Effects of psychological nursing in Parkinson's related depression patients undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Patients with Parkinson’s disease(PD)often experience depression,and some may require magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for diagnosis,which can lead to MRI failure due to claustrophobia.AIM To explore the value of psychological interventions in successfully completing functional MRI scans of the brain for PD-related depression.METHODS Ninety-six patients with PD were randomly divided into two groups.The control group(47 patients)received general care,and the experimental group(49 patients)received general care combined with psychological care.The Unified Parkinson's Disease Assessment Scale(UPDRS),Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),and Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS)-15 scores,heart rate,systolic blood pressure,and MRI-Anxiety Questionnaire(MRI-AQ)scores before and after the scan were recorded.The completion rate of magnetic resonance(MR)scanning,scanning duration,and image quality scores were recorded.RESULTS Before scanning,no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of heart rate,systolic blood pressure,and UPDRS,HAMD,GDS-15,and MRI-AQ scores.After scanning,systolic blood pressure,MRI-AQ score,and scan time in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group,whereas the scan completion rate and image quality score were significantly higher than those in the control group.CONCLUSION Psychological nursing interventions are helpful in alleviating PD-related depression and assessing MR depression scores and may be helpful in the successful completion of functional MRI scans of the patient's brain.

眼外肌术后视网膜微观变化的研究进展

眼外肌手术作为斜视治疗最主要的方式,可以达到矫正眼位、改善外观、重建三级视功能的目的。既往研究发现眼外肌术后早期视网膜血流密度(VD)及厚度增加,并涉及多种机制参与。近年来,随着光学相干断层扫描血流成像技术(OCTA)等检测手段出现,让我们对传统眼外肌术式带来的视网膜微观改变及其机制的量化认识越来越深刻,术后早期视网膜VD增加可能与术后视功能的恢复密切相关,但目前相关研究较少,眼外肌术后视网膜微观变化与视功能之间的关联及影响机制尚需进一步明确,本文将从多角度对眼外肌术后视网膜微观变化及其机制进行综述,提高对其影响机制及与视功能之间关联的认识,以期为眼外肌手术方案的选择及相关临床研究提供借鉴。

眼外肌术后眼前段缺血的研究进展

眼前段缺血(anterior segment ischemia,ASI)是眼外肌手术后罕见而严重的并发症,临床表现复杂,易被误诊,如不及时治疗,可能导致视力丧失等致盲性后果。本文主要对眼外肌术后ASI的概念、临床表现、发生机制、高危因素、诊断治疗等方面做一综述,以提高大家对ASI的认识,并在临床工作中尽量减少或避免ASI的发生。

Inhibition of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway suppresses the expression of extracellular matrix induced by CTGF or TGF-β in ARPE-19

AIM:To investigate the role of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y27632, in mediating the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including fibronectin, matrix metallo-proteinase-2 (MMP-2) and type I collagen as induced by connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, ARPE-19. METHODS:The effect of Y27632 on the CTGF or TGF-β induced phenotype in ARPE-19 cells was measured with immunocytochemistry as the change in F-actin. ARPE-19 cells were treated with CTGF (1, 10, 100ng/mL)and TGF-β (10ng/mL) in serum free media, and analyzed for fibronectin, laminin, and MMP-2 and type I collagen by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry. Cells were also pretreated with an ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, to analyze the signaling contributing to ECM production. ·RESULTS:Treatment of ARPE-19 cells in culture with TGF-β or CTGF induced an ECM change from a cobblestone morphology to a more elongated swirl pattern indicating a mesenchymal phenotype. RT-qPCR analysis and different gene expression analysis demonstrated an upregulation in expression of genes associated with cytoskeletal structure and motility. CTGFor TGF-β significantly increased expression of fibronectin mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.003 respectively), laminin mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.005), MMP-2 mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.001), COL1A1 mRNA (P =0.001, P =0.001), COL1A2 mRNA (P = 0.001, P =0.001). Preincubation of ARPE-19 with Y27632 (10mmol/L) significantly prevented CTGF or TGF-β induced fibronectin (P=0.005, P=0.003 respectively), MMP-2 (P = 0.003, P =0.002), COL1A1 (P =0.006, P =0.003), and COL1A2 (P =0.006, P =0.004) gene expression, but not laminin (P =0.375, P =0.516). CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrated that both TGF-β and CTGF upregulate the expression of ECM components including fibronectin, laminin, MMP-2 and type I collagen by activating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. During this process, ARPE-19 cells were shown to change from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype in vitro. Y27632, a ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the transcription of fibronectin, MMP-2 and type I collagen, but not laminin. The data from our work suggest a role for CTGF as a profibrotic mediator. Inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway represents a potential target to prevent the fibrosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. This might lead to a novel therapeutic approach to preventing the onset of early proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR).

