Effect of COVID-19 infection on pregnant women in plateau regions

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to explore the effect of COVID-19 infection on pregnant women in plateau regions.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from 381 pregnant women infected with COVID-19 who underwent prenatal examination or treatment at Women and Children's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region between January 2020 and December 2022 and 314 pregnant women not infected with COVID-19 were retrospectively collected.

METHODS

The study participants were divided into an infected and non-infected group according to whether they were infected with COVID-19. Basic information (ethnicity, age, body mass index and gestational age [GA]), vaccination status, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and delivery outcomes were compared. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of ICU admission.

RESULTS

The results revealed significant differences in the GA, vaccination rate, blood pressure, partial pressure of oxygen, white blood cell (WBC) count, ICU admission rate, preeclampsia rate, forearm presentation rate, thrombocytopenia rate, syphilis infection rate and placental abruption rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). A univariate analysis showed that COVID-19 infection, hepatitis B virus infection, the WBC count and hypoproteinaemia were risk factors for ICU admission. The results of the multivariate analysis of the ICU admission of pregnant women showed that COVID-19 infection (odds ratio [OR] = 4.271, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 3.572-5.820, P < 0.05) was a risk factor for ICU admission and the WBC count (OR = 0.935, 95 % CI: 0.874-0.947, P < 0.05) was a protective factor for ICU admission.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women are vulnerable to the adverse consequences of COVID-19 infection, and public health measures such as vaccination are needed to protect this population subgroup.

microRNAs: Key Regulators in Plant Responses to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses via Endogenous and Cross-Kingdom Mechanisms

Dramatic shifts in global climate have intensified abiotic and biotic stress faced by plants. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs)-20-24 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules-form a key regulatory system of plant gene expression; playing crucial roles in plant growth; development; and defense against abiotic and biotic stress. Moreover, they participate in cross-kingdom communication. This communication encompasses interactions with other plants, microorganisms, and insect species, collectively exerting a profound influence on the agronomic traits of crops. This article comprehensively reviews the biosynthesis of plant miRNAs and explores their impact on plant growth, development, and stress resistance through endogenous, non-transboundary mechanisms. Furthermore, this review delves into the cross-kingdom regulatory effects of plant miRNAs on plants, microorganisms, and pests. It proceeds to specifically discuss the design and modification strategies for artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), as well as the protection and transport of miRNAs by exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNVs), expanding the potential applications of plant miRNAs in crop breeding. Finally, the current limitations associated with harnessing plant miRNAs are addressed, and the utilization of synthetic biology is proposed to facilitate the heterologous expression and large-scale production of miRNAs. This novel approach suggests a plant-based solution to address future biosafety concerns in agriculture.

Plant-derived strategies to fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented crisis, which has been exacerbated because specific drugs and treatments have not yet been developed. In the post-pandemic era, humans and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) will remain in equilibrium for a long time. Therefore, we still need to be vigilant against mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants and other emerging human viruses. Plant-derived products are increasingly important in the fight against the pandemic, but a comprehensive review is lacking. This review describes plant-based strategies centered on key biological processes, such as SARS-CoV-2 transmission, entry, replication, and immune interference. We highlight the mechanisms and effects of these plant-derived products and their feasibility and limitations for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The development of emerging technologies is driving plants to become production platforms for various antiviral products, improving their medicinal potential. We believe that plant-based strategies will be an important part of the solutions for future pandemics.

The incidence of psychotic disorders in the Republic of Ireland: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Despite a substantial epidemiological literature on the incidence of psychotic disorders in Ireland, no systematic review has previously been undertaken. Such evidence can help inform understanding of need for psychosis care.

METHODS

We conducted a prospectively registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021245891) following PRISMA guidelines. We searched four databases (Medline, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase) for papers containing incidence data on non-organic psychotic disorders, in people 16-64 years, published between 1950 and 2021 in the general adult population. We conducted duplicate screening, risk of bias assessments, and extracted data to a standardised template. We undertook a narrative synthesis for each major diagnostic outcome. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted for comparisons with ≥5 incidence rates.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 1975 non-duplicate citations, of which 23 met inclusion criteria, containing incidence data ascertained between 1974 and 2016 (median study quality: 5/8; interquartile range: 4-6). Incidence of all psychotic disorders (N = 4 studies) varied from 22.0 (95%CI: 17.3-28.0) in Dublin to 34.1 per 100,000 person-years (95%CI: 31.0-37.5) in Cavan and Monaghan. The pooled incidence of schizophrenia (N = 6 studies, N = 8 settings) was 20.0 per 100,000 person-years, though with imprecision around this estimate (95%CI: 10.6-37.5; I2: 97.6%). Higher rates of most outcomes were observed in men. There was consistent evidence of raised rates in more deprived and fragmented social environments, but no clear pattern by rural-urban status.

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of incidence of psychotic disorders in Ireland are broadly consistent with the wider literature from the Global North. Findings could help identify populations at higher risk of psychosis in Ireland.

The association of dietary inflammatory potential with sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND

Dietary-induced inflammation is potentially associated with sarcopenia. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the structure of the inflammatory diet and its correlation with muscle function and performance in both the upper and lower limbs. This study was performed to explore the association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with sarcopenia and its diagnostic parameters.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey on a sample of 515 Chinese community-dwelling older adults selected through multistage cluster sampling from three districts in Shanghai. DII scores were calculated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Sarcopenia and its diagnostic parameters were determined based on the definition set by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS).

RESULTS

The mean age of study participants was 71.31 ± 4.71 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the cohort was 12.4%. Older adults in the highest DII quartile had a 3.339 times increased risk of sarcopenia compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR _Quartile4vs1:3.339, 95%CI: 1.232, 9.052, p-trend: 0.004) after adjusting for confounding factors. Additionally, a more pro-inflammatory diet was associated with lower appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) (OR _Quartile4vs1: 3.005, 95%CI: 1.275, 7.318, p-trend: 0.005), a higher 5-times sit-stand test time score (OR _Quartile4vs1: 4.942, 95%CI: 1.745, 13.993, p-trend: 0.005), and lower gait speed (OR _Quartile4vs1: 2.392, 95%CI: 1.104, 5.185, p-trend: 0.041) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, there was no significant association between DII, handgrip strength, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score in either the unadjusted or adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the association between consuming a more pro-inflammatory diet and sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults was mainly due to underlying low intakes of dietary energy, protein, and anti-inflammatory foods, and not due to the high intake of pro-inflammatory foods. Meanwhile, DII was more highly correlated with lower limb muscle strength and performance compared to upper limb muscle strength.

Meta-analysis of the association between dietary inflammatory index and cognitive health

Background

Some studies have shown that a pro-inflammatory diet may be associated with cognitive function, but their conclusions have varied considerably. We here present a meta-analysis of the current published literature on DII score and its association with cognitive health.

Methods

In this meta-analysis, the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched in September 2022. The reported indexes, specifically OR, RR, and β, were extracted and analyzed using R version 3.1.0.

Results

A total of 636 studies in databases were identified, and 12 were included in the meta-analysis. Higher DII was associated with an increased risk of AD and MCI (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.21-1.49). Meanwhile, it may also cause global function impairment (categorical: OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.36-1.96) and verbal fluency impairment (continuous: OR = 0.18; 95% IC = 0.08-0.42). But there was no significant association between DII and executive function (categorical: OR = 1.12; 95% IC = 0.84-1.49; continuous: OR = 0.48; 95% IC = 0.19-1.21) or episodic memory (continuous: OR = 0.56; 95% IC = 0.30-1.03).

