RS Group Research Articles

Changes of insulin resistance status and development of complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus: Analysis of DCCT/EDIC study

AimThere is no longitudinal study regarding the changes of insulin resistance (IR) status and the development of complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D). By analyzing data sets from DCCT/EDIC study, we investigated the associations of IR status changes and diabetic complications in T1D. Materials and MethodsEstimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) was calculated at entry of DCCT and in EDIC year 12 (average 18.5 years later) to represent IR. The participants (n = 957) were divided into four groups based on IR changes from baseline: RR group (stayed resistant; n = 49), RS group (became sensitive; n = 42), SR group (became resistant; n = 197), and SS group (stayed sensitive; n = 669). The association of diabetic complications were analyzed by using multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsThe improved IR decreased the risk of peripheral neuropathy, whereas the deteriorated IR increased the risk of diabetic complications including hypertension, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery calcification, retinopathy, albuminuria, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy (P < 0.05). Moreover, RR group (HR = 3.59, 95% CI (2.05–6.32)), RS group (HR = 2.27, 95% CI (1.11–4.64)) and SR group (HR = 1.90, 95% CI (1.24–2.92)) had higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to SS group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of IR changes represented by eGDR in the development of diabetic complications. Patients with T1D and IR may require intensive therapy.

Association of a Novel Prognosis Model with Tumor Mutation Burden and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Thyroid Carcinoma.

Although immunotherapy has recently demonstrated a substantial promise in treating advanced thyroid carcinoma (THCA), it is not appropriate for all THCA patients. As a result, this study aims to identify biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis in THCA patients based on a constructed prognostic model. The transcriptomic and corresponding clinical data of THCA patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between THCA and normal samples and performed an intersection analysis of DEGs with immune-related genes (IRGs) downloaded from the ImmPort database. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the chosen immune-related DEGs. Subsequently, Cox and LASSO regression analyses were conducted to obtain three hub immune-related DEGs, including PPBP, SEMA6B, and GCGR. Following that, a prognostic risk model was established and validated based on PPBP, SEMA6B, and GCGR genes to predict immunotherapy efficacy and THCA prognosis. Finally, we investigated the association between the constructed risk model and tumor mutational burden (TMB), abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) as well as immunotherapeutic targets (PDL-1, PD-1, and CTLA4) in THCA. THCA patients in the high-risk score (RS) group showed higher TMB levels and worse prognosis than the low RS group. Patients in the high-RS group had higher proportions of monocytes, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells, whereas those in the low-RS group exhibited higher numbers of M1 macrophages and dendritic resting cells. Our data implied that the constructed THCA prognostic model was sound and we concluded that the THCA patients having high TMB and low PD-L1 expression levels might respond poorly to immunotherapy. Taken together, we constructed a novel prognostic model for THCA patients to predict their prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy, providing a viable option for the future management of THCA patients in the clinic.

One-year outcomes of dental implants with a hybrid surface macro-design placed in patients with history of periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the radiological, clinical, and microbiological outcomes of implants with a hybrid surface macro-design in patients with a history of periodontitis. The study was designed as a 12-month, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial where patients with a history of treated periodontitis in need of dental implants for single-unit or short-span prosthesis were randomly allocated to a test [implants with a machined titanium surface in the coronal collar (hybrid; HS)] or a control group [conventional implants with moderately rough surface up to the implant shoulder (RS)]. Patients were followed at 3, 6, and 12 months after loading with assessment of radiological, clinical, and microbiological outcomes, as well as patient-related outcome measures (PROMs). Forty patients were randomly assigned to either the RS group (n=20) or the HS (n=20) group. At 1 year, the mean marginal bone level changes were 0.22 [standard deviation (SD) 0.36] mm for the HS group and 0.22 (SD 0.29) mm for the RS group, with no significant differences between them (p=.961). Similarly, no significant differences in clinical, microbiological, or PROMs were observed between groups. HS implants demonstrated radiographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics equal to RS implants in patients with a history of periodontitis. ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT05010382).

