Suicidal ideation in Chinese patients with advanced breast cancer: a multi-center mediation model study

PURPOSE

The pathways underpinning suicide ideation (SI) and certain physical and psychological factors in patients with advanced breast cancer remain unclear. This study develops and validates a mediation model that delineates the associations between several multidimensional variables and SI in Chinese patients with advanced breast cancer.

METHODS

Patients with advanced breast cancer (n = 509) were recruited as study participants from 10 regional cancer centers across China from August 2019 to December 2020. Participants were required to complete five questionnaires using an electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) system: 9 item- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), 5-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L), and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). Risk factors for SI were identified using multivariable logistic regression, and inputted into serial multiple mediation models to elucidate the pathways linking the risk factors to SI.

RESULTS

SI prevalence was 22.8% (116/509). After adjusting for covariates, depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.384), emotional distress (OR = 1.107), upset (OR = 0.842), and forgetfulness (OR = 1.236) were identified as significant independent risk factors (all p < 0.05). The ORs indicate that depression and distress have the strongest associations with SI. Health status has a significant indirect effect (OR=-0.044, p = 0.005) and a strong total effect (OR=-0.485, p < 0.001) on SI, mediated by insomnia severity and emotional distress.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high SI prevalence among Chinese patients with advanced breast cancer. Our analysis revealed predictive pathways from poor health to heightened SI, mediated by emotional distress and insomnia. Regular management of distress and insomnia can decrease suicide risk in this vulnerable population.

Protective Effects of Aspirin Supplemented With Quercetin in L-NAME-Induced Preeclampsia-Like Rats

Aspirin supplemented with quercetin was reported to enhance the therapeutic effects of aspirin in a rat model of preeclampsia. In this study, the underlying mechanisms were further explored. Preeclampsia was induced by L-NAME (50 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage from gestation day (GD)14 to GD19. Aspirin (1.5 mg/kg/day) administration was performed using aspirin mixed with rodent dough from GD0 to GD19. The administration of quercetin (2 mg/kg/day) was performed by intraperitoneal infusion from GD0 to GD19. Protein levels were evaluated using ELISA or Western blot, and microRNA (miRNA) level was evaluated by RT-PCR. Aspirin supplemented with quercetin ameliorated the increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP), proteinuria, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and improved the pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia rats. Aspirin supplemented with quercetin inhibited miR-155 expression in preeclampsia rats. The decreased miR-155 level in placenta further increased the protein level of SOCS1 and inhibited the phosphorylation of p65. In this study, we demonstrated that aspirin supplemented with quercetin enhanced the effects of aspirin for the treatment of preeclampsia.

Correlation between PD-1 and sPD-L1 expression levels in peripheral blood of DLBCL patients and their clinicopathological characteristics

Molecular pathology and clinical characteristics play a crucial role in guiding treatment selection and predicting the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), have emerged as pivotal regulators of immune checkpoints in cancer. The objectives of this study are to investigate the correlation between the expression levels of PD-1 and soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) in the peripheral blood of DLBCL patients, analyze their clinicopathological characteristics, and identify the optimal beneficiary group for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 36 DLBCL patients before their initial treatment at Shandong Cancer Hospital between December 2018 and July 2019. The expression levels of PD-1 and sPD-L1 were measured using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The clinicopathological characteristics, including age, sex, Ann Arbor stage, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score, response to treatment, etc., were recorded for each patient. The surface expression of PD-1 on peripheral blood T cells was significantly higher in DLBCL patients compared to healthy controls. There was a significant association between elevated PD-1 expression levels and the advanced Ann Arbor stage (P=0.0153) as well as the B group (P=0.0184). Higher sPD-L1 levels were associated with the GCB subtype according to Hans's classification (P=0.0435). The expression levels of PD-1 and sPD-L1 in the peripheral blood of DLBCL patients are significantly correlated with advanced disease stage, B group, and GCB subtype according to Hans's classification. This suggests that the PD-1/PD-L1 axis play a critical role in specific subgroups of DLBCL. Targeting this axis could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance the clinical outcomes of DLBCL patients. Further studies are necessary to explore the prognostic implications of PD-1 and sPD-L1 expression levels in DLBCL patients.

Physical symptoms and anxiety and depression in older patients with advanced cancer in China: a network analysis

BACKGROUND

Little is understood about the association between psychosomatic symptoms and advanced cancer among older Chinese patients.

METHODS

This secondary analysis was part of a multicenter cross-sectional study based on an electronic patient-reported outcome platform. Patients with advanced cancer were included between August 2019 and December 2020 in China. Participants (over 60 years) completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure symptom burden. Network analysis was also conducted to investigate the network structure, centrality indices (strength, closeness, and betweenness) and network stability.

RESULTS

A total of 1022 patients with a mean age of 66 (60-88) years were included; 727 (71.1%) were males, and 295 (28.9%) were females. A total of 64.9% of older patients with advanced cancer had one or more symptoms, and up to 80% had anxiety and depression. The generated network indicated that the physical symptoms, anxiety and depression symptom communities were well connected with each other. Based on an evaluation of the centrality indices, 'distress/feeling upset' (MDASI 5) appears to be a structurally important node in all three networks, and 'I lost interest in my own appearance' (HADS-D4) had the lowest centrality indices. The network stability was relatively high (> 0.7).

CONCLUSION

The symptom burden remains high in older patients with advanced cancer in China. Psychosomatic symptoms are highly interactive and often present as comorbidities. This network can be used to provide targeted interventions to optimize symptom management in older patients with advanced cancer in China.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024957), registered on 06/12/2020.

[Etiological diagnostic methods and research progress of forest encephalitis]

Forest encephalitis is a natural focal disease transmitted through the bite of hard ticks, and its pathogen is the tick-borne encephalitis virus from the Flaviviridae family. The mortality rate of forest encephalitis is relatively high, making laboratory testing significant in diagnosing this disease. This article elaborates on the etiological diagnostic methods and recent research progress in forest encephalitis. Laboratory tests for forest encephalitis mainly include routine examinations, serological tests, virus isolation, and molecular biological testing. The detection of serum-specific IgM antibodies against the forest encephalitis virus is of great importance for early diagnosis, and specific IgG antibodies serve as a "gold standard" for differentiation from other diseases. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or indirect immunofluorescence assay for detecting specific IgM antibodies in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid, the serum hemagglutination inhibition test or serum complement fixation test, and the double serum hemagglutination inhibition test or complement fixation test all contribute to the early diagnosis. The development of molecular testing methods is rapid, and techniques such as metabolomics, digital PCR, and matrix metalloproteinases are also applied in the early diagnosis of forest encephalitis.

Efficacy and safety of Dimdazenil in the adult insomnia patients: a phase II randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Dimdazenil, a positive allosteric modulator with selectivity for α1, α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors, on sleep variables in patients with insomnia disorder.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults (18-65 years) with insomnia disorder were randomized (1:1:1:1 to receive daily oral placebo, Dimdazenil (1.5, 2.5, or 5 mg) for 14 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the total sleep time (TST) on day 1/2 and day 13/14, measured by polysomnography. The secondary outcome measures included (1) latency to persistent sleep (LPS), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO) and number of awakenings (NAW) on days 1/2 and day 13/14, and (2) the average subjective sleep latency (sSL), total sleep time (sTST), wake after sleep onset (sWASO) and number of awakenings (sNAW) recorded in sleep diary and sleep questionnaire, and the evaluation of insomnia severity index. Rebound insomnia, withdrawal, and treatment-emergent adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 569 patients screened, 288 (76.4% female) were randomized and received one dose. For the primary outcomes, TST was significantly improved in the Dimdazenil 1.5, 2.5, and 5 mg group compared with the placebo group at day 1/2, and significantly improved in the Dimdazenil 2.5 and 5 mg groups compared with the placebo group at day 13/14. The Least Squares Means (standard errors) and 95% Confidence Intervals for the three active doses compared to placebo are 25.5 (8.31), (9.16, 41.89) for the 1.5 mg dose; 17.4 (8.19), (1.29, 33.55) for the 2.5 mg dose; 22.8 (8.15), (6.72, 38.80) for the 5 mg dose on day 1/2. Corresponding data on day 13/14 are 7.6 (8.07), (-8.24, 23.53) and 19.3 (8.06), (3.43, 35.17) and 18.2 (7.95), (2.49, 33.80). LPS was significantly reduced in the Dimdazenil 5 mg group compared with the placebo group on day 1/2. SE was significantly improved in the Dimdazenil 1.5 and 5 mg group compared with the placebo group at day 1/2. In the subjective sleep parameters, sSL on average was significantly lower in the Dimdazenil 1.5, 2.5, and 5 mg groups compared with the placebo group. sTST on average was significantly higher in the Dimdazenil 1.5, 2.5, and 5 mg groups compared with the placebo group. The most common TEAEs were dizziness, vertigo, and weakness with no clinically relevant treatment-related serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimdazenil of 1.5, 2.5, and 5 mg improved certain objective and subjective sleep outcomes in people with insomnia disorder, with a favorable safety profile. These findings suggested that Dimdazenil may represent a promising new treatment for insomnia disorder, a prevalent condition with limited effective and safe treatments available.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, multidose, placebo parallel controlled phase II clinical study of EVT201 in the treatment of insomnia disorders (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org), with the number of CTR20150664.

