Association between gestational cardiovascular health in the first trimester and pregnancy outcomes in the China birth cohort

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether gestational cardiovascular health (CVH) during the first trimester is associated with a risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

A multicentre prospective cohort; part of the China birth cohort study.

METHODS

Pregnant women were recruited at 6-13+6 gestation weeks and followed to delivery to identify pregnancy outcomes. Gestational CVH in the first trimester was assessed using five CVH metrics: body mass index, smoking, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. Multilevel modified Poisson regression models calculated the relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of gestational CVH for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 56,852 pregnant women, the mean score for gestational CVH during the first trimester was 9.1. Adjusting for confounding factors, each 1-point decrease in the total gestational CVH score significantly increased the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR = 1.682, 95% CI: 1.624-1.743), gestational diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.384-1.426), preterm birth (RR = 1.184, 95% CI: 1.174-1.195), large for gestational age (RR = 1.224, 95% CI: 1.199-1.250), caesarean delivery (RR = 1.073, 95% CI: 1.049-1.097), and low Apgar score (RR = 1.131, 95% CI: 1.003-1.277) significantly increased. Meanwhile, the risk of small for gestational age decreased (SGA; RR = 0.922, 95% CI: 0.898-0.946). Worsened CVH categories significantly increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, excluding SGA.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor gestational CVH in the first trimester significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasising the need for early improvement in gestational CVH.

Single-Round Circular Aptamer Discovery Using Bioinspired Magnetosome-Like Magnetic Chain Cross-Linked Graphene Oxide

Circular aptamers are promising candidates for analytical and therapeutic applications due to their enhanced biological and structural stability. However, the process of circular aptamer selection remains a great challenge, as it requires multiple rounds of binding-separation-amplification that involves issues with nonspecific binding and amplification bias. Here, we develop a highly practical solution for reliable selection of circular aptamers in a single round based on magnetosome-like magnetic chain cross-linked graphene oxide (separation efficiency ≈ 105). High-affinity aptamer candidates can be rapidly selected from a preenriched circular DNA library, while low-affinity candidates are effectively adsorbed and separated by magnetosome-like magnetic chain cross-linked graphene oxide. With lipopolysaccharide as a representative model, the single-round selected lipopolysaccharide circular aptamer has been identified to have a high binding affinity with a Kd value of low to nanomolar range. Using this method, circular aptamers for protein and small-molecule targets were also successfully generated. We envision that this approach will accelerate the discovery of various new circular aptamers and open up a new avenue for analytical and therapeutic studies.

[Correlation between insulin resistance and coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of diabetes on collateral circulation (CC) development in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) and the underlying regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

This study was conducted among 87 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), who had CTO in at least one vessel as confirmed by coronary angiography. Among them 42 patients were found to have a low CC level (Cohen-Rentrop grades 0-1) and 45 had a high CC level (grades 2-3). In the 39 patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus and 48 non-diabetic patients, insulin resistance (IR) levels were compared between the subgroups with different CC levels. The steady-state mode evaluation method was employed for calculating the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) using a mathematical model. During the interventional procedures, collateral and peripheral blood samples were collected from 22 patients for comparison of the metabolites using non-targeted metabolomics analysis.

RESULTS

NT-proBNP levels and LVEF differed significantly between the patients with different CC levels (P<0.05). In non-diabetic patients, HOMA-IR was higher in low CC level group than in high CC level groups. Compared with the non-diabetic patients, the diabetic patients showed 63 upregulated and 48 downregulated metabolites in the collateral blood and 23 upregulated and 14 downregulated metabolites in the peripheral blood. The differential metabolites in the collateral blood were involved in aromatic compound degradation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and steroid degradation pathways; those in the peripheral blood were related with pentose phosphate metabolism, bacterial chemotaxis, hexanoyl-CoA degradation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and lysine degradation pathways.

CONCLUSION

The non-diabetic patients with a low level of CC had significant insulin resistance. The degradation pathways of aromatic compounds, fatty acid biosynthesis, and steroid degradation are closely correlated with the development of CC.

Ginger exosome-like nanoparticle-derived miRNA therapeutics: A strategic inhibitor of intestinal inflammation

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) involve in destabilising messenger RNA or repressing translation of target molecules. Ginger-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GELNs) play a crucial role in modulating intestinal inflammation. Moreover, GELNs contain highly heterogeneous miRNA. However, the role of miRNAs derived from GELNs in immunomodulation remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular basis of the unique biological effects mediated by miRNA derived from GELNs on macrophages.

METHODS

GELNs were isolated using a combination of commercial exosome isolation kits and the differential centrifugation method, and the lipid composition of GELNs was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Subsequently, PKH26 labelled GELNs were taken up by macrophages. Furthermore, the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses by GELNs or osa-miR164d was assessed through the RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, online databases, and dual luciferase reporter assays to explore the underlying mechanisms of osa-miR164d. Biomimetic exosomes loaded with osa-miR164d were prepared using a microfluidic mixing device and systematically characterized. The therapeutic effects of osa-miR164d on relieving colitis were evaluated.

RESULTS

We report for the first time that GELNs-derived osa-miR164d is a regulatory factor of reprogramming macrophage polarization, thereby inhibiting the intestinal inflammatory response. Mechanistically, osa-miR164d directly targets the 3'-UTRs of TAB1, which regulates macrophage polarization through the downregulation of NF-κB expression. In addition, We have designed a biomimetic exosome mimicking GELNs to deliver osa-miR164d (osa-miR164d-MGELNs). Notably, the osa-miR164d-MGELNs can efficiently reprogram macrophages to alleviate colitis-related symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Our findings enhance the systematic understanding of how GELNs-derived osa-miR164d mediates cross-kingdom communication and provide an original engineering paradigm for mimicking GELNs to transfer miRNA.

Dry-season length affects the annual ecosystem carbon balance of a temperate semi-arid shrubland

Semi-arid ecosystems have been shown to dominate over tropical forests in determining the trend and interannual variability of land carbon (C) sink. However, the magnitude and variability of ecosystem C balance remain largely uncertain for temperate semi-arid shrublands at the decadal scale. Using eddy-covariance and micro-meteorological measurements, we quantified the interannual variation in net ecosystem production (NEP) and its components, gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco, i.e., the sum of autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration), in a semi-arid shrubland of the Mu Us Desert, northern China during 2012-2022. This shrubland was an overall weak C sink over the 11 years (NEP = 12 ± 46 g C m-2 yr-1, mean ± SD). Annual NEP ranged from -66 to 77 g C m-2 yr-1, with the ecosystem frequently switching between being an annual C sink and a C source. GPP was twice as sensitive as Reco to prolonged dry seasons, leading to a close negative relationship between annual NEP and dry-season length (R2 = 0.80, P < 0.01). Annual GPP (R2 = 0.51, P = 0.01) and NEP (R2 = 0.58, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with annual rainfall. Negative annual NEP (the ecosystem being a C source) tended to occur when the dry season exceeded 50 d yr-1 or rainfall dropped below 280 mm yr-1. Increases in dry-season length strengthened the effects of low soil moisture relative to high vapor pressure deficit in constraining NEP. Both GPP and NEP were more closely correlated with C uptake amplitude (annual maximum daily values) than with C uptake period. These findings indicate that dry-season extension under climate change may reduce the long-term C sequestration in semi-arid shrublands. Plant species adapted to prolonged dry seasons should be used in ecosystem restoration in the studied area to enhance ecosystem functions.