ITRAQ and PRM-Based Proteomic Analysis Provides New Insights into Mechanisms of Response to Triple Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BackgroundApproximately 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond poorly to combination therapy of multiple drugs. The molecular mechanisms of different responses to methotrexate + leflunomide + infliximab therapy in patients with RA were explored in this study.MethodsInfliximab was administered to patients with RA whose disease activity score was higher than 5.1 after 1 month of combination therapy with methotrexate and leflunomide. After 14 weeks of undergoing triple therapy, patients with RA were classified as responders and non-responders. Protein profiles at baseline and 14th week were investigated via isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), and proteins with significant differences ≥1.2 folds change or ≤0.8 folds change were defined as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Overlapping DEPs between responders and non-responders were confirmed by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Bioinformatic analyses were performed for DEPs.ResultsThe results revealed 5 non-responders (NRs) and 15 responders (Rs). iTRAQ analysis indicated 13 overlapping DEPs and included 6 opposite change DEPs such as testicular tissue protein Li 70, cofilin 1, fibrinogen beta chain, galectin-10, serotransferrin (TF) and albumin. The difference in serotransferrin between responders and non-responders confirmed by PRM was significant. Verification by PRM indicated that TF was elevated in the Rs group and was reduced in the NRs group. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that serotransferrin was involved in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 pathway and ferroptosis.ConclusionSerotransferrin-related molecular mechanism may be a new direction to study refractory RA.

PP209 Analysis Of The Efficacy And Safety Of Robotic Spinal Surgery

IntroductionRobotic surgery (RS) can offer benefits compared to freehand surgery (FS) in the treatment of patients with spinal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of RS versus FS in spinal fusion. The outcomes considered were accuracy in the placement of pedicle screws, surgical times, hospital stay, exposure to radiation, and complications.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by researchers at the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). Studies published until June 2019 in the English, Spanish, or French languages were retrieved. The data analyses and risk of bias assessments were undertaken using RevMan 5.3.ResultsEight randomized controlled trials including 610 patients (RS: 308, FS: 302) were found. The mean age of the patients ranged from 56 to 68 years in the FS group and from 55 to 68 years in the RS group. The percentage of women included ranged from 46 to 73 percent undergoing FS and from 33 to 70 percent undergoing RS. The main diagnosis was degenerative spine disease. The number of screws implanted ranged from 22 to 584 for FS and 23 to 532 for RS. The robots used were the SpineAssist and Renaissance Guidance System (Mazor Robotics, Ltd) and the TiRobot® Orthopaedic Robotic System (Beijing Tinavi Medical Technologies Co., Ltd). Pedicle screw placement within the safety zone (Grades A and B on the Gertzbein and Robbins scale) ranged from 93 to 100 percent in FS and from 85 to 100 percent in RS (relative risk 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.03; p = 0.36) (I2=75%; p = 0.0005). Regarding intervention time, the meta-analysis showed a mean difference (MD) of 15.2 minutes (95% CI 5.35–25.05; p = 0.002) (I2 = 0%; p = 0.39) in favor of FS. The MD in hospital stay was 0.36 days (95% CI -1.03–0.31; p = 0.30) (I2 = 62%; p = 0.07), which was not statistically significant. Contradictory results were found for fluoroscopy time, although RS was associated with a lower radiation dose than FS (p &lt; 0.05). In relation to safety, studies only reported on rates of surgical revision, which ranged from 0 to 2 after FS and from 0 to 10 after RS. The risk or bias was unclear in most studies.ConclusionsWe found no conclusive results suggesting benefits for spinal fusion using RS compared with FS. Further research with adequate selection of patients, type of robot, and comparator is needed.

Radiosensitivity and Immune Cell Infiltration Signature Predict Clinical Outcome of Patients in the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) Study Cohort

