatment groups. RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-155. ELISA was implemented to determine the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Western blotting was used to detect caspase-1, JAK1, p-JAK1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 expression. A dual-luciferase reporter gene array identified a connection between miR-155 and JAK1.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the expression of miR-155, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 was upregulated in the PM group. After DEX treatment, the secretion of miR-155, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 decreased. Dual luciferase results confirmed that miR-155 induced the targeted downregulation of JAK1, while a miR-155 mimic reversed the therapeutic effect of DEX, and the expression levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 increased.

CONCLUSION

DEX regulates the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-155 to relieve inflammation caused by inguinal hernia meshes.

Bowen's disease of the vulva and perianal area in a SLE patient successfully treated with Photodynamic therapy: A case report

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a non-invasive treatment modality for superficial skin cancers. It has the advantage of greater tolerance and providing better cosmetic outcomes than conventional treatment methods. Because of the rarity of extensive Bowen's disease located in the genital area, evidence of efficacy for therapies is mainly based on case reports and clinical experience. This report presents a case of a 32-year-old female with Bowen's disease of the vulva and perianal area with systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated by 5-aminolaevulinic acid PDT. There was no evidence of recurrence after five-years of follow-up.

The C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor CF2-II regulates multi-insecticide resistance-related gut-predominant ABC transporters in Aphis gossypii Glover

Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of cotton aphid resistance to various insecticides is crucial for the long-term safe application of insecticides in chemical control. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate the membrane transport of various substrates (including exogenous substances). Experiments confirmed that ABCB5, ABCF2, and MRP12 contributed to high levels of resistance to spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, thiamethoxam or imidacloprid. Binding sites of the C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor CF2-II was predicted to be located in the promoters of ABCB5, ABCF2, and MRP12. The expression levels of ABCB5, ABCF2, and MRP12 were significantly upregulated after silencing CF2-II. The results of dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated a negative regulatory relationship between CF2-II and ABC transporter promoters. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSAs) revealed that CF2-II inhibited the expression of ABC transporter genes through interaction with binding sites [ABCF2.p (-1149/-1140) or MRP12.p (-1189/-1181)]. The above results indicated that ABCB5, ABCF2, and MRP12 were negatively regulated by the transcription factor CF2-II, which will help us further understand the mechanism of transcriptional adaption of multi-insecticides resistant related ABC transporters in response to xenobiotics.

A masked gene concealed hand in glove in the forkhead protein crocodile regulates the predominant detoxification CYP6DA1 in Aphis gossypii Glover

Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism is an important mechanism of insecticide resistance, most studies show upregulated transcript levels of P450s in resistant insect strains. Our previous studies illustrated that some upregulated P450s were associated with cyantraniliprole resistance, and it is more comprehensive to use the tissue specificity of transcriptomes to compare resistant (CyR) and susceptible (SS) strains. In this study, the expression profiles of P450s in a CyR strain compared with a SS strain in remaining carcass or midgut were investigated by RNA sequencing, and candidate genes were selected for functional study. Drosophila melanogaster bioassays suggested that ectopic overexpression of CYP4CK1, CYP6CY5, CYP6CY9, CYP6CY19, CYP6CZ1 and CYP6DA1 in flies was sufficient to confer cyantraniliprole resistance, among which CYP6DA1 was the predominant contributor to resistance (12.24-fold). RNAi suppression of CYP4CK1, CYP6CY5, CYP6CY9 and CYP6DA1 significantly increased CyR aphid sensitivity to cyantraniliprole. The CYP6DA1 promoter had two predicted binding sites for crocodile (CROC), an intron-free ORF with bidirectional transcription yielding CROC (+) and CROC (-). Y1H, RNAi and EMSA found that CROC (-) was a transcription factor directly regulating CYP6DA1 expression. In conclusion, P450 genes contribute to cyantraniliprole resistance, and the transcription factor CROC (-) regulates the expression of CYP6DA1 in A. gossypii.

Prenatal exome sequencing analysis in fetuses with central nervous system anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) in fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of fetuses identified to have CNS abnormality on prenatal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging. All fetuses were first analyzed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Fetuses with a confirmed aneuploidy or causal pathogenic copy-number variant (CNV) on CMA did not undergo pES analysis and were excluded, while those with a negative CMA result were offered pES testing.

RESULTS

Of the 167 pregnancies included in the study, 42 (25.1%) were identified to have a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant. The diagnostic rate was significantly higher in fetuses with a non-isolated CNS abnormality than in those with a single CNS abnormality (35.7% (20/56) vs 14.5% (8/55); P = 0.010). Moreover, when a fetus had three or more CNS abnormalities, the positive diagnostic rate increased to 42.9%. A total of 25/42 (59.5%) cases had de-novo mutations, while, in the remaining cases, mutations were inherited and carried a significant risk of recurrence. Families whose fetus carried a P/LP mutation were more likely to choose advanced pregnancy termination than those with a variant of uncertain significance, secondary/incidental finding or negative pES result (83.3% (25/30) vs 41.3% (38/92); P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

pES improved the identification of genetic disorders in fetuses with CNS anomalies without a chromosomal abnormality or CNV identified on CMA, regardless of the number of CNS anomalies and presence of extracranial abnormality. We also demonstrated that pES findings can significantly impact parental decision-making. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Inducible Cytochrome P450s in the Fat Body and Malpighian Tubules of the Polyphagous Pests of Spodoptera litura Confer Xenobiotic Tolerance

Cytochrome P450 plays vital roles in detoxifying xenobiotics. In this study, SlCYP340A and SlCYP340L expression in the Spodoptera litura fat body and SlCYP332A1, SlCYP6AB12, SlCYP6AB58, SlCYP6AB59, and SlCYP6AN4 expression in the Malpighian tubules were significantly upregulated after cyantraniliprole exposure, and SlCYP6AB58 and SlCYP6AB59 expression levels were simultaneously increased in the Malpighian tubules after gossypol treatment. Drosophila ectopically expressing candidate P450 genes showed that SlCYP332A1, SlCYP6AB12, SlCYP6AB59, SlCYP6AN4, and SlCYP340A conferred cyantraniliprole tolerance. The overexpression of SlCYP6AB58 and SlCYP6AB59 in Drosophila increased the number of eggs laid under the gossypol treatment. Moreover, the knockdown of SlCYP332A1, SlCYP6AB12, SlCYP6AB59, SlCYP6AN4, and SlCYP340A increased S. litura mortality under the cyantraniliprole treatment. Homology modeling and molecular docking results suggested that candidate P450 has the potential to bind with cyantraniliprole. These results indicate that the CYP3 and CYP4 genes participate in cyantraniliprole detoxification and that SlCYP6AB59 may be simultaneously involved in the gossypol tolerance of S. litura.