Conclusion

A pro-inflammatory diet is related to AD, MCI, and the functions of some cognitive domains (specifically global function and verbal fluency). However, the current evidence on the role of diet-induced inflammation in different cognitive domains should be supported by further studies in the future.

Gossypol Broadly Inhibits Coronaviruses by Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases

Outbreaks of coronaviruses (CoVs), especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have posed serious threats to humans and animals, which urgently calls for effective broad-spectrum antivirals. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) plays an essential role in viral RNA synthesis and is an ideal pan-coronaviral therapeutic target. Herein, based on cryo-electron microscopy and biochemical approaches, gossypol (GOS) is identified from 881 natural products to directly block SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, thus inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication in both cellular and mouse infection models. GOS also acts as a potent inhibitor against the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) and exerts same inhibitory effects toward mutated RdRps of VOCs as the RdRp of the original SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, that the RdRp inhibitor GOS has broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity against alphacoronaviruses (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus), betacoronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), gammacoronaviruses (avian infectious bronchitis virus), and deltacoronaviruses (porcine deltacoronavirus) is showed. The findings demonstrate that GOS may serve as a promising lead compound for combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other coronavirus outbreaks.

Cotton flower metabolites inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading globally for over 2 years, causing serious contagious disease and incalculable damage. The introduction of vaccines has slowed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to some extent, but there remains a need for specific and effective treatment. The high chemical diversity and safety profiles of natural products make them a potential source of effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Cotton plant is one of the most important economic and medical crops and is the source of a large number of antiviral phytochemicals. In this work, we used SARS-CoV-2 main protein (M^pro ) as the target to identify potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 natural products in cotton. An in vitro assay showed that of all cotton tissues examined, cotton flower extracts (CFs) exhibited optimal inhibitory effects against M^pro . We proceeded to use the CF metabolite database to screen natural M^pro inhibitors by combining virtual screening and biochemical assays. We identified that several CF natural products, including astragalin, myricitrin, and astilbin, significantly inhibited M^pro with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 0.13, 10.73, and 7.92 μm, respectively. These findings may serve as a basis for further studies into the suitability of cotton as a source of potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.

POS0549 IMBALANCED Tfr/Tfh IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF NEW-ONSET RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of autoimmune disease characterized with chronic aggressive arthritis, presence of abnormal antibodies and persistent synovitis[1]. However, the pathogenesis of RA remained unclear by now. Several observations have showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance was involved in the development of RA. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, as a new subset of CD4+T cell, can exert an opposite effect in the regulation of humoral immunity[2]. Intensive researches have showed that the imbalance of Tfr/Tfh cell is related to the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune disease. There is still a lack of understanding of the relationship between Tfr/Tfh and RA, which needs further exploration.

Objectives

To detect the expression of Tfh and Tfr cells in thr peripheral blood of patients with new-onset RA and healthy controls, and to explore the role of Tfh and Tfr cells in the pathogenesis and development of RA.

Methods

We enrolled 26 patients with new-onset RA who hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from the June 2021 to the November 2021. And 17 age and gender-matched healthy adults were anticipated as controls. The absolute number of Tfh and Tfr cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. Disease activity indicators were collected including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, mm/h) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Then we compared the expression of Tfh and Tfr cells between the patients and healthy controls and conducted the correlation analysis with disease activity.

Results

There was significant decreased level of Tfr cells in the patients with new-onset RA compared with healthy controls (P<0.001) and a lower ratio of Tfr/Tfh in the patients (P<0.01). The reduced Tfr cells and Tfr/Tfh were significant negative correlation with the disease activity indicators including ESR and DAS28 (r=-0.305, P=0.033). There was no statistically significant in the absolute number of Tfh cells between patients and healthy controls, but the level of Tfh cell showed an increasing trend in new-onset RA.

Conclusion

The results we investigated here showed that new-onset RA exhibited an imbalance of Tfr/Tfh, specifically reduced Tfr cells, compared with healthy controls, which were negatively correlated with higher disease activity in RA. It was likely that the imbalance of Tfr/Tfh in peripheral blood played an important role in the development of RA, which may be a target to treat RA.

Table 1.

A summary of data of all enrolled patients with RA and healthy controls

HC(n=17)New-onset RA(n=26)P valueAge(years)51.94±13.0355.88±13.56P=0.35Sex(male/female)4/137/19P=0.81ESR(mm/h) a-54.85±32.71-DAS28 a-5.09±1.56-Tfh cell count(cell/UL)b43.156(23.277,106.638)83.914(38.133,119.662)0.214Tfr cell count(cell/UL)b1.422(0.882,1.893)0.441(0.116,2.888)0.025*Tfr/Tfhb0.030(0.014,0.049)0.011(0.001,0.024)0.001**

a Results are expressed as the mean ± standard error. b Results are expressed as the median(Q1,Q3).

Normally distributed continuous variables were analyzed by the independent-samples Student’s t-test. And nonparametric variables were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test

Figure 1.

The differences of Tfr and Tfh cells in peripheral blood between the healthy controls and patients with RA. Tfr cells were higher in new-onset RA leading to an imbalance of Tfr/Tfh. Statistical analyses were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. (*P<0.05, **P<0.01)

Figure 2.

The correlation of disease activity with the level of Tfr cells and Tfr/Tfh. Tfr cells and Tfr/Tfh were negative associated with ESR and DAS28. Statistical analyses were performed by the Spearman correlation analysis.

References

[1]Sparks, J.A. Rheumatoid Arthritis [J]. Ann Intern Med, 2019, 170(1).DOI: 10.7326/AITC201901010.

[2]Deng, J., Y. Wei, V.R. Fonseca, L. Graca, and D. Yu. T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in rheumatic diseases [J]. Nat Rev Rheumatol, 2019, 15(8): 475-490.DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0254-2.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

Mucoadhesive Nucleoside-Based Hydrogel Delays Oral Leukoplakia Canceration

Some oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) originate from preexisting oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is the most common and typical OPMD in the clinic, so treatment for it is essential to reduce OSCC incidence. Local chemotherapy is an option other than surgery considering the superficial site of OLK. However, there are no standardized drugs applied to OLK, and traditionally used chemotherapeutic drugs revealed limited efficacy for lack of adhesion. Hence, there is a growing demand to prepare new agents that combine mucoadhesion with an anti-OLK effect. Here, an isoguanosine-tannic acid (isoG-TA) supramolecular hydrogel via dynamic borate esters was successfully fabricated based on isoG and TA. Previously reported guanosine-TA (G-TA) hydrogel was also explored for an anti-OLK effect. Both gels not only exhibited ideal adhesive properties but also integrated anti-OLK activities in one system. In vitro cell viability indicated that isoG and TA inhibited the proliferation of dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs). The in vivo OLK model evidence revealed that both gels showed potential to prevent OLK canceration. In addition, the probable anti-DOK mechanisms of isoG and TA were investigated. The results indicated that isoG could bind to adenosine kinase (ADK) and then affected the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway to inhibit DOK proliferation. TA could significantly and continuously reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in DOKs through its antioxidant effect. ROS plays an important role in the progression of cell cycle. We proved that the low level of ROS may inhibit DOK proliferation by inducing G₀/G₁ arrest in the cell cycle. Altogether, this study innovatively fabricated an isoG-TA hydrogel with ideal adhesion, and both isoG and TA showed in vitro inhibition of DOKs. Moreover, both isoG-TA and G-TA hydrogels possessed potential in delaying the malignant transformation of OLK, and the G-TA hydrogel showed a better statistical effect, providing an effective strategy for controlling OLK.