There is growing evidence that tumor radiosensitivity is associated with immune activation in solid tumors. However, previous studies have not examined the relationship between patterns of immune infiltration and radiation response according to diverse molecular subtypes of breast cancer. This study evaluated radiosensitivity and immune infiltration signature to define a group of patients would benefit most from radiation therapy.We performed integrative analyses of the clinical, genomic, transcriptomic, and immunogenomic data to characterize the molecular features associated with radiosensitivity. We analyzed 1,903 data sets of METABRIC Study cohort using the radiosensitivity index (RSI), CIBERSORT and xCell, gene expression deconvolution algorithm which estimates the immune composition of tumor samples. According to RSI cut-point (0.3745), the patients were grouped into radiosensitive (RS, RSI-low tumors, n = 1,082) versus radioresistant (RR, RSI-high tumors, n = 821). Next, patients were divided into two groups according to immune and stromal scores, immune infiltrated (IF, n = 650) and immune excluded (IE, n = 1253) subgroups.RR group showed poorer relapse free survival compared to RS group in multivariate (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.23-1.89, P < 0.001) analyses and this tendency was only significant in ER negative group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, CD8+ T cells (OR = 1.21 95% CI 1.1-1.33 P < 0.001), gamma/delta T cells (OR = 1.3 95% CI 1.19-1.43 P < 0.001), dendritic cell resting (OR = 1.54 95% CI 1.22-1.95 P < 0.001), memory B cells (OR = 1.17 95% CI 1.03-1.33 P = 0.013), Pam50 luminal B1 subtype (OR = 1.59 95% CI 1.25-2.02 P < 0.001), and triple negative InClust 10 (OR = 1.67 95% CI 1.17-2.4 P = 0.005) were significantly enriched in RS group. In contrast, M0 macrophages (OR = 0.86 95% CI 0.78-0.94 P = 0.001), HER2 enriched integrative cluster subtype (InClust) 5 (OR = 0.43 95% CI 0.31-0.61 P < 0.001), ER positive InClust 4+ (OR = 0.5 95% CI 0.37-0.68 P < 0.001), and PIK3CA pathway alteration (OR = 0.75 95% CI 0.62-0.92 P = 0.005) were significantly associated with RR group.Taken together, these results suggested that tumor radiosensitivity was associated with activation of antitumor immunity and led to better relapse free survival particularly in ER negative group.

Stereomicroscopic Evaluation of Microcrack Formation in Dentin by ProTaper Next, Revo S, and WaveOne Gold File System.

Background:During the biomechanical preparation of the root canal by rotary file systems, stress is generated within the canal, which leads to dentinal microcrack formation. Such defects are evaluated only under the microscope.Aim:The present study aimed to evaluate dentinal microcrack formation after instrumentation with ProTaper Next (M-wire), Revo S (conventional NiTi), and WaveOne Gold (Gold-wire) file systems under the stereomicroscope.Materials and Methods:Forty single-rooted teeth free from any defect were selected and divided into four groups (Control, PTN, RS, and WOG). Experimental groups were instrumented with file system used in the study, and the control group were left unprepared. Samples were further decoronated and sectioned at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the apex perpendicular to the long axis and examined under a stereomicroscope at ×25 for different types of microcracks (no fracture, complete fracture, partial fracture, and other fracture).Statistical Analysis Used:Data analysis was done by the Chi-square test using the SPSS version 17.0 software. A two-sided (α = 2) P < 0.05 (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant.Results:The null hypothesis was rejected. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups. All file systems created microcracks in the root dentin. WOG group showed an incidence of 66.7% for no fracture, PTN group had 40% for other fracture, and RS group had 60% for complete fracture.Conclusion:Single file system WOG with gold wire technology proves to be the best choice for canal preparation among the tested groups in terms of least dentinal crack formation.

Effects of Radix Scrophulariae on Hyperthyroidism Assessed by Metabonomics and Network Pharmacology.

Radix Scrophulariae (Chinese name: Xuanshen), a traditional Chinese herb, is used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, and in this study, its mechanisms were evaluated by metabonomics and system pharmacology. To study the anti-hyperthyroidism effects of R. Scrophulariae, a male SD rat (180–220 g) model of hyperthyroidism induced by Euthyrox was used. Thirty rats were randomly distributed into three groups: the Model group, the R. Scrophulariae treatment group (RS group) and the healthy Control group. Using the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS metabolomics approach, 44 metabolites were found to be profoundly altered in the model group, and the levels of these biomarkers were significantly decreased after treatment with R. Scrophulariae. Forty-four metabolites and 13 signaling pathways related to R. Scrophulariae, including the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, primary bile acid biosynthesis and sphingolipid metabolism, were explored, and linoleic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism were identified as the most relevant metabolic pathways. In addition, the system pharmacology paradigm revealed that R. Scrophulariae contains 83 active ingredients and is related to 795 genes, and 804 disease genes are related to hyperthyroidism. The construction of the R. Scrophulariaceae-chemical composition-target-hyperthyroidism network identified a total of 112 intersection genes. The enriched gene targets were analyzed, and five pathways were found to be enriched. Among them pathways, the HIF signaling pathway had the highest enrichment score, which indicated that this pathway might be the main signaling pathway related to the treatment of hyperthyroidism by R. Scrophulariae.The integrated approach involving metabolomics and network pharmacology revealed that R. Scrophulariae might play a role in the treatment of hyperthyroidism by regulating the “IL6-APOA1-cholesterol” pathway and disturbing the HIF signaling pathway. The results demonstrate that the combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology could be used to reflect the effects of R. Scrophulariae on the biological network and metabolic state of hyperthyroidism and to evaluate the drug efficacy of R. Scrophulariaceae and its related mechanisms.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative NLR and Vascular Reconstructive Technology in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer of Portal System Invasion: A Real World Study.

