Differential effect by chronic disease risk: A secondary analysis of the ChooseWell 365 randomized controlled trial

Objective

Whether employees' health status is associated with the effectiveness of workplace health promotion programs is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if the effect of a workplace healthy eating intervention differed by baseline chronic disease status.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted September 2016 to February 2018 among US hospital employees to test the effect of a 12-month behavioral intervention (personalized feedback, peer comparisons, and financial incentives) on diet and weight. Participants were classified as having chronic disease (yes/no) based on self-reported hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, stroke, pre-diabetes, diabetes, cancer or another serious illness. BMI was measured at study visits and calories purchased were measured from cafeteria sales data over 24 months. Mixed models with random effects assessed heterogeneity of treatment effects by chronic disease.

Results

Participants (N = 548) were mostly female (79.7 %) and white (81.2 %); 224 (40.9 %) had chronic disease. Among those with chronic disease, intervention participants reduced caloric intake by 74.4 [22.3] kcal more than control, with a smaller difference between intervention and control (-1.9 [18.7] kcal) (three-way p-interaction = 0.02). The effect on BMI for those with chronic disease (0.47 [0.21] kg/m2) indicated weight stability among intervention participants and weight gain among controls while the effect (-0.56 [0.18] kg/m2) for those without chronic disease was the opposite (three-way p-interaction < 0.01).

Conclusions

Those with chronic diseases had greater reductions in calories purchased and gained less weight. Employers with limited resources for health promotion might consider tailoring programs to employees at highest risk.

Practice guideline on ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in the prevention and treatment of iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to the decline of ovarian function before the age of 40. POI causes a reduction in or loss of female fertility, accompanied by different degrees of menopausal symptoms, which increases the risk of chronic diseases related to early menopause and seriously affects patients' quality of life and health. It is conservatively estimated that at least one million prepubertal girls and women of reproductive age in China are at risk of iatrogenic POI caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy every year. With the development of medical technology and the breakthrough of scientific and technological advances, preventing and treating iatrogenic POI have become possible. International and national guidelines consider cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to be the most promising method of preserving the ovarian function and fertility of prepubertal girls and women of reproductive age who cannot delay radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In order to guide the clinical application of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation technology in China, the Guideline Working Group finally included 14 scientific questions and 18 recommendations through a questionnaire survey, field investigation, and consultation of a large number of Chinese and English literature databases in order to provide a reference for colleagues in clinical practice.

Altered patterning of neural activity in a tauopathy mouse model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition that manifests at multiple levels and involves a spectrum of abnormalities ranging from the cellular to cognitive. Here, we investigate the impact of AD-related tau-pathology on hippocampal circuits in mice engaged in spatial navigation, and study changes of neuronal firing and dynamics of extracellular fields. While most studies are based on analyzing instantaneous or time-averaged characteristics of neuronal activity, we focus on intermediate timescales-spike trains and waveforms of oscillatory potentials, which we consider as single entities. We find that, in healthy mice, spike arrangements and wave patterns (series of crests or troughs) are coupled to the animal's location, speed, and acceleration. In contrast, in tau-mice, neural activity is structurally disarrayed: brainwave cadence is detached from locomotion, spatial selectivity is lost, the spike flow is scrambled. Importantly, these alterations start early and accumulate with age, which exposes progressive disinvolvement the hippocampus circuit in spatial navigation. These features highlight qualitatively different neurodynamics than the ones provided by conventional analyses, and are more salient, thus revealing a new level of the hippocampal circuit disruptions.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation in leukemia patients with different bone marrow remission status using xenotransplantation

Background

Leukemia patients undergoing cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) may carry a high risk of disease induction. Measurable residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow is linked to an elevated risk of relapse. It is controversial whether leukemia patients must be allowed to achieve measurable residual disease negative (MRD-negative) status instead of measurable residual disease positive (MRD-positive) status before ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC).

Objective

To explore the safety and efficacy of OTT in acute leukemia patients with different MRD status by using xenotransplantation.

Method

Cryopreserved ovarian tissue from 19 leukemia patients was thawed and xenotransplanted to ovariectomized BALB/C nude mice (n=36). The mice were divided into 2 groups based on the patient's MRD status before OTC: MRD-negative group (n=18) and MRD-positive group (n=18), additionally, a control group consisted of ovariectomized mice (n=9). Body weight was measured weekly and mortality, emaciation, and other abnormalities were recorded. Twenty-six weeks post-surgery, livers, spleens, uteruses, and ovarian grafts were removed for macroscopic and histological examinations to evaluate the efficacy of xenotransplantation and assess malignant cell contamination in mice.

Results

Follicle growth was visible in the ovarian grafts of the MRD-negative and MRD-positive groups. Compared with the ovariectomized group, a significant decrease in body weight (p<0.01) was noted, the uterine volume was notably larger, estradiol (E2) levels were significantly higher (p<0.01), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the other two groups. Mice in the MRD-positive group showed a significantly higher incidence of death (p<0.001) and emaciation (p<0.01), compared to the MRD-negative group. Histological observation revealed the presence of malignant cells in the grafts, livers, and spleens of 3 mice in the MRD-positive group. No abnormalities were observed in the mice from the MRD-negative group in both macroscopic and histological observations except one mouse was sacrificed for ascites unrelated to leukemia relapse.

Conclusion

For leukemia patients having ovarian tissue preserved in the first and only centralized human ovarian tissue cryobank in China, immunodeficient mice xenotransplantation can be a method to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OTT; the risk of malignant cell reimplantation due to OTT is higher in leukemia patients with MRD-positive status than those with MRD-negative status before OTC.

