A lung disease diagnosis algorithm based on 2D spectral features of ultrasound RF signals

Lung diseases are commonly diagnosed based on clinical pathological indications criteria and radiological imaging tools (e.g., X-rays and CT). During a pandemic like COVID-19, the use of ultrasound imaging devices has broadened for emergency examinations by taking their unique advantages such as portability, real-time detection, easy operation and no radiation. This provides a rapid, safe, and cost-effective imaging modality for screening lung diseases. However, the current pulmonary ultrasound diagnosis mainly relies on the subjective assessments of sonographers, which has high requirements for the operator's professional ability and clinical experience. In this study, we proposed an objective and quantifiable algorithm for the diagnosis of lung diseases that utilizes two-dimensional (2D) spectral features of ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signals. The ultrasound data samples consisted of a set of RF signal frames, which were collected by professional sonographers. In each case, a region of interest of uniform size was delineated along the pleural line. The standard deviation curve of the 2D spatial spectrum was calculated and smoothed. A linear fit was applied to the high-frequency segment of the processed data curve, and the slope of the fitted line was defined as the frequency spectrum standard deviation slope (FSSDS). Based on the current data, the method exhibited a superior diagnostic sensitivity of 98% and an accuracy of 91% for the identification of lung diseases. The area under the curve obtained by the current method exceeded the results obtained that interpreted by professional sonographers, which indicated that the current method could provide strong support for the clinical ultrasound diagnosis of lung diseases.

Benefit and harm of low-dose aspirin in pregnancy: a balancing act

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Souter et al. Click here to view the article.

Detection of Chylous Plasma Based on Machine Learning and Hyperspectral Techniques

Chylous blood is the main cause of unqualified and scrapped blood among volunteer blood donors. Therefore, a diagnostic method that can quickly and accurately identify chylous blood before donation is needed. In this study, the GaiaSorter "Gaia" hyperspectral sorter was used to extract 254 bands of plasma images, ranging from 900 nm to 1700 nm. Four different machine learning algorithms were used, including decision tree, Gaussian Naive Bayes (GaussianNB), perceptron, and stochastic gradient descent models. First, the preliminary classification accuracies were compared with the original data, which showed that the effects of the decision tree and GaussianNB models were better; their average accuracies could reach over 90%. Then, the feature dimension reduction was performed on the original data. The results showed that the effects of the decision tree were better with a classification accuracy of 93.33%. the classification of chylous plasma using different chylous indices suggested that the accuracies of the decision trees model both before and after the feature dimension reductions were the best with over 80% accuracy. The results of feature dimension reduction showed that the characteristic bands corresponded to all kinds of plasma, thereby showing their classification and identification potential. By applying the spectral characteristics of plasma to medical technology, this study suggested a rapid and effective method for the identification of chylous plasma and provided a reference for the blood detection technology to achieve the goal of reducing wasting blood resources and improving the work efficiency of the medical staff.

Full sample analysis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in ophthalmology inpatients

PURPOSE

We hope that by analyzing the clinical features of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), we can help ophthalmologists reduce misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

DESIGN

We evaluated 47 patients with CVST in terms of clinical manifestations.

METHODS

All cases were analyzed in terms of risk factors, clinical symptoms, ophthalmic examination, imaging examination and lumbar puncture.

RESULTS

The body mass indices (BMIs) of 41 patients (87.2%; 95% CI, 77.7-96.8%) were≥24, which is overweight by Chinese standards. There were 22 patients (46.8%; 95% CI, 32.5-61.1%) with BMIs≥28, who were considered obese. Thirteen were hypertensive (27.7%; 95% CI, 14.9-40.5%). The initial symptoms included blurred vision (23, 48.9%; 95% CI, 34.6-63.2%), amaurosis fugax (13, 27.7%; 95% CI, 14.9-40.5%), headache (11 patients, 23.4%; 95% CI, 11.3-35.5%), dizziness (3, 6.4%; 95% CI, -0.6-13.4%), and bilateral diplopia (3, 6.4%; 95% CI, -0.6-13.4%). There were 9 patients (9, 19.2%; 95% CI, 7.9-30.4%) with blindness, 23 patients (48.9%; 95% CI, 34.6-63.2%) with pupillary abnormalities, and 40 patients (85.1%; 95% CI, 74.9-95.2%) with papilledema. Forty-three of the 45 patients who successfully underwent a routine lumbar puncture showed high intracranial pressure (91.7%; 95.6% CI, 89.6-101.6%). Finally, two cases are reported in greater detail for illustrative purposes.

CONCLUSION

The main reasons interfering with the diagnosis of CVST might be its nonspecific ocular symptoms and the physicians' clinical thought process being limited to the scope of common ophthalmological diseases.

Rapid, Ultrasensitive, and Visual Detection of Pathogens Based on Cation Dye-Triggered Gold Nanoparticle Electrokinetic Agglutination Analysis

Rapid prescribing of the right antibiotic is the key to treat infectious diseases and decelerate the challenge of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Herein, by targeting the 16S rRNA of bacteria, we developed a cation dye-triggered electrokinetic gold nanoparticle (AuNP) agglutination (CD-TEAA) method, which is rapid, visual, ultrasensitive, culture-independent, and low in cost. The limit of detection (LOD) is as low as 1 CFU mL-1 Escherichia coli. The infection identifications of aseptic fluid samples (n = 11) and urine samples with a clinically suspected urinary tract infection (UTI, n = 78) were accomplished within 50 and 30 min for each sample, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of UTI urine samples was achieved within 2.5 h. In ROC analysis of urine, the sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 96% for infection identification, and 100 and 98% for AST, respectively. Moreover, the overall cost of materials for each test is about US$0.69. Therefore, the CD-TEAA method is a superior approach to existing, time-consuming, and expensive methods, especially in less developed areas.

