Fully integrated and automated centrifugal microfluidic chip for point-of-care multiplexed molecular diagnostics

Public health events caused by pathogens have imposed significant economic and societal burdens. However, conventional methods still face challenges including complex operations, the need for trained operators, and sophisticated instruments. Here, we proposed a fully integrated and automated centrifugal microfluidic chip, also termed IACMC, for point-of-care multiplexed molecular diagnostics by harnessing the advantages of active and passive valves. The IACMC incorporates multiple essential components including a pneumatic balance module for sequential release of multiple reagents, a pneumatic centrifugation-assisted module for on-demand solution release, an on-chip silicon membrane module for nucleic acid extraction, a Coriolis force-mediated fluid switching module, and an amplification module. Numerical simulation and visual validation were employed to iterate and optimize the chip's structure. Upon sample loading, the chip automatically executes the entire process of bacterial sample lysis, nucleic acid capture, elution quantification, and isothermal LAMP amplification. By optimizing crucial parameters including centrifugation speed, direction of rotation, and silicone membrane thickness, the chip achieves exceptional sensitivity (twenty-five Salmonella or forty Escherichia coli) and specificity in detecting Escherichia coli and Salmonella within 40 min. The development of IACMC will drive advancements in centrifugal microfluidics for point-of-care testing and holds potential for broader applications in precision medicine including high-throughput biochemical analysis immune diagnostics, and drug susceptibility testing.

Microglia and macrophage metabolism: a regulator of cerebral gliomas

Reciprocal interactions between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of glioma. Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs), either of peripheral origin or representing brain-intrinsic microglia, are the majority population of infiltrating immune cells in glioma. GAMs, usually classified into M1 and M2 phenotypes, have remarkable plasticity and regulate tumor progression through different metabolic pathways. Recently, research efforts have increasingly focused on GAMs metabolism as potential targets for glioma therapy. This review aims to delineate the metabolic characteristics of GAMs within the TME and provide a summary of current therapeutic strategies targeting GAMs metabolism in glioma. The goal is to provide novel insights and therapeutic pathways for glioma by highlighting the significance of GAMs metabolism.

The mechanical properties of different cross-veins in the hind wing of locust Locusta migratoria under uniaxial tensile and stress relaxation tests

Locust Locusta migratoria exhibits remarkable aerial performances, relying predominantly on its hind wings that generate most of lift and thrust for flight. The mechanical properties of the cross-veins determine the deformation of the hind wing, which greatly affect the aerodynamic performance of flapping flight. However, whether the mechanical behaviours of the locust cross-veins change with loading rate is still unknown. In this study, cross-veins in four physiological regions (anterior-medial, anterior-lateral, posterior-medial and posterior-lateral) of the hind wing from adult locusts were investigated using uniaxial tensile test, stress relaxation test and fluorescence microscopy. It was found that the cross-veins were a type of viscoelastic material (including rate-independent elastic modulus and obvious stress relaxation). The cross-veins in the two anterior regions of the hind wing had significantly higher elastic moduli and higher ultimate tensile stress than those of its two posterior regions. This difference might be attributed to different resilin distribution patterns in the cross-veins. These findings furnish new insights into the mechanical characteristics of the locust cross-veins, which might deepen our understanding of the aerodynamic mechanisms of locust flapping flight.

Silica Confinement for Stable and Magnetic Co-Cu Alloy Nanoparticles in Nitrogen-Doped Carbon for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution

Ammonia borane (AB) with 19.6 wt.% H2 content is widely considered a safe and efficient medium for H2 storage and release. Co-based nanocatalysts present strong contenders for replacing precious metal-based catalysts in AB hydrolysis due to their high activity and cost-effectiveness. However, precisely adjusting the active centers and surface properties of Co-based nanomaterials to enhance their activity, as well as suppressing the migration and loss of metal atoms to improve their stability, presents many challenges. In this study, mesoporous-silica-confined bimetallic Co-Cu nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon (CoxCu1-x@NC@mSiO2) were synthesized using a facile mSiO2-confined thermal pyrolysis strategy. The obtained product, an optimized Co0.8Cu0.2@NC@mSiO2 catalyst, exhibits enhanced performance with a turnover frequency of 240.9 molH2∙molmetal∙min-1 for AB hydrolysis at 298 K, surpassing most noble-metal-free catalysts. Moreover, Co0.8Cu0.2@NC@mSiO2 demonstrated magnetic recyclability and extraordinary stability, with a negligible decline of only 0.8% over 30 cycles of use. This enhanced performance was attributed to the synergistic effect between Co and Cu, as well as silica confinement. This work proposes a promising method for constructing noble-metal-free catalysts for AB hydrolysis.

Induction of therapeutic immunity and cancer eradication through biofunctionalized liposome-like nanovesicles derived from irradiated-cancer cells

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, its efficacy remains to be optimized. There are at least two major challenges in effectively eradicating cancer cells by immunotherapy. Firstly, cancer cells evade immune cell killing by down-regulating cell surface immune sensors. Secondly, immune cell dysfunction impairs their ability to execute anti-cancer functions. Radiotherapy, one of the cornerstones of cancer treatment, has the potential to enhance the immunogenicity of cancer cells and trigger an anti-tumor immune response. Inspired by this, we fabricate biofunctionalized liposome-like nanovesicles (BLNs) by exposing irradiated-cancer cells to ethanol, of which ethanol serves as a surfactant, inducing cancer cells pyroptosis-like cell death and facilitating nanovesicles shedding from cancer cell membrane. These BLNs are meticulously designed to disrupt both of the aforementioned mechanisms. On one hand, BLNs up-regulate the expression of calreticulin, an "eat me" signal on the surface of cancer cells, thus promoting macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells. Additionally, BLNs are able to reprogram M2-like macrophages into an anti-cancer M1-like phenotype. Using a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion (MPE), an advanced-stage and immunotherapy-resistant cancer model, we demonstrate that BLNs significantly increase T cell infiltration and exhibit an ablative effect against MPE. When combined with PD-1 inhibitor (α-PD-1), we achieve a remarkable 63.6% cure rate (7 out of 11) among mice with MPE, while also inducing immunological memory effects. This work therefore introduces a unique strategy for overcoming immunotherapy resistance.

Sunlight-driven and gram-scale vanillin production via Mn-defected γ-MnO2 catalyst in aqueous environment

The production of vanillin from biomass offers a sustainable route for synthesizing daily-use chemicals. However, achieving sunlight-driven vanillin synthesis through H2O activation in an aqueous environment poses challenges due to the high barrier of H2O dissociation. In this study, we have successfully developed an efficient approach for gram-scale vanillin synthesis in an aqueous reaction, employing Mn-defected γ-MnO2 as a photocatalyst at room temperature. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the presence of defective Mn species (Mn3+) significantly enhances the adsorption of vanillyl alcohol and H2O onto the surface of the γ-MnO2 catalyst. Hydroxyl radical (˙OH) species are formed through H2O activation with the assistance of sunlight, playing a pivotal role as oxygen-reactive species in the oxidation of vanillyl alcohol into vanillin. The Mn-defected γ-MnO2 catalyst exhibits exceptional performance, achieving up to 93.4% conversion of vanillyl alcohol and 95.7% selectivity of vanillin under sunlight. Notably, even in a laboratory setting during the daytime, the Mn-defected γ-MnO2 catalyst demonstrates significantly higher catalytic performance compared to the dark environment. This work presents a highly effective and promising strategy for low-cost and environmentally benign vanillin synthesis.

Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the microstructural, compositional and mechanical properties of cartilages

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and complicated degenerative disorder of joints, including several phenotypes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the major causes of OA. However, few studies on the mechanical behavior of diabetic cartilages have been conducted.

METHODS

This study evaluated the microstructural, compositional, and mechanical properties of healthy and diabetic rat cartilages using scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray energy spectroscopy, histology staining, and microindentation tests.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that the diabetic cartilages had a significantly higher elastic modulus and similar permeability (95%CI: 3.72-8.56 MPa and 3.16×10-6-1.83×10-5 mm4/N·s) compared to the healthy cartilages (95%CI: 0.741-3.58 MPa and 3.15×10-6-1.14×10-5 mm4/N·s). Their stress relaxation behaviors were similar regardless of the loading rate except for the stretching parameter under the fast loading. Furthermore, the stress relaxation behaviors of the diabetic cartilages were significantly affected by the loading rate, especially the equilibrium force ratio and time constant. These mechanical outcomes could be attributed to the increase of fibril diameters and calcium aggregation in the cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study deepens our understanding of how T2DM might facilitate OA in cartilages, which could contribute to the development of more scientific diagnosis and therapies for patients with diabetes.

Deubiquitinase USP7 stabilizes KDM5B and promotes tumor progression and cisplatin resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the ZBTB16/TOP2A axis

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy improves the control of distant metastases in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); however, around 30% of patients fail treatment due to acquired drug resistance. Epigenetic regulation is known to contribute to cisplatin resistance; nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that lysine-specific demethylase 5B (KDM5B) was overexpressed and correlates with tumor progression and cisplatin resistance in patients with NPC. We also showed that specific inhibition of KDM5B impaired the progression of NPC and reverses cisplatin resistance, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we found that KDM5B inhibited the expression of ZBTB16 by directly reducing H3K4me3 at the ZBTB16 promoter, which subsequently increased the expression of Topoisomerase II- α (TOP2A) to confer cisplatin resistance in NPC. In addition, we showed that the deubiquitinase USP7 was critical for deubiquitinating and stabilizing KDM5B. More importantly, the deletion of USP7 increased sensitivity to cisplatin by disrupting the stability of KDM5B in NPC cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that USP7 stabilized KDM5B and promoted cisplatin resistance through the ZBTB16/TOP2A axis, suggesting that targeting KDM5B may be a promising cisplatin-sensitization strategy in the treatment of NPC.

Analysis of telomere length and the relationship with neurocognitive functions in euthymic bipolar disorder: A cross-sectional pilot study

BACKGROUND

Telomere shortening has been considered a potential biological marker related to disease susceptibility and aging in psychiatric disorders. However, the relationship between telomere length and bipolar disorder (BD-I and BD-II) is uncertain. Moreover, whether telomere shortening is an independent factor of cognitive impairment in BD patients is still inconclusive.

METHODS

We explore telomere length and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder and the relationship between them. We enrolled three groups (35 patients with euthymic BD-I, 18 with euthymic BD-II, and 38 healthy controls). Telomere length was measured by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), and cognitive function was evaluated by the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The telomere length of euthymic patients with BD-I and BD-II was shorter than that of healthy controls (F = 8.228, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.176). Telomere length was not significantly different between BD-I and BD-II. Compared to HCs, poor performance was detected in attention and vigilance in BD-I patients (F = 3.473, P = 0.036). Working memory was positively correlated with telomere length in BD-II patients (Beta = 0.5, P = 0.041, Adjusted R2 = 0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provided evidence of shortened telomere length in euthymic BD patients, indicating that telomere shortening might be a promising biomarker of susceptibility to bipolar disorder. The telomere length predicted the working memory in BD-II patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of accelerated aging on cognitive functioning in a young group of patients with BD.

Irradiated engineered tumor cell-derived microparticles remodel the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance antitumor immunity

Radiotherapy (RT), administered to roughly half of all cancer patients, occupies a crucial role in the landscape of cancer treatment. However, expanding the clinical indications of RT remains challenging. Inspired by the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE), we used the mediators of RIBE to mimic RT. Specifically, we discovered that irradiated tumor cell-released microparticles (RT-MPs) mediated the RIBE and had immune activation effects. To further boost the immune activation effect of RT-MPs to achieve cancer remission, even in advanced stages, we engineered RT-MPs with different cytokine and chemokine combinations by modifying their production method. After comparing the therapeutic effect of the engineered RT-MPs in vitro and in vivo, we demonstrated that tIL-15/tCCL19-RT-MPs effectively activated antitumor immune responses, significantly prolonged the survival of mice with malignant pleural effusion (MPE), and even achieved complete cancer remission. When tIL-15/tCCL19-RT-MPs were combined with PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), a cure rate of up to 60% was achieved. This combination therapy relied on the activation of CD8+ T cells and macrophages, resulting in the inhibition of tumor growth and the establishment of immunological memory against tumor cells. Hence, our research may provide an alternative and promising strategy for cancers that are not amenable to conventional RT.

FBW7/GSK3β mediated degradation of IGF2BP2 inhibits IGF2BP2-SLC7A5 positive feedback loop and radioresistance in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The development of radioresistance seriously hinders the efficacy of radiotherapy in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms by which radioresistance occurs are still incompletely understood. The N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is involved in cancer progression, but its role in lung cancer radioresistance remains elusive. This study aimed to identify m6A regulators involved in lung cancer radiosensitivity and further explore the underlying mechanisms to identify therapeutic targets to overcome lung cancer radioresistance.

METHODS

Bioinformatic mining was used to identify the m6A regulator IGF2BP2 involved in lung cancer radiosensitivity. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the downstream factors. Clonogenic survival assays, neutral comet assays, Rad51 foci formation assays, and Annexin V/propidium iodide assays were used to determine the significance of FBW7/IGF2BP2/SLC7A5 axis in lung cancer radioresistance. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analyses, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR analyses, RNA pull-down analyses, co-immunoprecipitation analyses, and ubiquitination assays were used to determine the feedback loop between IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 and the regulatory effect of FBW7/GSK3β on IGF2BP2. Mice models and tissue microarrays were used to verify the effects in vivo.

RESULTS

We identified IGF2BP2, an m6A "reader", that is overexpressed in lung cancer and facilitates radioresistance. We showed that inhibition of IGF2BP2 impairs radioresistance in lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that IGF2BP2 enhances the stability and translation of SLC7A5 mRNA through m6A modification, resulting in enhanced SLC7A5-mediated transport of methionine to produce S-adenosylmethionine. This feeds back upon the IGF2BP2 promoter region by further increasing the trimethyl modification at lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4me3) level to upregulate IGF2BP2 expression. We demonstrated that this positive feedback loop between IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 promotes lung cancer radioresistance through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, we found that the ubiquitin ligase FBW7 functions with GSK3β kinase to recognize and degrade IGF2BP2.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our study revealed that the m6A "reader" IGF2BP2 promotes lung cancer radioresistance by forming a positive feedback loop with SLC7A5, suggesting that IGF2BP2 may be a potential therapeutic target to control radioresistance in lung cancer.