Evaluation of vaccine effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children using a meta-analysis approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies on the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children were identified through computerized searches. VE-related indicators were extracted, and data analysis was performed using the R software with the meta-package.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 12 relevant articles involving 9,963,732 participants from multiple centers in different countries, including the United States, Canada, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, and Qatar. The administered vaccine types included BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. Participants were categorized into partially immunized (one dose of vaccine) and fully immunized (two doses of vaccine). Four articles reported VE after one dose of vaccine, while 12 reported VE after two doses. Heterogeneity analysis indicated significant heterogeneity among the studies, warranting the use of a random-effects model for analysis. Meta-analysis results revealed that the VE of partial immunization ranged from 16.61 (95% CI: 6.32-25.77) to 34.30 (95% CI: 24.21-43.04), with a pooled VE of 22.80 (95% CI: 15.68-29.32). The VE after full immunization ranged from 16.14 (95% CI: 14.42-17.83) to 90.47 (95% CI: 67.42-97.21), with a pooled VE of 56.17 (95% CI: 41.12-67.37). Meta-regression analysis showed no statistically significant correlation between VE and time (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both partial and full immunization of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine provide benefits in reducing infection rates. VE varies over time and is closely associated with viral mutations and waning immunity. The specific mechanisms require further investigation.

Three-dimensional bone remodelling of glenoid fossa in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery

This study aimed to characterize three-dimensional quantitative morphological changes of glenoid fossa in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion treated with bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Ninety-five eligible patients (50 male, 45 female; mean age 22.09 years) were enrolled retrospectively. Cone beam computed tomography obtained at 1 week preoperatively (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and at ≥ 12 months postoperatively (T2) were registered based on cranial base using voxel-based registration in 3D Slicer. Glenoid fossa surface was divided spatially into four regions, and bone modelling in these regions was visualized with color maps. Our data revealed that the mean surface variations of glenoid fossa were small, with modest bone formation as a whole. No significant associations between anteroposterior or vertical mandibular displacement and overall glenoid fossa remodeling were found (P > 0.05). Moreover, bone deposition was frequently observed in the anterior-lateral region of glenoid fossa in patients with a larger mandibular movement during T0-T1 (P < 0.001). Paired bone formation in the anterior-lateral region of glenoid fossa and bone resorption in the anterior-lateral region of condylar head was frequently observed. Collectively, our results revealed that glenoid fossa underwent complex but modest bone remodeling after bimaxillary surgery in skeletal Class III patients.

[Bioinformatics analysis and validation of the interaction between PML protein and TAB1 protein]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the interaction between PML protein and TAB1 protein using bioinformatic approaches and experimentally verify the results.

METHODS

Using Rosetta software, a 3D model of TAB1 protein was constructed through a comparative modeling approach; the secondary structure of PML protein was retrieved in the PDB database and its crystal structure and 3D structure were resolved. Zdock 3.0.2 software was used to perform protein-protein docking of PML and TAB1, and the best conformation was extracted for molecular structure analysis of the docking model. The interaction between the two proteins was detected using immunoprecipitation in α-MMC-treated M1 inflammatory macrophages.

RESULTS

When 6IMQ of PML was used as the docking site, PML protein formed 3 salt bridges, 6 hydrogen bonds and 6 hydrophobic interactions with TAB1 proteins; when 5YUF of PML was used as the docking site, PML protein formed 1 hydrogen bond, 3 electrostatic interactions and 9 hydrophobic interactions with TAB1 proteins, and both of the docking modes formed good molecular docking and interactions. In the M1 inflammatory macrophages treated with α-MMC for 4 h, positive protein bands of PML and TAB1 were detected in the cell lysates in PML-IP group.

CONCLUSION

PML protein can interact strongly with TAB1 protein.

Diagnostic value of anti-Müllerian hormone combined with androgen-levels in Chinese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To establish a cutoff level of AMH which could help for the diagnosis of PCOS, to investigate the predictive value of AMH combined with androgens in Chinese women to diagnose PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective case control study, 550 women recruited (aged 20-40 years), in which 450 PCOS women recruited according to the Rotterdam criteria and 100 non-PCOS women in the control group were from the women for the pregnancy preparation examination. AMH were measured by the Elecsys AMH Plus immunoassay. Androgens and other sex hormone were measured. The validity of AMH toward the diagnosis of PCOS, or AMH combined with total testosterone, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and androstenedione was estimated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curves, and correlations between paired variables was estimated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The cutoff value of AMH in Chinese reproductive-age women with PCOS is 4.64 ng/mL, AUC under the curve is 0.938, with 81.6% sensitivity, and 92.0% specificity. Total testosterone, free testosterone, bioactive testosterone, and androstenedione are significantly higher in women with PCOS of reproductive age than in controls. The combination of AMH and free testosterone resulted in a higher AUC of 94.8%, with higher sensitivity (86.1%) and excellent specificity (90.3%) for the prediction of PCOS.

CONCLUSION

The Elecsys AMH Plus immunoassay, with a cutoff of 4.64 ng/mL, is a robust method for identifying PCOM to aid in PCOS diagnosis. The combination of AMH and free testosterone resulted in a higher AUC of 94.8% for the diagnose of PCOS.

Sexual function in Chinese women with different clinical phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To investigate sexual function stratified according to four clinical phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its association with clinical and quality of life parameters, and to compare these with healthy controls in Chinese women with PCOS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed in 1000 PCOS women and 500 control women aged 18-45 years. PCOS women were grouped into four clinical phenotypes according to the Rotterdam Criteria. FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), SF-12 (the 12-item short form health survey) and clinical and hormonal characteristics likely to affect sexual function were determined. Results: 809 PCOS women and 385 control women with complete parameters were evaluated after screening. Phenotype A had a lower total FSFI mean score (23.14 ± 3.22) compared with phenotype D and control group (p < 0.05). The control group had the highest total FSFI mean score (24.98 ± 3.78). For the percentage at risk of sexual dysfunction, phenotype A (87.5%) and phenotype B (82.46%) had a higher risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) than that in phenotype C (75.34%), phenotype D (70.56%) and control group (61.30%) (p < 0.05). SF-12 mental domain scores were significantly lower in phenotypes A and B compared with phenotypes C and control group (p < 0.05). Infertility treatment, bioavailable testosterone, psychological factors, age and waist circumference presented negative correlation with female sexual function. Conclusions: The risk of FSD in PCOS women seemed to be associated with PCOS clinical phenotypes. The classical PCOS phenotype with oligo-ovulation and hyperandrogenism had a higher risk of sexual dysfunction.