Uncovering the effect and mechanism of Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan in treating breast cancer complicated with depression based on network pharmacology and experimental analysis

BACKGROUND

Depression is a clinically common co-morbidity in breast cancer cases that brings negative outcomes on quality of life and potentially survival. Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan (JXW) is widely used in treating breast cancer and depressive disorder, but its potential pharmacological mechanisms remain elusive.

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the dual therapeutic effects and mechanisms of JXW acting on breast cancer complicated with depression (BCCD) by network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification.

METHODS

The chemical constituents of JXW were characterized using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS). The targets related to constituents of JXW were predicted by the TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction databases, and targets of breast cancer and depression were screened by the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Gene Ontology annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed with the DAVID database. Ultimately, a BCCD mouse model induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) was used to explore therapeutic effects and mechanisms of JXW against BCCD. The efficacy of JXW in the treatment of BCCD was evaluated based on behavioral tests, tumor volume and weight, and pathological examination. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms were explored by measuring the levels of neurotransmitter and inflammatory factors, as well as detecting the expression of genes or proteins associated with candidate targets and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway through RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Totals of 108 components were identified in JXW using LC-Q-TOF/MS. By network pharmacology analysis, 714 compound targets of JXW, 2114 breast cancer targets, 1122 depression targets, and 98 overlapping proteins were obtained. PPI network and KEGG analysis implied that TP53, ESR1, VEGFA, AKT1, IL6, TNF, EGFR and the JAK/STAT pathway might be the potential targets of JXW in treating BCCD. In vivo experiments indicated that JXW significantly ameliorated depressive symptoms and tumor progression in BCCD mice. Further mechanistic studies showed that JXW could reduce the levels of inflammatory factors, increase 5-HT level, and regulate mRNA expression levels of TP53, VEGFA, AKT1, IL6, TNF, and EGFR targets. Moreover, the expression levels of proteins related to the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in BCCD mice were effectively regulated by JXW.

CONCLUSION

JXW exerts dual therapeutic effects in a BCCD mouse via multiple targets. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with regulating the levels of neurotransmitter and inflammatory factors; more importantly, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway plays a significant role in this process.

Orbital septum attachment site on the levator aponeurosis sling for mild congenital blepharoptosis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the value of the orbital septum attachment site on the levator aponeurosis (OSASLA) sling in correcting mild congenital blepharoptosis.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients (92 eyes) with mild congenital blepharoptosis (levator function ≥ 8 mm) were treated in our hospital from January to October 2021, and relevant data of these patients were collected. All patients underwent OSASLA sling for ptosis correction. The distances from the superior tarsal border to the OSASLA were measured. The primary outcome was the number of postoperative changes in the marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1). Pearson's correlation coefficient between the distance from the superior tarsal border to the OSASLA and the height of the upper eyelid elevated was analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients (89 eyes) successfully underwent OSASLA sling surgery. The preoperative MRD1 was 1.4-3.6 mm (mean 2.1 ± 0.5 mm), and the postoperative MRD1 was 3.4-5.0 mm (mean 3.7 ± 0.6 mm). The distance from the superior tarsal border to the OSASLA sling was significantly and positively correlated with the height of the upper eyelid elevation (r = 0.7328, P < 0.0001). The eyelid margin positions of the patients did not regress substantially during 6-18 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the shortening of levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) and pleating of LPS, the OSASLA sling is a less invasive, more effective, and easy-operating surgery for mild congenital blepharoptosis.

Exploration of the structural mechanism of hydrogen (H2)-promoted horseradish peroxidase (HRP) activity via multiple spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulation techniques

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is an enzyme that is widely used in various fields. In this study, the effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) on the activity and structural characteristics of HRP were investigated by employing multiple spectroscopic techniques, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results demonstrated that H2 could enhance HRP activity, especially in 1.5 mg/L hydrogen-rich water (HRW). The structural analysis results showed that H2 might alter HRP activity by affecting the active sites, secondary structure, hydrogen bonding network, CS groups, and morphological characteristics. The MD results also confirmed that H2 could increase the FeN bond distance in the active site, affect the secondary structure, and increase the number of hydrogen bonds. The MD results further suggested that H2 could increase the number of salt bridges, and lengthen the SS bonds in HRP. This study primarily revealed the mechanism by which H2 enhances the HRP activity, providing insight into the interactions between gas and macromolecular proteins. However, some of the results obtained via MD simulations still need to be verified experimentally. In addition, our study also provided a new convenient strategy to enhance enzyme activity.

Relationship between fear of progression and symptom burden, disease factors and social/family factors in patients with stage-IV breast cancer in Shandong, China

OBJECTIVE

To assess fear of progression (FoP)'s relationship with symptom burden and disease and social/family factors, as well as, determine the status of FoP in women with stage-IV breast cancer in Shandong, China.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixteen women were recruited from the department of breast cancer internal medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute. Data for this observational study were collected between October 2020 and January 2021 using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) and a participant information scale. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

After excluding invalid responses, the data of 200 participants were analysed. The average total FoP-Q-SF score was 29.39 ± 9.39 (95% confidence interval, 21.81-27.64). The FoP level among the participants was relatively low. For disease and social/family factors, FoP statistically significantly differed by satisfaction with family emotional support and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score. The ECOG score was positively correlated with FoP. Furthermore, symptom burden was positively correlated with FoP.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with stage-IV breast cancer, satisfaction with family emotional support, ECOG score and symptom burden play key roles in FoP. Interventions, including providing appropriate emotional support from family, improving physical fitness and relieving symptom burden, must be considered in future studies, which may improve patients' overall physical and mental status and provide a supportive therapeutic environment.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics revealed the anti-constipation mechanisms of xylooligosaccharides from corn cobs

Xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) have recently garnered interest for their potential as an anti-constipation agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of XOSs derived from corn cobs on constipation in mice through a comprehensive analysis of both the metabolome and transcriptome. Our multi-omics approach revealed that XOSs primarily modulated butanoate metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, as well as key signaling pathways such as PPAR and NF-kappa B. Notably, we observed a decrease in inflammatory biomarker expression and an elevation of butyric acid metabolite levels with XOSs treatment. A deeper analysis of gene expression and metabolite alterations highlighted significant changes in genes encoding critical enzymes and metabolites involved in these pathways. Overall, these findings underscore the considerable potential of XOSs derived from corn cobs as a dietary supplement for effectively alleviating constipation.

A predictive nomogram for surgical site infection in patients who received clean orthopedic surgery: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common and serious complication of elective clean orthopedic surgery that can lead to severe adverse outcomes. However, the prognostic efficacy of the current staging systems remains uncertain for patients undergoing elective aseptic orthopedic procedures. This study aimed to identify high-risk factors independently associated with SSI and develop a nomogram prediction model to accurately predict the occurrence of SSI.

METHODS

A total of 20,960 patients underwent elective clean orthopedic surgery in our hospital between January 2020 and December 2021, of whom 39 developed SSI; we selected all 39 patients with a postoperative diagnosis of SSI and 305 patients who did not develop postoperative SSI for the final analysis. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted in the training cohort to screen for independent risk factors of SSI, and a nomogram prediction model was developed. The predictive performance of the nomogram was compared with that of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the clinical decision-making value of the nomogram.

