IRS1 promotes thyroid cancer metastasis through EMT and PI3K/AKT pathways

OBJECTIVE

Insulin receptor substract 1 (IRS1) protein is an important signal transduction adapter for extracellular signal transduction from insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and its family members to IRS1 downstream proteins. IRS1 has been reported to be involved in tumourigenesis and metastasis in some of solid tumors. Investigating the role of IRS1 in thyroid cancer can help to screen high risk patients at the initial diagnosis.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression levels of IRS1 in 131 metastatic thyroid cancer tissues. Wound healing, cell invasion and colony formation assays were used to study the functions of IRS1 in vitro. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blot analysis analyses were performed to examine the underlying regulation mechanisms of IRS1 in thyroid cancer cells.

RESULTS

IRS1 was highly expressed in thyroid cancers and its expression was positively associated with distant metastasis and advanced clinical stages. In vitro studies demonstrated that IRS1 is an important mediator of migration, invasion and colony formation of thyroid cancer cells. RNA-seq showed that IRS1 promoted the metastasis of thyroid cancer by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

IRS1 overexpression contributes to the aggressiveness of thyroid cancer and is expected to be a stratified marker and a potential therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.

Determination of the Σ^{+} Timelike Electromagnetic Form Factors

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process e^{+}e^{-}→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} is studied at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=2.3960, 2.6454, and 2.9000 GeV. Using a fully differential angular description of the final state particles, both the relative magnitude and phase information of the Σ^{+} electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region are extracted. The relative phase between the electric and magnetic form factors is determined to be sinΔΦ=-0.67±0.29(stat)±0.18(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.3960  GeV, ΔΦ=55°±19°(stat)±14°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.6454  GeV, and 78°±22°(stat)±9°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.9000  GeV. For the first time, the phase of the hyperon electromagnetic form factors is explored in a wide range of four-momentum transfer. The evolution of the phase along with four-momentum transfer is an important input for understanding its asymptotic behavior and the dynamics of baryons.

ACACA reduces lipid accumulation through dual regulation of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function via AMPK- PPARα- CPT1A axis

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder, whose global prevalence is rapidly increasing. Acetyl CoA carboxylases 1 (ACACA) is the key enzyme that controls the rate of fatty acid synthesis. Hence, it is crucial to investigate the function of ACACA in regulating lipid metabolism during the progress of NAFLD.

METHODS

Firstly, a fatty liver mouse model was established by high-fat diet at 2nd, 12th, and 20th week, respectively. Then, transcriptome analysis was performed on liver samples to investigate the underlying mechanisms and identify the target gene of the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Afterwards, lipid accumulation cell model was induced by palmitic acid and oleic acid (PA ∶ OA molar ratio = 1∶2). Next, we silenced the target gene ACACA using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or the CMS-121 inhibitor. Subsequently, experiments were performed comprehensively the effects of inhibiting ACACA on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism, as well as on AMPK- PPARα- CPT1A pathway.

RESULTS

This data indicated that the pathways significantly affected by high-fat diet include lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. Then, we focus on the target gene ACACA. In addition, the in vitro results suggested that inhibiting of ACACA in vitro reduces intracellular lipid accumulation, specifically the content of TG and TC. Furthermore, ACACA ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and alleviate oxidative stress, including MMP complete, ATP and ROS production, as well as the expression of mitochondria respiratory chain complex (MRC) and AMPK proteins. Meanwhile, ACACA inhibition enhances lipid metabolism through activation of PPARα/CPT1A, leading to a decrease in intracellular lipid accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Targeting ACACA can reduce lipid accumulation by mediating the AMPK- PPARα- CPT1A pathway, which regulates lipid metabolism and alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction.