Host response of Nicotiana benthamiana to the parasitism of five populations of root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae, from China

In a recent survey of nematodes associated with tobacco in Shandong, China, the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus coffeae was identified using a combination of morphology and molecular techniques. This nematode species is a serious parasite that damages a variety of plant species. The model plant benthi, Nicotiana benthamiana, is frequently used to study plant-disease interactions. However, it is not known whether this plant species is a host of P. coffeae. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the parasitism and pathogenicity of five populations of the root-lesion nematode P. coffeae on N. benthamiana.N. benthamiana seedlings with the same growth status were chosen and inoculated with 1,000 nematodes per pot. At 60 days after inoculation, the reproductive factors (Rf = final population densities (Pf)/initial population densities (Pi)) for P. coffeae in the rhizosphere of N. benthamiana were all more than 1, suggesting that N. benthamiana was a good host plant for P. coffeae.Nicotiana. benthamiana infected by P. coffeae showed weak growth, decreased tillering, high root reduction, and noticeable brown spots on the roots. Thus, we determined that the model plant N. benthamiana can be used to study plant-P. coffeae interactions.

Inducible Gut-Specific Carboxylesterase SlCOE030 in Polyphagous Pests of Spodoptera litura Conferring Tolerance between Nicotine and Cyantraniliprole

Insecticides tolerance in herbivorous arthropods is associated with preadaptation to host plant allelochemicals. However, how plant secondary metabolites activate detoxifying metabolic genes to develop tolerance remains unclear. Herein, the tolerance of Spodoptera litura larvae to cyantraniliprole was increased after nicotine exposure. An S. litura α esterase, SlCOE030, was predominantly expressed in the midgut and induced after exposure to cyantraniliprole, nicotine, and cyantraniliprole plus nicotine. Drosophila melanogaster with ectopically overexpressed SlCOE030 enhanced cyantraniliprole and nicotine tolerance by 4.91- and 2.12-fold, respectively. Compared to UAS-SlCOE030 and Esg-GAL4 lines, the Esg > SlCOE030 line laid more eggs after nicotine exposure. SlCOE030 knockdown decreased the sensitivity of nicotine-treated S. litura larvae to cyantraniliprole. Metabolism assays indicated that recombinant SlCOE030 protein metabolizes cyantraniliprole. Homology modeling and molecular docking analysis demonstrated that SlCOE030 exhibits effective affinities for cyantraniliprole and nicotine. Thus, insect CarEs may result in the development of cross-tolerance between synthetic insecticides and plant secondary metabolites.

The effect of surgical repair of hiatal hernia (HH) on pulmonary function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Hiatal hernia is renowned for the symptom of reflux, and few physicians associate a hiatal hernia with pulmonary issues. It is widely acknowledged that a hiatal hernia can be treated with surgery. However, less is known about how the surgical procedure would benefit pulmonary function. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether surgical repair can improve pulmonary function in patients with hiatal hernias.

METHODS

We registered the protocol on the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) platform (no. CRD42022369949). We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for cohort studies that reported on the pulmonary function of patients with hiatal hernias. The quality of each cohort study was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). We then calculated mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals for these continuous outcomes. Each study's consistency was appraised using the I² statistic. The sensitivity analysis was performed using the trim-and-fill method. Publication bias was confirmed using the funnel plot visually and Egger regression test statistically.

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients from 5 cohorts were included in the meta-analysis. The quality evaluation revealed that, of these 5 papers, 3 received 8 NOS stars out of 9 stars, 1 received 9, and the other received 7, meaning all included cohort studies were of high quality. The results showed that surgical repair for a hiatal hernia significantly improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; weighted mean difference [WMD]:0.200; 95% CI 0.047-0.353; I² = 71.6%; P = 0.010), forced vital capacity (FVC; WMD: 0.242; 95% CI 0.161-0.323; I² = 7.1%; P = 0.000), and total lung capacity (TLC; WMD: 0.223; 95% CI 0.098-0.348; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.000) but had little effect on residual volume (RV; WMD: -0.028; 95% CI -0.096 to 0.039; I² = 8.7%; P = 0.411) and the diffusing capacity carbon monoxide (DLCO; WMD: 0.234; 95% CI -0.486 to 0.953; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.524).

CONCLUSION

For individuals with hiatal hernias, surgical repair is an efficient technique to improve respiratory function as measured by FEV1, FVC, and TLC.

Functional Validation of the Roles of Cytochrome P450s in Tolerance to Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid in a Field Population of Aphis gossypii

Field populations of Aphis gossypii (SDR) have evolved high resistance to neonicotinoids, including thiamethoxam and imidacloprid. Synergism bioassays and transcriptomic comparison of the SDR and susceptible (SS) strains revealed that the cytochrome P450s may contribute to the neonicotinoid resistance evolution. The transcripts of some P450s were constitutively overexpressed in the SDR strain, and many genes showed expression plasticity under insecticide exposure. Drosophila that ectopically expressed CYPC6Y9, CYP4CK1, CYP6DB1, and CYP6CZ1 showed greater resistance (>8.0-fold) to thiamethoxam, and Drosophila that expressed CYPC6Y9, CYP6CY22, CYP6CY18, and CYP6D subfamily genes showed greater resistance (>5-fold) to imidacloprid. Five P450 genes that caused thiamethoxam resistance also conferred resistance to α-cypermethrin. Furthermore, the knockdown of CYP4CK1, CYP6CY9, CYP6CY18, CYPC6Y22, CYP6CZ1, and CYP6DB1 dramatically increased the sensitivity of the SDR strain to thiamethoxam or imidacloprid. These results indicate the involvement of multiple P450 genes, rather than one key gene, in neonicotinoid resistance in field populations.