RESULTS

The SSI incidence was 0.186%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class (odds ratio [OR] 1.564 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.029-5.99, P = 0.046]), operative time (OR 1.003 [95% CI 1.006-1.019, P < 0.001]), and D-dimer level (OR 1.055 [95% CI 1.022-1.29, P = 0.046]) as risk factors for postoperative SSI. We constructed a nomogram prediction model based on these independent risk factors. In the training and validation cohorts, our predictive model had concordance indices (C-indices) of 0.777 (95% CI 0.672-0.882) and 0.732 (95% CI 0.603-0.861), respectively, both of which were superior to the C-indices of the NNIS system (0.668 and 0.543, respectively). Calibration curves and DCA confirmed that our nomogram model had good consistency and clinical predictive value, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative time, ASA class, and D-dimer levels are important clinical predictive indicators of postoperative SSI in patients undergoing elective clean orthopedic surgery. The nomogram predictive model based on the three clinical features demonstrated strong predictive performance, calibration capabilities, and clinical decision-making abilities for SSI.

Synthesis, physicochemical and emulsifying properties of OSA-modified tamarind seed polysaccharides with different degrees of substitution

Octenyl succinic anhydride modified tamarind seed polysaccharides (OTSPs) with various degrees of substitution were first synthesized and characterized in this work. The structural, solid-state, solution and emulsifying properties of the OTSPs and the effect of the degree of substitution (DS) were investigated. The structural characterization confirmed the successful grafting of the OSA moiety into TSP and the chain extension of the OTSPs. The hydrophobicity of the modified polysaccharide molecules increased, the absolute value of the zeta potential increased, and the thermal stability decreased, which were positively or negatively correlated with the changes in DS. In contrast, the hydrolysis of polysaccharides in alkaline aqueous solution led to a decrease in molar mass and the rigidity of the molecules, which were not significantly related to DS. Particle size analysis showed that OTSPs tended to aggregate into relatively small agglomerates, which was confirmed by the results of morphological analysis. Most importantly, the instability indices of emulsions stabilized by TSP, arabic gum and OSA-starch were 0.521, 0.715, and 0.804, respectively, while for OTSPs this parameter was between 0.04 and 0.19 under the same conditions, indicating better physical stability of the OTSP-stabilized emulsions, especially for OTSP-30. Overall, OTSP has great potential as an emulsifier for oil-in-water emulsions, especially for emulsification and stabilization in food processing.

Self-assembly of tamarind seed polysaccharide via enzymatic depolymerization and degalactosylation enhanced ice recrystallization inhibition activity

Polysaccharides are becoming potential candidates for developing food-grade cryoprotectants due to their extensive accessibility and health-promoting effects. However, unremarkable ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity and high viscosity limit their practical applications in some systems. Our previous study found a galactoxyloglucan polysaccharide from tamarind seed (TSP) showing moderate IRI activity. Herein, the enhancement of the IRI performance of TSP via enzymatic depolymerization and degalactosylation-induced self-assembly was reported. TSP was depolymerized and subsequently removed ∼40 % Gal, which induced the formation of supramolecular rod-like fiber self-assembles and exhibited a severalfold enhancement of IRI. Ice shaping assay did not show obvious faceting of ice crystals, indicating that both depolymerized and self-assembled TSP showed very weak binding to ice. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the absence of molecular complementarity with ice. Further, it highlighted that degalactosylation did not cause significant changes in local hydration properties of TSP from the view of a single oligomer. The inconsistency between molecular simulation and macroscopic IRI effect proposed that the formation of unique supramolecular self-assemblies may be a key requirement for enhancing IRI activity. The findings of this study provided a new opportunity to enhance the applied potential of natural polysaccharides in food cryoprotection.

Deep learning for the early identification of periodontitis: a retrospective, multicentre study

AIM

To develop a deep-learning model to help general dental practitioners diagnose periodontitis accurately and at an early stage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the panoramic radiographs (PARs) from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were input into the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to establish the PAR-CNN model for healthy controls and periodontitis patients. Then, the PARs from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included in the second testing set to validate the effectiveness of the model with data from two centres. Heat maps were produced using a gradient-weighted class activation mapping method to visualise the regions of interest of the model. The accuracy and time required to read the PARs were compared between the model, periodontal experts, and general dental practitioners. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were used to evaluate the performance of the model.

RESULTS

The AUC of the PAR-CNN model was 0.843, and the AUC of the second test set was 0.793. The heat map showed that the regions of interest predicted by the model were periodontitis bone lesions. The accuracy of the model, periodontal experts, and general dental practitioners was 0.800, 0.813, and 0.693, respectively. The time required to read each PAR by periodontal experts (6.042 ± 1.148 seconds) and general dental practitioners (13.105 ± 3.153 seconds), which was significantly longer than the time required by the model (0.027 ± 0.002 seconds).

CONCLUSION

The ability of the CNN model to diagnose periodontitis approached the level of periodontal experts. Deep-learning methods can assist general dental practitioners to diagnose periodontitis quickly and accurately.

Induction of significant neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a highly attenuated pangolin coronavirus variant with a 104nt deletion at the 3'-UTR

SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2r) from Guangdong and Guangxi pangolins have been implicated in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemics. We previously reported the culture of a SARS-CoV-2r GX_P2V from Guangxi pangolins. Here we report the GX_P2V isolate rapidly adapted to Vero cells by acquiring two genomic mutations: an alanine to valine substitution in the nucleoprotein and a 104-nucleotide deletion in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the 3'-terminus untranslated region (3'-UTR). We further report the characterization of the GX_P2V variant (renamed GX_P2V(short_3UTR)) in in vitro and in vivo infection models. In cultured Vero, BGM and Calu-3 cells, GX_P2V(short_3UTR) had similar robust replication kinetics, and consistently produced minimum cell damage. GX_P2V(short_3UTR) infected golden hamsters and BALB/c mice but was highly attenuated. Golden hamsters infected intranasally had a short duration of productive infection in pulmonary, not extrapulmonary, tissues. These productive infections induced neutralizing antibodies against pseudoviruses of GX_P2V and SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, our data show that the GX_P2V(short_3UTR) is highly attenuated in in vitro and in vivo infection models. Attenuation of the variant is likely partially due to the 104-nt deletion in the HVR in the 3'-UTR. This study furthers our understanding of pangolin coronaviruses pathogenesis and provides novel insights for the design of live attenuated vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

Dynamic analysis of circulating tumor DNA to predict the prognosis and monitor the treatment response of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: A prospective study

Background

Limited data are available on applying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) patients. Here, we investigated the value of ctDNA for predicting the prognosis and monitoring the treatment response in mTNBC patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 70 Chinese patients with mTNBC who had progressed after ≤2 lines of chemotherapy and collected blood samples to extract ctDNA for 457-gene targeted panel sequencing.

Results

Patients with ctDNA+, defined by 12 prognosis-relevant mutated genes, had a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than ctDNA- patients (5.16 months vs. 9.05 months, p=0.001), and ctDNA +was independently associated with a shorter PFS (HR, 95% CI: 2.67, 1.2-5.96; p=0.016) by multivariable analyses. Patients with a higher mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) score (≥6.316) or a higher ctDNA fraction (ctDNA%≥0.05) had a significantly shorter PFS than patients with a lower MATH score (5.67 months vs.11.27 months, p=0.007) and patients with a lower ctDNA% (5.45 months vs. 12.17 months, p<0.001), respectively. Positive correlations with treatment response were observed for MATH score (R=0.24, p=0.014) and ctDNA% (R=0.3, p=0.002), but not the CEA, CA125, or CA153. Moreover, patients who remained ctDNA +during dynamic monitoring tended to have a shorter PFS than those who did not (3.90 months vs. 6.10 months, p=0.135).

Conclusions

ctDNA profiling provides insight into the mutational landscape of mTNBC and may reliably predict the prognosis and treatment response of mTNBC patients.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81902713), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant No. ZR2019LZL018), Breast Disease Research Fund of Shandong Provincial Medical Association (Grant No. YXH2020ZX066), the Start-up Fund of Shandong Cancer Hospital (Grant No. 2020-PYB10), Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Fund (Grant No. KC2021-ZZ-0010-1).