Voltage-Controlled Magnon Transistor via Tuning Interfacial Exchange Coupling

Magnon transistors that can effectively regulate magnon transport by an electric field are desired for magnonics, which aims to provide a Joule-heating free alternative to the conventional electronics owing to the electric neutrality of magnons (the key carriers of spin-angular momenta in the magnonics). However, also due to their electric neutrality, magnons have no access to directly interact with an electric field and it is thus difficult to manipulate magnon transport by voltages straightforwardly. Here, we demonstrated a gate voltage (V_{g}) applied on a nonmagnetic metal and magnetic insulator (MI) interface that bent the energy band of the MI and then modulated the probability for conduction electrons in the nonmagnetic metal to tunnel into the MI, which can consequently enhance or weaken the spin-magnon conversion efficiency at the interface. A voltage-controlled magnon transistor based on the magnon-mediated electric current drag (MECD) effect in a Pt-Y_{3}Fe_{5}O_{12}-Pt sandwich was then experimentally realized with V_{g} modulating the magnitude of the MECD signal. The obtained efficiency (the change ratio between the MECD voltage at ±V_{g}) reached 10%/(MV/cm) at 300 K. This prototype of magnon transistor offers an effective scheme to control magnon transport by a gate voltage.

Nuclear-Targeted Nanostrategy Regulates Spatiotemporal Communication for Dual Antitumor Immunity

Intercellular communication between tumor cells and immune cells regulates tumor progression including positive communication with immune activation and negative communication with immune escape. An increasing number of methods are employed to suppress the dominant negative communication in tumors such as PD-L1/PD-1. However, how to effectively improve positive communication is still a challenge. In this study, a nuclear-targeted photodynamic nanostrategy is developed to establish positive spatiotemporal communication, further activating dual antitumor immunity, namely innate and adaptative immunity. The mSiO2 -Ion@Ce6-NLS nanoparticles (NPs) are designed, whose surface is modified by ionic liquid silicon (Ion) and nuclear localization signal peptide (NLS: PKKKRKV), and their pores are loaded with the photosensitizer hydrogen chloride e6 (Ce6). Ion-modified NPs enhance intratumoral enrichment, and NLS-modified NPs exhibit nuclear-targeted characteristics to achieve nuclear-targeted photodynamic therapy (nPDT). mSiO2 -Ion@Ce6-NLS with nPDT facilitate the release of damaged double-stranded DNA from tumor cells to activate macrophages via stimulator of interferon gene signaling and induce the immunogenic cell death of tumor cells to activate dendritic cells via "eat me" signals, ultimately leading to the recruitment of CD8+ T-cells. This therapy effectively strengthens positive communication to reshape the dual antitumor immune microenvironment, further inducing long-term immune memory, and eventually inhibiting tumor growth and recurrence.

Polydopamine Nanostructure-Enhanced Water Interaction with pH-Responsive Manganese Sulfide Nanoclusters for Tumor Magnetic Resonance Contrast Enhancement and Synergistic Ferroptosis-Photothermal Therapy

Rational structure design benefits the development of efficient nanoplatforms for tumor theranostic application. In this work, a multifunctional polydopamine (PDA)-coated manganese sulfide (MnS) nanocluster was prepared. The polyhydroxy structure of PDA enhanced the water interaction with pH-responsive MnS nanoclusters via hydrogen bonds. At pH 5.5 conditions, the spin-lattice relaxation rate of MnS nanoclusters dramatically increased from 5.76 to 19.33 mM-1·s-1 after the PDA coating, which can be beneficial for efficient tumor magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, PDA endowed MnS nanoclusters with excellent biocompatibility and good photothermal conversion efficiency, which can be used for efficient tumor photothermal therapy (PTT). Furthermore, MnS nanoclusters possess the ability to release H2S in the acidic tumor microenvironment, effectively inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and adenosine triphosphate production. As a result, the expression of heat shock protein was obviously reduced, which can reduce the resistance of tumor cells to photothermal stimulation and enhance the efficacy of PTT. The released Mn2+ also displayed efficient peroxidase and glutathione oxidase-like activity, effectively inducing tumor cell ferroptosis and apoptosis at the same time. Therefore, this nanoplatform could be a potential nanotheranostic for magnetic resonance contrast enhancement and synergistic ferroptosis-PTT of tumors.