A prospective study on the endometrium properties and the pregnancy rate of infertile women with thin endometrium receiving Fructus ligustri lucidi used in traditional Chinese medicine

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether Zi Gui Nv Zhen capsules (ZGNZC) can increase the fertility rate of Chinese women with infertility due to thin endometrium.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized, open-labeled 3-monthly study; 104 patients (aged 20-40 years) receiving either ZGNZC (experimental group, n = 55) or not (control group, n = 49). Main outcomes: thickness/type of the endometrium during ovulation and pregnancy rate. Between-group analysis (A) compares the experimental vs. control group, and within-group analysis (B) compares data at baseline and after study in the experimental group.

RESULTS

(A) Between-group-analysis: Patients with ZGNZC had a higher endometrium thickness (0.8 ± 0.27 vs. 0.68 ± 0.10; p < .05) and higher type A endometrium rates (34.2% vs. 13.2%; p < .05) than the control group. Pregnancy rates were higher in the experimental than in the control group (43.6% vs. 22.4%; p < .05). (B) Within-group-analysis: ZGNZC increased endometrium thickness (0.58 ± 0.13 vs. 0.87 ± 0.24 vs. 0.83 ± 0.26 vs. 0.80 ± 0.27), and type A endometrium rates (10.9% vs. 60.0% vs. 49.0% vs. 34.2%) (all p < .05). Univariate analysis of pregnancy with other study parameters showed positive and significant correlations between pregnancy and administration of ZGNZC (p < .05). All hepato-renal biomarkers remained within the norm. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In infertile women with thin endometrium who wish to conceive, two months' application of ZGNZC can improve endometrial properties and proliferation, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy, and increase the clinical pregnancy rate in our prospective randomized observational study.

Natural recombination of the torque teno canis virus within the ORF1, -2, and -3 genes and the untranslated region

The torque teno canis virus (TTCaV) was first reported in 2001 and it shares similarities with the known Torque teno virus (TTV) in terms of genomic organization and putative transcriptional features. It is a single-stranded DNA virus characterized by high rates of recombination and nucleotide substitution, like RNA viruses. Studies reported recombination events in torque teno virus; however, there is limited reporting of TTCaV reorganization events. This study screened fecal samples from domestic dogs in Henan Province. There was a positivity rate of 16.5% (19/115) for TTCaV. Four nearly complete TTCaV genomes, namely Canine/HeNan/4, 5, 6, and 13/2019, were obtained from the 19 positive fecal samples, whose genome sequence was obtained using gap-filling PCR. Sequence analysis revealed two unique amino acid mutation sites in the TTCaV strains, K278Q (compared with the first isolate Cf-TTV10 in Japan) and V/L268I (compared with the TTCaV strain from southern China). Subsequently, 17 near full-length TTCaV genome sequences were subjected to phylogenetic and recombination detection program analyzes. We obtained evidence supporting recombination events in the Chinese TTCaV strains. These findings suggest that mutation and recombination occurred in the three individual gene segments (ORF1, ORF2, ORF3) and the untranslated region, an area of major recombination in the Chinese TTCaV strain GX265 genome. Interestingly, the TTCaV strain (Canine/HeNan/6/2019) was a major parent involved in the genetic recombination of the GX265 strain. This study provides insights into the genetic variability and evolution of TTCaV.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

[Analysis of the reported incidence and epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis among health-care workers in China,2011-2020]

Objective: To analyze the reported incidence and epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among healthcare workers (HCWs) nationwide from 2011 to 2020. Methods: The national surveillance data of PTB from 2011 to 2020 were used to analyze the reported incidence and epidemiological characteristics of PTB among HCWs, and the average annual change trends were calculated. Results: The reported incidence of PTB among HCWs in China first decreased and then increased, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -1.1%, from 37.0/100 000 in 2011 to 30.0/100 000 in 2015, and then to 33.4/100 000 in 2020. From 2011 to 2019, the risk of PTB in males was 1.02-1.37 times higher than that in females, and in 2020, the risk of PTB in males was 0.86 times higher than that in females. The risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in males showed a rapid downward trend, and the AAPC was -3.8%. Taking the 45-<55 age group as a reference, the risk of PTB in the <25, 25-<35, 55-<60 and≥60 age groups was 4.64, 1.97, 1.28 and 1.47 times, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 35-<45 age group and the 44-<55 age group. The reported incidence rates in the eastern, central and western China were 25.0/100 000, 33.2/100 000 and 44.0/100 000, respectively. The incidence rates in the central and western China were 1.33 and 1.76 times higher than that in the eastern China, and the AAPCs were -1.2%, -0.2%, and -1.6% in the eastern, central, and western China, respectively. Conclusions: From 2011 to 2020, the reported incidence of PTB among HCWs in China was generally at a low level, but there was an upward trend since 2015. It is necessary to strengthen TB prevention and control among this group, especially focusing on key provinces in the central and western China. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the entry-level and routine training for young HCWs in TB infection control.

Effects of different volumes of ovariectomy on fertility and offspring development of rats

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of removal of different volumes of ovarian tissue on fertility and offspring development of SD rats.

Methods

SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to different volumes of ovariectomy: Sham group (n=6), non-ovariectomized; 25%-OVX group (n=6), with half of the left ovary excised; 50%-OVX group (n=5), with the left ovary excised; 75%-OVX group (n=5), with the left ovary and half of the right ovary excised; 87.5%-OVX group (n=6), with the left ovary and three quarters of the right ovary excised; 100%-OVX group (n=6), with bilateral ovaries excised. These female rats (F0) were mated with healthy male rats one and four months after the surgery, and the offspring of F0 rats were named F11mon and F14mon, respectively. The number of days from mating to delivery and number of live cubs were recorded. At postnatal day 21 (P21), the body weight, length and anogenital distance (AGD) of the cubs were measured.

Results

There were no differences in the number of live cubs between 25%-OVX, 50%-OVX and sham groups. Rats in the 87.5%-OVX group did not give birth at 1 month and 4 months after the operation. When compared with the sham group, the body weight and length of F11mon at P21 were increased in 25%-OVX group and 50%-OVX group. However, after the second delivery, we controlled each mother's lactation to no more than eight pups. As a result, there were no differences in the body weight, length and AGD of F14mon compared with sham group.

