HILPDA-mediated lipidomic remodelling promotes radiotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by accelerating mitophagy.

Radiotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) therapy and contributes to tumour recurrence and metastasis. Lipid metabolism is a key regulatory mechanism in cancer biology; however, its role in NPC radiotherapy resistance remains unclear. In this study, we identified hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated protein (HILPDA) as a newly discovered regulator of radioresistance that induces not only lipid droplet (LD) formation but also intracellular lipid remodelling, notably changing mitochondrial cardiolipin (CL) levels. Additionally, we found that the upregulation of CL promotes mitophagy in response to irradiation exposure. Mechanistically, HILPDA inhibits PINK1-mediated CLS1 ubiquitination and degradation. The combination of a mitophagy inhibitor and irradiation significantly increases the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. Human cancer-derived data confirmed that the HILPDA-CLS1 pathway promotes NPC radioresistance. Collectively, these findings suggest that HILPDA plays a critical role in promoting NPC radioresistance and might be targeted to overcome radiotherapeutic resistance in NPC patients in the clinic.

Factors Influencing Time to First Medical Contact in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND Exploring the factors that impact the time from symptom onset to first medical contact (S2FMC) is crucial for improving outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study conducted a retrospective analysis on 282 patients who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in Guangzhou City District to identify significant factors affecting S2FMC. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 282 patients with STEMI who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify significant factors affecting S2FMC. Additionally, interactions between risk factors were examined using multivariate logistic regression and the structural equation model (SEM). RESULTS Age (HR=0.984, 95% CI: 0.975-0.993), nature of chest pain (HR=2.561, 95% CI: 1.900-3.458), admission mode (HR=1.805, 95% CI: 1.358-2.400), and vascular characteristics (HR=1.246, 95% CI: 1.069-1.451) were independent influencing factors for S2FMC. Persistent chest tightness/pain, EMS admission, and vascular characteristics (RCADL or LCADL) played a protective role in S2FMC. Among the influencing factors, vascular characteristics (OR=1.072, 95% CI: 1.008-1.141) had an independent effect on the nature of chest pain. Meanwhile, the nature of chest pain (OR=1.148, 95% CI: 1.015-1.298) was an independent influencing factor in the admission mode. CONCLUSIONS Patients with persistent chest tightness/pain, EMS admission, and vascular characteristics (RCADL or LCADL) experienced shorter S2FMC and higher compliance rate (S2FMC ≤180 min). At the same time, age and other vascular features played an inverse role. This study proposes enhancing follow-up and monitoring measures, and shows the consequences of intermittent chest pain should not be disregarded.

Quantifying the Importance of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Characteristics in Predicting Different Clinical Outcomes: Using Random Forest Model.

Existing research on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents has primarily concentrated on general risk factors, leaving a significant gap in understanding the specific NSSI characteristics that predict diverse psychopathological outcomes. This study aims to address this gap by using Random Forests to discern the significant predictors of different clinical outcomes. The study tracked 348 adolescents (64.7% girls; mean age = 13.31, SD = 0.91) over 6 months. Initially, 46 characteristics of NSSI were evaluated for their potential to predict the repetition of NSSI, as well as depression, anxiety, and suicidal risks at a follow-up (T2). The findings revealed distinct predictors for each psychopathology. Specifically, psychological pain was identified as a significant predictor for depression, anxiety, and suicidal risks, while the perceived effectiveness of NSSI was crucial in forecasting its repetition. These findings imply that it is feasible to identify high-risk individuals by assessing key NSSI characteristics, and also highlight the importance of considering diverse NSSI characteristics when working with self-injurers.

Reassembled saturation transfer (REST) MR images at 2 B1 values for in vivo exchange-dependent imaging of amide and nuclear Overhauser enhancement.

PURPOSE: Design an efficient CEST scheme for exchange-dependent images with high contrast-to-noise ratio. THEORY: Reassembled saturation transfer (REST) signals were defined as Δ $$ \Delta $$ r.Z = r.Zref - r.ZCEST and the reassembled exchange-dependen magnetization transfer ratio r.MTRRex  = r.1/Zref - r.1/ZCEST , utilizing the averages over loosely sampled reference frequency offsets as Zref and over densely sampled target offsets as ZCEST . Using r.MTRRex measured under 2 B1,sat values, exchange rate could be estimated. METHODS: The REST approach was optimized and assessed quantitatively by simulations for various exchange rates, pool concentration, and water T1 . In vivo evaluation was performed on ischemic rat brains at 7 Tesla and human brains at 3 Tesla, in comparison with conventional asymmetrical analysis, Lorentzian difference (LD), an MTRRex_ LD. RESULTS: For a broad choice of Δ ω ref $$ \Delta {\omega}_{ref} $$ ranges and numbers, Δr.Z and r.MTRRex exhibited comparable quantification features with conventional LD and MTRRex _LD, respectively, when B1,sat  ≤ 1 µT. The subtraction of 2 REST values under distinct B1,sat values showed linear relationships with exchange rate and obtained immunity to field inhomogeneity and variation in MT and water T1 . For both rat and human studies, REST images exhibited similar contrast distribution to MTRRex _LD, with superiority in contrast-to-noise ratio and acquisition efficiency. Compared with MTRRex _LD, 2-B1,sat subtraction REST images displayed better resistance to B1 inhomogeneity, with more specific enhanced regions. They also showed higher signals for amide than for nuclear Overhauser enhancement effect in human brain, presumably reflecting the higher increment from faster-exchanging species as B1,sat increased. CONCLUSION: Featuring high contrast-to-noise ratio efficiency, REST could be a practical exchange-dependent approach readily applicable to either retrospective Z-spectra analysis or perspective 6-offset acquisition.

Associations of financial toxicity with symptoms and unplanned healthcare utilization among cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy at home: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients with financial toxicity experience psychological distress and often miss medical appointments and quit treatments early, which could be a barrier to the effective management of oral chemotherapy drugs at home. This study explores whether financial toxicity predicts symptoms and unplanned healthcare utilization among cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy at home, which will contribute to the safe management of oral chemotherapy. METHODS: Data in this study was from a prospective observational study, which was conducted between October 2018 and December 2019. 151 patients completed the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity at discharge and completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and unplanned healthcare utilization questionnaires after finishing one cycle of oral chemotherapy at home. Regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations of financial toxicity with symptoms and unplanned healthcare utilization. RESULTS: Among 151participants, 88.08% reported severe or moderate financial toxicity, 43.05% reported symptom interference, and 31.79% reported unplanned healthcare utilization while taking oral chemotherapy at home. Patients between the age of 45-60y (p = 0.042) have higher financial toxicity, while those living in urban areas (p = 0.016) have lower financial toxicity. Patients with worse financial toxicity suffered increased symptoms of fatigue, emotional distress, disturbed sleep, and lack of appetite. Consequently, their mood and personal relation with other significant suffered. However, no statistical differences in unplanned healthcare utilization were found among patients with different levels of financial toxicity. CONCLUSION: Middle-aged adults and those living in suburban or rural areas experienced worse financial toxicity than other groups. Patients with worse financial toxicity experienced more severe psychological symptoms (e.g., fatigue, distress, disturbed sleep, and lack of appetite) and affective interference (e.g., mood and relations with others). Identifying at-risk patients is necessary to offer tailored support for psychological symptom management.

Associations of readiness for hospital discharge with symptoms and non-routine utilization of post-discharge services among cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Readiness for hospital discharge is associated with patients' health outcomes after they return home. However, little is known about this association among cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home. This study aimed to examine whether patients' reported readiness for hospital discharge was associated with symptoms and non-routine utilization of post-discharge services among cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, and 151 cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy were recruited from a provincial level hospital in South China between October 2018 and December 2019. The primary outcome was readiness for hospital discharge assessed by the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form on the day of discharge. The secondary endpoints were symptoms assessed by MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and non-routine utilization of post-discharge services within one cycle of chemotherapy at home (21 days). RESULTS: Among these 151 participants, 74.2% of them reported as ready for discharge. Patients who were employed, lived in suburban area or villages, had a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, took Tegafur as oral chemotherapy, and took oral chemotherapy for the first time reported lower readiness for hospital discharge. These five factors explained 28.1% of variance in readiness for hospital discharge. Patients who were not ready for discharge were prone to report higher symptom severity (p = 0.038). No differences in non-routine utilization of post-discharge services were found between the readiness versus non-readiness for discharge groups (p = 0.891). CONCLUSIONS: Most cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home were ready for discharge, which was influenced by employment status, residence status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, type of oral chemotherapy drug, and the experience of taking oral chemotherapy at home. Patients with lower readiness reported worse symptom severity at home. Routine assessment was suggested to recognize unready patients, and more extensive preparations for discharge were recommended to help them manage symptoms at home.

Regulation of tourmaline-mediated Fenton-like system by biochar: Free radical pathway to non-free radical pathway.

The heterogeneous Fenton-like systems induced by Fe-containing minerals have been largely applied for the degradation of organic pollutants. However, few studies have been conducted on biochar (BC) as an additive to Fenton-like systems mediated by iron-containing minerals. In this study, the addition of BC prepared at different temperatures was found to significantly enhance the degradation of contaminants in the tourmaline-mediated Fenton-like system (TM/H2O2) using Rhodamine B (RhB) as the target contaminant. Furthermore, the hydrochloric acid-modified BC prepared at 700 °C (BC700(HCl)) could achieve complete degradation of high concentrations of RhB in the BC700(HCl)/TM/H2O2 system. Free radical quenching experiments showed that TM/H2O2 system removed contaminants mainly mediated by the free radical pathway. After adding BC, the removal of contaminants is mainly mediated by the non-free radical pathway in BC700(HCl)/TM/H2O2 system which was confirmed by the Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, BC700(HCl) had broad feasibility in the degradation of other organic pollutants (Methylene Blue (MB) 100%, Methyl Orange (MO) 100%, and tetracycline (TC) 91.47%) in the tourmaline-mediated Fenton-like system. Possible pathways for the degradation of RhB by the BC700(HCl)/TM/H2O2 system were also proposed.

Effects of Temperature, Metal Ions and Biosurfactants on Interaction Mechanism between Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Hemoglobin.

Caffeic acid phenylethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural polyphenol extracted from propolis, which is reported to have several pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Hemoglobin (Hb) is closely related to the transport of drugs, and some drugs, including CAPE, can lead to a change in Hb concentration. Herein, the effects of temperature, metal ions and biosurfactants on the interaction between CAPE and Hb were studied using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and molecular docking analysis. The results showed that the addition of CAPE led to changes in the microenvironment of Hb amino acid residues as well as the secondary structure of Hb. Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force were found to be the main driving forces for the interaction between CAPE and Hb through fluorescence spectroscopy and thermodynamic parameter data. The results of fluorescence spectroscopy also showed that lowering the temperature, adding biosurfactants (sodium cholate (NaC) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC)) and the presence of Cu2+ increased the binding force between CAPE and Hb. These results provide useful data for the targeted delivery and absorption of CAPE and other drugs.

Interaction between caffeic acid phenethyl ester and protease: monitoring by spectroscopic and molecular docking approaches.

The interaction of one anticancer drug (caffeic acid phenethyl ester; CAPE) with three proteases (trypsin, pepsin and α-chymotrypsin) has been investigated with multispectral methods and molecular docking. As an active components in propolis, the findings are of great benefit to metabolism, design, and structural modification of drugs. The results show that CAPE has an obvious ability to quench the trypsin, pepsin, or α-chymotrypsin fluorescence mainly through a static quenching procedure. Trypsin has the largest binding affinity to CAPE, and α-chymotrypsin has the smallest binding affinity to CAPE. The data obtained from thermodynamic parameters and molecular docking prove that the spontaneously interaction between CAPE and each protease is mainly due to a combination of van der Waals (vdW) force and hydrogen bond (H-bond), controlled by an enthalpy-driven process. The binding force, strength, position, and the number of H-bond are further obtained from the results of molecular docking. Through ultraviolet spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism experiments, the change in the protease secondary structure induced by CAPE was observed. Additionally, the addition of protease had a positive effect on the antioxidative activity of CAPE, and α-chymotrypsin has the greatest effect on the removal of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals by CAPE.

Interactional, functional, and biological properties of lactone sophorolipid (LSL) and collagen oligopeptides (COP) in aqueous solution.

For the mixed aqueous solution of LSL and COP, the interaction mode and mechanism have been comprehensively studied using multispectral methods including fluorescence spectrum, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis )adsorption spectra, and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The surface activity, particle size, foaming, emulsifying, viscosity, and antibacterial properties were evaluated in detail using a surface tension measurement (ST), dynamic light scattering (DLS), oscillometric method, spectrophotometer, Ubbelohde viscometer, and zone of inhibition separately. Compared with the single LSL or COP aqueous solution, the mixed system shows different performance optimizations in different aspects. The surface activity and foaming properties are mainly attributed to LSL, and the viscosity is attributed to COP. Fluorescence spectroscopy results show using LSL addition that the fluorescence distribution of COP has significant changes and a static quenching mechanism was proved. The results of UV-vis and CD spectra also show the changing conformation of COP using LSL addition. Data on thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the combination of LSL and COP gives a spontaneous exothermic process and is an enthalpy-driven process. The interaction mechanism between LSL and COP is very helpful for the application and development of the mixed mild biosurfactant-protein system used in the cosmetic and food industries.

Understanding the nature of NH3-coordinated active sites and the complete reaction schemes for NH3-SCR using Cu-SAPO-34 catalysts.

Cu-SAPO-34 zeolite catalysts show excellent NH3-SCR performance at low temperature, which is due to the catalytic capacity of copper species. Isolated CuII ions and CuIIOH are active sites, but their nature and role are not fully understood. This paper reports the DFT calculations in combination with ab initio thermodynamics to investigate NH3 and H2O coordination to copper species under typical NH3-SCR reaction conditions. In the reduction part of the NH3-SCR reaction, NH2NO and NH4NO2 intermediates will form on CuII-2NH3/3NH3 and CuIIOH-2NH3 complexes, respectively. The Brønsted acid sites are crucial for the decomposition of these intermediates, rather than copper species. Furthermore, the decomposition of NH2NO is more energetically favorable than NH4NO2 which are formed on the Brønsted acid sites. In the re-oxidation part of the NH3-SCR reaction, O2 dissociation and NO2 formation occur on CuI-2NH3 complexes in the presence of NO, and the regeneration of CuIIOH-2NH3 requires the participation of H2O. The proposed complete mechanisms highlight the importance of ligand coordinated copper species for intermediate formation and O2 activation in NH3-SCR.

Lymphocyte Antigen 6 Complex, Locus C+ Monocytes and Kupffer Cells Orchestrate Liver Immune Responses Against Hepatitis B Virus in Mice.

To understand the mechanism(s) of age-dependent outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in humans, we previously established an age-related HBV mouse model in which 6-week-old (N6W) C3H/HeN mice exhibited virus tolerance whereas 12-week-old (N12W) counterparts presented virus clearance. By investigating the hepatic myeloid cell dynamics in mice of these two ages, we aim to identify factors associated with HBV clearance. C3H/HeN mice were transfected with an HBV plasmid by hydrodynamic injection. Serum HBV markers were monitored weekly. Hepatic leucocyte populations and their cytokine/chemokine productions were examined at baseline, day 3 (D3), day 7 (D7), and day 14 after injection. C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) antagonist and clodronate (CLD) were respectively administered to N12W and N6W mice to study the roles of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus C (Ly6C)+ monocytes and Kupffer cells (KCs) in viral clearance. N12W mice had a significantly higher number of TNF-α-secreting Ly6C+ monocytes and fewer IL-10-secreting KCs at D3 in the liver than their younger N6W counterparts after HBV transfection. In addition, the elevated number of interferon-γ+ TNF-α+ CD8+ T cells at D7 was only seen in the older cohort. The enhanced Ly6C+ monocyte induction in N12W mice resulted from elevated C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) secretion by hepatocytes. CCR2 antagonist administration hampered Ly6C+ monocyte recruitment and degree of KC reduction and delayed HBV clearance in N12W animals. Depletion of KCs by CLD liposomes enhanced Ly6C+ monocyte recruitment and accelerated HBV clearance in N6W mice. Conclusions: Ly6C+ monocytes and KCs may, respectively, represent the resistance and tolerance arms of host defenses. These two cell types play an essential role in determining HBV clearance/tolerance. Manipulation of these cells is a promising avenue for immunotherapy of HBV-related liver diseases.

Outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in women with diminished ovarian reserve after growth hormone pretreatment.

The study was to evaluate the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) after pretreatment with growth hormone (GH). Retrospective propensity score matching study, which included 92 women received GH over 4 weeks pretreatment before their subsequent IVF cycles and 92 matched controls who underwent IVF cycles between July 2017 and August 2018. The evaluation parameters included ovarian response, embryological parameters, and pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer (ET). The mean number of retrieved oocytes and transferable day-3 embryos were significantly higher after GH pretreatment. The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate per fresh ET cycle were similar between the GH group and control group. In women who either achieved pregnancy or utilized all the embryos resulting from the index stimulation cycle, the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in women with GH compared to the control group. 4 weeks pretreatment with GH could increase ovarian response to stimulation and then improved IVF-ET outcomes in women with DOR.

CEST MRI with distribution-based analysis for assessment of early stage disease activity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis: An initial study.

Imaging biomarkers that can detect pathological changes at an early stage of multiple sclerosis (MS) may allow earlier therapeutic intervention with an improved outcome. Using a mouse model of MS, termed as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we performed chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI at a very early stage before symptom onset (6 days post-induction) for assessment of changes in tissues that appear "normal" with conventional MRI. The collected CEST Z-spectra signals (Ssat /S0 ) were analyzed using a histogram-guided method to determine the contributions from various offset frequencies. Histogram analysis showed that EAE mice exhibit a more heterogeneous distribution with lower peak heights in the hindbrain compared with naïve mice at saturation offsets of 1 and 2 ppm. At these two offsets, both the mean Ssat /S0 and the mean MTRasym values in the cerebellum and brain stem are significantly different between EAE and naïve mice (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescent staining validated the presence of neuroinflammation, with IBA1-positive cells detected throughout the hindbrain including the cerebellum and brain stem. Follow-up MRI at the symptom onset (score = 1.5-2.5, 13 days post-induction) confirmed gadolinium-enhanced periventricular lesions. CEST Z-spectra signals also changed by this time. The proposed three-level histogram-oriented analysis is simple to execute and robust for detecting subtle changes in Z-spectra signals, which does not require a priori knowledge of damage locations or contributing offset components. CEST MRI signals at 1 and 2 ppm were sensitive to the subtle pathological changes at an early stage in EAE mice, and have potential as novel imaging biomarkers complementary to functional and physiological MRI measures.

The role of N6-methyladenosine modification on diapause in silkworm (Bombyx mori) strains that exhibit different voltinism.

N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) plays a key role in regulating gene expression in myriad organisms. Diapause is an important plastic phenotype that allows insects to survive under specific environmental conditions. However, the diapause molecular mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetics of genes related to the m6 A modification complex in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) based on identified sequences from other organisms. We detected the expression of these genes during different developmental phases from four strains with different voltinism. We also determined total m6 A content in cells treated with different diapause hormone concentrations or eggs exposed to hydrochloric acid. Our data revealed that m6 A-modification-related gene expression and m6 A content were greater in diapause-destinated compared to nondiapause-destined strains. Our findings suggest that m6 A modification may provide significant epigenetic regulation of diapause-related genes in the silkworm.

Factors inducing decreased oocyte maturation rate: a retrospective analysis of 20,939 ICSI cycles.

PURPOSE: Decreased oocyte maturation rate (OMR) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles. The clinical features inducing decreased OMR remain unknown. The study is designed to explore the factors influencing the incidence of decreased OMR and its effects on clinical outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study analyzing data from 20,939 ICSI cycles in a reproductive center of university affiliated hospital from January 2015 to December 2017. Patients with a decreased OMR (< 30%) were characterized as Group A and those with an OMR ≥ 30% constituted Group B. Candidate factors of decreased OMR and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 1.3% cycles with an OMR < 30% and 22.16% of all oocytes retrieved (12.87 per cycle in average) were immature. Primary infertility, longer duration of infertility, larger BMI, more previous assisted reproductive times, less oocytes retrieved were risk factors for decreased OMR. Compared with long agonist protocol, patients received antagonist protocol for COH had a higher incidence of decreased OMR. The fertilization rate and subsequent embryo development of oocytes in Group A were worse than Group B. Implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were both lower in Group A than Group B. CONCLUSION: Primary infertility, duration of infertility, BMI, previous assisted reproductive times, number of oocytes retrieved and COH protocol were found to be factors inducing decreased OMR. Patients with decreased OMR had worse clinical outcomes.

Salicylic Acid-Based Polymeric Contrast Agents for Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Prostate Cancer.

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an innovative molecular imaging technique in which contrast agents are labeled by saturating their exchangeable proton spins by radio-frequency irradiation. Salicylic acid and its analogues are a promising class of highly sensitive, diamagnetic CEST agents. Herein, polymeric agents grafted with salicylic acid moieties and a known high-affinity ligand targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen in approximately 10:1 molar ratio were synthesized to provide sufficient MRI sensitivity and receptor specificity. The proton-exchange properties of the contrast agent in solution and in an experimental murine model are reported to demonstrate the feasibility of receptor-targeted CEST MRI of prostate cancer. Furthermore, the CEST imaging data were validated with an 111 In-labeled analogue of the agent by in vivo single photon emission computed tomographic imaging and tissue biodistribution studies.

Reproductive outcomes in women with unicornuate uterus undergoing in vitro fertilization: a nested case-control retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Unicornuate uterus, a congenital uterine malformation resulting from unilateral maldevelopment of Mullerian duct, is more prevalent in women with infertility. Owing to relative rarity of the condition, the evidence on the associated reproductive outcomes is derived from small heterogeneous studies that report different clinical endpoints and often do not account for the anatomical variations of unicornuate uterus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the embryological and clinical outcomes following IVF-ICSI treatment in women with unicornuate uterus without rudimentary functional cavity (ESHRE-ESGE class IVb). METHODS: Retrospective nested case-control study comprised 342 women with unicornuate uterus and 1026 matched controls who underwent IVF-ICSI cycles between October 2012 and October 2016. Cumulative live birth rate upon one complete IVF cycle, including transfers of all resulting embryos was considered as a primary outcome measure. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the unicornuate uterus and control groups except for higher rate of primary infertility in unicornuate uterus. Ovarian response to stimulation did not differ between the groups. Transfer of day-3 embryos in fresh cycle resulted in lower clinical pregnancy rate (35.9% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.028) and live-birth rate (26.9% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.017) per transfer, but the difference was not observed when either cleavage frozen-thaw embryos or blastocysts were transferred. Implantation rate was lower and miscarriage rate was higher in women with unicornuate uterus but the difference between the groups did not reach statistical significance. Transfer of cleavage embryos resulted in significantly higher miscarriage rate and lower live-birth rate in fresh versus frozen-thaw cycles in each group, whereas fresh and frozen-thaw blastocyst embryos had comparable outcomes. Upon completion of one IVF-ICSI cycle, the cumulative pregnancy rate (53.1% vs. 65.7, p < 0.001) and cumulative live birth rate (42.4% vs. 54.6%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in women with unicornuate uterus compared to those in women with normal uterus. Cumulative outcomes were superior when embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage. CONCLUSIONS: Women with unicornuate uterus have lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rate after IVF-ICSI treatment compared to women with normal uterus. The treatment outcomes are improved with blastocyst culture, which warrants evaluation in prospective setting.

[Consumptions of Meat, Dietary Fat, and Fatty-acids and Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents-a Cross-sectional Survey in Chengdu].

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 7-15 years in Longquanyi District of Chengdu and its association with consumptions of meat, dietary fat and fatty-acids. METHODS: A total of 1 811 children and adolescents aged 7-15 years in Longquanyi District were selected using stratified cluster sampling strategy. Their body mass, height and waist circumference were measured. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was estimated based on body mass index (BMI), body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Daily consumptions of meat, dietary fat and fatty-acids were calculated using data collected through a food frequency questionnaire and 3-d 24 h dietary recall. The children with overweight/obesity were compared with those with normal body mass in food/nutrient consumptions using Wilcoxon tests. The BMI SDS, WHtR, and prevalence of overweight and obesity were also compared between those having low, moderate and high food/nutrient consumptions using Chi-square tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: About 10.34% and 6.59% of participants were found to be overweight and obese, respectively. Boys had higher prevalence of overweight (12.05%) and overweight/obesity (18.97%) than girls (8.55%, 14.80%) ( P<0.05). Girls consumed more meat (including red meat and white meat), saturated fatty-acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty-acid (MUFA) than boys ( P<0.05). The consumptions of meat (both red meat and white meat), SFA and MUFA increased with age ( P<0.05). Overweight/obese girls consumed more SFA, MUFA and fat (%EN) than those of normal weight. The BMI SDS and WHtR of girls increased with fat (%EN) consumptions ( P<0.05). The BMI SDS of girls also increased with MUFA consumptions ( P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Consumptions of red meat, dietary fat, SFA, and MUFA are associated with overweight/obesity of girls aged 7-15 years in Chengdu. Further studies are needed to understand the gender differences.

Rapid detection and quantification of tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) using a superparamagnetic immunochromatographic strip.

Rapid and quantitative detection of biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity has become a common practice in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Herein, a quantitative lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPMNPs) was developed for detection of carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) in human serum. This direct and rapid method did not involve any sample preparation and was accomplished using a test strip in which a sandwich reaction was performed. Probes on the conjugate pad were prepared by coupling monoclonal antibody CC49 specific to CA72-4 onto SPMNPs. Coupled monoclonal antibody B72.3 and goat anti-mouse IgG were loaded onto a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane, serving as the test and control lines, respectively. Initially, results were evaluated by macroscopic observation. Afterwards, the magnetic signal strength of the reaction area was quantified using a magnetic assay reader (MAR). Several parameters that may influence the detection sensitivity were studied and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method was capable of detecting as low as 0.38 IU/mL of CA72-4 in 20 min and had a wide detection linearity range (0-100 IU/mL). We evaluated 100 clinical samples (70 positive and 30 negative) to assess the validity of these test strips, which exhibited high sensitivity (99%) and specificity (97%). The results indicated a high rate of accuracy (98.4-102%) and a low relative standard deviation according to the average recovery test. In conclusion, the test strips based on SPMNP probes are a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative method for the detection of CA72-4 and possess great potential in point-of-care testing (POCT).