TE Group Research Articles

Comparative Study of Physicochemical Properties on Corneal Stromal Lenticules Following Four Decellularization Methods

This study compares the physicochemical properties of corneal stromal lenticules following decellularization via four methods. Human corneal stromal lenticules, derived from small incision lenticule extraction surgery, underwent decellularization with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100 (Tx) combined with SDS, trypsin-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (TE), or NaCl with deoxyribonuclease (DNase), respectively. Lenticule DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, immunofluorescence staining intensity of cell nuclei and collagen, transparency, biomechanics, histological structure, and immunogenicity were examined in each group and compared with fresh lenticules. All decellularized groups exhibited effective cell removal, with no significant decrease in GAG contents (all P > 0.05). DNA contents decreased in all decellularization groups (all P < 0.01), most notably in the SDS and Tx+SDS groups. Additionally, collagen I and IV fluorescence intensity was reduced in the TE group only (P < 0.0001). Histological staining revealed close similarity in collagen arrangement between the Tx+SDS group and fresh lenticules. Collagen fiber density increased while spacing and diameter decreased in all decellularized groups (all P < 0.05), with partial collagen degradation in the TE group. Light transmittance remained above 60% in the visible light spectrum in all groups. The Young's modulus or elastic modulus did not decrease significantly among decellularized lenticules (all P > 0.05). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, HLA-ABC, and CD45 expression decreased in the Tx+SDS and NaCl+DNase groups (all P < 0.001). Although all four decellularization methods showed varying decellularization efficacy, Tx+SDS effectively removed cells without damaging corneal morphology, extracellular matrix, or biomechanics, indicating its potential for lenticule storage, transplantation, and bio-scaffold fabrication.

Investigating the effectiveness of input-based techniques on the acquisition of English passive: A comparative study of explicit instruction and input-based techniques

This study investigates the efficacy of various grammar instruction techniques, namely focus-on-form (FonF) and focus-on-forms (FonFs), on the acquisition and production of the English passive voice. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was employed across four treatment groups without a control group, involving 62 Turkish learners of English, enrolled in preparatory classes at a public university in Turkey, with a B1 (intermediate) proficiency level. The study assessed the effectiveness of input flood (IF), input flood coupled with textual enhancement (IF + TE), input flood with explicit grammar teaching (IF + EGT), and rule-based instruction (RBI). Authentic texts on global warming and climate change were used as materials, with passive sentences underlined for the IF + TE group and explicit grammar explanations provided to the IF + EGT group. Findings point to a clear superiority of RBI in the learners’ grammatical acquisition and production, supporting the idea that explicit instruction, followed by controlled practice, significantly enhances learning outcomes. Contrary to RBI's success, the IF only approach did not yield a substantial impact, questioning the effectiveness of implicit teaching methods for complex grammatical structures. The study also examined the relationship between explicit knowledge and communicative practice, finding that explicit instruction is critical even within communicative frameworks. These outcomes align with the Noticing Hypothesis, emphasizing that conscious recognition of grammatical forms is necessary for effective language acquisition. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on the efficacy of explicit grammar instruction versus implicit learning, suggesting that a combination of instruction focusing on form within a communicative context can be beneficial for EFL learners.

346. ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION SIEWERT II TUMORS, A CHALLENGE FOR THE SURGEON: RESULTS OF TRANSHIATAL EXTENDED GASTRECTOMY VS. IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) Siewert type II tumors pose unique challenges in terms of adequate surgical treatment due to their anatomical location and potential for abdominal and mediastinal lymph node metastasis. The optimal surgical approach for these tumors remains a topic of debate, with options including transhiatal extended gastrectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy. Understanding the different outcomes associated with these surgical interventions is crucial for informed decision-making and patient-tailored management. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of these two surgical technique to access which could be the treatment of choice for Siewert II type tumours. Methods This study is a retrospective non-randomized cohort study from a single center. We reviewed the data of all the patients who underwent surgery for EGJ Siewert type II tumors between December 2014 and February 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy were assigned to “TE group” (72 patients) and those who underwent transhiatal extended gastrectomy were assigned to “TEG group” (21 patients). Results Patients in the TEG group were older (p=0.011) and in worst clinical condition (Charlson Comorbidity Index 4.15±1.78 vs. 4.95±1.46, p=0.064). The tumour stage at the diagnosis was more advanced in the TE group (p=0.004), and upfront surgery was infrequent in this group (p&amp;lt;0.001). The average duration of surgery was higher in the TE group (p&amp;lt;0.001). No difference was seen in the tumour length (p=0.924), implying a statistically significant difference in the proximal margin length (p&amp;lt;0.001), and distal margin length (p&amp;lt;0.001), with a R0 resection rate higher in the TE group (93.1% vs. 66.7%, p=0.002). The higher rate of R1 resection in the TEG group was mainly due to proximal margin infiltration. No difference was seen in the number of harvested lymph nodes (p=0.339). Overall postoperative complications rates were similar (p=0.144). No differences were found in the length of ICU stay (p=0.676) and in hospital stay (p=0.075). At a median follow up of 20 months, there were no statistical differences in Overall Survival and Disease-Free Survival at 5 years. Conclusion Our data suggests that transthoracic esophagectomy for EGJ Siewert type II tumors should be the treatment of choice for patients in good clinical condition, but transhiatal extended gastrectomy could be a good choice for patients presenting in worse clinical condition. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal patient care, and the selection of the surgical technique should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition and tumor characteristics