Conclusion

Removal of less than 50% of the ovaries did not affect the fertility of rats and offspring development of rats.

A Nomogram to Predict Pathological Axillary Status in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aimed to identify factors influencing axillary pathological complete response (pCR) and to develop a predictive nomogram to evaluate axillary pCR rate in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 2368 patients who received NAC and mastectomy between 2000 and 2014 from 12 grade A tertiary hospitals in China were analyzed retrospectively. The patients treated in three cancer hospitals (training set, n = 1629) were used to construct the nomogram based on multivariate logistic regression analyses. The nomograph was validated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curve in patients from 9 other general hospitals (validation set, n = 739).

RESULTS

The nomogram incorporated seven predicting factors including NACT cycles, response to NACT, clinical T stage, clinical N stage, grade, LVI, and molecular subtype. The AUC for the training set and validation set were 0.762 and 0.802, respectively. In addition, the calibration curve also showed good agreement between the nomogram-based predictions and the actual observations.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram was established to predict the status of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients after NAC. The predictive model performed well both in the training set and external validation set.

Circulating tumor DNA association with residual cancer burden after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer in TBCRC 030

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and its association with residual cancer burden (RCB) using an ultrasensitive assay in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified responders (RCB 0/1) and matched non-responders (RCB 2/3) from the phase II TBCRC 030 prospective study of neoadjuvant paclitaxel versus cisplatin in TNBC. We collected plasma samples at baseline, 3 weeks and 12 weeks (end of therapy). We created personalized ctDNA assays utilizing MAESTRO mutation enrichment sequencing. We explored associations between ctDNA and RCB status and disease recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 139 patients, 68 had complete samples and no additional neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Twenty-two were responders and 19 of those had sufficient tissue for whole-genome sequencing. We identified an additional 19 non-responders for a matched case-control analysis of 38 patients using a MAESTRO ctDNA assay tracking 319-1000 variants (median 1000 variants) to 114 plasma samples from 3 timepoints. Overall, ctDNA positivity was 100% at baseline, 79% at week 3 and 55% at week 12. Median tumor fraction (TFx) was 3.7 × 10-4 (range 7.9 × 10-7-4.9 × 10-1). TFx decreased 285-fold from baseline to week 3 in responders and 24-fold in non-responders. Week 12 ctDNA clearance correlated with RCB: clearance was observed in 10 of 11 patients with RCB 0, 3 of 8 with RCB 1, 4 of 15 with RCB 2 and 0 of 4 with RCB 3. Among six patients with known recurrence, five had persistent ctDNA at week 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for TNBC reduced ctDNA TFx by 285-fold in responders and 24-fold in non-responders. In 58% (22/38) of patients, ctDNA TFx dropped below the detection level of a commercially available test, emphasizing the need for sensitive tests. Additional studies will determine whether ctDNA-guided approaches can improve outcomes.

Recurrence Risk Score Model for Evaluating the Impact of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Pathologic Nodal Negative after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Recurrence risk score model was established to distinguish the recurrent risk of patients with pathologic nodal negative (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and mastectomy and determine the impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study reviewed 766 patients who underwent mastectomy and NACT with ypN0 from 2000 to 2014. Recurrent risk score model was assigned proportionally to the relative contribution of independent prognostic factors in the multivariate Cox model of disease-free survival (DFS). Decision tree analysis was conducted to determine two optimal cutoff points for stratification.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 74 months. The 5-year locoregional control (LRC), DFS, and overall survival (OS) rates for the entire group were 96.5%, 89.1% and 95.3%, respectively. 353 (46.1%) patients received PMRT and 413 (53.9%) patients did not. Patients with PMRT have more high-risk factors, including age <40 years, clinical stage III, grade III, or ER and PR negative. Chest wall and regional nodal region were irradiated in 307 (87.0%) and chest wall only in 46 (13.0%). The median radiation dose was 50 Gy (range: 36-60 Gy) in 25 fractions (range: 15-30 fractions). There were no significant differences between the PMRT and No-PMRT groups in the LRC, DFS and OS rates. Recurrent risk score model consisted of five factors and used a range of zero to eleven scoring points: age <40 years and clinical N1 stage for one point; clinical N2, NACT ≥4 cycles, lymphovascular invasion and ypT1-2 for two points; ypT3-4 for four points. 456 (59.5%) patients scoring zero to four points, 188 (24.5%) scoring five points and 122 (15.9%) scoring six to eleven points were assigned to the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk group. LRC, DFS and OS rates in three risk groups were significantly distinct from each other (5yr-LRC: 98.6% vs. 95.5% vs. 89.8%, p < .001; 5yr-DFS: 94.4% vs. 87.4% vs. 71.5%, p < .001; 5yr-OS: 97.6% vs. 93.2% vs. 90.0%, p < .001). PMRT had no impact on the LRC, DFS and OS rates in either low-, intermediate-, or high-risk group.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence risk score model can effectively distinguish patients with different recurrent risk stratification. PMRT in patients with ypN0 after NAC and mastectomy cannot improve LRC, DFS or OS. Table 1. Survival outcomes and comparison between PMRT and No-PMRT arms in different groups.

Traditional Chinese medicine Dingkun pill to increase fertility in women with a thin endometrium-a prospective randomized study

Objective

The aim of this study is to optimize the treatment methods of infertility, which is suggested to be mainly caused by thin endometrium, using a special form of traditional Chinese medicine, the Dingkun pill (DKP), to increase the beneficial endometrial effect of conventional hormone/progestogen therapy.

Methods

A total of 307 patients visiting our specialized gynecological endocrinology department because of infertility, which we suggested to be caused by thin endometrium [endometrial thickness (EMT) < 7 mm], were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was treated with estradiol + sequential dydrogesterone + DKP (every day); the control group received hormonal treatment without the Chinese medicine. All patients were monitored in terms of follicle diameter, EMT, and endometrial type every 2 days from the 8th to the 10th day of the menstrual cycle until ovulation day during three menstrual cycles. Serum progesterone levels on 7-8 days after ovulation were measured, and the cumulative pregnancy rate during three menstrual cycles between the two groups was compared.