Perirenal space blocking restores gastrointestinal function in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM:To investigate effects of perirenal space blocking(PSB)on gastrointestinal function in patients with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Forty patients with SAP were randomly allocated to receive PSB or no PSB(NPSB).All the SAP patients received specialized medical therapy(SMT).Patients in the PSB group received PSB+SMT when hospitalized and after diagnosis,whereas patients in the NPSB group only received SMT.A modifed gastrointestinal failure(GIF)scoring system was used to assess the gastrointestinal function in SAP patients after admission.Pain severity(visual analog scale,0 to100)was monitored every 24 h for 72 h.RESULTS:Modified GIF score decreased in both groups during the 10-d study period.The median score decrease was initially significantly greater in the PSB group than in the NPSB group after PSB was per-formed.During the 72-h study period,pain intensity decreased in both groups.The median pain decrease was significantly greater in the PSB group than in the NPSB group at single time points.Patients in the PSB group had significantly lower incidences of hospital mortality,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,systemic inflammatory response syndrome,and pancreatic infection,and stayed in the intensive care unit for a shorter duration.However,no difference in terms of operation incidence was found between the two groups.CONCLUSION:PSB could ameliorate gastrointestinal dysfunction or failure during the early stage of SAP.Moreover,PSB administration could improve prognosis and decrease the mortality of SAP patients.

Low WT1 transcript levels at diagnosis predicted poor outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia patients with t(8;21) who received chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background:Acute myeloid leukemia(AML) with t(8;21) is a heterogeneous disease.Identifying AML patients with t(8;21) who have a poor prognosis despite achieving remission is important for determining the best subsequent therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Wilm tumor gene-1(WT1) transcript levels and cellular homolog of the viral oncogene v-KIT receptor tyrosine kinase(C-KIT) mutations at diagnosis,and RUNXTRUNX1T1 transcript levels after the second consolidation chemotherapy cycle on outcomes.Methods:Eighty-eight AML patients with t(8;21) who received chemotherapy only or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) were included.Patients who achieved remission,received two or more cycles of consolidation chemotherapy,and had a positive measureable residual disease(MRD) test result(defined as <3-log reduction in RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript levels compared to baseline) after 2-8 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy were recommended to receive allo-HSCT.Patients who had a negative MRD test result were recommended to receive further chemotherapy up to only 8 cycles.WT1 transcript levels and C-KIT mutations at diagnosis,and RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript levels after the second consolidation chemotherapy cycle were tested.Results:Patients who had a C-KIT mutation had significantly lower WTl transcript levels than patients who did not have a C-KIT mutation(6.7%± 10.6%vs.19.5%± 19.9%,P < 0.001).Low WTl transcript levels(<5.0%) but not C-KIT mutation at diagnosis,a positive MRD test result after the second cycle of consolidation chemotherapy,and receiving only chemotherapy were independently associated with high cumulative incidence of relapse in all patients(hazard ratio[HR]= 3.53,2.30,and 11.49;95%confidence interval[CI]1.64-7.62,1.82-7.56,and 4.43-29.82;P = 0.002,0.034,and <0.001,respectively);these conditions were also independently associated with low leukemia-free survival(HR =3.71,2.33,and 5.85;95%CI 1.82-7.56,1.17-4.64,and 2.75-12.44;P < 0.001,0.016,and <0.001,respectively) and overall survival(HR = 3.50,2.32,and 4.34;95%CI 1.56-7.82,1.09-4.97,and 1.98-9.53;P = 0.002,0.030,and <0.001,respectively) in all patients.Conclusions:Testing for WTl transcript levels at diagnosis in patients with AML and t(8;21) may predict outcomes in those who achieve remission.A randomized study is warranted to determine whether allo-HSCT can improve prognosis in these patients.