Genetic and Phenotypic Analysis of Phage-Resistant Mutant Fitness Triggered by Phage-Host Interactions

The emergence of phage-resistant bacterial strains is one of the biggest challenges for phage therapy. However, the emerging phage-resistant bacteria are often accompanied by adaptive trade-offs, which supports a therapeutic strategy called "phage steering". The key to phage steering is to guide the bacterial population toward an evolutionary direction that is favorable for treatment. Thus, it is important to systematically investigate the impacts of phages targeting different bacterial receptors on the fitness of the bacterial population. Herein, we employed 20 different phages to impose strong evolutionary pressure on the host Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and examined the genetic and phenotypic responses of their phage-resistant mutants. Among these strains with impaired adsorptions, four types of mutations associated with bacterial receptors were identified, namely, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), type IV pili (T4Ps), outer membrane proteins (OMPs), and exopolysaccharides (EPSs). PAO1, responding to LPS- and EPS-dependent phage infections, mostly showed significant growth impairment and virulence attenuation. Most mutants with T4P-related mutations exhibited a significant decrease in motility and biofilm formation ability, while the mutants with OMP-related mutations required the lowest fitness cost out of the bacterial populations. Apart from fitness costs, PAO1 strains might lose their resistance to antibiotics when counteracting with phages, such as the presence of large-fragment mutants in this study, which may inspire the usage of phage-antibiotic combination strategies. This work provides methods that leverage the merits of phage resistance relative to obtaining therapeutically beneficial outcomes with respect to phage-steering strategies.

[Observation on the efficacy of different targets low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of tremor-dominant subtypes of Parkinson's disease]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of different targets low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of tremor Parkinson's disease(PD). Method: A total of 82 patients with primary PD who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 were prospectively collected. According to the clinical characteristics of major movement disorders, 82 patients with tremor type (TD) were selected to enroll.The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups at a 1∶1∶1 ratio according to the randomized coding sequence of the trial: the primary motor cortex (M1) group with 26 cases, the cerebellum group with 26 cases and the dual-site (M1, cerebellum) group with 30 cases. All patients were treated with 1 Hz low-frequency stimulation of the corresponding target once a day for 5 days a week for 2 weeks, a total of 10 times; The dosage remained unchanged during the treatment for all groups. Before and after 2 weeks' treatment, the patients were assessed with the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and PD Quality of Life Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) without medication. Cortical excitability, namely transcranial magnetic stimulation motor evoked potential (TMS-MEP), [including resting motor threshold (rMT) and active motor threshold (aMT) examinations], timed up and go (TUG) and electromyographic tremor were conducted. Result: There were 82 patients, 39 males and 43 females, with an average age of (67±8) years. Before the treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the evaluation indicators among the three groups (all P>0.05). After the treatment, the differences of the UPDRS-Ⅲ score [(38.9±2.5) vs (29.2±3.6) ], UPDRS tremor score [(23.7±2.1) vs (14.6±3.1) ], TUG time [(44.8±3.1) s vs (33.7±4.1) s], tremor amplitude [(480±126) μV vs (276±94) μV], PDQ-39 score [(51±13) vs (45±13) ], rMT [(36±17)% vs (43±13)%], and aMT [(26±16)% vs (31±12)%] were statistically significant (all P<0.01) from those before the treatment. There was no statistical difference in the above factors between the M1 group and cerebellum group (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in tremor peak frequency among the three groups before and after the treatment (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Dual-site low-frequency rTMS can improve PD tremor, while M1 or cerebellar low-frequency rTMS does not significantly improve PD tremor. Its mechanism may be to improve PD tremor symptoms by regulating cortical excitability.

[Effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on early neurological deterioration in patients with branch atheromatous disease]

Objective: To investigate the effect of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors on the incidence of early neurological deterioration during the treatment of branch atheromatous disease (BAD). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 297 BAD patients admitted to the Department of Neurology in Zhengzhou People's Hospital from January 2020 to April 2023 was made. According to whether to use PCSK9 inhibitor treatment, they were divided into PCSK9 inhibitor group (81 cases) and control group (216 cases). Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to eliminate the general situation difference between PCSK9 inhibitor group and control group. Seventy-two cases were successfully matched in each group. The early neurological deterioration (END) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were compared. END was defined as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score increase≥2 points within 72 hours after stroke. Suspicious influencing factors leading to END were screened for multivariate logistic regression model analysis. Results: After PSM matching, among the 144 patients, 90 were male and 54 were female, aged (61.2±9.6) years. After matching, The hospital stay[M(Q1, Q3)] [9(7, 11)d vs 10(8, 13)d] in PCSK9 and NIHSS score at discharge [2(1, 3) vs 3(1, 4) points] were significantly different from those in the control group (all P<0.05). In addition, the incidence of END was reduced in the PCSK9 inhibitor group [12.5%(9/72) vs 31.9%(23/72),P<0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that C-reactive protein (CRP)(OR=1.119,95%CI: 1.010-1.240, P<0.05) and PCSK9 inhibitor (OR=0.298, 95%CI: 0.117-0.755, P<0.05) were factors associated with the development of END. Conclusion: The use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with BAD can reduce the incidence of END.

Xylooligosaccharides from corn cobs alleviate loperamide-induced constipation in mice via modulation of gut microbiota and SCFA metabolism

This study aimed to optimize the structure and efficacy of xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) from corn cobs in constipated mice. Structural analysis revealed that XOSs from corn cobs were composed of β-Xyl-(1 →4)-[β-Xyl-(1→4)]n-α/β-Xyl (n = 0-5) without any other substituents. XOS administration significantly reduced the defecation time, increased the gastrointestinal transit rate, restored the gastrointestinal neurotransmitter imbalance, protected against oxidative stress, and reversed constipation-induced colonic inflammation. Fecal metabolite and microbiota analysis showed that XOS supplementation significantly increased short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and improved the gut microbial environment. These findings highlighted the potential of XOSs from corn cobs as an active ingredient for functional foods or as a therapeutic agent in constipation therapy.

Disentangling the roles of chance, abiotic factors and biotic interactions among epiphytic bryophyte communities in a tropical rainforest (Yunnan, China)

Epiphytes offer an appealing framework to disentangle the contributions of chance, biotic and abiotic drivers of species distributions. In the context of the stress-gradient theory, we test the hypotheses that (i) deterministic (i.e., non-random) factors play an increasing role in communities from young to old trees, (ii) negative biotic interactions increase on older trees and towards the tree base, and (iii) positive interactions show the reverse pattern. Bryophyte species distributions and abiotic conditions were recorded on a 1.1 ha tropical rainforest canopy crane site. We analysed co-occurrence patterns in a niche modelling framework to disentangle the roles of chance, abiotic factors and putative biotic interactions among species pairs. 76% of species pairs resulted from chance. Abiotic factors explained 78% of non-randomly associated species pairs, and co-occurrences prevailed over non-coincidences in the remaining species pairs. Positive and negative interactions mostly involved species pairs from the same versus different communities (mosses versus liverworts) and life forms, respectively. There was an increase in randomly associated pairs from large to small trees. No increase in negative interactions from young to old trees or from the canopy to the base was observed. Our results suggest that epiphytic bryophyte community composition is primarily driven by environmental filtering, whose importance increases with niche complexity and diversity. Biotic interactions play a secondary role, with a very marginal contribution of competitive exclusion. Biotic interactions vary among communities (mosses versus liverworts) and life forms, facilitation prevailing among species from the same community and life form, and competition among species from different communities and life forms.

ZM suture combined with early functional exercise can promote finger functional recovery in patients with finger flexor tendon rupture

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of ZM suture combined with early functional exercise in repairing flexor tendons and its impact on finger function recovery in patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients who sought medical treatment at the Orthopedics Hospital of Xingtai City from August 2019 to August 2022. Among them, 29 patients treated with the modified Kessler suture technique were assigned to the control group, while 31 patients treated with ZM suture technique were assigned to the observation group. Both groups of patients underwent early functional exercise after surgery and were followed up regularly for 6 months. Finger function, grip strength, pinch strength at 6 months after operation, upper limb function before and after treatment, visual analog pain scale (VAS) at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively, quality of life, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. The risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

At 6 months postoperatively, the observation group showed significantly better finger function, grip strength and grip strength ratio, and upper limb function compared to the control group (all P<0.05). The observation group had significantly lower VAS scores at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively and a significantly lower incidence of complications compared to the control group, while their quality of life was significantly better than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The choice of treatment method is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The ZM suture technique combined with early functional exercise has significant efficacy in repairing flexor tendons, effectively promoting finger function recovery in patients. It is also associated with a high level of safety and warrants clinical application and promotion.

[Perspectives on molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy for complex vascular malformations in pediatrics]

Vascular malformations are due to abnormal development of blood and/or lymphatic vessels during embryonic life without endothelial cell proliferation. Most of the previous treatments were symptomatic methods as surgery and sclerotherapy because the pathogenic mechanism was not clearly understood. With advances in molecular biology, the pathogenesis of vascular malformations is thought to be related to inherited and/or somatic mutations that eventually activate the PI3K/ATK/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways. Also, related studies have promoted the use of targeted inhibitors. This article provides a review of current causative genes and targeted drugs for pediatric vascular malformations, aiming to provide a basis for promoting accurate molecular diagnosis and precision targeted therapy for these diseases.