POS0396 THE LEVEL OF PERIPHERAL REGULATORY T CELLS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHANGES OF INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmunity inflammation disease characterized with chronic aggressive arthritis and the presence of abnormal antibodies. Several observations showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance caused by many complex interactions was involved in the development of RA[1]. However, the pathogenesis of RA remained unclear. It has been confirmed that the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells play a crucial role in destroying immune tolerance [2]. Besides, researches showed that intestinal microbiota can influence host immunity by acting on the immune cells to play pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effect, and in turn immune system can also regulate the microbiota[3, 4]. Thus, a frontier point of view in the field of rheumatism, immune microecology, was proposed, which is a novel concept for the breakdown of immune tolerance. Studies have confirmed that there was an imbalance of intestinal microbiota in patients with RA [4]. But the relationship between the CD4+T subsets cells and intestinal microbiota in RA is unknown.

Objectives:

We detected and compared the absolute number of CD4+T cells subsets in the peripheral blood and the proportion or abundance of intestinal microbiota in patients with RA and healthy adults, and then analyzed the relationship between them to explore the role of CD4+T cells subsets and intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of RA.

Methods:

We collected the sample of stool and blood from 15 patients with RA hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and 8 age and gender-matched healthy controls(HC). The absolute number of CD4+T cells subsets including Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells were detected by flow cytometry. The 16S rRNA in the stool specimens were sequenced by the Roche/45 high-throughput sequencing platform. We analyzed whether there was correlarion between CD4+T subsets cells and intestinal microbiota.

Results:

Patients with RA had a higher level of Christensenellaceae and a lower level of Pseudomonadaceae as compared with those of HCs at the family level (p<0.05). And at the genus level, the patients with RA had higher levels of Ruminococcus torques, Christensenellaceae R-7, Ruminiclostridium 9 and Ruminococcus 1 compared with those of HCs (p<0.05) (Figure 1).And the Ruminococcus torques at the genus level was negative correlated with the absolute number of Treg cells (p<0.001) (Figure 2).

Conclusion:

The results here suggested that there were different proportion or abundance of intestinal microbiota between the patients with RA andHCs. And the changes of intestinal microbiota such as Ruminococcus torques were associated with Treg cells, further indicating that the imbalance of intestinal microbiota in RA can destory the immune tolerance. The above results uncovered that the intestinal microbiota had immunomodulatory function, which may be the upstream mechanism participated in the pathogenesis of RA.

References:

[1]Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ. The immunology of rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Immunol 2021, 22(1): 10-18.

[2]Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ. Immunometabolism in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Immunol Rev 2020, 294(1): 177-187.

[3]Brown EM, Kenny DJ, Xavier RJ. Gut Microbiota Regulation of T Cells During Inflammation and Autoimmunity. Annu Rev Immunol 2019, 37: 599-624.

[4]du Teil Espina M, Gabarrini G, Harmsen HJM, Westra J, van Winkelhoff AJ, van Dijl JM. Talk to your gut: the oral-gut microbiome axis and its immunomodulatory role in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019, 43(1).

Figure 1.

At the family level (a-b) and the genus level(c-f), the relative abundance of intestinal microbiota in patients with RA and HCs were different. Data were expressed as median (Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Wilcoxon test. (*** P < 0.001, **P < 0.01 and *P < 0.05).

Figure 2.

A heatmap shows the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and CD4+T cells in patients with RA, and Ruminococcus torques at the genus level was negative related with Treg cells. (Colors indicate the Spearman rank correlation, *** P < 0.001).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1006 ABERRANT Th17 CELLS EXPANSION AND RISK FACTORS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS COMPLICATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS

Background:

The incidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) complicated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has increased in recent years [1]. However, identification of risk factors indicating the development of CAD in AS patients is lacking. Th17 cells are increasingly recognized to be important in atherogenesis [2]. However, the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis patients complicated with cardiovascular events remains elusive.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the level of circulating Th17 cells as well as other lymphocyte subsets such as Treg, Th, Ts, and NK cells in AS combined with CVD, and further to evaluate whether elevations in special PBMC subpopulations in AS patients indicate an increased risk of CVD.

Methods:

Samples were assessed from 141 AS patients hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (60 AS patients combined with CVD and 81 AS patients without CVD) and 100 healthy controls. The absolute numbers of lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood were determined using Flow Cytometer. The association between PBMC subpopulations and CVD development in AS patients were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

1. Compared with AS group, AS with CVD group exhibited significant increases in the number of Th17 cells (P=0.001) and Treg cells (P=0.046). The ratio of Th17/Treg was also increased (P=0.085).

2. Analogous increases in the absolute number (P<0.001) and frequency (P<0.001) of Th1 cells, as well as the ratio of Th1/Th2 (P<0.001) and Th1/Treg (P=0.004) were also present in AS with CVD patients, compared to those without CVD.

3. Compared to HCs, 141 AS patients showed significantly decreased Treg cells (P<0.012) and increased Th17/Treg (P=0.001).

4. Logistic regression showed age (odds ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.035-1.137), hypertension (odds ratio: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.152-9.528), diabetes (odds ratio: 8.03; 95% CI: 1.251-51.503), and elevated level of Th1 number (odds ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.003-1.016) and DD (D-dimer) (odds ratio: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.000-1.002) were significantly correlated with the onset of CVD in AS patients.

5. Smoke, increased Th17 level, and use of NSAIDS were also positively correlated with the onset of CVD although the P-values did not reach significant.

Conclusion:

Our data indicates aberrant expansion of Th17 cells in AS with CVD patients. Moreover, age, hypertension, diabetes, and increased level of Th1 in PBMC and DD are single independent risk factors for the presence of CVD in AS. The mechanisms of atherogenesis in AS may associate with the elevations in Th1 and Th17 cells. Imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg may be shared etiologic pathways of AS and CVD, providing attractive targets for the prevention and therapy of CVD development in AS patients.

References:

[1]Kim JH, Choi IA. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with spondyloarthritis: A meta-analysis. Int J Rheum Dis (2020). doi: 10.1111/1756-185x.13970.

[2]Saigusa R, Winkels H, Ley K. T cell subsets and functions in atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2020 Jul;17(7):387-401. doi: 10.1038/s41569-020-0352-5.

Figure 1.

Compared with AS group, AS with CVD group exhibited significant increases in the number of Th17 cells (P=0.001) and Treg cells (P=0.046). The ratio of Th17/Treg was also increased (P=0.085). The absolute number (P<0.001) and frequency (P<0.001) of Th1 cells, as well as the ratio of Th1/Th2 (P<0.001) and Th1/Treg (P=0.004) were also present in AS with CVD patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

The relationship between left ventricular outflow tract gradient and sudden cardiac death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

The most common mode of death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is sudden cardiac death (SCD). Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is an established risk factor for SCD in adults with the disease. In contrast, the prognostic implications of LVOTO in childhood disease is unclear, with recent studies suggesting that it may have an inverse relationship with the risk of SCD.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the role of LVOTO and the risk of SCD in childhood HCM.