An antioxidation-responsive SERS-active microneedle for detecting the antioxidant capacity in living organisms

To detect the antioxidant capacity in living organisms, an antioxidation-responsive SERS-active microneedle was fabricated by adsorbing resazurin on miniature SERS substrates, SERS-active microneedles. The SERS intensity ratio of characterized peaks of resazurin and its product, resorufin, was adopted and verified as an indicator of antioxidant capacity. The feasibility of detection of the antioxidant capacity in living organisms was proved by using the fabricated SERS-active microneedles to detect the antioxidant capacity of lipopolysaccharide-induce inflammatory animal models. The fabricated SERS-active microneedles can be inserted into target soft tissues with minimal invasion to detect their antioxidant capacity. The fabricated SERS-active microneedles would be a novel tool to bring the detection of antioxidant capacity from samplings ex vivo and cells to complex tissues to promote the researches on redox biology in living organisms.

Impacts of electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor on phenol wastewater treatment: Performance, synergistic mechanism, antibiotic resistance genes, and eco-environmental benefit evaluation

A novel electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor (EM-MBR) was constructed, which was superior on improvement of phenol treatment performance and sludge characteristics, and mitigation of membrane fouling. EM-MBR enhanced the phenol degradation via the improvement activity of phenol degrading enzymes. The EPS contents and SVI of EM-MBR were significantly reduced by 49.3 % and 58.7 % than that of the conventional MBR, respectively. Moreover, EM-MBR successfully reduced fouling rate by 57.0 %, delaying the membrane resistance. The EPS contents were positively correlated with the SVI and fouling rate, implying that the sludge settleability was strengthened by improving the properties of EPS with the assistance of electromagnetic, thus mitigating the membrane fouling. Microbial co-occurrence network demonstrated that EM-MBR enriched phenol-degrading and EPS-degrading genera correlated to Fe redox cycle. Furthermore, the activation of the antioxidant system in the EM-MBR resulted in the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, consequently impeding the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Co-occurrence patterns of MGEs and ARGs revealed that intercellular binding facilitated by ist and Integrase may account for the horizontal transfer of ARGs. The reduction of unit capital costs (15.63 %), running costs (53.00 %), and total average carbon emissions (15.18 %) indicated that EM-MBR was environmentally beneficial.

First Measurement of the Decay Asymmetry in the Pure W-Boson-Exchange Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+}

Based on 4.4  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure W-boson-exchange decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{0}K^{+} is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be α_{Ξ^{0}K^{+}}=0.01±0.16(stat)±0.03(syst). This result reflects the noninterference effect between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes has two solutions, which are δ_{p}-δ_{s}=-1.55±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad or 1.59±0.25(stat)±0.05(syst)  rad.

Pros and Cons in Various Immobilization Techniques and Carriers for Enzymes

In recent years, enzyme immobilization technology has been developed, and studies on immobilized enzyme materials have become very prominent. With the immobilization technique, enzymes and compatible carrier materials are combined or enzyme crystals/aggregates are used in a carrier-free fashion, by physical, chemical, or biochemical methods. As a kind of biocatalyst, immobilized enzymes can catalyze certain chemical reactions with high selectivity and high efficiency under relatively mild reaction conditions and eliminate pollution to the environment. Considering the current status and applications of immobilized enzyme technology and materials emerging in the last 5 years, this mini-review introduces the advantages and disadvantages of various enzyme immobilization techniques with carriers as well as the pros and cons of different materials for immobilization. The future prospects of immobilization technology and carrier materials are outlined, aiming to provide a reference for further research and applications of sustainable technology.