Functional characterization of ABC transporters mediates multiple neonicotinoid resistance in a field population of Aphis gossypii Glover

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters C and G subfamilies have been reported to be involved in insecticide detoxification, with most studies showing increased gene transcript levels in response to insecticide exposure. Our previous studies have suggested that ABCC and G transporters participate in cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam resistance of Aphis gossypii. In this study, we focused on the potential roles of the ABCC and G transporters of an A. gossypii field population (SDR) in neonicotinoid detoxification. The results of leaf dip bioassays showed 629.17- and 346.82-fold greater resistance to thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the SDR strain, respectively, than in the susceptible strain (SS). Verapamil, an ABC inhibitor, was used for synergism bioassays, and the results showed synergistic effects with thiamethoxam, with synergistic ratios (SRs) of 2.07 and 6.68 in the SS and SDR strains, respectively. In addition to thiamethoxam, verapamil increased imidacloprid toxicity by 1.68- and 1.62-fold in the SS and SDR strains respectively. Then, the expression levels of several ABCC and G transporters were analyzed in different treatments. We found that the transcript levels of AgABCG4, AgABCG17, AgABCG26, AgMRP8 and AgMRP12 were higher in the SDR strain than in the SS strain. The mRNA expression of AgABCG4, AgABCG7, AgABCG13, AgABCG17, AgABCG26, AgMRP8 and AgMRP12 in the SDR strain was increased after thiamethoxam and imidacloprid exposure. The results of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster bioassays suggested that overexpression of AgABCG4, AgABCG7, AgABCG13, AgABCG17, AgABCG26, AgMRP8 and AgMRP12 in transgenic flies was sufficient to confer thiamethoxam and imidacloprid resistance, and AgABCG4, AgABCG7, AgABCG13, AgABCG26 and AgMRP12 may be related to α-cypermethrin cross-resistance with weak effects. In addition, the knockdown of AgABCG4, AgABCG13, AgABCG26, AgMRP8 and AgMRP12, and the knockdown of AgABCG7 and AgABCG26 increased thiamethoxam and imidacloprid mortality in the SDR strain, respectively. Our results suggest that changes in the expression levels of ABCC and G transporters may contribute to neonicotinoid detoxification in the SDR strain, and provide a foundation for clarify the potential roles of ABCC and G transporters in insecticide resistance.

Functional Inquiry into ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Genes Contributing to Spirotetramat Resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters regulate the efflux of a broad spectrum of substrates to extracellular transporting, which play an important role in the detoxification process in arthropods. Here, we described a comprehensive approach to explore the involvement of ABC transporters in spirotetramat resistance in cotton aphids. In this study, synergism bioassays showed 17.05% and 35.42% increases in the toxicity to spirotetramat with the ABC inhibitor verapamil in adult and 3rd instar nymph aphids of the SR strain, respectively. In a competitive assay based on the microinjection of a fluorescent ABC transporter substrate, verapamil (a general ABC inhibitor) and spirotetramat significantly inhibited the elimination of Texas Red. Based on transcriptome data of midguts of spirotetramat-susceptible (SS) and -resistant (SR) strains, the expression levels of ABCB4, ABCB5, ABCF2, MRP11, and MRP12 were significantly upregulated in the SR strain midgut compared to that of the SS strain. Gene functional analysis based on ectopic expression and RNA interference (RNAi) proved that ABCB4, ABCB5, ABCF2, MRP11, and MRP12 were involved in the tolerance of cotton aphids to spirotetramat. Moreover, the upregulated ABCF2, ABCB4, and ABCB5 in the midgut of the SR strain contributed more to the resistance of spirotetramat in in vitro functional analysis. In summary, these results demonstrate that candidate ABC transporter genes in the midgut tissue were involved in spirotetramat resistance, which will help reveal the relationship between ABC transporters and the development of spirotetramat resistance in field populations.

The association of coffee consumption with the risk of osteoporosis and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To elucidate the association of coffee and bone health would help fracture risk reduction via dietary intervention. Although those who had higher coffee consumption were less likely to have osteoporosis, the associations between coffee consumption and fracture risk need further investigations with better study designs.

INTRODUCTION

The associations between coffee consumption and the risk of osteoporosis and fracture remain inconclusive. We aimed to better quantify these associations by conducting meta-analyses of observational studies.

METHODS

Relevant studies were systematically searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Embase Database up to November 25, 2021. The odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was pooled and a dose-response analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Four studies with 7114 participants for osteoporosis and thirteen studies with 391,956 participants for fracture incidence were included in the meta-analyses. High versus low coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.79 (0.65-0.92)], while it was non-significantly associated with fracture incidence [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.86 (0.67-1.05) at hip and 0.89 (0.42-1.36) at non-hip]. A non-linear association between the level of coffee consumption and hip fracture incidence was shown (P = 0.004). The pooled RR (95% CI) of hip fracture risk in those who consumed 1, 2-3, 4, and ≥ 9 cups of coffee per day was 0.92 (0.87-0.97), 0.89 (0.83-0.95), 0.91 (0.85-0.98), and 1.10 (0.76-1.59), respectively. The significance in the association between coffee consumption and the hip fracture incidence decreased in those studies that had larger sample size, higher quality, and more adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

A dose-dependent relationship may exist between coffee consumption and hip fracture incidence. The effect of high versus low coffee consumption was influenced by study designs. Further studies with dedicated designs are needed to confirm the independent effects of coffee consumption on bone health.