Preparation of Tough and Adhesive PVA/P(AM-AMPS)/Glycerol/Laponite/Na2SO4 Organohydrogels for All-Solid-State Supercapacitors and Self-Powered Wearable Strain Sensors

Hydrogel electrolytes are ideal for flexible wearable electronic devices because of their high ionic conductivity, flexibility, and biocompatibility. However, some problems, such as poor mechanical properties, low conductivity, and lack of adhesivity, are encountered in the process of hydrogel preparation and application, which restrict the further development of hydrogel electrolytes. In this study, PVA was used as the first network, and P(AM-co-AMPS) as the second network to prepare a double-network hydrogel electrolyte. Laponite and Na2SO4 were introduced into the hydrogel during hydrogel formation as the nanofiller and salt with the salting-out effect to enhance its mechanical properties. The hydrogel electrolyte with high toughness (1663 kJ·m-3), adhesivity (77 kPa), and ionic conductivity (1.7 S·m-1) was obtained. In addition, the hydrogel electrolyte also has excellent antifatigue performance. In the 10 consecutive tensile cycles, the tensile strength does not decay. Due to the high adhesivity of the hydrogel electrolyte, a symmetrical all-solid-state supercapacitor was assembled with a tight interface between the hydrogel electrolyte and the AC/CNT composite electrode. The supercapacitor has a high specific capacitance of 186.1 mF·cm-2 at the current density of 1 mA·cm-2. In addition, the capacitor has good flexibility and can withstand bending at various angles. The hydrogel electrolyte also has excellent strain sensing performance, with an ultrafast tensile response time (0.17 s) and high sensitivity factor (GF = 10.01). Finally, the self-powered sensor system composed of a supercapacitor as the power supply device and hydrogel electrolyte as the sensing part was obtained and applied to human motion monitoring, which provides a potential application in the integrated flexible electronic system.

A novel type of fluorescence modulation mechanism of carbon dots derived from the competition of photoinduced electron transfer and fluorescence

A series of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) are prepared under different solvent conditions from citric acid and different nitrogen sources, and a novel principle for modulating their fluorescence (FL) properties has been proposed. The nitrogen-doped carbon core can act as a fluorophore, causing diverse FL properties of N-CDs to a certain extent restricting electron delocalization. The solvent effect experiments show that the FL originates from the local emission (LE) of the carbon core. Significantly, the electron-rich substituents linked directly to the carbon core can act as electron donors, which lead N-CDs to undergo a normal "surface substituents-excited" photoinduced electron transfer (S-PET) or a nontypical "carbon core-excited" PET (C-PET) under alkaline or acidic conditions, respectively, causing an uncommon pH-sensitivity FL quenching of N-CDs. Since C-PET or S-PET dominated by pH could further regulate the surface charges of N-CDs, unseparated dual-channel specific recognition and the "AND" logic gate detection for Cu2+ and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPH) in neutral conditions have been established.

Thiol-ene click derivatization reaction coupled with ratiometric surface-enhanced Raman scattering for reproducible and accurate determination of acrylamide

Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogen mainly ingested through food and drinking water, making its accurate determination crucial for both food safety and environmental protection. Herein, we proposed a derivatization-based ratiometric surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for the quantification of AA. High density Au NPs were anchored to the surface of Cu-TCPP MOF nanosheets (MOFNs) to form the SERS sensor. The abundant Raman "hot spots" at the nanogaps generated by the Au NPs and the internal standard (IS) signal provided by Cu-TCPP MOFNs improved the sensitivity and quantitative accuracy of the method. Following the thiol-ene click derivatization reaction between p-aminothiophenol (PATP) and AA, the Raman peak intensity ratio (I1080/I395) was employed to quantify AA. The linear range was 0.1 nM to 10 μM, and the limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.08 nM. Trace amounts of AA in food and water samples were successfully determined using this method.

Improving nanochemoimmunotherapy efficacy by boosting "eat-me" signaling and downregulating "don't-eat-me" signaling with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide-based drug delivery

To address the challenges posed by low immunogenicity and immune checkpoints during cancer treatment, we propose an alternative strategy that combines immunogenic cell death (ICD) effects with CD47/SIRPα blockade to reactivate phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages with polysaccharide-based drug delivery. In this study, the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib was identified as a novel CD47 modulator, which promoted the translocation of CD47 molecules from the cell membrane to endosomes through the EGFR-Rab5 pathway, leading to reduced cell surface CD47 levels and limiting interaction with SIRPα. Based on this finding, we developed prophagocytic mixed nanodrugs to enhance macrophage phagocytosis by encapsulating ICD inducer doxorubicin and CD47 inhibitor gefitinib with immunostimulatory polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum. This approach downregulated cell surface CD47 expression to attenuate "don't-eat-me" signaling, while increasing doxorubicin accumulation in tumors by inhibiting drug-resistance proteins, leading to more exposure of calreticulin and amplifying the "eat-me" signaling. In vivo experiments demonstrated that this approach significantly suppressed intraperitoneal tumor dissemination, reversed doxorubicin-induced weight loss, and effectively induced macrophage polarization, dendritic cell maturation, and CD8+ T cell activation. These findings highlighted the significant potential of our macrophage-centered therapeutic strategy using polysaccharide-based nanocarriers and provided new perspectives for chemoimmunotherapy.

Strategies and challenges of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in infertility

Having genetically related offspring remains an unattainable dream for couples with reproductive failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells derived from various human tissues and organs. As critical paracrine effectors of MSCs, extracellular vesicles (EVs) can carry and deliver bioactive content, thereby participating in intercellular communication and determining cell fate. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have shown promising therapeutic effects, including repairing injured endometria, restoration ovarian functions, and improving sperm quantity, morphology, and motility, owing to their regenerative potential, abundant sources, high proliferation rates, low immunogenicity, and lack of ethical issues. However, limited knowledge on purification and isolation of MSC-EVs, therapeutic effects, and unpredictable safety have caused challenges in overcoming female and male infertility. To overcome them, future studies should focus on modification/engineering of MSC-EVs with therapeutic biomolecules and combining attractive biomaterials and MSC-EVs. This review highlights the latest studies on MSC-EVs therapies in infertility and the major challenges that must be overcome before clinical translation.