Comparison of mid-outcome among bare metal stent, atherectomy with or without drug-coated balloon angioplasty for femoropopliteal arterial occlusion

This study evaluated the outcomes of a bare metal stent (BMS), DCB alone, atherectomy plus a drug-coated balloon (AT + DCB) and AT alone for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery occlusion. Four groups were included in this retrospective cohort study: 119 patients underwent the BMS procedure, 89 patients underwent DCB alone, 52 patients underwent AT + DCB, and 61 patients underwent AT alone. Patients were followed-up at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure, the clinical outcomes and complications were assessed, and the primary outcomes were primary patency and restenosis. AT + DCB showed a lower bailout stent, and BMS displayed a higher retrograde puncture, flow-limiting dissection and postdilation (p < 0.05). For all procedures, the walking distance, ABI and pain score post-procedure were significantly improved compared with the pre-procedure values (p < 0.001). The restenosis rate was higher in BMS (21.0%) and AT alone (24.6%) than in DCB (10.1%) alone and AT + DCB (11.5%) (p = 0.04); there was no difference in amputation or clinically driven target lesion revascularization among procedures. The primary patency rates were 77.7%, 89.4%, 88.0% and 73.7% in the BMS, DCB alone, AT + DCB and AT alone groups at 24 months, respectively (p = 0.03), while the secondary patency and main adverse events (stroke, MI and death) were similar. Proximal concavity, proximal target vessel diameter ≥ 5 mm, runoff number ≥ 2 and DCB use were protective factors for primary patency. Our results suggested that AT + DCB and DCB alone were associated with higher primary patency, and DCB devices (combined with/without AT) should be the preferred choice for FP lesions.

XJB-5-131 protects chondrocytes from ferroptosis to alleviate osteoarthritis progression via restoring Pebp1 expression

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related musculoskeletal disease. However, there is still a lack of therapy that can modify OA progression due to the complex pathogenic mechanisms. The aim of the study was to explore the role and mechanism of XJB-5-131 inhibiting chondrocytes ferroptosis to alleviate OA progression.

Methods

We treated tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced ferroptosis of mouse primary chondrocytes with XJB-5-131 in vitro. The intracellular ferroptotic hallmarks, cartilage anabolic and catabolic markers, ferroptosis regulatory genes and proteins were detected. Then we established a mouse OA model via destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. The OA mice were treated with intra-articular injection of XJB-5-131 regularly (2 μM, 3 times per week). After 4 and 8 weeks, we performed micro-CT and histological examination to evaluate the protection role of XJB-5-131 in mouse OA subjects. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to unveil the key downstream gene of XJB-5-131 exerting the anti-ferroptotic effect in OA.

Results

XJB-5-131 significantly suppressed TBHP-induced increases of ferroptotic hallmarks (ROS, lipid peroxidation, and Fe2+ accumulation), ferroptotic drivers (Ptgs2, Pgd, Tfrc, Atf3, Cdo1), while restored the expression of ferroptotic suppressors (Gpx4, Fth1). XJB-5-131 evidently promoted the expression of cartilage anabolic and decreased the expression of cartilage catabolic markers. Moreover, intra-articular injection of XJB-5-131 significantly inhibited the expression of Cox2 and Mmp13, while promoted the expression of Col2a1, Gpx4 and Fth1 in DMM-induced mouse articular cartilage. Further, we identified Pebp1 as a potential target of XJB-5-131 by RNA sequencing analysis. The anti-ferroptosis and chondroprotective effects of XJB-5-131 were significantly diminished by Locostatin, a specific antagonist of Pebp1.

Conclusion

XJB-5-131 significantly protects chondrocytes from ferroptosis in TBHP-induced mouse primary chondrocytes and DMM surgery-induced OA mice model via restoring the expression of Pebp1. XJB-5-131 is a potential therapeutic drug in the management of OA progression.

Which Drugs are More Effective in Preventing Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Progression based on Network Meta-analysis?

BACKGROUND

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disorder. At present, an increasing number of medications are being employed to treat FAP; however, only a few have been assessed for their efficacy and safety. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the therapeutic outcomes and adverse drug reactions of all FAP-associated medications.