[Clinical observation of the intraocular distribution characteristics of indocyanine green after epiretinal membrane peeling using a fluorescence detection system developed in Python]

Objective: To utilize a Python-based fluorescence area detection system to observe and quantitatively analyze the intraocular distribution characteristics and metabolic patterns of Indocyanine Green (ICG) following epiretinal membrane peeling. Methods: A prospective case series study was conducted on patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane undergoing vitrectomy at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from March 2019 to March 2021. ICG staining was applied during surgery for peeling the epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, with assessments including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus photography, near-infrared fundus fluorescence imaging (NIR-FF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A Python-based ICG intraocular metabolism detection system was developed to measure the residual area of ICG fluorescence on NIR-FF, predict the ICG metabolic pattern equation, and correlate it with postoperative visual acuity and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Results: A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) were included, with an average age of 64.6±8.4 years, including 25 males (39.1%) and 39 females (60.9%). Preoperative NIR-FF images showed no ICG strong fluorescence. At 1 week postoperatively, diffuse ICG strong fluorescence appeared in the posterior pole, and the internal limiting membrane removal area exhibited a ring-like weak fluorescence. Over time, ICG strong fluorescence was observed along the vascular arch and nerve fiber trajectory, gradually diminishing toward the optic disc, with residual ICG fluorescence still visible at the optic disc at 1 year. The Python-based ICG fluorescence area detection system effectively measured intraocular residual ICG area. A predictive equation for the 12-month residual ICG area was constructed through linear regression analysis (Residual ICG area=0.22 × Residual ICG area at 6 months, R2=16%, P=0.002). Except for a negative correlation between the ICG residual area at 1 month and postoperative visual acuity (P=0.017, r=-0.195), no correlation was found between intraocular ICG fluorescence residual area and postoperative visual acuity or peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at other follow-up times (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane undergoing ICG staining for internal limiting membrane peeling, ICG exhibits characteristic metabolic processes in the eye, with strong fluorescence along the vascular arch and nerve fiber trajectory, gradually converging toward the optic disc over time. The Python-based ICG fluorescence area detection system provides a clear display of the intraocular distribution characteristics of ICG after epiretinal membrane peeling and serves as a tool for predicting the metabolic patterns of ICG in the eye.

[Molecular detection and subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in pigs in Anhui Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in pigs in Anhui Province.

METHODS

A total of 500 stool samples were collected from large-scale pig farms in Bozhou, Anqing, Chuzhou, Hefei, Fuyang, and Lu'an cities in Anhui Province from October to December 2015. Blastocystis was detected in pig stool samples using a PCR assay based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, and positive samples were subjected to sequencing and sequence analysis. Blastocystis subtypes were characterized in the online PubMLST database, and verified using phylogenetic tree created with the neighbor-joining algorithm in the Meta software.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 43.2% (216/500) in pigs in 6 cities of Anhui Province, and all pig farms were tested positive for Blastocystis. There was a region-specific prevalence rate of Blastocystis (17.2% to 50.0%) (χ2 = 26.084, P < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among nursery pigs (39.6%), preweaned pigs (19.1%), and growing pigs (62.3%) (χ2 = 74.951, P < 0.01). Both online inquiry and phylogenetic analysis revealed ST1, ST3, and ST5 subtypes in pigs, with ST5 as the predominant subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. is high in pigs in Anhui Province, with three zoonotic subtypes identified, including ST1, ST3, and ST5.

[Association between different treatment timings and adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with syphilis during pregnancy]

Objective: To analyze the association between different treatment timings and adverse neonatal outcomes (premature birth, death, congenital syphilis) in syphilis-infected pregnant women. Methods: The National Management Information System for Prevention of HIV, Syphilis and HBV Mother-to-Child Transmission was used to collect information on the detection and treatment of syphilis-infected pregnant women and their newborns in Guangdong Province from October 2011 to December 2021. According to the gestational weeks of syphilis-infected pregnant women receiving penicillin treatment for the first time, they were divided into four groups: treatment in the first trimester, treatment in the second trimester, treatment in the third trimester, and no treatment during pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between different treatment timings and adverse neonatal outcomes in syphilis-infected pregnant women. Results: A total of 22 483 syphilis-infected pregnant women were included. The number of pregnant women who started treatment in the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester and did not receive treatment during pregnancy were 4 549 (20.23%), 8 719 (38.78%), 2 235 (9.94%) and 6 980 (31.05%), respectively. Compared with pregnant women who started treatment in the first trimester, pregnant women who did not receive anti-syphilis treatment during pregnancy had increased risks of neonatal preterm birth (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.24-1.62), death (OR=4.27, 95%CI: 1.64-14.69) and congenital syphilis (OR=12.26, 95%CI: 6.35-27.45). At the same time, the risk of congenital syphilis in the newborns of pregnant women who started anti-syphilis treatment in the second trimester (OR=2.68, 95%CI: 1.34-6.16) and third trimester (OR=6.27, 95%CI: 2.99-14.80) also increased. Conclusion: Early initiation of anti-syphilis treatment during pregnancy in patients with syphilis can improve neonatal outcomes.

Adaptable polymerization platform for therapeutics with tunable biodegradability

Biodegradable polymer-based therapeutics have recently become essential drug delivery biomaterials for various bioactive compounds. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based biomaterials fulfill the requirements of these therapeutics because they enable to obtain polymer biomaterials with optimized blood circulation, pharmacokinetics, biodegradability, and renal excretion. Herein, we describe an adaptable polymerization platform employed for the synthesis of long-circulating, stimulus-sensitive and biodegradable biomaterials, therapeutics, or theranostics. Four chain transfer agents (CTA) were designed and successfully synthesized for the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, allowing the straightforward synthesis of hydrolytically biodegradable structures of block copolymers-based biomaterials. The controlled polymerization using the CTAs enables controlling the half-life of the hydrolytic degradation of polymer precursors in a wide range from 5 h to 21 days. Moreover, the antitumor drug pirarubicin (THP) was successfully conjugated to the polymer biomaterials via a pH-sensitive hydrazone bond for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Polymer conjugates demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy compared to basic linear polymer-based conjugates. Notably, the biodegradable systems, even though those with degradation in the order of hours were selected, increased the half-life of THP in the bloodstream almost two-fold. Indeed, the presented platform design enables the main chain-end specific attachment of targeting ligands or diagnostic molecules. The adaptable polymerization platform design allows tuning of the biodegradability rate, stimuli-sensitive drug bonding, and optimized pharmacokinetics to increase the therapy outcome and system targeting, thus allowing the preparation of targeted or theranostic polymer conjugates. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based biomaterials are recognized as potential future bioactive nanomedicines. To advance the development of such biomaterials, we developed polymerization platforms utilizing tailored chain transfer agents allowing the straightforward synthesis of hydrolytically degradable polymer biomaterials with tuned biodegradability from hours to several days. The platform allows for the synthesis of long-circulating, stimulus-sensitive and biodegradable biomaterial serving as drug carriers or theranostics. The therapeutic potential was validated by preparation of polymer biomaterials containing pirarubicin, anticancer drug, bound via pH sensitive bond and by showing prolonged blood circulation and increased antitumor activity while keeping the drug side effects low. This work paves the way for future development of biodegradable polymer biomaterials with advanced properties in drug delivery.

[Clinical value of arterial stiffness assessment on risk prediction of vascular stiffness in the octogenarian elderly]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze clinical factors related to arterial stiffening and establish a risk prediction nomogram of arterial stiffening in the octogenarian(≥80 years). Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study, which enrolled the octogenarian elderly who underwent physical examination and secondary prevention intervention in the outpatient department of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from April 2022 to August 2022. Clinical data including demographics, biochemical indicators and medical history were collected. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was detected during the clinical visit. Participants were divided into the control group (baPWV≤1 800 cm/s) and vascular sclerosis group (baPWV>1 800 cm/s). The risk factors of arterial stiffness were analyzed by univariate and logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram model was constructed by R programming language. The predictive effect of the nomogram model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The median age of the 525 participants was 87.0 (82.0, 92.0) years, 504 (96.0%) were male, 82 in the control group, 443 in the vascular sclerosis group. The baPWV, age, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the control group than those in the vascular sclerosis group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and amylase were protective factors, and alkaline phosphatase and creatinine were risk factors of arterial stiffening (all P<0.05). The combined nomogram model scores including age, mean arterial pressure and the above five laboratory indicators indicated that mean arterial pressure and serum creatinine levels were strongly correlated with vascular sclerosis. The ROC curve suggested that the nomogram model had good prediction ability. Conclusions: Age, mean arterial pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase and creatinine are independently determinants for increased vascular stiffness. The combined prediction model in this study can provide reference for individualized clinical risk prediction of vascular sclerosis in the octogenarian elderly.