Results

EMT on ovulation day in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (7.88 vs. 7.15 mm; p < 0.001). The proportion of type A and type B endometrium in total was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group (83.2% vs. 77.7%; p < 0.05). Progesterone levels were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (10.874 vs. 10.074 ng/mL; p < 0.001). The cumulative pregnancy rate, the main outcome of the study, was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group (29.2% vs. 15.7%; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

DKP added to conventional estrogen/progestogen therapy can significantly improve EMT and luteal function in patients attending due to infertility. Because this regimen increased the cumulative pregnancy rate in our study, we conclude that DKP can be used to increase the so-called "thin endometrium infertility".

Erratum: Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 162301 (2021)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.162301.

Prevalence, drivers and surveillance of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use in rural China: Interdisciplinary study

This study aimed to characterise antibiotic prescribing and dispensing patterns in rural health facilities in China and determine the community prevalence of antibiotic resistance. We investigated patterns and drivers of antibiotic use for common respiratory and urinary tract infections (RTI/UTI) in community settings, examined relationships between presenting symptoms, clinical diagnosis and microbiological results in rural outpatient clinics, and assessed potential for using patient records to monitor antibiotic use. This interdisciplinary mixed methods study included: (i) Observations and exit interviews in eight village clinics and township health centres and 15 retail pharmacies; (ii) Urine, throat swab and sputum samples from patients to identify potential pathogens and test susceptibility; (iii) 103 semi-structured interviews with doctors, patients, pharmacy workers and antibiotic-purchasing customers; (iv) Assessment of completeness and accuracy of electronic patient records through comparison with observational data. 87.9% of 1123 recruited clinic patients were prescribed antibiotics (of which 35.5% contained antibiotic combinations and >40% were for intravenous administration), most of whom had RTIs. Antibiotic prescribing for RTIs was not associated with presence of bacterial pathogens but was correlated with longer duration of infection (OR = 3.33) and presence of sore throat (OR = 1.64). Fever strongly predicted prescription of intravenous antibiotics (OR = 2.87). Resistance rates in bacterial pathogens isolated were low compared with national data. 25.8% of patients reported antibiotics use prior to their clinic visit, but only 56.2% of clinic patients and 53% of pharmacy customers could confirm their prescription or purchase included antibiotics. Diagnostic uncertainty, financial incentives, understanding of antibiotics as anti-inflammatory and limited doctor-patient communication were identified as key drivers of antibiotic use. Completion and accuracy of electronic patient records were highly variable. Prevalence of antibiotic resistance in this rural population is relatively low despite high levels of antibiotic prescribing and self-medication. More systematic use of e-records and in-service training could improve antibiotic surveillance and stewardship in rural facilities. Combining qualitative and observational anthropological methods and concepts with microbiological and epidemiological investigation of antibiotic resistance at both research design and analytic synthesis stages substantially increases the validity of research findings and their utility in informing future intervention development.

Relevance of cleft palatal width in short-term otologic outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Children with cleft palate are at increased risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and conductive hearing loss from chronic otitis media. While it has been proposed that the severity of ETD is related to the severity of cleft palate, data are lacking to support this hypothesis. An improved understanding of the relevance of cleft width may have prognostic value that could inform decisions on the timing of tympanostomy tube placement and choice of tympanostomy tube design. The objective of this study was to assess severity of ETD in children with narrow, moderate, and wide cleft palate, with examination of hearing outcomes, number of tympanostomy procedures, and incidence of otologic complications.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was conducted on 58 patients with primary palatoplasty performed at a single academic medical center from January 1, 2016-December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was the number of otologic procedures performed after the initial palatoplasty. Secondary outcomes included audiometric findings, number of tympanostomy tube placements, presence of effusion at the time of myringotomy, and occurrence of any postoperative otologic complication. Outcomes were compared for patients with narrow (<10 mm), moderate (10-15 mm), and wide (>15 mm) cleft palate. Analysis included consideration of cleft palatal morphology (Veau I - IV), presence of Robin sequence or syndromes, and risk factors for otitis media.

RESULTS

Patients with moderate and wide cleft palate underwent higher mean numbers of otologic procedures [narrow: 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9, 1.7); moderate: 1.6 (95% CI 1.1, 2.1); wide: 1.8 (95% CI 1.2, 2.4)]. Moderate and wide cleft palate were less likely to have normal hearing after their first tympanostomy (narrow: 50%, 10/20; moderate: 25%, 6/24; wide: 36%, 5/14). Patients with a wide cleft palate had a shorter median time between first and second tympanostomy procedures (median, IQR; narrow: 27.0, 20.8-35.7; moderate 20.4, 16.3-25.9; wide 17.3, 11.5-23.4).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that patients with wider cleft palate may be more susceptible to severe ETD. Further large-scale study may help to allow for more informed and personalized clinical decision making for management of cleft palate, incorporating cleft width for prognosis of risks for persistent middle ear dysfunction.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

APSIC dental infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines

BACKGROUND

The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control launched the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines in July 2022. This document describes the guidelines and recommendations for safe practices in dental setting. It aims to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist dental facilities at Asia Pacific region in achieving high standards in infection prevention and control practices, staff and patient safety.

METHOD

The guidelines were developed by an appointed workgroup comprising experts in the Asia Pacific region, following reviews of previously published international guidelines and recommendations relevant to each section.

RESULTS

It recommends standard precautions as a minimal set of preventive measures to protect staff and prevent cross transmission. Surgical aseptic technique is recommended when procedures are technically complex and longer in duration. Only trained staff are eligible to conduct reprocessing of dental instruments. The design, layout of the dental facility are important factors for successful infection prevention. The facility should also have a Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental facilities should aim for excellence in infection prevention and control practices as this is part of patient safety. The guidelines that come with a checklist help dental facilities to identify gaps for improvement to reach this goal.