METHODS

Six relevant databases were searched to identify pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and information on the dosage and frequency of various drugs was extracted. Additionally, data on changes in polyp counts and dimensions, as well as treatment-related adverse reactions for different medications were collected. The Bayesian method was employed to directly or indirectly compare the impact of different treatment regimens on changes in polyp numbers and diameters, and the safety of the drugs was investigated.

RESULTS

CXB at 16 mg/kg/day significantly reduced polyp numbers. Celecoxib at 8 mg/kg/day and sulindac (150 mg twice daily) plus erlotinib (75 mg/day) were effective for tolerant FAP patients. Additionally, EPAFFA 2 g daily and sulindac (150 mg twice daily) plus erlotinib (75 mg/day) emerged as the most effective for reducing polyp size.

CONCLUSION

The most effective treatment for reducing the number of colorectal polyps is celecoxib 16 mg/kg/day. On the other hand, a daily dosage of 2 g EPA-FFA demonstrates the best results in terms of decreasing colorectal polyp diameter.

Belimumab therapy for refractory immune thrombocytopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of belimumab treatment in refractory anti-phospholipid antibody-associated immune thrombocytopenia with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHOD

Four SLE patients with refractory anti-phospholipid antibody-associated immune thrombocytopenia were included in this one-arm observational study. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of SLE according to 1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria, severe immune thrombocytopenia (platelets <30 × 109/L), no bleeding symptoms, lack of satisfactory response to traditional treatment, and high-titre anti-phospholipid antibodies. All patients received belimumab (Benlysta®) for 6 months.

RESULTS

The mean platelet count was 21.8 × 109 cells/L, ranging between 16 and 29 × 109/L at baseline, 123.3 × 109/L at 1 month, and 172.5 × 109/L at the end of 6 months after belimumab treatment. No bleeding complications occurred during the entire follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

In this study, belimumab reduced the anti-phospholipid antibodies while increasing the platelet count in SLE patients with anti-phospholipid antibody-associated immune thrombocytopenia.

Effects of potassium channel knockdown on peripheral blood T lymphocytes and NFAT signaling pathway in Xinjiang Kazak patients with hypertension

BACKGROUD AND AIM

T lymphocytes are involved in the occurrence and development of essential hypertension, and potassium channels are thought to be critical for lymphocyte activation. This study is to examine the roles of the voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv1.3) and calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa3.1) in peripheral blood T lymphocytes in Kazakh hypertensive patients of Xinjiang, China, mainly focusing on the effects of these channels on nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and inflammatory cytokines of T lymphocytes.

METHOD

Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 gene silencing were performed in cultured T lymphocytes from Kazakh patients with severe hypertension. T cell proliferation after gene silencing was measured using CCK-8. The mRNA and protein expression levels were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Nuclear translocation of NFAT was observed using laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. Inflammatory cytokine levels were detected with ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, gene silencing of Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 respectively inhibited the proliferation of T cells. Moreover, compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of NFAT, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased after gene silencing. Furthermore, the NFAT protein expression level was significantly down-regulated. In addition, the levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

Both Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 potassium channels activated T lymphocytes and enhanced the cytokine secretion possibly through CaN/NFAT signaling pathway, which may in turn induce micro-inflammatory responses and trigger the occurrence and progression of hypertension.

Effect of Local Pressurization on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy Flywheel Housing with Complex Shape

In this work, squeeze casting experiments of flywheel housing components with a large wall thickness difference and a complex shape were carried out with AlSi9Mg aluminum alloy. The defects, microstructures, and mechanical properties under different process parameters were investigated. Furthermore, the local pressurization process was applied to the thick-walled positions to force-feed the cast defects. The mechanical properties and microstructures at these positions were analyzed. The results showed that the surface quality of formed components was good and that local pressurization could effectively reduce the shrinkage cavity and shrinkage porosity in thick walls, but the scope and effect of forced feeding were limited. The optimum process parameters were a pouring temperature of 650 °C, a specific pressure of 48 MPa, a mold temperature of 220 °C, a local pressurization of 800 MPa, and pressure delay times of 15 s (side A) and 17 s (side B). The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the formed component under validation experiments of the optimum process parameters were 201 MPa, 103 MPa, and 5.1%. Meanwhile, the fine grains of primary α-Al were mainly rosette and equiaxed grains, and the average grain size was about 40 μm. The microstructure of the eutectic silicon was acicular and was prone to segregation under pressure. According to profile morphology, the positions after pressurization were divided into a deformation zone, a direct action zone, and an indirect action zone. The coexistence of as-cast and plastic deformation microstructures was observed. The effect of local pressurization mainly involved a change in the solidification process, plastic deformation, and forced feeding.