Development and Validation of CT-Based Clinical-Radiomics Nomogram for Early Stage Extranodal Nasal-Type NK/T Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Most patients with extranodal nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) had a localized disease with extensive primary tumor invasion at diagnosis (70-90%). Several clinical risk indexes, such as nomogram-revised risk index (NRI), international prognostic index (IPI), Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) and prognostic index of natural killer lymphoma (PINK), were used for ENKTCL patient stratification and providing information in clinical decision-making. However, they had low predictive power for early-stage patients with ENKTCL. This is the first study to construct a model with more predictive power through CT-based radiomics signature combined with traditional clinical risk indexes for overall survival (OS) of patients with early-stage ENKTCL.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 196 early stage ENKTCL patients were randomly assigned into the training (n = 147) and interval validation set (n = 49) in a 3:1 ratio. And 83 and 19 early stage ENKTCL patients from other two centers were used for external validation set (n = 62). All patients received radiotherapy after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy. 1316 CT radiomic features before radiotherapy were extracted and selected to construct the radiomics signature (RS). A CT-based nomogram was established by integrating clinical indexes and radiomics signature in training set and was tested in two validation sets.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up period of 59.9 months, 48 patients (24.1%) died. Compared with other prognostic index, NRI had better power to predict 5-year OS in the training cohort. The radiomics signature constructed by 11 selected radiomic features showed better prognostic performance than NRI for predicting 5-year OS in training set (C-index: 0.75 vs. 0.66), internal validation set (C-index: 0.71 vs. 0.62) and external validation set (C-index: 0.68 vs. 0.60). Patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups by median radiomic signature. Patients in high-risk group had worse 5-year OS than patients in low-risk group (training set: 92% vs. 65%, P<0.001; internal validation set: 88% vs. 59%, P<0.05; external validation set 90% vs. 60%, P<0.05). The nomogram established by integrating radiomics signature with NRI showed optimal prognostic performance with C-index of 0.77 in training, 0.73 in internal and 0.71 in external validation set. Calibration curves showed good agreement.

CONCLUSION

The clinical-radiomics nomogram integrating CT-based radiomics signature combined with traditional clinical risk index provided an excellent prognostic tool for OS, which could be helpful for personalized risk stratification and treatment in early stage ENKTCL patients.

[The first imported case of visceral leishmaniasis in Shenzhen City]

A patient with fever, chills, and pancytopenia as major clinical manifestations was presented. To investigate the cause, the patient's peripheral blood was collected for pathogen screening using metagenomic next - generation sequencing (mNGS). The DNA sequence of Leishmania donovani was detected, and Leishmania amastigotes were found in bone marrow smears using microscopy. The case was therefore definitively diagnosed as visceral leishmaniasis, and was cured and discharged from hospital following treatment with liposomal amphotericin B for 14 days. This is the first imported case of visceral leishmaniasis since the founding of Shenzhen City in 1979.

Effects of Different Primers on the Bond Strength to Properly and Excessively Etched Ceramic-coated Zirconia

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of various primers on the immediate and long-term bond strength of ceramic-coated ultratranslucent zirconia that is properly or excessively etched.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Ceramic-coated zirconia plates were etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 2 or 5 minutes, after which the surface morphology and elemental composition were examined. The etched specimens were treated with different primers including methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-only containing primer, silane-only containing primer, MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer as well as MDP and silane-containing adhesive system. For surface contact angle and shear bond strength (SBS) data, the difference between groups was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and three-way ANOVA factorial analysis, respectively. The statistical significance level of 0.05 was set and the Tukey test and the Dunnett-T3 test were used for post-hoc multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Excessive etching (9.5% HF for 5 minutes) led to overconsumption of the glass layer and exposure of zirconia substrate compared to proper etching (9.5% HF for 2 minutes). Among different primers, the surface contact angle of the silane-only containing primer group was the lowest. The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer produced higher shear bond strength of properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively, both before and after thermal aging.

CONCLUSIONS

The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing primer can obtain better immediate and long-term shear bond strength for properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively.

Effects of maggot antimicrobial peptides on growth performance, immune function, and cecal flora of yellow-feathered broilers

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the effects of maggot antimicrobial peptides on growth performance, blood parameters, immune organ index, and cecum microbial diversity in yellow broilers.

METHODS

The addition of 100-300 mg/kg maggots antimicrobial peptides to the corn-soybean meal basal diet was evaluated. Two hundred and forty one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into four groups (60 chickens in each group): basal diet group (BC group), basal diet group + 100, 200, 300 mg/kg maggots antimicrobial peptides (MDAL group, MDAM group, and MDAH group).

RESULTS

The result showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the BC group, MDAM group, and MDAH group was higher than that of the MDAL group (P > 0.05), the average daily gain of MDAM group and MDAH group was significantly higher than that of BC group and MDAL group (P < 0.05), but the feed-weight ratio (F/G) was significantly lower than that of BC group (P < 0.05). The total protein (TP) content in the MDAM group and MDAH group was significantly higher than that in the BC group (P < 0.05), and the albumin (ALB) content in the MDAH group was higher than that in the BC group (P > 0.05). The contents of IgA and IgG in the MDAH group were significantly higher than those in the BC group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the content of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the MDAH group was significantly lower than that in the BC group (P < 0.05). The thymus and spleen indexes of the MDAH group were significantly higher than those of the BC group (P < 0.05). 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that Bacteroidota and Bacteroides were the dominant phylum and genus of cecal microorganisms at the phylum and genus levels, respectively. Cecum microorganisms are mainly involved in biological processes such as energy production and conversion, amino acid transport and metabolism, and carbohydrate transport and metabolism.

DISCUSSION

It was concluded that adding different doses of maggot antimicrobial peptide to the basal diet could improve yellow-feathered broilers' growth and immune performance and change the cecum flora. The appropriate dose of antimicrobial peptide addition was 300 mg/kg.

[Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection on IFNGR1 palmitoylation in esophageal cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection on IFNGR1 palmitoylation and biological behaviors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the clinical implications.

METHODS

The expression levels of IFNGR1 protein in ESCC cell lines KYSE30 and KYSE70 were detected using Western blotting at 24 and 48 h after Pg infection, and 2-BP was used to detect IFNGR1 palmitoylation in the cells. KYSE70 cells with wild-type IFNGR1 (IFNGR1-WT cells) and with IFNGR1-C122A palmitoylation site mutation induced by site-specific mutagenesis (IFNGR1-C122A cells) were both infected with Pg, and the changes in palmitoylation of IFNGR1-C122A were analyzed using immunofluorescence and Click-iT assays. The changes in proliferation, migration and invasion ability of the infected cells were evaluated using plate cloning assay, scratch assay and Transwell assay, and IFNGR1 co-localization with lysosomal marker LAMP2 was dected using immunofluorescence assay. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Pg infection and IFNGR1 protein expression in 50 ESCC tissues, and their correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of the patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

Pg infection down-regulated the protein expression of IFNGR1 in ESCC and promoted IFNGR1 palmitoylation at site 122. In IFNGR1-WT cells, Pg infection significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion (P < 0.05). Similarly, Pg also significantly promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of IFNGR1-C122A cells, but to a lesser extent as compared with the wild-type cells (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that Pg and ZDHHC3 promoted IFNGR1 degradation within the lysosome. Immunohistochemical studies of the ESCC tissue samples showed a negative correlation between IFNGR1 and Pg expression, and a reduced IFNGR1 expression was correlated with a poorer survival outcome of the patient.

CONCLUSION

Pg infection enhances IFNGR1 palmitoylation to promote progression of ESCC, and elimination of Pg and inhibiting IFNGR1 palmitoylation may effectively control ESCC progression.

[Oligonucleotide drugs and their progress in stomatology]

Oligonucleotide drugs have the characteristics of targeting, modifiability and high biosafety. Recent studies have shown that oligonucleotide can be used to make biosensors, vaccine adjuvants, and has the functions of inhibiting alveolar bone resorption, promoting jaw and alveolar bone regeneration, anti-tumor, destroying plaque biofilm, and precise control of drug release. Therefore, it has a broad application prospect in the field of stomatology. This article reviews the classification, action mechanism and research status of oligonucleotide in stomatology. The aim is to provide ideas for further research and application of oligonucleotide.

[Association between coagulation function indicators and placental abruption among preeclampsia-eclampsia pregnant women]

Objective: To explore the association between coagulation function indicators and placental abruption (PA) in different trimesters of pregnancy among preeclampsia-eclampsia pregnant women. Methods: From February 2018 to December 2020, pregnant women who participated in the China birth cohort study and were diagnosed with preeclampsia, eclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital were enrolled in this study. The baseline and follow-up information were collected by questionnaire survey, and the coagulation function indicators in the first and third trimesters were obtained through medical records. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between the coagulation function indicators and PA. A restrictive cubic spline curve was used to draw the dose-response curve between the relevant coagulation function indicators and PA. Results: A total of 1 340 participants were included in this study. The age was (32.50±4.24) and the incidence of PA was 4.4% (59/1 340). After adjusting for relevant factors, Cox proportional hazards model showed that compared with the high-level classification of fibrinogen (FIB), participants within the middle-(HR=3.28, 95%CI: 1.27-8.48) and low-level (HR=3.84, 95%CI: 1.40-10.53) classification during the first trimester and within the low-level classification (HR=4.18, 95%CI: 1.68-10.39) during the third trimester were more likely to experience PA. Compared with the middle-level classification of pro-thrombin time (PT), the risk of PA in the participants within the low-level classification (HR=2.67, 95%CI: 1.48-4.82) was significantly higher in the third trimester. The restrictive cubic spline analysis showed a linear negative association between FIB and PA in the first and third trimesters, while PT and PA showed an approximately L-shaped association. Conclusion: Among pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia-eclampsia, the middle-and low-level classification of FIB in the first and third trimesters and the low-level classification of PT in the third trimester could increase the risk of PA.

[Progress in researches on cardiovascular health behaviors and factors in perinatal women]

The cardiovascular health index (CVH) is a composite index consisting of 7 CVH metrics (CVHM) to evaluate the cardiovascular health status in the population. CVH has been proven to be closely related to a variety of health outcomes and widely used in the prevention of many diseases and the evaluation of intervention effectiveness. This review summarizes the recent distribution of CVH and CVHM in pregnant women and the relationship between CVH and CVHM with adverse health outcomes, which aims to explore the application of CVH and CVHM in preventing pregnancy-related diseases and improving the long-term health level of perinatal women and their offspring.

[Analysis of incidence and associated factors of preterm birth based on pre-pregnancy body mass index stratification]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of preterm birth based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) stratification and explore the associated factors of preterm birth among pregnant women at different BMI stratifications. Methods: From February 2018 to December 2020, pregnant women who participated in China Birth Cohort Study (CBCS) and gave birth at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital were enrolled as the study subjects. Electronic Data Capture System and standard structured questionnaires were used to collect data related to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and delivery for pregnant women. Pregnant women were divided into the low-weight group, normal-weight group and overweight group based on their pre-pregnancy BMI. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the associated factors of preterm birth among pregnant women with different BMI before pregnancy. Results: A total of 27 195 singleton pregnant women were included, with a preterm birth rate of 5.08% (1 381/27 195). The preterm birth rates in the low-weight group, normal-weight group and overweight group were 4.29% (138/3 219), 4.63% (852/18 390) and 7.00% (391/5 586) respectively (P<0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the Cox proportional hazards model showed that the risk of preterm birth in the overweight group was 1.457 times higher than that in the normal-weight group (95%CI: 1.292-1.643). Preeclampsia-eclampsia (HR=2.701, 95%CI: 1.318-5.537) was the associated factor for preterm birth in the low-weight group. Advanced maternal age (HR=1.232, 95%CI: 1.054-1.441), history of preterm birth (HR=4.647, 95%CI: 3.314-6.515), vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (HR=1.613, 95%CI: 1.380-1.884), and preeclampsia-eclampsia (HR=3.553, 95%CI: 2.866-4.404) were associated factors for preterm birth in the normal-weight group. Advanced maternal age (HR=1.473, 95%CI: 1.193-1.818), history of preterm birth (HR=3.209, 95%CI: 1.960-5.253), vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (HR=1.636, 95%CI: 1.301-2.058), preeclampsia-eclampsia (HR=2.873, 95%CI:2.265-3.643), and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (HR=1.867, 95%CI: 1.283-2.717) were associated factors for preterm birth in the overweight group. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy overweight is an associated factor for preterm birth, and there are significant differences in the associated factors of preterm birth among pregnant women with different BMI before pregnancy.

[Oligonucleotide drugs and their progress in stomatology]

Oligonucleotide drugs have the characteristics of targeting, modifiability and high biosafety. Recent studies have shown that oligonucleotide can be used to make biosensors, vaccine adjuvants, and has the functions of inhibiting alveolar bone resorption, promoting jaw and alveolar bone regeneration, anti-tumor, destroying plaque biofilm, and precise control of drug release. Therefore, it has a broad application prospect in the field of stomatology. This article reviews the classification, action mechanism and research status of oligonucleotide in stomatology. The aim is to provide ideas for further research and application of oligonucleotide.

[Comparison of diagnostic performance of Clear Cell Likelihood Score v1.0 and v2.0 for clear renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of Clear Cell Likelihood Score (ccLS) v1.0 and v2.0 in diagnosing clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from small renal masses (SRM).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and MR images of patients with pathologically confirmed solid SRM from the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, and from Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University and Peking University First Hospital between January 1, 2019 and May 17, 2021. Six abdominal radiologists were trained for use of the ccLS algorithm and scored independently using ccLS v1.0 and ccLS v2.0. Random- effects logistic regression modeling was used to generate plot receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ccLS v1.0 and ccLS v2.0 for ccRCC, and the area under curve (AUC) of these two scoring systems were compared using the DeLong's test. Weighted Kappa test was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement of the ccLS score, and differences in the weighted Kappa coefficients was compared using the Gwet consistency coefficient.

RESULTS

In total, 691 patients (491 males, 200 females; mean age, 54 ± 12 years) with 700 renal masses were included in this study. The pooled accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ccLS v1.0 for diagnosing ccRCC were 77.1%, 76.8%, 77.7%, 90.2%, and 55.7%, as compared with 80.9%, 79.3%, 85.1%, 93.4%, 60.6% with ccLS v2.0, respectively. The AUC of ccLS v2.0 was significantly higher than that of ccLS v1.0 for diagnosis of ccRCC (0.897 vs 0.859; P < 0.01). The interobserver agreement did not differ significantly between ccLS v1.0 and ccLS v2.0 (0.56 vs 0.60; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ccLS v2.0 has better performance for diagnosing ccRCC than ccLS v1.0 and can be considered for use to assist radiologists with their routine diagnostic tasks.

[Comparison of the predictive value of Padua and the IMPEDE assessment scores for venous thromboembolism in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A single institution experience]

Objective: To compare the predictive efficacy of the two thrombosis risk assessment scores (Padua and IMPEDE scores) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 6 months in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in China. Methods: This study reviewed the clinical data of 421 patients with NDMM hospitalized in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from April 2014 to February 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index of the two scores were calculated to quantify the thrombus risk assessment of VTE by the Padua and IMPEDE scores. The receiver operating characteristics curves of the two evaluation scores were drawn. Results: The incidence of VTE was 14.73%. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index of the Padua score were 100%, 0%, 14.7%, and 0% and that of the IMPEDE score was 79%, 44%, 49.2%, and 23%, respectively. The areas under the curve of Padua and IMPEDE risk assessment scores were 0.591 and 0.722, respectively. Conclusion: IMPEDE score is suitable for predicting VTE within 6 months in patients with NDMM.

A theoretical base for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing

There is an increasing demand for prenatal paternity testing in the forensic applications, which identify biological fathers before the birth of children. Currently, one of the most effective and safe Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing (NIPPT) methods is high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based SNP genotyping of cell-free DNA in maternal peripheral blood. To the best of our knowledge, nearly all methods being used in such applications are based on traditional postnatal paternity tests and/or statistical models of conventional polymorphism sites. These methods have shown unsatisfactory performance due to the uncertainty of fetal genotype. In this study, we propose a cutting-edge methodology called the Prenatal paternity Test Analysis System (PTAS) for cell-free fetal DNA-based NIPPT using NGS-based SNP genotyping. With the implementation of our proposed PTAS methodology, 63 out of 64 early-pregnancy (i.e., less than seven weeks) samples can be precisely identified to determine paternity, except for one sample that does not meet quality control requirements. Although the fetal fraction of the non-identified sample is extremely low (0.51%), its paternity can still be detected by our proposed PTAS methodology through unique molecular identifier tagging. Paternity of the total 313 samples for mid-to-late pregnancy (i.e., more than seven weeks) can be accurately identified. Extensive experiments indicate that our methodology makes a significant breakthrough in the NIPPT theory and will bring substantial benefits to forensic applications.

[Precise application of sleeve gastrectomy]

With the improvement of the national economy and living standards, the prevalence of obesity and related metabolic diseases is increasing yearly. The treatment effect of traditional diet control, physical exercise, and drug therapy are not ideal. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is not only aimed at weight loss, but also improves or resolves a variety of metabolic comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, and hyperlipidemia, enhancing the quality of life of patients. Surgical methods are also updated and iterated with the continuous development of metabolic surgery for weight loss. At present, more than 50% of the mainstream procedures are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The application of LSG should focus on precise surgical operations and indications to avoid or reduce adverse reactions and complications, so as to maximize the effect of bariatric surgery. At the same time, standardized postoperative management, multidisciplinary team (MDT) and in-hospital database construction, dietary nutrition and exercise guidance after discharge, and regular follow-up review are still important guarantees for the weight loss effect.

Remote telemedicine strategy based on multi-risks intervention by intelligent wearable health devices in elderly comorbidities patients with coronary heart disease

Background

Telemedicine based on wearable intelligent health devices becomes increasingly promissing for the elderly due to the accelerated aging population. Especially during COVID-19 pandemic, more elderly coronary heart disease patients with chronic comorbidities are in less secondary prevention management at home.

Objective

To explore the prevention effect on main cardiovascular risk factors and repeated hospitalization in elderly comorbidities patients by telemedicine intervention based on multi-parameter wearable monitoring devices.

Methods

Total of 337 patients with comorbidities of coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, with age more than 65 years old were recruited in the study from October 2019 to January 2021. They were randomly divided into control group and telemedcine intervention group. The latter used remote multi-parameter wearable devices to measure blood pressure, glycemic and electrocardiograph at home every day. A real-time monitoring platform would alarm any abnormal data to the doctors. Both doctors and patients can read the measurement results on a real-time mobile phone APP and interact with each other remotely twice a week routinely. A medical team remotely indicated the medications, while offering guidance on lifestyle. In contrast, the control group adopted traditional outpatient medical strategy to manage diseases.

Results

A total of 306 patients were enrolled in the follow-up experiment finally: 153 in the intervention group and 153 in the control group. Patient characteristics at baseline were balanced between two groups. After 12 months, compared with the control group, the intervention group saw the following metrics significantly reduced: systolic blood pressure (SBP) (131.66±9.43 vs 137.20±12.02 mmHg, P=0.000), total cholesterol (TC) (3.65±0.79 vs 4.08±0.82 mmol/L, P=0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (2.06±0.53 vs 2.38±0.61 mmol/L, P=0.002), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (6.26±0.75 vs 6.81±0.97 mmol/L, P=0.000), while the following metrics went up significantly: blood pressure control rate (77.3% vs 59.1%, P=0.039), blood lipid control rate(39.4% vs 21.2%, P=0.037), glycemic control rate (71.2% vs 51.5%, P=0.031), and medication adherence score (7.10±0.77 vs 6.80±0.73, P=0.020). Linear regression model analysis indicates that when interaction frequency ≥1.53, 2.47 and 1.15 times/week, the SBP, LDL-C and FBG levels would be controlled, respectively. Cox survival analysis finds that the hospitalization rate of intervention group is significantly lower than that of the control group (24.18% vs 35.29%, P=0.031).

Conclusion

The telemedicine interactive intervention based on multi-parameter wearable devices provides effectively improvement of cardiovascular risk controlling, medication adherence, while reducing the hospitalization rate of patients. A frequency of doctor-patient interactions more than 2 times/week is beneficial for disease management the elderly at home.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Key scientific research project of Health Commission

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

POS0074 IMMUNOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PsA PATIENTS WHO ARE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITOR-NAIVE AND WHO HAVE INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS

Background

A better understanding of the immunological differences between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients (pts) who are tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi)-naïve & who have inadequate response to TNFi (TNFi-IR) may guide treatment choices. In DISCOVER-1, benefit of the IL-23p19 subunit inhibitor guselkumab (GUS) every-four-weeks (Q4W) & Q8W vs placebo (PBO) in improving PsA signs & symptoms was seen in adults with active PsA.1 The Ph3b COSMOS study of GUS Q8W vs PBO in TNFi-IR PsA pts corroborated these findings.2

Objectives

Assess baseline (BL) molecular differences between TNFi-naïve & -IR PsA pts & investigate GUS pharmacodynamic (PD) effect on cytokine expression over time in these cohorts.

Methods

Serum samples collected from consenting biomarker substudy pts in DISCOVER-11 (TNFi-naïve [n=101] & -IR [n=17]), DISCOVER-23 (TNFi-naïve [n=150]), & COSMOS2 (TNFi-IR [n=76]) were analyzed for selected serum cytokine levels. TNFi-IR pts in this post-hoc analysis had active PsA & discontinued 1-2 TNFi due to inadequate efficacy; these pts required a TNFi-specific washout period prior to starting GUS. PD effect of GUS Q8W on cytokine levels was assessed. Differential BL cytokine expression, associations between BL cytokine levels & clinical response (Psoriasis [PsO] Area & Severity Index 75% improvement from BL [PASI75] & American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement [ACR20]), & GUS effect on cytokine levels were analyzed with a General linear model & Spearman linear regression.

Results

BL pt demographics, disease characteristics, & conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) use were comparable between TNFi-naïve (DISCOVER-1 & -2, N=251) & -IR (DISCOVER-1 & COSMOS, N=93) pts, with differences in mean PASI score (8.9 v 12.5), swollen joint count (SJC) (11.7 v 10.3), PsA duration (5.8 v 9.8 yrs), & PsO duration (16.7 v 20.4 yrs; Table 1). BL serum IL-22 & TNFα levels for pooled treatment groups were higher in TNFi-IR than -naïve pts (p<0.05). At W24, GUS reduced IL-22, IL-17A/F, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), & serum amyloid A protein to similar levels in both cohorts (p<0.05; Figure 1). W24 PASI75 responders had higher BL IL-17F levels with GUS in both cohorts (p<0.05) & higher IL-22 levels in TNFi-IR pts only (p<0.05). A trend of upregulated BL IL-22 expression in W24 ACR20 responders was seen for TNFi-IR pts with GUS (p=0.07).

Table 1.

BL demographics, disease characteristics, & drug use in TNFi-naïve & -IR cohorts with available cytokine data in DISCOVER-1&2 & COSMOS.*

TNFi-naïve (N=251)TNFi-IR (N=93)Age [yrs]47.2 (11.3)48.5 (11.1)Female, n (%)132 (52.6)46 (49.5)Body mass index [kg/m2]29.6 (6.1)30.3 (6.4)Median (range) CRP [mg/dL]0.9 (0.0-12.9)1.0 (0.0-13.2)Log2 IL-22 / TNFα [pg/mL]2.0 (1.4) / 1.1 (0.6)2.5 (1.5) / 1.9 (1.2)Log2 IL-17A / F [pg/mL]-0.4 (1.5) / 1.7 (1.5)-0.1 (1.7) / 2.0 (1.6)SJC [0-66]11.7 (7.1)10.3 (8.3)TJC [0-68]20.3 (13.1)20.6 (14.2)PsA duration [yrs]5.8 (5.9)9.8 (8.2)PsO duration [yrs]16.7 (12.8)20.4 (12.0)PsO Body surface area (%)14.8 (18.6)19.1 (21.3)Investigator’s Global Assessment score [0-4]2.3 (0.9)2.3 (1.0)PASI score [0-72]8.9 (10.6)12.5 (12.0)Enthesitis [Y], n (%)160 (63.7)58 (62.4)csDMARD use [Y], n (%)164 (65.3)62 (66.7)Corticosteroid use (Y), n (%)45 (17.9)19 (20.4)Methotrexate use [Y], n (%)136 (54.2)54 (58.1)

Data are mean (SD) unless otherwise noted. *Pts with serum CRP level ≥0.3 mg/dL, SJC ≥3, & TJC ≥3 (to mimic D1 inclusion criteria1). TJC= tender joint count

Conclusion

Elevated BL IL-22 expression & association between BL IL-22 levels & W24 PASI75 response, & a W24 trend for an association between upregulated BL IL-22 & ACR20 response, in TNFi-IR pts seen in this exploratory analysis may suggest increased involvement of the IL-23 pathway in TNFi-IR pts. GUS showed comparable & significant PD effects for TNFi-naïve & -IR pts, consistent with observed clinical responses.

References

[1]Deodhar A, et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1115-25.

[2]Coates LC, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80:140-1.

[3]Mease P, et al. Lancet. 2020;395:1126-36.

Disclosure of Interests

Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Laura Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Siba P Raychaudhuri Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Warner Chen Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Sheng Gao Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), May Shawi Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Frederic Lavie Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Elke Theander Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Marlies Neuhold Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Xie L Xu Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Proton Rahman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Aclaris, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Inmagene, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Atul Deodhar Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Aurinia, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MoonLake, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB

POS0006 IDENTIFICATION OF FIBROTIC AND FIBROLYTIC ENDOTYPES IN RHEUMATIC DISEASE COHORTS

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are distinct diseases with common molecular features, such as an imbalance in fibrolysis and fibrosis of connective and calcified tissues. Type III, IV and VI collagens are abundant in connective tissue, and type I, II and X of the skeletal tissue. Blood biomarkers are available to measure fibrolysis (C1M, C2M, C3M, C4M, C6M, C10C) and fibrosis (PRO-C1, PRO-C2, PRO-C3, PRO-C4, PRO-C6) of these collagens.

Objectives

To profile AS, PsA and SLE patients (pts) using blood biomarkers of collagen formation and degradation.

Methods

Baseline serum samples from consenting pts of the AS (NCT02437162/NCT02438787), PsA (NCT0315828), and SLE (NCT02349061) studies were included in the analyses. Healthy donor samples were acquired from Discovery LS. Biomarkers were measured by immunoassays. Biomarker levels were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Before hierarchical clustering (Ward.D2), biomarker levels were log-transformed and standardized by median centering and scaling by median absolute deviation (MAD).

Results

When compared with healthy individuals, VICM was elevated in all indications (although markedly less so in SLE pts). The fibrosis marker PRO-C3 was elevated in all indications vs. healthy, while PRO-C4 and PRO-C6 were elevated only in AS and PsA. The fibrolysis markers C3M, C4M and C6M were elevated in all indications. The cartilage fibrosis marker PRO-C2, but not C2M, was elevated in AS and PsA, but not in SLE, ps. The bone fibrosis marker PRO-C1 was at the level of healthy for all. The fibrolysis marker C1M was elevated in all, while elevated C10C was seen only in PsA and SLE, pts (Table 1). Four clusters (C) of blood markers were extracted (Figure 1). C1 was characterized by low biomarker levels (68% of healthy, 1% of PsA, 3% of SLE pts). C2 was described by high levels of C10C and median levels of VICM (20% of healthy, 12% of AS, 19% of PsA, 42% of SLE pts). C3 was described by median biomarker levels (8% of healthy, 67% of AS, 48% of PsA, 46% of SLE pts). C4 had high biomarker levels (4% of healthy, 21% of AS, 31% of PsA, 9% of SLE pts).

Conclusion

Fibrosis and fibrolysis blood biomarkers were significantly elevated in AS, PsA and SLE pts. Subsets of pts from each indication were found in clusters with either low (C1/2), median (C3) or high (C4) levels of fibrosis/fibrolysis biomarkers. These findings may provide a first step towards precision medicine for guiding the use of anti-inflammatory vs. anti-fibrotic treatments in pts with rheumatological disorders.

Disclosure of Interests

Anne-Christine Bay-Jensen Shareholder of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Signe Holm Nielsen Shareholder of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Peder Frederiksen Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Morten Karsdal Shareholder of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Employee of: Nordic Bioscience A/S, Warner Chen Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, Sheng Gao Employee of: Janssen Research & Development

POS0969 GENETIC AND MOLECULAR DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN AXIAL PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) represent the prototypical spondyloarthritides. PsA patients may also suffer from axial disease (axPsA). Despite overlapping symptoms, axPsA and AS may be distinct disorders with differing clinical manifestations, genetic associations, and radiographic findings.1 These disorders also respond differently to immunomodulatory therapies such as anti-interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors. While guselkumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23p19 subunit, improved symptoms of axPsA,2 risankizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23p19 subunit, did not show improvement in the primary endpoint of proportion of AS patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society 40% (ASAS40) response at week (W) 12.3

Objectives

To understand molecular distinctions between axPsA and AS to differentiate these diseases and guide treatment choice.

Methods

Whole blood and serum samples were collected from consenting patients in the NCT03162796/NCT0315828 studies of guselkumab in PsA and the NCT02437162/NCT02438787 studies of ustekinumab in AS. axPsA patients were investigator-verified as having magnetic resonance imaging- or pelvic x-ray-confirmed sacroiliitis at screening (locally read). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes were determined by RNA sequencing, limited to Caucasian patients to reduce genetic variability,4 and select serum cytokine levels were analyzed alongside samples from healthy individuals. Differential prevalence of HLA alleles in axPsA versus AS was determined using a Fisher’s Exact test. Statistical significance of differential baseline serum cytokine expression among axPsA versus non-axPsA versus AS patients, and of guselkumab effect on serum cytokine reduction versus placebo among axPsA and non-axPsA patients, were determined with a generalized linear model performed on log2-transformed data. Biomarker data from guselkumab every-4-weeks and every-8-weeks treatment arms were pooled.

Results

Among the 186/234 Caucasian axPsA/AS patients with available data, 34%/15% were female, 70%/14% used methotrexate at baseline, mean serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were 2.8/2.4 mg/dL and mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores were 6.4/7.5, respectively. Aside from race, baseline demographics and disease characteristics were representative of the overall population. The prevalence of class I HLA allele -B27, -C01, and -C02 carriers was significantly lower in axPsA than AS patients (30.7% versus 92.3%, p<0.001; 5.9% versus 31.6%, p<0.001; and 28.0% versus 62.0%, p<0.001, respectively), while the prevalence of HLA-C06 was significantly higher in axPsA than AS populations (36.0% versus 8.6%, p<0.001). Baseline serum levels of IL-17A and IL-17F were significantly higher in axPsA (N=71) than in AS (N=58) patients (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Comparable IL-17A/F expression was seen for axPsA and non-axPsA (N=229) patients (both p=not significant). Significant and comparable reductions from baseline in serum IL-17A/F in axPsA and non-axPsA patients were seen with guselkumab treatment (axPsA N=41, non-axPsA N=160) versus placebo (axPsA N=30, non-axPsA N=69) at W4/24 (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Adults with axPsA and AS exhibit different genetic risk factors and serum IL-17 levels, supporting the concept of distinct disorders. Guselkumab demonstrated significant pharmacodynamic effects in axPsA patients that aligned with such effects in non-axPsA patients, consistent with observed clinical improvement.2

References

[1]Feld et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2018;14(6):363-371.

[2]Mease et al. Lancet Rheumatol. 2021;3(10)E715-E723.

[3]Baeten et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(9):1295-1302.

[4]Buchkovich et al. Genome Med. 2017;9(86).