Functional analysis of cyantraniliprole tolerance ability mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporters in Aphis gossypii glover

Cyantraniliprole, a second-generation anthranilic diamide insecticide, is widely used to control chewing and sucking pests. ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs) are a ubiquitous family of membrane proteins that play important roles in insect detoxification mechanisms. However, the potential effects of ABCs on cyantraniliprole-resistance remain unclear. In the present study, synergism bioassays revealed that verapamil, an ABC inhibitor, increased the toxicity of cyantraniliprole by 2.00- and 12.25-fold in the susceptible and cyantraniliprole-resistant strains of Aphis gossypii. Based on transcriptome data, the expression levels of ABCB4, ABCB5, ABCD1, ABCG4, ABCG7, ABCG13, ABCG16, ABCG17, ABCG26 and MRP12 were upregulated 1.56-, 1.32-, 1.51-, 2.03-, 1.65-, 1.50-, 4.18-, 6.07-, 4.68- and 4.69-fold, respectively, in the cyantraniliprole-resistant strain (CyR) compared to the susceptible strain (SS), as determined using RT-qPCR. Drosophila melanogaster ectopically overexpressing ABCB5, ABCG4, ABCG7, ABCG16, ABCG17, ABCG26 and MRP12 exhibited significantly increased tolerance to cyantraniliprole by 11.71-, 2.39-, 4.85-, 2.06-, 3.75-, 4.20- and 3.50-fold, respectively, with ABCB5 and ABCG family members being the most effective. Furthermore, the suppression of ABCB5, ABCG4, ABCG7, ABCG16, ABCG17, ABCG26 and MRP12 significantly increased the sensitivity of the CyR strain to cyantraniliprole. These results indicate that ABCs may play crucial roles in cyantraniliprole resistance and may provide information for shaping resistance management strategies.

AB0066 EFFECT AND MECHANISM OF QINXITONG ON BIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF SYNOVIAL FIBROBLASTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Chinese medicine has been used widely for the treatment of RA for a long history in China. The Fifth Hospital of Xi’an has treated patients of RA with QinXiTong(QXT) for 40 years which is mainly based on the water extract from Caulis Sinomenii(CS). However, the molecular mechanism of its anti-rheumatism effect remains unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of Qinxitong on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis and its mechanism.

Methods

Taking rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell line MH7A as the research object. The cells were divided into four groups according to the different dosage of Qinxitong intervention, namely control group, low dose group (QXT-20), medium dose group (QXT-50) and high dose group (QXT-100). CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion, and Western blotting was used to detect total Erk protein (t-Erk) and phosphorylated Erk protein (p-Erk) expression levels.

Results

CCK-8 assay showed that Qinxitong could inhibit the proliferation of MH7A cells, compared with the control group, cell proliferation in QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups was significantly reduced (p<0.05) after 24h, 48, and 72h intervention, the effect of QXT-100 was even more significant (p<0.001); flow cytometry showed that QXT could promote apoptosis of MH7A cells, compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups was significantly increased (p<0.05); Transwell assay showed that QXT could inhibit the migration and invasion of MH7A cells, compared with the control group, the QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups showed significantly higher inhibition of migration and invasion of MH7A cells (p<0.05); Western blotting showed that QXT could reduced p-Erk expression level, compared with the control group, the decrease of p-Erk expression level in QXT-50 and QXT-100 groups was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Qinxitong can inhibit the proliferation, promote apoptosis, inhibit migration and invasion of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by regulating Erk signaling pathway, providing scientific basis for clinical application of Qixintong.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Functional investigation of lncRNAs and target cytochrome P450 genes related to spirotetramat resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover

BACKGROUND

Spirotetramat is a tetramic acid derivative insecticide with novel modes of action for controlling Aphis gossypii Glover in the field. Previous studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are involved in the detoxification process. However, the functions of lncRNAs in regulating P450 gene expression in spirotetramat resistance in A. gossypii are unknown.

RESULTS

In this study, we found CYP4CJ1, CYP6CY7 and CYP6CY21 expression levels to be significantly upregulated in a spirotetramat-resistant (SR) strain compared with a susceptible (SS) strain. Furthermore, knockdown of CYP4CJ1, CYP6CY7 and CYP6CY21 increased nymph and adult mortality in the SR strain following exposure to spirotetramat. Drosophila ectopically expressing CYP380C6, CYP4CJ1, CYP6DA2, CYP6CY7 and CYP6CY21 showed significantly decreased mortality after spirotetramat exposure, and CYP380C6, CYP4CJ1 and CYP6CY21 are putative targets of six lncRNAs. Silencing of lncRNAs MSTRG.36649.2/5 and MSTRG.71880.1 changed CYP6CY21 and CYP380C6 expression, altering the sensitivity of the SR strain to spirotetramat. Moreover, MSTRG.36649.2/5 did not compete for microRNA (miRNA) binding to regulate CYP6CY21 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that CYP380C6, CYP4CJ1, CYP6DA2, CYP6CY7 and CYP6CY21 are potentially involved in the development of spirotetramat resistance in A. gossypii, and MSTRG.36649.2/5 and MSTRG.71880.1 probably regulate CYP6CY21 and CYP380C6 expression other than through the "sponge effect" of competing for miRNA binding. Our results provide a favorable molecular basis for studying cotton aphid P450 genes and lncRNA functions in spirotetramat resistance development.

Utilizing phenotypic characteristics of metastatic brain tumors to improve the probability of detecting circulating tumor DNA from cerebrospinal fluid in non-small-cell lung cancer patients: development and validation of a prediction model in a prospective cohort study

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has become a promising surrogate for genomic profiling of central nervous system tumors. However, suboptimal ctDNA detection rates from CSF limit its clinical utility. Thus precise screening of suitable patients is needed to maximize the clinical benefit.

Patients and methods

Between February 2017 and December 2020, 66 newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain parenchymal metastases were prospectively enrolled as a training cohort and 30 additional patients were enrolled as an external validation cohort. CSF samples and matched primary tumor tissues were collected before treatment and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS). The imageological characteristics of patients’ brain tumors were evaluated by radiologists using enhanced magnetic resonance imaging images. The clinical and imageological characteristics were evaluated by complete subsets regression, Akaike information criteria, and Bayesian information criteria methods to establish the prediction model. A nomogram was then built for CSF ctDNA detection prediction.

Results

The somatic mutation detection rate of genes covered by our targeted NGS panel was significantly lower in CSF ctDNA (59.09%) than tumor tissue (91.84%). The T_size (diameter of the largest intracranial lesion) and LVD_min (minimum lesion–ventricle distance for all intracranial lesions) were significantly associated with positive CSF ctDNA detection, and thus, were selected to establish the prediction model, which achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.819 and an accuracy of 0.800. The model’s predictive ability was further validated in the independent external cohort (AUC of 0.772, accuracy of 0.767) and by internal cross-validation. The CSF ctDNA detection rate was significantly improved from 58.18% (32/55) to 81.81% (27/33) in patients after model selection (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

This study developed a regression model to predict the probability of detecting CSF ctDNA using the phenotypic characteristics of metastatic brain lesions in NSCLC patients, thus, maximizing the benefits of CSF liquid biopsies.