Biomimetic Structural Protein Based Magnetic Responsive Scaffold for Enhancing Bone Regeneration by Physical Stimulation on Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis

The bone matrix has distinct architecture and biochemistry which present a barrier to synthesizing bone-mimetic regenerative scaffolds. To mimic the natural structures and components of bone, biomimetic structural decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM)/regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) scaffolds incorporated with magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) are prepared using a facile synthetic methodology. The ECM/RSF/MNP scaffold is a hierarchically organized and interconnected porous structure with silk fibroin twined on the collagen nanofibers. The scaffold demonstrates saturation magnetization due to the presence of MNP, along with good cytocompatibility. Moreover, the β-sheet crystalline domain of RSF and the chelated MNP could mimic the deposition of hydroxyapatite and enhance compressive modulus of the scaffold by ≈20%. The results indicate that an external static magnetic field (SMF) with a magnetic responsive scaffold effectively promotes cell migration, osteogenic differentiation, neogenesis of endotheliocytes in vitro, and new bone formation in a critical-size femur defect rat model. RNA sequencing reveals that the molecular mechanisms underlying this osteogenic effect involve calsequestrin-2-mediated Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum to activate Ca2+ /calmodulin/calmodulin-dependent kinase II signaling axis. Collectively, bionic magnetic scaffolds with SMF stimulation provide a potent strategy for bone regeneration through internal structural cues, biochemical composition, and external physical stimulation on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

HDAC3 aberration-incurred GPX4 suppression drives renal ferroptosis and AKI-CKD progression

Acute kidney injury (AKI) progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a unique renal disease setting characterized by early renal cellular injury and regulated cell death, and later renal fibrosis, of which the critical role and nature of ferroptosis are only partially understood. Here, we report that renal tubular epithelial ferroptosis caused by HDAC3 (histone deacetylase 3) aberration and the resultant GPX4 suppression drives AKI-CKD progression. In mouse models of AKI-CKD transition induced by nephrotoxic aristolochic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA), renal tubular epithelial ferroptosis occurred early that coincided with preferential HDAC3 elevation and marked suppression of a core anti-ferroptosis enzyme GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase 4). Intriguingly, genetic Hdac3 knockout or administration of a HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 effectively mitigated the GPX4 suppression, ferroptosis and the fibrosis-associated renal functional loss. In cultured tubular epithelial cells, HDAC3 over-expression or inhibition inversely affected GPX4 abundances. Further analysis revealed that Gpx4 promoter contains a typical binding motif of transcription factor KLF5 (Kruppel-like factor 5). HDAC3 and KLF5 inducibly associated and bound to Gpx4 promoter upon AA treatment, leading to local histone hypoacetylation and GPX4 transactivation inhibition, which was blocked by RGFP966 and a KLF5 inhibitor ML264, respectively, suggesting that KLF5 co-regulated the HDAC3-incurred Gpx4 transcription inhibition. More importantly, in AKI-CKD mice receiving a GPX4 inactivator RSL3, the anti-ferroptosis and renoprotective effects of RGFP966 were largely abrogated, indicating that GPX4 is an essential downstream mediator of the HDAC3 aberration and renal ferroptosis during AKI-CKD transition. Together, our study identified a critical epigenetic pathway of ferroptosis during AKI-CKD transition and suggested that the strategies preserving GPX4 by HDAC3 inhibition are potentially effective to reduce renal ferroptosis and slow AKI-CKD progression.