Comparative Study between Ultrasound Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block versus Thoracic Epidural as Postoperative Pain Management in Modified Radical Mastectomy

Abstract Background Surgery is one of the mainstays of treatment of breast cancer, and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is one of the standard treatments for multi-centric disease or tumors with extensive coexistent ductal carcinoma in situ, where achieving a clear surgical margin becomes difficult with a segmental mastectomy. Aim of the Work to compare between Serratus Anterior plane block and thoracic epidural as efficacy of postoperative analgesia in Modified Radical Mastectomy. Patients and Methods This study was prospective controlled single blinded randomized clinical study, carried out in Ain Shams University hospitals, Cairo, Egypt over a period of 6 months. The study included adult female patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy was randomly assigned into two equal groups by computer generated: Group A: Included 15 patients received general anaesthesia preceded by Thoracic Epidural 9 ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine at T4-T5 level. Group B: Included 15patients received general anaesthesia followed by SAP block using only bupivacaine 0.25% (safety dose 3 mg /kg). Results The haemodynamic data including heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure show a significant decrease in SAP group less than the TE group. The pain scale (VAS) showed a significant decrease in SAP group less than the TE group. The total opioids consumption was significantly less in SAP than TE group. The first rescue morphine analgesia (min.) was significantly higher in SAP group more than TE group. Conclusion The SAP was effective and safe technique which provides better pain relief compared with the TE and reduced post-operative opioid consumption. Also, SAP was effective analgesic technique showing greater hemodynamics stability and less stress response to surgery compared with TE.

Twelve-month effectiveness and safety of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced people with HIV: Findings from the Asia cohort of the BICSTaR study

BackgroundThe ongoing, observational BICSTaR (BICtegravir Single Tablet Regimen) cohort study is evaluating real-world effectiveness and safety of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in people with HIV across 14 countries over 24 months. We present 12-month data from the BICSTaR Asia cohort. MethodsData were pooled from retrospective and prospective cohorts of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve (hereafter, TN) and ART-experienced (hereafter, TE) people with HIV (aged ≥21 years) receiving B/F/TAF in routine clinical care in the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Analyses included effectiveness (primary endpoint: HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml, missing = excluded analysis), CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, safety, treatment persistence, and patient-reported outcomes (prospective group). ResultsThe analysis population included 328 participants (80 retrospective, 248 prospective; 65 TN, 263 TE). Participants were predominantly male (96.9% TN, 93.2% TE) with ≥1 comorbidity (52.3% TN, 57.8% TE); median age (years) was 31 (TN) and 42 (TE). Following 12 months of B/F/TAF, HIV-1 RNA was <50 copies/ml in 98.2% (54/55) of TN and 97.0% (227/234) of TE participants. Median (Q1, Q3) CD4 cell count increased by +187 (119, 291) cells/μl in the TN group (p < 0.001) and remained stable (+8 [–91, 110] cells/μl) in the TE group. B/F/TAF persistence was high in the prospective group, with 1/34 (2.9%) TN and 5/214 (2.3%) TE participants discontinuing treatment within 12 months. Drug-related adverse events occurred in 5.8% (19/328) of participants, leading to treatment discontinuation in 0.6% (2/328). ConclusionsReal-world evidence from BICSTaR supports the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of B/F/TAF in people with HIV in Asia.

Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with toripalimab and Endostar in high-risk locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A multicenter, randomized, phase 2 trial.

6086 Background: Even though induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) can improve the survival rate of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC), the recurrence and/or metastasis rates for patients with stage IV (T4 and/or N3) diseases remain high. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of adding Toripalimab (PD-1 inhibitor) and Endostar (recombinant human endostatin) to IC-CCRT in patients with high-risk LA-NPC. Methods: High-risk LA-NPC patients were randomly divided (1:1) into either the IC-CCRT+TE group (gemcitabine and cisplatin induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with Toripalimab and Endostar) or the IC-CCRT group (gemcitabine and cisplatin induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy). Toripalimab (240mg, d1) was administered intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 12 cycles (3 induction, 2 concurrent, and 7 adjuvant). Endostar (7.5mg/m2, d1-10) was continuously injected intravenously every 3 weeks for a total of 5 cycles (3 induction and 2 concurrent). The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints included 3-year overall survival (OS), 3-year locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), 3-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), objective response rate (ORR) and safety. Results: From September 7, 2020, to August 23, 2022, a total of 106 eligible patients were randomly assigned to the IC-CCRT+TE group (n = 53) and IC-CCRT group (n = 53). At a median follow-up of 25 months, the PFS was significantly improved in the IC-CCRT+TE group compared to the IC-CCRT group (HR=0.36, p=0.041). 28 patients (52.8%) in the IC-CCRT+TE group and 5 patients (9.4%) in the IC-CCRT group achieved complete response (CR) after induction chemotherapy, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). The incidence of grade ≥3 acute adverse events in the IC-CCRT+TE group and IC-CCRT group was 66.0% and 62.3%, respectively. The incidence of grade ≥3 late adverse events in two groups was 5.8% and 5.7%, respectively. The incidence of grade ≥3 immune-related adverse events was only 4.7%. Conclusions: IC-CCRT combined with Toripalimab and Endostar significantly improved PFS in patients with high-risk locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the adverse events are manageable. Clinical trial information: NCT04447326 .

Distinct effects of long-term Tai Chi Chuan and aerobic exercise interventions on motor and neurocognitive performance in early-stage Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by movement disorders and probable cognitive impairment. Exercise plays an important role in PD management, and recent studies have reported improvement in motor symptoms and cognitive function following aerobic and Tai Chi Chuan exercise. To explore the different effects of Tai Chi Chuan and aerobic exercise on the clinical motor status and neurocognitive performance of patients with early-stage PD. A randomized controlled trial. Parkinson's Disease Center at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Patients with idiopathic PD. Fifty-six patients with PD were recruited and divided into three groups: aerobic exercise (AE, N.=14), Tai Chi Chuan exercise (TE, N.=16), and control (CG, N.=13). Before and after a 12-week intervention period, we used unified Parkinson's disease rating scale Part III (UPDRS-III) scores and neuropsychological (e.g., accuracy rates [ARs] and reaction times [RTs]) and neurophysiological (e.g., event-related potential [ERP] N2 and P3 latencies and amplitudes) parameters to respectively assess the patients' clinical motor symptoms and neurocognitive performance when performing a working memory (WM) task. Compared to baseline, UPDRS-III scores were significantly lower in the AE and TE groups after the intervention period, whereas those for the CG group were higher. In terms of the neurocognitive parameters, when performing the WM task after the intervention period, the AE group exhibited significantly faster RTs and larger ERP P3 amplitudes, the TE group exhibited an improvement only in ERP P3 amplitude, and the CG group exhibited a significantly reduced ERP P3 amplitude. However, neither the TE nor the AE group exhibited improved ARs and ERP N2 performance. The present study supported the distinct effectiveness of Tai Chi Chuan and aerobic exercise for improving motor symptoms and providing neurocognitive benefits in PD patients. These results have important implications regarding the use of these exercise interventions for managing PD, particularly in the early stages.