Methods

A multi-centre, retrospective, longitudinal cohort of 871 children (diagnosed with HCM &lt;16 years of age) was used to explore the relationship between SCD and LVOTO (LVOT gradient ≥30mmHg).

Results

189 patients (23%) had LVOTO, which was mild (30–50mmHg), moderate (50–100mmHg) or severe (&gt;100mmHg) in 58 (6.7%), 98 (11.3%) and 33 (3.8%), respectively. The risk of SCD showed an inverse relation to LVOT gradient severity compared to those with no obstruction: mild HR 1.75 (95% CI 0.89–3.44), moderate HR 1.04 (95% 0.55–1.98), and severe HR 0.7 (0.36–1.35) [figure].On univariable analysis [table] LVOTO was associated with heart failure symptoms (NYHA&gt;1) [p &lt;0.001], maximal wall thickness (MWT) [p &lt;0.001], left atrial (LA) diameter [p &lt;0.001], and future myectomy occurring during follow up [p &lt;0.001]. The inverse relationship observed was not altered by the presence or absence of other traditional risk factors.

Conclusions

LVOTO appears to have a complex relationship with the risk of SCD in childhood HCM, with multiple contributing factors. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind this observation need further exploration, which may be limited by low patient numbers

Cummulative incidence of SCD by LVOTO

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation

SAT0278 LOW-DOSE IL-2 RESTORES TREG-MEDIATED IMMUNE TOLERANCE IN PATIENTS WITH ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Background:

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune disease that can cause systemic organ damage, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis(EGPA)[1]. Several observations have showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance was involved in the pathogenesis of AAV [2], furthermore, a single, open and clinical trial demonstrates that IL-2 can be used to treat patients with GPA [3]. But there is still a lack of understanding of the relationship between Th17 / Treg and AAV and evidence for the therapeutic effect of IL-2 on AAV, which needs further exploration.

Objectives:

We first measured the absolute number of CD4+T subsets in peripheral blood of patients to explore the pathogenesis of AAV, and then investigated the effects of short-term and low-dose recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) on CD4+T subsets of patients to analyze the regulatory effect of IL-2 on AAV.

Methods:

49 patients with AAV, hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from the May 2016 to the November 2019 were enrolled, including 36 patients who were only received conventional glucocorticoids and DMARDs, and other 13 patients who were not only received these treatments but were also injected subcutaneously rhIL-2(50WIU/day for a 5-day course). 31 age and gender-matched healthy adults were selected as controls. The absolute number of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of health controls and the patients before and after treatment was detected by flow cytometry.

Results:

There was significant decreased level of Treg cells in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls (P<0.001) leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the patients with AAV, but there was no statistically significant in the absolute number of Th17 cells between the patients and healthy controls. After the treatment of short-term and low-dose IL-2, there was a significant increase in the absolute number of Treg cells (P<0.01) leading to a decrease in the ratio of Th17 and Treg (p<0.05).The absolute number of Th17 had a trend towards higher values but was not statistical significance.

Conclusion:

The difference of Treg cells between the patients and healthy controls suggested that the decreased number of Treg cells failed to control autoimmune inflammatory response contributing to the pathogenesis of AAV. After the treatment of short-term and low-dose rhIL-2, there was a more significant increase in the absolute number of Treg cells showing that IL-2 could selectively stimulate the growth of Treg cells and restore the Treg-mediated immune tolerance in patients with AAV to achieve disease remission.

References:

[1]Cosmi, L.,Th17 and Treg lymphocytes as cellular biomarkers of disease activity in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.Eur J Immunol, 2017.47(4): p. 633-636.

[2]Pagnoux, C.,Updates in ANCA-associated vasculitis.Eur J Rheumatol, 2016.3: p. 122-133.

[3]Rosenzwajg, M., et al.,Immunological and clinical effects of low-dose interleukin-2 across 11 autoimmune diseases in a single, open clinical trial.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2019.78(2): p. 209-217.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0028 IMBALANCES OF TH17/TREG IN CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS OF PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common inflammatory joint disease affecting articulations of axial skeleton and asymmetrical peripheral arthrosis. It has been highlighted that patients with AS exhibit an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) compared to the general population [1]. However, little is known about the relationship between cardiovascular burden in AS patients and Th17/Treg imbalance.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigated the relationship between cardiovascular events in AS patients and the status of T cell subsets. Furthermore, we want to identify other clinical and/or laboratory features which are associated with the cardiovascular risk in AS patients.

Methods:

The study included 32 AS patients with cardiovascular diseases and 32 age-matched AS patients as controls. All the AS patients were hospitalised at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and met the diagnostic criteria for AS revised in New York in 1984. We collected demographics, laboratory features [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), DD (D-dimer), PLT (platelet count)], and absolute counts of lymphocyte and CD4+ T cell subset. The absolute numbers of lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood were measured by Flow Cytometer.

Results:

1. There was statistically significant decrease in Th17 levels (P=0.012) in the AS with CVD group compared to the AS group, while the Treg cells number (P=0.426) and the ratio of Th17/Treg (P=0.202) have no statistically significant differences; 2. DD was significantly increased in AS patients with CVD; 3. The use of NSAIDs between the two groups is significantly different(P=0.013). 86.7% of the AS group have received NSAIDs, while only 58.1% of the AS patients with CVD have received the NSAIDs.

Conclusion:

The findings suggested that the cardiovascular events of AS patients correlated with imbalanced T cell subsets and the decreased Th17 cells may be a laboratory feature of AS patients with CVD. Patients with high DD level might have a higher risk of CVD. Monitoring of Th17 cells and DD could be beneficial in cardiovascular burden of patients with AS. However, current studies indicate that Th17 cells mediate the inflammatory response and play a crucial role in the development of CVD [2]. One explanation is that the AS patients with CVD in our study had a long disease duration and immunomodulatory therapy might have an impact on the status of T cell subsets. Meanwhile, the different disease activities of AS patients can be additional factors.

References:

[1]Haroon N, Paterson J M, Li P, et al. Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Have Increased Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Mortality[J]. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2015, 163(6):409. doi:10.7326/M14-2470

[2]van Bruggen, N. and W. Ouyang, Th17 Cells at the Crossroads of Autoimmunity, Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis. Immunity, 2014. 40(1): p. 10-12. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2013.12.00

Table 1.

Absolute lymphocyte and CD4+ T cell subset counts (cells/μL) in the AS with CVD group and AS group

Cell count (cells/μL)AS with CVDASP-valueTotal T1447.97±11.491442.49±11.490.970Total B217.06(144.55- 324.97)291.27(171.13-321.16)0.262NK268.09(171.51-396.99)277.71(167.08- 462.45)0.858Th1137.23(69.8-185.45)127.04(76.9-197.26)0.693Th28.42(5.56-10.47)8.03(5.50-9.95)0.848Th175.77(4.00-8.61)8.89(5.91-13.88)0.012*Treg29.64(17.07-47.19)34.51(23.26-47.19)0.426Th1/Th214.99(10.50-24.21)17.36(12.71-25.98)0.430Th17/Treg0.23(0.12-0.39)0.31(0.18-0.52)0.202

*P<0.05 **p <0.01. Data with a normal distribution and homogeneity of variance are presented as mean±standard deviation. Data without a normal distribution are presented as the median (interquartile range)

Figure 1.