The purpose was aimed to establish a simple computational model to predict tumor prognosis by combining neutrophil to lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and biomarkers of oncological characteristics in patients undergoing vascular reconstructive radical resection of PDAC. The enrolled patients was divided into high or low NLR group with the cutoff value determined by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Different vascular anastomoses were selected according to the Chaoyang classification of PDAC. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier and evaluated with the log-rank test. Cox risk regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for prognostic survival. The optimal cut-off value of NRL was correlated with the differentiation, tumor size, TNM stage and distant metastasis of advanced PDAC. A curative resection with vascular reconstructive of advanced PDAC according to Chaoyang classification can obviously improve the survival benefits. Cox proportional hazards demonstrated higher evaluated NLR, incisal margin R1 and lymphatic metastasis were the independent risk predictor for prognosis with the HR > 2, meanwhile, age beyond 55, TNM stage of III-IV or Tumor size > 4cm were also the obvious independent risk predictor for prognosis with the HR ≤ 2. The advanced PADC patients marked of RS group (3 < RS ≤ 6) showed no more than 24 months of survival time according to RS model based on the six independent risk predictors. Vascular reconstruction in radical resection of advanced PDAC improved survival, higher elevated NLR (>2.90) was a negative predictor of DFS and OS in those patients accompanying portal system invasion.

Resistant Starch Type-2 Supplementation Does Not Decrease Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Plasma Level in Hemodialysis Patients

Purpose: Dysbiosis is recognized as a new cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in hemodialysis (HD) patients because it is linked to increased generation in the gut of uremic toxins such as trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) from dietary precursors (choline, betaine, or L-carnitine). Nutritional strategies have been proposed to modulate the gut microbiota and reduce the production of these toxins. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of amylose-resistant starch (RS) supplementation on TMAO plasma levels in HD patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02706808) with patients undergoing HD enrolled in a previous pilot study. The participants were allocated to RS or placebo groups to receive 16 g/d of RS or placebo for 4 weeks. Plasma TMAO, choline, and betaine levels were measured with LC-MS/MS. Fecal microbiome composition was evaluated by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, followed by a search for TMA-associated taxa. Anthropometric, routine biochemical parameters, and food intake were evaluated. Results: Twenty-five participants finished the study, 13 in the RS group, and 12 in the placebo group. RS supplementation did not reduce TMAO plasma levels. Moreover, no significant alterations were observed in choline, betaine, anthropometric, biochemical parameters, or food intake in both groups. Likewise, RS was not found to exert any influence on the proportion of potential TMA-producing bacterial taxa in fecal matter. Conclusion: RS supplementation did not influence plasma TMAO, choline, betaine, or fecal taxa potentially linked to TMAO. Thus, RS does not seem to modify the TMA-associated bacterial taxa, precursors of TMAO. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.1967814 .