Novel Ru(II) complexes with multiple anticancer photoreactivity: ligand exchange, photoredox catalysis, reactive oxygen generation and endoperoxide formation

The hypoxic microenvironment and drug resistance of cancer cells have become a huge threat for clinical anticancer therapy. Anticancer phototherapy providing spatial and temporal control over drug activation may conquer this problem. Herein, we report a novel photoactivated Ru(II) complex (Ru2) with multiple activities including photochemotherapy, photodynamic and photocatalytic therapy, and endoperoxide formation. Upon white light irradiation, Ru2 can dissociate the coordinating ligands and form endoperoxides, produce diverse reactive oxygen species and catalytically oxidize cellular coenzymes. As a result, Ru2 shows promising antiproliferation activity toward cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil resistant tumor cell lines under normoxia and hypoxia. The multifunctional design strategy of metal-based anticancer drugs offers novel efficient therapeutics to combat drug-resistant cancer cells under hypoxia.

Au Nanoparticles Decorated CoP Nanowire Array: A Highly Sensitive, Anticorrosive, and Recyclable Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate

Metal-semiconductor composites are promising candidates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, but their inert basal plane, poor active sites, and limited stability hamper their commercial prospects. Herein, we report a three-dimensional CoP nanowire array decorated with Au nanoparticles on carbon cloth (Au@CoP/CC) as a self-supporting flexible SERS substrate. The Au nanoparticles spontaneously grew on the surface of the CoP nanowire array to form efficient SERS hot spots by a redox reaction with HAuCl₄ without any additional reducing agents. Such Au@CoP/CC substrate exhibited a limit of detection of 10^-11 M using rhodamine 6G as a model dye with outstanding corrosion resistance ability even under extreme acid and alkali conditions, which is better than many recently reported Au-based SERS substrates. Finite-difference time-domain simulation results demonstrated that Au@CoP/CC can provide a high density of regions with intense local electric field enhancement. Moreover, Au@CoP/CC can degrade target organic dyes for the self-cleaning and reproduction of SERS-active substrates under visible light irradiation. This work provides a novel means of using the plasmonic metal-transition metal phosphide composites for high-performance SERS sensing and photodegradation.

Modular synthesis of unsaturated aza-heterocycles via copper catalyzed multicomponent cascade reaction

The unsaturated aza-heterocycles such as tetrahydropyridines pose significant applications in both drug discovery and development. However, the methods to construct polyfunctionalized tetrahydropyridines are still limited. Herein, we report a modular synthesis of tetrahydropyridines via copper catalyzed multicomponent radical cascade reaction. The reaction features mild conditions and broad substrate scope. In addition, the reaction could scale up to gram scale with similar yield. A variety of 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridines with C3 and C5 substituents could be assembled from simple starting materials. More importantly, the products could serve as versatile intermediate to access various functionalized aza-heterocycles which further demonstrates its utility.

DGTR: Dynamic graph transformer for rumor detection

Social media rumors have the capacity to harm the public perception and the social progress. The news propagation pattern is a key clue for detecting rumors. Existing propagation-based rumor detection methods represent propagation patterns as a static graph structure. They simply consider the structure information of news distribution in social networks and disregard the temporal information. The dynamic graph is an effective modeling tool for both the structural and temporal information involved in the process of news dissemination. Existing dynamic graph representation learning approaches struggle to capture the long-range dependence of the structure and temporal sequence as well as the rich semantic association between full graph features and individual parts. We build a transformer-based dynamic graph representation learning approach for rumor identification DGTR to address the aforementioned challenges. We design a position embedding format for the graph data such that the original transformer model can be utilized for learning dynamic graph representations. The model can describe the structural long-range reliance between the dynamic graph nodes and the temporal long-range dependence between the temporal snapshots by employing a self-attention mechanism. In addition, the CLS token in transformer may model the rich semantic relationships between the complete graph and each subpart. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our model when compared to the state of the art.

Effect of cognitive training on patients with breast cancer reporting cognitive changes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Cognitive training is a non-drug intervention to improve the cognitive function of participants by training them in different cognitive domains. We investigated the effectiveness of cognitive training for patients with breast cancer reporting cognitive changes.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WOS, CINAHL, CNKI, VIP, SinoMed, Wanfang, Grey literature and trial registries were searched (from inception to 1 October 1, 2022).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of cognitive training on breast cancer patients reporting cognitive changes The primary outcome was subjective cognitive function. Secondary outcomes were objective cognitive functioning (eg, executive functioning and attention) and psychological outcomes(eg, anxiety, depression, and fatigue).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers worked independently to screen the literature, extract data, and assess the methodological quality and risk bias of the included studies. Results are reported as standardizedstandardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals(CI). Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation(GRADE) were used to assess the quality of evidence.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was subjective cognitive function. Secondary outcomes were objective cognitive functioning (eg, executive functioning and attention) and psychological outcomes(eg, anxiety, depression and fatigue).

RESULTS

A total of 9 RCTs involving 666 patients with breast cancer were included. The frequency of cognitive training varied and the duration was mostly focused on 5-12 weeks. It can be delivered to patients in an individual or group mode, both online and face to face. Meta-analysis revealed that cognitive training aimed at adaptive training in cognitive field has statistically significant effects on improving subjective cognitive function (SMD=0.30, 95% CI (0.08 to 0.51), moderate certainty). Some objective cognitive functions such as processing speed (SMD=0.28, 95% CI (0.02 to 0.54), low certainty), verbal memory (SMD=0.32, 95% CI (0.05 to 0.58), moderate certainty), working memory (SMD=0.39, 95% CI (0.17 to 0.61), moderate certainty) and episodic memory (SMD=0.40, 95% CI (0.11 to 0.69), moderate certainty) were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, we did not find statistically significant changes in attention, short-term memory, execution function, depression, anxiety and fatigue in patients with breast cancer after the intervention. Subgroup analyses revealed that based on the delivery of individual sessions, the use of web-based cognitive training software may be more beneficial in improving the outcome of the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Evidence of low to moderate certainty suggests that cognitive training may improve subjective cognition, processing speed, verbal memory, working memory and episodic memory in patients with breast cancer reporting cognitive changes. But it did not improve patients' attention, short-term memory, executive function, depression, anxiety and fatigue.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021264316.