Differences in Treg, Th17 cell counts and Th17/Treg between AS with CVD group and AS group. There was statistically significant decrease in Th17 levels(P=0.012) in the AS with CVD group. * P < 0.05 **P < 0.01. Data were compared using the Wilcoxon’s rank sum test.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

THU0325 REDUCED OF TREG CELLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DISEASE ACTIVITY OF ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Background:

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune disease that can cause systemic organ damage, characterized with the presence of abnormal antibodies (ANCAs) in the circulation and the small- and medium-vessel vasculitis[1].However,the etiology of AAV remained unclear. Several observations have showed that the breakdown of immune tolerance caused by many complex interactions was involved in the pathogenesis of AAV[2].It has been confirmed that the disorder of the CD4+T cell,especially the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells can destroy the immune tolerance and cause many autoimmune disease[3]. But the relationship between the Th17/Treg and AAV is unknown.

Objectives:

We investigated the absolute numbers of CD4+T subsets cells in peripheral blood of patients with AAV and healthy adults,and then compared them in different disease activity of AAV to explore the role of CD4+T subsets cells in the pathogenesis and development of AAV.

Methods:

49 patients with AAV,hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from the May 2016 to the November 2019 were enrolled, and 31 age and gender-matched healthy adults were anticipated as controls.According to BVAS, the patients were divided into disease-activity group (BVAS≥15, n=27) and non-disease-activity group (BVAS<15, n=22). The absolute numbers of CD4+T subsets cells including Th17 and Tregs in peripheral blood of these individuals were detected by flow cytometry.We analyzed whether there was difference of CD4+T subsets between the patients and healthy controls,and between disease-activity group and non-disease-activity group.

Results:

There was significant decreased level of Treg cells in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls,especially in the disease-activity group. The absolute numbers of Treg cells was decreased in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls (P<0.001) leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the patients (P<0.01).Similarly,the absolute number of Treg cells was decreased in the disease- activity group (P<0.01) compared with the non-disease-activity group, and the absolute number of Treg cells was significant negative correlation with the disease activity indexes such as BVAS (r=-0.342,P=0.016), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) (r=-0.315,P=0.027) and C-reactive protein(CRP) (r=-0.305,P=0.033). But there was no statistically significant in the absolute number of Th17 cells between the patients and healthy controls, and between disease-activity group and non-disease-activity group.

Conclusion:

The results we investigated here suggested that the decreased number of Treg cells failed to control autoimmune inflammatory response and maintain immune tolerance, and the disease activity of AAV was associated with the reduced number of Treg cells.

Figure 1.

(A-C) Characteristics of the absolute number of Th17 cells and Treg cells in peripheral blood of healthy controls (n=31) and the patients with AAV (n=49). There was significant decreased level of Treg cells in the patients with AAV compared with healthy controls leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the patients with AAV. (D-F) The absolute number of Treg cells was decreased in the disease- activity group (n=27) compared with the non-disease-activity group (n=21). The absolute number of Th17 cells and Treg cells was detected by flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. *p<0.05,**p<0.01, ***p<0.001.

References:

[1]Cosmi, L., Th17 and Treg lymphocytes as cellular biomarkers of disease activity in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. Eur J Immunol, 2017.47(4): p. 633-636.

[2]Pagnoux, C.,Updates in ANCA-associated vasculitis.Eur J Rheumatol, 2016.3: p. 122-133.

[3]Diller, M.L., et al., Balancing Inflammation: The Link between Th17 and Regulatory T Cells. Mediators Inflamm, 2016.2016: p. 6309219.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Dual inoculation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with Funnelliformis mosseae and Sinorhizobium medicae can reduce Fusarium wilt

AIMS

This study was designed to evaluate the biocontrol of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funnelliformis mosseae and the rhizobium Sinorhizobium medicae on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, a severe soil-borne fungal pathogen.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effects of co-inoculation of F. mosseae and S. medicae on alfalfa growth, nitrogen, phosphorus uptake and wilt caused by F. oxysporum were tested. Plant defence-related chemicals were measured to reveal the biochemical mechanism by which alfalfa responds to pathogen infection and how it is regulated by AMF and rhizobium. Pathogen infection caused typical yellowing of alfalfa leaflets and significantly reduced plant AMF colonization. AMF or rhizobium alone and the co-inoculation reduced the plant disease index by 83·2, 48·4 and 81·8% respectively. Inoculation with AMF or rhizobium alone increased the dry weight of alfalfa by more than 13 and 3 times respectively; it also increased plant chlorophyll content by 65·6 and 16·6% respectively. Co-inoculation of AMF and rhizobium induced the plant to accumulate more disease-related antioxidant enzymes, plant hydrolase and plant hormones, such as superoxide dismutase, β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, and phenylalanine ammonialyase, abscisic acid, ethylene and H₂ O₂ , under pathogen stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-inoculation with F. mosseae and S. medicae offered complementarily improved alfalfa nutrient uptake and growth, which increased plant health. The co-inoculation of AMF and rhizobium regulated plant physiological and biochemical processes and induced plants to produce defence-related compounds, thus decreasing the severity of disease. The simultaneous application of F. mosseae and S. medicae is a potential biocontrol strategy to increase the systemic defence responses of alfalfa to Fusarium wilt.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This research showed that complex plant-pathogen interactions are affected by rhizobium and AMF, providing insight into plant-microbiome interactions in the rhizosphere as well as the application of the microbiome in agriculture production.

An improved algorithm of white matter hyperintensity detection in elderly adults

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OASIS-AD is a method for automatic segmentation of white matter hyperintensities in older adults using structural brain MRIs.

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OASIS-AD is an approach evolved from OASIS, which was developed for automatic lesion segmentation in multiple sclerosis.

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OASIS-AD is a major refinement of OASIS that takes into account the specific challenges raised by white matter hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s disease.

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OASIS-AD combines three processing steps: 1) using an eroding procedure on the skull stripped mask; 2) adding a nearest neighbor feature construction approach; and 3) applying a Gaussian filter to refine segmentation results creating a novel process for WMH detection in aging population .

•

OASIS-AD performs better than existing automatic white matter hyperintensity segmentation approaches.

Automated segmentation of the aging brain raises significant challenges because of the prevalence, extent, and heterogeneity of white matter hyperintensities. White matter hyperintensities can be frequently identified in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of older individuals and among those who have Alzheimer’s disease. We propose OASIS-AD, a method for automatic segmentation of white matter hyperintensities in older adults using structural brain MRIs. OASIS-AD is an approach evolved from OASIS, which was developed for automatic lesion segmentation in multiple sclerosis. OASIS-AD is a major refinement of OASIS that takes into account the specific challenges raised by white matter hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, OASIS-AD combines three processing steps: 1) using an eroding procedure on the skull stripped mask; 2) adding a nearest neighbor feature construction approach; and 3) applying a Gaussian filter to refine segmentation results, creating a novel process for WMH detection in aging population. We show that OASIS-AD performs better than existing automatic white matter hyperintensity segmentation approaches.

227A novel risk prediction model for sudden cardiac death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM Risk-Kids)

Background

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most common mode of death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) but there is no validated algorithm to identify those at highest risk. This study sought to develop and validate a SCD risk prediction model that provides individualized risk estimates.