Controlled-diffusion centrifugal microfluidic for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing

The abuse of antibiotics has become a global public safety issue, leading to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The development of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is crucial in reducing the growth of AMR. However, traditional AST methods are time-consuming (e.g., 24-72 h), labor-intensive, and costly. Here, we propose a controlled-diffusion centrifugal microfluidic platform (CCM) for rapid AST to obtain highly precise minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Antibiotic concentration gradients are generated by controlled moving and diffusing of antibiotic and buffer solution along the main microchannel within 3 min. The solution and bacterial suspension are then injected into the outermost reaction chamber by simple centrifugation. The CCM successfully determined the MIC for three commonly used antibiotics in clinical settings within 4-9 h. To further enhance practicality, reduce costs, and meet point-of-care testing demands, we have developed an integrated mobile detection platform for automated MIC value acquisition. The proposed CCM is a simple, low-cost, and portable method for rapid AST with broad clinical and in vitro applications.

Stabilization of KPNB1 by deubiquitinase USP7 promotes glioblastoma progression through the YBX1-NLGN3 axis

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system. It is an aggressive tumor characterized by rapid proliferation, diffuse tumor morphology, and poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are unable to achieve good outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment targets. A detailed mechanistic exploration of the role of the nuclear pore transporter KPNB1 in GBM is lacking. This study demonstrated that KPNB1 regulated GBM progression through a transcription factor YBX1 to promote the expression of post-protrusion membrane protein NLGN3. This regulation was mediated by the deubiquitinating enzyme USP7.

METHODS

A tissue microarray was used to measure the expression of KPNB1 and USP7 in glioma tissues. The effects of KPNB1 knockdown on the tumorigenic properties of glioma cells were characterized by colony formation assays, Transwell migration assay, EdU proliferation assays, CCK-8 viability assays, and apoptosis analysis using flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing identified NLGN3 as a downstream molecule that is regulated by KPNB1. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation were performed to analyze the potential interaction between KPNB1 and YBX1. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of YBX1 was determined with nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation and immunofluorescence staining, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to study DNA binding with YBX1. Ubiquitination assays were performed to determine the effects of USP7 on KPNB1 stability. The intracranial orthotopic tumor model was used to detect the efficacy in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that the nuclear receptor KPNB1 was highly expressed in GBM and could mediate the nuclear translocation of macromolecules to promote GBM progression. Knockdown of KPNB1 inhibited the progression of GBM, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we found that KPNB1 could regulate the downstream expression of Neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) by mediating the nuclear import of transcription factor YBX1, which could bind to the NLGN3 promoter. NLGN3 was necessary and sufficient to promote glioma cell growth. Furthermore, we found that deubiquitinase USP7 played a critical role in stabilizing KPNB1 through deubiquitination. Knockdown of USP7 expression or inhibition of its activity could effectively impair GBM progression. In vivo experiments also demonstrated the promoting effects of USP7, KPNB1, and NLGN3 on GBM progression. Overall, our results suggested that KPNB1 stability was enhanced by USP7-mediated deubiquitination, and the overexpression of KPNB1 could promote GBM progression via the nuclear translocation of YBX1 and the subsequent increase in NLGN3 expression.

CONCLUSION

This study identified a novel and targetable USP7/KPNB1/YBX1/NLGN3 signaling axis in GBM cells.

A compact multi-pixel superconducting nanowire single-photon detector array supporting gigabit space-to-ground communications

Classical and quantum space-to-ground communications necessitate highly sensitive receivers capable of extracting information from modulated photons to extend the communication distance from near-earth orbits to deep space explorations. To achieve gigabit data rates while mitigating strong background noise photons and beam drift in a highly attenuated free-space channel, a comprehensive design of a multi-functional detector is indispensable. In this study, we present an innovative compact multi-pixel superconducting nanowire single-photon detector array that integrates near-unity detection efficiency (91.6%), high photon counting rate (1.61 Gcps), large dynamic range for resolving different photon numbers (1-24), and four-quadrant position sensing function all within one device. Furthermore, we have constructed a communication testbed to validate the advantages offered by such an architecture. Through 8-PPM (pulse position modulation) format communication experiments, we have achieved an impressive maximum data rate of 1.5 Gbps, demonstrating sensitivities surpassing previous benchmarks at respective speeds. By incorporating photon number information into error correction codes, the receiver can tolerate maximum background noise levels equivalent to 0.8 photons/slot at a data rate of 120 Mbps-showcasing a great potential for daylight operation scenarios. Additionally, preliminary beam tracking tests were conducted through open-loop scanning techniques, which revealed clear quantitative dependence indicating sensitivity variations based on beam location. Based on the device characterizations and communication results, we anticipate that this device architecture, along with its corresponding signal processing and coding techniques, will be applicable in future space-to-ground communication tasks.

Tumor cell senescence-induced macrophage CD73 expression is a critical metabolic immune checkpoint in the aging tumor microenvironment

Background: The role of senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is usually bilateral, and diverse therapeutic approaches, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can induce cellular senescence. Cellular interactions are widespread in the TME, and tumor cells reprogram immune cells metabolically by producing metabolites. However, how senescent cells remodel the metabolism of TME remains unclear. This study aimed to explore precise targets to enhance senescent cells-induced anti-tumor immunity from a metabolic perspective. Methods: The in vivo senescence model was induced by 8 Gy×3 radiotherapy or cisplatin chemotherapy, and the in vitro model was induced by 10 Gy-irradiation or cisplatin treatment. Metabonomic analysis and ELISA assay on tumor interstitial fluid were performed for metabolites screening. Marker expression and immune cell infiltration in the TME were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell co-culture system and senescence-conditioned medium were used for crosstalk validation in vitro. RNA sequencing and rescue experiments were conducted for mechanism excavation. Immunofluorescence staining and single-cell transcriptome profiling analysis were performed for clinical validation. Results: We innovatively reveal the metabolic landscape of the senescent TME, characterized with the elevation of adenosine. It is attributed to the senescent tumor cell-induced CD73 upregulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). CD73 expression in TAMs is evoked by SASP-related pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, and regulated by JAK/STAT3 pathway. Consistently, a positive correlation between tumor cells senescence and TAMs CD73 expression is identified in lung cancer clinical specimens and databases. Lastly, blocking CD73 in a senescent background suppresses tumors and activates CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Conclusions: TAMs expressed CD73 contributes significantly to the adenosine accumulation in the senescent TME, suggesting targeting CD73 is a novel synergistic anti-tumor strategy in the aging microenvironment.

Selenium in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Graves' orbitopathy: a 5-year prospective controlled cohort study

PURPOSE

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is the main extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. However, limited studies have investigated the actual efficacy of selenium in GO therapy. This longitudinal study explored the effect of selenium on QOL and prognosis of patients with mild-to-moderate GO.

METHODS

We conducted a 5-year prospective controlled cohort clinical trial to determine the effect of selenium on 74 patients with mild-to-moderate GO. Patients received selenium yeast or placebo orally for 6 months and were followed up at 6 months and at 5 years by biochemical examination, ophthalmologist evaluation and QOL questionnaire to assess oculopathy and QOL.