Impact Of Saffron Supplementation And Resistance Training On Depression-related Markers In Untrained Young Males

Resistance training (RT) is known to improve mental well-being through reductions in depressive moods and anxiety while increasing levels of happiness. Recently, saffron supplementation has received considerable attention due to its antidepressant properties. However, the effect of the combination of these two interventions on markers implicated in depression and levels of happiness in humans is currently unknown. The addition of a nutritional supplement to RT may be essential to boost improvements in depression-related markers and happiness levels achieved by RT alone. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of six weeks of RT combined with saffron supplementation on depression-related markers and happiness levels in untrained young males. METHODS: Twenty-eight untrained young males [age (24 ± 2 years) and body mass index (24.6 ± 1.7 kg/m2)] were randomized to either a RT + saffron supplement (RS; n = 14) or RT + placebo (RP; n = 14) group for 6 weeks. Participants in the RS group took one 150 mg pill of pure saffron daily while those in the RP group took a dextrose pill identical in appearance. Whole-body supervised RT (6 exercises, 3 sets per exercise using 60-70% of 1-repetition maximum) was performed 4 x week. Concentrations of Anandamide (AEA), 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), serotonin, dopamine, β-endorphin, tryptophan, happiness levels and body composition were assessed before and after the 6 weeks. RESULTS: AEA (RS: 0.5 ± 0.6 vs. RP: 0.09 ± 0.2 ng/ml), 2-AG (RS: 0.04 ± 0.03 vs. RP: 0.02 ± 0.05 ng/ml), dopamine (RS: 0.7 ± 0.6 vs. RP: 0.3 ± 0.6 ng/ml), and β-endorphin (RS: 9.4 ± 4.1 vs. RP: 4.1 ± 10 pg/ml) concentrations significantly improved in the RS (P < 0.05) while no changes were detected in the RP group. Serotonin (RS: 1.7 ± 0.6 vs. RP: 1.0 ± 0.9 ng/mL) concentrations and happiness levels (RS: 1.5 ± 0.5 vs. RP: 0.5 ± 0.4) significantly increased in both groups with greater changes in RS group. No significant changes were observed in tryptophan concentrations after 6 weeks. Total lean mass increased in both groups, but without significant between-group difference. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of RT combined with saffron supplementation improved depression-related markers in untrained young males. Moreover, the addition of a saffron supplement to chronic RT results in greater improvements in happiness levels than RT alone.

Changes in the Functional Brain Network of Children Undergoing Repeated Epilepsy Surgery: An EEG Source Connectivity Study.

About 30% of children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) continue to have seizures after epilepsy surgery. Since epilepsy is increasingly conceptualized as a network disorder, understanding how brain regions interact may be critical for planning re-operation in these patients. We aimed to estimate functional brain connectivity using scalp EEG and its evolution over time in patients who had repeated surgery (RS-group, n = 9) and patients who had one successful surgery (seizure-free, SF-group, n = 12). We analyzed EEGs without epileptiform activity at varying time points (before and after each surgery). We estimated functional connectivity between cortical regions and their relative centrality within the network. We compared the pre- and post-surgical centrality of all the non-resected (untouched) regions (far or adjacent to resection) for each group (using the Wilcoxon signed rank test). In alpha, theta, and beta frequency bands, the post-surgical centrality of the untouched cortical regions increased in the SF group (p < 0.001) whereas they decreased (p < 0.05) or did not change (p > 0.05) in the RS group after failed surgeries; when re-operation was successful, the post-surgical centrality of far regions increased (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that removal of the epileptogenic focus in children with DRE leads to a gain in the network centrality of the untouched areas. In contrast, unaltered or decreased connectivity is seen when seizures persist after surgery.

Response to Erythropoietin in Different Karyotipic Subsets of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and MDS with Sideroblasts: Multicentric Real-Life Experience from the Grom-L Cooperative Group