Methods

A prognostic model was derived from an international, retrospective, multi-center longitudinal cohort study of 1024 consecutively evaluated patients aged ≤16 years. The model was developed using pre-selected predictor variables [unexplained syncope, maximal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (MWT), left atrial diameter (LAD), LV outflow tract (LVOT) gradient and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT)] identified from the literature and internally validated using bootstrapping.

Results

Over a median follow up of 5.3 years (IQR 2.6, 8.2, total patient years 5984), 89 (8.7%) patients died suddenly or had an equivalent event [annual event rate 1.49 (95% CI 1.15–1.92)]. The pediatric model was developed using pre-selected variables to predict the risk of SCD. The model's ability to predict risk at 5 years was validated; C-statistic was 0.69 (95% CI 0.66–0.72) and the calibration slope was 0.98 (95% CI 0.58–1.38). For every 10 ICDs implanted in patients with ≥6% 5-year SCD risk, potentially 1 patient will be saved from SCD at 5 years.

Conclusions

This new validated risk stratification model for SCD in childhood HCM provides accurate individualized estimates of risk at 5 years using readily obtained clinical risk factors.

Acknowledgement/Funding

British Heart Foundation

Virtual screening for quorum-sensing inhibitors of Pseudomonas fluorescens P07 from a food-derived compound database

AIMS

Pseudomonas fluorescens are important psychrotrophic food spoilage bacteria that are frequently detected in dairy, meat and aquatic products. Quorum sensing (QS) is an intercellular communication and gene regulation mechanism that enables bacteria to monitor their cell densities and regulate a variety of physiological processes. Hence, targeting the bacterial QS system might be a feasible approach to improve food quality and safety by regulating the spoilage caused by P. fluorescens.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we screened a food-derived three-dimensional (3D) compound database to search for potential QS inhibitors (QSIs) with higher security. The 3D structures of LuxI- and LuxR-type proteins of P. fluorescens P07 were used as targets to screen for QSIs. A total of 25 compounds with high docking scores were tested for their anti-QS activities by indicator strains. The results show that 19 compounds possessed anti-QS activities. Among them, (+)-catechin had the strongest anti-QS activity. The results show that (+)-catechin significantly inhibited the production of extracellular enzymes, swimming motility, biofilm formation, acyl-homoserine lactones and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) of P. fluorescens P07. The inhibitory mechanism of (+)-catechin on the QS system of P. fluorescens P07 was discussed in the context of molecular docking analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual screening was useful in finding novel QSIs with high security of P. fluorescens P07 from a food-derived 3D compound database. The high hit rate suggested that foods are rich sources of QSIs, and have great potential for exploration.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The modelled LuxI- and LuxR-type proteins could be used as targets to discover P. fluorescens P07 QSIs. (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, propyl gallate, hesperidin and lycopene which were identified as potent QSIs, and may be applied in food preservation and biofilm elimination.

Abstract P6-17-13: ZW49, a HER2 targeted biparatopic antibody drug conjugate for the treatment of HER2 expressing cancers

Background: HER2-targeted therapies have transformed the treatment of patients with HER2-expressing breast and gastric cancers. Despite this, there remains a need for new treatments that are well tolerated and effective not only for cancers with high HER2 expression levels but also those with lower levels of expression. ZW49 is an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that combines a novel auristatin payload (potent anti-cancer agent) with the unique mechanisms of action of the anti-HER2 biparatopic antibody, ZW25, which binds to the same domains as trastuzumab and pertuzumab. In preclinical studies in cancer cell lines with low to high levels of HER2 expression, ZW25 is associated with increased binding and internalization compared to trastuzumab, while the novel N-acyl sulfonamide auristatin payload has demonstrated increased in vivo tolerability compared to other microtubule inhibitors. ZW49 therefore has the potential to address unmet medical need across a range of HER2-expressing cancers.

Methods: Multiple in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to characterize ZW49 as a potential therapeutic candidate. Internalization and cell growth inhibition of ZW49 were evaluated in HER2-expressing cell lines. Anti-tumor activity was assessed in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models of HER2 low and high expressing breast cancers. Tolerability was assessed in a 6-week repeat-dose non-GLP toxicology study in non-human primates (NHP) with intravenous administration of ZW49 at either 9 mg/kg or 12 mg/kg once every two weeks.

Results: In vitro, ZW49 was more rapidly internalized into HER2-expressing cells compared to a monospecific trastuzumab-ADC. ZW49 also displayed potent in vitro cell growth inhibition in several breast cancer cell lines with a range of HER2 expression. This activity was confirmed in multiple in vivo PDX models, including a HER2 IHC 3+ HBCx-13b xenograft where two doses of ZW49 at 3 mg/kg or higher generated tumor regressions, and a HER2 IHC 1+ ST-910 xenograft where a single dose of ZW49 at 6 mg/kg or higher generated regressions. In both models, regressions occurred at exposures that were well tolerated in NHP. In a repeat dose pilot non-GLP study the highest dose tested (12 mg/kg) was considered to be the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and a GLP repeat-dose toxicology study was ongoing at the time of abstract submission.

Conclusions: ZW49 is a novel biparatopic HER2-targeted ADC that demonstrated anti-tumor activity in low and high HER2-expressing breast cancer cell lines and PDX models. Notably, tumor regressions were observed at exposure levels that were well tolerated in NHP. These results support the potential of ZW49 as a novel therapeutic agent that may help address unmet medical need in patients with high and low HER2-expressing cancers.

Citation Format: Hamblett KJ, Barnscher SD, Davies RH, Hammond PW, Hernandez A, Wickman GR, Fung VK, Ding T, Garnett G, Galey AS, Zwierzchowski P, Clavette BC, Winters GC, Rich JR, Rowse GJ, Babcook JS, Hausman D. ZW49, a HER2 targeted biparatopic antibody drug conjugate for the treatment of HER2 expressing cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-17-13.

Delineation of disease phenotypes associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma by MALDI-IMS-MS analysis of serum N-linked glycans

N-Linked glycans, extracted from patient sera and healthy control individuals, are analyzed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) in combination with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), mass spectrometry (MS) and pattern recognition methods. MALDI-IMS-MS data were collected in duplicate for 58 serum samples obtained from individuals diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus (BE, 14 patients), high-grade dysplasia (HGD, 7 patients), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC, 20 patients) and disease-free control (NC, 17 individuals). A combined mobility distribution of 9 N-linked glycans is established for 90 MALDI-IMS-MS spectra (training set) and analyzed using a genetic algorithm for feature selection and classification. Two models for phenotype delineation are subsequently developed and as a result, the four phenotypes (BE, HGD, EAC and NC) are unequivocally differentiated. Next, the two models are tested against 26 blind measurements. Interestingly, these models allowed for the correct phenotype prediction of as many as 20 blinds. Although applied to a limited number of blind samples, this methodology appears promising as a means of discovering molecules from serum that may have capabilities as markers of disease.

Pharmacologic therapy to induce weight loss in women who have obesity/overweight with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are almost three times more likely to be obese than those without PCOS. However, we have no specific interventions to induce weight loss so far and rely on drugs used to treat other symptoms of the syndrome or obesity in the general population.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of metformin, inositol, liraglutide and orlistat to induce weight loss in women with PCOS and overweight/obesity.

METHODS

A search was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and CENTRAL databases. Individually randomized, parallel group trials that evaluated the effects of these pharmacological treatments among adults or adolescents with PCOS and overweight/obesity, compared with a placebo or metformin group, were considered eligible. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD 42017076625.