RESULTS

(1) During a follow-up period of 3-6 months, in the selenium group, the symptoms of tearing, grittiness and conjunctival congestion improved (P < 0.01); clinical activity scores and total GO-QOL scores increased relative to baseline (P < 0.01); TRAb was decreased at the 6-month evaluation (P = 0.003); and patients treated with selenium had a higher rate of improvement and a lower rate of worsening than patients treated with placebo (P < 0.05). (2) Exploratory evaluations at 6 months after drug withdrawal confirmed the earlier results; further changes included alleviation of blurred vision and double vision symptoms in the selenium group (P < 0.01). (3) At the 5-year follow-up, compared with baseline, proptosis, clinical activity scores, TRAb level and total GO-QOL scores in both the selenium and placebo groups were significantly improved (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Six months of selenium supplementation may effectively change the early course of mild-to-moderate GO, but this regimen makes no difference in long-term outcomes.

Engineering irradiated tumor-derived microparticles as personalized vaccines to enhance anti-tumor immunity

The inadequate activation of antigen-presenting cells, the entanglement of T cells, and the highly immunosuppressive conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are important factors that limit the effectiveness of cancer vaccines. Studies show that a personalized and broad antigen repertoire fully activates anti-tumor immunity and that inhibiting the function of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β facilitates T cell migration. In our study, we introduce a vaccine strategy by engineering irradiated tumor cell-derived microparticles (RT-MPs), which have both personalized and broad antigen repertoire, to induce comprehensive anti-tumor effects. Encouraged by the proinflammatory effects of the spike protein from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the high affinity between TGF-β receptor 2 (TGFBR2) and TGF-β, we develop RT-MPs with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and TGFBR2. This spike protein and high TGFBR2 expression induce the innate immune response and ameliorate the immunosuppressive TME, thereby promoting T cell activation and infiltration and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. Our study provides a strategy for producing an effective personalized anti-tumor vaccine.

Spontaneous generation of singlet oxygen on microemulsion-derived manganese oxides with rich oxygen vacancies for efficient aerobic oxidation

Developing innovative catalysts for efficiently activating O2 into singlet oxygen (1O2) is a cutting-edge field with the potential to revolutionize green chemical synthesis. Despite its potential, practical implementation remains a significant challenge. In this study, we design a series of nitrogen (N)-doped manganese oxides (Ny-MnO2, where y represents the molar amount of the N precursor used) nanocatalysts using compartmentalized-microemulsion crystallization followed by post-calcination. These nanocatalysts demonstrate the remarkable ability to directly produce 1O2 at room temperature without the external fields. By strategically incorporating defect engineering and interstitial N, the concentration of surface oxygen atoms (Os) in the vicinity of oxygen vacancy (Ov) reaches 51.1% for the N55-MnO2 nanocatalyst. This feature allows the nanocatalyst to expose a substantial number of Ov and interstitial N sites on the surface of N55-MnO2, facilitating effective chemisorption and activation of O2. Verified through electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and reactive oxygen species trapping experiments, the spontaneous generation of 1O2, even in the absence of light, underscores its crucial role in aerobic oxidation. Density functional theory calculations reveal that an increased Ov content and N doping significantly reduce the adsorption energy, thereby promoting chemisorption and excitation of O2. Consequently, the optimized N55-MnO2 nanocatalyst enables room-temperature aerobic oxidation of alcohols with a yield surpassing 99%, representing a 6.7-fold activity enhancement compared to ε-MnO2 without N-doping. Furthermore, N55-MnO2 demonstrates exceptional recyclability for the aerobic oxidative conversion of benzyl alcohol over ten cycles. This study introduces an approach to spontaneously activate O2 for the green synthesis of fine chemicals.

The association between the neuroendocrine system and the tumor immune microenvironment: Emerging directions for cancer immunotherapy

This review summarizes emerging evidence that the neuroendocrine system is involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to influence cancer progression. The basis of the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and cancer is usually achieved by the infiltration of nerve fibers into the tumor tissue, which is called neurogenesis; the migration of cancer cells toward nerve fibers, which is called perineural invasion (PNI), and the neurotransmitters. In addition to the traditional role of neurotransmitters in neural communications, neurotransmitters are increasingly recognized as mediators of crosstalk between the nervous system, cancer cells, and the immune system. Recent studies have revealed that not only nerve fibers but also cancer cells and immune cells within the TIME can secrete neurotransmitters, exerting influence on both neurons and themselves. Furthermore, immune cells infiltrating the tumor environment have been found to express a wide array of neurotransmitter receptors. Hence, targeting these neurotransmitter receptors may promote the activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and exert anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we discuss the crosstalk between the neuroendocrine system and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which may provide feasible cancer immunotherapy options.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibition sensitizes radiotherapy by promoting T cell infiltration

Radiotherapy could regulate systemic antitumor immunity, while the immune state in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also affects the efficacy of radiotherapy. We have found that higher CD8+ T cell infiltration is associated with longer overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma and melanoma patients receiving radiotherapy. 8-Gray radiation increased the transcriptional levels of chemokines in tumor cells in vitro. However, it was not sufficient to induce significant lymphocyte infiltration in vivo. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) has been reported to inactivate chemokines via post-translational truncation. Single-cell sequencing revealed that dendritic cells (DCs) had a higher DPP4 expression among other cells in the TME and upregulated DPP4 expression after radiation. Combining a DPP4 inhibitor with radiotherapy could promote chemokines expression and T cell infiltration in the TME, enhancing the antitumor effect of radiotherapy. Moreover, this therapy further enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1. In this study, we demonstrated the underlying mechanism of why radiotherapy failed to induce sufficient T cell infiltration and proposed an effective strategy to promote T cell infiltration and sensitize radiotherapy. These findings demonstrate the translational value of DPP4 inhibition as a complementary approach to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and the combination of radiotherapy with immunotherapy.

Modulating Electronic Metal-Support Interactions to Boost Visible-Light-Driven Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane: Nickel-Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Phosphorus-Doped Titania

Ammonia borane (AB) is a promising material for chemical H2 storage owing to its high H2 density (up to 19.6 wt %). However, the development of an efficient catalyst for driving H2 evolution through AB hydrolysis remains challenging. Therefore, a visible-light-driven strategy for generating H2 through AB hydrolysis was implemented in this study using Ni-Pt nanoparticles supported on phosphorus-doped TiO2 (Ni-Pt/P-TiO2 ) as photocatalysts. Through surface engineering, P-TiO2 was prepared by phytic-acid-assisted phosphorization and then employed as an ideal support for immobilizing Ni-Pt nanoparticles via a facile co-reduction strategy. Under visible-light irradiation at 283 K, Ni40 Pt60 /P-TiO2 exhibited improved recyclability and a high turnover frequency of 967.8 molH 2 ${{_{{\rm H}{_{2}}}}}$  molPt -1  min-1 . Characterization experiments and density functional theory calculations indicated that the enhanced performance of Ni40 Pt60 /P-TiO2 originated from a combination of the Ni-Pt alloying effect, the Mott-Schottky junction at the metal-semiconductor interface, and strong metal-support interactions. These findings not only underscore the benefits of utilizing multipronged effects to construct highly active AB-hydrolyzing catalysts, but also pave a path toward designing high-performance catalysts by surface engineering to modulate the electronic metal-support interactions for other visible-light-induced reactions.