Clinical impact of a cardiac intensivist in an adult cardiac care unit from the RESCUE registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Purpose Dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) physician staffing is assocated with a reduction in ICU mortality rates in general medical and surgical ICUs. However, limited data area available on the role of cardiac intensivist in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). We investigated the association of cardiac intensivist-directed care with clinical outcomes in adult patients admitted to the CICU. Methods The SMART-RESCUE study is a multicenter, retrospective and prosective registry of patients that presented witth cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2014 and December 2018, 1,247 patients with CS were enrolled from 12 major centers in Korea. The study population was divided into 2 groups, according to the presence of a cardiac intensivist. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results THe analysis with SMART-RESCUE registry included 1,247 patients with CS (n=552 in the group with cardiac intensivist and n=695 in the group without cardiac intensivist) (Table 1). The in-hospital survival rate was significant higher in the group with intensivist than that in the group without intensivist (72.1% vs 59.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) (Figure 1). Cardiac intensive care with cardiac intensivist was associated with a reduction in risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio for in hospital death, 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.401 to 0.704; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Survival analysis also revealed significantly higher death free survival in te group with intensitivst. In multivariable analysis, cardiac intensivist, chronic kidney disease, ECMO-cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ST elevation myocardial infarction presentation and vasotrope-inotrope score were selected to be significant prognostic predictors for death in the CICU. Concluison: The presence of a dedicated cardiac intensivist was associated with a reduction in hospital mortality rates in patients with cardiovascular disease who required critical care.

Using propensity score matching analysis to compare between cardiometabolic risk factors and physical activity type in Korean adults: findings from a nationwide population-based survey

PurposeWe aimed to assess the effects of different exercise modalities on cardiometabolic risk factors within a comprehensive, representative sample of the Korean population.MethodsWe categorized 13,971 adult participants into aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), combined aerobic and resistance exercise (TE), insufficient exercise, and inactive groups. Multivariable regressions were conducted to compare the incidence of chronic diseases across the groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsThe TE and RE groups had significantly lower waist circumference (WC), mean blood pressure (BP), glucose and insulin-related indices, and white blood cell count (WBC) measures, with TE showing the most significant differences. The TE group had significantly lower triglyceride levels and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. Post-PSM, the TE group had the lowest risk for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes, closely followed by the RE group when compared with the inactive group. In a subgroup analysis, RE consistently exhibited benefits including lower body mass index, WC, BP, total cholesterol, glucose and insulin-related indices, and WBC count when compared with AE. RE may be associated with reduced incidence of cardiometabolic diseases compared to AE alone.ConclusionTE appears to be associated with significant reduction in cardiometabolic risk in Korean adults. RE possibly provides a more favorable cardiometabolic effect than AE.

Comparison of Distance-Based Uncorrected Visual Acuity Based on the Optical Profile of Same Platform IOLs.

To compare and evaluate uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) from far to near distance for four different optical designs of intraocular lenses (IOLs), developed on the same IOL platform. In a cohort of 121 patients, who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery in Zengyo Suzuki Eye Clinic, Japan, between June 2018 and November 2023, and who received a single-piece TECNIS OptiBlue™ platform series IOL, the following four groups were established based on the IOL implant type: ZCB00V (TE), ZXR00V (SF), DFR00V (SG), and DIB00V (EH). UCVA at 5 m, 1 m, 70 cm, 50 cm, 40 cm, and 30 cm, as well as contrast sensitivity (with and without glare), was compared at one month post-operation. Regarding diffractive IOLs, patients in the SG group demonstrated significantly improved visual acuity at 5 m, 50 cm, 40 cm, and 30 cm, while those in SF group performed significantly better at 1 m. Among non-diffractive IOLs, patients in the EH group demonstrated significantly improved visual acuity scores at 1 m, 70 cm, 40 cm, and 30 cm, compared to individuals in the TE group, with comparable results between the two groups at 5 m and 50 cm. Patients in the SF and EH groups achieved similar results for visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, while those in the SG group exhibited a distinctive decrease in contrast sensitivity (with glare) relative to the other three groups. DFR00V seemingly provides excellent UCVA from near to far distances, aiming for spectacle independence, although at the potential cost of decreased contrast sensitivity compared to the other three IOL types. Furthermore, although ZXR00V and DIB00V differ lens structures, they may nonetheless provide similar visual quality and spectacle independence in daily life.