RESULTS

Twenty-three trials reporting on 941 women were included in the network meta-analysis. The amount of weight lost differed significantly among the drugs (in descending order): liraglutide, orlistat and metformin. Liraglutide alone, liraglutide/metformin and metformin alone significantly reduced waist circumference, but no change was found with orlistat. Data for waist-to-hip ratio were only available for metformin, which had no significant effect.

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide appears superior to the other drugs in reducing weight and waist circumference.

Pre-pregnancy weight loss in women with obesity requesting removal of their intra-uterine contraceptive device in order to conceive: a pilot study of full meal replacement

Obesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of thromboembolism, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, congenital anomaly, macrosomia and stillbirth. The current practice, directed at reducing gestational weight gain, is largely ineffective. The present pilot study was designed to assess the acceptability of a 24-week intensive weight management programme (IWMP; full meal replacement followed by partial meal replacement and weight stabilization) to achieve weight loss for women with obesity requesting removal of their intra-uterine contraceptive device in order to conceive. Twenty six (65%) of eligible participants consented to the IWMP; three received this as routine National Health Service care in the University College Hospital clinic and 14 participated in the study. The commonest reasons for not participating were dislike of milk, anxiety and lack of support from family and friends. Omitting one woman who dropped out because of problems unrelated to the intervention, the completion rate was 46.2%. Including all women who started the programme, mean body mass index decreased significantly (P = 0.005) from 37.8 to 35.3 kg/m² . The median percentage decrease was significantly (P = 0.007) greater for women who completed the study (14.2) compared to those who dropped out (1.2). These results suggest an impressive level of weight loss in about one third of all women offered the IWMP who had to defer what they were seeking (pregnancy) while following a challenging programme that they were not seeking. However, studies of other interventions, such as partial meal replacement or commercial products, which may have higher rates of completion are still required.

Comparison of carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in chemotherapeutic regimens for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to compare the chemoradiotherapeutic regimens of carboplatin and paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From July 2010 to December 2016, 102 patients with inoperable stage III NSCLC were finally included and divided randomly into two groups. Patients in the CP group received the treatment of carboplatin (area under the curve of 6) on day 1 and paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15. Patients in the CPB group received the treatment of carboplatin (area under the curve of 6) on day 1, paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15 plus bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on day 1. The two chemotherapy regimens were repeated every 4 weeks. Patients were treated for about 4-6 cycles until the occurrence of toxicity or patient refusal, or progressive disease.

RESULTS

The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the CPB treated group were significantly higher than that in the CP treated group (OS: p<0.01; PFS: p<0.01; respectively). The rates of response and disease control were higher in the CPB treated group (77%, 98%, respectively) compared to the CP treated group (59%, 94%, respectively), although there was no statistical significance. Regarding the toxicities of chemotherapy, we found higher rates of leukopenia and neutropenia in the CPB group, while frequent occurrence of esophagitis, eruption and thrombocytopenia in the CP group.

CONCLUSIONS

The carboplatin plus paclitaxel plus bevacizumab regimen was more effective and well tolerated in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC compared with the carboplatin plus paclitaxel regimen. The CPB regimen may be a better alternative to the current standard regimen.

[Effectiveness and safety of conversion therapy with the combination of sirolimus with low dose cyclosporine in renal transplantation recipients: a five-year clinical observation]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the conversion therapy from traditional cyclosporine (CsA) triple immunosuppression therapy to sirolimus (SRL) combined with low dose CsA and prednisone (Pred) in renal transplantation recipients in a five-year follow-up period.

METHODS

A prospective, open-label non-randomized study was performed with 46 renal allograft recipients who visited Tongji Hospital regularly for follow-up visits between January 2007 and May 2011 and were taking CsA+ mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)+ Pred. Conversion therapy to SRL+ low dose CsA+ Pred was initiated after renal transplantation. The recipients were allocated to 2 groups according to their renal function and proteinuria before the conversion: active conversion group [n=27, serum creatinine (SCr) ≤ 140 μmol/L with no or minimal proteinuria] and passive conversion group [n=19, SCr>140 μmol/L with less than moderate proteinuria]. After conversion, dosages of SRL and CsA were adjusted for trough levels of 5-7 μg/L and 20-60 μg/L, respectively. SCr and urine protein were compared before and after the conversion in five-year follow-up. Incidence of acute rejection, renal graft survival and SRL-related adverse effects of the immunosuppressive regimen were also observed.

RESULTS

After conversion, an average 63% dose reduction of CsA was achieved in all the patients. In the active conversion group, the mean SCr level was (110±19) μmol/L at the time of conversion. Eight patients in this group withdrew from the study during the follow-up period for the following reasons: arthralgia (1 case), deteriorated proteinuria (2 cases), chronic diarrhea (2 cases), mild or suspicious acute rejection (2 cases), and recurrent fever (1 case). The rest patients (19/27) with a mean follow-up time of 5 years had a stable SCr level [(103±12) μmol/L] and a 100% 5-year graft survival. In the passive conversion group, the mean SCr level was (205±45) μmol/L at the time of conversion. There were 4 patients quitting the study, 2 for deteriorated proteinuria and 2 for lost to follow-up. Chronic allograft failure developed in 10 patients in this group 1-50 months after conversion, while the remaining 5 patients had a stable SCr during the 5-year follow-up period [(218 ±46) μmol/L before conversion vs (205±73) μmol/L 5 years after conversion]. The overall 5-year graft survival after the conversion therapy in the passive conversion group was 33.3%, significantly lower than that of the active conversion group (P<0.001). Acute rejection was observed in 2 cases in the active conversion group, while not observed in the passive conversion group. None of the patients developed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, oral ulcer, or pneumonia in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination therapy of SRL and low dose of CsA is overall a safe and effective maintenance immunosuppressive regimen, but it is important to initiate at an appropriate stage. More favourable long-term benefits may be obtained from the conversion therapy in patients with normal or only slightly impaired renal graft function. It may offer an option of individualized immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation of the gas-solid adsorption process in reconstructed random porous media

The gas-solid adsorption process in reconstructed random porous media is numerically studied with the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method at the pore scale with consideration of interparticle, interfacial, and intraparticle mass transfer performances. Adsorbent structures are reconstructed in two dimensions by employing the quartet structure generation set approach. To implement boundary conditions accurately, all the porous interfacial nodes are recognized and classified into 14 types using a proposed universal program called the boundary recognition and classification program. The multiple-relaxation-time LB model and single-relaxation-time LB model are adopted to simulate flow and mass transport, respectively. The interparticle, interfacial, and intraparticle mass transfer capacities are evaluated with the permeability factor and interparticle transfer coefficient, Langmuir adsorption kinetics, and the solid diffusion model, respectively. Adsorption processes are performed in two groups of adsorbent media with different porosities and particle sizes. External and internal mass transfer resistances govern the adsorption system. A large porosity leads to an early time for adsorption equilibrium because of the controlling factor of external resistance. External and internal resistances are dominant at small and large particle sizes, respectively. Particle size, under which the total resistance is minimum, ranges from 3 to 7 μm with the preset parameters. Pore-scale simulation clearly explains the effect of both external and internal mass transfer resistances. The present paper provides both theoretical and practical guidance for the design and optimization of adsorption systems.