Fabrication of Gelatin-Derived Gel Electrolyte Using Deep Eutectic Solvents through In Situ Derivatization and Crosslinking Strategy for Supercapacitors and Flexible Sensors

The facile fabrication of gel polymer electrolytes is crucial to the development of flexible electronics, and the use of natural polymers as sources has obtained great attention due to their abundant, low-cost, biodegradable, easy modification, and biocompatible features. In this article, a facile fabrication protocol to engineer gelatin into gel electrolytes was developed by taking the advantages of both deep eutectic solvent (DES) (including its good solubility to gelatin and satisfactory electrochemical properties) and rich active functional groups of gelatin, through in situ derivatization and crosslinking strategy. A double-crosslinked DES gel electrolyte was prepared with the dissolution of gelatin in choline chloride and alcohol-based DES and a further crosslinking with Fe3+ ions. The obtained DES gel presented outstanding mechanical properties, excellent ionic conductivity (up to 101-102 mS/cm), a wide operating temperature range (-40 to 80 °C), satisfactory self-healing property, and good degradability. Moreover, the obtained DES gel electrolyte was successfully applied to supercapacitors and flexible sensors, showing excellent electrochemical performance and strain-response properties. In a word, our study provides a facile protocol to engineer gelatin into gel electrolytes by using deep eutectic solvent, showing significant insights into the design and preparation of sustainable gel polymer electrolytes and having great application potential in next-generation high-performance flexible electronics.

On-Line Dual-Active Valves Based Centrifugal Microfluidic Chip for Fully Automated Point-of-Care Immunoassay

There remains an unmet need for a fully integrated microfluidic platform that can automatically perform multistep and multireagent immunoassays. Here, we proposed a novel online dual-active valve-based centrifugal microfluidic chip, termed DAVM, for fully automatic point-of-care immunoassay. Practically, the puncture valve, one of the dual active valves, is capable of achieving precise, on-demand, sequential release of prestored reagents, while the other valve-reversible active valve enables controlled retention and drainage of the reaction solutions. Thereby, our technology mitigates the challenges of hydrophilic/hydrophobic modifications and unstable valve control performance commonly observed in passive valve controls. As a proof of concept, the indirect enzymatic immunoblotting technique was employed on DAVM for fully automated immunological analysis of eight targets, yielding outcomes within an hour. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative analysis of 28 clinical samples with autoimmune diseases. According to 224 clinical data, the sample testing concordance rate between DAVM and the traditional instrument was 82%, with a target compliance rate of 97%. Therefore, our DAVM system has powerful potential for fully automated immunoassays.

Composite polymer electrolytes with ionic liquid grafted-Laponite for dendrite-free all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) with high ionic conductivity and favorable electrolyte/electrode interfacial compatibility are promising alternatives to liquid electrolytes. However, severe parasitic reactions in the Li/electrolyte interface and the air-unstable inorganic fillers have hindered their industrial applications. Herein, surface-edge opposite charged Laponite (LAP) multilayer particles with high air stability were grafted with imidazole ionic liquid (IL-TFSI) to enhance the thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical performances of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based CPEs. The electrostatic repulsion between multilayers of LAP-IL-TFSI enables them to be easily penetrated by PEO segments, resulting in a pronounced amorphous region in the PEO matrix. Therefore, the CPE-0.2LAP-IL-TFSI exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.5 × 10-3 S cm-1 and a high lithium-ion transference number of 0.53. Moreover, LAP-IL-TFSI ameliorates the chemistry of the solid electrolyte interphase, significantly suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites and extending the cycling life of symmetric Li cells to over 1000 h. As a result, the LiFePO4||CPE-0.2LAP-IL-TFSI||Li cell delivers an outstanding capacity retention of 80% after 500 cycles at 2C at 60 °C. CPE-LAP-IL-TFSI also shows good compatibility with high-voltage LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes.

Image distortion by ambiguous multiple-photon detections in a superconducting nanowire single-photon imager and the correction method

Scaling up superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) into a large array for imaging applications is the current pursuit. Although various readout architectures have been proposed, they cannot resolve multiple-photon detections (MPDs) currently, which limits the operation of the SNSPD arrays at high photon flux. In this study, we focused on the readout ambiguity of a superconducting nanowire single-photon imager applying time-of-flight multiplexing readout. The results showed that image distortion depended on both the incident photon flux and the imaging object. By extracting multiple-photon detections on idle pixels, which were virtual because of the incorrect mapping from the ambiguous readout, a correction method was proposed. An improvement factor of 1.3~9.3 at a photon flux of µ = 5 photon/pulse was obtained, which indicated that joint development of the pixel design and restoration algorithm could compensate for the readout ambiguity and increase the dynamic range.

Cathelicidin CATH-B1 Inhibits Pseudorabies Virus Infection via Direct Interaction and TLR4/JNK/IRF3-Mediated Interferon Activation

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), the causative pathogen of Aujeszky's disease, is one of the most important pathogens threatening the global pig industry. Although vaccination has been used to prevent PRV infection, the virus cannot be eliminated in pigs. Thus, novel antiviral agents as complementary to vaccination are urgently needed. Cathelicidins (CATHs) are host defense peptides that play an important role in the host immune response against microbial infections. In the study, we found that the chemical synthesized chicken cathelicidin B1 (CATH-B1) could inhibit PRV regardless of whether CATH-B1 was added pre-, co-, or post-PRV infection in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, coincubation of CATH-B1 with PRV directly inactivated virus infection by disrupting the virion structure of PRV and mainly inhibited virus binding and entry. Importantly, pretreatment of CATH-B1 markedly strengthened the host antiviral immunity, as indicated by the increased expression of basal interferon-β (IFN-β) and several IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Subsequently, we investigated the signaling pathway responsible for CATH-B1-induced IFN-β production. Our results showed that CATH-B1 induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3) and further led to production of IFN-β and reduction of PRV infection. Mechanistic studies revealed that the activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), endosome acidification, and the following c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was responsible for CATH-B1-induced IRF3/IFN-β pathway activation. Collectively, CATH-B1 could markedly inhibit PRV infection via inhibiting virus binding and entry, direct inactivation, and regulating host antiviral response, which provided an important theoretical basis for the development of antimicrobial peptide drugs against PRV infection. IMPORTANCE Although the antiviral activity of cathelicidins could be explained by direct interfering with the viral infection and regulating host antiviral response, the specific mechanism of cathelicidins regulating host antiviral response and interfering with pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the multiple roles of cathelicidin CATH-B1 against PRV infection. Our study showed that CATH-B1 could suppress the binding and entry stages of PRV infection and direct disrupt PRV virions. Remarkably, CATH-B1 significantly increased basal interferon-β (IFN-β) and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression levels. Furthermore, TLR4/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling was activated and involved in IRF3/IFN-β activation in response to CATH-B1. In conclusion, we elucidate the mechanisms by which the cathelicidin peptide direct inactivates PRV infection and regulates host antiviral IFN-β signaling.