The ROCK pathway inhibitor Y-27632 mitigates hypoxia and oxidative stress-induced injury to retinal Müller cells

Rho kinase （ROCK） was the first downstream Rho effector found to mediate RhoA-induced actin cytoskeletal changes through effects on myosin light chain phosphorylation. There is abundant evidence that the ROCK pathway participates in the pathogenesis of retinal endothelial injury and proliferative epiretinal membrane traction. In this study, we investigated the effect of the ROCK pathway inhibitor Y-27632 on retinal Müller cells subjected to hypoxia or oxidative stress. Müller cells were subjected to hypoxia or oxidative stress by exposure to CoCl2 or H2O2. After a 24-hour treatment with Y-27632, the 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to assess the survival of Müller cells. Hoechst 33258 was used to detect apoptosis, while 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate was used to measure reactive oxygen species generation. A transwell chamber system was used to examine the migration ability of Müller cells. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, glutamine synthetase and vimentin. After treatment with Y-27632, Müller cells subjected to hypoxia or oxidative stress exhibited a morphology similar to control cells. Y-27632 reduced apoptosis, α-smooth muscle actin expression and reactive oxygen species generation under oxidative stress, and it reduced cell migration under hypoxia. Y-27632 also upregulated glutamine synthetase expression under hypoxia but did not impact vimentin expression. These findings suggest that Y-27632 protects Müller cells against cellular injury caused by oxidative stress and hypoxia by inhibiting the ROCK pathway.

Involvement of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase signaling inhibition in TGF-β1/Smad2,3 signal transduction in vitro

AIM：To research the effect of Y-27632,a selective Rhoassociated coiled-coil kinase（ROCK） inhibitor,on TGF-β1/Smad2,3 signal transduction in ocular Tenon＇s capsule fi broblasts（OTFs）.METHODS：Primary ocular Tenon＇s capsule fibroblasts had been cultured in vitro.The effect of Y27632 on proliferation of OTF stimulated by lysophosphatidic acid（LPA） was evaluated by MTT colorimetric assay so as to sift out the proper concentrations range of Y-27632 for the next experiment.Real time-polymerase chain reactor（RT-PCR） was to analyze the changes of Smad2 and Smad3 genes of cells affected by Y-27632,though unaffected by transforming growth factorbeta1（TGF-β1）.Proteins of Smad2,Smad3,phosphorylated Smad2（Ser245/250/255）,and phosphorylated Smad3（Ser423/425/203） were respectively quantifi ed by Western blot after OTFs were successively incubated by TGF-β1 and Y-27632.Meanwhile,α-smooth muscular actin（α-SMA） protein was also quantified after the small intervening gene fragments of human Smad2 and Smad3 were designed,synthesized,and then transfected to OTFs.RESULTS：Y-27632 signifi cantly inhibited OTFs proliferation stimulated by LPA.Also Y-27632 signifi cantly suppressed the expressions of Smad2 m RNA,Smad2,3 proteins expressions,Smad3 phosphorylation at the carboxylic terminals of Ser423/425/203 which had been radically promoted by TGF-β1.Si RNA-Smad2,3 suppressed α-SMA expressions,but less effectively than Y-27632.CONCLUSION：The inhibition of ROCK signaling may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of the fi ltration channel fi brosis.

Comparison of smear cytology with liquid-based cytology in pancreatic lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)is a safe and accurate technique to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancers.Recently,numerous studies comparing the diagnostic efficacy of smear cytology(SC)and liquid-based cytology(LBC)for pancreatic lesions yielded mixed results.AIM To compare and identify the better cytology method for EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane was undertaken through July 18,2020.The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy(sensitivity and specificity).Secondary outcomes included sample adequacy and post procedure complications.In addition,factors affecting diagnostic efficacy were discussed.RESULTS Data on a total of 1121 comparisons from 10 studies met the inclusion criteria.Pooled rates of sensitivity for SC and LBC were 78%(67%-87%)vs 75%(67%-81%),respectively.In any case,both SC and LBC exhibited a high specificity close to 100%.Inadequate samples more often appeared in LBC compared with SC.However,the LBC samples exhibited a better visual field than SC.Very few post procedure complications were observed.CONCLUSION Our data suggested that for EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions(particularly solid lesions),SC with Rapid On-Site Evaluation represents a superior diagnostic technique.If Rapid On-Site Evaluation is unavailable,LBC may replace smears.The diagnostic accuracy of LBC depends on different LBC techniques.