Occupational health and safety: measurement and analysis of the electromagnetic radiation produced by radiofrequency devices for rejuvenation

With the ongoing development of cosmetic technology, many different types of radiofrequency (RF) devices are widely used for face and body rejuvenation. These, like many other high-power devices, may emit excessive electromagnetic radiation into the surrounding environment. Long-term exposure to this environment can lead to poor health outcomes; therefore, it is important to measure and analyze the electromagnetic radiation levels for the health and safety of therapists. A handheld electronic electromagnetic radiation measuring instrument was used to measure the electric and magnetic field strengths. All results were analyzed using the R software (R Core Team, 2021-02-15). We found that the monopolar and unipolar RF devices that we measured from, in this study, could produce large amounts of electromagnetic radiofrequency emissions during operation, whereas the microneedle RF (bipolar RF) device emitted relatively lower amounts (P < 0.01). The strength of electromagnetic radiation is related to power and distance; it increases with power and decreases with distance. This study proved that certain RF devices for rejuvenation could cause severe electromagnetic radiofrequency pollution. The occupational health and safety of therapists require more attention, and effective protective measures need to be taken immediately.

Impacts of menopause hormone therapy on mood disorders among postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the modulatory effects of menopause hormone therapy (MHT) on mood disorders among postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit postmenopausal women, including patients (arranged MHT for over 3 years as the medication group) and non-MHT controls. All participants were asked to respond to the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) questionnaires to assess their depression and anxiety status.

RESULTS

A total of 230 cases from the two groups were determined based on propensity score matching analysis by matching the menopausal age and menopausal durations. We found that MHT served as a favorable modulator in the depression status of postmenopausal women. Among the four factors of the CES-D questionnaire, our data indicated that the differences between the two groups fell primarily into two aspects: depressive emotion, and somatic symptoms or retarded activities. MHT was mainly involved in improving the depression of overweight women. However, no substantial effects of MHT were observed on the regulation of anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal women, especially the overweight population, who have experienced MHT exhibited an improved depressive status but not their anxiety condition.

Family functioning and health-related quality of life of inpatients with coronary heart disease: a cross-sectional study in Lanzhou city, China

Background

A key outcome in coronary heart disease (CHD) is Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and family functioning is important in the management of CHD. But few studies have examined both together, and little is known about them among inpatients with CHD in less developed areas of China. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the HRQoL and family functioning status of inpatients with CHD in Lanzhou from Northwest China, and identify the factors that affect their HRQoL.

Methods

A cross‑sectional study was conducted in 224 CHD inpatients at one major hospital. Sociodemographic data and disease information of CHD inpatients were collected by face-to-face using a structured questionnaire and data were also obtained from patient medical records. HRQoL was measured using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). Family functioning was measured using the family APGAR index. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis (MBLRA) was used to explore potential risk factors associated with HRQoL, and Pearson’s correlations were used to assess the relationship between family functioning and HRQoL.

Results

The overall, physical and psychosocial SIP scores were 25.03 ± 8.52, 18.61 ± 9.90 and 28.08 ± 9.64, respectively. The total family APGAR score was 6.11 ± 2.45. MBLRA found older age, poorer cardiac function and more severe disease were associated with poorer HRQoL, while better family functioning, higher monthly income, and urban living were associated with better HRQoL. Family functioning was weakly to moderately correlated with total and psychosocial HRQoL.

Conclusions

Older and less affluent inpatients with lower educational level, less family support and more severe CHD have poorest quality of life, and health care providers should consider interventions to support them.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02844-x.

Video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy for papillary thyroid cancer: a case report

Superior mediastinal lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer are uncommon. The clinical characteristics and surgical strategy of superior mediastinal lymph node metastases remain unclear. Superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy can be accomplished either by a transcervical or transsternal approach. Transsternal approach for superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy can cause great damage; transcervical approach sometimes results in inadequate exposure. Here we report our experience of a papillary thyroid cancer patient with superior mediastinal lymph node metastases who underwent video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A 49-year-old woman diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in left thyroid underwent unilateral lobectomy and ipsilateral central and lateral node dissection in the local hospital 4 years ago. Currently lymph node metastases were found in mediastinum and the right neck, some of which were adjacent to the right innominate vein. Unilateral lobectomy, ipsilateral central and lateral node dissection, and video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy were successfully performed by transcervical approach. Subsequently, the patient received thyroxine suppression therapy and adjuvant radioiodine treatment. Video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy, providing adequate exposure for a complete superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy, is proved to be safe and feasible.

Photocatalytic difluoromethylarylation of unactivated alkenes via a (hetero)aryl neophyl-like radical migration

Photoredox-catalyzed addition of the difluoromethylradical to unactivated alkenes has been found to trigger neophyl-like aryl and heteroaryl migrations which allowed the construction of a diverse series of difluoromethyl ketones. The reaction featured mild reaction conditions and broad substrate scope.

Novel "Turn-On" Luminescent Chemosensor for Arginine by Using a Lanthanide Metal-Organic Framework Photosensitizer

Arginine is considered as a biomarker of cystinuria and other diseases, and thus, it is of urgency to develop a simple and rapid method with high sensitivity and selectivity for arginine detection to meet the demand of on-site analysis and bedside diagnosis. In this work, a lanthanide metal-organic framework, La(TATB), was prepared using a triazine-based planar ligand, 4,4',4″-s-triazine-2,4,6-triyltribenzoate (H₃TATB), and lanthanide ion (La³⁺). La(TATB) can be used as a highly photosensitive agent to activate molecular oxygen to ¹O₂ to achieve efficient photosensitive oxidation of arginine accompanied by strong blue fluorescence emission under 302 nm UV irradiation. Due to the porous structure and high specific surface area of La(TATB), short-life ¹O₂ can effectively approach and react with amino acid substrate molecules, thus leading to higher sensitivity than other systems. Therefore, the "turn-on" fluorescence sensing of trace arginine can be realized, with a measured linear response range of 10-20,000 nM and a limit of detection as low as 7 nM. This method can be used for the detection of trace arginine in urine, which is conducive to the bedside diagnosis and rapid screening of cystinuria and other diseases. The proposed method not only expands the application scope of Ln-MOFs but also provides a new construction strategy for "turn-on" luminescence sensors.