Radiated tumor cell-derived microparticles effectively kill stem-like tumor cells by increasing reactive oxygen species

Stem-like tumor cells (SLTCs) are thought to be the cellular entity responsible for clinical recurrence and subsequent metastasis. Inhibiting or killing SLTCs can effectively reduce recurrence and metastasis, yet little has been done to clear SLTCs because they are usually resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and even immunotherapy. In this study, we established SLTCs by low-serum culture and confirmed that the low-serum-cultured tumor cells were in a quiescent state and resistant to chemotherapy, showing features of SLTCs, consistent with the reported data. We demonstrated that SLTCs had high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on the finding that radiated tumor cell-derived microparticles (RT-MPs) contained ROS, we used RT-MPs to kill SLTCs. We found that RT-MPs could further increase ROS levels and kill SLTCs in vivo and in vitro partially by ROS carried by the RT-MPs themselves, providing a new method for eliminating SLTCs.

The role of lipid metabolism in cancer radioresistance

Radiotherapy is one of the main therapies for cancer. The process leading to radioresistance is still not fully understood. Cancer radiosensitivity is related to the DNA reparation of cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which supports cancer cell survival. Factors that affect DNA reparation and the TME can directly or indirectly affect the radiosensitivity of cancer. Recent studies have shown that lipid metabolism in cancer cells, which is involved in the stability of cell membrane structure, energy supply and signal transduction of cancer cells, can also affect the phenotype and function of immune cells and stromal cells in the TME. In this review, we discussed the effects of lipid metabolism on the radiobiological characteristics of cancer cells and the TME. We also summarized recent advances in targeted lipid metabolism as a radiosensitizer and discussed how these scientific findings could be translated into clinical practice to improve the radiosensitivity of cancer.

Handyfuge Microfluidic for On-Site Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing

Low-cost, rapid, and accurate acquisition of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) is key to limiting the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Until now, conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) methods are typically time-consuming, high-cost, and labor-intensive, making them difficult to accomplish this task. Herein, an electricity-free, portable, and robust handyfuge microfluidic chip was developed for on-site AST, termed handyfuge-AST. With simply handheld centrifugation, the bacterial-antibiotic mixtures with accurate antibiotic concentration gradients could be generated in less than 5 min. The accurate MIC values of single antibiotics (including ampicillin, kanamycin, and chloramphenicol) or their combinations against Escherichia coli could be obtained within 5 h. To further meet the growing demands of point-of-care testing, we upgraded our handyfuge-AST with a pH-based colorimetric strategy, enabling naked eye recognition or intelligent recognition with a homemade mobile app. Through a comparative study of 60 clinical data (10 clinical samples corresponding to six commonly used antibiotics), the accurate MICs by handyfuge-AST with 100% categorical agreements were achieved compared to clinical standard methods (area under curves, AUCs = 1.00). The handyfuge-AST could be used as a low-cost, portable, and robust point-of-care device to rapidly obtain accurate MIC values, which significantly limit the progress of AMR.

Sustained release of tumor cell lysate and CpG from an injectable, cytotoxic hydrogel for melanoma immunotherapy

Many basic research studies have shown the potential of autologous cancer vaccines in the treatment of melanoma. However, some clinical trials showed that simplex whole tumor cell vaccines can only elicit weak CD8⁺ T cell-mediated antitumor responses which were not enough for effective tumor elimination. So efficient cancer vaccine delivery strategies with improved immunogenicity are needed. Herein, we described a novel hybrid vaccine "MCL" (Melittin-RADA₃₂-CpG-Lysate) which was composed of melittin, RADA₃₂, CpG and tumor lysate. In this hybrid vaccine, antitumor peptide melittin and self-assembling fusion peptide RADA₃₂ were assembled to form the hydrogel framework melittin-RADA₃₂(MR). Then, whole tumor cell lysate and immune adjuvant CpG-ODN were loaded into MR to develop an injectable and cytotoxic hydrogel MCL. MCL showed excellent ability for sustained drug release, to activate dendritic cells and directly kill melanoma cells in vitro. In vivo, MCL not only exerted direct antitumor activity, but also had robust immune initiation effects including the activation of dendritic cells in draining lymph nodes and the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumor microenvironment. In addition, MCL can efficiently inhibit melanoma growth in B16-F10 tumor bearing mice, which suggested that MCL is a potential cancer vaccine strategy for melanoma treatment.

Hand-powered centrifugal micropipette-tip with distance-based quantification for on-site testing of SARS-CoV-2 virus

This paper proposed a hand-powered centrifugal micropipette-tip strategy, termed HCM, for all-in-one immunoassay combined with a distance-based readout for portable quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2. The target SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen triggers the binding of multiple monoclonal antibody-coated red latex nanobeads, forming larger complexes. Following incubation and centrifugation, the formed aggregated complexes settle at the bottom of the tip, while free red nanobeads remain suspended in the solution. The HCM enables sensitive (1 ng/mL) and reliable quantification of SARS-CoV-2 within 25 min. With the advantages of free washing, free fabrication, free instrument, and without the optical device, the proposed low-cost and easy-to-use HCM immunoassay shows great potential for quantitative POC diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2.

Functional compliance and protective stiffness: cross-veins in the hind wing of locust Locusta migratoria

Locusts (Locusta migratoria) have outstanding flying abilities, and most of their lift is provided by their hind wings. Insect aerodynamic performance is strongly affected by wing deformation during stroke, which is closely related to its functional morphology (particularly its mechanical properties). The cross-vein is one of the main morphologies in the hind wing of locusts. However, few studies on the mechanical properties of cross-veins have been conducted. This study evaluated the cross-veins of the locust hind wing using uniaxial tensile tester, scanning electron microscope, and finite element methods. Four cross-vein types were identified at different locations on the hind wing, including periodical semi- and full-ellipsoidal humps and periodical semi- and full-conical humps. The four cross-veins showed similar tensile stiffness but differed in bending compliance. We suggest that the mechanical properties of the four cross-veins can be attributed to their physiological functions. This study elucidates cross-veins of locust hind wing and contributes our understanding of the flapping flight mechanism in locusts.

Engineered Microparticles for Treatment of Murine Brain Metastasis by Reprograming Tumor Microenvironment and Inhibiting MAPK Pathway

Brain metastases (BRM) are common in advanced lung cancer. However, their treatment is challenging due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME). Microparticles (MPs), a type of extracellular vesicle, can serve as biocompatible drug delivery vehicles that can be further modulated with genetic engineering techniques. MPs prepared from cells induced with different insults are compared and it is found that radiation-treated cell-released microparticles (RMPs) achieve optimal targeting and macrophage activation. The enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), which simultaneously regulates tumor growth and reprograms M2 macrophages (M2Φ), is found to be expressed in BRM. Engineered RMPs are then constructed that comprise: 1) the RMP carrier that targets and reprograms M2Φ; 2) a genetically expressed SR-B1-targeting peptide for improved BBB permeability; and 3) a USP7 inhibitor to kill tumor cells and reprogram M2Φ. These RMPs successfully cross the BBB and target M2Φ in vitro and in vivo in mice, effectively reprogramming M2Φ and improving survival in a murine BRM model. Therapeutic effects are further augmented when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. This study provides proof-of-concept for the use of genetically engineered MPs for the treatment of BRM.