Improved Measurement of the Evolution of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay

Reactor neutrino experiments play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of neutrinos. In this Letter, the evolution of the flux and spectrum as a function of the reactor isotopic content is reported in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield at Daya Bay with 1958 days of data and improved systematic uncertainties. These measurements are compared with two signature model predictions: the Huber-Mueller model based on the conversion method and the SM2018 model based on the summation method. The measured average flux and spectrum, as well as the flux evolution with the ^{239}Pu isotopic fraction, are inconsistent with the predictions of the Huber-Mueller model. In contrast, the SM2018 model is shown to agree with the average flux and its evolution but fails to describe the energy spectrum. Altering the predicted inverse-beta-decay spectrum from ^{239}Pu fission does not improve the agreement with the measurement for either model. The models can be brought into better agreement with the measurements if either the predicted spectrum due to ^{235}U fission is changed or the predicted ^{235}U, ^{238}U, ^{239}Pu, and ^{241}Pu spectra are changed in equal measure.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Intrinsic morphology and spatial distribution of non-structural carbohydrates contribute to drought resistance of two mulberry cultivars

Drought is one of the most adverse environmental stresses limiting plant growth and productivity. However, the underlying mechanisms regarding metabolism of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in source and sink organs are still not fully elucidated in woody trees. Saplings of mulberry cv Zhongshen1 and Wubu were subjected to a 15-day progressive drought stress. NSC levels and gene expression involved in NSC metabolism were investigated in roots and leaves. Growth performance and photosynthesis, leaf stomatal morphology, and other physiological parameters were also analysed. Under well-watered conditions, Wubu had a higher R/S, with higher NSC in leaves than in roots; Zhongshen1 had a lower R/S with higher NSC in roots than leaves. Under drought stress, Zhongshen1 showed decreased productivity and increased proline, abscisic acid, ROS content and activity of antioxidant enzymes, while Wubu sustained comparable productivity and photosynthesis. Interestingly, drought resulted in decreased starch and slightly increased soluble sugars in leaves of Wubu, accompanied by notable downregulation of starch-synthesizing genes and upregulation of starch-degrading genes. Similar patterns in NSC levels and relevant gene expression were also observed in roots of Zhongshen1. Concurrently, soluble sugars decreased and starch was unchanged in roots of Wubu and leaves of Zhongshen1. However, gene expression of starch metabolism in roots of Wubu was unaltered, but in leaves of Zhongshen1 starch metabolism was more activated. These findings revealed that intrinsic R/S and spatial distribution of NSC in roots and leaves concomitantly contribute to drought resistance in mulberry.

Precision Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation at Kilometer-Scale Baselines by Daya Bay

We present a new determination of the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ_{13} and the mass-squared difference Δm_{32}^{2} using a final sample of 5.55×10^{6} inverse beta-decay (IBD) candidates with the final-state neutron captured on gadolinium. This sample is selected from the complete dataset obtained by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment in 3158 days of operation. Compared to the previous Daya Bay results, selection of IBD candidates has been optimized, energy calibration refined, and treatment of backgrounds further improved. The resulting oscillation parameters are sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0851±0.0024, Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.466±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the normal mass ordering or Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.571±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the inverted mass ordering.

A multicentre cross-sectional clinical study on female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the sex lives of postmenopausal Chinese women, especially the influence of body weight, climacteric symptoms and androgens.

METHODS

A total of 437 postmenopausal women were investigated in the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University and two allied medical institutions from April 2020 to March 2021. Sociodemographic data were collected. Female sexual dysfunction was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The modified Kupperman index was used to assess climacteric symptoms. Methods based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were employed to measure the serum levels of total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone. Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between characteristics and FSFI scores.

RESULTS

The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the modified Kupperman index score and the factor unsatisfactory marital relations had the strongest negative correlations with all FSFI domains (P < 0.05); secondary education level was negatively associated with desire, arousal and orgasm (P < 0.05). Total testosterone positively affected the score for pain (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between bioavailable testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone and all FSFI domains (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Climacteric symptoms and sociodemographic factors had a notable effect on sexual function. It is necessary to provide more attention to and intervention for their climacteric symptoms to improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in the pediatric with rare diseases- experience from China's first and the largest ovarian tissue cryobank

Background

There is limited information about the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) in children. In the present study, we report eight patients with rare diseases who underwent OTC in China's first and largest ovarian tissue cryobank.

Procedure

Data from girls with rare diseases who underwent OTC between September 2020 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We also compared the number of cryopreserved cortex pieces, follicle number, and AMH in those with rare diseases and age-matched children with non-rare diseases who also underwent OTC in our cryobank.

Results

The median age of the children was 5.88 ± 3.52 (range 2-13) years old. Unilateral oophorectomy was undertaken via laparoscopy in all of the children. The diseases in the 8 patients were: 4 mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS I two cases, IVA two cases), 1 Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), 1 Fanconi anemia (FA), 1 hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES), 1 Niemann-Pick disease. The number of cryopreserved cortex pieces was 17.13 ± 6.36, and the follicle count per 2 mm biopsy was 447.38 ± 524.35. No significant difference in age, the count of cryopreserved cortex pieces, follicle number per 2 mm biopsy, and AMH level was seen between the 20 children with non-rare diseases and those with rare diseases.

Conclusions

The reports help practitioners counsel girls with rare diseases about fertility preservation. The demand for OTC in pediatrics will likely grow as a standard of care.

PGRMC1 promotes triple-negative breast cancer cell growth via suppressing ferroptosis

OBJECTIVE

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant form of breast cancer with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. The progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) is a well-identified hormone receptor with unknown functions in TNBC. The current study aims to explore the involvement of PGRMC1 in regulation of glutathione metabolism and ferroptosis during development of TNBC, providing new therapy options for TNBC patients.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis, cell proliferation assay, western blot assay and other biochemistry methods were performed in TNBC cells.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the expression of PGRMC1 is higher in TNBC than the other subtypes of breast cancer. Interestingly, as an iron binding protein, increased PGRMC1 expression in TNBC cells leads to resistance to ferroptosis inducer. On the contrary, silenced PGRMC1 expression enhanced sensitivity of MDA-MB231 cells to Erastin. Mechanistically, overexpression of PGRMC1 decreased the intracellular free iron concentration, which was reduced by AG205 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PGRMC1 increases the possibility of TNBC development through binding to intracellular iron and suppressing ferroptosis, providing the molecular basis of combined treatment for TNBC.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Association between weight gain and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Although weight loss is recommended to manage knee osteoarthritis (KOA), adults tend to gain weight with age which may affect KOA symptoms and progression. We conducted a systematic review and data synthesis to investigate the association between weight gain and KOA, defined by clinical features, structural progression, and total knee replacement (TKR).

