Temporal and Spatial Signatures of Scylla paramamosain Transcriptome Reveal Mechanistic Insights into Endogenous Ovarian Maturation under Risk of Starvation

Variability in food availability leads to condition-dependent investments in reproduction. This study is aimed at understanding the metabolic response and regulatory mechanism of female Scylla paramamosain in response to starvation in a temporal- and tissue-specific manner. The mud crabs were starved for 7 (control), 14, 28, and 40 days for histological and biochemical analysis in the hepatopancreas, ovary, and serum, as well as for RNA sequencing on the hepatopancreas and ovary. We further highlighted candidate gene modules highly linked to physiological traits. Collectively, our observations suggested that starvation triggered endogenous ovarian maturation at the expense of hepatopancreas mass, with both metabolic adjustments to optimize energy and fatty acid supply from hepatopancreas to ovary in the early phase, followed by the activation of autophagy-related pathways in both organs over prolonged starvation. These specific adaptive responses might be considered efficient strategies to stimulate ovarian maturation of Scylla paramamosain under fasting stress, which improves the nutritional value of female mud crabs and other economically important crustaceans.

Hybrid Immuno-RT for Bulky Tumors: Standard Fractionation with Partial Tumor SBRT

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Bulky tumors remain challenging to be treated. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective against radioresistant tumor cells and can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) that leads to T-cell-mediated antitumor effects. Low-dose radiation (LDRT) can inflame the tumor microenvironment (TME) by recruiting T cells. We designed a novel radiotherapy technique (RT, ERT) whose dose distribution map resembles the "eclipse" by concurrently delivering LDRT to the whole tumor, meanwhile SBRT to only a part of the same tumor. This study examined the safety and efficacy of ERT to bulky lesions with PD-1 inhibitors in mice and patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In mice with CT26 colon or LLC1 lung bulky tumors (400 - 500 cm3), the whole tumor was irradiated by LDRT (2 Gy x 3), meanwhile the tumor center was irradiated by SBRT (10 Gy x 3); αPD-1 was given weekly. The dependence of therapeutic effects on CD8+ T cells was determined using depleting antibodies. Frequencies of CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages (Mφ) were determined by flow cytometry. Multiplex Immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was applied to analyze the number and the location of CD8+ T cells and their subpopulations, as well as the phospho-eIF2α level (the ICD marker) of tumor cells in TME. Patients with advanced lung or liver bulky tumors who failed standard treatment or with oncologic emergencies were treated. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate patients' progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

ERT/αPD-1 is superior to SBRT/αPD-1 or LDRT/αPD-1 in controlling bulky tumors in both mouse models in a CD8+ T-cell dependent manner. In the CT26 model, ERT/αPD-1 resulted in complete tumor regression in 3/11 mice and induced more CD8+ T cells and M1 Mφ in TME compared to other groups. mIHC analysis showed that ERT/αPD-1 induced higher bulk, stem-like (TCF1+ TIM3- PD-1+), and more differentiated (TCF1- TIM3+ PD-1+) CD8+ T cells infiltration into the tumor center and periphery compared to other groups. Compared to untreated or LDRT-treated tumor centers, tumor centers irradiated with ERT or SBRT showed elevated phospho-eIF2α accompanied by higher dendritic cell infiltration. In total, 39 advanced cancer patients were treated with ERT/αPD-1 or plus chemotherapy. Radiation-induced pneumonitis occurred in 1 of 26 patients receiving thoracic ERT. There were two cases of grade III toxicity associated with PD-1 inhibitors. No toxicity above grade III was observed. The objective response rate was 38.5%. The median PFS was 5.6 months and median OS was not reached at a median follow-up of 11.7 months.

CONCLUSION

ERT/αPD-1 showed superior efficacy in controlling bulky tumor in two mouse models. The hybrid immuno-RT (ERT) combing PD-1 inhibitors was safe and effective in patients with bulky tumors. Further clinical trials in combination with bioimaging to identify the optimal SBRT target region for the bulky tumor are warranted.

Directional atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon angioplasty for superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans

INTRODUCTION

This study is an analysis of the therapeutic effects of directional atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DA+DCB) in treating superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans.