Characterization, complete genome sequencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 system-based decontamination of a novel Escherichia coli phage TR1 from fermentation substrates

Phage contamination has become a major concern for industrial bacteria, such as Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), used in fermentation processes. Herein, we report a CRISPR/Cas9 defense system-based strategy to precisely prey and degrade phage DNA to decontaminate target phages. First, we isolated a novel phage from fermentation substrates with BL21(DE3) as the host, named TR1. It showed a typical podovirus morphology with a head diameter of 51.46 ± 2.04 nm and a tail length of 9.31 ± 2.77 nm. The burst size of phage TR1 was 151 PFU/cell, suggesting its strong fecundity in the fermentation system. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing revealed that phage TR1 has a DNA genome of 44,099 bp in length with a 43.8% GC content, encoding a total of 68 open reading frames. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis designated this phage to be a new species of the genus Christensenvirus. To counteract phage TR1, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system-based strategy and constructed two phage-resistant E. coli strains, BL21-C and BL21-T, based on conserved genes. Both EOP assays and growth curves indicated strong phage resistance of the recombinant strains, without affecting cell growth. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a resilient strategy to respond to ever-changing phages and ongoing phage-host arm race in industrial fermentation environments by the personalized design of spacers in the recombinant CRISPR/Cas system-containing plasmid. More importantly, our research sparks the use of phage defense mechanism to prevent phage contamination in extensive biotechnological applications.

Omicron breakthrough infections in wild-type SARS-CoV-2 vaccinees elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V

Omicron BF.7 became the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in Beijing after the abolishment of Zero-COVID policy in December 2022. The ability of antibodies elicited by BF.7 infection to cross-react with SARS-CoV-2-like viruses is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2-related pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V in sera from vaccinated and/or SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. All vaccinated individuals who recovered from Omicron BF.7 breakthrough infections exhibited substantially higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against GX_P2V, compared to other subject groups, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 362. Uninfected individuals who received four-mixed-dose vaccines also demonstrated higher levels of neutralizing antibodies (GMT = 44) against GX_P2V than those uninfected individuals who received two- or three-dose vaccines and those unvaccinated convalescents of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. This study highlights the significance of prior vaccinations with wild-type SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in generating potent cross-protective immunity against future spillovers of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses.

Efficacy of combined conjoint fascial sheath and levator muscle composite flap suspension for congenital severe ptosis

BACKGROUND

Conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) suspension has been gradually recognized and accepted for the treatment of congenital severe blepharoptosis in recent years. To address the problem of postoperative upper eyelid position regression of only CFS suspension, we designed and implemented a CFS combined Levator muscle (CFS+LM) complex flap. This research aims to analyze the surgical efficacy of CFS+LM and FMF suspension surgery.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with congenital severe ptosis with levator muscle function ≦4 mm were enrolled. According to the surgical method, the patients were divided into the CFS+LM and FMF groups. To compare and statistically analyze the postoperative effect between CFS+LM and FMF suspension.

RESULTS

Data from 182 patients (220 eyes) were collected in this study, including 89 patients (103 eyes) in the CFS+LM group and 93 patients (117 eyes) in the FMF group. The full correction rate, patient satisfaction, postoperative upper eyelid excursion and lagophthalmos in the CFS+LM group were significantly better than those in the FMF group. The eyelid retraction rate was significantly higher in the FMF group than in the CFS+LM group. The complication rate in the CFS+LM group was significantly lower than that in the FMF group.

CONCLUSION

CFS+LM suspension had better outcomes than FMF. Considering that the CFS tissue could be weak in patients under 5 years old and have poor muscle elasticity in patients with levator muscle function ≤1 mm, FMF suspension is firstly recommended. For patients over 5 years old with severe ptosis, CFS+LM suspension is recommended.

Suvemcitug as second-line treatment of advanced or metastatic solid tumors and with FOLFIRI for pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer: phase Ia/Ib open label, dose-escalation trials

BACKGROUND

Suvemcitug (BD0801), a novel humanized rabbit monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, has demonstrated promising antitumor activities in preclinical studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The phase Ia/b trials investigated the safety and tolerability and antitumor activities of suvemcitug for pretreated advanced solid tumors and in combination with FOLFIRI (leucovorin and fluorouracil plus irinotecan) in second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer using a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. Patients received escalating doses of suvemcitug (phase Ia: 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7.5 mg/kg; phase Ib: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg plus FOLFIRI). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability in both trials.

RESULTS

All patients in the phase Ia trial had at least one adverse event (AE). Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia (one patient), hypertension and proteinuria (one patient), and proteinuria (one patient). The maximum tolerated dose was 5 mg/kg. The most common grade 3 and above AEs were proteinuria (9/25, 36%) and hypertension (8/25, 32%). Forty-eight patients (85.7%) in phase Ib had grade 3 and above AEs, including neutropenia (25/56, 44.6%), reduced leucocyte count (12/56, 21.4%), proteinuria (10/56, 17.9%), and elevated blood pressure (9/56, 16.1%). Only 1 patient in the phase Ia trial showed partial response, [objective response rate 4.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1% to 20.4%] whereas 18/53 patients in the phase Ib trial exhibited partial response (objective response rate 34.0%, 95% CI 21.5% to 48.3%). The median progression-free survival was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.1-8.7 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Suvemcitug has an acceptable toxicity profile and exhibits antitumor activities in pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors or metastatic colorectal cancer.

Anti-Coronaviral Nanocluster Restrain Infections of SARS-CoV-2 and Associated Mutants through Virucidal Inhibition and 3CL Protease Inactivation

Antivirals that can combat coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and associated mutants, are urgently needed but lacking. Simultaneously targeting the viral physical structure and replication cycle can endow antivirals with sustainable and broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus efficacy, which is difficult to achieve using a single small-molecule antiviral. Thus, a library of nanomaterials on GX_P2V, a SARS-CoV-2-like coronavirus of pangolin origin, is screened and a surface-functionalized gold nanocluster (TMA-GNC) is identified as the top hit. TMA-GNC inhibits transcription- and replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles and all tested pseudoviruses of SARS-CoV-2 variants. TMA-GNC prevents viral dissemination through destroying membrane integrity physically to enable a virucidal effect, interfering with viral replication by inactivating 3CL protease and priming the innate immune system against coronavirus infection. TMA-GNC exhibits biocompatibility and significantly reduces viral titers, inflammation, and pathological injury in lungs and tracheas of GX_P2V-infected hamsters. TMA-GNC may have a role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and inhibiting future emerging coronaviruses or variants.

GRK2 Mediates Macrophage Polarization by Regulating EP4-cAMP-pCREB Signaling in Ulcerative Colitis and the Therapeutic Effect of Paroxetine on Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is one of the cytosolic enzymes, and GRK2 translocation induces prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4) over-desensitization and reduces the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to regulate macrophage polarization. However, the role of GRK2 in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of GRK2 in macrophage polarization in UC, using biopsies from patients, a GRK2 heterozygous mouse model with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and THP-1 cells. The results showed that a high level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulated the receptor EP4 and enhanced the transmembrane activity of GRK2 in colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs), resulting in a down-regulation of membrane EP4 expression. Then, the suppression of cAMP-cyclic AMP responsive element-binding (CREB) signal inhibited M2 polarization in UC. Paroxetine is acknowledged as one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which is also considered as a potent GRK2 inhibitor with a high selectivity for GRK2. We found that paroxetine could alleviate symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating GPCR signaling to affect macrophage polarization. Taken together, the current results show that GRK2 may act as a novel therapeutic target in UC by regulating macrophage polarization, and paroxetine as a GRK2 inhibitor may have therapeutic effect on mice with DSS-induced colitis.