DESIGN

MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for controlled trials and cohort studies of participants with (or at risk of) KOA examining the relationship between weight gain and KOA clinical features (pain, function, quality of life), structural progression, and TKR. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results were organised by outcome, with meta-analyses performed where appropriate.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included. Results showed significant detrimental effects of weight gain on pain (4 of 7 studies), stiffness (2 of 2 studies), function (5 of 6 studies), and the single studies examining quality of life, and clinical and radiographic KOA. Weight gain adversely affected cartilage (6 of 9 studies), bone marrow lesions (1 of 4 studies), meniscal damage (1 of 3 studies) and effusion/synovitis (1 of 1 study). Weight gain significantly increased TKR (3 of 6 studies): meta-analysis of 2 with available data demonstrated significant increases in TKR/5 kg weight gain in women, HR 1.34 (95% CI 1.18-1.51), and in men, HR 1.25 (95% CI 1.16-1.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain in adults is associated with increased clinical and structural KOA and TKR. Prevention of weight gain should be considered to improve outcomes in KOA.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

Analysis of SOD1 Variants in Chinese Patients with Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, and genetic contributors exert a significant role in the complicated pathogenesis. Identification of the genetic causes in ALS families could be valuable for early diagnosis and management. The development of potential drugs for patients with genetic defects will shed new light on ALS therapy.

AIM

To identify causative variants in three Chinese families with familial ALS (FALS), reveal the pathogenic mechanism, and look for the targeted drug for ALS.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics were used to perform genetic analysis of the ALS families. Functional analysis was performed to study the variants' function and search for potential drug targets.

RESULTS

Three heterozygous missense variants of the SOD1 gene were identified in families with FALS. The clinical manifestations of these patients include spinal onset, predominant lower motor neurons presentation, and absence of cognitive involvement. Functional analysis showed that all three SOD1 variants led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reduced cell viability, and formation of cytoplasmic aggregates. Remarkably, the decreased cell viability induced by variants was rescued after treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified three SOD1 variants in three families with FALS. The variant SOD1 toxicity was associated with oxidative damage and aggregation, and N-acetylcysteine could rescue the decreased cell viability induced by these variants. Our findings support a pathogenic role for ROS in SOD1 deficiencies, and provide a potential drug N-acetylcysteine for ALS therapy, especially in SOD1-patients with limb onset.

Spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics in various environmental compartments around Sishili Bay of North Yellow Sea, China

Microplastic pollution in the marine environment is closely linked to human activities, particularly in coastal areas. Seasonal samples were collected on the beach, in rivers, surface water, bottom water, and subtidal sediments from May 2019 to February 2020. Microplastics in environment metrices showed different seasonal variation characteristics of both abundance and shapes, and their spatial distribution varied in different environment metrices. The most common shapes of microplastic in water and sediment were fibers and fragments. Foams were evident on the beach sand with seasonal distribution. Results from this study show that microplastics in coastal areas are vulnerable to human activities, such as marine aquaculture and fishery activity. The variation in vertical profiles indicated the presence of a complicated mechanism in water column. The typical microplastics inventory suggested sediment as the main sink in coastal area. More investigations are needed to understand the distribution of microplastic in the coastal region.

Collision-System and Beam-Energy Dependence of Anisotropic Flow Fluctuations

Elliptic flow measurements from two-, four-, and six-particle correlations are used to investigate flow fluctuations in collisions of U+U at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV, Cu+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and Au+Au spanning the range sqrt[s_{NN}]=11.5-200  GeV. The measurements show a strong dependence of the flow fluctuations on collision centrality, a modest dependence on system size, and very little if any, dependence on particle species and beam energy. The results, when compared to similar LHC measurements, viscous hydrodynamic calculations, and trento model eccentricities, indicate that initial-state-driven fluctuations predominate the flow fluctuations generated in the collisions studied.

[Present situation of myopia among primary and junior high school students in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province]

Objective: To determine the situation of myopia among primary and junior high school students from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, carried out a cross-sectional study by reviewing the results of five times visual acuity screens among primary and junior high school students from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. The myopia rate, High myopia rate and spherical equivalent refraction were calculated according to the uncorrected distance visual acuity and non-cycloplegic subjective refraction. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to analysis the difference of myopia among term, sex and eye. Results: The visual acuity screen had been completed five times from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, with a total of 458 654 people, of which 454 812 people met the inclusion criteria. The myopia rate of each screen is 56.6%(50 443/89 122),52.5%(48 463/92 311),63.7%(57 968/91 002),53.2%(48 351/90 886),64.4%(58 920/91 491). The rate of Myopia increased gradually with promoting to high grade, and it was obviously in low grade,up to 17.6%. Conclusion: The myopia rate of primary and junior high school students was raising volatility from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province.

[Bioinformatics analysis of core differentially expressed genes in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the core genes associated with the development and progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), so as to provide insights into the elucidation of pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC.

METHODS

GSE55092 and GSE121248 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and peri-cancer tissues were screened using the R package, and the volcano map of DEGs were plotted. The DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created. The hub DEGs were screened using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and cytoHubba plugins in the open-access platform Cytoscape 3.9.0. Then, the screened hub DEGs were validated for differential expression and survival analysis using clinical sample data captured from the UALCAN and Kaplan Meier-plotter databases.

RESULTS

A total of 1 148 and 686 DEGs were screened between HCC and peri-cancer tissues in GSE55092 and GSE121248 datasets, including 703 and 477 down-regulated genes and 445 and 209 up-regulated genes, respectively. A total of 557 common DEGs were screened between GSE55092 and GSE121248 datasets, including 384 down-regulated genes and 173 up-regulated genes. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes of cell division, cell proliferation, redox process, immune response and proteolysis, cellular components of cell nucleus, cytoplasm, extracellular vesicle and endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and molecular functions of binding to calcium ion, protein kinase, DNA and heme. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways of cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, metabolic pathway, antibiotic biosynthesis and p53 signaling. PPI network analysis identified 10 DEGs, including CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, TOP2A, AURKA, CCNB2, KIF11, CDC20, KIF20A and BUB1B, and CDK1, KIF11 and KIF20A were found to be differentially expressed and correlate with poor prognosis among HBV-related HCC patients following clinical sample data validation.