METHODS

Patients in our hospital with superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans who received DA+DCB during the period June 2016 to February 2019 were identified retrospectively. Preoperative demographics, operative details and postoperative follow-up outcomes were analysed statistically.

RESULTS

Between June 2016 and February 2019, 48 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The average age of the patients was 66.85 ± 11.28 years; 83.3% of the patients were male. During the procedure, flow-limiting dissection occurred frequently (9/48 patients) and there were six bailout stent implantations owing to flow-limiting dissections. The incidence rate of target artery thrombosis was 4.2% (2/48). There was no vessel perforation, embolism or operation-related death. The technical success rate was estimated at 100%. The mean ankle-brachial index of the patients was 0.54 ± 0.28 before the operation and 0.93 ± 0.13 before discharge (p < 0.0001). The mean follow-up time was 19.6 ± 9.0 months. The primary patency rate was 89.4%, 82.4% and 76.5% at 12, 24 and 36 months. The freedom from target lesion revascularisation (TLR) was 97.9%, 93.8% and 84.4% at 12, 24 and 36 months.

CONCLUSION

The use of DA+DCB showed good clinical benefit for superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans, which had good primary patency and freedom from TLR. Multicentre randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed.

[Sinogram interpolation combined with unsupervised image-to-image translation network for CT metal artifact correction]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a framework that combines sinogram interpolation with unsupervised image-to-image translation (UNIT) network to correct metal artifacts in CT images.

METHODS

The initially corrected CT image and the prior image without artifacts, which were considered as different elements in two different domains, were input into the image transformation network to obtain the corrected image. Verification experiments were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method using the simulation data, and PSNR and SSIM were calculated for quantitative evaluation of the performance of the method.

RESULTS

The experiment using the simulation data showed that the proposed method achieved better results for improving image quality as compared with other methods, and the corrected images preserved more details and structures. Compared with ADN algorithm, the proposed algorithm improved the PSNR and SSIM by 2.4449 and 0.0023 when the metal was small, by 5.9942 and 8.8388 for images with large metals, and by 8.8388 and 0.0130 when both small and large metals were present, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method for metal artifact correction can effectively remove metal artifacts, improve image quality, and preserve more details and structures on CT images.

The incidence, prevalence, and survival analysis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in the United States

PURPOSE

The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) was increasing. The main purpose of this study was to statistically analyze the incidence and prevalence of pNETs and the main risk factors for the prognosis.

METHODS

Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, with three registries integrated, this study comprehensively displayed the annual age adjust incidence of pNETs from 1975 to 2018, the estimated 20-year limited-duration prevalence, and conducted the univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of pNETs has increased to about 1.5 per 100,000 population, and the prevalence has reached about 0.008% with the aged, Grade 1 and nonfunctional tumors accounting for the majority. The average median overall survival (OS), 5-year survival rate, and median disease-free survival (DFS) of pNETs patients from 1975 to 2018 were 85 months, 57.55%, and 220 months, respectively. From 2000 to 2018, the median OS was 94 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 59.94%. In multivariate survival analysis, the greatest risk factor was Grade 3&4 with HR = 3.62 (3.10-4.28), followed by distant stage with HR = 2.77 (2.28-3.36), and aged over 80 years old with HR = 2.26 (1.33-3.83). Surgery was a protective prognostic factor with HR = 0.34 (0.29-0.40).

CONCLUSION

The incidence and prevalence of pNETs were still increasing, but the trend was gradual and aging in recent years. The survival time of pNETs was longer but has not changed much in recent years. The degrees of malignancy, stage, and operation were the most important prognosis factors.

Excimer laser atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon angioplasty for the treatment of femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans

INTRODUCTION

It has been reported that excimer laser atherectomy combined with a drug-coated balloon (ELA+DCB) can achieve better results than simple balloon angioplasty, especially for the treatment of femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis. However, reports on the application of ELA+DCB in China for femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans are lacking. This study focuses on analysing the effectiveness and safety of ELA+DCB.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective study that enrolled patients from November 2016 to January 2019 who had femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans treated by ELA+DCB. Preoperative demographics, operative details and postoperative follow-up outcomes were analysed statistically.