pigment epithelium-derived factor protects the morphological structure of retinal Müller cells in diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate if pigment epithelium-derived factor(PEDF) has any protective effect on the retinal Müller cells of Sprague-Dawley rats suffering from diabetes mellitus.METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a negative control group, a group receiving0.1 μg/μL PEDF, another group receiving 0.2 μg/μL PEDF,and a group receiving balanced salt solution(BSS). Rats in both the PEDF and BSS groups were treated intravitreally based on previously established diabetic models. After 4wk of treatment, morphological alterations of Müller cells and protein expression of glutamine synthase(GS) and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)were analyzed.RESULTS:PEDFateither0.1μg/μLor0.2μg/μLsignificantly improved the structures of both nuclei and organelles of Müller cells compared to the BSS-treated group.Expression of GS was significantly higher in the 0.2 μg/μL PEDF group than that in the BSS group(P =0.012), but expression of GFAP was significantly lower in the 0.2 μg/μL PEDF group than that in the BSS group(P =0.000);however, there were no significant differences in expression of these proteins between the 0.1 μg/μL PEDF group and the BSS group(P =0.608, P =0.152). CONCLUSION: PEDF protects the morphological ultrastructure of Müller cells, improves the expression of glutamate synthase and prevents cell gliosis.

A novel three-dimensional electric ophthalmotrope for improving the teaching of ocular movements

AIM: To develop a novel three-dimensional(3D) electric ophthalmotrope to improve the ophthalmology teaching effectiveness and evaluate the teaching value. METHODS: A 3D electric ophthalmotrope was designed by simulating the movement of the ocular and the extraocular muscles according to Sherrington’s law. The model with joint bearing was to ensure the flexibility and centripetal rotation of the simulated ball and stepper motor as the driving device. A programmable processor was used to control the motion amplitude of the stepper motor. The size of hole was set at the back of the simulated shell to limit the amount of eye movement. Afterwards, using a 5-point Likert scale, 7 experts evaluated the 3D electric ophthalmotrope’s simulation ability and precision, compared with the traditional anatomical model. In addition, the teaching effectiveness of the 3D electric ophthalmotrope was evaluated at in-class quiz and final exam in a randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: The 3D electric ophthalmotrope could be operated easily to demonstrate the eye movements with motion of different ocular muscles. The experts agreed that the 3D electric ophthalmotrope was different from the traditional model and was easier for students to understand every extraocular muscles’ movement in each evaluation index(P<0.05). Moreover, the results of teaching effectiveness showed that the 3D electric ophthalmotrope were significantly greater than the traditional model both at in-class quiz(P<0.01) and final exam(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This novel 3D electric ophthalmotrope is better than the traditional model, which can be to improve the ophthalmology teaching effectiveness for students to understand the extraocular muscles’ movement.

Predictive Value of Dynamic Peri-Transplantation MRD Assessed By MFC Either Alone or in Combination with Other Variables for Outcomes of Patients with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We performed a retrospective analysis to investigate dynamic peri-hematopoieticstem cell transplantation(HSCT)minimal/measurable residual disease(MRD)on outcomes inpatients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(T-ALL).A total of 271 patients were enrolledand classified into three groups:unchanged ncgative MRD pre-and post-HSCT group(group A),post-MRD non-increase group(group B),and post-MRD increase group(group C).The patientsin group B and group C experienced a higher cumulative incidence of relapse(CIR)(42%vs.71%vs.16%,P<0.001)and lower leukemia-free survival(LFS)(46%vs.21%vs.70%,P<0.001)andoverall survival(OS)(50%vs.28%vs.72%,P<0.001)than in group A,but there was no significantdifference in non-relapse mortality(NRM)among three groups(14%vs.12%vs.8%,P=0.752).Multivariate analysis showed that dynamic peri-HSCT MRD was associated with CIR(HR=2.392,95%CI,1.816-3.151,P<0.001),LFS(HR=1.964,95%CI,1.546-2.496,P<0.001)and os(HR=1.731,95%CI,1.348-2.222,P<0.001).We also established a risk scoring system based ondynamic peri-HSCT MRD combined with remission status pre-HSCT and onsct of chronic graft-versus-host disease(GVHD).This risk scoring system could better distinguish ClR(c=0.730)thanthat for pre-HSCT MRD(c=0.562),post-HSCT MRD(c=0.616)and pre-and post-MRD dynamics(c=0.648).Our results confirm the outcome predictive value of dynamic peri-HSCT MRD eitheralone or in combination with other variables for patients with T-ALL.