Background Erythropoietin (EPO) has been widely employed as first-line approach in the treatment of all patients with low-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and anemia, with response rates ranging from 30 to 60%. Among all low-risk MDS patients, however, there is increasing attention to recognize different subsets characterized by specific karyotipic (del5q-, del20q-), molecular or morphologic (ring sideroblasts) features and, in some cases, by very effective specific treatments (lenalidomide, luspatercept). The role of EPO treatment in these subsets has been very rarely evaluated and is still a matter of debat.Methods To address this issue, the Gruppo Laziale Mielodisplasie (GROM-L) revised retrospectively 316 MDS patients treated with EPO from 1/2002 to 12/2010 by 11 Hematological Centers (5 university hospitals and 6 community-based hospitals) in the metropolitan area of Rome and belonging to 4 different subsets: 82 patients with del5q- isolated or associated to 1 other karyotypic alteration (del5 group), 18 patients with isolated del20q- (del20 group), 41 patients with ring sideroblasts > 15% (RS group) and 175 patients with normal karyotype (NK group) as control group. The main features of these 4 groups are reported in Table 1.Results In Table 2are reported median intervals from diagnosis to EPO start, types of EPO and initial EPO dosages as well as rates of erythroid response (Hb increase > 1.5 g/dl and/or disappearance of transfusion requirement) in the 4 MDS groups. In particular, compared with NK group as control cohort, del5q group had a significant lower rate of erythroid response (p=0.001), while del20q and RS groups showed a similar rate (p=0.431 and p=0.425, respectively). The number of patients with a relapse during EPO treatment was significantly lower in the NK group compared to the other 3 groups, as shown in Table 2 (p=0.005). Median overall survival (OS) from EPO start in the 4 groups is reported in Table 2 while cumulative OS is shown in Figure 1: compared with NK group, only RS group had a better cumulative OS (p=0.026), while both del5q and del20q groups had similar OS (p=0.455 and p=0.367, respectively).Conclusions Our real-life data from a single homogeneous geographic area outline that EPO treatment is effective in all subsets of low-risk MDS considered in this study: the del5q- group had a lower rate of erythroid response, which in any case exceeded 40% of patients. These data, coupled with the excellent toxicity profile of EPO, seem reinforce this treatment as 1st line approach also in those subsets of MDS with specific and very effective (but also quite toxic) new drugs [Display omitted] DisclosuresBreccia:Incyte: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy.

“Are you really proud of me?” Influence of stereotype threats on college athletes’ career thoughts

Removing the vulnerability of a stereotype threat can weaken the stereotype’s negative influence. However, stereotype threats can be produced simply by reminding individuals of their stigmatized social identity. In this study, a typical explicit stereotype threat was compared with two types of reports on positive role models to determine whether the influence of stereotypes varied according to the type of report. In total, 178 college athletes were recruited and randomly assigned to the explicit threat group (EX group, n = 46), report on a special case group (RS group, n = 42), report on a general topic group (RG group, n = 46), or neutral report group (control, n = 44). The participants first read a short text with manipulated context. They then completed scales assessing career adaptability and optimism and were asked to choose whether to complete a scholastic test with high or low difficulty or not take the test at all. The career adaptability and optimism scores of the control group were higher than those of the RS and EX group. The career optimism scores of the RG group were higher than those of the EX group. Fewer participants opted for the difficult version of the scholastic text in the EX and RS groups; the majority of participants in these groups chose to not take any test. The results indicated the influence of negative stereotype threats and indicated that reading the news report on the special case did not have a positive and encouraging effect on the participants.

Genomic risk classification by the 70-gene signature and 21-gene assay in African American early-stage breast cancer patients.

e12568 Background: Genomic risk of recurrence assays provide prognostic information that aids treatment recommendations for patients with early breast cancer (EBC). The 70-gene signature (MammaPrint/MP) and the 21-gene assay (Oncotype DX/ODX) were both validated by large prospective, randomized clinical trials. Previous studies have directly compared the performance of these assays, with moderate discordance widely observed. Recent work showed poor prognostic performance of the ODX in African American (AA) EBC patients (Hoskins et al., 2021). Here, we compare the concordance of two genomic tests in an AA cohort. Methods: This retrospective analysis included a subset of self-reported AA patients from the prospective, observational PROMIS (n = 66, NCT01617954) and FLEX (n = 29, NCT03053193) registry trials, for whom both MP and ODX RS results were available. Patients were enrolled from 2012 to present. The PROMIS trial enrolled patients with intermediate ODX RS (18-30). MP results were obtained from standard testing performed centrally by Agendia, Inc. (Irvine, CA); ODX testing was performed by Genomic Health, Inc. (Redwood City, CA) and results were collected from patient case report forms. Results: AA patients (n = 95) included in this sub-analysis were 77% post-menopausal with a median age of 60 years. 28% of patients were aged ≤ 50 years. Of patients with metabolic data (n = 49), 63% were obese by body mass index (BMI &gt; 30), and 23% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Tumors were predominantly invasive ductal carcinoma (82%), T1 (73%), grade 2 (53%), ER+ (99%), HER2-negative (94%), lymph node-negative (86%), and MP High Risk (66%). By ODX clinical RS, 17% of tumors classified as low (0-17), 80% intermediate (18-30), and 3% high (31-100) risk. As expected, the large intermediate RS group reflects the inclusion of PROMIS patients. By TAILORx RS ranges, 76% of tumors were low risk (≤25). Of these, 61% (n = 44/72) classified as MP High Risk. Notably, 62% (n = 41/66) of tumors with TAILORx intermediate RS (11-25) were MP High Risk. Conclusions: The overall discordance between MP and ODX was 51% in these AA patients. Discordance was more frequent (61%) in ODX low risk (RS≤25) cases. Notably, of tumors with TAILORx intermediate RS (11-25), the majority (62%) classified as MP High Risk. Combined with previously published data in AA patients (Nunes et al., 2016), this results in a total of 57% (n = 52/91) of ODX low RS (≤25) tumors classified as MP High Risk. Recent data indicate that AA patients who receive a low (≤10 or ≤25) or intermediate RS (11-25) have higher recurrence rates and lower survival than White/Caucasian EBC patients with the same RS. In the current study, clinical outcomes are forthcoming; however, these data suggest the majority of AA patients are more likely to receive a MP High Risk result, which may capture the diversity of pathways driving tumor metastasis. Clinical trial information: NCT01617954, NCT03053193.