•

Intracranial tumor size and distance to nearest ventricle were significantly correlated with positive CSF ctDNA detection.

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A prediction model incorporating T_size and LVD_min was developed and validated to evaluate the odds of CSF ctDNA positivity.

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The CSF ctDNA detection rate was significantly improved in patients after model selection.

Nomogram to predict survival of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Nomograms are rarely employed to estimate the survival of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). Herein, we developed a comprehensive approach to using a nomogram to predict survival probability in patients with advanced and metastatic PC.

METHODS

A total of 323 patients with advanced and metastatic PC were identified from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital. A baseline nomogram was constructed using baseline variables of 323 patients. Additionally, 233 patients, whose tumors showed initial responses to first-line chemotherapy, were enrolled in the chemotherapy response-based model. 128 patients and 108 patients with advanced and metastatic PC from January 2019 to April 2021 were selected for external validating baseline model and chemotherapy response-based model. The 1-year and 2-year survival probability was evaluated using multivariate COX regression models. The discrimination and calibration capacity of the nomograms were assessed using C-statistic and calibration plots. The predictive accuracy and net benefit of the nomograms were evaluated using ROC curve and DCA, respectively.

RESULTS

In the baseline model, six variables (gender, KPS, baseline TB, baseline N, baseline WBC and baseline CA19-9) were used in the final model. In the chemotherapy response-based model, nine variables (KPS, gender, ascites, baseline N, baseline CA 19-9, baseline CEA, change in CA 19-9 level at week, change in CEA level at week and initial response to chemotherapy) were included in the final model. The C-statistics of the baseline nomogram and the chemotherapy response-based nomogram were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62-0.71) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69-0.77), respectively.

CONCLUSION

These nomograms were constructed to predict the survival probability of patients of advanced and metastatic PC. The baseline model and chemotherapy response-based model performed well in survival prediction.

The analysis of osteosarcopenia as a risk factor for fractures, mortality, and falls

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concomitant occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis/osteopenia. This study aimed to clarify whether osteosarcopenia implies a greater risk of fractures, mortality, and falls and to draw attention to osteosarcopenia.

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcopenia, which is characterized by the co-existence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and sarcopenia, is one of the most challenging geriatric syndromes. However, the association between osteosarcopenia and the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality is controversial.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from their inception to March 18, 2021, for cohort studies on the relationship between osteosarcopenia and fractures, falls, and mortality. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A pooled analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed or random-effects models.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies including 19,836 participants showed that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fracture (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.83-3.30, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.006, I² = 63.0%), three cohort studies involving 2601 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of mortality (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.26, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.214, I² = 35.2%), and three cohort studies involving 3144 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of falls (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.04, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.219, I² = 34.1%). No publication bias existed among the studies regarding the association between osteosarcopenia and fractures. The findings were robust according to the subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis demonstrated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fractures, falls, and mortality, thus highlighting its relevance in daily life. Therefore, we suggest that elderly persons should be aware of the risks associated with osteosarcopenia.

Resistance Risk Assessment of the Ryanoid Anthranilic Diamide Insecticide Cyantraniliprole in Aphis gossypii Glover

Cyantraniliprole targets the ryanodine receptor and shows cross-spectrum activity against a broad range of chewing and sucking pests. In this study, a cyantraniliprole-resistant cotton aphid strain (CyR) developed resistance 17.30-fold higher than that of a susceptible (SS) strain. Bioassay results indicated that CyR developed increased cross-resistance to cyfluthrin, α-cypermethrin, imidacloprid, and acephate. In CyR, piperonyl butoxide synergistically increased the toxicity of cyantraniliprole, α-cypermethrin, and cyfluthrin. The cytochrome P450 activities in the CyR strain were significantly higher than those in the SS strain. The mRNA expression of CYP6CY7, CYP6CY12, CYP6CY21, CYP6CZ1, CYP6DA1, and CYP6DC1 in the CYP3 clade, and CYP380C6, CYP380C12, CYP380C44, CYP4CJ1, and CYP4CJ5 in the CYP4 clade, was significantly higher in CyR than in SS. The depletion of the most abundant CYP380C6 transcript by RNAi also significantly increased the sensitivity of CyR to cyantraniliprole. Transgenic expression of CYP380C6, CYP6CY7, CYP6CY21, and CYP4CJ1 in Drosophila melanogaster suggested that the expression of CYP380C6 and CYP4CJ1 was sufficient to confer cyantraniliprole resistance, with CYP380C6 being the most effective, and that CYP380C6, CYP6CY7, and CYP6CY21 were related to α-cypermethrin cross-resistance. These results indicate the involvement of P450 genes in cyantraniliprole resistance and pyrethroid cross-resistance and provide an overall view of the metabolic factors involved in resistance development.

Potential probiotics Lactobacillus casei K11 combined with plant extracts reduce markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice

AIMS

Probiotics and plant extracts have been used to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study aimed to explore the effect of the interaction between potential probiotics and bitter gourd extract (BGE) or mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on T2DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Potential probiotics were tested for their gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation combined with BGE and MLE in vitro. The diabetes model was constructed in C57BL/6 mice, and the potential effect and mechanism of regulating blood glucose were verified. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), gas chromatography (GC), ELISA, and RT-PCR were also used for analysis. The results showed that Lactobacillus casei K11 had outstanding gastrointestinal tract viability and growth situation with plant extracts. Administration of L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly reduced blood glucose levels and ameliorated insulin resistance in diabetic mice than the administration of Lactobacillus paracasei J5 combined with BGE and MLE. Moreover, in L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE groups, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were regulated. Furthermore, the results indicated that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE improved free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) upregulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE modified the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to improve T2DM.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study identified a new modality for evaluating interactions between potential probiotics and plant extracts. Our findings revealed that L. casei K11 combined with BGE and MLE significantly promoted the SCFA-FFAR2-GLP-1 pathway to inhibit T2DM.