Replacement of tibialis cranialis tendon with polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon preserves biomechanical function in rabbits compared to tendon excision only

BackgroundArtificial tendons may be an effective alternative to autologous and allogenic tendon grafts for repairing critically sized tendon defects. The goal of this study was to quantify the in vivo hindlimb biomechanics (ground contact pressure and sagittal-plane motion) during hopping gait of rabbits having a critically sized tendon defect of the tibialis cranialis and either with or without repair using an artificial tendon.MethodsIn five rabbits, the tibialis cranialis tendon of the left hindlimb was surgically replaced with a polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon (PET-SI); five operated control rabbits underwent complete surgical excision of the biological tibialis cranialis tendon in the left hindlimb with no replacement (TE).ResultsAt 8 weeks post-surgery, peak vertical ground contact force in the left hindlimb was statistically significantly less compared to baseline for the TE group (p = 0.0215). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis showed that, compared to baseline, the knee was significantly more extended during stance at 2 weeks post-surgery and during the swing phase of stride at 2 and 8 weeks post-surgery for the TE group (p < 0.05). Also, the ankle was significantly more plantarflexed during swing at 2 and 8 weeks postoperative for the TE group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the SPM analysis among timepoints in the PET-SI group for the knee or ankle.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the artificial tibialis cranialis tendon effectively replaced the biomechanical function of the native tendon. Future studies should investigate (1) effects of artificial tendons on other (e.g., neuromuscular) tissues and systems and (2) biomechanical outcomes when there is a delay between tendon injury and artificial tendon implantation.

#142 : “No Result” Embryos After PGTA: Should They Be Disposed?

Background and Aims: Sometimes the preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGTA) results return with “no result” (NR) even though the percentage of this type of result is quite small. Our desire was to rebiopsy these embryos and reanalysis, then determining whether it is efficient to perform reanalysis in “no result” embryos with different embryo qualities and evaluating the efficacy of rebiopsied blastocyst transfers. Materials and Methods: Performing trophectoderm rebiopsy for inconclusive blastocysts after PGTA test. The blastocysts would be transferred if the second analysis was eligible. Results: From September 2020 through December 2022, 2838 embryos were biopsied and tested for PGTA, 95 samples were returned as “no result”, accounting for 3.3%. There was no difference between the embryo quality grades in NR embryos (p&gt;0.05), but the NR day 5 embryos was statistically higher than the group of day 6 embryos (85.3% vs 14.7%, p&lt;0.05). The rate of ICM grade A was significantly higher than the rate of ICM grade C (42.1% vs 23.2%, p&lt;0.05). However, TE grade B group was significantly higher than the group of TE grade A and TE group C. We performed re-biopsy and repeated PGTA test for 67 eligible embryos, 66/67 (98.5%) samples had results. The euploid rate after the second analysis was 46.3%. 16 euploid cases were transferred after the second analysis, the warming survival rate was 100% and the ongoing pregnancy rate was 56.3% (9/16) and there were 7 live births. The ongoing pregnancy rate in the group of good blastocyst grade (grade 1, 2) was higher than those in the group of poor blastocyst grade (grade 3) (44.4% vs 11.2%, respectively). Conclusions: Performing re-biopsy and repeat PGTA testing can reduce the risk of embryo wastage, increasing the chance of embryo transfer for patients indicated for PGTA. However, in cases of poor-quality embryo re-biopsy, the pregnancy rate after embryo transfer is very low even though the biopsy result is euploid. Therefore, it is necessary to weigh the benefits and risks of rebiopsy in cases where embryo quality is not eligible to optimize efficiency of time and cost for the patients.

Intestinal injury and vasculitis biomarkers in cats with feline enteric coronavirus and effusive feline infectious peritonitis.

To investigate intestinal injury, repair and vasculitis biomarkers that may illuminate the progression and/or pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) or feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infection. A total of 40 cats with effusive FIP (30 with abdominal effusion, AE group; 10 with thoracic effusion, TE group) and 10 asymptomatic but FECV positive cats (FECV group), all were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction either in faeces or effusion samples. Physical examinations and effusion tests were performed. Trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) and proteinase 3-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) concentrations were measured both in serum and effusion samples. Rectal temperature and respiratory rate were highest in the TE group (p<0.000). Effusion white blood cell count was higher in the AE group than TE group (p<0.042). Serum TFF-3, IAP and I-FABP concentrations were higher in cats with effusive FIP than the cats with FECV (p<0.05). Compared with the AE group, TE group had lower effusion MPO-ANCA (p<0.036), higher IAP (p<0.050) and higher TFF-3 (p<0.016) concentrations. Markers of intestinal and epithelial surface injury were higher in cats with effusive FIP than those with FECV. Compared to cats with abdominal effusions, markers of apoptosis inhibition and immunostimulation to the injured epithelium were more potent in cats with thoracic effusion, suggesting the possibility of a poorer prognosis or more advanced disease in these patients.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Effect of Aurantiochytrium sp. on Gonadal Development in Zebrafish.