Quinoa Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Regulates the Gut Microbiota in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats

A long-term high-fat diet causes hepatic steatosis, which further leads to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we firstly investigated the regulation effects of different amounts of quinoa on hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation of rats fed a high-fat diet, then the gut microbiota was dynamically determined. Sprague-Dawley (SD, male) rats were randomized into four groups: normal controls (NC, fed standard chow), model groups (HF, fed a high-fat diet), low quinoa intake (HF + LQ), and high quinoa intake (HF + HQ) groups, which were supplemented with 9% and 27% quinoa in the high-fat feed (equivalent to 100 g/day and 300 g/day human intake, respectively). The results showed that quinoa intake significantly inhibited the hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, ameliorated hepatic steatosis pathologically; effectively rescued the decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and leptin in rats of two quinoa groups were close to those of the NC group. Besides, high quinoa intake significantly increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia, and low quinoa intake significantly increased the relative abundance of Blautia at the genus level. The relative abundances of Blautia and Dorea in rats in the HF + HQ group were lower than those in rats in the HF + LQ group. In addition, the relative abundances of Clostridium and Turicibacter of rats in the two quinoa intervention groups were lower than those of rats in the HF group after 12 weeks of intervention. In summary, quinoa exhibits a series of beneficial effects in the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is suggested to be a component of a daily diet for the prevention of NAFLD.

Salidroside attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory activation in young rats with acute lung injury via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

This experiment aimed to analyze the salidroside effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory activation in young rats with acute lung injury (ALI) via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In this study, sixty SD young rats were divided into 5 groups (control, model, salidroside low-dose, salidroside medium-dose and salidroside high-dose), with 12 rats in each group. ALI rat model was established. In the control and model group, rats were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, while the salidroside low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were intraperitoneally injected with 5, 20, and 40 mg/kg salidroside, then the pathological changes of lung tissue, lung injury score, wet/dry lung weight ratio, neutrophils and TNF-α, MPO, MDA, NO, p-PI3K and p-AKT were detached and compared between these groups. Results showed that the ALI rat model was successfully established. The lung injury score, wet/dry lung weight ratio, neutrophils and TNF-α in alveolar lavage fluid, MPO, MDA, NO, p-PI3K and p-AKT in the lung tissue of the model group were increased than the control group. With the increase of salidroside dose, lung injury score, wet lung weight/dry lung weight ratio, neutrophils and TNF-α in alveolar lavage fluid, and the levels of MPO, MDA, NO, p-PI3K and p-AKT in lung tissues of the salidroside group were decreased then model group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, salidroside may reduce the activation of inflammatory cells in the lung tissue of young rats with LPS-induced ALI by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby exerting a certain protective effect on the lung tissue with LPS-induced ALI.

Partial enzymolysis affects the digestion of tamarind seed polysaccharides in vitro: Degradation accelerates and gut microbiota regulates

Two hydrolyzed fractions of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), denoted ETSP1 (176.68 kDa) and ETSP2 (34.34 kDa), were prepared by partial degradation via endo-xyloglucanase, and then characterized and evaluated by simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. The results showed that the hydrolyzed TSPs remained indigestible in gastric and small intestinal media, and were fermented by gut microbiota, similar to the native TSP (M_w = 481.52 kDa). Although the degradation of hydrolyzed TSPs was accelerated during fermentation with a decreasing degree of polymerization, the content of produced total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) decreased. After fermentation, the gut microbiota composition was modified, esp. the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased (1.06 vs. 0.96 vs. 0.80) with a decreasing degree of polymerization, which implied that the potential anti-obesity prebiotic effect was enhanced. At the genus level, hydrolyzed TSPs maintained similar roles as native TSP, including promoting beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Faecalibacterium) and inhibiting enteropathogenic bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Dorea). Moreover, ETSP1 had additional potential due to abundant Bacteroides vulgatus (LDA = 4.68), and ETSP2 might perform better as related to Bacteroides xylanisolvens (LDA = 4.40). All these results indicated the prebiotic potential of hydrolyzed TSP with detailed information about changes in degradation and gut microbiota based on enzyme-hydrolysis.

[The characteristics and correlations of vaginal flora in women with cervical lesions]

Objective: To explore the characteristics and correlations of vaginal flora in women with cervical lesions. Methods: A total of 132 women, including 41 women diagnosed with normal cervical (NC), 39 patients with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1), 37 patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2/3) and 15 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), who came from the gynecological clinic of Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University during January 2018 to June 2018, were enrolled in this study according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria strictly. The vaginal flora was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing technology. Co-occurrence network analysis was used to investigate the Spearman correlations between different genera of bacteria. Results: The dominant bacteria in NC, CIN 1 and CIN 2/3 groups were Lactobacillus [constituent ratios 79.4% (1 869 598/2 354 098), 63.6% (1 536 466/2 415 100) and 58.3% (1 342 896/2 301 536), respectively], while Peptophilus [20.4% (246 072/1 205 154) ] was the dominant bacteria in SCC group. With the aggravation of cervical lesions, the diversity of vaginal flora gradually increased (Shannon index: F=6.39, P=0.001; Simpson index: F=3.95, P=0.012). During the cervical lesion progress, the ratio of Lactobacillus gradually decreased, the ratio of other anaerobes such as Peptophilus, Sneathia, Prevotella and etc. gradually increased, and the differential bacteria (LDA score >3.5) gradually evolved from Lactobacillus to other anaerobes. The top 10 relative abundance bacteria, spearman correlation coefficient>0.4 and P<0.05 were selected. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that Prevotella, Peptophilus, Porphyrinomonas, Anaerococcus, Sneathia, Atopobium, Gardnerella and Streptococcus were positively correlated in different stages of cervical lesions, while Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with the above anaerobes. It was found that the relationship between vaginal floras in CIN 1 group was the most complex and only Peptophilus was significantly negatively correlated with Lactobacillus in SCC group. Conclusions: The increased diversity and changed correlations between vaginal floras are closely related to cervical lesions. Peptophilus is of great significance in the diagnosis, prediction and early warning of cervical carcinogenesis.

Advances in the development of antivirals for rotavirus infection

Rotavirus (RV) causes 200,000 deaths per year and imposes a serious burden to public health and livestock farming worldwide. Currently, rehydration (oral and intravenous) remains the main strategy for the treatment of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE), and no specific drugs are available. This review discusses the viral replication cycle in detail and outlines possible therapeutic approaches including immunotherapy, probiotic-assisted therapy, anti-enteric secretory drugs, Chinese medicine, and natural compounds. We present the latest advances in the field of rotavirus antivirals and highlights the potential use of Chinese medicine and natural compounds as therapeutic agents. This review provides an important reference for rotavirus prevention and treatment.

Acinetobacter Baumannii Phages: Past, Present and Future

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is one of the most common clinical pathogens and a typical multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterium. With the increase of drug-resistant A. baumannii infections, it is urgent to find some new treatment strategies, such as phage therapy. In this paper, we described the different drug resistances of A. baumannii and some basic properties of A. baumannii phages, analyzed the interaction between phages and their hosts, and focused on A. baumannii phage therapies. Finally, we discussed the chance and challenge of phage therapy. This paper aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of A. baumannii phages and theoretical support for the clinical application of A. baumannii phages.

Abstract P1-14-03: Efficacy and safety of pyrotinib-based therapy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastases:a multi-center real-world study

Background: An estimated 30-50% of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) will develop brain metastases (BMs), and there are few effective treatment options. Pyrotinib has shown good efficacy in HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BMs in a single-arm phase II trial, but there is a lack of data from randomized controlled trial and real-world study. The purpose of this multi-center real-world study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib-based therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BMs in real world. Methods: We reviewed the data of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BMs who were treated with pyrotinib-based therapy from January 2018 to September 2021 at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute and other hospitals in Shandong Province in China. The initial dose of pyrotinib in most patients (n=92, 85.2%) was 400 mg once a day for every 21 days as a cycle. All patients were evaluated for tumor response every two cycles according to RECIST 1.1. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints were compounded objective response rate (ORR) and CNS-ORR (the ORR of central nervous system), compounded disease control rate (DCR) and CNS-DCR (the DCR of central nervous system) and overall survival (OS). The safety profile has also been assessed. The updated graded prognostic assessment for breast cancer patients with brain metastases (Breast GPA) includes age, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), extracranial metastases, number of brain metastases, and tumor subtype. It is divided into four subgroups (0-1.0, 1.5-2.0, 2.5-3.0 and 3.5-4.0) with different prognosis (the median survival: 6 months, 12.9 months, 23.5 months, and 36.3 months). Results: 101 patients were assessed for efficacy and toxicity. The median PFS is 10.0 months (95% CI, 6.9 to 13.1 months), and OS data were not available at the time of analysis. In overall patients, patients with GPA of 0-2.0 achieved shorter PFS (4.8 months vs 12.4 months, P=0.003). Trastuzumab (neo and adjuvant) (P=0.021), local therapy for BMs (P﹤0.001) and pyrotinib treatment (P=0.022) had significant positive correlation with PFS. In patients with GPA of 0-2.0, the median PFS of different local treatment methods was significantly different (P﹤0.001), stereotactic radiotherapy alone (13.6 months) was better than whole-brain radiotherapy alone (4.8 months) and combined local therapy (6.7 months); patients who received pyrotinib first in the BMs stage had longer PFS than those who did not (6.7 months vs 2.7 months, P=0.009) and radiotherapy for BMs (P=0.036) had correlation with longer PFS. Cox multivariate analysis indicated that GPA (0-2.0 vs 2.5-4.0) was independent predictor of PFS. For overall patients, the ORR was 42.6% and DCR was 88.1%. The CNS-ORR was 45.5% and CNS-DCR was 90.1%. Diarrhea (71.3%) was the most common adverse events (AEs), 47 patients (46.5%) reported grade 1-2 diarrhea, 25 patients (24.8%) reported grade 3 diarrhea. In addition, the more common AEs of grade 3 were loss of appetite (7.9%), hand-foot syndrome (6.9%), nausea (5.9%) and vomiting (5.0%). No grade 4 and 5 AEs occurred. Conclusions: Pyrotinib-based therapy is effective and tolerable in HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BMs. In the subgroup with Breast GPA 0-2.0, patients treated with radiotherapy had a better prognosis, and stereotactic radiosurgery alone was a viable option. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2000037995.