Bedaquiline in the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in China

BACKGROUND: Multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB) continues to be a challenge in China. Bedaquiline (BDQ) is associated with accelerated sputum culture conversion and favourable treatment outcomes when added to a preferred background regimen. This post-hoc study aimed to assess the outcomes of BDQ treatment in Chinese patients with MDR/XDR-TB.METHODS: Data from 51 Chinese patients who participated in a global Phase 2, open-label, single-arm study (TMC207-C209) were analysed for effectiveness and safety of the BDQ-containing regimen.RESULTS: During the 24-week BDQ treatment, adverse events (AEs) occurred in 48 patients (94.1%), with the most common AE being hyperuricemia. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was reported in 13 patients (25.5%); serious DILI was reported in one patient (2.0%). Seven (13.7%) AEs were considered to be possibly related to BDQ by the investigators. Only one Grade 1 QTc prolongation was reported; no QTcF >500 ms was reported. One death occurred after BDQ treatment due to progressive TB. The median time to sputum culture conversion was 85 days based on the 24-week data. The sputum culture conversion rate was 82% at 24 weeks and 78% at 120 weeks; 66% of patients achieved a cure.CONCLUSIONS: BDQ was well-tolerated and effective for treating MDR-TB among Chinese patients.

Structural analysis of pulsed magnets considering interface characteristics

The aim of traditional designs of pulsed magnets is to keep the von-Mises stress on the midplane less than the ultimate tensile strength of materials. However, recently failed high-field experiments showed that some short circuits occurred at the magnet end, which is most possibly caused by the axial displacement of wires. This indicates that the former design is inadequate and accurate axial mechanical analysis of magnets is necessary. In this paper, a finite element model of pulsed magnets considering interface characteristics is proposed. Both the contact status and interfacial friction between the conductor layers and reinforcements can be accounted for Simulations are conducted with a failed 95 T dual-coil prototype, which was originally designed with the self-developed Pulsed Magnet Design Software (PMDS) software. The simulation results show that all the originally expected separations calculated by the PMDS software disappear due to the compression. This makes the calculated maximal von-Mises stress of the inner four reinforcement layers about 600 MPa less than the former designs. The influence of the interfacial friction is also presented. Besides, the simulations show that the maximum axial displacement at the magnet end is up to 8 mm at the designed peak field, which is deadly to the insulations. Hence, we suggest that the axial displacement at the magnet end should also be one design objective of pulsed magnets. At last, the factors affecting the axial displacement are analyzed.

Identification and characterization of long non-coding RNAs as competing endogenous RNAs in the cold stress response of Triticum aestivum

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in plant development and stress responses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. It is not clear how lncRNA-mediated plant responses to cold stress and how lncRNAs, miRNAs and target mRNAs cooperate subject to the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). We interpreted the function of lncRNAs in the winter wheat cultivar Dongnongdongmai 1 (Dn1). A total of 9970 putative lncRNAs were initially identified from three Dn1 lncRNA libraries (5 °C, -10 °C and -25 °C) using high-throughput sequencing. Among the 14,626 genes detected via weighted gene co-expression network analysis, 7435 lncRNAs were co-expressed with 7191 mRNAs. We found six modules related to cold resistance in the lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression network, and the functions of mRNAs were similar in each module. Antioxidant systems and hormones played important roles in low-temperature responses. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that interactions between the 384 lncRNAs and 70 miRNAs were required for ceRNA activity. According to ceRNA activity, 225 lncRNAs, 60 miRNAs and 621 target mRNAs were involved in the regulatory networks of the cold stress response. Notably, a conserved region was found in the complementary regions of lncRNAs and miR164/408 but had reverse expression trends in the ceRNA network. Our results reveal possible roles of lncRNAs-mRNAs in the regulatory networks associated with tolerance to low temperature and provide useful information for more strategic use of genomic resources in wheat breeding.

Copper-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylalkylation of alkynes: access toward conjugated enynes

A copper-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylalkylation of alkynes with α-haloacetamides for the construction of conjugated enynes has been developed.

Are left ventricular muscle area and radiation attenuation associated with overall survival in advanced pancreatic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy?

AIM

To evaluate whether cardiac muscle area and radiation attenuation, determined using pre-chemotherapy computed tomography (CT), are associated with therapeutic response and overall survival (OS) in chemotherapy-treated advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-eight chemotherapy-treated APC patients who underwent pre-chemotherapy CT between 2009 and 2018 were considered. Left ventricular muscle area (LVMA) and left ventricular muscle radiation attenuation (LVMRA) were measured using pre-chemotherapy arterial-phase CT. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyse potential factors affecting OS and PFS.

RESULTS

Patients with low LVMRA, low LVMA at baseline CT, and multiple metastases had a significantly shorter median OS than patients with high LVMRA, high LVMA, and without multiple metastases (8.8 versus 14 months, p=0.017; 12.2 versus 18.1 months, p=0.038; 7.3 versus 13.5 months, p<0.001, respectively). Patients with low LVMRA and distant metastasis had a shorter median PFS than patients with high LVMRA and those without distant metastasis (4.9 versus 8.3 months, p=0.032; 5.4 versus 9.9 months, p=0.002, respectively). Moreover, the mean LVMRA was the highest in the partial response group (p=0.028).

CONCLUSION

LVMRA could well predict PFS and OS in chemotherapy-treated APC patients.

Combined therapy of infusion of DC from rats with higher expression of IDO and CD40L on rejection post heart transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) can inhibit rejection of graft via inducing T cell apoptosis. CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibits T cell activation. However, the effects of the combination of infusion of dendritic cell (DC) from IDO over-expressed donor mice and CD40L mAb on the treatment of graft rejection after heart transplantation have not been reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Allogeneic heart transplantation mouse model was established. Recipient mice were divided into three groups, including control group, IDO group (in which DC donors received adenoviral vector of IDO) and combined therapy group (which received both IDO over-expressed DC infusion and CD40L mAb injection post transplantation). Survival time and cardiac function were observed, with IDO expression being quantified. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze T cell apoptosis, while enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to test the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