Aurantiochytrium sp. has received much attention as a potential resource for mass production of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to improved growth and reproduction in aquatic animals. In this study, we evaluated the gonadal index changes in zebrafish supplemented with 1-3% Aurantiochytrium sp. crude extract (TE) and the effects of ex vivo environmental Aurantiochytrium sp. on oocytes. 1% TE group showed significant improvement in the gonadal index, and both in vitro incubation and intraperitoneal injection promoted the maturation of zebrafish oocytes. In contrast, the transcriptome revealed 576 genes that were differentially expressed between the 1% TE group and the control group, including 456 up-regulated genes and 120 down-regulated genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated that Aurantiochytrium sp. potentially affects pathways such as lipid metabolism, immune regulation, and oocyte development in zebrafish. The results of this study enriched the knowledge of Aurantiochytrium sp. in regulating gonadal development in zebrafish and provided a theoretical basis for its application in aquaculture.

Taxane combined with lobaplatin or anthracycline for neoadjuvant treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: A single-center, randomized, controlled, phase-II clinical study.

593 Background: Previously, we showed that addition of lobaplatin (L) to taxane combined with anthracycline could improve the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate and lengthen survival significantly if employed as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of taxane (T) combined with lobaplatin (L) or anthracycline (E) for patients with TNBC. Methods: Ninety-five patients with TNBC (stage I–III) who had not undergone any type of treatment were divided randomly into two groups: TL (docetaxel at 75 mg/m2 and lobaplatin at 30 mg/m2, D1, one cycle = 21 days, a total of six cycles) or TE (docetaxel at 75 mg/m2 and epirubicin at 80 mg/m2, D1, one cycle = 21 days, a total of 6 weeks or epirubicin at 80 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide at 600 mg/m2, sequential docetaxel at 75 mg/m2, D1, one cycle = 21 days, a total of eight cycles). Efficacy was evaluated every two cycles. The final surgical procedure was completed after fulfillment of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the total pathologic complete response (tpCR) rate. The secondary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR), safety, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). The exploratory endpoint was biomarker analysis. Results: From June 2019 to November 2022, 97 patients were screened. Finally, 95 patients were enrolled. The median age of the study cohort was 49 years. Nine patients (9.5%) had stage-I disease, 61 patients (64.2%) had stage II, and 25 patients (26.3%) had stage III. Sixty-five patients (68.4%) had Ki67 ≥40% and 30 patients (31.6%) had Ki67 &lt; 40%. Seventy patients (73.7%) were cytokeratin (CK)5/6+ and 25 patients (26.3%) were CK5/6−. Of 95 patients, 47 were in the TL group and 48 in the TE group. The tpCR rate in the TL group was 46.8% (22/47), which was significantly higher than that in the TE group (22.9% (11/48); odds ratio (OR) = 2.960, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.223–7.164, P = 0.016). The ORR in the TL group was 95.7% (45/47), which was significantly higher than that in the TE group (75.0% (36/48); OR = 27.500, 95% CI = 1.576–35.683, P = 0.011). The prevalence of grade III/IV neutropenia in the TE group was 41.0% (9/22), which was significantly higher than that in the TL group (7.7% (2/26); OR = 8.308, 95% CI = 1.557–44.320, P = 0.013). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of other adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusions: In the neoadjuvant treatment of TNBC, the TL regimen had a higher tpCR rate and ORR than those of the TE regimen, and was safer. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR1900023776 .

The influence of the BDNF Val66Met genotype on emotional recognition memory in post-traumatic stress disorder

Dysregulated consolidation of emotional memories is a core feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) influences synaptic plasticity and emotional memory consolidation. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been associated with PTSD risk and memory deficits respectively, although findings have been inconsistent, potentially due to a failure to control for important confounds such as sex, ethnicity, and the timing/extent of previous trauma experiences. Furthermore, very little research has examined the impact of BDNF genotypes on emotional memory in PTSD populations. This study investigated the interaction effects of Val66Met and PTSD symptomatology in an emotional recognition memory task in 234 participants divided into healthy control (n = 85), trauma exposed (TE: n = 105) and PTSD (n = 44) groups. Key findings revealed impaired negative recognition memory in PTSD compared to control and TE groups and in participants with the Val/Met compared to the Val/Val genotype. There was a group × genotype interaction showing no Met effect in the TE group despite significant effects in PTSD and controls. Results suggest that people previously exposed to trauma who do not develop PTSD may be protected from the BDNF Met effect, however more research is needed to replicate findings and to explore the epigenetic and neural processes involved.