Mechanism of Radix Astragali and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae Ameliorates Hypertensive Renal Damage.

Hypertensive-induced renal damage (HRD) is an important public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. The herb pair Radix Astragali- (RA-) Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RS) is a common prescribed herbal formula for the treatment of HRD. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of our study is to explore the mechanism of combination of Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RS) ameliorating HRD by regulation of the renal sympathetic nerve. Thirty 24-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) as the experimental group were randomly divided into the RA group, the RS group, the RA+RS group, the valsartan group, and the SHR group and six age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as the control group. After 4 weeks of corresponding drug administration, venipuncture was done to collect blood and prepare serum for analysis. A color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument was used to observe renal hemodynamics. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), angiotensin II (Ang II), and B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Simultaneously, the kidneys were removed immediately and observed under a transmission electron microscope to observe the ultrastructural changes. And the concentration of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1), and nitric oxide (NO) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that renal ultrasonography of rats showed no significant difference in renal size among groups. The RA+RS group had obviously decreased vascular resistance index. The levels of NE, E, BNP, Ang II, AT1, and TGF-β1 were decreased (P < 0.05), and the density of NO was increased. Pathological damage of the kidney was alleviated. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested sympathetic overexpression in the pathogenesis of HRD. The combination of RA and RS may inhibit the hyperexcitability of sympathetic nerves and maintain the normal physiological structure and function of kidney tissue and has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

Triphenylantimony(V) Catecholates of the Type (3-RS-4,6-DBCat)SbPh3-Catechol Thioether Derivatives: Structure, Electrochemical Properties, and Antiradical Activity.

A new series of triphenylantimony(V) 3-alkylthio/arylthio-substituted 4,6-di-tert-butylcatecholates of the type (3-RS-4,6-DBCat)SbPh3, where R = n-butyl (1), n-hexyl (2), n-octyl (3), cyclopentyl (4), cyclohexyl (5), benzyl (6), phenyl (7), and naphthyl-2 (8), were synthesized from the corresponding catechol thioethers and Ph3SbBr2 in the presence of a base. The crystal structures of 1, 2, 3, and 5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The coordination polyhedron of 1–3 is better described as a tetragonal pyramid with a different degree of distortion, while that for 5- was a distorted trigonal bipyramid (τ = 0.014, 0.177, 0.26, 0.56, respectively). Complexes demonstrated different crystal packing of molecules. The electrochemical oxidation of the complexes involved the catecholate group as well as the thioether linker. The introduction of a thioether fragment into the aromatic ring of catechol ligand led to a shift in the potential of the “catechol/o-semiquinone” redox transition to the anodic region, which indicated the electron-withdrawing nature of the RS group. The radical scavenging activity of the complexes was determined in the reaction with DPPH radical.