Evidence for two types of Aquilegia ecalcarata and its implications for adaptation to new environments

Spurs have played an important role in the radiation of the genus Aquilegia,but little is known about how the spurless state arose in A.ecalcarata.Here we aim to characterize the genetic divergence within A.ecalcarata and gain insights into the origin of this species.A total of 19 populations from A.ecalcarata and 23 populations from three of its closest relatives(Aquilegia kansuensis,Aquilegia rockii and Aquilegia yabeana)were sampled in this study.We sequenced fifteen nuclear gene fragments across the genome and three chloroplast loci to conduct phylogenetic,PCoA and STRUCTURE analyses.Our analyses indicate that A.ecalcarata may not be monophyletic and can be divided into two distinct lineages(A.ecalcarataⅠand A.ecalcarataⅡ).A.ecalcarataⅠis genetically close to A.kansuensis,whereas A.ecalcarataⅡis close to A.rockii.Isolation-with-migration analysis suggested that historical gene flow was low between A.ecalcarataⅠand A.rockii,as well as between A.ecalcarataⅡand A.kansuensis.The two distinct lineages of A.ecalcarata show significant divergence in 13 floral traits and also have distinct distributions.In addition,both A.ecalcarataⅠandⅡare adapted to a stony environment that differs from that of their closest relatives,indicating a habitat shift may have driven new adaptations.Our findings enrich the understanding of how floral evolution contributes to species diversification.

Disease Risk Comorbidity Index for Patients Receiving Haploidentical Allogeneic Hematopoietic Transplantation

We aimed to develop a disease risk comorbidity index(DRCI)based on disease risk index(DRI)and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index(HCT-CI)in patients receiving haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(haplo-HSCT).We identified the prognostic factors of disease-free survival(DFS)in a training subset(n=593),then assigned a weighted score using these factors to the remaining patients(validation subset;n=296).The multivariable model identified two independent predictors of DFS:DRI and HCT-CI before transplantation.In this scoring system,we assigned a weighted score of 2 to very high-risk DRI,and assigned a weighted score of 1 to high-risk DRI and intermediate-and high-risk HCT-CI(i.e.,haplo-DRCI).In the validation cohort,the three-year DFS rate was 65.2%(95%confidence interval(CI),58.2%–72.2%),55.8%(95%CI,44.9%–66.7%),and 32.0%(95%CI,5.8%–58.2%)for the low-,intermediate-,and high-risk group,respectively(P=0.005).Haplo-DRCI can also predict DFS in disease-specific subgroups,particularly in acute leukemia patients.Increasing score was also significantly predictive of increased relapse,increased non-relapse mortality(NRM),decreased DFS,and decreased overall survival(OS)in an independent historical cohort(n=526).These data confirmed that haplo-DRCI could effectively risk stratify haplo-HSCT recipients and provide a tool to better predict who will best benefit from haplo-HSCT.

Multiple myeloma presenting with amyloid arthropathy as the first manifestation:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma(MM)can be accompanied by amyloidosis,which occurs in a small number of patients and is characterized by deposition of light chains in the joints,leading to multiple myeloma-associated amyloid arthropathy(MAA).As a rare complication of MM,clinical manifestations of MAA are often similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis,and the two are easily confused.CASE SUMMARY In recent years,our center treated two patients of MM with amyloid arthropathy as the first manifestation,both of whom presented with polyarthritis.After treatment for MM,both patients achieved complete remission.However,subsequently,the two patients underwent hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures.Congo red staining and immunofluorescence of the joint tissues confirmed MAA after surgery.Eventually,one of the patients died of MM recurrence,while the other survived.CONCLUSION MAA should be regarded as an initial symptom of MM and should be taken seriously.

X-ray plateaus followed by sharp drops in GRBs 060413, 060522, 060607A and 080330: Further evidences for central engine afterglow from gamma-ray bursts

The X-ray afterglows of GRBs 060413, 060522, 060607A and 080330 are characterized by a plateau followed by a very sharp drop. The plateau could be explained within the framework of the external forward shock model but the sharp drop can not. We interpret the plateau as the afterglows of magnetized central engines, plausibly magnetars. In this model, the X-ray afterglows are powered by the internal magnetic energy dissipation and the sudden drop is caused by the collapse of the magnetar. Accordingly, the X-ray plateau photons should have a high linear polarization, which can be tested by future X-ray polarimetry.