Comparison of Clinical and Laboratory Findings at Different Clinical Stages in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Coronavirus

Abstract Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infections occur commonly in cats, with entrocyte and monocyte-macrophage tropism. Most FCoV-infected cats remain asymp tomatic, but up to 10% develop fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This study aims to investigate the diagnostic utility of clinical and laboratory examinations including serum and effusion AGP levels in cats either with symptomatic effusive FIP or asymptomatic feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The study included 40 cats with effusive FIP and 10 cats with FECV infection. The FIP group was divided into two subgroups: abdominal (AE; n=30) and thoracic effusion (TE; n=10). Clinical and laboratory examinations, including serum or effusion AGP measurement, were performed. Among all the groups, TE group had higher body temperature, heart and respiratory rates (P&lt;0.000). Compared with the FECV group, the FIP group had lower pH and HCO3 levels and higher base excess and lactate levels (P&lt;0.05). The leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were higher and the hematocrit was lower in the AE group among all the groups (P&lt;0.023). MCV was lower in the FIP group compared to the FECV group (P&lt;0.002). In the AE group, total protein level was the lowest and the AST, GGT, total bilirubin and cholesterol levels were the highest (P&lt;0.032) among all the groups. Magnesium level was lower in the FIP group compared to the FECV group (P&lt;0.044). Although the serum AGP level was highest in the TE group among all groups (P&lt;0.004), the AGP levels of cats with FECV were similar to the AE group (P&gt;0.05). Since FECV-positive cats will likely develop FIP, differences in clinical and laboratory findings in FECV-positive cats were identified. Among them, pH, HCO3, base excess, lactate, MCV and magnesium were found to be important in the course of the disease, and AGP in the evaluation of the presence of an inflammatory state. It was concluded that clinical, laboratory and serum AGP evaluation could be used in the index of suspicion of development of FIP and FECV.

Neoadjuvant docetaxel and capecitabine (TX) versus docetaxel and epirubicin (TE) for locally advanced or early her2-negative breast cancer: an open-label, randomized, multi-center, phase II Trial

PurposeThe combination of taxanes and anthracyclines is still the mainstay of chemotherapy for early breast cancer. Capecitabine is an active drug with a favorable toxicity profile, showing strong anti-tumor activity against metastatic breast cancer. This trial assessed the efficacy and safety of the TX regimen (docetaxel and capecitabine) and compared it with the TE (docetaxel and epirubicin) regimen in locally advanced or high risk early HER2-negative breast cancer.Patients and methodsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted at five academic centers in China. Eligible female patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to the TX (docetaxel 75 mg/m2 d1 plus capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice d1–14, q3w) or TE (docetaxel 75 mg/m2 d1 plus epirubicin 75 mg/m2 d1, q3w) groups for four cycles. The primary endpoint was a pathological complete response in the breast (pCR). Secondary endpoints included pCR in the breast and axilla, invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.ResultsBetween September 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, 113 HER2-negative patients were randomly assigned to the study groups (TX: n = 54; TE: n = 59). In the primary endpoint analysis, 14 patients in the TX group achieved a pCR, and nine patients in the TE group achieved a pCR (25.9% vs. 15.3%), with a not significant difference of 10.6% (95% CI -6.0–27.3%; P = 0.241). In a subgroup with high Ki-67 score, TX increased the pCR rate by 24.2% (95% CI 2.2–46.1%; P = 0.029). At the end of the 69-month median follow-up period, both groups had equivalent iDFS and OS rates. TX was associated with a higher incidence of hand-foot syndrome and less alopecia, with a manageable toxicity profile.ConclusionThe anthracycline-free TX regimen yielded comparable pCR and long-term survival rates to the TE regimen. Thus, this anthracycline-free regimen could be considered in selected patients.Trial RegistrationACTRN12613000206729 on 21/02/2013, retrospectively registered.

Evaluation of a novel restorative protocol to treat non-carious cervical lesion associated with gingival recession: a 2-year follow-up randomized clinical trial.