RESULTS

There were 43 patients with an average patient age of 68.0±8.6 years; 79.1% were male. In 30 cases, the lesions were de novo and the others were in-stent restenosis (ISR). During the procedure, flow-limiting dissection (48.8%) was the main adverse event and there were 17 bailout stent implantations due to dissection. Mean (±sd) ankle-brachial index (ABI) in the patients was 0.42±0.31 before the operation and 0.83±0.13 before discharge. The mean (±sd) follow-up time was 29.35±9.71 months. The primary patency rate was 66.8%, 64.3% and 60.9% at 12, 24 and 36 months. Freedom from target lesion revascularisation (TLR) was 85.7%, 80.7% and 75.3% at 12, 24 and 36 months. Rutherford categories also greatly improved during follow-up. Overall mortality was 6.9% (3/48), and no deaths were related to the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The use of ELA+DCB had good clinical benefit for femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans, which had good primary patency and freedom from TLR, although intraoperative complications still required attention. Multicentre randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed.

Symptom burden, psychological distress, and symptom management status in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer: a multicenter study in China

BACKGROUND

The management of physical symptoms and psychological distress of cancer patients is an important component of cancer care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptom burden, psychological distress, and management status of hospitalized patients with advanced cancer in China and explore the potential influencing factors of undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 2930 hospitalized patients with advanced cancer (top six types of cancer in China) were recruited from 10 centers all over China. Patient-reported MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales and symptom management-related information were collected and linked with the patient's clinical data. The proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe (MS) symptoms and whether they were currently well managed were examined. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explore the factors correlated to undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.

RESULTS

About 27% of patients reported over three MS symptoms, 16% reported over five, and 9% reported over seven. Regarding psychological distress, the prevalence of HADS-anxiety was 29% and that of PHQ-9 depression was 11%. Sixty-one percent of patients have at least one MS symptom without any treatment. Sex [odds ratio (OR) = 2.238, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.502-3.336], Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG; OR = 0.404, 95% CI 0.241-0.676), and whether currently undergoing anticancer treatment (OR = 0.667, 95% CI 0.503-0.886) are the main factors correlated with the undertreatment of symptoms. Age (OR = 1.972, 95% CI 1.263-3.336), sex (OR = 0.626, 95% CI 0.414-0.948), ECOG (OR = 0.266, 95% CI 0.175-0.403), whether currently undergoing anticancer treatment (OR = 0.356, 95% CI 0.249-0.509), and comorbidity (OR = 0.713, 95% CI 0.526-0.966) are the main factors correlated with the non-treatment of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that hospitalized patients with advanced cancer had a variety of physical and psychological symptoms but lacked adequate management and suggests that a complete symptom screening and management system is needed to deal with this complex problem.