Disclosure of Interests

Arthur Kavanaugh Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Genentech, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Xenofon Baraliakos Consultant of: AbbVie, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, and Novartis, Sheng Gao Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Warner Chen Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Kristen Sweet Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Soumya D Chakravarty Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Qingxuan Song Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, May Shawi Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, and may own stock or stock options in Johnson & Johnson, Frank Behrens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Pfizer, and Roche, Proton Rahman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Janssen, research grants from Janssen and Novartis

POS0308 EFFECT OF GUSELKUMAB ON SERUM BIOMARKERS IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE OR INTOLERANCE TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS: RESULTS FROM THE COSMOS STUDY

Background

Guselkumab (GUS), a selective IL-23 inhibitor, is efficacious in treating bio-naïve and TNFi-experienced active PsA patients (pts).1.2 In the COSMOS study of active PsA pts with lack of efficacy/intolerance, i.e., inadequate response (IR), to 1-2 TNFi, GUS demonstrated significantly greater response rates and mean improvements in PsA signs and symptoms vs. placebo (PBO) at Week (W) 24.3

Objectives

Evaluate baseline (BL) serum levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, serum amyloid A [SAA], TNFα, IFNɣ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17F, IL-17A, IL-22) and their relationship to BL disease activity, GUS treatment (tx), and clinical response in COSMOS TNFi-IR pts.

Methods

TNFi-IR pts ≥18 yrs with active PsA (≥3 swollen & ≥3 tender joint counts [SJC/TJC]) were randomized 2:1 to GUS 100 mg every 8 W (Q8W) through W44 or PBO with early escape (W16) or crossover (W24) to GUS Q8W. Samples for serum biomarker analyses, collected at W0, 4, 16, 24, and 48 from consenting pts, were compared with healthy controls (HC; independent of COSMOS). Associations between early biomarker changes and BL disease activity, GUS tx, and clinical response at W24 were assessed.

Results

Among 285 COSMOS pts, 50/95 PBO and 100/190 GUS pts had available biomarker data. BL characteristics of the biomarker cohort were similar to the overall COSMOS population and well balanced across tx arms. At BL, levels of TNFα, IFNɣ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were significantly upregulated in TNFi-IR pts vs. HC (Table 1). IL-6, CRP, and SAA levels were associated with BL joint disease severity per Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28-CRP (but not with SJC [0-66]/TJC [0-68]). IL-17A and IL-17F levels were associated with BL PASI score. Through W24, significant decreases from BL in levels of CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were seen in GUS-, but not PBO-tx pts. Reductions in IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22 with GUS were significant by W4, decreased further by W16, and were sustained through W24 and W48. In GUS-tx pts, serum levels of IL-17F (from W16) and IL-22 (from W4) were not significantly different vs. HC. At W48, reductions in these same markers were seen in PBO-tx pts who crossed over to GUS at W16/24 (Figure 1; IL-17A, IL-17F, & IL-22 data shown). In these TNFi-IR pts, GUS-tx pts achieving ACR20 at W24 exhibited higher IL-22 and IFNɣ levels at BL than nonresponders (NR). All other biomarkers evaluated were not significantly associated with ACR20 response to GUS. In the subset of pts with IGA of psoriasis assessed, BL IL-6 and SAA levels were upregulated in W24 IGA 0/1 responders (R) vs. NR in the GUS arm. ACR20 and IGA 0/1 R at W24 exhibited an early greater reduction in IL-6 expression (at W4) than did respective NR in the GUS arm. No BL biomarkers were associated with ACR50 or PASI75 responses to GUS at W24.

Table 1.

Select Serum Biomarkers at BL in TNFi-IR pts vs. HC▫

Biomarker, pg/mLHC N=24TNFi-IR N=150Fold differencep-valueCRP22.1 (1.5)22.8 (2.2)1.60.2895SAA21.7 (1.2)22.8 (2.4)2.10.0794IL-60.07 (1.1)0.98 (1.7)1.90.0314*IL-10-2.3 (1.1)-1.7 (1.0)1.50.0272*IL-17A-2.1 (1.3)-0.3 (1.5)3.3<0.0001*IL-17F0.05 (1.1)1.3 (1.5)2.40.0007*IL-221.9 (1.1)3.1 (1.3)2.40.0002*TNFα0.5 (0.75)1.4 (1.1)1.80.0002*IFNɣ2.4 (0.84)2.9 (1.3)1.50.0259*

Data are mean (SD); *p<0.05 and |fold difference| >1.4; ▫adjusted for confounding factors age & sex.

Conclusion

GUS-tx TNFi-IR pts showed response-specific associations with BL biomarkers (IL-22, IFNɣ, IL-6, and SAA). GUS resulted in decreased levels of elevated CRP, SAA, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22, while no significant change was observed with PBO tx. Reductions in these biomarkers were evident as early as W4 and approximated levels seen in HC from W16 onward (W4 for IL-22), suggesting apparent normalization of effector cytokines associated with the IL-23/Th17 axis following GUS tx.

References

[1]Deodhar A et al. Lancet 2020;395:1115-25.

[2]Mease PJ et al. Lancet 2020;395:1126-36.

[3]Coates LC et al. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220991.

Disclosure of Interests

Georg Schett Speakers bureau: Amgen, AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis and UCB, Warner Chen Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Sheng Gao Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, May Shawi Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Frederic Lavie Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Elke Theander Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Marlies Neuhold Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Laura Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Stefan Siebert Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Biogen, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, UCB

[SARS-CoV-2 with transcription regulatory sequence motif mutation poses a greater threat]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the mutations in transcription regulatory sequences (TRSs) of coronaviruss (CoV) to provide the basis for exploring the patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and outbreak.

METHODS

A combined evolutionary and molecular functional analysis of all sets of publicly available genomic data of viruses was performed.

RESULTS

A leader transcription regulatory sequence (TRS-L) usually comprises the first 60-70 nts of the 5' UTR in a CoV genome, and the body transcription regulatory sequences (TRS-Bs) are located immediately upstream of the genes other than ORF1a and 1b. In each CoV genome, the TRS-L and TRS-Bs share a specific consensus sequence, namely the TRS motif. Any changes of nucleotide residues in the TRS motifs are defined as TRS motif mutations. Mutations in the TRS-L or multiple TRS-Bs result in superattenuated variants. The spread of super-attenuated variants may cause an increase in asymptomatic or mild infections, prolonged incubation periods and a decreased detection rate of the viruses, thus posing new challenges to SARS-CoV-2 prevention and control. The super-attenuated variants also increase their possibility of long-term coexistence with humans. The Delta variant is significantly different from all the previous variants and may lead to a large-scale transmission. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) with TRS motif mutation has already appeared and shown signs of spreading in Singapore, which, and even the Southeast Asia, may become the new epicenter of the next wave of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

CONCLUSION

TRS motif mutation will occur in all variants of SARS-CoV-2 and may result in super-attenuated variants. Only super-attenuated variants with TRS motif mutations will eventually lose the abilities of cross-species transmission and causing outbreaks.

Fully automated quantification of LV regional wall motion from echocardiograms to detect myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Ultromics Ltd

Background

Myocardial wall motion analysis from echocardiography allows precise assessment of cardiac contractile function. Strain, which assesses myocardial deformation, has been shown to enable earlier detection of myocardial disease [1]. Current analysis software packages [2] use semi-automated methods to compute strain, which frequently require manual endocardial delineation and iterative contour adjustment based on tracking results, respectively, causing significant variability.

Purpose

We present a fully automated pipeline for tracking left ventricular (LV) wall motion to quantify global and segmental longitudinal strain from 2D echocardiograms, and go on to validate the pipeline with an openly available myocardial infarction (MI) dataset.

Methods

We applied our existing deep learning-based automated contouring method [3] to delineate the endocardial border in the A4C, A2C and A3C views and combined this with spline-based elastic image registration to track LV motion through time. We sampled points from a region of interest initiated from the endocardial border at the end-diastolic (ED) frame, and tracked subsequent motion by recomputing updated positions of all sample points based on each frame‘s displacement field, enabling us to both track the myocardium throughout the cardiac cycle and calculate longitudinal strain relative to the ED frame. The automated endocardial contour was used to regularise the process. The pipeline was independently tested on the HMC-QU dataset [4] which was downloaded from Kaggle and consists of a single cardiac cycle from the A4C view from 160 patients who were diagnosed with an acute MI and underwent echocardiography either prior to percutaneous coronary intervention or within 24 hours of undergoing the procedure; the dataset includes the labels of ED and end-systolic (ES) frames, as well as the presence of an MI in 6 segments excluding the apical cap (Fig 1a), as determined by the consensus of cardiologists from HMC Hospital in Qatar. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare peak strain between the MI and non-MI segments; ROC curves were computed to compare the performance of the automatically derived peak longitudinal strain against the MI labels.