RESULTS

IDO expression was significantly elevated in both IDO and combined therapy groups, with enhanced T cell apoptosis compared to control group (p < 0.05). Both groups had better survival time and cardiac functions compared to control group, along with increased IL-10/IL-6 expression and suppressed INF-γ and IL-2 expression (p < 0.05). However, combined therapy had a better efficiency compared to IDO group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined therapy of high IDO expressed mouse DC perfusion with CD40L mAb can elongate the survival time of recipient heart and inhibit rejection reaction via facilitating T cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, combined therapy could also regulate the expression of some immune suppressant factors and mediate the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Notch3 signaling activation in smooth muscle cells promotes extrauterine growth restriction-induced pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early postnatal life is a critical developmental period that affects health of the whole life. Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) causes cardiovascular development problems and diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterized by proliferation, migration, and anti-apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). However, the role of PASMCs in EUGR has not been studied. Thus, we hypothesized that PASMCs dysfunction played a role in EUGR-induced pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here we identified that postnatal nutritional restriction-induced EUGR rats exhibited an elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling at 12 weeks old. PASMCs of EUGR rats showed increased cell proliferation and migration features. In EUGR-induced PAH rats, Notch3 signaling was activated. Relative mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3 intracellular domain (Notch3 ICD), and Notch target gene Hey1 in PASMCs were upregulated. We further demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of Notch3 activity by using a γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, which blocked the cleavage of Notch proteins to ICD peptides, could effectively inhibit PASMC proliferation. Specifically knocked down of Notch3 in rat PASMCs by shRNA restored the abnormal PASMC phenotype in vitro. We found that administration of Notch signaling inhibitor DAPT could successfully reduce mean pulmonary arterial pressure in EUGR rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that upregulation of Notch3 signaling in PASMCs was crucial for the development of EUGR-induced PAH. Blocking Notch3-Hey1 signaling pathway in PASMCs provides a potential therapeutic target for PAH.

S-nitrosylation of Src by NR2B-nNOS signal causes Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in levodopa-induced dyskinetic rat model

Abnormality in Src PSD-95 NR2B signaling complex assemble occurs in levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by Src family protein tyrosine kinases is closely associated with dyskinesia. Src autophosphorylation (p-Src) is an important part of Src-catalyzed phosphorylation of NR2B. In addition, the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-derived NO (nNOS/NO) signal which was also involved in dyskinesia recently was proved to participate in the regulation of Src function. Yet, the detailed signal mechanism about the interactions of NR2B, nNOS, and Src is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the influences of nNOS on Src activation and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation in dyskinetic rat model by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. The results demonstrated that chronic levodopa treatment resulted in downregulation of p-nNOS-S847, one marker of nNOS overactivation. Coinstantaneously, the S-nitrosylation (SNO-Src) and autophosphorylation (p-Src) of Src and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation were upregulated in dyskinetic rat model. Conversely, administration of 7-NI, one nNOS inhibitor, reversed all these effects of levodopa treatment. Besides, NR2B-containing NMDAR (NR2B/NMDAR) antagonist CP-101,606 could upregulate p-nNOS-S847 and thus attenuate nNOS activation and simultaneously reduce the SNO-Src, p-Src, and NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, the S-nitrosylation of Src is caused by nNOS/NO signal, which is overactivated via Ca²⁺ influx dependent on NR2B/NMDAR, and subsequently facilitates Src auto-tyrosine phosphorylation and further phosphorylates NR2B. The "NR2B/NMDAR-nNOS/NO-SNO-Src-p-Src-NR2B/NMDAR" signaling cycle may be the molecular basis of NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation upward positive feedback, which demonstrates the possibility as one latent target for dyskinesia therapy.

[The attentional bias of emotion in medical workers of emergency department in one hospital and it's relationship with mood state]

Objective: To study the characteristics of attentional bias to emotional stimulus in medical workers of emergency department and explore the relationship between the emotional Stroop effect and mood states, thus providing a reference to the assessment and intervention of emergency medical workers' mental health. Methods: Two kinds of emotional Stroop tasks with words and pictures and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were administered to thirty-six medical workers of emergency department and thirty-six medical workers of other departments. Results: The reaction time to negative and positive words and pictures were all higher than the reaction time to neutral stimulus, thus showing the significant Stroop effect in medical workers. The Stroop effect to negative emotional stimulus in medical workers of emergency department was significantly smaller than that in medical workers of other departments, while the difference of Stroop effect to positive stimulus was not significant between the two groups. Correlation analyses revealed that the correlations between Stroop effect size to positive pictures and tension and angry of POMS were all negatively significant (r value was -0.314 and -0.330 respectively) , and the correlation between Stroop effect size to negative pictures and fatigue was negatively significant (r=-0.303) . Conclusions: There is a significant emotional Stroop effect in medical workers. Although the ability of anti-interference to emotional stimulus in medical workers of emergency department was better than medical workers of the other departments, the long-term avoidance to negative emotional stimulus was still has a negative effect on the mood states of individuals.

Expression and significance of peripheral myeloid-derived suppressor cells in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exert their suppressive effects on multiple immune response and contribute to the development of many diseases. However, limited data is available on the involvement of MDSCs in human chronic HBV infection.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the progression of chronic HBV infection was associated with imbalance of MDSCs.

METHODS

The percentages of MDSCs, regulatory T (Treg), Th1 and Tc1 cells in the peripheral blood from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls (HC) were determined by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γ were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The potential association of the frequencies of MDSCs with clinical parameters was assessed.

RESULTS

The percentages of MDSCs and Treg cells were significantly higher in CHB patients than those in HC. The percentages of MDSCs were negatively correlated with Th1 cells. Increased plasma IL-10 level and decreased IFN-γ level were found in CHB patients compared with HC. Moreover, the frequencies of MDSCs and plasma IL-10 levels were positively correlated with serum HBV DNA loads, as well as liver function impairment.

CONCLUSION

The expanded peripheral MDSCs may contribute to poor viral clearance and disease progression during chronic HBV infection.

An Effective α/β Nucleating Agent Compoundfor the Preparation of Polypropylene

The crystallization behavior and mechanical properties were investigated by mixing the traditional α-form nucleating agent (sodium benzoate, SB) and commercialized β-form nucleating agent (TMB-5) in isotactic polypropylene (iPP). Mechanical properties were evaluated by universal testing machines. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to illustrate the crystallization behavior. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) was adopted to observe the crystal morphologies. The experimental results show that the weight ratio of two types of nucleating agents determines the final crystal structure and mechanical properties of iPP. When the weight ratio of [SB] : [TMB-5] is 4 : 1, the impact strength and flexural modulus of iPP reach a maximum value. Compared with the single component β-form nucleating agent, the compound nucleating agent exhibits significant synergistic effect and shows better mechanical properties. It is expected that this new nucleation system will have potential industrial applications.