EFFECT OF COLLOID VS CRYSTALLOID PRELOAD ON HEMODYNAMIC STABILITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDERGOING LOWER LIMB ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY UNDER SPINAL ANESTHESIA

Background: Hypotension is commonly occurred with Spinal anesthesia. Colloids and Crystalloids are used preoperatively to prevent hypotension. Objective: To examine the effect of fluid (crystalloid vs. colloid) preloading on hemodynamic stability in old patients planned for lower limb orthopedic operations with spinal anesthesia. Patients and methods: Eighty patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia were included in this work. Their age ranged between 60-80 years. Patients were allocated randomly to either Crystalloid (Ringer solution RS group) or Colloid (hydroxyethyl starch solution HES group). Intravenous preload of 10 mL/kg of either lactated Ringer's solution in the RS group or hydroxyethyl starch solution (6% HES 130/0.4; Voluven) in the HES group was infused over 20 min before spinal anesthesia.. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and all results were compared. Results: More than 20% drop in systolic blood pressure occurred in 45% patients in the crystalloid group compared to 15% patients in the colloid group. This difference was significant statistically (p < 0.01). Regarding requirement of ephedrine to treat hypotension, (45% of patients in crystalloid group required Ephedrine compared to 15% patients in colloid group). This was also statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Colloid solution was better than crystalloid solution in controlling blood pressure, ephedrine requirements and heart rate changes.

Impact of saffron (Crocus Sativus Linn) supplementation and resistance training on markers implicated in depression and happiness levels in untrained young males

BackgroundWe aimed to assess the effects of six weeks of resistance training (RT) combined with saffron supplementation on markers implicated in depression as well as happiness levels in untrained young males. Materials and methodsUntrained young male participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: RT + saffron supplement (RS; n = 14) or RT + placebo (RP; n = 14). For 6 weeks, participants in the RS group took one 150 mg pill of pure saffron immediately after each RT session and at the same time on non-training days. Those assigned to the RP group took a dextrose pill. Concentrations of Anandamide (AEA), 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), serotonin, dopamine, β-endorphin (beta-endorphin), tryptophan, happiness levels (via questionnaire), and body composition were assessed before and after the 6 weeks of whole-body supervised RT (4x/week, 3 sets using 60–70% of 1-repetition maximum [1-RM]). ResultsAEA (0.5 ng/ml), 2-AG (0.04 ng/ml), dopamine (0.7 ng/ml), and β-endorphin (9.4 pg/ml) concentrations significantly increased in the RS group (P<0.05) while no changes were detected in the RP group. Serotonin (RS = 1.7 ng/mL and RP = 1 ng/mL) concentrations and happiness levels significantly increased in both groups with greater changes in RS group while tryptophan concentrations remained unchanged (P> 0.05). In addition, both groups significantly increased muscular endurance with greater changes in RS group (P<0.05). ConclusionSix weeks of RT combined with saffron supplementation improved AEA, 2-AG, dopamine, β-endorphin, and serotonin concentrations. Moreover, the addition of saffron supplement to chronic RT results in greater improvements in happiness levels than RT alone.

Effects of combined ultrasonic and grinding pre-treatments on anaerobic digestion of vinegar residue: organic solubilization, hydrolysis, and CH4 production

ABSTRACT The high lignocellulose content of vinegar residues (VR) limits their biochemical methane potential (BMP) in anaerobic digestion (AD). However, unlike reported high cellulosic materials such as straw and grass, single pre-treatment with ultrasonication or grinding only slightly improved VR AD, due to the high protein and carbohydrate contents of VR. This study used statistical analysis to show that the methane yield, protein and polysaccharide release, and hydrolysis performance during VR AD were significantly enhanced with a combined grinding-ultrasound pre-treatment. Specifically, at 60 min of ultrasonic, the group with the combined pre-treatment (60 min + RS) showed the highest VR BMP (∼307.1 mLCH4/gVS), 68.7% greater than that in the control group. This group also exhibited optimal conditions for dissolution of polysaccharide and protein, with accumulated amounts of ∼500 and 1600 mg/L, respectively. The highest volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in the 60 min + RS group was 61.5% higher than that in the control group. Both dissolution and hydrolysis experiments suggested that ultrasound accelerated protein release from VR, particularly after the particle size was reduced, and that the grinding pre-treatment had a positive effect on polysaccharide release.