Post-Inhibitory Rebound Firing of Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons

Background

In the central nervous system, post-inhibitory rebound firing (RF) may mediate overactivity of neurons under pathophysiological condition. RF is also observed in dorsal root ganglion (IRA) neurons. However, the functional significance of RF in primary sensory neurons has remained unknown. After peripheral sensory nerve/neuron injury, DRG neurons exhibit hyperexcitability. Therefore, RF may play a role in neuropathic pain.

Methods

Chronic compression of DRG (CCD) is used as a neuropathic pain model. Rats were divided into 2 groups: Sham and CCD groups. Patch clamp was performed on the whole DRG and cultured DRG neurons to record RF and T-type Ca²⁺ currents. The blocker of T-type Ca²⁺ channels, NiCl₂, was applied to DRG neurons.

Results

Rebound neurons were more excitable than non-rebound neurons. And they discharged RF with prominent after depolarizing potentials, which were blocked by NiCl₂. After DRG injury, the proportion of rebound neurons augmented, and rebound neurons’ excitability increased. Meanwhile, the steady-state activation curve of T-type Ca²⁺ channels was shifted toward the left.

Conclusion

RF may be related to highly excitable neurons and sensitive to both depolarization and hyperpolarization. T-type Ca²⁺ channels were critical to RF, potentially enhancing the spontaneous firing of rebound neurons in response to resting membrane potential fluctuations.

CARBONATED BEVERAGES AFFECT LEVELS OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR AND TESTOSTERONE SECRETION IN MICE

Objectives

This work aimed to study the influences of carbonated beverages (CBs) on the testis growth and the expression levels of androgen receptor (AR) of mice.

Methods

Two experimental groups of 30 mice each PEP-1 and PEP-2 drank 50% and 100% Pepsi-Cola, respectively for 15 days. Other 2 experimental groups of 30 mice each COC-1 and COC-2 drank 50% and 100% Coca-Cola, respectively for 15 days. The control group (CG) of 30 mice drank water. Bilateral testes were harvested aseptically on days 0, 5, 7, 10, 13 and 15. Real-time PCR and Western blot were implemented to detect levels of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA and protein in testis tissues.

Results

Testes masses of PEP-2, COC-1 and COC-2 were greater than those of PEP-1 and CG (P < 0.05). On day 15, testis longitudinal diameter (TLD) of CBs-treated mice was increased as compared to CG. TLD, testes transverse diameters (TTD) and AR proteins levels of PEP-2 and COC-2 were increased in comparison with CG (P<0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations of PEP-2 were higher than that of COC-1 and CG (P < 0.05). Levels of AR mRNAs of four CBs-treated mice were increased by 60.18%, 67.26%, 65.93% and 78.76%.

Conclusions

A high concentration of Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola could raise TLD and TDD, enhance testosterone secretion, and increase serum EGF concentrations.

The adaptation to freezing tolerance of hydrated lettuce seeds: effects of regional climate and of seed characteristics

BACKGROUND

With global warming, soil seed banks at high altitudes face dual challenges, excessive water absorption and thinner snow cover that increase underground temperature. A better understanding of freezing tolerance of hydrated seeds provides insights for conservation in natural soil seed banks.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the adaptation mechanisms of seed freezing tolerance under various climates, in relation to cooling rate and seed size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve ecotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds were collected from different geographical locations around the world. Seeds were fully hydrated and tested for their freezing tolerance using programmed cooling methods.

RESULTS

The size of seeds from different climate regions varied, and was correlated with the freezing tolerance of the hydrated seeds (P < 0.05). Larger seeds showed poorer freezing tolerance. The local climates of maternal plants were also well correlated to seed freezing tolerance (P < 0.05), especially under slow cooling conditions. The seeds collected in regions with high spring rainfall exhibited greater freezing tolerance.

CONCLUSION

Freezing tolerance of hydrated seeds is affected by the climate of maternal plants and by seed size. Our data revealed the existence of an adaptation mechanism of freezing tolerance among various ecotypes of lettuce seeds. doi.org/10.54680/fr22410110412.

Abstract P2-08-05: Plasma lipidomics analysis to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers for breast white adipose inflammation and aromatase expression levels