Trends in use of lymphadenectomy in surgery with curative intent for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of routine lymph node dissection (LND) in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends of LND use in the surgical treatment of ICC.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative intent resection for ICC in 2000-2015 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. Use of lymphadenectomy was evaluated over time and by geographical region (West versus East); LND use and final nodal status were analysed relative to AJCC T categories.

RESULTS

Among the 1084 patients identified, half (535, 49·4 per cent) underwent concomitant hepatic resection and LND. Between 2000 and 2015, the proportion of patients undergoing LND for ICC nearly doubled: 44·4 per cent in 2000 versus 81·5 per cent in 2015 (P < 0·001). Use of LND increased over time among both Eastern and Western centres. The odds of LND was associated with the time period of surgery and the extent of the tumour/T status (referent T1a: OR 2·43 for T2, P = 0·001; OR 2·13 for T3, P = 0·016). Among the 535 patients who had LND, lymph node metastasis (LNM) was noted in 209 (39·1 per cent). Specifically, the incidence of LNM was 24 per cent in T1a disease, 22 per cent in T1b, 42·9 per cent in T2, 48 per cent in T3 and 66 per cent in T4 (P < 0·001). AJCC T3 and T4 categories, harvesting of six or more lymph nodes, and presence of satellite lesions were independently associated with LNM.

CONCLUSION

The rate of LNM was high across all T categories, with one in five patients with T1 disease having nodal metastasis. The trend in increased use of LND suggests a growing adoption of AJCC recommendations in the treatment of ICC.

The effect of aspirin on circulating tumor cells in metastatic colorectal and breast cancer patients: a phase II trial study

PURPOSE

Aspirin could reduce the risk of cancer metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a key factor of cancer metastasis, but no evidence has revealed how aspirin affects CTCs and its epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we conducted a clinical trial to investigate how aspirin affects CTCs in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) and breast cancer patients (MBC).

METHODS

The trial is retrospective registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02602938). The eligible patients are given 100 mg aspirin q.d. for 8 weeks, and CTCs are evaluated at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks for absolute number, phenotype (epithelial type, E+, mesenchymal type, M+, and biophenotypic type, B+), and vimentin expression.

RESULTS

Data on 21 MCC and 19 MBC patients are analyzed, and it revealed that the CTC numbers decreased with aspirin treatment in MCC (p < 0.001) but not MBC (p = 0.0532); besides, ratio of E+ CTCs increased (p = 0.037) and M+ CTCs decreased at 2 months in MCC (p = 0.013), but neither the ratio of E+ or M+ CTCs changes significantly in MBC; vimentin expression of M+ CTCs is higher than E+ and B+ CTCs either in MBC or MCC patients at baseline (p < 0.01); and aspirin suppresses the vimentin expression in M+ (p = 0.002)and B+ (p = 0.006) CTCs of MCC and M+ CTCs of MBC (p = 0.004); besides it find vimentin expression in B+ (p = 0.004) or M+ (p < 0.001), CTCs are markedly decreased in patients with total CTC numbers declined.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin could decrease CTCs numbers and block EMT transition in MCC patients and part of MBC patients.

RNA-sequencing study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in sporadic Ménière's disease patients: possible contribution of immunologic dysfunction to the development of this disorder

To date, the pathogenesis of Ménière's disease (MD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between potential immune system-related genes and sporadic MD. The whole RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to analyse the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of three MD patients and three control individuals. Of 366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 154 genes were up-regulated and 212 genes were down-regulated (|log₂ fold change| > 1 and P < 0·05). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis illustrated that immune relevant factors played a key role in the pathogenesis of MD. Of 366 DEGs, we focused upon analysing the possible immune-related genes, among which the significantly up-regulated genes [glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), transmembrane protein 176 (TMEM176)B, TMEM176A] and down-regulated genes [solute carrier family 4 member (SLC4A)10 and SLC4A1] especially drew our attention. The mRNA expression levels of GSTM1, TMEM176B, TMEM176A, SLC4A1 and SLC4A10 were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The serum concentration of GSTM1, TMEM176B and SLC4A10 proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Considering the results of qRT-PCR and ELISA, it was noteworthy that GSTM1 exhibited the highest fold change between two groups, which was consistent with the deep sequencing results by RNA-seq. In conclusion, our study first offers a new perspective in MD development on the basis of RNA expression patterns, suggesting that immune factors might be involved in the MD pathogenesis. Remarkably, GSTM1 might be a possible candidate gene for the diagnostic biomarker of MD and provides the basis for further biological and functional investigations.

Comparative efficacy of five long-term weight loss drugs: quantitative information for medication guidelines

Quantitative information is scarce in current obesity medication guidelines, and they do not clearly reflect the differences in the efficacy characteristics among various drugs. This study quantitatively assessed the efficacy characteristics of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss drugs. Potentially eligible studies were obtained from public databases. Using the differences in the weight change from baseline between the drug group and the corresponding placebo group as the major indicator of efficacy, a time-effect model was established, and crucial pharmacodynamic parameters, such as the maximal efficacy, drug onset time and rate of body weight regain after the maximal efficacy point, were used to reflect the differences in efficacy among the five drugs. Finally, 50 reports (involving 43,443 participants) were included. After deducting the placebo effects, the maximal efficacies (95% CI) of orlistat (120 mg), lorcaserin, naltrexone-bupropion, phentermine-topiramate (PT, 7.5/46 mg) and liraglutide were -2.94 (-5.82, -1.27), -3.06 (-4.39, -1.71), -6.15 (-9.78, -3.25), -7.45 (-9.76, -3.88) and -5.50 (-10.62, -2.97) kg at weeks 60, 54, 67, 59 and 65 respectively, and their rates of body weight regain were 0.51, 0.48, 0.91, 1.27and 0.43 kg per year respectively. The 1-year dropout rates of orlistat, lorcaserin, naltrexone-bupropion, PT and liraglutide were 29.0, 40.9, 49.1, 34.9 and 24.3% respectively. In addition, a significant dose-effect correlation was observed for orlistat and PT. This study provides valid quantitative information for medication guidelines.