Correlation of the electrical remodeling of myocardial cells with oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in animal models with dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective:To study the correlation of the electrical remodeling of myocardial cells with oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in animal models with dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods: Male New Zealand white rabbits were selected as experimental animals and divided into model group and control group, model group were made into animal models with dilated cardiomyopathy through ear intravenous injection of adriamycin, and the control group received ear intravenous injection of same dose of saline. 8 weeks later, the myocardial tissue was collected to detect the myocardial cell delay after depolarization (DADs) through the technique of unicell patch clamp, and radioimmunoprecipitation kits and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine oxidative stress indexes and inflammatory reaction indexes.Results:The incidence of myocardial cell DADs of animal model group was significantly higher than that of control group, and ROS, MDA, AOPP, CHOP, GRP78, TLR4, NF-kB, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in myocardial tissue were significantly higher than those of control group;ROS, MDA, AOPP, CHOP, GRP78, TLR4, NF-kB, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in myocardial tissue of DADs animals in model group were significantly higher than those of non-DADs animals.Conclusion:Adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy can lead to myocardial cell delay after depolarization through oxidative stress and inflammatory injury.

Extraordinary Electromagnetic Waves in Weakly Relativistic Degenerate Spin-1/2 Magnetized Quantum Plasmas

By using the relativistic quantum magnetohydrodynamic model, the extraordinary electromagnetic waves in magnetized quantum plasmas are investigated with the effects of particle dispersion associated with the quantum Bohm potential effects, the electron spin-1/2 effects, and the relativistic degenerate pressure effects. The electrons are treated as a quantum and magnetized species, while the ions are classical ones. The new general dispersion relations are derived and analyzed in some interesting special cases. Quantum effects are shown to affect the dispersion relations of the extraordinary electromagnetic waves. It is also shown that the relativistic degenerate pressure effects significantly modify the dispersive properties of the extraordinary electromagnetic waves. The present investigation should be useful for understanding the collective interactions in dense astrophysical bodies,such as the atmosphere of neutron stars and the interior of massive white dwarfs.

Expanded clinical-grade NK cells exhibit stronger effects than primary NK cells against HCMV infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation remains a common complication and leads to high mortality in patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Early natural killer (NK) cell reconstitution may protect against the development of human CMV (HCMV) infection post-HSCT. Our previous data showed that ex vivo mbIL21/4-1BBL-expanded NK cells exhibited high cytotoxicity against leukemia cells. Nevertheless, whether expanded NK cells have stronger anti-HCMV function is unknown. Herein, we compared the anti-HCMV functions of ex vivo expanded NK cells and primary NK cells. Expanded NK cells showed higher expression of activating receptors, chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules;stronger cytotoxicity against HCMV-infected fibroblasts;and better inhibition of HCMV propagation in vitro than primary NK cells. In HCMV-infected humanized mice, expanded NK cell infusion resulted in higher NK cell persistence and more effective tissue HCMV elimination than primary NK cell infusion. A clinical cohort of 20 post-HSCT patients who underwent adoptive NK cell infusion had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of HCMV infection (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32–0.93, p = 0.042) and refractory HCMV infection (HR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.18–0.65, p = 0.009) than controls and better NK cell reconstitution on day 30 post NK cell infusion. In conclusion, expanded NK cells exhibit stronger effects than primary NK cells against HCMV infection both in vivo and in vitro.

Machine learning algorithm as a prognostic tool for Epstein-Barr virus reactivation after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)reactivation is one of the most important infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)using haplo-identical related donors(HID).We aimed to establish a comprehensive model with machine learning,which could predict EBV reactivation after HID HSCT with anti-thymocyte globulin(ATG)for graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)prophylaxis.We enrolled 470 consecutive acute leukemia patients,60%of them(n=282)randomly selected as a training cohort,the remaining 40%(n=188)as a validation cohort.The equation was as follows:Probability(EBV reactivation)=1/1+exp(−Y),where Y=0.0250×(age)–0.3614×(gender)+0.0668×(underlying disease)–0.6297×(disease status before HSCT)–0.0726×(disease risk index)–0.0118×(hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index[HCT-CI]score)+1.2037×(human leukocyte antigen disparity)+0.5347×(EBV serostatus)+0.1605×(conditioning regimen)–0.2270×(donor/recipient gender matched)+0.2304×(donor/recipient relation)–0.0170×(mononuclear cell counts in graft)+0.0395×(CD34+cell count in graft)–2.4510.The threshold of probability was 0.4623,which separated patients into low-and high-risk groups.The 1-year cumulative incidence of EBV reactivation in the low-and high-risk groups was 11.0%versus 24.5%(P<.001),10.7%versus 19.3%(P=.046),and 11.4%versus 31.6%(P=.001),respectively,in total,training and validation cohorts.The model could also predict relapse and survival after HID HSCT.We established a comprehensive model that could predict EBV reactivation in HID HSCT recipients using ATG for GVHD prophylaxis.