Background: The presence of white adipose tissue inflammation (WATi) in the breast has been associated with increased breast cancer risk and a worse clinical course. Elevated body mass index (BMI) and the post-menopausal state are both associated with breast WATi. Breast WATi has also been associated with increased expression of aromatase, the rate-limiting enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis. Currently, WATi is diagnosed in surgical samples of breast tissue by the identification of crown-like structures (CLS), which are comprised of a dead or dying adipocyte enveloped by macrophages. In contrast to surgical specimens, core biopsies have been shown to be inadequate for assessing WATi. Hence, there is an unmet need for strategies to non-invasively diagnose WATi. Here we used a novel lipidomics platform to identify potential non-invasive blood signatures of breast WATi. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study which included 100 patients who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction. WATi was detected by CD68 immunohistochemistry to identify CLS. Breast aromatase expression levels were measured by qPCR. Clinicopathologic data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Lipidomic data were measured from blood plasma in collaboration with Waters Technologies Corporation. Lipid levels in association with breast WATi (presence/absence) and levels of aromatase expression (high/low) in non-tumorous breast tissue were examined using Welch’s t-test. P-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons by controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) using the Benjamini-Hochberg method. A logistic regression model was used to develop predictive models that evaluated potential lipid biomarkers of the presence of breast WATi and high breast aromatase expression levels. Stepwise regression was used for variable selection. AUC of the ROC curves was used to evaluate the performance of the predictive models. Results: Among 140 lipids analyzed, 13 were identified to be associated with breast WATi (P&lt;0.05, |log2FC|&gt;0.3). Specifically, 8 lipids had lower levels, and 6 lipids had higher levels in patients with breast WATi compared to those without. Levels of 7 lipids were significantly higher in patients with an increased level of aromatase (P&lt;0.05, |log2FC|&gt;0.3). After variable selection, LPE(22:6) (P=0.018), LPE(20:3) ES-(P=0.006), along with menopausal status and BMI provided an 86.0% (95% CI, 77.6%-94.5%) accuracy in predicting higher breast aromatase levels. Combining the effect of two lipids improved the accuracy by 10.4%(P=0.030) compared to the model only using menopausal status and BMI. A model with 5 lipids and menopausal status provided an 88.8%(95% CI, 81.9%-95.8%) accuracy for predicting breast WATi. The model performance improved by 9.2% (P=0.026) compared to the model only using menopausal status and BMI. Conclusions: Our study identified several lipid species that showed significant changes in association with breast WATi and levels of aromatase expression. Further validation of these blood signatures could provide non-invasive assessment of WATi and aromatase levels. The availability of such a diagnostic algorithm could help, in turn, to both identify women at elevated risk for breast cancer and for monitoring the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing inflammation and aromatase levels.

Citation Format: Xiao Cai, Siqi Wei, Zizhuo Xu, Xi K Zhou, Andrew Peck, Steven Lai, Giorgis Isaac, Hernando Olivos, Nayasha Munjoma, Suraj Dhungana, Rob Plumb, Andrew J Dannenberg, Neil M Iyengar. Plasma lipidomics analysis to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers for breast white adipose inflammation and aromatase expression levels [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-05.

Association of prenatal renal ultrasound abnormalities with pathogenic copy number variants in a large Chinese cohort

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical utility of prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses with abnormal renal sonographic findings, and to evaluate the association of pathogenic or likely pathogenic copy number variants (P/LP CNVs) with different types of renal abnormality.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of fetuses at 14-36 weeks screened routinely for renal and other structural abnormalities at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. We retrieved and analyzed data from fetuses with abnormal renal sonographic findings, examined between January 2013 and November 2019, which underwent CMA analysis using tissue obtained from chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis or cordocentesis. We evaluated the CMA findings according to type of renal ultrasound anomaly and according to whether renal anomalies were isolated or non-isolated.

RESULTS

Ten types of renal anomaly were reported on prenatal ultrasound screening, at a mean ± SD gestational age of 24.9 ± 4.8 weeks. The anomalies were diagnosed relatively late in this series, as 64% of cases with an isolated renal anomaly underwent cordocentesis rather than CVS. Fetal pyelectasis was the most common renal ultrasound finding, affecting around one-third (34.32%, 301/877) of fetuses with a renal anomaly, but only 3.65% (n = 11) of these harbored a P/LP CNV (comprising: isolated cases, 2.37% (4/169); non-isolated cases, 5.30% (7/132)). Hyperechogenic kidney was found in 5.47% (n = 48) of fetuses with a renal anomaly, of which 39.58% (n = 19) had a P/LP CNV finding (comprising: isolated cases, 44.44% (16/36); non-isolated cases, 25.00% (3/12)), the highest diagnostic yield among the different types of renal anomaly. Renal agenesis, which accounted for 9.92% (n = 87) of all abnormal renal cases, had a CMA diagnostic yield of 12.64% (n = 11) (comprising: isolated cases, 11.54% (9/78); non-isolated cases, 22.22% (2/9); unilateral cases, 11.39% (9/79); bilateral cases, 25.00% (2/8)), while multicystic dysplastic kidney (n = 110), renal cyst (n = 34), renal dysplasia (n = 27), crossed fused renal ectopia (n = 31), hydronephrosis (n = 98), renal duplication (n = 42) and ectopic kidney (n = 99) had overall diagnostic rates of 11.82%, 11.76%, 7.41%, 6.45%, 6.12%, 4.76% and 3.03%, respectively. Compared with the combined group of CMA-negative fetuses with any other type of renal anomaly, the rate of infant being alive and well at birth was significantly higher in CMA-negative fetuses with isolated fetal pyelectasis or ectopic kidney, whereas the rate was significantly lower in fetuses with isolated renal agenesis, multicystic dysplastic kidney or severe hydronephrosis. The most common pathogenic CNV was 17q12 deletion, which accounted for 30.14% (22/73) of all positive CMA findings, with a rate of 2.51% (22/877) among fetuses with an abnormal renal finding. Fetuses with 17q12 deletion exhibited a wide range of renal phenotypes. Other P/LP CNVs in the recurrent region that were associated with prenatal renal ultrasound abnormalities included 22q11.2, Xp21.1, Xp22.3, 2q13, 16p11.2 and 1q21, which, collectively, accounted for 2.17% (19/877) of the fetuses with prenatal renal anomalies.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective review of CMA findings in a large cohort of fetuses with different types of renal ultrasound abnormality, the P/LP CNV detection rate varied significantly (3.03-39.58%) among the different types of kidney anomaly. Our data may help in the decision regarding whether to perform prenatal genetic testing in fetuses with renal ultrasound findings. Specifically, prenatal CMA testing should be performed in cases of hyperechogenic kidney, regardless of whether or not the anomaly is isolated, while it should be performed postnatally rather than prenatally in cases of fetal pyelectasis. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Autonomous robotic laparoscopic surgery for intestinal anastomosis

Autonomous robotic surgery has the potential to provide efficacy, safety, and consistency independent of individual surgeon's skill and experience. Autonomous anastomosis is a challenging soft-tissue surgery task because it requires intricate imaging, tissue tracking, and surgical planning techniques, as well as a precise execution via highly adaptable control strategies often in unstructured and deformable environments. In the laparoscopic setting, such surgeries are even more challenging because of the need for high maneuverability and repeatability under motion and vision constraints. Here we describe an enhanced autonomous strategy for laparoscopic soft tissue surgery and demonstrate robotic laparoscopic small bowel anastomosis in phantom and in vivo intestinal tissues. This enhanced autonomous strategy allows the operator to select among autonomously generated surgical plans and the robot executes a wide range of tasks independently. We then use our enhanced autonomous strategy to perform in vivo autonomous robotic laparoscopic surgery for intestinal anastomosis on porcine models over a 1-week survival period. We compared the anastomosis quality criteria-including needle placement corrections, suture spacing, suture bite size, completion time, lumen patency, and leak pressure-of the developed autonomous system, manual laparoscopic surgery, and robot-assisted surgery (RAS). Data from a phantom model indicate that our system outperforms expert surgeons' manual technique and RAS technique in terms of consistency and accuracy. This was also replicated in the in vivo model. These results demonstrate that surgical robots exhibiting high levels of autonomy have the potential to improve consistency, patient outcomes, and access to a standard surgical technique.

Difluoromethylarylation of α, β- Unsaturated Amides via a Photocatalytic Radical Smiles Rearrangement

A photocatalytic Smiles rearrangement, triggered by radical difluoromethylation of conjugated arylsulfonylated amides, was developed to construct both β-difluoromethyl amide and heterocyclic scaffolds selectively. This transformation features mild conditions and broad...

Change of zinc mobilization and gene expression of key zinc transport proteins between the yolk sac membrane and liver of duck embryonic developing

Zinc (Zn) deposition in egg yolk is essential for the rapid growth and complete development of the avian embryo. Thus, it is crucial to obtain maximal Zn mobilization at an appropriate time during development in favor of the survival of avian embryos. The aim of this study was to study the developmental change of Zn mobilization and gene expression related to key Zn transport proteins between the yolk sac membrane and embryonic liver from the incubation d 17 (E17) to d 32 (E32) during duck embryonic developing. The weights of duck embryo, embryo without yolk sac, and embryonic liver increased as well as the yolk sac weight decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) when incubation day increased. The Zn concentration in the yolk sac did not change from E17 to E29 and only declined significantly from E29 to E32 of duck embryos, while hepatic Zn level decreased linearly as with the increased incubation time (P < 0.01). When the incubation day increased, the decreased Zn amount in the yolk sac and the increased Zn amount in the embryonic liver were observed (P < 0.0001). The calculated transfer-out rate of Zn in the yolk sac and transfer-in rate of Zn in livers were both increased from E23-26 to E29-32 (P < 0.01). Among E17, E23 and E29, the solute carrier family 39 member (ZIP) of ZIP10, ZIP13, and ZIP14 genes mRNA expressions were increased in yolk sac membrane but were decreased in the embryonic liver, while metallothionein 1 mRNA expression was increased both in the yolk sac membrane and liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, yolk sac membrane and embryonic liver tissues displayed the similar developmental patterns of Zn mobilization and metallothionein 1 mRNA expression from E17 to E32 during duck embryonic developing. The appropriate time of the maximal rate of Zn mobilization were observed between E29 and E32 of duck embryo, associated with the significant changes of gene expression related to some key Zn transport proteins on E29 in yolk sac membrane and liver tissues.

COVID-19 and Women-Led Businesses around the World

The impacts of crises are never gender-neutral, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Using a brand-new dataset covering 24 countries, we document that women-led businesses are subject to a higher likelihood of closure and a longer closure duration than men-led businesses during the pandemic. Women business leaders are also more pessimistic about the future than men business leaders. The disadvantages suffered by women-led businesses widen in high gender inequality economies and developing economies. Our results further indicate that finance and labor factors are likely to be the major contributors to these disadvantages. We suggest that COVID-19's policy response should not be gender-neutral.

Trial leadership by women is associated with racial diversity among heart failure clinical trial participants: a systematic bibliometric review 2000–2020

Background

For the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to be generalizable, they should report on and include the broad range of patients who have the disease.

Purpose

We assessed temporal trends and trial factors associated with 1) the reporting of race or ethnicity data and 2) the enrolment of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) in Heart Failure (HF) RCTs.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for RCTs that recruited adults with HF and were published in journals with an impact factor ≥10 between January 1, 2000 and June 17, 2020. We extracted data in duplicate and used the Cochran-Armitage and Jonchkeere-Terpstra tests to examine temporal trends. We used multivariable regression to assess the independent association between trial factors and the outcomes of interest.

Results

A total of 414 RCTs met inclusion criteria, of which a vast majority (90.6%; 95% CI 87.4–93.2%) were coordinated in either Europe or North America. Only 157 of the 414 RCTs (37.9%; 95% CI 33.2–42.8%) reported race/ethnicity data; among the 158,200 participants in these trials, only 29,512 (18.7%; 95% CI 18.5–18.9%) were BIPOC. There was a significant increase in the reporting of race or ethnicity data (from 26.9% in 2000–2001 to 54.2% in 2019–2020, p&lt;0.001) and in enrollment of BIPOC (from 16.5% in 2000–2001 to 23.9% in 2019–2020, p=0.038) between 2000–2020. Trial leadership by a woman was associated with twice the adjusted odds of reporting of race or ethnicity data (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.8; p=0.028) and an 8.4% (95% CI 1.9–15.0%; p=0.012) adjusted increase in enrollment of BIPOC. The race/ethnicity of trial leaders was not available for analysis.

Conclusions

Among HF RCTs published between 2000–2020, &lt;38% reported data on race or ethnicity, although this increased over time. Among trials reporting such data, &lt;19% of participants were BIPOC, with modest increases in enrollment over time. Trials led by women had greater adjusted odds of reporting race/ethnicity data and enrollment of BIPOC.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): CIHR

Global representation of heart failure clinical trial leaders and collaborators: a systematic bibliometric review 2000–2020

Aims

Heart Failure (HF) has a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. The geographic representation of those who lead HF randomized clinical trials (RCTs) may not reflect the geographic burden of disease. We assessed temporal trends and trial characteristics associated with leadership outside Europe and North America, and explored whether there was a geographic association between trial leadership and participant enrolment.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for HF RCTs published in journals with an impact factor ≥10 between January 1, 2000, and June 17, 2020. We used the Jonckheere-Terpstra test to assess temporal trends and multivariable logistic regression models to determine associations between predictor and outcome variables.