[Relationship between body mass index and sexual development in Chinese children]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual development in Chinese children. Methods: A nationwide multicenter and population-based large cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on sex, age, height, weight were collected, BMI was calculated and sexual characteristics were analyzed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on age, including ages 3-<6 years, 6-<10 years, 10-<15 years and 15-<18 years. Multiple Logistic regression models were used for evaluating the associations of BMI with sexual development in children. Dichotomous Logistic regression was used to compare the differences in the distribution of early and non-early puberty among normal weight, overweight and obese groups. Curves were drawn to analyze the relationship between the percentage of early puberty and BMI distribution in girls and boys at different Tanner stages. Results: A total of 208 179 healthy children (96 471 girls and 111 708 boys) were enrolled in this study. The OR values of B2, B3 and B4+ in overweight girls were 1.72 (95%CI: 1.56-1.89), 3.19 (95%CI: 2.86-3.57), 7.14 (95%CI: 6.33-8.05) and in obese girls were 2.05 (95%CI: 1.88-2.24), 4.98 (95%CI: 4.49-5.53), 11.21 (95%CI: 9.98-12.59), respectively; while the OR values of G2, G3, G4+ in overweight boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.38), 1.52 (95%CI: 1.36-1.70), 1.88 (95%CI: 1.66-2.14) and in obese boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.37), 1.59 (95%CI: 1.43-1.78), and 1.93 (95%CI: 1.70-2.18) (compared with normal weight Tanner 1 group,all P<0.01). Analysis in different age groups found that OR values of obese girls at B2 stage and boys at G2 stage were 2.02 (95%CI: 1.06-3.86) and 2.32 (95%CI:1.05-5.12) in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, respectively (both P<0.05). And in the age group of 6-10 years, overweight girls had a 5.45-fold risk and obese girls had a 12.54-fold risk of B3 stage compared to girls with normal BMI. Compared with normal weight children, the risk of early puberty was 2.67 times higher in overweight girls, 3.63 times higher in obese girls, and 1.22 times higher in overweight boys, 1.35 times higher in obese boys (all P<0.01). Among the children at each Tanner stages, the percentage of early puberty increased with the increase of BMI, from 5.7% (80/1 397), 16.1% (48/299), 13.8% (27/195) to 25.7% (198/769), 65.1% (209/321), 65.4% (157/240) in girls aged 8-<9, 10-<11 and 11-<12 years, and 6.6% (34/513), 18.7% (51/273), 21.6% (57/264) to 13.3% (96/722), 46.4% (140/302), 47.5% (105/221) in boys aged 9-<10, 12-<13 and 13-<14 years, respectively. Conclusions: BMI is positively correlated with sexual development in both Chinese boys and girls, and the correlation is stronger in girls. Obesity is a risk factor for precocious puberty in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, and 6-<10 years of age is a high risk period for early development in obese girls.

Why is COVID-19 more deadly to nursing home residents?

COVID-19 is deadly to older adults, with research showing that being older and having underlying chronic diseases are significant risk factors for COVID-19 related deaths. However, though similarities exist between both nursing home residents and older community-dwelling people, nursing home residents are substantially more vulnerable to COVID-19. A closer review of both demographic groups provides clarity concerning the difference within the context of COVID-19. Therefore, to address the research gap, drawing insights from Maslow's hierarchy of needs model, this article aims to examine similarities and differences in COVID-19 risk factors experienced by nursing home residents and community-dwelling older people.

Garlic skin induces shifts in the rumen microbiome and metabolome of fattening lambs

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its constituents have been shown to modify rumen fermentation and improve growth performance. Garlic skin, a by-product of garlic processing, contains similar bioactive components as garlic bulb. This study aimed to investigate the effects of garlic skin supplementation on growth performance, ruminal microbes, and metabolites in ruminants. Twelve Hu lambs were randomly assigned to receive a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 80 g/kg DM of garlic skin (GAS). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks, with the first 2 weeks serving as the adaptation period. The results revealed that the average daily gain and volatile fatty acid concentration were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed GAS than those in the CON group. Garlic skin supplementation did not significantly (P > 0.10) affect the α-diversity indices, including the Chao1 index, the abundance-based coverage estimator value, and the Shannon and Simpson indices. At the genus level, garlic skin supplementation altered the ruminal bacterial composition by increasing (P < 0.05) the relative abundances of Prevotella, Bulleidia, Howardella, and Methanosphaera and decreasing (P < 0.05) the abundance of Fretibacterium. Concentrations of 139 metabolites significantly differed (P < 0.05) between the GAS and the CON groups. Among them, substrates for rumen microbial protein synthesis were enriched in the GAS group. The pathways of pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism were influenced (P < 0.05) by garlic skin supplementation. Integrated correlation analysis also provided a link between the significantly altered rumen microbiota and metabolites. Thus, supplementation of garlic skin improved the growth performance of lambs by modifying rumen fermentation through shifts in the rumen microbiome and metabolome.

Effects of propofol on proliferation and apoptosis of cardia cancer cells via MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influences of propofol on the proliferation and apoptosis of cardia cancer cells via mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 65 surgical resection specimens of cardia cancer were selected as research objects and divided into control group and with low (12.5 μmol/L), medium (25 μmol/L), and high (50 μmol/L) propofol concentration groups. The apoptosis of cancer cells, ERK1/2 phosphorylation level, expressions of Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in each group were detected.