Functional morphology and biomechanics of arthropods

Representatives of arthropods, the largest animal phylum, occupy terrestrial, aquatic, arboreal, and subterranean niches. Their evolutionary success depends on specific morphological and biomechanical adaptations related to their materials and structures. Biologists and engineers have become increasingly interested in exploring these natural solutions to understand relationships between structures, materials, and their functions in living organisms. The aim of this special issue is to present the state-of-the-art research in this interdisciplinary field using modern methodology, such as imaging techniques, mechanical testing, movement capture, and numerical modeling. It contains nine original research reports covering diverse topics, including flight, locomotion, and attachment of the arthropods. The research achievements are essential not only to understand ecological adaptations, and evolutionary and behavioral traits, but also to drive prominent advances for engineering from exploitation of numerous biomimetic ideas.

Novel Umami Peptides from Hypsizygus marmoreus and Interaction with Umami Receptor T1R1/T1R3

Umami peptides are important taste components of foods. In this study, umami peptides from Hypsizygus marmoreus hydrolysate were purified through ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and RP-HPLC, and then identified using LC-MS/MS. The binding mechanism of umami peptides with the receptor, T1R1/T1R3, was investigated using computational simulations. Five novel umami peptides were obtained: VYPFPGPL, YIHGGS, SGSLGGGSG, SGLAEGSG, and VEAGP. Molecular docking results demonstrated that all five umami peptides could enter the active pocket in T1R1; Arg277, Tyr220, and Glu301 were key binding sites; and hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction were critical interaction forces. VL-8 had the highest affinity for T1R3. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that VYPFPGPL (VL-8) could be steadily packed inside the binding pocket of T1R1 and the electrostatic interaction was the dominant driving force of the complex (VL-8-T1R1/T1R3) formation. Arg residues (151, 277, 307, and 365) were important contributors to binding affinities. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of umami peptides in edible mushrooms.

[Etiological diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis]

Objective: To explore the etiological diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients with PD-related peritonitis who were treated and underwent microbial cultivation and mNGS test at the same time from June 2020 to July 2021 in the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University were analyzed. The positive rate, detection time and consistency between mNGS test and traditional microbial culture were compared. Results: A total of 18 patients with age of (50.4±15.4) years old and median dialysis time of 34.0 (12.4, 62.0) months were enrolled in the study, including 11 males and 7 females. Pathogenic microorganisms were isolated in 17 patients by mNGS test, with a positive rate of 17/18, which was higher than 13/18 of microbial culture, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.219). Both mNGS test and microbial culture isolated positive pathogenic bacteria in 12 patients, and mNGS test isolated the same types of pathogenic bacteria as microbial cultivation did in 11 patients. In five patients with negative microbial culture, mNGS test also isolated pathogenic microorganisms, including 3 cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1 case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 1 case of Ureaplasma urealyticum. In 1 patient, microbial culture isolated pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli) whereas mNGS test did not. The detection time of mNGS was 25.0 (24.0, 27.0) h, which was significantly shorter than 89.0 (72.8, 122.0) h of microbial culture (Z=3.726, P<0.001). Conclusions: mNGS test can improve the detection rate of pathogenic microorganisms in PD-related peritonitis and greatly shorten the detection time, and has good consistency with microbial culture. mNGS may provide a new approach for pathogen identification of PD-related peritonitis, especially refractory peritonitis.

Association of Laparoscopic Methods and Clinical Outcomes of Cholecystolithiasis Plus Choledocholithiasis: A Cohort Study

> Background: Various surgical methods are available for cholecystolithiasis plus choledocholithiasis. The objective of this study is to explore the association between laparoscopic methods and clinical outcomes of cholecystolithiasis plus choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

This cohort study retrospectively included patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for cholecystolithiasis plus choledocholithiasis at our hospital (January 2017 to March 2021). The primary outcome was bile leakage.

RESULTS

Totally 127 patients were enrolled. The time to get out of bed and the indwelling duration of the abdominal drainage tube in the patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy+lithotomy of common bile duct+common bile duct primary suture+endoscopic nasobiliary drainage were higher than the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography+laparoscopic cholecystectomy group, without differences in the laparoscopic common bile duct exploration group (all P < .05). All indexes decreased in the 3 groups after surgery (all P < .01). On the first day after surgery, only white blood cells (P < .001) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (P = .045) showed significant differences among the different surgical methods. The incidence of biliary leakage (P = .001) was higher in laparoscopic cholecystectomy+lithotomy of common bile duct+common bile duct primary suture+endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, while the occurrence of hyperamylasemia was higher with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography+laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P = .001). Compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy+lithotomy of common bile duct+common bile duct primary suture+endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was associated with fewer bile leakage (RR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.003-0.37).

CONCLUSION

Compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy+lithotomy of common bile duct+common bile duct primary suture+endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was associated with bile leakage.

Chicken cathelicidin-2 promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages

Chicken cathelicidin-2 (CATH-2) as a host defense peptide has been identified to have potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Here, we reported the mechanism by which CATH-2 modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results show that CATH-2 and ATP as a positive control induced secretion of IL-1β and IL-1α in LPS-primed macrophages but did not affect secretion of IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α. Furthermore, CATH-2 induced caspase-1 activation and oligomerization of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a carboxy- terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC), which is essential for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, CATH-2 failed to induce IL-1β secretion in Nlrp3^-/-, Asc^-/- and Casp1^-/- macrophages. Notably, IL-1β and NLRP3 mRNA expression were not affected by CATH-2. In addition, CATH-2-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was mediated by K⁺ efflux but independent of the P2X7 receptor that is required for ATP-mediated K⁺ efflux. Gene interference of NEK7 kinase which has been identified to directly interact with NLRP3, significantly reduced IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activation induced by CATH-2. Furthermore, confocal microscopy shows that CATH-2 significantly induced lysosomal leakage with the diffusion of dextran fluorescent signal. Cathepsin B inhibitors completely abrogated IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activation as well as attenuating the formation of ASC specks induced by CATH-2. These results all indicate that CATH-2-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is mediated by K⁺ efflux, and involves the NEK7 protein and cathepsin B. In conclusion, our study shows that CATH-2 acts as a second signal to activate NLRP3 inflammasome. Our study provides new insight into CATH-2 modulating immune response.

Knockdown of MKL1 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration by activating TWIST1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in rats

Studies have reported that megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is closely related to the pathological process of a variety of inflammatory diseases, but its role in osteoarthritis (OA) needs to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of MKL1 in oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration. The expressions of target mRNAs and proteins were measured by using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. ELISA assay was used to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in chondrocytes. And commercial kits based on different spectrophotometry or colorimetry methods were performed to validate oxidative stress. CCK-8 and apoptosis kits were used to determine cell viability and apoptosis. Rat OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and the expression of MKL1 was interfered by injecting sh-MKL1 lentiviral vector into caudal vein. The results showed that the expression of MKL1was induced by H₂O₂ in chondrocytes. Knockdown of MKL1 alleviated H₂O₂-induced inflammation and cell apoptosis, reduced H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, and improved cartilage matrix degeneration of chondrocytes. Besides, inhibition of MKL1 regulated the activation of TWIST1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling. Further studies have found that TWIST1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling was involved in the regulation mechanism of MKL1 on chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration. Next, intervention with MKL1 inhibited the progression of OA in rats. These results demonstrated that MKL1 regulate the apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration of chondrocytes via TWIST1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling.