There were 414 eligible RCTs. Only 80 of 828 trial leaders (9.7%; 95% CI: 7.8% to 11.8%), and 453 of 4656 collaborators (9.7%; 95% CI: 8.8% to 10.6%) were from regions outside Europe and North America, with no temporal change in geographic representation. The odds of trial leadership outside Europe and North America were significantly lower with industry versus public funding (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.75; P=0.008). Trial leadership outside Europe and North America was associated with enrolment of patients outside Europe and North America (OR: 10.0; 95% CI 5.6–19.0; P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

Trial leadership outside Europe and North America is rare, particularly in industry funded trials, and is associated with participant enrolment in regions with disproportionate disease burden. Building research capacity and networks in under-represented regions could increase generalizability of trial results.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Seropositivity of COVID-19 among asymptomatic healthcare workers: A multi-site prospective cohort study from Northern Virginia, United States

Background

Because of their direct patient contact, healthcare workers (HCW) face an unprecedented risk of exposure to COVID-19. The aim of this study was to examine incidence of COVID-19 disease among asymptomatic HCW and community participants in Northern Virginia during 6 months of follow-up.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study that enrolled healthy HCW and residents who never had a symptomatic COVID-19 infection prior to enrolment from the community in Northern Virginia from April to November 2020. All participants were invited to enrol in study, and they were followed at 2-, and 6-months intervals. Participants were evaluated by commercial chemiluminescence SARS-CoV-2 serology assays as part of regional health system and public health surveillance program to monitor the spread of COVID-19 disease.

Findings

Of a total of 1,819 asymptomatic HCW enrolled, 1,473 (96%) had data at two-months interval, and 1,323 (73%) participants had data at 6-months interval. At baseline, 21 (1.15%) were found to have prior COVID-19 exposure. At two-months interval, COVID-19 rate was 2.8% and at six months follow-up, the overall incidence rate increased to 4.8%, but was as high as 7.9% among those who belong to the youngest age group (20–29 years). Seroconversion rates in HCW were comparable to the seropositive rates in the Northern Virginia community. The overall incidence of COVID-19 in the community was 4.5%, but the estimate was higher among Hispanic ethnicity (incidence rate = 15.3%) potentially reflecting different socio-economic factors among the community participants and the HCW group. Using cross-sectional logistic regression and spatio-temporal mixed effects models, significant factors that influence the transmission rate among HCW include age, race/ethnicity, resident ZIP-code, and household exposure, but not direct patient contact.

Interpretation

In Northern Virginia, the seropositive rate of COVID-19 disease among HCW was comparable to that in the community.

Serp-1 Promotes Corneal Wound Healing by Facilitating Re-epithelialization and Inhibiting Fibrosis and Angiogenesis

Purpose: Chemical corneal injuries carry a high morbidity and commonly lead to visual impairment. Here, we investigate the role of Serp-1, a serine protease inhibitor, in corneal wound healing.

Methods: An alkaline-induced corneal injury was induced in 14 mice. Following injury, five mice received daily topical saline application while nine mice received Serp-1 100 μL topically combined with a daily subcutaneous injection of 100 ng/gram body weight of Serp-1. Corneal damage was monitored daily through fluorescein staining and imaging. Cross sectional corneal H&E staining were obtained. CD31 was used as marker for neovascularization.

Results: Serp-1 facilitates corneal wound healing by reducing fibrosis and neovascularization while mitigating inflammatory cell infiltration with no noticeable harm related to its application.

Conclusions: Serp-1 effectively mitigates inflammation, decreases fibrosis, and reduce neovascularization in a murine model of corneal injury without affecting other organs.

Translational Relavence: Our study provides preclinical data for topical application of Serp-1 to treat corneal wounds.

Transition-Metal-Free α Csp3 -H Cyanation of Sulfonamides

This report describes the site-selective α-functionalization of sulfonylamide derivatives through the in-situ generation of imine intermediates. The N-F sulfonylamides, which could facilitate the elimination to generate imines, are coupled with TBACN to efficiently and mildly afford α-amino cyanides. Comparing with Strecker reaction, this transformation offers a complementary strategy to efficiently construct α-amino cyanides from direct α C-H functionalization of sulfonylamindes. The reaction is also characterized by broad substrate scope and flash chromatography column free workup. More importantly, the new two-electron pathway to generate imines through manipulation of the leaving group allows us to achieve excellent α site-selectivity.

Recombinant Human MG53 Protein Protects Against Alkaline-Induced Corneal Injuries in Mice

INTRODUCTION

The current study was designed to test the potential role of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein on protecting against alkaline-induced corneal injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A round filter paper with 2-mm diameter was soaked in 1 mol/L of NaOH solution. The mouse alkaline injury was generated by placing the filter paper directly on the cornea for 30 seconds and washed with 30-mL saline; 10 µL of rhMG53 solution (20 µg/mL) or saline control was topically administrated on the mouse corneas (twice per day for 10 days). Re-epithelialization was measured by fluorescein staining and imaged by a slit lamp equipped with a digital camera. Clinical neovascularization and opacity scores were measured every day after injury. Ten days after injury, mice were sacrificed and corneas were dissected out for flat mount staining of CD31 for neovascularization.

RESULTS

MG53 was present in both dog aqueous humor and human tears. mg53-/- corneas were more susceptible to alkaline-induced corneal injury. Topical treatment of rhMG53 improved re-epithelialization, suppressed neovascularization, and fibrosis induced by alkaline injury.

CONCLUSIONS

rhMG53 may be an effective means to treat corneal wounding.