RESULTS

Propofol in different concentrations could all effectively inhibit the proliferation of cardia cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Different concentrations of propofol promoted the apoptosis of cardia cancer cells, and the apoptosis rate constantly increased with the rising concentration of propofol (p<0.05). Propofol could repress the expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulate the expression levels of Caspase-3, Bax, and phosphorylated ERK1/2.

CONCLUSIONS

Propofol can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of cardia cancer cells, and the action mechanism may be correlated with the inhibition on the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Suppression of myocardial HIF-1 by pubertal insulin resistance compromises metabolic adaptation and impairs cardiac function in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease

Background

Cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a complex pathophysiological condition involving systemic chronic hypoxia (CH). A proportion of CCHD patients are unoperated due to various reasons. These patients remain CH all their lives and are at increased risk of heart failure as they age. Hypoxia activates cellular metabolic adaptation to balance energy demands by accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CH on cardiac metabolism and function in CCHD patients and how it relates with age. The mechanistic role of HIF-1α in this process was investigated and potential therapeutic targets were explored.

Methods

CCHD patients (n=20) were evaluated for cardiac metabolism and function by positron-emission tomography/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Heart tissues collected during surgical intervention were subjected to metabolomic and protein analyses. CH rodent models were generated to enable continuous observation of changes in cardiac metabolism and function. The role of HIF-1α in cardiac metabolic adaptation to CH was investigated using genetically modified animals and isotope-labeled metabolomic-pathway tracing studies.

Results

Prepubertal CCHD patients had glucose-dominant cardiac metabolism and normal cardiac function. By comparison, among patients who had entered puberty, the level of myocardial glucose uptake and glycolytic intermediates were significantly lower, but fatty acids were significantly higher, along with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. These clinical phenotypes were replicated in CH rodent models. In patients and animals with CH, myocardial HIF-1α was upregulated prior to puberty, but was significantly downregulated during puberty. In cardiomyocyte-specific Hif-1α-knockout mice, CH failed to initiate the switch of myocardial substrates from fatty acids to glucose, leading to inhibition of ATP production and impairment of cardiac function. Increased insulin resistance (IR) suppressed myocardial HIF-1α and was responsible for cardiac metabolic maladaptation under CH during puberty. Pioglitazone significantly reduced myocardial IR, restored glucose metabolism, and improved cardiac function in pubertal animals.

Conclusions

In CCHD patients, maladaptation of cardiac metabolism occurred during puberty, impairing cardiac function. HIF-1α was identified as the key regulator of cardiac metabolic adaptation under CH but its expression was suppressed by pubertal IR. The use of pioglitazone during puberty might help improve cardiac function in these patients.

Metabolic maladaptation in CCHD patients

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China (81525002, 31971048) and Shanghai Outstanding Medical Academic Leader

Multiyear in-situ L-band microwave radiometry of land surface processes on the Tibetan Plateau

We report a unique multiyear L-band microwave radiometry dataset collected at the Maqu site on the eastern Tibetan Plateau and demonstrate its utilities in advancing our understandings of microwave observations of land surface processes. The presented dataset contains measurements of L-band brightness temperature by an ELBARA-III microwave radiometer in horizontal and vertical polarization, profile soil moisture and soil temperature, turbulent heat fluxes, and meteorological data from the beginning of 2016 till August 2019, while the experiment is still continuing. Auxiliary vegetation and soil texture information collected in dedicated campaigns are also reported. This dataset can be used to validate the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite based observations and retrievals, verify radiative transfer model assumptions and validate land surface model and reanalysis outputs, retrieve soil properties, as well as to quantify land-atmosphere exchanges of energy, water and carbon and help to reduce discrepancies and uncertainties in current Earth System Models (ESM) parameterizations. Measurement cases in winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods are presented.