Automation for clinical CD4 T-cell enumeration, a desirable tool in the hands of skilled operators

BACKGROUND

Automation in HIV clinical flow cytometry when appropriately applied brings considerable standardisation benefits. The Canadian Immunology Quality Assessment Program (CIQAP) detected situations where operators did not manually override automated software in the event of improper output on the Epics XL and FC500 CD4 immunophenotyping platforms. The automated gating algorithm identifies lymphocytes using a double gate strategy based on CD45 × side scatter (SS) gating and a light scatter FS × SS gate known to fail with sub optimal specimens.

METHOD

To generate correct interpretation and results CIQAP introduced a simple protocol modification, bypassing the light scatter gate to include all cells characterized by the CD45 gate. Seventeen problem cases were reanalysed for both absolute and relative T-cell subsets accuracy and compared to the CIQAP group mean values. Results were found to be associated with the percentage of lymphocytes excluded by the automated light scatter gate.

RESULTS

The modified manual protocol resolved poor performance in 14 instances out of 17 problem cases. It was found to improve accuracy when the light scatter gate excluded greater than 5% of the cells. The remaining three cases had a lymphocyte recovery of greater than 94.6% in the original automated analysis.

CONCLUSION

There is a risk in relying solely on automated gating procedures when using the Epics XL and FC500 CD4 immunophenotyping platforms. Laboratory managers have the responsibility to intervene when required. EQA providers are equally responsible to alert the clinical laboratories of the need to update operator training to deal with stressed specimens. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

A retrospective clinical study of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A, was described to be effective in the treatment of recurrent or platinum-resistance ovarian cancer. The present retrospective study was performed to further evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab in the treatment of Chinese recurrent ovarian cancer patients who had been previously treated by platinum-based chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the hospital database and finally included 26 recurrent ovarian cancer patients who were treated with bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel or single agent. All included patients received >3 cycle of bevacizumab treatment. The tumor response, overall survival, and toxicities were documented.

RESULTS

Under the treatment of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel, 2 complete response (7.7%), 8 partial response (30.8%), 7 stable disease (26.9%) and 9 progression disease (34.6%) was documented with the objective response rate of 38.5% and disease control rate of 65.4%. The median overall survival from the first application of bevacizumab was 15.3 months [Figure 1] for all of the 26 patients. The median overall survival time was 16.2 and 14.0 months for bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment schedule respectively. The overall survival was not different between bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment regimen hazard ratio = 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.32-2, P = 0.64). The hypertension and proteinuria were the major bevacizumab related toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel was a promising treatment schedule for platinum-resistance recurrent ovarian cancer.

Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes macaque follicle development in vitro

Fertility preservation is an important type of frontier scientific research in the field of reproductive health. The culture of ovarian cortices to i) initiate primordial follicle growth and ii) procure developing follicles for later oocyte maturation is a promising fertility preservation strategy, especially for older women or cancer patients. At present, this goal remains largely unsubstantiated in primates because of the difficulty in attaining relatively large follicles via ovarian cortex culture. To overcome this hurdle, we cultured macaque monkey ovarian cortices with FSH, kit ligand (KL), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The various factors and factor combinations promoted primordial follicle development to different extents. Notably, both bFF (bFGF, 100 ng/ml and FSH, 50 ng/ml) and KF (KL, 100 ng/ml and FSH, 50 ng/ml) contributed to the activation of primordial follicles at day 12 (D12) of culture, whereas at D18, the proportions of developing follicles were significantly higher in the bFF and KF groups relative to the other treatment groups, particularly in the bFF group. Estradiol and progesterone production were also highest in the bFF group, and primary follicle diameters were the largest. Up until D24, the bFF group still exhibited the highest proportion of developing follicles. In conclusion, the bFGF–FSH combination promotes nonhuman primate primordial follicle developmentin vitro, with the optimal experimental window within 18 days. These results provide evidence for the future success of human ovarian cortex culture and the eventual acquisition of mature human follicles or oocytes for fertility restoration.

Preparation and evaluation of monoclonal antibodies against chlamydial protease-like activity factor to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae antigen in early pediatric pneumonia

Chlamydia pneumoniae causes diseases in humans, including community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. It is also associated with atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we investigated novel materials with which to develop a sensitive and specific method to identify early C. pneumoniae infection, to allow more effective clinical treatment and prevention. We prepared novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against a recombinant protein equivalent to the immunodominant region of chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF) from C. pneumoniae. The mAbs specifically reacted with the endogenous CPAF antigen of the C. pneumoniae type strain in immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assays, but did not react with C. trachomatis type strains or genital secretions from patients with acute C. trachomatis infection. The mAb with the highest titer was used to develop a new IIF assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the C. pneumoniae antigen in clinical specimens from child patients suspected of pneumonia. The sensitivity, specificity, and concordance rate of the mAb-based IIF and ELISA tests were compared with those of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results show that these mAbs have excellent specificity and may be used to develop new screening tools for the diagnosis of early pediatric pneumonia.

Ferroelectric-gate thin-film transistors with Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 gate insulators on LaNiO3-buffered Si substrates

Ferroelectric-gate thin-film transistors (FGTs) with a stacked oxide structure of ZnO/Bi_3.15Nd_0.85Ti₃O₁₂ (BNT)/LaNiO₃ (LNO) on Si substrates have been prepared and characterized.

Histone modifications of Notch1 promoter affect lung CD4+ T cell differentiation in asthmatic rats

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, and the current treatment in managing asthma is the control of inflammation. Notch signaling pathway has been linked to T-cell imbalance. The present study aimed to explore the histone modifications of Notch1 promoter in normal and asthmatic lung CD4+ T cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the acetylation levels of total H3, H4, site-specific H3K9, H3K14, H3K27, H3K18, H4K16, and the trimethylation levels of H3K4, H3K79 of Notch1 gene promoter were increased significantly in asthmatic lung CD4+ T cells compared to the control group, which correlated with increased P300, PCAF activity and decreased HDAC1, HDAC2 activity. After intervention of garcinol, a potent inhibitor of histone acetyltransferases, in asthmatic lung CD4+ T cells, HAT activity decreased significantly and the increased Notch1 and hes-1 expression was reversed. The total H3ac, H4ac, site-specific H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H3K27ac, H3K18ac, H4K16ac and H3K79me3 levels of Notch1 gene promoter decreased significantly, and the H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H4K20me3 levels had no significant difference. We further investigated the suppressive effects of GAR on asthmatic parameters. Results showed that the levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were significantly reduced and a small reverse trend was found in the level of IFN-g after GAR treatment. Furthermore, the expression of NF-&#954;B and AP-1 reduced significantly. These results suggest that asthma is associated with changes in the epigenetic status of Notch1 promoter, including abnormal histone acetylation and methylation, and GAR may have applications in the treatment of asthma.

Fabrication and characterization of n-ZnO nanonails array/p(+)-GaN heterojunction diode

A novel heterojunctional structure of n-ZnO nanonails array/p(+)-GaN light-emitting diode was fabricated by Chemical Vapor Deposition method. A broad electroluminescence spectrum shows two peaks centered at 435 nm and 478 nm at room temperature, respectively. By comparing the photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra, together with analyzing the energy band structure of heterojunction light emitting diode, it suggested that the electroluminescence peak located at 435 nm originates from Mg acceptor level of p(+)-GaN layer, whereas the electroluminescence peak located at 478 nm originates from the defects of n-ZnO nanonails array.