Exploring the Role of TaPLC1-2B in Heat Tolerance at Seedling and Adult Stages of Wheat through Transcriptome Analysis

Heat stress is a major abiotic stress that can cause serious losses of a crop. Our previous work identified a gene involved in heat stress tolerance in wheat, TaPLC1-2B. To further investigate its mechanisms, in the present study, TaPLC1-2B RNAi-silenced transgenic wheat and the wild type were comparatively analyzed at both the seedling and adult stages, with or without heat stress, using transcriptome sequencing. A total of 15,549 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at the adult stage and 20,535 DEGs were detected at the seedling stage. After heat stress, an enrichment of pathways such as phytohormones and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was mainly found in the seedling stage, and pathways related to metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, circadian rhythms, and ABC transporter were enriched in the adult stage. Auxin and abscisic acid were downregulated in the seedling stage and vice versa in the adult stage; and the MYB, WRKY, and no apical meristem gene families were downregulated in the seedling stage in response to heat stress and upregulated in the adult stage in response to heat stress. This study deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of TaPLC1-2B in regard to heat stress in wheat at the seedling and adult stages.

Golgi Apparatus-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy for Enhancing Tumor Immunogenicity by Eliciting NLRP3 Protein-Dependent Pyroptosis

Innate and adaptive immunity is important for initiating and maintaining immune function. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome serves as a checkpoint in innate and adaptive immunity, promoting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis. As a highly inflammatory form of cell death distinct from apoptosis, pyroptosis can trigger immunogenic cell death and promote systemic immune responses in solid tumors. Previous studies proposed that NLRP3 was activated by translocation to the mitochondria. However, a recent authoritative study has challenged this model and proved that the Golgi apparatus might be a prerequisite for the activation of NLRP3. In this study, we first developed a Golgi apparatus-targeted photodynamic strategy to induce the activation of NLRP3 by precisely locating organelles. We found that Golgi apparatus-targeted photodynamic therapy could significantly upregulate NLRP3 expression to promote the subsequent release of intracellular proinflammatory contents such as IL-1β or IL-18, creating an inflammatory storm to enhance innate immunity. Moreover, this acute NLRP3 upregulation also activated its downstream classical caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis to enhance tumor immunogenicity, triggering adaptive immunity. Pyroptosis eventually led to immunogenic cell death, promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, and effectively activated antitumor immunity and long-lived immune memory. Overall, this Golgi apparatus-targeted strategy provided molecular insights into the occurrence of immunogenic pyroptosis and offered a platform to remodel the tumor microenvironment.

Test of CP Symmetry in Hyperon to Neutron Decays

The quantum entangled J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} pairs from (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events taken by the BESIII detector are used to study the nonleptonic two-body weak decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-}. The CP-odd weak decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} (α_{+}) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-} (α[over ¯]_{-}) are determined to be 0.0481±0.0031_{stat}±0.0019_{syst} and -0.0565±0.0047_{stat}±0.0022_{syst}, respectively. The decay parameter α[over ¯]_{-} is measured for the first time, and the accuracy of α_{+} is improved by a factor of 4 compared to the previous results. The simultaneously determined decay parameters allow the first precision CP symmetry test for any hyperon decay with a neutron in the final state with the measurement of A_{CP}=(α_{+}+α[over ¯]_{-})/(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})=-0.080±0.052_{stat}±0.028_{syst}. Assuming CP conservation, the average decay parameter is determined as ⟨α_{+}⟩=(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})/2=-0.0506±0.0026_{stat}±0.0019_{syst}, while the ratios α_{+}/α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{-}/α[over ¯]_{0} are -0.0490±0.0032_{stat}±0.0021_{syst} and -0.0571±0.0053_{stat}±0.0032_{syst}, where α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{0} are the decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→pπ^{0} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}, respectively.