[Study of relationship between dietary patterns and precocious puberty of school-age girls in Shenzhen]

Objective: To explore the daily dietary behaviors of girls under precocious puberty and provide targeted measures for the prevention of precocious puberty. Methods: A case control study was conducted in a hospital in Shenzhen between September 2016 and December 2018. Girls with diagnosed precocious puberty were selected as case group. A 1∶1 matching was conducted. The control group was from 26 primary schools in Shenzhen. Dietary survey was conducted in parents, completing a self-administered questionnaire. Frequencies of 12 kinds of food intakes were investigated and dietary patterns were analyzed. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between dietary patterns and precocious puberty. Results: A total of 568 girls were included in the study. Among them, those aged 8-year-old accounted for highest proportion (43.8%). The median of age was same in both case group and control group (8 years-old). There was no significant difference in ethnic group between two groups (P>0.05). The medians of height, weight and BMI of case group were 135.0 cm, 30.2 kg and 16.6 kg/m(2), respectively, which were all higher than those of the control group (129.2 cm, 25.0 kg and 15.3 kg/m(2)), the differences were significant (P<0.05). There was significant difference in nutritional assessment result between two groups (P< 0.05). Three dietary patterns were defined, i.e. balanced pattern, high calorie and fat pattern and high protein diet pattern. The cumulative rate of variance contribution of the three dietary patterns was 0.541 2. The differences in the prevalence of three dietary patterns between two groups were significant (χ(2)=4.41, χ(2)=49.24, χ(2)=39.68, P<0.05 respectively). Data from the multivariate regression analysis showed that both balanced dietary pattern (OR=0.633, 95%CI: 0.504-0.769) and high protein diet pattern (OR=0.622, 95%CI: 0.498-0.776) were protective factors for precocious puberty, while high calorie and fat pattern was risk factors (OR=1.850, 95%CI: 1.461-2.342). Conclusions: Balanced dietary pattern was common in school-aged girls. High calorie and fat pattern was risk factor for precocious puberty. Children should be encouraged to develop a balanced dietary habit and increasing the intake of legumes and fish since they are beneficial to normal growth and development.

miR-137 alleviates focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats by regulating JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway

The repairing effect and potential mechanism of miR-137 on cerebral ischemic injury in rats was investigated. The volume of cerebral infarction and calculated brain water content was detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The expression of inflammatory factors was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological damage of brain tissue was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. The apoptosis in ischemic brain tissue was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling. The levels of STAT1 and JAK1 proteins were analyzed by Western blot. The expression of miR-137 in primary hippocampal neurons was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. miR-137 overexpression significantly improved brain damage in rats. miR-137 overexpression can reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. miR-137 overexpression can reduce the degree of brain tissue damage and inhibit the expression of JAK1 and STAT1 proteins. miR-137 overexpression can reduce oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/R-induced cell damage, improve cell proliferation, and reduce apoptotic rate. JAK1 and STAT1 protein expression was inhibited in hippocampal neurons after OGD/R treatment after transfection with miR-137 mimic. After the addition of the Filgotinib inhibitor, the levels of JAK1 and STAT1 proteins were significantly reduced. The results suggested that miR-137 overexpression can effectively improve ischemic injury after focal cerebral ischemia and protect against by inhibiting JAK1/STAT1 pathway.

Interference-Free Determination of Trace Levels of Gold and Palladium in Geological and Metallurgical Samples by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Coupled with a Flow Injection On-Line Microcolumn Preconcentration and Separation System

A simple and highly selective method was developed for the routine determination of trace or ultratrace amounts of gold and palladium in geological and metallurgical samples. The method uses flow injection on-line preconcentration and separation with determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Au and Pd in the sample are adsorbed on a 2-mercaptopyrimidine chemically modified silica gel (MPMSG) packed microcolumn in a 0.50M HCl medium and then eluted with 0.5 or 1.0% thiourea solution. The eluates are introduced into the flame atomic absorption spectrometer directly. With the use of a 0.85 mL microcolumn (about 0.14 g MPMSG packed), the present system tolerated concentrations of common base metal ions up to 25.0 mg/mL and concentrations of anions up to 100.0 mg/mL when Au(III) at 0.100 μg/mL and Pd(II) at 0.200 μg/mL were preconcentrated for 60 s with a sample flow rate of 5.0 mL/min. The limits of detection were 3.1 ng/mL for Au(III) and 6.1 ng/mL for Pd(II) with relative standard deviations of ≤2.5%. The analytical results obtained by the proposed method for geological and metallurgical samples were in good agreement with the certified values.