CONCLUSIONS

CDK1, KIF11 and KIF20A may play a critical role in the development and progression of HBV-related HCC, which may be potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of HBV-related HCC.

(Cd,Mg)Te crystals for picosecond-response optical-to-x-ray radiation detectors

We demonstrate a photodetector sensitive to both optical and x-ray picosecond pulses based on our in-house grown cadmium magnesium telluride (Cd,Mg)Te single crystal. Specifically, we developed In-doped Cd_0.96Mg_0.04Te material and discuss its femtosecond optical photoresponse, as well as the detector performance, such as <100-pA dark current and up to 0.22-mA/W responsivity for 780-nm wavelength optical radiation. The detector exposed to Ti fluorescence (K alpha) x-ray pulses at 4.5 keV, generated by a free-electron laser beam with the central energy of 9.8 keV and <100 fs pulse width, exhibited readout-electronics-limited 200-ps full-width-at-half-maximum photoresponse, demonstrating that it is suitable for coarse timing in free-electron laser x-ray/optical femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy applications.

Effects of hypoxia-preconditioned HucMSCs on neovascularization and follicle survival in frozen/thawed human ovarian cortex transplanted to immunodeficient mice

Background

The massive loss of follicles in the early stage of ovarian tissue transplantation is considered a significant restriction to the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and transplantation (OT). The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) before transplantation of ovarian fragments shortened the hypoxic period and boosted neovascularization. Hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs can enhance the potential of angiogenesis. Can hypoxia-preconditioned human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HucMSCs) and ovarian tissue co-xenotransplantation improve more neovascularization and subsequently more follicle survival in human ovarian tissue?

Methods

Frozen-thawed cortical pieces from 4 patients were transplanted into the bilateral renal capsule of immune-deficient nude mice without HucMSCs or normoxia/hypoxia-preconditioned HucMSCs. Sixty-four mice were randomly distributed into 4 groups. In each group, the mice were euthanized for blood and/or graft retrieval on post-transplantation days 3 (n = 8) and 7 (n = 8), respectively. Non-grafted frozen-thawed ovarian fragment was taken for non-grafted control. Grafts were histologically processed and analysed for follicle density and atretic follicles by HE, neovascularization by CD34 and CD31 immunohistochemical staining, primordial follicle growth by Ki67 staining, and apoptosis of stromal cell and follicles by immunofluorescence using TUNEL. The ROS and TAC levels of grafted and non-grafted tissue were assessed. We evaluated the protein expression of HIF1α, VEGFA, pAkt, Akt, and GDF9 in grafted and non-grafted ovarian tissue. E2, Prog, AMH, and FSH levels in the plasma of mice were measured after 3 and 7 days of OT.

Results

Hypoxia-preconditioned HucMSCs positively protect the grafted ovarian tissue by significantly decreasing the apoptosis and increasing higher expression of CD31, CD34, and VEGFA for earlier angiogenesis. They are crucial to preserving the resting primordial follicle pool by modulation of follicle death.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate that co-transplantation of hypoxia-preconditioned HucMSC with ovarian tissue improved earlier vascularization of ovarian grafts in the early post-grafting period, which correlates with increased follicle survival and reduced apoptosis. The HIF1α/VEGFA signal pathways may play an important role in elucidating the mechanisms of action of hypoxia-preconditioned HucMSCs with regard to OT and clinical implementation.

Oocyte diameter predicts the maturation rate of human immature oocytes collected ex vivo

Purpose

To study the impact of oocyte diameter and cumulus cell mass on the potential for final maturation of immature human oocytes in vitro.

Methods

Immature oocytes (n = 1563) from 75 women undergoing fertility preservation by ovarian tissue cryopreservation (14–41 years) were collected. After preparation of the ovarian cortex for freezing, immature oocytes were collected from the surplus medulla. After collection, IVM was performed according to standard published methods. The mass of cumulus cell surrounding the immature oocyte was grouped according to size. After IVM, each oocyte was photographed, measured, and the diameter was calculated as a mean of two perpendicular measurements.

Results

The diameter of the oocytes ranged from 60 to 171 µm with a mean of 115 µm (SD:12.1) and an interquartile range from 107 to 124 µm. The oocyte diameter was positively associated with a higher incidence of MII (p < 0.001). MII oocytes had a significantly larger mean diameter than MI, GV, and degenerated oocytes. The size of the cumulus cell mass was significantly associated with the MII stage (p < 0.001) and larger oocyte diameter (p < 0.001). The results further confirm that the diameter of the fully grown oocyte is reached relatively early in human follicular development and that the factors governing oocyte maturation in vitro are connected to the surrounding cell mass and the oocyte.

Conclusion

The diameter of the oocyte is a highly determining factor in the nuclear maturation of the human oocyte during in vitro maturation, and the size of the cumulus cell mass is closely positively associated with a larger diameter.

Gas puff imaging system for edge plasma fluctuation measurements in large helical device

A gas puff imaging system has been developed to measure edge fluctuations in large helical device. The optical system splits the image of the plasma into four wavelengths, H_α/D_α (656 nm), HeI (1s2p-1s3d; 587.6; 1s2p-1s3d, 667.8; and 1s2p-1s3s, 706.5 nm), enabling simultaneous measurement of the spatial distribution of line ratios of He I. The image of the plasma is amplified with an image intensifier and recorded with a fast-framing camera. The measurement area has a diameter of 20 cm just outside of the last closed flux surface. The spatial resolution of the optical system is about 3 mm, and the frame rate is 100 kHz for acquisition of the four wavelength images. Signal-to-noise ratio is evaluated for the system, and further improvement is discussed. Clear images are obtained for all wavelengths and a slightly different pattern is recognized, depending on the wavelength. A singular value decomposition analysis can decompose the image clearly to one perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field lines.