Citation Format: Huihui Li, Jie Huang, Qiaorui Tan, Xiaochu Man, Sha Yin, Shujuan Sun, Yu Hu, Wenhuan Li, Dongdong Zhou, Lihua Song, Baoxuan Zhang, Liang Xu, Xinzhao Wang, Xuemei Xie. Efficacy and safety of pyrotinib-based therapy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastases:a multi-center real-world study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-03.

Abstract OT1-05-02: Efficacy and safety of sintilimab in combination with anlotinib plus metronomic chemotherapy in advanced triple negative breast cancer (SPACE): preliminary results of a single-arm, multicenter phase II trial

Background: Anti-PD-1 antibody combined with antiangiogenic drugs have demonstrated antitumor activity in advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Anlotinib, an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has synergistic effect with anti-PD-1 antibody. Preclinical studies showed that metronomic chemotherapy inhibited angiogenesis and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy in TNBC via modulation of tumor immune microenvironment. We hereby conducted a single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of sintilimab (anti-PD-1 antibody) in combination with anlotinib plus metronomic chemotherapy as a potential novel therapeutic strategy in advanced TNBC and explore potential biomarkers. Methods: Forty-three cases were planning to be included in this trial. The eligible patients who had received no more than two lines of chemotherapy for metastatic disease were enrolled and received sintilimab (200 mg iv q3w) in combination with anlotinib (12 mg po d1-14 q3w) plus capecitabine (500 mg po, tid) or vinorelbine (40 mg po, tiw) until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints are disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The safety profile has also been assessed. Blood samples collected at different time points of the baseline, first and second cycle post-treatment, and disease progression were used for next-generation sequencing of ctDNA containing 654 tumor-related genes. Results: As of July 2022, a total of 32 patients were enrolled, and 29 patients were evaluable for efficacy. 2 patients (6.9%) achieved complete response (CR). 6 patients (20.7%) achieved partial response (PR). The ORR is 27.6% (8/29) and DCR is 79.3% (23/29). The median PFS was not reached. The most common grade 1 or 2 adverse events (AEs) include elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (37.0%, 10/27), hand-foot syndrome (18.5%, 5/27), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (14.8%, 4/27), elevated bilirubin (11.1%, 3/27) and hypertension (11.1%, 3/27). Grade 3 AEs include elevated bilirubin (3.7%, 1/27) and hypertension (3.7%, 1/27). No grade 4 or 5 AEs occurred. By analyzing ctDNA mutations of blood samples in 10 patients at baseline, we found that genes with high mutation frequency were HLA-DRB5 (8/10, 80%), TP53 (7/10, 70%), HLA-DRB1 (5/10, 50%) and PIK3CA (4/10, 40%). Among these 10 patients, 2, 3 and 5 patients achieved PR, SD and PD, respectively. The number of gene mutations in patients with PD was higher than that in patients with PR or SD at baseline. This indicate that mutations in ctDNA may be associated with poor efficacy in advanced TNBC. But this still needs further verification. Dynamic analysis of gene mutations at different time points showed that the amplification of HLA-DRB5 or the elimination of KMT2D, RELN and TP53 occurred in patients with PR and SD, but not in patients with PD. Conclusions: Sintilimab in combination with anlotinib plus metronomic chemotherapy has shown favorable efficacy and acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced TNBC. The clinical significance of ctDNA dynamic monitoring needs further validation. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2100044725

Citation Format: Huihui Li, Qiaorui Tan, Shujuan Sun, Dongdong Zhou, Bo Yu, Mu Su, Baojiang Li, Shu Fang, Ling Qiang, Guohua Ren, Bing Bu, Sha Yin, Xiaochu Man, Pengfei Qiu, Xinzhao Wang, Chao Li, Fangli Cao, Qian Shao, Dali Han, Lihua Song, Bingjie Fan, Baoxuan Zhang, Liang Xu, Xianguang Zhao, Yuqian Liao, Xuemei Xie, Lanping Liu. Efficacy and safety of sintilimab in combination with anlotinib plus metronomic chemotherapy in advanced triple negative breast cancer (SPACE): preliminary results of a single-arm, multicenter phase II trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-05-02.

Abstract OT1-03-02: Efficacy and safety of SKB264 for previously treated metastatic triple negative breast cancer in Phase 2 study

Background: The therapeutic options for patients (pts) with previously treated metastatic TNBC are limited compared with other breast cancer subtypes. SKB264 is an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) composed of an anti-TROP2 antibody coupled to the cytotoxic belotecan-derivative via a novel linker. Here, we present results from a Phase 2 expansion cohort for pts with mTNBC (NCT04152499). Methods: Pts with previously treated mTNBC were enrolled to receive SKB264 4 mg/kg Q2W or 5 mg/kg Q2W in a non-randomized fashion until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity. The assessment for tumor response was performed every 8 weeks per RECIST v1.1 assessed by investigator. The TROP2 expression was scored using the semi-quantitative H-score method, and cut off point was set to 200. TROP2 expression and its association with anti-tumor activity was retrospectively analyzed. Results: At data cut-off date (May 15, 2022), 59 pts were enrolled (23 in 4 mg/kg, 36 in 5 mg/kg), 88% of them (52 pts) had received ≥3 prior therapies for metastatic disease. Among 53 patients with tissue available for TROP2 testing, 29 patients (55%) had TROP2 high (H-score &gt;200-300) tumors. The median follow up was 9.6 months. Of 55 pts (21 in 4 mg/kg and 34 in 5 mg/kg) evaluable for response assessment (≥1 on-study scan), the confirmed ORR (cORR) was 40% (22/55) and disease control rate (PR+CR+SD) was 80% (44/55). The cORR was 55% (16/29) in the subset of patients with high TROP2 expression. The median duration of response (DoR) was not reached with range from 1.0+ to 11.0+ months and the 6-month DoR rate was 82%. Median PFS was 5.7 months (95% Cl: 3.9, 7.6). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of ≥ Grade 3 were reported in 55.9% (33/59) of pts. The most common ≥ Grade 3 TRAEs (≥ 10%) were neutrophil count decreased (23.7%), anemia (20.3%) and platelet count decreased (16.9%). TRAEs led to dose reduction in 15.2% (9/59) of pts and to discontinuation in 6.8% (4/59) of pts. No treatment-related AEs leading to death or interstitial lung disease (ILD) were reported. Safety and anti-tumor activities of SKB264 by dose level will be presented. Conclusions: SKB264 demonstrates a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity in pts with heavily pretreated mTNBC. SKB264 toxicity was mainly hematologic. A Phase 3 study of SKB264 vs investigator selected chemo alone in pts with locally advanced inoperable or metastatic TNBC was initiated (NCT05347134).

Citation Format: Yongmei Yin, Xinhong Wu, Quchang Ouyang, Min Yan, Lihua Song, YunPeng Liu, Zhongsheng Tong, Cuizhi Geng, Ying Wang, Guohua Yu, Xiang Wang, Ying Cheng, Weihong Zhao, Qun Li, Yina Diao, Gesha Liu, Junyou Ge, Jin Li. Efficacy and safety of SKB264 for previously treated metastatic triple negative breast cancer in Phase 2 study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-03-02.