Measurement of Energy-Dependent Pair-Production Cross Section and Electromagnetic Form Factors of a Charmed Baryon

We study the process e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} at twelve center-of-mass energies from 4.6119 to 4.9509 GeV using data samples collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections and effective form factors (|G_{eff}|) are determined with unprecedented precision after combining the single and double-tag methods based on the decay process Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}. Flat cross sections around 4.63 GeV are obtained and no indication of the resonant structure Y(4630), as reported by Belle, is found. In addition, no oscillatory behavior is discerned in the |G_{eff}| energy dependence of Λ_{c}^{+}, in contrast to what is seen for the proton and neutron cases. Analyzing the cross section together with the polar-angle distribution of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon at each energy point, the moduli of electric and magnetic form factors (|G_{E}| and |G_{M}|) are extracted and separated. For the first time, the energy dependence of the form factor ratio |G_{E}/G_{M}| is observed, which can be well described by an oscillatory function.

Enterococcus faecium supplementation prevents enteritis caused by Escherichia coli in goats

The probiotic Enterococcus faecium is a gut microbe with immunomodulatory effects, which has been widely used to prevent diarrhoea in pigs and birds. Escherichia coli is a common pathogen that causes inflammatory bowel disease in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of E. faecium on enteritis in goats. Forty goats were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: control, E. faecium, E. coli, and E. faecium + E. coli. The changes of physiological indicators and diarrhoea scoring were evaluated on days -4, -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. The pathological examination, inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression and bacterial counts in jejunum and caecum were detected on day 4 and 8. The results showed that body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and leukocyte counts all increased from the 2nd to the 6th day after feeding with E. coli, and the diarrhoea score was significantly increased. However, E. faecium-pretreated goats had lower body temperatures and fewer leukocytes than E. coli-treated goats on day 2, as well as decreased diarrhoea scores. E. coli treatment caused histopathological damage and morphological changes in the jejunum and caecum, while pretreatment with E. faecium significantly alleviated these injuries. E. faecium pretreatment can reduce the load of E. coli and increase the prevalence of Lactobacillus, thereby balancing the microbiota in the intestine. Furthermore, E. coli-infected goats pretreated with E. faecium showed obvious inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-α mRNA expression in the jejunum and caecum compared to that in the E. coli treatment group. In conclusion, the addition of E. faecium to goat feed is beneficial for improving clinical symptoms, maintaining intestinal mucosa integrity, balancing the microbiota and decreasing inflammatory responses in E. coli-induced intestinal injury.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers for the Narrow Structure near the pΛ[over ¯] Threshold in e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c

A narrow structure in the pΛ[over ¯] system near the mass threshold, named as X(2085), is observed in the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] with a statistical significance greater than 20σ. Its spin and parity are determined for the first time to be J^{P}=1^{+} in an amplitude analysis, with a statistical significance greater than 5σ over other quantum numbers (0^{-},1^{-} and 2^{+}). The pole positions of X(2085) are measured to be M_{pole}=(2084_{-2}^{+4}±9)  MeV and Γ_{pole}=(58_{-3}^{+4}±25)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The analysis is based on the study of the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] and uses the data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.008, 4.178, 4.226, 4.258, 4.416, and 4.682 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 8.35  fb^{-1}.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} Cross Sections at Center-of-Mass Energies from Threshold to 4.95 GeV

The process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} is studied with a semi-inclusive method using data samples at center-of-mass energies from threshold to 4.95 GeV collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections of the process are measured for the first time with high precision in this energy region. Two resonance structures are observed in the energy-dependent cross sections around 4.2 and 4.4 GeV. By fitting the cross sections with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner amplitudes and one phase-space amplitude, the two significant structures are assigned masses of (4186.8±8.7±30) and (4414.6±3.4±6.1)  MeV/c^{2}, widths of (55±15±53) and (122.5±7.5±8.1)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The inclusion of a third Breit-Wigner amplitude is necessary to describe a structure around 4.79 GeV.