Results

Fig 1b shows ROC curves of peak segmental longitudinal strain for detecting MI, with the best performance in the mid-anterolateral segment (AUC 0.84), and a lower performance for basal segments than mid and apical segments, consistent with known variation in clinical practice [5]. Fig 2 shows that peak longitudinal strain computed from our pipeline was statistically significantly more positive in segments with an MI.

Conclusions

We present a fully automated pipeline for calculating segmental strain across a cardiac cycle to identify infarcted segments without any observer variability. Clinical application of this method has the potential to identify and monitor regional myocardial function and benefit patient management. Abstract Figure. Fig1. ROC of peak longitudinal strains  Abstract Figure. Fig2.Boxplot of peak longitudinal strain

[Analysis of COL1A1 gene variation and clinical prevention and treatment in patients with Van der Hoeve syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype, treatment and prevention of Van der Hoeve syndrome, and analyze the variation characteristics of its related gene COL1A1. Methods: Hearing and sequencing data of syndromic deafness patients who had undergone genetic testing for deafness at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital since January 2008 to October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The variation of the COL1A1 gene and return visits to traceable patients and families were summarized, the disease progress and clinical treatment effects were analyzed, and the prevention strategies were discussed. Results: A total of 7 patients with COL1A1 gene mutation underwent clinical intervention. The mutation sites were c.1342A>T (p.Lys448*), c.124C>T (p.Gln42*), c.249insG(p.Ala84*), c.668insC(p.Gly224*), c.2829+1G>C, c.1081C>T (p.Arg361*), c.1792C>T (p.Arg598*), of which c.1081C>T and c.1792C>T had been previously reported, and the remaining 5 were novo mutations that have not been reported. All the 7 probands underwent stapes implantation and received genetic counseling and prevention guidance. Conclusions: Van der Hoeve syndrome belongs to osteogenesis imperfecta type Ⅰ. The disease has high penetrance. Timely surgical intervention for hearing loss can improve the life quality in patients. Accurate genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic diagnosis can achieve the primary prevention for the disease.

High-Performance Piezo-Electrocatalytic Sensing of Ascorbic Acid with Nanostructured Wurtzite Zinc Oxide

Nanostructured piezoelectric semiconductors offer unprecedented opportunities for high-performance sensing in numerous catalytic processes of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural interests, leveraging piezocatalysis that enhances the catalytic efficiency with the strain-induced piezoelectric field. Here, a cost-efficient, high-performance piezo-electrocatalytic sensor for detecting l-ascorbic acid (AA), a critical chemical for many organisms, metabolic processes, and medical treatments, is designed and demonstrated. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods and nanosheets are prepared to characterize and compare their efficacy for the piezo-electrocatalysis of AA. The electrocatalytic efficacy of AA is significantly boosted by the piezoelectric polarization induced in the nanostructured semiconducting ZnO catalysts. The charge transfer between the strained ZnO nanostructures and AA is elucidated to reveal the mechanism for the related piezo-electrocatalytic process. The low-temperature synthesis of high-quality ZnO nanostructures allows low-cost, scalable production, and integration directly into wearable electrocatalytic sensors whose performance can be boosted by otherwise wasted mechanical energy from the working environment, for example, human-generated mechanical signals.

Ceramic Inlay Bonded Interfaces in Minimally Invasive Preparations: Damage and Contributing Mechanisms in Sliding Contact

BACKGROUND

In the preparation of inlay cavities, a choice must be made between conventional standard and minimally invasive preparation designs; in the long run, this choice can affect the integrity of the bonded interface.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive cavity preparation designs on the extent and contributing mechanisms of damage to ceramic inlay bonded interfaces.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Tooth blocks with 90°, 120° and 75° marginal angles were prepared, representing tooth cavities with conventional standard and minimally invasive preparations with large divergence and convergence angles and bonded to monolithic ceramic (IPS e.max CAD). Vickers indentations were placed at various distances from the bonded interface. The indentation morphology and crack length were observed. Reciprocating wear tests were performed on the bonded interface with a 20-newton (N) vertical load. The wear depth and wear-scar morphology were characterized after increments of cyclic sliding contact.

RESULTS

The 120° group exhibited longer indentation cracks in the ceramic, whereas the 75° group showed larger indentations in the enamel when compared to the 90° group (p<0.001). Consistent with the weaker edge crack resistance, the 120° group experienced the greatest wear (p=0.008), and the wear depth in the enamel of the 75° group exceeded that of the 90° group (p<0.001) in the early stage (5×102 cycles). However, no significant difference in the wear depth (p>0.147) and morphology were found at the later wear stage among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, minimally invasive preparations with 120° and 75° marginal angles can result in early sever damage at the ceramic inlay bonded interface but show comparable wear behaviors to the conventional 90° group at the later stage.

The expression profile of miR-222b-5p/MAPK10 in spleens of SPF chickens infected with REV-SNV at 28-42 dpi

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is an avian oncogenic retrovirus that causes atrophy of immune organs, such as the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius, leading to severe immunosuppression. However, there is limited information describing the genes or microRNAs (miRNAs) that play a role in replicating REV-spleen necrosis virus (SNV). Our previous miRNA and RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p was significantly upregulated in REV-SNV-infected chicken spleens of 7, 14, and 21 dpi compared to non-infected chicken spleens, but mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10), which is related to innate immunity, had the opposite expression pattern. To understand chicken cellular miRNA function in the virus-host interactions during REV infection, we used quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to determine whether the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p and MAPK10 in the spleen of specific-pathogen-free chickens at 28, 35, and 42 dpi was consistent with the first 3 time points, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeting relationship between gga-miR-222b-5p and MAPK10. Results show that MAPK10 was downregulated at all 3 time points; however, significant difference (p⟨0.01) was noted only at 35 dpi. Moreover, the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p was upregulated; however, significant difference (p⟨0.01) was observed only at 28 and 35 dpi. A dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that MAPK10 is a direct target of gga-miR-222b-5p. This study suggests that gga-miR-222b-5p may target MAPK10 to promote the REV-SNV-induced tumorigenesis via the RLRs signaling pathway.

Plant Nutrient Contents Rather Than Physical Traits Are Coordinated Between Leaves and Roots in a Desert Shrubland

Although leaf economics spectrum (LES) has been extensively tested with regional and global datasets, the correlation among functional traits of desert plants remains largely unclear. Moreover, examinations on whether and how leaf and root traits are coordinated have yielded mixed results. We investigated variations in leaf and fine-root traits across 48 species in a desert community of northern China to test the hypotheses that (1) the leaf-trait syndrome of plant species in desert shrublands follows the predictions of the global LES, and is paralleled by a similar root-trait syndrome, (2) functional traits related to nutrient contents and resource uptake are tightly coordinated between leaves and fine roots in desert ecosystems where plant growth is limited primarily by dry and nutrient-poor conditions, and (3) traits as well as their relationships vary among functional groups. Our results partially supported the LES theory. Specific leaf area (SLA) was correlated with leaf tissue density, phosphorus content, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, but not with leaf nitrogen content. Specific root length (SRL) was not correlated with other fine-root traits, and fine-root traits were largely independent of each other. Therefore, fine-root traits did not mirror the leaf-trait syndrome. Fine-root nitrogen and phosphorus contents, nitrogen-to-phosphorous ratio, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio all increased with analogous leaf traits, whereas SRL was not correlated with SLA. After phylogenetic effects were considered, nutrient contents and their ratios still displayed stronger coordination between leaves and fine roots than did SRL and SLA. The overall pattern of trait variations and relationships suggested differentiation among functional groups. Our results suggest that despite the absence of a root-trait syndrome, fine-root functions in the studied desert community were probably coordinated with leaf functions with respect to nutrient allocation and use.