[Role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in ischemic rats underwent cardiac shock waves therapy]

Objective: To investigate the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in ischemic rats underwent cardiac shock therapy. Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighing 220-250 g were used to establish a heart failure model by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rat models were defined by echocardiographic assessment at 4 weeks post operation and heart failure rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,namely heart failure group (HF group, 9 cases),heart failure+cardiac shock waves therapy group (HF+CSWT group, 9 cases),heart failure+inhibitor(HF+LY294002 group, 9 cases),heart failure+cardiac shock waves therapy group+inhibitor (HF+CSWT+LY294002 group, 9 cases),and another 9 sham-operated SD rats served as control group (sham group, 9 cases). At 8 weeks postoperation, echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function in each group,myocardial infarct size was measured by TTC staining,the apoptotic index of rats cardiomyocytes were detected by TUNEL method,the myocardial mRNA expression of apoptosis-related factor was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, the protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and apoptosis-related pathways were detected by Western blot. Results: (1) Eight weeks after operation, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) were significantly lower in HF+CSWT group than in HF group (all P<0.05), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shortening rate (LVFS) were significantly higher in HF+CSWT group than in HF group (all P<0.05),LVEF was significantly lower in the HF+ CSWT+ LY294002 group than in HF+ CSWT group (P<0.05). (2) Myocardial infarct size was significantly lower in the HF+ CSWT group than in HF group ((5.57 ± 0.51)% vs. (25.56 ± 0.56)%, P<0.05), which was significantly higher in the HF+CSWT+LY294002 group than in HF+CSWT group ((12.90±2.34)% vs. (5.57±0.51)%,P<0.05). (3) The cardiomyocyte apoptotic index was significantly lower in the HF+CSWT group than in the HF group ((30.25±6.12)% vs. (53.85±9.89)%,P<0.05), which was significantly higher in the HF+CSWT+LY294002 group than in the HF+CSWT group ((46.12±3.42)% vs.(30.25±6.12)%,P<0.05). (4) The myocardial mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher, while myocardial mRNA Bax and Caspase-3 expression were significantly lower in HF+CSWT group than in HF group and HF+CSWT+LY294002 group (all P<0.05). (5) The expression levels of p-Akt, Bcl-2 and pro-Caspase-3 in myocardial tissue were significantly higher in the HF+CSWT group than in the HF group and HF+CSWT+LY294002 group (all P<0.05), which were significantly lower in the HF+LY294002 group than in the HF and HF+CSWT+LY294002 groups (all P<0.05). Myocardial Bax protein expression was significantly lower in the HF+CSWT group than in the HF group and the HF+CSWT+LY294002 group (all P<0.05), which was significantly higher in the HF+LY294002 group than in the HF group (P<0.05). Conclusion: CSWT improves cardiac function and inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in this rat HF model.

Critical roles of regulatory B and T cells in helminth parasite-induced protection against allergic airway inflammation

The prevalence of allergic asthma and incidences of helminth infections in humans are inversely correlated. Although experimental studies have established the causal relation between parasite infection and allergic asthma, the mechanism of the parasite-associated immunomodulation is not fully elucidated. Using a murine model of asthma and nematode parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus, we investigated the roles of regulatory B cells (B_reg ) and T cells (T_reg ) in mediation of the protection against allergic asthma by parasite. H. polygyrus infection significantly suppressed ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI) evidenced by alleviated lung histopathology and reduced numbers of bronchoalveolar inflammatory cell infiltration, and induced significant responses of interleukin (IL)-10⁺ B_reg , IL-10⁺ T_reg and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)⁺ T_reg in mesenteric lymph node and spleen of the mice. Adoptive transfer of IL-10⁺ B_reg and IL-10⁺ T_reg cell prevented the lung immunopathology in AAI mice. Depletion of FoxP3⁺ T_reg cells in FoxP3-diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor transgenic mice by diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment exacerbated airway inflammation in parasite-free AAI mice and partially abrogated the parasite-induced protection against AAI. IL-10⁺ B_reg cells were able to promote IL-10⁺ T_reg expansion and maintain FoxP3⁺ T_reg cell population. These two types of T_regs failed to induce CD19⁺ B cells to transform into IL-10⁺ B_reg cells. These results demonstrate that B_reg , IL-10⁺ T_reg and FoxP3⁺ T_reg cells contribute in A discrepant manner to the protection against allergic airway immunopathology by parasiteS. B_reg cell might be a key upstream regulatory cell that induces IL-10⁺ T_reg response and supports FoxP3⁺ T_reg cell population which, in turn, mediate the parasite-imposed immunosuppression of allergic airway inflammation. These results provide insight into the immunological relationship between parasite infection and allergic asthma.

Chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis of the mandibular body: report of a case and review of the literature

Chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis is a rare form of osteomyelitis that is characterised by new bone formation with periosteal reaction. It is also traditionally known as Garre's osteomyelitis. The common sources of infection of the jaw include dental caries associated with periapical periodontitis, periodontitis, fractures and nonodontogenic infections. Chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis mainly presents in younger patients. Here, we present a case of a 12-year-old patient with chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis with no definitive infection source such as pericoronitis, caries and periodontitis. Therapeutic measures involved surgical debridement and antibiotics. Disease remission and a normal facial symmetrical morphology were observed at the six-month follow-up.

P52 Prescription of patient’s regular medications on admission to neurosurgical unit

Objectives

Timely and correct prescription of patients’ regular medications on admission to neurosurgical unit is noticed not to be fully compliant with set standards. This audit aims to review the practice of medication prescription by junior doctors during patient admission to a national neurosurgical unit, and to identify areas of improvement for prompt and accurate prescription.

Design

Prospective clinical audit.

Subjects

130 patients admitted to the neurosurgical unit in 2 weeks.

Methods

Prescription of patient’s regular medications on admission was audited. The prescription practice was compared against the set standards, and between different settings (in-hour vs. out-of-hour, emergency vs. elective, experienced vs. new SHOs).

Results

18% of patients had no regular medications prescribed by clerking doctors, the majority of which were elective admissions during in-hour clerking and performed by experienced SHOs. Of the patients who had their regular medications prescribed on admission, 29% were prescribed inaccurately, and 16% in wrong doses. Total percentage of missed and error prescription was 46%, in which only 18% were corrected within 24 hours and 21% corrected up to 48 hours after admission.

Conclusions

Areas of improvement identified: prescription practice of experienced SHOs during elective admissions, medication and dose check on prescription in both elective and emergency settings, medication reconciliation within 24 hours and thereafter. Changes (e.g. an alert system) are being implemented and re-audit is in plan.

A Backcross Line of Thatcher Wheat with Adult Plant Leaf Rust Resistance Derived from Duster Wheat has Lr46 and Lr77

The widely grown hard red winter wheat cultivar Duster released in 2006 has remained highly resistant to leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina in the southern Great Plains of the United States. In contrast, many of the winter wheat cultivars in this region are susceptible to leaf rust. The goal of this study was to identify the number and chromosome location of leaf rust resistance genes in a line of Thatcher*2/Duster wheat that was selected for adult plant leaf rust resistance. The Thatcher*2/Duster line was crossed with Thatcher (Tc) and a recombinant line inbred line (RIL) population was advanced to the F₆ generation by single-seed descent. The parents and RIL population were phenotyped for leaf rust resistance in three field plot tests and in an adult plant greenhouse test. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from the Illumina Infinium iSelect 90K wheat SNP array, kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays on chromosome 3BL, and a sequence tagged site (STS) marker on chromosome 1BL were used to construct a genetic map of the RIL population. The STS marker csLV46G22 that is linked with resistance gene Lr46 on chromosome 1BL, and SNP marker IWB10344 that is linked with Lr77 on chromosome 3BL, were significantly associated with lower leaf rust severity. Duster has at least three adult plant resistance genes for leaf rust resistance because it was previously determined to also have the adult plant resistance gene Lr34. Duster is a valuable source of durable leaf rust resistance for hard red winter wheat improvement in the Great Plains region.