Withdrawn: X. Dong, X. Zhang, S. Xu, W. Liu, M. Gao, L. Song. SOCS-1 suppresses neuroinflammation in intracranial hemorrhage by downregulating the c-Fos/KLF4/IL-17A axis, published in European Journal of Neuroscience

The above article, published online on 30 January 2022 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, John Foxe, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The withdrawal has been agreed following no response from the author to requests to sign the Journal's publishing license.

[Clinical features and long-term prognosis of diabetic patients with low or intermediate complexity coronary artery disease post percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and long-term prognostic factors of diabetic patients with low or intermediate complexity coronary artery disease (CAD) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a prospective, single-centre observational study. Consecutive diabetic patients with SYNTAX score (SS)≤32 undergoing PCI between January and December 2013 in Fuwai hospital were included in this analysis. The patients were divided into two groups based on SS, namely SS≤22 group and SS 23-32 group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors related to poor 5-year prognosis. The primary outcomes were cardiac death and recurrent myocardial infarction, the secondary outcomes were all cause death and revascularization. Results: Of the 3 899 patients included in the study, 2 888 were men (74.1%); mean age was 59.4±9.8 years. There were 3 450 patients in the SS≤22 group and 449 patients in the SS 23-32 group. Compared with SS≤22 group, the incidence of revascularization was higher in SS 23-32 group (18.9% (85/449) vs. 15.2% (524/3450), log-rank P=0.019). There was no significant difference in all-cause death, cardiac death and recurrent myocardial infarction between the two groups (log-rank P>0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.08, P<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR=3.12, 95%CI 1.37-7.07, P=0.007) and creatinine clearance rate (CCr)<60 ml/min (HR=3.67, 95%CI 2.05-6.58, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for 5-year cardiac death, while left ventricular ejection fraction (HR=0.94, 95%CI 0.91-0.96, P<0.001) was a protective factor. Previous PCI (HR=2.04, 95%CI 1.38-3.00, P<0.001), blood glucose level≥11.1 mmol/L on admission (HR=2.49, 95%CI 1.32-4.70, P=0.005) and CCr<60 ml/min (HR=1.85, 95%CI 1.14-2.99, P=0.012) were independent risk factors for 5-year recurrent myocardial infarction. The SS of 23-32 was independently associated with risk of revascularization (HR=1.54, 95%CI 1.09-2.16, P=0.014), after adjusting for residual SS. Residual SS was not a risk factor for 5-year prognosis. Conclusions: In diabetic patients with low-or intermediate complexity CAD, SS 23-32 is associated with increased risk of 5-year revascularization; the clinical characteristics of the patients are associated with the long-term mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction, but not related to revascularization.

Analysis of the Safety and Pregnancy Outcomes of Fertility-sparing Surgery in Ovarian Malignant Sex Cord-stromal Tumours: A Multicentre Retrospective Study

AIMS

To assess the difference in survival between fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) and radical surgery and explore pregnancy outcomes after FSS in stage I malignant sex cord-stromal tumours (MSCSTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a multicentre retrospective cohort study on patients who were diagnosed with MSCSTs and the tumour was confined to one ovary. The patients were divided into FSS and radical surgery groups. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance variables between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the difference in disease-free survival (DFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to find risk factors of DFS. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors of pregnancy.

RESULTS

In total, 107 patients were included, of whom 54 (50.5%) women underwent FSS and 53 (49.5%) received radical surgery. After IPTW, a pseudo-population of 208 was determined and all of the covariates were well balanced. After a median follow-up time of 50 months (range 7-156 months), 10 patients experienced recurrence and two died. There was no significant difference in DFS between the two groups, both in unweighted (P = 0.969) or weighted cohorts (P = 0.792). In the weighted cohort, stage IC (P = 0.014), tumour diameter >8 cm (P = 0.003), incomplete staging surgery (P = 0.003) and no adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001) were the four high-risk factors associated with a shorter DFS. Among 14 patients who had pregnancy desire, 11 (78.6%) women conceived successfully; the live birth rate was 76.9%. In univariate analysis, only adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.009) was associated with infertility.

CONCLUSIONS

On the premise of complete staging surgery, FSS is safe and feasible in early stage MSCSTs with satisfactory reproductive outcomes.

Mammalian Commensal Streptococci Utilize a Rare Family of Class VI Lanthipeptide Synthetases to Synthesize Miniature Lanthipeptide-type Ribosomal Peptide Natural Products

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are natural products with remarkable chemical and functional diversities. These peptides are often synthesized as signals or antibiotics and frequently associated with quorum sensing (QS) systems. With the increasing number of available genomes, many hitherto unseen RiPP biosynthetic pathways have been mined, providing new resources for novel bioactive compounds. Herein, we investigated the underexplored biosynthetic potential of Streptococci, prevalent bacteria in mammal-microbiomes that include pathogenic, mutualistic, and commensal members. Using the transcription factor-centric genome mining strategy, we discovered a new family of lanthipeptide biosynthetic loci under the control of potential QS. By in vitro studies, we investigated the reaction of one of these lanthipeptide synthetases and found that it installs only one lanthionine moiety onto its short precursor peptide by connecting a conserved TxxC region. Bioinformatics and in vitro studies revealed that these lanthipeptide synthetases (class VI) are novel lanthipeptide synthetases with a truncated lyase, a kinase, and a truncated cyclase domain. Our data provide important insights into the processing and evolution of lanthipeptide synthetase to tailor smaller substrates. The data are important for obtaining a mechanistic understanding of the post-translational biosynthesis machinery of the growing variety of lanthipeptides.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the fruit color variation in Ailanthus altissima

Anthocyanins are responsible for the intensity of color in plants; however, the systematic mechanisms underlying the color differences in the fruit of Ailanthus altissima remain unknown. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the transcriptomes of the white and red fruit of A. altissima by screening and validating the key genes involved in flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Samples of A. altissima fruit were collected 30, 45, and 60 days after flowering, and their pigment and sugar content were determined. The anthocyanin content was significantly higher in red than in white fruits. Transcriptome analysis was also performed on the fruit samples, 73,807 unigenes were assembled and annotated to seven databases. Twenty-one co-expressed modules were identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis, of which two were associated with flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, in three growth stages, 126, 30, and 124 differentially expressed genes were screened between white and red fruit. Genes involved in flavonoid and anthocyanin metabolism were identified. AaDFR (A. altissima bifunctional dihydroflavonol 4-reductase/flavanone 4-reductase) and AaANS (A. altissima anthocyanidin synthase) were associated with flavonoid and anthocyanin metabolism. Members of the AaDFR and AaANS families were also identified, and their basic physicochemical characteristics, conserved domains, motif compositions, phylogenetics, and expression levels were analyzed. The overexpression of AaDFR and AaANS in transgenic Arabidopsis significantly increased the content of seed and foliar flavonoids and anthocyanins. The study elucidated the different mechanisms underlying fruit color development and provided insight into A. altissima plants breeding with commercially desirable properties.

Vascular epiphyte populations with higher leaf nutrient concentrations showed weaker resilience to an extreme drought in a montane cloud forest

Leaf stoichiometry can characterize plant ecological strategies and correlate with plant responses to climate change. The role of vascular epiphytes in the ecosystem processes of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems cannot be ignored. Vascular epiphytes are very vulnerable to climate change, however, the relationship between the response of epiphytes to climate change and leaf stoichiometry is not well understood. We present data for 19 vascular epiphyte species that were collected during four consecutive censuses (in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) over 15 years in a subtropical montane cloud forest. We assessed the relationships between the population dynamics and leaf stoichiometry of these vascular epiphytes. Experiencing an extreme drought, 14 of the 19 epiphyte species showed an obvious decrease in the number of individuals, and all species showed negative growth in the number of populations. Subsequently, the total number of individuals gradually recovered, increasing from 7,195 in 2010 to 10,121 in 2015, then to 13,667 in 2020. The increase in the number of vascular epiphyte individuals from 2010 to 2015 was significantly negatively correlated with leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, and was significantly positively correlated with the leaf carbon-nitrogen ratio. Vascular epiphyte populations with higher leaf nutrient concentrations exhibited weaker resilience to the extreme drought, which demonstrated that a resource-conservative strategy was advantageous for the recovery of epiphyte populations. Our findings suggest that ecological stoichiometry can be a useful framework for forecasting the dynamics of vascular epiphyte populations in response to climate change.