To compare 2 different resin composites and 2 adhesive systems used in a new restorative protocol (partial restoration) to treat non-carious cervical lesions associated with gingival recession type 1 (RT1). Eighty combined defects (CDs) were treated with a partial restoration and periodontal plastic surgery for root coverage. The CDs were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: NP + TE (n = 20), nanofilled composite and 2-step total-etch adhesive system; NP + UA (n = 20), nanofilled composite and universal adhesive system; MH + TE (n = 20), microhybrid composite and 2-step total-etch adhesive; MH + UA (n = 20), microhybrid composite and universal adhesive. Restorations were assessed using the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria at 1week (baseline) and 6, 12, and 24months. Survival rate, periodontal parameters, dentin hypersensitivity (DH), and aesthetics were also evaluated. After 24months, only the MH + TE group did not lose any restoration, with no significant differences between groups. For surface roughness parameter, MH presented 83.3% of the restorations scoring Bravo, whereas NP presented 48.5% of the restorations scoring Bravo. All groups presented restorations with marginal discoloration. All periodontal parameters behaved similarly, regardless of the restorative material. All groups presented significant reductions of dentin hypersensitivity and improved aesthetic perceptions (p < 0.05). Both resin composites and adhesives tested can be combined for partial restorations to treat CDs. This new restorative-surgical protocol to treat CDs presents satisfactory outcomes. The partial restorations can be successfully executed with both combinations of adhesives and resin composites evaluated in this investigation. TRN : ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03215615; registration date July 12, 2017.

Untargeted Metabolomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is characterized by a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. The current diagnostic techniques include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomics examination, imaging examination, needle biopsy, etc., but each examination has certain limitations, and it is difficult for the early identification and diagnosis of the disease. In terms of treatment, relapse and refractory, neurotoxicity and drug resistance are still the main problems currently faced. Metabolomics can measure the composition of metabolites and the dynamic changes of metabolites in cell models, tissues, organs or the whole organism, and has been widely used in disease diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, nutrition and other fields. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS/ technology) has been be used to observe the metabolites changes in CSF. Here, we aimed to explore the application value of metabolomics in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of PCNSL. From January 2021 to December 2021, CSF samples from 37 DLBCL patients were collected in Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital and Shandong Cancer Hospital, including 20 male patients and 17 female patients. These patients fall into 4 groups based on clinical presentations: 12 patients in PCNSL group (CNS group), 5 patients in primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) group (TE group), 10 patients in Germinal center B (GCB) cell-like DLBCL without central nervous system infiltration (GCB group), and 10 patients in non-GCB DLBCL group without central nervous system infiltration (non-GCB group). The CSF samples were collected before clinical treatment, and the samples were analyzed with UPLC-HRMS/technology. For data analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out on the obtained components, and the partial least squares discriminant analysis model (PLS-DA) was used for diversification analysis. Analytes with P<0.05 and VIP>1 were considered differential metabolites. The Venn diagram was used to narrow the range of metabolites. By using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software, pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the identified differential metabolites in CSF, and the corresponding P value was obtained. The metabolic pathways that have a significant effect in CNS group vs TE group, CNS group vs GCB group and GCB group vs non-GCB group were glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. The metabolic pathway that has a significant effect in CNS group vs non-GCB group and TE group vs non-GCB group was glycerophospholipid metabolism. Fatty acid degradation and fatty acid elongation were the significant effects metabolic pathway in TE group vs non-GCB group. We applied Venn diagrams to narrow the range of differential metabolites. There were 47 differential metabolites in the CSF of patients in the PCNSL group vs the non-PCNSL group (Figure 1). Compared with the non-PCNSL group, 33 metabolites such as 3-Hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine, Hesperetin 3'-O-sulfate, and Arteether were up-regulated and 14 metabolites such as Pentaglutamyl folate, Calcipotriol and N-Hexadecanoylpyrrolidine were down-regulated in the CSF of patients in the PCNSL group. In the CNS infiltration high-risk group and the CNS infiltration low-risk group, there were 16 differential metabolites (Figure 2). Compared with the patients in the CNS infiltration low-risk group, 8 metabolites such as 3-Allylphenol sulfate, p-Aminobenzoic acid and 2,3,4-Trichlorophenol were up-regulated and 8 metabolites such as Palmitaldehyde, Carboxamide and Rioprostil were down-regulated in the CNS infiltration high-risk group. In conclusion, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, and fatty acid metabolites were the three most important abnormal lipid metabolites existed in PCNSL. This finding may have some value in the development of diagnosis and prognostic tools for evaluating CSF in patients with PCNSL. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal