The tRF-3024b hijacks miR-192-5p to increase BCL-2-mediated resistance to cytotoxic T lymphocytes in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The limited efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) poses a challenge. Recent evidence suggests that tumor cells' insensitivity to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) contributes to drug resistance against ICIs. Here, a particular tRNA-derived fragment called tRF-3024b has been identified as playing a significant role in tumor cell resistance to CTLs. Through tRF sequencing (tRF-seq), we observed a high expression of tRF-3024b in ESCC cells that survived co-culture with CTLs. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that tRF-3024b reduced the apoptosis of tumor cells when co-cultured with CTLs. The mechanism behind this resistance involves tRF-3024b promoting the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) by sequestering miR-192-5p, a microRNA that would normally inhibit BCL-2 expression. This means that tRF-3024b indirectly enhances the protective effects of BCL-2, reducing apoptosis in tumor cells. Rescue assays confirmed that the suppressive function of tRF-3024b relies on BCL-2. In summary, the tRF-3024b/miR-192-5p/BCL-2 axis sheds light on the crucial role of tRF-3024b in regulating BCL-2 expression. These findings offer valuable insights into strategies to enhance the response of ESCC to CTLs and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy approaches in treating ESCC.

Differential microRNA editing may drive target pathway switching in human temporal lobe epilepsy

MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of the gene expression landscape in temporal lobe epilepsy. The mechanisms that control microRNA levels and influence target choice remain, however, poorly understood. RNA editing is a post-transcriptional mechanism mediated by the adenosine acting on RNA (ADAR) family of proteins that introduces base modification that diversifies the gene expression landscape. RNA editing has been studied for the mRNA landscape but the extent to which microRNA editing occurs in human temporal lobe epilepsy is unknown. Here, we used small RNA-sequencing data to characterize the identity and extent of microRNA editing in human temporal lobe epilepsy brain samples. This detected low-to-high editing in over 40 of the identified microRNAs. Among microRNA exhibiting the highest editing was miR-376a-3p, which was edited in the seed region and this was predicted to significantly change the target pool. The edited form was expressed at lower levels in human temporal lobe epilepsy samples. We modelled the shift in editing levels of miR-376a-3p in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Reducing levels of the edited form of miR-376a-3p using antisense oligonucleotides resulted in extensive gene expression changes, including upregulation of mitochondrial and metabolism-associated pathways. Together, these results show that differential editing of microRNAs may re-direct targeting and result in altered functions relevant to the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy and perhaps other disorders of neuronal hyperexcitability.

Multi-omics reveals changed energy metabolism of liver and muscle by caffeine after mice swimming

In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the effects of caffeine on exercise, and provide convincing evidence for its ergogenic effects on exercise performance. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these ergogenic effects remain unclear. In this study, an exercise swimming model was conducted to investigate the effects of orally administered with caffeine before swimming on the alterations of proteome and energy metabolome of liver and muscle after swimming. We found proteins in liver, such as S100a8, S100a9, Gabpa, Igfbp1 and Sdc4, were significantly up-regulated, while Rbp4 and Tf decreased after swimming were further down-regulated in caffeine group. The glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways in liver and muscle were both significantly down-regulated in caffeine group. The pyruvate carboxylase and amino acid levels in liver, including cysteine, serine and tyrosine, were markedly up-regulated in caffeine group, exhibiting a strong correlation with the increased pyruvic acid and oxaloacetate levels in muscle. Moreover, caffeine significantly decreased the lactate levels in both liver and muscle after swimming, potentially benefiting exercise performance.

Retrospective cohort study for thrombocytopenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

Background

The aim of this article was to establish the clinical prognostic models and identify the predictive radiation dosimetric parameters for thrombocytopenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing concurrent long-term chemoradiotherapy were included. The primary outcome of interest was grade 2 or higher (2+) thrombocytopenia (platelet(PLT) count <75,000/μL). Secondary outcomes included: grade 1 or higher thrombocytopenia (PLT count<100,000/μL) and the PLT count during chemoradiotherapy and its nadir. The risk prediction model was developed by logistic regression to identify clinical predictors of 2+ thrombocytopenia. Univariate linear regression models were used to test correlations between radiation dosimetric parameters and the absolute PLT count at nadirs.

Results

This retrospective cohort comprised 238 patients. Fifty-four (22.6%) patients developed thrombocytopenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy, while 15 (6.3%) patients developed 2+ thrombocytopenia. Four independently associated risk factors, including age, Alb level, PLT count, and chemotherapy regimen, were included in the final model and used to form a 2+ thrombocytopenia probability estimation nomogram. The C-index was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.96). The calibration plot showed a moderate agreement, and the Brier score was 0.047 (95% CI: 0.025-0.070). The total absolute volume of bone marrow irradiated by 5 Gy, 10 Gy and 15 Gy of radiation (BM-V5ab, BM-V10ab, BM-V15ab), calculated by the volume of bone marrow multiplied by the corresponding Vx, were identified as new predictors. The nadir of PLT was found to be negatively correlated with BM-V5ab (β = -0.062, P =0.030), BM-V10ab (β = -0.065, P =0.030) and BM-V15ab (β = -0.064, P =0.042).

Conclusion

The occurrence of 2+ thrombocytopenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer can be predicted by the patient's baseline status and chemoradiotherapy regimen, and low dose irradiation of bone marrow can affect the level of platelets during the treatment.

Cytochrome P4503A4 gene polymorphisms guide safe sufentanil analgesic doses in pregnant Chinese mothers: a multicenter, randomized, prospective study

BACKGROUND

Sufentanil and ropivacaine when used as epidural anesthetics effectively reduce maternal pain during labor. From previous reports, rs2242480 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can alter sufentanil metabolism, which affects analgesic efficacy.

METHODS

We randomly divided 573 eligible mothers into groups A and B (in a 1 : 3 ratio). The control group (group A) was given sufentanil at the usual 0.5 mg/L-1 dose + 0.15% ropivacaine hydrochloride mixture in 10 ml. The sufentanil dose given to the intervention group (group B) was determined by genotype: the GA and AA genotype group (group B1) was given 87.6% (design based on previous study results) of the usual sufentanil clinical dose (0.438 mg/L-1 sufentanil + 0.15% ropivacaine hydrochloride mixture in 10 ml) and the GG genotype group (group B2) was given the same dose as group A. Efficacy indicators consisting of maternal vital signs, obstetric transfer, neonatal prognostic indicators, and adverse effects were recorded before and after analgesia across groups.

RESULTS

Visual analog scale scores after analgesia across groups were significantly different from scores before analgesia, showing that analgesic effects across groups were effective. No significant differences were observed in efficacy, obstetric transfer, and neonatal prognosis indicators between groups. In comparison to groups B1 and B2, group A showed more markedly suppressed cardiovascular and respiratory effects, and also a higher incidence of negative side effects such as vomiting and urinary retention.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that individualizing sufentanil doses based on maternal genotypes increased safety and success rates for women during childbirth.

The role of PKC in X-ray-induced megakaryocyte apoptosis and thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a critical complication after radiation therapy and exposure. Dysfunction of megakaryocyte development and platelet production are key pathophysiological stages in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced thrombocytopenia. Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in regulating megakaryocyte development and platelet production. However, it remains unclear how PKC regulates IR-induced megakaryocyte apoptosis. In this study, we found that pretreatment of PKC pan-inhibitor Go6983 delayed IR-induced megakaryocyte apoptosis, and inhibited IR-induced mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production in CMK cells. Moreover, suppressing PKC activation inhibited cleaved caspase3 expression and reduced p38 phosphorylation levels, and IR-induced PKC activation might be regulated by p53. In vivo experiments confirmed that Go6983 promoted platelet count recovery after 21 days of 3 Gy total body irradiation. Furthermore, Go6983 reduced megakaryocyte apoptosis, increased the number of megakaryocyte and polyploid formation in bone marrow, and improved the survival rate of 6 Gy total body irradiation. In conclusion, our results provided a potential therapeutic target for IR-induced thrombocytopenia.

The SmERF1b-like regulates tanshinone biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root

The ethylene response factor family genes are involved in the regulation of secondary metabolism in Salvia miltiorrhiza, but the mechanism underlying this regulation remains elusive. In the present study, based on the cDNA library of S. miltiorrhiza, an AP2/ERF gene was cloned and named SmERF1b-like. This gene exhibited a significant response to exogenous ethylene supply, such that ethylene remarkably upregulated SmERF1b-like expression levels in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza. Subcellular localization showed that SmERF1b-like is located in the nucleus. Furthermore, SmERF1b-like showed a binding affinity with a GCC-box motif in the promoter region of genes associated with tanshinone biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza. Overexpression of SmERF1b-like in hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza substantially upregulated SmCPS1 and SmKSL1 expression levels, resulting in increased biosynthesis of tanshinone I and cryptotanshinone contents. This finding provides valuable theoretical support for the utilization of a plant genetic engineering strategy to enhance S. miltiorrhiza resources.

Nanopore-Mediated Sequencing of Circular RNA

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a group of RNAs defined by a covalent bond between the 5' and 3' end formed by a unique back-splicing event. Most circRNAs are composed of more than one exon, which are spliced together in a linear fashion. This protocol describes methods to sequence full-length circRNA across the back-splicing junction, allowing unambiguous characterization of circRNA-specific exon-intron structures by long-read sequencing (LRS). Two different sequencing approaches are provided: (1) Global circRNA sequencing (the circNick-LRS strategy) relying on circRNA enrichment from total RNA followed by total circRNA long-read sequencing, and (2) targeted circRNA sequencing (the circPanel-LRS strategy) where a preselected panel of circRNA are sequenced without prior circRNA enrichment. Both methods were originally described in Karim et al. (Rahimi et al., Nat Commun 12: 4825, 2021) where they were applied to characterize the exon-intron structure of >10.000 circRNAs in mouse and human brains.

Prognostic value of the baseline magnetic resonance score in patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy

AIM

To investigate the prognostic value of the composite posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed tomography (CT) Score (ASPECTS)-Collaterals (pcASCO) score, which combines diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) posterior circulation ASPECTS (pcASPECTS) and the magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)-collateral circulation score at baseline among patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were analysed retrospectively. The DWI-pcASPECTS and MRA-collateral circulation score before treatment and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days after treatment were used as the endpoints. An mRS ≤2 was defined as a good prognosis, and an mRS ≥3 was defined as a poor prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse independent predictors of functional outcome 90 days after mechanical thrombectomy.

RESULTS

Mechanical thrombectomy was performed in 57 patients; 38 patients had a good prognosis, 19 patients had a poor prognosis, and 33 patients were successfully recanalised. Univariate logistic regression found that National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR: 1.18, p<0.001), pcASPECTS (OR: 1.91, p=0.028) and pcASCO score (OR: 0.51, p=0.001) were factors of good functional outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis showed that the diagnostic efficiency of the NIHSS and pcASCO was better (AUC = 0.88, 0.83, p<0.05) than that of the pcASPECTS (AUC = 0.65). The prediction model was established by age, NIHSS, and pcASCO, and the diagnostic efficiency of the prediction model was better (AUC = 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

The composite MR-pcASCO score can be used as an important predictor of the prognosis of patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy.

Lifestyle and Socioeconomic Transition and Health Consequences of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias in Global, from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous studies only focused on changes in the global age-specific incidence and mortality for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, failed to distinguish between cohort and period effects, and did not discuss risk factors separately.

METHODS

In this study, Alzheimer's disease disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) data to estimate the burden by gender, age, locations, and social-demographic status for 21 regions from 1990 to 2019. Additionally, trend analysis was performed using the age-period-cohort (APC) model and Join-point model.

RESULTS

In most regions, indicators (incidence, mortality, and DALYs) increased steadily with socio-demographic index(SDI) increased. The age effects for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias showed a significant increase from 40 to 95 years. The cohort effects rate ratios (RRs) had a rapid reduction attributed to smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body mass index (BMI).

CONCLUSIONS

Countries in middle-low and low SDI regions have higher levels of risk factor exposure. As a result, rapid and effective government responses are necessary to control dementia risk factors and reduce the disease burden in these countries.

MePP2C24, a cassava (Manihot esculenta) gene encoding protein phosphatase 2C, negatively regulates drought stress and abscisic acid responses in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling plays a crucial role in plant development and response to abiotic/biotic stress. However, the function and regulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C), a key component of abscisic acid signaling, under abiotic stress are still unknown in cassava, a drought-tolerant crop. In this study, a cassava PP2C gene (MePP2C24) was cloned and characterized. The MePP2C24 transcripts increased in response to mannitol, NaCl, and ABA. Overexpression of MePP2C24 in Arabidopsis resulted in increased sensitivity to drought stress and decreased sensitivity to exogenous ABA. This was demonstrated by transgenic lines having higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ion leakage (IL), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), lower activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), and lower proline content than wild type (WT) under drought stress. Moreover, MePP2C24 overexpression caused decrease in expression of drought-responsive genes related to ABA signaling pathway. In addition, MePP2C24 was localized in the cell nucleus and showed self-activation. Furthermore, many MePYLs (MePYL1, MePYL4, MePYL7-9, and MePYL11-13) could interact with MePP2C24 in the presence of ABA, and MePYL1 interacted with MePP2C24 in both the presence and absence of ABA. Additionally, MebZIP11 interacted with the promoter of MePP2C24 and exerted a suppressive effect. Taken together, our results suggest that MePP2C24 acts as a negative regulator of drought tolerance and ABA response.

Kinesitherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Physical and Psychological Health Based on "Traditional Chinese Exercise" Management Modalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Traditional Chinese exercise ("TCE" management modalities), including but not limited to Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Yijinjing, has a good effect on improving the physical function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, but less attention has been paid to the impact on the psychological health of patients, and currently there is insufficient evidence to support it. We conducted this study to provide a systematic synthesis of best evidence regarding the physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis treated by traditional Chinese exercise. Literature on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Qigong, etc.) versus conventional therapy (muscle-strength training of the lower extremity and aerobic training, wellness education, quadriceps strengthening exercises, etc.) on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) from Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid Technologies, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and SinoMed were collected from their inception to April 2022. Thirty-three studies with 2621 cases were included in this study. The study's results indicated that compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese exercise had more advantages on patients' WOMAC score, significantly reducing patients' overall WOMAC score (SMD = -0.99; 95% CI: -1.38, -0.60; p < 0.00001) and relieving pain (SMD = -0.76; 95% CI: -1.11, -0.40; p < 0.0001) in patients with KOA. It also has advantages over conventional therapy in improving mental component score (MCS) (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: -0.00, 0.65; p = 0.05) and physical component score (PCS) (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.62; p = 0.02). Compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese exercise can significantly reduce the effect on timed up and go test (TUG) score (SMD = -0.30; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.11; p = 0.002), beck depression inventory (DBI) score (SMD = -0.62; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.22; p = 0.002), and increase the impact on Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.83; p < 0.00001). The findings of this study indicated that traditional Chinese exercise improved body function and mental health in patients with knee osteoarthritis significantly. More high-quality clinical evidence-based data was needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese exercise on the physical and mental health in KOA patients.

Role of the substantia nigra pars reticulata in sleep-wakefulness: A review of research progress

Sleep is a complex physiological process that includes two main stages: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During mammalian sleep, especially REM sleep, skeletal muscles are suppressed to varying degrees, and corresponding movements are inhibited. The synchronous occurrence of sleep and motor inhibition suggests they may share the same neural circuits. Recently, the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) has attracted attention for its potential dual role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and movement. In this review, the SNr's role is surveyed by examining existing research reports regarding its involvement in sleep-wake regulation and motor control. By focusing on the SNr, the goal is to shed light on its dual role intricacies and stimulate further inquiry into potential interactions between sleep and movement regulation, thus aiming to explore sleep-wake regulatory mechanisms and offer novel directions for subsequent scientific investigation.

Quercetin of huoxuehuayu tongluo decoction and azithromycin combination therapy effectively improves rat tubal factor infertility by inhibiting inflammation

Objectives

Tubal factor infertility (TFI) is common female infertility responsible for a large portion of female factor infertility. This study reveals the effect of the quercetin of Huoxuehuayu Tongluo Decoction with azithromycin on the pregnancy rate and inflammation of TFI female rats.

Materials and Methods

Female Sprague Dawley rats were constructed into the TFI model and treated with quercetin, Huoxuehuayu Tongluo Decoction, and combination therapy (quercetin and azithromycin). Pregnancy rate and litter size were measured. Network pharmacology was applied to analyze the interaction between Huoxuehuayu Tongluo Decoction and TFI. The combination of quercetin and IL-6 was analyzed by molecular docking. HE staining and electron microscopy were used to observe the histopathology and ultrastructure of fallopian tube tissues. The TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and MPO levels were detected by ELISA. The activation of JAK/STAT, MAPK, and NF-κB p65 pathways was detected by western blot or immunohistochemistry.

Results

Quercetin was the main active component of Huoxuehuayu Tongluo Decoction, and could bind to IL-6 in TFI. Target genes were enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, inflammatory disease, etc. Under the quercetin and azithromycin combination therapy, both rat pregnancy rates and litter sizes increased significantly. quercetin and azithromycin alleviated the symptoms of hydrosalpinx and inflammatory damage in fallopian tube tissues. The phosphorylation of JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways and NF-κB p65 translocation to the nucleus were significantly inhibited by the quercetin and azithromycin therapy.

Conclusion

Quercetin and azithromycin combination therapy inhibited inflammation and phosphorylation of JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways to improve TFI inflammation and pregnancy function.

Risk factors for progressing to severe COVID-19 among people living with HIV in Japan: A hospital claims database study

INTRODUCTION

Risk factors for severe COVID-19 associated with people living with HIV (PLWH) have not been well studied in Japan. In this study, we aim to reveal how having AIDS and comorbidities affect adverse COVID-19 outcomes.

METHODS

This observational, retrospective study examined the clinical outcomes for PLWH hospitalized as COVID-19 inpatients in Japan, using data extracted from hospitals with the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) system between January 2020 and December 2021. From 4672 records of HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, 85 adult PLWH became hospitalized with COVID-19. The associations between patients' AIDS diagnosis, comorbidities, and their adverse COVID-19 outcomes (mild/moderate and severe/death) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 85 studied patients, 78 were male (91.8%) with mean (SD) age of 48 (14.4) years. 75 (88.2%) were found to be COVID-19 mild/moderate; 9 (10.6%) were severe; 1 (1.2%) died. Older age (p = 0.002) and hypertension (p = 0.032) were significantly associated with progressing to severe COVID-19 or death. AIDS and other AIDS-defining illnesses were not found to be significant risk factors in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

While interpretation of the results from this hospital claim database study warrants caution, we found that among PLWH hospitalized as COVID-19 inpatients in Japan, those who are older or with hypertension have a higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19 outcomes, suggesting a careful monitoring of clinical course for these patients.

Ixekizumab for Active Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis in Chinese Patients: 16- and 52-Week Results from a Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

Ixekizumab, an interleukin-17A inhibitor, was efficacious and well tolerated for the treatment of active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) in international clinical studies. This phase III study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab for treating Chinese patients with active r-axSpA.

METHODS

Adults with active r-axSpA naïve to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), or with an inadequate response/intolerance to one tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, were randomized (1:1), double-blind, to receive ixekizumab 80 mg every 4 weeks (IXEQ4W; starting dose 160 mg), or placebo, for 16 weeks. Patients receiving placebo were then switched to IXEQ4W, and those receiving IXEQ4W continued, until week 52. The primary endpoint was the proportion of bDMARD-naïve patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society 40 (ASAS40) response at week 16.

RESULTS

In total, 147 patients were randomized to receive placebo (n = 73) or IXEQ4W (n = 74). At week 16, more bDMARD-naive patients achieved ASAS40 in the IXEQ4W group (n = 66; 40.9%) than the placebo group (n = 64, 7.8%; p < 0.001). In the overall study population, ASAS40 was also achieved by more patients in the IXEQ4W group (37.8%) than the placebo group (8.2%; p < 0.001) at week 16, with a significant difference observed as early as week 1. There were significant improvements in all key secondary endpoints at week 16 with IXEQ4W versus placebo. Efficacy was sustained at week 52 in patients who continued IXEQ4W and there were also clinical improvements from weeks 16 to 52 in patients switched to IXEQ4W. The safety profile of ixekizumab was consistent with that described previously. Infections and injection-site reactions were the most frequently reported events of special interest.

CONCLUSIONS

IXEQ4W was associated with rapid and significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of active r-axSpA in Chinese patients at week 16 that were sustained at week 52, with no new safety signals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04285229.

Sodium nitrophenolate mediates brassinosteroids signaling to enhance cold tolerance of cucumber seedling

Cold stress (CS) significantly limits cucumber yield. However, it remains unclear whether and how sodium nitrophenolate (CSN) regulates plant responses to cold stress. Here, H2O, CSN, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), and CSN + EBR were sprayed on cucumber seedlings before or after CS, and on control plants. We found that CSN, EBR, or EBR + CSN pre-treatment improved seedling growth under normal conditions (control condition) and cold tolerance under CS conditions. EBR pre-treatment promoted the expression of approximately half of the genes involved in BR synthesis and signaling and CsICE-CsCBF-CsCOR under CS. However, CSN pre-treatment promoted almost all the expression of BR synthesis and signaling genes, and CsICE-CsCBF-CsCOR genes, which showed the highest expression in early CS, remarkably improving the cold tolerance of cucumber. Interestingly, EBR and CSN had a superimposed effect on the expression of BR synthesis and signaling and CsICE-CsCBF-CsCOR genes, which rapidly increased their expression under normal temperature. Spraying EBR after CS accelerated seedling recovery, whereas CSN had the opposite effect. However, spraying CSN combined with EBR accelerated the recovery of CS-injured seedlings and was better than spraying EBR alone. Although CS-injured seedlings were negatively influenced by CSN, pre-treatment with CSN accelerated seedling growth and increased cold tolerance, suggesting that the effect of CSN was related to whether the seedlings were damaged by CS. In conclusion, we firstly found that CSN enhanced cold tolerance by activating BR signaling, contributing to the gene expression of ICE-CBF-COR and that CSN + EBR contributed to cold tolerance and CS-injured seedling recovery in cucumber.

Continuous and Periodic Event-Triggered Sliding-Mode Control for Path Following of Underactuated Surface Vehicles

This article develops continuous and periodic event-triggered sliding-mode control (SMC) algorithms for path following of underactuated surface vehicles (USVs). Based on the SMC technology, a continuous path-following control law is designed. The upper bounds of quasi-sliding modes for path following of USVs are established for the first time. Subsequently, both continuous and periodic event-triggered mechanisms are considered and added into the proposed continuous SMC scheme. It is demonstrated that with appropriate selecting of control parameters, the use of hyperbolic tangent functions does not affect the boundary layer of quasi-sliding mode caused by event-triggered mechanisms. The proposed continuous and periodic event-triggered SMC strategies can make the sliding variables reach the quasi-sliding modes and stay in there. Moreover, energy consumption can be reduced. Stability analysis shows that the USV can follow a reference path by using the designed method. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control methods.

Double-tract reconstruction is superior to esophagogastrostomy in controlling reflux esophagitis and enhancing quality of life after proximal gastrectomy: Results from a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial in China

Objective

The aim of this study was to prospectively compare double-tract reconstruction (DTR) and esophagogastrostomy (EG) after proximal gastrectomy (PG) regarding the incidence of reflux esophagitis, quality of life (QOL), nutritional status and surgical safety.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled trial. Patients eligible for PG were enrolled and randomly assigned to the EG group and DTR group. The characteristics of patients, parameters for surgical safety, incidence of reflux esophagitis, nutrition status and QOL were collected and compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the significant factors affecting the incidence of reflux esophagitis after PG.

Results

Thirty-seven patients of the EG group and 36 patients of the DTR group were enrolled. The incidence of reflux esophagitis was significantly lower in the DTR group than in the EG group (8.3% vs. 32.4%, P=0.019). The DTR group demonstrated a more favorable QOL than the EG group after PG. The nutritional status was balanced within the EG group and the DTR group. The operation time was longer in the DTR group than in the EG group (191 min vs. 221 min, P=0.001), while surgical safety was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Our research demonstrated that DTR is superior to EG after PG in terms of the incidence of reflux esophagitis and provides a more satisfactory QOL without increasing surgical complications or sacrificing nutritional status.

Inhaled medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predict surgical complications and survival in stage I non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Lung function is routinely assessed prior to surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Further assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using inhaled COPD medications to determine disease severity, a readily available metric of disease burden, may predict postoperative outcomes and overall survival (OS) in lung cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated clinical stage I NSCLC patients receiving surgical treatment within the Veterans Health Administration from 2006-2016 to determine the relationship between number and type of inhaled COPD medications (short- and long-acting beta2-agonists, muscarinic antagonists, or corticosteroids prescribed within 1 year before surgery) and postoperative outcomes including OS using multivariable models. We also assessed the relationship between inhaled COPD medications, disease severity [measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)], and diagnosis of COPD.

Results

Among 9,741 veterans undergoing surgery for clinical stage I NSCLC, patients with COPD were more likely to be prescribed inhaled medications than those without COPD [odds ratio (OR) =5.367, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.886-5.896]. Increased severity of COPD was associated with increased number of prescribed inhaled COPD medications (P<0.0001). The number of inhaled COPD medications was associated with prolonged hospital stay [adjusted OR (aOR) =1.119, 95% CI: 1.076-1.165), more major complications (aOR =1.117, 95% CI: 1.074-1.163), increased 90-day mortality (aOR =1.088, 95% CI: 1.013-1.170), and decreased OS [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) =1.061, 95% CI: 1.042-1.080]. In patients with FEV1 ≥80% predicted, greater number of prescribed inhaled COPD medications was associated with increased 30-day mortality (aOR =1.265, 95% CI: 1.062-1.505), prolonged hospital stay (aOR =1.130, 95% CI: 1.051-1.216), more major complications (aOR =1.147, 95% CI: 1.064-1.235), and decreased OS (aHR =1.058, 95% CI: 1.022-1.095). When adjusting for other drug classes and covariables, short-acting beta2-agonists were associated with increased 90-day mortality (aOR =1.527, 95% CI: 1.120-2.083) and decreased OS (aHR =1.087, 95% CI: 1.005-1.177).

Conclusions

In patients with early-stage NSCLC, inhaled COPD medications prescribed prior to surgery were associated with both short- and long-term outcomes, including in patients with FEV1 ≥80% predicted. Routine assessment of COPD medications may be a simple method to quantify operative risk in early-stage NSCLC patients.

Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging FRACTURE (Fast Field Echo Resembling A CT Using Restricted Echo-Spacing) Sequence Is Equivalent to Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography in Quantifying Bone Loss and Measuring Shoulder Morphology in Patients With Shoulder Dislocation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the equivalence of 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (FRACTURE [Fast field echo Resembling A CT Using Restricted Echo-spacing]) and 3D computed tomography (CT) in quantifying bone loss in patients with shoulder dislocation and measuring morphologic parameters of the shoulder.

METHODS

From July 2022 to June 2023, patients with anterior shoulder dislocation who were aged 18 years or older and underwent both MRI and CT within 1 week were included in the study. The MRI protocol included an additional FRACTURE sequence. Three-dimensional reconstructions of MRI (FRACTURE) and CT were completed by 2 independent observers using Mimics software (version 21.0) through simple threshold-based segmentation. For bone defect cases, 2 independent observers evaluated glenoid defect, percentage of glenoid defect, glenoid track, Hill-Sachs interval, and on-track/off-track. For all cases, glenoid width, glenoid height, humeral head-fitting sphere radius, critical shoulder angle, glenoid version, vault depth, and post-processing time were assessed. The paired t test was used to assess the differences between 3D CT and 3D MRI (FRACTURE). Bland-Altman plots were constructed to evaluate the consistency between 3D CT and 3D MRI (FRACTURE). Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was evaluated with the interclass correlation coefficient. The paired χ2 test and Cohen κ statistic were used for binary variables (on-track/off-track).

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients (16 with bipolar bone defect, 5 with only Hill-Sachs lesion, and 35 without bone defect) were ultimately enrolled in the study. The measurements of 21 bone defect cases showed no statistically significant differences between 3D CT and 3D MRI: glenoid defect, 4.05 ± 1.44 mm with 3D CT versus 4.16 ± 1.39 mm with 3D MRI (P = .208); percentage of glenoid defect, 16.21% ± 5.95% versus 16.61% ± 5.66% (P = .199); glenoid track, 18.02 ± 2.97 mm versus 18.08 ± 2.98 mm (P = .659); and Hill-Sachs interval, 14.29 ± 1.93 mm versus 14.35 ± 2.07 mm (P = .668). No significant difference was found between 3D CT and 3D MRI in the diagnosis of on-track/off-track (P > .999), and diagnostic agreement was perfect (κ = 1.00, P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 examination methods in the measurements of all 56 cases, except that the post-processing time of 3D MRI was significantly longer than that of 3D CT: glenoid height, 34.56 ± 1.98 mm with 3D CT versus 34.67 ± 2.01 mm with 3D MRI (P = .139); glenoid width, 25.32 ± 1.48 mm versus 25.45 ± 1.47 mm (P = .113); humeral head-fitting sphere radius, 22.91 ± 1.70 mm versus 23.00 ± 1.76 mm (P = .211); critical shoulder angle, 33.49° ± 2.55° versus 33.57° ± 2.51° (P = .328); glenoid version, -3.25° ± 2.57° versus -3.18° ± 2.57° (P = .322); vault depth, 37.43 ± 1.68 mm versus 37.58 ± 1.75 mm (P = .164); and post-processing time, 89.66 ± 10.20 seconds versus 360.93 ± 26.76 seconds (P < .001). For all assessments, the Bland-Altman plots showed excellent consistency between the 2 examination methods, and the interclass correlation coefficients revealed excellent interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional MRI (FRACTURE) is equivalent to 3D CT in quantifying bone loss in patients with shoulder dislocation and measuring shoulder morphologic parameters.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, development of diagnostic criteria (consecutive patients with consistently applied reference standard and blinding).

Endobronchial Lipoma: A Rare Cause of Bronchial Stenosis or Obstruction

Endobronchial lipoma (EL) is a rare benign tumor characterized by tracheobronchial smooth-surfaced mass, often resulting in bronchial obstruction without standard guidelines for management. This study seeks to clarify the clinical features and interventions of EL, aiming to improve its diagnosis and outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted on 28516 outpatients treated between January 2015 and December 2019 at the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University to collect patients diagnosed with EL. Their clinical, bronchoscopic, chest imaging, and histopathological features along with management were analyzed. Among the patients reviewed, nine were histopathologically diagnosed with EL, comprising seven males and two females. All EL patients exhibited noticeable symptoms, including cough (in eight patients), dyspnea (in six patients), fever (in three patients), expectoration (in two patients), chest pain (in two patients), hemoptysis (in one patient), and fatigue (in one patient). Chest CT abnormalities included endobronchial mass (in four patients), inflammatory exudation (in three patients), atelectasis (in three patients), and infiltration or consolidation (in two patients). In three patients, imaging showed fat density, directly leading to the diagnosis of EL. The EL lesions were distributed with six in the right lung and three in the left lung, all located within the first three subdivisions of the tracheobronchial tree. Treatment approaches varied, with one patient undergoing combined bronchoscopic resection and surgery. The remaining patients received bronchoscopic intervention such as electrosurgical snare resection, argon plasma coagulation (APC), cryotherapy, and holmium laser. Histopathological analysis confirmed the EL diagnosis. Finally, the mass removal restored bronchus patency. Taken together, EL symptoms lack specificity, necessitating reliance on histopathology for EL accurate diagnosis. Bronchoscopic interventions emerge as the preferred option for EL management, surpassing surgical approaches.

The Long-Term Prognostic Role of Nighttime Resting Heart Rate in Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

AIM

A close relationship exists between resting heart rate (RHR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Still, the prognostic importance of nighttime RHR in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with or without OSA remains unclear.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index of ≥ 15 events/h, and the high nighttime RHR (HNRHR) was defined as a heart rate of ≥ 70 bpm. The primary endpoint was a major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization, or hospitalization for heart failure.

RESULTS

Among the 1875 enrolled patients, the mean patient age was 56.3±10.5 years, 978 (52.2%) had OSA, and 425 (22.7%) were in HNRHR. The proportion of patients with HNRHR is higher in the OSA population than in the non-OSA population (26.5% vs. 18.5%; P＜0.001). During 2.9 (1.5, 3.5) years of follow-up, HNRHR was associated with an increased risk of MACCE in patients with OSA (adjusted HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09-2.23, P=0.014), but not in patients without OSA (adjust HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.69-1.84, P=0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ACS, a nighttime RHR of ≥ 70 bpm was associated with a higher risk of MACCE in those with OSA but not in those without it. This identifies a potential high-risk subgroup where heart rate may interact with the prognosis of OSA. Further research is needed to determine causative relationships and confirm whether heart rate control impacts cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS-OSA.

The dual influence path of decent work perception on employee innovative behavior

Background

The goal of decent work (DW) is a win-win situation for both employees and employers. It promotes an individual's employability and enhances the competitiveness of the organization.

Design

Based on the conservation of resources theory (COR), this paper conducted survey on knowledge workers and analyzed the data by hierarchical linear model (HLM).

Research purposes

This paper aims to examine how decent work perception (DWP) influences employee innovation behavior through the mediating effect of job engagement and burnout and the moderating effect of authoritarian leadership.

Findings

Based on the results of statistical analyses conducted on 489 valid knowledge workers, it was demonstrated that DWP positively influence employee innovative behavior. Job engagement has a full mediating effect on the relationship between DWP and employee innovative behavior. The study did not support the mediating effect of job burnout, however. There is a positive moderating effect of authoritarian leadership on the relationship between DWP and job engagement and a negative moderating effect on the relationship between DWP and job burnout.

Implications

In addition to contributing to theoretical studies on DW and work behavior, this paper also contributes to practice on employee motivation and leadership.

Gut microbiota landscape and potential biomarker identification in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using machine learning

Objectives

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women. Early diagnosis and prevention are crucial for women's health, and the gut microbiota has been found to be strongly associated with SLE. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for SLE by characterizing the gut microbiota landscape using feature selection and exploring the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms with significantly dysregulated microbiotas (SDMs) for early identification of SLE patients. Additionally, we used the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretability framework to visualize the impact of SDMs on the risk of developing SLE in females.

Methods

Stool samples were collected from 54 SLE patients and 55 Negative Controls (NC) for microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing. Feature selection was performed using Elastic Net and Boruta on species-level taxonomy. Subsequently, four ML algorithms, namely logistic regression (LR), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were used to achieve early identification of SLE with SDMs. Finally, the best-performing algorithm was combined with SHAP to explore how SDMs affect the risk of developing SLE in females.

Results

Both alpha and beta diversity were found to be different in SLE group. Following feature selection, 68 and 21 microbiota were retained in Elastic Net and Boruta, respectively, with 16 microbiota overlapping between the two, i.e., SDMs for SLE. The four ML algorithms with SDMs could effectively identify SLE patients, with XGBoost performing the best, achieving Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value, and AUC values of 0.844, 0.750, 0.938, 0.923, 0.790, and 0.930, respectively. The SHAP interpretability framework showed a complex non-linear relationship between the relative abundance of SDMs and the risk of SLE, with Escherichia_fergusonii having the largest SHAP value.

Conclusions

This study revealed dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of female SLE patients. ML classifiers combined with SDMs can facilitate early identification of female patients with SLE, particularly XGBoost. The SHAP interpretability framework provides insight into the impact of SDMs on the risk of SLE and may inform future scientific treatment for SLE.

Overexpression of ABCB1 confers resistance to FLT3 inhibitor FN-1501 in cancer cells: in vitro and in vivo characterization

FN-1501 is a potent FLT3 inhibitor with antitumor activity. A phase 1 trial of FN-1501 monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors and R/R AML is in progress. Since one of the primary causes of multidrug resistance (MDR) is the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette superfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), the objective of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between FN-1501 and the ABCB1 transporter. We found ABCB1 overexpressing-cancer cells conferred FN-1501 resistance, which could be reversed by an ABCB1 inhibitor. Molecular docking study revealed that FN-1501 docked the ligand binding site with an affinity score of -9.77 kcal/mol, denoting a strong interaction between FN-1501 and ABCB1. Additionally, the ABCB1 ATPase assay indicated that FN-1501 could significantly stimulate ABCB1 ATPase activity. Furthermore, we observed a similar trend of ABCB1-facilated FN-1501 resistance in tumor-bearing mice model. In sum, we demonstrate that FN-1501 is a substrate of ABCB1 transporter from both in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, our findings provide new insight on the mechanism of chemoresistance due to ABCB1 overexpression.

Association of urinary arsenic metabolism with type 2 diabetes and glucose homeostasis: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations

BACKGROUND

Previous researches have assessed the relationships of urinary arsenic metabolism with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and glucose-insulin homeostasis, but the results were controversial, and potential mechanisms remain largely unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of urinary arsenic metabolism with T2D prevalence and glucose changes in relatively higher arsenic exposure, and further to evaluate the underlying roles of oxidative damage in these relationships.

METHODS

We included 796 participants at baseline, among them 509 participants were followed up after 2 years. Logistic regression model and leave-one-out approach were applied to evaluate the associations of arsenic metabolism with T2D prevalence. Linear mixed model was conducted to estimate the relationship of arsenic metabolism with glycemic changes over two years. The associations between arsenic metabolism and indicators of oxidative stress were assessed with a linear regression model. We further performed mediation analysis to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the associations of arsenic metabolism with 2-year change of glucose levels.

RESULTS

Higher urinary MMA% increased T2D prevalence and baseline glucose levels. MMA% was positively associated with 2-year change of glucose levels. Moreover, we observed significant dose-response relationship between MMA% and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). However, the mediating role of 8-OHdG in the association of MMA% and 2-year change of glucose levels was not observed in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population exposure to relatively higher arsenic levels, higher MMA% contributed to increased T2D prevalence and glucose homeostasis disorder. Arsenic metabolism also affected oxidative stress levels, especially 8-OHdG. Further studies are required to investigate the potential mechanisms.

Prognostic implications of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute coronary syndrome stratified by homocysteine level: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Sporadic studies have examined the impact of OSA on ACS patients by homocysteine (Hcy) level. This study attempted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of the interaction between Hcy and OSA on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in ACS patients.

METHODS

In this prospective, large-scale cohort study, 2160 patients admitted for ACS were recruited to undergo overnight sleep monitoring. OSA was diagnosed when apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h. Patients with normohomocysteinemia (NHcy) were defined as having serum Hcy ≤ 15 μmol/L, and the others had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The primary endpoint was major adverse cerebrocardiovascular event (MACCE), a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization and hospitalization for unstable angina and heart failure.

RESULTS

A total of 1553 eligible ACS patients (average age: 56.3 ± 10.5 years) were enrolled, among which 819 (52.7%) had OSA, and 988 (63.6%) were with NHcy. OSA did not significantly affect the level of Hcy. During a median follow-up of 2.9 (1.6, 3.5) years, after adjustment for clinical confounders, OSA was associated with increased risk for MACCE occurrence versus non-OSA ones in ACS patients with NHcy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.83, P = 0.039), but not in those with HHcy (adjusted HR = 0.92, 95%CI 0.62-1.36, P = 0.668). There was an absence of interaction between homocysteine level and OSA in relation to MACCE (interaction P = 0.106).

CONCLUSIONS

OSA was independently associated with worse prognosis in ACS patients with NHcy. Our study emphasized the necessity to identify potential presence of OSA in such a population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; Number: NCT03362385; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov .

Metabolic GWAS-based dissection of genetic basis underlying nutrient quality variation and domestication of cassava storage root

BACKGROUND

Metabolites play critical roles in regulating nutritional qualities of plants, thereby influencing their consumption and human health. However, the genetic basis underlying the metabolite-based nutrient quality and domestication of root and tuber crops remain largely unknown.

RESULTS

We report a comprehensive study combining metabolic and phenotypic genome-wide association studies to dissect the genetic basis of metabolites in the storage root (SR) of cassava. We quantify 2,980 metabolic features in 299 cultivated cassava accessions. We detect 18,218 significant marker-metabolite associations via metabolic genome-wide association mapping and identify 12 candidate genes responsible for the levels of metabolites that are of potential nutritional importance. Me3GT, MeMYB4, and UGT85K4/UGT85K5, which are involved in flavone, anthocyanin, and cyanogenic glucoside metabolism, respectively, are functionally validated through in vitro enzyme assays and in vivo gene silencing analyses. We identify a cluster of cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis genes, among which CYP79D1, CYP71E7b, and UGT85K5 are highly co-expressed and their allelic combination contributes to low linamarin content. We find MeMYB4 is responsible for variations in cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside contents, thus controlling SR endothelium color. We find human selection affects quercetin 3-O-glucoside content and SR weight per plant. The candidate gene MeFLS1 is subject to selection during cassava domestication, leading to decreased quercetin 3-O-glucoside content and thus increased SR weight per plant.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal the genetic basis of cassava SR metabolome variation, establish a linkage between metabolites and agronomic traits, and offer useful resources for genetically improving the nutrition of cassava and other root crops.

Identification and analysis of BAHD superfamily related to malonyl ginsenoside biosynthesis in Panax ginseng

Introduction

The BAHD (benzylalcohol O-acetyl transferase, anthocyanin O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, N-hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilate benzoyl transferase and deacetylvindoline 4-O-acetyltransferase), has various biological functions in plants, including catalyzing the biosynthesis of terpenes, phenolics and esters, participating in plant stress response, affecting cell stability, and regulating fruit quality.

Methods

Bioinformatics methods, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer were used to explore the relationship between the BAHD gene family and malonyl ginsenosides in Panax ginseng.

Results

In this study, 103 BAHD genes were identified in P. ginseng, mainly distributed in three major clades. Most PgBAHDs contain cis-acting elements associated with abiotic stress response and plant hormone response. Among the 103 genes, 68 PgBAHDs are WGD (whole-genome duplication) genes. The significance of malonylation in biosynthesis has garnered considerable attention in the study of malonyltransferases. The phylogenetic tree results showed 34 PgBAHDs were clustered with genes that have malonyl characterization. Among them, seven PgBAHDs (PgBAHD4, 45, 65, 74, 90, 97, and 99) showed correlations > 0.9 with crucial enzyme genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and > 0.8 with malonyl ginsenosides. These seven genes were considered potential candidates involved in the biosynthesis of malonyl ginsenosides.

Discussion

These results help elucidate the structure, evolution, and functions of the P. ginseng BAHD gene family, and establish the foundation for further research on the mechanism of BAHD genes in ginsenoside biosynthesis.

[Hydrochemical Characteristics and Control Factors of Groundwater in the Northwest Salt Lake Basin]

Taking the Tugeligaole sub-basin of the Jilantai Salt Lake Basin in Inner Mongolia as the typical study area, the groundwater samples of 22 points were collected, and their main characteristic indexes were tested during the wet season and the dry season separately in 2021. Mathematical statistics, Piper triangular diagrams, a Gibbs plot, ionic relations, and factor analysis were used to analyze and discuss the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of groundwater in different periods. Based on the evaluation of the groundwater quality using the water quality index(WQI) method, the potential risks of groundwater Cr6+ and F- were evaluated using the health risk evaluation model. The results showed that the groundwater was overall weakly alkaline; the dominant anions and cations during the different periods were Cl- and Na+, and the water chemistry type was mainly Cl--Na+; the groundwater quality was generally good, and the difference in water quality between the wet season and the dry season was not significant; adults and children had higher carcinogenic health risks in the dry season than that in the wet season, and the health risks of children were significantly higher than those in adults. The maximum carcinogenic health risk of drinking water exposure to Cr6+ in adults and children was higher than the maximum acceptable risk level(5×10-5). The chemical evolution of groundwater was mainly affected by evaporative concentration, evaporative salt rock dissolution, and cation exchange, and the main control factors were evaporative concentration(contribution rate of 54.19%), native geological environment factors(contribution rate of 12.99%), and carbonate rock dissolution(contribution rate of 11.66%). The study results have significance to some degree to the sustainable exploitation and utilization of groundwater resources and environmental protection of the salt lake basin.

Analysis of gene variation and long-term follow-up in children with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency diagnosed by newborn screening

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively analyze the variation and characteristics of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, and to observe the long-term treatment effect and follow-up of newborns with PAH deficiency.

METHODS

Clinical data, treatment and follow-up results of 198 patients with PAH deficiency diagnosed by newborn screening in Jinan from 1996 to 2021 were collected. The genetic analysis of 55 patients with PAH deficiency diagnosed by newborn screening in Jinan and 213 patients referred from the surrounding areas of Jinan were summarized. Gene variations were checked by a customized Panel gene detection method. Blood phenylalanine-concentration and physical development indicators including height and weight were regularly monitored. Intellectual development was assessed using a neuropsychological development scale for patients aged 0-6 years and academic performance, and brain injury in patients was assessed using brain magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

c.728G>A, c.158G>A, c.721C>T, c.1068C>A, c.611A>G variations were common in PAH gene. The genotype of c.158G>A variation is compound heterozygous variation, with mainly a mild hyperpheny-lalaninemia. 168 patients with PAH deficiency who were followed-up regularly had normal physical development without dwarfism or malnutrition. Among the 33 preschool patients who underwent mental development assessment, 2 were mentally retarded and the initial treatment age was older than 6 months. Nine patients with an average age of (17.13±2.42) years completed brain magnetic resonance imaging, one case was normal, and 8 cases were abnormal. There were patchy or patchy hyperintense foci near the bilateral lateral ventricles on T2WI, and the intellectual development was normal. Compared with the other eight patients, the blood phenylalanine concentration of the normal child was better and stably controlled within the ideal range.

CONCLUSIONS

c.728G>A, c.158G>A, c.721C>T, c.1068C>A, c.611A>G variations were common in PAH gene. After standardized treatment, most patients with PAH deficiency diagnosed by screening can obtain normal growth and intellectual development in adolescence, but there are different degrees of organic lesions in the cerebral white matter.

Disruption of Mitophagy Flux through the PARL-PINK1 Pathway by CHCHD10 Mutations or CHCHD10 Depletion

Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing 10 (CHCHD10) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein which is primarily mutated in the spectrum of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Endogenous CHCHD10 levels decline in the brains of ALS-FTD patients, and the CHCHD10S59L mutation in Drosophila induces dominant toxicity together with PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a protein critical for the induction of mitophagy. However, whether and how CHCHD10 variants regulate mitophagy flux in the mammalian brain is unknown. Here, we demonstrate through in vivo and in vitro models, as well as human FTD brain tissue, that ALS/FTD-linked CHCHD10 mutations (R15L and S59L) impair mitophagy flux and mitochondrial Parkin recruitment, whereas wild-type CHCHD10 (CHCHD10WT) normally enhances these measures. Specifically, we show that CHCHD10R15L and CHCHD10S59L mutations reduce PINK1 levels by increasing PARL activity, whereas CHCHD10WT produces the opposite results through its stronger interaction with PARL, suppressing its activity. Importantly, we also demonstrate that FTD brains with TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) pathology demonstrate disruption of the PARL-PINK1 pathway and that experimentally impairing mitophagy promotes TDP-43 aggregation. Thus, we provide herein new insights into the regulation of mitophagy and TDP-43 aggregation in the mammalian brain through the CHCHD10-PARL-PINK1 pathway.

Astragulus embranaceus (Fisch.) Bge-Dioscorea opposita Thunb herb pair ameliorates sarcopenia in senile type 2 diabetes mellitus through Rab5a/mTOR-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of Astragulus embranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (Huangqi) and Dioscorea opposita Thunb (Shanyao) are one of the most widely accepted herb pairs in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms underlying the combination of these herbs for anti-sarcopenia treatment are not yet fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the potential effect of the Astragulus embranaceus (Fisch.) Bge and Dioscorea opposita Thunb herb pair (Ast-Dio) on sarcopenia in mice that have been induced with senile type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms related to the Rab5a/mTOR signaling pathway and mitochondrial quality control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was utilized to identify the main active ingredients of Ast-Dio and potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia. Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of Ast-Dio in treating sarcopenia. The high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was developed to quantify the major constituents of Ast-Dio. Male C57/BL6 mice, aged 12 months, induced with type 2 diabetes mellitus via streptozotocin were divided into three groups for 8 weeks: the model group, Ast-Dio treatment group (7.8 g/kg), and metformin treatment group (100 mg/kg). Normal control groups included mice aged 3 and 12 months, respectively. The study monitored changes in fasting blood glucose levels, grip strength, and body weight during 8 weeks of intragastric administration. Liver and kidney function in mice was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. Skeletal muscle mass condition was evaluated by muscle weight, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Protein and mRNA expressions related to muscle atrophy, mitochondrial quality control, and the Rab5a/mTOR signaling pathway were detected using immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate the condition of mitochondria in the groups.

RESULTS

Through the prediction analysis of network pharmacology, we identified mTOR as one of the primary targets for Ast-Dio therapy of sarcopenia. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis revealed that mitochondrial control quality is crucial in the treatment of sarcopenia with Ast-Dio. Our findings showed that senile type 2 diabetes mellitus induced muscle mass loss and a reduction in grip strength, both of which were dramatically restored by Ast-Dio treatment. Notably, Ast-Dio increased Myogenin expression while decreasing Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression. Additionally, Ast-Dio activated Rab5a/mTOR and its downstream effector AMPK. Moreover, Ast-Dio modulated mitochondrial quality control by decreasing Mitofusin-2 expression while increasing the expression of TFAM, PGC-1α, and MFF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Ast-Dio treatment may alleviate sarcopenia in mice with senile type 2 diabetes mellitus through its effects on the Rab5a/mTOR pathway and mitochondrial quality control.

Maltitol-Derived Sacrificial Agent for Enhancing the Compatibility between PCE and Cement Paste

At present, it is known that when there is clay in concrete, polycarboxylates (PCE) will preferably adsorb in the clay, so that PCE cannot be fully combined with cement particles, which reduces the workability of the cement slurry. In this paper, a new type of maltitol-ammonium salt cationic (KN-lm) sacrificial agent (SA) has been successfully developed via a simple method, which makes PCE easier to bond with cement particles in the cement slurry containing clay. The effect of KN-lm on the fluidity of clay-containing cement paste is studied, and the experimental results show that KN-lm, as an efficient SA of cement slurry, makes PCE more compatible with clay-containing cement slurry, and increases the initial fluidity of cement slurry by about 19%. Further investigations of TOC, XRD, and zeta potential measurements reveal that a KN-lm ion is only preferably adsorbed into clay compared to PCE through electrostatic adsorption but without having any crystal structure change, thus resulting in good dispersion of cement particles. The addition of KN-lm plays an important role in hindering the hydration expansion of the clay by preferential electrostatic adsorption, which means PCE cannot easily insert into the interlayer of the clay.

Clinical development of antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

The unceasing global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) calls for the development of novel therapeutics. Although many newly developed antivirals and repurposed antivirals have been applied to the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), antivirals showing satisfactory clinical efficacy are few in number. In addition, the loss of sensitivity to variants of concern (VOCs) and lack of oral bioavailability have also limited the clinical application of some antivirals. These facts remind us to develop more potent and broad-spectrum antivirals with better pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties to fight against infections from SARS-CoV-2, its variants, and other human coronaviruses (HCoVs). In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in the clinical development of antivirals against infections by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Calmodulin and calmodulin-like protein-mediated plant responses to biotic stresses

Plants have evolved a set of finely regulated mechanisms to respond to various biotic stresses. Transient changes in intracellular calcium (Ca2+ ) concentration have been well documented to act as cellular signals in coupling environmental stimuli to appropriate physiological responses with astonishing accuracy and specificity in plants. Calmodulins (CaMs) and calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs) are extensively characterized as important classes of Ca2+ sensors. The spatial-temporal coordination between Ca2+ transients, CaMs/CMLs and their target proteins is critical for plant responses to environmental stresses. Ca2+ -loaded CaMs/CMLs interact with and regulate a broad spectrum of target proteins, such as ion transporters (including channels, pumps, and antiporters), transcription factors, protein kinases, protein phosphatases, metabolic enzymes and proteins with unknown biological functions. This review focuses on mechanisms underlying how CaMs/CMLs are involved in the regulation of plant responses to diverse biotic stresses including pathogen infections and herbivore attacks. Recent discoveries of crucial functions of CaMs/CMLs and their target proteins in biotic stress resistance revealed through physiological, molecular, biochemical, and genetic analyses have been described, and intriguing insights into the CaM/CML-mediated regulatory network are proposed. Perspectives for future directions in understanding CaM/CML-mediated signalling pathways in plant responses to biotic stresses are discussed. The application of accumulated knowledge of CaM/CML-mediated signalling in biotic stress responses into crop cultivation would improve crop resistance to various biotic stresses and safeguard our food production in the future.

Vocal cord leukoplakia classification using deep learning models in white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy images

BACKGROUND

Accurate vocal cord leukoplakia classification is critical for the individualized treatment and early detection of laryngeal cancer. Numerous deep learning techniques have been proposed, but it is unclear how to select one to apply in the laryngeal tasks. This article introduces and reliably evaluates existing deep learning models for vocal cord leukoplakia classification.

METHODS

We created white light and narrow band imaging (NBI) image datasets of vocal cord leukoplakia which were classified into six classes: normal tissues (NT), inflammatory keratosis (IK), mild dysplasia (MiD), moderate dysplasia (MoD), severe dysplasia (SD), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Vocal cord leukoplakia classification was performed using six classical deep learning models, AlexNet, VGG, Google Inception, ResNet, DenseNet, and Vision Transformer.

RESULTS

GoogLeNet (i.e., Google Inception V1), DenseNet-121, and ResNet-152 perform excellent classification. The highest overall accuracy of white light image classification is 0.9583, while the highest overall accuracy of NBI image classification is 0.9478. These three neural networks all provide very high sensitivity, specificity, and precision values.

CONCLUSION

GoogLeNet, ResNet, and DenseNet can provide accurate pathological classification of vocal cord leukoplakia. It facilitates early diagnosis, providing judgment on conservative treatment or surgical treatment of different degrees, and reducing the burden on endoscopists.

Novel harmine derivatives as potent acetylcholinesterase and amyloid beta aggregation dual inhibitors for management of Alzheimer's disease

In this study, a series of potential ligands for the treatment of AD were synthesised and characterised as novel harmine derivatives modified at position 9 with benzyl piperazinyl. In vitro studies revealed that the majority of the derivatives exhibited moderate to potent inhibition against hAChE and Aβ1 - 42 aggregation. Notably, compounds 13 and 17d displayed potent drug - likeness and ADMET properties, demonstrating remarkable inhibitory activities towards AChE (IC50 = 58.76 nM and 89.38 nM, respectively) as well as Aβ aggregation (IC50 = 9.31 μM and 13.82 μM, respectively). More importantly, compounds 13 and 17d showed exceptional neuroprotective effects against Aβ1 - 42-induced SH - SY5Y damage, while maintaining low toxicity in SH - SY5Y cells. Further exploration of the mechanism through kinetic studies and molecular modelling confirmed that compound 13 could interact with both the CAS and the PAS of AChE. These findings suggested that harmine derivatives hold great potential as dual - targeted candidates for treating AD.

The neural correlates of continuous feedback processing

Feedback processing is commonly studied by analyzing the brain's response to discrete rather than continuous events. Such studies have led to the hypothesis that rapid phasic midbrain dopaminergic activity tracks reward prediction errors (RPEs), the effects of which are measurable at the scalp via electroencephalography (EEG). Although studies using continuous feedback are sparse, recent animal work suggests that moment-to-moment changes in reward are tracked by slowly ramping midbrain dopaminergic activity. Some have argued that these ramping signals index state values rather than RPEs. Our goal here was to develop an EEG measure of continuous feedback processing in humans, then test whether its behavior could be accounted for by the RPE hypothesis. Participants completed a stimulus-response learning task in which a continuous reward cue gradually increased or decreased over time. A regression-based unmixing approach revealed EEG activity with a topography and time course consistent with the stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN), a scalp potential previously linked to reward anticipation and tonic dopamine release. Importantly, this reward-related activity depended on outcome expectancy: as predicted by the RPE hypothesis, activity for expected reward cues was reduced compared to unexpected reward cues. These results demonstrate the possibility of using human scalp-recorded potentials to track continuous feedback processing, and test candidate hypotheses of this activity.

EGR3 and estrone are involved in the tamoxifen resistance and progression of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen (Tam) is an effective treatment for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. However, a significant proportion of patients develop resistance under treatment, presenting a therapeutic challenge. The study aims to determine the role of early growth response protein (EGR) 3 in tamoxifen resistance (TamR) and elucidate its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

TamR cell models were established and NGS was used to screening signaling alternation. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to analysis the expression of ERα, EGR3, MCL1 and factors associated with apoptosis. CCK8, colony formation and apoptosis assay were used to analysis resistance to Tam. Immunofluorescence, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase assays were used to investigate mechanism of regulation.

RESULTS

We observed that EGR3, a deeply rooted ERα response factor, showed increased upregulation in response to both estrone (E1) and Tam in TamR cells with elevated level of E1 and ERα expression, indicating a potential connection between EGR3 and TamR. Mechanically, manipulating EGR3 expression revealed that it imparted resistance to Tam through increased expression of the downstream molecule MCL1 (apoptosis suppressor gene) that it regulated. Mechanismly, EGR3 directly binds to the promoter of the anti-apoptotic factor MCL1 gene, facilitating its transcription. Furthermore, apoptosis assays revealed that E1 reduces Tam induced apoptosis by upregulating EGR3 expression. Importantly, clinical public database confirmed the high expression of EGR3 in breast cancer tissue and in Tam-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings shed light on the novel estrogen/EGR3/MCL1 axis and its role in inducing TamR in ER positive breast cancer. EGR3 emerges as a promising target to overcome TamR. The elucidation of this mechanism holds potential for the development of new therapeutic modalities to overcome endocrine therapy resistance in clinical settings.

Survival of veterans treated with enzalutamide and abiraterone for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer based on comorbid diseases

BACKGROUND

Comorbid diseases influence patient outcomes, yet little is known about how comorbidities interact with treatments for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). No head-to-head trials have compared the efficacy of abiraterone and enzalutamide - oral androgen-receptor targeted agents (ARTAs) for mCRPC. In patients with comorbid disease, outcomes with ARTAs may differ due to disparate mechanisms of action, adverse events, and drug interactions.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of US veterans initiating treatment for mCRPC with abiraterone or enzalutamide between September 2014 and June 2017. Treatment duration and overall survival (OS) was compared based on age and comorbid diseases. The association between ARTA and OS was assessed using Cox proportional hazards and propensity-score matched modeling while adjusting for potential confounders. Sensitivity analyses were performed based on patient age, comorbidities, and subsequent treatments for mCRPC.

RESULTS

Of 5822 veterans treated for mCRPC, 43.0% initially received enzalutamide and 57.0% abiraterone. Veterans initially treated with enzalutamide versus abiraterone were older (mean 75.8 vs. 75.0 years) with higher mean Charlson comorbidity index (4.4 vs. 4.1), and higher rates of cardiovascular disease or diabetes (74.2% vs. 70.6%). In the entire population, veterans initially treated with enzalutamide had longer median OS compared to those initially treated with abiraterone (24.2 vs. 22.1 months, p = 0.001). In veterans with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, median treatment duration with enzalutamide was longer (11.4 vs. 8.6 months, p < 0.001) with longer median OS compared to abiraterone (23.2 vs. 20.5 months, p < 0.001). In a propensity score matched cohort, enzalutamide was associated with decreased mortality compared to abiraterone (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Veterans with cardiovascular disease or diabetes had longer treatment duration and OS with enzalutamide compared to abiraterone. Further study of ARTA selection may benefit men with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer and likely hormone sensitive prostate cancer, especially among patients with comorbid diseases.

Development of genome-wide association studies on childhood obesity and its indicators: A scoping review and enrichment analysis

BACKGROUND

The progress of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in childhood obesity and its indicators is challenging and there are differences in genetic studies in children and adults.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the history of the development of GWAS in childhood obesity and its indicators and summarize the GWAS loci.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and GWAS Catalog databases were systematically searched from 1 January 2005 to 19 October 2022 for literature related to GWAS of childhood BMI, body fatness and obesity. The nearest genes were used as positional genes to perform gene set analyses including the enrichment of pathways, tissues and diseases.

RESULTS

Twenty articles published between 2007 and 2021 were included in this scoping review, which identified 116 SNPs reaching genome-wide significance with childhood BMI (n = 50), body fatness (n = 31) and obesity (n = 35). The study populations were European in 16 studies, non-European in three studies (1 East Asian; 1 American; 1 Mexican) and trans-ancestry in one study. Several enriched pathways, tissues and diseases were identified through enrichment analysis of genes associated with childhood obesity and its indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

The innovations in tools and methods enable GWAS to better explore the genetic characteristics of obesity in children and adolescents. However, the number of GWAS in American, Asian and African populations is limited compared to the European population.

Urinary arsenic metabolism, genetic susceptibility, and their interaction on type 2 diabetes

Growing studies investigated the association of arsenic metabolism with type 2 diabetes (T2D), however, the epidemiological evidence is inconsistent. In addition, the interaction of arsenic metabolism-related genetic risk score (GRS)-arsenic on T2D risk was unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of arsenic metabolism efficiency [inorganic arsenic (iAs)%, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA)%, and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA%)] with T2D risk. Moreover, the relationship of GRS and arsenic metabolism efficiency and the interaction of GRS-arsenic on T2D were investigated. Age- and sex-matched new-onset diabetes case-control study derived from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort was conducted and 996 pairs participants were included in this study. The leave-one-out approach was used to evaluate the association of arsenic metabolism efficiency with T2D risk. The GRS and weight GRS (wGRS) were calculated based on 79 candidate SNPs. We estimated the relationship of GRS with arsenic metabolism efficiency by linear regression model. The interaction of GRS-arsenic on T2D was assessed by adding a multiplicative interaction term (GRS × arsenic) in the logistic regression models. Urinary iAs% was positively associated with T2D risk, and the OR (95% CI) was 1.06 (1.01, 1.12). MMA% and PMI were negatively associated with T2D risk, and the ORs (95% CI) were 0.87 (0.78, 0.97) and 0.64 (0.47, 0.86), respectively. Urinary DMA, As3+, and As5+ were positively associated with T2D risk. Similar relationships were found between arsenic metabolites and levels of FPG and HbA1c. Moreover, arsenic metabolism-related GRS/wGRS was positively associated with MMA% but negatively associated with DMA%. Genetic predisposition to arsenic metabolism modified the association of inorganic arsenic with T2D risk (Pinteraction = 0.033). Taken together, lower arsenic primary metabolism efficiency (higher iAs% and lower MMA%) may increase T2D risk. Genetic predisposition to arsenic metabolism was associated with arsenic metabolism efficiency, and might modify the association of inorganic arsenic with T2D risk.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea and comorbidity status on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The association of comorbidities on the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was well documented. However, the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on this association has been less studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between June 2015 to Jan 2020, we included consecutively eligible patients with ACS who underwent cardiorespiratory polygraphy. The definition of OSA was apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 events/hour. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to evaluate the comorbidities. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure. In the 1927 ACS patients, 1014 (52.6%) had OSA. The prevalence of the mild (CCI = 0), moderate (CCI = 1-2), and severe (CCI≥3) comorbidity were 23.6%, 65.9%, and 10.5%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 2.9 (1.5, 3.6) years, compared with patients without OSA, the presence of OSA increased the risk of MACCE in the moderate comorbidity group (22.6% vs. 17.5%; adjusted HR: 1.327; 95% CI: 1.019-1.728, p = 0.036) and severe comorbidity group (36.2% vs. 18.6%; adjusted HR: 2.194; 95% CI: 1.170-4.117, p = 0.014). There was no significant difference between OSA and non-OSA patients in the mild comorbidity group.

CONCLUSION

Among ACS patients, OSA was associated with an increased risk of subsequent events in the moderate and severe comorbidity groups but not in the mild comorbidity group. ACS patients with comorbidities should not be overlooked for OSA screening.

The SMYD3-dependent H3K4me3 status of IGF2 intensifies local Th2 differentiation in CRSwNP via positive feedback

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous and common upper airway disease divided into various inflammatory endotypes. Recent epidemiological findings showed a T helper 2 (Th2)-skewed dominance in CRSwNP patients. Histone modification alterations can regulate transcriptional and translational expression, resulting in abnormal pathogenic changes and the occurrence of diseases. Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) is considered an activator of gene expression through modulation of accessibility for transcription, which is closely related to CRSwNP. H3K4me3 levels in the human nasal epithelium may change under Th2-biased inflammatory conditions, resulting in exaggerated local nasal Th2 responses via the regulation of naïve CD4+ T-cell differentiation. Here, we revealed that the level of SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3)-mediated H3K4me3 was increased in NPs from Th2 CRSwNP patients compared with those from healthy controls. We demonstrated that SMYD3-mediated H3K4me3 is increased in human nasal epithelial cells under Th2-biased inflammatory conditions via S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) production and further found that the H3K4me3high status of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) produced in primary human nasal epithelial cells could promote naïve CD4+ T-cell differentiation into Th2 cells. Moreover, we found that SAM production was dependent on the c-Myc/methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) axis in the nasal epithelium. Understanding histone modifications in the nasal epithelium has immense potential utility in the development of novel classes of therapeutics targeting Th2 polarization in Th2 CRSwNP. Video Abstract.