Correlation of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted MR imaging with prognostic factors and subtypes of breast cancers

Objective

To determine the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of breast cancer on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in different molecular subtypes.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 116 breast cancer subjects who underwent preoperative MRI and surgery or biopsy. Three radiologists retrospectively assessed the morphological and kinetic characteristics on DCE-MRI and tumor detectability on DWI, by using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of lesions. The clinicopathologic and MRI features of four subtypes were compared. The correlation between clinical and MRI findings with molecular subtypes was evaluated using the chi-square and ANOVA tests, while the Mann–Whitney test was used to analyze the relationship between ADC and prognostic factors.

Results

One hundred and sixteen women diagnosed with breast cancer confirmed by surgery or biopsy had the following subtypes of breast cancer: luminal A (27, 23.3%), luminal B (56, 48.2%), HER2 positive (14, 12.1%), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (19, 16.4%), respectively. Among the subtypes, significant differences were found in axillary node metastasis, histological grade, tumor shape, rim enhancement, margin, lesion type, intratumoral T2 signal intensity, Ki-67 index, and paratumoral enhancement (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.02, respectively). On DWI, the mean ADC value of TNBC (0.910 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) was the lowest compared to luminal A (1.477×10⁻³ mm²/s), luminal B (0.955 × 10⁻³ mm²/s), and HER2 positive (0.996 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) (p < 0.001). Analysis of the correlation between different prognostic factors and ADC value showed that only axillary lymph node status and ADC value had a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

The morphologic features of MRI can be used as imaging biomarkers to identify the molecular subtypes of breast cancer. In addition, quantitative assessments of ADC values on DWI may also provide biological clues about molecular subtypes.

Validation of the Alzheimer's disease-resemblance atrophy index in classifying and predicting progression in Alzheimer's disease

Background

Automated tools for characterising dementia risk have the potential to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we examined a novel machine learning-based brain atrophy marker, the AD-resemblance atrophy index (AD-RAI), to assess its test-retest reliability and further validate its use in disease classification and prediction.

Methods

Age- and sex-matched 44 probable AD (Age: 69.13 ± 7.13; MMSE: 27-30) and 22 non-demented control (Age: 69.38 ± 7.21; MMSE: 27-30) participants were obtained from the Minimal Interval Resonance Imaging in Alzheimer's Disease (MIRIAD) dataset. Serial T1-weighted images (n = 678) from up to nine time points over a 2-year period, including 179 pairs of back-to-back scans acquired on same participants on the same day and 40 pairs of scans acquired at 2-week intervals were included. All images were automatically processed with AccuBrain® to calculate the AD-RAI. Its same-day repeatability and 2-week reproducibility were first assessed. The discriminative performance of AD-RAI was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve, where DeLong's test was used to evaluate its performance against quantitative medial temporal lobe atrophy (QMTA) and hippocampal volume adjusted by intracranial volume (ICV)-proportions and ICV-residuals methods, respectively (HVR and HRV). Linear mixed-effects modelling was used to investigate longitudinal trajectories of AD-RAI and baseline AD-RAI prediction of cognitive decline. Finally, the longitudinal associations between AD-RAI and MMSE scores were assessed.

Results

AD-RAI had excellent same-day repeatability and excellent 2-week reproducibility. AD-RAI's AUC (99.8%; 95%CI = [99.3%, 100%]) was equivalent to that of QMTA (96.8%; 95%CI = [92.9%, 100%]), and better than that of HVR (86.8%; 95%CI = [78.2%, 95.4%]) or HRV (90.3%; 95%CI = [83.0%, 97.6%]). While baseline AD-RAI was significantly higher in the AD group, it did not show detectable changes over 2 years. Baseline AD-RAI was negatively associated with MMSE scores and the rate of the change in MMSE scores over time. A negative longitudinal association was also found between AD-RAI values and the MMSE scores among AD patients.

Conclusions

The AD-RAI represents a potential biomarker that may support AD diagnosis and be used to predict the rate of future cognitive decline in AD patients.

Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Arm Phase 2 Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the antitumor activity and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor camrelizumab in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this single-center, single-arm, phase 2 trial, patients with resectable stage III-IVB HNSCC received chemotherapy [albumin-bound paclitaxel 260 mg/m2 (or docetaxel 75 mg/m2) plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2] and camrelizumab 200 mg on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for three cycles, followed by surgery, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Co-primary end points were pathological complete response (pCR) rate and safety.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled and completed the neoadjuvant therapy, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 96.7% (29/30). Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery without delay, with an R0 resection rate of 92.6% (25/27). The clinical to pathological downstaging rate was 100% (27/27). The pCR rate was 37.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.4%-57.6%], and the major pathological response (MPR) rate was 74.1% (95% CI, 53.7%-88.9%). The median follow-up duration was 16.1 months (range, 8.3-28.5), and the disease-free survival rate at 12 months was 95.8% (95% CI, 73.9%-99.4%). Grade 3 neoadjuvant therapy-related adverse events included rash (1; 3.3%), pruritis (1; 3.3%), and thrombocytopenia (1; 3.3%), and no grade 4 or 5 treatment-related events occurred. The most common surgical complication was delayed wound healing (5; 18.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus camrelizumab for locally advanced HNSCC showed high ORR, pCR, and MPR rates, with an acceptable safety profile. These data support further evaluation of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced HNSCC.

Irradiated Tumor Cell-Derived Microparticles Prevent Lung Metastasis by Remodeling the Pulmonary Immune Microenvironment

PURPOSE

The majority of cancer-related deaths are attributed to metastasis rather than localized primary tumor progression. However, the factors that regulate the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) and metastasis have not yet been clearly elucidated. We investigated the antimetastatic effects of irradiated tumor cell-derived microparticles (RT-MPs) and highlighted the role of innate immune cells in PMN formation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Mice were treated three times with isolated RT-MPs, followed by tumor cell injection via the tail vein. H&E staining was performed to assess the number of tumor nodules in the lungs, and in vivo luciferase-based noninvasive bioluminescence imaging was conducted to detected tumor burden. The mechanisms of RT-MPs mediated PMN formation was evaluated using flow cytometry, transwell assay, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

RT-MPs inhibited tumor cell colonization in the lungs. Neutrophils phagocytosed RT-MPs and secreted CCL3 and CCL4, which induced monocytes chemotaxis and maturation into macrophages. RT-MPs promoted the transition of neutrophils and macrophages into antitumor phenotypes, hence inhibiting cancer cell colonization and proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

RT-MPs inhibited PMN formation and lung metastasis in a neutrophil- and macrophage-dependent but T cell-independent manner.

Paraneoplastic syndrome in neuroophthalmology

Paraneoplastic syndrome is a group of clinical symptoms that occur in the state of systemic malignant tumors. Paraneoplastic syndrome of the nervous system can affect any part of the central and peripheral nervous system and may also affect the eyes. In neuroophthalmology, paraneoplastic syndrome has a variety of manifestations that can affect both the afferent and efferent visual systems. The afferent system may involve the optic nerve, retina and uvea; the efferent system may involve eye movement, neuromuscular joints or involuntary eye movements and pupil abnormalities and may also have other neurological symptoms outside the visual system. This article discusses the clinical manifestations, pathological mechanisms, detection methods and treatment methods of paraneoplastic syndrome in neuroophthalmology. The performance of paraneoplastic syndrome is diverse, the diagnosis is difficult, and the treatment should be considered systematically. Differential diagnosis, optimal evaluation and management of these manifestations is not only the key to treatment but also a challenge.